As a naturally-born curly girl, I’ve always been envious of my peeps with pin-straight hair. Grass is always greener, right? It’s not that I don’t like my Shirley Temple corkscrews, it’s just that I’ve always felt more sophisticated with a freshly-blown coif (see the photos below). But in this depressed economy, who can afford to throw away money on pricey professional blowouts?

Clearly there must be a G-d, because Blow, a bustling New York Blow Dry Bar that offers sleek runway-ready strands on the fly, is offering 50% off all blowouts at their new Lexington Avenue location through July 31st! So instead of paying $40 for Pantene-like locks, now you’ll only have to shell out $20. That’s better than Hillary’s proposed Gas Tax Holiday! Having already been to Blow’s flagship location in the Meatpacking District,
I definitely won’t mind making the trek uptown for the same level of VIP service.

Heading out with your posse? Begin your girls’ night out with “Bubbles and Blow,” signature blowouts with wow ’em waves and gratis Prosecco to get the party started. A one-stop shop for all your beauty needs, Blow also offers manis, pedis, waxing, deep conditioning treatments and makeup applications.

By the way, here’s a before and after picture of me that was just taken at Blow. What do you think… should I wear my strands curly or straight?

I’d also love to hear about your beauty maintenance secrets. How often do you treat yourself to professional blowouts? Don’t be shy… share your thoughts with the Steals & Deals community!
 







The Retail Details!
What: Blow, the New York Blow Dry Bar
Why: 50% off all blowouts at the new Uptown location though July 31st!
Where: 873 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Fl. (btw 64th & 65th)
Prices: $20-$30 with discount (prices vary depending on length and texture)
Phone: 212-452-0246
Website: blowstylingsalon.com

Attention all fashionistas! It’s time to get into the mix… Intermix, that is! Intermix, the hipper-than-thou clothing, footwear and accessory chain is having a blowout online and on-land sale that you just can’t miss. That means you can shop outrageous steals ‘n deals from some of the biggest designer names in the biz at up to 40% off!

Since I’m fortunate enough to live a stone’s throw away from Intermix’s Flat Iron store, I literally just pawed my way through a plethora of discounted drool-worthy wardrobe staples that I’m happy to share with Steals & Deals readers.


Some highlights include this Lacey Parker one-shoulder ruffle cami, (slashed from $245 to $149!), a Rachel Pally Grecian Goddess twist strap top (reduced from $190 to $119!), a Diane von Furstenberg strapless knit dress (was $355, now $229!), a draped Yigal jersey dress (originally $335, now $199!), Degaine’s butt-firming boot cut denim (slashed from $258 to $159!) and countless other items, which happily, won’t drain my bank account. Woo hoo!

But here’s the catch: the sale ends tonight, so you’d better act fast! Visit intermixonline.com for your discount designer fix. Just make sure to enter the promo code “designer” at checkout to redeem your discount.

And don’t forget to tell everyone at Steals & Deals about all the fashionable things you found!

Calling all frugal fashionistas! If you happen to live in the New York metro area and haven’t already made plans for tomorrow night, here’s something that’s definitely worth checking out.

Lighthouse International's poshsale.org, New York’s leading fashion fundraiser, is selling new and gently used designer duds with prices discounted up to 80% off!

The biggest buying extravaganza of the season (trust me on this one!), the Posh Sale is not to be missed. Chaired by Sex and the City’s Kim Catrall, the Posh Sale is not just one, but four fun-filled days of schmoozing, shopping and sipping cocktails, all under one roof.

This year’s dreamy clothing and accessory lineup includes Oscar de la Renta, Shoshana, Coach, Cynthia Steffe, Dana Buchman, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo and so many others. Also, make sure to visit the “Splurge Bar” for your chance to purchase hot ticket luxury items and services, including sporting tickets, golf outings, and even interior design consultations.

You can also shop without the guilt, knowing that proceeds from the sale support Lighthouse International’s programs and services for the blind and visually impaired.

Some final words of wisdom: since last year’s sale attracted over 7,500 die-hard shoppers (I kid you not!), do yourself a favor by showing up at least one hour before doors open. Happy shopping!

The Retail Details!

What: Posh Benefit Sale

Why: Up to 80 % off new or gently used items from the hautest fashion houses.
When: Preview party, Wednesday, May 14th, 5-9 p.m. Public Sale: Thursday, May 15th-Saturday, May 17th
Time: Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Lighthouse International, 110 E. 60th Street (btw Park & Lexington Aves.)
To Purchase Tickets: call 212-821-9300. Tickets also available at the door.
Payment Type: Personal checks (with valid ID), cash, AmEx, Master Card, Visa and debit cards.
Website: poshsale.org

Hi there,

If you happen to be visiting Steals & Deals for the first time, I thought I'd wish you a heart-felt welcome to our fabulous shopping blog. And if you're a returning visitor, thank you for tuning-in again!

In case you weren’t aware, my name is Dara Fleischer, and I’m a self-confessed shopaholic. Shopping isn’t just my passion, it’s my business. I’m a personal shopper and Founder and Editor of FashionJunkie.com.

Now, as iVillage’s Shopping Expert, my mission is simple: to clue you in on what to buy and where to buy it…before it’s passé. I’m constantly combing the streets and surfing the Web in search of the hottest boutiques, designer deals and steals to keep you in-the-know.

A serial shopper with a sixth sense for all things fashionable, I have a knack for sniffing out the hippest designer hideaways, best vintage frocks and cheap 'n chic places that won’t drain your bank account. Whether you’re fashion challenged or simply too busy to shop, I’m always on call to give you the tips and tricks for tackling the toughest clothing calamities. So be sure to check back on the Steals & Deals blog regularly to see my latest finds!

Since this blogging thing is a two-way street, please don’t forget to post your comments -- the Steals & Deals community wants to know what’s on your mind! Or if you have a fashion emergency or need some retail therapy, you can post that as well, and I'll be sure to answer your questions.

Happy shopping!

(Have a sale, event, or hot item you think Steals & Deals should consider, email me at stealsanddeals@nbcuni.com)

As an entrepreneur who recently depleted my savings to launch my own business, FashionJunkie.com, I’ve sadly had to cut back on my annual clothing allowance.

So rather than splurge on those big-ticket designer items I used to gravitate towards (a.k.a. Loeffler Randall shoes), I now seek out frocks from less pricey, yet more personable emerging designers.

Enter BadJoan.com - a sample sale site that offers members FREE access to dreamy designer clothing brands at deeply discounted prices.

Click your way through a stunning selection of overstock from the hottest indie labels, including Wilen Los Angeles (the founders very own knitwear line), Colin Robertson (sexy leather sandals), Kate & Kass (flirty floral print dresses), Marcello Toshi (the kicks shown here are his) and Stella & Jamie (gleaming gold tops), to name a few.

Sign-up for an account and receive a secret discount code that entitles you to 80% off all their mouth-watering merch. You’ll also be pleased to know that 80% of every final sale goes directly back into their designers’ pockets. Just remember to enter your Bad Joan promo code upon checkout to receive the discount!

Steals & Deals wants to know how you make out at BadJoan.com. Leave your comments here and let us know!!