Deal Of The Day: Take An Extra 10% Off Michael Kors Spring Essentials At Bluefly for Tax Day

"In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes." Wise words from one Mr. Benjamin Franklin, but back in his day (unfortunately for him) there was no such thing as the tax time sale, something us modern taxpayers can count on—and look forward to. Whether you're expecting a hefty payback (yay!), or owe a little more than you thought (bummer), today is the best day to do a little tax free shopping. You're spending all day and night subtracting line 31 from line 52, then multiplying by your number of deductions...don't you deserve a little reward for all your hard work?


Yellow is hot this spring, but if your coloring just doesn't fare well with mass quantities of canary, mustard and lemon, add a little jolt with a studded belt ($43.20, was $80). It's far enough away from your face that you won't end up looking spooky, but it's glossy and funky and bright: everything you want your yellow accessories to be.



Finished your taxes early? You've got it made in the shade. Treat yourself to a sunny, springy pair of shades ($121.50, were $225) to pat yourself on the back. These round white frames with turquoise stone details are perfect for poolside lounging, road trip cruising or spree-worthy shopping.


You've stocked up on this season's ladylike florals and flared skirts. Pair them with the prettiest flats ($146.69, were $325) in surprising butter yellow. Black or white cropped pants get a pop of color, and chic skirts get a girly twist (take Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday as your inspiration).


More ways to save:

Get up to 50% off lingerie from Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang at Bare Necessities.

Jersey dresses and tanks are up to 40% off at C&C California.

Take $15 off all designer jewelry and handbag purchases over $150 at Forzieri.

Fashion Solution: Banish The Belt Buckle Bulge

Nothing's more inspiring (or worthwhile) than fashion you can actually use, so I'm proud to announce today that I've solved one of my own oldest clothing quandaries. The problem? The nasty bulge my belt buckle makes under fitted layers. Jeans are inevitably too big around my waist--it's a result of Big Booty Syndrome: if the pants can fit over the ample derrier, they'll never fit snug around a trim waist. So I have to wear a belt. But no matter how flat I think the buckle is, its bulky shape is always evident under my bottom layer. At best it looks like a bad outfit; at worst, I look plain fat. Today I got so annoyed with this problem (no way I'm going on a date with this bulge!) that I started to look for solutions. And here it is:

What: The Invisibelt, $19.95

Why: This clear plastic belt has an uberflat clasp, so it's completely undetectable under a fitted top. Genius! It's perfect for anyone with Big Booty Syndrome or those lucky few who have stuck to their New Year's resolution to lose a few pounds. And the company's even got a plus-size version in the works.

Get Yours: invisibelt.com

Deal Of The Day: Up To 50% Off Skinny Belts At Pink Mascara

The hot silhouette of the moment is the cinched waist with a skinny little belt. You'll be seeing that look everywhere this spring, and those who watched the runway shows from last week probably noticed that this will continue on into fall, with little belts even making appearances on the waistlines of coats. Better stock up:

A must-have, this simple black patent by Motif 56 (was $115, now $81) can dress up your jeans, cinch in a funky floral frock, or give some shape to a bulky sweater.

Super bright yellow (another spring trend) wears beautifully, as proven by this edgy Marigold 3.1 Phillip Lim Belt (was $143, now $72) that criss-crosses at center front. 

Even a skinny belt can have a fabulous buckle. Kristin Kahle's mod skinny (was $205, now $103) has a unique spotted shell one. Stand out a little bit!

MORE DEALS:

Big Brown Bag Sale at Bloomingdales.com. New reductions, 50-70% off a large selection of fashions for her.

Save 25% on your next order at FashionBug.com. Use promo code 776205502 at checkout.

Hanes.com $9.99 His & Her Sale - Men's Comfortsoft Underware and Women's All Over Comfort Bra's

Good Answer: Use Vaseline to Keep Your Patents Shiny

Our loyal readers are probably familiar with our 'Good Question' posts where we pick out reader questions from the boards and help resolve them. But we have noticed that you readers also have great answers and solutions of your own. Here is an example of what we're talking about:

Question: How do I keep my patent leather items looking their best? 

Answer: If you have 7 minutes, a soft cloth and a dollop of petroleum jelly, you can make your patent leather handbag or shoes shiny in no time:

1. Take a soft cloth and rub a good amount of p-jelly onto you accessories. (Rub it until there are no streaks.)

2. Let it dry for 5 minutes.

3. Use another part of the soft cloth and polish your handbag or shoes.

It will not make your bag/shoes sticky but it will make them shiny! Scuffed up shoes or purses are not a good look. I have been a patent leather lover for years and my Nana (grandmother) taught me this tip. It's easy, it's fast, it's inexpensive and most of all you will look put together. 

Good tip reader! Here are some great patent leather finds for you to practice on: 

We'd love to hear all of your questions and answers. So, start posting!

Best Sellers: An Entire Outfit From Armani Exchange

What: Armani Exchange's Best Selling Clothes

Why: Sometimes shopping for gits is as easy as picking up the latest limited-edition perfume or tracking down that super chic handbag. But other times you really want to impress someone with an entirely new outfit. Maybe it's just a kind way of telling your best friend her fashion sense needs some updating, or maybe you're helping fill your stylish kid sister's closet with some goodies she couldn't afford on her own. Either way, you know this gift won't soon be forgotten.

So here are our picks for pulling together a great new look from the best selling items at Armani Exchange. Buy them all, buy them separately, just be sure you buy them fast, since stocks are dwindling as we speak. 

1. Cocoon Shape Jacket ($195)

2. Tweed Wool Trouser ($98)

3. Chain Belt Wool Coat ($375) 

4. Braided Patent Belt (on sale for $30 through December 9--see other last chance sale items here) 

Good Question: Where Can I Find a Great Shawl Collar Cardigan?

Question: I saw a sweater on a girl on the subway and must have it. I know I've seen it somewhere before but the store escapes me. If you've seen this sweater before, can you please tell me where I can get it? Here are the stats:
Gray and white knit cardigan/sweatercoat with a 3" camel colored leather belt and a shawl collar; sweater falls to hips. Thanks! 

Answer: While we searched for your beloved sweater, we are sorry to say we were unable to find it as well. However, when this kind of situation arises and you can't find the specific sweater (or maybe you can find it but it's too expensive), a good thing to try is recreating the look. So, we've found this great gray and white Alice & Olivia Cardigan as a base for your new look. Now just pair it with a great leather belt, and you'll have own version of that style you liked.

We also have no shame and say next time you might consider asking the girl where she got the sweater. Women love to share their shopping secrets.

We've dug up a nice collection of shawl collar sweaters and leather belts for anyone who'd like to try the look:

Need help finding something? Tell us about it on the boards and we'll get on the case!

Watch Out! Animal Prints Are On The Prowl

Listen up, girls. We've noticed animal prints becoming more and more popular. And with today's release of Cavalli's jungle-ready collection for H&M, we're sure this trend will only get hotter. Looking for a way to transform from a lamb into a raging lion? Here are a few of our picks…

Bernardo's Patent Leather Buckle Ballet Flat ($129) couldn't be any comfier to wear, but with the leopard print design, you'll look like you're living on the edge. 

Don't rein in your inner animal! Set your wilder side free with a zebra belt ($28) from Urban Outfitters. 

Gwen Stefani's always been two steps ahead when it comes to fashion. Case in point: the L.A.M.B. Cheetah Grantham Tote ($585).

The beauty world won't miss out on this trend, either. Check out the L'Instant de Guerlain Holiday Gift Set ($74) beautifully packaged in a reusable animal-print jewelry box.

Deal of the Day: Up to 70% Off Elegantly Waisted Belts at Shopbop

Skinny, patent leather belts were all over the runways this Fall, so you can be sure that you'll be getting your fair share of that trend come Spring. While you still can, enjoy some wider, more exaggerated styles, like these from Elegantly Waisted. The price is right, the time is now...let's start shopping! 

This suede hip hugger (was $330, now $99) has a slouchy and comfy boho-chic fit. Make a subtler statement with navy or get some attention with bright fuschia.

Show off both your elegant and your girly (not to mention those sexy curves) in a soft leather belt with a ruffle trim (was $396, now $118).

Mix it up with this two-tone, cummerbund-style belt (was $198, now $138). We love the contrast of the red and chocolate brown as a perfect partner for one of this season's trendy gray sweater dresses.

MORE DEALS

Celebrate Gap.com's 10th birthday with 10% off and free shipping on any purchases made today. Enter FV1261KL7WYD at checkout.
Free ground shipping at Shopbop.
Free shipping on all orders over $125 at UGG Australia. No code necessary.