• Priorities tartan blazer from bluefly for $84.15. I love it’s schoolboy blazer appeal and the fact that it’s green. What a breath of fresh air amongst a retail sea of black and grey.
• Laundry sateen military trench coat from bluefly for $117. 30. I have a black trench in this fabrication and it’s very versatile and appealing. Fabulous with jeans and converse sneakers, but just as great over a cocktail dress. The sheen, seam detailing and buttons add depth to an otherwise boring bit of black fabric. Attitude!
• Banana Republic ruched turtleneck for $34.99. This knit top is soft, fits well and is available in a variety of colours. It makes a good layering item if it’s too slinky to wear on its own.
• Ann Taylor pearl ribbon necklace for $29.99. Dress it up over a LBD, or dress it down over a T with a boyfriend blazer. With party season just round the corner, you might like to look at all of Ann Taylor’s spectacular baubles when you’re next in stores (you’ll get most of them for less with an online coupon).
• Nordstrom oxford brogue for $51.90. It’s casual, comfy, androgynous, and fab with a button-down shirt, pinstripe blazer, pretty scarf and lots of girly bling.

Happy shopping!

“Marianna embodies the Maxxinista persona with her creative, joyful sense of style and her proven ability to express her modern-classic style on a tight budget. I loved all her looks, so it was tough to narrow it down to just one, but I felt she took some risks with the winning look and that’s what made it my favorite.

Marianna’s mustard yellow sweater embodies the warm, rich hues of Fall and glows in contrast to her rich blue indigo jeans. Her cropped gray jacket fits beautifully and adds structure to the ensemble, while her gorgeous demi-wedge boots are both classic yet totally on-trend–and they look comfortable enough to stand in all day! Marianna’s flawless hair and makeup add the finishing touches to her polished look.

Runner up: Greenglove looks absolutely fierce in her leather jacket, colorful blouse and killer boots. Her tousled hair and bohemian jewelry add attitude and personalize the look. She looks fun, fearless, creative and artistic. In a nutshell, Greenglove’s outward appearance translates into making her someone you’d want to get to know!” — Dianna

Congratulations, Marianna! Happy shopping and keep sporting your fabulous Maxxinista style. Well done Greenglove for coming in as runner up! Your arty and eclectic way of dressing is always inspirational. A big thank you to the Budget Babe for taking the time to judge our competition. Dianna, you rock.

These are Marianna’s other top Maxxinista looks. No prizes for guessing that I have a soft spot for the frock, pearls and leather jacket ensemble, but it’s the outfit above with the mustard yellow sweater that won the competition. Well done.

• Fabulous wool blend wing collar coat available in regular, petite and plus For $149.90 to $169.90
• Double breasted military jacket available in black and olive for $59.90
• Adorable Olian mesh maternity top For $57.90
• Joe’s Jeans ”The Muse” high waist bootcut for $99.90
• David Kahn bootcut jeans for $98.90
• Jolt denim leggings for $20.90

Around the web, The Budget Fashionista has an interesting post on “Luxury Shame” that was inspired by a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Well worth a read and definitely inspiration to seek out those bargains.

Happy shopping!

Here’s how to enter:

• Find a fabulous outfit that represents your best Maxxinista style. Note that the items you wear in the outfit don’t need to come from TJ Maxx.
• Upload a picture of yourself in this outfit to Flikr or Photobucket. You can shoot a photo especially for the competition, or use an existing one. Be sure to post a good quality photograph because it will make your outfit shine.
• Tag your photo “Maxxinista”.
• Link to the photo in the comments below and be sure to tell us why you think it epitomizes Maxxinista style.

We’ll accept entries until midnight Friday 6th November. You may enter as many times as you like, but each outfit must be different.

I’ve asked Dianna, the super stylish Budget Babe to pick the winner of the competition. I had the pleasure of meeting penny-wise, ultra lovely and well put together Dianna at the TJ Maxx event in Boston last year and I trust her style sense implicitly. Good luck lasses! We can’t wait to see your outfits.

Update: Thank you for the fantastic entries! The judging is underway and the winner will be announced on Tuesday morning.

• Win a cool Big Buddha handbag over at The Budget Babe. Big Buddha makes eco- and animal-friendly bags inspired by all the latest designer looks and trends. This particular handbag style was inspired by a certain very much coveted Valentino handbag. Quite yummy. The deadline is 28 October.
• Get yourself to Banana Republic if you’re after zippered skinnies. They’re on sale for $59.99 and fit well. Read about how to wear them in this post.
• The Olian Maternity Knot Front Top gets my vote as cutest maternity top I’ve seen all season and its on sale for 40% off.
• This coming week is your last chance to win a $500 TJ Maxx shopping spree at The Budget Fashionista.

Happy shopping!

• Get 20% off any one item of your choice with your first online order at Stella & Dot. Enter promo code BENEFIT09 (valid until the end of October) at checkout. I was particularly enamored with their bold necklaces, which might be all you need to refresh last season’s little holiday frock.
• Get 15% off all coats and outerwear at bluefly. Brands like Mackage, Michael Kors, Via Spiga and Marc Jacobs look particularly promising.
• Remember that The Budget Fashionista is giving away one $500 shopping spree at TJ Maxx each week during October.
• A. J. Morgan Eyewear (one of our sponsors) is offering 15% off any purchase from October 17 to 27. Just enter coupon code YLF1009 at checkout to receive the discount.

Nordstrom is offering 33-50% off selected apparel, handbags and accessories. These are my top picks:

• Lodis wallet in a variety of bright colours. Treat yourself to a practical wallet with personality. No more sad, old black wallets that are bursting at the seams with receipts and coupons.
• Fun red tartan belt.
• Halogen corduroy blazer in four colours. This casual jacket fits beautifully and works particularly well if you’re well endowed. So comfy and stretchy. Perfect for any lass on the go.
• Long sleeved plus size sweet pea knit tops (here, here and here). Great for layering under tunic cardigans and jackets.
• Waterproof knee-high riding boots by Sudini in chocolate and black. Quite comfy. Perfect for a stormy Seattle day like today.
• Me Too ruffle ballet flat available in pewter, black and bronze. Fabulous for mild Autumn weather.
• Red patent “Air Penny” Loafers from Cole Haan. Very comfortable. I want these.

Happy shopping!

Here are a few specific ideas on how you can save in style this week:

• Bluefly is taking an extra 15% off all sweaters (today only). If you’re after designer cashmere at a good price, this is the first place to look.
• Express is offering 30% off all jeans and outerwear this weekend. There is an extra $15 coupon for any purchase over $60. Look for layering T’s, boyfriend jackets and new look cardigans. Good for Mum on the go.
• If you’re not sick of ruffles, my favourite Ann Taylor sale item right now is this cashmere ruffle top at 40% off.
• Two footwear bargains at Nordstrom: robust Franco Sarto “Moto” boots and hip Cole Haan “Air Penny” loafers. I’ve had both on my feet and they are comfy too.
• The Macy’s Columbus Day Sale is always great. Head straight for the coat and dress areas.
• The Budget Fashionista is giving away one $500 shopping spree at TJ Maxx every week during October.

Happy bargain hunting.

• The Budget Fashionista is giving away a Freya camisole set. Freya designs undergarments that are cut to fit those who have a little extra around the bust line so it’s well worth a look.
• The Budget Babe spotted an adorable toffee-coloured bomber jacket at Target for $30. Weather resistant, casual and super fab.
• The Frugal Fashionista’s inspiring summary of chunky necklaces caught my eye. Bib necklaces are still a great way to add textural interest to a neutral outfit. Flop proof.
• Ann Taylor’s cotton cashmere silk wrap cardigan is deliciously avant-garde and versatile. It’s interesting details make it look like its straight from a prêt a porter collection. Available in black and grey, it retails for $95 but you’ll get 50% off another item if you purchase any of their knits.
• Keep checking out the sweaters, jeans and coat collections at bluefly.com. They run marvelous extra discounted 10- hour sales every few days.

Here are some sales and specials now on at YLF affiliates:

• Boden: Receive 15% Off Plus Free Shipping and Returns on the Men’s Collection at Bodenusa.com today! Valid through 10-31-2009.
• Macy’s: Save more on sale prices with red hot dollars at macys.com. This offer is valid 09-30-09 through 10-04-09.
• Bloomingdales: From October 1, 2009 through October 4, 2009 take 25% off over 1500 Items and take an EXTRA 20% Off With Friends & Family Code BLMFRIEND at Bloomingdales.com! Exclusions Apply.

Share your own bargain tips in the comments.

Congratulations to Rebecca, who was the lucky entrant chosen by our random number generator. Rebecca said:

“Yes, I would wear it. I’ve worn this look for years, starting with a linen jeweler’s smock that I bought in a work wear shop in Paris. Slim trousers or a long, skinny skirt look good below”.

Rebecca, we’d love to see you sport the look if you’d like to post a picture of your outfit on the YLF forum. Enjoy your new acquisition!