Happy birthday to me and you and you and you!

Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch?! Liars!

Because today is my birthday, and I love birthdays in general, I wanted to create a very special post. Today's post is all about how and where to get free stuff on your birthday!

Now, there are plenty of sites and blogs with lists of free stuff, but I combed through them and decided to offer up just a few of my favorite retailers and foodies that offer free schtuff for your birthday. There are many, many more restaurants that offer up a free appetizer, free dessert, etc. This is just a short list of my personal faves!

*Note: for all of these freebies you must join their online club first!

Auntie Anne's: Free pretzel
Aveda: Free personal blends perfume or a custom blended body care product
Baskin Robbins: Free scoop of ice cream
Coldstone Creamery: Free creation
Firehouse Subs: Free medium sub
Krispy Kreme: Free half dozen donuts
Noodles & Co.: Free dish
Sephora: Free cupcake showergel or lipgloss trio (I got the trio myself! Love it!)
Smoothie King: Free 20 oz. smoothie
The Melting Pot: Free chocolate fondue for two with the purchase of dinner

Even if you break out in hives with the thought of more spam from these retailers and restaurants, don't worry! You can opt out with a click of a button after you enjoy your treat!

If you want more, this website is great to find free and discount birthday goodies and you can search by category and by state!

http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com/

And another really good one...

http://www.birthdayfreebies.com/

Happy birthday to you and enjoy your free goodies!

Memorial Day Sales - Banana Republic & Nordstroms

Happy Sunday!

Both Banana Republic and Nordstroms are having some pretty great sales going on right now (just like the rest of the retail world). However, I took a quick trip through both stores yesterday and they had some great finds. In BR, all regular priced merchandise is 30% off, part of their "White Hot Sale". They had some very nice dress options and plenty of pretty summer tops.

At Nordies, I spied some amazing jewelry and jean deals. I've been waiting to pull the trigger on a Michael Kors watch...the white is beautiful for the summer and only $72 right now!

I composed a few items from both retailers into Polyvore. If you get a chance, check out either retailer this weekend or tomorrow to get your fix! Enjoy!

Summer Lovin' by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Banana Republic

Love21 Review, B-

Alright, so the infamous Forever21 has been gracing shopping malls with their presence for years now. And many female shoppers knows that, on any given weekend, that store is INSANE. You probably couldn't pay me to enter that store on a Saturday at 2 p.m. Too many teenagers seeking their weekend club gear. No thanks.

However, over the years, I found the best way to score some fab, non-makeup smeared items from Forever21 is to order online. Yesss....straight from the warehouse. Untainted. Love it.

Forever21 recently introduced yet another new "line" to their repertoire - Love21. Love21 is branded as the more sophisticated, contemporary line (read "older", not meant for 15 year olds). Judging by their initial offerings they did a mediocre job. I was semi-psyched to see more grown up pieces, but many of them fell short. I will make a note though, the sizing chart is definitely vanity sized, contrary to the regular Forever21 chart. You may even have to size down! Typically I take a small or medium in the Forever21 branded tops or dresses, but with Love21 (judging by the sizing chart) I should take an XS.

I'm sure they'll be adding more items daily, but for now, they get a B- for me. Try harder, Love21. Impress me. Make my credit card stray from Nordstroms and J Crew.


For your viewing pleasure....here are a few Love21 items that merited posting...it was tough to find even a few, though!


Ruffle Front Sleeveless Dress: Probably the only item I would consider ordering right now. Comes in black, too. $19.80

Silk Cheetah Halter Top: Alright, so I'm not a huge fan of animal prints, but this top is fairly understated and would work well with minimal jewelry and some simple bootleg jeans. $19.80

Mini polka dot top: Not my favorite, but it has some potential. I would definitely need to see the fabric in person to make an educated decision. $24.80

Your clutch is clutch!

Who doesn't love a clutch? Although I've started to see a resurgence of the cross body bags, I am still enamored with a good clutch. A few of those featured below are currently on sale at the Nordstroms Half Yearly Sale for Women and Kids.

Also, if you're unfamiliar with Polyvore, you can simply click on my image below and it will take you to my original creation and you can view the price and brand of each item in the set.

If you are seeking some new duds or a good deal, definitely take a peruse in store or on the web! I saw some GREAT stuff at affordable prices. Perhaps I'll do a little web window shopping myself and give you all a preview here!

Anywho...on to the clutch eye candy!

Clutch Crazy by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Juicy Couture bags

Wedding looks!

Happy Tuesday! Below are three distinct looks I conjured up for affordable wedding season...all I can do is try to make your attire affordable...it's totally up to you if you walk out of Williams & Sonoma with a $400 copper pot! Let me know your thoughts!


Wedding Look #1
Garden Wedding: This red dress and fun accessories would pair great with an outdoor ceremony or reception. I LOVE this dress. If you have a great back this would look amazing. Dress is by French Connection if you like!

Wedding Look #1 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring French Connection dresses

Wedding Look #2
Semi-formal wedding: I don't like wearing long dresses to a wedding, so this black dress option is lovely but still demure enough to pull off a look at a fancy pants wedding. The bright shoes make it a bit less stuffy.

Wedding Look #2 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Miss Selfridge bags

Wedding Look #3
Evening wedding: This one shoulder, Grecian dress is a great option that can be dressed up or down. The metallic shoes and accessories make this dress a great evening option! And hey, I know the multi-colored python bag is a bit much, but the colors pop!


Wedding Look #3 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Nine West shoes

SCORE! Let me tell you why I love Nordstroms today...

Well, as I was searching for my own "wedding guest" dress, I found a superb option in Nordstroms online sale link. However, I was super disappointed when I clicked on the link to view the dress. Sold out. All sizes. (Cries)

After doing a quick investigation online, I discovered that the dress I so wanted in the color I was hoping for, was pretty much sold out at all online retailers. And the one ebay-er who had my size and color up for sale was charging full price for it. And then I had a briz-illiant idea. I called my local Nordstroms and just casually asked if they had any in stock. They did not. (Cries again)

BUT...the lovely rep from Savvy searched their database and found the sought after dress in my size, called the store that has it in stock and they will be shipping it to me FOR FREE with the online sale price. SCORE one for Coley.

Now, if it doesn't fit or I don't like it I can just drop by my local Nordstroms and return it. No risk! Hooray!

Just a nice tidbit for all of your Nordies shoppers - if something you like is ever out of stock online, they will do their best to find it for you and ship it to you, gratis!

Here's the sought after dress...my mom thinks it looks like pjs...I do not. :)

It's wedding season, baby!

For all of you who are organizing your response cards, frantically scanning registries at Crate & Barrel and rifling through your closet trying to recall which dress you wore to which wedding last summer to avoid repeats during this summer's wedding season - relax and put down the hangers. I know, it's a lot to handle. Fret not, though!

Why worry about rewearing last summer's go-to dress and just buy a new one...or three. I bet you have more than one wedding to attend this summer anyway! See - there is your justification.

Over the next few days I'll submit three or four "wedding" looks...no, not the white dress and veil...but wedding ATTENDEE looks for every occasion, that will still leave you with enough cash to spring for those ridiculously expensive salt and pepper grinders from Williams-Sonoma for the happy couple.

Here's a brief little taste of lovely, affordable wedding looks to keep you occupied!

It's Wedding Season Baby - #1 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Nine West Shoes

Bibs are not just for babies...

But bib necklaces aren't for the faint of neck strength either!

Recently I've been seeing a whole slew of amazing bib necklaces popping up in magazines and on celebrities. Remember Amy Adams' insane Fred Leighton bib necklace at this year's Oscars? Holy sheet, she probably needed a neck adjustment the next day - but it was gorgeous!

Bib necklaces aren't just for super fancy moments, though. I think they look amazing with a crisp, white button down or a little black dress. Just keep the other accessories to a minimum, otherwise you'll look like an accessorized fool. Like Mr. T.

Mr. T, aside, below are a few pretty bib necklaces I conjured up ranging in price from $13.80 - $125. Wear your bib with pride...just don't spill anything on it!

Bib Necklaces by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Banana Republic necklaces

Polyvore Fun with those J Brand jeans...although this pair shown is a darker wash...

Summer Fun by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring James Perse tops

J Brand Justification...

Alright...so I'm pumped because my new jeans should be arriving in the mail any day now. I contemplated quite a bit choosing my new pair of "summer" jeans...and while those boyfriend jeans look cute on Gisele...I'm pretty sure I can't pull it off. I would probably look like a mistake.

Because I'm freakishly addicted to jeans, my husband, Todd, has instituted this "rule" - "Sell a pair to buy a pair"...and I actually did! I "retired" a few pairs onto Craiglist this weekend. Feeling mighty entrepreneurial, onto to Ebay I went.

I've been craving a new pair of J Brand and have been especially interested in the LoveStory cut. And behold, I found a pair in my size and my best offer was accepted! $60 for a brand spanking new pair of J Brand Lovestory jeans in Bayou wash from a reputable seller, tags from Off Fifth. As soon as they arrive I'll be taking some pics and definitely get them hemmed...as my inseam is a mere 30". Here's hoping they fit!

I've found some amazing deals on Ebay in recent years...and sold quite a bit of merchandise to boot. A couple other great places I've found amazing denim deals is through Hautelook.com and Gilt.com...if you need a referral to join, just shoot me a comment. Happy Monday!

Currently coveting...J Crew Convertible Swing Dress

Who doesn't love a new, bright summer dress! I've been digging one of J Crew's newest...the Convertible Swing Dress in Tropical Aqua. The color is lovely and this super comfy, bright frock would look fab with some layered coral jewelry and gold sandals. Perfect for brunch or a casual summer wedding! XS fit me well...

This would look great with Armani Exchange's Enamel Charm Necklace...so cute..and only $28!

Start of something new....

I'm a clotheshorse. Yes, I admit it. I love clothing, shopping and pretty much all other guilty pleasures that have to do with shoes, fashion and celebrity trash. I figured, since I'm a pro at finding fabulous finds for less and enjoying it, might as well start a blog about it!

About me...I'm originally from Chicago, now residing in Charlotte. In my spare time, besides shopping in B&M stores or online, I thoroughly enjoy working out, spending time with my husband and dog and watching horrific Lifetime movies.

This blog is about the how and where real, current style can be achieved for less.