Nude handbags are really trendy right now. Look for bags in beige, cream, nude and other light neutrals. They are versatile pieces that can really extend your wardrobe because they will go with almost everything in your closet. If you want to splurge on a designer bag, consider this stunning Jimmy Choo hobo.

Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Featuring glossy nude patent leather and unique details, this bag is gorgeous. It comes with a removable bangle bracelet on the snakeskin strap. Soft, shiny and luxurious, you can find this Jimmy Choo hobo bag now at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,250.

Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

When I was little, I was sure that the only use of Burlington Coat Factory was, well, coats. And not just any coats, but those super puffy winter ones that our moms would make us wear.

Image: Burlington Coat Factory

But I wrong! Just on my most recent visit, here’s some of the trends I saw featured on the racks of this awesome off-price retailer:

• BoHo – fringe vests, Sherpa vests, maxi skirts, fringe handbags
• MOTO – tough motorcycle look; ripped jeans, leather jackets, vests
• Destroyed Denim – Not just a whole in the knee; the entire jean is shredded for an updated look.
• Buffalo Check – the hottest pattern in all of the latest colors.
• Graphic, Colorful Tees – guys have updated the graphic tee now with bright colors
• Plaid – Argyle vests for a new twist on preppie
• Denim – all with funky back pocket treatments
• Printed/Graphic woven’s – button downs with edgy prints on the sleeves, back or chest.

Not too shabby! (Unless you want shabby-chic, which you’ll also find there.)

I was so wow’d by the fabulous designers I found at deep discounts that I was compelled to share my discovery. Two winners will each win a $50 Burlington Coat Factory Gift Card! To have your chance to win, just share your very favorite seasonal trend! Earn extra entries by retweeting this contest. (I’m @alywalansky on Twitter.)

Deadline July 20. Good luck!

I’m not normally a fan of the shoes that have a thick ankle cuff. They always look too chunky and clunky for my taste. But these Manolo Blahnik patent leather sandals are an exception for me. Originally priced at $745, these pretty white sandals are on sale at Barneys for $389.25.

Image: Barneys New York

You can find a lot of designer goods on sale right now at Barneys.com, from shoes and handbags to beauty products and home decor.

Image: Barneys New York

Another item that I’m putting on my wish list is this patent leather Lanvin shoulder bag. It features a chain and leather strap, turn lock closure and glossy patent leather body. It’s currently marked down from $2,470 to $1,109.25.

If you have been wanting to splurge on designer apparel, it’s a fabulous time to shop at Barneys.

Ray-Ban sunglasses are always a hot choice every summer. This year, pick up a colorful pair to really make a statement. These Ray-Ban shades feature oversized frames and a retro cat-eye style.

Available is dark orange, red/black or black, these sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and lots of style. Priced at $129, you can fin these Ray-Ban retro cat-eye sunglasses right now at Nordstrom.

Image: Nordstrom

If you are looking for something a little more classic. You can also get Ray-Ban Wayfarers in black or dark blue at Nordstrom for $139 a pair.

Instead of always reaching for your favorite little black dress when you heading for a party, infuse some color into your wardrobe with a bold, colorful cocktail dress instead. All these gorgeous dresses are all available at Neiman Marcus right now. Any of them would be a fabulous choice for a summer party or special event.

Badgley Mischka Strapless Beaded Dress
What a fabulous color! This purple (dark berry) silk dress features a draped front and sparkling beaded details at the waist. You can order this dress now for $560.

Image: Neiman Marcus

David Meister Ruched Stretch-Satin Dress
If blue is your color, you’ll adore this number from David Meister. This stretch satin dress features a ruched bodice and beaded V-neck. Wear it with a pair of strappy silver sandals and simple jewelry. You can get this David Meister dress for $410.

Image: Neiman Marcus

Marc Bouwer Glamit! Double Ruffle Dress
Ruffles continue to be trendy this season. This Marc Bouwer Glamit! dress features two tiers of ruffles along the ballerina neckline. The hot pink color is a fab choice for summer. You can get this silk/spandex blend dress for $395.

Image: Neiman Marcus

Just about all the sample sale sites are having major sales this week.

Gilt.com

Over at Gilt Groupe, today, Seven for All Mankind Jeans are on sale for under $100, and at their Tahari sale, you can get the gorgeous Tahari Lola tote (at left) marked down from $898 to $248! How mega hot is pleated leather??? I cannot get over it! They have some great clutches on sale too, not to mention, obviously…shoes!

Speaking of shoes….

Ideeli.com

Starting today at 11 a.m. (EST), my friends at ideeli.com are having their “Start of Summer Red Sale” — this means that they discount their usual (well, discounted) sample sale prices and end up with mark-downs of 90% on a huge list of designers, with prices starting as low as $10.

Some of the clothing designers you will catch at this sale will be Just Cavalli, Julie Brown, Malene Birger, Simone Perele, Mac & Jac, Earnest Sewn Jeans, Jay Godfrey, Bedhead Pajamas, Escada, & Nicole Miller. As far as handbags/shoes/accessories (which are MY favorite thing to stock up on), look for Raj (scarves), LAMB Shoes, Pade Vavra Jewelry, Melissa Joy Manning Jewelry,
Tila March Shoes, Abaco Handbags, Pucci Shoes, Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses, Ed Hardy Handbags, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Whew, what a list. There’s a lot of other sites and sales going on the next few days, stay tuned!

Love is in the air.

And whether you are having a summer fling, or hot and heavy romance, or wistfully watching the latest episode of The Bachelorette while drinking wine for one, we all want a little bit of summer romance.

Kick the summer off with a sweet love story!

Image: PerfectMatch.com

ShopaholicsDaily.com and PerfectMatch.com and have teamed up to celebrate the summer with a sweet love story.

Leading online dating site Perfectmatch.com is offering single men and women the opportunity to win a Summer Love Giveaway Getaway – complete with all of the essentials needed for the perfect summer love, including:

• 3 month subscription to Perfectmatch.com to find your long-lasting relationship – summer lovin’!
• Two night stay voucher for Hotel Indigo, an upscale boutique brand that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience that is truly reflective of the local community
• 1 DVD of the classic romantic comedy ‘Must Love Dogs,’ which chronicles actress Diane Lane as she finds her perfect match online!
• “Finding Your Perfect Match” by bestselling author and chief relationship expert at Perfectmatch.com, Dr. Pepper Schwartz – a great beach read!

To have your chance to win, please share the most romantic tune currently in your iPod! Earn extra entries by retweeting this contest (I’m @alywalansky) and commenting on 3 or more blog posts from the past two weeks. Deadline is July 15.

This fall, handbags are going to be all about the sparkle and shine. From glossy patent leather to dazzling sequins, look for bags and other accessories with lots of glitz. This Gucci shoulder bag features a black and multicolored patent leather than reminds you of an oil slick.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

The iridescent coloring is definitely a unique take on the Gucci Icon Bit shoulder bag. This bag features a non-adjustable top handle strap, along with an adjustable/detachable shoulder strap. Inside this roomy bag, you will find several pockets to keep yourself organized.

This gorgeous bag, along with the Gucci tote in the same coloring, are avaiable for pre-order right now at Bergdorf Goodman. The shoulder bag is priced at $1,790 while the tote is $1,190.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

This dress from Peter Som is absolutely gorgeous. The multicolor print dress features short sleeves and pencil skirt. The colorful print is a great choice that can work for summer and well into fall.

The pink and blue fox fur ring is a beautiful accessory that can highlight your fall and winter fashions. Made in Finland, it’s ultra soft and has a silk lining. Both the dress ($1,295) and the fur ($290) are available at Neiman Marcus.

Image: Neiman Marcus

The Peter Som dress can be worn with a pair of pretty pink patent pumps and nude legs for summer, then make a switch to fall with black tights and high heeled booties.

Image: Neiman Marcus

Image: Neiman Marcus

Just in case you weren’t quite ready to go grocery shopping this week…how about a fabulous free dinner?

Now, you may ask what a restaurant post is doing in a shopping blog…but..um…hello. Free food? More time for shopping! And I’m giving away a $25 gift card to one of my fave spots, the Cheesecake Factory.

Why do I love this place? Well, I love food - and I love value - and the last time I was there, I was able to get meals for the next three days out of a single salad. And don’t even get me started on their firecracker salmon rolls….too…good…to…resist…

Image: CheesecakeFactory.com

This is actually in celebration of a “Share Your Celebration” contest on their official website, cheesecakefactory.com.

When you enter the “Share Your Celebration” contest, you enter with a picture of a celebration you have had, and explain how Cheesecake Factory played a part in it (you can see some examples if you go to the page). But you can win everything from a trip to Florida
to Cheesecake Factory gift cards, and much in between.

However, I am not hosting that contest…but I am hosting my own! To win the $25 gift card, tell me about YOUR favorite family dining memory!  Does your family go out often? Or for special occasions? Is there one time that sticks in your mind? Deadline to enter is July 15.