I have been loving the re-emergence of sunshine here in Philadelphia and thinking about the summer season. Normally around this time of year, I go crazy trying to plot out all of my summer shopping. With the recession upon us, I am trying to scale back without sacrificing style and beauty. Today I am going to feature a few great summer items that I love for under $25.
1. Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen
For a great basic moisturizer with SPF under $10, you can’t beat this one. I actually also use the cleanser but that’s another story. Allure magazine (and many dermatologists) also rated this as one of their top picks for healthy skin. It is nourishing, doesn’t clog pores and has sunblock….what more do you want?
2. The Maxi dress
This style of dress is very flattering, absolutely comfortable and looks great at both casual events or something more dressy. You can rock it with heels or with flats. You can wear it with a ponytail and flip flops or with fab jewelry and a great clutch. Find a style that flatters your body and go for it. This one is from Target and I saw it last week for $19. You can also score some great ones at Old Navy, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for under $25. You can’t beat that with a bat.
3. Metallic Sandal
Now, I am an admitted shoe snob. I HATE cheap shoes with a passion. However, I was in Tarjhay (actually buying a cute maxi dress) when I spotted these. First of all, they cost $19. The heel is covered in a great brown (they also come in black) canvas fabric…and they are beaded. I slipped them on and they are beyond comfortable (wedge heels). What a great shoe to run around in for the summer. They will look great with a sundress, jeans or shorts. Go get em.
It’s going to be hot…what are you sleeping in (Fresh and Slish…don’t even answer, we already know)? I will be rocking these cotton pajamas for $22 bucks from Vicky Secrets.
5. Great swimsuits
Now the hardest thing to shop for in the summer is always the swimsuit. They are always overpriced. ALWAYS. My typical go to place for a marked down designer swimsuit is either TJ Maxx or Daffy’s. Recently, someone made me aware of the great swimsuit deals at Newport News (owned by Spiegel). Now, I have yet to order anything from this site and the clothing looks suspect (if you shop from them and can shed some insight into the quality, let us know)….but a swimsuit for under $25? Why not? It’s something you only wear for the season right? Besides, this brown one piece with a little bling action on the top is very cute. I say it’s worth a try.
Those are some great deals. I hate shopping for swimwear also. Let me know how the Newport News work out. For swimsuits, I tend to pay a little extra because I need for my top to have the same engineering as a good bra.
My coworker bought a very cute swimsuit from Newport News and when it arrived in the office…it looked pretty solid. She said that she used to order suits from Speigel but then she realized they sold the same suits cheaper on Newport News’ site.
I didn’t get one for myself but at that prie, you could try it out and send it back if it didn’t work.
They have lots of styles. I am a huge fan of Anne Cole swimsuits. All of her stuf fits me perfectly so I usually buy them if I catch them on sale at TJ’s or Daffys.
I have purchased bathing suits from Newport News (because I refuse to pay ridiculous prices for bathing suits). I have been quite pleased with what I received. I have at least 2 or 3 bathing suits from them.
Thank you for an endorsement! See? For $25? Can’t beat that.
Cotton PJ’s are a MUST. I’ll be swinging by VS this evening.
The wedges are too cute. TJ MAXX also has some really cute inexpensive wedges and flip flops.
I’ve bought swimsuit tops from Newport News before because they sell separates. I’m not big up top so it’s ok with me. I’ve never bought bottoms or a one piece. But they have a liberal return policy, so it might be worth a try.
I’m going to have to look into the Purpose Moisturizer…right now I’m using Origins w/SPF 15 but at $35 a pop, its starting to break my pockets. I’ve used Purpose cleanser(LOVE IT!!!) But I need a moisturizer that won’t make me look all oily and stuff.
LOVE the maxi dress!!! Marshall’s has some really cute ones!!!
I might have to give Newport News a shot…I’m looking for a cute bikini on the inexpensive side.
Miss B…you are tiny so you can definitely rock a bikini from anywhere!!!
And yes, the Purpose has replaced the RX for Brown Skin since I haven’t had time to refill it and I think it’s just as good for me.
I’ve been using the Rx for BrownSkin too but it makes my face break out along the jawline. Cetafil makes my skin to oily and to dry at the same time…so maybe I’ll give the Purpose a try. Can’t beat $10! Thanks!
Newport News Bathing Suits are not bad.. I have a few of them and at least 2 with the “shapefx” thing they have.. they worked and I like that you can build your own suit which is helpful when you are different sizes.. I also hit up Marshalls, TJMaxx and Tarjay for my bathing suits..
interesting my daughter’s derm just gave her that moisturizer!!!! LOL I need to check the bag.. I don’t think she gave her the cleanser..
The cleanser is great.
I have never liked anything from Newport News. I’d rather spend $100 for a well made swimsuit that will last a few years. I have two of these that I’ve had for 10 years, they still look new. Of course, you have to keep the same body year after year.. LOL…that’s the hard part!
I hear you Leah. I am all about the $100 swimsuit too if I can get it for $30. LOL
I’ve never bought a swimsuit from Newport News but I didn’t like any of the other stuff I bought from there. The shoes were cute but uncomfortable and strangely heavy. The sweater looked cheap in person and was itchy.
I’m not very busty, therefore I don’t need much support but I’ve found good deals on swimsuits at Sports Authority, TJ Maxx and Victoria’s Secret (catalog).
i am a fan of the two piece bathing suit but i would loveeee to find a great one piece. my size is 3-5 depending on the cut. as for the shoes at tarjay (lol) they really have some nice selections.
The problem with a one piece when you’re petite (I am, too) is that they usually start with size 6, which is way too big. So, the torso is too long. Can’t get a good fit.
I am hoping to find some great quality in petite sizing, but so far, no one is making them (that I know of). I guess they assume that if we’re that small, we must still wear bikinis.
Some of us are over 50, and well….just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Know what I mean? LOL
cleanser was also in the bag
we’ll see how it works on her teenage acne face!!! LOL
FYI Tuesday Marshalls & Maxx will be bringing out their “new” swimsuits.. I got an email today.. so check your local store!!!!
I’m stocked up on all of these except the Purpose. GO ME!
Hmmmm. I might try the Purpose. It is certainly less expensive than my Nicholas Perricone, MD (at $35 a bottle.) Oh, wait. We’re in a recession, I keep forgetting….. (If you don’t look at your portfolio, you can’t be losing any money, right? HA!)
I’ve been using purpose for a while curtesy of my dermatologist. I tried Rx and really it didn’t work as well as Rx, plus I like the fact that the moisturizer has sunscreen AND you can’t beat the price.
Hi, just stumbled upon your blog today and love it. These are great summer picks, love those sandals WITH that dress! Thanks!
Nice mark out of things – Interesting – one could think this way also . Thanks for the post