J. Crew Factory Picks

While it is common for savvy shoppers to set out to the outlets in search of a steal, it is usually not the most enjoyable experience. Long drives, huge crowds and big headaches are just a few of the cons that come to mind. Luckily, there is a much better solution. More and more of our favorite stores are starting to put their outlet goods on the web. Most notably is J. Crew, which has launched the online "J. Crew Factory." Although I wouldn't exactly call the majority of items bargains, there are some gems (especially for jewelry & accessories) if you do some digging. Here are some of my J. Crew Factory picks- all under $50!

Clockwise from top left: Tissue V-Neck Tee, $22.50; Crystal Bib Necklace, $49.50;
Dip-dye Scarf, $26.50; Carson Short, $42.50; 

Cheap Eats

Le Cirque, NYC. Image via NYMag.com

Dining out in New York is no bargain. In fact, depending on your destination of choice, the cost of a meal can be comparable to that pair of Jimmy Choo's you've been eyeing. (Exageration? Only slightly.) Enter Savored.com. For only $10, you can make a reservation at one of the 280 participating New York restaurants (or hundreds of others across the country). That $10 reservation gets you an uncapped 30% off your entire bill. And yes, that does include drinks. Pretty major when trendy cocktails average $10-$16 a pop. Not bad right? The best part is that these restaurants are not your average bottom-of-the-barrel, Groupon leftovers. The Savored.com directory features some of the most popular spots in the city, including the prestigious Le Cirque and Upper East Side staple Nino's. A girl's gotta eat, so why not save some money while doing it!

STEAL-toed

These Stuart Weitzman MJ's are the love child of two of Spring 2012's biggest trends: metallics and pastels. They were everywhere during NYFW, but dare I say it... I like the Zara version better! Savings: 65%.

Stuart Weitzman "Capsize" $395, StuartWeitzman.com

Zara "Court Show" $129, Zara.com

Baroque or Broke?

I don't know about you, but my sunglasses are basically destined for disaster the second I lay hands on them. Sand scratches? Check. Toss 'em in the purse? Yup. Sat on them again? Whoops. With that kind of survival rate, I refuse to drop a ton of money on something that I will most likely drop on the sidewalk a week later. The good news is that cheap, designer-inspired sunglasses are readily available. Check out these Prada Baroque look-a-likes blatant copies for a mere $9.95. Yes, $9.95. That's 97% less than the $290 Prada price tag. Can't tell the difference? Neither will 97% of the people you wear them in front of. (And the other 3% will be kicking themselves).

Prada Baroque Sunglasses, $290.00 Nordstrom.com

"Designer Inspired Oversized High Fashion Sunglasses with Baroque Swirls Arms"
$9.95 Amazon.com