Feeling Fit and Looking Fabulous

GET THE LOOK

With summer just around the corner we all go in to panic mode as the thought of displaying more skin occurs to us, tuck shop arms, muffin tops and saggy butt cheeks suddenly inspire us back into get fit mode. To encourage your new found motivation a new exercise outfit always works wonders, and we've found bargains that won't break the bank. Unfortunately it seems that we have run out of excuses!



1. Zumbawear Breakout Mesh Hoodie Vest
USA price $29.95 v's Aust price $44.95

2. Nike Women's Long Y-Back Airborne Singlet 
USA price $34.88 v's Aust price $50.00

3. Reebok Easy Tone Capri Pants
USA price $60.00 v's Aust price $85.00

4. Nike Lunar Glide +3 Women's Running Shoe
USA price $99.95 v's Aust price $199.95

Total Outfit cost:
 USA price $224.78 v's Aust price $379.90

Bargains still to be found despite drop in AUD

It's okay no need to panic that all the good US bargains will be gone now that the AUD is not as strong. I've just read Patrick Stafford's article titled "Retailers see little relief despite AUD falling to 97c" http://www.smartcompany.com.au/ and was particularly excited by the below example that he gave when comparing prices between USA and Australia. To see more product examples and read the article in full click on the above link. 



Handbag: Fossil Tote bag
Local: Fossil Australia store
Price: $279
Offshore: Fossil America Store
Price at $US1.09c: $156.24 (44%)
Price at $US0.97c: $173.04 (37%)

Happy Shopping!

Childrens shoes

For those parents out there, you'll understand the parent guilt concept. Is their lunch box contents healthy enough, to timeout or not to timeout, is TV the ultimate evil when it seems like such a life saviour and on and on and on. On that list of course is the shoeing of the said child, will my child be permanently damaged if I don't put the correct shoe on them. But have you seen the price of children's shoes!! There isn't even that much material to them, especially when you are talking about shoes for a 2 year old. Luckily online shopping helps me alleviate that guilt, I bought the below Timberland shoes for both of my kids from their sale (it's coming into winter over in the US so lots of good summer goodies) www.timberland.com.

Toddler & Junior Hypertrail Fisherman Shoe

These are great shoes for summer as they feature gaps for air flow and have a water resistant coating so hopefully they will keep in reasonable condition. Very sturdy and supportive with a cover to prevent stubbing of toes which inevitably leads to tears. Good flexibility which means I actually get to keep them on my 2 year old's feet as she has an aversion to shoes. I bought the toddler pair for USD $14.99 and the Junior pair for USD $24.99, a bargain in my book.

Got a recommendation of a children's shoe brand? Let us know and we'll see what we can uncover.

Happy Shopping!

Launch Giveaway

BURBERRY GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the launch of our new blog we thought we would run our first giveaway and what better than with Burberry beauty products.

Giveaway includes:

Burberry No.9 Socket Line Brush - is a long-bristled blending brush with a slight point. Made from ultrasoft goat hair, it is used to apply eyeshadow at the tip to create a deeper, but soft, socket line. Used by Burberry Beauty makeup artists to create an effortless smoky eye look.

Burberry No.11 Eye Shaper Brush - is a wide contour brush made from ultrasoft goat hair. It is used for the outer corners of the lid to add depth and enhance the eyes. Used by Burberry Beauty makeup artists to create a contoured eye shape.

No.2 Trench Sheer Eyeshadow - the innovative composition reconciles comfort with long-lasting wear. Light, yet creamy, this performing powder offers optimal adherence.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow our blog via GFC

2. Leave a comment and let us know what articles you would like to see on our blog
Giveaway closes at 5.00pm AEST, 30 October 2011 Winner will be announced on our blog 2 November 2011.

Goodluck!

For those of us that own a car

ORDINARY THINGS 

It is the little things that count, particularly in relation to counting the dollars. With all the media attention on the trend of online shopping, most of us are aware of the great bargain buys on clothing, shoes etc.

What we aim to do on this blog is regularly showcase the everyday, not so sexy things that people may not be aware can be bought cheaply online from the USA. Things such as a simple car polishing cloth. A simple car polishing cloth which is used to polish your car and give it a sparkling shine is this weeks ordinary showcase item.


Megiuar describes themselves as the leader in car care products since 1901, and based on our customer shopping orders it would appear that a number of our customers agree with them. Their Supreme Shine Microcloth is described as "producing an amazing mirror-like shine". To purchase a single cloth in Australia cost is AUD $13.95, compare to a pack of three from the USA for USD $7.60. That's a saving of 80%, definately worth buying online from the USA.

If you would like us to profile an everyday, ordinary item please drop us a line.

Happy Shopping!

What should I buy from the USA?



TIPS & TRICKS

The most common question we get asked is 'what should I buy from the USA?' Our response - anything as long as it is 30% cheaper than what you would pay for it here in Oz. If you can buy an item at a 30% discount then generally you will be ahead once you have included international shipping. Even better though is a saving of 40% - 50%, then you know you are definitely on to a good thing.

 

Couple of industry practices to be aware of. Firstly, standard freight industry pricing is based on actual weight v's dimensional weight, whichever is the greatest. This means that if you were to ship over a pillow for example, although a pillow is very light weight, the size of the pillow would result in high shipping costs. Secondly, check to ensure that the prices displayed include the fuel surcharge. Fuel surcharge can add up to an additional 15% cost on top of the quoted prices.

If you are in doubt about whether to buy from the US, the team here at USA Shopping Affair use a 30% savings benchmark to help us decide (exceptions are made however for those must have shoes and handbags).

Happy shopping!