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Women’s Fashion

Women's Fashion

Random Recs: Jony Ive, Centre Commercial Outdoor, Gauthier Borsarello

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


A few snippets of digital ephemera and IRL recommendations I’ve enjoyed lately…

1/ JONY IVE’S SEXY AI. If anyone can make A.I sexy, maybe it’s Jony Ive, whose company IO is being sold to OpenAI to create desirable devices (think pendants, eyewear…) for the age of AGI (artificial general intelligence). Read more in the NYT (gift link).

2/ CENTRE COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR. Heading to Paris menswear week in June? A retail destination to bookmark is the new Centre Commercial Outdoor, from the co-founder and creative director of Veja and Centre Commercial, Sebastien Kopp. Opening early June, the store will stock cutting edge running-as-lifestyle brands including Satisfy, Unna and District Vision. Follow them here.

3/ LANCOME JUICY TUBES are back again (again).

4/ IN THE AMERICAN WEST. I can’t imagine what it must be like to see Avedon’s masterpieces up close. On show now at Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson until October 12 (top).

5/ GAUTHIER BORSARELLO. “My indulgence? Taking naps – like 20 to 30 mins, which I do even in the office. I close my door and I have a little nap in my Le Corbusier chair, then go back to work.” Everyone’s fave French vintage tastemaker is this weekend’s The Aesthete in HTSI (below). Read more here.
Gauthier Borsarello HTSI by Thomas Chéné

6/ PAULO ROVERSI’S NEW BOOK sounds like a stunner.

7/ RITZ NEWSPAPER ONLINE ARCHIVE. Who knew the entire archive of 70s and 80s Ritz newspapers (below) is online for free viewing? (At least for now…) Certainly not me.
Ritz newspaper archive

8/ BALLY ON SALE. The Simone Bellotti Bally sale is on! There are some fab steals on the bags and shoes for my US readers. (UK sterling, not so much.)

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Richard Avedon; Gauthier Borsarello by Thomas Chéné for How To Spend It; Ritz archive
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

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Beauty, Books, Brands, Designers, Magazines, News, Online shopping, Photography, Retail concepts, Shopping, Technology, Trends Bally, beauty, Centre Commercial, exhibitions, Gauthier Borsarello, Jony Ive, Lancome, news, Paolo Roversi, Random Recs, Richard Avedon, Ritz, Simone Bellotti, technology





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Women's Fashion

Spring 2025 Refresh Accessories – Denim Is the New Black

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


I start thinking about spring clothes right after Christmas is over. I’m sharing everything currently on my radar, a Spring 2025 Refresh Accessories.

Shopbop is one of my very favorite stores for the brilliant mix of high and low and even better the fast and free shipping and returns (and refunds). They also carry my favorite brand, Tibi, YES! (And no, Shopbop doesn’t sponsor me, but I do get a small commission for things purchased with my links, no cost to you.)

Some good news…
Converse are back!

Always in style: Black Converse

For me, they never left, but dang, they are definitely trending big time right now. And that’s good because a) they are affordable and b) they come in so many great styles and colors for every personality.

You can see all Converse at Shopbop here, but I have a few favorites! I partly love Converse because they are classic and cool but also you can try something fun for a low price.

I generally stay TTS or 1/2 size down in Converse, as I find them to run a bit roomy.

Left: Converse Vintage | Middle: Converse Silver | Right: Converse Run Star

Autry Sneakers

I’ve been introduced to the Autry brand thanks to seeing Katie Holmes in them all over instagram. The thing is, they are fabulously down-to-earth court shoes and at a reasonable price (and yes, I know that reasonable is subjective).

Katie Holmes Autry Sneakers @getty images

@Getty Images

I have been searching for a good court shoe to wear this spring and summer, and these are currently my top choice. I love that they are simple and classic but have interest. Ordering to try!

There are a ton of variety and colors with Autry, but I am a minimalist with sneakers and white is my top choice!

Autry Medalist

Autry Medalist (Shopbop)

There are also some great basic Autry Medalist at Nordstrom. From reviews, I will size up 1/2, as I normally do with sneakers!

I usually focus on the most basic clothing pieces — button down shirts, good tees and tanks, and strapless tops. I literally wear the same things over and over. The easiest way to spice up those basics is with jewelry!

Completedworks

My daughter gifted me with Completedworks earrings for Christmas, and I’m now absolutely smitten with this brand. There are only a few easy-to-shop stores that carry Completedworks – Olivela.com, FWRD.com, Saks.com, and Net-a-Porter.com.

They are not super cheap, but they add such a punch, I think highly worth the price. And they are lightweight.

Obsessed and want with these two necklaces.

Completedworks Necklaces

Left: Completedworks Pearl Necklace | Right: Completedworks Chalcedony Necklace

My top sale picks are below. This is the chance to get Completedworks at a huge discount, before they sell out for good. This brand produces only so many pieces and then they move onto something new, so once they are gone, they are often gone for good.

Hint: Watch for occasional sales on Completedworks at all the above stores!

Completedworks Sale

Left: Green Earrings | Middle: Mixed Necklace | Right: Mismatched Earrings (have and love)

Roxanne Assoulin

White Lace Dress With Sleeves - Farm Rio Tropical Wind

Flower Patch Necklaces

My other favorite summer necklaces have all come from Roxanne Assoulin. I’ve worn them almost exclusively the last three summers, and they are also super affordable and add the perfect pop of fun and color to an otherwise basic outfit.

This sale necklace would be the perfect addition to my Flower Patch Necklaces (and any beaded necklace, really), and it’s on deep discount (final sale).

Roxanne Assoulin Little Bits Charm Necklace

Little Bits Charm Necklace (final sale)

Elsie Frieda

I have not yet tried this brand, but Elsie Frieda have a similar vibe to Roxanne Assoulin, and I’m totally down for it.

IMO, summer is the time to break out of the boring jewelry.

Elsie Frieda Jewelry

Left: Necklace | Right: Bracelet Bundle

Hat Attack

I love a good woven bag, and this is the first one I’ve seen that’s crossbody! I love how woven bags add texture and are super lightweight. I’ve taken mine shopping and to the beach (and it just shakes out the sand in seconds).

I’m so impressed with all Hat Attack’s bags on Shopbop. They are affordable and have great colors and texture!

Hat Attack Crossbody

Hat Attack Woven Crossbody

I bought a green bag last summer, almost identical to this blue one, and I used it so much. Add a little zipper pouch inside to make sure the small items don’t fall out.

Hat Attack Lizzie Cotton Small Bag

Hat Attack Small Lizzie Cotton Bag

Cult Gaia

Date night in the summer? No problem. This is the bag I’ve been eyeing and plan to finally snag. Gold is just so perfect for warm summer days. I’m a little obsessed with this one.

Cult Gaia Rue Wristlet

Cult Gaia Rue Wristlet

Clare V.

Finally, can’t forget my many-years-favorite, Clare V. I’ve written about Clare V. too many times to count. Mine all still look as new as the day I bought them.

The Clare V. Pot de Miel bags are still an absolute favorite that I use multiple times a week. The good news is they now come in multiple colorways! This bag is also a favorite of celebrities like Reese Witherspoon.

Clare V. Pot de Miel bags

Clare V. Pot de Miel bags

Clarev Sandy Tote

Clare V. Sandy Tote (multiple colors)

And that’s it for now, folks. My picks for Spring 2025 Refresh Accessories. But it’s also early in the season and I’ll be sure to report back and new favorite things catch my attention.

x Tammy

Related Articles:
Clare V Pot de Miel – #1 Favorite Summer Bag
It’s Official – Converse Back for Spring 2025 (Who What Wear)

 



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Women's Fashion

Weekend Open Thread – Corporette.com

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

Nic & Zoe’s prints can be hit or miss, but I like this colorful sundress. The brand must think so also — the pattern is available in regular and plus sizes in the dress, as well as a boyfriend button-up. (There’s also a flared midi skirt in sizes XS-XL that’s almost sold out.)

The print reminds me (in a good way!) of stained glass or an LED panel, and I think the pastel colors are perfect for this time of year.

The pieces are $118-$168, at Nordstrom, Dillards, and Bloomingdale’s. If you like the shape of the dress but not the print, the dress comes in a bunch of other colors and prints.

Sales of note for 5/30/25:

  • Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has begun! See our full roundup here. Lots of markdowns on AGL (50%!), Weitzman, Tumi, Frank & Eileen, Zella, Natori, Cole Haan, Boss, Theory, Reiss (coats), Vince, Eileen Fisher, Spanx, and Frame (denim and silk blouses)
  • Nordstrom Rack – Refurbished Dyson hairdryers down to $199-$240 (instead of $400+) + Father’s Day gifts up to 60% off
  • Ann Taylor – 25% off tops & sweaters + extra 30% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – Sale extended: 50-70% off everything + extra 25% off
  • Boden – 1100+ sale items!
  • Eloquii – $25+ select styles + extra 50% off all sale
  • J.Crew – Up to extra 50% off select sale styles, and women’s shorts, tees and more from $24.50
  • J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything + 60% off clearance
  • M.M.LaFleur – Lots of twill suiting in the sale section! Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
  • Rothy’s – Up to 30% off everything
  • Spanx – Free shipping on everything
  • Talbots – Select summer styles marked 25-40% off



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Women's Fashion

Breakfast Bar Stool Styles for the Kitchen

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Have you ever walked into a friend or relative’s kitchen and thought, ‘How the hell do I get this décor?’ It’s one thing to stay jealously pining and quite another to take the inspiration and run, carving out your own beautifully designed culinary space.

When it comes to the so-called ‘heart of the home’, breakfast bar stools are often a focal point for admiration, providing new and versatile ways to enjoy your dining routines. So, without further ado, let’s get into this blog on breakfast bar stool styles so you can find the right one for your own home.

What we’ll cover:

  • Key Considerations
  • Types Available
  • Breakfast Bar Stool Styles
  • FAQs

Key Considerations

As with any long-term purchase, it can save you a lot of hassle (and money) later down the line if you get your priorities straight before you even load up the tab on your browser or, if you’re doing it the old school way, set foot in the furniture showroom.

In fact, you might want to think about how your needs and desires may change over time, and how the breakfast bar stool you choose will age alongside your other décor. 

Below are some of the key considerations that will help you make a choice that you will be happy with for years to come.

Placement

While you may wish to introduce a gorgeous new set of breakfast bar stools into your kitchen design on a whim, it’s going to pose a real problem if you don’t plan around the layout and space constraints at play.

Another obstacle is knowing how to best implement them into the room’s flow and functionality; particularly as you’ll kick yourself if you don’t end up maximising the potential of this highly utilitarian feature.

To avoid these issues, grab your tape measure and see how many square metres you have at your disposal. You might have to rethink your kitchen layout, relegate some of your other pieces into another room or be a little more creative, but in most cases, it should be doable to add a few stools.

Generally, you’ll be working with a counter height (approx. 70cm) stool or those designed for the average elevated breakfast bar (approx. 82cm), but don’t worry; you can get height adjustable and non-standard options too.

In all instances, you’ll require 15cm of breathing space between stools at a minimum and then 60cm of clearance behind them for safety and smooth usage. You can even fit them into smaller spaces – take this example of a tiny brunch nook, made using a small shelf and a couple of breakfast bar stools in a slimline style.

Purpose

We’ve talked about spacing, but what about how the stools will be used and by whom? It might seem obvious, but it’s a very important factor, especially if a range of people will find themselves seated there in the future.

This might mean catering to older folk, those with limited mobility or, indeed, little ones with features like armrests, lumbar support and a sturdy back to prevent hazards. Do the chairs need to be tidied away when they’re not in use? Backless options are great for hiding under a counter!

Comfort & Ergonomics

Linked to our previous point, comfort and ergonomics can make a world of difference for disabled and non-disabled people alike, protecting spine health and keeping you snugly encased in those comfy arms. As most breakfast bar stool types are designed to be healthy at heart, they tend to give the body room to breathe and move rather than forcing it into a 90-degree posture.

Swivel action is another major game changer, allowing for greater movement and access to the workstations you need without you having to stand up. Finally, don’t forget footrests! With taller options, it’s best to find a stool with an inbuilt one or add a rail under your island so guests can rest their feet.

Aesthetics, Material & Texture

As materials and textures combine to create distinct aesthetics, we’re covering all three considerations here. Put simply, high-quality and organic materials are a treat for our brains. Not only does the visual complexity of marble, wood graining and patinaed metals mimic the randomness we see in nature (think plants and rugged landscapes), but it provides a sense of depth and comfort.

You can achieve this with your selection of barstool types, too. From rustic country styles to those made from reclaimed objects like bicycles, there’s so much choice to be had. Plus, plenty of opportunity to pick an interesting mix for that eclectic feel.

Weight & Manoeuvrability

When you’re entertaining many people or you have a number of surfaces where you can place your stools, their weight and manoeuvrability is key. In this case, you’ll want to be able to lift and reposition them without too much strain. This way, you can enjoy your kitchen to the fullest, rearranging the seating for different occasions or even different seasons.

Your Existing Décor

Finally, there is the matter of your existing décor. How do you pick a breakfast barstool to fit? To properly mix and match you need to carefully curate the entire space, bringing in unity through shared motifs, textures and colours. Think about patterns, shapes, silhouettes and your current colour scheme – are there ways you can tie the barstools into what’s already going on?

Here, the secret is to avoid exact matches as a bit of variety actually enhances the ‘lived in’ appeal of the space. The only thing you need to be aware of is the scaling, ensuring proportionality and balanced visual weight across your furniture.

7 Breakfast Bar Stool Types

Now you’ve got the considerations down, it’s time to look at the breakfast barstool types available.

1.    Swivel / Adjustable

Swivel or height-adjustable options are at the top of the list of the most versatile breakfast bar stool types. With the ability to turn you 360 degrees in your seat without so much as you flexing a muscle, these stools are incredibly convenient. On top of this manoeuvrability are adjustable features, a height that can increase/decrease to your liking, ideal for a whole variety of uses and guests.

2.    Full Back / Bar Stool Chairs

For those after maximum back support, full-backed stools can be the most comfortable choice. It’s also a brilliant option for children as the design helps reduce the likelihood of accidents from leaning backwards or upon climbing into/off the stool.

3.    Low Back

If the bar stool chair look is too traditional for your kitchen décor, why not go for a compromise? Low-backed breakfast stools provide healthy support, whilst their short stature allows for them to hide away under your breakfast bar or dining table.

4.    Backless

Practically made for modern kitchens, these types of breakfast bar stools are sleek, practical and easy to push out of sight after mealtimes. While many feature brassy metal legs, you can easily find options with upholstered seats in leather or classic wood for a more timeless appeal.

5.    Barrel

With a round base and top, these breakfast bar stools make a fun addition to all sorts of kitchen schemes, from industrial chic to coastal charm. The organic shapes bring an inherent feel of comfort into the space that will help set the design apart from the average interior.

6.    Classic

By classic, we’re envisioning timeless oak, backless round stools – the type you could easily see in a large, country house decked out with shaker-style cabinetry. Not only does the wood provide warmth, but the familiar silhouettes make you feel right at home.

7.    Upholstered

Upholstered breakfast stools are the perfect opportunity to inflect your overall colour scheme with new pops of colour and introduce a new element of comfort. Here, you get visual interest and a luxurious dining experience – what more could you want?

Breakfast Bar Stool Styles

On top of the main barstool types, there are variations in style; this encompasses the details, finishes, materials and other flourishes to the mainstream silhouettes.

Farmhouse

Sturdy, comfy and full of traditional character, farmhouse-style breakfast bar stools tend to be chunkier than most, emphasising the quality of the materials and the simplicity of life.

Scandi

Often crafted from light-coloured woods and featuring sweeping, minimalist lines, Scandinavian-style seating is a great option if you want to purge your home of visual clutter. Pair them with other natural materials like white granite countertops to ensure that mindful ambience sticks around.

Mid-Century Modern

Known for those iconic spindle legs, mid-century furniture isn’t just functional, it counts as a statement in of itself. Celebrating the best of ergonomics, they tend to have a mix of handy features from comfy armrests to swivel action.

Industrial

Industrial bar stools cover everything sleek, angular and metallic. Great for bringing a ‘bite’ into your décor and reflecting light back into the space, these options are a great fit for modern interiors.

Maximalist

Our last style mention is going to be maximalism. When you want to embrace the extravagant and build a truly stimulating social space, picking a more maximalist or otherwise visually striking design is ideal. These breakfast barstools tap into the fun and creativity we’re all striving for, ensuring our daily lives are full of colour, texture and fascinating shapes.

FAQs

Before we wrap up this post, allow us to blitz through a few final pointers. These commonly asked questions will help guide you towards pieces that not only tick all of the boxes for style and functionality, but also slot perfectly into the space available.

How Many Stools Do I Need?

To determine how many bar stools you can accommodate with your counter, table or breakfast bar, you’ll need to measure the width of each individual stool and allow for 15cm between each of them. From there, you can decide how much of this maximum allowance you need; in many instances, 4 is more than enough for the average family.

What’s the Ideal Height?

This will depend on the height of the surface. For counters, which typically stand at 90cm tall, you’ll want stools at around 70cm. For the average elevated breakfast bar at 105cm, the seats should be around 82cm tall.   

How Much Space Do I Need?

No matter the seating arrangement, you’ll need at least 15cm between adjacent stools and also 60cm of clearance behind them so people can dismount them without bumping into anything.

Good Luck Choosing!

Hey presto – everything you need to know about breakfast bar stool styles and the varieties available. We hope to have given you a leg up on your kitchen furnishing plans. By carefully weighing up all of the considerations we provided, finding the perfect fit will be a piece of cake!



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Women's Fashion

Visit to St.Tropez Market October 2024

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


A visit to St.Tropez Market October 2024. Whilst we are staying in Grimaud I always make sure that I visit the local Brocantes and also the markets in St.Tropez which are held every Tuesday and Saturday. I normally catch the local bus from Grimaud to St.Tropez which leaves at 8.55 in the morning. It is worth getting up a bit earlier as then you can get to the market before it gets too crowded. Although at this time of year, it is easier to walk down the narrow aisles between the stalls than it is during the summer season when it is so crowded that it can take ages to get from one side of the market to the other.

Beige coat and hat in St.Tropez market

I rather like the way that they have styled this beige coat with a jaunty hat and scarf. Worn over a red maxi dress very décontracté and St.Tropez. I just love the fedora hats they sell in the market and have several in various colours in my wardrobe.

Handbags in St.Tropez market

There always seems to be a good selection of vibrantly colored bags in the market.

Leopard print

If you are looking for some leopard print to spice up your wardrobe you can be guaranteed to find a good range in the market. The St. Tropezienne women love their leopard print.

Visit to St.Tropez Market October 2024

White cotton shirt

I can rarely resist a white shirt and the one above was a very good example. You could wear it during the day with jeans or dress it up with some jewelry for the evening.

Croissants in St.Tropez market

What would the French do without their croissants for breakfast?

St. Tropez flower stall

The flower stall in the market always looks stunning!

Spices in St.Tropez market

Whatever recipe you are making you are bound to find a suitable spice to enhance the flavours.

Coloured dresses in the market

I noticed quite a lot of vibrant colours in the market this season.

If you are interested in more posts on my adventures in St.Tropez market you can check them out here.



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Women's Fashion

Dreamy Dresses That Made Me Feel Like a Goddess (You’ll Want Them All!)

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


There’s something undeniably magical about slipping into a dreamy dress. Whether you’re heading to brunch, a garden party, a summer wedding, or simply want to feel beautiful just because—you deserve a dress that makes you look and feel your absolute best.

Dresses are more than just garments—they’re statements of self-expression, confidence, and ease. Today, I’m rounding up some of my favorite dreamy dresses that work for every occasion, mood, and lifestyle. From playful florals to effortlessly chic neutrals, you’ll find a piece here that suits you perfectly.


Fun & Floral Dresses

Floral dresses are a vacation staple—and when it comes to dreamy, destination-ready fashion, resort-style florals lead the pack. These dresses are made for sun-drenched days, ocean breezes, and al fresco dinners under the stars. Lightweight fabrics, bold prints, and breezy silhouettes make them the perfect travel companions.

This Farm Rio tropical maxi dress is a true showstopper—vibrant, flowy, and full of joyful energy. I wore this exact one in the Seychelles, and it was perfect for the tropical weather. The fabric breathes beautifully, the bold botanical print pops against lush landscapes, and the slimming silhouette flatters every figure. Whether you’re exploring beachside markets or sipping cocktails at sunset, this dress makes you feel instantly elevated and effortlessly chic.

💬 Style Tip: Pair floral dresses with neutral accessories to let the print shine—you can’t go wrong with a simple slide sandal, gold jewelry, or elegant crossbody.


summer capsule wardrobe 2025

Neutral & Chic Dresses

Neutral dresses are the easiest way to achieve that coveted quiet luxury look. They’re sophisticated, timeless, and incredibly versatile—perfect for every style moment from work to weekend, brunch to boardroom. And the best part? These understated pieces can be styled a hundred different ways, making them investment-worthy wardrobe heroes.

Whether you’re layering for transitional weather or accessorizing for a night out, a neutral dress adapts beautifully. Just switch up your shoes, jackets, and accessories to take these timeless staples through every season.

Black is often an under-utilized summer neutral. The Rails Franca black dress that I’m wearing above left is a best-seller for a reason—it’s also the only LBD you need this summer. The fitted top creates shape while the flowy skirt adds drama and movement. Wear it with elevated sneakers and a cropped jacket for daytime errands or dress it up with mesh heels and bold gold jewelry for an evening dinner. It transitions seamlessly from spring to fall with the simple addition of a leather jacket or structured blazer. (I’ve worn it for both winter and spring!)


For more style tips, wardrobe essentials, and more, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter right here!

beige and white full skirt dress by Cinq a sept with straw hat and sam edelman bay sandals

While this Cinq à Sept dress is a bit of a splurge—it’s so worth it. It drapes and fits impeccably! This stunning dress is perfect for elevated occasions—think resort-style getaways, graduations, parties or even a stylish dinner date. The thick cotton and neutral tone make it breathable for summer and incredibly versatile.

💬 Style Tip: Choose flattering, neutral dresses for maximum versatility and try styling it in fresh ways to reinvent the piece. Belt it, try a bold gold necklace, wear a hat, pair it with sandals in summer—the possibilities are endless.

Which dreamy dress style are you loving right now—floral and flirty or neutral and chic? At the moment I think I’m more on team neutral.




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Women's Fashion

How to Earn 10%+ Rebates with Cash Back & Online Shopping Rewards

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Thank you to FreeShipping.com for sponsoring this post. FreeShipping.com is a rewards program where members earn 10% cash back at over 1,000 retailers every day. 

Get paid to shop. Earn money on purchases you were going to make anyway. These are the promises of cash back and online shopping rewards programs. Do they deliver? Yes. Are the payouts enough to warrant changing your shopping habits? Yes, if you work the system right. 

Cash back and online shopping rewards programs pay you cash, gift cards, shopping credits, or free product in return for purchases you make. Based on personal experience, the value of these rewards is commonly 1% or 2% of your purchase totals. But you can earn far more with the right programs and strategies. 

Source: Canva.

1% cash back  may not be motivating, especially if you must shop differently to get it. But how about a 10% or 12% payback on your purchases? That’s a more compelling number. So let’s explore how cash back programs work, which types pay the best, and strategies to maximize rewards and earn 10% or more every time you shop online. 

Understanding cash back programs 

Cash back programs reward you for buying things. Often, the reward is calculated as a percentage of your shopping total. When you complete a qualifying purchase, your rewards account is credited according to the program’s terms. 

Some programs use reward points which can be redeemed for cash, store credit, account credit, gift cards, or merchandise. Other programs reward you directly in cash, which can be sent to you as a check, PayPal payment, or bank transfer. 

Types of cash back programs 

The type of cash back program often dictates what purchases qualify for rewards, how much you can earn, and how fast you can redeem your rewards. Five primary types are online shopping portals, data apps, credit card programs, store loyalty programs, and hybrid programs. 

Pro-tip: Understanding the types of rewards programs helps you identify opportunities to earn multiple rewards on the same purchase. 

Additionally, online shopping rewards can be paid memberships or free to join. Paid memberships typically have richer benefits than free programs. Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and FreeShipping.com are popular paid programs.

The table below summarizes how different types of cash back programs work. A more detailed discussion of each follows. 

Program Type  How to Earn   Typical Earnings 
Online shopping portal  Make purchases with partner retailers through the portal to earn a percentage-based cash back.  1% to 15% cash back on purchases made through portal. Paid memberships offer higher, more consistent rewards. 
Data apps  Share purchase data to earn small rewards.  Up to $0.01 to $0.025 per purchase. 
Cash back credit cards  Use the credit card to earn rebates of 1% to 5%. Some cards offer a flat percentage on all purchases, while others have higher percentages for certain types of purchases, such as hotel stays.  1% to 5% of purchases made with the card 
Store loyalty programs  Shop in a specific store to earn rebates on your purchases.   Varies. Some programs offer perks like free shipping and gifts. Others have a point system with earnings usually amounting to 1% to 2% of purchases.
Hybrid  Hybrid programs may require you to shop a specific retailer while using a specific credit card.  1% to 5% of purchase value, often along with other perks. 

Online shopping portals 

Online shopping portals reward you for making purchases with their network retailers. To earn rewards, you must access the portal’s application before completing the transaction. This usually involves visiting the portal’s website and clicking through to the retailer or using a browser extension to link your transaction to your account with the portal. 

FreeShipping.com is an online shopping portal featuring 10% cash back and rebates at more than 1,000 retailers, including budget shopping favorites Asos, Chico’s Off the Rack, and J. Crew Factory.

What to consider when evaluating free and paid online shopping portals: 

  1. Speed and timing of rewards payouts. Paid memberships will offer faster purchase approvals and quicker payouts. FreeShipping.com pays rewards monthly via check or PayPal. Free programs can wait 45 days or more before approving rewards. Some sent payouts automatically each quarter. Others make no automatic payments, but instead require you to redeem rewards.  
  2. Reward type. You can earn cash payments or points redeemable for gift cards. Cash is the more versatile option. 
  3. Quantity and quality of retailers. You can maximize your earnings with a portal that partners with your favorite stores.
  4.  Process for reporting missed transactions. Sometimes transactions made through the portal don’t appear in your account or are declined for rewards. This is problematic if you made a purchase decision because you expected a big reward. Before joining an online portal, verify there is a process for reporting missed purchases. 
  5. Consistency and value of rewards. FreeShipping.com pays a minimum 10% cash back on all qualified purchases – sometimes up to 20% cash back during seasonal shopping holidays! Free providers typically have fluctuating rewards of 1% or more.

Data apps 

Data apps reward you for sharing your purchase data. They collect the data by connecting to your bank accounts or accepting receipt uploads. Some offer other earning opportunities, such as shopping portals and rewards-based games. 

What to consider when evaluating data apps: 

  1. Ease of use. Look for apps that make earning easy. Your time is too valuable to spend three hours playing a game or watching ads to earn $0.01.
  2. Minimum payout and redemption fees. Payouts should be low — say, $10. And you should not pay redemption fees. 
  3. Data privacy. Data apps collect a lot of information from you. They might encourage you to link your bank accounts and your shopping accounts. Some offer to maximize your earnings by tracking your location. Consider how much information you want to share and if the earnings are worth it. 
  4. Use of advertising. Data apps have a heavy advertising component, which can be mind-numbing. For example, you may need to watch an ad to upload a receipt or request a payout. 

Credit card cash back 

Cash back credit cards rebate a percentage of your purchases. Some cards offer a flat percentage, such as 1% or 2%, on every purchase. Others have a tiered structure. For example, you might earn 1% on grocery purchases, but 3% on gas. 

What to consider when evaluating cash back credit cards: 

  1. Annual fees. Opt for cards with no annual fee. 
  2. Cash back percentage and structure. Flat-rate reward structures tend to produce the highest earnings, especially when the rate is 2% or 2.5%. 
  3. Ease and speed of redemption. Ideally, the card will allow you to apply your earnings as statement credits. Some also allow you to deposit your earnings as cash in a linked bank account. If the card offers other redemption methods, check the conversion rate before you proceed. As an example, Citi will prompt you to use your rewards for purchases at Walgreens and certain gas stations. However, the value assigned to the points in this application is less than if you redeemed for a statement credit.  

Store loyalty programs 

Store loyalty programs offer rewards based on your shopping activity with that store. Some programs offer flat-rate rewards, while others give you perks without disclosing an earnings formula. 

  • The loyalty program for athleisure brand Athleta earns 1%. You get 1 point for every $1 you spend, and each point is worth $0.01. The rewards are shopping credits, redeemable at Athleta and sister stores Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. 
  • The rewards program for bakery chain Panera offers occasional free bagels or beverage discounts, without telling you exactly how you earn them. Once you meet some unknown threshold, the rewards appear in your account. 

What to consider when evaluating store loyalty programs: 

  1. How often you shop at that store. You cannot accumulate measurable rewards at stores you only shop occasionally.  
  2. Earnings structure. Clear earnings formulas help you make better purchase and budgeting decisions. On the other hand, the Panera model can be more fun because each reward is a new surprise. 
  3. Rewards expiration. Rewards should be active for an extended period, so you have time to use them. 

Hybrid 

Hybrid shopping rewards programs have broader rewards and redemption opportunities. They are usually paid memberships or require you to use a specific credit card. Examples include Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Macy’s Star Rewards Silver, Gold, or Platinum. 

What to consider when evaluating hybrid rewards programs: 

  1. Cost vs. value. Amazon Prime gives you free shipping and streaming content — but these are only valuable to the extent you use them. If the program has a membership fee, evaluate the fee next to the value you expect to receive. 
  2. Ease of redemption. Cash, statement credits, and gift card rewards are the easiest to redeem. Avoid programs that require you to buy something to redeem rewards.

How to maximize your online shopping rewards 

Three strategies can maximize your online shopping rewards: consolidate purchases, stack rewards, and optimize your payouts. 

Consolidate purchases 

Prioritize your rewards memberships as you shop. For example, if you are a FreeShipping.com member, use that membership for every online purchase you can. 

Stack rewards 

You can earn rewards from your online shopping portal, credit card, and store loyalty program at the same time. For example, you can shop Athleta via FreeShipping.com and pay for the purchase with your Citi Double Cash Card. Here are the numbers on a $500 purchase: 

  1. You may earn $50 from FreeShipping.com or 10%. 
  2. You earn 500 points, worth $5, from Athleta. 
  3. You earn $10 cash back from your Citi card or 2%. 

Your cash rewards from FreeShipping.com and Citi total $60 or 12%. The $5 Athleta credit is only valuable if you use it on something you would have bought anyway. Include that and your total earnings are $65 or 13% of the original $500 purchase. One risk to note is that stacking certain coupons or multiple cash back programs may cause one or more of your rewards not to track. 

Optimize payouts 

The way you collect cash back rewards can affect how much value you get. Some strategies to maximize your reward value include: 

  1. If you have a choice, opt for cash rewards or credit card statement credits. You can use cash and statement credits to reduce the cost of your purchases. 
  2. Redeem for gift cards cautiously. Some retailers don’t allow you to combine a gift card payment and a credit card payment for the same purchase. That means you can only use a gift card when its balance covers your entire purchase. Worse, you often up with a small, random balance on the card that never gets used.  
  3. Don’t redeem to buy. Rewards that require you to make another purchase are less valuable. Old Navy Super Cash is an example. 

Save 10% on online purchases 

Routinely saving 10% or more on your online purchases is one way to manage inflation and a slowing economy. To do it, join the right programs, consolidate your purchases, stack your rewards, and choose cash redemptions whenever possible. 

As a last step, track your rewards across programs. It’s surprising and motivating to see how much you can earn over time. 

About FreeShipping.com 

FreeShipping.com is a paid membership program that pays consistent 10% cash back on purchases made through the FreeShipping.com network of 1,000-plus merchants. During special seasonal promotions, members can even earn as much as 20% cash back on their purchases.  FreeShipping.com members also have built-in price protection on their network purchases and earn cash rebates on their costs for shipping, return shipping, and food delivery.



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Women's Fashion

How We’re Cracking Down on Fraud to Protect the Bonanza Community

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


At Bonanza, our mission has always been to create a safe, trusted, and profitable space for buyers and sellers alike. With over 20 million items listed and millions of visitors each month, maintaining the integrity of our marketplace is more important than ever. That’s why we’re taking serious steps to eliminate fraudulent sellers and suspicious buyers who disrupt the experience for everyone else.

Why We’re Cracking Down

 

Fraud hurts everyone.

  • Sellers suffer from chargebacks, lost inventory, and wasted time.

  • Buyers risk losing money, receiving counterfeit goods, or experiencing poor service.

  • The community as a whole sees trust decline, damaging the reputation we’ve all worked hard to build.

We’re not standing for it.


What We’re Doing About It

Here are the concrete steps we’ve implemented (and are continuing to improve) to protect our trusted sellers and genuine buyers:

1. Real-Time Fraud Detection Tools

We’ve upgraded our backend systems with AI-driven fraud detection. These tools analyze behavioral patterns, payment anomalies, and account histories to flag suspicious activity before it impacts other users.

2. Stronger Seller Verification

All new sellers must now pass a multi-step verification process, including ID verification, payment account validation, and proof of inventory or fulfillment capability. Our goal is to ensure every seller on Bonanza is legitimate and ready to serve buyers with excellence.

3. Buyer Risk Profiling

We’re actively flagging buyers who exhibit risky behaviors, such as excessive return requests, chargeback abuse, or using fake identities. Repeat offenders are removed and banned from the platform.

4. 24/7 Fraud Response Team

Our trust and safety team is now available around the clock to respond to reports, investigate claims, and take swift action. We also proactively monitor account activity to shut down fraud before it spreads.

5. Community Reporting Tools

We’ve made it easier than ever for buyers and sellers to report suspicious listings or behavior. When you help us spot bad actors, we act fast.

 

What This Means for You

These steps aren’t just about stopping fraud—they’re about empowering our honest, hardworking community to thrive.

  • For Sellers: You’ll spend less time dealing with scams and more time fulfilling orders and growing your business.

  • For Buyers: You’ll feel more confident knowing the seller you’re purchasing from is vetted, trustworthy, and committed to your satisfaction.

  • For Everyone: A more secure, trustworthy marketplace boosts traffic, conversions, and long-term value for our entire ecosystem.

 

Your Voice Matters

We want to hear from you. If you ever notice suspicious behavior or have ideas on how we can improve trust and safety on the platform, please contact our support team or use the “Report” feature on any product or profile.

Together, we’re building something better.

Thank you for being part of our community—where integrity, transparency, and growth go hand in hand.

 



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Women's Fashion

striking summer stripes

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


May 30, 2025

blair eadie stripes, striped dress, summer stripes

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post

Dress: Staud // Bag: Savette // Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell // Lipstick: MAC Morange

Hello from the Big Easy! The streets of New Orleans are bursting with color and made the perfect backdrop for this stunning stripe dress. Stripes are always at the top of my list – particularly so as we enter the summer season! Sharing many more of my favorite striped stunners below…



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Women's Fashion

Review – Short Story Petite Clothing Subscription Box

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



*This post was created in partnership with Short Story.

There’s a new petite clothing subscription box in town, specially curated for petite women! If you’re petite and have ever tried a clothing subscription service, you may have run into the problem of a real lack of options in your size. A few years ago, I worked briefly as a stylist for one of the major subscription box companies where I saw firsthand how they lacked actual petite sizes for their clients, despite advertising them heavily. It was very frustrating as a stylist to see so many dissatisfied clients who specially asked for petite clothing and ended up receiving only one, or absolutely none, just due to a complete lack of inventory.

So when the petite subscription box, Short Story, reached out, I was excited to see someone stepping up to serve this market! Below is my experience using the service, and if you’re interested in trying them out yourself, this referral link will waive your first $25 styling fee.

Not sure if this service is for you? You may find this petite clothing visual helpful.

The Process

How Short Story Box Works:

  • Sizes they carry: 00P – 18P
  • Styling Fee: $25, which is credited toward any items you decide to keep
  • Returns: 5 days to try on and decide. Prepaid return envelope included
  • US only at this time

After signing up, you will be directed to take a Style Quiz which is where your budget, sizing, fit, and style preferences will be noted. Along with questions about your height and the usual sizes you wear, you can also further dial in on your personal style by noting typical fit issues, general style and color preferences, and even pieces you’d rather not receive. There’s also a note section where you can leave more detailed information. A petite stylist will use these answers to pick items specifically for you.

I admit I am a picky customer, so I was very curious about what my stylist would choose for me. I asked for clothes only (no shoes or accessories), and kept my color preferences very neutral.

Box Arrival

The items arrived in a branded soft pink medium-sized box. Take note of this in case your living situation requires less enticing packaging (you may need to redirect packages to a work, paid mailbox, or friend/family address). Inside, the clothing items were nicely folded, stacked, and wrapped in tissue. An insert includes a note from your stylist, a list of the box contents, and an itemized price list. A large pre-paid envelope is included for any returns.

The Pieces

Try-On Review

First, A Little About Me:

I am 4’11” tall, short-waisted (longer legs, short torso), narrow on top, and curvier on the bottom. I usually wear an xxs/00 on top, and am somewhere between a size 24/25/0 on bottom. Being so short and also having a short torso means petite sizes will ALWAYS fit better on me. I really need those shorter proportions when it comes to necklines, lengths, rises, armholes, sleeves, hems, etc. I often get away with regular clothing sizes through styling tricks or embracing oversized fits, but when it comes down to it, if I can find an item I love in a petite size, it’s what I’ll reach for and will ultimately look better on me.

Ok, let’s see what my petite stylist picked for me:

Items:

  • 24/7 Knot Front Tee – petite size XS
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

These first two items are both in petite sizes and definitely in my style wheelhouse. A high-rise grey wash distressed skinny is always welcome in my wardrobe, and a knotted drop shoulder stripe tee is fun mix of classic with an edge. Note the perfect petite proportions: the cropped tee ends right at the waist, the high-rise is proportioned to my frame, and look at that perfect ankle length on this petite jean.

Items:

  • Blake Fitted Cardigan – petite size XSP (fits like XXSP)
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Same petite jean, but now let’s look at this cardigan. Also in a petite size, this fitted cardigan follows my figure and hits at the perfect spot on my wrist. After so many years of wearing loose and oversized top layers, it’s nice to have something a little more fitted and short to pair with this season’s wide and baggy bottoms. In fact, I already wore this cardigan on a trip to Vegas where it paired much better with a pair of wide-leg pants than the oversized fits currently in my closet.

Items:

  • Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
  • Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Ok, this bodysuit is something I was really interested in trying. In my “about me” above, I noted that not only am I pretty short, but I also have a short torso. This means that even petite proportions on tops can end up a little long on me, making things like one-piece bathing suits or bodysuits very difficult to find. Not only does this petite bodysuit fit, but it’s also a nice thick fabric that makes going braless a possibility. Very excited about this gem! I won’t show you the full bodysuit because I’m not about to put photos like that of me on the internet, but as you can see it’s a nice smooth fit (it would bunch if the bodysuit were too long for me).

Items:

  • Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
  • Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Pants are always a tough thing for me to find so I wanted to have my stylist include a pair for me to try. This petite pair has a nice bit of stretch and good rise. I prefer my ankle lengths a tad shorter than this, so I’d end up getting these hemmed if I were to keep.

Items:

  • Texture & Thread Front Knot Jacquard Top – non-petite size XXS
  • Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Here we have the single item sent to me not in a petite size. As soon as I tried on this top, I could immediately feel the difference in fit. The sleeve and length could both stand to be a tad shorter, but let’s be real…I wear way more oversized proportions than this on the regular so I definitely recognize the petite-friendly fit of this item.

Final Thoughts

My main curiosity when it came to the Short Story subscription box was just how many actual petite clothing items they’d be able to send me. Turned out, 5 of the 6 pieces sent to me were indeed an actual petite size, evident by the good fit and proportions. The one item that was not a petite size ultimately felt a little “off” especially after trying on so many properly proportioned items just before it, but still qualifies as quite petite-friendly in my book.

From my personal experience, Short Story gave a much better hit rate of actual petite-sized items than what I saw from similar services and is worth a try if you are a true petite and enjoy the idea of subscription box personal styling. You can give Short Story a try with the first styling fee waived through this link.



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