Thursday, March 29, 2012

It's the Little Things

It really is the little things that make me happy. I snagged 4 bottles of American Apparel nail lacquer for $1 each and it made my entire day. A.A. nail polish is actually very impressive when it comes to coverage and dry time and they go for $6 a pop but since these were "imperfect" I got them for just $1. The polish looked separated (the way it does after it's been sitting around for a while) but I bought them, shook them up a little bit and they will be just fine.

Friday, March 23, 2012

My Frugally Fabulous Birthday Look



Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
$49 after extra 30% off dresses promotion

Belt: Madewell
$25 on sale for 1/2 the original price

Shoes: Banana Republic
$41.97 marked down 60% off original price
See Feb. 14 post of better pic

Bracelet: Banana Republic
$20

Earrings: Nordstrom Rack
$7 for pack of 3 gold ball studs

Necklace: Gap Outlet
$12

Bag: Century 21
$47

Coat: Guess?
$60 on sale a couple years ago

The cherry on top was that I didn't have to come out of pocket for the shoes or bracelet because I had reward points from my Banana Rep Credit Card and extra discounts that covered the cost completely. I basically got them for $FREE.99!

Happy Birthday to me!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Have No Fear of the Big Bad Prices

That is my shopping philosophy. I remember going shopping for sneakers when I was younger with my mom and watching her negotiate pricing with the sales people. Now these were little shops downtown and while that may go over when it comes to sneakers.. I wouldn't dare walk into Anthropologie or J.Crew and try to talk them down. Lol! Can you imagine? One, most of the sales people are women, so batting my eyelash won't work (not that I would actually do that). And two, there are plenty of affluent customers that will help take their merchandise off their hands at full price. So what I do is I look at the new collections for inspiration and prowl the clearance racks. Then when they throw me a bone with an additional 30-40% off clearance, I pounce.  Rawrrr!

C Wonder just opened at Garden State Plaza during the holiday season and their prices aren't too bad for a chic like me to have a once in while a splurge but on any regular shopping trip, I just browse. 

Two weekends ago I saw they had an additional 40% off clearance so I wandered into to C Wonder... :) to C what I could find. Now, they were clearing out sweaters, cardigans, cords, etc. from their holiday collection so obviously some things can be worn for a little while before spring but there is no harm in putting away these snagalicious steals for next fall/winter. 


 

These Luxe Faux Fur Vests come out to $59.99 after the add'tl 40% off. That is an unbeatable buy! The only down side is that there were only Ls and XLs left but even if you wear S or M, you could probably pull this off with something like black leggings, a long sleeve black shirt or turtle neck and combat boots. If you can work with the over-sized look, I say go for it.


This jewel toned color blocked cardigan would have come out to $39.99. Part of it got cut off but it was about thigh length.


This was the most surprising and my favorite find form that day. This bag is way too cute and considering the quality, style and the snagable price of $83.99, it is definitely worth the splurge for this statement piece (especially considering how much handbags in other stores go for).


The cute two textured cross body comes out to $59.99



I also spotted skinny jeans ($29.99), corduroys in jewel tones, and jeweled sweaters and cardigans. Some sort of deal should still be going on. This is best time to get those end of season deals to keep you ahead of the game for next fall/winter so have no fear! You never know what deal you can find in those stores that usually intimidate with their Big Bad Prices.

The Dress I Let Get Away

I still think about that little black dress from time to time. I should have known, then, what I had when I saw how amazing it looked on me. It was obviously very versatile (good for the office and great for wearing out). The price was unbeatable ($22.97) but I was on a budget that it didn't fit into. I told myself no more shopping but if only I had put that dress on hold until the right time... we would be together now.

I try to tell myself there will be other black dresses but I doubt there will any quite like that one.

Lesson: When you find that great black dress that you look amazing in, don't let her get away! ;]

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Simple but Chic for Spring

Spring is on its way and here is what I am craving to add to my spring wardrobe. I don't plan to buy much this spring because I wear some things across seasons if I can and I have clothes from last year I can wear. I'm trying to save and these loans are no joke so I'm going to keep it really simple and invest in inexpensive statement accessories in bright and bold colors.. oh yeah and nail polish. Here is my recipe with simple chic pieces that can yield many outfits.

1. Denim or Chambray button down (one in indigo and another in a light washed out blue)
2. bright denim skinnies in coral, mint green (or similar), yellow and shamrock green (these are just colors I see myself in)
3. Neutral oxfords
4. Stunner shades ;)

Ensables:

- Button down with whatever color skinnies you're in the mood to wear.
- A bright skinny belt to cinch the waste.
- Oxfords and a cross-body bag. bright nail polish
- Stunner shades

Feel free to color block with accessories (belts, handbags & clutches, sunglasses & nail polish). It makes everything more fun. And this, ladies and gentlemen is how I plan to step out this spring with minimal spending. Ensables perfect for a day in SoHo and photo snapping and effortless fantabulousness.

All is Fair in Style and Retail

Okay so I prayed, had a little faith and when I went back to Banana, even though they said they weren't there, I checked for the shoes and guess what? The leopard print Mad Men pumps were there! It's a small thing but I was very happy to see them. I put them on hold and along with a few other things. I have $40 in BR Card Rewards and if things with pricing and discount works out in my favor, the rewards buck should cover most of it. I see my bday outfit coming together. I don't know where I'm going but I will look good.

Now there was a black dress that I let get away too. I've been checking for it but it looks like someone def got away with that one. Hey, you can't win 'em all! But I'm sure there'll be more little black dresses.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Buy the Shoes, Eat the Cookie

I hate when I do this but I let another amazing deal slip through my fingers. The leopard print Mad Men pumps were on sale at Banana Republic in my size but I wanted to wait until my rewards dollars arrived. I had the chance to put them hold sooner but didn't so when I called today to have them put on hold they were sold. Now I have this uneasy feeling in my stomach and it sucks. Ah well, I guess there are more fabulous shoes out there... There certainly are but not for that price.

This was a very hurtful lesson but sometimes you have to act fast on some deals. Your wallet and your wardrobe will thank you for it later.