Fab Finds: Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom rack is Nordstrom's discount store and is a great place to find amazing deals. Most of the items that are carried in the store are either sale items (from the regular Nordstrom store) or are past season. They even carry big name brands such as Kate Spade and Michael Kors. I went in yesterday and found a couple steals that I wanted to share:

1. Stila High Shine Liquid Vinyl Eye Liner:

This eyeliner retails for $22 at other stores, but I only paid $7.97. I bought it in chrome, and they also had it in royal blue and violet femme. There was a ton of other Stila products with equally big savings as well! I also saw heavily discounted cosmetics from other big name brands like Nars, Urban Decay, and Lorac. There is a large selection of NYX, however, it isn't really discounted much (maybe $1-$2 cheaper than the drug store). 

2. Elodie tank 

This tank top was originally $34.99, marked down to $5.24. There was also a huge selection of other tank tops on sale for about $9.99 or less since they are making room for fall/winter items, so now is the time to stock up! 

Overall, Nordstrom rack is a fun place to pick through. I usually go straight for the sale racks to find the best prices, but even the normal prices there are pretty decent. I suggest going when you actually have time to sort through racks upon racks of clothing. Aside from cosmetics and women's clothing, they carry shoes, accessories, men and children's clothes.

Fab Finds: Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale (2013)

It's one of the most wonderful times of the year - the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale! As most Lilly lovers know, it is rare to find items on sale. There are only two times per year where you can actually purchase it on sale at either http://www.lillypulitzer.com or at one of their Signature Stores, which is during the Endless Summer Sale (usually taking place in mid August) and the WinterSale (usually taking place in the first week of January). Lilly can be pretty pricey, but if you shop during the sale, you can find some amazing deals! Here are the items I picked up during the 2013 sale:

1. Clifton short in Shorely Blue:

These adorable shorts were originally $108, which is a steep price tag for a pair of jean shorts in my opinion. The sale price? $34.00, so I went for it! I really like these because they are a great length - not too short and not too long. I also wasn't a huge fan of all the use of fluorescent colors this past year by Lilly, but these were cute and weren't really very fluorescent in person, which was perfect for me.


2. Murfee Scarf in Shorley Blue Gimme Some Leg

I love flamingos and could not pass up a signature Murfee scarf. I have always wanted one, but could never justify spending $118 on a scarf. When I saw this one on sale for $39.00 during the sale, I couldn't refuse!


3. Sunglass case in Cosmo Pink Mini Party Favors

I have been looking for a soft sunglass case to free up space in my purse and this one was perfect! I think this was originally offered as a "gift with purchase" during the summer, but you had to spend $200 or $300 minimum in order to qualify for it. This is another reason why I like the sale because they offer up some items that you cannot typically purchase. It was on sale for $9.00


4. Breezie Tank in Starfruit Yellow

I love yellow but do not have a lot of it in my wardrobe, so I ordered this one, especially since it was marked down to $14.00 from $48.00. The only complaint I have on this on is the length - it is super long! No worries though, I just tucked it in for a different look and paired it with a necklace I got during last years sale:

I also wanted to include some tips on how to successfully navigate the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale for future reference:

- Be prepared to wait: The site always crashes and is super slow for the first few hours because there are so many people trying to get on and make purchases. If there are particular items that you have been holding out for, I suggest you put aside some time in order to shop

- Set up an account beforehand: Setting up an account with your credit/debit card and shipping information saves valuable time since most items/sizes sell out rather fast and speed is key

- Know your sizes: All sales are final, so make sure you know your sizes. I have even gone into a Lilly store before the sale to try on items and make sure I know my sizes and what items I want

- Just because it is in your basket, doesn't mean you have secured it: An item in your basket is not yours until you actually check out and it can disappear if someone else has snatched it up! The great thing is that every order has free shipping so you can place as many orders as you need in order to ensure you get the items you want

- Check back often: I have noticed that they usually add new items throughout the three days of the sale, so make sure to go on each day to check out what is new!

Fab Finds: Dillard's Outlet

So I took a bit of a break because I just moved to Los Angeles! I'm settled in now and ready to write some new material. Anyways, I am always asked by friends about the great deals I get on the clothing and accessories that I wear, so I have decided to do a new segment entitled "Fab Finds" where I share great deals that I have gotten and where to look for them. First up, my finds at the Dillard's outlet. From what I understand, there are not a lot of Dillard's outlet locations (I visited the one in Boynton Beach, FL), but if you do happen to come across one, I highly suggest checking it out. They also change their sales weekly and can be anything from "take an additional 40% off" to "Buy one dress, get two free" (yes you read that right, I had gone during this sale and purchased 2 dresses and got a total of 6). Here are the steals I found this past week:

1. Leopard print cardigan by Alex Marie:

This cardigan was originally $69.00, marked down to $14.99 at the outlet, with an additional 40% off that. Final price: $8.99


2. Suede strappy shoes by Antonio Melani:

These all real leather/suede shoes were originally $89.99, marked down to $31.49, with an additional 40% off. Final price: $18.89


3. Suede booties by Gianni Bini:

These adorable brown booties are perfect for fall! They originally retailed for $79.99, marked down to $31.49, with an additional 40% off. Final price: $18.89

While the sales and prices are tempting, there are a couple other things to consider when shopping at the Dillard's outlet. Be aware that all sales are final, so make sure you love it prior to purchase - don't just buy it because it is cheap! Also, make sure there are no flaws or holes. Other than that, I highly suggest checking it out!

Best Eye Makeup Remover For Sensitive Eyes

I have been on the hunt for a good eye makeup remover for a while. Eye makeup is typically what I wear most often but I have very sensitive eyes. Although the makeup does not irritate my eyes, the majority of eye makeup removers I have tried end up burning! I finally came across one that works for me, so I wanted to share for all of those looking for an eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes. I also included a few others that I have tried.

Eye Makeup Remover Pads by Simple Review:

More info here: Simple Skin Care Site

I am a big fan of the Simple face wipes and decided to give these a try when I saw them at my local Target the other day. These pads are gentle and take off even the most stubborn eye makeup. They aren't greasy and don't leave residue. Best of all, they don't irritate my eyes at all! You can find Simple products at almost any drug store or Target.

Abolene Moisturizing Cleanser Review:

This one is a close second, Abolene moisturizing cleanser for makeup removal. This is non irritating, but my only  complaint is that it is a little on the greasy side. If that doesn't bother you, then this is a good one as well. It can be found at CVS or Walgreens

Here are some others I have tried but have not had as great results with:

1. Almay Hypo-allergenic Eye Makeup Remover Pads Review:

I had such high hopes for these since Almay usually produces non-irritating, hypo-allergenic products,  and it is an "Allure Beauty Editors Pick". Unfortunately, they are super greasy and tend to just smudge the makeup around. It takes a couple different pads to remove all of your eye makeup. These would leave my eye irritated most of the time as well. This product can be found in almost any drug store, Target, or Walmart. 

2. Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover from The Body Shop Review:

Available here: The Body Shop

This was anything but gentle! The consistency was not greasy though and did make it easy to remove makeup. If it weren't for the irritation, I would have recommended this one.

3. Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Remover Review:

Available here: Clinique.com

Usually I really like Clinique eye products (especially their eye cream) because it does not irritate my eyes. Naturally you would assume that this would be sting free, however it sadly was not. On a positive note, it did do a good job of removing the makeup without feeling greasy.

4. Studio 35 Cleansing & Makeup Removing Towelettes Review:

Available Here: Walgreens

This is the Walgreens brand version which is supposedly comparable to Pond's Original All Day Cleansing Towelettes. I haven't tried the Pond's ones, but these just make my eyes burn. It's unfortunate because towelette form is my favorite because it is super convenient. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Review

Eyeliner is the one type of make up I typically wear daily (I don't wear foundation, so this is my go to). I usually go for classic black, but I wanted to find another color that would be neutral enough to wear everyday and would compliment my eyes. I have recently fallen in love Urban Decay because their products are highly pigmented and typically what you see in the tub or pallet, is the color you will get when it's on. So naturally, I checked out what type of eyeliner Urban Decay had to offer. I like liquid eyeliner because it has staying power, gives you a cleaner line, and I personally find it easier to apply. I came across their 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and have to say it was very hard to choose just one color because they were all so gorgeous! I settled on Smog, which the website describes it as "deep brown w/golden shimmer and iridescent sparkle",  but I think it has more of a green tint when on. Now I don't typically like sparkle in my eyeliner, but it is subtle and actually makes the color stand out even more.


Here are all the colors that are available:

Available at Urbandecay.com

This eyeliner also had an interesting applicator, which was very thin. I was worried about it at first since it was so thin, but it really helped with precision and gives a great line. Here is a picture of it: 

Via Urbandecay.com

Here is the swatch of the 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Smog:

The only drawback I found for this product was that it is hard to remove. I use either Vitamin E oil or gentle eye makeup remover on a Q-Tip to remove it gentle. Other than that, it is a great product and the color is great because it gives a pop of color while being somewhat neutral at the same time. 

My Second Stitch Fix Review!

I was super excited about getting another Stitch Fix, especially since the first time was fun and I got a couple nice pieces. Well, this time didn't go so well.

If you would like to see my first review, Click Here

Anyways, on with this review:

Item 1 - Monique Double Breasted Trench Coat (Price $78):  

 

The first 2 pictures are the coat that Stitch Fix sent, and the last is the trench coat that I already have. As you can see, it's a similar style, so they did well matching it to my style, but the one I already have is Burberry and I don't really need two similar styles. Also, the fabric felt a little cheap on the Stitch Fix coat. Back in the box it goes. 

Item 2 - Ukita Striped Jersey Cowl Neck Tank (Price $38):

                                  

Stripes don't really work for me because I have a larger bust. I did add a note to my Stitch Fix profile telling them that I had a larger bust, but alas, they missed the mark by sending stripes. On a positive note, it looks great on the hanger and the colors were nice, but it just not  for me.

Item 3 - Multi Chain Layered Short Necklace (Price $38):

I thought this was cute, but not worth the $38 price tag. Back it goes!

Item 4 - Tommie Colorblock Peplum Tank Top (Price $58):

      

Where do I even begin with this one? When I took this out of the box, I was tempted to put it back in without even trying it on, but for the sake of this post, I forged on. Well it was just as bad on as it was on the hanger. It also made me look big in my midsection with the weird sash-like cream piece. And $58.00? No thanks.

Item 5 - Milo Printed Pleated Detail Skirt (Price $58):

  

The style of this skirt is great. It's flowy and comfortable. I'm a little hesitant on the color/print since I usually don't go for deep red-orange, but for some reason I like it. Here is my only complaint - they sent me the wrong size! My invoice and the Stitch Fix tag states size small, but the skirt tag states size medium. Because of the size difference, it sits too low on my hips. Here is what it should look like:

With the correct size, it cinches in my waist, which is something I need since I have a bigger bust (if it were to sit low on the hips, it makes me appear wider than I am and is unflattering).


Even though it didn't really work out for the best this time, I will most likely order again. However, I was thinking about doing it monthly, but after this batch, it will probably be every once and a while.


Want to try it for yourself? Here is the link to the site (this is my personal referral link, so if you use it, I get a credit, which is fabulous!): http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3110660

Stitch Fix Follow-up...

This is just a quick follow-up to my previous Stitch Fix review:

So I ended up keeping the pink statement necklace as well from my Stitch Fix! Before purchasing the jeans and the necklace, I made sure to do my research to see if it was a fair price to pay for the items. I actually couldn't find either piece at any other stores, so I was comfortable paying the asking price. Stitch fix mentions this on their site in regards to the designers they pick from:

"Stitch Fix works with over 200 brands, from up-and-coming labels to more established designers. "

This is most likely why it was hard to come across the items I purchased. However, I did come across one of the other items from my fix: the Jayda dot chambray top. The Stitch Fix price was $58, and here is the same exact shirt sold at Ruche for $42.99:

Link here: http://shopruche.com/polka-dot-splash-chambray-top-in-blue.html

 Now I can only assume that the mark up Stitch Fix has is because it of the personal styling service (even though there is a $20 initial charge for this). Although not nearly as fun as a box of handpicked goodies showing up on your doorstep, it is something to keep in mind for the savvy shopper (especially if there was a piece you loved but it was out of your price range!).

Happy shopping! 

My first Stitch Fix review!

I received my first Stitch Fix today and I am excited to share my experience! For those of you not familiar with Stitch Fix, here are the details from the site:

The style profile is pretty detailed and includes everything from your sizes, what colors to avoid, your price range, print preferences, etc. Now for the pricing details:

I read a ton of reviews and also talked about it with a coworker before giving it a try. The site is still in beta, so you have to sign up and there is a slight waiting period (I would say it was about a week from signing up until I got an email saying I was in). You have to schedule a delivery date (mine came right on schedule). I tore into the box as soon as I got home:

Also, a nifty little detail is this styling card that is attached to each piece:

Anyways, on to the fun part--the clothes and accessories my "personal stylist" at Stitch Fix picked out for me:

Item 1 - Two Strand Bubble Necklace (Price $28):

Ok, this one I have mixed feelings about. It feels really cheap (the hot pink part is plastic) and it's also a color that I would not normally pick for myself (I'm not really into the whole neon trend), but I did like it as a contrast with the black and white. I'm on the fence, I have a couple more days to decide whether I want to keep it or not.



Item 2 - Carter Skinny Ankle-Length Jeans (Price $88):

These were my favorite. They fit well, were comfortable, and a great color for summer. Definitely a keeper!


Item 3 - Florence Colorblocked Dress (Price $68):

This just made me look like I was wearing a tent. I just felt frumpy in it. Back it goes!


Item 4 - Amanda Chevron Print Dress (Price $68):

This was another unflattering piece. It made me feel matronly. And the awkward placement of the under bust seam doesn't really allow cinching it in with a belt either. I didn't keep this one either.


Item 5 - Jayda Dot Cuffed Chambray Top (Price $58):

This top was ok. I'm not really into chambray tops, but this did have a very cute polka dot detailing on the cuffs and collar. However, it was a bit boxy in the shoulder area and made me look like I have broad shoulders. This one is going back as well since I didn't feel like I would wear it.


Overall, I thought it was an overall fun process and would likely do it again. From what I understand, the more you do it, the more the stylists get to know your style.

Want to try it for yourself? Here is the link to the site (this is my personal referral link, so if you use it, I get a credit, which is fabulous!): http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3110660

On A Budget? My Fav Places To Find Designer Goods For Less

I love fashion and designer brands, but I'm not always willing to pay the steep prices. I wanted to take a moment to share a couple of my favorite sites to find those bigger names for less.

1. 6pm

You can find all sorts of great deals here on designer goodies AND there is free shipping on all orders! In addition, this site is run by Zappos, which is known for great customer service (and based on my experiences, 6pm shares the same wonderful customer service). I will admit a couple times I ordered items and they sent the wrong color or size, but they apologized and took care of the situation immediately. Here are a few deals on popular brands that I found to give you an idea:

MSRP $350, Priced at $139.99

MSRP $268, Priced at $81.99

MSRP $795, Priced at $239.99

MSRP $139, Priced at $76.99

2. Rue La La

I have read some pretty terrible reviews about this site on Yelp, but if you notice, they are older reviews. Against my better judgement, I signed up and placed an order. I have since placed 3 different orders and have yet to have an issue. They regularly have sales on Lilly Pulitzer, which is one of my favorite brands and have gotten some great deals. Also, they have a pretty neat shipping idea. You pay $9.95, but do not have to pay shipping again for another 30 days. They have a yearly shipping option as well, but i have yet to try it. 

3. Nordstrom Sale Section

I know what you are thinking...good deals from a department store? Yes!! I have gotten some steals on merchandise that I couldn't find for cheaper anywhere else. And they offer free shipping AND free return shipping. They process the returns very fast as well. Here are a couple examples of deals I have gotten: 

This Michael Kors watch originally retailed for $225 (and from doing a lot of research, it is rare to find MK watches on sale)

This Kate Spade necklace originally retailed for $98