Sweet Harry Potter Ring

I wanted to share my score from a nerdy craft show today - a Harry Potter ring! It was so unique, that I just had to have it (my friend picked one up too). It features Harry's glasses (complete with lightening bolt) and the Deathly Hallows. Want one of these yourself? I was able to find a very similar on on Etsy.

Why yes, we are holding wands!

I gave into the dark side...I mean, my nerdy side, today!

I made the best, most awesome purchase today and just had to share! I was looking for a simple pair of sneakers, maybe a pair of Toms or Converse, but I came across these bad boys and had to have them:

Star Wars Sneakers by Vans

I may be almost 30, but I couldn't help but get these. And they were on sale for $24.99 to top it off! I got them at Nordstrom Rack, but these Star Wars Vans can also be purchased (along with a few other Star Wars styles) at vans.com

Current Obsession: Colored Jeans

I am lucky enough to wear jeans at work, so I have an extensive collection. I have lately become obsessed with adding colored or patterned denim to my collection (my current collection is pictured to the below):

A few great colors for spring 2015 are:


Pale Pink

From left to right:
Target - $27.99
Rag & Bone - $190
Gap - $69.95

I am in love with the feminine blush pink color seen in stores right now! Pair with a pair of sandals and a chambray shirt and you have a casual yet chic spring look. They also look great paired with patterned tops or neutrals.

Mint

From left to right:
Mod Cloth - $52.99
7 For All Mankind - $178
Tinsel -$49

I have actually wanted a pair of mint green jeans for years! It is such a beautiful color and absolutely perfect for this time of year. Textured or printed tops look fab with this color. Peasant tops in lace or eyelet are my go to choice for these jeans.

Floral prints

From left to right:
7 For All Mankind - $198
Ann Taylor - $98
Express - $128

Florals seems to be everywhere this year – even on denim! Since this is a busy print, you’ll want to keep it simple with a solid colored top.

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.