New Year's Eve, Bargainista Style.

Happy New Years Eve! Today I headed to Nordstrom to have my face done to make up (haha!) for an overwhelmed employee who wasn't all that friendly a couple weeks back. Long story short, in my quest for the perfect brow I purchased an Anastasia eye pencil online and picked it up in store. When I went in I asked for assistance and the Anastasia associate told she was too busy to show me how to use it - and she couldn't be bothered to call someone to help. Last I checked Nordstrom was known for customer service so I reported her. The cosmetics manager, Adria Hill called me back and offered to do my makeup for New Year's Eve. I'm always up to learn a few new tricks so I happily accepted.

Adria is amazing. Check out her insane Insta feed here. She showed me how to contour, highlight and do a crazy eye. I hope to collaborate with her again in the New Year because she is so talented. In addition to make up artist, she was also my photographer for the day. Thanks Adria!

My look from head to toe:

• Lips: MAC Ruby Woo, Nordstrom, $17 (free with notes)
• Jacket: Alice + Olivia Jace, sample sale, $99 (retail $2,000!)
• Dress: American Apparel, $7.50, Nordstrom Rack
• Bracelets: A.V. Max beaded cuffs, sample sale, $10 each
• Bag: Dannijo Viper clutch, sample sale, $75 (retail $698)
• Boots: Sergio Rossi, sample sale, $25 (retail $1,100!)

I didn't want to wear full on sequins during the day so I grabbed my new Alice + Olivia leather jacket for some sparkle. I got this little black dress at the Rack 50% off dress sale yesterday - I planned on using as a slip to layer under dresses but I decided to just wear it out because it's an easy, comfortable dress. Basically, this $3,000 look cost $226.50 OOP. #Score!

I had free money at Nordstrom so I splurged on some makeup. Adria recommended getting Ruby Woo pencil and lipstick because I don't have them yet and I grabbed another Miley Cyrus Viva Glam because today was the last day to buy it. It's a limited edition and I was told them are getting pulled so if you want one order NOW. I'm sure you've seen a bajillion pictures of me wearing it and it's become my go-to lipstick.

I'm linking up some of my pieces (and similar) for you to shop :)

So Happy New Year! So excited to see what 2016 brings! May it be a year filled with successful sample sales, discounted designer shoes and many, many fashion adventures! What are you looking forward to in 2016?

XOXO
Shoppinggal

Cleared the Rack, My Latest Freebies & Designer Scores

I've had a bit of a dry spell at Nordstrom Rack but I'm back, baby! A Chloe Drew has been on my wishlist for a while so when a medium turned up in black I snapped it up. I really wanted a small and in any color but black but you really can't be picky when it comes to the Rack. You take what you get and you say thank you. Thank you for sending a $2,050 bag my way for just $509.98.

This Clear the Rack, they also surprised us with the 50% off dress sale so I've been popping in daily to see if anything new shows up. Their trucks have been light and probably will continue to be until inventory, which is next month. But you never know - so it's always worth a peek.

My favorite dress so far is this $525 Halston Heritage two-tone sequin wrap dress for $90. It's a little too open for me in the front so I found an American Apparel dress for $7 today to wear under it. I still have to try them on together...

Other odds and ends that I got for 25% off include: Kendra Scott Danielle earrings for $11.25 each (retail $55-65)...

I thought this Lanvin Me perfume was a better deal until I saw it online for about the same - paid $26.77.

They finally got some kids transfer shoes in! They didn't have anything for my girls but my son scored $100 Nike sneakers for $11.25 and $60 K-Swiss for $5.62.

Last but not least, I found these Converse marked $20 (so they would have been $15 after PA) but I had a feeling...and I was right! Penny find!!! My niece was begging for a pair for a while but I couldn't find anything in her size for less than $40. Patience is a virtue :)

Century's sale has begun so I popped in to check it out. Despite signage of up to 75% off, most pieces were 33-50% off.

Lanvin dresses made it to 50% off...

And I spotted some Gucci blankets for $299.59 (retail $995).

I don't really take a closer look until things hit 70-90% off so I'll be sure to update when the prices drop. Make sure you're not missing my posts by subscribing to my blog via email (look to the right) and following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

On the H&M front, the post-holiday sale has begun!

So far the prices aren't stupid cheap so I only took home this Chloe knock-off dress for $25 from $50. 

I haven't thrifted in a while so I checked out a few stores and all I found were these $995 Tabitha Simmons Fleur sandals for $20. Could be worse :)

I actually went back to IKEA today to plan my closet but it was a madhouse. I think I'll head back when people are back at work and I have the store to myself. Now thru January 26th they have the PAX closet system on sale.

If you sign up for IKEA Family they have monthly special offers and you always get a free cup of coffee at the restaurant.

 I'm waiting for the Billy to go on sale so I can build something like this for my shoes and bags :)

So I finally got a new phone (the Nexus 6 for $250) because it was time to give up my slider phone and I wasn't ready to pay $850 for the iPhone I "need." My Instagram husband decided to shoot with my new phone instead of my Canon and in hindsight I wish we used the DSLR. It's a huge improvement over my ancient phone but it's not as crisp as I'd like. Also, I gave my face the day off so this is what I look like without a stitch of makeup.

From head to toe:

• Hat: Eugenia by Eugenia Kim, sample sale, $30
• Dress: Ellie Tahari cashmere dress, thrift store, $13
• Coat: H&M, $24
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $15
• Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love backpack, sample sale, $50 (retail $355)
• Boots: Rebecca Minkoff Sari boots, sample sale, $25 (retail $495)

I actually won this personalized Coffee/Tea/Chanel cup on Instagram from Party Rock Co. - it took over a month to get it (and I don't drink coffee LOL) but you know I love free. Recognize my new Tory Burch cuff? 

Still waiting on two more prizes I won on Insta - I'll be sure to share when they finally come!

I'm linking up some of these pieces (and similar) for you to shop :)

I don't really have any exciting plans for New Years but I plan on dressing up anyway! After a whole snafu at Nordstrom in the makeup department (long story) the manager called me back and offered to do my makeup tomorrow. I want her to teach me some contouring tricks and a crazy eye. This year I plan on stepping up my makeup game, toning up, getting my house organized, and somehow making it back to NY Fashion Week.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

XOXO
Shoppinggal

Fringed Fashion, Bargainista Style

I just lost my entire post so here we go again...

Yesterday my parents were honored at my old elementary school so I pulled out my thrifted Tom and Linda Platt vintage fringe dress and paired it with my shiny new YSL heels and Jimmy Choo purple clutch for a pop of color.

From head to toe:

• Lipstick: MAC Victoriana, Isabel & Ruben Toledo collab, $17.50 (free with Nordstrom Notes)
• Earrings: A.V. Max snake earrings, sample sale, $4
• Dress: Tom and Linda Platt, thrift store, $15 (their dresses retail for $500-1000+)
• Bag: Jimmy Choo violet Charm satin Swarovski Clutch, sample sale, $250 (last retail I found online was $2,600 but that may have been the sale price)
• Bracelets: A.V. Max crystal bangle, sample sale, $5 and spiked cuff, Nordstrom Rack, $5
• Shoes: YSL, Nordstrom Rack, $131.23.

My brother's girlfriend thought it would be fun to take a slow-motion video of me twirling. Here is the abridged video. All you're really missing is me stumbling out of frame. Spinning + little alcohol + heels = not the best idea LOL.

Thank you to my nephew, Bin who took my pics so my husband wouldn't have to LOL.

I'm linking these pieces and similar so you can shop my look :)

And in case you missed my Insta post, Clear the Rack at Nordstrom Rack is going on now thru January 3rd! In addition to an extra 25% off red and blue tag clearance, they are offering a whopping 50% off clearance dresses in store only!!! I hate shopping on Saturday nights but when I heard I ran over because that's a game changer.

I totally cracked up when I saw a SA walking around with stickers on his shirt clearly explaining what was on sale and what wasn't. Hats off to my girl Wanda who had everyone in the shoe department sporting these tags today.

Can't wait to share all my finds in my next haul post! Would love to hear what you picked up this CTR :)

XOXO
Shoppinggal

Sample Sale Finds + Thrift Score + Penny Shoes = Bargainista Style

I've worn my new Elizabeth and James Holland Rabbit and Cayote fur a few times now but I realized that I'd never done a style post. That and my friend V asked to see how I wear mine after buying my extras from the last blog sale. I had also never worn my thrifted Red Valentino dress before because it's not as flattering as I'd like, but I figured everything looks fabulous under my fur.

So V, this one is for you :)

From head to toe:

• Earrings: Lionette, sample sale, $20 (they told me they retailed for about $180)
• Coat: Elizabeth and James Holland, sample sale, $99 (retail $1,495)
• Dress: Red Valentino, thrift store, $8 (approx. retail $400-600)
• Ring: Lionette "Nadine", sample sale, $20 (retail $180)
• Shoes: Vince Camuto Tecca, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01 (retail $159)

My $2000+ look cost less than $150 OOP. #Score!

I had high hopes for my penny Vince Camutos but by the time I got home last night my toes were bleeding. I literally had to Photoshop the dripping blood out of the pics LOL. Again, I stand behind my opinion that open toe boots are stupid.

Linking these pieces and similar for you to shop - or simply appreciate my thriftiness...

All photos were taken by my lovely 10 year old son. He's getting better, no?

Another tiny confession - I'm not wearing any eye makeup here other than my Korres mascara. I try not to pile on a face on a daily basis. In full disclosure, I'm wearing my Dr. Jart black label BB cream, Benefit Erase Paste, Benefit Coralista blush and Miley Cyrus Viva Glam lipstick and that's it. 

It's been such a great year for me - I have completely rebuilt my wardrobe with beautiful designer pieces that I picked up for next to nothing. This coat is definitely in my top ten finds for the year. Even more good news, PAX closets are on sale at IKEA starting the 26th so it's finally happening people! My lovelies will finally have a proper home! It's only 15% off but you know I can't pay full price.

What are you looking forward to in the new year? I'm just so excited to see where my journey will take me...fingers crossed for fashion week!

XOXO
Shoppinggal

Weekly Roundup! Lots of Accessories, a Little Insta Drama, Freebies & Penny Finds...

I love this time of year because everyone hosts holiday giveaways. You know I'm a sucker for a freebie so I'm always entering. This week I won this beautiful Amber Dunes Talisman candle by Illume (retails for $25) from Wickbox. It's a treat because I had to stop buying candles when I got married because they drive my husband crazy for some reason. But when they are free he just has to deal. I photographed it with these Nicholas Kirkwood heels I scored for a penny at the Rack. Very Chloe, right?

I won a couple other giveaways recently and I'm still waiting for my prizes. One was last week but the other was over a month ago. I hate when people have a giveaway and totally flake. Will be sure to share when (and if) my winnings arrive :)

And now for the drama. For some stupid reason Instagram decided to block me from commenting for the week. On Saturday night my Instagram was acting all glitchy and made me create a new password. When I signed back in I got a pop up message that I was blocked FOR THE WEEK??!! Luckily I can still post pics and I can always comment from my closet account, @shoppinggalscloset. I guess I'll be focusing a little more on my Facebook and Twitter this week. I was really pissed because I was signed up to do my first loop giveaway tonight (and had to back out) for a Louis Vuitton bag and Hunter boots which I know you would have loved. Sigh.

Back to the Rack, on Black Friday I picked up this BCBG Max Azria trench for $19.97 from $448! Do people actually pay those retail prices? And before you ask, someone already checked and these are sold out company wide.

I also shared my penny fail on Instagram last week. When I find penny shoes I snap them up and usually don't try them on - I just throw them in my cart. I thought it was funny that somehow I ended up with two left feet LOL.

I'm most excited about these super cute $159 suede Vince Camuto Tecca open toed fringe booties that I got for a penny. Love me some fringe! I usually don't buy an open toed boot because I think they are conceptually stupid - but the price was right :)

Nordstrom Rack happens to be holding a Burberry women's shoe event at several locations - check with your local stores. Prices were only around 40-60% off retail so truthfully you can do better at the department stores end of season sales right now. It's really only worth going if you are looking for a specific older shoe. I took a couple pics of boots that caught my eye. Personally, I've purchased Louboutins for less.

Here's my Carolina Amato sample sale haul from last week. Clockwise from the top center; the pink cashmere headwrap was a sample and $10, the furry leather gloves were $10 because they are damaged by the wrists, the orange hat was free with purchase and the matching gloves were $9, the finger-less fur gloves were $15, the pompom hat was $19, the red leather & cashmere convertible mittens were $15, grey furry finger-less gloves were $15 and the red leather finger-less gloves were $10 samples. Can you tell I'm obsessed with finger-less gloves at the moment?

And a mod-shot of my new Kara Ross for Tory Burch cuff. #LOVE!

I realized I never shared my entire A.V. Max sample sale haul either. Their cuffs are what first brought me to their sale and are what keep me coming back for more. Their leather bracelets are so comfortable. And you now know about my matched cuff fixation so for $5-15 each, I totally stocked up.

Their earrings are seriously the best deal at the sale - they are buy 4 get one free and work out to $4 each! Some of these retail for over $50! The prices you see on the earrings are the wholesale and they said they recommended multiplying it by 2.5 to get the retail. (For example, $14 x 2.5 = $35.) I got the oversized mismatch pair last time as well - I got a second pair this time so I could make a matched set. The big circle on the left is actually a skinny rosegold bracelet that I plan on stacking with the cuffs to add a little sparkle.

Last but not least - the reveal of my Charlotte Olympia gift! It's a super cute scarf! Someone asked about size - it's a 25" square. To get yours click here for more details from when I first shared.

And that's all! I suspect Instagram's gonna keep me quieter than usual but keep on the lookout for my pics (and tweets) so you can stay up to date with my latest steals and adventures.

I'm linking some of these pieces and similar so you can see how well I did :)

Until next Saturday night when I get my voice back...

XOXO
Shoppinggal