Manis and Donuts Birthday Party & My Latest Sample Sale Haul!

Last year Ella didn't have a birthday party so this year she insisted on having one. She's been asking for a manicure since I started doing my nails but I told her she had to stop biting her nails first...but that never happened. When she told me that she really wanted a mani for her birthday it came to me in a flash. Party at the nail salon! I chose one with a Dunkin Donuts next door so it was an easy, out of the house party.

She insisted on sharing her birthday look. At this point she styles herself so I can't take any credit. I dug this Gymboree birthday shirt out of the basement for her - I think we have one in every size LOL. Every few months we go shopping in the basement. Most of my kids clothing was purchased before they were even born.

From head to toe:

• Earrings: 14k gold screwback earrings, $25 (My friend used to sell from her house but she's out of business.)
• Necklace: $10 (also from my friend)
• Shirt: Gymboree, $2.99 (From their Red Balloon Sale, although I probably had a 20% off coupon. I used to hoard cheap Gymbo - I still have NWT stockpiles in my basement.)
• Sweatshirt: Gap, thrift store, $3
• Ring: part of a set of midi rings, Nordstrom Rack, $3 for the whole set
• Skirt: Disney Store, thrift store, $3
• Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Nordstrom Rack, $30 (she borrows a lot of my smaller designer bags)
• Tights: thrift store, $1
• Socks: Target, $1
• Sneakers: Sketchers light ups, thrift store, $4

I also hit the Ohne Titel sample sale last week. They closed their showroom and it's unclear if they were going out of business or just moving. I wanted to go first day but my younger daughter was home sick all week. Finally on Friday she went back to school so I ran in to see what was left because I was literally having nightmares that I missed it. I can't tell you how sick I am about missing all the $2000 outerwear that sold for $50 on the first day, or the $15 runway shoes, but what can you do?

I carefully sifted through everything left and came out with some great pieces. All dresses were $40 so I chose this stretch-knit colorblock fringe dress, retail $1085. Knits are tricky for me but I think I can make this work.

I wasn't sure about this skirt because white across my butt isn't the most flattering on me but when I found this top - I needed it. The top is the Intarsia caped halter (retail $275, skirt retailed for $325) and I can't wait to share mod pics of this outfit. Each piece was just $30. Pretty sure I'll be sporting this ensemble next fashion week.

This dress was a runway sample so it's a midi on me, but I love the length. It has a stain in the front but for $40 I wasn't leaving it. Retailed for $610.

This runway belt was $15 - although they charged me $10 less when ringing me up so I think of it as a $5 belt. Looks cute over the dress. 

Remember when I said I won three giveaways on Facebook? This 14K moonstone Melissa Tyson Designs ring is selling in her Etsy shop for $399! Woohoo!

Don't forget that Clear the Rack at Nordstrom Rack starts tomorrow! I think it's the first time they've started on a Wednesday. More bad news - I hear after this CTR they won't be doing any more price adjustments so no more shopping ahead :(

So glad that sample sale season is starting up! Fingers crossed for good stuff ahead. Which sale are you looking forward to?

XO
Shoppinggal