The Real Housewife of NJ

I watch a lot of reality TV because I have an aversion to reruns. I seriously can't re-watch something I've watched within 10 years. I don't watch all of the Housewives. Some of them are not my cup of tea. I do love the Beverly Hills gang but that's mostly because I enjoy the aspirational aspect of their daily lives. I'm not sure what I'd do with a mansion, my own jet, or even a nanny - but it's nice to slip into someone else's life, even if just for a moment. I may not be super rich or super glam, but this housewife is 100% real.

I live in Bergen County, NJ and there really isn't anything to do on a Sunday because of the darn Blue laws. Thou it's nice to have a day off where there's no pressure to shop because nothing is open. We usually just hang out as a family but every so often I throw a few looks together, grab the kids and go off to take pictures. It was also the Jewish Holiday of Purim so Ella and I were going to dress up like young and older Taylor Swift. I did my hair, cat eye and red lips....and then she changed her mind. So we scrapped that plan and I decided to shoot some of my new Zara sale finds. I googled walls in NJ and I found some really cool ones in Hackensack. So take that Brooklyn, you don't have all the cool walls.

The problem with having a 10 year old stylist and 11 year old photographer is that sometimes they miss things. In every single photo my front button is open and nobody said anything. Sigh.

Head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Wildfox Official, free in Fashion Week gift bag! (RV $179)
• Dress: Zara, $12.99 (RV $69.99)
• Coat: Zara, $29.99 (RV $249.99)
• Bag: Alice + Olivia, Nordstrom Rack, $29.99 (RV $199.99)
• Boots: Betsey Johnson, Macy's Backstage, $49.99 (RV $99.99)

Shop my style here:

Shout-out to my son 11 year old son, Akiva for my photos. Little Miss Ella decided it was too cold and ran back to the car after a handful of pics. Ella wore her favorite Cheerleader costume (you dress up in costumes for Purim - kinda like Halloween) that we have in every size. I used to hoard Gymboree back in the day from their cheap backroom stock. Plus I would stack coupons and you wouldn't believe what I used to find for $5 or less. Sometimes entire collections would get marked down to $.99. I've been out of the game for several years so I'm not sure what their pricing/sales are like anymore. Plus after a few years it all starts to look the same - same animal, different colors LOL.

Oh, and her Converse sneakers were brand new from Once Upon A Child consignment (it's a kids chain) for just $14. I just head they are opening one in Paramus and I'm super excited.

Yesterday I hit the SJP sample sale and SJP was not there so I put down the black patent mary janes I was holding on to. They were only $80 (most styles were $125 and upward) but unless she was going to sign them, I didn't need them.

Today I hit Paul Andrew and if you were a size 37 you hit the jackpot. Not too much in a 40 but I was the first thru the door so I had the run of the place. I grabbed a couple pairs from the $50 worn samples that I'll be sharing soon :) They are open again tomorrow but not sure there will be much left other than the $200 men's shoes.

I also popped into Vivienne Westwood which had some gorgeous stuff for not so gorgeous prices. It was mostly only 50-70% off retail. If you're a super fan, check back over the weekend for markdowns.

As for upcoming sales there are quite a few but nothing amazing. Eddie Borgo is back but last time they barely had any super cheap damages and their prices went up significantly. I'm thinking the glory days of that sale have come and gone. But if you're in the hood....

My amazing sample sale friends (Lakeisha and Dinara) told me about the site CHICME which probably has the best sale listings in town at the moment. Before I head into the City I always check with them now to see if anything popped up. They do listings in other cities too so be sure to check them out!

Paul Andrew 
March 30-31, 12-7
41 West 58th Street, Suite 2A

Vivienne Westwood
March 30-April 2, 10-6
20 West 36th Street, 6th Floor

Eddie Borgo
April 7, 8-7 & April 8, 10-6
204 Elizabeth Street, 2nd Floor

As always check my Insta stories for sale updates and a peek behind the scenes as I shop! Have a great weekend and happy shopping!

XO
Michelle the Shoe Goddess