CRAZY Nordstrom Rack Finds & December 2018 NYC Sample Sale Roundup

So it's been a while since I've really scored at Nordstrom Rack and I can't even tell you how mad I was when I heard my local Rack put out a ton of designer refurbs out on Saturday. The Rack takes returned shoes from their full line stores and fixes them up and sells them for about 70% off. Often they look brand new and if you're not picky you can grab some steals. Here is my latest haul—the Louboutins were $200 & $215 each, the YSLs were $275, The Rockstuds were $300, and the Guccis were both about $240. I actually didn't take the Monolo Blahniks and the Valentino sneakers. I didn't take the Rockrunners because they were $250 and I already got a pair for $99 at the yellow sticker TJ Maxx clearance a few years back. I also left the Hangisis because they were a little damaged (stained and scratched) and a little large—plus they were still $276. For me, for that price I would have needed perfect or a half size smaller or even $50 less. Maybe next time...

Linking up everything in my cart below so you can see what they are all currently selling for :)

And in-case you missed it all over my Insta and Facebook—check out my feature in the December 2018 InStyle magazine. As I wrote on my Insta; Never in my wildest dreams did I think at age 44 and a size 12/14 I would be featured in InStyle right next to Kendall Jenner and Alexis Bledel in my rainbow style. So crazy!

And FYI my Impress press-on nails are from the Alice + Olivia x Impress collab. Right now they have 25% off across their website and you can grab some here. These are not your mom's press on nails. They now have shorter nail lengths should you prefer not to have talons on your hands and they are so easy to use. I literally put mine on in less than 5 minutes on the subway or the bus on the way to events—perfect for busy mamas who don't have time to sit for a mani.

I should also mention, that the Show Me Your Mumu rainbow dress and Anya Hindmarch bag that I was featured in were both Rent the Runway rentals :)

As for Rent the Runway—I've really been enjoying my Unlimited membership. They've been sponsoring me for a few months now and I love having access to current high end pieces that I probably wouldn't get my hands on otherwise. It's a great way to try new designers and it's not just about renting a one off special occasion dress. They have coats, jeans, tops, bottoms, dresses, gowns, jumpsuits etc. That's not to say the system is not without flaws. If I rent something in the wrong size it can take forever to finally get your size. And sometimes the pieces shrink from dry cleaning. I rented this DVF dress 2x—the first time a 12 and it was ok but I wanted to try the 14 for length. And then the 14 was somehow smaller than the 12. Ugh. But I find if you pick up and return from the RTR store on 15th street it's a much faster turnaround and you can maximize your 4-at-a-time rentals.

Use code LEHOARDERPERK40 to take 40% off your first month of unlimited and get it for less than $100. Totally worth trying if you have a special occasion - with the discount it's basically the same price as a single rental—and then you get the whole month free!

For this look both the Heurueh coat and DVF dress were from Rent the Runway. And yes, I went pink again. I'll be sharing about that soon...

And now for this month's amazing sample sale roundup. Check back because I'll be sure to update to add feedback and add any really good sales that pop up. As always, check Chicmi or Shopdrop for updates but these are my picks for the month. I select my choices based on sales I've shopped in the past or have heard good things...and as always they have to be super designer or super cheap. Preferably both :)


A.V. Max has been a long time favorite for gifts and fun finds of my own. Pretty much everything is under $20 and they always have killer deals on earrings. Note their new address and be sure to say hi to Amy for me! I'll be stopping by at least once to this sale :) Read a past sale review here. 

A.V. Max
December 3-17
M 10-4, T 10-7, W-F 10-4
144 W. 37th Street, 3rd Fl


This is where I stock up on all my winter accessories on the cheap. I used to find them at Century for less (back when 90% off was really 90% off...) but now I pay a few bucks more at the sample sale.

Amato
December 4-14, 9-5 (Closed on Sat and Sun)
270 West 38th Street, Suite 902

I've been living in my Rent the Runway* DVF dresses and now I need to take a few home with me at sample sale prices. Their cuts are so much better than they were even 5 years ago and even at a size 12/14 they fit and flatter me to perfection. Check out my recent DVF dresses here, here, here, here and here.

DVF
December 4-9
T 10-8, W-Th 10-7, F-S 10-8, Sun 10-5
150 Green Street


Elizabeth Gillett is back again—I'm guessing because her sample sale last month fell smack in the middle of the snowstorm. I lived in her pieces all summer long. Grab some super cute caftans and wraps for your next beach vacay! 

Elizabeth Gillett
December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, all 10-6
260 West 36th Street, Suite #802


I always mean to check this one out and always forget. I'm really going this time LOL.

Natori
December 5-6, 10-4
180 Madison Avenue, Floor 19
ETA: I went 12/5 and undies area was pretty much cleaned out but the loungewear room (the second room) had a bunch of cute stuff. Grabbed a few robes and caftans for $10-20. I googled one caftan and it retailed for $275 :)


More cheap undies... #yesplease

Wacoal, b.tempt'd & CW-X
December 5-7, W-Th 10-6, F 10-2
136 Madison Avenue, 14th Fl
ETA: I went 12/5 and unless you're a size 34 bra you are pretty much out of luck. Lots of cup sizes but not band sizes :(


Last sale I grabbed some fun tights that I still haven't worn. But I will LOL. Note that some items are cash only.

Wolford
December 5-6, 10-4
33 7th Ave, Suite 1702


My favorite fancy girls dress sale. Check out my minis rocking their Halabaloo dresses here, here, here and here! Be sure to tell Halla I sent you!

Halabaloo & Dolls and Divas
December 7-11
F 9:30-6, Sat 11-4, M-T 9:30-6:30
423 West 43rd Street, Ground Fl


Start preparing for the madness. I didn't get to much the past couple sales but in the past I've scored $1,000+ dresses for $99. Go with your girl-gang and be prepared to fight LOL. 

Alice + Olivia
December 11-16
T 8-8, W 9-8, Th 10-8, F 9-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5
260 Fifth Avenue

Cheap tights and socks are always a good idea. I went once in the past and scored $1 tights. 

Hosiery Sample Sale 
Dec 11-21, (M-F only) 10-5:30
35 West 35th Street, Room 703

If you're a sample size 7 I hear this sale is paradise. LMK what you find!

Butter, Something Bleu & Golo
December 12-14
W-Th 9-6, F 9-2
130 West 57th Street, Suite 1E


Last sale was a bust and watch out for resellers but with prices of up to 90% off it may be worth a peek :) Check out my epic steal of a bag from a past sale here. 

Altuzarra
December 13-14, 8:30-7
233 Broadway, 14th Floor


With prices starting at just $5—I plan on taking a peek. I haven't been before but if you have please let me know what you think!

Rachel Roy
December 13-14, Th 10-6, F 9-6
58 West 40th Street, Mezzanine Level


Fancy lady stuff for up to 70% off - don't forget to check out the runway shoes! And as long as you're at The Curated - be sure to check out the 11 Honore pop up too :)

Christian Siriano
December 14-17
F-Sat 11-7, Sun 12-5, M 11-7
The Curated, 5 West 54th Street


One of my favorite shoe and accessory sales is back! Hoping we will see the return of the $25 box!

Frances Valentine
December 17-18, 8-6
80 West 40th Street, 8th Fl


I have friends who swear by this sale. Especially when they do markdowns in the end...

French Connection
December 17-19, 10-7
512 Seventh Avenue, 25th Fl


A few sales ago it was epic. Recently not so much. But always worth a peek just in case :)

Marc Jacobs
December 18-23
T 11-8, W-Th 10-7, F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
150 Greene Street


If you're sample sized this one is worth checking out. They've also had $25 bargain boxes and cheap runway shoes in the past...

Prabal Gurung
December 18, 8-7
247 West 37th Street, Suite 1501


Time to stock up on k-beauty and tons of gifts!

Tocca, Artis, Stila, Dr.Jart+
December 18-23
T 9-8, W-Th 10-7, F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-5
260 Fifth Avenue


And that's my roundup! As always, if you see me out and about, be sure to say hello! I'm always happy to give you a few tips and help you edit your finds :)

Happy Shopping!

XO
Michelle

Clear the Rack and other sales of note :)

Today starts Clear the Rack (at Nordstrom Rack) so for the past few days I've been picking up pieces to get a price adjustment for the extra 25% off. My store even got tons of refurbs in yesterday (as did many stores so it seems) but it's all blue tickets. Happy April fools to us! Unfortunately most of what I find up seems to have non-eligible blue tags. Boo.

When I spotted this Dolce and Gabbana little girls dress I ran across the store to grab it. Then I saw the $349.97 price tag. It's a red tag so you can get the extra 25% off but it's too rich for my blood. Too bad because I would love to wear this dress, let alone match my girls in it.

Their kids transfers have been impressive. Check out this baby boy Gucci 9 months tuxedo. All for the discounted price of $299.97. Cutest thing ever.

And this $149.97 baby Burberry orange coat tickled my baby itch. Then I got over it LOL.

I actually picked this baby up a couple weeks ago and posted it in my Instagram selling account, @shoppinggalscloset. Burberry "The Small Canter in House Check" refurbished tote bag in black, currently retailing for $950. Asking $450 US shipped. Other than a few light scratches on the leather base and a few light dents on the leather rim, this bag looks perfect.

Also added this NWT Christian Louboutin Rougissime leopard print calf hair clutch, retail $1350. Leather strap is missing (can be used without or just use any chain or leather strap) and has a few faint marks on the leather - nothing serious. Asking $550 US shipped - not making much on this, just wanted to pass along a good deal. 

 

And since it's not a good week if I don't pick up at least one penny item, check out my new Franco Sarto gladiator sandals :) Unlike most of my finds, these were actually marked  $.01.

Oops - went outside for pics before taking a picture of the sole.

Yesterday, the Bauble Bar NYC sample sale started and I heard they have tons of baubles for $5-25. Unfortunately I had to go to court that morning to deal with my speeding ticket so I missed the press preview :( In my place I sent my friend V (aka girl who scored $71 Valentino Rockstuds) to check out the sale. She reported great prices and selection and it sounded like it was worth the trip. You can see lots of pics on Racked here. So the good news is my court date probably saved me $200 in bling.

If you're interested in going, the sale is on thru Friday, April 3rd at 260 5th Ave.

I got an email for Yoox's private sale. If you're registered there you have entry thru April 2! With prices up to 90% off it's worth a look. Just sign in and get shopping. Every time I click on something I like it sells out from under me - so hurry! Spotted some $40 Pedro Garcia shoes that I'm trying to resist...

Happy Passover and Easter to all! Hoping the weather hold up so I can bring out my Spring clothing already for the holiday :)
-Shoppinggal

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Birkins at Century???

Popped into Century 21 to see how their clearance sale was progressing and I was met with a beautiful display of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and dare I say it...Hermes!

It seems LXR & Co. (a vintage luxury reseller) has a pop up shop in several Century 21 locations including Paramus, NJ. Prices are not cheap but lots of eye candy to be found :)

Of course my eyes go right for the most expensive bag in their display LOL. The Hermes Birkin bag has been my dream bag since I was a teenager. This Birkin is priced at $15,995. There was a woman admiring it next to me who got excited when she misread the tag for $1,595. I told her to add a 9 and that if it was that price it would have gone home with me first.

I also admired this Evelyne GM for a little off a $1000 retail - it was more affordably priced (hahahaha) at $2,295.

With Hermes on the brain I also checked out the bracelets. They varied in price from $495 to $595.

The good news is that right now they are having a promotion for 5-15% off almost everything (of course no Birkins, Kellys or Rolex watches) in the pop up shop which does help with tax and every little bit helps.

If you're in the market it's worth checking out. They told me they weren't allowed to bring their Chanel goods to C21 so you can check out the LXR & Co. website, where they are also honoring the discount for Valentines day :)

Not Hermes related, but at Century I also spotted this super cute Moschino Minny Mouse swimsuit for $120 and I thought it was the cutest thing ever.

So if you've never touched a Birkin before (or you're too intimidated to walk into a Hermes store) you should check out C21. Knowing my dream bag costs as much as a used car always puts things into perspective. When I win the lottery I'll let you know what it feels like to finally own one :)

-Shoppinggal

Target & Rack finds, more C21 & thrifted scores, Glamsquad...and the amazing Stacy London :)

It's 9/11 and I didn't plan on blogging today as it's typically been a day of reflection for me. I probably would have waited a few more days before my next post but after my trip(s) to Target today I knew I had to share...

School supplies for my kids were out of control this year. This past summer, the teachers sent out lists with links to Amazon so you could online shop and fundraise for the school. My two older kids totals were about $100 each. I'm sorry, that's insane. My SIL on the other hand, paid a service at her school to buy their supplies for $45 a kid - and I thought she was nuts...but it seems she had the right idea after all. Although after dragging the kids around to three different stores I managed to find 99% of everything for a total of about $25 a kid - much better than my $200 Amazon total.

This year my older daughter's teacher asked for 20 glue sticks. Yes, 20. At first I thought it was a typo considering my son only needed one gluestick LOL. My son on the other hand needed $15 worth of index cards. Insane! I always try to stock up when school supplies get clearanced out after the school year begins but inevitably when the following year I check my stockpile, I always have the wrong color or size. Their lists are so specific. That didn't stop me from taking a peek at my local Targets to see what they had left...

Needless to say, when I saw gluesticks I may have gone a little overboard (but not as bad as when they had $.30 sunscreen) but they were $.11 a pack people! For 5.5 cents a stick I figured it was a no-brainer. Note that these were not marked at my store - I scanned everything to find the few sale items they had. It was a mess at both stores. Initially I was happy with my $.25 notebooks I got until I saw someone else found them at their Target for $.07 each. #targetenvy

I probably did the best in the beauty department today. I went in looking for a hair dryer that someone posted was marked down but it was only 50% off so I passed. I did find several endcaps full of 50-70% off stuff.

This may be TMI but I don't wax - although for 70% off I figured I should try these Completely Bare kits. From L-R they were $2.54, $3.24 & $4.24.

For some reason the Light/Medium Suave self-tanning lotion rang up 50% off but the cashier price matched it to the dark for $1.74 (70% off) a tube. The Loreal suncreen was $2.04 and the Revlon nail polish was $1.14.

When I went to meet my husband by the grocery section I found these K-cups on the endcap for next to nothing. They are of the iced variety but my K-cup stash is quickly depleting (we had a lot of visitors this summer) so I cleared the shelf. I did put one pack back at the register when I discovered it was open and missing a cup.

Right now I'm sitting on a broken computer chair (the back fell off) and while it doesn't bother me, it drives my husband nuts. He tried to buy me a fancy one for my birthday but luckily Amazon cancelled his order. Technically he still owes me a 40th birthday gift.

I spotted these for 70% off ($11.98) so we grabbed one. He wanted two and I'm glad we didn't take the second. It's not worth the $40 retail price. $12 seems about fair - it's perfect for a dorm or a kid.

I was checking to see if my favorite underwear was on sale (wasn't) and noticed these tights 50% off. I doubt they are as good as the $12 Spanx I buy on Ebay or at Burlington but they seemed quality. I only purchased the natural waist ones - I don't typically like or need the high waisted style. I'll try one and if they don't work I'll return the other...or buy more at 70% off if I like them. I'll keep you updated.

And that's my Target haul. It's been a while since I went Target hunting. As always, check out All Things Target for daily clearance updates and deals :)

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Confession - I keep checking in to Century 21 just in case more 90% off stuff would turn up. This week all I found were a few odds and ends in the sock department. I've never tried Yummy Tummie before but for $4.45 (from $75!) it's worth a try :) 

Not on sale, were these gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana blinged out satin pumps. I thought $199 was an amazing price point for all the detail. They had Celine, Marc Jacobs, Sergio Rossi etc., but they were all priced at least $100 more.

On the Nordstrom Rack front, my best find this week was probably this 97% off Judith Jack bracelet. It was just 5 bucks. Score!

As a personal shopper, I keep getting requests for discounted Rockstuds. For some reason they keep sending my favorite Rack (in Paramus, NJ) lots of Tory Burch shoes (not interested!) and the few times designer shoes have been showing up they've been overpriced (for the Rack...) AND every other Valentino other than the Rockstud. At least this time they sent some studded ones.

First I spotted these barely discounted slingbacks.

 Then I found these size 39 beauties, also $399.97 - only 33% off. Not good enough Nordstrom Rack!

They did get a huge shipment of Alexander Wang bags, mostly priced $250-350. Not a single Rocco in sight. Boo!

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So I did a little thrifting this week. I struck out at Goodwill but I did find a few pieces at my other haunts.

The first thing I always look at is shoes and I immediately noticed this sole and I thought 'huh.'

Then I looked at the top and noticed this and thought 'huh?'

And then I folded the cuff down a little more and things started looking up :)

And the price....

$5.95?

So yeah, I got a pair of Gucci boots for less than 6 bucks :) They need a little TLC but you know I love a good DIY project.

This vintage leather skirt can probably pass for some of the Alexander Wang ones I've seen lately. The leather is nice and thick and I like that it's cut more generously through the hip area. A steal IMO for $12.95!

I love Vintage. One of my stores severely under prices older pieces. I scored both of these dresses for $2.95 each!

This dress reminds me of some Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses I've seen - plus I love the midi length and dolman sleeves. I'm thinking of pairing it with a thick black leather belt, a pair of my new Mellons (I now have many options) and some bold geometric jewelry. And my mom is gonna love seeing me all covered up. So ma, this one's for you.

#modest

This one doesn't exactly work for my body shape but it looks so Cavalli...and that price...plus I noticed several women eyeing me when tried it on so I wasn't going to leave it LOL.

And if you know a little girl between the ages 5-12 (or you're a good 10 years younger than me) you probably know how excited my girls were to get these American Girl Samatha and Nellie's PJs for less than $5 total. The retail on AG historical pajamas is over $40 each these days (and these are retired).

And that's why I thrift.

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Yesterday I headed into the City to meet Stacy London. When this turned up in my Instagram feed (I follow her...) I knew I had to go.

I wish they used a darker color for the print - after working in publishing, stuff like that drives me nuts.

I had been checking salonapprentice.com to see if anyone had any openings for color as you can see I'm overdue. I noticed a free blowout from Glamsquad on the same day as the event so I went for it.

Glamsquad is "an on-demand, in-home beauty service in NYC that sends the hair stylist and makeup artist straight to you." They are growing so quickly that they are training new stylists daily. The good news is that means free styling (if you have the flexibility) which is perfect for me! They are based on 7th and 28th (right by FIT) and I was told to email modelsny@glamsquad.com to book an hair model appointment from Monday thru Thurs, during the afternoons. Contact them directly for more info.

I was 15 minutes late for my appointment so they gave my spot away :( Fortunately Erin (who seemed to be running the show there) quickly sat me down and knocked it out of the park with this beautiful braided creation. I haven't sported a braid since high school when my very talented friend Dina used to french braid my hair at least once a week.

Their prices are pretty good for NYC - plus they come to you! I know during fashion week they had a $40 promo through their app for hair AND makeup. I will most definitely be modeling there again.

I popped into Sephora at 34th street for makeup (I ran out of the house with just some blush and BB cream) and I went for a free express mini eye makeover which wasn't even so express. I love when they take the time to chat about makeup, and trying new products. Emily helped me and gave me a very clean everyday look. I love how she did my brows but my very sensitive eyes didn't take too well to some of the products. They no longer carry Korres, which is really the only mascara I can do and the Tarte one I tried (my backup brand) was clumpy and didn't make my eyes pop. One of these days I really want to learn how to do a smoky eye that won't make me tear up...

Here I am made-up, sans lipstick.

After makeup I walked over to Lincoln Center to do some fashion watching. I have not been in the tents (do they even still call it that?) in years. Sigh. Then I headed back for my event.

A Culture of Extraordinary is actually the title of an essay written by fashion expert (and personality!) Stacy London. The evening's panel included; Stacy (yay!), Marie Claire's Lea Goldman, Vixxenn's Nicole Sanchez, Dear Kate's Julie Sygiel, and TheLi.st's (they promote visibility, opportunity, and access for women in media and technology) Rachel Sklar. It was going to be a conversation about women, expectation, image and fashion. Right up my alley :)

And now let's talk about my look for the evening. I really wanted to wear my $100 ($2000+) Donna Karan, Nordstrom Rack suit but at the last second I decided to grab something I wouldn't need to wear with Spanx. (And that's why I was running late...)

A while back I won this adorable "Hearts of Cards" dress by Paint the Town through colorful and creative modest blogger Shira Rose, from A Sequin Love Affair. The designer Mel is an adorable college student who decided at 21 she was going to start her own company. Amazing! All of her hyperfeminine dresses feature the same silhouette but different playful prints and colors - and they all have pockets! I ordered the size 6 but I guess I lost a little weight (plus I'm smaller on top than bottom) so my dress is a little big - so I need to layer it for now. I was going to tailor it but I decided to wait a little longer to see if I could drop a few more pounds first.

As I was headed out the door I grabbed my Elizabeth and James 3/4 sleeve blazer that I scored for $30 at the Rack, a new pair of my Tamara Mellons (although I did cheat and run around in my Sexi Flips for most of the day), a $2 thrifted bracelet, and put them all in my trusty Balenciaga. I'm also wearing a pair of Nordstrom brand studs (like Rockstud studs) from the Rack that I scored at Clear the Rack for $5. I love this blazer but I think it's probably time to put it away. It's a size 8 and too big. I feel like a 4 or 6 wouldn't bulk me up as much. It's so hard to say goodbye to favorite pieces. I also have to keep fighting the urge to hide behind bulky, shapeless clothing. I really want to start taking more chances and being bolder with my fashion, like I used to be in my 20s.

That being said, I got a ton of complements from strangers on the hair and dress that night so I guess it's a step in the right direction. What's really funny is that the beauty people loved the dress and the fashion people loved the hair LOL.

My $55 Tamara Mellon bad girls were probably my best sample sale scores. Sure, I adore my studded Submission sandals, but these have a very wearable 90 mm heel and are pretty comfortable.

Tamara Mellon Bad Girl, retail $750

So here I am with Stacy - and it's a pretty awful picture but it's better than the other one I have :(

This pic does not need to be any bigger than this.

I think Stacy is an amazing role model. She was a fashion editor, TV host, and among other things she's an author, mentor, stylist to the stars...sounds good to me! I'm gonna start thinking 'what would Stacy do' as she's who I aspire to be. Last night panelist Lea Goldman said that her biggest realization (and advice for us) was to say what you want out loud. So I'm saying it. I want more. I want to go to fashion week. I want to create. I want to do what I enjoy and get paid for it. And as Nicole Sanchez said, "Why not me?" And now the planning to finally take over the universe begins.

I just wanted to thank all of my friends and fans (online and IRL) for all your kind words and support since I started blogging (almost two years ago) and Instagramming (just 6 months ago). For the first time in years I don't feel so invisible anymore. Thank you.

On that note, go follow your dreams too. Or just have an awesome weekend - whatever's easier :)
-Shoppinggal