L.K. Bennett $20 sample sale haul - and more Rent the Runway scores :)

For off-season, last Thursday was a doozy. First I stumbled upon the Rent the Runway sale and then I got an urgent text to head into the City for a secret L.K. Bennett Sample sale. I own a few L.K. Bennett pieces (both thrifted and from the Rack) but nothing terribly exciting. Normally I probably wouldn't have blinked but when I heard everything was under $30 it was time to run.

I've been rocking my new ASOS dress that I just picked up for $27. I ordered a small and medium (this is the small) but I wish I ordered the X-small. It's too boxy but I'm gonna keep it because my super modest mom would approve - and I need something to wear when I visit her.

Outfit details:

Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, $60 (free with rewards) - see similar here.
Necklace: JES Design Studio, $60 (free from Instagram giveaway) - see similar here.
Dress: ASOS Monki Hanky Hem Festival T-Shirt Dress, on sale for $27 (was $45)
Bracelet: AV Max cuff bracelet, sample sale $5 - see similar here.
Bag: Balenciaga Velo, Nordstrom Rack, around $300 after my Nordstrom Notes (retail $1835)
Shoes: Crocs Sexi Flips, $14 (after coupons), Kohls - see similar here.

And now back to the sample sale. Everything I got was $20. I saw boots for $30 but everything else was less. Most of the clothing was tiny or huge so there was nothing for me. I did grab this $425 floral satin Lichen dress for $20 because I have a couple clients that are size 2. Their stuff runs narrow so I would have needed at least a 6.

At least I got lucky in the shoe department! All pictured are size 40 except the black heels which are 41. I needed them once the showroom girl told me Beyonce was just shot in them. They're too big so if my SIL doesn't want them they will be in my next blog sale (also got an extra in 36). If you were a 41, 42 or 36 they had mountains in your size. I had to dig for my 40s. Pictured here are $2665 worth of shoes that cost me a whopping $120. Score!

Now for a closeup. Bey's $450 Angie gladiator sandals. They also had them in gold.

My $445 Jolie's are the perfect neutral with a pop of color. Love.

I wasn't sure about these $495 Leah sandals because they are a little damaged (the strap holder is the back broke) but I figured it was a quick fix. I'm not sure why I was being so picky. People were looking at me like I was nuts for putting back shoes that I didn't love.

I spotted these as soon as I walked thru the door. I dug thru several boxes to finally find my $425 Lydia platform wedges. I actually needed silver sandals and these fit the bill perfectly.

I've been looking for a pair of pointy heels in this color. I would have liked pink and blue too but they only had the yellow in my size. I guess these $305 Florete heels were meant to be.

And last but certainly not least, I pulled apart every box to find these in my size. I still yearn for a pair of Sophia Websters but for $20 these $545 Summer sandals will make a great substitute. Who am I kidding? I still need you Sophia.

Went back to Rent the Runway and it turns out they replenished (despite telling me they weren't going to). This $475 Salsa Dance dress by Haute Hippe was just $10 because it was missing the belt, had a couple light stains and a tiny tear that was neatly mended. For $10 I can deal.

I also took home this $470 Milly Golden Lurex Flutter dress for $31.80. It was also missing the belt and the gold was coming out in a bunch of spots but it's really flattering on.

So once again, my closet is busting. Me thinks it's time for another blog sale...

XOXO
-Shoppinggal

Dress obsessed.

I easily own over 100 dresses. Dresses are pretty much my uniform. When you're a busy mom of three you need some simplicity in your life. These days I've been throwing on a sheath dress, a jacket (I have a collection of those as well LOL), my black thrifted Barneys NY moto boots, grab my trusty Balenciaga & black Ralph Lauren (75% off @C21) sunnies and I'm out the door. My jewelry will vary by my mood but 99% of the time my ensemble begins with a dress.

I really don't have anything against pants, they just don't seem to like me very much. I've always had a behind like J-Lo and thankfully as my 92-yr old grandmother keeps telling me it's very much in style these days. Thanks Gram. I spent my teenage years hiding my butt with baggy tops and shirts tied around my waist until I finally started to accept my body and properly dress for my body shape.

When you have curves and a smaller waist it's much easier to find a dress that fits than a pair of jeans - even if it's made with spandex. What it comes down to is always show your skinny. Over the years my dress styles have evolved but I've always looked thinner in dresses. Plus no tops and bottoms to match up. Easy peasy.

I'm always perplexed by women who don't think they look good in a dress. If this is you, you simply have not found the right silhouette for your shape. You also may need to find a tailor. Most women are perfectly imperfect and can't shop off the rack. I recently watched an episode of  TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" and a bride who spent thousands on her gown refused to spend any money on alterations. Her boobs were hanging out and she looked sloppy. In the recap she affirmed that she felt good about her decision to not spend any additional funds on alterations. I cringed. Poor girl. A few more dollars and she would have looked perfect. If you're going to invest in any kind of fashion you should make sure it fits properly.

Don't get me wrong, a $10 H&M dress that isn't perfect isn't a big deal for me. I believe in finding some inexpensive passable clothing when you've put on a few pounds to manage until you slim down. I hid my baby-weight under cute thrifted jackets and larger-sized T-shirt dresses for years. No need to do alterations when you're in at a transitional weight. Now that I'm down to a 4/6 I've started to tailor again. It's a good feeling.

Lately it's been raining dresses so I picked up a couple more closets for my basement to accommodate my clothing obsession. If you're in the market, these Rubbermaid 60" Garment Closets are great for storing off-season pieces. They will break if you overload them but they are pretty sturdy for the $34 price tag.

So I supposed you'd like to see my recent dress haul...quite a few cute ones if I may say so myself :)

In addition to all my recent Altuzarra for Target dresses I scored this amazing Givenchy geometric print sheath at Nordstrom Rack from just $99.90 from $1,940! Ah-ma-zing.

It's actually clear the Rack at Nordstrom Rack right now (thru Tuesday) and you can take an extra 25% off red ticket clearance. Here are a couple dresses I picked up at the last clear the Rack that I never shared...

My $575 Haute Hippie emerald green and black silk blend leather accent sleeveless dress was around $60 after discount - plus I used a $20 Nordstrom note, making it $40 :)

And my $355 Tracy Reese dress leather and tweed sheath dress was under $40 after discount. I had to have the top taken in because I needed a full size smaller on top.

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I've been picking up tons of cheap dresses at the thrift store too.

There was something about this silk Tibi dress for just $3.95. I don't like the elasticized long sleeves so I'll be turning them up (see sleeve on the left). Much cuter on...

Love this Asos dress for just $7.95. Coral is my favorite summer color.

Tom and Linda Platt dresses tend to start at $500 and go into the thousands. Mine was $15 :) The fringe is so on trend and I love a good LBD with a twist. This picture doesn't do it justice. As soon as it comes back from the tailor I'll post a mod shot. I already wore it last week with my new Loubs and it's a showstopper.

This 100% cashmere sweater dress from Elie Tahari is easily one of my new favorites. Love that shade of blue. Where else can you get a $13 cashmere dress? I love thrifting :)

My daughter swiped this $2.95 (retail $80) Kaiya Eve tutu from her younger sister. I keep getting messages from my nieces how much they love this tutu and want one too. My 7 year old is squeezing into a size 2 LOL. Check out her Minnetonka boots that I thrifted for $8 last year. I've been getting requests for those too LOL.

I'm not a huge fan of Longchamp (or fanny packs LOL) but this brand new leather one was just 4 bucks! It even had the authenticity cards :)

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You'll never guess where I picked up these Rachel Zoe dresses for next to nothing...Burlington Coat Factory! Funny thing is I stopped by 5 different locations and only the first had anything good. Scored the buttery soft "Luella" leather dress for $50 from $750!

 I also found this cute "Sierra" black silk tank dress for $35 from $350 :)

Picked up this cute C.Wonder dress for a client for next to nothing - I think she's going to love it :)

I also purchased this $395 size 4 DKNY sheath with leather inset - it's cute but I'm not sure I need it. If you're interested it's $55 US shipped.

 

Not as exciting, this top was just $11. I think it will be cute tucked into a fitted midi skirt.

Grabbed these Vince Camuto box chain bullet drop earrings for $6. If you love them they still have them online at Nordstrom Rack for $12.97. 

So Burlington....who knew? :)

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My shopping reports are never complete without an H&M update :) I popped in to try on the floral dresses I spotted online and sadly they were a bust. I'm not a fan of tiny florals and the fit was terrible. Think maternity and you need VERY skinny arms. The circle skirt was cute but wasn't exciting. I did purchase the top in the center for $17.95 less my 20% off mall coupon. I know I swore off mustard but I liked the boxy and slightly cropped fit.

In the fitting room I noticed this 10% off text coupon - it works on your entire purchase, even sale items.

My 20% coupon couldn't be used on sale items so I used the text coupon on this dress. It was originally $60 and half-off so after the 10% it was $27. I liked the bold colors and it makes me think of the NY Mets.

That's it for now - gotta get to bed. A new runway TJ Maxx is opening nearby and I want to be there for the grand opening tomorrow :)

-Shoppinggal