Capes, Pimped-Out Pashli & Freebies Galore!

With winter making a comeback I pulled out some of my cooler weather favorites. I love this dress and cape combo because the ruffle hem peeks out just a little - such a flirty, feminine touch :) I decided to look thru my flats and I found these thrifted Prada and matched it up to a thrifted bracelet. You've seen my medium black Pashli bag before but this time I pimped it out with these Rebecca Minkoff emoji stickers. Super cute, but they fall off easily. Strangely enough they wouldn't stick to any of my Minkoff bags either LOL. Thank you to my BIL, Ari for shooting me. He snapped my pics of my sequin dress a couple weeks back too.

My look from head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, $60 - but free with rewards :)
• Cape: H&M, $15
• Dress: H&M, $25
• Leggings: H&M, $4.79
• Bracelet: Vintage, thrift store, $4
• Rings: Lionette, sample sale, $20 each
• Bag: Phillip Lim Pashli, Nordstrom Rack, $160 after using some Nordstrom Notes (retail $895)
• Stickers: Rebecca Minkoff, Nordstrom Rack, $10
• Shoes: Prada, thrift store, $25

Once again, I'm makeup free other than my lipstick. Not sure I even washed my face that day. My lipstick is actually a NYX matte lippie (Shocking Pink) that I won on Instagram a while back. It's not my fave because it makes my teeth look a little yellow but I wanted to wear something I haven't worn in a while.

You can shop my look here:

Last week I finally picked up my sandwiches from Holy Schnitzel. I entered a Facebook contest for a 3-foot deluxe sub for the Super Bowl and was so excited to win. They asked that I email them so I did immediately. A couple weeks later I realized I never heard back so I emailed again and contacted them on Facebook. They replied via Facebook that they had emailed me back - but they hadn't. Later that day they finally responded to my initial email that they no longer had any subs but sent me a $20 gift certificate and asked for a positive review on Yelp.

Can you guess my reply?

I asked why they didn't have any more subs. How does a sandwich shop run out of subs? I also expressed my disappointment. They replied that it was a specialty promotion for the Super Bowl and increased my certificate to $25. My husband told me not to blow a gasket because we were dealing with food and we didn't want them to spit in it. I wrote back that even a $25 certificate was hardly equivalent to a 3-foot sub. Kosher meat is expensive and I'm pretty sure you can't even buy a non-kosher sub for that little. Not to mention they dropped the ball by not responding to my initial email - I would have happily picked up a sub for Super Bowl Sunday. They finally made good with an offer for a sandwich platter for 25 people. I was happy with my small victory.

This chain has three location, unfortunately none of them are local. A few weeks ago I messaged them on Facebook (as they were not the best via email) asking to pick up on a Friday in Brooklyn. They asked that I confirm the following week - so I did. I confirmed again the day before and they replied with a smiley face. I went ahead and invited guests for the Sabbath so I'd have a crowd to share my sandwiches with. The morning of pickup I messaged and texted to confirm before I left my home. I got back a message - sorry, we're closed on Fridays.

I believe there is a relevant Seinfeld episode about making reservations. It was when I contacted them to confirm the first or second time, that they should have checked if that location was open or closed on Fridays. I saw red. I had guests coming so I had to scramble to feed them at the 11th hour when I was left in the lurch.

When I told my sister (who was initially jealous that I won), she told me that she was pretty sure their other locations were open on Friday. Why they couldn't tell me to try another location was beyond me. They contacted me the following week with a weak apology and asked to reschedule. I picked a different Friday (and another location) and invited more guests. I once again confirmed the day of pickup and it seemed all was well. I headed out to Staten Island and when I got there...the guy at the front had no idea what I was talking about. I think I burst out laughing.

I immediately texted and sent a message on Facebook to my contact. No reply. I finally called them and was told they would work on it. Again, why make a reservation if they can't seem to take it? It took almost an hour to sort things out but I finally walked away with my sandwiches. I do have to say they were delicious but I'm not sure they were worth all the stress and aggravation.

So I ask - would you leave positive feedback on Yelp?

On a positive note, I won this leg cosmetic set from Say Hello To Sexy Legs. It's essentially a contouring set for your gams. I've been pretty hard on my legs and knees over the years so they can really use a little concealing. These three products retail for $93 so I'm excited to give them a try. I took a picture of them with my latest $490 Sophia Webster heels that I practically stole from Neiman Marcus Last Call for $40. My picture actually got regrammed by Talk Shoes :)

In case you missed it, I've started #FreebieFriday on Instagram. I decided to pay it forward for all the giveaways I've recently won. Last week I gave away these size 9 Coach espadrilles - congrats to Molly S.!

This week I'm giving away a pair of 8.5 Mia sandals and size 11 little girls Keds - two winners. Head to my Instagram to enter. These Mia's were a true unicorn as they were actually marked a penny!

Looking forward to tomorrow - on Sunday I have a full day of City shopping :) Follow along on Insta to see what I'm up to!

XO
Shoppinggal

This week in shopping...Neiman Marcus consolidation sale, Rack designer deals & more!

I randomly decided to pop in to Short Hills mall this week to see if there was any sale stuff left at retail but it seems I was a week too late. Everything had been shipped out other than at Neiman Marcus, who was going to have a consolidation sale the following day.

I had missed my local consolidation sale while I was on my Florida roadtrip so I decided to take a second pass at it and come back with my fingers crossed for Valentino, Chanel, Louboutin or Sophia Webster. Prices were about 50% off plus an additional 25% off the lowest marked price. Once again, lady luck was not on my side as they didn't have a single Rockstud or Sophia Webster, and they only had a single Loub (not my size and not that cute) and the only Chanel was my size but was damaged and old lady-ish. Mind you most Chanel shoes are a little old lady for my taste but these were super old lady. Ugh.

It was a sea of designer shoes.

 

The only Louboutins on sale - size 39, $995 and were $318.75 after 25% off

A few of my favorites included these Miu Miu size 38 (they did have other sizes too) $590 down to $198.75...

I'm a little obsessed with these Isabel Marant boots - were $1485, came out to $501 after discount. They had a few sizes of these - all smaller :(

They had several racks of beautiful clothing upstairs - mostly for insane prices. I did spot this gorgeous $2650 Balenciaga size 38 moto jacket down to $720 after discount. They also had a brown one in a larger size for a little more.

If you're interested and in the area it's probably worth a peek - ends Sunday the 8th so you still have time!

Neiman Marcus was a fail for me but the good news is that I called the Rack up and it seems they will be getting lots of designer merchandise this month so I drove back to my hood to see what they had.

I was greeted with a half dozen racks of pieces for $500-1000 but they did have a few nice pieces (not in my budget). I was very impressed to spot this $7790 Valentino crepe Bambolina dress for $999.97. That day I even saw Man Repeller (who I'm sure was gifted hers) wearing the matching skirt on Instagram. If I had a spare $1000 I would have purchased it to crash the tents at Fashion Week because nobody is turning you away in that dress.

Even better news is that Clear the Rack is coming next week so if anything great turns up I'll get a price adjustment for 25% off.

And if haven't already, check out your local Barnes and Noble - they have a $2 red sticker sale. I finally remembered to go today and this was all my store had left :(

So overall, not my best week but things are looking up for next week. Century should hit 90% off this coming week or next, and I have a feeling Clear the Rack is gonna be good this time...

Happy shopping!
-Shoppinggal

And it started with a lipstick :)

Last week on a whim we jumped in the car and drove down to Florida for some sun and fun. My kids used to be great on roadtrips and these days...not so much. They took turns passing around the iPad, the video player and LeapPad for 19 hours. My husband is a machine behind the wheel and we only had one stop each way - and he did most of the driving. I think I'm ready to try flying with kids again. In the 9 days we were gone I only got to hit one Rack and it felt like we spent most of our vacation in the car. I kept spying outlets, Goodwills and malls and there was just no time to shop :(

The kids only had a half day of school today because of the snow so as soon as I got them on the bus and worked out I headed out to shop. I had a feeling Century 21 would hit 75% off today but I wanted to first do a couple returns at TJ Maxx and hit Nordstrom to pick up the new Miley Cyrus Viva Glam lipstick. TJ seems to have had another round of yellow sticker markdowns but there was nothing good left. Then at the mall I popped into Neiman Marcus to see what was left at their consolidation sale but not a single Rockstud, Louboutin or Chanel was left in my size. At least I got my new lipstick - and I got it for free with my Nordstrom notes. It was a good thing I went in because the coordinating lip gloss sold out at Nordstrom and I'm not sure how much longer the lipstick will be around. If you're into bright pinks you'll love the new Miley Viva Glam - it's a gorgeous pop of color. It is less red than I thought it would be. It's very moist and not as dry as some MAC lipsticks. The salesgirl told me I would need a lipliner because it's one of their Amplified lipsticks but I'm wearing it right now without it and it's just fine. No bleeding at all. I've already had a bunch of complements today :)

After the mall I headed to Nordstrom Rack and H&M to do a couple returns. H&M has 50% off clearance right now but it was slim pickins. I walked out empty handed and finally made it to Century 21 and it was a good thing I did...

Because I was right! Designer shoes were being marked down! Despite not getting there when they opened I came home with a bag full of shoes :) I took a few pics of ones that didn't work for me so you can get an idea of what they had.

Marc by Marc Jacobs wedge booties for 75% off $169.97 ($42.50) - saw them in 6.5 and 8.5.

Strappy size 7 Fendis for 75% off $439.97 ($110)

I've been watching these Rebecca Minkoffs for weeks hoping they would make it in my size :) They had tons left in multiple sizes for just $32! I grabbed the 9 and 9.5 so I could decide which fit better at home.

Love these (too small for me) size 9 suede platform wedge Donna Karan booties- 75% off $259.97 ($65).

Found two pairs of these Love Moschino size 11 moon boots for just $25!!!!
 

I also spotted a sign for their upcoming designer event - can't wait to see what they'll have :)

I went back to the Rack before heading out to get my kids and a little birdie told me that they will also be having a designer sale soon :) I hope it's going to be as good as their first one because their last one was just sad. Fingers crossed that they will get designer accessories and shoes too!

Century marks down a few departments each day so I'll be stalking them every day this week (weather permitting). Now it's time for you to run to Century and see what you can find!

Happy shopping :)
-Shoppinggal

Date night and 90% off sale haul!

Sunday night my SIL's sister got re-married and she literally had my dream wedding. I guess when you get married for the second time you have the opportunity to perfect your vision. I wanted a small wedding with beautiful details, the perfect dress, a creative photographer...and I got almost the opposite. We had 450+ people and the crappiest photographer (not my choice - I still don't have wedding photos). My MIL told me that it wasn't my wedding and I could have my dream wedding when my daughters get married. Thanks. I told her my girls would have their own dream weddings. 

I actually didn't choose my dress - my dress chose me. Before I got engaged I camped out at the Badgley Mischka sample sale and took the only vintagey lace dress they had. I had to take one size too big and spend $500 in alterations because another bride-to-be was a little faster than me. I'm proud to say my entire bridal look (including my $10,000+ beaded lace dress) cost under $2,000 head to toe. These days I'm a little obsessed with the TLC show I Found the Gown because I never got to go to a real bridal salon and try on dresses. Back in the day all we had were sample sales. I should also mention that while I was in college I worked at David's Bridal as a bridal consultant. The two things I learned from that experience was that I hated working retail and I did not want a cheap knockoff bridal gown. If I was getting married now I'd probably road trip to Vows to play dress up and score one of their amazing designer gowns...then again I'm not sure they have deals as good as my Badgley Mischka :)

Other than my crappy album this is my only wedding pic.

Sigh. I was so tiny back in the day. So much so that my husband could span my waist with his hands. Well, he does have big hands...

DH and I don't get out much sans kids, especially now that I've started dieting and working out. I find it easier to control what I eat in my kitchen. For the first 10 years together all we did was eat - and we packed on over 50 lbs each. Now, after 3 rounds of T25, Hip Hop Abs and Jillian's 90 day Revolution, I've lost quite a bit. I'm still not comfortable taking pics but I'm not as embarrassed as I was for the past five years.

It's always been a dream of mine to own a Herve Leger. I finally took the plunge and scored a couple this year at Nordstrom Rack (both 75% off or better). Here is my selfie from Sunday. I wanted to take a full length shot but I couldn't find a single full length mirror. I swore to myself that when I turned 40 I would have a better body then when I was in my 20s. I didn't meet my deadline so I decided to give myself till the end of the year. 

Stock pic

In the picture, note my beautiful Chanel cuff that I JUST got. I finally pulled it out to wear and I guess the clasp wasn't secure so it slipped off my wrist and cracked open :( Neiman Marcus offered to refund me but I refused (not for that price!) and sent it in for repairs (free). They sent it to Paris so it will take three months to get it back.

All the king's horses and all the king's men...

So back to the wedding, the bride, Rochelle Shoretz is an amazing woman. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 28, she founded Sharsheret, a national Non-profit organization dedicated to serving the unique concerns of Jewish women with breast cancer. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor living with Stage IV. And yes, that's Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the back - she officiated the wedding (with a Rabbi). Rochelle actually clerked for RBG back in the day :) Like I said, she's amazing.

Congrats guys!

******************

The H&M sale heated up - and went to 50% off clearance! I've been picking up jeans and tops for DH, accessories for the girls, and a few plus size pieces for my sis.

My favorite (and only find) was this dress that I noticed a while back. I only found a size 2 last time so I left it. This time a 4 turned up so I grabbed it. Typically I wear a 6/8 in H&M dresses but this one is boxy and stretchy so I can make it work :) It was $10 and I am in love with the cascading ruffles going down the sleeves.

Yes, it's another LBD

I'm still waiting for the Zara and TJ Maxx/Marshalls sales to get better. I'll be sure to report when they do.

******************

And finally, last but not least, let's talk Target :)

Summer clearance went down to 90% off today! Check your local stores - if there is anything left it will be in the back next to the new school supply display.

So here is my 90% off haul...

$.20 napkins, $.79 giant bucket, $.60 cups...

My biggest score was the sunscreen. The three pack Target spray bottles are coming up $1.39!!! The expiration date was 2017 so I cleared the shelf of the SPF 50 kids ones LOL. Plus there was a $1 Target coupon (not available anymore) for $1 off Target Sunscreen so one three pack was $.39.

My daughter's favorite find was this terry poncho for the beach for $1.49 - I got one for each girl :) For some reason she loves ponchos - and she always calls them nachos LOL.

She couldn't leave the store without trying it on :)

And while I was there, I also did the school supply deal :) Right now there is a $1.50 off three up and up school supply coupon (google it to locate - I can't include the link as I printed it too many times LOL). I got these markers, crayons and glue sticks for literally pennies.

almost free stuff!

So RUN to your local Targets - it's so worth it!!!
-Shoppinggal

It's my birthday!

Today I'm 40 years old. Holy cr@p.

I'm not sure why the number is stressing me out so much because I know I can pass for late 20s - or so I like to tell myself LOL. I did get carded at the bar at the last wedding I went to :) When I was younger I used to think I would have taken over the world by 40. Not sure what happened.

I popped into Sephora this week to pick up my free Beauty Insider birthday gift. This year it's a Make Up For Ever mini mascara and lipstick. I also stopped in to Ulta to get my free gift there too but for some reason they have me down with a January birthday so I had to call customer service to update my info (so they can send me an email with the code for the gift). I think it's just a CK mascara anyway.

 

Birthday swag 

I didn't buy myself a birthday present per se this year because I've treated myself to a few goodies along the way :) Other than a designer clutch, which I'm sure will eventually turn up at the Rack or thrift store, I'm not really wanting for anything right now. Note to husband - this is NOT permission to show up empty handed for my birthday.

While I was at the Mall visiting Sephora I popped into Neiman Marcus to check on things. No new Chanel finds (for now) and designer shoes are now 55% - and they said that was it for markdowns :(

I took pics of all the CLs they had left in bigger sizes. Even at just 55% off, I'm sure they're all gone by now. You can always call NM in Paramus and check.

I also spotted this cute Milly skirt (not on sale).

Love the color combo!

Do people really pay full price?

If you're hunting for designer bags or shoes, Saks went to 70% off but I've been good and didn't buy anything. I figure if G-d really wants me to have another pair of Louboutins, he'll send me a pair at the Rack.

On a happy note, there were tons of markdowns at the Rack this week. The other day I posted my receipt...

If my calculations are correct I saved over 90% LOL. Several of you have asked what I got. A little of this and a little of that...but here are my faves :)

I keep buying things in this shade of neon yellow...

$15 Rag & Bone refurb sweater

I'd been eyeing this Alexander Wang cropped vest for months so when it dropped to $39 from $475 I grabbed it - even though it's two sizes too big. I used to wear a lot of tiny vests and bustiers back in the day...

You want to know what's cuter than this Vince Camuto dress? The price!

5 bucks baby!

Yesterday I popped in and they had a bunch of refurbs but it was mostly bridge stuff - no designer :( But I did score this adorable Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC for just $35!

I couldn't resist this lil cutie!

Now that the Anniversary Sale has started at Nordstrom, they shipped all the sale stuff to the Racks. Keep your eyes open because good stuff has been coming in! I spotted Alex and Ani bracelets for just $15, and tons of Burberry kids shoes for $70 - I'll be watching those shoes for markdowns :)

Burberry!

All Burberry shoes and boots were priced $69.97

I die!

Last but not least, I saw this and couldn't help but smile.

How me is this? If it said Rack Girl it would have come home with me :)

*****************

I thought TJ Maxx would go to yellow sticker clearance this week but it didn't. Maybe next week. (ETA- I heard they had another round of markdowns yesterday. I'll be investigating today.) I did grab this interesting Rebecca Minkoff ring for just $12.99!

One of my old high school friends basically called it fashion roadkill but I like how organic it looks. They actually had a whole display of Rebecca Minkoff jewelry marked super cheap.

*****************

H&M upped the ante this week - now their sale stuff is buy 2 get 1 free. Last sale it went to buy 1 get 1 free...we'll see what happens :)

*****************

Last weekend we threw a party for my niece's bat mitzvah. She lives out of the country and I don't think I've seen her in 4 years? We chat often and I was really looking forward to seeing her. I wasn't allowed to take her shopping (let's not get into that...) but I still got to play dress up with her - just like I used to do with her mom (my baby sis).

She wanted to straighten her hair but my other sister couldn't find her flat iron - luckily I had my trusty hot curlers. When we were done she thought her hair looked like a wig LOL. I told her it was because people pay to have hair like hers. All she needed was some concealer (pre-teen acne) and some lip gloss and we were good to go.

My niece, Eli

I don't remember looking so put together at 12. When did she turn into a person, let alone a woman??? She has a real figure now. I really wanted to put her in color but everything I found was black. It was either this or a black dress and I figured she'd get a lot more use out of the skirt. I actually got a cute chiffon crop top with a beaded collar to wear over this top (which was mine but for some reason she didn't own a black top) but my sister didn't tell me how skinny she got - and the beaded top was too big. My sister also gave me the wrong shoe size so most of the shoes I picked up were too small. FYI she's a 9/9.5 (like me) now. One pair of peach gladiator sandals (Nordstrom Rack, $14) fit but she had to take them off mid-party because she was so bitten up and her legs were irritated - so she had to switch to flip flops. Considering I hadn't seen her in years (and even her own mom didn't seem to know what size she was) and my instructions were keep it modest with nothing too tight, I think we did OK. Not my best work but she was happy.

Details:
Target 70% off gold plated earrings $7.99
Ariella necklace, Nordstrom Rack $7.49

Gerard Yosca floral bracelet, sample sale $3 - stacked with her gold bracelet from her late Grandmother

My other sister took her for a mani that morning :)

Top - Kosher Casuals black layering shell from my closet (now hers) $14. It's lightweight and I like that it cuts above the elbow unlike most modest shells.
Skirt - Free People pleated black lace skirt with leather waistband, $30 Nordstrom Rack

My mom managed to pack in every childhood birthday wish and want Eli ever had - there was a pinata, Carvel cake, trampoline...my kids were in heaven.

Love you Eli! Miss you already!

*****************

I still have the Jimmy Choos, Fendis and Valentinos from the last blog sale. The Philip Lim dress is also available as well. I finally opened shoppinggalscloset on Instagram and I'll be posting my extras for sale here and there for now on :)

I picked up these refurb size 9 Tory Burch flip flops for myself but I decided I really don't need them. Asking $50 shipped in the US. PM me on my Facebook page if you're interested.

*****************

And finally, yesterday I went to the Wacoal factory outlet sale at 50 Polito Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ. I'm obsessed with their ipant shapers and I was hoping to get some on the cheap. It's the perfect shaper -  so comfortable, smooths everything perfectly and stays in place. I called a couple months ago and asked to be put on the mailing list and for some reason I never got a card :( Luckily I called this week and found out it was already on. When I got there they were sold out of the shaper I wanted (black or the mid-thigh version) so I took a different one. Their pricing is 60% off retail, plus a bargain bin where everything is $5 or less. My well endowed SIL just asked for new bras so lucky her when I found a couple of these babies in exactly her size :)

I wanted the shorter version in black...

I got the longer leg one in nude.

For V - she loves patterned bras :)

I also grabbed a couple $5 basic nude bras for myself but next sale I plan on being there the first day to stock up. The are open to the public only 2x a year and today is the last day - and they close at 5 PM so if you're a Wacoal fan and you live nearby it's worth a look.

Have a great weekend! It's my birthday so I'm hoping I will too :)
-Shoppinggal