Statements on Statements

I keep reading magazine articles about buying a single statement piece to transform your wardrobe. And I laugh. So what do you do when your whole closet screams statement? I'm a hard-core maximalist who believes more is more. Minimalism is just not my cup of tea. As far as I'm concerned, gimmie all the trends. And then put them all together. And repeat.

At the recent Nordstrom Rack opening in NYC I picked up these statement Prada sunglasses - I thought they were a fun twist on their classic Baroque style. I did end up returning them because they kept sliding off my face. My kids thought they were too weird but honestly the fit issue was my only problem with them. If you haven't already checked out the new Rack at 31st and 6th - it's three floors chock full of discounted designer merchandise. On my Insta stories from the grand opening preview I shared all the "deals" I spotted. Unfortunately the prices were high but the selection was pretty good. It's actually pretty close to the new Target. Midtown is totally getting a shopping upgrade! Speaking of the Rack, yesterday kicked off the latest Clear the Rack. Take 25% off all red ticket clearance in-store and online. I struck out at my local store but I'd love to hear about any amazing deals you score!

I collect statement shoes, coats, bags and sunnies and play around until I find the perfect combo. I love my medium Drew but kinda wish I found a smaller version. At 75% off it was too good of a deal to resist. I actually scored it a while back at a previous Clear the Rack. And I feel like I practically stole this jacket from Marshalls for just $25. When I found it I was on the hunt for an oversized denim for a while already. Such a lucky find! Don't even get me started about my Zadig boots - they are so insanely comfortable. Wishing I grabbed more at their showroom sample sale a while back when all their current season shoes were just $75! Their last sale was at 260 and prices and selection were just not the same.

I think the trick to wearing multiple statement pieces is keeping the colors more neutral. I usually do a color overload (or at least a pop) but I decided there was enough going on. As always, I'm breaking it down for you - bargainista style :)

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Prada, Nordstrom Rack, $99.97 (RV $365)
• Jacket: Marshalls, $25
• Dress: Topshop, $32, Nordstrom - on sale now at the Rack - linked below!
• Bag: Chloe Medium Drew, Nordstrom Rack, $510 (RV $2,050)
• Boots: Zadig et Voltaire, sample sale, $75 (RV $498) 

You can shop my style here:

Thank you to my girl Lakeisha for this round of photos - and standing out in the freezing cold with me. The weather here in NYC can go from hot to cold in a flash and that day started as denim jacket weather and made it's way to winter coats and umbrellas. How cute is her new Gucci bag? She got it right before the price increase - and used a cash back site to save a few hundred dollars. Color me impressed. Good Gucci is so hard to find at a discount these days. And it most definitely makes a statement!

What's your favorite statement piece in your wardrobe? Don't bother asking me - I have too many LOL

Sample sale season is in effect! Wooo! Jimmy Choo was last week and I killed it on the last day. I'm trying to figure out the best way to share my hauls. Do I continue to share bits and pieces as I wear them, go back to haul posts, or move it to YouTube? Would love to hear your thoughts.

As for the next few weeks, there are a TON but I'm only gonna mention my faves. Be sure you're following me on Insta where I share sales as they pop up - both in my feed and stories.


LeHoarder approved NYC sample sales:

Just got word that L.K. Bennett has additional markdowns.  Read about my epic haul from several sales ago here. You're supposed to book at appointment for this one but at this point I'd just drop in.

L.K. Bennett
November 9, 10-7
595 Madison Avenue, 13th Fl

This Clothingline can get a little crazy but they just announced markdowns for today. Expect lots of crazy deals - sample sizes only thou.

Vince Camuto
November 9, 10-6
261 West 36th Street, 2nd Fl

I've actually never been to this kids' sale but with prices of $6-20 (girls? sizes infants thru 16) it's worth checking out!

Sugar Plum
November 9-10
Th 9:30-5, F 9:30-4
463 Seventh Avenue, Suite 602

The Botkier sale has been historically great for gifts! Lots of $30 bags...and some years they have $10 samples.

ETA 11/10 Prices went up and resellers got their hands in this one. May not be worth it...

Botkier
November 9-12
Th-Sat 11-7, Sun 12-6
65 Greene Street

I usually pop in the kids' sale to score cheap hair accessories or cute pieces on the cheap for the girls. Note that they usually start previewing today (11/9) so if you're in the hood I would pop in and check it out.

The Best Kids Sample Sale
November 13-17, 10-5
34 West 33rd Street, Floors 3, 9 & 12

260 sales haven't been all that for a while but I need to mention MJ just in case. A few sales ago the shoe situation was epic. Last sale, not so much...but you never know...

Marc Jacobs
November 15-19
W-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-5
150 Greene Street

I'm a HUGE Teri Jon fan and their dresses are my go-to when I need to be fancy. Sample dresses usually start at $75 which is a great deal considering they retail for $500-1,000 easy. You can read a past sale report here.

Teri Jon
November 19-20, 9:30-5
241 West 37th St, 2nd Fl

Happy shopping!

XO
Michelle

Shades of Gray

Now that it finally looks like Spring around here, I'm trying to finish up sharing my winter looks. I wore this 50 shades of gray look to a casual Sunday pre-NYFW week influencer event, thou I do confess I had a pair of Converse in my Prada. And because you know I don't do monochromatic, I had to pop it with my yellow heels.

This outfit cost me less than $100 out of pocket and retailed for over $3,000. It helps that I borrowed my mom's Prada again but my $965 Elizabeth and James Iris oversized Mongolian fur collared coat was less than $60 and Nordstrom Rack. Oh and my Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses were a penny at the Rack. Pretty good, right? 

Head to toe:

• Hat: Maniere Accessories, Zulily, $.99 (after $25 credit, RV $50)
• Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01!
• Coat: Elizabeth & James, Nordstrom Rack, $59.95 (RV $965)
• Shirt: H&M (my husband's shirt), $5
• Jeans: H&M, $10
• Bag: Prada, borrowed from my Mom (RV $2,390)
• Heels: LK Bennett Florete, sample sale, $20 (retail $305)

You can shop my style here:

Thank you to Belle @littlefashionstylist for another great round of photos.

I've had a flurry of goodies showing up in my mailbox that I typically share in my Insta stories but here are a couple of my faves :)

I've mentioned Octoly before - they basically have a free store for influencers over 10k and in exchange for product you post reviews on Instagram or YouTube. I've slowed down working with them because I noticed other influencers getting paid to collaborate with some of their brands - and personally I'd rather get paid for the same work from other sources. However, recently this Givenchy Beauty Prisme Libre Loose Powder in Mousseline Pastel popped up and I couldn't resist. It helps with redness and the packaging is beautiful. And a free $55 luxury powder is totally worth it for me. Plus it was the perfect opportunity to showcase my new $1,195 Paul Andrew Blossom sandals that I scored for $50 at the sample sale. Like I always say, it totally pays to be first thru the door at any sale!

ThredUP gave me a credit to shop with them and share on Insta and I ended up getting these brand new Jimmy Choo sandals for about $17 OOP!!! I have a similar pair of Choos (last seen here) that are starting to fall apart because I wear them to death so it was time for a replacement. It takes a lot of patience to comb thru everything and it can be frustratinng when you finally find something amazing....and it's not your size (argh!) but it clearly can pay off big time! Sign up here and you can use code HOARD40 for 40% first-time orders (discount up to $50) and it expires on 5/1/17. Be sure to tell me what you score!!

Sample sale season is back with a vengeance! So many good ones coming our way!!! It seems I made a mistake with Eddie Borgo last week because the $5 damage box was full and all the prices were back to normal. UGH. So next time I suggest we all go. I'm super pissed that Marc Jacobs is opening on the last day of Passover so hopefully there will be something left on day 2. I also got an invite to the super private Balenciaga sale - I can't share anything publicly but I can say you should check my Insta stories on the 27th and/or 28th.

My top weekly sample sale picks include:

Marc Jacobs
April 18-23
T 11-8, W-F 9-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 10-4
260 Sample Sale, 150 Greene Street

Marissa Webb
April 22-23, 11-7
104 Grand Street

Oscar de la Renta
April 25-30
T 10-7, W-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-4
260 Sample Sale, 151 Wooster Street

Edie Parker
April 27-28
Th 9-8, F 9-5
Bryant Park Hotel, 40 West 40th Street, 24th Floor Terrace Loft

Can't wait to see what turns up next. It's getting good people!

Happy Passover to everyone celebrating. I'm with my family this week but I'm waiting on pins and needles to see if I'm a finalist for the Redbook Real Women Style Awards. They are announcing someone new every day on their Insta and you then have 24 hours to like the picture and vote for that person. I'm not sure it's the best voting system but something tells me it's not just about the public votes. I decided to be positive and visualize myself on that cover so let's see if I get nominated. My wish to have my picture taken by Bill Cunningham is clearly off the table (I saw him at New York Fashion Week before he died and he looked at me and walked the other way LOL) but getting on the cover of a magazine is still up there on my bucket list. Watch them announce my name on a Saturday or on Passover when I'm offline so I can't even vote for myself. Even if I don't make it this time I am not going to give up until someone puts me on their cover. Hey, a girl can dream...

XO
Michelle the Future Cover Model

Just Put a Cape on It.

It's funny how you can have a million things in your closet, yet you always repeat your favorites. Pretty much everything is on repeat here other than my brand new Make Me Chic cape. I probably would have sported this look at Fashion Week had it not been so darn cold (and snow-y). I love a good cape and this one is military inspired with girly scalloped edges. And you really can't beat the less than $30 price-point!

I should warn you that this post is picture heavy. I probably could have split this look and my haul into two separate posts but I really only have time to blog once a week these days. I don't know how I used to spit out 2-3 posts a week. A lot of it is that now that I share more style posts, it takes me hours to edit my pictures. I usually have over 100 shots for every look and then I have to choose my favorites and clean them up.

From head to toe:

• Hat: BeMine NYC, Macy's Backstage, $12.99 but used gift card they gifted me
• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century21, free with rewards (RV $295, their price $60)
• Lipstick: YSL Rose Intime No. 28, gifted from Octoly, RV $38
• Dress: Rosegal, gifted (RV $40.90)
• Cape: Make Me Chic, gifted (RV $28.90)
• Bag: Prada, borrowed from my Mom (RV $2,390)
• Gloves: Surell, Century 21, $4.50 (RV $99) - back when 90% off was really 90% off...
• Tights: Spanx, Burlington, $13
• Boots: Betsey Johnson, Macy's Backstage, $49.99 (RV $99) but used gift card they gifted me

Shop my look here:

Shoutout to my 11 year old son Keva who shot my pics - I really have the best kids ever :)

This year was the first year that I hit the Zara sale hard. I've dabbled in Zara in the past but this is the first year that I really got it. Any good sale takes a little luck and a little skill. Ever since they opened a location in my local mall I've been popping in several times a week to pick up online purchases, return...and check out other people's returns. I also stalk their website for online replens LOL.

My piece de resistance was my Wonder Woman leather jacket. From $249 to $30. Score!

Needed another leather jacket like a whole in the head but for $30 I couldn't leave behind this $199 moto. It's a cross between black and brown and has a slightly distressed finish.

I've been living in this oversized wool moto jacket. It looks so much better on. Again, $30!

You know me and patches. For $30 I needed this Awesome navy coat in my life.

My 92 year old grandma was complaining she had no clothing (she shrunk and is a little crooked these days) so I grabbed her this Chanel-y tweed jacket for $20.

I missed the boat on accessories at my store, and sizing for shoes can be all over the place (I'm either a 40 or 41 in their shoes) but grab what you can. Scored this cute bag for $12.99 and these platform shoes for $5.99.

A couple finds for Ella included this cute leopard bomber and pleated skirt - both for $5.99 each.

This is really only part one of my Zara sale haul because I've since picked up dozens more and I have several pieces still being shipped to me. The last piece I'm going to share is this adorable $199 fur collared plaid coat that I picked up for my friend @littlefashionstylist. She mentioned she needed more coats and the vintage feel and colors just screamed Belle. And for $20 I could not leave it behind. It's so Miu Miu, right? It also goes perfectly with my Alice + Olivia "Staceface" bag that I just got at Nordstrom Rack for $29.99. Too bad it came in right after Clear the Rack...

I tried it on Ella to make sure it would fit Belle and it almost fit little miss moody. I considered offering the bag to Belle for a moment but I just found myself a dress for $12.99 at Zara that works with it. Stay tuned for pics :)

Clear the Rack wasn't all that exciting, thou I did find these EMU boots for Ella for $10 (RV $90!) after discount.

And an Insta follower (thanks girl!) messaged me that she saw these Sophia Webster Chiaras for just $107 (RV $575) after discount at a nearby location. I called the next day and by some miracle they still had them so I sped over and scooped them up. I've wanted these for so long too! Yay!

As for sample sales, There is the SJP sale on the 15th that I mentioned in the last post*** and Milly may be worth a peek. Last round wasn't great but the previous one was. It also looks like the Luxury 9 pop up sale is back (now as 375) - I missed the last one when I was in Florida and I totally regret it. If it's anything like the last one DO NOT miss it.

375 Pop Up Sale - ETA don't bother, it's expensive
March 12-21, 10-7
375 Lexington Ave.

Milly
March 13-16
M 1-7, T-Th 11-7
Clothingline, 261 West 36 Street, 2 Fl

Anyone else shop the Zara sale or Clear the Rack? What was your best find?

Last but not least, congrats to Angie B., winner of my Comm-ci legging giveaway! Your leggings are on the way!

XO
Michelle (Just Call Me Zara Girl)

*** SJP was postponed to the 29th due to snow!

NYC Street Style & Comm-ci Giveaway!

Nothing makes me happier than wandering the streets of NYC - even in the freezing cold. These days I'm usually running from sample sale to sample sale before racing home to pick up my kids from school. Every so often I have a spare hour or two to explore so instead of subway-ing to my next destination, I'll make sure to layer up and wear comfortable shoes so I can go out on foot and take in the City. That morning I decided to try something new and wear these amazing Comm-ci leggings. Good news is that I'll be giving away a pair - keep reading for details...

That's not to say I never wear leggings outside of the gym, I just usually do so under a dress. I'm from the school of thought that leggings are not pants. It's not even a modesty issue per-se, but to me it's like wearing your underwear outside in public. It's a personal taste level. If you're okay with that - that's cool. Personally I'm not. I actually don't let my girls wear leggings without a dress or tunic on top. I don't think I would have worn these out with a shorter jacket (and my blue bomber never came off that day) but I decided to go out of my comfort zone and not zip up the jacket - and show a little leg.

Comm-ci leggings are nice and thick (not too thick) and really comfortable. They have six different types - I selected the high waist skinny leggings in black and I'm wearing a size medium. They have a wide waistband (to help suck you in) and the slim fit is really flattering. These retail for $69 and worth every penny. In the past I've purchased leggings at H&M and Target for $10 and I have to say you get what you pay for. They often tear or stretch out after a few wears. The moment you touch these you'll understand. Bonus: code LeHoarder20 gets you 20% off your purchase on their website but right now I'm giving away a pair of leggings (your choice!) on Instagram here.

The last couple times I posted my about my Rockrunner sneakers on Instagram (and shared about TJ Maxx/Marshalls yellow sticker clearance) my photo went viral. What I think is so funny, is that I got a lot of comments about how ugly they are LOL. I understand that mint green lace kicks are not for everyone but as you can see, they're actually pretty cute. I'm guessing it was my couponers who don't understand paying $99 for designer sneakers (even if they retail for $795). To those of you who responded on Insta, I just wanted to make it clear that in no way am I insulted. I just think it's funny.

Head to toe:

• Hat: H&M, $1 (sale rack!)
• Sunglasses: Jimmy Choo, Nordstrom Rack, $10 (RV $325)
• Necklace: Dannijo Nicoline, sample sale, $25 (RV $150)
• Shirt: Electric Circus, Nordstrom Rack, $3.50 (retail $34)
• Coat: H&M, $30 (sale rack)
• Jacket: Make Me Chic, gifted (RV $36)
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $15
• Bag: Prada, borrowed from my Mom (RV $2,390)
• Leggings: Comm-ci high waist skinny, gifted (RV $69)
• Sneakers: Valentino Rockrunners, TJ Maxx, $99 (RV $745)

Just a note for fellow bloggers or photographers - be careful when shooting outside with a sparkly necklace. My new Dannijo choker reflected off my chin and neck and gave me a sparkly beard.

You can shop my style here:

Photos by the adorable @littlefashionstylist. Thanks Belle!

As for NYC shopping, you may want to check out The Shoe Box as designer shoes are $5-199 and bags are $49! Elizabeth and James found a new home at Prive and prices went up with it. Gone are the days of $99 furs :( Another sale on my radar is SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker - last time shoes were not super cheap and SJP did not make an appearance but you never know...

The Shoe Box
2/28 - 3/05
Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
260 Fifth Avenue

Elizabeth and James
3/01-3/05
Wed-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Prive, Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave.

SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
03/15, 10am-?
65 W 54th Street, 2nd Fl

Be sure to enter my Instagram giveaway for a free pair of Comm-ci leggings! One winner will be selected in just 3 days! Good luck!

XO
Michelle and Her 'Ugly' Valentino Kicks :)

And on the last day I wore Prada.

After playing chicken my first two days of New York Fashion Week I decided to wear at least one outfit that felt like me. And in true bargainista fashion, I put it together for less than $100 head to toe.

When you put on weight it's easy to feel like you need to cover up. The trick is to show a little skin and show your shape. I started with a bodycon dress and took a page out of the Kim K playbook and covered with a sheer oversized coat. I really like to be comfortable in my heels so I put aside my stupid shoes and pulled out my favorite Tamara Mellon Bad Girls. I could seriously run a marathon in these. And let's talk Prada for a moment. My mom recently moved out of the country for a simpler life and left her designer bags in my care. Thanks Ma!

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Jimmy Choo, Nordstrom Rack, $10 (RV $325)
• Dress: H&M, $3 (I think it retailed for $49.95)
• Coat: LAMB, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01 (RV $350)
• Bracelets: AV Max leather cuffs, sample sale, $10 each (RV $70 & $80)
• Bag: Prada, borrowed from my Mom (RV $2,390)
• Shoes: Tamara Mellon Bad Girls, sample sale, $50 (RV $750)

So I spent a little over $80 on this $4,000 outfit. It's probably a record for me LOL.

You can shop my look below:

My pics were taken by Belle, Little Fashion Stylist who I'd met the previous week at the StyleWatch party. Thanks girl! We met up for the Miguel Vieira show by Pier 59. I had a seat so I went in and saved us both front row seats. Most shows I'm not lucky enough to sit with a friend so this was a treat.

The show included both men's and women's designs and lots of graphic black and white patterns. And lots of pretty boys :)

I shot Belle on the way out. How cute is she??!! She's wearing her prom dress with a H&M top underneath that she had picked up that day. So clever.

Afterwards we decided to hit a sample sale and then to the Lane Bryant store to meet Christian Siriano who was having a party for his latest plus size collab. I ended up skipping out in another show because like I said, Fashion Week is way more fun with a friend.

I had a few shots with Christian (who I'd previously met at Couture for a Cause last year) but my vanity prohibits me sharing them LOL.

In the end I had a great Fashion Week. It was short and sweet but I'm hoping to be bolder and to take NY by storm next round. I'm excited to share that I have a few new collaborations in the works and it's looking like an exciting fall.

Who else is excited for fall! I can't wait to take out all the coats I've collected this past summer!

XO
Shoppinggal