Short and Sweet - and a Giveaway!

So when I say short and sweet, I'm referring to the cutest Rosegal floral embroidered dress, not this post because by now y'all know that I talk too much. I love a good LBD with a twist and the embroidery on this dress is beautiful. While I do wear a lot of black, I always look for a cheerful pop of color.

One day this week I awoke to 15k on Instagram and I couldn't believe it. I'm so grateful for everyone who takes the time to like and comment on my work - be it here, on Insta or any of my social media. Over the past couple years I've made so many new friends (and reconnected with old) who share my passions and I just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate you.

When I was just getting started I seriously felt like I was talking to myself. It's so gratifying to have so many people listen and identify with aspects of my life as a mother, fashion addict and bargain hunter. Or maybe some of you just like to hear my crazy stories? When you become a mom you lose a piece of yourself. It's easy to get lost in the newness of it while you are caring for little ones. Because as any momma can tell you, kids literally suck the life out of you. You give because you love them, but at some point you need to remember who you are, and what you love. My blog gave me my voice back. I truly feel like I'm finally on track - doing what I was always supposed to do.

This glittery Rebecca Minkoff Cleo wallet on a chain retails for $145, but I scored it at the sample sale for just $10! It's been a while since I had a personal giveaway so as a thank you, I grabbed an extra for you guys too! Tis the season! To enter scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget below. It's fun and sparkly - and perfect for this time of year.

But let's talk about my adorable Rosegal floral embroidered smock dress. When I order anything online I look at the measurements several times. I selected a size medium based on the measurements knowing it would be a looser design. So you can imagine my surprise when my beautiful floral embroidered dress...turned out to be a beautiful floral shirt. And I'm 5'5" - not even that tall. This would probably best work on someone petite unless you plan on layering it. When I was editing my pics I noticed that I was tugging on the dress in every single frame LOL. I knew the dress was on the shorter side and that it dipped in the front but it didn't occur to me they were giving the measurement for the longest point, not the shortest. Back in the day I wore lots of minis but these days I'm more of a midi girl. Regardless, it's a really cute dress so I just put on some tights and went for it.

My shearling jacket is actually a men's sample from the Reiss sample sale. Sometimes it pays not to skip over the men's racks!

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century21, free with rewards (RV $295, their price $60)
• Jacket: Reiss, sample sale, $125 (RV $1,495)
• Dress: Rosegal, gifted (RV $40.90)
• Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Cleo, sample sale, $10 (RV $145)
• Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Black watch and cuff, gifted (RV $259 for the set with 10% off right now) - use code LEHOARDER to get additional 15% all purchases on their website.
• Tights: Spanx, Burlington, $13
• Shoes: Charlotte Olympia Bisoux, sample sale, $100 (RV $695)

I've been dying for a pair of Charlotte Olympia's kitty flats for ages. When I was cut from her sample sale VIP list I was a little sour about it so I planned on skipping the sale. Previous sales weren't all that great so I didn't think I would be missing anything. Then I saw a message from my friend that they had $100 flats at the sale and I literally ran over there in heels (luckily I was already in the City at another preview). I'm sure VIP cleaned out a bunch but I managed to snag the last pair of these $695 Bisoux in my size. While I would have liked some kitties, I was more than happy to walk away with my lips.

I need to thank my husband who took this round of pics. He hates being an Insta-husband but every so often I guilt him into it or bribe him with food.

Here's another close up of the glittery goodness. It's a regular wallet that has a strap that is removable. So cute!  I forgot to snap a pic of the inside so check it out online here. Yours will be NWT :) Giveaway is open to anyone with a US shipping address.

Linking up my look for you to shop. I included a midi version of my dress for those of you who can't do minis either.

Happy holidays to all! How exciting that Chanukah and Christmas starts on the same night this year. Who else is looking forward to all those New Years sales??!! I've been staying away from sample sales as the ones right before the holidays tend to be overpriced and geared towards people buying gifts. I like my stuff off-season and super cheap!

Also, congrats to Shayna G @polishjinx winner of my Baci Outlet giftcard giveaway!

Have a great weekend and good luck! Be sure to enter my Rebecca Minkoff giveaway just below...

XO
Shoppinggal

a Rafflecopter giveaway

90% off Leather & Shearling Jackets at the Reiss Sample Sale??!!!

Last night I attended 260 Sample Sale's first Reiss sale. I've learned to never miss a first sale after Tamara Mellon's insane first sample sale - plus I was already in the City for the Sergio Rossi VIP sale. Before you ask, no pictures were allowed inside Sergio Rossi and I don't believe we're going to see a repeat of their last sale which blew out $25 shoes on the last day. Should the sale open to the public tomorrow I'll be sure to let you know. Most of the shoes at this Rossi sale ranged from $250-400 with some less (didn't see much) and few items priced higher. I'm linking a few pictures of shoes I saw at the sale. FYI - all the blinged out ones were priced at $400.

But I digress, let's talk Reiss! As always head to the back for samples. Most were priced $125 or less and they had some beautiful pieces. Unfortunately my body is a little too curvy for a lot of their samples (a very narrow 6)  but I was able to get into their coats :) Priced started at just $2 for socks, $5 for tees, $50 for leather skirts ($30 for non-leather) and topped out at $85 for outerwear and $125 for leather jackets. They had both men and women's samples - men's were all size medium.

This Clemi shearling coat was the one exception on the sample price list - and was a whopping $470. It retailed for $2,435 and I would have grabbed it if it was cheaper.

Some of the highlights of the sale rack included this fur trimmed Mabel bomber jacket (retail $935) for $125. The color was amazing but it was a little small for me.

I saw this Pacy shearling in blue and pink ($125) but they were both a little dirty. I'm still thinking about this blue - especially since I realized it retailed for $1,695.

This men's leather jacket was also just $125.

Now let's take a peek at stock pricing. For women prices started at $20 for tees and topped out at $245 for leather. Truthfully I didn't see any stock leathers but I did see a few leather dresses.

They had some pretty dresses which ranged from $55 for casual dresses, to $95 for evening dresses and $180 for premium dresses. They had so many sub categories that it was a bit of a guessing game - I had to keep checking at the register LOL.

I spotted a couple samples for this leather dress as well - retail $845.

Skirts ranged from $45-$135.

Menswear started at $15 for tees and went upward of $335 for leather jackets. Because they had both men's and women's clothing, they split the dressing room so prepare for a long wait to try on.

Men's shoes were $95, and men's accessories ranged from $15-25.

People were snapping up $20 swim pieces. Not bad if you could find a one-piece.

As a shoe addict I always check for cheap ones! Priced at $85 for shoes and $170 for boots I wasn't so excited. I did love those tan and orange striped heels - wish they had samples for them! Samples were all $40 and size 40 (yay!) but I still left empty handed.

Sample box :)

Accessories for women started at $20 for jewelry, $25 for belts, and bags were $75-135.

Overall the sale had some great deals but all I took home were a couple of jackets. I guess I like my clothing a little crazier. Nothing was basic, just not life changing. And if you have to ask how clothing can be life changing, you're probably reading the wrong blog LOL.

The first sample I spotted as they were carrying it out was this $1,495 Bell shearling that I took home for $125. I patently waited for a women to put it down and when she did another woman grabbed it from me and insisted she try it on. I realized she was the woman who snuck into the Tamara Mellon VIP sale and took the last leopard trench coat - the one piece I really wanted. Bottom line, I got my shearling. Luckily it didn't get too ugly.

While I was waiting for my coat I found this men's shearling that was also $125 and retailed for $1,495. It was very similar in design to the pink and blue but much more wearable (and less damaged) in black. Luckily I have broad shoulders and long arms - and can totally make it work :)

Sale is on all week and I would recommend popping in :) If you're a workout junkie, 260 is also holding their Soulcycle sale at their downtown location - note that lines were insane at the last sale so bring your patience with you.

Reiss
260 Fifth Ave, btwn 28th and 29th sts
Tuesday, April 19th through Sunday, April 24th.
Tue 9am-8pm, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm

Soulcycle
150 Greene St
Tuesday, April 19th through Saturday, April 23rd.
Tue 9 am to 8 pm, Wed to Thu 10 am to 8 pm, Fri to Sat 11 am-”8 pm

Happy shopping!

XO
Shoppinggal

Weekly roundup...hair modeling, Target and thrift hauls, penny finds & Louboutins :)

Today's my wedding anniversary. I got married 12 years ago today - it seems forever ago. I didn't get the photographer I really wanted (don't ask) so most of the pictures were pretty boring and posed.  The guy I was forced to use still owes us our digital pics and prints...not to mention the re-edit of the video because all he pretty much shot was the food LOL.
 
I love when a photographer captures a moment. This was one of my favorite pics from my album.

I tried to use my scanner this morning and of course it's not working so I took a pic of a pic.

When I woke up this morning I totally forgot it was my anniversary. I knew it this week but I didn't really think about it. Last week I picked up an orange camo Nike overnight bag (on clearance, of course) at the Rack because he keeps borrowing my pink bag whenever we go away. Not exciting as my previous gifts but I guess I'm still a little pissed that he didn't get me anything for my 40th birthday. It was that or new socks which I'll just get him for Chanukah. Truthfully, my husband is pretty bad with gifts so I wasn't holding my breath. It's ok, I'm really good at buying my own :)  I know to keep things simple so I mentioned a Fitbit to him a few times, but of course he didn't hear that. When he wished me a happy anniversary he told me he ordered me a gift on Amazon. After seeing the Louboutin clutch my friend got for her anniversary last week...I'm not going to show you what I'm getting.

Sorry, I'm always a little cranky on birthdays and anniversaries for some reason. Plus yesterday before I went to my hair modeling appointment I popped into the Rack and missed the Jimmy Choo clutch I'd been eyeing for a while - it went to a penny and they pulled it before I got there. I also I heard I missed out on an $80 Marc Jacobs collection bag. Ugh.

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I've been a hair model at various salons and programs around the City for 15+ years now. It all started when I got scouted at H&M in midtown when I was shopping - a stylist pulled me aside and asked me to be his hair model. Once I discovered the possibilities I realized I would never again be able to pay full price for doing my hair, and I started researching where to go. Some programs even pay you cash or in product! These days I check out Craigslist or salonapprentice.com and look for openings when I need a cut or color. Most salons charge a small fee but I noticed the Whittemore House Salon was looking for models for free highlights so I figured it would be worth a shot :)

My appointment was at 1 PM yesterday and I was running a little late (I always get lost south of 14th street LOL) so I took a taxi when I was 5 minutes away. Luckily they were running late too so it didn't matter. I didn't go in until after 2 and they didn't start on me until 3.

Here is my before selfie:

 And 2.5 hours later this is my after:

When they were drying my hair I noticed it was darker than it should have been. A supervisor who saw my expression told me that it was because it was wet. Being a natural blonde my whole life I know what my hair should look like wet, thank you very much. It's less lemon-y than I like. It looks a little flat and beigey for my taste. I should had realized something was wrong when another stylist came over with her brush and borrowed some of the color they mixed up for me...on her brunette client. I'm thinking they didn't use bleach highlights. When I got home the first thing out of my husband's mouth was "wow, that's the darkest I've ever seen you." Plus my niece who saw me yesterday asked me about the dark spots. Oy. On a more pleasant note, the assistant gave me an amazing blowout so I left feeling ok but me thinks I'll be needing color in another month to brighten things up.

Here you can see the dark spots at the top of my head (mostly in the front) - it looks like there are chunks missing color. You don't even want to see the big dark spot in the back...

I do have to admit that in bright light it looks ok. And I was happy to finally pull out my favorite BCBG trench that I scored at Century21 for 75% off. I paired it with my thrifted Barneys NY boots ($15), a thrifted LBD ($8) and my trusty refub Balenciaga Velo from the Rack. It's still hands down my best Rack find this year.

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My favorite Rack got more refurb shoes in this weekend so I popped in Saturday night and lookie what I found :)

Christian Louboutin Bianca, retail $875

Bianca Christian Louboutins for $229.97! They are size 41s and I usually take a 40 or 40.5 in a Loub but for this price I'll buy a shoe pad and stuff them till they fit :) These are the most comfortable Louboutins I own.

Last week was a pretty good Rack week. Lots of penny finds...

I have a few receipts like this from last week LOL.

One of my penny shoe piles :)

Mens also had markdowns last week - I found a Timberland belt for my brother for $.99 and a Ben Sherman suit for my nephew for $50.

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I also did a quick thrift trip last week - here's the best of my haul:

American Girl Bitty Baby, $2.99. I've since cleaned her up and I'll have to take an after pic for you. DD who is obsessed with Bitties loves her to death - she has at least a dozen of them LOL.

Vintage leather clutch was half-off and only $2. I'm a sucker for a blue bag.

This Arcadia red patent leather bag was just $5. I found a similar bag in TJ Maxx for $100.

Miss Sixty 3/4 sleeve denim blazer 75% off for $2.50 :)

Got this 2-pc vintage DVF silk wrap set for just $7.95!

Reiss sheath dress, 50% off for $7.50. Kate Middleton wears a lot of Reiss and they typically retail for $250-300.

Croci dress 75% off, for $5. Still has the Daffy's tag on it. I miss Daffys :(

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It's also been a pretty good Target week. My youngest has been begging me for the 'pretty horses' bedding for almost two years and it FINALLY got marked down to 70% off! I also picked up a bunch for my nieces :)

This set was for my niece Betty - I got her sister a purple set last year and I promised her a pink set :)

Set $20.98, sheets $5.38, & lamp $8.98.

 More cheap bedding; the sheet was $4.19 and the twin set was $8.98.

I actually needed some room sprays and was happy to find these 2-packs for $1.26 each :)

 Not exactly sure what this is but for if for $3.88 I can get rid of my flabby arms...

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Fans also went to 70% off - scored this Vornado for just $13.48!

Can always use cheap 70% off bulbs...

Recently on my Facebook page someone asked me where to find knee length pencil skirts. I noticed a ton of modest pieces on display all $30 or less!

#modestfashion

When I was Target hunting I picked up a ton of the Altuzarra collection for 50-70%. I'll be selling extras on my Shoppinggalscloset Instagram page this week - stay tuned! 

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Speaking of modest fashion, last Thursday I headed to the East Side to participate in modest fashion & lifestyle blogger Fabologie's 'Carbs & Cocktails' challah bake in hopes of meeting a few Jewish modest fashion bloggers I follow. While I don't necessarily identify myself as modest (I'm more modest-ish at best LOL) I grew up in those circles and I love to see what these girls do with fashion and still stay true to their beliefs.

The lighting was pretty bad in there so this was the best I could do. I'm really only sharing it to show you my Altuzarra for Target trenchcoat that I scored for 50% off :) Despite the rain, everyone else was wearing crazy, fun shoes but I decided to be sensible and wear my thrifted Aquatalia waterproof kitten heeled boots.

Each woman participating received a tin with dough to braid their own challah to bake at home. Lots of treats and vino too :)

I was going to do a flip-o-gram demonstrating my niece making a six braid challah but halfway through I got distracted LOL.

On the way home my niece snapped a few pics of me on the streets. Here are some of my faves by the subway. I really need a better camera...

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I'm very happy to share that LeHoarder finally broke 1,000 followers on Instagram :) I also decided to take a break selling on Ebay and give Insta-selling a go. Check out my stuff on my shoppinggalscloset page - I'll be starting to list tonight!

Happy shopping!
Shoppinggal