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

And the reds have it :) MAC Cosmetics Isabel & Ruben Toledo collaboration lipstick reviews.

For some time I've been looking for a new red lippie (and keep buying pink LOL) so when I saw the pretty packaging for MAC's Isabel & Ruben Toledo collab I knew I had to see if any of them worked for me.

Colors from left to right are Oxblood, Barbecue, Victoriana, Tenor Voice, Opera and Sin - $17.50 each

The three colors that caught my eye are Victoriana, Tenor Voice and Opera, and truthfully they look pretty similar. They are all matte formulation and have good staying power for a MAC lipstick.

So similar, right?

Victoriana was the first I tried on and the one I took home :) It has a touch of pink in it and I liked how it brightened up my face.  FYI - I never wear lip-liner and I was in a hurry so please excuse my messy application. The lipstick is the only makeup I'm wearing which is why you can see all the tiny veins in my 40 year old skin.

Victoriana

Tenor Voice was the second and it was a little warmer in color. I did like it but because all three were so similar I didn't need more than one. 

Tenor Voice

Last but not least was Opera - it's the most blue-red and gave my skin a grey tint.

Opera

 Here I am modeling my look with my new MAC Victoriana lipstick :)

Dress: Peter Pilotto for Target dress, 50% off
Belt: BE&D leather studded Garbo belt, thrifted for $10 (retail $495!)
Bracelet: Chanel camellia lucite cuff, 75% off @ Neiman Marcus
Shoes: Tamara Mellon grey leopard calf hair Addiction pumps, $50 sample sale (retail $595)

Overall I'd say I'm really impressed with the MAC Toledo collection - the packaging is really a standout. With most designer lipsticks retailing for $30+ it's refreshing to find these priced at $17.50 each. Would love to hear what you selected from the collection :)
-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

Century21 75% off end of season sale!

Since I got back from Florida I've been stalking Century 21 daily. I feel a little strange neglecting the Rack and my penny hunting but I'm happy to take a small break and let other bargain hunters try their hand at it LOL.

I used to be happy with my C21 in NJ...until I got called into the City for a casting call on Thursday that didn't pan out - I'll give you more info next time when I get it :) Anyway, the NJ location tends to transfer sale pieces out and I used to think it was to sell the goods elsewhere for more. HOWEVER, I spotted a bunch of pieces that I know my store had - in the City - at 75% off! Don't get me wrong, I found plenty in NJ but the City finds were in better shape and higher end. I guess I know where I'll be going to hunt to see what's left at 90% off :)

Here are some of my favorite 75% off finds from this season so far:

When I asked the bargain-gods for Rockstuds they misunderstood and sent me sunglasses. I meant shoes!!! It's not that I don't appreciate $300 sunglasses for less than $16...but I want shoes, please. Fingers crossed for this year!

This second pair is tiny so they were going to be for my petite SIL...until my 7 year old daughter swiped them. Like mother, like daughter.

As soon as I scored these Pradas for $27 I put them to use! I'm also wearing my new Miley Cyrus MAC Viva Glam lipstick ($16), Yosca sample sale earrings ($25), AV Max snakeskin cuffs ($10 each, sample sale too!), Haute Hippie dress (Nordstrom Rack, $60) and thrifted vintage Claude Montana blazer ($20).

In previous sales they had tons of sunglasses - this round was slim pickins. At least I found a few really nice pairs for less than what I'd pay at Marshalls. While yes, I've found a bunch for a penny at the Rack this year, they are usually not as flattering as my Century scores.

The shoe racks in NJ are messy and missing boxes. In the City they were all neatly organized and mostly in perfect condition. I first spotted these Blahniks in a size 7 and I was disappointed - until I looked over and saw a shelf of Manolos - and some in my size! These babies were less than $100 - that's better than sample sale prices!!! I like that these are a little different, yet still a neutral. I'm pretty well stocked in the shoe department these days so I'm looking for interesting (but wearable) pieces right now and these fit the bill :)

I'd seen some green Sergio Rossi strassed evening shoes at TJ Maxx for $500+ and I've been thinking about them ever since. Most of the Rossis disappeared from NJ so you can imagine my delight when I found tons in my size - especially these blinged out sandals for $87.50. And the best part is that if you download the C21 app there is a $25 off $250 coupon right now to take a few more dollars off! Every bit helps :)

I thought this Save the Queen dress would be a fun LBD with a twist, and for less than $25 it was a no-brainer.

I need to sew back on a few of the pieces.

These Marc by Marc Jacobs platform wedges are really comfortable - and were around $30 after all my discounts. This year is the year of comfortable shoes. Shoe styles are getting chunkier again - plus I'm 40 and I can't do the crazy stilettos of my 20s. These have a vintage 1940s look, and I love the geometric details that make them feel modern. Cheap and chic!

Speaking of Cheap and Chic...I picked up this Moschino silk scarf for $15 for a client. She started covering her hair for religious reasons and the last time she flew in to shop with me we picked out a gorgeous wig for her to wear on dressier occasions. On a daily basis she usually wears this black rag that I'd rather not talk about. We didn't have time to do scarves last time so I promised I would send her some to match her designer wardrobe. I was very excited to find some pretties at 75% off.

I've had DVF on the brain since I watched her reality show to find a new brand ambassador. For the record I kinda knew it would be Brittany from day 1 - she has that it factor. This gorgeous scarf with a Warhol print of Diane retailed for $295 - got her this one for $35 :)

If you don't have the time or patience to shop or organize you can always hire me as your personal shopper/stylist. A lot of my clients actually love to shop - they just know I do it better and faster - and I'm pretty cheap considering the $ you'll save. Message me on my Shoppinggalnyc page on Facebook if you're interested in setting up an appointment :)

I'm a little behind on sharing my thrift finds. I picked up the most beautiful black vintage dress for $8 this week but they left the sensor on. I'll take a pic after I bring it back to have it removed. I love thrifting cheap bracelets - check out my new $6 Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle as well as this no-name gold one for $2. The MJ one even had the price stickers from the Bloomingdales outlet. Looks like it retailed for 98 bucks!

You know me and dresses...couldn't leave this $895 Ralph Lauren black label dress that still had on half a tag for $20! It is a little big but wearable. 

I also found the holy grail of thrifting - these Chanel mary janes were $45. For thrift that's on the steep side but they're fun and pretty comfortable. And where are you finding Chanel shoes for less?

The Rack has been pretty slow but I do have to share this 92% off Ted Baker dress - $19.90 from $248 :)

Last night I went to a 40th birthday party so I jumped at the chance to have a little fun. I initially thought I was going to wear a Philosophy dress that I just got at Century but my husband thought it looked weird (men just don't get fashion) so he chose my $1450 Herve Leger "Amber" bandange dress that I picked up for less than $100 at the Rack a while back. I usually don't give him a choice but I was happy to go in either direction. My 8 year old niece was there and took this pics for me so some are better than others LOL.

Pulled out my new $269 Fendi that I just got yellow stickered at TJ Maxx - paired it with my newly thrifted Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle, my trusty 75% off Chanel bracelet and my favorite spiked penny bangle. I'm also wearing penny earrings but I don't have any close-ups pics. 

Normally I would have worn heels with a bandage dress but I needed to wear dancing shoes. My Pedro Garcia Talisas that I hunted down on Yoox were the perfect choice. Gorgeous and comfortable!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday :) I'm half-watching the game as I type. I'm not really a sports fan but I keep peeking at the commercials and I'm waiting for the halftime show. Looking forward to Katie Perry!

Hope I don't get snowed in tomorrow - too many deals out there right now...
-Shoppinggal