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 :)

Irresistible Me.

Until I was thirty I had long blonde hair. It was part of my identity. And then one day I needed a change and had it chopped into pixie by Edward Tricomi of Warren Tricomi. The great thing about being a hair model is that you never know who is going to do your hair. You can just as easily be serviced by a student or a celebrity stylist - for free or a nominal fee. I'll never forget it was him because at his station he had a Edward Scissorhands figure. I grew it out and kept it long until about 40 and then I started cutting again. When Irresistible Me offered me a set of hair extensions I jumped at the chance to try long hair again. Honestly I didn't realize how much I miss my hair until I edited these photos.

So yeah, this dress is kinda amazing. I spotted it on the H&M sale rack for $30 from $99 and knew it was coming to Florida with me. It's a part of their Studio Collection line which I'm a big fan of. Especially on sale. In full disclosure it's a size 8 and super sheer. It has a slip, but it ends just past my behind. I wish it was longer because it oddly ends at my ankles. As long as I was going full drama, I grabbed my oversize House of Harlow sunglasses ($0.01!) and my $90 Jimmy Choo sample sale sandals. I took a gold purse with me but it didn't match at all so I pulled the strap of my Chanel and wore it as a clutch.

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: House of Harlow, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01
• Necklace: AV Max, sample sale, $10
• Dress: H&M Studio Collection, $30 (RV $99)
• Bag: Chanel, Neiman Marcus, 75% off retail
• Rings: Eddie Borgo, sample sale, $5
• Sandals: Jimmy Choo, sample sale, $90 (RV $595)

Linking a few other romantic maxi dresses should you want to steal my style:

Ava wanted to see what it would be like to be a blonde too :)

This is what the Irresistible Me Silky Touch set comes with. I selected #28 silky honey blonde, 200g and 14 inches. This was the shortest set they offer for Silky Touch - I honestly would a preferred a shorter set but this is human hair and can be cut, heat treated and colored just as you do with your own hair. These really are great extensions for short hair and my set retails for $169. As you can see, I had a hard time blending because my last short hair cut was over layered - plus my hair is pretty fine and thinning on top. Most of my top hair fell out after I had my kids. It's one of those weird hormonal things that they don't tell you about having babies. Thank goodness some of it grew back but for a while I had a bald spot. Honestly I'd love to try a full wig at some point (just for fun) because my hair is thicker and has more volume from my ear-line and down - it's the top that needs more help than the bottom.

I'd say it took several tries to get them in for these pictures but once you get the hang of it it's easy enough to snap right in - even for a novice like myself. I would also love to have a pro put these in just to see what else I can do with them. They actually blend even better with Ella's hair so I plan on trying them on her as well.

Mind you I've since cut my hair again. I didn't mean to but I wanted my lob back and the stylist didn't cut enough of an angle so I thought it would be okay to go shorter to get the shape I wanted. So now I'm super short again but hopeful it will grow quickly because I'm anxious to get it to my collarbone - and from there maybe bra length again. We'll see. For now I have my Irresistible Me extensions should I need to switch things up.

On the shopping front, run to Zara now. Like right now. Their sale just had another markdown today and everything is now $19.99 or less in the woman's sale area. I've been stalking their website daily to try and catch a replenishment and I've gotten lucky a few times! Hint - when you find something on sale put it in your cart and check out immediately. Don't wait or you'll lose it! Don't worry, I'll be sharing my Zara haul and Clear the Rack finds soon!

Century 21 got another markdown this week but I'm so over their not really 90% off sale. I grabbed a $350 Tommy sports jacket for my husband for $24 and a $110 Ted Baker shirt for $11 but that was it. Nothing for me.

As for sample sales, I've been taking a break because the season doesn't really heat up again until May/June. There are a few this week and next but nothing worth mentioning. If anything pops up I'll be sure to add it to my Insta-stories on LeHoarder or my @shoppinggalscloset account - where I share more deals and giveaways.

I also wanted to share how excited I am for Ella - she just won a custom gown on Instagram from Pink Label NY. Not sure what she is gonna do with a fancy gown but she can always wear it to her Bat Mitzvah in 2 years. She's so skinny that I'm sure it won't be a problem LOL.

Have a great weekend!

XO
Michelle with the Good Hair

LookBooker x LeHoarder

I'm all about efficiency. As a mom of three who's always on the go, I'm always looking for life hacks to make things easier. When LookBooker reached out to me to check out their app I was all over it. LookBooker is a great way to discover and book new salons and spas near you, and pay thru your phone - tipping too! I downloaded the app, signed in and booked a mani-pedi at Allure Day Spa and Hair Design in NYC. Easy peasy. Sign up here to get $10 off your first appointment! It was so nice to take the time to pamper myself, which is something I rarely do.

After my morning at the Spa I did a little 5th Ave window shopping. When I'm on the go I put on comfortable shoes and bundle up. It's cold out there! Decided to take my $685 Stuart Weitzman boots for a spin. Did I mention I found them for a penny (yes, $0.01) at Nordstrom Rack last year?

From head to toe:

• Hat: Maniere Zccessories, Zulily, $0.99 (I had $25 in credit, RV $50)
• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, free with rewards (Century price $60, RV $295)
• Dress: Merona, Target, $11 (on sale!)
• Coat: H&M, $30, on sale from $199
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $15
• Bag: Jimmy Choo Blare tote, sample sale, $250 (RV $3,050)
• Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom Rack, $0.01 (RV $685)

You can shop my look here:

My photos were taken by the adorable @littlefashionstylist Belle, so I in turn, took hers. Just looking at her outfit, she's wearing stuff from 4 different sample sales that I dragged her to. (Two points if you can name them!) I love hanging out with her because she keeps me young and I think it's funny that I'm 42 and she's 24. It was last Fashion Week when I was at a party all by myself when she marched up to me and said hello - and we've been fast friends ever since :)

I'm not sure how she escaped frostbite that day. It was COLD.

So it's NYFW and there's a snowstorm out there. I decided to play hooky and take the morning to blog and catch up. I'm still considering running in to party tonight but we shall see...

It's been a while since I shared my blogger mail. I had a pretty big stack waiting for me when I got back from Florida.

Popsugar sent me their Must Have Box to try. In January's box there were lots of goodies to give you a fresh start for 2017. You can take $5 off your first box with the code SHOP5. Click here to check it out!

Influenster sent me this VoxBox and I feel like I've been demoted. After a few good ones, they sent me another box of random stuff. What I hate about it, is that for each item/brand they give you a to do list of several tasks to accomplish to earn badges and more VoxBoxes. There are seven brands in this box - so multiply that and it's like 20+ different tasks. It's not gonna happen. So I'm gonna share this one pic and say thank you. It's too much work for a few inexpensive free samples. Send me the good stuff Influenster!

On the Nordstrom Rack front, it's pretty dead. I went in because I got an email that they were getting designer shipments but they didn't have anything when I got there. I did find these socks for a penny each last week. I've been stalking those Smart Wool socks. I like to layer them with my tights when it's freezing out.

As for Century 21 - 90% off has hit. I reported it on my Instastories but you should also be following my @shoppinggalscloset Insta page where I post more of my deals. Head to the downtown NYC location for the best deals. And don't bother online for this sale. I didn't find anything but I'm a little spoiled by the good ole days and nothing impressed me.

In sample sale land it's also pretty slow. There are always sales, just not many of note. Wait for the Spring for them to start up again. For now head to Century to see what you can find!

This post has been sponsored by LookBooker and Popsugar - thanks guys!

XO
Michelle the Busy Momma

A Little Bit Uptown, A Little Bit Rock 'N Roll

When people ask me what my aesthetic is I always say I'm a fashion chameleon. I like to have fun with my clothing, and my style is fluid. Something catches my eye and voilà - I'm rocking a new vibe. This look is very much inspired by my favorite Rolling Stones tee. I picked up this baby a while back at Nordstrom Rack on super clearance for 3 bucks. No joke. Every time I wear it, it brings out the Jagger in me.

I like pretty. I like edgy. But that's as close as you're gonna get me to commit to labeling myself. For 2017 I challenge you to try something new and wear something outside your uniform. Some of my favorite looks were just thrown together as I ran out the door.

I've always been a hi-low mixologist. I love the luxury of a beautiful designer piece but sometimes my most impactful finds have been from random places for less than $20. This skirt is by MakeMeChic on Amazon for just $16.99! I'm wearing a size large - the reviews indicate the waistband is small so you have to size up.

Added a little uptown girl with my new Rosegal camel coat and Jimmy Choo sample sale boots. I've been hunting for a camel coat for the longest time but nothing turned up at sample sales or thrift stores (which is where I get most of my coats). I'm guessing it's because lighter colors usually don't last so it's easier to find a darker coat in good condition at thrift. This coat is also a size large and runs super small as well. I probably needed a XL to wear it comfortably right now. With a lot of these online sites sizing can be wonky, so it's really important to read measurements before ordering. And don't get caught up in sizing on the tag. I actually know people who won't buy things if they think the size is too big. Insanity! As a bargain hunter you really have to be open to find the best deals.

The creeper in this pic totally cracks me up - he comes complete with facemask LOL.

From head to toe:

• Sunglasses: Rosegal, gifted
• Lipstick: Red Morello Lipstick, Korres, gifted (RV $32.50 with matching liner) - not wearing liner
• Coat: Rosegal, gifted. It's sold out so I'm linking it in another color. Here is another similar coat for a little more $
• Pins: BP, Nordstrom Rack, $3.97 each package x2
• Tee: Electric Circus, Nordstrom Rack, $3.50 (retail $34)
• Bag: Marc Jacobs small Gotham bag, $259, Nordstrom Rack (RV $1295)
• Gloves: Fingerless fur gloes, Ruti Horn, free (I won a giveaway) - Check out her Etsy shop here
• Skirt: MakeMeChic, Amazon, gifted
• Boots: Jimmy Choo, sample sale, $250 (RV approx. $1,250)

My sunglasses were also a Rosegal find - I'm so hard on my sunglasses that I refuse to spend more than $30 on even my designer pairs. These are less than $9! Score! I also added two sets of pins to my coat that I found at the Rack for about $8 total. I plan on pinning them to anything and everything this Fashion Week.

You can shop my look here:

Can you believe this is the first time I wore these boots? I got them at the first Choo sample sale (check out a previous sale report here) I attended but they've been sitting in my closet waiting for the perfect coat...

Photos are once again by my 11 year old son. Train 'em young guys!

So happy February everyone! Not much in the way of shopping right now. My only pick for next week is Dannijo. Love their cool-girl jewelry. You can read about past sales here and here. Some sales are better than others so fingers crossed for some gorgeous baubles on the cheap!

Dannijo
2/6, 10-7
263 11th Ave, 2nd fl

So excited it's almost fashion week! Be sure to follow along on my Insta stories :)

XO
Michelle the Bargain Huntress

Little Red Rockie

In my 2016 top finds roundup I mentioned that in addition to the nude & rosegold Alexander Wang Rockie I also picked up a red one. Did I need two of the same bags? Probably not. But could you say no to this adorable purse? Clearly I couldn't. And it was just what my gorgeous embroidered Zaful dress needed. In the perfect shade of cherry red, this lovely is clearly irresistible.

I dragged my son out in the freezing cold (yep, my 11 year old photographer) to shoot these and let me tell you, it's as icy cold as it looks out there. We shot a few looks so he wore my other beanie and fur gloves while we were shooting this look  - and didn't care what he looked like. I really tried to smile but it was just too darn cold.

An interesting note about the dress - it came with a Zara tag. I'm wearing a size medium but I wish I sized up because it's tight on my chest. It's actually a heavier material than I expected so it can easily work for this time of year.

Anyone recognize my old H&M $5 beanie? I actually sewed on a fox fur ball that I scored for just $3 at the Carolina Amato sample sale. Couldn't believe she was selling them so cheap! I grabbed 6 pom poms but I wish I grabbed more.

From head to toe:

• Hat: H&M, $5 + $3 fur pom pom
• Sunglasses: Marsquest, gifted (RV $89 CAD)
• Lipstick: Red Morello Lipstick, Korres, gifted (RV $32.50 with matching liner)
• Cape: H&M, $15 (RV $60)
• Dress: Retro embroidered latern sleeve dress, Zaful, gifted (RV $39.99)
• Gloves: fingerless fur accent gloves, Carolina Amato, sample sale, $15
• Bag: Alexander Wang mini Rockie, sample sale, $175 (RV $650)
• Boots: Rockstar boots, Sergio Rossi, sample sale, $25 (RV $1,260)

I've been a little obsessed with mirrored sunnies of late. These navy and silver beauties are from Marsquest. Use code LeHoarder35 to get 35% off your purchase!

You can shop my look here:

I'm actually headed to Florida first thing in the morning so I won't be shopping this week. Kids are on break so we decided we needed a little fun in the sun.

Not to leave you in the cold (punny, I know) here are my sale picks for the week:

This store is a pop up that is going out of business at the end of the month. I sent my friend today and she said she saw $300 Chanels and Loubs. Right now there is a lot of Versace but there are tons of hidden gems. Run!

Luxury 9 Grand Central 
M-Th 10-7,  F 1-4, Sun 11-7
375 Lexington Avenue (41st Street )

My friends who went to Tibi said a lot of stuff looked old and dated but there were some deals to be found. Plus it's pretty cheap.

TIBI
January 16-23
M-Sat 11-7 Sun 12-6
120 Wooster Street

Anytime they mention up to 90% off retail it's worth checking out...

Erin Fetherston
January 18-20
Daily 11-7
225 West Broadway

I've never been to this sale but I like their shoes -

Matt Bernson
January 19-20
Daily 11-7
20 Harrison Street

Clothingline sales are sometime stupid cheap. While this one isn't a clearance sale, it boasts of irregulars and samples which could be really good.

Theory, Helmut Lang
January 23-26
M 11-8, T-Th 11-7
261 W 36th Street, 2nd Fl

And last but not least, congrats to Megan C. @whatmeganlikes, the winner of my Rebecca Minkoff Insta giveaway! If you didn't win, don't fret! My repost of my Valentino Rockrunners went viral again and got over 3,500 like and my numbers jumped again. Looks like I'm gonna have to have a 20k giveaway soon :)

Happy shopping!

XO
Michelle

New Year's Day in NYC

I decided that in 2017 I was going to make an effort to shop my closet. I have a lot of beautiful things that often sit for years until I wear them. Part of the reason is that my size goes up and down, and part of it is that I just have a lot of stuff. My family was already in the car waiting for me when I threw this ensemble together. My inspiration usually stems from a single piece - in this case my $1,895 Vera Wang wool coat that I scored at the sample sale for $100.

A bunch of these pieces are actually sample sale scores and were taken out for the first time. I've been on the fence about this Tamara Mellon grommeted bag for a while but it was just what this outfit needed. Looking this outfit over, it's probably a little less fun than I'd like. Next time (if I have more than 5 minutes to get dressed LOL) I'd probably wear a higher heel or a shorter dress (as the proportions feel off for me) and add a few more accessories. I guess you can say that this is how I do basic.

From head to toe:

• Hat: H&M, sale rack, $1
• Sunglasses: Moschino, Century 21, free with $60 rewards (RV $295)
• Jacket: Vera Wang Collection, sample sale, $100 (RV $1,895)
• Sweater: J Crew Cashmere, thrift store, $8
• Dress: Tobi midi dress, gifted (it's paper thin but a good layer)
• Gloves: Carolina Amato, sample sale, $15
• Bag: Tamara Mellon Speed Date, sample sale, $250 (RV $2,195)
• Boots: Rebecca Minkoff Sari, sample sale, $25 (RV $495)

In case you missed it - note the different color chains on the gloves. Sometime you get a great deal at a sample sale because of a tiny flaw. I honestly didn't notice it until the designer pointed it out but one chain is silver and the other is gunmetal. All I know is there are super warm, cashmere lined leather gloves - and I needed something for the times I didn't want to wear my favorite gold studded leather gloves (seen here).

Just wanted to add that this is what my hair looks like when I roll out of bed. I didn't have time to put in beach waves so I just used a little dry shampoo (Right now I'm using Suave from Target - I like it better than some fancy ones I've tried) and ran out the door.

Linking up my look for you to shop here:

Thank you to my 11 year old son Keva who was this round's photographer. Kids are amazing photographers because they don't get embarrassed easily, take direction, and are willing to lie down on a City street to help you get the shot (or at least mine do). I'm a lucky momma. I've already started to put together a post on photography tips - for the blogger who doesn't use a professional photographer. While someday I aspire to having someone follow me around and take gorgeous shots of me - for now all I have are my kids and some basic editing skills.

Every New Year's Day for the past several years, I've headed to the American Girl Store with the kids and their matching dolls to meet their new girl of the year. They always have activities and freebies so if you're a mom on a budget this is the day to visit that otherwise really expensive store. I wouldn't say I've never spent a penny in the store but most of our 50+ AG dolls and accessories have been thrifted. Ava brought her doll Saige with her and wore the matching dress that we found in the thrift store for $5. Most of my kids clothing is thrifted - thou her boots were just a penny at Nordstrom Rack :)

I just got her these super cute purple glasses at Zenni for less than $40 on Black Friday when they had 20% off the site. I've always been a Zenni fan - they have glasses starting at just $6.95 plus $4.95 shipping. I often place an order for my several family members to take advantage of the flat rate shipping LOL. Ava has a strong prescription but with insurance I still have to pay $50 OOP - these were cheaper and are better quality then the ones she just got from Target. I still have to share my new oversized green glasses with you - so fun!

The kids have a pasttime of sitting on top of the car while waiting for me to shoot. Ava is usually the first one on the car.

Ella has been sick for the past couple weeks and will hopefully go back to school tomorrow. This was shot right before she started to stay home  - you can already see in her face that something was off. Nothing is more difficult than taking pics of a sick kid, but Ella is a pro at this point and she pushed thru to get a few snaps. I should mention that Ella had a sleepover the night before and I forgot to bring her matching doll dress when I picked her up. Oops.

Ella is wearing a leather bomber jacket that is easily 30+ years old. It was given to my brothers as a hand me down a bajillion years ago - and my aunt who gave it to them had it handed to her before that. Classic and quality seriously last forever. She stole my furry fingerless Carolina Amato gloves and my new favorite Be Mine NYC hat, and is wearing Justice jeans and her favorite Nina Kids Carmyn boots (which are now on sale at Nordstrom).

She's been sleeping in braids recently - it gives her these fun, crazy waves. So cute, right?

I'm still a little sick too but at least I'm semi-functional. My husband got us tickets to Florida for the kids winter break next week so at least we have some sun and fun to look forward to.

On the sample sale front, nothing too exciting to report. I hope you guys went to Rachel Zoe this week like I suggested. They had $40 gowns - and some of those retail for $500-1,000 easy. Junk Food has a sale today and tomorrow with $5 tees but I personally have not been there to vouch for it. Ivy Kirzhner also has a sale with shoes for $50-120 this weekend which is good but not amazing. I also heard that Bergdorf Goodman will have an extra 20% off their sale merchandise starting Friday (thru the weekend) so if you're in the City, it's worth checking out.

JUNK FOOD
January 11-12, W 1-5 Th 11-5
525 Seventh Avenue (38-39 Streets) Suite 308

IVY KIRZHNER 
January 13-16, F-Sat 11-8 Sun 12-6 M 11-8
750 Greenwich Street

Happy shopping! If anyone has any suggestions for activities near Ft. Lauderdale I'd love to hear them - kid or shopping related :)

XO
Michelle

PS Last call to enter my Rebecca Minkoff Insta giveaway - I'm choosing a winner this weekend! Enter here!