Navy's In For Fall

Even though it's supposed to be one of Chicago's coolest summers ever, I still dream about the brisk breezes and crunchy coloured leaves of fall...not to mention the glorious wardrobe changes that will occur.



The sweater is $20 and the shoes are $24...I'm especially in love with the loafer/moccasins, because they're in a unique colour that can still function as a neutral. The only thing I'd be worried about is how well they go with blue jeans. But with black tights? Wonderful.

Bulls-Eye!

Just a couple of quick items I got at Target during a recent trip.

This blanket is plush and lovely and fuzzy and I love it and will hug it all the time in college. Totally worth the $9.99. I'm a shorty, so the throw size fit me, but for taller people out there, the XL Twin size is $18.


This bath brush looks kind of scratchy, but it's actually really great for scrubbing in the shower...esp. your back, which is kinda hard to reach. Think of it like the manual body version of a Clarisonic, for only $3.97.


I love love love this. It makes a great makeup remover, but can be pretty drying. I have the oiliest skin in the world, so I love using this. I do keep a travel-sized container of Lancome eye makeup remover, which I fill with this and water shaken up. I use that in the morning so that it's a little gentler. Ironically, right around the time I needed to repurchase this, they were selling 9.1 oz. sizes for only $5!


This little eyeliner brush rocks my world. I use it with my Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Graphite Shimmer Ink and it makes lining my eyes so incredibly easy. Plus, it was only $5.99!



I have a huge weakness for school supplies, so when I spotted these Dror for Target folders for only $2.50 they were an instant snatch-up. So they're not as reliable as the plain old plastic ones...but at least they look pretty!

A Celebratory Anniversary

Mourning the end of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, which did not induce much buying, but which did induce much listing.

Love the ruching + zipper detail. Unfortunately these aren't very practical, and might get "old" after a few wears, but they're still impeccably fierce. $119.90


A nice way to wear the Tory Burch trend without that incredibly large "T" detail. It's almost as if a Tory Burch flat and a moccasin had a love child. $149.90


Perfect for that effortless, leg-baring, Whitney Port look. Try it with tights and a blazer for colder days. $91.90


Bordering on label-y, but a fun way to dress up a ponytail. $33.00

In The Navy

I recently received a coupon in the mail for Gap's Give and Get Program. Now, I know the clothing at Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic can at times seem a bit overpriced for the basics that they're offering, but they last a long time and often feature sweet little details that are overlooked in the same basics at, say, H&M. This coupon takes a hefty 30% off of any of my purchases, and while I've been satisfyingly lazy ever since I got this coupon in the mail, I'm seriously considering these items from Old Navy:

This is the kind of thing that I hope to be wearing in college. I can throw it over jeans and a tank and it looks pretty casual, but kind of in that effortlessly comfy-casual with a hint of style way. $10.99


I'm kind of obsessed with textural floral details, like the rosette designs that have been everywhere or these types of cutout designs. This tank would be great to wear under a cardigan with jeans for a typical college day as well. $7.99


This ruffle-neck cardigan is yet another college friendly piece, just because it's a simple thing I can throw on over anything, but yet it has a little bit of flair. $12.99


I already have a black jersey T-shirt dress, and it's so comfy and easy to accessorize that I find myself wearing it all the time, every season (it's great with tights for winter!). I think this slubby grey one would be another nice college basic, just because it's so easy to throw on but it kind of looks put together. $11.99

Urbanized

I sincerely hope that other people were able to experience the true joy and happiness that was Urban Outfitters' "Sale's on Sale" event. Essentially, everything on sale was...another 50% off. Amazing, right? Things tended to run on the expensive side, like $29.99 or so, but I was able to snag two great items for $20 each...which were $10 each with the discount.

The first item is a really pretty black tank top with a leather rose trim (well, probably fake leather). I didn't take a picture of it on me, because it's ridiculously low-cut and I'm planning to shorten the straps enough that I don't need another tank underneath it. The best thing about this tank is the trim; the stiff fabric ensures that it won't droop after the first laundry run.




The next item is this great pleated dress in a basic shade of blue. It's a bit on the big side for me, but I still really like it. When worn by itself, it looks a little cocoon-like, and I would probably only wear it like this if I was trying to evoke a more laid-back, boho/indie style.


If I wanted to look a little more crisp (or...a little less poufy), I'd wear it with a belt. I couldn't find my usual thick black belt, so I opted for a satin ribbon. It gives basically the same effect...which I love! It really enhances the pleating. This dress was so worth $10.

See That Chloe

Like I mentioned before, I've been focusing my purchases on things that I'll be using a lot. One of the things that I really loved was my Kate Spade pencil case...unfortunately that was lost to the city of Chicago. I used it as kind of an "essentials" case, carrying a few pens, a pencil, an eraser, and depending on whether I was out or at school, some small makeup items or a calculator. I found myself using it a fair amount of times, and often it would basically replace my wallet.

Well, I've got a new replacement for my Kate Spade pencil case...and it comes all the way from See by Chloe. I purchased it with a friend at CUSP (she got a matching one), a wondrous store housed at Water Tower Place that carries an abundance of drool-worthy designer labels. The case was $27, which I find relatively reasonable for a piece of See by Chloe.

Happy Anniversary!

I was so thrilled to head over to Nordstrom to check out the anniversary sale and scope out some possible bargains...but this may just be my Nordstrom, in Chicago, but I was actually kind of underwhelmed. I will admit that I didn't have a lot of time, so I didn't really get to go into the clothes, but from what I saw as far as accessories are concerned, there wasn't really much that got me going. I suppose I didn't really go in with a mindset to buy something, but I did just deposit a paycheck and would have splurged had the right bargain come along.

There was one thing that caught my eye, and it usually is this type of thing that does during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It's a punchy, pink, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch that I tried on in-store. It's only $82.90, reduced from $125...and I love it. I've been looking at watches lately, because I've been wanting to up the ante as far as staple pieces are concerned (like wallets, watches, and other things you use every day) and I figured a really cute designer watch would be a great way to do it. Unfortunately I didn't make the jump today, but I wasn't really in a spending mood. Maybe next time?


Also, just a side note: I've never really been into fancy brand-name brushes, because I think they're a waste of money, but I tried out the MAC 131 brush, and all I have to say is...love. It's super-soft and light and perfectly shaped and I can just feel that it would be amazing to apply foundation. The lady in-store said the brush was $32, but she might have forgotten because on the site it's listed as $40. Ah well...

Net-A-Bargain

I was so excited to hear that Net-A-Porter was getting into a business that is basically a higher-end Nordstrom Rack or Loehmann's. Outlets and discounted retail stores are always my first look when I want something with quality or from a brand name.

Though theoutnet.com does offer discounted items, they are still well out of the reach of many due to their "in your dreams" status. But here are a couple of fun picks:

Chloé pleat panel dress, $573


The colour of this is absolutely incredible, and I love the delicate pleating.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mayfair Squares Dress, $188


I must have been in a sweet-girlie mood while selecting these clothes, because this is the type of dress I'd imagine someone wearing while parading around some shops on a sunny day, with a cute pair of sunglasses and some summer sandals.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Wool-blend cutout dress, $262


This isn't the most groundbreaking Phillip Lim dress, but it's quite a pretty one. I think the cutouts are kind of a cool detail, and I think the icy beige shade is a nice take on neutral.

Anna Sui Swirl-embroidered camisole top, $114.40


Obviously the colours (or lack thereof) are right up my alley, but what I really like about this tank is its light material, beautiful design, and ability to be worn during both casual summery occasions and more evening or covered-up ones.

Chloé Saskia small tote, $760


It may not be as trendy as the Paddington, but I love it all the same. In fact, it's probably a better investment purchase because it won't go out of style in the next week after it's bought.

Christian Louboutin Papilipi satin pumps, $338


Okay, so $338 may not be quite a steal for a pair of pretty heels, but...these are gorgeous. The colour is amazing, the sheer detailing is amazing, the height is high but not too high, and of course the signature red sole is a standout. And the only size left is my size, a 6.5...maybe it's a sign?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Mouse flats, $227.50


You either love 'em or you hate 'em...and I happen to be in love with them. Yup, they're the ubiquitous mouse flats and they're on sale! Again, the price isn't exactly a bargain for a nice pair of flats, but if I were to splash out these would definitely be a consideration.

Gap Goes Great

Just two lovely finds from Gap's sale; if you use code SALE25, you can get 25% off of all sale items.

First is this lovely Vena Cava dress from what's left of Gap's Design Editions collection. I honestly have nowhere to wear such a dress, yet I am so very tempted to buy it just because it is a great representation of Vena Cava's dress prints, and because I think a khaki dress with black designs is a fun way to be playful yet still neutral. If you're not into showing tons of skin, this is a great date dress -- memorable, yet not too flashy. It's $69.99 before the discount.


Second is this tank top I have literally been admiring for the past three weeks. Every couple of days I'll scour Gap's website, open the link to this tank top in a new window, leave it open for a bit and admire it, and then sadly close the window when realizing that the price is a bit much.


This brown colour is only $24.99, which shouldn't be that bad with the discount, but with shipping it probably will be just about the same price. But I (for once) am not that huge a fan of this brown colour.



Instead, I'd rather get a tank in the blue or green. I like the green the most, but unfortunately it's sold out in XS and S and has been for a while, so I would probably opt for the blue. Again, with the discount it would be around $30 but even for this lovely tank that's a bit much for me.

Sigh. It's a sign that economic times are a-changing when I start web stalking and admiring clothes from Gap.

Make Your Marc

Just some bright and punchy Marc by Marc Jacobs pieces from the Net-A-Porter sale.

Fiona faille dress, $180


Peep toe pump, $261


Flap patent clutch, $108

Flat Fables

Old Navy was another store whose sale I could not resist; they were offering 20% off everything and free shipping, ironically similar to Bobbi Brown's sale. But 20% off and free shipping are both hard to come by with Old Navy, so I decided to make two purchases.

One of my great weaknesses is a cute pair of ballet flats. Even though I am a meager 5'2", flats have long been the subject of my great adoration. Flats that are fanciful and unique without being overly ostentatious will get me up at any hour of the day. Luckily, I didn't have to fight through any "doorbuster"-esque sales because of Old Navy's online offer. My purchases?

This pretty jersey skirt...it may be a little short, but it's an easy thing to slip on and a cute alternative to the frequently seen elastic top jersey skirts.


This basic pair of black flats...I posted the green version as well, because I was considering getting those, but then settled on the black because I really need a basic pair.



This pair of beauteous grey flats...these weren't a necessity, but I really fell in love with them when I saw them. I love grey in general, and these flats are no exception. I was about to get these in black as well, but the flower just didn't stand out as much that way.


After the discount, the skirt was a little under $4.00 and the shoes were each $8.00, so...

4
8
8 +
-------
20

A good deal, no?

Bobbi: Beauteous, not Boring

Being a devoted lover and general adorer of Bobbi Brown's simple and classic makeup, I was behooved to discover that her website was having a special 20% off event. This really redefined the word "rare," as Bobbi Brown essentially never holds sales. Actually, now that I think about it, Bobbi Brown, MAC, and NARS rarely (if ever) have sales...they also happen to be my three favourite makeup brands. In any case, though I was attempting to be bargainous in the midst of all the sales going on, I just couldn't help myself with the 20% discount and free shipping. So I ordered a Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Graphite Shimmer Ink. Thankfully I had the chance to swatch this on my skin earlier, so I wasn't just ordering blindly. Graphite Shimmer Ink is a beautiful shimmery grey colour that isn't black, but is dark enough to add definition even on tanner skin. You can smudge it for a smokey eye, use it as a base, or use it as a precise liner. I highly recommend it!


While ordering, I also was able to snag two free samples from Bobbi Brown. I was ordering relatively quickly, so I picked two samples from the ones available. I picked this little container of soothing face tonic


and this one-time use Extra SPF 25 Moisturizing Balm.


Upon second glance, I should have picked the Oil Control Lotion SPF 15


because it isn't labeled as one-time use and, like the Soothing Toner, comes in an adorable little glass container that can be re-used for travel or for storing small amounts of lotion/toner. The container of face tonic is just like in the picture; the bottle's height is about as tall as my pinkie.

If you're ordering something now, Bobbi Brown's thrown in a new option for a sample, which I personally adore. It's a miniature shimmer wash eyeshadow, which appears to be in a neutral champagne/copper colour called "Copper Penny." I adore all colours of this variety, so I really wish this was around when I ordered my gel liner.

Gift Ideas, Part 1

For the girl to whom you only owe a small token of gratitude, a sweet pair of socks are fun, cozy, and cheap. The J. Crew argyle ones are a complete steal -- you might even want to get some for yourself!

J. Crew Argyle Knee-Highs, $6.99


Gap Soft Sherpa Socks, $6.99


For a closer friend that doesn't necessarily need a larger gift, try this beautiful headband or this gorgeous J. Crew cardigan. Though I usually try to not get people clothes, a cardigan is a pretty universal thing.

J. Crew Braided Metal Headband, $22.00


J. Crew Tartine Cardigan, $29.99


For someone special to you, a Coach wristlet is a budget-friendly way to share the holiday cheer. Pick a colour that you think your friend would truly love -- but don't forget to include a gift receipt in case she isn't a fan!

Coach Soho Leather Wristlet, $58


Coach Madison Leather Wristlet, $68