My Shopping Tips- Part 2

I meant for these to be back to back posts, but I was at an company softball game at 6:20 and we won (which was literally a miracle) and then we had to play again at 8:40 but the game was delayed until 9:30 and by the time I got home, showered and took care of the dog blogging just wasn't happening. But here is the second half of my shopping tips! Hope they help you keep the spending low and your wardrobe glamorous!

7.       Sign up for those annoying emails

I started using my blog account email as my shopping email account. Whenever I would log onto a new store’s site, more often than not they ask you to create a log in, or sign up for emails. A lot of the time it comes with a coupon incentive- 10% off, 20% off, free shipping on your first order etc. Shop first and if you find something then sign up for the email and wait for the coupon code. I say shop first because sometimes the coupon code expires L. After the initial sign up, most places email you with promotions, and more incentives to keep buying their products.
Some sites that you should sign up for:
tobi (50% off first purchase!)
Windsor (10% off first purchase)
Last Call Neiman Marcus (they constantly have email sales)
Dorothy Perkins (email exclusive sales)

8.       Put things on hold

Either online or in store- if you’re not POSITIVE about something then put in on hold and wait a day. Or an hour. If you’ve forgotten about it you clearly don’t want/need it. If you  haven’t and you’ve look other places but can’t get the item out of your head then make the purchase. The worst thing is not getting something and regretting it. the second worst is getting something you never wear and have it turn into a waste of money and closet space.

9.       Try eBay, Etsy, Amazon and Polyvore

When looking for a specific item I can’t get my hands on, I go to my four fall-back websites. I’ve been able to find pretty much any item I was looking for. Although they aren’t always in my price range when I find them at least I found them! eBay, Etsy and Amazon all have sellers that sell new and sellers that sell used and some that do both. And the best part- you can usually find a cheaper price on things than directly from the company site. Make sure you read the reviews on everything tho! Polyvore is a great new tool I’ve used because it’s basically google for clothes. You can search and the site brings back everything that matches that description from a ton of different websites (see also: Wanelo) and you can filter the search based on price.

10.   Go to the sale/ clearance first

I know it’s difficult because the sale and/or clearance rack is always at the back so you walk by everything else first. But try and put on blinders and focus on your destination. It’s totally worth it. You can find great stuff on those racks for a lot cheaper than on the regular racks and by the time you’re done with the sales racks you may be satisfied enough to head straight to the check out and then to the door!

11.   Outlets!

Outlet versions of stores are wayyy dangerous. (cough cough J. Crew Factory Store) because the discounts are CRAZY. Even if the closest outlet stores are a bit of a drive it is worth is because you can fill your closet for the same amount of money that you could spend on a outfit for a night out at the regular retail store. A lot of times there are also items that are discountinued so if you saw something that you couln’dt find in-store, the outlet is a great second chance for you to find that special item!

12.   Shop out of season

In-store this is a bit harder. But many online stores have inventory up year round. This means around the 4^th of july when all you’re thinking about is BBQ and sundresses, you should also be thinking “fall boots!” check out stores and online right after the season is over. You can normally find awesome deals. So now that fall is around the corner, those sundresses that are still on the racks have got to go! And that means discounts and deals for you!

My Shopping Tips- Part 1

I said in my previous post I would make my next post "where, when and how to shop for cheap stuff but look awesome" so here it is! I actually came up with 12 so I'm splitting in into 2 posts. There was too much text for my liking.


1.       Take some time to look at fashion blogs/pinterest.

This is a double edge sword because doing so makes me want to shop but it also gives me ton of new ideas and ways to wear clothes I already have. Mixing patterns has been a big trend lately and when other people do it you get to see how it looks before you go out in public looking like a fool. It has helped me double my wardrobe (again, because I end up shopping) but mostly because I find new ways to wear things I already own. Follow me on Pinterest here.
Here are just a few of my favorite blogs-
VIVALUXURY
Sequins and Stilettos
Twenties Girl Style
Lilly's Style
What She Wore 365
J's Everyday Fashion

2.       Make Marshalls and T.J. Maxx your best friends

I loveee both these stores. I can confidently say at least half the things in my closet (shoes included) are from one or the other. What I love about these stores is that they have well known name brands AND random companies too. I always start with the brands I recognize but then I come across something AWESOME and it’s a name I don’t recognize but that only means it’s even cheaper!

3.       Don’t be afraid to look through consignment/second hand shops

There are probably a ton of places around your area that sell second hand clothes. I know it can seem sketchy but the first time you go in one and find a pair of True Religion jeans for $20 (found!) with the original tags on them or vintage Manolos that are still in their box for $80 (super jealous of my girlfriend who found those) you’ll get over it. Plato’s Closet is a chain consignment store that I’ve had awesome luck in from CT to St. Louis! I’ve sold clothes at various consignment stores and honestly they are almost always overly picky. They don’t want anything that looks old or worn out. If it weirds you out that someone else was wearing the clothes wash it when you get home and think about it this way- those brand new J. Crew shorts you just bought were probably tried on by someone before you bought them. And they were still $55.

4.       Think basic

This is getting harder since patterns are everywhere but try and keep your purchases neutral; and I don’t necessarily mean neutral colors. Things like blouses, dark skinny jeans can be worn almost all season, any season and in a bunch of different contexts. Another tip: have at least 3 white v-neck tees that are comfy, and a few steps up from the Hanes tagless ones from Target (which I have a million of) they are the EASIEST item to dress up or down and they pretty much go with everything you could own. And I say have 3 because once you have them you’ll be surprised how often you reach for them.
Here are my favorite basics:

My Favorite Basics by easypeasyglam featuring glamorous dresses

5.       Plan outfits as you shop

The only time I go out with a shopping list is when I go grocery shopping and even then I never stick to it so having a shopping list for the mall is a joke. What I DO try and keep in mind though, is what I want to accomplish. Usually I have a few specific things I will keep my eye out for but I always find something new that I “need.” When those items come up I try and think about my closet, or other things I would be willing to purchase in order to wear a certain item. If there aren’t many things you can wear it with then check the price. If you love it and it’s cheap- get it. Life is short. But if it’s not worth the cash put it back. You’ll find something else that you’ll fall in love with in the nexk rack.

6.       Coupons/discount codes

I do a lot of online shopping and what I typicall do right before I check out is google “_(name of store)_ coupon codes” and you’d be surprised how often things come up! If you’re planning on shopping the old fashioned way google “printable coupons” and now (since technology is outrageous) even if you don’t have a printer, you can usually bring the coupons up on your phone and they can scan the barcode right there!!

My Weekend Purchases

I’m not a big drinker (besides my pinot noir during din) but I ended up drinking a bit much on Friday night. Then was hungover all day on Saturday until around 7pm. Embarrassing, I know. But it didn’t stop me from shopping. My girlfriend and I stopped at a few key places- Nordstrom, H&M, J. Crew and Urban Outfitters. Here is what I got!

Since I was hungover, I think I was in comfy style mode. Starting with these amazing pants (left)! I loveeee them and they are totally perfect for a casual day! (I almost got  this but like I said I was hungover and drawn to comfort)

This J. Crew shirt for my guy which comes with a quick story- our lovely puppy chewed through the bag of clothes that were to be brought to the dry cleaners and ripped though this shirt. I was SO mad because I LOVE it. We originally got it at a J. Crew factory store but I saw this one had had to buy it. (also it was 15% off since I had a student I.D.!)

And this h&m 
sweater- again with the comfy style. The color of this caught my eye and the feel 
sold it. it’s thinner so perfect for throwing over leggings and boots (maybe the Pink and Pepper ones I just ordered from DSW!)

And these sunnies!! I didn’t bring my Marc sunnies out which I normally have with me everywhere I go but when I saw these at Urban Outfitters I wasn’t so mad. How fun right?


Was it a big shopping weekend for anyone else? 

Black and Gold and Neon Pink

Another day, another outfit. Lily wanted to make an appearance. Again, the shirt I'm wearing is from T.J. Maxx, my jeans are from Forever 21, the bag is also from Forever 21 and my shoes are from DSW (unfortunately they don't sell them online so you'll have to visit your local store to check for them!) 

Here are some similar options to create this look:

Blouse: option 1, option 2

Earrings: option 1, fancy option, fun option

Jeans: option 1, option 2

Purse: option 1, clutch option, Cole Haan option (that I love)

Heels: option 1, option 2

And here is the polyvore outfit:

Chiffon blouse / J Brand skinny jeans / GUESS shoes / Leather handbag / Gorjana long feather earrings / ASOS spike jewelry

Workday Stripes

Sorry that I have had and will continue to have sporadic posts until next week. I have been at my guy’s beach house and will be going to my best friend’s lake house in upstate New York for an extended weekend. While I was down at the beach I did some serious shopping though and I wanted to share my finds with you. Instead of just listing what I bought, I decided to put outfits together with the things I bought to show how I like to wear them!

Today I wore the striped ½ sleeve shirt that I bought over the weeknd from T.J. Maxx paired with my grey pencil skirt from H&M that I got last year. I decided on my red suede heels from Bakers and simple pearl stud earrings. I thought about wearing a necklace but I was in a rush anyway so I skipped it.

Here are some similar items:

Top- option 1, option 2

Skirt- option 1, option 2

Heels- ones I'm wearing, option 1, option 2

And here is a similar look put together on polyvore:

Workday Stripes by easypeasyglam featuring striped tops

Splendid striped top / Warehouse mini skirt, $70 / Michael Antonio platform heels / Kate Spade white pearl jewelry / J.Crew pearl earrings / Jon Richard crystal jewelry, $54

A Day Without Heels

Today was terrible! Besides the fact that it was a million degrees and humid and only Thursday, I forgot to change my shoes. I know it sounds trivial but it was awful. Backstory: I got dressed this morning and then took the dog out for her morning walk. I threw on my red toms (which I love and you can find them here) because walking the dog in heels is obnoxious. So I get back from the walk, put my pup in her crate, and head out of door with my guy, my purse and coffee. We get to the garage and get in my guys car (we work together) and he asks, "No heels today?" WORST. He then locked the car door "so we wouldn't be late" and I couldn't run back into the apartment. Cruel and unusual punishment in my opinion. LUCKILY my toms went with my outfit. Sort of. They we're the right color anyway. To make up for my lack of fashion and height I bought 3 pairs of heels today. 


That was a bit of a long explanation to tell you why I bought 3 pairs of shoes but I needed to vent.

               

These Elastic Strap Wedges (left), from Baker's for the Fourth of July (only$20!) These Mint and Wood Heels (center) from Lulu's. And these Neon Pink Heels from Shoe Dazzle (*you have to sign up for shoe dazzle to get the shoes but it's free and you get 20% off your first item!)

I really like these Coral Platform Booties (left) too which are also from Lulu's but I'm not sure if I would wear them once I got them. I may order them tomorrow. Either way they're super cute.

Who to Invite to an Arm Party

I've been seeing a lot of pins on Pinterest that are of a ton of bracelets all on one wrist. I decided I wanted to try out the trend so here are my picks and suggestions on a mix and match arm party.

                   

gold and green cross - chevron charm -mint bangle - neon skull - pyramids - bolts - green leather and chain - neon glitter ID - chain and rhinestone balls


Let me know what you think! I'll be arm party shopping this week and I'll show you how it goes!


Stay Glam!

Things I Bought Today

Sales will be the death of me! I’m trying so hard not to buy anything! I don’t need any more clothes, or shoes, or jewelry, or makeup but I couldn’t help myself.

There are a ton of sales going on right now. Here are some sites to check out-

Express

lulu's

Dorothy Perkins

Venus

Aldo

Victoria's Secrect (their semi-annual sale)

Last Call Neiman Marcus

Ann Taylor Loft

 

I LOVE this swim top from Vicky’s in all three color options and I’ve seen these heels (to the left) all over Pinterest and I LOVE them!

I have an aldo store in my mall so I will be checking out the in-store options before I order online but at Express I bought this leopard dress (on the right and this sequin skirt.

I am currently checking out Dorothy Perkins jewelry and I’m probably going to end up with these these gold cuff bracelets and I bought this bracelet, (on left) minus the pearls, last week but I really like the pearl/spike combo!

Happy shopping and happy weekend!

Casual Friday

I thought I'd try out the outfit picture post. Casual Friday isn't really an event in my office. We're pretty casual everyday but this is a great casual outfit for work or for a lunch date on a weekend or since it's so comfy, swap the heels for flats and run all those errands that I typically leave until Sunday night. I also loved this outfit because most it cost under $30! That is mostly because my best friend gave me the jeans and my sister gave me the shirt. BUT the jeans I'm wearing are here from Express (which is having a sale by the way) and right now they're buy one get one 50% off!


I'm wearing a mint layered top and although I'm not sure where it's from I do know mint is everywhere! Here is a very close option and here is another one I really like.


My sweater is from Urban Behavior from a few years ago but this one seems like it would be similar in weight (mines very thin) This would also be a cute option. I really like that coral color with mint, but you don't want too many ruffles or you'll look wider than you want to.


The shoes I have on in this picture are the ones I wore to the wedding over Memorial Day Weekend. They're sold out but I posted some options in Back From Outerspace 

Day of Dads

When holidays start creeping up I typically jump right online and virtually shop for everyone on my list. Inevitably my dad, uncles and boyfriend’s dad are the hardest people to shop for. Of course when Father’s Day comes up I kind of freak out. So in an attempt to keep myself on track and maybe help you out a bit I put together this easy list of last minute ideas of what to get for the Dad’s in your life.

1.       Concert/Event/Sports Tickets

• Check live nation, ticket master, and stub hub for tickets. My boyfriend and his sister got tickets for them and their parents to see Bruce Springsteen play at Fenway. Especially awesome since dad's favorite team is the Sox!

2.       Media/Gadget Stuff

• Going to stores like Brookstone, FYE, and Best Buy you can find the latest tech gear. Keep in mind that doesn't mean you have to spend a ton- iPhone cases, game controllers/add-ons, and music and DVDs are cheap enough that it won't break the bank (which I'm sure your Dad wouldn't want anyway)

3.       Outdoorsy Things

• Stuff like grilling sets, gardening tools, or drills and such are all great gifts (if your Dad likes that kind of stuff) Not only are the tools important but so is the organization- handy places to keep all his man-stuff is pretty useful

4.       Home(or semi-home)made

• This is where the creative side kicks in. Things like "coupons" for chores, help and activities are great, or a certificate with the same idea. Another great idea is a framed photo from when you were a kid and a similar one of when your Dad was that age. (I may do that!)

If you want to check online and pay for express shipping, gifts.com have a ton of great ideas. I actually got this Grill Daddy Grill Cleaner for my dad since we got him a new grill last year and he despises cleaning it.

There are a million things to get Dad's but they are the hardest people to buy for! I mean you could always get him a restaurant gift certificate and an iPad. 

Back from Outerspace

Ok so I wasn’t really in outerspace but I’ve been sort of all over the place, I had a wedding weekend over Memorial Day and then moved out of my apartment the next weekend and last weekend I was trying to get my life back together. No excuse really but I’m sure you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive me. Of course even though I took a break from blogging I clearly didn’t take a break from shopping.

 

This is the dress I bought. I ordered it from Nordstrom a while ago and I loveeee it. It's super comfortable and appropriate for any wedding (the high neckline and not-too-short length). You can find it here in a few different colors. (I think I may actually buy the coral one too!) The great part about this dress is it's totally wearable to dinner dates, holiday parties or any event really. In my picture it looks more teal but I think it was just exceptionally bright out when we were taking pictures.

I searched EVERYWHERE for a pair of earrings to go with my dress and shoes I bought for the wedding. Since the dress is one shoulder and I wore my hair up (my guy liked the updo rather than leaving it down) I knew I had to find fun, and eyecatching earrings. My shoes also had embellishments on them and I wasn’t willing to switch my shoes so the earring hunt became an issue. I ended up with the ones I'm wearing on the left which I found at Francescas Collections (in store). (similar here and here) They ended up looking great but I bought these as a dangle option. (I kept them both obviously)

 

Somehow I got through the entire night without getting a great outfit shot but this one helps you get the picture. (No pun intended)

I also did a more dramatic eye for the evening reception than for the afternoon ceremony. Using darker green on the crease and the outer half of the lid and a light green on the inner half of the lid with gold under the brow and under my bottom lashes. 

The shoes were a lucky find. I got them in the DSW clearance rack, for $12 with coupons! I swear that place is magic. Unfortunately they are sold out but they have very similar ones here and I actually almost bought these instead. I’m only 5’1 so I typically go with pretty high heels but wearing the same pair of shoes for 10 or more hours can be pretty problematic. I went with shorter heels and I brought a pair gel insoles and some flats so I wouldn’t be end up barefoot.

It is wedding season and I have another one coming up and I promise I’ll make some time to keep you in the loop!

Shopping Withdrawal

So I tried to resist shopping since I did so much of it this weekend but I couldn't help it.


On guilt.com (which you have to sign up for before you buy)  I got a Kate Spade cosmetic bag which I can't waittttt to get it in. The sale goes on until 12 pm 5/25 but hurry because things sell out quick!

Kate Spade is one of my favorite designers and everything I've bought from Kate Spade has been amazing quality and veryyy cute!

I also started following Melly on twitter @MellyEdina and checked out their site at http://www.MellyOnline.com/. She has a great Kate Spade collection.

I love the all in one iPhone case--> 

and these earrings. 

I definitely need to stop shopping this week though, I have a wedding gift to get and I need to move out of my apartment! So much going on. Priorities right?

Monday Sales

Today was incredibly productive as far as shopping goes. Memorial Day sales have already started and they're awesome!


First- update on the Target shoes. I wore them to work today and out to dinner afterwards and they were comfortable the whole time. Side note: almost all shoes and bags are buy one get 50% off until May 26th! Totally missed that but I'll probably go back tomorrow and get another pair that I plan on altering for a Fourth of July party with some fabric paint. If I decide to go through with that plan I'll keep you in the loop on how I did it and how they came out.


Now onto more exciting sales!


Ann Taylor Loft has a ton of things for $29 and an extra 40% off sale items, plus you'll receive a $25 savings card if you spend $50 or more on regular priced items.


These are my Loft picks:


Marisa Cotton Twill Shorts in any color (I like Smashing Pink)

<--Floral Wash Print Shorts

Tie Dye Pouch-->

Patterns, bright colors and mix and match are huge this summer!

Next- I can't ignore a great shoe sale. Aldo is offering an extra 25% off sale items. 

These super cute sandals caught my eye but because I'm a 6 1/2 I want to go try them on before I buy. Tip: before you order online sign up for emails and get 10% off.

On to my favorite sale: Last Call Neiman Marcus. You get to take 40% off EVERYTHING! Yes, everything. I'm dying. 

I bought this Michael Kors bracelet which I love and am currently deciding on which of his watches to buy because they're on sale too! Here is the one I like best.

Hope you enjoy the sales! I know I am. It's making me hate Mondays a little less

If you're on Pinterest check me out!