Real Sale: 50% off Neiman Marcus for Target

Yes, you read that right. This is too good to not break my holiday/birthday/job search/nonstop traveling silence.

I was living under a rock and didn't hear about this collab until a few days before it went live in stores - so my first view of the products was actually in-person at my local Target on a trip to buy party essentials for my (stupidly self-thrown) birthday party.

I had read tens, maybe even hundreds of blog posts about how awesome the collection was, and how much every blogger I follow was excited about their new Altazurra shaker/glasses/tray or Tracy Reese blouse - so maybe I went in with inflated expectations. 

As much as I liked a few things (honestly pretty much just the Altazurra items), I was underwhelmed by the selection and quality, which was only exacerbated by high prices. 

Of course I loved the black lacquer and gold tray (which arguably was one of the better constructed items) but did I really need to spend $80 on a tray for the brand name? No. 

The gold shaker was gorgeous (and perfect for my new Society Social bar cart...more on her later), but what respectable cocktail fanatic (booze hound) doesn't already have a shaker? Not this girl (I have two). 

So, like the good Christmas season budgeter I am (not), I passed them up, fully expecting (and accepting) that they'd be sold out within a few days. 

But lo and behold, the girls over at The Everygirl posted this on Facebook and my eyes lit up - 50% off the entire collection?! And that gorgeous shaker and tray are still in stock? For less than the price of the tray? 

Sold, to the girl with no self-control when it comes to sales. 'Cause who doesn't need a 3rd shaker? This girl (at the right price).

First Snow, 50% off Serena & Lily, and Other Apologies

I have been horrible absent lately, I know. Between the holiday (and really, my sister's puppy), and really kicking my new job search into high gear (first interview this week, already!) I have been nothing short of swamped and totally worn out. Like, sleep in till 11:30 worn out - I haven't been able to do that in literally years.

This all isn't to say that I'll be posting as frequently as I'd like to be - yet, but I couldn't NOT share this with you.

Bloomspot is offering $50 for $100 worth of merchandise from the one and only, Serena & Lily. Obviously, I am a fan, as this is the VERY girly bed my boyfriend is forced to sleep in every night (the Caroline, only appropriate given my name, no? Let's just overlook that is is "made for" little girls...):

While their bedding is notoriously expensive, I have to say that after owning this set for 3 years, and I am completely happy with my investment; no rips, tears, or stains to report (and all machine washable!). 

I do, however, have a new set on my wishlist, mostly so my poor guy doesn't have to sleep on a princess pouf. I've been eyeing the Catalina duvet for a good year (since we decided to move in) and will more than likely be replacing the master bed with something along these lines when we upgrade to a king (and my beloved Caroline will live in the guest room - wanna sleep over?):

Gorgeous, right? And masculine enough, methinks.

Unfortunately for me, I am flat broke after the Black Friday - Cyber Monday sales, but if you're even remotely considering new bedding, don't miss this deal!

That's all for now - excuse my while I go wallow in the fact that it is snowing by obsessively scrolling through cabin porn (safe for work, I promise!).

I die.

The Friends & Family Bug: Shopbop & Saks

I am drowning in work (and a headcold) this week - sorry for the radio silence yesterday!

While I work on getting some gorgeous Vermont photos edited, how about a good sale to hold you over?

My credit card is officially crying in a corner; I received emails from Shopbop and Saks annoucning 20% off Friends & Family sales this morning. What's with all the sales recently - it's not even a holiday (but I'm not complaining).

I've got my eye on these lovelies (clearly in a coats & handbags phase):

Are you pumped about the F&F sales? What are you currently coveting?

J.Crew Therapy Thursday

By now it should be no secret that I am J.Crew obsessed. And while my J.Crew credit card bill is mildly out of control right now, this week, they (finally) brought back their infamous 25% off $125 sale.

Tragically for me, this came right after a pretty great 30% off sale items, and of course, I indulged in these two beauts:

(in kelly green and navy)

(only $55!)

Even though I'm still milking my 15% college discount, 25% is hard to pass up when it comes to full-priced items. If I had it my way (and got a hefty raise in the next few days), these are some of my favorites I'd love to add to my fall wardrobe:

sheer top / cable knit sweater / wool sweater / j crew / j crew / tall pants / kitten heel shoes / platform shoes / kitten heel shoes / rhinestone jewelry / art deco jewelry

For all of my J.Crew lovers out there - what's topping your fall sale wishlist? Have you scooped up some favorites already? Do share!

Serena & Lily on One Kings Lane

I had a much more somber and frankly pretty emo post in the works for this morning, but something MUCH more timely and exciting has liften my spirits on this gloomy Monday. Upon returning from my weekly Monday morning meeting, I found a Serena & Lily sale at One Kings Lane in my inbox.

It's no secret that I'm on a spending freeze at the moment, since I complain about it in basically every post,  so I can't be completely devastated that most of these items are sold out. At the very least, this sale gives me hope that there are more to come from OKL in the future and I can scoop up some of my favorites for the new apartment.

But in the meantime, check out these goodies.

This shower curtain would be perfect in our new sandstone bathroom. Womp womp.

 

I have loved the Catalina collection for a while now, and this duvet really would have been the perfect jumping point for my new male-friendly nautical styled apartment. 

 

I mean, RIGHT?!

Don't even get me started on this nautical chevron perfection.

And then there's this adorable handwoven rug that would have been perfect in my already Serena & Lily-ed out room. 

Yeah, I'm 25 and I have this green & pink bedding - get over it. Unfortunately this gorgeous set is likely going to be retired to the guest room come September since this is pretty much the complete opposite of gender-neutral bedding.

Are you a Serena & Lily fan? What kind of bedding do you usually go for?

 

 

Bargain Bragging

As much as I will admit that I have a shopping problem (okay, a pretty bad one), on the flip side, I have to toot my own horn once in awhile because I have absolutely developed some (valuable) skills when it comes to shopping - namely, for finding great deals.

I spent the majority of my day on Friday hopping from mall to outlet to mall again (my boss was out of town and work is super slow right now) looking for a few things that I've had my eye on, and knowing I could get a good deal by purchasing them in-store. Some of it was luck, some was knowing that I was looking for and hunting it down - but I'd say I made out pretty well:

Score #1:

This Ella Moss tank is marked down to $20 at Anthro - and I grabbed it in white and it honestly fits like a glove, really flattering, is super soft, and has a subtle chevron feel. What more could you ask for?

Scores #2-5

It should be fairly obvious by now that I'm a J.Crew fiend. I'm that girl that walks into the store on a mission to find the new markdowns she saw online - ready to fight the associates for an updated sale price (and my addition student discount). Obnoxious, I know. But for the amount of money I spend at that store, I think they can deal.

$14.87 in Kelly Green - after I had returned them at another store having bought them for approximately $40.

$29.74 (orginially $135) with additional 30% off (still going on in stores but not online!) and my 15% off student discount - and the only one left was my size!

This is where I got annoying - this Saint James tee is full price ($90) in stores, but marked down to $65 online. They adjusted the price for me, and I got 30% + 15% off, bringing it down to $38.67. Crazy! I was pretty disappointed that they didn't have the navy/pink striped one in the store.

This is another kicker - I ADORE this lace top...but it's $110, full-price, and still that way online. Somehow, the ONE left in store fit me, and was marked down. It ended up coming to $25.69. INSANE.

Scores #6 & 7

Of course, while I was at the outlets I had to peek into Kate Spade. I will say that I am very proud of myself for not caving on a bag or wallet - even though ALL bags were 70% off and wallets were 50%. 

I did, however, score some adorable baubles, like these earrings I've been lusting after (50% off, coming to $14):

And a super versatile gold polka dot bangle for around $18 (can't find an image online but I promise it's cute!).

#8: The BIG one.

The real kicker (and drive behind this whole trip) was to find the Ann Taylor Elizabeth Pointy Flats that I have been lusting after since they came out this spring - and even moreso after seeing them styled on Miss Blair:

Amazing. 

Of course, they sold out immediately. And then, the came back - but the pink was gone. I contemplated eBaying them, but I got nervous - and when they came back online (and on sale for $119 from $158) I knew I had to make it my mission to make them mine (in either black or neon yellow).

I purposely staked out stores in the area that had them in my size (7.5 or 8 - I promise this will be relevant later) so I could try them on - but to no avail...they were gone. In the process, I also discovered that they were on sale for $40 in store. SERIOUSLY?! At that point, I couldn't stomach the thought of paying $119 online.

I gave up, but at my last stop, I decided to peek in AT for some other items, knowing this particular store didn't have any in stock. I stumbled upon the shoe shelf - and right at my feet there laid a pair of the Elizabeth Pointy Flats - in PINK. In a 7. 

Of course I had to try them on. The fit was snug, but manageable (beauty is pain, no?). And for $40, there was no way they weren't coming home with me. I couldn't believe my luck. 

Clearly, I get a little excited about great finds, whether intentional or stumbled upon - but Friday was almost serendipitous. 

Do you guys get as crazy about sales as I do? Any good finds lately?

Weekend Wardrobe: Nautical Neons at World's End

The boy and I have decided to really take the reins on our weekend lifestyle and cool it with the overindulgence. Whether it was drinking, eating, spending - or all of the above - it was getting to be too much in so many ways.

This past weekend we spent our time enjoying the Northeastern heat wave as much as possible: al fresco dining (home cooked, of course), a few casual drinks, and lots of walking. We did, however, overindulge on sleep on Saturday morning in an attempt to recover from a few crazy back-to-back weekends, and I had started to feel like the day was a total waste by the time we finally made it to World's End in Hingham circa 4:30 PM - our one big plan for the weekend and we couldn't even make it during daytime hours.

Me and my negative Nancy attitude were SO wrong. World's End is honestly one of the most beautiful, peaceful and relaxing places I have ever been, and the late afternoon sun coming through the trees was the perfect backdrop to a calming 4.5 mile walk along the trails bordering the ocean.

 The parties going on on these boats were straight out of a movie, and so enviable.

Looking out at Boston in: Old J.Crew striped tee | J.Crew Chino Shorts in neon orange (snagged these for $20 on Friday!) | Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote in Slate | Karen Walker Sunnies | Michael Kors Runway Watch

Just loving the view.

Squinty boy in the gorgeous sunny weather.

The view of Boston from across the water - love my city. 

If you live in the area, I highly, highly recommend making the trek for a day.

What's your favorite place to go when you just need to relax and be inspired?

Teleport, Don't Walk, to Your Local Lord & Taylor

I somehow failed to realize that Lord & Taylor's Friends & Family sale is going on right now until I happened to walk into the store last night - but boy, am I glad I stumbled upon that little nugget of information before it was too late!

Right now, you can get 25% off almost everything in the store (+ 10% off cosmetics - total rarity). I would highly recommend going into the store if you have one locally because the selection is MUCH better, but you can use the code online. Also - if you hit the store, you can get an additional 30% off of shoes, including these Kate Spade cork cuties I have been lusting after all season (for just $126!).

Two items that have been sitting on my "Budget For:" list for at least 3 months now were eligible for the Friends & Family discount, and since both are almost never available at a discounted price, I had to go for the gold (literally, har har) and scoop up these two staples:

The ever-popular Michael Kors Runway watch for $188 (reg. $250). You can also grab it here

For just $78 (reg. $105)! You can also buy here

So, like I said - amazing. What would you snag from the L&T sale?

J.Crew Addiction Chronicles: Spring Sale

It should be no secret that I am utterly addicted to 95% of what J.Crew produces. So it should be no surprise that when this little ditty popped up in my inbox today, I immediately gasped and started frantically scrolling through the pages and pages of sale items (sidenote: can they REALLY not do something about that interface? It's horrid).

After about five minutes, I had 15 items in my cart - and I knew I had to hit the store so I could get my hands on the goodies even faster. Screw waiting for shipping (literally the hardest thing in the world for me to do).

I mean - just look at this!

Clockwise from top left: Jules Dress in Silk Stripe ($90 with the sale, but cheaper in stores!) | Villa Dress in Stripe ($47) | Gondola Stripe Top ($42) | Cafe Capri in Geranium Lace ($79) | Palma Leather Platform Wedges ($70) | Lila Leather Platform Wedges ($90) | Lila Patent Leather Wedges ($70) | No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Raj Paisley ($70) | Garment Dyed Denim Mini ($42 - only 28 in stores!) | Silk Bow Cami in Garden Floral ($63) | Swiss Dot Dress ($76) | No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Sovereign Paisley ($56) | No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Cotton ($ 49 - 63)

I can't even.

So yes, immediately after work I sped over to my nearest J.Crew...

And when I got into the dressing room, I realized I was already in head-to-toe J.Crew...

(Minnie in Vibrant Flame and Gingham Perfect Shirt in Byzantine Blue)

And some arm swag (beaded bangles are J.Crew too...seriously borderline embarrassing).

But once I got over my slight embarrassment, I also realized that the additional 30% off wasn't being promoted in the store, and I had a minor panic attack (seriously, I know I'm ridiculous). I asked one of the associates, who all but shushed me and whispered "Yes, you can still get it, but let me check with the girl at the register." Okay, so...top secret sale? Fine, as long as I get my deal!

After getting a hushed confirmation, and trying on about 50 items (some of which I knew were on sale online were not marked down in the store), I made my decisions and was literally escorted to the register for more whispering, as if everyone in the store was going to rush the registers if they heard what we were talking about.

Not only did they give me the extra 30% off, the adjusted the price on the items that had not been marked down in the store but were on sale online - ANDDDDD I got my additional 15% off student discount on top of it all. AMAZE. Can you tell I'm beyond jazzed?

So - what did I walk away with?

 

This took a LOT of self restraint - but this all came in at an unbelievable $111. Unreal. I would deem today a complete success.

What do you have your eye on form the spring sale?