Ok, now I need to stop!

But they're all amazing deals!

Being that I’ve purchased 2 handbags (including my long-coveted Dr. Q Shorty), a new pair of R&S jeans, 3 pairs of fabulous pumps (from DSW though, does that still count?), an iPhone 3GS, and Jimmy Choo sunglasses in the last two weeks, I believe I may have a problem.

Here’s my goal: Do not shop until August. Any violations will be logged here!

Now I have to learn to really shop my closet. I wonder if I should start posting outfits?

Buying Multiples

Oops.  I couldn’t help but visit Foley + Corinna’s 50% off handbag sale.  I mean come on, 50% off!  Did it matter that I already had a Mid City Tote in glossy cranberry?  Perhaps.  Do I really need two of them?  Perhaps not.  But I get compliments on my cranberry one literally every time I use it.  And I love it to death.  So I wanted another.  Is that so wrong?  It’s like, the perfect bag–slouchy, simple, stylish, and convertible!  So this purchase was totally justified!  Right?

Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote in Beige

My Favorite Products

I thought I’d share some of my favorite (and often affordable) things that make me feel pretty.

L'Oreal HIP Eye Shadow Extender

I like how I was at the 99 cent store shopping for crafts and random things for a costume, and I threw this into my basket and realized it was totally amazing!  The texture is on par with the DHC Velvet Skin Coat, Benefit’s classic Dr. Feelgood, and what I’ve been hearing about the Bare Escentuals primer.  But sadly, the L’Oreal one is discontinued!  People are hocking it on eBay for $30 a tube!  I have the Urban Decay Potion on reserve for when I run out, but I’m still sad about it.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC is like the Japanese Avon.  But they’re also available by web and mail order in the US.  Their most popular products are pretty amazing, and this is probably the best selling one.  It goes on oily (and I mean oily) and completely breaks up all of my waterproof makeup.  But the beauty is that despite it being olive oil based, it’s water soluble!  So you put it on dry, and as soon as you rinse, the oil breaks up and washes off like soap.  It’s pretty amazing…although I would recommend another once-over with face wash of course.  Best eye makeup remover ever. Get it at DHC for $24.

NYX 3 color Eyeshadow

I’ll be the first to admit that you usually get what you pay for with cheapy eyeshadow.  (But I’m also often bitterly disappointed with $25 eyeshadow.)  But NYX is different.  It’s super soft, powdery, and pigmented.  Nevermind that their slogan for the 3 color eyeshadow is “Triple Shadows for Sexy Babe’s Eyes Only!”  It’s really pretty decent for the drugstore price.  Just google it–you’ll see tons of makeup blogs on NYX.  I didn’t believe it either until I tried it.  They’re only in certain drugstores or online at drugstore.com.

Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara

This is the most expensive Mascara I’ve ever purchased and it’s by far the best one I’ve ever used.  I’ve tried the Lancome ones and they dont do much for me (although I’ve heard they’re good for lengthening.)  Diorshow’s fat brush and waterproof formula fattens, curls, and separates my lashes like nobody’s business.  One coat and I’m good to go–two coats and I’m ready for a skanked out night in Vegas.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

Okay so I get made fun of A LOT for using this giant $3 glue stick on my lips.  But I can’t help it!  It’s probably the best chapstick I’ve ever used, and yes, I have tried Fresh’s SUGAR lip treatment (smells good, but not $23 good).  Best lip therapy = scrub your lips at night with a wet toothbrush, and smear Palmers Swivel Stick all over it.  Wake up with awesome lips!

MAC Fluidline Eyeliner

I know there are a zillion other gel/cream eyeliners out there–but I’m still true to MAC because it’s the best price at $15.  No liquid eyeliner or pencil could ever compare to this little pot of magic!   It stays on forever.  I’ve got it in 4 different colors.  I use it with MAC brush 209, but I hear 210 is good as well.

That’s all I can think of for now!

Palm Springs, OUTLETS, cutoff shorts and convertible bags

I recently stayed at the Viceroy in Palm Springs and it was adorable!  We tried the $20 trick (www.thetwentydollartrick.com) and it worked!  Well, for the first night anyway.  We were upgraded to a very cute poolside suite.  Here are some photos of Viceroy’s “glamour under the sun.” (And yes this is the hotel where Justin Bobby gave Audrina a promise ring. Haha.)

Viceroy Palm Springs

This was my first visit to Palm Springs since a uneventful Coachella trip about 5 years ago.  I loved it!  Palm Springs is full of friendly people, good service, great restaurants, and what seems to be a decent nightlife (although very limited).  I hope to take a girls trip here one day–so we can fully enjoy hours of tanning, the spa, and of course, SHOPPING!

That leads me in to what I scored at Cabazon at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets!  God I love these outlets.

J Brand Lovestory Bellbottoms in Oyster

I’ve been wanting real bells for a while now and I scored these for $80 at the Saks outlet!  Woohoo.

7 For All Mankind Straight Leg in Vintage Nikita

This picture doesn’t do the jeans justice but I LOVE these!  Bleachy-wash in person but not overboard “Kelly Kapowski” bleachy.

J. Crew Convertible Dress in Gray

This dress is awesome because it’s in a really flowy fabric (compared to American Apparel’s interlock skirt).  I also like how the top part is long so you have the option of folding it.

J. Crew Floral Print Skirt

This was probably my favorite find.  It’s got cute slit pockets on the sides too.  I also got some super cheap ($11) cardigans, the Jackie-O cardigan for $27, belts and classic shirts.  Yes, I went kind of overboard.  I barely made it through 1/5 of the outlet mall before I had to be cut off.

On another note, I was pretty pleased with my new jeans and decided it was time to finally dispose of my very first pair of classic 7’s.  Yes, they’re quite old and I’ve saved and worn them until now, despite the noticeable cigarette burn hole on the thigh.  So I decided to try and turn them into shorts!  I think it turned out well.  I even tried distressing them with a foot file, hahaha.  It worked! Not sure yet if I’m going to sew the cuffs or not.

7 For All Mankind Custom Shorts!

Short and Tight...just the way I like it! Ha

And now, I’d like to end this post with something to lust after…a convertible bag!  After a sweaty summer shopping day with a very fashionable girlfriend who had a cute convertible bag, I realized how awesome having a longer/crossbody bag would be, especially in the summer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Shorty

Nowhere near the armpits! Hooray!

Please, please please go on sale!

Thrift and Consignment Stores

thrifting...savvy or just smelly?

As much as the idea is in fashion, I often get freaked out at the idea of wearing used clothes and possibly contracting scabies from trying anything on at a thrift/consignment store.  But I was envious when my roommate got the exact same pair of J Brand jeans as mine (which appeared pretty new!) for $40 once at Buffalo Exchange.

So today I stopped by my local Crossroads Trading Company to see what they’d buy from me.  I left them with my garbage bag of crap (some leather items from Urban Outfitters, a $6 Thailand purse, a pair of $178 Rich & Skinny Jeans I got on clearance for $56) and wandered around the store.  Surprisingly, they had a small collection of cute stuff from brands like Theory, Anna Sui, LAMB, Laundry, BCBG, etc.  But very limited of course.  They also had a ton of Forever 21, H&M, Zara clothing–which means that they are willing to buy these items from you if in good condition!  Wish I’d known that before I dumped 4 loads of clothing and shoes off at GoodWill yesterday.

Anyway, they only took 4 items and I could either get $25 in cash or about $40 in credit.  Stupid me kept eyeing this jungle-print BCBG cocktail dress (tags still on) for $27 and opted for the credit.  I still got $5 back in cash, so I’m happy.  Except I regret the dress and wish I had $20 now!

An easy way to purge.

Clothes, that is. For now. Just kidding!

sometimes i want to do this to my closet

I found that forcing yourself to WEAR those on-the-fence dresses and favorite tops really helps seal the deal in your mind.  Either I feel great in it and garner a few compliments, or I feel blah and wish I’d just worn something else.  It’s as easy at that.  Mystery solved.  More chances than not, if I have to force myself to wear it, it’s probably going in the GoodWill bin.