Two pumps and a dress

I definitely did not plan to buy dressy clothes this week but when a great sale comes around- I just can't pass it up!

First are the much raved about Perfect Pumps from Ann Taylor in Patent Dark Navy. The retail for $155 and I bought them for $35.93 online. They are surprisingly comfy and true to size! And that's coming from the girl who hurts in almost every shoe. I'm a big fan of the round toe shape and it's all around classy and beautifully made. 3.25" heel. Will a Perfect Pump ever get this low again? I don't know, but I hope so! I would buy another!

I popped by Banana Republic actually hoping I wouldn't find anything. Ah, and of course I would! There weren't many clothes left but there were many shoe styles and sizes to choose from. Something I didn't expect! Most of the shoes were marked down to $30-$40 PLUS an additional 25% off. I ended up buying these Mad Men Izzy Pumps in Dark Platino for around $24. Dark Platino looks more gunmetal in person. They are hidden platform 4" heels. It's my first hidden platform shoes and so far I can tell it's just comfy enough. I will say they run a little narrow so I wasn't sure if I should get a half size up, but I ultimately decided against it and stuck to my normal size. Now that I think about it, I've wanted Banana Republic shoes since high school! I'm so glad I found these!

Sweet Azaleas

Oh garden part of this blog- I have not forgotten you!

Since Asian New Year is in a few days the Asian markets and floral shops are FILLED with beautiful new plants. Last year I missed out on buying an Azalea plant. Bby the time I was ready to buy it all the blooms had died, and I thought I could wait it out another year for a "fresh" pick.

Well dang it the shop owner raised the price to $55 from $25 this year! Of course I was outraged but I still bought it anyway like an obsessed idiot. It is possible last year's plant was smaller. (what I tell myself for comfort) I googled around and the going rate for this is around $100 now so maybe it's not so bad? I really wanted it to be a twisted topiary and it is! The dark pink petals actually sparkle in the light like a shimmery nail polish/ lipstick would. It's so pretty! If I could afford more than one I would also pick the white and pink mix above but I'm happy with just the photo for now. :)

End of last year Freebies

I found this post in my draft box that I compiled back in November of some samples and freebies that came my way. I think I thought of making it a monthly series like "what's in my mailbox" but then I changed my mind. If you have any questions about these products let me know in the comments below.

Target Beauty Bag - a cute pouch with mostly shampoo samples

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer- with my dry skin this season I'm really liking this primer! The texture is really unique.
from the Klout.com Perks program. Klout Perks are exclusive products or experiences that you earn based on your influence. It changes weekly.

I received a card in the mail from Sephora JCP to try out BareMinerals. Which I do not like so I gave it to my sister.

BCBGMaxAzria EDP - from the Dillard's Beauty Event. So far I'm liking this scent!
Clinique  Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser & High Impact Mascara - from the Dillard's Beauty Event
Green & Black's Organic Chocolate - from the Sephora VIB event

And a free panty from Victoria's Secret. I occasionally get cards for these that require no purchase. Why? I don't know, but it's awesome!

Paris Amour Body Lotion - If you know me than you know I hate Bath & Body Works. Very rarely do I find a scent that I actually like there. In comes Paris Amour. It's actually light and non-offensive so that's a winner in my book. This lotion will probably last me a few years. I kid not.

The rest below came free with purchases.

Sephora Fabric Tote from the Sephora VIB Party. It's plain enough that you can embellish it to make it your own.

Perfume Sampler from a Nordstrom.com purchase.

Perfume Samples from a Sephora.com purchase.

Anyhow I just wanted to release this post from the draft box as way to get back in the blogging mood. I have lots of photos I've been taking but not yet uploaded. I hope to soon!