Loving clearance deals

These are some things I picked up at Dillard's almost monthly clearance sale this weekend. This time all permanent markdowns were an additional 40% off! Yay!

*I'm trying to post from my phone, and it's very limited. Who knows how this will look when posted haha.*

Jessica Simpson Claria wedges in Ivory Lisa [jessicasimpson.com]

Flour sifter [similar]
Tovolo slotted turner [buy]
Kuhn Rikon Pairing knife [similar]

Steve Madden B Gracie clutch wallet [amazon.com]

DFW Bloggers Shop Around at Allen Premium Outlets

Last Saturday I was invited to tour the Premium Outlets in Allen, TX with ten other bloggers from the Dallas / Fort Worth area. It was organized by my blogger friend Cris of MyFashionJuice.com with help from Robyne (Central Marketing VP) and Penny (General Manager). There are so many Premium Outlets all over the US, I'm sure there's one near you. This was my second time at this location. It's been 5 or 6 years!

Some new and familiar faces! A good mix of mommy bloggers and fashion bloggers. We started the morning eating breakfast, meeting each other, and going through our gift bags full of coupons.
[photo source]
L-R top: Penny, Robyne, Cris
L-R bottom: Stephanie, Me, Ivonne, Melissa, Tamara

I can't believe they gave us such a great quilted black tote to carry all of our finds! Inside it was stuffed with special VIP coupons and goodies.

Just some of the coupons we were armed with. Every Premium Outlet will have coupons you can print out online before you go. I would make a list of all the stores you want to visit and make sure you print a coupon for those stores. You never know what you might find!

The VIP coupon booklet that's valid until 2013. Isn't it a convenient all in one brochure? Sign up to get yours here.

Our first stop was Banana Republic Factory Store. Most of the clothing you will find here is exclusive to the Factory Store. Therefore they are on trend and it's not leftovers from the regular stores. Great right?! These three ladies are modeling Summer Trend looks put together by the store manger. From the blue cardi, to the wedges, to the floral print I love it all!

Banana is not short on cute PRINTS and these are my favorites from the store.

Next we headed over to Samsonite where Patrick demonstrated how to pack for summer using the Eagle Creek Packing system. I was not a believer when my brother first told me about the packing system. I really didn't think it would make a difference at all but WOW when Patrick unfolded everything from the Folder I was amazed how useful the Pack-It system is. It was like that scene in Mary Poppins, he kept lifting out shirt after shirt.

Here are the different size Pack-It cubes. If you don't have a Samsonite near you, try the Container Store. After our presentations we were free to roam the outlet and we left in groups to hunt for our free gifts.

Other goodies: Samsonite 3oz travel bottles, Movado Jewelry Cleaner, notepad

A special gift from White House Black Market. Personal fan, hand sanitizer, laundry scents, and mints.

Another tote! I was actually looking for a canvas tote I could paint on. This came at a really great time.

At Vitamin World we were introduced to the magical Coconut Oil. It's good for you inside and out. Just google this craziness!

Retinol Cream and a Protein Bar from Vitamin World. Thanks to the manager! He was really friendly and curious about all our blogs. ;)

My FAVORITE find is this adorable green pan from Kitchen Collection. You never need to use oil and the food won't stick. I can't wait to test it out! This store was a baker's heaven!

NY & Company gave us a $25 off $25 coupon so I picked up a white bolero and this black enamel multi-chain necklace. I plan on recycling the chain and spray painting the black part gold. You'll have to wait and see the before/after on my other blog Julu Jewelry.

Columbia gave us a $15 gift card to use and I used it to buy a hat for my dad. My cashier was also really cute. BONUS!

I stopped by the CCO (cosmetics company outlet) but I didn't see anything I wanted. bummer! Same for the Coach Outlet. I wasn't in need of a purse, and I was overwhelmed by the selection and people buzzing around too.

My last stop before I went home was the Le Creuset store. The discounts were generous and they even had a 25% off sale on top of that for all of the beautiful blue items. I wish I could take it all home!

Allen Premium Outlets had so many stores but I only walked half of the huge property before I decided it was time to go home. I didn't want to tire myself out otherwise I wouldn't make the hour long drive home. Coming here is really an excursion so you need to be prepared. Wear comfy clothes, make a plan, bring water, wear a hat, wear a cross body purse to keep your hands free, and most importantly bring a friend.

Check out what the other bloggers had to say!

Ivonne - Ivonne Stacy Style

Cris - My Fashion Juice

Alicia - Fashion by Alicia

Stephanie - Beauty and Gardens

Tamara - Southern Yankee Mix

Staci - 7 on a Shoestring

Heather - Dallas Single Mom

Melissa - MelissaStuff

Metsy - Metsy Shines

Jenn - Jenn's RAQ

Stephanie - Korean Bohemian

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!

The last day for Sephora's Friends and Family Sale

Today (Tuesday) is the last day for Sephora's Friends and Family 20% off anything sale! To get the code go here and enter your email address. Below are some of my picks! Please check them out. And no I didn't buy all of this! That's crazy! Let me know in the comment what you hauled!

Hypnôse Doll Lashes Set ($63 Value) $29.50

This set contains:
- 0.07 oz travel-size Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base
- 0.04 oz Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner in Noir
- 0.22 oz Hypnôse Doll Lashes Mascara in Black
A great value for the full size artliner or mascara alone! It's almost like buy one get one free!

Wild & Chic Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Kit ($103 Value) $59

This set contains:
- 0.17 oz HD Microfinish Powder

- 0.21 oz Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)

- 0.04 oz Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)

- 0.09 oz Lab Shine in Star Collection - S4 (pearly pink beige)

- 0.5 oz HD Microperfecting Primer

- 0.23 oz Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara 
This is a good sampling of what MUFE has to offer.

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer $32
A creamy, weightless moisturizing concealer that blends easily into the skin for an undetectable finish.
It's my favorite concealer and a pricey one!

Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio $28
This set contains:
- 0.08 oz Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
- 0.08 oz Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
- 0.08 oz Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
If you're a lip balm junkie you can try three of the different balms in mini sizes. Perfect for all three to fit in your purse.

Danmari All About Cheeks Palette $65 
This set contains:
- 6 x 0.12 oz Cheek Color in Hungry Heart (gold ivory), Super Orgasm (peachy pink with gold glitter), Desire (cotton candy pink), Casino (dark brown with golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer), Sin (berry with gold shimmer)
There was lots of buzz surrounding this palette but now it's back in stock!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube $19
Or stock up on your favorite staples! Even the Naked Palette, Mariposa, or Book of Shadows IV! Most things are back in stock!

Indulge in Dior Addict Lipstick if you haven't yet tried it. $28
Rose Déshabillé 260 & Tokyo 422 are beautiful shades!

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream $32
I tried a sample and this made my eye really soft!

Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Her $75
Who doesn't love these minis? And you get a free full size perfume voucher!

There are so many sales going on now it's crazy! Ulta mailed me a 20% off coupon too! Plus the VIB 20% off party is coming in November too! .

Revlons Free after coupon at CVS

A swipe here, a swipe there, and now I have two-toned nails. I think these two are fun together! I've warmed up to the thought of yellow nails. Possibly a dupe for Chanel Mimosa?

Tonight I picked up two Revlon Top Speed polishes at CVS because they are on sale (FREE) this week. Pictured are Electric and Hazy. Both swatch opaque on the first swipe. That's what I love about the Top Speeds!

I'll explain how the sale works.

Each polish is priced at $4.99.
You receive a store credit called an EXTRA BUCK for $4 on each polish you buy. If you buy two you get $8 and you can buy up to 6 total with your CVS card.
When combined with a $1 off coupon the polish is essentially free!

for example, your 1st transaction:
Polish $4.99
Coupon -1.00
-----
TOTAL $3.99 + tax
EARN $4.00 EB (extra bucks)

Now you have $4 EB to use that expires in one month. If you had previous ones you could've used that in your first transaction. It's called ROLLING. Now that you have a $4EB we'll roll it to the next polish

2nd transaction:
Polish $4.99
Coupon -1.00
EB -4.00 (from the first transaction)
-----
TOTAL -0.01
BUT you can't have a negative balance so either your cashier will ADJUST your EB to 3.99 and you'll walk out free OR you'll need a filler item like their .33 cent caramels.

2nd transaction alternative:
Polish $4.99
filler $0.33
Coupon -1.00
EB -4.00
-----
TOTAL 0.32 + tax
EARN $4.00 EB

You may repeat this process until you have reached the limit 6 polishes! Woo hoo!

So if you had no EB to start with you will have $4EB, 6 polishes, and you only spent $4 + tax!

You will have already needed to get several Revlon coupons before this sale to maximize your savings. If you don't have any coupons then $1/polish is still a good deal.

Where to find coupons? Try ebay or coupon cutting services. like [here]
This particular coupon came from the Smart Source 4/10 edition.

Now the best thing about this deal is the beauty club. (ask your cashier how to join) For every $50 you spend on cosmetics you will get $5 EB back. So after you bought all 6 polishes you can add $29.94 to your tally, and not the few cents you paid. woo hoo!

But wait there's more! If you go back once a day this week and scan your "green bag tag" you will earn $1EB after every 4th scan! $$$

I hope this helped and got you running out to CVS! I've posted swatches of a few Revlon polishes previously. Try clicking the Nails tag.

Glad to answer any questions!

Fashion Blogger event at Park Lane

The amazing Tina of T Minus, T Plus put together a fun day for local fashion and style bloggers at the Shops at Park Lane a couple weeks back. I was invited even though I don't consider myself a fashion blogger (lol seriously), but I am a beauty blogger and proud of it. :) I first discovered Park Lane sometime last year while looking for Nordstrom Rack locations. I was shocked that this entire complex was here, and I had not known about it. I was super excited to be able to tour the new shops that opened since my first visit. There were so many more. It was quite "dead" in comparison to my first visit. I'm all for new business and growth!

First up was the flagship Whole Foods Market! I was late to this (bummer) so I missed the tour, but it's a giant and fun market from what I can tell.

I did make it in time for the goodie bags! ^_^

Next we walked over to ULTA beauty where the manager talked about the Benefit line. She was super friendly and even gave us goodie bags too!

All of us happy to be around so much makeup.

Is Groupon good or bad for you?

Alwin Fuchsia

Stock

Do you ever feel like you're spending MORE money than you would after signing up for services like Groupon. I know the point of them is getting great deals, but if I never saw the deal, then I would never be tempted to shop.

It's like what they say about diet drinks. People still get fat from drinking diet because they drink more of it thinking it's not hurting them.

What is Groupon?
Local shops and some online retailers will offer limited time discounts where you can get at least a 50% off savings by paying the cost upfront. You can then redeem your savings at a later time until it expires. You're buying a rare coupon!

Essentially you are pre-buying a set amount of money to spend at a store you may or may not end up going to later. Retailers are happy to get that "down payment" and even though it's a 50% off discount for you- There's a good chance many people will forget to claim their credit! So don't forget! How many times have I thrown away physical, FREE coupons from Express that read "$15 off $30" or "$15 off anything" at The Limited? Many many times!

I'm guilty- So far I've spent:
$5 for $10 of gelato
$15 for 3 movie tickets and a soda ($5 each)
$15 for $30 of plants and garden supplies
$5 for $10 at a mexican bakery I've always want to visit
$150 for six laser hair removal treatments

Of those I've only claimed 2 movie tickets and one laser hair removal treatment. It's almost $200 on coupons alone. I am def not going to be buying any more for now. Yes the Laser hair removal is a big chunk, but it's hopefully a long lasting benefit. Too early to tell from one visit so far. Also I'm planning on getting the plants (shown above) later this week too. I scoped the store on Sunday to be sure there were things I wanted to buy.

I would say it's good to buy the Groupon if you KNOW you'll use it within 1-2 weeks otherwise you run the risk of forgetting and losing that money. If you have an iPhone you can download the app and it's easy to check on expiring groupons. But then it's also tempting to look at the deals! ah!

If you're curious and you want to sign up, I'll receive a $10 credit after your first purchase. My referral link is here. If you get friends to sign up you can too!

I speak too soon! I am going to buy another groupon for ebay that is $7 for a $15 giftcard! I LOVE eBay and thanks to Jean for tweeting the deal. (or is that no thanks hahaha) http://www.groupon.com/deals/ebay

To answer the title of this post, I'm going to conclude it's bad for me! :D

Dirt Cheap Finds at the Drugstore

I don't know how or why but this weekend I found great deals at Walgreens and CVS.

First up was Walgreens. I went to return some Simply something Lemongrass lipbalm. It was hands down nasty! I noticed the bin next to the beauty counter had tons of Sinful Colors polish on sale for 2/$1! I thought "hey these are really liked on blogs so I'll give them another chance at this price." Previously I bought a sheer white pearl color which really did not impress me and left my expectations low. I picked up an even six with a few being possible gifts.

Apparently this sale had been going on for awhile since the pickings were slim with mostly brown and other ugly colors. Plus this lady was trying to buy 20 bottles, and it was not her first time there. BUT don't get too excited because she told me the other Walgreens were not having this sale. I suppose mine was just trying to get rid of them. I picked up Purple Diamond, Savage, What's Your Name, Fiji, Gorgeous, and Fig.

These make me think they are China Glaze dupes because of the size. The formula is not as good, but it's great for the price! Miles better than the first dud I picked up.

Then on Sunday I stopped by CVS and bamn there was a table marked 90% off. Of course I had to rummage through it. This is what I picked up and almost everything was under $1 and close to $0.50! Woo hoo! I only wonder what there was before I got there. I got there at 5pm and I assume the coupon ladies had all morning to rummage though it. I did see a guy with a basket full of random chargers or cables and what not. I bet he's going to resell those in his shop or on ebay.

They had bumpits but only blond ones left. The Texan in me has always wanted to try one. I'm sure it's a piece of junk though. Anyhow, I'm excited about everything especially the tweezermans! I have a full size one, and I love it.

You'll never know when you'll bump into a clearance table at CVS, so just keep shopping! 

Beauty Deals at Ulta

Every Spring ULTA has a beauty event but this year it's all about the great deals! For 21 days they are having different one day deals! Check the complete list here. I've singled out the ones I thought you may like most.

CARGO 50% OFF! I need a refill of the blu_ray powder! I even put this in my calendar so I don't forget!

Free Lancome Genifique! No purchase!

I swear I post too much about Lancome recently but this deal is too good not to post. It's free! Go to Lancome's website here and sign up to receive a free 7-day Sample! You give them your name and email, then you will print out a confirmation to take to your Lancome counter. I'm guessing the samples will look like this:

This is how they looked the last time. It's awesome!! Can't ever have enough Free Genifique! I'd say it'd be fun to hit up both department stores in my mall. ^_~ (Macy's & Dillard's) They gave these out during "Genes Day" and I'm guessing they had leftovers.

Btw this is my gift with purchase from my Bloomingdales order I mentioned in a previous post. It's fabulous! I love the bag and the pink lip gloss.

Lancome & Estee Lauder Gift Time

Raise your hand if you can't resist a gift with purchase event!! The best gwp in my opinion is always the Lancome at Bloomingdales one. They offer 7 awesome samples that you get to pick from 12. It's a yearly thing, and I ordered about 2 years ago. I still have some of the little items even. I skipped last year but I'm all in this year! An interesting thing is that the first time I ordered they sent ALL 14 of the samples. Amazing! They did this for other people too. I know from searching on forums. I'm hoping that they do it again hehe!

Basically if you love gift time, you must indulge now! I got three people to buy this already haha. :D

Lancôme Gift Love in Paris - FREE with any $39.50 Lancôme purchase! Up To A $160 Value. Choose 7 Beauty Favorites to go with your free bag!
THE BEST - It’s Your Free Choice

Yours With Any $39.50 Lancôme Purchase. buy here

Choose 7 Beauty Favorites to go with your free bag!

- GÉNIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate*
- HIGH RÉSOLUTION REFILL-3X™ Triple Action Renewal Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15*
- RÉNERGIE LIFT VOLUMETRY SPF 15*
- ABSOLUE PREMIUM BX Absolute Replenishing Cream SPF 15*
- CRÈME RADIANCE Cleanser*
- BI-FACIL Double-Action Makeup Remover
- BLUSH SUBTIL Powder Blush in Sheer Armourose
- COLOR DESIGN Eye Shadow QUAD
- JUICY TUBES Ultra Shiny Lipgloss in Fruity Pop*
- COLOR DESIGN Sensational Effects Lipcolor in All Done Up*
- LE CRAYON KHÔL EyeLiner in Black Ebony
- HYPNOSE DRAMA Mascara

I starred(*) what I chose. Shipping's going to be about $6-10 depending. Plus no Tax for ME!

I ordered the Lily Rose lipstick and Le Gris L'wren mini polish to qualify for the gift.

They also have nice skincare packs that are a good value! Together it's worth $55 + a mini eye makeup remover and pouch. Right now the Lancôme Radiance Cleansing Set Dual Pack is $44.50.

These are hot right now too. It's a new look for Lancome. You can tell they are trying to appeal to the younger generation now. Lancôme Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Pink Envy. PRICE: $48.00

The ever popular Genefique. I know that I tried it once on my skin and it was instantly softer. I plan on trying it out for a week with samples and seeing how it goes.

I forgot to use ebates! Dangnabit! My referral for $5 if you signup and purchase through them.





My Picks that are gift friendly:

Gifts & Sets by Lancôme

Also there's a gift with a $32.50 Estee Lauder purchase at Macy's. The products in the upper right corner are for a purchase over $60. I usually wait until the Nordstrom gift but this one seemed okay. Plus I have a $50 Macy's gift card! I'm going on Friday with my mom!

Estée Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Lotion SPF 15 - $58.00

It's expensive, but I tried the sample of this cream before, and I really liked the results. I'm opting to get the lotion this time because it has a pump and it's a lighter texture being a lotion. Now I just have to find a $2 filler. hmm...

So much spending this week! $51.50 at Bloomingdales, $23 at Nordstroms, and now maybe $13 at Macy's. I should read more budgeting blogs sheesh!