{celeb style notebook} Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani may be one of the most stylish celebs around and her Memorial Day outfit is an easy way for us fashion lovers to rock a similar look for less with pieces many of us already own. Although I love Gwen's red bag, for most of us, it is nearly impossible to match two shades of red in the same outfit and I prefer this black bag as an alternative (it is a beautiful bag in person). While I couldn't find her edgier pant, Mango has so many white pant options perfect for summer. My favorite find has to be the shoes, a true steal for less than $20 and almost identical to Gwen's more expensive wedges.

How would you style this look for yourself? 

1 Candies Cat Eyes Sunglasses $7.80 (reg $26)// 2 F21 Striped Hi-Lo Tank $12.80// 3 Mango Crop Trousers $29.99// 4 OPI in "Cajun Shrimp" $9// 5 F21 Faux Leather Bag $29.80// 6 Payless Wedge $18.99 (reg $25)

*Check out  Mango and type "white pants" in the search box for all the white pant options.

Handbag Deal for a red bag(s):

Love Culture Double Leatherette Hobo Bag $19.45 ($38.90)

 The hobo bag includes the small crossbody bag!

The Splurge:

The Limited Jacket $118

Gingham style!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

My Shopping Notebook {Recent Purchases under $30}

After being sick with the flu for longer than I care to remember last month, I've had fun making up for lost (shopping) time and finding some items on my list that I actually needed..?? Luck was on my side with most of the deals I found.  When I have more than three stores in the mall to visit, I quickly scan the sale items and know the higher priced quality pieces to grab first (thanks to online "research" shopping, LOL.) and search for my size before it catches another savvy shopper's eye. 
*Some of these items are still available online, the prices listed are the in store prices I paid, not the current online selling price.

What's on your shopping wish list?

Express Neon Yellow Heels $12.50 (reg $48)

I was looking for a neon pair of shoes and these could not be more perfect.

Of course I also picked up the black  pair too..how could I resist?

Sparkle Stone Necklace at Banana Republic $18 (reg $59)
I have been wanting a true (larger than normal) statement necklace for a while
and this bright pop of orange will go nicely with my neutrals.

 

Rubbish Vintage Style Denim Jacket $29.90 at Nordstrom

I didn't exactly "need" another version of a denim jacket (you can even see a few of them in the background of this pic), but this fit so perfectly and is a lightweight jacket, a good match for the hot summer in Los Angeles.

The vintage look close up

MICHAEL Michael Kors White Denim Shorts $24.99 at TJ Maxx
I just saw these at Bloomingdales "on sale" for $65 (the tag has the retail price as $99.50!!)

Gap Ponte Blazer in Lavendar $20.80 (reg $88)
Find this at your local store if you can! A casual and tailored jacket at an amazing price.

Calvin Klein Striped Jersey Dress from TJ Maxx for $29.99 

It's hard to believe that for the same price Target is selling some of their dresses for right now, I picked up a CK dress for the same amount. The fit of this dress is so flattering and with my orange crush this season, this will be my new favorite summer dress.

Online Sale Codes (updated 5/30)

*Banana Republic Save 30% off  Full Priced styles using code BRFRESH30 thru 6/1

*GAP Save 30% off women and men's Sale styles using code GAPSALE thru 6/1

*Express Save an extra 20% off online clearance prices - no code required  

Thanks for reading!
Tracy 

 

 

Memorial Weekend Sales and Shopping Picks

Memorial Weekend is a is one of the biggest shopping weekends around and you can score some major deals without having to brave the crowds while still enjoying a backyard barbeque. Here are some of the stores I'll be shopping online this weekend. Of course I'll also still be doing some shopping at the mall (first thing in the morning for best selection is the plan!) and most of these deals can also be found in store and sometimes at even better prices.

I'll be updating this list throughout the weekend adding my Red, White, and Blue favorites (after all, Fourth of July is just around the corner and you'll be all set!)

What stores will you be shopping?

Anthropologie: Free Shipping on orders of $150 or more using code LONGWEEKEND

I fell in love with this Nautical dress a few days ago, although it would definitely be a splurge!

 Halter Dress $99.95 (reg $148)

  

American Eagle: 40% off your entire order and  Free Shipping on all orders using code 03987441

Keds $45 ($27 with discount!)

 *Remember to order at least one size down from your regular shoe size, these do run large.

Banana Republic: 35% off your order using code BRDIVEIN
Link Bracelet $14.30 after discount (reg $39.50)

Bloomingdales: Save an extra 20% off for the Friends and Family Sale using code EXTRA20
*Can be used with their Designer Handbag and Shoe Sale (already 30% off!)
Michael Kors Crossbody $110.88 after discount (reg $198) 

 

GAP: Save up to 40% off, plus take an Additional 20% off your order using code GAPGIFT

Striped Beach Sweater $24 after discount  (reg $59.95)

Jcpenney: 10% off your purchase or 20% using your JCP card using code LAUNCH16
Joe Fresh Peplum Top $16

Kate Spade: 20% off one regular price item using code SPGMAY13
Travel Journal $14.40 after discount (reg $18)

 

 Kohls: 30% for cardholders using code SAVE30 and Free Shipping with GOOD2BMV

For non-cardmember Take 20% off your $50 purchase using SUNFLOWER

LC Lauren Conrad Dress $24 (reg $60) 

  

 Old Navy: 20% off your order for cardholders or 15% for everyone using code ONSUMMER

Fit and Flare Dress $18 (reg $24.94)

 

Ps.

Don't miss the Nordstrom Half Yearly SALE for women and children!

  

 

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

Ikea (yes that Ikea!) Summer Finds for less than $20

Every few months I like to make a trip to Ikea to shop the new seasonal items and this time I was in search of some affordable (i.e. "cheap") summer finds, mission accomplished. I didn't have to travel to France to find $1 glassware made in France, just my local store.. and a polka dot rug for $20 has me dreaming of a walk-in closet or at least seeing spots everywhere a la Kate Spade.

 

Have you shopped at Ikea lately, what did you buy?

These may be the cutest $1 glasses I've seen in a while and very Kate Spade. Remember to also take a look at the pink gingham tray, so girly.

 

I'll be using some of the glasses to hold pens on my desk and one for my make-up brushes.

Tall Pineapple Glasses $1.49 - so adorable.

Such a cool tray, love that it matches the pineapple glasses, $7.99

 

 Vintage style glasses..yes, I bought these too.

 

 A fun and affordable way to store your stuff - on clearance for only $1.99 for set of 2

 

 
This polka dot rug (Made in Egypt) for $20 would liven up any space, especially a closet space.
This dotted rug resembles the one that JCP has to display their LULU brand (see pic here )

 One of their newest posters for $12 and I couldn't love it more.

So impressed with the new displays at Ikea, shabby chic at it's best.
 

 

I need to make another shopping trip to Ikea soon before everything is sold out.

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

Nordstrom Half Yearly SALE starts early online!!

Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale for Women and Children officially starts in stores this Wednesday, May 22, but you can shop thousands of New markdowns online today, so shop fast to for best selection!
Shop Nordstrom with Free Shipping on ALL orders.

What did you order from Nordstrom?

Rubbish Relaxed Menswear Shirt $23.98 (reg $48), also available in 3 other colors// Studded Barrel Bag $23.98 (reg $48)// Frenchi Oversized Tee $20.40 (34) also in red and grey//

David & Young Skull Scarf $8.98 (reg $18)// Neon Necklace $17.98 (reg $36)//

Camo Crop Jacket  23.98 ($48)

 

A few Designer Handbag Deals:

Rebecca Minkoff MAC Mini $116 (reg $198)

 

Rebecca Minkoff Tote $56.98 (reg $95)

 

Michael by Michael Kors $118.80 (reg $198)

Marc by Marc Jacobs  $118.80 (reg $198)

Kate Spade Mini Coal Shoulder Bag $119.20 (reg $298)

Kate Spade Beach Club Tote $118.80 (reg $198)

*Remember to pick up your Free Gift With Purchase with any $30 Clinique purchase

Shop Clinique

Thanks for Reading!

Tracy

Ipsy Glam Bag - May 2013

I literally screamed (softly of course) when my Ipsy Glam Bag arrived! I had seen all of the amazing products this month and couldn't wait to see what was in mine. This is the first month that the bags varied in what products each subscriber received based on her beauty profile. There were some issues with their new program (Ipsters not liking their contents compared to others and receiving the darker bronzer over the more sheer color, like me).  I don't see how there could be many complaints when most bags were valued at over $50, but that is the chance you take when you subscribe to a service that chooses the products for you and surprises you each month. For me, the whole point is to try new items and honestly for $10, I received $77 worth of products!!

Sign up Here to start receiving your Glam Bag!
*This month's bag is still available and a wait list for a lucky few and remember to fill out your beauty profile to help customize your bag.

 

What items do you want to try first?

All the goodies in the goody bag..it looks like I just went shopping at Sephora! 

 

This month's theme is Spring Fling

 

 Zoya Nail Polish in BLU from the Spring Collection, Full Size $8

 

Always happy to see Zoya brand in the mix since it is a BIG5 Free brand.

The color is a pale white- blue and I'll be trying it out this weekend

 Mirabella Colour Sheer Lipstick in Posy - Full Size, Value $22

This a nice rose color and feels so moisturizing and is paraben free

 

Juice Beauty Lipgloss in Pink, Value $15

This is a light pretty pink and is organic so I feel better constantly applying this to my lips, LOL.

Yaby Concealer Replacement Mini, Value $4.50 (this is actually my shade, yay!)

 

St.Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion Deluxe, Value $7

 

While I won't be using this on my very pale skin, these "tan" colors just don't look natural on me, a lucky friend will get what is suppose to be an amazing lotion.

 

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy, Value $20

This light champagne color is so pretty and I can't wait to use it

 

*This is a Bonus item some Ipsters received for participating in reviews and referring people, so make sure you are always reviewing and commenting on Ipsy to get your bonus points!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

 

Summer Safari under $30 {city style}

On my weekend shopping outing, I didn't realize it at the time, but so many items I picked up reminded me of a summer safari..not that I would ever actually be on a safari, but I do like to dress the part, well, at least a version of "safari" and this would be it. The lace shorts are the prettiest little things I've seen lately and the gold straw clutch is so cool. I also have my eye on the Old Navy flats and really need to shop at H&M again because for some reason I never seem to have enough time in there.

 

What's your favorite item?

1 F21 Zebra Ring $6.80// 2 H&M Straw Clutch $12.95 (available in other colors and leopard)//

 3 Maybelline Nail Polish in 'Orange Fix' and 'Bold Gold' $3 // 4 H&M Olive Top $4.95 //

 5 LC Lace Shorts $28.80 (reg $48) 6 Old Navy Basketweave Flats $24.94//

7 Urban Outfitters Aviators $14// 8 H&M Striped Scarf 6.95 (available in many colors/patterns)

*Kohls Save an extra 20% using code MAYFLOWERS

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

Orange Crush under $25

I have a major crush on the color orange this season and there is no shortage of shades to be found. Here are some of the finds for less than $25 to add some pop to your look. One of my favorites ways to wear this bold color is to pair it with navy or light grey, both acting as a neutral to create a fresh and polished look.

Do you have a color crush on orange - what is your favorite way to wear it?

1BP Retro Sunglasses $12// 2 Cesca crossbody bag $24.90 (reg $38)//

 3 Gap leather Flip Flops $24.95// 4 Gap Chunky Pullover $24.99 (reg 59.95) // 5 Joe Fresh Floral Shorts $19// 6 Joe Fresh Striped Top $14// 7 Kate Spade Travel Journal $18//

 8 Juicy Couture Friendship Bracelet $14.99 (reg $28)

*GAP Save an extra 30% off your purchase thru 5/9 using code GAPMAY

*Kohls Save an extra 20% off your online purchase using code MOMSDAY

Thanks for reading!

Tracy

Sam & Libby for Target Shoe Collection

Sam & Libby for Target is a designer shoe collection that range in price from $22.99 - $34.99 for shoes that include sandals, wedges, heels, and smoking flats. The Sam & Libby footwear brand was first introduced in 1987 and launched their affordable line for Target this past weekend. While I liked the shoes in person, they honestly don't look much different from Target's own brand of trendy shoes. I did almost purchase the ballet flats and the leopard smoking flats, but put them back when I realized I would be spending $60, money I could use toward one good pair of shoes. I liked the shoes, I just didn't love them. Shop the collection online here.

I'm curious to hear what you think of this collection -  Will you be buying anything?

 

 

These were in my hands to purchase, but I just wasn't sold.

 

These Ballet Flats were easily the most popular of the group and are very similar to J.Crew's version, I do like the Chanel color combo, but because it is a canvas material there was already a few scuffs on the display shoe.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Tracy