Sale Favorites under $30: What's in my Cart + Kate Spade Extra 25% off!

Happy Thursday Fashionistas! This is turning out to be a great week for sales and since Nordstrom just added New markdowns and is price matching several sales online, I wanted to share my favorite sale picks with you. Whenever I see something I like in store I immediately add it to my shopping cart so I'll know when the item goes on sale and because sometimes adding things to your cart and "shopping" without checkout out is the best form of retail therapy. Kate Spade kicked off today with an extra 25% off sale, remember Mother's Day is right around the corner. That also means that Nordstrom will continue to price match the sale online throughout the day!

Are your online shopping carts as full as mine? (Haha, no judgement zone)

Currently Craving: Minimalist Chic Under $30

Lately I've been trying to add more items to my closet that have clean lines, sheer silhouettes, and yes, more black. While spring brings florals and bright colors, I've been looking for a few basics because my wardrobe could use a few style updates. I also find that I gravitate toward those pieces when I'm in a hurry since they always work well together with minimal effort. Thankfully,  Forever 21 has also added more and more minimalistic items this past month after taking a cue from street chic looks and of course the leader in semi-affordable fashion, Zara. I'm sharing items I've seen in store that look more expensive than their price tag, always a good thing.

What do you think of this style?

Friday Favorites: Weekend Chic under $30

This week went by so fast, I can hardly believe that Friday favorites is already here. As usual, I saw many, many cute things at both Forever 21 and H&M, there is never enough time to see all the new arrivals on one shopping trip. Here are some of my favorites that have me dreaming of walks on the beach with (gasp!) rain in the forecast for Los Angeles.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites under $30 + Old Navy pics + Sales to Shop!

This week was one of the best for spring arrivals, lots of pretty pastels popping up in stores showcasing mint and pale pink. Since it's still "technically" fall,  I love to mix in softer hues with black and navy this time of year so I don't look like a walking flower display with people still in Uggs standing next to me. I'll be shopping this weekend (duh.) to hopefully see even more new arrivals while also scoring some clearance deals and taking full advantage of the big sales this weekend.

Here's hoping you have a long weekend to enjoy!

Mood Board: Inspired by Valentine's Day & Lipstick under $30

This week, the new MAC Collection with designers Isabel and Ruben Toledo arrived online and possibly the cutest packaging ever! While most of collection is available online, the official in-store date launches this Thursday, so you can see all of it person and possibly snag the most coveted color, Oxblood (sold out online already). I stopped by Nordstrom yesterday to get a glimpse and it really is a beautiful nude lipstick. So, yes this mood board is basically inspired by a lipstick. These are some of my favorite red and pink items I've seen in the last few days that reminded me of Kate Spade.

Will you be picking up anything from the new MAC collection?

Friday Favorites: Uptown Girl under $30!

This edition of Friday favorites focuses on finding upscale looking pieces at affordable prices.  It's all in the details when choosing pieces that are easy on your wallet, but high on style. Faux leather trim is one of my favorite fall items to buy and Banana Republic has a few to choose from on sale this weekend! I also love patent leather shoes and bags, that extra shine literally gives your outfit a perfectly polished appearance.

What's your favorite piece?

10 Weekend Favorites: under $30

While I usually do quite a bit of shopping on holiday weekends since the sales are so good, this past weekend I did significantly less actual buying and made more of a summer wish list.  After being in my new place for a over a month, I used this long weekend to finish up some home projects and finally took some time to decorate and catch up on my giant stack of magazines. I hope everyone was able to enjoy some relaxing time this weekend!

What's your favorite?

Just blushing...under $30

I've been seeing more shades of blush again on my shopping rounds and I love these beautiful shades of pinks, nudes, and peaches just in time to wear on Mother's Day or attend a spring wedding. It's such a romantic look and very Gatsby-esque, perhaps I'm also influenced by my recent third viewing of the movie. Either way, it's a nice color palette to have in your wardrobe. Wear these feminine pieces with some distressed denim for a casual everyday look.

Do you like this color - how do you wear it?

Currently Craving...under $30

Last weekend I moved into a new place and I'm still in the process of trying to unpack and organize everything. Since most of my week has been spent at Target and a quick trip to Nordstrom Rack, I am currently craving a few things on my shopping list that I'm hoping to pick up this weekend.

What are you currently craving?

5 Favorites I'm Loving under $30

I could pretty much write a post on my favorites everyday of the week. I am always on the hunt for new arrivals and collections to share with my budget-savvy fashionistas. Even though it is 85 degrees here in sunny Los Angeles, I cannot wait until spring is officially here. Until then, I'll still be wearing my favorite black, white, and metallic looks with a pop of color...even it it's just on my nails.

What are you favorites this week?

12 Tuesday Temptations under $30

I'm looking forward to wearing some brighter spring shades paired with the always fashionable, basic black. Thanks to some slightly cooler temps here in Los Angeles and inspired by New York fashion week, this classic trench coat caught my eye. I cannot get enough statement tees or sweatshirts (if you are a regular reader you know what an addict I am!) and this ironic take on Vogue magazine is too much for me to handle...I just love it! So many temptations this week.

What's your favorite?

Nordstrom Sale Favorites under $30

Good news shoppers! Nordstrom just added even more new markdowns just in time for the weekend. Some of these finds are favorites of mine I first spotted at (gasp!) regular price. I have been patiently waiting for the French statement sweatshirt to go on sale... and voila, it finally did! The Rebecca Minkoff pouches can never be found at this price and with most of the monogrammed initials still available, I wasn't passing this one up either.

Shop fast my fashionistas, these won't stay in stock for long! 

12 Weekend Favorites under $30

Carrie Bradshaw knew what she was talking about when she declared "shopping is my cardio" on Sex and the City so many years ago, and even though it was in response to not wanting to shop online, this weekend I definitely got my workout in.. and then some! The color palette is definitely lightening up at the stores with shades of mint and orange popping up the most. Here are some of my favorite things I spotted on my adventures at the mall and everything is thirty dollars or less!

What is your favorite?

Gift Guide: Beauty + Jewelry Budget Buys under $30

So excited to bring you the first of many Gift Guides this holiday season! I found budget buy items for the beauty and jewelry enthusiast on your list for a friend, sister, or co-worker and a few stocking stuffers along the way. I hope you enjoy!

What are your favorites? 

 

 1 JCrew Jewelry Tray $18 // 2 Marc Jacobs Perfume Pen $22 // 3 Target Statement Necklace $24.99

4 OPI Set $24.95 // 5 Emi-Jay Hair Set $20 // 6 Bare Minerals Mini Brush Kit $25 // 7 Anna Sui Nailpolish $15 // 8 UO Ring Holder $14 // 9 Kate Spade Cosmetic Bag $30 // 10 Volupsa Candle 'Crane Flower' $2611 Bird Jewelry Tree $19.95

1 This "lovely" tray is perfect for storing jewelry on your nightstand.

2 Who wouldn't want a little Marc Jacobs perfume in her stocking?

3 I was impressed with the latest collection of Target statement pieces and never would have guessed they came from your local Target had I not actually seen them at the store.

4 OPI mini set I purchased a similar set last year from Ulta for myself and some of my lucky friends. This year, they added different colors and be on the lookout for upcoming promotions and coupons to get it for even less!

5 Emi-Jay hair ties are the best and cutest way to wear your hair up and I couldn't resist sharing the holiday versions (these festive colors be worn throughout the year for Valentine's Day, Fourth of July, St.Patrick's..and the list goes on.)

6 Mini Brush Kit Super soft brush set in a cool metallic case for the travel or your purse.

7 Designer Anna Sui's Collection is so pretty and display worthy.

8 This may be the cutest (or at least one of them) ring holders I've seen!

9 Kate Spade cosmetic bag - a fun splurge for a beauty lover (fill with samples for added bonus!)

10 This newest candle scent from Volupsa is so glam in this gold.

How cute is the packaging of the Emi Jay hair ties? 

Add to the top of a gift or tree for bonus creativity! 

 

 

Coming this Tuesday online!

I purchased this box last year and it sold out in 20 minutes!

 The value is amazing - so don't miss it.

Be online to use the link live exactly at the time specified.

Direct link will go live on 11/19  http://avs-beauty-box.s3.amazonaws.com/nov2013/index.html

 

  

Thanks for reading!!

Tracy 

 

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale - under $30 picks!!

The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for women and children is here!! With so many amazing deals, I quickly added some of my favorites, but as always, items are selling fast. This sale is both in store and online with many beauty deals also available. A great way to buy some early holiday gifts and remember to checkout all the designer handbags  - many for less than $100.

Will you be shopping this sale?

1 Faux Leather Satchel $20.98 (reg $42) // 2 Rubbish Shirt $16.98 (reg $34) // 3 Ted Baker Cosmetic Case $23.98 (reg $40) // 4 Trapeze Bag $28.98 (reg $58) // 5 Marc by MJ Bracelet $25.98 (reg $58) //

6 Topshop Flats $23.99 (reg $45) // 7 Betsey Johnson Hat $14.40 (reg $24) //

 8 Kate Spade Phone Case $20.98 (reg $35)

Friday Favorites: Weekend Chic under $30

I am always looking for better ways to look chic and pulled together on the weekend (and still be comfy) while going shopping, running errands and grabbing some lunch. Friday favorites are pieces I found this week for less than thirty dollars.

What's your favorite? 

 

 1 Zara Sweater $25.90 // 2 F21 Chic Sweatshirt $19.80 // 3 F21 Black Tote  $27.90 //

4 Cardigan $20.30 (reg $39.95) // 5 Amazing Grace Handwash Set $14.90 //

6 F21 Faux Suede Shoes $15.80 // 7 Gap Cable Knit Sweater $27.99 (reg $44.99 //

8 ON Jeans $19 (reg $34.94) // 9 Zara 4pc Bracelets $19.90 //

10 F21 Faux Leather Cap $10.80 // 11 F21 Baseball Hat $10.80

*All items shown with discount already applied.

Additional colors available in all items.

 

1 Zara Wrap-Around Sweater Now that I am closer to a Zara store, I make frequent stops to check out new arrivals and I am constantly amazed at the quality of merchandise and this sweater is a steal!

 

2 Chic Sweatshirt It literally has chic written on it, so you can't wrong, plus it has cool faux leather shoulder details.

 

3 Black Tote If I had more closet space, I would fill it with Forever 21 handbags, their affordable bags are some of the best buys out there, well worth spending a few extra dollars.

 

4 Cardigan Gap is having a huge sweater sale just for a few days and this cardigan comes in all colors, so stock up for only twenty dollars.

 

5 Philisophy Set This is a lovely set to keep in a bathroom for some extra luxury.

 

6 Heels While most of the shoes at F21 are a bit overpriced in my opinion, these are great to throw on with some jeans for a few hours.

 

7 Cable Knit Sweater So many great Gap sweaters on sale is this is a heavier and cozy winter knit.

 

8 Jeans Old Navy is having a big sale and my favorite jeans are on sale for a limited time.

 

9 Bracelets Chunky gold arm candy look extra cool in this 4 piece set.

 

10 Quilted Hat This Chanel inspired hat is the chicest piece.

 

11 Faux Suede Hat Another chic hat that is similar to J.Crew. 

Deals:

Gap Take an Extra 30% off all sale prices + 25% off regular prices using code GAPSAVE thru 10/26 *Plus earn $25 Gap Cash for every $50 you spend

 

Old Navy Save 25% off your online order using code ONTAKE25

 

Zara Free Shipping on all orders

 

 

Thanks for reading!!

Tracy 

10 Fall Favorites under $30

Fall temps are finally here in Los Angeles and I couldn't be happier to enjoy some much needed "sweater weather" with a warm pumpkin latte. Shades of rich browns and tans are my favorite way to welcome fall and these are some of my favorites right now.

What's your favorite way to welcome fall?

1 H&M Biker Jacket $30 (reg $49.95) // 2 Nordstrom Brush Set $28.95 //

3 F21 Faux Croc Tote $27.80 // 4 F21 Tassel Bracelet $4.80 // 5 H&M Imitation Leather Riding Boots $30 (reg $59.95) // 6  Merona Bird Sweater $19.99 //

7 Estee Lauder ''Delectable' Nail Coffret' Limited Edition $27.50 // 8 Merona Studded Leather Glove $21.99 //9 F21 'Oui' Necklace $2.80 // BP Hat $20

 

 

1 Jacket I love that we can already find "fall markdowns" on quality jackets..just in time for the cold!

2 Brush Set I am in the market for new brushes and love the richness of these and of course the cute snakeskin case.

3 Faux Croc Tote I never need a new tote or bag..but I love the different textures on this bag.

4 Tassel Bracelet This bracelet is elevated thanks to the tassel and the cool beetle, very Tory Burch.

5 Riding Boots The rich brown and chain link detail are a steal at this price.

6 Bird Sweater This very J.Crew reminiscent sweater is so tweet.

7 Nail Polish Set I love all the colors in this set - so rich and warm.

8 Studded Gloves If I am going to wear gloves, why not wear a studded pair?

9 Necklace For French lovers, this larger "oui" necklace is a must.

10 Fedora An affordable and easy way to add some style to your look.

 The biker jacket is also available in grey.




Deals:
H&M Take 30% off your entire order + Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more using code 0835

 

 

Thanks for reading!!

Tracy

Trend Report: Houndstooth under $30

 Houndstooth seems to be having a moment this fall. The Bold and chic pattern can be easily worn with your basic black or add just a hint of this look by adding some fun accessories. I've spotted all these items over the weekend..I just haven't made my purchase yet, still deciding which item is my favorite.

Will you be wearing this trend - what item is your favorite?

  1 Zara Sweatshirt $29.90 // 2 Kohls Scarf $16.99 // 3 Asos Cuff $11.81 // 4 F21 Bow Hair Clip $2.80 // 5 JCP Skater Skirt $14.99 (reg $24) // 6 *Target Wristlet $11.99 //

7 Mossimo Sweatshirt $24.99// 8 F21 Hat $9.90 // 9  F21 Mirror $3.80

 

* I purchased this wallet (in leopard of course) and love it!

Milan Street Style photo via Harper's Bazaar 

H&M Handbag $29.95

Even though I've featured this bag on my blog before in this post, it's worth

 showing again if you are looking for a similar style to the Celine bag above. 

 

 Zara Pencil Skirt $25.90

An affordable skirt to wear with the bold pattern

 

Deals:

Forever 21 Take an extra 50% off selected sale items using code EXTRA50
JCP Click here for all coupons on their page
Kohls Take 15% off orders of $100 + using code RMN15OFF
Macy's Take 15% off orders of $100 + on select items using code TXTCLB
Target Buy one, get one 50% off on Women's & Men's Shoes and Handbags, no code needed

Thanks for reading!!

Tracy

 

My Shopping Notebook {recent purchases} - under $30

Lately, I have been adding a few black, cream, and gold pieces to my wardrobe that can easily be paired with darker fall colors. These purchases are so recent, I am still waiting for some of my packages to arrive. Of course, all of my shopping was done before I realized that my entire September (and probably October) budget would be spent on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collection.

 

What are some of your recent purchases?

 

1 Faux Leather Trim Tunic Dress $24.99 // 2 Zara Patent Ballerina $29.90 3 Michael Kors Lipstick in 'Diva' $24 // 4 * F21 Faux Leather Camera Bag $21.80 // 5 BP Bow Chain Bracelet $10

*Also available in a pretty mint green and creamy tan

Shop Michael Kors Beauty here.

 

1 Tunic Dress I am a sucker for a chevron print and the faux leather detail on the shoulder is an added bonus. I'll wear it with tights in the cooler months.

 

2 Ballet Flats This very Chanel inspired flat will work well with everything.

 

3 Lipstick I have stopped at a few Macy's stores to try to see the new Michel Kors Beauty Collection with no luck - I finally decided to just order one of his lipsticks and I love the gold packaging.

 

4 Camera Bag I always say the same thing about the quality of most Forever 21 Hangbags and I really am impressed with their versions of popular bags - this is nearly identical to J.Crew.

 

5 Bow Bracelet I picked this up in the Junior Dept. It's a small little bracelet that doesn't fall off of my small wrist (sold!) and reminds me of Kate Spade of course because of the bow. 
 

 

 

I had my eye on the J.Crew bag since it arrived in early summer, but looking at the Forever 21 bag, I actually like the hardware better on the "Steal" version and I saved over $100 not buying the original.

 

The Splurge {the real deal}  

  

J.Crew Mini Bag $148 - sold out.

 

  

  

  Thanks for reading!!

Tracy

H&M Online - Weekend Wardrobe under $30

By now, most of you have heard the exciting news that retailer H&M is now available to shop in the U.S. online. While yesterday's post focused on their amazing selection of home items, today's will be all about their affordable clothing and accessories (my favorite part of their store!). With so many great pieces to shop, I decided to narrow it down by choosing a weekend look that can easily transition into your fall wardrobe adding some cool pants or boyfriend jeans instead of shorts. I pretty much want everything on this page..is that wrong?

Have you shopped H&M online yet - what are your favorites?

1 Scarf $9.95 // 2 Handbag $29.95 // 3 Ballet Flats $12.95 // 4 Sunnies $7.95 //

5 Oversized Tee $14.95 //  6 Elastic Belt $5.95 // 7 Shorts $12.95 // 8 Spike Necklace $9.95 // 9 Cardigan $12.95 // Suede Pumps $24.95

• Shop online here . * Keep in mind, that stores are not accepting online returns.

• Thanks to Franci over at The Fashion Palate for this Facebook coupon. Go to LikeACoupon to take 20% off one item - stackable with Free Shipping, just follow the instructions to save! 

• Sign up for e-mail here to receive free shipping.

Thanks for reading!!

Tracy