Barneys Warehouse Sale

While driving through Downtown LA this weekend, I noticed a ginormous banner hung outside the LA Convention Center bearing the BEST news. What better way to start the month off than finding some fashion goodies at the Barneys Warehouse Sale?!

Arriving in our two favorite cities (NY & LA, of course!), the warehouse sale is highly anticipated and offers 50-75% off regular priced items. I've never been to one before, so I'm SO excited for this!! See below for the dates and location details for both cities:

Los Angeles: 2/4 - 2/15
LA Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.

New York: 2/11 - 2/28
255 W. 17th St.

The shopping frenzy begins at 8AM sharp on the first days of both sales! Can't wait to pick up some springtime blouses and shoes, shoes, shoes.

Mike & Chris Sale at Reverse!

As if I haven't been buying myself enough goodies this past month, one of my favorite (usually overpriced) lines went on sale today on Reverse! EFF! I love the style of Mike & Chris--comfy and casual. Thankfully, at 70% to 80% off, I can finally afford to pick up some of their pieces!

Glen Zip Up (Orig. $216, Sale $65) Long and lean, and great for throwing over skinny jeans. My favorite part is the shoulder flap in the back.

Dustin Cotton Voile V Neck Tunic (Orig. $160, Sale $39) I love, love tunics. I love, love white.

3 Button Tights (Orig. $68, Sale $19) My mom makes fun of me for wearing leggings because they shouldn't be considered pants, but the button detailing on these will hopefully make them look a little more legit.

I've been lusting after a Mike&Chris hoodie ever since I first laid eyes on the line (a leather jacket might be next on my list now)! For less than $200, how ever could I have resisted? I even learned a new trick on how to check my credit card number without my supervisor noticing. Hurry on to the site because things are selling out quickly! Click here for an invite to Reverse.

Rebecca Minkoff West Coast Sample Sales

For all us West Coasters who are lusting after some Rebecca Minkoff goodies after reading Janice's post on the NY sample sale, we're in luck!

I'm going to be out of town this week so I won't be able to make it out there until Saturday, but hopefully everyone else will be able to snap up some great finds before they're all gone. I am reaaalllyyy hoping for a Morning After Bag so am super excited for this!!

Shu Uemura Hautelook Sale Alert

Hautelook is hosting a sale on one of our absolute FAVORITE make-up brands tomorrow at 9AM! This is such exciting news!! What products don't we love from the brand?! However, some absolute staples you may want to get your hands on include:

-Eyelash curler (nothing compares!)
-Cleansing oil
-Glow On Blush (especially M Pink 30)

Don't have an invite for Hautelook? Click here! Happy shopping!!!

Sephora Friends and Family 2009

Sephora's Friend's and Family started today and runs until November 2. I haven't had much time to think of all the fun things I want to get, so all I have picked up so far are the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and Soy Face Cream. After getting a facial at the Fresh Espace back in April, I'm in LOVE with their products and am excited about the chance to incorporate them into my daily skincare regime! I have read so many great reviews and the fact that they smell so fresh (I know, I know, but it's so true!) is just an added bonus. If I can think of some great undereye or anti-aging treatments, I'm definitely in for another order before this ends...

Although the promo hasn't been advertised nearly as much as in the past (what, no special flyer or email notification, Sephora?), you can enter FF2009 for 20% off your entire purchase. Remember you get 3 free samples of your choice and free shipping on orders over $50.

Cheers to the start of Friends and Family savings for us all!

Reverse-Reverse Online Outlet

I recently discovered REVOLVEclothing.com's online outlet, Reverse and can' t believe I didn't know about it earlier! The site offers real deals on a bevy of goodies, free returns (like its parent company), and $5 flat rate shipping on all orders. After some quick perusing, I'm excited to say that there are definitely some great finds!

Gaspard Yurkievich Scallop Back Heel (orig. $381, sale $141) I la-LOVE the orange detailing and scalloped back! Why, oh why can't I be a size 8?!?

Susana Monaco Barathea Tie Coat (orig. $550, sale $193) I'm always on the lookout for perfect white coats and this one is absolutely gorgeous. The cropped sleeves and dainty collar are a perfect contrast to the more traditional winter coat.

MASON by Michelle Mason Belted Halter Dress (orig. $352, sale $124) A girl can never have too many black dresses! This would be an instant classic for a night out and the pockets and plunging neckline make it fun as well.

With so many options, this will quickly become one of my favorite online shopping destinations. Sample sale prices without the hassle of waiting for start times or worrying about no return policies!! Reverse is by invite-only so click here to join! :)

MAC Sumo Sale: 25% Off All Products!

Oh MAC, why are you so tempting?! I've missed all the previous F&F; sales, but this time the internet is abuzz with the upcoming Sumo sale on June 16-18! During these 3 days, MAC is offering 25% off all its products (excluding Viva Glam) and I'm muy excited! I've been itching to pick up some MAC staples and this is awesome timing!!! In my bag so far:

-Fix+ + Rose (the addition of rose is such a great idea)
-194 Concealer Brush
-150 Powder Brush
-187 Stippling Brush (love it so much that I need another one!)
-Pro Palette Quad x4 Eyeshadow
-Bronze, Ricepaper, Era, and Satin Taupe pro palette refills
-Uniform Technakohl Liner (a must-have in my daily routine)

I want morreee!

Enter code: SUMO at checkout for 25% off and free shipping! Enjoy. :)

Recession-Friendly Tip

Do you shop online? Do you love getting packages? Are you human? I am positive everyone in my generation buys clothes/shoes/electronics/everyday items from the Internet, particularly if you are part of the working world (*plays "Miss Independent" track!*) and don't have time to browse in-store. If you said yes to the above questions, I hope you've been using a rebate system for all those online purchases, like Ebates or FatWallet.

How they work: you have to click through the site to get to the desired retailer and make your purchase from there. The sites track the clickthroughs and will automatically post rebates to your account after a successful checkout. A surprising number of companies offer discounts through these two sites, you just have to check which one is higher - ex. Nordstrom (6% at FW vs. 3% at Ebates), ShopBop (6% at Ebates), and my latest obsession - Hayden Harnett (4% at Ebates, not at FW).  It takes a little time for the cash back to be approved and processed, but hey, it's as good as finding money in your pocket after you've forgotten about it!

I signed up for these services years ago, but didn't fully utilize them 'til now. Back in the good ol' college days, I had classes three out of the five weekdays, and enjoyed something called Leisure Time to take many a shopping trip. Now, I prefer checking out online and looking forward to receiving packages. Something about the anticipation of deliveries makes me happy, even though I know exactly what is coming =P Before I pull the trigger though, I check both rebate sites to see if there's cash back available. If anything, it helps with shipping. I was reminded about these sites today because I got a notification that I've accumulated $40 from the past few months' self-gifts.

Hope this puts some dollars back in your wallet while doing your parts to contribute to an economic upswing!

Change (of Accessories) is Here

So sorry this wasn't posted earlier, but there is still 2 days left for this sale! Hayden-Harnett, a Brooklyn-based bag company, has some cuuuute stuff, and EVERYTHING is 50% off. Enter the code PRESIDENT at checkout for the discount. Barack is already doing great stuff in stimulating the economy before he is even inaugurated =P

In their regular collection, I am really loving their Clutch Wallet in Tango Red ($170, with discount is $85). What a beautiful color - I love red accessories because they offer just the right amount of pop. Am also digging the rear change pocket - so useful for keeping my Metro card and work ID card to quickly get in and out. The hardware makes the wallet look durable and suitable for carrying out as well.

/Edit: Ok, I perused the website all night, and fell in love with these bags! Also did a bit of research and found that there is a loyal following of these HH purses. I like that I don't see every girl carrying them here, and the bags don't have logos but are recognizable for those who know and love the line.

I reallyy like the idea of the Ibiza Flight Totes ($98 on sale), and definitely want to get one for the summer. Nylon = durable, convertible (it folds in half east-west style for a smaller going out bag) = practical, and lots of colors to choose from = one for everyone! These remind me of the Longchamp bags that every girl and her mom (literally) has.. but a bit of a twist. It's meant for travelling, but good for work/school also, as it has a compartment for a laptop. The leather contrasts the leather nicely, and I like how the short/long strap gives you two options of carrying it.

 Mind rules over heart right now though. I need a work bag desperately, and am probably going to pull the trigger on the Conrad bag, above, in black. It's roomy and holds a decent amount of stuff, but still can carry on a night out.

Since we're in a recession, even 50% off can still tough on your wallet, so good news! Hayden-Harnett has a Target collection, available now. This is actually how I first heard about the company; their Flight Tote (in canvas instead of the Ibiza nylon) caught my eye as a practical and colorful choice for getting through security and comfortably to your destination. & at $50, it's muy affordable. The brown Hobo bag is also very cute, and is a Want for work!

N.V. Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator

N.V. Perricone is offering the chance to try out their Advanced Face Firming Activator for only $10 (plus free shipping). Considered a "cosmeceutical" company, most of Perricone's products are normally quite pricey. This specific item is originally $50, so this offer might be worth checking out if you're interested in anti-aging products.

Enter code: AFFA10.

I've still yet to decide if it's something I need myself, but might end up trying it anyway!

The Gift of Choice

When it comes to buying presents, I'm really quite good at getting stuff that I would want, and assume that if I am as enraptured by it, of course the lucky person would be more than happy to receive. Flawed logic much?

This Christmas, while searching for presents that I other people would like, I stumbled upon the Scent Sampler Kits at Sephora, a genius idea that lets your be-gifted choose their favorite scent from a possible 8-10 selections, and turn in a voucher for a full-size bottle! It takes the (not fun part of) guesswork out of gifting and injects a fun activity for the recipient to partake in. Also, I've never understood how people can give perfumes to others, without for sure knowing it's that person's signature scent, since smell is such a personal and subjective characteristic.

Each kit includes vials of trial-size samples (you know, the kind that Sephora gives out with online purchases), and is $50, a good deal considering that the full-size versions of the samples cost more than that on its own.

There are four sets to choose from, including one for the men in your life. With so many varieties of perfume, each set targets a different type - the "Bestseller" for fragrance newbies and girls who want to try the most popular scents, the "Trend Setters" for girls who are looking for a new olfactory experience, and "New Classics" which have heavier scents and may a good choice for older sisters and moms. For guys, there is 1 set, and includes my personal favorites - Bvlgari Aqua and YSL L'Homme.

For the ones who want to upsize - for $70, there is a Deluxe set, and includes 8 vials of glass samples that are miniature replicas of the large sizes, allowing your loved ones to try each scent for longer, and also keep the cute bottles afterward.

Happy gifting!

Sephora Beauty Insiders Offer

My gruesome week at work has been uplifted by a pleasant Sephora Beauty Insiders surprise. I found a $15 off $35 gift card in my inbox tonight!! I was so excited because I couldn't get myself to buy anything during Friends & Family week. But now... things may have changed.

Some things that I have been lusting after:

Philosophy Microdelivery Wash: I like my Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser, but this cleanser seems to have so much more oomph in it. I've heard great reviews and have been wanting to try this for quite some time. At $22 for a 16oz bottle, this would be a steal!! My problem is that I never finish any cleansers that I have because I'm always buying new ones!

Smashbox Photofinish Primer: Yes, yes, this product comes off almost "overrated" because it's talked about so often. As someone who's tried again and again to resist, I finally tried some samples and am hooked!! This makes my Napoleon Autopilot Primer seem like quite the dud (one that smells amazing, but doesn't do much). I fear that I will end up being dependent upon this and going broke repurchasing it in the future. 1oz for $36 is a pretty hefty price.

I'm not sure which one I will go with yet, but I am looking forward to picking something up this weekend. Check your email, because this offer should not be missed!

Have a great Thanksgiving. I'm still debating if I will make it out to any Black Friday sales. Sleep is one of my most wanted items as of now.

Shu Uemura Friends & Family

What's not to love about holiday season? Layering up with cute coats and scarves, tree lightings, crossing off items on wish lists, but best of all, all the Friends & Family events going on! Yeah you knew there was a beauty motive behind it.

Now through December 1st, Shu Uemura is offering 20% off your total purchase when you use the code SHUFRIENDS at checkout. Shu almost never has sales, so use this opportunity to gather wood for the winter, so to speak.

Need product recommendations? Most of what I love from Shu aren't makeup products per se - though I like and own several of their color products (they make great eyeshadows and blush), what I really like are Shu's skincare items and beauty tools in prepping the face.

I was introduced to the line through their highly acclaimed Eyelash curler, that is my number 1 must-have. I don't know any girl who has heard of Shu but doesn't own their curler. When I was 16, I saved up money to buy my first haha. Many replacements after (think I'm on #5 now), I'm still as enthusiastic about this curler as I was on day 1. A note - over time, the hinges will become softer and the curler will lose its shape. This happens with all curlers, and is the reason why yours should be replaced every so often... ideally every 4-6 months, although I don't practice this. I will say though, when I use my roommate's new curler, I can definitely tell a big difference in lash appearanace.

Depsea Water Facial Mist is another item in my shopping cart, as something I've been eyeing for awhile but didn't have the heart to pay retail. Facial Mist is similar to MAC's Fix+; you can spray it before and after foundation to set it, after powder to take away any cakeyness, and anytime your face feels dry and needs moisture. I like this particulary for cold New York winters, when my face takes a beating everytime it faces the wind. A technical improvement over Fix+ is that Facial Mist sprays on sheerer, whereas I feel Fix+ has a harsher spray. I would go with Rose, because the color is so pretty and smells classic!

Basic Mascara is another goodie-but-pricey-when-not-discounted. This simple mascara is great for daytime, and the applicator is really exact to grab all the wispy hairs. I also love the reflective pewter silver tube - it feels sturdy in my hand and makes the application process even more enjoyable.

The hardest part about Friends and Family events is remembering their named purpose - that they are meant to gift others with, and to share with friends and family.. but I end up buying all the products on my own wishlist instead! Funny how that works.