shopping

July 15, 2019

The Best Amazon Prime Day Sale Products I Currently Own & Love

If you’re like me, Prime Day is a taaaad bit overwhelming. I love more digestable lists people have put together, but I never know if the products people are curating for me are actually tested by them, or just things that are high priced and deeply discounted.

I’ve been a Prime member for years, so I’ve tried my fair share of random Amazon products. I wasn’t going to post anything today, but when I started perusing and seeing that a ton of the things I used currently and really love were discounted, I knew I wanted to share my list of Prime Day deals.

January 28, 2016

My Current Winter Staples {& Where To Get Them}

You guys may loathe me, because I basically asked for this whole winter weather thing to hurry up and hit us already. However, I regret to inform you that I have actually been loving this weather. I can connect this feeling back to this: being able to put seasonally-appropriate ensembles together without checking DarkSky 500 times before I walk out the door. Imagine that!

That being said, there have been a few staples that have been consistently getting me through the cold weather season. And I think it’s only right to share some of my favs with you, for your online shopping pleasure. {Note: you will not find snowboots in this post, because, as much as I’d love for them to be a staple of mine, I’m still rocking rain boots in 20+ inches. SOS.}

June 18, 2015

The Perks of Cleaning Out Your Closet

Each time I visit my parents’ home, I am asked to vacate one more thing out of my once-cherished bedroom. Truth is, I have not lived at home for four years, so I do understand the need, but with limited storage in my little city apartment, my options for what to do with these items are semi-limited. While I was home over Memorial Day Weekend, I decided to clean out the final bit of clothing in the back of my closet (which has since been 85% been taken over by my very stylish mother). It was either that, or emptying out my old pre-teen novel collection, and I was not ready for that step.

While I thought the task would be horrible, I actually finished preeeeetty pleased. I know this process can be a daunting struggle in the minds of women, so, just case you need that little push to start working on your closet, here are a few reasons why you’ll be super happy you did it.

December 16, 2014

My Favorite 2015 Planners

I write down everything in my planner. Every. single. engagement. I use it for to-do lists. I store a lot of top secret info inside (notes I take at the doctor, passwords, measurements). It helps keep me sane and organized, and I don’t think there will ever be a time when I can fully make the switch to a paperless calendar.

The past few weeks have stressed me out majorly. Don’t worry, not for normal reasons, but because I did not yet have a 2015 planner. All of the sudden, parties were being planned, the dates for restaurant week were announced, and the blogging events came rolling in, and I did not have any way to organize what I could attend. But finally, my pretty planner is in my hands (hint: it’s one of the ones I’m about to mention below!), and I have already started filling it in. I also bought some colored pens, so I can attempt to be super organized and color code the whole book. I’m guessing I’ll have the white out out in approx. 3-4 days.

All images via product pages (listed clockwise) below.

November 26, 2014

Your Guide to Philly’s Black Friday Weekend Deals

Black Friday shopping can be amazing, if you plan correctly. As most of my life revolves around shopping, I have no problem getting up early on Friday morning to hit all the sales, but I must go with a purpose. I have admittedly never done the post-Thanksgiving shopping binge in Philadelphia, but since I’ll be back in town this weekend, I will certainly be hitting up some of the Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite deals to help you plan and achieve shopping bliss.

October 21, 2014

5 Websites I Can’t Stop Shopping

I would say that, with the exception of some trips up and down Walnut Street and scouring area thrift stores, I do the vast majority of my shopping online. There is something so revolutionary about being able to limit and entire’s store selection to my size in one click. To “surprise” myself with “a gift” in the mail. To race against the 20% off coupon code expiration time to find another coupon code that you can stack on top for the best possible deal. It’s the best kind of high.

When I get asked where I get a lot of my more unique pieces, I realize a lot of my friends and family have not heard of many of these e-commerce only shops that make my world go round. In order to become more widely recognized names, these e-commerce shops ought to consider the benefits of WooCommerce SEO strategies to get their sites higher up the rankings on Google search results which would translate into increased traffic. To share the wealth, I thought long and hard in order to limit my absolute must-visit websites to these five gems. Behind the cut, I’ll tell you why I love each of them (sales & shipping hacks, mostly), and give you three pieces I’m loving, plus, of course, one that I already own and love.

April 18, 2014

Make-Up Shopping in Center City {#ClarinsGlow}

There is something really special to me about shopping at a make-up counter. Growing up going to Macy’s with my mom and sister (what seemed like at least once a month), I remember loving when we parked by the beauty department (instead of the men’s department, obviously). Walking through all of those beautiful colors, scents, and perfectly made-up women was enough to set the foundation of a very dangerous addiction in my life: a love of all things products.

I still find myself popping in Macy’s (1300 Market Street) whenever I get the opportunity. Not only is the building one of my favorites in the city, but their beauty selection is a breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city. Earlier this month, I was graciously invited by Clarins to attend their #ClarinsGlow event, held right at their Center City counter.

We were led through a presentation of each of the colorful & inventive products from the Clarins Spring 2014 collection by celebrity make-up artist Jean Fayard. The goal of the line is, very appropriately after the winter we’ve had, to bring radiance back in the skin.

Some of my favorite products were the Golden Glow Booster ($30) for adding subtle color to your face, the Multi-Blush Cream Blush ($30) which Jean described to us as the “perfect taxi cab make-up” due to all of its uses, and the Sun Care Oil Spray ($35) for protecting your body and hair from chlorine and salt water.

I was really impressed with the quality of the products and their beautiful packaging. Because my skin is a little volatile, I have been adding in each product to my routine slowly, and I haven’t had a chance to try everything yet. Some of my friends from the event (like B of Just B Beautiful and Ashley of The Bronzed Bee) have been raving about the Double Serum ($85), and I really think I am going to like the Radiance Boosting Complexion Base ($37) to even my skintone.

Even though I like to think I live large, I obviously can’t buy everything I want right now. So I keep a list on my phone of every beauty product I’m seriously interested in. Then, when a site or store is running a sale, or I have a coupon, or can get a sample, instead of buying something spur of the moment that I haven’t looked into, I consult my list. This method has resulted in me picking up some really great products I have already researched and love immediately after buying. If any of these items spark your curiosity but turn out to be a little out of your price range, do a little research, and add them to your list. You won’t be disappointed! xx

Disclosure: I was gifted several products from the Clarins line in my gift bag from the event. All opinions are my own. (I just really love make-up . . .)

March 18, 2014

{Currently Crushing} Spring & Summer Sandals

Growing up, I was never a big shoe person. I would rather take a pretty dress over a pair of heels any day. Shoes were just never my favorite – My feet get hot. I’m not good with heels. Flats rubbed on the backs of my ankles. My complaints were never-ending.

My lacking shoe game never really affected my life until recently. Working in a casual corporate office, you see all types of footwear. Don’t get me wrong, some of the footwear is amazing, and I only wish that I had some of my own. One person even said that the best decision she ever made was deciding to shop for Pikolinos, as not only does she love the style of them, but apparently they’re also super comfy, and this is what I want in shoes. It’s times like that when I really wish that I was more interested in shoes growing up because I’m just clueless now. And when I wanted to really impress for a big meeting, rotating through my two pairs of Aerosoles sandals (one nude, one black) was just not cutting it.

This year, I’ve been hit with the spring & summer shoe and sandal “bug.” I’m ready to take Philadelphia by storm and actually be able to pair my cute summer clothing investments with shoes that are not flip flops or Sperrys. In the past few weeks, I’ve picked up quite a few pairs online (Mom & Dad, stop reading now please) and I can’t wait to wear them somewhere outside my apartment.

Jack Rogers Navajo Sandal in Gold I have been lusting after these babies for years, and they are finally mine! I’m kind of in love.

Clarks Shira Danika High Heel Sandal in Black

Who knew Clarks made such pretty yet comfy sandals? Now you do.

JustFab Nori Sandal in Snake

I am a biiiig JustFab fan. The verdict is still out if these will rub my ankles, but so far, so good.

Matisse Hayes Sandal in Silver & Tan

I am currently wearing these as I type (in my apartment). They are seriously gorgeous in person.

Payless Women’s Canvas Sneaker in Navy & Light PinkI got these to balance out the sandal additions, and because I’ve been wanting Keds forever, but these were $16.99.

January 16, 2014

{Pin-Up Style} My First Bettie Page Dress

We all know I’m not a fashion blogger. We also all know I thoroughly enjoy shopping. I often fall victim to quantity over quality, so when I do give myself the opportunity to splurge on something special for myself, it better be amazing.

I had been passing Bettie Page (1605 Walnut Street) with lustful eyes since it opened. I had popped in a few times and twirled among the gorgeous dresses, but could never bring myself to declare that I deserved to treat myself (dresses start at about $130) to a dress like this. It was not until my friends & I were planning our New Year’s Eve party that I stopped in to Bettie Page for real. To buy.

I had always been greeted by sweet associates during my visits before, and this time was no exception. I had stopped in near closing, but the employees, dressed like little vintage bombshells themselves, couldn’t have been sweeter. They helped me with sizing, similar styles, and checked on me frequently in the dressing room.

I tried on a few different styles, but the sizing was not right for me. One of the associates told me the brand designs for taller women, so to my petite Philly ladies, just be aware. When I first tried on my (winning) dress, I thought I resembled Sailor Moon. But after talking it over with the Bettie gals, I realized this was just a different look for me. I took the dress home, entire shopping process done and over in less than 25 minutes. What . . . I said I came to play, didn’t I?

After some minor buyer’s remorse (about the price tag, only) combined with some mirror shot selfies to my buds in the weeks leading up to the event, I decided to keep the dress, and I am so thrilled I did. I wore my dress to our New Year’s Eve party and got compliments all night. It was different & unique, but it made me feel sexy & happy, and to me, that is worth a few less pieces from Forever 21 and a few more dollars saved for dresses like these.

The gold color of this dress is not available online, but the Glitter Red ($158) is. Bettie Page sizing runs from a 0 – 18 and the associates are truly fantastic to work with. Hey hey, Valentine’s Day is coming up, ladies! And whether you have a date or not, I say treat yourself this year, you’re so worth it! xx

November 26, 2013

Philly Guy Gift Guide 2013

It’s that time of year again! I love shopping for my family & friends, always on a constant quest to find the perfect gift. While I don’t have a lot of men to buy for this year, I do find it’s hard to shop for the opposite sex on a whim. Sometimes, a personal gift like similar to one of the custom photo wallets that you can buy are a real help, but you can’t do that for all of them, as you probably don’t have a good enough relationship too! Overall, with any gift purchasing spree, you need research, planning & a good memory. Last year, I put together a Philadelphia gift guide for your man and a lot of people seemed to enjoy it. I wanted to bring it back this year with some awesome updated gifts your boyfriend, best friend, brother, or even really hip dad are sure to love this holiday.

1. The ol’ snapback trick. I like this Eagles snapback* because it looks good on a guy’s’ noggin, and you don’t have to know his fitted hat size.

2. Hook him up with gym bag or out-of-town business trip essentials from duross & langel*.

3. If your guy participates in Movember or sports facial hair year round (yes please), he’ll love these Phillies Facial Hair prints*.

4. I’m obsessed with guys in sweaters like this. This United by Blue sweater* is comfortable & helps a good cause.

5. Unique pillows make a big difference in a living room. Be warned, this famous Philly food inspired pillow* may make you hungry.

6. All Philly men love the Roots, right? This Questlove shirt is about as ‘City of Brotherly Love’ as it gets, folks.

7. These bicycle cuff links* are fun, quirky and perfect for a guy who likes to dress up.

8. The key to getting your man to go shopping with you? Take him to DiBruno Brothers* with a gift card in hand.

* = based in Philadelphia.

I hope these gifts gave you some ideas to get your holiday shopping rolling. Coming up next: my lady gift guide (we all know that’s the real fun one)! Happy shopping! xx