a good find always brings me back

hi all...

i'm back with a brand new edition...to my shoe collection.

found these sick pups...

DV Dolce Vita Jagger

$24.99 @ Ross vs. $155+ retail

*currently $82.91 at endless.com!

$24.99 is a great find for a boot, for genuine leather shoes, and for Dolce Vita. Put all those together in one shoe and $24.99 is an amazing find! They also come in black and a camel color, but I personally think that this color makes the shoe. You know how certain colors bring out the best in things...well, this reddish brown color I think fits this boot the best. I am loving the hybrid of boot clog, it's perfect for the upcoming winter season and that's the other awesome part about this find. Usually, deals like this are found in out of season apparel, but I definitely lucked out in the timing of scoring these little puppies!

spongebob nudey shoes

ross has become my re-addiction. my recent scores have had me seeking out every ross within a 5 mile radius just so that i can take a peek at their inventory. and when i say peek, i mean buying everything i consider a "steal". their marketing ploy to check back daily has really suckered me in. genius, i tell you! here is what i found on their website as a "tip" to their consumers...

TIPS FOR THE BEST DEALS & STEALS

SHOP OFTEN

The number one way to discover the best deals is to come often. Shipments arrive at our stores 3 to 6 times a week. At Ross there’s always something new.

here's what i've spotted at several rosses...

Steve Madden Caryssa Pump in Blush Patent

$24.99 vs. $69.95 Website Sale vs. $89.95 Retail

Steve Madden Fauntain in Blush Patent

$24.99 vs. $79.00

Steve Madden Nude Cork Wedge

$24.99 vs ?

so i picked up this last pair, because spring/summer = wedges. now, i don't usually post my own photos for several reasons. the main reason being that i take crappy photos and the only device nearest to me is my bberry, but also because i don't think amateur photos do any justice to many products. however, for the life of me i couldn't find these wedges on the public domain. and i pride myself on being a great researcher. oh well, can't always have what you want. speaking of which...i remember a few seasons ago when my sister and i were obsessed with finding the perfect nude pump. the pickins' were slim back then and some pairs were too cool nude verging on gray or too warm nude, almost a peach tone. but now? now it's nude galore. it's like walking into a... nevermind. nude shoes are available for everyone of all wallet sizes.

late, but always worth the wait!

i know many people say the biggest con about shopping at discount department stores, such as tjmaxx, marshall's, ross, etc., is that you get past season items and even current season items are sometimes last year's model. but really, who cares that much? i don't hang around many people that can look at my shoes and know off hand the year and season they were made let alone who makes them, so shopping end of season clearance is no big deal to me. i like to think of it as stocking up for next year.

so this whole fall/winter season i have been pining for a good pair of black leather booties. i didn't want just any old bootie either. i wanted something really cute but could also be a classic staple piece to stay wearable in my wardrobe for years. problem is, when it's boot season it is boot overload. everyone carries boots in all shapes, colors, and designs but many of the makers charge more than they should. stacked heels aren't even real wood, just a cleverly designed sticker. "leather" is really "pleather" or "leatherette". i've even seen plastic heels that you can knock on and hear a hollowed echo! anyway, i didn't see anything all season worth shelling out money for, but good things truly come to those who wait. behold, my latest treasure...

L.A.M.B. Jaycee Bootie

$79.00 vs. $399.00 Retail

yes, dear readers, whomever you may be. you are seeing this correctly. this bootie features a tumbled leather upper, leather lining, and leather sole. i found this all leather bootie for $79.00 at marshall's and the icing on the cake? it's by L.A.M.B.! i am so glad i held out! i am in love and will wear this bootie even if fall is behind us! i can't stand to pack it away just yet. this purchase is going down in history with my two other amazing L.A.M.B finds here and here. i am going to sleep well tonight, with visions of little lambs jumping fences wearing these booties.

the non-non-profit shoe

copyright infringement is a big deal in the fashion industry. to many designers copyright infringement is like trying to repaint the mona lisa. but no one has had as a horrible and quick a backlash experience as skechers did when they launched their earth day bob's line. check out this article here.

i admit, when i heard about these blatant knockoffs, it became an immediate joke amongst my friends and i. just as some sheepskin boots designers we have all so creatively renamed 'fuggs', these shoes became a punchline themselves. but what made this ripoff different? to many it is the idea that a multi-million dollar commerical business trying to capitalize on an idea that originally was born for humanitarian efforts and not intended for profit.

but wait, there was no news on TOMS creator suing for copyright infringement, which means he must've given permission to skechers for copying the shoe design right down to the little white tab, right? i mean, how do we know where the money goes after it leaves our hands and into the company's bank account anway? just putting that out there...

anyway, the reason for this post is that i saw them recently at ross marked down to $10.99 from it's retail price of $45.00. i admit, it had me fooled. this was the first time i have seen bobs up close and personal. other than the bobs label in the back, the shoes are practically identical. so, yeah, i got them! but does that mean that a portion will not be donated? or did skechers do that when they sold them to ross? does ross have to donate now? so confusing!

what about you? would you get them despite the scandal?

i couldn't resist!

famous last words. i cannot seem to resist a great deal. no matter how hard i try! i read a really interesting article on msn.com talking about people being addicted to bargains. that is so me.

i went to visit family out in menifee again and guess where we ended up? yup. treasure hunting at ross again! i know i've said over and over that i hate ross, but i must amend this statement to say that i hate ross stores where i live. everything is always picked over here at home but in riverside county there are still tons of treasure to be sought!

ok, ok enough of the chit chat. here's the loot:

paige premium denim skyline in dume

$20.99 vs. $169.00

this was insane enough of a deal without the fact that my sister had just told me a couple weeks ago that she had been wanting a pair of paige jeans, but couldn't afford them. lo and behold, i walk into ross this weekend and here they are, marked all the way down to $20.99! i was so excited, i bought 4 pairs, 3 in this light wash (one for the sis and two for me) and then another for me in this darker wash...

next, we found ourselves in the purse section and i was really drawn to the pattern on this "fanny pack". i don't care what chic name they call it these days. it is what it is. a fanny pack. i have wanted this type of bag for a while since having my two little monsters. hands free! it will make my life that much simpler!

sakroots artist circle slim belt bag in black peace

$9.99 vs $49.00

at first when i saw this next item, i was bummed there was only one pair left and it was a size 8.5. i normally wear a 7-7.5 but i never shop exclusively in those aisles as shoes tend to migrate to different aisles. the leather of these flats were so buttery and inviting, i had to slip them on. funny thing, they actually fit! mine!

jeffrey campbell dolores flat

$29.99 vs. $105.00

this next shoe i was very very unsure about. i love how they look, but i was unsure if a. i'd ever wear them and b. if i could pull it off. the colors remind me more of fall, but i can see them paired with denim cut-offs or cuffed skinnies in the spring/summer and a simple white v-neck tee. i thought about it for the entire shopping trip, trying them on again and again. i decided to get them in the end, if not just for the deal. i. am. so. bad.

dv by dolce vita women's stance ankle boot

$19.99 vs. $169.95

this shop trip was definitely one for the books. tons of savings and tons of quality treasures at super low prices!! gotta love it. thanks temecula! i'll definitely be coming back real soon!

urban outfitters shoe sale

here are my picks for the fall sale shoes at urban outfitters!

Dolce Vita Suede Wooden Platform Heel

$39.99 was $168.00

Sam Edelman Buckle Clog

$59.99 was $168.00

Sam Edelman Lace Up Wedge

$49.99 was $198.00

Sam Edelman Studded Platform Wedge

$59.99 was $228.00

Sam Edelman Studded Clog

$29.99 was $168.00

We Who See Fringe Rodeo Heel Boot

$29.99 was $79.00

those is some seriously discounted shoes! i saw the studded Sam Edelman's at Marshall's recently and the price wasn't near this good. i believe it was $150+. some are sitting in the my 'shopping bag' one click away from being all MINE. but i hesitate because i have been click happy lately shopping online waaaay too much. which reminds me; these sale shoes are available online only!

Fashion Lusts Meets Reality Budget

Jeffrey Campbell Snick STD

$119.95 @ solestruck.com

Steve Madden Warrick's Wooden Wedge

$149.95

Wild Diva Tamia Studded Slingback Clog

$22.90 @ urbanog.com

lack of sleep can be a good thing

my sleep cycle is completely off right now for two reasons...my little precious one isn't sleeping through the night yet and she is fighting her first cold. so i took a huge long nap this afternoon and am consequently wide awake. what else can one do at this ungodly hour? online shop, of course, then blog about it.

i am rediscovering le target lately and have been popping in and out whenever mood strikes. my recent pop-in was due to yahoo luring me to read this article. basically the article reports that target is finally whoopin' uncle wally's butt in the price department. finally.

so anyway, wide awake, i log onto target.com and start snooping around. i remember a recent commercial about target's five year anniversary collaborating with celebrated designers, so i was click happy in that department for the better portion of an hour until this nagging little box kept catching my eye.

"guests who viewed this item ultimately bought..."

it nagged relentlessly. i kept ignoring it until i saw this...

say whaaa? now, i am a huge, huge fan of dolce vita. huge. so this definitely caught my attention! (1 - target online marketers, 0 - me)

Dolce Vita for Target Black Vita Lace Up Boot

$17.48 vs. $34.99 Retail

i am not the regular i once claimed to be at target, so i admit, i didn't even know that there was an ongoing dolce vita/target affair until today. and to think these have been around since last summer! to be quite honest, i would have probably paid the full retail price for these lovelies back then. i have been wanting to get a pair of feminized combat boots all fall/winter but just couldn't find the perfect look for the perfect price...until tonight!

after i secured those boots in my shopping bag, i quickly typed 'dolce vita' in the search box and beheld what else popped onto my screen. not only was i tickled pink that more shoes were available for my choosing, but i was more than elated to find that some of them were also ON CLEARANCE! ::cue heavenly music::

In addition to the boots, these two sly buggers found their way into my shopping bag...

Dolce Vita for Target Studded Ballet Flat - Black

$10.48 vs. $29.99 Retail

Dolce Vita for Target Studded Ballet Flat - Gold

$10.48 vs. $29.99 Retail

on top of these major dealies, i spent enough to qualify for the free ship. even better, if i do say so myself. nothing like some satisfying online shopping to kick start the melatonin. but, i did shop the dolce vita spring collection first! so jump on asap before they're gone and the links just become invalid portals to target's nowhere land.

i found this photo of the entire fall 2010 collection here:

p.s. i would kill for the pewter flats too! oh, and the zippered boot is just the inside view of the lace up boot, not a different boot.

i found this photo of the entire spring 2011 collection here:

p.s.s. i love the cognac leather espadrilles! which also comes in a to-die-for nude color. ah, ok goodnigh-er-morning!

It's Almost Been a Year!?

Wow. So many things have happened in that time too...found out I was pregnant, had the baby, graduated, got a job. It was madness for a while! Things have finally calmed down some so I thought I'd use my free time to start up this blog again. And, of course, with work comes stress and with stress comes retail therapy!

But I have to start off by telling you about my weird OCD shopping routine. This habit came about due to being laid off and having a drastically smaller allowance to spend frivolously. Because of all this I have become a major bargain shopper. Major. Like obsessive, with rules and all. It all started with Christmas shopping. I felt guilty that I couldn't buy gifts like I used to so instead of limiting the amount of people I bought for, I decided to stick to a maximum amount per person. So if I found something that amount or lower, I'd get it. If it were more, I'd pass. It soon became a challenge to find the best deal that do not compromising the quality of the gift. I was successful, but after Christmas came Black Friday. And my addiction to bargains was born. I found treasures for next to nothing, like Diesel slacks for $7.00 nothing. Since finding that deal, I have lowered the price to $10.00 for clothes and $30.00 for shoes. I have successfully kept to my rules, finding designer pants for as low as $3.00! Many of these items are still waiting to be worn because I am still trying to get back to my pre-baby weight. So if I get the chance, I will post pics as I get to wear them.

Fast-forward to this weekend and we are in the midst of a shop frenzy! I am not the biggest fan of Ross because the ones in my area are usually shot out in their inventory. You have to know the new shipment schedule in order to score any real deals and I don't have the time to do that, so I usually just skip Ross altogether. Well, I went to Riverside County over the weekend and decided to check out the Ross there. $100+ later I walked out with 5 pairs of super cute shoes for the price of one!

I love wearing wooden heels in the Spring and Summer. It just feels so right, so imagine my delight when I saw these lovelies...

Jeffrey Campbell Woodie Charli in Black Leather

$34.99 vs. $124.95 Retail

update: $69.95 vs. $148.00 @ freepeople.com

Steve Madden Averry in Black Leather

$24.95 vs. $109.95 Retail

Not so much Spring or Summer but too good of a deal to resist!

Dolce Vita Raleigh in Black Napa

$24.99 vs. $149.99 Retail

And, of course, nude shoes are the new must-have in any warddrobe.

Steve Madden Bonnd in Blush

$22.99 vs. $79.95 Retail

So, yes, I did go a bit crazy. But seriously, who wouldn't?

Fashion Lusts Meets Reality Budget

Why does this keep happening to me?! So I ran into one of the most blogged about designer look-alike shoe yesterday and they didn't have my size, wah!

YSL Sculpted Platform Pump

$399.00 Sale vs. $795.00 Retail

Dolce Vita April Platform and here and here

$79.99 @ Marshalls vs. $159.95-$170.00 Retail

The first time I saw these pretties was on Kristen Stewart during her spread for Bazaar with Robert Pattison...

I swear these flew off the shelves probably the moment they were stocked because all that was left was a huge gaping hole under the display pair. I mean at $80.00, I am sure some girl probably text all her friends, while juggling three boxes to the cashier. Boooo.

Dear Marshall's,

Please restock, soon!

Fashion Lusts Meets Reality Budget

Sebago Dockslides - $85.00

Forever 21 Laced Boat Shoes - $19.80

I have always had a thing for deck shoes. They're so simple and chic, perfect for the casual summer prep look with some khakis and oxford blouses. I am sure the F21 pair aren't fit for actual deck wear, but they are a bit more feminine, no?

boyish charm

It's been a real long time since I have shopped at a thrift store. Reason? Many of the shops in my area have the most boring and unimaginative clothes for more than what I can find in the clearance racks at retail stores. I mean nothing really from another era or from a quality designer. They all seem pretty recent articles and in horrible shape for an outrageous amount of money.

Anyway, the hubs is in the market for a hat/coat rack and can't seem to find one so we thought why not check out a thrift store? While there I actually took some time and found some great pieces. Like the above men's inspired loafers for $5.99.

Other items on the list:

blue crystal rosary $3.99

genuine leather belt $3.99

guitar strap inspired belt $3.99

Photos will be posted as I wear them...I hope. No rack found though.

Forgotten L.A.M.B Treasure

I totally forgot about posting this incredible find I eluded to in an older post. But here it is, here are the wonderful booties I found last Fall, I think it was...

L.A.M.B. Norland Booties

$79.95 vs. $429.00 Retail

It's no wonder I've forgotten about them. These booties have a hidden platform which makes the heel about 4 3/4in pretty much 5 in heels. They are killer on the ankles and if you're not a veteran to walking on stilts in can be a bit tricky. Ironically, they're extremely comfortable to wear. I do adore them dearly. Aw, I may have to take them out for one last hoorah before they're out of season again.

It's Still Winter For Me!

I know that the fashion world is already celebrating the upcoming arrival of Spring, but not me...I am still looking around for items that I have wanted in the past season but just couldn't get. So when I clicked onto Aldo.com and saw this banner...

I heard that chirpy little "YIPPEE!" trilling in the back of my head where my fashion demon has burrowed a little cave. So I gave in to her and looked through the ankle boots for this boot that I have been coveting...

(click to enlarge)

And they have my size! Should I or shouldn't I?! I know I swore off heels, but I am starting to think wearing flats is throwing off my proportions. Or is that just me? Ugh, I am trying so hard to break out of this suffocating commercial mold working in a corporate environment has sucked me into, if only I didn't let $ get in the way of my creativity.

Fashion Lusts Meets Reality Budget

Sometimes it's just not healthy to torture yourself with looking at things you know you could never justify purchasing. But I am not one to practice healthy lifestyle practices so I do it all the time. I glanced these ultra-feminine lace booties during my daily fashion haunt on Polyvore.

Dolce & Gabbana Peep-toe lace booties

$625.00

::sigh::

If you feel like you just have to have lace boots, here's an alternative that won't make your car note default...

Forever 21 Sabiya Lace Boot

$32.80

Shoe Organization

So I was looking through my iPhotos and came across this pic. I realized I never used it for the post I intended regarding shoe organization. I got this idea from countless celebrities during "MTV Cribs" episodes.

Instead of photos or Polaroids in front of each box I have sort of a shoe album for easier visibility of what I have. I like this method of storing shoes because my closet is your standard closet, not a walk-in so space is very limited. I also like using same size boxes because it stacks much neater and appeases the OCD part of me. ;P Of course for certain brands I keep the box because they're so cute themselves. I will keep an original box if the shoe can't fit too.

Also, I simply loathe, detest, despise, cannot stand it when I walk into a closet and smell feet. UGH. It just grosses me out and triggers the gag reflex. So inside the Tupperware boxes I also keep the "Do Not Eat" silica packets to keep moisture out and a slip of dryer sheet so that things stay as fresh as possible.

To maximize space, I switch out seasonal shoes by storing out of season shoes on the top shelf of my closet while the in season shoes are stacked like so for easy access. I buy these containers for $1/ea. from places like the DollarTree, 99 cent store, or WalMart will sell it sometimes in a bundle.

So there's a glimpse of how I organize my too little closet and fit all my treasures in. I hope this gives any OCD fashion fiends out there some ideas!

These Boots Were Made for Shopping.

To finally report for the discounted beauty world, I came across tons of Perricone MD skincare products at Nordstrom Rack this week. As I've mentioned, I have teen acne that has unfortunately stuck with me as I continued on into adulthood. Back when I was on my mother's budget, we purchased what we could and that varied from Oxy to prescription grade Retin-A. None of those products worked for long as my skin quickly became immune to them. I also tried the infamous ProActiv brand and my skin allowed it to work for a good stint then decided to overthrow it as well. From there, I've tried Arbonne as well as other designer zit zappers. Then one day, I found the Acne Recovery System at Nordstrom Rack and blogged about it way back in August of 2008.

I LOVED LOVED that system and so did my skin. But, alas, of the 6 sets I bought one bit the dust before I could use it by its expiration date. Of course, we all know that as much as we are tempted to save $$$, we should never gamble with our skin by using expired products. BIG NO NO! Well, I cannot afford the hefty retail price tag of Acne Recovery so when Nordstrom Rack began continually stocking newer Perricone MD products I decided to give their acne system a shot.

At first, I purchased the travel set for $19.99 vs. $50.00 retail and it came with a gel cleanser, toner, treatment, and lotion. The products worked so well, that I went ahead and purchased the full sized products. They ranged from $14.99 to $19.99 each. My favorite aspect about this skin care line is that it is virtually scent free and very light weight. I don't feel like I am suffocating my skin at all when layering all the products. The only con I have is that the acne treatment is pretty hard core. My skin got really red and irritated the first few times I used it and after a couple weeks my skin became extremely dry and flaky. Honestly though, I'd rather deal with that than acne. Hands down.

PerriconeMD

P.S. While there, I did also come across a pair of boots I have been coveting for a while but couldn't settle for paying regular retail price. After I was laid off, I swore off heels until I absolutely had to wear them again. And since it is Fall/Winter, I have been on a boot kick lately. I was eyeballing the motorcycle style "Buck" boot by Steve Madden. And when I found them while at Nordstrom Rack on sale, I couldn't resist.

Steve Madden "Buck"

$66.90 vs. $149.95 Retail

An Outer Body Experience!

Ladies, I think I died a little tonight. Isn't that what happens when you meet your true sole mate?? No, I didn't spell that wrong. Yes, I meant sole as in shoes. To make it that much better you have to have a crazy story behind it right?

I was at work ho-humming it and bored completely out of my mind when my sister slash bestest shopping buddy ever texts and asks if I had plans for the night. I didn't so I told her so. She then asked if I could help her tie up some loose ends for her wedding (happening in less than two weeks, wahoo!) so I said sure. Unbeknownst to me this adventure would lead me to Nordstrom Rack as she needed to look for a second flower girl dress. Again I said sure, casually, I mean what could happen right? Nothing bad ever happens at Nordstrom Rack. Nevermind the withdrawal symptoms of keeping my credit card on lockdown for the past few months niggling at the back of my head. So we get to Metro Pointe and the first two shops on the agenda held nothing of interest (Except a really cute tie dyed floor length tank dress. Oops!). Then we got to Nordstrom Rack. This is where she met the perfect Christian Louboutin booties and I met destiny...

L.A.M.B Vincent Boots in Forest Green

$59.95 vs. $625.00 Retail

It was love at first sight for my sister and I. We were no longer communicating coherently to one another. My boot was the only pair left and I was momentarily heart broken when I saw that it was a size 6 1/2 but the things women do for the perfect shoe, right? Luckily, L.A.M.B shoes run a bit big (and clothes small, go figure!), so there was no foot binding necessary. It was already marked ridiculously low from $625 to $119.90 so it was already mine. I wasn't even going to bother rationalizing for that steal of a deal but it gets better. When I got to the counter it was all a blur, it happened so quickly, apparently another store had a current running boot sale and it applied to non participating stores merchandise as well. Kind of like, hey I saw an ad blah blah blah. In the end, I walked out with these boots for $59.95!!! Did you catch that?!? Fifty-nine ninety-five! I will give you a minute to catch your breath. I am telling you, pictures do my babies no justice. It is such a unique color only Gwen Stefani can dream up. These are the sexiest fitting boots I've ever owned! I feel slightly like a dominatrix! Crack that whip!

P.S. I have an appointment to meet up with a local beauty school with a great esthetics program. Eek! I can't wait!