ClearlyFabulous

First off, I am SO sorry for being off the grid ALL summer.  I kept meaning to update you on what was going on every week, and every week passed by without a single blog post.  But I wanted to share some pics of recent items I’ve acquired at ideeli.com.

Evan Picone dress – $49.99

Casual Couture Peplum Top – $24.99

Bamboo sequined slippers – $24.99

Bamboo gold glitter studded slippers – $24.99

I’ve acquired a few other things over the summer, so I promise to catch you up on those soon.  As well as some cool pics from vacay too.  I’m glad to be back darlings!!!  I miss you; I promise.

I was searching for the white Polo Ralph Lauren I’d spied at the local Marshalls for Jamison’s potential resort footwear for our upcoming trips to Miami and Playa Paraiso.  I didn’t find those in his size at either our Marshalls or the one near my job, but I DID find these fantastic JackPurcell gold boat shoe slip-ons for $24.99:

I wore them for dinner and drinks on Friday night and to our neighborhood BBQ today, and they were very comfortable.  I love the sassiness of the gold too.

Jamison and I spent some time tonight searching for his resort footwear, and we decided to order these fantastic red plaid Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes very reminiscient of Rodney Dangerfield’s character in “Caddyshack”:

They were on sale for only $64.99 from $175.

Last April I was desperate to find replacement cocktail dresses after my 40+ lb weight loss.  I found this amazing black satin Calvin Klein dress on Hautelook.  Well after I got it and loved the ultra flattering fit, I was obsessed with ordering it in blue as well.  I searched and searched and searched to find it with no luck.  Well, guess what I found for $71 on MyHabit?

See what can happen if you wait a year for what you want?  You can get it.  Now where to wear it…

When I returned from Paris, I had to spend time with some of my favorite people who I missed.  Namely, my husband, Jamison, and my shopping partner, Jory.

My first weekend back, Jamison and I decided to hit our favorite pizza shop, Oz Pizza in Fairburn, Georgia, for a lunch of Bud Light and pepperoni and italian sausage pizza.  I was in such a good mood and so happy to see downtown Fairburn coming back to life that we stopped by the Antiques Mall.  (The day we spent at the flea market in Paris reminded me of how much I miss flea markets, antiquing, etc.)  I ogled many things but actually left with two cool items:

Red Macrame Purse – so cute, fits nicely under arm and only $8.40

Rhinestone “Question Mark” Brooch – super sparkly (even love the obvious age on it) and a 100-year-old steal for $12

Later that night, we headed to a local strip mall where I had planned to hit the Holy Trifecta of Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx but it was too cold.  Instead I only hit Ulta, where I was able to get a few new makeup items:

L’Oreal True Match Powder in C7 – I assumed their C7 was the same as MAC C7.  I was wrong.  It was TOO dark.  Or maybe I am TOO winter pale right now?  Either way, I assumed that I must be one shade darker than Beyonce’s advertised shade of C6 but I was wrong.  So I will be saving this for my summer shade in hopes of golden brown-ness.

L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush – I have been looking to replace my Benefit Creaseless Shadow in Marry Up, which was part of my wedding makeup.  Yes, I know that means it is 3.5 years old.  I kept it for reference.  This shade is VERY close and apparently VERY long wearing too.  I think I’m also gonna try the Revlon Color Tattoo Eyeshadow too.  Both are around $8, which is $10 cheaper than my beloved $18 Benefit.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black – I just tossed by Chanel mascara, which I loved.  I am trying to get back into my drugstore standby, but I don’t love the applicator.

I have been looking for a new handbag to treat myself to for weeks.  (I had to do something with my bonus besides pay off all of my credit card debt and fix up the family room.)  When I saw this amazing Just Cavalli silver quilted leather bag with gold chain straps, I knew I had to have it.  And at $190 from a retail price of $500, I was SOLD.  It was my first purchase from myhabit, a partner of amazon.com.

BTW, it totally reminds me of the silver miroir LV bag that I was dying for many years ago.  A few grand cheaper!

Since the price was so low, I still have about $200-$250 to spend on another treat to myself.  Plus, I am searching for a new chaise when I get back from Vegas.

I just couldn’t resist a little online browsing.  And when I saw ideeli was having a Red Sale, it quickly turned to shopping:

Carmen Marc by Carmen Marc Volvo Embellished Neckline Cocktail Dress – $48.99 (regularly $319)

Nine West Short Double-Breasted Belted Peacoat – $37.99 (regularly $225)

It’s so awesome – the dress is very similar to the one Jo’ie and I still think should have been her Maid of Honor dress for my wedding three and a half years ago.  And I have been really wanting a red coat.  Score!

I was SO excited for the Paris trip that I could hardly contain myself.  I was also extremely worried about going over budget while away.  I mean, Paris is an expensive city.  One of the MOST expensive in the world after all.  I not only managed to find some fabulous things but I managed to do so all while NOT going over budget.  Here is what I got:

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Monogram – I decided after the “not-so-successful” flea market trip on Saturday to just go ahead and splurge on an LV bag at the St. Germaine location.  (While I could not WAIT to explore the four story flagship store on the Champs Elysees, I KNEW I didn’t want to buy there with all the Asian tourists.  Sorry, I call it like I see it lol…)  It was actually cheaper at 540 Euros or approximately $700.  And I promptly got a 12% VAT refund of nearly $80 too!

Vintage Shopping

Vintage Chanel Suit – I went to Catherine B. with hopes of getting some vintage Chanel jewels or sunglasses and MAYBE to ogle the jackets and suits.  But since it was “soldes” or SALE time in Paris, I found this amazing Chanel suit for only 350 Euros (around $415).  There was a dress suit that I LOVED (hot pink no less) but the dress was WAY too small and the jacket was actually a little big.  And it was 450 Euros.  I think I wear 38 in French tops and 42 in French bottoms.  Oh well…  Maybe I AM pear shaped?

Black leather clasp purse – I loved the look and structure of this bag

Black pony hair crossbody bag – I appear to be newly obsessed with cross-bodies

Vintage scarves – I collect these, but I shared ONE with my Ganny & one with Jeanette (pictured below)

Flea Market Shopping

Vintage magazine prints – I got these at St. Ouen Flea Market.  There were MANY amazing fur coats, but I essentially left with this art and a few other things (see below.)

Chocolate leather purse – It is super soft leather made in Morocco.  And for 40 Euros, it seemed like a good deal, which I needed after a flat day of shopping when I expected to blow my paycheck.

Knit beanie – Love the neutral color and at 7 Euros, it wasn’t horribly expensive.  But twice as much as Forever21. 😉

Earrings and Bracelet – Sparkly and affordable.  Love it.

Souvenir Shop

Pashminas, Ash Trays, Magnets, Paris Potholder, Eiffel Tower replicas, Eiffel Tower puzzle, Paris Prints, Shotglass, Champagne Bottle Stopper

Champs Elysees

European Man Tees for Jamison at Celio (not pictured)

Bronzer, Kabuki Brush and Mixa Expert Peaux Sensibles Creme Visage at Monoprix.

OK, so I have to share this funny story.  On Friday night after returning to our hotel from the trip to Reims around 8 PM, we were supposed to nap before hitting the jazz club.  We fell asleep and woke up around 10:45.  We decided against hitting the jazz club but somehow stayed up ALL night watching Alice Nevers.  During this spree of French television, I saw this very convincing commercial for Mixa Expert Peau Sensibles Creme Visage – sensitive skin moisturizer good for the whole family.  I had to have it.  I spent the whole trip looking for it and finally found it on my last full day in Monoprix.  And when I used it at home, I was SO thrilled that I asked Rox to bring me another one, which she is sending me shortly. 🙂

We spent a lot of time eyeing luxury goods longingly at Gucci while the Asian tourists scooped up EVERYTHING in sight.  “Gucci this, Gucci that, Gucci everything… Louis this, Louis that, Louis everything…”  (Lyrics courtesy of OMG Girlz song “Gucci This”)

Carrefour Market:  (not pictured)

Milady Apricot and Strawberry Confitures (preserves) – this was served at proper French breakfast with butter and croissants & toast

Rose wine – so delicious and only 1.90 Euros

Harissa – makes everything more spicy and delicious

Kinder Bueno Bars – we bought the ten pack for like 5 Euros, but I forgot to bring a few home 😦

H&M – cuz yeah, I did go to H&M in France.  Champagne no less LOL.  I couldn’t help myself.  And I wanted a LOT of stuff that I need to seek out at my local H&M ASAP (black and white striped pants, green peplum top, green midi pencil skirt, blue midi pencil skirt with red polka dots, etc.)

Hot pink trousers – on sale for 7 Euros and you know it’s my signature color

Leopard Print Gloves – how could I resist for 5 Euros

I was not shopping to prepare for the Paris trip.  I assume you knew that.  So, how did I buy stuff?  Traveling!  Remember, I can shop for fun when out-of-town.  I will admit I picked up a couple of essential things before we headed off to Savannah for a post-Christmas trip (while shopping for wrapping paper, bows and ribbons on clearance.)

London Fog Camel Trench Coat – $49.99 at Ross.  My coat/jacket stable was dramatically reduced by the weight loss from last year. (Pictured coat similar)

Silver sequin Tahari cocktail dress – on clearance for $59.00 at Marshall’s.  I was looking for Jo’ie but this gorg dress ended up being my size instead.  Sorry, Jo!

We didn’t do a TON of shopping in Savannah, but you know I had to hit Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Though sadly  I didn’t leave with a single item.  Joie got an awesome bracelet and super fly ring.

 I managed to find a few great items though:

Vintage “yacht” purse from The Clothing Warehouse

Vintage cocktail dress from The Clothing Warehouse – dying for my HUGE gold belt

Two black beanies – not pictured (to replace the one I lost while strolling about town – see What I’m Rocking)

Nourish Fountain of Youth Facial Moisturizer – will be ordering again!

We also had to hit the Tanger Outlet on the way home too.  It wasn’t a huge shopping run, but I did pretty darn well for myself (not pictured):

Nine West black motorcycle boots – perfect for my trip to Paris and on sale for $49.99 PLUS a 10% off coupon.  (Note:  They WERE the MOST comfortable boots I have ever owned.  Great for Paris.  No foot woes.  At all.  Ever.)

And I got quite a few items at Banana Republic:

Red and Black v-neck dress –  You know I’ll get a great silhouette in multiples.

Orange long-sleeve sweater and Orange silk and cotton sleeveless top – It’s a good color for me. 🙂

Leopard print pony hair clutch – I spent so much time selling Jo on this that I ended up talking myself into it too!  You’ve seen my leopard print pony hair obsession PLENTY of times.

And when I got home, I purged several tops and dresses to make room.  I also gave away several clothing items to Taylor right after Thanksgiving, so I am feeling good about keeping the ratio down in the closet.  I’ll bet that more purging is in order though, especially in the jacket arena.

As you guys know, Jamison and I bought a new sofa and rug (did I mention the fabulous rug?) on MLK after my weekend of post-oral surgery recuperating.  For a girl like me, a stroll across a non-crowded mall after sofa success led to a few impulse purchases.  (At least I am owning it.)

Here is what I got:

Bow Accent Floppy Hat from Forever 21 – $10.80 You guys know that hot pink is one of my heavy signatures, so I am certain you are not at all surprised by this one.

Metallic Knitted Beret from Forever 21 – $8.80 You know how I love stocking up on cute beanies to elevate a casual look and protect cold ears in winter!

Gianni Binni Bette Peep Toe Wedges – $79.99 I could not bear to leave them in the store.  Cute and will be comfy post-break-in.  (I hope.)  Joie, where are your feet when I need them lol? 😉

While scouring the “going out of business” Blommingdales location at Perimeter, I also found this amazing kate spade bib necklace that I decided I could not live without…

Because the $398 necklace was already on clearance for $278, I got an additional 30% off.  Add in Jamison’s stocking stuffer gift card, and I spent around $190 for this showstopper. And Jamison was in agreement that I HAD to have it!  🙂

Of course I bought myself a few presents while doing all this holiday shopping:

Steve Madden Westii-L in leopard printed pony hair:  I got these bad boys on clearance at Marshalls for only $39.  You already know that $39 would not be enough to hold me back from being 4.5 inches taller in leopard print pony hair, right?

Rebecca Minkoff Jet Setter in Raspberry:  Retails for $495, I got this on endless.com with 35% off deal for around $320.  I’ve been feening for it since I spotted Jennine with it in black on The Coveted several weeks back.

I do still need some new warm boots for Paris though… 😉