ClearlyFabulous

I don’t know if you’ve caught on to the fact that I get very obsessed with things.  I truly believe in buying multiples of the things that “change your life.”  Today I was lucky enough to find TWO “life-changing” items that I was able to score:

Four sets of Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Exfoliant (with SPF 15 moisturizer) at Marshall’s for $4.99 each – see my previous review here

You can find it on eBay for way more…  You will either be proud or horrified to know that I did resist buying the five sets I also found at TJ Maxx.  Jory and I agreed that may be overkill.  I’m still wondering…  It’s not like I can roll into Target for it!

And since I was so horrified regarding my favorite kitten heel boots being discontinued at Newport News last winter that I was forced to boycott, I’ve been strolling around in my remaining chocolate-brown pair this winter.  Sadly the ivory and black ones bit the dust last year.  And I was not so successful in finding appropriate replacement boots at Nine West – though I did buy some that don’t seem comfy enough for me to commit to wearing all day. 

In a fit of grand hope, I decided to peruse the “sale” cold weather accessories and boots email from Newport News this afternoon.  Guess what – my boots are back!  The price has increased from $29 to $49 each, which is more than fair since they’re made of super soft leather.  And the manageable 1.5 inch heel makes them an all-day boot.  And guess who found 30% off and free shipping promotional codes to boot?  (Pun not intended but hilarious.)  So for around $36 I’ll have my favorite black boots appear at my house.  Yes, before long I’ll purchase another pair in black, java and dark-wine since I don’t think I need purple or pink boots.

I love being totally satisfied with excellent purchases.  BTW, I have got to get back on my shopping “diet” soon but alas, I have not yet found a proper knee-length black, brown or camel pencil skirt for an acceptable price.  So the search and shopping continues.

So, my attempt to find new skirts in a smaller size led me to the Ross and Marshalls near my gym this morning.  While I was still not able to find a new knee-length pencil skirt (as I am considering leaving the mid-calf length version as-is for vintage appeal,) I managed to get a few items for myself and some gifts.

Black Adrienne Vittadini wrap-esque skirt:  Marshalls – I got this on clearance for $10.00!!!!!!  The cut is super flattering.  I can’t wait to wear with tights.

Black jeweled Calvin Klein silk short-sleeved sweater:  Marshalls – I breezed past this on my way to the skirt section.  Luckily I returned to scoop it up.  I would have clearly regretted not buying this fab top.  You know how much I love black tops with everything from skirts to jeans to blazers!

Gold Kenneth Cole Reaction aviator sunglasses:  Marshalls – I was somehow encouraged to stop by the sunglass section on my way to the register.  These are a great size and don’t cut into my cheeks (hence NOT ruining my crazy colored blush) so I had to get them for those cold, sunny winter mornings.

Not bad for less than $40!  Ah, I love a good steal.  Clearance will do that for you.  Another shopping victory.  Yes, I am buying Christmas gifts for my friends and family.  I promise.  I just like to get a few things for myself too. 😉

I kicked off the Thanksgiving Holiday by spending the day with Amy, shopping in Buckhead.  We hit all of my favorite stores and made some time for food & wine shopping too.  I loaded up on wine and even bought some candy – Kinder Bars were on clearance at World Market for $2.50 per 3-pack and the gummy frogs were irresistible.  My goal was to find some new skirts since my existing ones are getting so big they do the twist around-on-your-body-deal.  I managed to meet my goal and then some:

Denim and black pencil skirts (yes, I’m likely to get the black one hemmed to the knee) for less than $30 total at Marshalls and Ross

Black and silver Taylor dress – on clearance at Ross for $19.99.  Thinking it’s perfect for a Mardi Gras brunch. 🙂

Five of my favorite Garnier Nutritioniste facial exfoliant and moisturizer kits

Some stocking stuffers for Amy, who is a loyal reader, so I can’t tell 😉

On Black Friday, Jamison and I were out to find him new football cleats and basketball shoes.  Luckily, I also got a few things – two more Garnier Nutritioniste exfoliant and moisturizer kits from Marshalls and more The Rock Star Skinny Denim Leggings at Old Navy – on sale for $15.  I was feeling very good about my scores but still in need of more pencil skirts. 

So, luckily I was able to score a new light grey pencil skirt at Ross on Cyber Monday – and a few stocking stuffers.  (No cyber luck.  I didn’t find the sales very impressive.  Thursday sales were just as good – maybe better.)

I guess I’ll do some more scouring at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross this week while I continue scouting good stocking stuffers for Amy and more presents for everyone else on our Christmas list.

Last Thursday evening I attended Shecky’s Girls Night Out with my buddy, Reed.  I was thrilled to see that Bud Select 55 was on the bar – beer for less than 60 calories?  You know it’s a household staple.  I enjoyed one while waiting in line for my goody bag, which contained:

• Lindt 70% dark chocolate
• Colgate toothpaste (full-sized)
• Jergen’s Shea Butter lotion (travel-sized)
• Samples of Body Shop shampoo, conditioner, hair butter and facial moisturizer
• Samples of Aveeno shampoo and conditioner
• Goody ponytail holders
• Hot pink heart-shaped sunglasses courtesy of XRated liquer
• Febreze Home scented goodies
• Softlips sugar and spice lip balm duos
• Sample of viafusion gummy vitamins (yummy and an excuse to eat gummies, will be buying these soon)
• Samples of U by Kotex products and a “feminine product” carrier
• Loads of coupons!

 Besides the awesome makeovers by Gabriel, we were only excited for these super cool lilla rose hair barrettes.

While we left mostly empty-handed, we had a great evening of fun for $10 goodie bag tickets and a $22 dinner.  Girl’s night is really about having a good time with your girls.  And lots of other girls too LOL.

I spent all weekend with one of my oldest and best friends, Roxann.  She decided to abandon the 116 degree sunny weather in Phoenix to spend some time with us in balmy, rainy Atlanta.  On Saturday, Roxann and I ventured to the Lush location in Cumberland Mall for the Haus of Pampered Queens event – free facials and hand treatments were too good to pass up.  We were very well taken care of by the staff and you know I left with some new goodies:

Ultra Bland facial cleanser– $29.95 for 3.5 oz

While I have combo skin most of the year and super-oily in the summertime, I love using oil-based cleansers to remove all the makeup residue and deep clean.  This one has a peanut oil base with rose, beeswax and honey too – but it’s still safe for sensitive skin.

The Sacred Truth fresh face mask – $5.95 for 2.1 oz

I love a good face mask.  In my single days, I was known to use masks 3-4 times a week.  (My combo skin has giant pores.)  Sacred Truth mask has loads of anti-oxidants:  wheatgrass, ginseng and green tea, enzymic fresh papaya, cleansing clays and nutritious butters.  This means soothing, cleansing and exfoliating all in one!

Full of Grace serum – $13.95 for 0.7 oz

I am a sucker for facial serums – I literally collect them.  It’s so sad… I have vitamin C, anti-aging, etc.  When I found out this serum had portabello mushrooms and rose oil, I was intrigued.  When I felt it on my skin, I was committed.  This serum is solid, so it melts in your hands instead of liquid serum from a pump.  But for only $13.95, I felt it was a worthwhile investment in a well nourished face.

Breath of Fresh Air toner – $18.95 for 8.4 oz

This toner is a wonderful blend of aloe, seaweed and sea water, which makes perfect sense…  Ever notice how your skin looks amazing after a weekend at the beach?  Sea water rocks!  This toner will help balance dry skin, which is very helpful for long flights.   And I received a small bottle complimentary by spending a mere $50!!!! 

I am lusting after another Lush product – Gorgeous moisturizer.  I knew I was in trouble when the sales associate told me, “This is our most expensive moisturizer.  It’s based on one that Lady Diana used…” 

I knew I was in trouble b/c my favorite is always the most expensive of anything, which makes my desire for bargains even more difficult to manage.  Gorgeous contains neroli and cold-pressed organic oils of olive, evening primrose, avocado and wheatgerm.  That means it feel GOOOOOOOOOD on your skin! At $89.95, I will have to save this one for the next time someone wants to buy me a present (hint – hint), so I will be lusting after it until then (AKA I’ll be going to Lush to sample it a LOT until I get my own.)

You can purchase these and other great products from Lush.com.

So, I will admit that I’ve been stalking TJ Maxx for these sandals for months now.  But they NEVER have them in my size.  Last night, while running through the last of my gift card, I found these adorable (and I hope comfortable) shoes in size 8 for $19.99:

The black suede is kind of edgy and the fringe reminds me of my favorite Jeffrey Campbell Kimi heels.  But these are SO much more practical!  Perfect for my trip to Tybee Island this weekend.

So after my “Sustainable LEAN Culture” class wrapped up on Wednesday evening, I headed to Back Bay for some shopping at Filene’s Basement.  I still could NOT believe the original Downtown Crossing location has been a giant hole in the ground for nearly 3 years, but I made due with the Boylston Street location.  And here is what I found:

Red portrait collar London Times dress – I scored this dress for only $29.99.  I love the Jackie O look, and ironically I have another dress that is fairly similar.

Purple cotton Barney’s Coop dress – I love the shape and color of this dress.  And the cotton is SO soft.  And everything in the Vault was 60% off.  So it was $11.99!!!

Black & grey cocktail dress – I love the fun quality of this $39.99 dress.  I mean, it literally made me dance in the dressing room.  What more can I say?  I look forward to having an opportunity to wear this for a great occasion.

Black & grey Liz Claiborne plaid pencil skirt – I love, love, love pencil skirts.  The vintage look, the sex appeal, the practicality… what more could I possibly want in a piece?  (A piece that was on clearance for less than $17!)  And this one is inspired by Jory’s favorite colors – black and grey 🙂

Gold & lucite necklace – It was so reminiscent of Prada and it was 75% off.  So there was no question whether I’d get it!

I exited Filene’s on Newbury St, so I headed to Marc Jacobs for a quick spin.  I did get a couple of things: an adorable grey Lil Lower lunch bag (I had to get a little present for Jamison) and red heart compact (to replace the gold one I bought in SoHo in 2007.)  I almost got this gold Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, but I decided to hold off on it:

At H&M there was a sale going on.  And everyone knows that H&M locations in “real” cities have better clothes than the random ones in shopping malls in the middle of America.  And my guess was correct.  I racked up!

Navy and white polka dot dress – I’d been spying this dress in Atlanta but there was only one size 4.  Hooray for me I was able to get it.  I kinda DIE for polka dots and this shape is very flattering for me.

Orange empire waist tank dress – I am trying to step up my pool cover collection.  (Amy has like 20!)  I just need a few simple things I can lounge in for summertime and this works just fine for me!

Striped black & white drapey top – I’ve been wanting it for a while, and it’s only $5 so I just got it.  It may be a pool cover or it was a cool tunic… who knows.

Black and white jersey striped skirt – You know how I love stripes, and this was an easy choice.  The fit is also very flattering, and it’s SUPER comfy!

White and navy striped bubble hem minidress – My love for all things nautical is well documented.  And this dress is so cute.  It can go casual or dressy – for less than $20.  I KNOW I’ll be wearing it soon, like maybe tomorrow!!!!!!! 

Metal bangles – I like the rock n’ roll Rihanna-esque quality of the set of bangles I got for $6 (not pictured.)

Yet another striped puffy-sleeve top – They are still $9.95, so I decided to get the navy & white striped top to go along with the rest of the wardrobe of colors.

And… after scoring all these lost cost goods for less than $220, I was exhausted; my feet hurt; and I was hungry.  I’d already tried to ask the guy at H&M about restaurants but he pointed me toward Asian (never my favorite) so I decided to let the universe guide me to a great spot – that was close.  And boy, did I score… 

I saw the restaurant Papa Razzi Trattoria from the street, and the menu sounded great.  Inside was dark & moody, and I took my place at the bar after my parcels were whisked away in the valet closet.  I enjoyed a delicious martini and veal scallopini with a side of gnocchi as well as some interesting conversations with the locals and the great bartenders Amy & Brian.

Boston was very, very good to me.  I should go back some time soon and take Jamison with me!

So, when I spotted this Badgley Mischka suit on HauteLook I knew I had to have it for vacation:

Of course, just my luck that 2 minutes after the sale started they were all reserved in my size.  In hopes that maybe I’d get lucky and someone didn’t buy, I looked a while later.  All except size 8 On Hold.  Damn!  $60 for a $150 swimusit is a great deal… if you haven’t joined hautelook yet, use my invite!

Boo hoo!  No shopping victory for me…

So, yesterday at 4:53 PM I got the “Blue Screen of Death” on my work computer – after spending an hour updating documents real-time with my team. 

I did get my machine back up and running, but it was all TOO much to handle.  So while I was slated to get in 50 minutes of cardio after work, what did I do instead – go shopping and to dinner…

Ross (Dress for Less) is one of my favorite stores – part of the TJX trifecta.  I am still searching for pretty glass and crystal decanters for my bar in the dining room, so I figured Ross could have some good options.  I’ve gotten great glassware there in the past.  Instead the first item I knew I must have was the Ped Egg Pampered Toes (like the Yoga Toes you see in the back of magazines but for only $3.99 instead of $39.99.)

And then what do I find but the Houdini corkscrew that I’ve been dying for since breaking my 5-year-old version earlier this year:

Mine is shiny black.  And it only cost $13.99 WITH the foil cutter!  And you can score it for $30 here.  No more using the waiter corkscrew for me!

I halfheartedly perused Marshall’s and TJ Maxx too but didn’t find anything worth scooping up at either.  I then met Jamison for dinner at Scalini’s Italian Restaurant.  Now, I had never been before but Jory raved about it so I figured it seemed only right to give it a whirl. 

Jamison ordered the Venetian – an array of chicken, shrimp and veal francese with fettucine alfredo.  I settled on Veal Diana – a breaded veal cutlet with eggplant, ricotta, marinara and mozzarella and a side of spaghetti.  (I was previously politically opposed to veal but then I ate it on my birthday in 2006 and it CHANGED MY LIFE!  Now I always get it at authentic Italian restaurants.)

While we enjoyed the (surprisingly delicious) glasses of house pinot grigio, our Romanian server, Victor, sat two pieces of heaven on the table:  a gorgeous tossed salad and what I’ll call yeast rolls scampi-style.  Seriously, I am not sure if you understand my addiction to yeast rolls (I usually feed the beast at O’Charley’s here in Atlanta) but it’s SERIOUS.  And these were smothered in butter and garlic.  And Victor kept them coming!  I know I ate at least six of them.  (Yes, from 50 minutes of cardio and tilapia for dinner to shopping, veal and rolls scampi.)

Then our entrees arrived.  Jamison’s was fine but mine was LIFE ALTERINGLY amazing.  Seriously.  I am so going back to Scalini’s and will NEVER order anything except Veal Diana.  So, from blue screen of death to a wonderful, unforgettable, dying to repeat meal… what a day!