Weekend Update: First Target Haul of the Year (and a giveaway)

I had heard rumors that Target put Christmas items (including gift items) at 90% off and put the Neiman Marcus collaboration on sale 70% off...and it was true.  So, when I hopped on over to Target to buy way more cat and dog food than once single person should buy, I picked up some other goodies.  And for the record, I did not spend my entire weekend at Target.  I also spent some quality time at various bars and on my couch drinking beer.

Soooo....here's what I got!

3 pairs ladies flannel shorts - $0.99 each

2 pairs ladies holiday socks - $0.29 each

Tissue paper (not pictured) - $0.20

2 small ornament sets - $0.50 each

1 large ornament set - $0.80 

Package of sparkly pinecones - $0.60

2 Shine Bangles - $1.69 each

Sparkle Bangle - $1.69

Rhinestone Bangle - $1.69

2 Rhinestone Statement Necklaces - $2.99 each

Oscar De La Rent Bag - $17.98

Tracy Reese Blouse - $23.99

(plus tax and minus my 5% Target discount)

_______________________________________

Total: $61.42

Maybe this post would have been a little more appropriate for the Thursday "Look What I Got Link Up"  Ooooorrrr...this is a great little advertisement for the Thursday link up.  So, come back here Thursday and link up a post about a great beauty or fashion deal you've recently gotten.  Check here for some inspiration...and don't forget to grab a button from my sidebar or link back.

And to help jazz up this post, I've got my feature sponsor Kelsey to introduce herself AND provide a super awesome giveaway! 

I'm Kelsey, and I blog over at Stories of Kel. I blog because I love having an outlet to express myself. I'll tell you now my blog posts are never planned out in advance, they're not perfect, and don't have perfect grammar. When I find something I feel like I want to write about I grab my laptop and "word vomit" as some would say. I just let the words spill from my fingers.

Some of my favorite posts include my summary of 2012, the reality of adult acne,8 things you probably didn't know about me, and my recipe for DIY facial masques. 
I have thoroughly enjoyed my last few months that I have spent involved with blogging. I think there is so much we can learn from one another. I hope you'll stop by and say hello! I'd love to get to know you and your blog. 

And Kelsey's giving away 2 month's of large ad space!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking Up with: LeAnn and Sami for Weekend Update, Molly for Yolo Mondays, GFC Collective and GFC Blog Hop

Stuff I Bought (then Wore): Style Mint Haul

The other day this showed up at my door:

Ok, well it didn't just "show up."  I ordered it from StyleMint.  StyleMint is a website that offers tees and some skirts designed by the Olsen twins.  You fill out s style profile and then items that are taylored to you are placed in your showroom.  Every now and then StyleMint offers a "mystery bag" for the price of a single tee, $29.99.  So, what came in my mystery bag?

Stylemint Summer Mystery Bag by veggielawyer

Yay!  Floral, stars and tie-dye!  I guess I have a few new items to pattern mix!  And I wasted no time doing so.

Linking up with:

AV of Long Distance Loving

Allison with Two Thirty-Five Designs

Stuff I Bought: Sephora Haul

1. Benefit Erase Paste ($26): I was in the market for a new under eye concealer and had heard good things about this one.  It's good, but not as good as I thought it should be for $26.  It goes on smooth, but creases by the end of the day and I don't think it provides enough coverage.  However, I have intense under eye circles.  INTENSE.  My under eye circles must be the result of a genetic mutation.  There is no other explanation.  Can any one recommend a good under eye concealer that provides an insane amount of coverage?

2. Benefit The Porefessional ($30): In addition to raccoon-like circles under my eyes, I also have HUGE pores.  Gaping pools dotted all over my face.  I know, I am gorgeous.  Anyway, this gunk is supposed to minimize the appearance of pores.  I have tried every thing to reduce the size of my face craters.  AND THIS IS THE FIRST THING THAT HAS EVER WORKED.  This stuff is magical.  It makes my face feel so smooth.  I can't even compare it to any thing because my face has never been this smooth.  I don't know what sort of fairy dust is in here. 

Ok, two items is by no means a haul.  However, take a gander at what I got FOR FREE!!!!

I received a coupon via email to get this bag o' goodies with any purchase.  The email was only sent to V.I.B.'s (Sephora's designation for suckers that spend way too much money on beauty products).

1.  Stella Perfume: It's perfume.  It smells pretty.  I will use it to cover up my stink.

2. Sephora Face Primer: Nothing to write home about.  It's a run of the mill primer.  It's anti-shine, which makes no sense to me because aren't you supposed to put foundation and powder on top of it?

3. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer:  Another primer, but I think this one feels a but smoother and lighter than the Sephora version.

4. Sephora Instant Moisturizer: Sephora, please stop giving me samples of this crap.  It sucks.  I'm not even providing a link to it out of hatred.

5. Murad Essential C Moisturizer: I like any thing by Murad.  I'm a Murad groupie.  This stuff is awesome and smells like oranges.  It's also supposed to protect my face from free radicals, which, according to every beauty product, are a threat to national security at this point.

6. Algensit Overnight Restorative Cream:  I already have some anti-wrinkle stuff I'm testing so this one has to wait.  It's supposed to restore radiance to my skin when worn overnight.  Good, because I lose most of my radiance in my sleep.  2 oz of this stuff is $90, so this 0.5 oz sample is worth $22.50.  This stuff better make $20 bills shoot out of my huge pores for that price.  

7. Lancome Mascara:  I used up another sample of this stuff.  It's amazing...like a good bra.  It lifts and separates.

8. L'Occtiance Shea Butter Hand Cream: Just as I was saying I needed a new hand cream for my purse, Sephora delivers this one to me.  It's really nice, but smells a little medicated.  At least I have new perfume to cover up the smell.

Thanks to this bag of stuff (and my Glam Bag), my face will be primed and wrinkle free.  I'm going to be so smooth and younger looking that people are going to start wondering why I'm posting so many photos of a teen girl.  And then I'll get put on a list...maybe I should stop using all this face crap.

Linking up

Stuff I Bought: Anthro Birthday Haul

I finally made a Facebook page.  Check it out!  

There's not much on there now, but I promise to make it spiffy if you "like" it.

Did you check out this week's Beauty Deals?

This discount is just one of the perks of signing up for an Anthro card.

Anthro Bday Haul by veggielawyer featuring a striped shirt

Basal Flounced Skirt, $68 (purchased in blue)

Pilcro Twill Shorts, $40

Little Feather Earrings, $20

Winnowed Lines Tank, $40

Bike Lane Dress, $158 (worn here)

Akebono Halter Dress, $158

So, I ended my shopping freeze with a bang on Memorial day Weekend.  I took advantage of my Anthropologie birthday discount and picked up a few items at the Tag Sale.And then I took a little trip over to Banana Republic, Old Navy and Macy's.  Don't worry, I had coupons for every store.  Remember my money saving tip about Banana Republic?  Don't buy anything full price at Old Navy or Macy's either.

Money Saving Tip: If you like designer stuff, get a Macy's card and never buy anything unless they are offering at least an additional 15% off.

Memorial Day Weekend Shopping by veggielawyer

Betty Silk Dress // Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, $120 (on sale for $80 PLUS an additional 30% off via a "secret" coupon received in store = $56)
Patterned Sweetheart Dress // Old Navy, on sale for $17 PLUS $10 Banana Republic rewards coupon
Juicy Couture Bracelet // Macy's, on sale for $40 PLUS a $10 coupon

I had been lusting after these two dresses and this bracelet for months, but I was unwilling to pay full price for any of them.  And, as usual, my patience paid off.

And now I am putting myself back on another 30 day freeze, but this time the freeze is not going to end with a free for all weekend.  My wallet demands restraint.

Did you get any good deals these past few weekends?

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

On Thursday night I skipped the gym to rush over to the nearest Banana Republic to try on items from their Mad Men Collection.

First up, the Elbow Sleeve Draper Dress.

I absolutely loved this dress.  It fits TTS.  I have on my usual size 6.  The sleeves are a little tight, but this dress also comes in a sleeveless version.  The waist of the dress hits at a very flattering place and flares out just enough to cover an unwanted tummy.  It also comes in petite.  I found I did not need the petite size in the length, but the petite might have a shorter torso.  I've been doubting BR's quality lately, but BR redeemed itself with this collection.  The pattern detail on this dress is amazing.  The only problem with this dress is that you HAVE to wear a slip under this dress.  I've wishlisted this dress for a later purchase.

I copied the outfit on the website and tried on the Cigarette Pant and Lace Shell.

The lace shell fits TTS and has the same pattern and detailing as the Draper Dress.  It fits TTS and I'm wearing a small.  The regular sizes hit right at the hip.  The one problem I found is that there is no zipper on the shirt, so it's a little tough to get in and out of it.  I have 2 lace shirts already, so I decided to pass on this one.

I was expecting to hate the cigarette pants.  I assumed only skinny ladies like January Jones would look good in them.  I was pleasantly surprised.  These pants even look good on wide hips.  However, I had to go 2 sizes up to a size 10.  The color is pretty bright, so if you are not looking to draw attention to your rear-end you should pass on them.  I have wishlisted these.

Next up was the Betty Dress.

This dress encompasses the elegance and impracticality of Betty Draper.  The dress actually fit a little big on me.  I tried on a size 6, but I could have gone to a 4.  The V-neck, angled pleats and full skirt would flatter any shape.  I just don't have a place to wear a magenta silk taffeta party dress.  Any one want to invite me to a fancy party?

And the grand finale...the Joan Dress.

I can not say enough great things about this dress.  This is my favorite dress in the collection.  It's a light ivory with a sheen and comes with an adorable polka dot sash.  It runs small because there is absolutely no give in the hips.  I had to size up 2 sizes to a size 10 to accommodate my hips.  In the picture I'm wearing an 8 and it pulls across the hips.  It comes in petite and I was tempted to get the petite for the length, but I liked the longer length of the regular size.  The problem with sizing up is that the waist becomes baggy, but you have the sash!  The sash completely detaches from the dress so you have to untie it to get the dress on and off.  This is unfortunate because I fear never being able to tie the bow again.  As you can guess, I purchased this one.  I am so glad I did because it's sold out online.  You'll have to visit stores if you want one, but my BR only had one or two in each size left on the night the collection came out.  I may have pranced around in my new dress for a half hour when I got home...maybe.

Stuff I Bought: Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale

A few weeks ago I shopped the Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale.  This is one of my favorite sales of the year.  I'll spare you the details of the sack of underwear and bras that I bought and just share my beauty purchases with you.

Bombshell Summer Eau de Parfum: $12 (reg. $49)

Heavenly Shine Eau de Parfum: $12 (reg. $49)

Very Sexy Xmas Gift Set: $9.50 (reg. $18)

Eye Flash: $6 (reg. $12)

Shimmer Eye Shadow: $3 (reg. $12)

I don't really ever wear perfume, but I fell in love with Victoria's Secret's Bombshell.  I've also always loved Heavenly, but have only gotten Christmas gift sets of if over the years.  Since the original scents are NEVER on sale, I tried out their lighter summery counterparts.  They are both awesome.  and Very Sexy is just a classic.  I may have gone a little overboard with the perfume.

I've been wanting to try a purple eye shadow, but I'm unwilling to shell out the cash for something from Sephora unless I'm sure I like it.  So, this cheap VS eye shadow will introduce me to plum colored eyes and I'll see if I like them.  

I also tried out VS's eye brightening stick, Eye Flash.  It's mediocre at best.  I adds a little brightening, but nothing you can't achieve with a little eye shadow.  There's no need to have a whole tube of a separate substance.

Stuff I Bought: Under $100 Target Haul

Target has had some great sales recently.  And I have taken advantage because I love sales and I love Target.  I seriously have a Target problem.  And so does the Scot.  We are breaking all the rules of AA as two addicts in a relationship.  We might need an intervention.

Albertus Swanepoel Hat - $5.98 (Orig. $19.99)
Bright Pink Watch - $12.99 (Reg. price)
Red Bangle - $5.08 (Reg. 12.99)
Dress - $19.99 (Orig. $24.99, used 20% Dresses Coupon)
Maroon Wedges - $8.98 (Orig. $24.99)
Revlon Photoready Mousse - $6.99 (Orig. $11.99 used $3 Target coupon and $2 manufacturer coupon)
Almay Smart Shade - $4 (Orig. $11, on sale for $9, used $3 Target coupon and $2 manufacturer coupon)
Dove Shampoo $1.49 (Orig. $3.49, used $1 Target coupon and $1 manufacturer coupon)
Burt's Bee's Baby Set $6.48 (Orig. $12.99) (not pictured because I had to give it to my cousin at her baby shower)
2 Curtains - $6.98 each (Orig. 9.99 each)
3 boxes of Raisin Bran $5.50 (not pictured) (Orig. $3.19 each, on sale for $2.50, used $1 off 3 Target coupon and $1 off 2 manufacturer coupon)
1 Trial Size Bag of Iams cat food - FREE!! (not pictured because I had to feed it to the little monsters) (Orig. $3, used $3 manufacturer coupon)

$99.33 (after tax and my 5% Target card discount)

Stuff I GOT: A Very Merry Christmas

I am a pretty darn lucky lady.  My family and friends got me everything I wanted for Christmas...more stuff than I could have ever imagined.  I have a fistful of gift cards to spend, including enough Dunkin' Donuts cards to feed my caffeine addiction until next Christmas.  My mom, of course, got me tons of little things I didn't even know I wanted.  I don't need to buy toiletries, nail files or decorative travel packs of tissues for quite awhile.  And, I am not even kidding, she got me a gift bag full of cat food.  Yep, that is what my mom thinks of me.  But, because feeding those little mongrels is so expensive, I was secretly excited.  She just bought the dog a new blanket.  I was secretly hoping for a giant 40 lb bag of dog food.  Here are the highlights of my Christmas morning:

Merry Christmas to Me by veggielawyer 

Dulcie Dress
$158 - anthropologie.com

Coat
$49 - target.com

Crystal Brulee Bracelet
$45 - jcrew.com

Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Toaster Oven : Target
$30 - target.com

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) By Mindy...
$25 - urbanoutfitters.com

Canon PowerShot S95 Review & Rating | PCMag.com
pcmag.com




I needed a new toaster oven, because mine became a lovely little sparking fire trap.  There are some photos of my fashion gifts and more post-Christmas shopping on their way!

Stuff I Bought: A Year in Review

2011 will always be remembered as the year I discovered Anthropologie.  Yes, it's hard to believe that I was a non-believer before my life partner Elena dragged me there one evening after work...and it was love at first sight.  I swooned over the Sing Sweetly Party Dress.

I went back several times to visit my coveted bird adorned frock.  I fretted over spending $150 on ONE DRESS.  I could get 10 dresses for that price at Marshalls!!!  But, when I finally took her home, I never looked back.  Gone were the days that I filled my closet with disposable items from Marshall's.  Now, I meticulously pick out each item of clothing, thinking about how it will make me look and feel.  I believe that clothing is more than a body covering.  You should feel beautiful in each thing you wear...even your jammies.  Yeah, I have satin polka dot jammie pants, and I look awesome in them.
For instance, my second Anthro dress, The Lila Frock, makes me feel professional and girly all at the same time.  I rock this dress to real estate closings AND out to happy hour.

And, since the Scot is moving in and I have to give up one of my 2 closets, I have to really think about what I buy and keep.  I've loaded countless bags with my treasured items of clothing and hauled them off to Goodwill, hoping that someone will wear them and cherish them as I had.  I had to sit in front of my closets one day and ask myself, "What do I care about more?  These clothes?  Or giving The Scot a comfortable place to call home (and store his myriad of plaid shirts and cardigans)?"  Did I really need 4 pleated skirts?  No, I only needed 3...haha.  So now, I have a single closet full of items that I truly love, and that includes the Sing Sweetly Party Dress.
And now on to my other favorites from this year.
3. The Liquid Silk Skirt.  This just makes me want to twirl.

4. J. Crew's No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Goldenrod. J. Crew had a great year for skirts.

5. And my discovery of AG Stevie Jeans.  Seriously, my butt is out of CONTROL in these!!

And who could forget (6) the Tupelo Dress and (7) the Backswept Dress.  These dresses make me yearn for summer.

8. The Dulcie Dress.  Well this wasn't a purchase, it was a gift.

9. The Lemon Liftoff Blouse (just to prove that I bought more than dresses in 2011).

10. Candies Blue Platforms...because I also bought shoes in 2011.

Stuff I Wore: My Precious Noon and Night Dress (OOTD...everyday since I got it)

A few weeks ago I came home to find a lovely little surprise on my doorstep.  The Noon and Night Dress has arrived!  (and I pretty much have not taken it off since!)

High Heeled Oxfords from the Bass outlet.  On sale for $20!!