Author: bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

Skin Care Recommendation- Saranghae Anti-Aging Line

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I will admit that in my early twenties I neglected my skin and did not have much of a skincare routine. I basically just spot treated breakouts and removed my makeup with a basic face wipe. But as I learn more about good skincare maintenance I realize that starting out a good skincare routine early is important. That is where Saranghaecomes in.

Saranghae has a great 5-step skincare routine that is easy to follow for skincare newbies like myself. Out of the five products I use four of the products daily- the Nourishing + Moisturizing Cleanser, the Deep Radiance Essence + Serum, the Firm & Lift Cellular Regeneration Cream and the Focus Renewal Eye Cream. All the products come with directions on the back making it easy to use for someone like myself who has never used a skincare products before.

My Favorite Product

Hands down the Focus Renewal Eye Cream. Let me explain to you all how my eyes normally look. I normally have puffy bags under my eyes (thank you demanding tech clients- you know who you are lol), creases around the corners of my eyes (from squinting/ starring at a computer screen all day and little little labels on source code schematics) and dark circles under my eyes as well. This cream has greatly helped me improve all three! The combination of Phellinus Linteus mushroom extract, adenosine, vitamin B3, elastin and collagen works wonders. I really used to look like a zombie and now I just look slightly tired (there is only so much this amazing cream can fix without sleep!). If you just decide to buy one product from Saranghae this should be it.

(Note a close second would be the Nourishing+ Moisturizing Cleanser- I mean guys it has truffle extract and gold in it! Plus it removes makeup!)

My Least Favorite Product

For me my least favorite product wasn’t because of what the product does, it was due to how you use the product. I will be the first to admit I am not a mask fan so the Elemental Essence Mask would be my least favorite product. I just do not like sitting around with something on my face and have never really gotten into this skincare trend. Although I didn’t like that it was a mask, I did like how it made my skin feel. My skin felt amazing and looked healthier after one use. That being said if the 5 Step Anti-Aging System could come with the same ingredients (CoQ10 and Hyaluronic Acid) in a cream or serum I would love that more.

Overall Evaluation of the Line

Overall I would definitely recommend this line to a friend. All the products are easy to use, did not make my skin break out (I was really worried about this), and generally made my skin feel smoother. If you have a friend or family member who is really into skincare I could see this system making a great gift as the packing is amazing. Also if you are someone like me who is in their mid-twenties it is not to early to start having a skincare routine. Just think of how amazing your skin will look by the time you turn 70!

*Please note I received this product complimentary from Saranghae but all opinions are my own*

Once in a Blue June: My No-Spend Month

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Its happening- I am actually doing a no-spend June with the support of my blogger friend Jenna Crane of Styledjen. (See her no spend article here!) And that picture you see- that’s my last purchase of May (thank you Netaporter for including YSL in your sale!) That means no clothing, shoes or accessories (and yes accessories include handbags!). Am I worried I cannot stick to it? Definitely, shopping is in my blood. But to me this is important. I really need to readjust my shopping habits and my urge to buy something just because I saw it on Instagram. I also want to show my followers that you don’t need a new pieces to have a fabulous wardrobe. My promise throughout all of this is to be true to you guys about the struggles, the highs and the lows. Also just because I am not shopping for myself does not mean I am not going to pass on the deals to you all!

Goals

  1. Reevaluate what I need to add to my wardrobe! I always think I need something (thank you Instagram!) and then find out I have three of almost the same thing. Hopefully this month helps me see what I am missing in my wardrobe and what I don’t need to add to my wardrobe.
  2. Figure out what part of my wardrobe I actually wear! I have an extensive wardrobe and will often end up forgetting about a “fav” piece because I just bought something else and feel I need to wear it. I am hoping this month will help me streamline what I actually like in my wardrobe and encourage me to giveaway pieces I don’t reach for.
  3. Save some money! With a wedding coming up nothing wrong with saving more money then I normally do. (Plus any wedding tips? Send them my way!)

Louis Vuitton SLG

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After voting on my insta stories, Louis Vuitton SLGs won out over a Senreve review (which don’t worry is coming.) I personally find myself only buying LV SLGs. (If you are wondering what SLGs are they are small leather goods- wallets, cardholders, pouches- basically anything that is not a handbag.) Luckily for us pre-loved lovers (or anyone who likes a good discount), LV SLGs hold up well and are prevalent on the market.

Louis Vuitton Wallets

Monogram Accordeon Wallet 

Price-$250

Retail- $780

Empreinte Secret Long Wallet

Price-$525

Retail- $1,050

Damier Graphite Compact Modular Wallet

Price- $395

Retail- $650

Porte Tressor International Wallet

Price- $350

Retail- $635

Vernis Zippy Wallet Aramante

Price- $395

Josephine Monogram Wallet Blue

Price-$305

Retail- $480

Louis Vuitton Cles/ Key Pouch

Monogram Cles Key Pouch

Price-$123.75

Epi Cles Key Pouch Blue

Price- $143.46

Monogram Cles Key Pouch

Price- $225

Vernis Key Pouch Pomme De Amore

Price- $265

Retail- $350

Multicolor Key Pouch Blanc White

Price-$265

Monogram Cles Key Pouch

Price- $101.25

 

Vernis Key Pouch Blue Nuit

Price-$250

Retail-$390

 

Best Preloved Bags on the Market Right Now!

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In honor of earth day I decided to do a post on the best preloved bags on the market. Fashion can unfortunately be a big drain on the earth’s resources. Fast-changing trends and low prices have allowed people to consume more. The average consumer is now purchasing 60 percent more items of clothing compared to 2000, but each garment is kept half as long. (http://www.wri.org/blog/2017/07/apparel-industrys-environmental-impact-6-graphics)

One of the biggest impacts fashion has on the world is its use of water. One cotton shirt takes 2,700 litters of water to make, that is enough water for one person to drink for 2.5 years!

To not add to the increasing impact fashion is having on the world I like to buy preloved- especially handbags! You are not only lessening your impact on the world but also savings yourself some hard earned money. Below I laid out some of my favorite preloved bags on the market right now so be sure to take a look!

1- Gucci Marmont Pebbled Leather Shoulder Bag

$1,699 (retail-$2,750)

 

2- Kate Spade Black Crossbody

$99.89 (Retail-$298.00)

BHB Tip- If your buying this on Earth day (4/22) make sure to use code “GOGREEN” to get this bag for $69.29! Or if its your first time ordering from ThredUp make sure to use your 30% off code! (good on anything under $150!)

3- Mulberry Leather Crossbody

$389.99 (Retail- $675.00)

 

4- Kate Spade Two-Toned Satchel

$131.99 (Retail- $398.00)

BHB Tip- If your buying this on earth day (4/22) make sure to use “GOGREEN” to get this bag for $92.39!

5- Celine Elephant Calfskin Mini Belt Bag

$1,070 (Retail-$2,550)

BHB Tip- if you see something amazing on Fashionphile buy it! They have a great return policy.

6- Hermes Epsom Evelyne Black TPM

$1,855 (Retail- $2,650)

BHB Tip- Want to spread out your payments? Put the bag on layaway. For example only pay $464 for this bag and then make payments over 60 days interest free.

7- Proenza Shouler PSI Black with Contrast Stitching 

$595 (Retail- $1,780)

8- Gucci Ophidia Medium Shoulder Bag

$1,825 (Retail- $1,980)

BHB Tip- Just because you are buying preloved doesn’t mean the bag is not brand new! This bag is NWT (new with tags) and still in stores!

 

Spring Designer Shoes- Worth The Price Tag?

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Designer shoes are something I just recently got into. I guess it is somewhat a natural progression from designer bags. But like designer bags not all designer shoes are created equal. I reviewed some spring shoes and found some sales for you all to partake in!

1- Gucci Loafers

$720

I love these Gucci Brixton Loafers. Gucci has always sold variations of these loafers. Loafers are always in style, whether you wear them in an office setting or with jeans. While these are pricey the leather is amazing. So amazing I just ordered myself a black pair because yes I needed two pairs. There are some dupes which I will link below but honestly if you plan on wearing these for more than one season I say invest. Plus the Brixton is convertible so if you have been eyeing the slides these loafers can serve as both. I find that they run big and I went down to a 9.5/39.5.

I couldn’t find any Brixton Loafers on sale but I did find some Jordaans on sale. They are very similar just not convertible.

Gucci Jordaan Loafers– Size 37- $545

Gucci Jordaan Loafers-Size 38.5- $625

Gucci Jordaan Velvet Loafers– Size 40-$545 (plus 20% off with code “real”)

Gucci Brixton Loafers– Size 40- $490

2- Chloe Lauren Flats

$495- leather version

$515- suede version

This flats have been in style for years and I don’t think are going anywhere. I own three pairs of leather ones and one pair of suede ones and love them. I find that they run small and need a 40.5 or 41. These are definitely worth the investment but the best part is you can often find them for way under retail. I have not pair retail for any of them and got my burgundy ones for $35.

Chloe Lauren Black Sparkle Flats– $368

Chloe Lauren Studded Suede Flats– $387

Chloe Lauren Navy Suede Flats– $359

*Keep your eyes on Saks off Fifth- they often get in Chloe Lauren Flats but they sell out quickly!

3- Chloe Lauren Espadrilles 

$495

Overall I love these shoes and would buy them again in a heartbeat- but only if I found them again for $110. They are super comfortable and like with the Lauren flats I sized up to a 41.  But the bottom of them is a leather (not rubber sole) and they do not wear very well. Plus the whole bottom of the shoe does not have a leather sole so the arc area is just the espadrille like material.

Chloe Red Suede Flat Espadrille– size 40 only- $209.99

 

4- Gianvito Rossi Plexi Flats

$695

These flats are beautiful but so uncomfortable I ended up returning them. Unlike the plexi heels, the plexi material of the flats does not mold to your foot and just makes them overheat. They also rub very badly on the back of your heel so why they are stunning to look at they are the one shoe I would not recommend.

 

 

Louis Vuitton Camera Bags

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I love Louis Vuitton but the recent price increase has me shying away from buying new and has had me scouring the preloved market for some older, vintage bags. I think there is a lot to like about vintage Louis Vuitton bags. The quality of the canvas is much better, the craftsmanship is exquisite and the price is amazing for a luxury bag (nothing in this post is over $500!). Below I have rounded up some of my favorites at various price points. (I know that buying preloved and vintage pieces can be a little scary but you can always use an authentication service to confirm that you are in fact buying a real designer piece.)

Louis Vuitton Cartouchiere MM

From- TheRealReal

Price- $475 (Retail- $1,240)

Louis Vuitton Cartouchiere MM

From-Tradesy

Price-$434.34 (Retail-$1,240)

 

Louis Vuitton Kenya Fawn Epi Leather Cartouchiere MM

From- Tradesy

Price- $394.20; retail- $1,350

Louis Vuitton Cartouchiere MM

From- Tradesy

Price-$269.50;retail-$1,240

Louis Vuitton Trocadero 27

From- Tradesy

Price- $310.50 (currently 10% of list price); retail- $1,200

Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Leather Trocadero

From- Tradesy

Price- $299.70 (currently 11% off list price); retail-$1,350

Louis Vuitton Trocadero 27

From- Tradesy

Price- $217 (currently 14% off); Retail- $1,200

Louis Vuitton Trocadero 27

From- Tradesy

Price- $370; Retail- $1,200

Louis Vuitton Blue Epi Leather Trocadero

From- Tradesy

Price-$293.50 (currently 14% off); Retail-$1,350

Louis Vuitton Nile Bag

From- Tradesy

Price- $302 (currently 14% off); retail- $1,460

Louis Vuitton Nile Bag

From- Tradesy

Price- $331.60 (currently 5% off); retail-$1,450

 

Louis Vuitton Nile Bag

From- Tradesy

Price- $306.60 (currently 10% off); Retail- $1,450

Now is the time to grab those Stuart Weitzman Boots You’ve Been Eyeing!

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It’s no secret that the best time to buy boots/ booties at a good price is during the off season and this spring is no different! I have rounded up some of my favorite Stuart Weitzman deals including the lowlands which I literally have never seen go on sale before! Keep in mind these are investment pieces that have been in style and will be in style for years. Plus I included how to get even more of a discount by using Ebates so make sure to use that as well. (If you don’t have an Ebates account sign up here and automatically get $10 back!)

Bloomingdales (use ebates to get 2% back)

All the below pairs are 40% off and $478.80

Stuart Weitzman Lowland

Stuart Weitzman Tieland

Stuart Weitzman Hiline 

Nordstrom (no ebates but since they have a great return policy if you don’t wear them next fall you can always return them!)

Stuart Weitzman Tieland

$478.80 (40% off)

Three colors- Topo Suede (pictured), Slate Suede, Praline Suede

Stuart Weitzman Hiline 

$478.80 (40% off)

Blue Denim Suede

Bergdorf Goodman (use ebates to get 3% cash back)

Stuart Weitzman Thighland

$399

Two colors- Slate suede and Topo Suede

Stuart Weitzman Lowland

$399

Four Colors- Topo Suede, Bordeaux, Nice Blue and Walnut

Stuart Weitzman Hiline Nutmeg 

$399

Vintage Louis Vuitton- The Monceau

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As promised here is a quick roundup of some great vintage monceaus! Also there is only one of each so once they are gone they are gone!

Louis Vuitton Monogram Monceau

Louis Vuitton Monogram PM Monceau– $698

Louis Vuitton Monogram PM Monceau– $629

Louis Vuitton Monogram Monceau– $445

Louis Vuitton Monogram Monceau–$665.05 (Tradesy)

Louis Vuitton Epi Kenya Fawn Monceau

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Kenya Fawn– $469

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Kenya Fawn-$798

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Kenya Fawn– $790 (Tradesy)

 

Louis Vuitton Epi Noir Monceau

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Noir– $369

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Noir– $626

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Noir– $629

 

 

Diversifying Your Shopping Experience- Where I Purchase my Pre-Loved Handbags From

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If you have been following me for even a day on Instagram its not surprise that I love (LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE) handbags. I have purchased my bags from the flag ship stores in Paris to the little known thrift store down the street. I don’t choose my bag based on where it came from, if its pre-loved or if its vintage but on that simple fact of do I like the bag.

With this in mind I buy bags from many many websites, each with its own positives and negatives. Check out the list below to see where I am currently shopping.

NEW or NEARLY NEW BAGS

  • Italist– Italist is a website that brings you the latest from the fashion houses straight from Europe. That means BRAND NEW items for less. The goods are already under retail because you are not paying the VAT (european tax on goods) on the item. Plus if you spend under $800 you do not need to pay customs duties either. A downside is if you are looking for a higher end piece that is over $800 you are going to end up paying tax (which you have to pay if you are shipping to a state that has online sales tax), the customs duties (which can be around 10%), and the shipping fees. This can quickly cut down on your savings.
    • Overall good for buying in season fashion at a discounted price if the item is under $800. 
  • Fashionphile– Fashionphile has one of the best curated collections. While not always the cheapest price point on an item, they always have the best descriptions of an item. They take very detailed photos and have very through condition descriptions. They also authenticate every item them put on their site so you can sleep soundly knowing that your latest designer good is the real thing. If you are looking for a new or nearly new designer good this is the place to start. They also have a 30 day return policy as long as you don’t take off the tags so it is a good way to confirm the bag is what you want. Lastly, they do occasionally have vintaged bags so keep your eyes peeled!
    • Overall good for new or nearly new authenticated designer bags under retail. Also a good website to check for limited edition goods you just happened to miss! 

VINTAGE BAGS

  • eBay– A treasure trove of different items ranging from designer goods to random trinkets eBay has it all. I personally recommend shopping for vintage goods from Japanese sellers that have high customer satisfaction rankings. These sellers have vast collections of authentic designer goods and at various price points. Even better is that these sellers ship for free and I have always gotten my item within a week! eBay is my favorite place to buy vintage LV bags (like my Monceaus) or vintage Gucci.
    • A vintage handbag collectors haven and really reasonable price points! Just make sure to do through research on your seller and consider using a third party authentication service if you are unsure on the authenticity of your purchase. (I recommend Authenticate First‘s $20 service.)

EVERY TYPE OF BAG 

  • Tradesy– Tradesy is the first site that introduced me to the world of pre-loved bags 4 years ago and I have been using it ever since. Much like Vestiarie Collective, Poshmark, and Mercari, Tradesy serves as a platform for various users to list their designer goods for sale. What makes Tradesy unique is there fabulous customer service. I purchased a vintage Chanel Diana bag from Tradesy for my 26 birthday and was unsure about its authenticity when I received it as I had never purchased vintage Chanel. Tradesy was great responding rapidly with a prepaid label to send the bag to them for authentication services. Within about two days Tradesy had authenticated the bag and it was on its way back to me. Tradesy is willing to authenticate every purchase that you buy through them as they guarantee authenticity. Plus they always have great sales going on so keep your eye peeled for a price drop on your favorite piece. Use this link to get $20 off your first purchase of $50 or more.
    • Overall a great place to shop for a variety of bags, price point and condition. If ever unsure of authenticity or the bag is not in the condition described make sure to reach out to Tradesy! 
  • The RealReal– The RealReal is a place to find designer goods at reasonable price points. The RealReal guarantees and verifies authenticity before posting the good on their website. They post about 4-5 pictures of the good but be sure to read the description as I find the pictures are not as detailed as other sites. Use this link to get $25 off your first purchase. Plus keep your eyes peeled as there is often a 20% off code applicable to certain goods!
    • Overall a good place to find designer goods at a cheaper price point- just be sure to inspect the pictures and review the description carefully.
  • Vestiaire Collective– This website is much like Tradesy, Poshmark and Mercari, allowing users to post their designer goods at whatever price they please. But it does off some unique features. First, this website is mainly used in Europe and most of the sellers are Europe-based. Second, once a good is purchased it is shipped from the seller to Vestiaire to undergo an authenticity check and to make sure the good is as described. The item is then tagged and sent to the purchasing individual. Third, the seller can opt after a certain amount of time to have an offer button. This site also has sales so be sure to use the correct code for free shipping or for a certain percentage off.
    • Overall a great place to score deals from Europe where the price of designer goods is cheaper. But be sure to utilize their sales and free shipping if possible! 
  • Trendlee– Trendlee is a great website to find a variety of designer bags at more reasonable price points. Boasting a curated selection of goods, Trendlee sends all there bags in beautiful packaging, most with authentication certificates. They also often have sales so keep your eyes peeled to get between 5-10% off the list price of your purchase. Plus if you do not live in the state of New York you don’t have to pay sales tax ( a rare feat if you live in the state of California!) Also fun fact- Trendlee sells their goods on Poshmark and Tradesy but to find the best price on one of their items make sure to head directly to their website.
    • Great site for all types of bags and price points. Make sure to read their item descriptions to learn more about the good and its condition! 

DEAL HUNTERS

  • Poshmark– Poshmark is a deal hunters paradise. This website allows users to both buy and sell both designer and non-designer items. There is an offer button that allows a user to make an offer for less than list price which can be key for getting a deal. Poshmark also offers a concierge service for goods over $500 that allows the item to be authenticated. I have been using Poshmark for many years and have gotten many great bags from the site. Recently, I have noticed an influx of fake goods, specifically fake designer bags and sunglasses, so make sure to be careful. If you use the code “SBIRKENFELD” you will get $5 off your first purchase!
    • Overall a great site for a deal hunter who is good at authenticating their own bags or is spending over $500 to use the Poshmark authentication service.
  • Mercari– This App only platform is great for those looking for a deal as offers are comon and negotiating on price is acceptable. Plus the selling fee is only 10% which allows most sellers to be more flexible then on Poshmark. But like with Poshmark be weary of the deals that are too good to be true, specifically high end goods for a low price point. Make sure to check out the sellers rating and their other goods for sale. Plus if you get your item and realize it is not as described or fake then Mercari will work with you to return it within three days of delivery.
    • Overall a great app for a deal hunter who is good at authenticating their own bags. 

 

Get the Gucci look for less!

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If you have been paying attention to the fashion world lately Gucci is hot hot hot. And luckily for us bargain hunters they have been reaching into their vault and bringing out bags that look so much like some fabulous vintage gems. So get your credit cards ready because I have linked a bunch for you all!

First let’s just show you what I mean by Gucci’s vintage style.

There is this stunning Ophidia GG Small Shoulder Bagwhich retails for a cool $1,390. It’s got the look of bags from another era particularly the web stripe of green and red and the tan canvas.

Then there is this beauty rolling in at $1,750.Ophidia GG Supreme Small Shoulder Bag

Lastly, this cute clutch/ shoulder bag that is digging hard on the 1970s bag. Comes in two sizes but this bigger one is just under $2,000 at $1,980. Ophidia GG Medium Shoulder Bag

But now for my near identical finds. For my search I was looking for classic features of vintage 1970s Gucci. That means the canvas in brown, blue or black. (Unfortunately I was not able to find any black ones on the market at a reasonable price but they do exist.) I also wanted the bags to have the web stripe which is either green and red or blue and red depending on the color of the canvas. Most of the bags are from the Gucci accessories line. (Please note these are one of a kinda listing and once they are gone they are gone!)

Blue Vintage Gucci Canvas Crossbody– looks identical to the Ophelia shoulder bag that retails for $1,790. Asking price $375. (I have this exact bag and paid $150 so keep your eyes peeled as new things come on the market everyday!)

Brown Gucci Vintage Crossbody– This brown canvas bag is in great condition and evokes the Gucci tradition look very much with the green and red ribbon. Asking price is $190. (Note the seller made me an offer of $150 with $4.99 shipping so I think you could definitely negotiate.)

Brown Canvas Convertible Clutch and Crossbody– this is a great find! This is the smaller version of the vintage bag that is a convertible crossbody whose strap comes off and becomes a clutch! That’s two in one at $200!

Blue Large Convertible Crossbody and Clutch– I also personally own this bag and love it! It’s a large statement clutch and it has the removable strap that is perfect Crossbody length. And let’s be real $150 is a great price!

Brown Top Zip Crossbody– This is unique vintage bag that has a fun top zip closure but is still a Crossbody. With the classic web stripe this bag is still channeling the revival style! Asking price $250

Blue Canvas Crossbody – like it’s brown counterpart above this Crossbody is great for a vintage collector. I actually prefer the blue canvas and have been tempted to buy this bag many times.

Blue Canvas Crossbody Bag– This is a cute bag that can be worn Crossbody or carried by its top handles. The shape vaguely reminds me of a smaller speedy. Asking $133

Brown Canvas Double Zip Crossbody– I love this unique double zip bag. Lots of storage plus it’s the classic traditional Gucci colors for a buy it now price of $150! Luckily for you all I am on a bag buying ban or else I would snatch this up!

Some downfalls of buying Vintage

1- The bags will have some wear to them. This is most common in the interior lining and on the strap. The interior lining will slightly flake but doesn’t hurt anything. The strap normally just need some fabric and leather glue to fix it. If you want a professional to deal with it a cobbler can gladly help you. I try to stay away from anything with issues I know I cannot fix- piping ripping and ripping in the canvas.

2- They are often going to be missing extra. There is rarely a box, tag or dustbag and if there is it’s likely to cost you extra or raise the price of the bag.

3- Most of my favorite places to buy preloved from do not carry such vintage bags. For example I have never seen one on Fashionphile, or The Real Real. But Tradesy and Vestiare Collective are still great places to search as well as Poshmark and Mercari! So don’t give up.

Happy hunting and if you are ever looking for a specific piece feel free to reach out to me!