Chenille Everything

Posted on October 2, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

So this all starts out as an innocent shopping story and turns into a not so casual new obsession. Last Sunday, I went wedding shoe shopping with my mom and my maid of honor at Nordstrom (they were having a custom Jimmy Choo shoe event so naturally I had to go) and I wondered into the Savvy department (also commonly known as BP). While perusing the racks I happened to touch the softest sweater ever! (Also please note I touch basically everything in a department store and that is how I normally pick what to try on.) I was astounded by how soft the material was and immediately decided to purchase the sweater. WELLLL three days later I am now the proud owner of three cardigans (one hooded) and a sweater. And there is not stopping my obsession with Chenille.

Nordstrom- Leith Chenille Blouson Cardigan

$89

Also comes in Blush and Yellow Gold

Forever 21- Plunging Chenille Sweater

$17.90

Urban Outfitter- Silence + Noise Slouchy Chenille High-Low V-Neck

$59.00

The Loft- Chenille Open Cardigan

$59.50 (But today 10/1 they are having a 50% off sale with code SURPRISE)

The BEST Chloe Susanna Dupe Out There!

Posted on September 28, 2017September 28, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

So I have loved the Chloe Susanna Boot since it came out but I cannot justify the price tag. I know I know I spend more than the $1,380 price tag of the boots on handbags but if taken care of handbags last a life time… shoes no matter what just don’t. Needless to say I have spent a lot of time watching the resale market and still being in shock at their $800-$900 price. Then all of a sudden yesterday I was browsing Missguided and found the perfect dupes! The dupes are all under $100 dollars and are even 40% off if your a student! Plus free shipping and no tax!

(Click on name of the shoe for the link to work- blog is hating on me and won’t link pictures!)

Black Faux Suede Buckle Ankle Boots

$86

Burgundy Buckle Ankle Boots

$86

Red Buckle Ankle Boot

$76

I cannot wait to style them for you guys and had to share the links before they sell out!

Bag Hunt- Why You Should Purchase In Europe

Posted on September 25, 2017September 25, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

I am a legendary handbag hunter. I find a bag I want and I go on the hunt to find it. Plus to make my life a little more challenging I have to find it under retail even if the search takes a year. So when my family decided to go to Europe I could not contain my glee! Immediately I started listing out all the bags and slgs (small leather goods) that I wanted to purchase from the various fashion houses. My family immediately questioned why I couldn’t just buy these goods in the US, so naturally I had to explain.

High End Designer Goods in Europe Retail for Under Retail in the US– This is true of all designers that are based in Europe. So for example Louis Vuitton bags retail price is lower in France then in the US. Plus the country where the fashion house is based is generally the cheapest place to buy the goods in Europe. But word to the wise do not buy US based fashion brands in Europe. I was looking at Coach in Europe just to look and the prices were crazy!
The Euro and The Dollar are Very Close in Value– When I was in Europe the Euro to Dollar was about 1 Euro to 1.10 Dollar, so the lower retail prices in Euro equated to a lower purchase price in Dollars. Of course this value fluctuates but in general the Dollar and the Euro have been much closer in value than a couple years ago.
The VAT taxes– The tax amount for luxury goods in Europe is included in the price that you see on the price tag. So unlike the US you are not paying more on the good you purchase. Plus if you are not an EU citizen then you get back a percent of the VAT tax you pay. This percentage ranges based on the country. This website is incredibly helpful when looking at what percentage you will get back. (just in case the hyperlink doesn’t work- https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/vat-rates-in-europe).

TIPS

Bring your passport with you! To get your VAT tax exemption forms correctly filed out at the store you will need to show your passport to your sales person.
Spend over the VAT amount! In order to get your VAT taxes back you need to make sure to spend over the minimum threshold. This does not have to be on one good just need to be on your total purchase. This amount varies by country.
Get the VAT tax amount back on your credit card! You do have to wait a little longer to get the VAT tax amount back on your credit card but the amount you get back after fees is higher then when you go to the cash window at the airport.
Get your refund at the last European country you are in! You cannot obtain your refund until you leave the EU.
Allocate time at the airport! The VAT process to obtain your refund can be really hard or very easy. It all depends on the country, the refund company and the amount of people traveling. For example if you are using Global Blue its often just a scan of the documents in a machine and dropping them in a box. But there are other times where I have had to talk to an agent, show them my goods and have them hand stamp it. This all depends on where you buy your item from. In my experience I have had the easiest time with LV and the hardest with Gucci.
Get your refund before you check your bags! As I explain below you might have to take your new purchase to the refund agent.
Make sure your goods are packed on top of your luggage! When you pack make sure your new purchases are easily accessible! I have had to dig through luggage because the refund agent wanted to make sure that I had not used the bag and actually had the bag in my possession.
Do not use your goods before you leave the country! If the refund agent asks to see your purchase they will expect to see a purchase that has not been used and is in its original packaging. While it is tempting to use your new purchase don’t because they can deny you the refund!

The IT sweater of the season is on sale again!

Posted on September 18, 2017September 25, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

This baby is on sale for 30% off! Click here or the picture below to snag this deal 😍 Also if they are out of your size I found another retailer who priced matched the cost of the sweater- click here!

Leopard Print as a Neutral

Posted on September 14, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

So I have always had a thing for my leopard print ballet flats. I faithfully replace them every couple of years when I wear them out but I never thought of them as a neutral before. But as I have been dutifully shopping in the name of the blog (or at least thats what I tell myself) I have seen cheetah and my new love, leopard, everywhere. I have seen cute baseball caps, cute sweaters, cute clutches, and my personal favorite cute sneakers. Below I rounded up my personal favorites and reviewed two of the products I tried.

Halogen Corbin Genuine Calf Hair Slide Loafer

Nordstrom– $89.95

Topshop Tucker Leopard Print Slip On Sneaker

Nordstrom– $40.00

BP Leopard Print Genuine Calf Hair Clutch

Norstrom– $45

Halogen Leopard Cardigan

Nordstrom– $46

Target Leopard Booties

Target– $34.99

Fall Finds- Denim Edition

Posted on September 1, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

While I am sad to see summer go there is literally nothing I like better than fall. Why I regrettably do not like anything pumpkin flavored, I love halloween, I eat candy corn like its a vegetable and I love booties. So in honor of fall I have rounded up some of my favorite deals on boots/booties, jeans and sweaters. First I am going to start out with a great denim round.

Jeans

Levi 721 Jeans

Price- $98- on sale for $49.98

These are the sister jeans to the #bloggerfavorite 721 ripped knee jean of last fall and winter. They are an amazing fit and are great for someone who wants a high waisted jeans but is not sure they can pull off the mom jean. I find that if they have more than 2% stretch in them I wear a 25. If they are between 98-100% cotton I wear a 26. Also a big plus is they have many different lengths at at 5’10” I can wear either the 30-32 inch inseam.

Grlfrnd Helena Jean

Price- $210, on sale for $147

These are a great 100% cotton jean that I personally like better than revolve. The straight fit allows for a cool chic vibe with sneakers, booties or heels. They are supposed to fit snug at first so if you are in between sizes like me (I normally wear a 25-26 just depends on the brand) go with the smaller size. They stretch to fit you perfectly and are definitely worth the money to get that vintage jean vibe!

Mother High Waisted Looker Ankle Fray

Price- $235, on sale for $164.50

There is nothing better than a pair of Mother denim, especially when they literally are more comfortable than leggings and hold their shape. I prefer their high waisted models which are more like a mid-rise to me. These jeans are so soft and are worth the price! I normally wear a 25 in Mother denim.

Articles of Society- Sarah Ankle Skinny Jean

Price- $59 (there is a very similar pair on sale for $38.40 but there is a very limited size run)

These jeans are another great staple and even full priced are very reasonable. They come in a variety of colors and styles, plus they are super stretchy. I wear a 24 in this brand as they have a tendency to majorly stretch out. Also keep your eyes peeled at the rack as they often get tons of this brands jeans and shorts.

Everyone Loves a Good Lemon Print

Posted on August 22, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

I will admit I am totally on board with the lemon print trend.So to finish out this beautiful summer season I have rounded up some cute lemon pieces.

Zappos- Kensie Lemon Tree Off the Shoulder Top– $52.99

Forever 21- Plus Sized Off The Shoulder Top– $17.90

Zappos- Kensie Lemon Tree Print Dress with cut out back– $75.00

Revolve- Show me your Mumu Piper Dress– $136

Fall is here and so is Chloe!

Posted on August 14, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

So its no secret that I have a “slight” handbag addiction. And recently I have been loving Chloe. Their bags are the perfect fall transition bag. And I happened to just snatch up a small chloe drew for $635. Yes you read that right for $1,215 off retail! I saw this baby on Fashionphile and had to have it!

I knew I wanted the small sized Chloe Drew bag after admiring it at my local Nordstrom. Like all good handbag designers (I am looking at you Celine) they try confuse you with the sizing. The Drew ranges from the nano to the medium with two sizes in between- the mini and the small. The small is the second biggest size of the Drew and arguably the most popular size. The small is quiet large and roomy but is not too big and or too small for my 5’10” frame. Plus it comfortable fits my two iPhones and my wallet making it the perfect cross body.

In honor of my latest great handbag find I have rounded up some other great Chloe bags (all below retail) for you all to peruse and maybe purchase!

Retail Price- $1,850

Fashionphile Price-$1,195

Retail- $890

Fashionphile Price- $715

Retail- $1,950

Fashionphile Price- $1,150

Retail-$1,900

Fashionphile Price- $955

Retail- $795

Fashionphile price- $555

The Nordstrom Sale is Coming!

Posted on July 12, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

As I am sure you have all seen the infamous Nordstrom sale is coming. Starting July 13th and ending July 20th, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale has great deals on tons of Fall clothing. (View the catalogue here!) Below are my tips for navigating the sale and my wishlist for the sale!

TIPS

If you do not have a Nordstrom credit card get one!– Having early access to the sale on the 13th is a must if you want to snag all the goodies you have your eyes on.
If you aren’t sure what size you will need buy both!– Often very popular items will sell out and that means if by accident you ordered the wrong size you are out of luck. Plus Nordstrom makes it very easy to return things so better safe than sorry!
If you see something you like buy it!– Like the above top things sell out fast and are easy to return so if you are on the fence buy it!
Evaluate what gaps you have in your wardrobe and fill those!
Don’t forget all the men in your life and the kids too!– The sale is not only for women- it also has children and mens stuff so make sure to stock up for everyone in your life!

WISHLIST

rag and bone Margot booties ($329.90 on sale) -This classic bootie has been around for years and is a great investment for your fall and winter wardrobe! Also depending on your work dress code it is a great bootie to wear to work!
adidas Tubular Viral 2 sneaker ($74.90 on sale)- I have been eyeing these cute work out shoes for awhile and the color is to die for! Plus I have decided its encouragement to start sweating for the wedding!
adidas Originals Linear Leggings ($25.90 on sale)- Another sweating for the wedding item! But if we are being honest I will probably just run errands in these.
Two by Vince Camuto Off the Shoulder Plaid blouse ($58.90 on sale)- This off the shoulder top with long sleeves is a great way to include the latest trend in your fall and winter wardrobe. Plus who doesn’t love plaid?

Wedding Season is Here!

Posted on June 24, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

As soon as you get into your twenties- especially your mid-twenties- every summer becomes wedding season. Whether its a cousin, an old friend or a new at least one wedding will happen, as it has for me for the last four years. And every single time I am left with the question of what to wear. So below are some of my pointers and then a ton of cute different dresses if you don’t want the hassle of finding your own.

Pointers

1- Make sure to follow the dress on the invitation– If the bride and the groom specifically state that the wedding is black tie optional then I strongly encourage you to follow what they say. Its never fun to be the person who sticks out like a sore thumb because they did not bother to read the invitation. If the invitation is silent about the dress code then I always recommend wearing what you would want people to wear to your wedding.

2- Jumpsuits are okay– The jumpsuit has really evolved and with a cute pair of heels can definitely be worn to a wedding. So if dresses are not your thing then a jumpsuit is a great dressy option.

3- Wearing (some) black to a wedding is now allowed– My friends and I recently had this discussion and came to the conclusion that some black in your attire for a wedding is okay. For example if you have a dress (like I did above) that has a black background and a pattern on top then that is fine. Also if it is a black tie wedding more and more guests are keeping it simple and chic with a beautiful black dress.

4- NEVER EVER WEAR WHITE– I do not care if the bride dresses her bridesmaids in white (which I have actually seen at two weddings now) DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, take that as an invitation for you to wear white as well. I would also generally state that this applies to off white colors as well. Its the brides day and even if she is a calm person in the stress of the moment she might be very very unhappy with you.