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Vintage Louis Vuitton- The Monceau

Posted on March 17, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

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!

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

Posted on March 12, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

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!

Posted on February 26, 2018February 26, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

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!

Target is Killing the Spring Shoe Game

Posted on February 20, 2018February 20, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

If you have stepped into Target recently you will have realized that Target is killing the game in the women’s clothing, shoes and accessories department. Today I am highlighting for you all the best target shoes this spring- and a lot are more reasonable dupes of pricey blogger favorites!

1- Wenda Cut Out Booties– These booties are an almost exact dupe for these free people booties! Luckily for you all they are less than half the price from Target. Target Price- $32.99; Free People Price- $198

2- Edwina Boots– Target is definitely into dupes this season with these booties that are an exact dupe of these Vince Camuto Katrina Boots. Target Dupes– $34.99; Vince Camuto– $89.95 (on sale 40% off)

3- Mad Love Prudence– Like Birks but not the price tag? Don’t fear Target is again here with another dupe for the Birkenstock Mayari Sandal. Target-$22.99; Birkenstock-$99.95

4- Gertie Gladiator Sandal– If your like me you love Valentino sandals but cannot justify the price- that is where these great gladiator dupes come in. I have a pair from last year and love them! They are super comfortable and I highly recommend the nude colored ones. Target- $27.99; Valentino-$995

5- Jenela Loafer– This loafer is an exact dupe of the Sam Edelman and a very similar look to the Gucci Brixton loafer. Luckily the price tag is no where near the other too! Target-$22.99; Sam Edelman-$120; Gucci-$730

LipLab Love

Posted on January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

Let me start out by saying that I am not a big makeup person. I routinely wear sunglasses in my blog posts because I do not wear makeup. Not to work, not for photos, not to run errands, literally the only time I do is when going out. So when I received some complimentary Bite Beauty products I was shocked how much I loved them. It was easy for me to look put together with just some under eye baggie coverup, mascara and some great Bite Beauty lipstick!

Fast forward about a month and both my mom and little sister love all the Bite Beauty products and are routinely stopping at Sephora to pick up more products. So when I heard about the Bite Beauty Lip Lab in SF I knew I had to take my mom there for her birthday present.

Located in Pacific Heights, the Lip Lab has a couple different options when it comes to customizing your lipstick. I did the more basic package call the “Custom Lip Service” getting one unique Lip Lab only color (there is over 200 to pick from), with my choice of scent and texture for $55. (You can also do two for $80.) I got for my mom the highest package called the “Bespoke Lip Service“. Her package came with a lip kit which includes a mini agave lip mask, mini line and define lip primer and a whipped cherry lip scrub along with two completely unique lipsticks.

It says online that this process takes about 15-30 minutes but my mom and I spent about 2 hours mixing her the perfect two colors and me just trying on different colors. Be ready to try on lots of colors and be open to colors you didn’t think you would necessarily like. Also keep in mind that you are not only trying on different colors but also different textures so be ready to make lots of decisions. You will assemble what is called your “Lip Story” or all the different colors you have tried on. From there (especially with the specially mixed colors) you will choose one to two to be made for you depending on the package you choose. The actual mixing and making process is relatively quick taking only about 10 minutes.

Overall I loved the process and I think it helped that we had Carly who knew all the colors/color combinations really well. I am planning on going back, potentially with all my bridesmaids to get custom colors for the wedding. My two big recommendations are to make a reservation and to make sure that you have lots of time to enjoy the process!

*** Also note this is in no way sponsored! I just love sharing cool opportunities with you all!

Valentino for Under Retail!

Posted on January 8, 2018 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

If you are like me you have been seeing this beautiful Valentino rockspike stud bag all over instagram and ever time I saw the bag my automatic reaction was I NEED that. But with the price tag soaring over $3,000 with tax I knew it wasn’t in my current price range. So in typical Sam fashion I was like why don’t I just look online to see if I can find one for way under retail. And as I was searching I came across a website called Italist.

Italist is a website that allows you to shop boutiques in Italy. That means that you are paying lower prices to begin with as prices for luxury goods are cheaper in Europe (even with the conversion rate)! Plus they guarantee that everything you purchase is 100% authentic. So after reading some reviews about the company I decided to give it a try as I ended up finding the bag I wanted for a cheaper price that was then 25% off that price brining the bag I wanted to around $1,450!

Pros- The bag I wanted for wayyyy under retail, a great selection of items, very fast shipping.

Cons- Since my bag was over $800 USD I had to pay important tax and regular tax (this was through brought to my attention before I ordered the bag) plus I had to pay shipping. So the price you initially see is not the price you pay so keep that in mind for ordering an item over $800 USD.

Plus if buying straight from Italy isnt your thing I included some great bags from Fashionhpile and The Real Real.

Valentino Rockstud Spike Small Bag

Color- Poudre

Retail-$2,195

Price- $1,459.12

Valentino Rockstud Spike Clutch

Color- Shadow Pink

Retail- $1,545

Price- $1,129.64

Rockstud Crossbody Bag

Color- Black

Retail- $1,275

Price- $866.05

Vitello Rockstud Shoulder Flap Bag Black

Color- Black

Retail- $2,645

Price- $1,295

Rockstud Mini Flap

It’s new with tags

Retail- $1,045

Price- $895 (use code REAL for 20% off)

The Softest Pullover Ever!

Posted on December 30, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

If you are anything like me you spend all winter freezing. I can be routinely seen wearing two jackets in the house so when I saw everyone wearing fuzzy sherpa pullovers I knew I had to have one. The one sticking point for me was the price. So utilizing my bargain hunting skills I have found for you all the same looking jacket at a lower price point! (Plus I included a link to the full priced ones as well!) Also if you happen to be a Sam’s Club member they have a great version of the jacket for under $20! Unfortunately it is in stores only and not online so I couldn’t link it for you all.

HTC Boxercraft Sherpa Pullover

Comes in 4 colors- Grey, Frosty Hunter, Vintage Navy and Snowy Granet (shown below in Frosty Hunter)

$45.95

Generally is an oversized look but I would say runs TTS

AOJIAN Women’s Winter Warm Casual Sherpa Vest

Colors- Gray and Pink

$8.89-$13.99

Thread and Supply Wubby Fleece Pullover

$78.00

Colors- Ivory and Red/Black

Thread and Supply Wubby Vest

$58.96

Color- Ivory and Charcoal

After Christmas Sale- Shoes and Accessories

Posted on December 27, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

Click on the item to get to the deal!

Free People Sale!

Posted on December 9, 2017December 9, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

Free People now has a bunch of great winter staples on sale! Be sure to stock up for yourself or for christmas presents!

My New Love- Velvet Handbags

Posted on December 8, 2017 by bargain.hunting.blonde@gmail.com

It is not secret that I have always loved velvet. My fiance doesn’t get it. And that love has clearly extended to velvet handbags if you have seen my recent Instagram post. I have been eyeing the velvet Gucci Marmont Medium bag for awhile but cannot pull the trigger on a bag that is almost $2,000 (actually $1,980 plus tax makes its solidly over $2,000) and is not real leather. So I started searching for a bag that would fill the void but not break the bank. Below are my personal favs at a variety of price points.

Rebecca Minkoff Velvet Chevron Small Love Crossbody

$131 (originally $195.00)