Friday, May 31, 2013


Le Chateau - Burnt orange satin halter top (RP:  $5.99) (6 days)
Vero moda - Off white ruffled halter top (RP:  $5.99) (15 days)

$.99 each @ Salvation Army

This location was so small and out of the way!  It was the first time I've been there, and I won't bother to go back again.

I did get these two tops though.  I hesitated since they weren't made of quality materials, but the design was gorgeous enough for me to get them.  They have a lot of nice details that are hard to see in the picture, like pleated sleavelines. 

The $.99 cent event was great.  I hope they have more of them!


DKNY Jeans - Peach pleated dress shirt with embroidered accents (RP:  $7.99) (20 days)
Banana Republic -  Fitted white dress shirt (RP:  $9.99) (3 days) (RSP:  $59.50)

$.99 each @ Salvation Army

I actually wasn't sure if I could make it to this location, but I'm glad I did.  I only had about 20 minutes to shop, but it was enough.

The DKNY shirt is the most gorgeous dress shirt I've seen!  It's pleated everywhere, front, back, and even at the sleeves!  The back:



It also has this gorgeous embroidery at the front:


It also looked brand new.  It had tags on, that marked it at $26 ($16 on sale!), but that was probably from a consignment store or something similar.  I'm sure it retailed for much higher!

I almost didn't buy the banana republic shirt.  I put it back and then picked it up at the last minute!

It's just that it's so plain, and I don't know how it fits on me.  But since I saw it twice today (and passed the first time), it felt like a sign!

Seriously, it was the exact same top...that's only happened to me once before (and I bought it the second time in that scenario too!).


Zokai - Pleated lace sleeveless top (RP:  $3.99 - $6.99) (2-16 days?)
Kenzie - Black silk sleeveless top (RP:  $3.99) (14 days)



H&M - Pink ruffle top (RP:  $5.99) (13 days)

$1 each @ Salvation Army...the same one from the last post.

The first and third tops were must haves!  It was love at first sight when I saw them.

Weird thing about the first top though...I just noticed that it's marked as both a children's dress, and a women's blouse!  The dates are completely off too.  I guess I'll have to try it on to see which one's right...

Ok, a quick search confirms that it is for women afterall.  Whew!  I saw someone trying to sell one used for $20, so I'll assume it was somewhat pricey new.

The silk top was an afterthought, since I didn't know how it would fit.  It has some nice ruched details and it does zip up at the side, so it's not just a plain one. 

Vince - Houndstooth blazer (RP: $6.99) (2 days) (RSP:  $350+!)
Be Smart - Fitted pleated bottom brocade blazer (RP:  $6.99) (21 days)


Ralph Lauren - Ruffled silk top (RP:  $7.99) (24 days)
Liz Claiborne - Ruffled silk top with cap sleeves (RP:  $3.99) (7 days)

$1 each @ Salvation Army....because the cashier was a little loopy.

This one was so small and out of the way, but I found some great things last time so I was excited to go back.  I wasn't disappointed!

The Vince blazer was the first thing I picked up.  I do have similar blazers, but this one fits the best!  I'm really going to have to do a purge here.

The brocade one...I was so happy when I found it!  It wasn't even in the right section.  I passed up a brocade blazer at the last garage sale I went to, hoping I would find a more fitted one...well, they don't come more fitted than this!

It also has such gorgeous pleating at the bottoms.  This is the back:



I wasn't sure about the tops, but since they were silk and ruffled, I thought I would give them a shot.  I might still return them, I'll have to try them on first.

Eta (Etra') - Black leather rounded edge gold frame purse:  $4.99
Brown leather turnlock purse:  $5.99
Blue and white strip belt with floral  closure:  $.99
Doppia Vita  - Navy blue leather belt with gold lion heads:  $9.99

All @ Value Village

I was in the area, so I just had to check it out.  I've found a lot of good stuff in the past, so I was expecting more of it.  I wasn't disappointed!  I guess people in this area don't have the same taste I do...too bad it's so far away!

The purses were reasonably priced, but the belt was such a ripoff!  I'm annoyed, but I paid it anyway.  This is such a unique belt, I've never seen anything like this, and I'll probably never see one again.

It's huge and heavy!  The head fits in the palm of my hand:


It helped that it was real leather and made in Italy.  If it was just a no-name belt, that would have stung even more!

This was probably expensive.  I see some people asking over $100 for used ones that aren't half as good as this one!

Aquascutum - Creme wool (?) blazer (RP:  $6.99) (3 days)
Grey dress suit  (RP:  $16.99) (17 days)


Banana republic - Brown tunic (RP:  $5.99) (14 days)
Cacharel Paris - Fitted blouse (RP:  $3.99) (3 days)

All $.99 at Salvation Army

Since the sale was so good, I decided to go to as many as I could!  I even bought an all day pass.

The Aquascutum blazer was an exciting find.  I heard about their menswear line, and knew it was a brand that you should always pick up.  They've suited royalty in the past!

The fit was great, but for a second I wondered if I should leave it behind.  I do have a lot of light coloured blazers, but none exactly like this...and not for this price!  

Plus, I didn't know if I would ever see that brand again, so I just had to pick it up.  There's no tax either, what a steal!

I also picked up a dress that was marked as a suit.  I don't know what it is exactly.  It would look really formal if the material wasn't matte.

The skirt is a gorgeous fishtail one and the top is even boned.  I knew I could use at least one piece, so I decided to pick it up.

I bought the Banana Republic top because I thought it was silk.  When I checked at home, I noticed it didn't have any tags!  Then I saw one on eBay that was made of polyester...I think it was the same one, so that was disappointing.

But at least the blouse was fabulous.  It had such a unique collar!


It's also extremely fitted in all of the right places.  I noticed it on top of a rack just before I was leaving, luckily the other person didn't want it!

Vintage ceramic made in Japan pink dog (poodle) figure:  $1.99 @ Value Village

I don't know why I bought this.  I normally see lots of cute kitschy stuff that's easy to pass up, but this wasn't one of them!

It being pink had a lot to do with it.....I love that colour!  Plus, the dog is just so cute with it's open mouth...and hat...with a rose on it...you can see why I bought it!  There were just too many adorable things going on.


And the pose...I could probably use it as a book stand (for light ones of course).

Too bad the paint job is so sloppy!  It kind of bugs me.

Lolita Lempicka - 50 ml Eau de parfum:  $20.50 @ Shopper's drug mart (RSP:  $82)

I wasn't sure about this since I already bought the eau de toilette...but this was such a good deal.  20 ml more for the same price!

The eau de parfum is the one I really wanted, but I thought the toilette smelled pretty similar which is why I bought it the last time.

Still..there have to be differences!  I just had to pick it up, it's still $82 at Sephora!  I absolutely love this scent, but I actually haven't tried it yet.  At least the bottle looks great, and I'm always going to love smelling it, even if it's not on me!

I got a sample of Vichy moisturizer and a Burberry scent card at the same time.  I got the carded samples at another Shopper's.

Florence Italian - Mod green and white suit (RP:  $8.99) (44 days(!))


Casadei by Stitches - Pearl and lace applique blazer (RP:  $5.99) (27 days)
Michele Michelle - Ruffled long sleeve blouse (RP:  $5.99) (20 days)

All $.99 each @ Salvation Army!

This is the first time they've had a $.99 cent sale.  Unfortunately, it was only on business type stuff - suits, blazer, skirts, and blouses.

Fortunately, there's a lot of nice stuff in those categories!  I went to this one first hoping to pick up a leather accent Ralph Lauren blazer (it even had horse buttons!), but sadly, it was gone.

All of this stuff was still here though.  I was checking it out the last time I was here!  I'm glad I didn't buy them then (though I wonder if I could have gotten the stuff I did buy for even cheaper now!).

I honestly wasn't sure about any of this stuff, but I decided to take a risk for less than $1 each!  The suit was worth it, but I'm not as crazy about the other ones.

The blazer is totally ugly as is, but I thought I might be able to do something about it.  I like the lace and pearl accent at the front.

I normally love ruffles, but I'm not too sure about the other one.  Maybe it'll grow on me.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013


Quilted dark navy leather purse with gold lion clasp DIY - total price:  $3 (purse) + $.34 (lion head) = $3.34

It was in kind of gross condition when I got it, but it looked so much better after cleaning and reshaping!

This is my only DIY so far that was out of necessity.  This purse was missing a logo at the front, there was only a metal plate with a hole left behind.  Couldn't have that....a lion head was the perfect substitution!

The picture's not that exciting, but I love how it looks in person.  I still have a ton of heads left too!

I'm actually almost done all of my bags I bought for DIY projects.  I'll have to keep my eye out for other cheap leather bags with potential.

Silver snakeskin flap purse with gold lion clasp DIY - total price:  $1.99 (purse) + $.34 (lion head) = $2.33

I'm really happy with how this turned out!  I love how it looks now.  At first I wasn't crazy about it at all - I didn't like the shape and I thought it was just so plain.

The strap just perfects everything!  I took it from this purse, but it looks way better on this one.

I did this one a while ago, I just never got around to blogging about it until now.

Studded navy leather purse DIY - total price:  $3.99 (purse) + $.41 (33 studs) = $4.40

This was the easiest one yet!  I'll have to buy nailheads again whenever possible.

I wasn't sure where I was going with this one, but I decided to stop after the border was done.  I was thinking about studding the entire top half, but I think this way works better.

I forgot to post it before, but these were the studs:


They were $1.25 for 100.  I bought some other studs, but I forgot to record how much I paid for them.  Too bad the listings are expired now!

Studded tan leather box purse DIY - total price:  $2.50 (purse) + $1.48 (70 studs) = $3.98

Finally!  Studding always takes so long.  Probably because I'm buying the wrong ones, the kind that you nail in one would be so much easier!  These ones have prongs you have to bend, and it is sort of difficult.

But I wanted rounds this big, and I couldn't find them in nail on form.

I'm pretty happy with the turn out.  I was inspired by some Marc Jacob bags I saw....they're gorgeous, but there's no way I'd pay that much for them!

I prefer structured bags anyway.  Like this one!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

 
Nivea samples - this time they even sent an adorable tin!  It was such a nice surprise.  They say it's a limited edition, it's definitely a keeper.  I just love how her little leg is up in the air like that!

Turns out it was a contest, and I was one of the 10,000 winners.  Yay!  

I also got this deluxe sample of Voltaren pain relief gel:


I don't even remember requesting it.  Maybe I'm on some awesome mailing list!

Monday, May 27, 2013


Seductions - Striped peplum dresses with belts (coral, aqua, black):  $5 each (RSP:  $24 each)


Seductions - Chiffon floral bustier dresses:  $5 each (RSP:  $18 each)


QED London - Mint green sleeveless button up lace top with camisole:  $5 (RSP:  $20)

All @ Urban Behavior

This is why I love this store!  I'm so sad it's out of the way, I hardly ever come because of that.  But this really is the cheapest place to get stylish things new, I wish the one near me didn't close down.

They must get new stock all of the time!  I was there just a few days ago, but I didn't see any of these.  Geez, I'd be spending so much if this store was any closer!

I already have the black peplum dress, but it's too tight on me....I hesitated, but I decided to get it in a larger size since it was so cheap.

Then I got them in all of the other colours too!  I really love this dress.  I wasn't sure about the other colours, but now I know I made the right choice.  They look so good!

The chiffon dresses weren't as good as I thought, but they're just so pretty.  They're odd in the bust area for me.  I'm just hoping they'll look ok once I lose the weight.

The QED London top is the same as the white one I got a few days ago.  I don't really have anything in mint, and I love this style, so it was a no-brainer.

They had a pink one I was considering, but I already have a ton of pink lace things.

I love living in a big city!  Still trying to find my signature....there have been a lot of nice ones so far, but none have been good enough to pay full retail for.

Saturday, May 25, 2013


Liz Clairborne - Fitted red dress (RSP:  around $100)
Vintage embroidered button up dress


Alice Temperley for Target - Swiss Dot Tie-Front Top in Cloak Gray (RSP:  $29.99)
Simply Vera by Vera Wang - Jewel collar red/grey/beige top (or dress?) (RSP:  $40 - $70, depending on whether it's a top or a dress!)

All $1 each at another community garage sale!  Funnily enough, this was held across the street from the other one I went to today, and it was in a church!  I wonder if they were affiliated.

Anyway, I knew this one was going on too, which is why I made an effort to go.  They were both presumably huge and close to each other, so I thought it would be worth it.

It totally was!  I really need to keep an eye out for these kind of deals.  This one was particularly attractive since it was only about 3 minutes from my house.

This one had a pile type deal too.  It wasn't as big as the other one, so I'm glad I made the right choice and went to the other one first.

I really didn't think I'd find anything, but I was happily surprised.

The dress was the first thing I found.  It's kind of severe as a dress, but it makes a really sexy light coat!  It's really fitted and looks new, that was definitely the highlight from this lot.

The second thing I found was the vintage embroidered dress.  I wasn't sure about it at the time, but I'm really happy I got it now.  They don't make them like this anymore!  I might not even need to shorten it.

Then I found the Vera Wang top...it was deja vu!  I found the exact same top almost two weeks ago at Value Village.  It was $3.50 then, well, around $4 with tax.  I was somewhat interested but didn't think I liked it enough to pay that much.

That was the right choice!  I actually took a while to decide this time too, since I passed it up last time...but in the end, I thought it was cheap enough to buy it on a whim.

It actually looks really beautiful on!  I'm happy I got it.  I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a top, but it works as a dress too!  Even $3.50 would have been fine, but of course I would have been annoyed about finding it now!

The last top took me so long to decide, since I really don't like polka dots.  If it didn't have those dotted accents it would be a no-brainer.

Well, since it was for a good cause, I bought it anyway.  It would actually look really good on if it fit me!  That totally surprised me, since it was a medium.  I can barely get my arms through there!

I found a picture of how it looks on a model - it looks way better when the bow is left untied:

But...like the jeans, I'm sure they'll fit after my weight loss.  So I'll hold on to it for now.

Guess jeans (RSP:  $100+ each):  $1 each
Dorothy Korby - Vintage ruffled button up shirt:  $1
Financial planning books (RSP:  $24.95 each):  free
Genuine crocodile skin (yes!) purse with retractable handle:  $3

All from a garage sale held at a Christian school.

Places like these remind me how much of a ripoff most thrift stores are!  I don't normally go to garage sales since most of them are disappointing, but since this one was nearby (and presumably good sized) I decided to go.

I wasn't disappointed!  My favourite find was the crocodile skin purse, it was the first thing I picked up:


All of the clothes were in piles, it was such a hassle to go through!  Now I know how people  at those outlet centers feel.  I was so slow about it too!

The jeans were nice and looked pretty new, plus, I like Guess.  I thought they would fit me, but sadly, they don't!  I'm sure they will once I lose the weight though, so I'll keep them in storage for now.

The shirt...it was true vintage, and I normally like lacy ruffled things.  But it wasn't as great when I tried it on at home.

The place had no mirrors, that was another downside!  But since it all went to a good cause (and it was super cheap!) I didn't mind so much.

I spent $6 total....that would have been the price of the purse alone at a thrift store, and that's only if I luck out and they price it cheap!

The books were kind of an oddity.  They had piles of them on their doorstep!  They were all new, I wonder if the author has kids that go to that school....or something...

Friday, May 24, 2013


Streetwear society - Black and white chiffon top/dress with cutout accents:  $4.50 @ Urban Behavior (RSP:  $17)

Plus the latest issue of H&M magazine...pretty much the whole reason I made this trip!  Well, of course I did other things while I was out, but that was the deciding factor.

If you wait too long they'll be gone in no time.  I once went 2 years without an issue before I figured out their schedule!

Anyway, I'm really glad I bought this top.  It's long enough to be a dress!  It has cut out accents under the collar and it just has everything I like.

I even got $.50 off because there was a stain on it!  There weren't any other ones left and I didn't notice when I picked it up.

This store had a lot of other great tops for $5, but I'm trying to be picky.  I could find most of them secondhand for cheap, so if it's not a must have it stays behind.

On the other hand...most of the time I do see them secondhand, they're around $4 anyway!  So at this price, I might as well buy it new.

I was considering this top in a blush pink/black combo, but I think I made the right choice.  I have way too much pink in my closet and I rarely wear it.

But....if it's still there next time, I still might pick it up!  It'll probably be gone though, it's really out of the way and I hardly ever go.

I wish the one near me didn't close down!  I got so many great deals there.

Parisian collection - Apricot rosette dress with chiffon skirt (RSP:  $26)
Parisian collection - Beige chiffon dress with floral embroidered top (RSP:  $24)


QED london - Sleeveless button up lace top with camisole (RSP:  $20)

$20 for everything @ Sirens

I almost didn't bother to go in since they haven't had any good items in a while.  I'm glad I did!  The dresses were must haves, and the price was decent.

But....when I tried them on, they didn't look as nice as I thought they would.  I might end up returning them.  They're somewhat similar, but the shades, style. and floral patterns are different.

Too bad, they look so pretty on the rack!  I've never seen that brand sold at Sirens before (well, or anywhere else for that matter).  Whenever they have brands other than Seductions, the quality is usually a little better.

The rosette one is a lot better than the other one though.  It has a zipper, whereas the other one is elasticized at the back.  That one's more fitted in the front though, it's a trade off!  

At least I'm happy with the top.  I love how flowy the bottom is, and how it's practically long enough to be a dress.

Plus, I just love lace!  They actually had a ton of similar shirts like this, all for $5 each.  It was hard to decide on one.

The other ones were pastel colours like aqua and peach, which really isn't me most of the time.  Sure, maybe I'll feel the mood to wear them once in a while, but white is always a sure bet!

I didn't end up finding any jeans, but at least the day wasn't a total waste!

I went to Holt Renfrew for the first time ever...that is one overwhelming store!  I was worried that the reps might be snooty, but to my surprise, they treated me really well. 

P&G Brandsamplers - two in one day!  One's from Wal mart, the other's from the actual company.  These are always so fun to get.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013


Joseph Ribkoff - Pastel pink candy striper dress (RP:  $6.99)
Transparent belt with gold metal accents (RP:  $.99)
Seductions - Ruffled white sleeveless shirt (RP:  $3.99)



Danier - Oxblood red leather pencil skirt (RP:  $5.99)
Citizens of humanity - Dylan drop rise cropped jean (RP:  $6.99)(RSP:  $200!)

$20.02 for all @ Salvation Army

That was including tax, and after the $5 off coupon.

I never look at jeans, but I did because I finally need a new pair.  This one looked like it might fit, but it turns out it's a 25.  That's the biggest 25 I've ever seen!  The store had it marked as a 29.

But.......it was expensive denim and it looked new, so I just had to get it!  I saw this exact same pair go for $90 used!



At first I was just going to get the dress and the belt - those were must haves!

The dress even has built in shorts...it's just the best thing ever!  I love everything from the cut to the colour, plus it's very fitted and has a great contrast collar.

But then I found the Sirens top, which I really liked..that would have been $12 already, so I thought I might as well get some more so I could use the coupon.

It took so long!  There really wasn't much I wanted.

Finally, I went to the skirt section,which I hardly ever do.  I was desperate! 

When I saw the above, it was a no-brainer...the colour was gorgeous, and it was rare to find a leather skirt that long and fitted.  I was willing to pay more because of it, a lot of leather skirts that price are half the length!
 

Mistral - Belle fleur eau de parfum (20 ml):  $10 @ Winners (RSP:  $20)
Lolita Lempicka eau de toilette (30 ml):  $20 @ Shoppers drug mart (RSP:  $50+)

I've been on a perfume kick lately!  I've seen that Lolita lempicka perfume at Shoppers for a while, but I was waiting for a sale.

That happened yesterday!  Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything else I wanted so I couldn't use my coupon (which was $20 off $75 or more).  I wasted a lot of time trying different shoppers, but none of them had the right combinations.

Also, I felt uncomfortable blind testing $20 perfumes, even though some of them did retail for $50-$90.  It's a steal for sure (would have been $15 per bottle!), but only if I actually like it!

Which was the case for the Lolita Lempicka.  It's one of my favourite scents ever, so I just had to go back and get it.  It's still $60+ at Sephora!

Plus I got a few samples of hot couture:



The back for reference, since I already threw them away:


I had 4 of them in total, so I decided to try to put them in a bottle.  Well, I spilled some, but surprisingly, there was still a decent amount in there!  I really wasn't sure if there was even a pourable amount inside, but there was probably almost 1 ml.

It smells disgusting on me though...it takes a while before it smells bearable.

I just found out that this weekend Shoppers drug mart was having a 20x event when you spend $50...I'm sure I could have made that!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013


Christian Dior - Brown wool blazer:  $8 @ MCC Thrift shop

It was way more than I wanted to pay.  I actually left without buying it, only to come back hours later (after returning home!!).

There's a half off sale in ten days, so I thought I'd buy it then if it was still there.

Well...I was thinking about it the whole time, and I felt like I'd be upset if I missed out on it.  So, back I went...there was something else I wanted to get (but that ended up being a bust).

I probably would have risked it if the hemline wasn't so unique...it's pleated and it falls in a diamond shape.  None of my other ones look like that!

Saturday, May 18, 2013


Neutrogena freebies!  Last year's was better, but I'm not complaining!

I also got another $25 Tellwut  gift card, that took ages this time since I've stopped doing it daily.

Monday, May 13, 2013


Glass bird bowl with gold edging:  $2
Metal scalloped evening purse:  $3.60

Both @ Talize

I love birds, so I had to pick this up!  They could be prettier, but I loved the concept of it.  A close up of one of the birds:


Too bad there's no markings, I'd really like to know who made this (and see more from them!).

The purse made my week!  It's one of my favourite finds ever, and it wasn't even in the purse section or marked as a purse...but I knew what it was.

It's so unique!  The handle is a tassel and it hangs in a diamond shape.  It's also a really shiny chrome gold, my favourite kind! 


It was actually $3.99, but I remembered to use my discount.  Yay!  Everything else I bought from Talize today was already half off.

I couldn't believe it was so cheap!  Similar purses are $50+ on etsy!  I'm sure mine is vintage, it was made in Hong Kong!  As a bonus, it even looks unused!