Shopgirl Diaries

Smashbox Friends and Family Sale with Free Stuff!

Momma's got big lips! They aren't as gorgeous as Mrs. Angelina Jolie  Pitt, but they're sorta there. Nowadays I've been doing the low-maintenance look and all I want to do is add some foundation powder, a bit of blush for rosy cheeks and lip tint. My lips really need a bit of color, but I'm over the dark lips look till fall comes around. Finding the right shade of pink was always so hard since I don't like going to makeup counters to try on every shade of pink and walking away unsatisfied. Does that ever happen to you?  After checking out Smashbox.com, I found their O-Gloss Intuitive Lip-Gloss. It's suppose to make any shade of lips YOUR perfect shade of pink. Hard to believe right? I think I'll give it a try and I'll let you know how that goes. I'd love to hear your comments if you've already tried it. If want a sample of it, its easy and FREE. Order anything on the site for 20% off, free shipping and a deluxe size sample. Add the O-Gloss sample if natural pink lips is what you want for the summer. Their Photo Finish Foundation Primer is another must for any makeup routine. Voted Sephora's Best in 2008, it takes away the summer shine. Plus, get a Free Gift every Tuesday and Thursday! You've got to go to Smashbox.com now! Use the code "FFSB9".

Mimobots, for fans of Star...

Star Trek fan or Star Wars fan? If you said either, you're cool! If you ever had a crush on Hans Solo like my sister, you're lucky! Mimobots are USB Memory Sticks that look like some of your favorite Star Wars characters. My favorite is R2-D2. He was only made in the limited quantity of 100. I saw the R2-D2 Mimobot sell on Amazon.com for $299? People are collecting Mimobots and making a buck from them. But don't worry, Hans Solo and Leia are only $19.95 on www.mimoco.com. I want to get one for my husband. He says he preferred Hans Solo over Boba Fett. If I get Leia for myself, to store all my ramblings from Shopgirl Diaries, would that make us "star crossed lovers"?  

**crickets**  

Ok, I'm back on earth. You could buy these on Amazon.com and other online stores, but buy them at www.mimoco.com for $19.95. They're making 4 new Star Wars characters, so stay tuned! You can buy a Momiji Doll there too, for $12+. Make the purchase total $50 and you'll get Free Shipping. It's Christmas morning for the "big kids"!

Victoria's Secret - 10 for $25 sale!

Are you ready? Then GO! The Memorial Day Sale Bonanza starts now! Go Shopping! There's a sale at every corner. Don't forget to stop by Victoria's Secret to get 10 of their $3.99 cotton panties for $25. Use the code 10FOR25 online if you're avoiding the lines this weekend. 

* A Shopgirl tip: If you bought something in the past 7 days, take the recipt to the store, like the Gap or Banana Republic. They've lowered some prices, so it's a good time to take advantage of their price adjustment policy. Happy Savings!

Free Baskin and Robbins Desert

The weather is warming up! I haven't heard of any more surprise snow storms anywhere. But, if you're still looking to get chilly in the summer, print out this coupon for 31 Degrees Below. It's Baskin and Robbins' new Soft Serve desert. Yum, Butterfingers! It's Buy One Get One FREE! I hope there's one in your town!

'The Fashion Show' Dress

              

So sweet, so Dolce & Gabbana! Does this dress look familiar to you? Its the dress Kelly Rowland wore in her promotion tv spots for her new reality show "The Fashion Show" on the Bravo Channel. The last time I watched the show I was mesmerized at how gorgeous this Destiny's Child member looked in this dress. For some reason I thought, "That dress looks like its Dolce & Gabbana!" Low and behold, I found it on eLuxury.com for $2,070 (Bustier Tulip Dress). I would think they couldn't sell that dress anymore unless someone really wanted the same dress as Kelly. The dress has been done! She just looked too fabulous in it. That's my opinion. Two thumbs up for the dress, two thumbs up for the show. I can't wait to see who wins 'The Fashion Show'. Oops, I rhymed!

"I put sexy back."

       

Sometimes you get lucky at TJ Maxx. One day I went in and I just had to visit the shoe section to try on new shoes. My sister told me that Jessica Simpson's shoes were really comfortable, so I tried on the 'Delanco Sandal'. Comfy, check! Priced well, check! Super sexy, check, check! I thought I'd wear these shoes around the store to see if I could wear it as an everyday shoe.  Then, I noticed to my left and right, my husband was checking me out! Whoa, how nice! Was it the 4 inches of height which made me look taller and gave me great posture?  I desperately wanted to buy it, but was it practical enough for me? The fact that I was afraid I'd twist my ankle made me decide no. My BCBG Jelly Gladiators will definitely see more sun now. I left the store a little happier having had "sexy" time, but I had to put sexy back. Guess what I'm doing now? I'm stalking these shoes on Piperlime.com. Ooh, I just found more sexy shoes!

Momiji - girly cute dolls

Momiji, Momiji, Momiji dolls, where were you all my life?  I didn't know that the cutest dolls on earth were such a big collectors item. After looking through the pictures of all the Momiji doll collections on flickr.com, I remembered my small collection of pink Pucci puppy figurines I use to collect in elementary school.  I guess I'm a doll collector at heart. These Momiji dolls were inspired by the designs of Joanna Zhou, a 24 year old manga illustrator born in China, but currently living in Austria. How cool is that? After googling her name I found out that these Momiji dolls are a phenomena. Nina Zimmerman is also another artist who has created a line of Momiji dolls just as cute, maybe cuter! They are sold on Amazon.com as well as the company store www.lovemomiji.com - in case you wanted to keep theses little wooden dolls on your work desk. I'm thinking a whole bookshelf full of them would be great above my desk at home to keep my house a little girly cute. Maybe I'll just take a few of these Momiji dolls with me to my next trip to Paris and have her in the foreground with the Eiffel Tower behind her.  There are the limited edition dolls, seasonal and hard to find dolls which make for a fun collection.  Now to see which one will be the first in my collection.

A day in the city - Part III - Basic Basic

Walking down Broadway from the East Village towards Soho, I was expecting to see stores from back in the day like Antique Boutique and even Tower Records. The buildings are still there, but one of my favorite stores were occupied by coolest wardrobe must-have's store called Basic Basic. Located at 740 Broadway, I was taken back by how fresh the store was. It's a boutique I'd love to have around the corner from my house in case I needed a new white or green tee to go with my new denims. Hmm..  maybe it'll be better in my house as my walk-in closet. I want everything in there! As I was standing in the store looking at all the tee's on the shelf, I also noticed two Mac computers and a girl anxiously looking up an item on the store's online store. Yay, I could shop this store online too? How fantastic!

I've already checked out their site tee-zone.com and even checked out their blog page at tetetee-zone.blogspot.com. They've got some great reads and shop tips on their blog page. They're also offering a 10% off coupon when you join their mailing list. Shop Basic Basic to see what you're missing in your daily wardrobe.

A day in the city - Part II - Forever 21

During my last shopping spree to downtown Manhattan, I happily walked into the Forever 21 store on Broadway. I was surprised by their unique mannequin display that I had to take a picture of it. I wanted  to show you how exciting and fresh the clothes were even if it meant that the security guard would stop me from taking pictures in the store. Is this the revised version of the 80's punk rock trend? I love how Forever 21 is not scared of taking fashion risks and that there are the eclectic shopper in all of us that might actually wear one of these skirts with that powderpuff wig?!

Check out Forever21.com to see all the other trends they follow. Boho Chic to Beach Babe

A day in New York City - Part 1 - Intermix

Ah, to be back in the city, what a joy! Once I became a mom, my days have been mostly of me chasing my kids for diaper changes, but today I had a chance to go downtown to Soho, New York. It was my Mother's Day gift from my husband - to go out and have a shopping spree with a friend of mine sans my two little boys. So, we ventured into any store that caught our eye and INTERMIX caught our eye. Though we seriously needed a break from our tired feet, the bag and shoe wall was calling me. I waked over and tried on a Valentino bag, a Fendi bag and then the Chloe Shelby Structured Tote you see here. With a price tag of $2,175, I was just happy to have seen how it looked against my outfit. As I put the bag down, a shopgirl came over and told us that the bag was 40% off. Excuse me? There were about 10 other ladies in the store. We all looked dumb-founded saying, "What did she just say? 40% off Chloe, Fendi, Stella McCartney and more?" Wow, the bag was looking much nicer against my outfit at this point. Woo Hoo! Lets buy something! Sadly, today wasn't my day for buying a Chloe bag, but the offer still stands if you're thinking of buying online or in an Intermix store. Use the code, "DE40" till May 15, 2009 to get 40% off selected names or print a promotion sheet for a store discount. Keep reading my blog. This week I'll post about the other stores I've visited and our restaurant choices. Don't miss it!

BARNEYS BABBLE does Stella McCartney

Once in a while I get a fabulous article in my email box. Barney's New York has Simon Doonan -  celebrity and creative director of Barney's write a "Babble" fun page which is so much fun to read. This week he wrote on Stella McCartney who is "the" Sir Paul McCartney's daughter gone fashion. She's one of my favorite fashion designers since her style has that rock music edge with a delicate simplicity which keeps me wanting more. Gosh, I think I'm a "demented fan" too. Look at those shoes! Are you with me? GO STELLA!!!

'Love, Tina' ~ sweet gifts

I was introduced to Tina a few weeks ago when my brother-in-law suggested I take a look at her handmade jewelry and baby items on Etsy.com. I'm always more than interested in finding new designers and crafters, so I immediately went to her site and was gob-smacked. Was she making flower bouquets? I loved what I was seeing, but what was it? I had to read the details and found them to be a bouquet of baby clothes either for a boy or girl. How fabulous was that? I think its better than the diaper cake idea and so did she. I got to ask her a few questions about herself and her products and realized she's as sweet as her gifts. 'Love, Tina', a heart behind the gift!

Place your orders now and receive 10% off. See details at the end of this post.

::   Q&A with Tina  ::

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.
I've lived in the Boston area my entire life and also went to school here. I worked in Marketing for five years before I was laid off last year, and since then have been working on my hobbies as I contemplate my next step in life. I've been married to my wonderful husband for almost four years and we are hoping to start a family soon.

What lead you to design bouquets of baby clothes?
After attending several baby showers and admiring diaper cakes, I wanted to put together a creative gift that would include clothing instead of diapers. For a friend's shower, I bought several items of clothing and I wanted to present them in a cute way. Since I've always had a passion for floral design, I started experimenting with ways to shape the clothes into flowers and ended up with my first bouquet which my friend absolutely loved.

Are there any other great ideas you're working on and that we should be looking for?
I'm always putting together new pieces of jewelry, so people should always keep an eye out for new items! I'm always working on something new, and it's only a matter of time before something new and exciting pops up.

What do you carry in your purse everyday?
My Palm Centro (hopefully soon to be Palm Pre!), wallet, iPod Touch, a hair clip, hand lotion, vaseline, and my "emergency kit" (tissues, tampons, nail file, floss, eye drops, and a variety of meds!)

What book are you reading these days?
I just started and stopped reading several really horrible chick lit books I got off of the library's $1 used book cart (now I know why they were on there!). The last book I read before the slew of disasters was The Other Boelyn Girl-- I'd highly recommend it, I could barely put it down!

What is your favorite movie?
That's a tough one for me, always... but the movie I've watched the most has to be You've Got Mail, hands down! I can practically recite the entire movie.

What do you like to do on your day off?
My ideal day off consists of: sleeping in, brunch, walking my dogs, cruising the craft and bead stores, coming home and working with my purchases, dinner with my husband, getting boba for dessert, and a quiet night in front of the tv or with books. (I'm quite the homebody, in case you didn't notice!) If we're lucky enough to find tickets, a Red Sox or Celtics game is also a great way to spend the evening-- we're huge sports fans.

What is in the future for "Love, Tina"?
I created the branding and logo of Love, Tina many years ago, wanting to create a company to house all of my scattered craft projects and ideas. With Etsy I've finally been able to put a few of my projects out there and I'm hoping that I will be able to continue sharing what I love to do with the world!

::  10% off Love, Tina  ::

Claim your 10% off any Love,Tina product on Etsy.com by messaging Tina first, mentioning the discount code (SHOPGIRLD10) and a request for an order - colors of bouquet, etc. There will also be post for a custom listing for SGD readers that will include the 10% off  discounted price.

Kate Spade for Mothers Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday. You still have time to get your mom or your sister, friend and your wife something nice. Click on the picture to see all the great gift items you could find for your mother. Don't forget you'll be getting free shipping and and extra 25% off. There's still time!

TOMS Shoes commercial

        

Have you seen the TOMS Shoes commercial? If you haven't click here - TOMS Shoes' AT&T commercial. At first, I thought it was a dramatization so I googled Toms Shoes and low and behold its a real company. I'm glad its a real company since they donate a pair of shoes to children living in poverty when one pair is sold, hence their motto, "One for One". For more details about TOMS Shoes, here's what Tobi.com wrote about TOMS Shoes.

The day has come. Buying shoes makes the world a better place! TOMS Shoes made it happen. Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes to help children living in poverty. How? For every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need—a pair donated for every pair sold, straight up no catch. What more incentive do you need to pick up TOMS traditional Argentine alpargatas in every color? The alpargatas is a sturdy, everyday shoe. TOMS adds a flexible flip-flop bottom to the canvas upper for all day comfort, and leather insole for moisture management. TOMS started with Argentina’s children in mind, but already has plans to include Africa, Asia, and eventually the world.

Go to TomsShoes.com to see what they're doing and how you can get involved.
Visit Tobi.com to buy your own pair of TOMS Shoes for you and a happy child.

Colorful Fendi

 

       

Colorful Fendi, love it or hate it?! I think It would be a cute summer tote to the beach, cruise or city shopping spree. I am tempted to grab a plain canvas tote from the crafts store and attempt the same artwork with my own initials all over it. This Fendi bag ($1,050) is starting to grow on me though. Its art! I first saw the white Spalmati Zucca printed Fendi tote on Bloomingdales.com. If you want to add this bag to your collection, its available for 20% off at Bluefly.com for $840 and Overstock.com has it for $799.99. Mother's day is this Sunday, will she love it or hate it?

Canon's Newest DSLR

         
I've been in the market for my first Digital SLR camera for over a year now. A commitment phobia has been keeping me from dropping the bucks, but now I think it was all worth while. Imagine a Canon DSLR with HD Video Recording! Yes, It's arrived the Canon Rebel T1i/EOS 500. It retails at for $799 (body only) which is about $200 more than the Rebel Xsi (body only). Ahh, no more carrying the video camera and the DSLR. Now that's a gift from heaven! So, for a 2 in 1 camera, plus all the super upgraded features the T1i comes with, the price is a steal. Did I mention that its a 15.1mpx camera? Amazon.com is already out of stock on the camera body, but they have the kit which includes a 50mm lens for an extra $100. Read the specs and details of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP Camera.

The Outnet-ed Fashionista!

       

Net-a-porter.com has opened their virtual doors to TheOutnet.com. If you know Net-a-porter.com you can officially call yourself a true fashionista. If you already knew about TheOutnet.com, you're a true fashionista with a brain! Please, don't be offended if you didn't know about either - just feel educated if fashion is a passion of yours. My knowledge of fashion has been growing on a daily basis and already feel ready to take Anna Wintour's job. (Ouch, I just woke up from that dream.)  TheOutnet carries all the labels you wish you could afford and more at raved outlet prices. You still might see the $3,500 Rodriguez dress for $1,250, but there are prices reasonable for us mall hoppers. Giveaways are also coming soon to their site. Take a look, but you might want to hide your credit cards just in case that Rodrigues dress is calling your name - if it matters.

anthropologie your wardrobe

This is the type of shirt I'd love to add to my wardrobe. Gone are the days where I throw on an oversized shapeless t-shirt and leave the house with a pair of cut shorts with the frill on. Though, I do miss the side bun tie I'd add to stir up the look, I've grown up and so has my clothes choices. That means I've learned to buy clothes that look good on the hanger and me, yet feels as comfy as a large t-shirt. I've also learned knit tops like this one are much cooler in the summer hot days than a jumbo cotton sheet called a tee. Style has met comfort. Now to find a few more. This one is from Anthropologie.com.

Le Red Balloon

          
          

During a recent trip to Paris, France, my childhood friends' sister has taken gorgeous pictures of a few of my favorite fashion houses featured in this post. The Chanel building and the Loubitan store window has been taken with her Nikon manual camera. I wonder if I still have my manual camera hidden away. If you want to see more pictures of her trip to Paris and other musings she has posted on her blog, go to www.leredballoon.blogspot.com.

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Tote

The Harajuku Lovers fragrance line is one I want to put on my dresser, but I don't know why. Maybe it's the cutesy girl characters and the crazy style they proudly showcase? Maybe. The fragrances are sweet and perfect for any girl looking to smell ... sweet. Bloomingdales.com is offering this Free Tote with any $60 Harajuku Lovers Fragrance purchase. Maybe you're reading this just in time for a friends' graduation gift or right before you go out and buy your own Eau de Parfum? The offer is as sweet as those Harajuku girls. Secretly, I wish I was one of them. Oh, if this is your first intro. to these girls, check out their clothing line, bags, shoes and children's line all stemming from Gwen Stefani's style.

Mrs. Katie Holmes Cruise "distressed?"

 

Photos: People.com and Tobi.com

Saving money with this look or spending more money? When I saw Katie Holmes in a pair of distressed jeans with the bottom rolled up, I gasped in horror since I thought this look would NEVER come back. Did her stylist have an 80's flashback? I thought so, but sadly, the look is growing on me. Where are the pair of jeans I gave away to a charity clothes drive a few years ago? Think about it, it's an easy look. I'd love to pull out my over sized boyfriend cut jeans - the ones that are so worn out they're faded with holes around the knees. Then have them rolled up like capri's. I'd definitely stay cool in the summer. Then I'll have to wear shoes with some height or my new gladiator sandals to complete the look. Overall, not such a bad look after all! Would you go distressed?

A Louboutin Daydream

                

               

I found myself browsing Bergdorf Goodman's shoes section and found a pair of what I like to call, 'Sex and the City' shoes. Christian Louboutin has given me a fantastic five minutes of daydreaming.  In the daydream, I'm wearing these Petal Sandals ($995) and wearing a poof skirted white dress with a long dangling pink pearl necklace prancing around central park's famous water fountain. Then I woke up in suburbia still in my PJ's. I hope your Louboutin day dreams come true!

A charming gift

          

I know every mother wants strands of diamonds with matching earrings on Mother's Day. Well, they deserve it! But, in this economy I think this necklace would charm her heart just as well. Made up of 18K gold and silver pendants on a gold chain with pearl or crystal accents. Personalized with the names of those who have stolen her heart from the day they were born, I think it'll be the most cherished piece of jeselry in her jewelry box. To order one for a mom in your life, go to Laylagrace.com. Free shipping is included.

New Louis Vuitton DENIM!

My heart is racing for the new Pastel Denim Collection released by Louis Vuitton. The bag showed in this ad is the Neo Cabby MM ($1,680). It is one  bag of four different sizes offered in denim - all in three colors (pink, black and gray). I saw the black one in the stores, but the gray one is making me say, "Ooh baby, come to momma!" I love the short shoulder strap which drapes over one side of the bag, the pleating, the softness of the fabric, the monogram logo's, the brass details and lastly -  just how great it would look on my arm this summer. So, there it is! Another great bag to add on my ever growing wishlist. I won't get jealous if you get yours first, so take a look. 

My Bluefly.com package arrived!

I couldn't help but take a picture of my Rebecca Minkoff bag. I wrote about buying this bag in a previous post. So, I've decided to share my box opening experience with you. It came in a brown box, then in a bluefly shopping bag and then it was wrapped in bluefly tissue paper. Lastly, it was wrapped in its original plastic packaging. Unwrapping each layer to get to the bag just built up the excitement. I've never tried on the bag prior to this purchase, but I'm happy to say, "We're perfect for each other!" Don't let the word "mini" fool you, it's not a mini. Its about the same size as a LV Speedy 30. Now the ultimate decision breaker is ripping off the Bluefly.com tag they add in case you want to return it. Mine is still on till the day I actually wear it. Just in case. In case I find a better price! You never know! I'm all about a better bargain, or maybe a perfect outfit!

Summer Hot = Romper Cool

Striped Crochet Trimmed Romper...

I don't know if its because I was raised in the 70's and 80's, but these rompers remind me of what I use to wear as a kid on the hot summer days. Now, I really want them! I don't think jumpers, rompers like these were in style till this year. So, horray for fashion and my summer wardrobe! The material is 100% cotton and perfectly light for 100% humid summer days here in NYC. This outfit is going to get a lot of wear this year. It's already a customer favorite on Freepeople.com ($98). I just wish I could be wearing this on vacation somewhere. Maybe the Hamptons! I'll let you know if i bump into any of the Real Housewives of NY.

Your Gilt Groupe Invitation

                 

      

Hello fashionista! You're going to thank me if you don't already know about gilt. As a member, I've been getting emails alerting me to checkout Gilt Groupe's online sales. They sell designer finds for women, men and children at sample sale prices. If you're loving the $1,230 strapless Oscar DeLaRenta dress or the 7 for all Mankind jean  for $75 that they're listing, but don't want to break the bank, have no fear! Gilt Groupe will give you $25 credit each time you invite a friend to become a member and actually buy something. So if you're looking for some bargain priced high-fashion click here for your free access. The selection and prices are amazing. It's also tons of fun since you do need to race with other buyers before an item is sold out. Maybe you'll be able to gain enough credit to get a free pair of jeans just by signing up and sharing the news.

Kate Spade Online Sale...

Tokidoki You!

 

The Lunetta flats are selling for $115 starting May 1, 2009 on http://shop.tokidoki.it . I think I'd buy everything - almost everything Tokidoki makes. Their drawings are super cute and make me feel happy. These flats have clear rubber soles showing the characters Tokidoki is known for. Even the bow detail in the back is cute. Too cute!!! You have to see the other million things they sell with Tokidoki charcters on them. Now, can I get away with wearing their stuff and not look like I'm trying to recapture my youth? Why not!

Quinny Apple or Strawberry?

   
                    Apple                                                Strawberry

      

If you've got Quinny on your list of wants for your little one, be happy! The Quinny Buzz 4 stroller is on sale at giggle.com. Choose from the colors apple (green) or strawberry (red). Retail cost is $630 and now its on sale for $499.99. The bassinet in apple and strawberry are also on sale for $159.99. The footmuff is on sale for $54.99.

Description as shown on giggle.com ~
"Wildly popular in Europe, the Quinny Buzz has made a splash here in the States. Now, giggle's proud to offer the latest Quinny stroller -- the Buzz 4! It combines the practicality of a multi-stage stroller with the collapsibility of an umbrella stroller for the best of both worlds. The Dreami bassinet and Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat (both optional and sold separately) let you start using the stroller from day one. The Buzz 4 grows to a full-size stroller, includes two durable seats to accommodate your growing baby, and boasts a superb automatic lock folding system that's unprecedented in multi-stage systems."