Side Rant: MyHabit Rebecca Minkoff Sale

Sale includes handbags, shoes, accessories and the RM Collection ends 4/5

So I have been obsessing over Rebecca Minkoff bags ever since I laid eyes on Swing, and I received a nice email today from MyHabit about a Rebecca Minkoff sale. If you aren't familiar with MyHabit, they are a sample sale site similar to Rue La La and Gilt, only difference is it is owned by Amazon and they have free shipping and returns (not to mention you can use your Amazon gift cards!). Saw some lovely MAC's and MAB's but nothing too exciting since I didn't particularly like the colors, but once I landed on the collection page, I was in awe. I saw the Allie bag and just went gaga for it, the structure and especially the colors (I love all three!). At the price, I really wanted to pull the trigger but I did not want to pay for it as I can redeem my points from various sites to get it for free (now I am shooting myself for not redeeming my points sooner!), the sale ends this Friday but I am going to try to see if they are sold out by then *crosses finger*.

Sephora Inside JcPenney Nars Makeup Event 4/6

I don't know about you guys but every since Sephora opened up inside more of JcPenney's I have gotten more excited. They host events at Sephora inside JcPenney locations only and I have scored some samples in the past, and looks like this weekend they are hosting another event. This one is from Nars, and you can get a free makeup application and free gift (although the email does not state, if you are already planning on heading to the mall, why not?). Please note that you have to be a Beauty Insider to receive these perks, but don't fret its free to sign up and you can get a nice freebie on your birthday!

H&M - Bring in New/Old Clothes for a 15% Discount

The madness has begun, back in December I mentioned that H&M was starting up a program where if you brought in your old clothes to be recycled you could receive 15% off 1 item. Here are some more details: you can bring in clothes of any brand, up to two shopping bags worth per day, you will get one 15% off discount voucher for each bag, all stores are participating. So not only can you do some good for the environment but you get a discount to fill in the empty space your old clothes took up.

The Body Shop $10 off $20 2/22 - 2/24

If you are a fan of The Body Shop, this is the weekend to spend some money there because they just released a $10 off $20 coupon on their Facebook page. This offer is valid this weekend from 2/22 - 2/24 and it is also redeemable online with code 10OFF (free shipping on orders $50 or more). Check out this gift set you can get for only $10, and it comes in other varities as well: mango, pink grapefruit, satsuma, coconut and shea.

American Eagle & Aerie Extra 40% Clearance + 15% Off & Free Shipping

Here is a triple threat deal coming at you from AE & Aerie, for Presidents Day they are offering free shipping on their site along with 25% off original priced items. However that is not the best deal, that lies in the clearance section where everything is 40% off (except a few brands) AND you can get an additional 15% off on top of that 40% off along with free shipping. Instead of 40% Aerie is offering 50% off select apparal (tops only) but sizes are limited as this is a great sale. Use code 27450901 at checkout and lets not forget to use those cash back sites to save some additional $$. Free shipping & 25% off is valid through tomorrow.

Read more about cash back sites here:
Cashback 101: Save more money online by using cashback sites

Here are some items that I thought were a great deal.

Piperlime 20% off entire site 2/14 Only

There have not been many posts lately since I started a new job along with an internship, however since today I have some spare time I thought I would post this vday gift from Piperlime. They are offering 20% off sitewide today using the code XOXO at checkout. Enjoy!

Sephora Skincare Events Jan 11-13 & Jan 18-20

I just got an email from Sephora notifying me of an upcoming in store event taking place on the weekends of Jan 11-13 and Jan 18-20. When Sephora previously had one of these events in September last year, I was able to go and along with my skincare consultation I was able to score a great swag bag including 7 deluxe samples of skincare products including Shiseido cleansing foam, Dr. Jart BB Beauty Balm and Philosophy Hope in a Jar (see image below). Seems like they are doing this again and with your consultation you can choose from a customized mask, oil, BB cream application or all three along with some skincare samples. If you are interested I would advise to call your local Sephora to see if they are participating first and then make an appointment since the samples are limited and from my experience and you are more likely to get the free samples if you make an appointment.

Samples they gave out at the last skincare event

1/8 Only Gap, Old Navy & Banana Republic 30% off & 20% at Piperlime

So it happens that I made an order yesterday at Old Navy the other day with the 25% off and now they have a 30% off discount for today only, well I got a 40% off at Banana Republic so I guess it evens out. What is funny is that I already received the shirt I ordered from Banana Republic today and it looks good, now I just have to try it on for size. As for the sale an even better deal is if you have a credit card with them since you can get 35% off and lets not forget about cashback sites like Big Crumbs where you can get about 2.8% back from your purchase. Use code 24HOURS at checkout and better hurry as this offer ends tonight at 11:59 EST.

I guess you cannot have all the brands on sale without Piperlime busting out with one of their own, take 20% off today only with the same code 24HOURS and they are also having their Lime Tag sale (aka their semi-annual sale) and you can use this code on top of the sale prices.

New Year, New Haul

So it is a new year, and after a week of not buying any clothing related items I gave in since Banana Republic was having an extra 40% off sale (ends today use code BRSALE40) and Old Navy was having an extra 25% off, thankfully I had a bunch of gift cards saved up from various apps (Viggle, Clutch, Gyft) that I was able to score all my items for $5 and some change. I really like the heart sweater (saw it on someone and sort of crazily knew it was Old Navy) and the other items helped build my order to over $50 so I could get free shipping (my order was over $50 prior to discount) but I would not mind keeping them as I said I only spent $5 and some change on all three items plus I got $1.28 back in cash back from Big Crumbs as well. If you were wondering about the apps I talked about or the cash back program Big Crumbs check out the articles I wrote below that describe them.

Cashback 101 - Save more money online by using cashback sites
How My Ipod Touch Paid for Itself - 4 Apps to Download  - Updated with 2 new apps

Banana Republic Non-iron fitted sateen shirt in Cranberry $28.99 $17.39 after extra 40%

 

 

Old Navy Softest Crew-Neck Sweater in New Camel Brown $15 $11.25 after 25%

Old Navy The Rockstar Dot Print Super Skinny Jeans in Grey Dot $17.97 $13.48 after 25%

 

Free ShopRunner Account - Get Free 2-Day Shipping at Select Stores

So I am excited to let you guys know that there is a code out there that allows you to get a 1 year free membership to ShopRunner. If you aren't familar with ShopRunner, it allows you to get free 2-day shipping and free returns on sites that are part of ShopRunner (check out a few below) and there is no order minimum. Any order from $1 to $25 you get free 2-day shipping with ShopRunner. Just use the offer code RUNNER and you will get a free 1-year membership, and you don't even have to provide your credit card information. I love ShopRunner as I have been a member for a year now and have been using it to get free shipping from Beauty.com and Drugstore.com (without their usual $25 minimum). Not to mention this comes very handy for anyone who is looking for last minute gifts!

Check out some of the stores that you can get free 2-day shipping with on ShopRunner:

Pre-Christmas Deals: Zara Semi-Annual Sale + Old Navy Earn $20 for every $25 spent

Since Christmas is closing in, lots of stores are pulling all the stops for customers to make sure they shop at their store. Like Old Navy for instance, they usually offer $10 in super cash (can be used on your next purchase of $25 or more) if you spend $25, but from 12/20 - 12/24 you can get $20 in super cash for every $25 you spend (max of $60 in super cash per transaction) in stores. These can be used on 1/31 -2/6. And they are doing a Furby giveaway on Saturday for the first 100 customers (will get a chance to win 1 of 5 Furbys). I use to remember these were popular in the early 2000s and it looks like they are a hot ticket again this holiday season.

Lastly if you are a fan of Zara, they are starting their semi-annual sale in-stores and online tomorrow! What is great is they offer free shipping and returns for online orders. I don't usually shop here as I find that I can find the similar styles at H&M for less but the quality at Zara seems to be a bit better so I might check out the sale tomorrow when it starts online.

Victoria Secret - 20% off 1 item in stores 12/15 - 12/16

As Christmas looms closer and closer (11 days and counting), retailers are throwing out the discounts for last minute shoppers or anyone looking to get something for themselves. Victoria Secret sent out a 20% off one item valid for tomorrow and Sunday. Just click on the image above to get your copy of the coupon, the coupon also states that you can just show the coupon on your phone to receive the discount as well (how eco-friendly!).

As for me, I have been scooping up the great deals from Wrapp, the gift card giving app I have mentioned before. The past week I have received a $10 H&M, $10 MLB.com and $5 Sephora gift card all for free so if you have not downloaded it, do it now. From now until Christmas, everyday they are releasing a new gift card freebie, follow then on Facebook or Twitter or check their site daily to see what they have to offer. Today they are offering a free $5 Threadless gift card when you give 3 to friends (free to give & receive). *Note that you need Facebook for this app to work.

Influenster: College Voxbox Review

Pardon the quality, I used my Ipod Touch 4g to take it.

Last month I got chosen to receive a college voxbox from Influenster, a site where they let users test out products and spread the word about the products via social media. I was actually surprised that I got chosen since I graduated last year but happy nonetheless. Below are the contents of what I received along with my review of each item.

ImPress Press-On Manicure
Although I really wanted to try this, I received the one with the neon pink with leopard print which are definitely not my style. Wish they would have sent out something that was more neutral or asked us which colors/styles we preferred before sending a random one out to us.

NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eye-liner Pencil
I was excited to try this out since I haven't been using drugstore eyeliners for a while since I felt that most of them were harsh and did not glide smoothly on my lids. However this one did, I love the way the color looks and it definitely could be worn casually, I mean after all its black eyeliner. I did not like that it smudges, after about an hour or so it happened, wish it was waterproof. Good for the price ($2.49) but I would not buy it.

Necco Tropical Wafers
I remember eating these from Valentines day when I was little and like most people I did not like the plain taste of them and the chalky taste as people have described. But when I opened my college voxbox all I could smell was this product, and it was good! I tried a few and can say that I have come to enjoy them now more than before, its a great candy alternative but can't say I am completely sold on the taste.

Pentel EnerGel-X
What can I say, its a pen and I am easily impressed if they glide smoothly on my paper and this does just that. I received the one in purple and am surprised that it does not smudge since it is a gel ink. Definitely a fan.

Energy Sheets
I have actually tried these before and absolutely love them, they do provide energy as stated and they are the size of Listerine breath strips. That is one reason I love them, they are compact unlike energy drinks or coffee cups. According to the package 2 strips is equivalent to the same amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. A pack comes with 10 strips which can last me a few months if not more since I don't rely on energy supplements. The taste is not the best but they are tolerable, I am not surprised that there is an aftertaste afterward, after all it is an energy supplement.

App to Download - Wrapp Free $10 H&M Gift Card

I have previously mentioned the app Wrapp, where you can give and receive free $5 promotional gift cards from H&M, Gap and Sephora among others as well as buy paying gift cards to give to friends via Facebook. From today until the 17th, if you give 3 of your friends $10 H&M cards (free of course), you will receive a $10 gift card yourself. Just follow the link above to give out free $10 H&M cards to your friends! Lastly I knew about this promotion because I subscribed to H&M's newsletter, so if you want in on deals like this or discounts be sure to sign up.

H&M - Exchange your old clothes for discount

So I was reading today about how in February 2013 H&M is going to start collecting clothes (old or new) for recycling and in exchange will give customers a discount. How great of an offer is that? The new program called iCollect, will have bins by the register for customers to put their bags of clothing for recycling. More details about this when it hits closer to launch. I for one think this is a great idea, how many of us do not know what to do with old clothing, especially ones we cannot donate since they are unwearable due to stains, wear etc?

Original article from Racked.com

Forever 21 Free Shipping Today Only

After their recent Friends & Family discount, Forever 21 strikes again today with a free shipping on any order, no code required. Below is the blouse I picked up during Saturday's Friends & Family event, I tried on two neck-tie blouses but I passed since it was a basic that I did not necessary needed. From afar I did not know what the print was but upon closer inspection I realized it was Rams, random right? I like the cream color, how the buttons are covered up by a pleat and lastly the two gold studs on the collar, a decent price for $15.xx after discount.



Ram Pattern Blouse

Forever 21 Friends & Family Event 21% off In-Stores 12/2

What a great way to kick off a December with a Friends & Family discount at Forever 21? For tomorrow only, print out the following coupon and bring it in-stores to receive 21% off your purchase (maximum purchase of $300). For some reason the coupon will not show up on my email on my laptop but shows up fine on my Ipod Touch, so I had to get the coupon from the internet.

The only stores that are not participating on the 2nd are the following stores which will be participating on the 3rd instead:

Garden State Plaza, NJ
City Creek Center, UT
University Mall - Orem, UT

Here are a few of my picks for the sale:

Pleated Knit Top $12.50 $9.88 w/discount

Studded Skater Dress $17.50 $13.83

Essential Animal Trim Blouse $19.80 $15.64

Black Friday Haul: H&M, Kohls & Sephora inside Jcpenney

 

So what I was really excited was the H&M scratchcard giveaway for Black Friday, as you can win up to a $300 gift card. I stood in line for a little over an hour for the midnight opening and ended up getting a $50 off $75, an hour well spent if you ask me. I got 2 blazers ($15 for the maroon, $20 for a plaid w/black trim (which I plan on returning), 1 dress ($49.95 not on sale) and a top ($10). Sorry for the bad pictures, maybe next time I'll model them instead, clothes always look better on a form then laid out.

Off course all 3 items above are keepers, they actually look great with everything, the dress is a shiny material and has this nice pattern going on. As for the white shirt I was sure of it when I first saw it since the top was sheer and the bottom half was a double layer but after trying it on with the blazer above I knew it was a keeper. Not to mention there are two gold buttons that make this top look chic.

 

 

 

 

Next I was really excited to head over to Jcpenney since they started a promotion on Black Friday that goes until 11/24 where you go to any register and ask for a free button. On the back of these buttons there is a code where you type in on their site to win a number of different prizes (gift cards, electronics, vacation). The odds are pretty well as I checked the site, 1 in 8 will win a $5 gift card to Jcpenney and did I mention, there is no purchase necessary to receive a button. I was hoping to get the Ole Henriksen three little wonders set for $10 and stopped by the one inside Jcpenney and thankfully they still had a few left (I was there around 10am). I used a $10 gift card I received from the app Wrapp (where you can give & receive free $5 gift cards to Sephora, Gap, H&M to name a few). At the cash register the cashier gave me two buttons and I entered them online and won $5 and $10 from them, what a great deal. Unfortunately they cannot be used at the Sephora inside Jcpenney but free is free.

 

 

 

Check out LC Lauren Conrad Collection @ Kohl's

Finally before Black Friday, on Thursday I moseyed on over Kohl's website since they already started their deals online. I have always been a fan of Lauren Conrad, and I do like some of the designs she comes out with in her Kohl's LC Lauren Conrad line. So I went and bought a few things since some others were just overpriced even with the 40-50% off discount on her line. I got this sweater dress for $24 (sale for $30 + 20% + 6% cashback) since I love cutout sweaters especially if it has leaves like this one does, I also love the color it came in. The blazer ($16, on sale for $20) I like since it has two colors and its a tuxedo look to it and it would look like a great casual blazer, and lastly I got a bra just because I needed one.

 

The order that I made on Thursday from Kohl's also arrived today, so I was able to post reviews of the items that I got.

 



LC Lauren Conrad Ruched Blazer

I love the way this blazer looks but it came to me really wrinkled and I did not like how the opening at the bottom looked on me. I will probably keep it for a few more days and try it out with other things to see how it looks.


 

LC Lauren Conrad Pointelle Sweaterdress

The color of this dress actually does not look as bright as this stock picture shows but I love this. The belt that came with it looks cheap but other than that this is a keeper. It is flattering and adds curves to my tomboy frame. I also like the back where there are two bowties that makes this dress unique.

Cyber Monday Purchase & Deals

So Black Friday has officially come and gone, and I am happy to say that I got my share of deals that day (more about that on a later post). Checking out the Cyber Monday days throughout the past day or so, nothing much has caught my eye as being a stand out deal. I think the best deal is actually free shipping for some retailers since they rarely offer that. Also be sure to check out my last post since that also features deals for Cyber Monday.

Amazon Shoes & Handbags - save $20 off $100 or $50 off $200 on select shoes, boots and handbags with code CYBERSHOE
Anthropologie - Free shipping on all orders today, no code needed. You can find a good amount of deals under $50 in the sale section as well.
Forever 21 - Free shipping on any order using code CYBERMON
Gap - save 30% with code CYBER, (ebates is offering 10% cashback)
J.Crew Factory - 50% off everything & free shipping with code YOURGIFT
Piperlime - 20% off your entire purchase using code CYBER
Sephora - Free shipping on orders $25+ through the 11/28, code SHIPNOW
Shoes.com - 20% off sitewide with code CYBER

If you were planning on making a purchase anywhere online today make sure you use a cashback site to save some extra $$ since most of them are offering double or even more cash back for Cyber Monday, for more info check out: Cashback 101.

Get 6% cash back from Myhabit on Ebates

 

Here is what I picked up today from MyHabit, a site that is similar to Gilt and Rue La La but owned by Amazon. Since they sent me a 25% off code I thought I would browse the site for something since I already have gift cards that I redeemed from Swagbucks (search & win rewards site). I found a Me! shower scrub for $15 (originally $30), and with the 25% and 6% cash back that Ebates is offering, I ended up paying around $10.58 with my gift cards which is almost 60% off retail. I have always wanted to try out their bath products and I was running low on shower scrub as well so this could not have come at a better time.

Black Friday Deals & Cyber Monday Online & In-stores

Well one of the biggest shopping days is upon us on Friday, and I have scoped out some deals online/in-store for you. Be sure to also read my last few posts as they contain beauty deals from Sephora, Ulta and also H&M. If you are shopping online don't forget to use cash back sites to get the most out of your purchase, for more info about that check out: Cashback 101. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and is well rested before the madness begins on Friday, whether you are shopping online or in-stores!

PS. Many of the deals below end on Monday (aka Cyber Monday)

Note that many of these deals have already started online.

American Eagle Outfitters - 40% off in-store purchase (sale has started online along with free shipping on all orders, use code: 35787891, discount expires 11/26)

Banana Republic - 40% off in-store purchase (not sure what time this ends on Friday)

Bloomingdales - Extra 50% off sale items in-stores from 7AM - 1PM
                            Take $25 off almost all cashmere sweaters from 7AM - 1PM
                            Take $25 off almost every pair of denim from 7AM - 1PM
                            For more in-store offers that day click here

Coach - Head over to their Facebook page, like them & allow them to register your info for a 25% coupon off your purchase valid 21-26 in-stores and online

Express - 50% off everything in-store until noon, deal has started online

Forever 21 - Scatch cards for early birds, $20 jeans, $10 off boots

Franchesca's Collection - 25% off the entire site deal valid through 11/25

Gap - up to 60% off in-stores, $19 sweaters, $5 kids graphic tees (there are more but that is all I know for now)

Gilly Hicks - 50% off everything including bras from midnight - 6AM, afterwards 40%
                      $15 sweatpants from 6AM - 11AM

Jcrew - 25% off your purchase in-stores and online (use code COLOR25, free shipping on orders $150+) valid until 11/25

Jcrew Factory - Extra 40% in-stores and online off everything with code GIVEANDGET, plus get an extra 15% off online when you spend $100+ at checkout. Deal valid through 11/25.

Kohl's - Many doorbuster deals, deep discounts on clothing and get $15 Kohl's cash for every $50 spent (these are valid about a week later and you can use it on any purchase over $15). Black Friday deals already started online.

Madewell - 25% off on everything in-stores and online (use code TREAT) & free shipping, deal ends on 11/26 for both

Philosophy - Friday Only Deals
                      $12 Amazing Grace hand cream value of $25
                      $8 Ice Cream Cone Duo value of $16
                      $15 Great Set is in Trial Kit value of $32
                      $17 Pure Grace Hair Duo value of $34
                      Up to 50% off select items

The Body Shop - 3 for $30 on all items on Friday only, deal has started online already

Urban Outfitters - Extra 50% off clearance items from 6AM-10AM

Victoria Secret - All bras buy one get one 50% off online and in-stores until 11/28
                             Select PINK yoga pants & hoodies $25, valid in-store on Friday only