Weekend Shopping: Lululemon & PacSun (Plus an OOTD)

It feels nice to be back to regular blogging again. I've emptied hundreds of photos off of my camera onto my laptop because even when I was too busy to blog, I was still taking photos for content later on!  That's the life of a blogger!

This is a weekend shopping post (on a Wednesday), because who doesn't love those, right? Maybe I'll throw in an outfit too.

After the flash mob was over (read about that here), I stopped into a few stores to do a little shopping. I was sleep deprived and mentally exhausted and needed a little pick me up!

First up, Lululemon.  I seriously love this store more and more each year. Their workout gear is the best, highest-quality stuff I've ever encountered---and it's flattering, to boot.  LOVE. I got two tops:

The first top fits REALLY small. I am pretty small up top and I had to get an 8 in it.  The second top (which I swear does not look that wrinkly usually but I had to pull it out of my laundry to take a pic) is a size 6, and it fits perfectly! Both tops have wonderful built-in bras that are quite supportive---I always tend to go up a size at Lululemon for items that are more fitted. 

Next up, I got these adorable "sparkle shoes" (that's what I call 'em) and flowy top from Pacific Sunwear (PacSun). 

The shoes were $24.50 and the top was $17.50. I have been really into super loose off-the-shoulder tops lately. It's like an addiction.  The shoes remind me a bit of TOMS shoes. I think they will be cute for more casual outfits.

Next up, I visited Sephora, where Kate Walsh was making an appearance (she is very pretty in person and has a new fragrance out). I picked up the NARS Albatross highlighter.  I have wanted it for awhile and decided to just finally get it.

And finally, here's my Sunday OOTD. I went into my office for most of the day today but just dressed totally casually since no one was there but us girls pushing out our flash mob stuff.

Tank- Lululemon cool racerback
Top- PacSun
Shorts- American Eagle
Sparkle Shoes- PacSun

Hope everyone's week is going well!

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- My awesome mother in law bought me some new dry shampoo that I used today and I think my hair turned out pretty well. I used it on 3rd day hair that I had slept on and just brushed out with a round brush, no re-curling or anything. I will report back once I've used it a few more times, but so far, me likey. The brand is Serge Normant and Julia Roberts told Oprah that's what she uses so my MIL decided to get me some (how sweet!)

Weekend Shopping: Pre-Birthday Haul

I had THE BEST shopping trip today.  I think it's because it's one week before my birthday so I got lucky!

I'm just glad the rapture never happened, because now I'll be able to wear all of these clothes!  (totally being sarcastic here). Here's the damage:

But first things first. Here's what I wore for my little shopping trip (which was pretty short, I was a gal with a plan on this shopping excursion!)

Top- A'Gaci
Shorts- American Eagle boyfriend shorts
Sandals- Steve Madden
Nails- Essie "Mint Candy Apple"

I received several comments today from randomly sweet strangers today about my embroidered shirt from A'Gaci so I'm really glad I got it because it really is such a pretty piece. I know there are tons of shirts like this in various stores, but this one had embroidery that felt a little different.

Okay, let's begin with my pre-birthday haul. I'll start with my Sephora & MAC purchases:

Living Proof- Straight---This product is said to help straighten hair and keep it straight---you can also use it to refresh your style the next day.  It also helps protect against humidity, which I need here in Houston.  I will review once I've had a chance to try it out.

I used 500 of my Beauty Insider points to get this Ole Henriksen skincare kit. I don't usually use my points but this line is amazing and I can't wait to try these products. I've already used samples of the Invigorating Night Gel before, and it's amazing.

At MAC, I picked up a StudioFix Powder foundation since I am running low (my color is C3, for anyone wondering).

Next on my shopping excursion, was a stop at American Eagle where I got a cute, loose striped top and some white shorts.

I believe the shorts were originally $36.90 and they were on sale for $24.95 and I got an additional 15% off my purchase because it's my birthday month. Woot! The pink top was $24.50.

Next up, I got these very cute workout shorts at Lululemon. Now that it's hot out, I need to wear shorts to work out, it's way too gross outside to wear pants.  They are the Run Speed Shorts. FYI Houston gals: a new Lululemon store is now open in the Galleria---it's near Macy's and across from Club Monaco.

You can't tell in the photos, but the waistband is actually baby pink with teeny tiny white stripes.  So cute!  I love these so much! I got them in a size 6, for anyone wondering.

Next up is this amazing hat that I got for $12.50 and cute feather earrings that were $6.00, both from Charlotte Russe.  The hat is perfect for the beach or pool (I hate exposing my face to the sun for long periods and always wear a big floppy hat). For $12.50, I just couldn't resist!

Next up, I got this pretty-in-pink top at Hollister Co.  I know that store is totally for teenagers, but it was too cute to pass up. I saw it on fellow blogger Heidi's blog and she just looked so great in it that I had to get one for myself.  You can visit Heidi's blog "As the Foreste Grows" here. She has the cutest little girl! This top was on sale for $29.50:

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I tweeted about THIS AMAZING TOP from Gilly Hicks Sydney a few days ago.  Well, after making my purchase at Hollister, the cashier hands me a coupon and says "this is valid for 20% off of your purchase at Gilly Hicks, today only." Perfect, I thought, I was just on my way over there to try on THE AMAZING TOP. Did they read my mind or what!?

This may seriously be my BEST and most favorite purchase so far this year.  It is SO pretty.  The 20% off didn't hurt either since it retailed for a steep $79.50. Behold:

I also got the sweet tank I'm wearing underneath it here.  It had a cool shape and was super-long, which I love. I got the tank in a large and the lacey top in a medium.

I am really excited to wear all of these lovely purchases! Finally, I leave you with Lulu. He got shaved down this week and he is obviously not very happy about it:

"where did my fuuurrr go mamma?"

Wishing everyone a very happy weekend! Let me know what you bought this weekend in the comments below! I tried to link all of my purchases in the text above, so if I'm missing something I probably couldn't find it online!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Weekend Shopping: LuluLemon Loveliness & Uninspired at the Mall

I went shopping this weekend for a few hours with Candice and it was the most uninspiring shopping trip in my recent memory. 

I felt like every single store we entered had nothing to offer. I guess maybe stores haven't fully sprung into spring just yet, but I have to say I was extremely bored by what I saw and had to spend an hour online window-shopping when I got home just to regain my belief in shopping and the joys of finding the perfect dress for spring.

Admittedly, the lack of shopping done on the shopping trip was awesome for my wallet.  I think my H was pretty surprised when I came home with one MAC eye shadow (a replacement for one I had used up) and a Victoria's Secret "lacie" thong, which I got for FREE with a coupon (score!)

I've been wearing so much black lately that it's starting to get depressing.  I haven't been doing OOTD photos because I feel like my outfits are uninspiring right now.  I promise to wear more color come spring.  Even I'm getting tired of all black, all the time (did you ever think I'd say that?!)

I decided it was time to infuse a little color into my life and since the mall wasn't providing me with anything I wanted to spend my hard-earned pennies on, I decided to head somewhere that I knew would bring a smile to my face (and a dent in my bank account): LuluLemon.  Here's what I got:

Hot Class Bra

Speed Up Tank

I can't find this one online---but it has cute little drawstrings
on the side and I love the back of it!

I'm absolutely IN LOVE with that minty green and gorgeous purple color LuluLemon is doing right now in their collections. Such pretty, spring-y colors! Both tops that I got are very flattering and supportive in the bust area which is great!

These purchases definitely hit the spot for me, and it was a nice little reward to myself for my hard work at the gym!

Did you buy anything this weekend, or were you as uninspired as I was? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
xoxo,

Veronika.

Let's Talk Ann Taylor Sizing (& a Weekend Haul)

My husband had to exchange some of his shirts today, so we headed to the Galleria and of course, I had an ulterior motive and wanted to check out Ann Taylor because I had wanted to use my 40% off coupon on these shoes with a bow. When I saw them in person, I just felt the bow was not dramatic enough to spend $155 on, even if they were 40% off. I want to find shoes similar to the Ann Taylor ones but with a larger bow. I am tall and my feet are huge, so sometimes I need something a little more dramatic to make an impact/be noticeable (I was thrilled, for example when the huge purse trend started several years ago, because I can rock a massive travel bag like it's any old handbag.)



Anywho, you KNOW I didn't leave Ann Taylor without checking out their new spring collection and sale racks. A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to Ann Taylor and tried on a pretty, simple black dress with bow accents at the shoulders. It was on sale for about 50$ and I thought to myself "this is a cute dress for $50.") Alas, they didn't have my size.



Wait, let me re-state that. Ann Taylor sizing is SO incredibly off, that my size was too large on me. Yes, the size 4 dress was too big. They swore they didn't have a 2 and I checked the racks over and over. Sadly, there was no 2.



Oddly, when I went today, I found that same dress in a 2...and another in a 2P...I wonder where those were a few weeks ago? Considering the $50 dress was actually an additional 40% off today, I felt like it was a message from the shopping gods whispering "you must have this" [to me] as my husband shook his head at the feverish look in my eyes when I realize what an amazing deal I'm about to score.



The dress doesn't look like much on the hanger, but I promise it is the perfect work dress. So it was $49.88 and I got it 40% off: (by the way, the dress was originally GASP!!! $175. I want to know who would actually pay that much for a simple black work dress that's not a designer brand...no judgment, but phew, that's a lot for an Ann Taylor dress. Thank God for sales!)







After I got my hands on this dress, I became even more excited as I focused in on one item so amazing, it took my breath away a little bit (umm...I think I have a problem.)



As with everything in that store, the sizing is crazy and I had to get this gorgeous top in a size XS. Oh but how gorgeous and fluffy it is....and the color...oh the sweet gorgeous color. The collar reminds me of little flower petals...like you could pick them off for days and days saying "he loves me, he loves me not..." sigh. So pretty.



You may not agree...but this blouse is just so stunning. It looks especially incredible on. I just <3>



I am just so confused about the sizing in this store...is it a massive case of vanity sizing? I just can't imagine I would ever be a size 2 in anything in any other stores. I guess maybe it might be just that one dress since the bottom part is not super fitted or anything. Does anyone else find the sizing off at Ann Taylor? By the way, if you haven't been yet, their spring collection has lots of pretty stuff.



I also paid a visit to J. Crew and they had a few amazing items...but I'm kind of boycotting them because I hate that they never have specials or any significant sales (in stores). I would be shopping there ever darn weekend if they offered me 40% off of one item for one day only. I always have to wait for things to go on sale there, and even when they do I sometimes think they are too pricey. Especially tissue-thin shirts. They have gorgeous stuff...but sometimes I think the price just completely turns me off.



Finally, we stopped by at LuluLemon so my husband could get his first pair of Lulu's. Yay! LuluLemon pants are seriously superior to any I have ever worn. I've had my black still pants for like 4 years, wash them at least once a week and they still look and fit great. Amazing.



While at Lulu, I remembered a girl in my Pilates class this morning was wearing a gorgeous colored racerback from there, so I made a note to check and see if they still had that color (they switch out colors a lot.) They did, and I got to snag one of the last ones. It's light a bright indigo purple. Love it!



I actually own this top in 3 other colors and love them because they are so long and comfy. They wash and wear well, and because of the long length, I'm not always having to pull them down. I just lover racerbacks. They are so flattering.



Did you shop any Valentines/Presidents Day sales today? Let me know what you got in the comments below.



xoxo,



Veronika.