Weekend Shopping, Outlet Edition: Ann Taylor, Kate Spade, WHBM & More!

Happy Saturday everyone! I had one of the best days I've had in a long time today. I started out my day with an AM workout outdoors in the sweltering heat with my trainer's group class and it really kicked my butt.  I feel great that I got up and did it though!  That's 5 days this week, yay!

After the workout, my H and I ate some lunch at home and then we headed to the 290 Outlets in Cypress.  They are my favorite outlets but I only go a few times a year. I knew Kate Spade and other store were having big sales so today was the perfect day to go.

Here is what I got (ALL on sale in addition to outlet prices!)

This first top is by C&C California. I have never owned anything by this brand but they had it at the Penguin store. This top looks kind of blah on the hanger, but it's got these really interesting sleeves and it's just a cool, casual shirt. The fabric is nice too. It originally retailed for (GASP!) $78.00 and I got it for $14.99.

Everyone knows my love for my J.Crew jelly flats (I have them in a light gray color.)  When I saw these hot pink ones I thought I was hallucinating. It couldn't be, I thought.  Oh yes, it could, and they are all mine!  The best part? They were $23.00.  LOVE.

Okay

Excuse my hair in this last pic, I was trying things on all day and it got a bit...disheveled.  This black lace dress is from White House, Black Market.  It looks MUCH better/more flattering belted, but I didn't take any pics of it with a belt on.  I got this dress because it's so pretty and feminine. It was $41.00 with tax, and I just couldn't pass that up. I know, I know, another black dress, but I have a lot of events I have to go to for work, and it's a good length for that. I love the sheer fabric on the back of the dress.

My next stop was Ann Taylor.  I have always wanted the above top, but never wanted to pay full price for it (it's from several seasons ago, retailed for about $88 originally.)  I saw it at the factory outlet for $44.99 plus 40% off so I had to jump on it.  I also got the lovely lace skirt below.  It retailed for $89.99 but I got it for 40% off as well. It is gorgeous. I love me a lace skirt. A note on sizing---the top is a Medium and the skirt is a 6Petite. Yes, Petite. I know that is really odd since I am totally the complete opposite of petite, but it just fit better for some reason, I even had a sales associate evaluate the fit of both.  The 6P was a little more fitted whereas the 6 had extra material on the side that I didn't "fill out" so the 6P was a little more flattering on me.

Lastly, I got this beautiful bright GREEN wallet from Kate Spade. It was on sale for $95.00 plus an additional 40% off (so about $57 total).  I love it because it's thin and fits into all of my smaller bags/clutches. I don't like huge wallets anymore because they are just too bulky and I only carry plastic anyway (and maybe a few dollars of cash for valet and stuff, but that's it.)

I would say this was a very successful shopping trip! I must admit, I am not really one of those people who goes to outlets and freaks out about all of the deals which causes many people to impulse buy things they might not have if they weren't at an outlet. I really try to carefully consider every item and ask myself if I'm buying it because it's cheap, or because I love it and will use it/wear it. I've walked away from many purchases in outlet stores because sometimes I have to remind myself that it's about finding things you love, not just the greatest deal.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Saturday and Happy Easter to you tomorrow as you celebrate with your families.

xoxo,

Veronika.

OOTD: The Black Dress With a Twist

Good evening ladies!  I hope everyone had a great day today.  I had an incredible and inspiring day.  I will talk about this more in a separate post because it really deserves its own post. I am working on an event right now with children who are cancer survivors and they and their families have really made me see life in a new perspective. They are so strong, brave, positive and inspirational. Like I said, I will share more in another entry once the event is over, but I feel so amazing right now just from getting to know these families and feel their positive energies and spirits.

Today I wore a new dress today that I got at Palais Royal. I honestly hadn't shopped there before last week. I was at the Beauty Bar event with Napoleon Perdis and decided to check out the clothes once I had finished my interview.  I was surprised to find this cute black dress on sale for $39.99.  I also got an additional 30% off of that price so it came to $30.02.  It originally retailed for $74. It feels and fits great. I am really happy with it!

Dress- Palais Royal
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Belt- Tory Burch
Sweater- White House Black Market
Bag- MbMJ

Have you ever shopped at a store you initially wrote off and then discovered they actually had some really cute stuff? Please comment and let me know!

xoxo,

Veronika.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY 1000 PLUS SUBSCRIBER CONTEST! Ends this Friday at Midnight CST.

Cardio Fail & An OOTD

I AM SO OUT OF SHAPE! Yes, that deserved to be in all caps.  I was all confident about my fitness since starting Pilates again, but my utter and total lack of endurance has made cardio extra hellish for me.  I tried to use my elliptical today and made it to just about 15 minutes before I thought I'd literally plop over and collapse.  I did some strength stuff after that (thank goodness for YouTube videos on the iPhone) but I didn't get the greatest workout since I could barely breathe.

I guess it's going to take some time to get into the swing of things when it comes to cardio.  It's always my least favorite part of working out. I'd rather do twice the strength training and NO cardio at all if it would get me the same results.

So basically today's realization was that no matter how many crunches and other awesome pilates moves I can do, I am clearly out of shape since I got winded after two minutes of being on the elliptical. Phew.

I was feeling uninspired today so I wore pants. I always wear pants when I have one of those "I don't feel like dressing up" kind of days.  I did wear my new top from Forever 21 though and I love the neckline on this one. So pretty!

 

Top-Forever 21
Pants- Express
Shoes- Aldo
Sweater- White House Black Market

Does anyone else have a hard time with cardio like I do?  What are some tips to make it easier? Please share them in the comments below!

xoxo,

Veronika.

OOTD & GAP's New Line of Dress Pants: Black Magic?

Happy Wednesday everyone! I had a meeting today for work so I decided to stick with a simple look: all black, of course. As you all know I wear black a lot because it's easy and flattering. 

Yesterday one of the ads I showed from the September issue of VOGUE was a GAP ad for their new line of dress pants called "Black Magic."  I hope that by magic, they mean "magically elongates legs and makes hips looks smaller" because if that's the case, sign me up! According to their website, the dress pants are a part of a new "Premium Dress Pants" line.  They look great on the models...can't wait to try them on IRL.  I am not known to wear pants very frequently, but I think if I could find a really flattering style (like my Express plain black "Editor" pants) then I might wear them more often.

I am really loving wide-leg pants, they work well for me because I'm tall. I plan to invest in a pair for fall/winter.  What I'm finding interesting is that GAP's new pant line features black dress pants in a "really skinny" fit.  I always wanted skinny fit black pants as an alternative to normal dress slacks, but I'm wondering if they would look appropriate for work or not? I thought worn with a longer top, jacket or blazer and simple, round-toe black pumps, they could work. I'd have to put the outfit on to see for myself, but in my head it looks awesome.  There's also a "BoyFit" pant...interesting.

What do you think of GAP's new pant line? I plan to try on the one they call "The Perfect Trouser," and maybe some of the skinnies.  How about you?

Here's my OOTD:

Top- Costa Blanca
Cardigan- White House Black Market (buy it here)
Skirt- Banana Republic
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Bag- MbMJ (buy it here)

Thank you for reading!  I noticed I am almost at 800 subscribers (you ladies are awesome!) so it will be time for another subscriber thank-you contest soon! :) 

xoxo,

Veronika.

OOTD: Black & White and It Feels Alright

Today I went with tried and true black and white. I wore my new White House Black Market long cardigan which was only worn for a short while as it was once again blazingly hot outside.

It was a nice, simple combo...put together without a lot of effort. That's what I love about dresses. There's something wonderful about having to put on just one garment to feel polished (sorry these are so blurry...moreso than usual...I need a new camera!)

 

Lulu checking out today's outfit!

Dress- Zara
Cardigan- WHBM
Shoes- Michael Kors
Belt- J. Crew

 ...and a quick shot of my Monday-morning blowout.  I've had a lot of requests to do an entire hair routine post so I'm going to do that soon.  Thanks to those who requested it. It's easier than it looks. Just a blow-dry with a round brush and setting it in different sized Velcro rollers.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful week!  

xoxo,

Veronika.

Question? Ask me on Formspring!

PS- regarding a new camera...I'd love to get one of the good ones with the nice lenses...any suggestions? Thank you! 

I should mention- I currently use a Canon PowerShot SD800 IS

25% off at White House Black Market: What I Bought (Plus Sephora VIB Gift)

Happy Saturday!

It's definitely been a happy one for me so far.  I took advantage of my 20% off catalog coupon and my 5% off member coupon today at White House Black Market and got two fabulous sweaters.

Number one is this gorgeous Chanel-esque white sweater (the material is heavier, like a jacket almost). It's called the Long Contrast Sweater Jacket. I knew the moment I saw it online that I just had to have it! I got an XS- WHBM sweaters seem to fit large on me in some styles. Personally, I like my jackets and sweaters to be very fitted. I find they can look sloppy (on me) if they are too loose.

Here it is on the model, for reference:

Then I got this awesome long black sweater. This one is called the Merino Wool Military Inspired Cardigan. It fits awesome. I got this one in a size small.  Also, please note the Chanel-like "C's" on it...military inspired? More like Chanel-inspired, my friends.  Not sure if they are looking for a lawsuit, but in any case, I love the little pockets on it, the buttons and how long it is.

I also picked up a BACK-2-MAC eyeshadow today. I got one called "copperplate." It's a soft brown-ish gray. I like it.  I'm going to use it tomorrow to line my bottom lashes and see how it works. When it comes to MAC shadows I tend to just buy what appeals to me since I don't wear shadow on my lids very often...I use them as liners so my options are fairly limited to neutrals. I was also kind of mad they wouldn't give me the insert so now I have it in the package.  I am going to probably de-pot it. I wonder if you de-pot something if you can still use it as a BACK-2-MAC package?

I also bought an eyeliner by Makeup Forever called "Aqua Eyes" for my waterline (in black) at Sephora. I used my VIB appreciation coupon thus getting a huge sample bag full of goodies! I'm excited because I feel these samples are ones I'll actually use. I'm most thrilled about the Laure Mercier tinted moisturizer and the Dr. Brandt Collage Cream.You also get an Urban Decay e/s which I thought was a great addition to the package.

Overall, worth a purchase at Sephora. I believe it's a $10 purchase that gets you the samples bag if you're a VIB.

One more thing...I was proud of myself today. I went to the mall and browsed, but only bought what I went there for.  I actually wasn't that impressed with the stores I visited which admittedly did make it easier. H even offered to take me to Forever 21 today and I resisted. Oh yes, progress!

Did you buy anything today?  My next "big ticket items" for fall will be a pair of boots and a great trench. I saw some awesome ones for $198.00 at Banana Republic today.

xoxo,

Veronika.

Weekend Haul: Bows, Sparkles and the Gorgeous Jacket I Had to Have

Today, my husband and I went shopping for some new work clothes (for him) because he just got a new job! (yay yay yay times infinity!) I am so happy for him and proud of him.

I also picked up a few items for myself (which I'm sure isn't surprising.)

Let's begin:
This tee from Forever 21 was just irresistible. I know it is a little bit holiday-esque, but you know I can't resist a sparkly bow. The shoulders have a tiny bit of padding in them, and it actually makes the shirt look very flattering when on.

This jacket from White House Black Market had me at hello. I was walking out of the store after trying on a zebra print bikini top (I know, I know)...and I immediately fell in love with this lovely jacket laying on one of the tables. I stared at it longingly, and was too scared to look at the price tag, as some of WHBM's jackets can often cost more than $200. I nearly squeeled when I saw it was $98. Which is still a lot...but but but...I don't own even one "suit" style jacket (well, I own one, from Zara and I hate the way it fits.) This jacket will be a staple and just looks oh-so- good on. I can just picture it with some pearls...oh pearls.

Onto the details:
Ugh. So so good. We just belonged together. I will definitely have to do an OOTD post when I wear this. I got a size small, for reference.
This lovely military-inspired sweater from Forever 21 is another one of my favorite purchases. I saw it on the "return" rack area when I was leaving the fitting room and quickly tried it on. It looks incredible on, and I had to have it. The ruffles at the neck and hips just make it so feminine. It really is an incredible piece and feels well made. It cost $24.50 and I got a medium.

And because a shopping haul is never quite complete without some rosettes I also picked up this lovely rosette adorned top at Forever 21. I want to say it was $15.50 or $17.50. I like to layer these kinds of tees under simple cardigans to give the look a little some extra.

With my sunny vacation on mind, I picked up this pretty cotton dress from Victoria's Secret PINK, on sale for $19.95. It is actually quite long (most of their "dresses" are shirts on me.) I really love the bust detail. It makes the dress feel more special. I plan to wear it as a beach cover-up and with heels it could even look cute to wear to dinner.

Here is the bust, up-close:

I might be a little obsessed with zebra-print...so I also got this VS PINK tee (on sale.) I think it's a cute weekend tee and gym shirt:

It's supposed to fit loose and off-the-shoulder, but I got an XS because I liked how it looked better when it was more fitted. It was on sale for $12.99.

My zebra love continued when I went to Old Navy to pick up 2/$5 flip flops for our trip. I also got a pair of black ones with a slightly metallic finish:

Earlier this week, Chloe posted about these gorgeousValentino Couture Half D'orsay Bow Pumps.

I fell in love with them, but not with the price tag. You can see the ones she got here.

While browsing at DSW today, I stumbled upon these Me Too brand shoes that are somewhat similar to the Valentinos. I had a $20 off coupon so they came to $37.50. They are very very cute! If you are near the Galleria store here in Houston, they still have a lot of them left...mostly in sizes 7-9 and hald sizes, if I remember correctly.

(I forgot to take out the foamy things that keep the bow shape in the shoes.)

Yes, that is a *new* zebra print pillow. My husband thinks I buy too many pillows (and decorative boxes, as I mentioned in a previous post.) I got the pillow at Target last week, and when I came home with it my husband gave me his "I can't believe you bought another couch pillow you crazy woman" face. I promptly added it to the couch, and took two current couch pillows to the guest room (they matched perfectly.) That way, I wasn't adding more...I actually left our couches with less pillows (now that's quick thinkin'!)

Okay, this is totally gross, but because of the cold weather, my knuckles on both hands are cracking and bleeding because they are so dry. I despise hand lotion, so my options are limited. I've been using Eucerin cream at night, but it's not working. So I went to the Body Shop and picked up some of their HEMP hand cream. Hopefully it will make things better:

I am also happy to announce that today, I purchased some dress pants from Express. The reason I'm happy to announce it, is because today I bought a size 4 dress pant. I already have a pair of Editor's in a size 6...because that's all that ever fits me because of my hips. Today, I was able to buy a 4. It just proves that the way your clothes fit will show you the results of you fitness routine...because when I look at myself in the mirror, I am so critical, so I don't always see the changes as much. It was an exciting moment. Maybe it's just that style or something, but I was proud.

PSA: Marshall's Home Store has amazing and inexpensive yoga/pilates mats. I picked up one to take with my to the studio (they provide them, but I prefer to have my own) and I also got a thicker mat to use in my downstairs bedroom which I am going to use as a home gym (to do my workout videos.)

Here are the ones I got:
Did you buy anything this weekend? Let me know in the comments below. Also- have you been working out this year? How do you measure your results? Is it by how your clothes fit, how much you weigh, how you feel? Please do share!

Thank you for reading, and happy Sunday!

xoxo,

Veronika.