Outlet Mall Haul Challenge

I had not been outlet Shopping in Years. I think that I could also count on one hand how many times I had been to an outlet mall. I guess the reason being that the past experiences had not been pleasant. Overcrowded, messy merchandising, damaged goods, miss sized items, etc. I thought to myself, "I rather go and spend my money at a Target or Kohl's to save some money than buy something Name Brand that is marked down because it was miss-sized, damaged, or overstocked".

Well I decided to Challenge myself and hit up an Outlet Mall (I was passing one on a day trip) and go to just Five Smaller Stores and spend under $50 at each and try to find the best buy. Here's how it went.

1.) Bath and Body Works.
This was like any normal Bath and Body Works except maybe with a constant Sale going on. It seemed to have all the normal items that the store carries at regular price but with many sales counters. Kind of like what Bath and Body Works is like during a Holiday Sale. Here is a picture of what I bought coming in at just $28.

My favorite items from Bath and Body Works were the Warm Vanilla Sugar Items that I got because that is my All Time Favorite Scent there. I also loved the Paris Nights Themed Body Lotion and Shimmer Mist. Its a light scent. I have to buy light scents since perfumes give me migraines. Oh and LOVE the Rhinestone Pumper that I am going to put in the Body Lotion. So Fab! And its reusable!

2.) American Eagle

Now I am pretty sure this was not an outlet store. Sometimes there are regular stores in outlet malls?? Confuses me... But I have noticed this before. I went in AE anyway because I was on a mission. To get plain white T-Shirts to make the Pretty Little Liars (February 19th, 2013) Aria Inspired White T-Shirt look. The amazing one she wore under the leather jacket with the leggings and Fringe Scarf. I love recreating looks. Look for a Blog on this T-Shirt and look coming soon. Here is a link to the PPL site about the look and how to recreate it. Spent $25 on Both Tee's!

http://beta.abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars/blogs/Season-3/style-file-pretty-little-liars-mandi-line

"Yep in My White Tee"

I got two T-Shirts, one with the Cute Heart on it and one just Plain White to Make the Look. I had to get them in XL and L because the Look of the T-Shirt on Aria in PLL is Long and on the Bigger Side. The T-Shirts at American Eagle come very fitted, so I had to get them big to do the look. I thought the Heart would add an extra something when I wear the shirt with some Jeggings this Spring and a pair of hidden wedge Sneakers. Can't Wait!

3.) Skechers Outlet

This is where I hit the mother load. They had buy one get one half off any shoe. And all the shoes were significantly marked down. I know this for a fact because I buy a lot of Skechers from the real store at my local mall. Like a lot!!! Since I came in significantly under my $50 budget at the last two stores. I spent a little more here. Around $75.00 

I have the brown pair already in Black so I knew I'd love them. I love wearing them with the Leg Warmers that the come with or other colors I have Peaking out with leggings. It looks so cool. Trust me! I get stopped every time! I have a couple pairs of Wedge Sneaker shoes already (way before they blew up) and I could not help myself with this Navy Blue Pair.I definitely though had to do my work with this two pair of shoes with sizing. I had to try about three pairs of my size in each pair to get my correct size. That's why I didn't like outlet shopping! You kinda have to work for it sometimes!

4.) Lancome Fragrance and Cosmetic Co.

Now this was News to me! I had no idea that Makeup Brands had outlets. I was very excited! I did not want to go overboard though and buy a lot, (plus I had to stick to my challenge) in fear that these might be damaged or old goods. I spend $40 on this set.

First of all, love the Bag! Most higher end Beauty Bags will say Dior Beauty or Chanel Beauty when you get them. Not this one, Just YSL..:) It came with a Full Size Touch Eclat Radiant Touche Pen in Number 1 (the Classic Color), a  Full Size Volume Effet Mascara, and a Mini Instant Eye Remover. I tried out the Touche Eclat Pen today and compared in to my others and it worked like a charm!! It never lets me down. Boy did I score there! The Pen is like $40 by itself!

5.) The Makeup Store 

This store had numerous different makeup brands from Clinique to Bobby Brown to Mac! I had to get the skinny on this store from the Saleswoman. She informed me that had been in business for 13 years. She said that they get in items that are about 6 months old. I again wanted to err on the side of caution and only buy 2 items. 

I did my research on first item and it is from the MAC A Tartan Tale Holiday Collection From 2010. I got the Thrill Seekers Pigments in Warm. The saleslady had the gall to say to me that she thought the Pigments were from this Past Holiday Collection. I wanted to say "Mam is Stupid Stamped on My Forehead'! But the Pigment colors were beautiful, seemed in good condition and something I definitely needed. Love me a Pigment! But I am not to keen on being lied too. So I will not be returning to this store. So there loss, they lose my business.

Now at least they did not lie to me on my second item, I also got an Estee Lauder Art of Eyes in Dramatic Smokey! Now this is from the Holiday 2012 Collection and is still for sale on Estee Lauder's Website. And all seems to be in working order..:)

Since this was my last stop and I still had a few bucks left over and had conquered my Challenge in three of the five Stores. I spent $53. Three Dollars Over! 

Well if was definitely a fun challenge and a success! But I am definitely not waiting in anticipation to go back. I scored some cool stuff for a good price, but I think I will stick to my local shops!

Thanks,

Sik Glam

Mini Henri Bendel Haul

Mini Henri Bendel Haul

Today I feel like talking a bit of fashion. On my way to a department store. I walked by one of my favorite Stores, Henri Bendel. Ohh how I tried to look the other way and pretend I did not see it. Ohh how I tried to think of a million reasons why I should not go in. And I had them, believe me! But, alas, I came up with a good one to go in. It was snowing outside and I did not feel like driving home in it and I knew it was going to let up soon. So if I could just kill some time in Henri Bendel, the roads would get clear, and the drive home would be much safer!! Sounds good to me!

I walked in planning on just browsing ( I swear), but there it was! The sale section! They got me again! They had so many bags on sale at 50 to 60% off. That doesn't happen often at Henry Bendel. At least that I come across! Especially this many of them at one time. The counter was literally full and there was even some hanging. I saw the bag from a mile away. Maybe it was because it was everything I was looking for, maybe it was the Real Gold detailing that sparkled and caught my eye, we'll never know. What I do know is that, it was just what I was looking for. It was similar is the shape of the smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Speedy. I have the Original Speedy 30 (A lot bigger than this one) and it is about 5 years old. I absolutely love carrying it around because it is so light weight and well amazing, but it is getting to the point where I would like to retire it. I want it to be in good condition when I retire it, so that one day I can pass it along to the daughter that I hope to have one day:) This new Henri Bendel handbag was perfect to add to my fall winter handbag collection.

Well of course I could not just browse the handbag sale section. The also had some accessories on sale too. I had been recently looking for a gold tone pendant necklace and they had the perfect one on sale. I got really lucky that day! It was like it was meant to be. Don't you love those kinds of shopping days? The only one that I have that is similar is very old, real gold and Jade and belongs to my mother. And well, its only a matter of time before she asks for it back.

So here is my new Henri Bendel Bag: I hope you love it as much as I do.

Real Gold Detailing on the Mini Circle Studs on the Front and Bag Make it a Real Show Stopper!

Love the Classic Bendel Stripes on the side!

Love the Purple Lining and the Inside Zippered Pocket with a Bow!!
Perfect for you Gloss, Mints, Hand Sani & Moisturizer

Necklace

The Necklace has a movable Clasp so you can make it any length you wish.

Close Up on the Pendant!

It looks really cool when where the necklace at a shorter length and you pull the extra length of the necklace over one side of your neck and it hangs with the cool tassels on the end. Or if you are wearing a low back shirt or dress and the necklace hangs down the back. Divine! It also comes in other pendant colors and the chain also comes in silver tone, but sadly they were not on sale at the time. But I will be watching!

I love wearing this necklace with my new bag. I just love knowing that the Purple Pendant matches the lining of my bag. It makes me feel oh so chic!

Thanks,

SikGlam

Love Prabal Gurung for Target Experience

Love

Prabal Gurung for Target Launch

I was so excited for the Prabal Gurung Launch at Target this February. I have been eagerly awaiting Spring, since this winter has been rough! Just seeing Spring Clothes makes me feel like we are one step closer. I rested up, packed my handbag with the shopping survival essentials, and went to bed very early. I know you got to get the goods, while the getten is good! I was the first lucky lady in my local Target and got to shop in peace.

But this time, I was going to be smart and only buy a few items. I usually go overboard at these launches, blackout, buy the entire line and wear about a third of it. It's not that the clothes are not incredible, its just that theres is not enough time. Or maybe I just need to get out more! Hmmm.

Well, here is what I bought from the Prabal Gurung Launch:

Dress with Full Skirt - Apple Red

I wore this dress already on Valentines Day and it is incredible. The picture does not do it justice. The skirt is so full and it has pockets. Yes I said Pockets!!

Shirt Sleeve Dress - First Date Print

I can not wait to wear this dress this Spring. It has such a cool pattern that it right on trend for SS13. The fit of the dress is so flattering and it feels very well made. It cinches at the waist so the bottom flares out a bit. The Pattern also goes down the back of the dress.

Pleated Skirt - Nolita Print

I bought this skirt for many reasons. It can be made into so many looks. It can be dressed up with a cool blazer or worn laid back with a simple white or black Tee. I love the lace detail on the bottom on the skirt.

Lace Front Blouse - Black

I am a sucker for blouses so I had to get this one. It has lace detail on the upper front and a cool fake leather collar. Perfect to wear right now with my black leather leggings or tucked into a black leather skirt.

Lace Hard Sided Clutch - Yellow &
 Lace Up Pump - Meet the Parents Print

I have never owned a yellow clutch so I could not pass up on this one. It is oh so fabulous! It also has a chain tucked inside so you can wear it two different ways. I got the shoes because well look at them. They are Amazing! They are Lace up Patterned Pumps with a Zipper going up the back of them. Could it get better for Spring!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of my purchases! I can not wait to wear it all (and I will this time) and take some pictures of the outfits that I put together.

Thanks,

Sik Glam