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: Charlotte Russe, Victoria's Secret, ULTA

I did a little shopping today to use some coupons that were about to expire and also to find another hat for our trip that will cover my ears. 

EVERYTHING at Charlotte Russe was 50% off today! I couldn't believe it!  I got this faux-fur collar sweater vest which is cute on its own or worn under a coat---you can let the fur part stick out which embellishes your coat nicely.

I also got this cute hat there:

I picked up these 3 Essie polishes at ULTA today using my $5 off coupon. They were buy two, get one free.

I got these leg warmers for my boots...I forget the name of the store...it's one of those stores I don't usually shop at...I want to say the name starts with an "S" it's kind of similar to the A'Gaci store, but much smaller. I didn't like the inserts they make for the Hunter boots, so I think these will be perfect because they don't stick out of the Hunters.

 At Victoria's Secret, I picked up a new bra (dream angels push-up) and a little nightie (not shown). I also got this superlong long-sleeved PINK henley to use as a layering piece on our trip. I got a large because they fit smaller and I wanted that extra length. It's definitely a leggings-friendly top. I had three $10 off coupons so I used one on each item I bought.

...and that's all for today :)  I also bought a camera case today...which I didn't post because I don't consider it a fashion item. Camera cases are honestly so ugly.  I just hate them all. I wish they made cute camera cases that don't cost $200.  I searched far and wide online but ended up getting a simple black one at Best Buy. They have some nice bags online but considering I'm not a pro, I don't really need a $200 camera bag.

I feel pretty good about packing next weekend. I'm probably going to start on Saturday or Sunday so I don't have to stress about it during the week.  I will definitely devote an entire post to what I packed and how I packed it.  I absolutely love packing and consider myself to be an expert packer!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Weekend Shopping: Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Target

This is my second blog in a day---I love coming here.  I love that every time I open my inbox I'm met with such beautiful, wonderful and kind comments. Thank you a thousand times over.

As I mentioned earlier, Candice and I went to Forever 21 today at Baybrook mall which is a drives away for us, but well worth it. Once again I tried on a ton of clothes and only bought a few items (pretty sure the fitting rooms girls think we're crazy when we come in with all of those clothes.)

I also returned my American Eagle parka and a black and white lace top from Forever 21 that I had purchased previously.  I try to keep all of my receipts now because I find myself returning more things than I used to.  I like to try to make smart purchasing decisions but if I have a few misses at least I know I can return them.

Here's what I got today (I also went to Target and a few other stores):

 $2 holiday knee socks from Target

Black dress from Forever 21--- looks more expensive than it is, in person.  It's more like a longer tunic length on me, must be worn with tights or leggings. I think it cost $27.80. I got a size Large, for extra length.

Black peasant-style top from Forever 21. It looks so lovely on and the sleeves are pretty too, when worn.  I got a size Medium and I think it was $24.80.

Black circle scarf (from Forever 21)--- $8.80. I got this for my Slovakia trip and for Paris.  I LOVE circle scarves because you don't have to worry about the ends of your scarf sticking out.  It's so comfy and you can wrap it around your neck over and over.

Hat---Charlotte Russe, $10.80.  I love the looser sort of beret-style hats.  I think this will look chic with my black jacket.

Extra-long white tank--- $9.80, Forever 21, size Medium---this is great for working out and it's so long that you can wear it over leggings too. Great for ladies who want to cover their butt while wearing leggings. I just love these extra-long tops.

Pink Gloves---Merona, at Target, $10.99.  I got these for our trip.  I needed mittens and I just love these pink ones. I'm still looking for black ones too.

That's everything for today.  I still have to make a trip to Sephora tomorrow morning, so I'll post what I get when I get back.

Thanks for reading---for being so supportive---and for bringing such a positive energy into my life during this tough time.  Before I go, I wanted to show you a few cute pics of Lulu's haircut. He is SO tiny looking now!

Before (fluffy maniac!)

After (hairless wonder!)

We always laugh because he looks like a little lion after his haircuts. He is not very happy for the first few days afterward!

and...more peony gorgeousness (thank you again Jamie, from the bottom of my heart!)

xoxo,

Veronika.

FINALLY FOUND THE BOOTS! & Weekend Shopping: Abercrombie, Old Navy, Charlotte Russe

YEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
I FINALLY found the PERFECT cognac boots!  I am SO happy that the search is over and that the ones I got are ones I'm absolutely in love with!

They are from Nine West and were 30% off their original price of $169.  Behold:

I also had to pick up this gorgeous bag. The moment I saw it I knew it had to be mine (also from Nine West):

It looked so lovely with the black and white outfit I wore today.  I can't wait to use it. It's larger than a clutch but smaller than a typical purse. You can buy it here!

Here's what else I picked up today:

 This pretty fairisle sweater coat from Old Navy (yes, it's from the kids section and I don't care, I love it!  I got a size large and it's perfect!) it looks really great on and it's very warm.

This V-Neck sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch (it was an extra 50% off and came to like $15.)  I got a size Large:

A little wrinkly, but this gingham shirt was also 50% off and cost about $10) I think it will look great tucked into a skirt with my navy blue AE long cardigan.  I must comment that the customer service at A&F was actually good today, which is great.  I was in line waiting to pay and when it was my turn, I saw a girl wearing the shirt above and I realized I had seen it on the sale rack so I asked the cashier to hold on to my sweater while I went to try it on. When I got back into the long line the cashier actually motioned for me to come forward and finish my transaction. I thought that was really nice since I had already waited in a long line the first time.

I also picked up this pretty jewelry at Charlotte Russe: (I was returning the boots I bought there last week.)

...and lastly, this eyeliner from MAC's Tartan Tales Collection called "Lord it Up"...it's a brown shade with a bronzey shimmer to it! The liners are all water resistant which is awesome. I plan to use this on my top lid.

That's it for this weekend!  I feel relieved that I pretty much have everything I need for our trip (except for hats and gloves.) The footwear was really my biggest concern. I may pick up a sleek pair of black runners but haven't found the right ones yet.

Hope you all have a great weekend and happy shopping!  BTW, I did check out the Nordstrom half year sale and I did try on a wonderful Laundry brand dress but I passed on it (it was still almost %150).  I didn't even look through a lot of the store because I didn't want to tempt myself. Sometimes I just have to stay away!

Let me know if you bought anything today in the comments below!

xoxo,

Veronika.