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: Steve Madden & Sephora

Hello lovely ladies!  Today H and I went on a shopping trip where he lovingly accompanied me braved the malls for a shoe-shopping extravaganza (because after last week's Jessica Simpson shoe saga, you know I needed a new pair of simple black heels.)

It all began at DSW, where I couldn't find one shoe to try on.  We then proceeded to the Galleria where I visited Nordstrom, Macy's, Nine West and Steve Madden.

I found some heels I loved at Steve Madden, but they really hurt my toes and they didn't have a size up.  We were so exhausted by that point that we went to have lunch at Panera (which, btw, has the calories on the menu now, Thank God, I won't be ordering a lot of the stuff I used to anymore)  and after re-fueling, we decided to hit one last store---Dillard's.

I don't shop at Dillard's regularly because it's across the street from the Galleria mall and I hate re-parking, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

I finally picked these lovely Steve Maddens up, which were nearly identical to the ones I tried on in the actual store. I really wanted suede heels that were high, but not the kind where you could see the platform and definitely not the kind with the 7 inch heels.

Steve Madden Russhh Black Suede

I also discovered today that my feet are massive.  They really are.  I'm usually a 9 1/2 or a 10, and lately, most store's and brand's tens have been feeling quite snug.

These ones fit great and they are flattering on.  I did feel a pinch on my right pinky toe when I was wearing them, but I have an existing blister there (darn J. Crew jelly flats!)

Back to the Steve Madden store---I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these precious nude-colored bow flip flops and I knew I had to have them.

Hello Lover.

Do they look familiar to you?  If you recognize them, it's probably because you know that they're a replica of the Valentino bow flip flops that retail for $275.  Don't even get me started on that.  These Steve Madden versions can be yours for $40 and they also come in white, though I prefer the nude.

 I know you love my sweatpants and bow flip flops.
No, I did not wear those in public, I changed into sweats when I got home!

I know I'll love wearing these all spring and summer long! If they ever get them in black, I'll probably have to get those too.

The only other items I purchased today were from Sephora.  I finally bought Urban Decay Primer Potion (more on that later, because it deserves its own review, since God Himself must have created it) and I also bought a new cream blush product by UD called Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in the color "Quickie" which in real life looks like a shocking baby pink. I can't wait to try it on my cheeks!  It's supposed to go on sheer.

Did you go shopping today?  What did you buy? I felt encouraged because I saw more color coming into the stores this weekend and it appeared there were more dresses and skirts too.  Thank goodness.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Weekend Shopping: Hunter Boots, Nordstrom Rack, Sephora & Banana Republic

I'm sipping a cup of mint tea after a long day of shopping with my H.  We had an awesome day together---breakfast and lattes at Starbucks, shopping and then a late lunch/early dinner at Chuy's (a Mexican food place in our area.)

Our shopping began at Nordstrom Rack so I could use our $50 Groupon.

I got a dress by Andrew Marc.  I think it was originally about $148 and I got it for $49.  I really like the way it fits and it's great for work because it hits just above my knee.

I also picked up a black lace-trim slip by SPANX!  If you ever need SPANX, Nordstrom Rack is the way to go---the slip was just $33 there!

It's nice to wear shapewear under fitted skirts and dresses---it really smooths everything out. I also love the lace trim because I remember seeing Lauren Conrad having a black lace slip sticking out of a black dress she wore in her new style book.  I just thought it was such a cute look with a little vintage flair to it.

I never wore slips before this year---I needed to buy a nude one this past summer for some of my white dresses. I now feel that they are essential for certain skirts and dresses so I'm glad to own a black one.

Next, we went to OLD NAVY and I returned that gray fairisle print sweater that I bought a few weeks ago.  I thought it was very cute but I just never wore it so I felt like it was pointless for it to be sitting in my closet like that.

After those trips we headed to the Galleria mall.  Banana Republic was having a 25% off of everything sale so I picked up this adorable skirt.  It is SO flattering on.  It just sits like no other skirt I own.  It's from their heritage collection. I got a size 6 in this one---the 4 fit but was a bit snug---I would say to size up on this one---but it could just be my hips---if you're not hippy, stay with your regular size.

I know it doesn't look like much on the hanger---but I promise when you put it on it's just lovely!

Next up, I got another bottle of the Phyto Relaxing Balm at Sephora using my coupon. This is one of my HG hair products!

We also hit up Nordstrom where I returned a MAC blush I bought.  It's called "pink swoon" and it's apparently the blush Kim Kardashian uses.  Honestly, I didn't love it.  I think MAC blushes in general tend not to impress me. The only one I use/like is "Well Dressed."  I just find MAC blushes not to be that pigmented and the colors just seem to not work for me as much.  My favorite blush is definitely Bobbi Brown.

I don't know if I had mentioned this before, but I had to get a new pair of my Jessica Simpson boots because they had a rip in the back after wearing them less than 10 times.  Basically the back seam just ripped open.  Nordstrom was awesome and gave me a completely new pair. I wore them today to "break them in" again and let me tell you, that may have not been the best idea because my feet were killing me after a couple of hours. 

Luckily, I decided to try on the Hunter High Gloss Black Boots while I was at Nordstrom and I ended up loving them so much that I bought them---and wore them out of the store!  I am definitely going to bring these to Paris.  They are SO comfy.  I realized today that I didn't have any waterproof boots which is not good since it's so cold and snowy and wet sometimes in Europe.  So I took the plunge and got them.  It rains a lot in Houston so I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of them.

and on me...

Remember ladies---you have to size down in these. I wear a 10 and had to get a 9 in these and they are perfect!  I think they are so cute!  I plan to wear big wooly socks with them to keep my feet warm.  When I was at Nordstrom I ended up chatting with another customer and she told me she just got back from Paris and it's really really cold there---she told me she actually wore her UGGS the entire time so I'm definitely going to bring mine!

Lastly, I picked up these Turbie Twist hair towels at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  I heard they dry your hair way better than normal towels so I'm excited to try them---maybe it will cut down blow-drying time (I can only hope!)

Did you buy anything today?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,

Veronika.