Unintentional Shopping

As the title suggests, I did quite a bit of unintentional shopping over the past week and a half or so.. thanks to some amazing sales (Friends and Family at Bloomies, Columbus Weekend sales and 40% off coupons at H&M).

First stop, H&M.  From their Basics collection, I picked up two jersey dresses, one in black and another in olive green.  I initially only picked up the olive one, but as soon as I put it on, I quickly realized that I also NEEDED it in black so I went back for it.  The two sweaters on the top right corner were on a "buy one, get one" offer - so I picked out the navy with small white stars on the chest and the black one with reptile print.  The black sheer angora sweater just below the bogo sweaters was my first purchase this weekend and I can't wait to wear it! It can be dressed up or down and with pants and skirts (gotta love a multi-tasker). The navy blazer (always a good basic to throw on) was originally $50 but went down to $20 for the weekend sale --Super score!

Next stop, Zara.  These are the "witchy" boots I mentioned in my previous post.  They are surprisingly comfortable and I have been wearing them non stop with everything: chinos, cuffed boyfriend jeans, and even the jersey dresses I bought at H&M.  They seem to make anything look just that much cooler.

This next and last purchase over the last couple of weeks, is my splurge item.  I have been mulling over the idea of getting a new purse for the last few months so when my credit card rewards racked up enough points for a $100 gift card to Bloomingdales and the Friends and Family Sale was also looming near --  I just had to jump on it.  Meet the newest addition to my purse collection: Marc Jacobs' Too Hot To Handle satchel in Redwood (rich caramel brown).  It features two top handles and a long strap to carry it crossbody style (which is how I prefer to wear it).  

With all the hardware, she's kind of heavy to lug around EVERY SINGLE DAY - but I don't mind, I just switch shoulders and call it a workout. 

I think I'm good on shopping for the next few months... my next purchase will be my wedding dress! (fingers crossed)

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

xo
Alexa P.

I ❤ FOOD: Tis the Season (for Pumpkin)

My favorite place to food shop is Trader Joe's.  The prices are reasonable and you can always count on them to have a nice variety of seasonal treats!  I finally got my grubby little hands on a jar of the much raved about Speculoos cookie butter.  Several people have recommended it to me for it's crack-like addictive qualities so I'm looking forward to seeing what all the hype is about!  Have you tried it?  Any pairing suggestions are welcome!

As it is the season for pumpkins (carving for Halloween and pie for TG) - I picked up some pumpkin butter!  We've been really into oatmeal lately and a dollop of this will really add a little somethin' somethin' to our next breakfast :)

A couple of weeks ago I tried TJ's pumpkin bagels and devoured all six bagels within a week...  I know my thighs hated me for it -but they were so damn delicious toasted and slathered in honey cream cheese!  During today's trip to the market, I didn't think I would find them again but low and behold - they were fully stocked! Not sure if you can tell from the photo below, but I'm a little obsessed with these at the moment...  Not to worry though - I don't plan on eating all 12 of them this week - I am freezing one of the bags for future consumption!

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bagels: "Made with pumpkin flour and pumpkin pie spice bits"

On your next trip to Trader Joe's, do yourself a favor and pick up a bag of pumpkin bagels.  Whip up your own honey cream cheese by taking a dollop of regular cream cheese, drizzle it with honey, and stir.  I promise you won't regret it.

xo

Alexa P

Feeling Halloweeny

I'm looking forward to Halloween this year.  I have a handful of costume options thanks to a Halloween costume sale we raided a couple of years ago!  I can be A) a fly, B) a zombie bride, or C) a cat (a la halloween 2011 below).  

Adam's costume was a mishmash of things we found at the costume store: handlebar mustache, leather hat, silver badge, all paired with his very own pea coat, plaid shirt, and jeans.  Voila - instant costume! 

The cat is seriously the easiest (and possibly the cheapest) costume ever.  I just bought a five dollar set of ears which came with a tail.  I wore an all black outfit with a fur cape that I purchased from a thrift store and boots.  The makeup was a lot of fun to do - I loved shading in the contours and using black eyeliner on other parts of my face not accustomed to the black pencil!

After watching the season premier of American Horror Story this week -- I'm also contemplating a modern day witch.  I loved all the black outfits they put together for the cast and my newest Zara shoes would totally make for the perfect witchy shoes! I know I'll be wearing these to death this season with tights and the whole nine..

Zara Leather Sling Back Ankle Boots

In addition to these shoes, I picked up a few other bits and pieces at H&M and a naughty little purchase from the Bloomingdale's Friends and Family sale.  They will be featured in up coming posts :)

xo

Alexa P.

Dealzz @ The Body Shop + My New Do

I got off at 59th Street on route to my haircut to check out some purses at Bloomies and ended up at The Body Shop down the street.. No sense whatsoever but that's how these things happen. I initially went in with the intention to repurchase my favorite concealer stick (this stuff is fab - great coverage, blendable, amazing) since mine was seriously stumping it.

I was immediately made aware of the giant promotion "buy 2 get 2, buy 3 get 3" on the ENTIRE STORE. So the picture below is what ensued...How could I not?? I was but an innocent shopper taking advantage of a great sale. This was the perfect excuse to try a few things I have been meaning to try but never had a reason to.  I ended up with the 3 get 3... and what a DEAL it was!

Front top to bottom: Concealer Pencil in Shade 4, Vitamin C Microdermabrasion, Vitamin C Skin Boost Serum, Vitamin E Face Mist, Olive Body Butter, and Honeymania Body Butter.

I also ended up joining the yearly membership since it was only 3 dollars for the whole year -- and heck, if this stuff ends up being a hit - I will definitely be getting my moneys worth in points! Will update with my thoughts on the rest of the products once I get to using them more!

On to my haircut - I was able to see my hairstylist Grace a bit in advance of my appointment since she had some extra time and I was already in the area.  She did a great job and paid lots of attention to the pictures I showed her of my hair muse (see previous post) and the length I wanted.  The LifeBooker deal I bought included a conditioning treatment, cut, and blowout (all of which were granted!).  The conditioning treatment felt amazing - she massaged my head and almost made me fall asleep in the process.  Once she finished cutting she blew out my hair and even used some rollers on the top to add some shape.  All in all my visit to Tomoko Shima was great and I look forward to going back sans-LifeBooker deal as a regular customer!

XO,
Alexa P.

The Yearly Chop

I'm semi embarrassed to admit that I only get a haircut about once a year with the occasional self-imposed trim.  Luckily I haven't been prone to split ends which has allowed me to get away with this bad habit for so long.

It's always around this time of year that I start to get the urge to chop it all off!  I've gone from super long mid-back length hair to a bob that reaches to about my chin.  This hair cycle of long to short has been my norm since college.  With my wedding day less than 7 months away (eek!!) I can't go for my usual short hairdo so I've decided to do go with something mid-length.  This way I can let my hair grow back to it's current length by the time the big day rolls around.  Win win, right?

My hair inspiration and muse for this  mid-length cut is none other than Olivia Palermo.  I loved to hate her in MTV's, The City; but damn, I have to admit that I have always loved her personal style from day one.  Her sophisticated and oh so chic outfits and her au natural makeup is always spot on.

Photo: Getty Images (via Glamour.com)

I picked up a Life Booker deal for a cut, conditioning treatment, and blowout at a hair salon called Tomoko Shima on 14th Street.  I'm excited to go because I've heard (and read) some amazing reviews!  Will update again with my experience!

xo,
Alexa P.