Zara Fitting Room Reviews

I've recently becoming interested in Zara clothing, specifically their jackets. I think the main reason is because the brand caters to smaller people, it's stylish, and I've had luck finding outerwear in my size. I've only recently begun to explore their other clothing. 

 This dress is really pretty. It's a thin fabric, so it's probably meant to be worn in spring, although here in California it could definitely be worn year-round. The print is a funky navy and white. I'm not entirely certain how I'd describe the shape, maybe shift with a hint of flounce. I like that it's feminine and casual. I like the long sleeves and short hem, I think it's kind of refreshing. Unfortunately, at $79.90, I just couldn't justify the purchase. If this was at a lower price point, I definitely would have bought it. 

Get it here!

Weekly Nordstrom Rack Visit

Hi friends. Here's what I scoped out last week at Nordstrom Rack.

This Marc Jacobs Classic Huge Hillier Leather Hobo is gorgeous in this purple shade!

This bag is so, so pretty! The purple is a violet-meets-magenta shade that I love for spring (let's be honest, it's pretty great for any time). I really enjoy the slouchy leather look, and the soft feel. It looks a little bit large on me, but I think it’s a pretty good size for most people, and very roomy. It's priced at $234, a great value considering I saw several smaller Marc Jacobs bags ticketed at the same price. If you’re in the market for a bag this hue, I’d definitely check it out (they also had a nice cognac brown color). Here it is on sale in red for $339. 

DSW Shoe Review

DSW is one of my favorite places to shop for shoes. They have a huge variety that changes regularly, prices lower than average, and clearance items on super-sale! They've been my shoe go-to for years!

Also, once you enroll in DSW point rewards, you accrue points for every purchase. For every dollar you spend on regular priced items, you earn 10 points (5 points per dollar spent on clearance items), and you get a $10 reward certificate after earning 1500 points. They also have frequent opportunities to earn 3x points, and all purchases over $35 ship free! Start shopping at DSW now!

This is the Sam Edelman Posey Chain Ankle boot. I don't pay much attention to designer shoes (I'm still recovering from an unfortunate lime green Coach sandal incident), but these caught my eye on clearance. I have too many dark leather boots in my closet, so I've been on a light suede kick lately. We've had a very dry winter, so I haven't had to worry about the elements ruining the suede.   

I really liked the details of these boots: the chain with leather accents, the braided strap, and the wooden heel. It almost reminds me of a cartridge belt. I like the cowboy/gunslinger vibe without being too overtly western. I also liked the almond toe, it was a nice departure from all the rounded toe shoes I currently own. The sticker price was $119.95, but they were on clearance for half off. I had two DSW certificates for $10 each, so I ended up paying $40 for them. 

Here they are at DSW.com for $119.95. Here for $59.99 from Urban Outfitters in a few select sizes and colors. 

A side note: sometimes items on clearance in store will cost more online, or wont be considered clearance online, so it's always better to check your location's clearance section before ordering online.

Weekly Nordstrom Rack Visit

Last week I paid my weekly visit to Nordstrom Rack. I've heard rumors that they often receive shipments on a daily basis, and I know that at the very least they get new merchandise in weekly, so I like to swing by every week. If I don't, I feel like I might be missing out.

The Kimono trend is really big right now. I've never heard of the West Koi brand before, but it was an interesting item. I personally love the style, and loved the particular print and fringe detail of this kimono, but it was one size fits all. The fringe ended well below the knee. While I know it's intended to be drape-y, I felt that this one was a bit overwhelming. Also, the chiffon-type fabric is pretty, but doesn't add warmth, and I'm always very hesitant to buy pieces that don't have much function. However, I do think that on the right person, with a nice neutral palette, this would be a really lovely piece. Check out these similar kimonos- splurge here and an affordable version here.

Nordstrom Rack Designer Sale

Hello all! Today we're getting some much needed rain in the Los Angeles area, so I thought I'd use this rainy day as an opportunity to let you all in on a designer sale at Nordstrom Rack that is currently underway.

Nordstrom Rack is advertising designer prices 50-75% off. I stopped in not knowing quite what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised at the affordable prices. I steered clear of the pricier items (like Oscar de la Renta and such) and stuck to designers that struck my fancy. Here's what I tried! (Note: the pieces I picked up were either size 0, XS, or 25. I saw mostly small and large sizes, and not a whole lot in between).

 I like this Current/Elliot studded denim shirt, which I tried in a size 0. I never really embraced the denim shirt trend, so this would have been my first. I LOVE the stud detail on the collar, and the little shoulder plackets. This definitely has expensive details (and no wonder, it was originally $198.00!) I liked the medium wash, and the breast pockets. I liked the slim fit and the length. My only complaint was that maybe the sleeves seemed a little bit wide. I kind of loved this shirt, but for $64, I just really couldn't justify it. I'm not crazy about the denim-on-denim look, and I wear jeans almost every day, so this shirt wouldn't get a lot of wear in my wardrobe. But for someone looking to spend on a quality denim shirt, I have to say this is the way to go. Swing by your Rack and check it out. Get it On Sale for $89.10 here!

Up Next:

Peter Pilotto for Target Review

I stopped in at my local Target over the long weekend to see if there was anything left of the Peter Pilotto for Target collection (I meant to go the day it hit the shelves, but I forgot, oops). I found a single rack with some of the remaining pieces, and surprisingly most of them were a size XS. I tried on everything in an XS, except for the gray racerback tank that I left on the rack because it didn't do anything for me.

I must say that overall, I wasn't overwhelmed by the quality of the collection, but the prices were pretty stellar. 

Get the Green Floral Print Coverup here for $34.99.

This was the first piece that caught my eye on the hanger. I enjoyed the floral print and the subtle hi-lo hem, and thought it was the perfect amount of sheer for a summer coverup. I also liked the detail at the neck and the open back. I contemplated buying this, but couldn't bring myself to buy a coverup in the middle of winter (although I was tempted to plan a tropical vacation). Overall, I think this is a great coverup option at a really reasonable price.  

Tech Product Review

Last year I got an iPad Air, but never got around to buying a case for it. I know that eventually, I'll want to travel with it and it's not the kind of thing you can just toss in your purse unprotected. I was really hesitant to shell out the money for an expensive case like the ones they sell at the Apple store, so I went on Amazon in search of something more affordable. They had a wide range of products at different price points, but I found one that was on sale for $4.99 that had a ton of great reviews (I'm always skeptical of things that are too good to be true, so I recommend really poring over the reviews).

It's called A Fintie Apple iPad Air Folio Case (Get it here.) The product info says that it is "synthetic leather," (read: faux leather) but for my price point, I knew I wouldn't get the real deal, nor do I really care. The inner front cover is microfiber, a soft, fuzzy material that functions to protect the screen. The front cover has a magnetic closure, which is very nice and has just the right amount of magnetism to really keep it closed. It also has a stylus holder, but does not come with a stylus (to be honest, I didn't know you could use a stylus with an iPad, whoops).

With the front cover open and tucked behind, it will lay completely flat. The cover adds very little bulk. Also, all of the buttons are perfectly accessible, and the key cutouts are in the proper locations. An added bonus is when you close the cover, your iPad automatically sleeps, and when you open the cover, the "enter password" screen pops up. I'm not sure how this works, but it's a nice feature.

Old Navy Review

When I saw that Old Navy was having a 20% off sale in store, I decided to stop by. I don't usually have much luck there (something to do with their proportions, nothing ever looks right), but I had my eye on a particular cinch-tie workout hoodie. Most of their items were on sale (although not ALL women's items, as advertised), and I also stopped by the clearance rack to see if any of the fall/winter items I'd had my eye on were reduced. If you like Old Navy clothing, I recommend stopping by now and scoping out the sales. 

Warning: A TON OF FITTING ROOM PICTURES

Women's Lightweight Tie-Waist Jacket here. The "Basswood Brown" color was on sale for $20 in store. This one was full price at $39.99. I like the color and fit, although I noticed the tie-waist did accentuate the hips quite a bit. I passed because this is too lightweight for my needs. 

This was my favorite find! I can't find this online anymore, but it was on clearance in store for $14.50! It has a removable shearling collar and is 51% wool. The XS was a little bit wide on me but it was fully lined and very warm, so I couldn't pass it up. It will have to fulfill my "military green" lust until I find the right utility jacket.

NEXT UP:

Printed leggings

Printed leggings are one of those newish trends that I've admired from afar for the last year or so. You know, the whole "those are cool, but I couldn't pull them off," or "those just aren't my style." Well, I received a pair as a Christmas gift last year, so I no longer have an excuse NOT to wear them. The best part? They're only $10.80 at Forever 21, so less guilt if you decide the trend just isn't for you!

Top: Enti (Similar here!), Sweater: Forever 21 old (Similar here!), Bottom: Forever 21 Aztec Print Leggings (Get them here!), Shoes: Ciao Bella Black Leather Renee Riding Boots (On sale here!), Accessories: Forever 21 old












In my humble opinion, bold statement pieces like printed leggings or colorful denim often pair best with neutrals. That's why I kept the color palate simple, using only black and gray and letting the leggings stand out. And I'm happy to report that this outfit, excluding the shoes, comes in at under $50! Nothing makes me happier than a bargain!

Who I am. Why I'm here.

I'm Elle. I like fashion. More than that, I love a good deal. Like any serious shopper, I enjoy putting in the legwork, scouring the racks for savings. I'm by no means an expert, nor do I claim to be overly fashionable (I'm the first to admit I sacrifice style for comfort on a regular basis). I'm just here to share what I've learned in the shopping trenches in hopes it might save my virtual friends a buck or two.

Here's my most recent score. This is admittedly a bigger discount than I'm used to snagging, but it's also why I'm obsessed with Nordstrom Rack and encourage going several times a month because their merchandise is updated so frequently.

The proportions were surprisingly good for me, and I'm on the small side, just under 5'4. I imagine this hi-lo style would work on someone much taller as well. 

Yes, that says $15.90! I purchased this dress at my local Nordstrom Rack last week. I'd seen it all season long discounted to $59.97 and thought it was a really pretty casual look for spring and summer but I couldn't justify spending the money on it because this isn't something I would wear to work (although totally appropriate for a casual office if paired with a blazer or sweater). I was pretty stoked to see this dress on the clearance rack with such a significant discount. I will probably end up taking in the straps as they are a little long, and at this price I can afford to spring for a tailor. I left a very happy shopper!