NYC — Spring 2014: Fashion Haul

The one thing that I was set to buy while I was in NYC was a Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch. I wanted a nice black leather crossbody bag, and the M.A.C. Clutch has everything I want in one: the structure, studs, chain straps, and the clasp detail work together to create an edgy but still feminine bag that's looks slim and sleek but is still big enough to hold all my essentials. And unlike the Mini M.A.C. which is just too mini for me, I feel like this one is the perfect size for a crossbody bag. I knew I wanted a black one (do I ever want any other colour?) with gold hardware so it would go with everything in my wardrobe, so I went to Bloomingdale's all set to buy this bag, and the salesgirl told me that as they were having a private sale for all Loyallist members (luckily, I joined last year when I bought my Jo Malone perfumes; because there's no Bloomingdale's in Canada, it was kind of redundant for me to join at the time, but they were offering extra GWPs and coupons and things with joining, so I got suckered into it). The sale entitled Loyallist members to receive $25 off for every $100 spent. Since the Rebecca Minkoff bag was $295, the girl said she'd give me $75 off because it was only $5 from the $300 mark. Never have I been so glad to have a points card for a department store.
Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch
Marc by Marc Jacobs Washed Up Billy Hobo Bag
And then I got tempted by this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. I wasn't planning on getting another one because I got one last year, but I couldn't resist especially given the Loyallist private sale discount, which enabled me to get $100 off this particular style. I love everything about it: the pebbled calfskin, the one-strap hobo style, and most importantly, the zipper detailing! I wasn't going to get another black bag and was actually contemplating getting it in a sort of "greige" colour, but I felt like the gold and silver zippers looked much more striking against black. So, that's how I ended up with yet another black bag... and spending far more than I expected to.
Talula Wiltern Jacket
Babaton Dion and Julien T-Shirts
While we were walking around in Soho, I thought I'd stop by the Aritzia store there because there was a sale going on. As those who shop there regularly will know, Aritzia's sales are rarely ever deals or steals, usually just a measly $5 off their regular prices. And the prices in their NYC location is exactly the same as in Canada. However, any item of clothing under $100 is tax-free in NYC, so I figured I'd save a little in that sense. I ended up buying the Talula Wiltern Jacket in an army green shade (yes, I bought something with colour!) that I'd been eyeing for the past couple months, as it was on "sale" for $110 (from $120, but I love, love, love this jacket; the shrunken military style, the incredibly lightweight, super-soft linen-like fabric, the numerous pockets, the snap button detailing), plus two washed silk and jersey tops in black (the Babaton Julien, which I already have but it got snagged on something so there's a hole in my old one, and the Babaton Dion, which has tuxedo-style pleating on the front and button-cuff sleeves) which were both on sale for $60 from $85.
Uniqlo Light V-Neck Cardigan and Cotton Linen Stoles
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Jeans and Leggings Jeans
And, of course, we had to go to Uniqlo, which is always our must-visit when we're in NYC. My mom went crazy there, but I just bought some basics: a lightweight V-neck cardigan that was on special for $14.90 from $29.90, a few lightweight cotton linen scarves (in a khaki-brown, black, and black and white plaid print) that were on special for $9.90 each from $12.90, two pairs of their Ultra Stretch Jeans in black, and two pairs of my favourite Leggings Jeans in charcoal grey and dark blue. Nothing especially exciting, but Uniqlo has quickly become my go-to store for affordable staples and I needed to re-stock. I can't wait until Uniqlo comes to Toronto (there are rumours that they're coming here for 2016!). 
And the shopping ban begins now.

Bloomingdale's Soho 504 Broadway New York, NY 10012 (212) 729-5900
Aritzia Soho 524 Broadway New York NY 10012 (212) 965-2188
Uniqlo Soho 546 Broadway New York, NY 10012 1-877-486-4756
Uniqlo Midtown 31 W 34th Street New York, NY 10001 1-877-486-4756