Happy Canada Day! I can't believe it's already July. No, seriously, I've been so busy with work and freelance (tons of weddings right now) that May and June have been a complete and total blur, with only Instagram posts as a reminder of things I've done (e.g. eaten). And on that note, I've been kinda absent from this blog because I've been spending a lot more of my free time socializing (a.k.a. eating all the things) with friends. Over the winter, I spent so much time by myself indoors (which I love, lest you think I'm a sad hermit) that I forgot what it was like to just... hang out. Not that I don't love the Internet, mind you, but I've found myself not going on my laptop for two or three days in a row at a time, and it's kind of refreshing. Anyway, back to the point of this post: the beginning of a new month means last month's haul! I feel like I just did one of these posts, so sometimes I wonder how I found time to do all this shopping, but you'll be surprised to know that I actually did more non-beauty shopping this month (aren't you proud of me?)!
Kate Spade Layton Wellesley Wristlet, Cedar Street Stacy Wallet, and Toucan iPhone 6 Case
Gucci GG 3166/S Sunglasses
I'm not usually a huge fan of outlet mall shopping because I find that either the deals aren't that great or the styles aren't to my taste, but I found myself going to not one, but two outlet malls last month. I went with Vivian to the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, and aside from picking up some chocolate at the Lindt outlet, we managed to find some fun new accessories for summer at Kate Spade. Everything in the store was 50% off, so I snatched up a wristlet in a mint green colour, a snap wallet in a bright chartreuse yellow, and a cute new phone case (it has toucans on it!). Then on a trip to Buffalo with my mom, we stopped by the Fashion Outlets in Niagara Falls, where Solstice Sunglass Outlet was having a designer sunglasses sale, so I finally decided to retire my old Dior ones (by "retire," I mean "give my mom") and got a new pair of Gucci ones that are slightly bigger and more modern (and don't hit my eyelashes!) for 30% off. I figure if I only buy one pair of sunglasses every five years, it's okay to splurge on a fancier designer pair. Cost per use, right?
Wilfred Chevalier Jacket and Babaton Billie T-Shirt
Wilfred Meryon Blouse and Aritzia Scented Candle in Baies Noires
Aritzia was having their semi-annual private sale (called "Clientèle") a couple weeks ago wherein everything is on sale, so I took the opportunity to stock up on some more black clothes (so I can wear them to work and to go out). I picked up a new black Chevalier jacket (my old one has a hole in the sleeve now, so I figured it was time to replace it) in a black Japanese crepe fabric, and a couple of lightweight, breezy tops to wear during the summer (and appropriate for layering all year round). And like every private sale, they offer all clients a gift with purchase, which was a luxury handmade candle from France. I picked the Baies Noires scent, which smells exactly like Diptyque's Baies, and it's same size, too. So, suck on that, Diptyque. I got this one for free.
Aldo Alyson Sandals
Aldo Torrazza Ballet Flats
Also, I bought two new pairs of shoes from Aldo, including my first ever pair of sandals, and some new ballet flats to replace my old Tory Burch ones (which I refuse to re-buy because they are totally not worth $250).
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Tawny
Bobbi Brown Custom Eyeshadow Palette with Champagne 13, Peach Cloud 4R, Rose Gold 8, Heather Mauve 23, Taupe 4, and Eggplant 5 Eyeshadows
MAC Fix+ in Rose, Coconut, Yuzu, and Cucumber
Okay, so you didn't expect me not to pick up any cosmetics, did you? I mean, I tried to minimize my make-up spending this month, but I'm not that good at resisting. The Estée Lauder warehouse sale took place during the first weekend of June, and while I did bypass a lot of things, I snatched up a limited edition Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Tawny for $25, plus six permanent shades of Bobbi Brown eyeshadow for $12 a pop from $28 (that I put into a Bobbi Brown custom eyeshadow palette that I picked up from the Cosmetics Company Store for $12). And aside from all the Dazzleshadows I picked up from MAC's Le Disko collection (which I have reviewed here, here, and here), I also picked up four of the new scented Fix+ that MAC came out with a couple weeks ago. It's funny because I remember when MAC first launched scented Fix+ (in Lavender and Rose) several years ago, they weren't that popular and they were desperately trying to get rid of them at the warehouse sales, but people are going crazy for them now (they're already sold out online and at most locations). So if you were intrigued by them (my favourite is Yuzu, which is a fresh citrusy scent), I would see if your local MAC location still has any and snatch them up ASAP.
NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Craving
Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap and Exfoliating Scrub
Hudson's Bay is currently offering a $10 off any $75 purchase promotion, so I snatched up the NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Craving, plus Clinique's new Foaming Sonic Facial Soap (it was developed for their Sonic System Brush, but it works the same with a Clarisonic) and a new tube of Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub, which has become a favourite of mine (it's has the perfect amount of grit, is lightly foaming, and has a nice minty-fresh after-feel). Clinique has a new program with Hudson's Bay that started about a month ago, wherein they track all your purchases on a card and when you buy ten products, the 11th product is free (up to the average price of your previous ten purchases, so if you spent an average of $25 per product, then you can get a $25 product for free). This is a great loyalty program (and unheard of in the world of prestige cosmetics) to drive Clinique users to shop at Hudson's Bay, so if you use their skincare or are thinking of getting some of their new Cheek Pops (my favourite), then definitely head over to Bay locations to shop.
Bath & Body Works Shea & Vitamin E Shower Gel in Pearberry, Cucumber Melon, and Eucalyptus Mint
Bath & Body Works Shea & Vitamin E Body Lotion in Pearberry, Cucumber Melon, and Eucalyptus Mint
The Body Shop Shower Gel in Papaya and Passion Fruit
The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Whip and Harvest Raspberry Body Lotion
Finally, I got some fun new body products. As you might know, Bath & Body Works was having their Semi-Annual Sale, which I was totally going to ignore... but then Vivian and I went in "just to look," and I noticed that they brought Pearberry and Cucumber Melon back (my two favourite Bath & Body Works scents in middle school!). They were doing a 3 for $12 deal (and I had a 20% off coupon on top of that), so I snatched up three shower gels in Pearberry, Cucumber Melon, and Eucalyptus Mint (my favourite Bath & Body Works scent from their current line-up), and the matching body lotions. I go through body lotion like it's water, so I didn't feel too guilty for stockpiling. And at the Body Shop outlet store at Toronto Premium Outlets, they had a ton of their discontinued limited edition products on sale for $4 a pop, so I snatched up four: their soap-free shower gels in Papaya (my favourite!) and Passion Fruit, as well as their body lotions in Sweet Lemon and Harvest Raspberry. I am gonna smell like a freakin' fruit salad this summer and I'm gonna love every minute of it.
What did you buy last month? Any good deals? What are your thoughts on outlet shopping?
I'm not usually a huge fan of outlet mall shopping because I find that either the deals aren't that great or the styles aren't to my taste, but I found myself going to not one, but two outlet malls last month. I went with Vivian to the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, and aside from picking up some chocolate at the Lindt outlet, we managed to find some fun new accessories for summer at Kate Spade. Everything in the store was 50% off, so I snatched up a wristlet in a mint green colour, a snap wallet in a bright chartreuse yellow, and a cute new phone case (it has toucans on it!). Then on a trip to Buffalo with my mom, we stopped by the Fashion Outlets in Niagara Falls, where Solstice Sunglass Outlet was having a designer sunglasses sale, so I finally decided to retire my old Dior ones (by "retire," I mean "give my mom") and got a new pair of Gucci ones that are slightly bigger and more modern (and don't hit my eyelashes!) for 30% off. I figure if I only buy one pair of sunglasses every five years, it's okay to splurge on a fancier designer pair. Cost per use, right?
Aritzia was having their semi-annual private sale (called "Clientèle") a couple weeks ago wherein everything is on sale, so I took the opportunity to stock up on some more black clothes (so I can wear them to work and to go out). I picked up a new black Chevalier jacket (my old one has a hole in the sleeve now, so I figured it was time to replace it) in a black Japanese crepe fabric, and a couple of lightweight, breezy tops to wear during the summer (and appropriate for layering all year round). And like every private sale, they offer all clients a gift with purchase, which was a luxury handmade candle from France. I picked the Baies Noires scent, which smells exactly like Diptyque's Baies, and it's same size, too. So, suck on that, Diptyque. I got this one for free.
Also, I bought two new pairs of shoes from Aldo, including my first ever pair of sandals, and some new ballet flats to replace my old Tory Burch ones (which I refuse to re-buy because they are totally not worth $250).
Okay, so you didn't expect me not to pick up any cosmetics, did you? I mean, I tried to minimize my make-up spending this month, but I'm not that good at resisting. The Estée Lauder warehouse sale took place during the first weekend of June, and while I did bypass a lot of things, I snatched up a limited edition Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Tawny for $25, plus six permanent shades of Bobbi Brown eyeshadow for $12 a pop from $28 (that I put into a Bobbi Brown custom eyeshadow palette that I picked up from the Cosmetics Company Store for $12). And aside from all the Dazzleshadows I picked up from MAC's Le Disko collection (which I have reviewed here, here, and here), I also picked up four of the new scented Fix+ that MAC came out with a couple weeks ago. It's funny because I remember when MAC first launched scented Fix+ (in Lavender and Rose) several years ago, they weren't that popular and they were desperately trying to get rid of them at the warehouse sales, but people are going crazy for them now (they're already sold out online and at most locations). So if you were intrigued by them (my favourite is Yuzu, which is a fresh citrusy scent), I would see if your local MAC location still has any and snatch them up ASAP.
Hudson's Bay is currently offering a $10 off any $75 purchase promotion, so I snatched up the NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Craving, plus Clinique's new Foaming Sonic Facial Soap (it was developed for their Sonic System Brush, but it works the same with a Clarisonic) and a new tube of Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub, which has become a favourite of mine (it's has the perfect amount of grit, is lightly foaming, and has a nice minty-fresh after-feel). Clinique has a new program with Hudson's Bay that started about a month ago, wherein they track all your purchases on a card and when you buy ten products, the 11th product is free (up to the average price of your previous ten purchases, so if you spent an average of $25 per product, then you can get a $25 product for free). This is a great loyalty program (and unheard of in the world of prestige cosmetics) to drive Clinique users to shop at Hudson's Bay, so if you use their skincare or are thinking of getting some of their new Cheek Pops (my favourite), then definitely head over to Bay locations to shop.
WHAT. Good to know that about Clinique! This is the first I'm hearing of it. I just bought a Clinique mascara but that went towards bonus Optimum points so I don't feel too bad. BLUSH PARTY LOOMETH. So, do you have to get a separate Clinique card to keep track or just use your Bay card(s)?
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't believe those are your first pair of sandals but GOOD CHOICE. They look awesome!
Yes, there wasn't a lot of publicity with the Clinique program, but there were posters promoting it within the Bay. You do get a separate Clinique card to keep track of your purchases, 'cause it's all manual. The BA will write down what you've bought and the price of it, and then put a Clinique sticker next to it so they know it's an authentic purchase rather than you just filling out whatever the hell you want, lol.
DeleteAnd THANKS! I had a thing about showing my feet in public, but I kinda got over it after I noticed so many people with HIDEOUS FEET wearing sandals like they just don't care, LOL. I looooove these sandals. So comfy, and I've been getting lots of compliments on them! :)
Those sandals are CUTE. And what the heck did you wear in the summer before, girl? I need a new pair of flat sandals but I haven't found anything that I love yet, so I'm waffling. And then summer will be over, hahahahaha. I did buy some TOMS open-toed booties that I'm loving so far, though!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a bit quiet on the makeup front although I've been eyeing up skincare hard. It's just a matter of time.
Haha, thanks! Umm, I just wore flats all the time in the summer. Yes, my feet did smell. :P
DeleteI've been eyeing your TOMS booties from your IG photos -- they look lovely! Think I might look into getting a pair as well. They look stylish and comfortable, and the open-toe makes them summer-appropriate. :)
i tried to avoid aritzia during the clientele sale and now i have so many things in my cart, ugh. I got a candle from one of these sales a few years ago and i just loved it. ugh. i hate when aritzia gets me lol. And how is it that i live and have spent time in the only metropolitan areas in the US that have aritzia stores? I can't escape!
ReplyDeleteLOL. Story of my life with shopping on Aritzia's website. I will have like eighteen items in my cart and be like, "WELL I CAN'T SPEND $3000." And then I'll cut and cut and cut until I have like, three items. Which will still cost more than $200. :P
DeleteI also got a candle from last year's sale. I chose the Fig scent and it's awesome. I hope they continue to give out the candles as gifts. If they started selling them, they'd jack up the price and it'd be the same as Diptyque. :P
Mmmm my mouth is watering at the idea of papaya and passionfruit shower gels - it's winter here in Aus and I want to smell like fruit salad to stop myself from noticing the cold.
ReplyDeleteLol, if it makes you feel any better, when it's winter for us here, it's summer for you! And our winters last like, six months. :P
DeleteBut you should totally smell like fruit salad all year round just because it's so cheerful! :D