Harper and Shadow

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

How To Shop For Great Deals

After years of shopping I've gotten better at grabbing better deals. This comes from what I have learned working in the retail industry and just trying to save money. I rarely pay for something full price (there is the rare exception though ;) so my entire wardrobe is based on things that are discounted. I have probably saved thousands of dollars over the years from doing this and still very happy with the clothes I have. Take a look below at some of the tips and tricks I've gathered to start saving too!

1.) Inspect all materials for damage

Mirrored Jewelry Armoire

This can easily save your 10%-30%+ off, all you have to do is ask. Make sure the damage, if you find any, is easily/cheaply repairable to make the purchase worth it. I received an extra 30% off my mirrored jewelry armoire at T.J. Max because of some easily replaced missing/loose nuts and bolts.

2.) The early bird catches the worm!

Mall Hours

Seriously, get to the stores early. This way, you can ensure the best selection of items for sale in your size/color etc. that have not been handled and picked over.

3.) Subscribe to email

A nice contrast. 50% Off any espresso drink. Ends May 14. Offer code 354. One-time use only. Non-transferable. Iced Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte.

Starbucks Coupon Code

If you don't like to subscribe to email accounts because of the overflow of junk, create an email address just for this purpose and check it once in a while if you want to go shopping. Stores are always sending emails for upcoming or current sales, sometimes these sale discounts are only viable with a specific code they email you (see my Starbucks code up above).

4.) Stop by the middle of the week

This kind of goes along with showing up early. Sales typically start on Wednesdays or Thursdays and you'll have the best, un-picked over variety. Also, sometimes you might find extra discounts for the middle of the week because of merchandise they are trying to get rid of to make way for new stuff for the weekend crowd.

5.) Student/teacher/military discounts

Club Monaco Student Discount

Take advantage people!! If you are any of the above you can get great additional discounts even ON TOP of sale items. J.Crew offers 15% off for teachers, Club Monaco and Anne Taylor offers a whopping 20% off for students!

6.) Stay in touch with social media

Stores may offer secret sales through word of mouth on their Facebook, twitter and blog pages. Keep track of these to stay in the know.

7.) Follow bloggers closely

Follow bloggers closely who love the brands that you love. J.Crew Aficonada, ShopwithM and Effortless Anthropolgie are all great blogs I follow who share news on sales first!

Got any tips for scoring great deals? Please share!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Wish List

MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette

I love MAC eyeshadows and have always wanted to create one of their 15 pan palettes for myself. While I still absolutely adore my LORAC Unzipped palette, I am craving something new for a bit of variety out of the brown/gold/bronze usual territory. Instead of having a bunch of loose eyeshadows, I really enjoy having everything in one place.

I know, I know...it probably seems silly to just not go ahead and start one of these. It's not like I have to fill it all up at once. I just need to go to my local PRO store and do it lol. I think I want the palette to be filled with neutrals and staple shadows. Below are some of the shades I'm thinking about...