Boden Sale is on Sale (Haul)!!!

Boden was kind enough to send me a $10 gift credit via email in celebration of my birthday (last weekend). Then they announced that the sale and clearance items (as well as full price stock) are an additional 15% off with coupon code 5V6G so I went on a little spree!

I had other account credit from previous price adjustments and voucher deals so it cost me nearly nothing out of pocket. I was finally able to snag the Deer Print Parka at 60% off. I don't care if I will need to hold onto it until next winter. It is so cute and also down and feather-filled which I expect will be warm. The best thing about it is it is unlike any other coat in my closet. I also bought a dress that I am considering for Mother's Day (if in person the tunic I bought for Emilia matches).

By the way for any Pittsburgh/SWPA readers, I noticed on the David L. Lawrence Convention Center website that the Boden Sample Sale is coming back on May 2nd! They call it a liquidation sale on the convention center website. Regardless, I can't wait! You can read my sample sale guides here and here.

I stopped with my above haul for now but am considering a second order. What are you buying?

Easy Scoop Tunic Boden Sample Sale Haul

I have a long backlog of OOTD posts to share and I apologize for the poor quality of these mirror shots, but I wanted to share a quick update on how I fared at the Boden sample sale this weekend. I didn't score as big as last time (when I found TWO dresses and everyone else in my household went home with something) but I did leave with a new dress.

Specifically, I selected another Easy Scoop Tunic in one of the prints offered last season (still available on clearance here). I know the Easy Scoop tunic from recent current-season Boden shopping. The difference with this one from my bird print version is the "tall" length. I didn't realize I would ever be a "tall" in anything. But for this particular style, "tall" is my preference. I believe the added length makes it more campus- and workplace-friendly vs. the short, casual feel of the regular length. Although the clearance price of the dress on the website is higher than the sample sale price I paid, buying online gives the option of returning if necessary.

Currently, you can get 25% off and free shipping and returns over $50 with coupon code: 4U7B. If you are spending more than $200, use code 8G3K for 30% off. Happy Shopping!

Ode to (Anthropologie) shirtdresses and breastfeeding style

Button fronts are my current wardrobe saviors. And dresses have long been my favorites because of their ease. In familiarizing myself with baby clothing (and its related categories/genres), I've realized that dresses are basically adult one-pieces! Despite their simplicity, they manage to fool onlookers into believing that dress-wearers are pulled together. As an increasingly harried person with less time than ever before to focus on my own outfits, I will use any tricks available to pretend that I am "pulled together." I've become especially drawn to shirtdresses for reasons of practicality as well as style! My closet already houses many cute, fun shirtdresses in bright colors, patterns, and shapes.

Unfortunately (but also fortunately, since it is for good reason) my current bustline is more ample than usual. Under normal circumstances, the solution (to safety pin closed a dreaded boob-gap) would be fine. I've even done this with pieces that don't really gap, just to add additional coverage and security. A safety pinning strategy won't work for me at the moment because I have a newborn who needs consistent, safe, and often swift boob access. In public, when I'm wrangling my nursing cover over an increasingly mobile, squirmy worm, I have to move fast so as not to tip the scales from having a happy-but-hungry to a full-on "hangry" baby.

My birthday is on the horizon so I will admit to feeling self-indulgent. During Emilia's recent four-month-sleep-regression-related middle-of-the-night feedings I've been scouring ebay on my phone to find some button front dresses. Preferably ones that are machine washable! And preferably ones where I already know about sizing/fit due to previous experience and reviews, etc. I'm really glad I did so many Anthropologie fit reviews over the years as I can use this information to inform my searching.

Within a few days, I've collected a handful of my favorites! Mostly shirt dresses from Anthropologie (some of which I already own, pictured above) except up-sized. The good news is that these also give me work-friendly options with pumping access. I wish I had thought more carefully about postpartum times, in the process of putting together my maternity wardrobe. I wrote extensively about how frustrating it felt to spend money on temporary clothes. But I still wound up with a maternity wardrobe I really loved (despite the polyblends... at least most synthetics are machine-washable!). In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to maternity and maternity-friendly styles that were breastfeeding friendly too.

At times I've felt like stylish nursing-friendly clothing might be harder to come by than stylish maternity clothing. If retailers carry anything at all that they market as suitable for breastfeeding moms, they hide it under "maternity" labels or elsewhere entirely. Most of the time if it is nursing-friendly it isn't labeled as such so as to not deter customers for whom this isn't an issue. As I scour the websites of my favorite retailers, I yearn for advanced, detailed search settings. I dream of being able to check boxes that say "sleeves," "button panel," "button front," "machine-washable," "prints," "stretchy fabric," "deep v," "cowl," and more. Rather than searching futilely and ineffectively, I have gone with what I already know: seasons-past Anthropologie. The above is a start, at least.

But hey, if you see any good shirtdresses please let me know!

Recent Buys

I haven't had much time to shop since last fall but I've still managed to buy a few things (other than baby clothes... which are their own can of cute, addictive consumer worms, particularly from Tea Collection and Baby Gap).

The Stella and Dot-esque bracelets were on a flash sale site. The Kate Spade book clutch was marked down considerably. Everything except the chair in the bottom row came from ebay. So I did get some good deals at least. This list isn't comprehensive but it does have what I consider to be the highlights.

Anthro Sale Haul

Day Dresses
Flats

Until this week, it had been quite a while since I purchased any clothing from Anthropologie. Months, even! But when Roxy posted that the extra 30% off was working on Monday's sale that saw various second/third cuts I finally caved. Much to my surprise, every item in my order shipped and swiftly. The order arrived today. I didn't have time to try things on with proper foundation garments and styling accompaniments. But I did a quick "throw on and see what fits you" scan while E was napping. I'm sad to say it seems like everything will be returned. I just wasn't wowed by it. Or perhaps I wasn't wowed by how it looked on my current body? It's hard to tell. 

As an aside, I would love to find a Flared Carez dress in the darker blue/purple print at the second cut price. It isn't nursing friendly but I fell in love with it when I reviewed it toward the end of my second trimester here. If anyone sees one, let me know!

What I Wore to a Picnic Wedding plus my Kate Spade haul

On Saturday Chris and I headed north of Pittsburgh to a family farm that provided the backdrop for a wedding. A friend of Chris's from high school (and perhaps even earlier) was getting married and we were excited to attend. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this. But I figured I would share it because it showcases one of the elastic waist skirts I am so grateful to have purchased from Anthropologie. I've worn this skirt a ton in the last few (very hot) weeks. It is light enough to keep me comfortable and cool but interesting enough that I still feel pulled together. I paired it with a Kate Spade rosette top, purchased last summer.

Speaking of Kate Spade, the extra 25% off promo from the other week was relaunched in honor of the Fourth of July so be sure to check that out! Above is the pretty tissue that covered my own sale purchase. I decided that because my Bon Shopper totes are among the most useful and complimented bags I carry, I should snag the very cool map print one that was steeply discounted on the website.

Kate Spade Streets of New York Bon Shopper

Here's another included in the sale

Today I'm trying to resist buying the matching accessories (also on sale with an extra 25% off) here, here, and here. You can see my other favorites from the sale (most of which are still in stock!) by reading this post. This combined with Anthro's additional 25% off sale clothes (see the full list and details at Effortless Anthropologie) makes for a very wallet-unfriendly 3rd of July!

Orla Kiely Haul

Orla Kiely for Uniqlo stem print tee

Orla Kiely for Uniqlo stem print scarf

Orla Kiely for Uniqlo sailboat tee

I am lucky that my friend Cam shares so many of my tastes and interests. She and I both were anticipating the second release of Orla Kiely for Uniqlo. She also enjoys the benefits of living in New York City, where she has access to Uniqlo stores. She proxy shopped the collection for me, picking up the three above pieces that I wanted very much. I already wore the stem top and plan to wear the sailboat top to a BBQ today. Thankfully I asked her to pick up one size above what I normally take and there will be room for a growing midsection.

Orla Kiely Oval Stem Baby

Relatedly, I also purchased the above Orla Kiely stem print bag (on sale at Piperlime). I had an extra 20% off coupon and decided to make the leap. Although I won't be needing the full function of this particular style until December (hint hint), I am excited to have such a fun print to assist in welcoming what is sure to be the happiest new addition to my life in some time. More on that in the coming weeks!

p.s. There are many new listings on Shop Jesspgh. Check it out!

San Diego Dreaming: Part 2

Besides the conference, the other two big components of my trip to southern California involved day excursions to La Jolla and Coronado. The above photos were taken in La Jolla. On my birthday, we rented a car and drove north to visit the beaches and check out the seals who bask and effectively squat the "Children's Pool."

You can see many of them (along with more photos and travel overview) below the cut:

Pittsburgh Saks Closing Haul

It's officially over. Unless you're planning to stock up on fur coats, Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh no longer exists as an option for eager consumers. The loss of this store is a brutal blow to the retail landscape of Downtown, removing yet another destination from the neighborhood. I worry about how this will effect the downtown Larrimor's outpost. And Brooks Brothers or even Macys, for example. When there is one less destination available within a cluster of proximate stores, the suburban malls with their free parking and climate control increase their appeal. Of course plenty of downtown workers provide a customer base for what remains.

The silver lining of all of this was the consolidation sale which saw Saks stocked with brands never previously carried and prices difficult to beat in their final days. Even outlet discounts like those found at the nearby Off Fifth were stingy in comparison to the additional 70-90% off.

Since my last update, a few people have emailed and commented asking what I bought. So I figured I would share my closing haul as a part of this epilogue. A proper eulogy would likely include a retrospective of my buys over the years of visits. And while that would fit neatly with the initial intention of this blog (to archive, unpack, and think through my consumer habits), I will spare you. Instead here are my most recent finds.

Three silk blouses from Parker, Nanette Lepore, and Akris. A few T by Alexander Wang shirts from the men's section that were $9 marked down from $74. Also in men's a Rag and Bone pullover for Chris that was $17 marked down from $250. Two holiday ornaments marked $2.50, down from $75/each (who would spend the full retail amount on a single bulb, I do not know). Three Wacoal brassieres that were 70% off plus an additional 10% for buying multiples.

And these two dresses by M Missoni and DKNY, respectively. It seems like a lot of stuff when I put it all together but Chris paid for his own things as well as the above M Missoni wave sweater dress which will be a birthday gift to me (at Missoni for Target prices, no less!). I bought far less than I would have if I was still in the same (admittedly ridiculous) consumer pattern exhibited during the recession clearances of 2008 and 2009.

But I still feel indulgent and even a little gluttonous. I have long needed to beef up my sleeved blouse arsenal for both casual and professional ensembles. Although the DKNY dress is not necessarily my usual style, it was such a soft wool, it looks quite flattering on, it was marked down to $24, and seems perfect for more conservative professional occasions. I think its career functionality will prove itself swiftly as I will treat it as a suit alternative. My shopping in the coming months will slow as I tend to buy less from spring and summer collections. And thanks to Anthropologie's new directions, none of my pennies have gone there in 2012. All of this is to say that I am certain my shopping habits will recalibrate accordingly after the above (albeit discount) splurges. Thanks for reading! If you are local, I'd love to head about your purchases!

My Anthro at Gabes Haul

Although I didn't find much in West Mifflin, I stopped by the Greensburg Gabriel Brothers this week and found some wool scarves, a pair of Lilka lounge pants, and the beautiful silk Wave Washed maxi dress in perfect condition. The plaid infinity scarf with wooden beads and the maxi dress were in my cart to purchase from the website not that long ago so I felt pretty lucky to finally get to buy them (and for way less than I almost spent). I was thrilled with the Greensburg selection although it took a bit of combing. Some of the Anthropologie items were integrated with general women's clearance racks. I recall also seeing some Moth cardigans (boyfriend and cropped), a few ivory embroidered Anna Sui for Anthropologie dresses, two blousey Ella Moss tops, and a Free People slip.

As a side note, if you need a wintery coat, Gabes has a lot of options right now. I saw some nice Miss Sixty ones on clearance. And stuff that looked like these Helly Hansen ski jackets from Outwood Sports.

Did any other SWPA Anthrophiles score at their nearby Gabes?

Weekend buys

Mrs. Roper Tory Burch maxi dress
Similar here and here

Although I've not been shopping much, there are a few things that tempted me enough to bite. Consuming strategically still poses its challenges. For deal hunters and shopaholics alike, just about any purchase can be rationalized. I admire those who have managed to abstain fully from consumerism (like The Year of Nothing New). But making do or doing without can be easier said than done!

I have been trying my best to limit the impact of sale goggles. I've avoided the kind of shopping that is basically meandering (less temptation). And I've not had time to scour my favorite websites to glimpse all the pretty fall fashions. Still, end of season clearances make now a great time to buy a bathing suit or a summer dress. Because I have a trip planned for December (that will yield the opportunity to wear summery clothes) I sniped the above maxi dress by Tory Burch on ebay and I bought a new swimsuit on clearance from figleaves.com. 

Rachel Comey Barbaro Deluxe 
Similar Comeys but with triple buckles here

I also wanted a new pair of booties for fall. I have suede ankle boots by Rosegold that I wore all the time last winter. Regular leather will be even more versatile for Pittsburgh. I tracked down a pair I loved and for a price I could swallow. The current season Rachel Comey Barbaros were out of my budget at retail, but I found these studded Deluxe booties gently used. I am really happy with these purchases!

Weekend Dress Haul

Old Navy dress

In addition to the lion's share of heirloom tomatoes and other produce I bought from Farmers at the Firehouse, this weekend I grabbed an Old Navy dress I've wanted for a while. One of my fellow fashionism.org posters who blogs at overcaffeinated wrote about it originally.  It was always sold out in my size online and the fit reviews were mixed so I was glad to track one down in store. With the friends and family coupon from last weekend, it ended up costing around $25, which I think is a decent deal. For people interested in the chambray or navy version of this simple shirt dress, I've included my review below.

Although most of the clothing at Old Navy runs large, this dress runs true to size. I tried both an 8 and a 10, and bought the 10. It is especially snug across the bust and the 10 offered additional space plus a bit more length. It's kind of short, it is unlined, the buttons are a bit difficult to undo, and the fabric is thicker/stiffer than a nicer quality chambray. It doesn't have a side zip so the button functionality is important, in my opinion. But the skirt's pleats are really flattering, it has pockets, and the sleeves can button to be above elbow or 3/4 length. It is offered in navy and chambray. I view it as a more casual, slightly shorter, less poofy, and much cheaper version of the popular Reed Shirtdress from Anthropologie (see my review and posts of that here).

If you want to track one down, you can call Old Navy customer service and see if your local store is stocked. The item number (at least for chambray) is 889438. I don't know the item number for navy. If you do want to buy one in store, be sure to run a search for any current Old Navy coupons before your visit. I didn't even have to print anything out. I just showed the friends and family coupon on my phone and the sales person used her store coupon for application. Hope this helps!

Also, be sure to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway, if you've not already done so!

Anthro Birthday Haul

April flew by. And I've been so busy wrapping up the semester at work that I almost forgot to use my birthday discount coupon! Yesterday, I planned to buy a full price floral print dress, the Chartreuse Shoots. But the fit was weird (review to come) so instead I found myself in the sale section uncertain about what to do. I could have just not bought anything. And I almost went home empty handed. But I grabbed two pieces that I like in theory. I am not sure that they work for my wardrobe in practice. So I am going to sit on them with the tags attached while I give myself time to decide. First up was this dress:

I love how Sarah and GeoinCalifornia look in this Contemporarian Dress. But I am hesitant because of the bareness of the back. If I want to wear it in warmer months then there will be an immediate bra issue.

I also got this Tea and Roses sweater. I thought maybe it could be an interesting piece to have. It's unlike anything I own. But I don't know if I can actually figure out how to integrate it into my wardrobe.

I am not sure if I'll keep either piece. I need to try styling them with things I own to see if they're worth holding onto. But I am glad I was able to use my coupon.

Urban Outfitters Haul

I am not sure what it is about this season's clothing offerings but I find myself wanting for very little. This is a wonderful thing because typically, (since fall clothes are my favorite) I find myself waist deep in wishlists of items to sale stalk. Perhaps the lure of new has waned after a few months of conscious consumption constriction? I think it might have.

Having said that, I haven't been completely haul-free... This week, thanks to a heads up from the gals on Fashionism.org, I learned that there were some current Urban Outfitters coupon codes that were secretly stackable. TEENVOGUE offered 20% off non sale items and DAWNOFTHEDEAL took another $25 off $75. If you filled your card strategically, you could get 45% off an order. I did just that when I purchased the above items. Although I am concerned about the fit of the dress and its general frump factor, I really adore it and hope it works on me. It's online only so trying it on beforehand wasn't possible. And the tights (which I ordered in black) were on my wishlist for months and months! If you want to stack the codes for yourself, follow the instructions here. Remember Ebates yields another 2.5% in cash back.

My Delicates Haul from the Anthropologie Sale!

I was enamored of so many pretty sets this summer but with the wedding coming up, I tried to restrain myself. Even though a number of my favorites ended up selling out online, I managed to score a few in store for great deals! The Empire State set was available in my size and others at the Pittsburgh Bakery Square store. I was thrilled to find it for a discount!

And the Poppy Seed set received second cuts last week! I got both the stripes and the flowers because the sets became so reasonable after mark downs. I wonder why these items remained so plentiful in my local stores, even though they were clearly coveted on the website? At any rate, I was excited about these pretty finds.

Gabriel Brothers Haul

Although I didn't manage to find any Anthropologie duds for cheap, this time around (and I suspect that is due to the litany of ebay price gougers I see with SWPA locations of origin), I did find a few cute things for very cheap!

These studded bangle bracelets were $1.99 each and were overstock from the Gap (I think). I bought one in each available color: burgundy, purple, and black.

Underneath is a stack of clearanced Jack Spade notepads that I will either use or gift away. I love Gabriel Brothers!

No OOTD for now... I was cleaning and writing all day and am about to go to a baseball game so my attire isn't floral or post-worthy.

Lovers of All Things 90s: Present Haul and Kurt and Courtney in Sassy!

Lately, and for the last few months, I've felt consumed by all things 90s. So you can imagine my delight when I saw that the website, I Heart Daily posted a flashback entry about Sassy Magazine's 1992 cover article on Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love!! They have a pdf of the article itself AND an interview with Christina Kelly about her experience conducting this interview for Sassy in the early 90s. You should definitely check it out!

This entry was aptly timed for me, as I received some fantastic bday presents from Chris to help me nostalgically revive my 90s style.

Brick red Doc Martins and a Jessica Kagan Cushman "I want to be the girl with the most cake," bangle referencing the Hole song, "Doll Parts." Also pictured are a few of my other winnings: A book locket necklace from etsy seller, birdsnbeez that nods in the direction of steampunk (without going over the top, imo), and Fresh lemon sugar perfume. Thank you Chris!

Happy Holiday Shopping Season!

Happy Holidays, readers! Happy official start of the holiday shopping season! I met my mom at today at South Hills Village mall to hunt for Black Friday deals. I am going to try to limit my shopping from now until after the new year to gift purchases. It will be a challenge because of the sales but after this recent bout, I need a break!

Here are some photos I promised of the Saks damage. Note that these aren't all for me. A lot of this will make fabulous holiday presents for my loved ones.

Marc by Marc Jacobs bags (Turnlock Faridah in Fools Gold and Quinn in Elderberry):

And zip clutches (MJ collection in Pistachio and MBMJ Turnlock in Earth):

Shoe haul (Prada Plated Pump in Pewter and Jimmy Choo Morse Flats in Purple):

Misc. clothes and underthings:

Lacoste Polos (gifts for men, including part of my S.O.'s haul which also included a Theory dress shirt that I didn't photograph):

Longchamp Le Pliage tote bags (gifts for women):

I did show some restraint, as discussed in my previous post. In addition to those items that didn't make the cut, I didn't buy Chanel captoe flats or pumps, even though they are gorgeous and rarely go on sale. From the website sale I didn't buy this Chloé Asymmetrical Collar Coat which I have been obsessed with since I first saw it in the Fall 08 Collections.

It sold out online before I could take the plunge and it is hard to decide to take such a plunge when you can't try something on in person because your Saks doesn't carry Chloé clothing. I imagine the fit is probably similar to their diffusion line, See by Chloé. Still, I try to buy big ticket staples like a fantastic coat, in person. It will remain among those "if I had a time machine and an unlimited cash supply" cases of non-buyers remorse.