Monday, September 7, 2015

Bargain Shopping - Michael Kors Sutton Small Saffiano Leather Satchel Review

Michael Kors Small Sutton in Raspberry
The Michael Kors website says:

Sutton Small Saffiano Leather Satchel in color Raspberry

MATERIAL
-Saffiano Leather 
-Silver hardware

DETAILS
-3" Handle Drop 
-18-20" Adjustable Strap 
-Interior Details: Two Top Zip Pockets One Interior Zip Pocket Three Open Pockets One Cell Phone Pocket One Key Fob 
-8" X 6" X 3.75" 
-Magnetic Closure 
-Imported

Retail price: $278.00 
What I paid: ~$160
Where I bought it: Nordstrom



Thoughts on the price:
I was ready to buy this purse in black as soon as the Macy's Friends and Family sale starts this fall. The sale gives you an additional 25% off and applies to a lot of brands that are normally on the exclusion list. That, along with the Macy's gift cards I can get with my Discover cashback ($50 GC for $45 of your cashback bonus), would have placed the bag at about $188. But then I saw this beauty on sale at Nordstrom for $167. Shortly after purchasing it, Macy's also had a sale on this exact bag for $155. 

Thoughts on the bag:
THE GOOD
I originally wanted this bag in raspberry, but then figured I'd get it in black because it is such a classic bag. When I saw the sale, however, I couldn't resist. The black version of the bag was not on sale, but I am really glad I went for this color instead. The bright pink looks even better in person and it adds a fun pop of color to my outfits. Check out the first picture of the bag in natural lighting. The other pictures are taken inside so the color shown might be off.

This purse is basically a cheaper version of the Prada double zip tote. Both have the double zip outer compartments, the side buttons, and are made of Saffiano leather. I actually considered getting the Prada bag while in Europe (because while you're in Europe, spending $2k on a bag is totally justified), but I had read one too many bad reviews on the quality of the Prada bags. At 1/10th the price, this bag will do just fine. 

I really love the leather of this bag. This so-called Saffiano leather is treated in a way that creates a cross-hatch pattern on the surface, rendering the leather stiff and durable. I don't have to baby it as much as I would soft leather since it is pretty scratch resistant and would probably be easier to clean.
Cross-hatch pattern of Saffiano leather

THE (kinda) BAD
I am very satisfied with my purchase but there are a few things I want to mention. Upon receiving the bag, I noticed there were a lot of glue/adhesive spots on the bag. They were the type you can rub away but for a designer bag, I was expecting better quality control (although more expensive bags like Prada have problems too...). There were probably about 10 spots, like the one in the photo below, spread throughout the purse. Annoying, though not a deal breaker.
Adhesive spots on the purse
I opted for the small version of this Sutton purse because of my height. I tried the medium size on in stores and it just looked way too big for my frame, especially if worn as a cross-body (which is what I plan to do most of the time). I've also heard there are issues with using the medium and large sizes as cross-body bags because the lining where the strap connects to the bag lifts up. The size of the small is great. I personally don't need such a big daily bag. The only thing about the small is that it is difficult to stick my hand into the bag without disconnecting the magnetic flap first. It is probably safer this way; I'm just lazy =P.





Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Bargain Shopping - J.Crew Majesty Peacoat in Navy Review


J.CREW Majesty Peacoat in Navy

From the website:

A timeless peacoat, crafted in our exclusive stadium-cloth that's made especially for us by Italy's famed Nello Gori mill. Inspired by the fabric used in old-school stadium blankets, it adds warmth without the bulk.

Tailored for a fitted look.
Body length: 28 1/2".
Sleeve length: 32 3/4".
Hits at hip.
Italian wool/polyamide.
Notch collar.
Back belt.
Welt pockets.
Back vent.
Lined.

Retail price: $298 
What I paid: $167
Where I bought it: JCrew.com



I've ordered this coat 4 times... Once in size 0 Petite, then 0, then twice in 00. For reference I'm a little over 5', 105 lbs, and I have slightly longer-than-average arms. I bought the 0 Petite on sale in the spring for $140 but the arms were too short on me. I repurchased the jacket in size 0 at the same price and thought all was good. But I kept trying it on in the summer (I was sweating bullets in the wool coat. I'm crazy, I know.) because it just didn't look that good for some reason. I'm new to buying clothes in women sizes so I didn't think I could be a 00. When the coat came back in stock, I got it in 00 just to see if that would fit better (they don't sell that size in stores so you can't try it on). It did. What a world of difference it makes when something actually fits you! So, I returned it and waited until a sale popped up again to repurchase it. As for the size 0 that was way past the return period, it found a nice new owner through eBay =)

I bought it again when the coat was on sale for $278. That isn't a lot, but it allowed me to use the extra 40% off sale styles promo which brought it down to ~$167. I could have waited until the spring when they have their final sales, but I've waited long enough to wear this jacket! I wore it for the first time this past weekend and I love it! I would say it is warm enough for >30F weather, especially if you wear a sweater underneath. 

Like my sexy back? ;)

Some of the reviews online said the buttons come off really easily but I haven't had any problems yet (knock on wood). The buttons are super gorgeous and are part of the reason I wanted this specific coat. Hopefully, if they do come off, I'll be able to save the buttons because it just wouldn't be the same without them. Another thing is that the coat will attract lint so have a lint roller ready if you want it in a dark color.


Right now there are several colors of this coat on sale for $199.99 - $278 and there are promos for an extra 30 - 40% off. It is a good time to grab this if you want it for this winter. Unfortunately, the navy one is not currently on sale but it could go back on sale in the future so keep your eyes out for it!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Bargain Shopping - Frye Melissa Button Boots in Gray Review

You are finally mine!!

MELISSA BUTTON in Gray

The Frye website says:

Our soft but structured antique full grain leather is a perfect variation on Melissa's famous form. Special attention paid by our burnishers at the toe and heel.

- Antique Soft Full Grain leather upper
- Leather lined
- Leather outsole

Size and Fit

- 14" shaft height
- 14" shaft circumference
- 1" heel

Retail price: $368 
What I paid: ~$186 with tax
Where I bought it: Zappos.com




Thoughts on the price:
I've been stalking these Frye Melissa Button boots for over a year but the price was just a couple hundred more than I was willing to pay for shoes (my most expensive pair of shoes was probably $60 before I bought these). Earlier this year, I finally caved in when I saw these go on sale at Zappos.com for $175 before tax. I wanted them in dark brown at first, but the gray was the only color on sale (more on the color later!). 

I've seen these go on sale on Amazon and 6pm in other colors as well (including dark brown), usually around $200, but Zappos has a better return/exchange policy in case I didn't like them. If you do find them on sale on a site that doesn't have a great return policy, Nordstrom will do a price match if they carry the boots in the same color and size! 

Camelcamelcamel.com is a good site to use to check for the Amazon price history of these boots, or anything else really. According to that site, the best time to buy these boots is around the beginning of the year, which is when I bought mine. However there are random drops in the price so you have to be on a constant look out!  


Thoughts on the boots:

Quality
I think the brand speaks for itself when it comes to quality. People have Frye boots that are over 20 years old and still look great. I've never had leather boots before so I kind of expected them to be perfect before I received them. For some reason, the first pair I got from Zappos looked worn and old. I don't think it was because of the type of leather ("antique leather") it was made of, so I asked Zappos to send me a new pair. The new pair definitely looks better, but there are still some marks/scuffs. I assume that it is normal for real leather to not be perfect, unlike my pleather boots (or am I wrong?)

Color
The boots are called "gray" but they are more of a cool/neutral brown color. I actually really liked this color when I first saw it in person. The cool tone makes it easier to match with my wardrobe and it isn't a color you will see everywhere. 

Fit
A lot of people find that the shaft is very narrow, and that is probably why they also have this in a wide calf version. I don't have problems with the shaft being too narrow. In fact, I find the fit to be a bit slouchy. I did find the foot part to be quite snug though and got a cut on both ankles when I wore this for the first time =( But the leather should stretch with wear, so hopefully they will be comfortable enough by the time fall rolls around!



What do you guys think about the color? Maybe I'll get myself another pair of Frye boots in dark brown when I see a good sale =D

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Beauty Review - Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Hello gals (and guys)! I'm back with another review. This time it is a beauty review on the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Description:

Skin Types: Works for all skin types.

This lightweight, comfortable cream-gel is a "drink" for skin, continuously plumping it with hydration. It improves the appearance of fine lines, flakiness, and tightness, leaving skin looking and feeling happier and healthier—even through shifts in humidity. The oil-free formula immediately cools and refreshes for a soft, smooth complexion. 

Retail price: $37 for 1.7 oz or $49.50 for 2.5 oz
What I paid: $67 for 5.9 oz
Where I bought it: Nordstrom
The Nordstrom value pack comes with a 4.2 oz jar (left) and a 1.7 oz tube (middle). On the right is an empty 1.7 oz jar for comparison.

Comments on the price:
Normally I buy this when Clinique is having a gift-with-purchase promo going on so I can score some free mascaras, etc. but Nordstrom is currently having an anniversary sale until August 4, 2014 and one of their beauty specials is this awesome deal of 5.9 oz of Moisture Surge for only $67! If you do the math (okay fine I'll do it for you) that comes out to roughly $11 an ounce, as compared to the regular price of $20-$22 an ounce. That is definitely one of the cheapest deals I've seen for this. The price is actually comparable to those on eBay, but I would much rather buy from Nordstrom- they have a great return policy and there is less of a chance the moisturizer has been used/tampered with.

Also, don't forget to use ShopDiscover, Ebates, or MrRebates for even more savings!

Thoughts on the moisturizer:
Pros: I've been using this moisturizer on and off for about 5-6 years now. It is one of my favorites because of its light and gentle formula. I haven't tried any other gel moisturizers but this one leaves my skin moisturized and baby-bottom-smooth without a trace of stickiness. If you are at a department store, you should try a tester to see what I'm talking about. It kind of feels like I'm putting on water that hydrates my skin, because once it dries, it doesn't feel like anything is on my face but the skin is hydrated. It also doesn't break out my sensitive skin and it is not scented. The directions say you can use this as a mask too, but at ~$20 an ounce, I think I'll stick with my $1 My Beauty Diary masks. =P  A little does go a long way with this moisturizer. I use a dime size for my whole face and the 1.7 oz jar lasted me about 8 months. 

Cons: I really wished this moisturizer had some sort of SPF. I'm too lazy to have to always do sunscreen separately and if the sunscreen is sticky, it doesn't matter if the moisturizer isn't (I currently use an oil-free Shiseido one, but I've had sticky sunscreens before). Although a pro of this con is that you won't have unnecessary chemicals on your face when you don't need it, like when you're just staying in all day. Also, this moisturizer might not be hydrating enough for some people during the winter. I personally have oily skin so this moisturizer is usually good enough for me.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Bargain Shopping - Kate Spade Cobble Hill Mini Carson Crossbody Review

The Kate Spade website says:

Cobble Hill Mini Carson Crossbody in color Affogato

SIZE
6''h x 8.5''w x 1''d

MATERIAL
-soft pebbled cowhide with matching trim
-14-karat light gold plated hardware
-custom woven bookstripe print on poly twill lining

DETAILS
-cross-body bag with magnetic flap closure
-exterior flap zipper
-kate spade new york gold embossed signature & stud

Retail price: $198.00 
What I paid: ~$107 with shipping
Where I bought it: Gilt.com

Thoughts on the price:
I first saw this on sale online at Lord and Taylor's. I forgot the price, but it was under $100. I should have gotten it then but I hadn't seen it in person and was hesitant. By the time I did see it in person, it was already sold out at that price! T_T Luckily I found this on Gilt.com for $99 (but had missed a 30% coupon by a few days. Oh my luck). Still, that's 50% off retail. Not bad, right?

Thoughts on the bag:
The leather is super soft and the color is a nice nude color. I thought about getting the bag in black because I was afraid the dye on my jeans would rub off on it, but the nude color is too cute to pass up. Plus, the neutral color will match a lot of colors (especially pink and cream which make up 83% of my closet) without looking boring.

The bag has three compartments. There is the main compartment which has a magnetic flap closure. Inside this main compartment is a small pocket with a zipper closure. And the flap to the bag is actually a separate compartment itself with a zipper closure. I really like the size of this bag because I can fit a good deal of stuff in it. I probably won't be carrying my wallet in this because it takes up over half the bag, but I like knowing that I could if I wanted to.

The strap drop is around 20 inches and the straps are adjustable. For reference, I am 5 feet tall (wearing 4.5" heels =P) and the bag in the picture is on the middle hole. 

It also comes with a nice dust bag to store the purse in!