Buy less pay more ... but also learn to spot good deals

I recently bought a bunch of gorgeous dresses from LF Boston that were on sale. I love them all and see myself wearing them well into the Fall and next Spring too.

Today I went to Goodwill. I got two purses, a brown Nine West and a black Esprit. I bought two pretty tops, one red, one yellow, and a light grey H&M cardigan. Grand total? $25.

I also bought the cutest Vera Bradley purse (all floral) for $14 at Second Time Around the other day. I love it!

also has some great products.

Pro-Cheeks blush in Brown actually looks more pink on me and gives a very natural effect.

Blackout mascara is the most intense mascara I’ve ever owned. Love it!

Kohl pencil in black – a rich, creamy, non-smudge-y crayon to underline the eyes

has amazing skin and eye make-up! Shopping in the duty free I treated myself to -

Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder (Nacre des Mers)
Guerlain Terracotta Kohl in Black (loose powder)

And – Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat

I love all three.

Items I splashed out on recently:
L’Occitane Honey&Lemon Body Scrub
L’Occitane Almond Body Exfoliator (small)
L’Occitane Almond Face Peel (small)
L’Occitane Almond Oil
L’Occitane Firming Lotion
L’Occitane Grape Body Bar/Buff
L’Occitane Grape Anti Water-Retention Gel (small)
L’Occitane Mini Bath Salts
L’Occitane Rice “Matte” Fluid

Yeah, I’m a fan of L’Occitane. Their produts are amazing. A true moment of pleasure to use one.

Deals I’ve spotted:
Charm bracelets
Black dress
Nail polishes
Jewelry box
Make-up bag
Illuminating powder
Eyeshadow
(all for under $80)

And a pair of sunglasses for $120 – they were half price!

I treated myself to a variety of exfoliators, a face mask and some body creams/oils from a trusted favourite for beauty products, L’Occitane.

But I also bought a few 3-dollar charm bracelets from a tiny shop on the street, 5-dollar nail varnishes and a cute jewelry box for 4 dollars.

I finally bought a good pair of black sunglasses for $120.

One of my new favourite stores. I got 3 gorgeous skirts, some great basics (1 cardigan, 3 camis, a long loose-fit tank top, leggings) and a new pair of black gladiator flats. Grand total: $100.

This may be my new favourite brand for make-up. I bought some really great red lipsticks and lip glosses for under $8 each.

Another day of shopping in bargain paradise:

-4 cream eyeliners for $2 total
-3 eyeshadows $14 total
-1 lipgloss for $9
-Sandals for $10
-An adorable silver crescent-and-star bracelet for 30 cents
-A gorgeous indigo and silver necklace for $1.50
-Cellphone charms for $1 each

I spent about $100 on a long purple cardigan, a deep turquoise sweater (to wear with leggings), a red cardigan, two tank tops, a black pencil skirt, a floral tulle skirt and a yellow dress. They were all clothes of good quality but reasonably priced. I think I’m learning to strike the balance between paying too much (only paying for a name) and paying too little (spending half the amount of money on twice the amount of badly cut clothes that will fall apart after two washes).

I’ve also been using the Freeman skin care range (face masks, exfoliators, foot care) and I think these are effective and delicious products for a relatively low price.

Sometimes, this “wisdom” doesn’t apply.

Today I bought two fantastic creamy eye liners (in black and gray) for $7 each. I bought two kajal pencils for $1.50 each. Result? A cleaner – no excessive smudging or flaking – and much more intense effect than my Dior mascara and my Estee Lauder eyeliner.