Free Stuff & Deals For Your Birthday: 2013 Edition

Happy Birthday to....Me!

In honor of the birthday of yours truly, I've compiled a list of all the best places that send you free stuff and/or discounts on your birthday. Be sure to sign up for their e-mail/mailing lists so that you can get pampered on your special day!

Beauty/Fashion:

DSW - $5 OFF voucher (e-mail)
e.l.f. - 100 piece eyeshadow set w/ $15+ purchase coupon code (e-mail)
Piperlime - $15 off a purchase of $60+ coupon code (e-mail)
Ted Baker - 10% OFF coupon code (e-mail)
Vera Bradley - 40% OFF coupon code (mail)
Henri Bendel - 20% OFF card (mail)
Rent the Runway - $20 OFF a rental of $100+ (e-mail)
Modcloth - $5 OFF a purchase of $50+ (e-mail)
Sephora - Benefit's "Real Birthday Turn-Ons" Gift Set including "What's Up" mini highlighter and "They're Real" mini mascara OR Jack Black Shaving Cream for men (e-mail)

Food/Entertainment:

Benihana - $30 dinner gift certificate valid Mon-Thurs (e-mail)
AMC Theaters - Free large soft drink voucher (e-mail)
Seamless - 15% OFF coupon code (e-mail)
IHOP - Free "Rooty Tooty Fresh N' Fruity" breakfast voucher (e-mail)
Coldstone - Buy 1 Get 1 Free voucher (e-mail)
Panera Bread - Surprise added to your MyPanera card (e-mail)
Red Lobster - $5 off any 2 adult entrees voucher (e-mail)
Starbucks - Free drink added to your Starbucks card (e-mail)
Jamba Juice - Size 16 Smoothie for $2 voucher (e-mail)
Havana Central - Free entree and dessert voucher up to $30 in value with a minimum purchase (e-mail)

Events: Night Out in Provence @ L'Occitane Flatiron

Night Out in Provence

Thursday, September 5th | 5-10pm

L'Occitane Flatiron | 170 5th Avenue

Stop by the Flatiron location of L'Occitane and enjoy decadent cocktails by PDT and hot dogs by Crif Dogs with any $25+ purchase from 5-9pm. The gourmet cocktails and hot dogs alone are valued at nearly $25!

Also, if you make a purchase of $65+, you'll receive a highly coveted gift bag featuring six of L'Occitane's most popular products in a beautiful cloth toiletry bag.

Style: The BEST Labor Day Weekend Sales

I've compiled a list of this weekend's hottest sales! Check back here throughout the weekend as I continue to update the list with more amazing offers.

J.Crew Factory: 40-50% OFF everything (prices as marked)
J.Crew: Extra 30% OFF Final Sale Items w/ code "HELLO30"
Amrita Singh: 50% OFF everything w/ code "LABOR13"
Kendra Scott: 20% OFF everything w/ code "LDW2013"
Annie Griffin: 20% OFF everything w/ code "laborday20"
Sephora: Up to 65% OFF select items
GiGi New York: Complimentary personalization
Fab: 25% OFF everything (automatically applied at checkout)
Monika Chiang: Extra 20% OFF sale items
Calypso St. Barth: Extra 60% OFF sale items
Charm & Chain: 20% OFF orders of $100+ w/ code "ENDOFSUMMER"
DSW: Clearance Sale - up to 50% OFF select items
Lori's Shoes: Extra 30% OFF sale items w/ code "LABORDAY30"
Trink Turk: Extra 20% OFF sale items
Wallis: 20% OFF select items
Cuddledown: 20% OFF everything (discount applied at checkout)
iomoi: 20% OFF everything w/ code "enjoy20"
Malabar Bay: 40% OFF everything w/ code "LD40"
Furbish Studio: 20% OFF everything w/ code "LABORDAY13"
Jonathan Adler: Up to 60% OFF select items
Stella & Dot: Extra 25% OFF sale items (prices as marked)
C.Wonder: 25% OFF full-priced items w/ code "LABORDAY"
Sloane Ranger: 15% OFF everything + free shipping w/ code "LABORDAY15"
Banana Republic: 40% OFF nearly everything w/ code "BRWEEKEND"
Old Navy: 30% OFF everything w/ code "SPREE"
Club Monaco: Extra 50% OFF sale items w/ code "FINAL50"
Betsey Johnson: 25% OFF everything + free shipping w/ code "LOVIN25"
Ted Baker: 20% OFF select items
DVF Diane von Furstenberg: 30% OFF select items
London Times: 25% OFF everything w/ code "LS13"
Maggy London: 25% OFF everything w/ code "LD13"
Humble Chic NYC: 15% OFF everything w/ code "STEAL"
Sole Society: Up to 50% OFF select styles. Not already a member of Sole Society? Here's your personal invitation.
ASOS: Final Clearance Sale - up to 70% OFF select items + 20% OFF everything w/ code "SUMMER4EVER"

Events: Lemlem's Biggest Ever Sample Sale

Lemlem Sample Sale

495 Broadway, 3rd Floor 

(at Broome Street)

Thursday, August 22nd - Friday, August 23rd | 10am-6pm

• $50 Scarves (MSRP: ~$125-170)
• $75 Tops, Pants, Skirts, & Shorts (MSRP: ~$175-250)
• $100 Dresses (MSRP: ~$200-250)

Lemlem was founded in 2007 by supermodel/actress and former World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador, Liya Kebede. The company aims to preserve the art of weaving and contribute to economic independence in her native Ethiopia. Lemlem means "flourish" or "bloom" in Amharic.

Not familiar with the brand? Check out my edit below.

Show off your Lemlem love for Labor Day Weekend!

Style: Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale Edit

There may have been a mad rush this morning when the Lilly Endless Summer Sale started at 8am EST, but there are still lots of hidden gems left! Best of all? Most things are under $100!!! Check out my edit below of the 17 hottest items that have yet to sell out - perfect for weddings, Labor Day Weekend festivities, and tropical getaways:

Grab 'em while they're still available!

Events: Charm & Chain Sample Sale Starts Tomorrow!

Charm & Chain Sample Sale Markdowns up to 70% OFF!
Featured designers include: Alexis Bittar, DANNIJO, Erickson Beamon, FENTON/FALLON, Kara Ross, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, Lulu Frost, Mawi, & Tom Binns
Tuesday, August 20th - Thursday, August 22nd 611 Broadway, Suite 816 @ Houston Street New York City | Open 10am-7pm daily.

Style: Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale

Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale

Online & In Select Stores

Starting tomorrow (Monday) at 8am EST

Ends Wednesday, August 21st

For a sneak preview, here are the sale items that 

will be offered through special deals on their Facebook page:

Get your Lilly love on!

Sale of the Day: 50% OFF at Second Time Around

Second Time Around is an upscale consignment shop chain with 10 locations in New York City. They are currently having an amazing Summer Clearance Sale - 50% off select merchandise. I visited their Upper East Side location today (Lexington Avenue between E.74th & 75th Streets). I was really impressed because the Clearance Sale covered almost all of the store! There were racks of gorgeous designer dresses, tops, shorts, skirts, pants, and more. I saw several items from top retailers like: J.Crew, Kate Spade, Nanette Lepore, Parker, Lilly Pulitzer, Tory Burch, and J.McLaughlin. The selection really couldn't be beat. The staff was also very friendly and eager to assist me with any questions and with the fitting rooms. 

I ended up taking home the beautiful Issa London dress below for just under $100! What a steal! I was also eyeing the lovely sleeveless floral Tory Burch blouse above that was just $35!! Unfortunately, it didn't fit like my other Tory blouses in the same size so I had to pass on it...but it could be yours!  

The sale is well worth the time so be sure to head out to the Second Time Around nearest to you. Locations are posted HERE.

Summer Beauty Essentials for 2013

I've received quite a number of beauty product samples this summer courtesy of several magazines and had not yet had the opportunity to post a complete review of all of them. So, I decided to put them all together in a feature of THE top summer beauty products as selected by the staffs of the nation's leading fashion and beauty magazines. Here they are, in no particular order:

Lips:

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Catfight + 24/7 Glide-on Lip Pencils in Jilted and Ozone (courtesy of Vogue Magazine) The marketing behind the Revolution Lipstick is that you pair it with the matching shade of 24/7 Glide-on Lip Pencils. There are three steps to the process: 1) apply the Lip Pencil in Ozone to the outside of your lips in order to fill in any fine lines and prevent feathering, 2) fill in your lips completely with the other (colored) Lip Pencil to provide longer wear, 3) apply the Revolution Lipstick with the Pigment Infusion System that will create intense color and extended wear. 

I don't have too many fine lines so I didn't see too much use for the Ozone pencil. Also, once I had applied the Jilted pencil I felt like I already had pretty intense color. So, I didn't really think that the lipstick on top of that added too much. It actually made the color so vibrant that it looked kind of costumey against my fair skin tone. Perhaps it was just he color I received, but I'd suggest using either the lipstick or colored lip pencil to achieve bold long-lasting color. Using both might be too much. Overall, the quality of all the products was really impressive. I liked how smooth and silky everything felt and how easy it was to apply. I've always been a fan of Urban Decay cosmetics and these new products only increased my appreciation of the brand. I also love the trendy little skull printed case they sent along with the products!

Eyes:

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara (courtesy of Vogue Magazine) What I really loved about this mascara is that its long lasting and it doesn't smudge. It definitely only needs to be applied once a day. Also, despite the appearance of the brush - it's completely straight and flat - it still manages to give your lashes a little bit of upward curl. I would definitely recommend this mascara for women on the go who don't have time to touch up their make-up throughout the day. It's not an overly glamorous mascara but it's very practical.

Hair:

Alterna Bamboo Volume 48-Hour Sustainable Volume Spray (courtesy of ELLE Magazine) I like my hair either pretty stick straight or in defined curls. So, I have to admit I don't use too many hair volumizing products. However, I used this product on a long day when I knew I would be outside for several hours for a movie screening in Prospect Park. It kept my hair looking fresh and non-oily despite the elements. My only complaint is that when I sprayed it on it dried in places with the consistency of hairspray (sticky, kind of clumpy). You're supposed to spray it in while your hair is still wet so maybe it had already air dried a little too much.

Rusk Deep Shine Color Care Lock-In Treatment (courtesy of People StyleWatch Magazine) I really love this product. At first I was doubtful I'd notice much because it's primarily focused on color protection. However, I noticed right away just how silky it made my hair feel. It makes me feel great every time I wear it and I'm sure I'll be using it for a long time!

Fragrance:

Cartier "Baiser Volé" Eau de Parfum (courtesy of Allure Magazine) This has a very strong floral smell, particularly of either Lilly of the Valley or Lilac. It's a pleasant smell but it's a little too strong and a little too mature for my taste. However, I know many - slightly older - women who would definitely love it. I think it would make a great gift. I love the name too - it translates to "stolen kiss"!

The Seventh Generation Serum (courtesy of Lucky Magazine) that is also pictured will have its own post coming later this month.

Stay sun-kissed and beautiful!

Sale of the Day: Rebecca Minkoff - Up to 60% OFF!

Rebecca Minkoff's Endless Summer Sale

Save up to 60% OFF MSRP!

Just 5 days - over 250 styles

Ends Monday, August 19th at 11:59pm EST

Includes many MAC & MAB styles.

All sales are final.

Mini M.A.C.'s for as low as $105!

Minaudieres for as low as $68!

Click HERE to shop the sale.

Here's my edit of the best sale items:

Get your MAC on!

Style: A Report on the BaubleBar Sample Sale

Yesterday (Monday) was the first day of the BaubleBar Sample Sale going on at their pop-up shop in Soho through Wednesday [full details HERE]. I went around 4pm and there were lots of really great items. I stayed for quite a while and kept finding more and more great pieces I hadn't seen just a few minutes before. So, I'm pretty sure they put out new stock throughout the day. There were lots of retired items and some that are currently wait-listed on the website. Check out my complete BaubleBar Sample Sale review (i.e. the End of Summer Sale - August 2013) with photos and prices below.

There were lots of great deals to be found, many of which I'd seen just a few days before for full price at the pop-up shop. All items were: 2 for $10 (you must buy in multiples of 2, you can't buy 1 for $5), $10, $12, $15, $20, or $25. The largest section was the $15 one.

2 for $10 bins: Select pierced stud earrings. Many of these were the ones that were given as gifts (for free) when they had their last pop-up shop. There's everything from preppy anchors to pave pyramids and all that's in between. A few styles that were included: Bee Studs, Popeye Sailor Studs / Anchor Button Studs, Pave Pyramid Studs, Gold Crest Studs, and Alice Mixed Studs.

$10 bins: Select bracelets, just a few earrings, & sets of 3 rings. Pretty much most bracelets that aren't bangles or large ornate stretch bracelets. Mainly friendship style bracelets. A few styles that were included: Tang Bamboo Ring Trio and Red Ships Wheel Wrap.

$12 table: Select earrings and bracelets. This included some ornate drop earrings and some bangle and stretch bracelets. A few styles that were included: Sobe Reina Drops, Harlequin Bangles, Gem Cuff, and Red Double-Triad Studs.

$15 tables: Select earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. These were some more ornate styles than the $2 for $10 and mainly included drop earrings. There were also many necklace styles and all of the bubble cabochon necklaces on the right-hand wall. Most enamel bangle bracelets - including some coveted animal ones - as well as the dressier stretch bracelets were here. A few styles that were included: Marble Wilma Drops / Gold Agate Burst Drops, Ebony Flora Studs, Snow Pearl-Burst Studs, Red Mayan Studs, Spot Drops, Navy Fox Bangle, Two-Tone Potpourri Necklace, Boho Drops, Queen Celeste Elephant Bangle, Alaqua Python Bangle, Emerald Tear Drops, Marquise Bloom Bib, Green Leaf Antoinette Drops, Primary Aztec Drops, Ice Gem Drops, Crescent Pendant, Opal Teardrops, Cabo Bracelet, Marlene Cuff, Cobra Triad Strand, and White Double Zinnia Drops.

$20 tables: Select necklaces. These were some slightly more ornate styles than the $15 ones. A few styles that were included: Bloom Strands, Navy Bowline Necklace, Poseidon Stonework Bib, Pave Links Necklace, Pearl Gem Mesh Bib, White Atoll Bib, and Pearl Bud Chandelier Necklace (from the Atlantic-Pacific Collaboration).

$25 table: Select necklaces. These were the most expensive necklaces from the site (and hence the most expensive items at the sample sale). Lots of lucite, chunky chains, and designer collaborations featured in BaubleBar email campaigns. A few of the styles included were: Snow Cluster Collar, Krypton Collar, Ice Bloom Fringe Bib, Flora Bib Collar, Peri Hex Strand, Sunflower Collar, Galactic Gem Bib, and Warrior Triad Necklace.

Important things to note: 1) All items are final sale. 2) Items are sold "as is". So, examine your merchandise carefully, as a few things were sold semi-damaged. 3) There is a mandatory bag check. 4) You can't use vault points on purchases and most likely don't earn any either. The signs said you won't but my cashier said you would. So, I'll see what happens and will let you know. 5) There were lots of mirrors and areas to try on merchandise and the staff didn't seem to mind it if everyone tried on the pierced earrings.

Go to Greene Street & grab some bargain baubles!

Events: BaubleBar Sample Sale in NYC This Week!

BaubleBar End of Summer Sample Sale

Soho, New York City

131 Greene Street (between Prince & Houston)

Monday, August 12th - Wednesday, August 14th

10am-8pm

RSVP HERE