Best Of: Labor Day Sales 2014

Amrita Singh: 50% OFF sitewide w/ code "LABORDAY14"
Ann Taylor: 50% OFF select full-price and all sale styles. 
ASOS: Extra 15% OFF all items in the 75% OFF sale with code "SUMMERDONTGO"
Ayres Beauty: $10 OFF $40+ w/ code "AYRES40", $15 OFF $50+ w/ code "AYRES50", or $20 OFF $60+ w/ code "AYRES60"
Baublebar: Select items 50% OFF or more here.
Birchbox: $10 OFF $50+ w/ code "TAKEOFF10"
C.Wonder: 30% OFF sitewide and extra 50% OFF sale. No code required.
Ciate London: 50% OFF a large variety of items here
Elizabeth McKay: 65% OFF everything w/ code "FINALSALE14". No returns.
Furbish Studio: 15% OFF sitewide w/ code "ENDOFSUMMER"
Gigi New York: Free personalization and free shipping on orders $75+
Glossybox: 20% OFF any fixed-term subscription w/ code "GLOSSYBDAY"
Gorjana: 25% OFF sitewide w/ code "LABORDAY25"
Ideel (formerly Ideeli): FREE shipping all weekend. No code required.
Illume: 10% OFF $50+ w/ code "LD10", 20% OFF $100+ w/ code "LD20", 30% OFF $300+ w/ code "LD30"
iomoi: Extra 40% OFF final sale items w/ code "extra40" here
J.Crew: 25% OFF 300+ fall styles and extra 40% OFF final sale items w/ code "WEEKEND" 
J.Crew Factory: 40-60% OFF sitewide. Prices as marked.
Kendra Scott: 15% OFF site wide + free shipping w/ code "LDW2014"
L'Occitane: FREE Provencal travel pouch filled with 10 samples with ANY purchase. Use code "SAMPLES".
LOFT: 50% OFF select full-price styles
Lulu's: 20% OFF everything white w/ code "SAVE20WHITE" + Extra 40% OFF sale items w/ code "40OFFSALE"
Malabar Bay: 40% OFF sitewide w/ code "LD40"
May Designs: 30% OFF School Spirit and Sorority Row collections. No code required.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store: 20% OFF sitewide w/ code "LABORDAY14"
Need Supply Co: Extra 20% OFF sale items w/ code "SUMMERSUN20"
Net-a-Porter: Free next-day shipping on all orders + free returns.
Rent the Runway: 30% OFF orders of $100+ with delivery dates before September 14th with code "LDW2014"
Rifle Paper Co: 10% OFF site wide w/ code "LABOR10"
Saturday.com: Extra 25% OFF sale items w/ code "WHYNOT"
Smashbox Cosmetics: Free shipping on all orders + $10 OFF $50+, $15 OFF $75+, $25 OFF $100+, $50 OFF $150+. No code required.
Sole Society: Select styles up to 70% OFF here
Swoozie's: 20% OFF site wide with code "FALL20"
Tarte Cosmetics: $10 OFF $50+, $20 OFF $75+, $30 OFF $100+ w/ code "LDAY"
Ted Baker: Free ground shipping. No code required.
Tory Burch: 20% OFF $300+, 25% OFF $500+, 30% OFF $750+ w/ code "LABORDAY14"
Tuckernuck: Extra 20% OFF sale items + free shipping site wide. Use code "LABOROFLOVE" at checkout.

Here's my edit of the best of sale this weekend:

Now, go soak up the summer sun!

Hey Hey They Say It's Your Birthday!

My birthday is at the end of this month and in celebration I am sharing with you the best birthday rewards from some of my favorite retailers. As long as you sign up for their e-mail lists and/or rewards programs, your fave stores will often spoil you with discounts and freebies throughout the month of your birthday. Here are a few of the lovely surprises I've received this year to celebrate my August birthday:

AMC Theatres: Email list subscribers receive a coupon for a free large fountain drink. Valid for 30 days after your birthday.
ASOS.com: Email list subscribers receive a code for 10% off full-priced merchandise valid 2 weeks before and 1 week after your birthday.
Bare Minerals: Friends And Benefits members receive a FREE Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Rule Breaker. No purchase necessary if redeemed in stores (no minimum purchase if redeemed online). Valid for 1 month after your birthday. (x)
Baublebar: Email list subscribers receive a code for 20% off your next purchase for the entire month of your birthday. (x)
BeautyBar.com: Email list subscribers receive a code for 20% off your next purchase (discount up to $100) for the entire month of your birthday.
Ben & Jerry's: Email list subscribers receive a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream and $3 off an ice cream cake.
Benefit: Email list subscribers receive a "Hello Gorgeous" trio of beauty samples with their next order during the entire month of your birthday + a free brow service at participating Benefit Brow Bars during the calendar week of your birthday. (x)
Benihana: Email list subscribers receive a $30 gift certificate. Valid for dinner Monday-Thursday with purchase of another adult entree. (x)
Casa.com: Email list subscribers receive a code for 20% off one full-priced item (discount up to $25) for the entire month of your birthday.
Charming Charlie: Charm Club members receive a code for $5 off their next purchase. Valid in stores and online for the entire month of your birthday.
Coldstone Creamery: My Coldstone Club members receive a Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon for their local store. Valid until a week after your birthday. (x)
e.l.f.: Email list subscribers receive a code for a free Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette with purchase of $15+. Valid for 48 hours after the email is received.
Henri Bendel: Email list subscribers receive a code for 20% off any full-priced purchase for the entire month of your birthday. Valid in stores and online.
IHOP: Email list subscribers receive a coupon for a free "Rooty Tooty Fresh n' Fruity Pancakes" at your local restaurant. Valid 1 week before and 1 week after your birthday.
Jamba Juice: Insider Rewards members receive one free 12 oz. juice or small smoothie. Valid for the week before and couple weeks after your birthday.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store: Email list subscribers receive a code for 10% off your next online purchase for the entire month of your birthday.
Modcloth: Email list subscribers receive a code for $5 off your next order. Valid for 1 week after your birthday.
Old Navy: Email list subscribers receive at coupon for $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more. Valid for 2 weeks after your birthday.
Outback Steakhouse: Email list subscribers receive a coupon for a free dessert with purchase of any adult entree for dine-in or curbside take-away. Valid two weeks before and two weeks after your birthday.
Piperlime: Email list subscribers receive a coupon code for $25 off your next purchase of $100 or more. Valid for 1 week.
Red Lobster: Email list subscribers receive a coupon for $5 off the purchase of 2 entrees. 
Rent the Runway: Email list subscribers receive a code for $25 off your birthday rental of $100+. Valid for orders placed up to 30 days after your birthday.
Sephora: Beauty insiders receive a sample size gift. This year's gift is a mascara and lipstick set by Make Up Forever. (x)
Starbucks: Starbucks Rewards members receive a free drink or food item of their choice or a free drink or 1 oz. of loose-leaf tea at Teavana plus a code for 15% off your next purchase at Starbucks.com
StubHub: Fan Rewards members receive a code for free electronic delivery. Valid for the entire month of your birthday.
Southwest Airlines: Email list subscribers receive $50 off your next 3+ night vacation booked through Southwest Vacations for travel during the following 5 months. Valid for the entire month of your birthday. 
Sugarpova: Email list subscribers receive free ground shipping on any purchase that includes a "Flirty Gift Box". Valid for the entire month of your birthday. 
Tarte Cosmetics: Email list subscribers receive a code for 20% off your next purchase. Valid for 30 days after your birthday.
Ted Baker: Email list subscribers receive a code for 10% off your next purchase. Valid for 1 week before and 1 week after your birthday.
Ulta: Ultra Rewards members receive 2x rewards points during the entire month of your birthday + a coupon for a free CK One mascara.
Victoria's Secret: E-mail list subscribers receive a code for $10 off a purchase of $10 or more. Valid for online or phone orders only + for the entire month of your birthday. 

(x) = Offer I used this year. Ask me about it!

Best of the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale

As you may know, the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale started at 8am ET today with some deep discounts. Products are known to sell out extremely fast (some already have in the 1st hour). So, to save you time and heartache, I've picked out some of the best items from the sale. Click through the slideshows below and when you find an item you love it will take you directly to the product page.

My advice: check out often. Shipping is free on all orders. If you have buyer's regret later, you can always re-sell the items on the Re-Lilly Facebook Group or on eBay.

Dresses:

Rompers, Bottoms, & Swim:

Tops:

Accessories:

Good luck!!!

The Everygirl for Birchbox August 2014 Review

This month's Birchbox was pretty unique because you had a whole lot of options. One option was to pick the Birchbox x The Everygirl collaboration box. For this option every item was revealed in advance. The other options was to pick one of four different products to be included in a typical monthly box.  As you can see, I went with the former option.  I primarily did this because I've been dying to try the Benefit They're Real Push-up Liner and because I loved the Harvey Prince Hello fragrance I received in a previous box. That sample had just run out so I was excited to replace it.

All of the products in The Everygirl Box have full-size versions that retail at $35 or less. So, this is definitely considered the "affordable beauty essentials collection" vs. some of the more pricey samples I've received in other Birchboxes.

My box contained: Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect (Full-size, $32), Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Push-Up Liner (Full-size, $24), Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub (Full-size, $14.99), Harvey Prince Hello Perfume (Full-size, $26), Not Soap, Radio Happiness Inducing Body Wash (Full-size, $16)

I was really excited to try this product because I've gotten into facial scrubs a lot more lately. I have very dry skin and have learned that exfoliating just 2-3 times each week makes a huge difference. My skin looks more radiant, healthy, and moisturized. I also don't have that awful flaky look you can get when foundation sticks to little spots of dry skin. 

This one is pretty different from others I've tried recently. It's sort of a dark green-charcoal color and has strong ginger smell to it. I found I had to use a lot of the product to cover my face because it didn't really stick to my skin. It's a little messy - a lot of it just fell off into the sink as I applied it. However, it left my skin feeling really firm and fresh. I definitely plan on using this one some more and seeing the long term results.

Because I selected "The Everygirl" Birchbox this month rather than the typical Birchbox, I did receive a couple duplicates from previous boxes. Normally Birchbox ensures that you don't receive the same samples twice but this month was a little different because of the options we had. I received this sample once before in my February Birchbox. This perfume was actually part of the reason why I selected this Birchbox option. I loved the citrus-meets-powdery-floral scent.

I'm not going to go into much detail about this one, since I reviewed it just last month for my July Birchbox. I like the idea of this product but the scent just wasn't for me, so I'll probably be swapping or gifting this one.

As I said above, the Benefit Push-Up Liner was the main reason I selected this box.  I'm a massive fan of Benefit's They're Real Mascara and was really excited to try their latest product in that line. I was a bit wary about paying the $24 up front for the full-size version. So, this seemed like a fantastic way to try it out relatively risk-free. While often times trying out a product through a Birchbox sample is a great way to confirm that the full-size splurge would be worth it, sometimes Birchbox samples are great for determining if the product isn't right for you - and actually saving you money in the long run (or spending it on things that are a better fit).  Unfortunately, in this case this product just wasn't right for me. 

I love the simplicity of it. It combines an eyeliner applicator and a gel eyeliner in one. It has a flexi-tip and the proper shape to "hug" your lash line. However, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get this sample to apply properly. The line was lighter in some places than others and straight-up non-existent in some places the first time. I think part of my application failure was because of the difference between the sample vs. the real product. In order to get the gel to reach the applicator tip, you have to squeeze the sides of the tube very very tightly on the sample. On the full-size product I understand that there is a section of the handle that rotates to "push" the liquid up - perhaps like a Stila Lip Glaze? No matter how much I squeezed the sample, I felt like I couldn't get that much of the product out of it. I would say that it was definitely designed for just 1 or maximum 2 applications.  If you mess it up the first time you try to apply it (like I did), you don't really get enough of the product in that tube to really try it again. Maybe I'll get another sample sometime and can give it another go. I also noticed in the samples at Sephora that the product can clump a little bit on the full-size version's tip and probably needs to be wiped/cleaned regularly. That's not really a big deal, but you probably wouldn't notice this on the sample size.

I love the energizing fresh lemon smell of this product. Also, although it's described as a body wash, I immediately noticed on the packaging that it can also be used as "bubbles for bath or shower". I love different products I can use in a long relaxing bath but I seldom go out and buy bubble bath on my own - maybe occasionally bath oils or salts.  I'm looking forward to trying this out sometime soon. I don't normally spend $16 for this kind of product but might consider it if it seems especially luxurious.

Which Birchbox option did YOU pick this month?

Perfume Perfection with Pinrose Petals

Ever wish for the "Warby Parker of fragrance"? Then Pinrose is your dream come true. Founded by two Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnae, Pinrose is a new try-at-home fragrance company offering your choice of 10 different scents. Try them out yourself through their 3 free sample offer (like I did) or leave it up to the synesthesia Scent Profiler to determine which scent is best suited to your taste. 

Earlier this month, I read through the various scent descriptions and selected the 3 that sounded most appealing to me:

Renegade Starlet - Tiare Flower / Gardenia / Frangipani

Treehouse Royal - Fig / Jasmine / Moss

Moonlight Gypsy - Cardamom / Orange Blossom / Sandalwood

For just $1 shipping, Pinrose sent me 2 "Petals" of each scent to try out and discover my favorite. Petals are individually wrapped towelettes containing a one time use scent application. They're so easy - you just pat on your wrist, wait 15 seconds, and enjoy a burst of perfume happiness!

If you love any of your samples, Pinrose offers you four options: Sample Starter Petal Pack (2 each of all 10 scents, $15), Petal Packs (25 petals of your choice, $20), Monthly Petal Pack Subscription (25 petals of your choice, $15), and Full-Size Bottles (1 oz, $50).  The Petal Packs are so handy because you can throw them in your purse, gym bag, or pocket. They're also really convenient for travel - no worries about TSA approval or leaking bottles in your luggage! 

Shipping is always just $1 and if for any reason you don't like the fragrance you receive returns are free within 20 days of receiving your order. It's really risk free. What's not to love?

Which Pinrose scent are you most excited to try?

Birchbox Night at Caudalie Paris

Birchbox hosted a lovely evening tonight at the Caudalie store in the West Village (NYC). Guests enjoyed French wine and cheese, learned about Caudalie's skin care and anti-aging treatments, and enjoyed mini-facials or hand & arm massages.

I RSVPed for the event right away and made a mini-facial appointment request within 10 minutes of receiving the e-mail. However, I didn't end up getting any appointments for services. They booked up that fast! That definitely speaks for the success of this event. When I arrived (about 30 minutes into the 2 hour event) the small boutique was absolutely packed! Very impressive for a rainy Tuesday night. It looked like I could have stuck around and gotten an appointment via the wait list, but it was pretty packed - maybe next time! I was anxious to take my new products home and try them out.

Regardless, I spent a good amount of time browsing the products and listening to what the sales reps had to say about each. Caudalie is a brand that's completely new to me. So, I had a lot to learn! Overall the products are fairly pricey - but good quality. If you're looking to just test them out first, they seem to have travel size versions of most of the products which range about $10-18.

The offers for guests tonight were a canvas Caudalie bag with a $75+ purchase and a fabulous Birchbox swag bag with any purchase. Since I hadn't tried Caudalie before, I decided to start small. So, I picked the 2.5 oz Grape Water spray ($10). It soothes and moisturizes skin, contains 100% organic grapes, and is preservative and fragrance free. It reminds me of a super luxurious take on Evian's spray.

Since I made a purchase tonight, I received one of the Birchbox swag bags on offer. It contained 4 Caudalie samples and a bonus Twistband hair tie. They're all pictured above with the Grape Water spray I purchased. What an incredible value and generous product selection from Birchbox & Caudalie. Here's a quick look at the products included in the special edition Birchbox from the event:

Polyphenol [C15] Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Anti-Wrinkle Protect Fluid
Sample Size: .5 oz (full-size 1.3 oz, $49)
I haven't really used a "fluid" before but I should probably start looking into more anti-wrinkle products. I've heard it's good to start think preventatively even if you're only in your 20s. This one has moisturizing capabilities and also protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It's citrus scented, oil free, and contains Vitamin C, Polyphenol, and Hyaluronic Acid (to plump your skin). You apply a small amount before you put on make-up. 

Polyphenol [C15] Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream
Sample Size: .16 oz (full-size .5 oz, $49)
I'm actually pretty psyched to try this product. I mean, who wants crow's feet and smile lines? I can't believe there's a 2-in-1 product specifically designed to tackle both. This also fight signs of fatigue, dark circles, and puffiness. It's got some fantastic natural ingredients like antioxidants, licorice, and grape seed.

Make-up Remover Cleansing Water
Sample Size: 1 oz (full-size 3.38 oz, $14)
A good, natural make-up remover can be hard to come by. This one even works on waterproof mascara! I like that it's really gentle and includes ingredients like organic chamomile and grape water for moisture retention. Too many other liquid make-up removers I've used have dried out my skin and smelled a bit like rubbing alcohol.  This one not only removes the toughest make-up but also leaves your skin toned and hydrated!

Nourishing Body Lotion

Sample Size: 1 oz (full-size 8.4 oz, $30)

This ultra-luxe lotion has a 1-2 punch. First the grape oil and gingko biloba work to make even the driest skin moisturized and soft. Then, the grape polyphenols work their magic to prevent signs of premature aging. You can use this product all over your body. I really like using it on my hands, but it would also be great for problem areas like elbows and knees.

Twistband Hair Tie

Sample Size: 1 Hair Tie (full-size 6 pack, $13)

I already own a few Twistbands and think they're just fab. I especially love the particularly ornate ones like the tie dye ones or the ones with charms. They never ever snag my hair and they always stay in place! Because they're thicker than a lot of other hair ties, they also don't leave crimps in your hair. 

Birchbox has a great deal through their online store right now. They're offering up a FREE Caudalie Make-up Remover Cleansing Water sample with the purchase of any full-size Caudalie product. Simply enter "CAUDALIEREMOVER" at checkout. Happy shopping!

Addendum: I guess there were a few of us who'd tried to book an appointment for the event and were put on the waiting list. So, the ever-amazing and beyond sweet Birchbox team got in touch with us after the event to offer up a make up appointment on a day/time of our choosing at the Caudalie Bleeker Street store. They even offered the promo canvas bag from the event as an extra treat if we book. How thoughtful!

Charm & Chain Sample Sale in NYC This Week

Charm & Chain Sample Sale

Markdowns up to 80% OFF!

Featured Designers: 

Lele Sadoughi, Alexis Bittar, DANNIJO, Lulu Frost, Kendra Scott, Erickson Beamon, Lizzie Fortunato, Tom Binns, Eddie Borgo, Pamela Love, & Shourouk!

Wednesday, August 13th | 12-8pm

Thursday, August 14th | 10am-8pm

Friday, August 15th | 10am-5pm

611 Broadway (at Houston)

Suite 816, NYC

Just Madras 1/2 Price Sale

Photo: justmadras.com

Just Madras has decided to retire some of its summer dress designs. Do you know what that means?? 1/2 OFF!

You may have seen my blog post last month featuring the Just Madras crab dress from Tuckernuck. Well, now you can get that exact dress - and several other prints in that same style - for just $65 on the Just Madras website. You can also get some of the skirt versions too for $46-49.

Let's have a clam bake!

Summer Inspo: Be a Botanic Beauty!

Hackney Boot | $114.99, Dr. Martens

Liberty Mixed Florals Boy Shirt | $178, J. Crew

Van Gogh Bangle Bracelet | $295, Erwin Pearl

Penny Wedge Sandal | $295, Tory Burch

Debden Passport Holder | $19.50, Jack Willis

Luxury Body Butter Trio | $39, Korres via Sephora

Ultra-femme botanic prints are a huge trend this summer. They are a winning combination of pastel colors and chic vintage motifs. They also pair perfectly with go-to summer basics like: linen, denim, khaki, and seersucker. What's old is new again - and this trend is surely here to stay. High quality ditsy florals are well worth the investment, so get your inner flower child on this season!

See you in the garden!

Elizabeth McKay NYC Sample Sale Starts Today

Elizabeth McKay Sample Sale

Up to 80% OFF 

Tuesday, August 5th 

& Wednesday, August 6th

10am-8pm

265 West 37th Street, 9th Floor

(Between 7th & 8th Avenues)

Not in NYC? Shop the online sale HERE.