Charming Charlie

My friend Becky asked me to go check out a new store that she'd heard about through a few friends - Charming Charlie.  So we dragged our friend Krystal with us and piled into the car for a short shopping road trip.  Think of a store that sells fashion jewelry. And handbags.  And some inexpensive fashion clothes.  And watches. Oh, I can't forget all the scarves.  All very, very affordable.  It's laid out in color groupings, which makes shopping for anything specific much easier.

Well Accessorized

An overview from the store

Game plans: Always good so you don't go crazy and blow too much money on all the gorgeous/fun/trendy stuff that catches your eye.  I wear a lot of black (and gold) so my main goal was to get pieces with color.  Krystal was looking for layering pieces and Becky wanted to update her professional look.  Jewelry really is a great way to change your look even if you wear a similar style during the week.  It's the best way to take a simple outfit to the next level.
Tip: Bring friends who will be honest with you and know your style & wardrobe preferences; this will help you slim down your purchases less painfully before you get to the register.
Bonus tip (courtesy of Krystal): When shopping for necklaces, wear a shirt that has a neckline similar to the majority of what you wear.  Try on ALL the necklaces in store. You'd hate to get your purchases home only to find out they don't work with your wardrobe!

Part of the haul before thinning to the final purchase (red tags are clearance!)

We spend almost 2 hours in this place, and I could have easily spent more. The only problem is it's in Puyallup, and its the only store in the state.  I hear that they are working on getting online ordering ability established, and hope they do soon because that's save me a trip back down to the south end.

Golden Tidbit:

Snagged these great gold earrings for just $8!! Ladies, I know it's a long way down (and for my PDX gals, there's one in Hillsboro!) but believe me, it's well worth the trip!

Golden Quote: "I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny." ― Coco Chanel

It's NSale Time!

In case you missed it, this is one of the busiest summer weekends Seattle has: Seafair, Torchlight Parade, Torchlight half & full marathons, Capitol Hill Block Party, UFC fight at Key Arena,and I'm pretty sure there was a Mariners game thrown in there somewhere too, just for good measure.

In other important Seattle news, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is happening now.

I went a few weeks ago during Preview and man was it worth it! A few classics, and some just for fun:

1. Halogen Back Zip Blouse in Ivory

2. Olivia Moon Reverse Collar Sleeveless Blouse

3. Halogen Stretch Poplin Shirt in White

4.  Wit & Wisdom Skinny Jeans

5. Enzo "Presley" Bootie

6. Wit & Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans

Prices don't go up until August 5th so get yourself over to the sale!!

Golden Tidbit:

I'll admit it, I'm not a huge hot sauce fan, but sometimes I need just a little Kick. I found this and couldn't resist (obvs). Get your own here for just $1.49

Golden Quote: "Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase." - Erma Bombeck

Prada Perfection

Have you been shopping lately? I have and Resort/Cruise Collections are out in full force.  Pastels (particularly mint green & pale pinks), Whites/Neutrals, graphic prints and..... neon (yes, still).  Sidebar: I'm all for neon as workout wear; high visibility is important:

Puma Windblock hoodie, on sale for $70 right now; I have this and LOVE it

This leads me to my point today.  I have been on the hunt for the perfect purse lately, and have been waiting for my current one to fail me any day now.  Resort collections do NOT help to find the classic black perfect purse, but offer a plethora of orange, teal and pale pink.  Not exactly classic. I'm at the point where I'm ready to make an investment in the right piece, I just have to find it. Correction, I have found it but Prada is not quite on my level yet, so here we have the original idea and the attainable possibility:

Retails for about $1700 @ Bergdorfs

Retails for about $230

Anyone who's ever searched for the perfect purse knows this is the struggle; ideal vs reality.  But I digress. Since Resort season is upon us, let's talk vacations.  Where's you're ideal getaway? Maybe just a weekend, or a true 2 week decompression trip, what helps you relax?
For me it's Sonoma, but I'll take a solid day of wine tasting in Woodinville in a pinch.

Golden Tidbit:

There are a lot of things that you should pack for vacation, but sunglasses are the #1 must-have. These Gold Helene Aviators from Banana Republic fit the bill perfectly! ($98 and come with a leather case)

Golden Quote: "No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell." -Jewish Proverb

Rules for the Marathon Shopper

Today I took a friend of mine on what was supposed to be a short shopping venture to get these Quilted Sperry Top-Sider "Pelican Too" Rainboots:

(Currently available at Nordstrom for $77.95)

What happened instead was a 3.5 hour mini-marathon (for me) shopping adventure to The Rack & Old Navy. Let me explain the marathon part.  I don't shop quickly.  I.Marathon.Shop. Ask any of my friends (or my very patient bf) if I've ever shopped (happily) for less than 2 hours at a time.  When I go shopping, I mean it. I will dig through racks, looking for exactly the right item, and am willing to spend the time to find the gem I know is there.  And of course, I have marathon shopping rules:

1.  Keep breakfast light, but protein & caffeine loaded -You don't want to be bloated when trying on clothes, it makes it harder to imagine if that fitted sheath dress will look just right.  (hint: Starbucks is a shoppers friend, before and during a shopping marathon) The protein will keep you full for a bit, but it's never a bad idea to keep a bar in your purse just in case you go longer than 5 hours.

2. Go early - Why fight mid-day or evening crowds or risk post-lunch rushed choices?  added bonus: when you arrive at opening, racks are organized & you have the first pick!  

3. Consider your purse carefully - I recommend a smallish crossbag, large enough to carry phone, wallet, lipgloss and any layer of clothing you need to shed, or even small purchases throughout your day. This will also free your hands to carry more items at a time.

4. Leave the layers at home/in the car - Even if it's raining cats & dogs outside (yes Seattle, I'm talking to you) when you get in the store and 3 racks in, that big rain jacket will take you quickly from Marathon shopper to sweaty, frustrated mess.  Layers are best when it's a flattering cami & cardi combo; easy to change in/out of 100 times.  Also an easy way to tell if your ideal outfit is right or not: if you like what you came in better, maybe your last item wasn't the right choice.

5.  Wear comfortable flats - Easy to slip on/off when in the shoe section, you'll make it through quicker than having to take boots or tennis shoes on and off at every possible shoe option.

6.If you take it off the rack for a better look, you must try it on - yes, this is the hardest and most dangerous rule.  But this happens to be one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone, and can also result in some of the most hilarious dressing room try-ons I've ever done.  I've discovered patterns, colors and cuts I would have never thought worked for me just by virtue of this rule.  The rule can also be veto'ed by a friend in order to stop you from trying on 1993 throwbacks.

7.  When in doubt, decide in the checkout line -  Pressure.  Probably the best way to really find out if you love an item.  Carry your Maybe item around, try it on with your other selections, and let the pressure of the impending register help you find your true feelings on the deal that might just be too good to pass up.

FYI, I didn't get the boots. yet.

Golden Feature:

This Rag and Bone Gold tuxedo jacket is GORGEOUS! But I couldn't quite afford it...So I got the Chloe K version at The Rack today for a little less ($39.79)

Golden Tidbit:  Carrie: "Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?"

                        Samantha: "I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit!"

All that Glitters is not Golden

On Saturday I conned convinced my friend Krystal to wake up at 5am and stand in like with me for the 29th Annual Glitter Sale, Seattle Goodwill's amazing annual event.  All year long they hold Designer items back and then put them all out for this 2 day sale.  We arrived at about 6:30 am and the line was already down the side of the building and around the corner.  After a quick run to Starbucks, we found out spot in line.  About 35 degrees but armed with hot coffee, we were prepared and ready to make some new line friends.

The line behind us

Coffee keeping myself & friend Krystal alert & warm

They handed out numbered Lanyards this year (286 for me & 287 for Krystal) which allowed us some time to dash back to the car and thaw our toes.  Nine am came and the doors opened.... and then we were in line again just to get back into the special Glitter Sale room. Once in, it was truly amazing to see such a frenzy from the 250+ women who had taken over the room ahead of us.  Keeping our strategy, we bee-lined for the purses - A day later and I'm finding a few bruises from the couple of careless elbows thrown in the sale induced haze.

So 4 1/2 hours total, after 3 trips through the vintage fur racks, about an hour at thejewelry counter, and more trips back through the purses than I care to count, this is my haul:

The Glitter Sale Haul

• brand new Kenneth Cole leather briefcase for the bf (really brand new, the warranty & cardboard were still in it, and the strap was still in the plastic wrapper) $49.99
• Vintage Bobby Jerome black glitch with gold hardware (the original mirror and comb are still in it, unbroken!) $6.99
• Pearl & Gold ring $19.99
• Coral & Gold bracelet $7.99 

 

I have had very few ultra-sale experiences that have exhausted me quite like that sale.  It was a great experience, we we both had a great time, but I'm not sure if the Glitter Sale will call my name for next year.  Unless a cold snap makes me think of those furs..... then I may be convinced a trip back is exactly in order.

Golden Feature:

In honor of the Glitter sale experience, I thought this would be a perfect suggestion for making sure NYE was a sparkling night.  The DKNY Sparkle Strap Watch is the perfect accessory when you want to stand out a bit.  I haven't seen it in person yet but what an eye catcher!

*The Golden Tidbits today are inspired by an important purchase I made this weekend; my very first brand new car!

Golden Tidbit: "Second Place is just the first place loser" - Dale Earnhardt

Bonus quote, for because I just can't help myself: "No, no, no. There's no such thing as cheap and cheerful. It's cheap and nasty, & expensive and cheerful." - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear