15% off Entire Purchase at Sephora (ends April 5)
03 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Accessories, Beauty, Budget, Makeup, Perfume, Shampoo
Hello Beautiful People!
Exciting things are happening at your local Sephora store! If you don’t already know, Sephora is a veritable Mecca of designer beauty products and fragrances. I only discovered Sephora in about 2007 when a co-worker provided me with a recommendation for DiorShow Mascara (Loved it, BTW). I became a life-long Sephora shopper about four minutes after I entered the store for the first time. Sephora is where beauty product mavens like myself go to heaven. So, if you haven’t already been, your homework is to head on out to your nearest Sephora to browse. Mini Sephora stores are now located in selected JCPenny stores for your shopping convenience.
The super exciting news is those of us who hold a Sephora Beauty Insider card can enjoy 15% off our entire purchase (in stores and online) in honor of Chic Week (ends April 5). I absolutely love this sale because lets face it…the vast majority of high-end designer products and fragrances NEVER GO ON SALE. If you don’t have a Beauty Insider card, I recommend that you sign up immediately if only for this once a year sale.
I have had my eye on a new set of parfumes for several months. I prefer mini bottles of fragrance because the scent in parfume goes stale after it sits on your dresser for a long time. I like to buy the small ones and use them up so the scent never turns stale. So yesterday I headed out to my local Sephora and purchased the Tocca Eau de Parfume Viaggio set of three fragrances!
Tocca Viaggio Eau de Parfume set ($45 original price)
It is really a huge splurge for me right now but I justified it by reminding myself that the sale only takes place once a year. Ok, I do feel guilty but I asked hubby and he encouraged me to buy it. 
While I was browsing around in the store I found an absolutely DIVINE hand cream. I was also able to justify purchasing this because it had a limited edition fragrance label (I always fall for this marketing ploy!)….and I am trying AGAIN to stop biting my nails once and for all. Nail biting has been a lifelong struggle for me.
L’occitane is famous for their 20% shea butter hand cream and the reputation is well earned. I sampled the Desert Rose fragrance early on in my visit and then went back to find a tube to purchase. When I couldn’t find the desert rose scent in the display, I took the liberty of opening the stock drawer below and pawing through the bin of lotions until I found what might have been the last one in the Desert Rose scent. The feel of this hand cream is fabulous and the scent is just so pretty. I couldn’t help myself. (apologize for the xtra small image…couldn’t find a larger one!)
Another great thing about Sephora is extravagant SAMPLES. I cashed in some Beauty Insider points and received two samples: an Ojon deep conditioner and a fancy Shaving Cream for hubby. The cashier also slipped me a Givenchy and a Emilio Puccini fragrance sample.I went into the store for the perfumes and only fell prey to one additional impulse buy! Yay!
bisous!
xx,
FFF
Thrift Store Score Spring 2012 Edition
02 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in Budget, Fashion, Jacket, Sales, Shoes, Thrift Store, Used Clothes Tags: Anne Klein, budget, Budget Fashion, Fashion, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, Goodwill Industries, Goodwill Industry Sale, New Balance, Old Navy, Ross Dress for Less, Spring 2012 Fashion, Style, Thrift Store, Thrift Store Score
Hi Beautiful People!
Spring has almost arrived here in California and this season it means pretty prints and pastels. I was so excited to see mint green, light pink and yellows all over the March & April issues of Vogue. Mrs. FFF has been seriously watching her pennies lately, so I had the perfect opportunity to splurge a couple of weeks ago at the Goodwill Industries 50% off clothes and shoes Presidents Day sale!
Hubby and I went together because he loves a good deal just like me. I have to say that we made out like bandits that day. Hubby got a pair of brand new New Balance running shoes in all black (his fav type of sneakers) with Ross Dress for Less price tags for $12.50 after the 50% off discount. He was super excited because he wears a size 13 shoe and he never finds cheap shoes anywhere. Not to mention he actually wears these shoes, they do not just sit in his closet. So, he got a bit of karma early that saturday morning.
New Balance Mens shoes $12.50 (sz 13)
I also scored a couple of GREAT blazers, which is a garment I feel I need to add more of to my wardrobe. I found an excellent Anne Klein black blazer in a petite size (which exact size I will keep to myself). The blazer is a huge score because it is all black and in great condition. I was super excited to add this coat to my collection because it is such a basic piece that will never go out of style. Plus, the sleeves are not too long. I wore this great blazer to my most recent job interview. I believe my outfit had a lot to do with me getting the job…along with my stunning intellect and wit. just kidding! Oh, did I mention the jacket was $5.50 after the 50% discount!
Anne Klein Suits Blazer $5.50 (petite size)
Anne Klein blazer
The best item that I found is an ADOR-able mint green wool blazer with a beaded flower detail on the lapel from Old Navy (of all retailers). The beads are iridescent mostly tube beads accented with a sprinkling of seed beads. I fell in love with this jacket instantly and was just tickled to see that it was a size L to fit over my current Rubin-esque figure. The jacket was snug when I tried it on but for the very low price of $5.50 after the 50% discount, I bit the bullet and asked hubby to buy it for me. I wore it a few times and I just love it. I have to roll up the sleeves, but honestly I don’t really care–rolling sleeves can be charming in its own way.
Mint Green Blazer from Old Navy $5.50
Mint Green Blazer Floral Detail on Lapel
Thrift Store Score!!
bisous,
FFF
from the runway section at TJMaxx
20 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Beauty, Budget, Fashion, Jacket, Shoes Tags: beauty, budget, budget couture, Budget Fashion, Escada, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, from the runway, Kate Spade, Spring 2012, Spring 2012 Fashion, Style, TJ Maxx, TJ Maxx from the runway
Hi Beautiful People!
Today, I made a special trip to the TJ Maxx in Moraga California while running errands. I had heard a rumour that this particular TJMaxx had a ‘from the runway’ section. I have been meaning to check it out for months but I hadn’t given myself the luxury of shopping for fun in a while. So, I treated myself. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to snap photos from this store so you will have to trust me for my word.
When I first arrived in the store I was immediately overcome when I saw a rack of garments from Talbots! I was super excited, especially because the pieces were in very trendy colors including gray and cobalt blue. Tank tops with appropriately places sequins for only $7.99 and adorable cotton spring jackets for $19.99! If you love Talbots like I do, run out to your fav TJ Maxx to see if they got any of this inventory. Love it.
The store in Moraga did indeed have a ‘from the runway’ section and even though it was quite small it had a lot of designer clothing and shoes. Honestly, I only recognized a few of the designers represented including Kate Spade and Escada. I was most impressed with the Kate Spade pumps and sandals ($129.99). I love Kate Spade, but I can hardly ever afford it so I was happy to see it at TJ Maxx. You can find good deals if you sign up for the Kate Spade store emails, but even then the stuff is super expensive. I got a wallet there after christmas on super clearance once. But I digress. I really love Kate Spade jewelry as well and would be so happy to see it at TJ Maxx. I saw several garments with “last runway season” tags while I was browsing around. I will definitely be back to this particular TJMaxx to browse the section.
Does anyone else know where other TJ Maxx stores with from the runway sections are located?
xx,
FFF
LOVE Maybelline
12 Mar 2012 2 Comments
in Beauty, Budget, Makeup Tags: beauty, beauty product, Chapstick, Drugstore Beauty Products, Drugstore mascara, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, Mascara, Maybelline, Maybelline Baby Lips, Maybelline Great Lash
Hi Beautiful People!
I am very happy to report that I found gainful employment and therefore my forced hiatus from FFF is OVER!! Double Yay!
I allowed my self a great luxury and purchased a new mascara and fancy chapstick in celebration. Happily I chose very well and I love both of the new products that I bought.
I have been using the Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara for about six months and I really did like it. But I was looking for something a little more economical because the Lash Blash has gone up to about $8-9. So I went back to the old faithful that I used in high school but have since turned up my nose….Maybelline Great Lash. We all know this iconic green and pink tube from the cosmetics aisle because it has been around forever. Anyways, Maybelline is advertising a new brush for its classic formula still retailing at only $5, so I bought it.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5)
I am so happy I did too because I love this formula. My lashes are so long when I used it, they reach all the way up to my brow. I love the results! So if you are looking for an extra economical mascara I highly recommend Great Lash.
I ALSO purchased a great chapstick by Maybelline that I LOVE. The Baby Lips line has been out for a while now and this is the first chance I’ve had to try it. I really like it, my lips feel smooth and moisturized for hours after I use it. I would have liked to get the cherry me but that was out so I grabbed the grape vine. Bonus is that it has an SPF 20 so you dont have to worry about getting sunburned. Best is that this product is only $2.99 at Target!
Do you have any Maybelline products? What should I try next?
xx,
FFF
Purse Size Perfume for Valentines Day
13 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Budget, Perfume Tags: budget valentines, Cheap perfume, cheap valentines day gift, Estee Lauder, Estee Lauder Pleasures, purse size perfume, stale perfume, Valentines DAy, Valentines Day 2012
Hi Beautiful People!
~~Love is in the aire~~
It is the morning before Valentines Day and I assume all of my readers are happily awaiting tomorrow with a lovely gift(s) for their sweetie. My hubby and I lovingly celebrate Valentines Day because it is also the anniversary of the first time we hung out. I had a party for single people and he came over to help me cook…it is a true love story. :-) But, I digress.
I am writing this post specifically for those who are desperately seeking a last-minute (affordable) gift for their sweetie (guys maybe?). My suggestion is a ‘purse size’ perfume. My particular favorite is Pleasures by Estee Lauder and you can buy an 0.5 oz. of Eau de Parfume for only $30.
Now, I can understand the reluctance to buy the smallest bottle of perfume for your honey as you don’t want to risk looking cheap. There is a method to my madness. Perfume will go stale if it sits for too long…so in actuality you don’t want a large bottle. A small bottle that is used quickly is better because it won’t have time to go stale.
Often, the perfume counters do not put the purse size on display because they want you to purchase the huge bottle. Often, the purse size is available, it is just hidden away somewhere.
Happy Valentines Day!
xoxo
FFF
No more double coupon days at JCPenney?!?!?
01 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Budget, Fashion Tags: beauty, budget, Fashion, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, JCPenney, Retail Marketing Strategy, Spring 2012 Fashion, Style
Hi Beautiful People!
As we all know, I heart me some JCPenney! Whether I am shopping for myself, my nephew (he LOVES South Pole) or my very TALL husband I can always find what I need at a great price. However, lately I believe they have become a wee bit gimmicky. It became too many paper coupons (15% off ) to cut out from mailers and bring in. I was pretty over it and apparently I was not the only one.
Just recently, JCPenney announced a new marketing strategy…they will have a three-tiered pricing schedule complete with color coding. The everyday price will be red, white will be month-long values (likely seasonal items), and blue will be best values. I am assuming the best values will be similar to clearance. The hitch is the blue “best value” prices will only be avail on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.
I am really interested to see how this pans out. I plan on heading over to the JCPenney soon to check it out…maybe on a Friday? I predict it will be bedlam at JCPenney on the 1st and 3rd Fridays.
What do you think? Will you be heading over to JCPenney on the 1st and 3rd Fridays?
xx,
FFF
Next Hot Thing for Spring 2012: Flashback to the 1920s
31 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Beauty, Fashion Tags: 1920s fashion, art deco fashion, Budget Fashion, cloche, Fashion, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, Spring 2012 Fashion, Style
Hi Beautiful People!
I have just discovered the great new series Boardwalk Empire by HBO. Personally, I absolutely adore HBO…I have been a huge fan since the series Carnivale (check it out if you haven’t seen it).
So, what does Boardwalk Empire have to do with fashion and style? The series is set in Atlantic City and Chicago in the 1920s and there is a HUGE resurgence of styles reminiscent of the era…low waisted dresses, cloche hats, low heeled shoes and art deco inspirations.
Being a Chicago girl (born and raised in the Chicago suburbs), I have always had an interest in the 1920s gangsters and most especially Al Capone. Rumour had it that Capone had a hideout in South Holland, which was only about 20 minutes from my childhood home. Just recently, my Father revealed that his maternal Grandfather was a driver for Al Capone! How exciting!!
I, for one, absolutely LOVE it! What do you think? Do you have any favorite 1920s inspired pieces that you have your eye on?
xx,
FFF
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier from the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Fashion, fashion exhibit Tags: de young museum, Fashion exhibit, Jean Paul Gaultier, JPG, JPG exhibit, Spring 2012 Fashion, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier
HI Beautiful People!
I have some VERY special news!
As a self-proclaimed fashionista and museum nerd, I couldn’t be more excited to write about an upcoming exhibit at the de Young museum in San Francisco. Dare I call myself a fashionista? IDK, but I digress. I actually love the de Young Museum and have been a member for several years. They always have world-class exhibits coming through and the permanent collection is quite impressive as well.
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is open from March 24, 2012 - August 19, 2012. The exhibit was organized by the Montreal museum of Fine Arts in collab with le Maison Jean Paul Gaultier & features 120 prêt-à-porter and haute couture looks from the last 40 years. Many notable garments from his hey day in the 1990s will be on display including one (or more) outfits from Madonna’s 1990 Blond Ambition tour (cone bra, anyone?). Whether we loved it or hated it…we can all agree that the cone bra definitely jarred the fashion world.
Jean Paul Gaultier & Madonna on the cover of the FAMSF Magazine (Winter/Spring 2012)
As an emerging museum professional, I am interested in this exhibit because it is quite innovative in the use of dynamic mannequins with digital faces. Personally, I have never seen such a mannequin so it will be a completely new experience for me! Stoked!
Finally, and most exciting for me personally, the de Young in sponsoring a live interview with International Herald Tribune FAshion Editor Suzy Mendez and JPG himself on March 24. I am going to determine how much tickets cost and see if I can go!
What does a girl wear to go see a live interview with Jean Paul Gaultier? Hopefully, I will be asking myself this question soon!
xx,
FFF
P.S. FFF has recently reached over 10,000 views! Thanks to all for reading. Bisous!
Entire lookbook for Jason Wu for Target!! (and my picks)
13 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Budget, Designer Collaboration, Dresses, Fashion, Handbags, skirt, Top Tags: budget, budget couture, Budget Fashion, Designer Collaboration, Fashion, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, Jason Wu, Jason Wu for Target, shoes, Spring 2012 Designer Collaboration, Spring 2012 Fashion, Target
Hi Beautiful People!
Just two days ago Target released the ENTIRE lookbook for the Jason Wu for Target designer collaboration. Whew! This collection will definitely be worth the wait.
As my loyal readership know, I seek out the best of the designer collaborations to determine what is the most wearable for the average woman. And when I say wearable, I mean, appropriate for work, school, a night out, and hanging out with your girls. BTW, I heard somewhere that ladies these days are dressing more for their girlfriend than for the men in their lives (or who they want to be in their lives/bed). I wholeheartedly agree with this observation because I love to dress up for my female colleagues. My girls are good about saying ‘you look so cute!’ which feels so great. But, I digress!
Anyways, back to JWFT…I have to say nearly EVERY piece in this collection is classic and wearable! This collection is so unlike the other designer collaborations that I just could buy every damn piece. The pieces are both classic and fresh due to Wu’s use of navy blue, pastels, pleating, boat neck and collar necklines, and lots of horizontal stripes. Now, horizontal stripes are NOT my favorite (or anyone who is only 5’2″ but it is a huge trend right now and I can’t seem to get away from them. Wu is right on Target (no pun intended) for what is in for Spring 2012. Yay!!
Below, I love this sailor suit inspired navy blue dress because it is not costum-y at all. I think it is gorgeous and the button detail up the shoulder is adorable and just enough without too much. I hope the belt comes with this. I like this contrast shoulder b/w shoulder bag. So classic, however, I am worried about this bag getting dirty. :-/
Blue sailor suit inspired dress ($39)
I also LOVE the blue and yellow floral print on the scarf and two handbags. I am not a huge blue person (I am trying to branch out more) but I do adore blue and yellow together. Add in some daisies and FFF is a super happy girly girl.
Jason Wu for Target Blue Flower Square Shoulder Bag ($39)
Jason Wu for Target Blue Flower Scarf
A woman can never have enough tote bags and I especially LOVE this one. Too bad it is $40!!
Jason Wu for Target Mila Tote ($39)
My absolute FAVORITE part of the collection, funny enough, is the navy blue shorts and super sweet red/blue top. I really love the simple chic of this outfit…and shorts are something I could actually use in my bureau.
Jason Wu for Target Navy Shorts & Stripe Top
and finally the white dress with black lace petticoat is chic and femininity incarnate. It is simply divine and just gorgeous.
White Dress with Black Petticoat ($59)
There are many many more adorable outfits in the collection including a baby blue cardi, a blue and yellow dress. See the rest of the collection below (all shots courtesy of Glamour.com) and prices can be found here.
What is your favorite piece from the collection??
xx,
FFF
P.S. What about those black ruffly socks worn by the model? Hmmm….
Next up at H&M: Marni
06 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Designer Collaboration, Dresses, Fashion Tags: Accessory, budget couture, Budget Fashion, Designer Collaboration, Fashion, Fierce Frugal Fashion, fiercefrugalfashion, H&M, Marni, Marni for H&M, Spring 2012 Designer Collaboration, Spring 2012 Fashion
HI Beautiful People!
The time has come for me to discuss the Spring 2012 designer collaboration for H&M. Now, I know I am a little late as the announcement for this collection was in November (shortly after the Versace release) and I didn’t even peep on it then. I was just super busy in the midst of my semester, which payed off BTW because I got straight A’s (!) for only the second time in my life. However, those straight A’s cost me 30 lbs….! More on that later, maybe? But, I digress.
Anyways, last November H&M announced their next collab will be with Marni, an Italian design house founded by Consuelo Castiglioni in 1995. Quick question though, was Marni really started as a FUR-ONLY fashion house? The wikipedia page says so. If that is true, it strikes me as odd that H&M would choose a potentially controvesrial designer for a collaboration. Who has the intel on this for me? but again I digress.
Regardless, the collection will be available in 260 stores worldwide (none of this UK-only BS like the Versace Cruise collection) on March 5, 2012. The teaser video features a purple polka dot suit (its nicer than it sounds) and a pair of silver platform heels (not necessarily my personal style). My interest is slightly piqued from the t-shirt and the brown print dress. Castiglioni promises lots of fab prints in the collection. yay!
Marni for H&M Teaser
As usual, I will probably skip the clothes in the line and focus more on the jewelery and/or accessories that are often much more wearable than some of the outrageous clothes in H&M collabs (printed shiny spandex leggins anyone?). Snark!
Yesterday it was announced that the T-shirt will be sold to benefit the victims of the Japanese earthquake.
Marni for H&M Tshirt sold to benefit victims of the earthquake in Japan
Waiting in anticipation to see the entire Marni line for H&M! Hopefully, the entire lookbook will be releasesd soon.
xx,
FFF
