{Make Me Up Monday} M.A.C. Surf, Baby

It's been a while since I have visited my favorite place at the mall....the M.A.C. counter.  Of course, I was welcomed back with open arms. LOL

With summer weather in it's full glory, I decided to try to find something new I can use for the summer.  I barely wear, if any, makeup over the summer months.  A smidge of gloss, a touch of mascara and I am out the door.  With the blazing sun and humidity, I rather wear as little as possible.

I decided to take a look at their new Surf, Baby line and found exactly what I was looking for.  Being extremely obsessive about soft, healthy, moisturized lips, their suntints with SPF 20 was the perfect choice.  I purchased "Full of Grace".  It has a hint of a rose colored tint.  And I mean "hint", if someone wants something with more pigmentation, then I would not recommend this product.  I purchased this more so for the sun protection factor, and for the fact it feels super moist.  Most lip protections I've tried in the past go on very waxy or feel incredibly greasy.  Not a good combination when using it in the heat or by the water.  What I found incredible about this was when my MAC consultant demonstrated even emerged in water, it will not wash off easily.  Perfect for use at the beach or pool!

I most definitely recommend giving the M.A.C. Surf, Baby suntints a try.  I happily have added this to my summer make-up bag.

{What a Bargain} GAP

I am always in search of a bargain.... and with Spring on the way, I am always interested in incorporating a new piece into my wardrobe at a great price.  I do spend a lot of time scouring online for what I call "The Great Bargain".  Last Friday, I found just that.

GAP has an offer going on now through 3/16, if you submit your cell phone number to this link, GAP will text you a coupon for $25 off of $50 purchase (standard text messaging fees apply).  A free $25, for spending $25?  I was all over this one! So I entered my cell phone number and that of Mr. Man....(because I knew he would be with me on my shopping excursion that weekend).

I ended up purchasing this:

Skinny Cargo Pants

And this:

City Flats in black patent

Yes, I know....I just purchased a pair of the same shoes last week in the patent blush(nude) color. I did mention they are extremely comfy right?  No harm owning two.

Since my little man was in need of a few things for his wardrobe, I decided to take a peek around for him. His purchases were the major bargain! I ended up with 7 pieces for $25! One long sleeve tee, 3 raglan graphic tees, 2 favorite graphic tees, and this:

Canvas Hoodie Jacket

Mr. Man was in awe at my bargain shopping skills!  He could not believe everything  he came out with for a mere $25! Lil Man was excited to get a few new shirts and a "cool" jacket for the Spring!

Text yourself the coupon!  And don't forget to come back and let me know what goodies you find on your GAP excursion.

{Friday Finds} GAP City Flats

Have you seen these?

These are ballerina flats that fold up and can be placed in a matching bag and tossed in your purse.  Perfect idea for the day you are zipping around town, or breaking in those new pair of shoes.  One never knows if the shoes will take you through the entire day without causing you misery.

I have seen these several times while exploring the Gap, but I just couldn't find it in me to pay $39.50 for them.  Now, 50% off?  That I can do! I tried them on and they felt like heaven to my feet. I purchased my pair in a blush color....simply adorable!

And at the tune of $19.75....even better!

Have a great weekend!

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{Wardrobe Basics} The Black Blazer

3 years ago, I achieved my goal weight.  After carrying around 12 pregnancy pounds for four years after giving birth to Lil Man, I finally looked in the mirror and said, "Enough is Enough".  I started following the Weight Watchers program strictly (I had lost all of my 1st pregnancy weight this way after the birth of Lil Diva), and taking 3 mile walks around the reservoir 3 times a week.  I went down from a size 12 to a size 6/8 within a year. Perfect size in order to remain proportioned with my "well endowed" top half.

Of course this was an amazing accomplishment which I was extremely proud of.  But this also left me in quite the dilemma.  All of the clothes in my wardrobe needed to be replaced.  Ever seen a size 6/8 woman wearing size 12 clothing?  Not a pretty picture!

Instead of running out and going on a shopping frenzy, I decided to sit down and decide what did I want out of my "new" wardrobe.  With the exception of my "typical suburban mommy" years (the five years after giving birth to Lil Man), I was always the stylish New Yorker.  I always loved it.  And just because I now live in the suburbs of the Jersey Shore, it doesn't mean I can not still channel the native New Yorker inside of me.  Just because I am a stay at home mom, doesn't mean I can't step out with a polished look.  So, I decided I would start building a wardrobe that incorporates key pieces to achieve just that.

Enter the search for the black blazer.....

Before I continue with my story on finding the perfect black blazer for me, I must first share with you one little tidbit of information.....

Two of my fashion icons are Rachel Bilson and Victoria Beckham.  Of course they look amazing on the red carpet and at fashion shows.  But I mostly go nuts over their "everyday" attire.  Feminine, stylish, and classy....even in jeans.  One item you see repetitively in their attire is the basic black blazer.

This piece is "oh so versatile" too.  But, the best part of it.....throw on a black blazer over a dress, skirt, shorts, trousers, or jeans, and you have instantly transformed your look to one that says polished and sophisticated. 

Unfortunately, I can not afford the exact blazers Rachel and Victoria wear....maybe someday...when I win the lottery.  So, I started searching different sites online.  I also turned to Tiffani, the delightful author of style blog I follow religiously, Accidental Chic  for a few tips and suggestions.  Tiffani happens to be a personal stylist AND a New Yorker (bonus!).

My search led me to this affordable and stylish blazer....

GAP classic blazer $98

Now if you are regular reader of mine you KNOW I did not spend $98 on it..... you know it's seldom CJ ever pays full price for anything.

I searched for a GAP coupon code and we snagged this wardrobe basic for 25% off.  Final price?  $73.50.

photos (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)

{What a Bargain} In Search of the Perfect Peacoat

Two years ago, I decided I was through with carrying around the last 15 pounds I had left to shed from having my Lil' Man.  Since I had already had much success with the Weight Watchers diet after giving birth to Lil Miss, I knew once I put my mind to it, I would accomplish my goal.  Within 6 months, I was back to the weight I was during my University years.

This was a huge accomplishment.  Although I was extremely excited about dropping 3 dress sizes, my pocketbook was in dire distress.  I couldn't wear clothes that were literally falling off of me.  This meant I had to start acquiring a new wardrobe.  Of course one of the priciest things to replace is outerwear.  Living in the Northeast where we have to wear a coat or a jacket on an average of 7 months out of the year, means we usually have about 4 different types of them in our coat closet.  Last year I replaced the dire essentials....my everyday coat and jacket, and my dress coat.  I decided to leave replacing my peacoat for this year. 

I have been scouring all the websites looking for the perfect one in style and value.  I had seen several updated stylish looking ones which I was tempted to buy but decided against it thinking "The ruffles are cute, but will I eventually say, I want a classic looking one?"  Over the weekend, I went shopping with my mother and came across the one pictured above.  I was instantly drawn to the camel color.  The coat priced originally at $129.95, was on sale for 40% off making it $77.97.  Great deal, right?

Well, keep in mind, I am the bargain shopper.  I remembered I had a store coupon for $35 off the purchase of $75 or more at home.  I decided to call Mr. Man and send him on his bargain shopping mission.  I took a picture of me modeling the peatcoat, jotted down the style number, told him where I kept the coupon at, and sent him on his way.  When the cashier rang Mr. Man up, she even exclaimed "Wow, this is an amazing bargain!"

Final cost for my new peacoat? $42.97

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{Sweet Find} J Crew

I love adding pretty 3/4 sleeve and long sleeved tees into my fall wardrobe.  You can dress them up by pairing it with a nice pair of trousers or a pencil skirt and some fun accessories, or you can wear them more casually with a nice fitted pair of jeans.  I was scouring through the J Crew sales section and happened upon the above tee, which I had my eye on several weeks back.  The ruched front and cascading ruffle give it that added touch of femininity.  Lucky thing I waited.....the price came down from $42.50 to an extremely reasonable $14.99.

{I} Covet M.A.C. Leopard Luxe Collection

In particular, their lustre lipstick shade, The Prowl.

Great autumn shade!  I will be treating myself to this beauty this weekend!

{Sweet Deal} Anthropologie

Anthropologie Deletta sleeveless 100% cotton dress

Retail Price $138

My Price?  $29

Sweet Deal indeed!

{Getting Ready for Fall}

The heat is back in the Northeast and I am so looking forward to the cool brisk weather to come in.  I am not much of a fan of temperatures over 70° F (21° C).  During the summer, when we get those unseasonably mild days, I can't help but get excited.  This can only mean that autumn is around the corner!

Lil' Miss Diva had quite the busy schedule this weekend which required her to be occupied from 10am-5pm dancing and singing to her hearts content in a town 40 minutes from home.  Mr. Man and I decided to make a day of it and spent the day doing what I do best.....shopping!  With the temperatures at a mild for August 80° F (26° C) with a beautiful ocean breeze, I was enthusiastically looking forward to adding a few new pieces to my Fall wardrobe.  Lucky for me, the often times restless men in my life were wonderful during this all day shopping expedition.   When i entered stores they had no interest in, they busied themselves by entering gaming stores or would sit at a bench and play hand-held video games.  Since we had the whole day, the boys didn't rush me which was pure heaven!  

Below are the items that made it into my wardrobe. None, of which, I paid full price for, I am happy to report.

Charlotte Russe button down camp shirt - regularly 14.99 on sale $8.99

Charlotte Russe Sequins Inside Pocket Tee- Regularly $14.00 On Sale $6.99

BOGO 50% off- Final Price $3.49

GAP Ribbed Military Cardigan - Regularly $69.50

40% card member One Day Only Sale- Final Price $41.70

GAP skinny studded belt- regularly 19.50, on sale $3.97

40% card member One Day Only Sale- Final Price $2.38

Forever 21 knit circle scarf- Regularly $7.80, On Sale $4.00

Grand total for my late summer shopping spree? $60.56

Sunday @ Shake Shack & Times Square

Nothing is better than enjoying a hot summer day in NYC with a great friend trying out Shake Shack's new location on 44th Street and Eighth Avenue.  We both had the Shack Burger...which definitely did not disappoint!  I had mine with an Arnold Palmer (for those that don't know what this is, it is a mix of iced tea and lemonade...oh so refreshing on a hot afternoon!), and for dessert, Pretzel the Concrete. Goodness, this was absolutely delicious!  This was made using chocolate custard, peanut butter sauce, chocolate covered pretzels, and marshmallow sauce mixed to perfection!  How I wish I had some more of it right now....  My friend, K, also had the Shack Burger, but opted to have hers with their delightfully crunchy crinkly french fries and a make your own Concrete (don't remember exactly what it consisted of...I do remember lots of chocolate goodies and bananas...YUM!)  We were in food heaven!

Afterwards, we walked to the heart of Times Square, because, being the fashion enthusiast that we are, we had to pay a visit to the new Forever 21.  We were absolutely overwhelmed!  It was four stories, and hundreds upon hundreds of square feet of wall to wall clothing.  Every girl's dream. K took the shopping bag the greeter offered and we were off!  We had some great laughs while perusing the racks upon racks of frocks.  We then went into the dressing room and tried on the items that caught our eye. K walked out with 2 great tops and a pack of socks, I walked out with a layered knit top (pictured above).

It was an amazing way to pass a few hours....without a care in the world, doing what you love to do, with people who put a smile on your face!

Sweet Finds

What do you do when you have 2 hours to yourself, and $30 to spend?

Well, if you are me, you try to figure out how far you can stretch $30. I decided I would take a trip to the mall.  I must have been one eager beaver because when I arrived I thought there was something terribly wrong.  All the stores were closed.  No worries, I just arrived 15 minutes prior to the start of the business day.   I decided to stop at Starbucks and get a Caramel Frappachino....just the energy boost I needed to decide which stores I wanted to visit.

I vowed I would not take out the plastic.  This meant I could not go over my allotted $30. My only cushion was $2 (my change from Starbucks). What did I get?

@ Forever 21

Loved this T.  It's a lovely blush color, of course, but the details on the sleeves are so girly and delicate.  If you look closely you can see pretty pleating and gatherings.  The hanger does no justice for it. $6.50


@ Forever 21

Seems like blush was the color of the day.  I spied this adorable 3/4 sleeve crop cardigan on the sale rack. And since I was wearing a cami today, tried it on, on the spot.  Loved it.  One look at the price tag, and the decision was made! $4.99


@ ALDO's
A pair of sandals were just calling my name as I passed ALDO's to Starbucks at the start of my adventure.  But I thought, there is no way I am going to find anything within my budget in there.  Went to peruse the Macy's shoe sale rack, nothing.  I was about to walk out the Macy's exit when I realized...I didn't park on this side of the mall! Through Macy's I went and out into the mall area....I had to pass ALDO's to get to the exit where my vehicle was parked. Again the sandals started taunting me....CJ....CJ....  Oh, well, what can looking at the price tag and laughing do to me right?  I walked in and it was then I noticed a sign...SALE up to 75% off.  A smaller sign on the shelf where the sandals were calling me from stated $19.99. I asked the sales woman if she had my size in these sandals and sure enough, she did!  I came home with these pretties!

My grand total for my finds today? $31.48.  Sweet finds indeed!