I was so looking forward to my shopping trip today. I woke up, took an Excedrin and started my day with all of the hope in the world to find the perfect skirts for spring. And then it happened. It always happens when I set out to buy something specific. I don’t ever end up finding what I’m looking for. It’s like Murphy’s Law. Every time I set out to get something I imagine in my head, I spend my shopping trip searching for something that doesn’t exist.
Since I shop often, I typically don’t set out to find specific things. I just look for great deals and buy when things are an awesome price because though I might not need it that very moment, I might need it the week after. I just like to save money and get great items.
It’s like when you have an event coming up and you need a great dress. You spend hours looking and looking for something perfect only to end up not finding anything you love. That’s why when i LOVE something, I get it. I didn’t have an even to wear my Jean Paul Gautier for Target little black dress- but I know I will wear it to an event soon because it is just perfection.
I think when we go shopping with a goal in mind, it can often lead to disappointment. I tend to find some of my favorite pieces when I’m not looking for them at all.
Having said all of this, my shopping trip was still a success. I did not purchase any skirts, but I did get some MAC makeup, VS PINK stuff and some tops from Charlotte Russe.
Let’s begin.
After giving up at J. Crew and Ann Taylor, I went to the place I knew wouldn’t let me down: MAC Cosmetics.
I’m not a big “collection” type of person. You know how a lot of the beauty gurus on YouTube buy a lot of items from each collection? I am very much the opposite of that. I stick with the same makeup look daily, so I like to keep within a certain color palette (I find the collections are usually more bright or bold eye and lip colors. I do like their lip gloss collections though, because they all tend to have at least one awesome pink color.)
I bought my first paint pot today. It’s one I’ve wanted for quite awhile now. It’s called “Bare Study.”
It’s a gorgeous shimmery gold-ish color. Perfect to wear as a base or on its own. I will probably use it on my inner corner, lid and as a highlight.
The second item I got was from a collection. It’s a creme blush called “So Sweet, So Easy” from the Lilly Pulitzer collection. It’s a bright pink blush (surprise surprise.)
I also picked up my beloved concealer- MAC’s studio finish in NC 20. Honestly ladies, I cannot express just how amazing this concealer is. I use it everywhere I need to get rid of redness, cover a blemish and on my eyelids. It is pure perfection. If you don’t have a concealer you love, you need this concealer. It covers flawlessly. I use Sigma’s foundation brush and Sigma’s concealer brush to apply it.
I just love it. It also has SPF 35 which is amazing.
After my successful trip to MAC, I hit Victoria’s Secret to take advantage of their VS PINK 7 for $25 undies sale. Usually it’s 5 for $25 so I always take advantage when I can get more. I had a coupon for a free PINK NATION tank top too (it’s so cute for a free top! I was impressed) and I also had another coupon for a free VS panty. So I left with 8 pairs of panties and a cute PINK tank top for $27.
Gosh I love pink.
The last store I scored in was Charlotte Russe. I purchased two sweaters and a tank top. I love these long sweaters because they are perfect for belting. Though these kinds of sweaters are ALL over the place, I actually never bought this style of sweater until now. What I love about the two I got are that they’re super lightweight, so they are perfect for spring/summer.
I got the above sweater in a size small. The one below is a size extra small. I like them to fit snug on the arms and fit close to the body so it doesn’t look baggy or sloppy.
My last item was this cute tank for $10:
Because I was feeling desperate today during my shopping trip, I went to Abercrombie & Fitch. I know, I know. There was this really cute strapless top there with a little ruffle on the boob part and I wanted to try it on.
Let me just say that the customer service at A&F is the WORST ever in all of retail. I was the 3rd in line at the fitting rooms and watched as girls shared fitting rooms with like 30 pieces of clothing items between them. No employee was around to do anything, as usual. They are too busy standing around looking pretty to help anyone.
Luckily, I met and bonded with some awesome gay men in line and we chatted, laughed, talked about how old we were to be shopping there and generally had a good ol’ time chatting away as we waited for fitting rooms. Well, little did we know as we were laughing the day away, some crazy people formed another line and tried to claim they were there first. Meanwhile, me and the 2 awesome guys had been the only ones there for the last 15 minutes. I gave the crazy dude who basically told me off a strange look as if to say “you know we were here earlier” and continued my wait (I should really learn to be more assertive.)
Anyways, I FINALLY got a fitting room and was pleased with the way the top looked. I happily walked out of the fitting room despite the fact that I was traumatized by the entire experience and walked towards the cash to make my purchase…except for the cash had ONE person on cash and a line of about 10 people. I just walked out. I can’t do it anymore.
I am so tired of A&F’s elitist crap. They’ve asked me to work there numerous times from when I was a teen until the present day. WHY THE HECK WOULD ANYONE WANT TO WORK THERE?! Let alone someone my age who has a full time job. One time, the girl who asked me spent a good 10 minutes trying to convince me how great it was an how all I’d have to do is stand in front of them store in their clothes. Lady, I’ve got better things to do than make 7 bucks an hour looking like an A&F elitist. A&F stock is down, and so is their customer service. I don’t think I can go back there again for awhile. I’m too old anyways. I just can’t.
OK, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for that rant but I really can’t stand when retail stores act like it’s a freaking privilege to shop there. You know what’s a privilege, dear A&F? Having people spend money at your store for overpriced crap that you try to market as only for “hot people.” I am so over it.
Now, before I go, I also wanted to mention that when I was at VS, I did see the new self tanner airbrush spray, but when I read it, it sounded like a spray-on bronzer, and not an actual self tanner so I didn’t buy it. I might try to find it online from a retailer that sells discontinued products.
Also, I recently discovered this amazing blog called “Hills Freak.” It is so addictive. It covers ALL of “The Hills” stars and what they wear. I absolutely love it. Check it out if you love “The Hills” as much as I do-they have tons of great photos!
Thanks so much for reading, and please share your weekend purchases with me in the comments below!
xoxo,
Veronika.
Thanks for the concealer tip, I've been looking for a good one. I understand your frustration with A&F, but you can't discredit anyone for taking a job regardless of what it pays (ie. $7/hour). You should take it as a compliment that you look young. They need to do a better job training their staff on customer service. I've also had terrible experience as VS. I am also a professional with a solid full-time career and constantly get asked to do other jobs/work that I feel is not worth my time or energy. At the same time, I have to realize that if I am at a store or location than they are going to think that me being a customer could also make me a good salesperson. I've had a lot of unemployed friends not accept jobs this past year because they felt they were below them. I don't think anyone should feel ashamed to make a decent day's work though!
anon- I don't discreit anyone for taking a job for $7. I have worked for less than that as a teen working in retail. I'm saying that I, as almost a 27 year old woman with a full time job would not work for a company like that. I don't think the training is the problem, I think that the entire corporate culture is just all about being pretty and not actually working. I have been to A&F numerous times where there were employees all over the store just standing around and one person on cash with 20 people in line. I just don't think that's acceptable. If I didn't have a job, I would take a $7 an hour job, just NOT at A&F.
I cannot stand A&F. I remember dragging my mom in there when I was younger, and would get so annoyed when she would complain how loud and dark it was inside, and how the employees were so rude. I completely get where she was coming from now. It definitely makes me feel old though!
Hi! What are your favorite VS undies? I am looking for new ideas. Thanks!!!! Love reading your blog everyday!
anon- my faves are the VS Lacie undies and also the ones that are in all of the new body by victoria ads…not sure what they are called?
Oh my gosh, I despise A&F for this exact reason. Hollister is just as bad, maybe worse. How the heck can anyone shop when you can barely see a foot in front of your face because it's so freakin DARK? I'm a little too old to shop there myself. Anyway, I'm loving the gray top with that belt. I'm really into basic pieces with bright accessories this spring! Let us know if you find the VS spray online; I'd love to try it too!
– Jennifer
I had the same thing happen to me today. . . I went to the mall with the goal of finding a pair of distressed jeans. . . and I coulnd't find a single pair I liked! I swear everyone walking around had on a great pair tho. lol
Bare study is my fave paint pot! Great purchases!
You should come check out the A&F of Fifth Ave of 555th or 56th, whatever it is – it is practically like a nightclub, sometimes there is a line out the door to get in. And shirtless guys standing the doorway, no joke.
deconstruction- I've been to the one in NYC on 5th and it's crazy. Tourists everywhere.
I just got back from the mall to hit up the 7 for $25 deal at VS. I seriously bought almost the exact same 7 as you, haha. I love that yellow belt you show over the Charlotte Russe sweater- such a fun pop of color! Where is it from?
thanks kelsey- it's from forever 21 about a year ago I would say.
hi veronika,
thanks for all the tips about the self-tanners and makeup.
i also wanted to know, do you use eyeshadow primer? which kind do you like? i am in need of that.
Cute cardigans! I've been looking for a couple just like that and ordered one from Macys that was horrid on. Thankfully it was clearance and I didn't feel bad giving it to a friend who looked great in it. I have a Charlotte Russe within an hour of me so I'll have to be sure to stop in and see if they have anything similar. Always loving your fashion inspiration!
Mikaela- I actually don't use a primer, BUT I do use my MAC Studio Finish concealer on my eyelids everyday as a primer.
cassie- charlotte russe has a VERY large selection of these in lots of different styles etc. I hope you find one that works for you! 🙂 they are so great just to throw over a casual outfit or to wear to work cinched with a belt.
Love the pink blush!!!And the top!!And you are soo right when I go shopping and have something in my mind I never ever find it!!
You could not be more right about A&F! I hate that place with a passion, as do I hate Hollister and Ruehl. I never understood why people waited in a too loud, overly perfumed, dark store to pay $40 for a baby tee. It seriously makes me crazy! Good for you for walking out and not waiting in that store longer than necessary.
Also, thanks for your product review about the Bare Bronze spray tan. I actually bought a bottle of it during the semi-annual and it's been stashed away in a cupboard since then. Who knew I had such a treasure waiting for me 😉
Great purchases!
Just walking past the A&F in our mall nearly gives me an asthma attack – the perfume smell wafts all the way out into the surrounding hallway! Definitely not a fan of that store although I have a couple of their hoodies for lounging around the house that were purchased from the outlet, where customer service is marginally better and prices, marginally lower!
Bare Study is AMAZING, you will be so glad you purchased it! I wear it as a base every day. Like you, I stick to pretty much the same makeup "look" every day and that color is just what I'd been searching for. Enjoy!! 🙂
That's my favorite paint pot! You're going to lve it! I wear it almost every day. For 'no makeup' days, I sometimes dab it on lightly where I would apply highlighter and blend it like crazy. It gives themost goregous golden glow. Love.
I love love love my Mac studio finish concealer ! I couldn't do without it. And it lasts forever, too !
Oh, and I wish we had VS in France 🙁
i think great minds think alike. I did the same VS trip as well and MAC. I got my 7 for 25 with my trusty gift card that I have been holding on to. I also stopped by MAC to pickup the usual supplies and the concealer is one of them. That stuff is amazing. I love the Bare Study paint pot and I have been using that for a while it really brightens my eyes!
I love the Bare Study paint pot! I've been using it as a base/primer all over my lids before applying any shadows. It also works well as a highlight. It's a great buy!
I gave up A&F about 11 years ago! My boyfriend at the time was returning some pants (purchased the week before) still had tags and a receipt. The SA sneered at us, looked us up and down, then smelled the pants. That's right–smelled them. Like sniffed the crotch, LOL, to see if they had been worn. Give me a effing break! I wrote that place off then and there.
I have been dying to try that MAC studio finish concealer, I have heard SO many great things about it. I think your glowing review will be enough to make me finally go out and get it 🙂
Great finds! I love those little open sweaters too, they are so transitional, you can wear them in just about every season.
I hope you eventually find some adorable spring skirts! That happens to me too, I'll be on the search for something specific, try on 1,000 different things, and nothing fits or looks right. Today I did a little beauty splurge myself! I got a Nars duo eyeshadow set in Habernera. It has the prettiest colors – a shimmery light aqua, and a mauvey shimmery purple.
I normally have the same problem as you (not finding what I need when I need it), but I totally hit the jackpot this weekend. I recently started a new job so I decided to overhaul my wardrobe, and I found every single piece I needed from the high-waisted pencil skirts at Banana Republic to the nice trouser jeans at Gap. Oh, and I got almost everything on sale too! Saved a boatload of money. I'm feeling pretty good right now and hoping my streak of good luck continues lol.
I also agree with the person above about A&F being too heavily perfumed. I've only purchased a couple items there over the years, and one of my tank tops still smells like their store even though it's probably been washed 50 times… unbelievable lol. I got hassled there once or twice about applying for a job which made me laugh. I've been told that their employees are required to wear their clothes and they have to be from the current season so as you can imagine, every cent of their employees' paychecks probably go back to the company.
ashley- sounds like you got a lot of awesome stuff and at a great price too. I agree the store is to heavily perfumed. I've heard that they put the perfume into their vents and spray all of the clothes with it.
Being a professional who has been unemployed for some time now, some of your comments are really harsh. Not everyone has the opportunity to go shopping and be so frustrated when they can't find something to buy. I have the opposite problem. I cannot even think about taking a trip to the mall or even a stop at Starbucks because my mortgage may not get paid. I would take any job in these times. I can't stand being unemployed. (And believe me, a shopping trip would be a great pick-me-up right now that cannot happen.)
I understand that you do not like the A&F but it seems as though you are really judgemental of anyone who works or shops there. (I do not shop there.) Anyone can place judgement – I guess that's the beauty of it. Even on those who work or shop at Forever 21 where I'm sure they make $7 per hour too. I'm surprised that you can say you are too old for A&F but not for Forever 21. The ones in Chicago are like a zoo that are ran by a bunch of teenagers with bumping music, no customer service, disgusting fitting rooms, and cheap clothes. I typically would have never given my opinion on your blog, but this last posting of yours blew me away. I'd have to say that at this time I would hope to never cross you in a mall. I'd probably be judged on my so last season spring appearal. Little do you know though, that I have great style but am unemployed and can't afford next weeks fashions. I do like your blog – but the $7 per hour job and placing judgement really got me. You are really blessed to be able to shop every single weekend of your life. Just don't forget the important things in life and that others may not be as fortunate as you.
anon- my husband and i were both laid off in the same year and it took him 9 months to find another job. Maybe YOU shouldn't place judgment. Also, if you read the entry and my comments afterwards, I am NOT against $7 an hour jobs. I have worked many many jobs for this wage and even lower. I am saying I wouldn't work for THAT company (A&F) because of their corporate culture. I would work in any other retail store if I didn't have another job for $7 an hour. Please be clear on that. Any job in this economy is a good job.
Also- maybe YOU should be the one to stop judging. I DON'T walk around the mall judging people based on what they are wearing. To think that you would think I'm that kind of person based soley on this blog post is amazing to me. I have better things to do at the mall than to check to make sure everyone is in "this season's" clothes. I have been in your shoes (unemployed, both myself and my husband) so please take your judgments elsewhere.
And yes,I do shop at Forever 21 and I have expressed both my frustrations and joy of shopping there in numerous previous blog posts. My issue with A&F is an ongoing lack of good customer service. I have once in awhile encountered good, helpful employees there, but they are the minority of my experiences there.
You must have missed the parts where I complemented you.. As in I do like your blog, that must mean that I do not think you are a terrible person if I read your blog daily. I just could not believe my eyes with how you came across. Very quick to judge.
Did the awesome gay men you bonded with tell you they were gay? Or did you make that judgement yourself? Why attach a label? Don't worry, I will make no further comments and as you wish, won't be back.
anon- everyone in the comments agrees that their experiences at A&F have been terrible.
I knew the men were gay because they were partners talking about going on their vacation together. I have a lot of gay friends. Please don't insult me by thinking I just assume people are gay.
I never asked you to stop reading my blog, that's your choice. But I am not really tolerant of being called judgmental because I chose to write about my horrible customer service experience at A&F.
I also don't judge people on how much money they have to shop. My husband and I have two paid off cars, a morgage and no children, and savings so I am able to shop more often.
I am saying I UNDERSTAND what it's like for the millions of Americans who are out of work…but this is a blog about fashion and beauty and that's what I write about. If I have a bad customer service experience, I am going to share it with my readers. Once again, I applaud anyone who works anywhere in this economy, but I also applaud wonderful customer service which I did NOT recieve while shopping at A&F repeatedly for the last 10 years.
anon- are you from Park Ridge, Illinois?
1. When you imagine something in your mind, you NEVER can find it… even though you've seen a million of 'em a million times before. UGH I hate that! You're totally right about that.
2. I despise A&F. I bought some undies and bras at a store called Giley Hicks, only to find out later that it is owned by Abercrombie. I was so pissed.
3. Just ignore the anonymous poster! I love your blogs and find myself almost always agreeing with you! 🙂
Hi Veronika,
Great post…please keep us updated on your hunt for the VS spray tan, as I'm desperately in need of some color. But I'll let you be the guinea pig and report back to us ;).
Anyways, just wanted to weigh in and say that I really enjoy your blog and I felt that this post was a slight departure for you, with its more assertive critical opinion (re: A&F, obviously). Keep it coming! It's much more interesting to read someone's honest take something than the watered down "i don't want to offend anyone" version. We all have our preferences and we're obviously following your blog because we want to hear about YOURS. Please don't mind that one person (like "anon" above) who twists the post into something else.
sheesh!
LT- thanks for your comment, it really makes me think about things. You know, you can't be liked by everyone and sometimes being controversial comes with people not liking it (OR them projecting their issues and twisting what you say.)
I am definitely an opinionated person, but I'm also open to what everyone else thinks. Because this is a fashion and beauty blog, I like to keep it pretty lighthearted, but if I don't like a product or had a bad experience with a company, I will share it with my readers. 🙂 thanks again for commenting!
I just have to say that I love reading your blog and completely agree with you on your reasons for not shopping at Abercrombie. I still shop there once in a while, but more often than not am so put off by the employees' attitudes and insanely loud music that I end up leaving the store after only a couple of minutes. Hollister, as someone else mentioned, is pretty much the exact same. However, I still shop there, just rarely, and for very specific things.
It is pretty obvious to anyone who reads your blog that you are not a judgmental person, nor do you look down on those who are less fortunate than you. I think the anonymous poster above is just looking for someone to vent to and for some unknown reason decided to do it on your blog. Please keep the amazing fashion and beauty advice coming, along with your personal critiques of products and places, because your opinion truly does mean a lot to all of us, which is why we continue to read and love all of your helpful and lovely posts. 🙂
anon- thanks so much for your lovely comments! I certainly try not to place judgment on people unless it is warrented and based on the many many many lawsuits against A&F for their business and hiring practices, I don't think I'm alone in my dissapointment about how the company is run. Have a great day and thanks so much for commenting!