MAJOR SALES ROUNDUP - Memorial Day Weekend

Okay my lovelies ... not only is this the unofficial start of summer, it's the unofficial start of the summer shopping season.

Let's bargain hunt, shall we?

• Anthropologie is offering free shipping on orders of $150 or more with code LONGWEEKEND at checkout through Monday ... 

• Over at Old Navy, in addition to their summer sale with discounts of up to 40% off, you can take an extra 15% off -- or 20% off if you have a Gap, Inc. card -- with code ONSUMMER at checkout. Sale ends Monday. 

• Bloomingdale's is having its BIG BROWN BAG SALE where you can take an extra 20% off styles already reduced by 20-65% with code EXTRA20 at checkout. 

• Take an extra 15% off at Kohl's through Monday with code BLOSSOM at checkout. 

• Sale styles at Ann Taylor are up to an extra 40% off the sale price, no code needed.

• Macy's is taking an extra 15% off during their Memorial Day sale with code SAVE at checkout. Orders of $99 or more ship for free, too. 

• The $25 and under event continues at LOFT, plus sale items are now an extra 50% off, no code needed.

• Piperlime is having a 'Suddenly Summer' sale with up to 40% off dresses and sandals, no code needed. 

• Through Monday at Banana Republic, you can take 35% off your purchase with code BRDIVEIN at checkout. 

• Madewell is taking 20% off tees, tanks and shorts through Monday with code SUMMERNOW at checkout.  Free shipping site-wide, too. 

• Through Sunday at J. Crew, you can take up to $75 off your purchase. Spend $150, take $30 off; spend $200, take $50 off; and spend $250, take $75 off ... all with code SHOPNOW at checkout. 

• C. Wonder is taking 25% off orders of $100 or more through Monday, no code needed.

• Gap is having its 'Red Bright & Blue' sale through Monday with up to 40% off select styles. 

• Over at Asos, you can take 20% off through Monday with code TAKE20 at checkout. 

• Famous Footwear is taking 20% off with code FLAG13 at checkout through Monday.

•  Through Monday at Ruche, select items are 20% off with code MEMORIAL20 at checkout. Orders of $100 ship to the U.S. and Canada for free, too. 

• DSW is taking an extra 25% off clearance women's sandals with code EXTRA25 at checkout. Ends Tuesday.

Southwestern jewelry from Forever 21

I feel like I've been on a jewelry spree this week!

Anyway, if you're trying to find the perfect jewelry look and feel for summer, then one option to consider is the southwestern trend.  There's something quintessentially summer about its tribal patterns, turquoise and red stones and carefree spirit that's very appealing. 

And there are a ton of pieces at Forever 21 right now that are perfect. And they're each under $15!

(Design by NYC Recessionista; images courtesy of Forever 21)

[1] southwestern cutout earrings

[2] southwestern eagle cuff

[3] tribal-inspired bird necklace 

[4] southwestern turquoise cutout earrings

[5] etched southwestern cuff

[6] beaded tribal-inspired necklace

[7] western stone cuff set

[8] southwestern faux leather cuff

Review: Warby Parker at-home try-on

This past week, I participated in an at-home try-on of five pairs of Warby Parker glasses. This wasn't some sort of perk afforded to me as a blogger, either; an at-home try-on is something that anyone can arrange for themselves FOR FREE simply by visiting Warby Parker's website.

Here are the five pairs I selected:

The Sims in violet magnolia

The Sloan in rum cherry

The Huxley in Tennessee whiskey

The Watts in blue sapphire

The Crosby in burgundy fade

Which frames do you like the best?  

My only complaint was that they didn't have that really exaggerated cat eye frame that I was looking for ... but as someone who sees glasses as an accessory, I would gladly wear any of these pairs in a second. My favorites are the Huxley and the Crosby.

The whole process is very simple and streamlined, too. You just browse their selection of adorably nerdy yet incredibly cool frames, select your five favorite pairs (note: you'll undoubtedly have trouble narrowing it down to just five), checkout and voila - you're done.

They arrive a couple of days later in this oh-so-efficient packaging, which is right on par with their responsible and conscious business model, in my humble opinion.

I love the little card that they throw in, too --

It explains the whole try-on process and gets you incredibly excited to get started.

Here's how the pairs arrive to you --

(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of their at-home try-on process. It's effortless, fun and incredibly practical. Kudos to Warby Parker for offering such a kick ass feature.

Free baubles with purchase at Bauble Bar

To celebrate the unofficial start of summer, Bauble Bar is offering shoppers a special treat during the holiday weekend --

If you shop online before May 26th and you spend $40 or more, you can choose a piece from a special suite of 11 amazing products and they'll send it to you FOR FREE.

BTW, this is one of the free gifts ...

(Image courtesy of Bauble Bar)

The only thing better than jewelry is free jewelry ... so enjoy!

What NYC Recessionista Wears: polka dots and patterns

Yesterday, my husband tried to veto my belt choice before I left the house! He was unsure of the pattern mixing I was trying.

I thought about taking it off for a moment, because I really do trust his opinions about color and pattern as a graphic designer.  But ultimately I decided to leave it on, and I am glad I did.


Wal-mart earrings (similar) / LOFT blouse / Anthropologie pencil skirt (similar here and here) / LOFT belt (similar) / bracelets courtesy of Ann Taylor (here and here) / watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova / LOFT sandals  


I think he was applying his clean, streamlined point of view to it like he does with his striking designs, but I have been feeling more bold with my outfits lately and wanted to play with patterns.



I also decided to keep things in the blue family with my jewelry. My earrings are actually from Wal-mart from like 7 or 8 years ago. I think they were less than $10 and they've become one of my favorite pairs.






(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

Fresh novelty prints dominate J. Crew's latest new arrivals

I think I may need a novelty print intervention ... I'm starting to become addicted to them. How insanely cool and fresh are these new arrivals from J. Crew?!

Love all of these quirky patterns!

Regatta print pants (see also: swimsuit) 



Roller girl print pop-over shirt (see also: dress)



School of fish print sweater



Rope print pants



Mini-pineapple print bikini (see also: iPhone case)


(All images courtesy of J. Crew)

'Words To Live By' Wednesdays

Here's this week's edition of 'Words To Live By' Wednesdays.


(Source)

NYC Recessionista Haul: the Bauble Bar Sample Sale

Without any further delay, here's my haul from when I attended the Bauble Bar sample sale on Monday --

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

What NYC Recessionista Wears: Summer Blues

Yesterday, It was disgustingly humid in NYC.  I know I'm not supposed to say things like this, but I really hate summer. But if you've ever walked around in the city when it's sweltering out, then you know exactly what I mean.

It's sticky, smelly and gross. And the only thing you can do is try to wear as little clothes as possible.


Forever 21 earrings (similar) / Bauble Bar necklace (similar) / J. Crew Factory dress / J. Crew bracelet (similar) / watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova / Madewell sandals


Not sure that this dress really passes the wrinkle test after sitting at my desk all day, but it was definitely comfortable out in the heat.



This is just one of the many goodies I purchased at the Bauble Bar sample sale ... stay tuned for a full recap of what I purchased later today :)




I decided to make one of the out-takes an in-take -- can you see my new Bare Minerals eyeshadow?







Love the exposed zipper with the grosgrain ribbon trim on this dress -- it's one of those extra special little details.






(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)


What are some of your wardrobe tips for staying cool in the heat?

GIVEAWAY - Gorgeous Andean Collection Necklace & Earrings + a Flash Sale

If you're looking for that perfect piece of jewelry for summer, then look no further than Andean Collection, the chic and sustainable accessories line designed in New York and handcrafted by artisans in Ecuador. Their stunning pieces are made in countless different bold and bright colors, making them perfect for the warmer months. 

And the best part is ... you can win two of their pieces right here :)




Deadline to enter is Sunday at midnight!



a Rafflecopter giveaway





PS -- they're also having a flash sale on their website through Thursday, with select styles up to 70% off.  Here are all the details: 

(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista and Andean Collection)

Good luck!

Please note: Andean Collection is providing the prize for this giveaway but I have not otherwise been compensated for this post.