Santa LOVED me this year

It is no secret amongst anyone who knows me. I LOVE Burberry. I wear Burberry perfume. I have Burberry galoshes. I have Burberry sandals. I buy Burberry gifts for other people.

This year I bought my boyfriend an awesome Burberry tie. I saw the grey version on Saks, but they didn't have any left. I opted for the brown version without a clear picture. I had it pre-wrapped, so even when I got it in the mail I didn't have a chance to take a look at it.

When my boyfriend opened it, he loved it. Heck I loved it. It was a gorgeous tie. 

Then he handed me my gift. I wasn't surprised to see the Burberry bag, but I was surprised at how BIG the box was. I opened it up and nearly died. He bought me the gorgeous winter coat you see in the above picture in WHITE. 

I secretly had been dying for a white, down-feather winter coat. When I told him this, he joked that he knew it. It fits beautifully. It looks amazing on me. Although I'm not interested in more snow this winter, I really won't mind the cold this year.

Happy New Year everyone!

But I JUST put it in my shopping bag!!!

Ok let me tell you what ticks me off about the online shopping I've done as of late. Things appear to be available, but suddenly they're NOT!

It's frustrating, but moreso... devastating.

Neiman Marcus is having the most incredible deals right now. An extra 25% off last call clearance and final sales. I found a couple of really great dresses (one being Diane Von Furstenberg) for almost 85% off!!

Can you imagine getting a DVF dress for less than $100? It's rare, but possible. I put it in my shopping bag and continued browsing for more great deals. When I went to check out, though, I was told that not one but ALL of the items I wanted were out of stock in my size.

It's like someone picked everything I planned to buy out of my shopping bag when I wasn't looking.

My friend suggested I call Neiman Marcus and have an operator call every store possible, find me the DVF dress in my size and immediately have it shipped to me for the price I could have had. Alas, I was too drained.

Never forget to send a card Again!

Anyone can send an email, but nothing beats getting an actual card on your birthday or anniversary or birth of your baby, etc.

The problem is that I'm not the most organized person. I try to put everyone's birthday on my icalendar, but I find that I rarely look at the thing. When I finally do, birthdays end up being the very next day or worse... last week.

Oops, not enough time to send a card... plenty of time to buy a pathetic belated one.

With Jack Cards, remembering to send a card will never be a problem again. Just enter peoples' special occasions and choose a card that fits said occasion. Jack Card will send you the card by mail in advance (STAMP INCLUDED) to write a message and sign as you please. Then you just drop it in the mail and it will reach it's destination in time for celebration.

It's a great idea, one I wish that I had thought of. Check out http://www.jackcards.com/ for more info.

The Correct Button

The rep from Milly sent buttons to me a few weeks ago, but unfortunately they were not the right button. I had such a tough time getting them in the first place because FedEx sucks, so to finally get the WRONG button just pissed me off.

I emailed the rep and thanked her for her effort, but the buttons didn't match.

In the weeks that followed, yet another button came off and the side strap came loose. For what seems like a high quality coat, I am shocked that all of this is happening. It's not like I'm tossing the coat around and abusing it.

I decided to give up on the coat, but keep it just in case I one day had a use for it.

Well it turns out that might be sooner than I thought. Yesterday a different rep from Milly emailed me to apologize for sending the wrong button. She asked for a pic of the coat and promised to try and send the correct buttons this time.

Once again, Milly is amazing with customer service. We'll see if the correct button comes this time. My only stipulation was to please use the USPS because I hate FedEx.

Buttons

As the self-appointed queen of bargains, I'm still a snob about my clothes. At least I don't buy fakes...

A local boutique had their super sale, and I went immediately after work. I probably tried on 50 outfits, but I settled on three very select items totalling to almost 75% off. One item is this gorgeous summer/fall coat by Milly... originally $400.

We had a cool day in Boston and I had the opportunity to sport my new coat. At the end of the day I realized that one of the buttons was missing. Normally this wouldn't bother me , but I haven't had the best couple of weeks.

I went to Milly's website, emailed the two contact names I found and went off on them about my expectations on quality. It was completely immature and unnecessary, but I did it and can't take it back.

And to my surprise, one of them responded. She apologized for the inconvenience and has put a replacement button in the mail for me.

I am very impressed with the prompt reply and action... I think I need more Milly clothes too.

Never Enough

I can never have enough dresses, especially when the designer is 12th St. by Cynthia Vixen. Sure most of the dresses are the exact same cut at different lengths, but that cut looks great on my bod.

So yes, I bought yet another dress. Different color, different length... but HOT! Oh and did I mention it was on sale, and then I used a coupon code to get a further discount? OH YEAH!

SUPER SALE!!

There's nothing I love more than the super sale. All the uber-shoppers and fashionistas out there will know what I'm talking about.

Many stores start out with their summer sale or winter sale. People rush in, but things really are not that discounted. If there's something covetted, BUY IT! Otherwise wait.

Waiting is annoying, but it truly pays off. Over time I will get emails detailing further price slashing, until that one day comes... the SUPER SALE.

This is the day that a store is desperately trying to rid their racks of the last season. This is the day I wait for. This is the day where I rule!

This day happened to be last thursday. I got an email from one of my favorite boutiques. They had seriously slashed prices on labels such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Milly and Rebecca Taylor.

I spent hours in the store trying on EVERYTHING! Come on now... all dresses for $75. I am happy to say I made some fabulous purchases and I bought $940 worth of clothing for $315.

Broke

I'm not exactly broke, but school has a leash on me and I don't have ANY income for the next couple of months. I'm still finding the occasional really cool item online, but I just haven't had the interest to write about anything. I think because I haven't bought anything in a while.

Ok I did buy a raffle ticket to win a BMW. Let's meditate on me winning...

Project Runway Obsession

I just watched the finale for season 2 of Project Runway. Unfortunately I missed that season, so I was super excited for a marathon today.

I couldn't be happier that Chloe won. Her pieces had been clean and sleek through the whole competition. Unfortunately for me, her store is in Houston, TX. I sent an email through her website asking if any of the many many many new boutiques cropping up in Boston might carry her collection. I just LOVE the 13th piece.

Jeffrey from Season 3 needed an attitude check, but there is no denying his talent. I love the rock star couture, but I can't afford any of his designs. Could I get a sale please??? For say... 95% off?

Jay McCarroll, the first. I honestly wasn't impressed with anyone from season 1. I gotta admit though that I am a nerd at heart and I tend to find his collections to appeal to the haute geek in me.

Birthday Month

One thing I love about the month of June is that it is my birthday. I'm not excited to get a year older, but around June 1st every shopping email or regular snail mail offers me a gift certificate of some sort; $5 off plus free shipping, a free cone of ice cream at the local Coldstone, a free birthday something.

So when LaRedoute told me I could get a free cami worth $20 with any purchase AND their site was already offering 30% the highest price item AND everything on their site is relatively cheap to start, I had to get something.


Well it turns out I wanted two things in addition to the free cami. I'm a big fan of the nautical trend, so I definitely had my eyes set on this cute striped top with fluttery sleeves. It's girly, flirty, classy and sexy. Perfect for a summer sail on the Charles.

Since I am obsessed with dresses, I had to see what La Redoute had to offer. I found this beautiful silk pleated, teal dress on sale. The color is bold and perfect for day into night.

I discovered that la redoute only lets people use one coupon code at a time. Sooooo... I made two purchases, and the net result was definitely in my favor. I'm looking forward to wearing all of these items very soon.

Fab Deals

I'd say I'm the queen of bargains... good quality labels. I stay up to date on the latest. I pick what I want, and then I WAIT.

Luckily for me, I am pretty petite. The chance of x-small or petite clothes and size 6 shoes sticking around are pretty high.

And that's exactly where I lucked out with my latest online purchases.

After my purple 12th St. by Cynthia Vixen fit perfectly, I scoured the net for more. Low and behold I find this sexy little blue number.


It was originally $194 on sale for $97. After coupon codes and shipping I got this classy party dress for $80.

Now I saw some more 12th St. clothes that I would love, but I figured that is enough for this season. On to the next steal.

Endless.com has proven to be one of the best online shoe stores. Not only will I find great deals, but shipping AND returns are free... AND... they take $5 off your order. Naturally when I saw these precious booties from Steve Madden, originally $194 marked down to $55, I had to try them on.

And lucky for me... they look and feel fantastic. I saved over $200 with these purchases, and I most certainly am not finished.

Beach Glam

I hate the beach, and it's not the beach's fault. You see I don't like the sun. I don't like to feel it on my face. I don't like when it makes me sweat. Sweat is gross.

I am afraid of the ocean. I saw Jaws the Revenge in the theaters when I was 6. There is no reason for a 6 year old to be seeing that movie... on the big screen. It scarred me for life. I won't go in the ocean past my ankles.

I don't like sand. It's glorified dirt.

But I'll tell you what I do love. I love bikinis. I love tropical drinks. I LOOOOOVE this beach tote by Oscar de la Renta. While I wouldn't take this to the beach, I would most certainly take it to the swankiest roof-deck pool party in NYC.

I'll leave the beach to others.

Retail Therapy!!

I'm in the midst of studying for a major exam, and my favorite procrastination is shopping. In the past couple of days, I have bought 3 dresses and 2 tops. ALL on sale or a fabulous deal!


I'm super excited because my purple dress by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vixen came yesterday. I finally popped my Cynthia Vixen cherry. I took a risk by going petite and luckily I was right! The color is gorgeous and it will be perfect for a summer day to night.

I also bought this really cute orange dress from Smart Bargains for 81% off!!! I hope it fits. I haven't tried on any Laundry by Shelli Segal dresses in a while.

My third purchase is this funky top/dress. I love the beaded neckline. It totally takes care of any jewelry dilemma.


Finally two tops from BCBG. This store has my heart. Everything fits me so well. I guess it's meant for the petite, slightly curvy, little boobies gal!

Tetrad Mega Shelving

I wasn't the best at Tetris, but I did love the game. Even moreso, I loved the techno remix of the theme music.



I haven't listened to it in a while, heck I haven't thought about tetris in years. Then I stumbled upon this piece and I couldn't get that song outta my head.



You can buy the individual shelf pieces separately or you can buy this whole thing as one unit. Rearrange to your desire, but I suggest you avoid a straight line or you might lose some valuable storage space. (via Design Public)

StealthSwitch

I used to work in a lab and my back would be to the entrance. For the most part I was left alone, but I never knew when my boss would stroll in to do his own experiment or just check up on my work.



It's no surprise that I would get caught browsing shopping websites, checking out myspace and chatting via instant messenger. I just couldn't close the window fast enough!



If I only had this StealthSwitch device. When you hear someone coming, just tap your foot and this device will automatically change the website you're browsing to something more appropriate for the work environment.

Take a Glimpse

Now that it is up and running, I must share a fabulous shopping site with you. Glimpse.com.

I beta tested the site a few weeks ago, and I was instantly an addict. The site is linked to so many amazing shopping finds. I kept searching for item after item, and my wishlist got longer and longer. I should just make things simple and say everything on Glimpse.com is on my wishlist.

My favorite part of the day is checking out their sales. Percentage after percentage off. They're on MySpace too with their very own blog of trends and recommendations.

I love it! I think you will too. Check em out! Glimpse.com

Let me get the door for you

If I ever saw this in real life, and by that I mean my home and MY stilletto, I'd scream. One of my precious shoes should never be stuck in the door. I adore my shoes, especially my pumps.

I don't have a shrine like some celebrities I've seen on Cribs, but I would... if I could afford it.



We can all relax now. Ok I can relax. It's not a real shoe. It's a sexy door stop. Yup that's right. A door stop.



Feel the breeze and keep the doors wide open with one fake shoe... for more REAL shoes. (via Perpetural Kid)

A Note to my Visitors

I realize that my blog seems like one advertisement after the next for products. I apologize if this has put anyone off, because I have been a little put off by it.

About a month ago, ThisNext.com asked me if I would be a blogger for their site. I got super excited because I love all the great finds I discover through internet browsing. I wrote a fun little piece for them on a snazzy ring I found. The editors loved it, but I didn't get the gig because my school schedule comes first.

Bummer I know, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I love to shop and will continue to do so. As I said in my very first post on this blog, the reason I have shopping success is I DON'T buy.

It's not that I don't want to buy things. I just know my budget. I know my income (next to nothing being a student). I have to plan accordingly.

I assure you, though. Everything I blog about on Roxy Shops is an item I have recommended on ThisNext. These are items I want to share with you not because I personally KNOW that they're fantastic, but because I BELIEVE they are.

So please click on the pictures. You'll get taken to ThisNext.com. Click on anything recommended by hockiemack. That's my username there, and I have recommended almost 200 items now. I've created lists to try and organize them, too.

If anyone ever has a product they'd like me to research or find, please leave a comment and I will do my best for you.

Environmentally Sexy

Sex is natural, sex is fun... just like George Michael said. So naturally, it had to happen... an environmentally friendly sex kit.



It's all bundled up into one fabulous kit: a vibrator made of elastomer, a candle of skin-safe soy wax, all-natural lube and a non-profit condom. (haha)



Earth Day may have just passed, but the environment is totally in this season... as it should be every season! (via Babeland)

Scottish Dog Soap

This novelty soap is beautiful, well-made and perfect for any pet-lover. Its incredible detail almost makes it look like a paper-weight rather than soap.



Gianna Rose Atelier has several soaps to choose from. Ones that look like animals and others that look like fluffs of ice cream... also with yummy flavors like creme brulee. (via Gianna Rose Atelier)

Mother's Spring Blossom Cookies

My roomate introduced me to Cookies by Design when I was trying to find a unique Thank You gift. I was a bit skeptical, but she assured me that the cookies are fantastic.



Out of curiosity I ordered a small basket for myself. Let me tell you that these cookies are fantastic. Not only are they tasty, but they look amazing.



Instead of buying Mom flowers that will quickly die, consider sending her a bouquet of cookies. They will surely please. (via Cookies By Design)

Outdoor Class

This piece of furniture seems PERFECT for the deck of my future home on the island of Capri overlooking the gorgeous meditteranean.



Sure I'm being pretty specific, but heaven is full of options!



This love seat has a unique shape that is classy, clean and perfect for an afternoon beauty rest. (via Curran)

cutting nails bugs me.

So why not have a bug cut them for me? These nail clippers are really fun bugs. There are several styles to choose from, including lady bugs.



I absolutely love everything on sugarpinebeauty.com. They have products that make every day, boring household items fun to have... and use! (via Sugar Pine Beauty)

Fat Free For Real!

Stressed spelled backwards= desserts.



Right now I am stressed... and I want dessert. Ok FINE... I want dessert even when I'm not stressed.



I want all the taste, the chocolately goodness, the gooey-ooey scrumptious, messy experience of thick fudge brownies... without the fat.



Look no further. No Pudge has come up with the perfect solution. A FAT-FREE (yes you read that correctly) brownie mix. With four flavors to choose from, you can have the brownies you want... and the stress relief you need. (via No Pudge)

Double Ring- snake

Finally a classy multi-finger ring!! Goodness I was sick of only words that spanned my digits. This ring is just stunning and totally looks like the snake is wrapped around your fingers. (via Vivre)

Target Couture

I have no idea how Target did it, but they became a huge hit in the world of department stores. People started to add a french accent to Target, and it suddenly became a fashion icon. Several designers actually have collections sold exclusively at Target. I already mentioned Schouler below.



I'm not sure if Target Couture is a branch of Target, or some artist's love affair with the target symbol. Regardless, I absolutely love this Duffle Bag. I've been looking for some resort-style luggage, and the subtle target stiching (white on white) is very attractive. The striping reminds me of gucci. The lock... did someone know I love Louis Vuitton?



Check it out before it sells out. (via Shop Intuition)

The fragrant crapper

When in a relationship is it ok to take a crap at your significant other's place? Any time with this toilet seat. It has a built-in fan which filters odor and purifies the air. There is also a fragrance holder to guarantee a fresh scent. The best part about this model is that it has a seat warmer for toasty buns.



You won't have to worry about searching for the air freshener or opening the window. Now if only it had a little radio so no one could hear the plops.

A little case of fashionable jungle fever

At first I thought it looked a bit creepy, conjoined giraffe heads wrapped arount my hand. But it's incredibly unique and spruces up most of my outfits.



Kenneth Jay Lane has quite the talent with acroutements. This particular piece is available at Shop Bop.

Flat Teddy Bear

I miss my stuffed animals. I think I had about 35 at one point. I named them all, loved them all and slept with most of them.



I loved using them as pillows, but they didn't exactly conform to the shape of my head. They weren't uniform in any way. Now that I think about it, I did end up shoving them aside for my more flatter pillows.



That can all change now. Here's a stuffed animal that works! It's a plush, FLAT teddy bear. It is absolutely adorable and comes in several colors. I found it at Jimeale.com. (via Jimeale New York)

Goo Goo for Sugar Spoonz

I don't have babies on my mind at all, but I came across Goo Goo Gallery and fell in love with the unique baby stuff... not for my future baby though! Actually for me.



This sugar spoon is made out of sterling silver and it can be personalized with any name... like mine. I generally balk at personalized items, but this one looks like great quality... it better be at $150.



Don't let the price scare you off, though. The purpose of this website is not only to sell baby items, but also to support artists. The owner, Chelsea Main, "wanted the focus of [her] company to be about the art and the artists."



Whichever item you buy, she pays the designer/artist a commission for the sale. A silver spoon with my name that also supports the art community... where's my credit card?

Oragami in the Home

I sucked at Oragami. I couldn't make a crane. I couldn't make an oragami box, but I could enjoy stuff other people made for myself.



And that's how I felt when I came across these cushions made by Anne Kyyro Quinn. They're a combination of oragami, scultpure, architecture and fabric. They're totally unique and a perfect eye-catcher in the home.



She also designs wall panels, blinds and lighting. I've never seen anything like them, and I want them all. Check out her website for more stuff!

Squares

Have you ever watched a little kid play with the toy that is supposed to teach him shapes?



You know the one that has all the holes of different shapes and he has to put the correct block through it. I know it's cruel, but I always laughed at the kid who tried to put the cube through the circle.



Well now Adina Reyter is trying to get me to put a square around my cylinder, by that I mean my finger. On top of that, she would like me to stack THREE squares around my finger.



What is she thinking? I'd laugh at her too if these rings weren't so damn hot! (via Shop Bop)

Proenza Schlouler Designs

As a mathematician at heart, there's something appealing about the geometric influence in Proenza Schouler's designs. Check out the collections on the Proenza Schouler website. I particularly like the darker, brooding colors with a hint of pizazz for this year's Spring. It's a bit more my taste.



I found a few items available for purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, but I'm hoping to find the designs I particularly want somewhere soon. Click on the photo and you should be taken to my recommendation on ThisNext.com.



Granted I most likely will not be purchasing any Proenza Schouler clothes right off the runway, but like most designers now-a-days Proenza Schouler offers a cheaper collection available at Target.

Cute pumps are not just for your feel.

While I'm on the topic of TP, how about a way to serve it up with some femme fatale?



I can't stand nature. Don't ask me to go hiking. Don't ask me to go camping. I like heels, concrete and the urban setting.



When I first checked out HeelBoy, I originally thought this was hanging outside on someone's tree, and I thought it was hilarious.



If there's ever a way to get me in the woods, seeing this might do the trick... as long as it is far far away from poison ivy, poison oak or anything else with the word poison in it.

Back that A$$ Up

It's obnoxious and expensive... and totally me!



When I first stumbled across this toilet paper, I thought "How Regal! Toilet paper fit for a princess!"... and yes I did say it in a British accent.



There's no better way to impress your friends than to have them wipe their bums with your initial. A little extra courtesy, a little extra class... a chance to take a dump on me if they so desire.



I found it at Wishing Fish. If you're not down with initials, consider colored toilet paper. Red is perfect for that time of the month ;)

Welcome

I'd like to welcome you to my first shopping blog.

I go shopping all the freakin time, but my gift is my ability to NOT buy. I started reading the book, How to be a Budget Fashionista, and I realized I already practice most of the tricks and tips.

Here's reality. We live in a world that praises glitz and glam. We splurge on high fashion we may not be able to afford. We forget to figure ourselves out. We let others tell us how to look.

I've been reading more and more articles on middle to higher class families dealing with bankruptcy. Shows like My Super Sweet 16 are not just about snobby, uneducated teens. They are about competitive, unrealistic parents.

Only a small percentage of the world can afford luxury.

If you don't absolutely love it. If you're not excited to wear it. If you can't see it re-emerging in the future. DON'T BUY IT!!

You will be reading about a lot of items on this blog that you are not going to buy... but you're going to want to be aware of them and learn about them.

I like to call it shopping.