Aldo

My Outfit Reveal: Dixie Outlet Mall’s “She Who Hunts Finds” Challenge

After being challenged by Dixie Outlet Mall to put together a Spring outfit whilst saving as much money off of the suggested retail price as possible (read more about the challenge here), I immediately knew which direction I wanted to go: floral. I mean, does anything else scream “Spring” quite as much as flowers do?! This outfit is extremely versatile (wear it to work, a night out, or even a Spring wedding), and I’m super excited to tell you all about it, and my experience at Dixie. Let’s get started!

Upon arriving at Dixie Outlet Mall, the first thing I began looking for was a fun, colourful, floral print. As soon as I laid eyes on this gorgeous Vince Camuto jumpsuit at Winners, I knew it was meant to be. It is super comfy and lightweight, and I love the stunning, bright, waterprint-ish colors.

Suggested Retail: $80.00

I Paid: $49.99

Total Savings: $30.01

Next up, I needed some shoes. For a while, I debated between a nude sandal and a navy pump, but eventually spotted these awesome white statement heels from Aldo Outlet. What I love about them is that, with this outfit they look a simple pair of white, pointed-toe pumps, but when worn later on with a skinny jean or shorter dress, you can see the edgy, studded detailing on the ankles. I also love that the white shoe keeps the outfit bright and fresh.

Suggested Retail: $90.00

I Paid: $69.98

Total Savings: $20.02

With the jumpsuit and shoes in hand, I now needed something to carry all my essentials (phone, wallet, lipstick, keys). I knew I wanted something navy to play off of the colour-blocking around the neck of the jumpsuit. I found this navy clutch at Nine West Shoe Studio, and was pleased to discover it was on major sale. I love that it is large enough to carry all I need (and more).

Suggested Retail: $85.00

I Paid: $30.00

Total Savings: $55.00

We all know that Spring equals sunshine, and this means a pair of chic sunglasses is essential. I scored these white Roots aviator-style sunglasses from Winners.

Suggested Retail: $28.00

I Paid: $14.99

Total Savings: $13.01

Next up: jewelry. I found all I was looking for (and a lot more) at Ardene. They had almost all of their jewelry on sale: 10 items for $10.00! I decided to go with 5 pieces for this outfit: a set of midi rings, 2 pairs of earrings, and 2 bracelets. I wanted to keep the jewelry in the gold family to play off of the gold detailing on the neck of the jumpsuit.

Suggested Retail: $30.46

I Paid: $5.00

Total Savings: $25.46

At the end of my shopping trip, I had just enough left to purchase this pretty lilac nail polish by Revlon from Cosmetics N’ More for Less. As someone who loves makeup and beauty products, I probably could have spent the entire shopping trip in this store alone! I love that this polish is subtle, but has a hint of color that ties into the lilac tones in the jumpsuit.

Suggested Retail: $8.97

I Paid: $2.00

Total Savings: $6.97

I had so much fun participating in this challenge, and hope you like my Spring outfit as much as I do! In total, I saved $150.47 off of the suggested retail prices for the pieces I purchased. All of the items I purchased were high quality, gorgeous pieces that I’ll be wearing all Spring and Summer long. I highly recommend shopping at Dixie Outlet Mall, whether it be for yourself, or for a friend/family member. There are many great deals to be had from a wide variety of stores, and she (or he) who hunts, is sure to leave with an armful of finds!

Interested in a deal-hunt of your own? Stay tuned for a giveaway that will allow you to do just that!

My Aldo #PerfectPair

Here’s my #PerfectPair, purchased at the Aldo A-List event I attended last night. There were refreshments, snacks, goodie bags, 15% off your purchase, and of course, these gorgeous royal blue caged booties that just begged to leave with me (how could I possibly deny them a good home?).

In the style “Lavinia“, these “shooties” have a 4-inch heel, textile upper, leather lining, and zipper closure. The regular retail price for these is $90.00 CDN, however with all discounts (50% off the regular price, plus 15% off at the A-List event), I scored these for just $38.25!

Have you scored a #PerfectPair lately? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Accessories to Ring in Spring!

While Summer is my favourite season, there’s just something about the fresh, warm(er), Spring air that makes me smile. Another thing I love about Spring? It’s when bright colours and fun patterns make their way back into style. Check out these 5 fun accessories I’ve chosen to help you celebrate.

1. Indigo Applique Pouch Swimmer

Just try and look at this pouch without cracking a smile (it’s basically impossible). Use it as a makeup bag, put your camera in it, or rock it as a fun clutch!

2. Kate Spade New York Umbrella

Until those flowers arrive, make the most of April’s showers with this adorable umbrella from Kate Spade New York (that reads “Rain Check?”). The clear shell allows you to actually see where you’re walking (it’s happened to all of us…), and it folds up easily with a tab-with-snap closure.

3. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in “Anarchy”

Aside from being one of my favourite accessories in general, I especially love that each season comes with a brand new range of lipstick shades to choose from. One of my favourites right now, (and one that is perfect for Spring and Summer), is this gorgeous bright fuchsia from Urban Decay (picture of me wearing it here). Extremely pigmented, this lipstick applies super-smoothly and keeps your lips moisturized courtesy of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter.

4. Aldo “Frerima” Necklace

I love this necklace for 3 reasons: 1. the floral design screams “Spring”, 2. the colour allows it to be extremely wearable, and 3. the unique, asymmetrical design makes it extremely interesting to the eye. Pair it with a simple black dress, or with a plain tee and jeans.

5. Keds Crashback in “Navy Flamingo”

Warmer weather and sunshine means it’s time to trade in those Uggs for something a little lighter (unless you’re me and wear them all year round, of course). Called “Crashback” because you can collapse the back of the shoe any way you’d like, these awesome flamingo-adorned slide-ons are perfect for commuting to the office, or pairing with jeans on the weekend (making them both fun and practical). Not a flamingo kind of gal? They come in a variety of other colours/patterns (but really…who’s not a flamingo kind of gal?!).

January/February Favourites!

I can barely fathom that it’s already March…where did January and February go?! Wherever it went, it did leave me with some awesome new favourites to share with you. Let’s get started!

1. American Eagle AEO Soft & Sexy Jegging V-Neck T-Shirt

I know what you’re thinking: Elyse, a t-shirt is a t-shirt. But trust me, these shirts are perfection. Part of AE’s new collection, these tees are the perfect length, are extremely soft and silky, are tagless, and come out good-as-new when washing. I purchased my v-neck in black, (they are available in other colours), and the “Soft & Sexy” line also includes other styles (muscle tees, baseball tees, zip ups, and more!).

2. Arm & Hammer Pro Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste

For me, a good toothpaste is hard to find. Sometimes I don’t like the texture, sometimes I don’t care for the taste, and sometimes I’m just not happy with the results. But for me, this toothpaste has it all: sensitivity protection, whitening, and a great “clean” feeling after you use it. I’m especially impressed with its whitening ability, and noticed a significant difference after just a few days of use.

3. Tetley Chai Tea

I tried this tea after I found it in my pantry on a day when my go-to, Orange Pekoe, had run out. When it comes to home-brewed tea, this is definitely one of my new front-runners. A combination of, “cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, star anise and cloves”, I find it to be extremely smooth tasting and aromatic (just smelling it calms me down at the end of the day).

4. MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in “Hip ‘n’ Happy”

Lip pencils have become one of my favourite beauty products as of late (check out my Valentine’s day post here). I was introduced to this MAC classic when I went to pick up the new Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipstick and Tinted Lipglass. The makeup artist at the MAC counter was wearing a gorgeous colour on her lips, and she informed me that it was actually this lip pencil underneath the Miley lipglass. She had received so many compliments on her lip combo, that her store at the mall (and the MAC counter in The Bay) were all sold out. So, three MAC counters later, I now own and love this lip pencil. Wear it on its own, with a lipstick, or under a gloss. Any which way, you’re sure to love it too!

5. Aldo Accessories “Olaoviel” Necklace

Aldo Accessories is one of my favourite stores, and I frequent it often to check out their sale section (usually buy one, get one free). This fun statement necklace, made of multifaceted black rings woven into braided black fabric, is perfect for jazzing up the neckline of a simple crew neck tee (or LBD).

6. Aveeno Fresh Essentials Daily Exfoliating Scrub

I’ve already raved about this product in my previous post: a review of the Aveeno Fresh Essentials line. So to summarize, this scrub: a) smells amazing, b) feels awesome on your skin, and c) works like a charm. Highly recommend!

“Spring is when life’s alive in everything” ~Christina Rossetti

WhatDidSheFind Gift Guide: Day Twenty-Four

Photos and logo as seen on Aldoshoes.com

Beauty and fashion combined into one, this adorable “Cronkite” evening bag from Aldo can be worn as a clutch or shoulder bag. Measuring at 8.7 X 4.4 inches, it is big enough to hold all of your holiday party essentials, while also doubling as a statement piece. Shown above is the Midnight Black version, however you can also purchase it in Clear (with black lace detailing; check it out here). Currently on sale for $39.98, you can purchase this both in-store or online at Aldo/Aldo Accessories.

Previous Days:

Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven, Day Eight, Day Nine,Day Ten, Day Eleven, Day Twelve, Day Thirteen, Day Fourteen, Day Fifteen, Day Sixteen, Day Seventeen, Day Eighteen, Day Nineteen, Day Twenty, Day Twenty-One, Day Twenty-Two, Day Twenty-Three

#DealOfTheDay “Time” for Positivity

I’m always on the lookout for clothing and accessories adorned with fun, positive sayings. When I saw this watch, I fell in love, and when I saw the price, I knew it needed to be mine. The simple beige band and gold face make it wearable for everyday, and the fun play on words: “Every Minute Counts” makes it unique (and gives it a special positive touch).

I purchased this watch from Aldo Accessories (a store I’ve been loving lately). Their promotion at the time was an additional 30% off of sale items, making this beauty only $17.49! You can check out some of their watches online here, or visit them in-store for even greater selection.

Not Your Average T-Shirt: Styling Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces are a wardrobe game-changer. They can take a plain old dress and make it new again, they can add some pizazz to the collar of a simple button up shirt, and they can also make your favourite comfy tee-shirt work or night-out appropriate (who doesn’t want to wear a t-shirt to work?!). Once you’ve chosen your tee-and-necklace combo, tuck your shirt into a skirt (maxi or otherwise) to dress it up even more, or wear with some skinny jeans and flats for a perfect weekend pairing.

Check out some of my recent pairings, above (from left to right).

1. T-Shirt: Old Navy, Necklace: Aldo Accessories “Kalvoda” in Grey

2. T-Shirt: Old Navy, Necklace: Suzy Shier

3. T-Shirt: Roots “Championship T-Shirt”, Necklace: Old Navy

“I love jewelry–rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, you name it. If my stylist didn’t stop me, I’d go out looking like a Christmas tree.” ~Sofia Vergara

Flamingo and Floral Finds Under $20.00!

There’s something about flamingos that make me smile. Maybe it is that I associate them with sunshine and tropical destinations (or maybe it’s just because they’re pink…how cool!?). Either way, I can’t help but love the awesome clothing and accessories I’ve seen lately that pay tribute to such a fun (and chic) animal. Same goes for the floral trend that’s been around for some time now; who can resist an adorable bouquet of blooms around their neck? Not me. Here are some of my recent floral-and-flamingo-finds…did I mention they are all under $20.00?!

1. Flamingo Necklace from Aldo Accessories ($14.98 + buy one get one free)

2. Floral Crop Top from Marshalls ($12.99)

3. Flamingo Scarf from Banana Republic ($11.99 +20% off)

4. Floral Statement Necklace from Loft ($35.99 +50% off)

Keep the Receipt! How your purchases can save you cash.

We’ve all heard it before, the infamous, “would you like a copy of your receipt?” from the person behind the cash register. If we say “yes”, we either throw it away, or lose it in the abyss that is also known as our purse. If we say “no”, it’s usually because we already know we won’t need it, or, because we don’t want our significant other to find the evidence (admit it, it’s the latter).

However, stores are starting to use receipts as a way to not only gain valuable feedback from their customers, but also to provide shoppers with discounts on future purchases (so now you just have to go back for that beautiful leather bag!). I’ve touched briefly on this subject before, but today I wanted to share all the receipt-coupons that I use on a frequent basis (spreading the love, if you will). Be sure to comment below if you know of any other great ones! But first, a few quick rules to get us started:

1. Don’t Be Lazy!

The surveys usually only take 5 minutes of your time, and most of them are completely worth it. What are you waiting for!? Complete them as soon as you get home and put them in your wallet. That way, you won’t be searching for it or wishing you’d brought it the next time.

2. Watch the Clock.

Some of the receipt coupons have expiry dates. Make sure you’re using the ones that expire sooner, first.

3. Break it down.

Don’t be afraid to break down your purchases into multiple transactions. If you have more than 1 receipt-coupon, and the store is willing to let you use them all, why wouldn’t you?!

4. Do the Math.

If the store is making you choose between a current promotion/other coupon and using your receipt-coupon, always do the math to see which one is the best deal. Don’t waste your hard work!

Let the shopping begin:

Bath and Body Works– $10.00 off your purchase of $30.00 or more (Note: when the large candles go on 2 for $30.00, you can now get 2 for $20.00 (or 4 for $30.00 using 2 coupons/transactions)!

La Senza– $10.00 off your purchase of $40.00 or more

Victoria’s Secret- $10.00 off your purchase of $60.00 or more

The Body Shop– $10.00 off your purchase of $40.00 or more

Payless Shoe Source– $4.00 off your next purchase of $10.00 or more

Old Navy– 15% off your next purchase (on randomly selected receipts)

The Gap– 20% off your next purchase (on randomly selected receipts)

Banana Republic– 20% off one regularly priced item (on randomly selected receipts)

American Eagle-15% off your next purchase

Mark’s Work Warehouse-$10.00 off your next purchase of $40.00 or more

Globo Shoes– 10% off your next purchase

Aldo Shoes– 15% off your next purchase (aldoshoes.com/survey)

McDonalds– Free medium fries and a drink with your next sandwich purchase

Burger King-Free Whopper or chicken sandwich

Subway Sandwiches-Free cookie!

whatdidshefind

Beauty. Fashion. Finds.