Prim and Proper in Paris

Prim and Proper in Paris by tinadeal featuring a feather print dress

Alice Olivia flower print dress
$190 - oxygenboutique.com

American Vintage scoop neck dress
stylebop.com

Altuzarra feather print dress
$615 - brownsfashion.com

Short heels
amazon.com

Actually... I wore this dress in Geneva but I did buy it in Paris :). My version of a pink/white summer dress during a summer day in Paris (I mean... Geneva).

I bought the brown oxfords but it was just too hot for me to be wearing shoes, I need my feet to breathe! I wore my brown strappy sandals (featured in my last post) almost every day in Europe-- super comfortable!

I am showcasing one main dress I thought was so Paris appropriate in the summer. As well as my other fab finds during my trip in Europe. I just got back and already packing for my mini vacay after a vacation! (See you soon Vegas!)


Item 1-- Pink/White patterned high-low/mullet dress with brown braided belt
From: Promod (lovely store in France and there's a chain of them throughout Europe as well)
Type of sale: Sale (aka Soldes in french)
Original price: 39,95 euro (ah, I don't know where the euro symbol is!)
Purchased price: 15,50 euro (A little under $20 US)

Item 2-- Brown suede oxfords
From: Sorry, never got the name of this store :(
Type of sale: Sale (Soldes)
Original price: 19,95 euro
Purchased price: 5,95 euro (A little under $7.50 US)

My other fab finds in Europe:

Only maybe 1/3 of what I bought in Europe is posted on this entry... I went a little nuts in Europe and bought too many items to be posted on here.

Awesome heels that will most likely hurt my feet but I don't care because they're so pretty!

Ok so maybe I will care that they will hurt my feet but I'll make sure I'm going somewhere with more sitting and less standing! As posted on my Instagram.

Item 3-- Pompennette heels

From: Andre (Chain of shoe stores out in France)

Type of sale: Soldes!!!

Original price: 89 euros

Purchased price: 10 euros (About $12.25 US)

Since it's originally from Europe, H&M's were everywhere! Each H&M definitely had a different sale as the Paris store had my dress for 7 euros but in Rome it was 10 euros, definitely got the better bargain!

Item 4-- Blue floral patterned knee length dress
From: H&M
Type of sale: Soldes!!!
Original price: 49,90 euro
Purchased price: 7,00 euro (About $8.50 US)

Believe it or not but the random vendors on the streets of Rome had beautiful dresses. This lovely dress was just hanging on a hanger under a tent and I had to have it! As posted on my Instagram. The random boutiques also had great dresses and I even purchased a dress at 5 euros!!! (not pictured but I'll make sure to post it soon)

Item 5-- Navy blue sheer double layered dress with gold accents
From: Random vendor in Rome!
Type of sale: Bargaining at it's best!
Original price: 15 euros
Purchased price: 12,50 euros (About $15.35 US) and although 15 euros is a great price it's a vendor so why not bargain a couple of dollars off :D

Ah yes, Tory Burch my love! I went all the way to Rome and brought this baby home. So many items in this Tory Burch store were half off but I contained myself and only bought one purse. Oh and of course, tax free for purchases over 155 euros for US citizens-- oh yes! I sure did get almost $30 back at customs :). What's amazing is that if you search for the bag online it's still being sold at about $329 on sale.

Item 6-- Tory Burch Robinson Satchel in Oceanic
From: Tory Burch
Type of sale: 50% off selected items
Original price: 360,00 euro
Purchased price: 180,00 euro with 30,00 euro back at customs = 150,00 euro (About $185.00 US)

Side Note!

Express is currently having a deal where you can buy Men's 1MX shirt and get the second one at $19.90!

If worked out correctly with a coupon you can get an amazing deal. I've done it before and it's totally worth it to get those men's dress shirts at this sale + with a coupon.

For example:

Hopefully you receive Express coupons in the mail and if you don't I suggest you ask someone for theirs.

Buy a basic Men's 1MX shirt at $59.90. Patterns will usually cost $69.90.

When you buy a basic one at $59.90 and purchase a second basic 1MX at $19.90 you will be spending a little under $80.00 for 2 shirts. However, if you use your Express coupon that includes ($15 off of $30, $20 off of $60, and $30 off of $90) you will be receiving $30 off of your $80 purchase making your total about $50 which equals to $25.00 a shirt! More than half off the original for $59.90-- bam!

Now you can get your man a nice 1MX fitted shirt to show off that body of his. Or not? Classic button ups are just nice on a man too, no need to show off a body...unless you desire to :D 

This is such a funny photo of my mom shopping in Europe I have to end the entry with this!

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

Summer Lovin'

The Outfit:

.summer love. by tinadeal featuring short shorts

Equipment blouse
$145 - shoplesnouvelles.com

Paige Denim short shorts
$139 - amrag.com

Madewell wedge shoes
$148 - madewell.com

Fedora hat
$18 - modcloth.com

Ralph Lauren Collection leather belt
$180 - net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs marc jacobs sunglasses
$120 - lordandtaylor.com

My bargains of a similar outfit:
Forever 21 sheer stripe top, Paige denim shorts, Report brown sandals, generic fedora, hand-me-down brown belt, and Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses for about...
$75!


Want to see how? Read below ;D

Nothing gets me going more than a bargain. When I get a good deal it's the equivalent of going to the gym for gym buffs-- it gets the endorphins going! I guess that makes me a shopping buff then? When I'm feeling down I do retail therapy; not just retail therapy but extreme bargaining retail therapy. I instantly feel better after a big bargain find.

Mmm... bargain-designer deal-shopping.

Yum.

I've recently signed up on Polyvore.com and absolutely love it. I went on a search on how I could create collages without buying PaintShopPro/PhotoShop/other photo apps. I used to have a copy of PaintShopPro when I was in high school and it literally made up a good 2 years of my life creating designs and images for my, then, website. I forgot how much this used to be a hobby of mine and now I'm picking it up again 10 years later, although I'm super rusty at it.

Any way, I created this collage on Polyvore and put together this outfit that I am showcasing in this post... but of course at bargain prices!

The jean shorts and sunglasses purchased are the actual brands on the collage.

In the end... similar outfit but on a Tina.Deal.

I bought this top while I was in Vegas at the Forever 21 in the Fashion Show Mall. I was attracted to the stripes and the color combo. It's a great summer shirt-- light, sheer, and fun colored!

Item 1 -- Striped sheer cap sleeve button up
From: Forever 21
Type of sale: Forever 21 everyday
Original/Purchased price: $11.80

These boyfriend jean shorts are called the Jimmy's by Paige denim. They are super comfortable and fit perfectly. They hug me! I love these Paige denim shorts. I would buy more of them if they were ever on sale again but at under $10 I'm not sure if I'll ever find this deal again!


Item 2 -- Boyfriend jean shorts
From: Nordstrom Rack
Brand: Paige
Type of sale: Clearance
Original price: $139.00
Purchased price: $9.80

I would say that brown sandals are an essential in your wardrobe. Especially brown strappy ones! They can easily go with summer casual outfits from dresses to jean shorts. Rather than having multiple colors of sandals, brown ones tend to go well with many color combinations so you can save money and buy just the essential brown sandal to pair with many of your outfits if you're on a tight budget. If you're going to invest in brown sandals and want quality ones that aren't too pricey I would suggest the brand Report. I have always been a fan of Report footwear because they are comfortable and most importantly you don't have to break into them! Bonus! I got lucky and bought these for under $15 since they usually retail at about $40+. I've seen Reports at DSW at around $30 as well.

Item 3 -- Brown strappy sandals
From: Ross
Brand: Report
Type of sale: Ross everyday
Original price: Compared to $45.00
Purchased price: $13.99

Re-showcasing the fedora from last summer!


Item 4 -- Fedora
Re-cap it here!
$5.50

This item was actually a hand-me-down! I can't give any information since the belt was once owned by my sister and she did not want it anymore-- score! Any clothing/accessories/shoes I don't want anymore I always try to give it to family/friends. A free way to gain new items in your closet! They might be second hand items but they're new to you!

Item 5 -- Brown belt
Brand: Billabong
Purchased price: Free!

Now time for the accessories! Two great pieces at bargain prices. I didn't add the tote bag to the collage since it was just an addition to the outfit. I simply liked the cotton candy colored tote bag and that it was water resistant! I spilled water on the inside of it and it repelled! I was amazed yet I am usually easily amazed any way. You could wear any purse/handbag you please with this outfit... it's up to you! It was nice to have a canvas tote bag to bring to the pool. It holds the essentials you would bring along pool side and expands at the top with a pulling chord to tighten it. Also for more accessories add on some bracelets or fun earrings as you wish.

Item 6 -- Oversized sunglasses
From: Nordstrom Rack
Brand: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Type of sale: Nordstrom Rack everyday
Original price: $120.00
Purchased price: $34.95

Item 7 -- Canvas tote bag
From: Bloomingdale's
Brand: See by Chloe
Type of sale: Semi-Annual handbag sale
Original price: $95.00
Purchased price: $16.00

Side Note!

If you didn't see it on Facebook or Instagram see it here!

My awesome Rachel Zoe deal.

See it here from last seasons Rachel Zoe report website.

http://instagr.am/p/MuUeAlFoWB/

Oh yes, I'm a shopping genius!

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

Red, White, & Blue for 22!

2 pieces, $11 each for a grand total of a Red, White, and Blue deal for $22!

A 4th of July outfit that's fun and cute for the summer weather.  It's outdoor friendly for a 4th of July BBQ or hanging out in the sun before sunset to watch the fireworks.

Caption: Oh so fierce.  Oh so hungry.

It's all about stripes!  I was going to feature other combinations of the outfit but I figured to dedicate this post to just the 4th of July outfit itself.  It's simple to see that the shorts can be paired with a white tank or the striped tank can be paired with simple jean shorts or skinny jeans.

The top is super comfortable.  I was skeptical that the original price could be so high.  I mean.. wow, $78!  The fabric is amazing and the fit feels like it was made for me.  It just clings on so well!  The tank is boyfriend style so it's over sized but it was nice to just tuck in one side for a loose top feeling.  I have never even seen the brand T Los Angeles before until I found the top at Macy's.  Apparently the clothes are sold in mostly boutique stores across the nation.  I would definitely buy more clothing by T Los Angeles... as long as it's on a Tina-approved-price of course.
 
Item 1-- Boyfriend red/white striped tank
From: Macy's
Brand: T Los Angeles
Type of sale: Macy's One Day Sale
Original price: $78.00
Purchased price: $11.00

These shorts are very cute!  I absolutely love the tie in the front which gives it this sailor/yacht club feel.  It's perfect for a summer day.  I actually have not bought anything by Roxy since maybe the beginning of college.  I just felt like I grew out of it since I associate Roxy with being a teenager.  However, when I saw these shorts at Ross I loved the stripes and the cute front tie.  I was surprised to see that it was by Roxy and I was very happy with the price...and.. SOLD!

Item 2-- Blue/white striped shorts with front tie
From: Ross
Brand: Roxy
Type of sale: Ross everyday
Original price: $46.50
Purchased price: $10.99

To finish the outfit you can add sunglasses, sandals, and jewelry of your choice.  Play it up with strappy sandals and silver bracelets or play it down with flip flops and hemp/braided bracelets that could match the tie of the shorts.

Red, White, and Blue for $22 :)

Side Note!
Of course the side note is always the next Macy's sales!
The July 4th sale starts Thursday, June 28 to Wednesday, July 4.  It will be 25%-50% off storewide with 3-day specials starting June 28-30.
You will be able to take an extra 30% off already reduced prices plus many other extra savings in the store!

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

MAXImize your savings!

Yay for new hair cut and awkward photos.  Look at my face, it screams... savings.

I'm usually not a fan of maxi dresses but I fell in love with this maxi dress and I'm thrilled by the deal I scored on it!

Get it?  MAXImize your savings... maxi dress.. ha..ha?

Okay, don't mind my strange ways.

I bought two items at my most save friendly stores-- Ross and TJ Maxx.  I don't know what I would do without these two stores.  I find myself on vacation or out of town and shopping at a Ross and/or TJ Maxx.  You might think it's weird but I can't help but to have the need to find out if there are other Ross or TJ Maxx stores that have just as amazing deals as the ones here.  Based on my experiences on both the Ross and TJ Maxx stores I would say that in California the deals are way better than the ones in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Don't judge.

Some people I have spoken to, okay maybe almost everyone I speak to, would choose TJ Maxx over Ross any day.  Why?

Cons about Ross:
Can be messy and unorganized
Opened packages
Screaming children
Irregular items
Lower quality of items
Crying children
Poor customer service
Fitting room attendants that don't trust you
Misbehaving children everywhere

Also in the last couple of years Ross has really increased their security of the store.  Is it really necessary to have a "Loss Prevention" aka Security Guard who monitors the store and randomly greets you when you walk in?

The most annoying thing about increasing security in the store is having the fitting room attendant act like they don't trust you when you're going into the fitting room to try something on.  You can't just go up to them and say the number of items you have to try on anymore.  You must put your clothes on a rack, they count the hangers (sometimes more than two times), and even pat down the items to make sure you're not hiding anything in between the hangers!  OH MY GOD!

But... oh well.  I'll sacrifice my shopping experience with crying children and a clothes pat down any day for a good deal.

TJ Maxx has more brand names, better service, and a better feeling in overall-- therefore higher prices.  I've found great deals at both Ross and TJ Maxx but if I wanted something specific like a pair of black sandals there is no doubt that Ross will be cheaper.  I can find Steve Madden sandals at Ross for $14.99 while at TJ Maxx it will be $29.99.  Although, at Ross you have to be lucky to get an item right away in your size while TJ Maxx will have multiple pairs in all sizes.

Okay enough on the Ross and TJ Maxx comparison and onto the outfit!

Dress + Clutch = $26.00



Item 1-- Black and White Maxi zig-zag striped dress
From: TJ Maxx
Brand: Love. Fire
Type of sale: TJ Maxx everyday
Original price: Compared at $40.00
Purchased price: $19.99


Item 2-- Orange clutch with chain strap
From: Ross
Type of sale: Ross everyday
Original price: Compared at $19.99
Purchased price: $5.99

The top of the dress has a sweetheart shape and is textured for some dimension in the dress.  I love the small details.

You can carry the purse using the silver chain or tuck in the chain and hold it as a clutch.

A few maxi dresses I found to compare my dress with.  I especially love the Michael Stars one but come on... my purchased maxi dress was within a $20 budget!

Gotta maximize my savings :).

Side Note!
Two sales starting tomorrow: Macy's & Nordstrom.
Macy's has their Memorial day sale starting tomorrow May 23 until Monday, May 28.
This includes... taking an extra 30% off already reduces prices on selections for her, him, kids, and home.
Nordstrom has their biggest clearance sale for women and kids for their "Half-Yearly Sale" and you can also earn double points on both Wednesday and Thursday on all  Nordstrom credit card purchases in the store and online.

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

Lovely and Flowy for Spring!

Two outfits.  Spring themed.  Fun, cute, and flowy!
One outfit is more for a night out while the other is for a lunch date :)


Outfit 1: Tank, Skirt, and Necklace total cost = $23.00

Item 1-- Flowy printed skirt; short in the front and long in the back, weird way to put it would be a "Mullet Skirt" but much better looking than an actual mullet.
From: Macy's
Brand: Bar III
Type of sale: Macy's one day sale (scan the bar code on the price tag for lower prices!)
Original price: $59.00
Purchased price: $35.40 with final price $13.00 (I used a 20% off coupon on top of a sale price and an additional 40% off sale price)

I wore a black spaghetti strap top you can get from any retail store.  Mine was from Ross for $4.99.

Pair it with a fun necklace with some color like this one!  Purchased for only $5.00 at a flea market from a local vendor.  I love the different shaped stones and wooden bird on the chain.  Play with different charms in a necklace to make one piece of jewelry really stand out.

I wore this outfit for 3 nights out (not in a row..of course...) but loved it so much for it's comfort I wore it to two Birthdays and just a night out too.

Outfit 2: Dress, Belt, Sandals, and a Clutch for under $35!

Hello, lunch date :)

I love pairing tan and coral, it's a great Spring combo.

Item 1-- Tan flowy dress
From: Forever 21
Type of sale: Forever 21 everyday
Purchased price: $14.80


Item 2-- Coral belt
From: Forever 21
Type of sale: Forever 21 everyday
Purchased price: $1.50

Item 3-- Floral clutch
From: Ross
Type of sale: Ross everyday
Original price: Compared to $16.00+
Purchased price: $7.99


Item 4-- Strappy flat sandals
From: Urban Outfitters
Brand: Ecote
Type of sale: Clearance sale
Original price: $38.00
Purchased price: $9.99

Side Note!

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers- 4pk for $2.50

These things are amazing and get almost anything wiped off of walls.
Dan uses these in his room/apt and man, this stuff cleans well ;D.

If you purchase these from Lowe's at their very low price, they have free in-store pickup.  

I've seen them for about double the price at other retail stores so hit up your local Lowe's and grab one of these for your cleaning needs.

Deal found on FatWallet.

Fashionably cheap,

Tina