Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo credit:  Looking Fly on a Dime

• Are thrift stores becoming too expensive? [Looking Fly on a Dime]
• Advil Liqui-Gels zap zits? [Frugal Freebies]
• Baby shampoo makes a good, budget friendly makeup brush cleaner! [Glitz Glam Budget]
• Is it okay for celebs to wear designer knockoffs? [The Fashion Bomb]
• Miss Niki shares whats in her May GlossyBox [Hello Miss Niki]

Top 4th of July Coupons from FreeShipping.org

Can you believe I almost forgot that the 4th of July is next Wednesday?  You know what that means for some of us?  Another shopping day full of awesome sales!  Deals expert for FreeShipping.org, Kendal Perez, put together this list of money saving coupons to aid you in your shopping for this upcoming holiday.  Enjoy! 

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Independence Day is rapidly approaching and American families are looking forward to a fun-filled day with friends and family. Whether you're celebrating at the beach or in your backyard, now is the time to stock up on savings before your 4th of July bash. Consider these offers and more from FreeShipping.org and enjoy the freedom of not paying full price.

1. Botanic Choice
Take $30 off purchases of $100 or more through July 8 with code 4THSALE.

2. Timberland
Get 20% off any order through July 5 with promo code JULY2012.

3. Kohl's
Save 15% on your purchase of $100 or more through June 30 with code USA15OFF.

4. The Children's Place
Receive 30% off the American Collection through July 4.

5. J. Jill
Get free shipping when you spend $100 or more through July 8 with promo code 12SHIP.

6. Nautica
Take up to 40% off everything during the Buy More, Save More event through July 4 with code FIREWORKS.

7. Shutterfly
Click here to receive free shipping on orders of $30 or more through July 18.

8. Williams-Sonoma
Get free shipping on orders of $49 or more, plus take 20% off bedding and bath items through July 5 with code WHITESALE.

9. LeapFrog
Take 15% off orders of $60 or more through July 4 with code FFJULY4TH.

10. BlueFly
Grab this exclusive coupon code to get free shipping on all orders from Bluefly through July 5.

11. Patagonia
Enjoy up to 60% off 4th of July Web specials through July 5.

12. Sunglass Hut
Take up to 50% off select sunglasses through July 4 during the American Dream Sale.

13. Harry & David
Follow this link and save up to 33% on select Fourth of July Gifts through July 9.

14. Jelly Belly
Save 10% off orders of $35 or more that include a red, white and blue category item with code PATRIOT.

15. Pfaltzgraff
Get free shipping on orders of $75 or more, plus take 20% off your purchase through July 5 with code FIREWORKS. 

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

The Christian Louboutin "Un Bout Illusion" pump retails for $795 at Net-a-Porter.com (no longer available).  It seems to be the latest celebrity shoe crush- spotted on the feet of celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Beyonce, just to name a few.

Urban Og has a much cheaper option, and although they're not as polished (in my opinion) as the Louboutins, you can clearly see where they got the inspiration.

What do you think?  Good cheapalicious version, or would you rather splurge on the real thing?

Cheapalicious Deals 6-26-12

• Max & Chloe:  20% off your order.  Coupon code: FF0612.  Expires 6-27-12
• LAmade:  Take 30% off all sale items.  Coupon code:  LAMADEUSA.  Expires 7-4-12
• Macy's:  Take 15% off sale and clearance apparel.  Valid 6/28- 7/4/12
• Ulta:  Take 20% off any single item.  Expires 6-30-12
• Coach Factory Store:  Take 30% off your purchase.  Expires 7-1-12
• Goody's:  25% off any single item.  Expires 7-17-12
• Banana Republic:  Take 20% off already reduced prices.  Coupon code: BRSALE20.  Expires 6-27-12
• Victoria's Secret:  20% off clearance clothing and shoes. Coupon code: 20STOCKUP.  Expires 6-27-12
• Kate Spade:  25% off sale prices.  Expires 7-8-12
• Anne Klein:  Take an additional 25% off sale prices.  Expires 7-5-12

Thrift Score: All I had was $10......

I haven't been thrifting in a while, so I made a random trip after work to one of my fave thrift stores- The Family Thrift Center.  The store was not busy at all- perfect thrift shopping atmosphere for me.  I spotted so many goodies and threw them in my cart without realizing that I only had $10 cash on me (this store takes cash only).  Sure, I could've used their ATM machine, but I wasn't digging the $4 ATM fee, and plus, my bank would've hit me with another fee.  So not worth it.  What's a girl to do?  Start editing her cart, of course.  I left behind six items, but I brought home these lovely pieces.  Everything was $10.02.  Score!

kimono jacket $1.99.  I've been searching for a kimono jacket for a while.  Forever 21 had some great options, but my size was always sold out.  I love the print of this, and this would totally spice up a simple tank/ jeans combo, or dress it up for the office.

LOFT curvy fit bootcut jeans $2.50 

+

silk shorts $0.99.  I don't know why, but I love the print and that's what drew me to these shorts.  

striped blazer $1.99

Lane Bryant striped top $1.99.  This top is a size 18/20, but you know me, I'm the "cinch it" queen, so I'll make this work!  

Have you been thrifting lately?  What did you find?

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

video source:  Frugal-Nomics.  Check out part 2  of this haul

• 56 items for $30?!  Insanity! [Frugal-Nomics]
• Would you pay $95 for better skin and hair? [Glitter.Gloss. Garbage]
• Vee finds 20 summer essentials for under $20 [Dime on a Dime]
• Brittany (Clumps of Mascara) and Jenn (Spiced Beauty), test out the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Deep.
• How to shop Target's sales markdown schedule [Fashion Without Guilt] 

Nifty under $50: Deb Shops 50% off clearance sale

Right now through Monday (6/25), Deb Shops is having a sale on their clearance- 50% off!  Here are a few items that I have my eye on!

cheetah print maxi dress $18.25 (reg. $36.50)

patent jute platform sandal $15.25 (reg. $30.50).  Remember when I featured these in my last "Cash, Check, or Charge?" post?  Now they're even cheaper!  Score!

coral chunky heel platform $15.25 (reg. $30.50)

striped crochet bag $5.25 (reg. $10.50)

statement necklace $3.50 (reg. $7)

Cheapalicious Deals 6-19-12

• Like Twice:  20% off your purchase.  Coupon code: CHEAP20.  Expires 6-21-12
• Macy's:  $25 off $100 or more apparel purchase.  Expires 6-24-12
• MIZ Outlet:  All rings and earrings now $1!
• Old Navy:  $1 basic flip flops (click here for more info).  6-30-12 only
• Ulta:  $3.50 off $10 or more purchase.  Expires 6-23-12
• Clinique:  Free standard shipping on any purchase. No coupon code needed. Expires 6-23-12
• Levis:  Take an extra 20% off sale items.  Coupon code: EXTRAOFF.  Expires 6-25-12
• Piperlime:  15% off your purchase.  Coupon code: SIZZLE.  Expires 6-19-12
• Kmart:  15% off shoes.  Coupon code: KMARTSHOES15.  Expires 6-23-12

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

 When Twitter/ blogger bud, Prissy (Rush Our Fashion) posted a pic of her newest arm candy- a twin skull bracelet,  it reminded me of an Alexander McQueen  bracelet that I saw on Zappos for over $300. When she told me she found it on eBay, I had to go scope it out.  I was shocked to see that someone were selling these bracelets for only $1.45 a pop (plus free shipping)!  Of course I ordered two of them (lol).  Can't wait until they arrive!  Check out the eBay listing here.

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

The Sam Edelman "Louie" fringe bootie retail for $160 at ShopBop.  These would look so cute with a pair of cutoff shorts and a summery cropped top right now.  $160 too rich for your blood, but you like the look of the "Louie" booties?  Deb Shops has a similar version for only $39.50 , but right now, they're currently on sale for $29.62!  I wish they were available in the tan color as well, but brown would be great for fall/winter!

*Update 6/14 10:00 PM*  The Deb booties ARE available in tan.....

They're not available online yet, so check your local store to see if they have them.

Cheapalicious Deals 6-12-12

• Amazon:  Free $2.00 MP3 credit.  Coupon code: MP3S4ALL.  Expires 6-15-12
• Famous Footwear:  Take 20% off your purchase.  Expires 6-17-12
• Macy's:  Take 20% off sale and clearance apparel items.  Expires 6-13-12
• Old Navy:  $5 off $25 or more purchase (via Facebook).  Expires 6-21-12
• Avon:  $0.99 shipping on all orders.  No coupon needed.  Expires 6-30-12
• Urban Outfitters:  Free standard shipping on all orders.  Expires 6-13-12
• Go Jane:  20% off regular priced items.  Coupon code: 20rJane.  Expires 6-14-12
• Bath and Body Works:  Semi-annual sale; up to 75% off select items.  
• Victoria's Secret:  Shop the Semi-Annual Sale!

Cheapalicious Beauty: Neutrogena Oil-free Pink Grapefruit Cleansing Wipes

Around this time of the year, my skin starts to go haywire.  I have oily, acne prone skin, so when the temperature rises, here comes the shine and breakouts. Argh. To keep my skin feeling fresh throughout the day, I usually carry a pack of facial cleansing wipes in my purse.  After Clearasil  discontinued the Daily Oil Control Green Tea cleansing wipes, I've been on the hunt for a wipe that not only clears away excess facial oil, but doesn't break me out either.  After seeing so many positive reviews out in the blogosphere about the Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Cleansing wipes, I decided to pick some up from Target and give them a try.

Neutrogena Oil-free Pink Grapefruit cleansing wipes $6.99, most drugstores

(click images to enlarge)

The Good:  I like that the wipes are kinda thick and they left my skin feeling clean and fresh- not sticky like most cleasing wipes I've tried in the past. They're damp, but not overly saturated.  Although the second ingredient on the list is alcohol, I didn't experience any dryness, but I think these wipes wouldn't be suitable for someone with dry or sensitive skin.

The Bad:  Although the grapefruit smell doesn't bother ME much, it's a bit strong and may be a little overpowering for some people.  I haven't used these to remove makeup yet, but since these wipes contain grapefruit extract, I wouldn't recommend removing eye makeup with these- they may sting your eyes.  Also, if fragrance and parabens aren't your thing, then these wipes may not be for you.


Overall, I like these wipes, and I will purchase them again.  They are now my new fave, unless of course, Clerasil brings back their oil control green tea wipes....


Have you tried these cleansing wipes?  What did you like/ dislike about them?

Cheapalicious Links of the Week

photo source: My Thrifty Chic

• A genius and inexpensive way to organize your clutches! [My Thrifty Chic]
• How to thrift shop spring trends [Frugal-Nomics]
• 10 ways to make a celebrity look your own! [The Budget Babe]
• Top 5 summer beauty secrets [Inexpensive Chic]
• You might be a fashionista if.....[The Ghetto Fashionista]

What's in my Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox?

I received another VoxBox from Influenster a couple of weeks ago (to see the review on my first box, click here), and here's what's in it this time around:

1. Dr. Scholl's for Her Ball of Foot cushions:  I haven't gotten a chance to test these out yet, but I often buy Dr. Scholl's products when I need some comfort for my killer heels, so I know these will work well.
2. Bath and Body Works "Paris Amour" body mist:  I've been wearing this body mist everyday since I pulled it out of the box.  The scent is a blend of french tulips, apple blossoms, and pink champangne, and is a little on the fruity side, but not overly fruity.  I love that this scent is light- perfect for this summer weather, because I can't stand wearing strong fragrances when it's hot.  I would definitely purchase this when this bottle runs out.
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing body wash:  I like this body wash, but it's nothing special.  It lathered up pretty well and it left my skin soft afterward.  
4. Sheer Cover concealer in Dark/Deep:  I haven't tried this one out either.  Will probably do a post on it in the coming weeks.
5. ChapStick LipShield 365 lip balm:  To be honest, I wasn't impressed with this product, and ChapStick is my fave brand of lip balm.  Although it glided on my lips very smoothly and moisturized them, I didn't like that it left a noticeable film on my lips, it made my lips look ashy.  Even when I used a tiny bit, it still left that ashy looking film on my lips.  This is a no-go for me.
6. Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips in Animal Instinct:  I'm a fan of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects.  They're perfect for those days that you want nail art, but don't want to spend the time doing it  yourself, or spend the money to have it done at a salon.  I like the funky, zebra design of "Animal Instinct", and I will use these for my next manicure.  Time to change it up from the pastel shades that I've been wearing lately!
7. SoyJoy strawberry soy and fruit bar:  SoyJoy bars aren't really a favorite of mine, so I didn't eat it.  I ended up giving this to my husband. 

Closeup of products:

Influensters, what did you think of the items in your Spring Beauty VoxBox?



Disclosure: I received these complimentary  products through Influenster’s VoxBox program.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Shop the Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection a day early!

By now, I'm sure you all have heard of Trina Turk's collaboration with Banana Republic.  The collection is set to hit select stores this Thursday (6/7), but here's some awesome news for us Banana Republic Facebook fans. We get to shop the collection a day early (tomorrow 6/6)!  Go "Like" the Banana Republic Facebook page to gain access to the collection before it hit stores.  Also, if you prefer to wait until Thursday to shop, select stores will be celebrating the launch of the collection after 5PM.  For a list of participating locations, click here. Happy shopping!

Win a Shea Moisture prize pack from FreeBeautyEvents.com!

For the month of June, FreeBeautyEvents.com is giving away Shea Moisture prize packs to ten lucky readers.  The prize pack includes the Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque, Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist, and Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Souffle Gel.  

To enter, just click here, enter your name, zip code, and email address. That's it!  The contest runs until 6/30.  Winners will be chosen on 7/5 and notified by 7/15/12.  Good luck!

While you're over visiting FreeBeautyEvents.com, check to see what free beauty events are going on in your area. For example, Rite Aid is having their Sublime Sun Event in select stores across the country. Demonstrators will be giving away a free L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm with each purchase of 2 Sublime Sun products and all customers can sign up for a raffle drawing for a cosmetic bag filled with products. For more info about this event, click here.


Disclosure:  I was given free beauty products to spread the word about FreeBeautyEvents.com's monthly contest and beauty events.