The weather was so nice on this Sunday that I had to take a break from being indoors. The temperature was rising and so was my interest in finding a bargain!
Summer vacation is seven weeks away, and since the only two pleasurable events I actually plan for are Christmas and vacation, I thought I would get a head start and see what’s out there for me!
My outfit of choice today was a bit of a mix-and-match. It’s still a bit on the cool side so I wore my Lady Jacket because I’m ever the lady! I also wore my “Patsy Stone for President” T-shirt because, quite frankly, we need Patsy in the White House. She would make everything Absolutely Fabulous!
As a contrast to the ladylike jacket and ladylike handbag, I thought it would be fun to wear my sneakers. These new Converse sneaks are among the comfiest footwear I presently own. They are gonna get a lot of wear and love this summer!
This was my outfit today! Part ladylike, part “I-don’t-know-what”–but it was a fun look!
Since I’m lazy AF, and couldn’t be bothered styling the diminishing amount of hair I have, I plopped my “Storm” wig upon my head. NOTE TO SELF—Change the name of this wig from “Storm” to Mary Catherine. It is less hooker.
Geez. The more I wear Storm, the more I love her! I think I’ll have to order another one, Perhaps in a lighter color?
My mission was twofold. To go to Ulta and get an answer to a question from one of the blog followers. Liz McGarry asked me about a foundation that could work for super-dry skin because her present one wasn’t working. You think I’m gonna let one of our Atypical60 friends down? Nuh unh!
I also had to pick up a replacement for my Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil. It’s the only one that doesn’t fade when you apply to the waterline!
I also had to pick up a night guard for my teeth grinding habit. But Liz’s question was more important.
I DID pick up the night guard at Walmart. But I also picked up..
Two pair of large hoop earrings. These went right into my suitcase when I arrived home, at $2.88 a pair, I can go swimming in these and basically put them through so much abuse without a care. It’s the way I travel! If I lose cheap jewelry I don’t care!
I also came across the great Outlast lipstick by CoverGirl. This stuff really DOES last a long, long time. I am surprised it doesn’t receive more love! And at $7.54 this is the cheapest price I’ve ever seen it…
Hmmmm. Look at this. An Orange Red for light pale skin tones! I did.
Surprisingly–I like this color! It isn’t a harsh red and is more on the coral side. A nice summer color! I freakin’ love Walmart! I realize their politics are different than mine but my wallet is not that of the one percent!
Ulta was empty when I arrived. Such is the greatness of going shopping early.
When the sales assistant approached me, I told her about Liz’s issue with foundation and Kayla, the most adorable sales assistant that Ulta has ever hired, was a tremendous help.
This is Kayla from Ulta. Look at that face! It’s flawless. I swear I wanted to touch her face but it would have been inappropriate. Kayla was a great sport for listening to me rant about the beauty industry ignoring we older women!
She led me to—get this, iT cosmetics. I almost died. Two readers commented on how much they loved the iT foundation!
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical because I was thinking more that a super liquid foundation might be the better choice. But Kayla explained that the new iT foundation had a tremendous amount of moisturizer built in and was very “mature” friendly.
One think Kayla DID say was that preparation of your skin is really important before applying makeup. You have to moisturize and hydrate! I’m still on the lookout for an oil-based foundation for our Liz!
She applied a bit to my hand and I have to admit that it did not feel dry nor did it feel cakey. The coverage is supposed to be spectacular.
Do I see another foundation purchase for both Liz and me?
After a successful visit to Ulta, I decided to leave my parked car in the lot and walk around the outdoor shopping center.
My next stop was Charming Charlie. It’s hard to describe this shop. It has clothing and shoes, but it is mostly affordable accessories, like costume jewelry, handbags, scarfs.
For what it’s worth. Charming Charlie is a great place for purchasing travel accessories and trendy summer items.
Here are some offerings:
Look at this hot air balloon pendant! I loved it but I swear to you, this was out of my comfort zone. Honestly–it was some of the colors…
So many fake pearls! I was thrilled to see that if I need more fakes I can drive to Charming Charlie and he will take care of me!
Look at all those reds!
These tassled scarfs are adorable!
A nice evening bag–which I might add, there was a huge selection of. Why spend a huge amount of money at a department store for an event bag when you can go to a place like Charming Charlie?
How cute are these leopard bags anyway?
I ended up purchasing a great tote. It was hidden on a bottom shelf. The bag is coated canvas and is perfect for the beach or using as a shopping bag while on vacation. And it was a steal at $5.99.
I love the pattern and am a sucker for navy and pink! Coated Canvas. This is a great tote….
The little “feet” on the bottom of the tote lends itself well for pool time. The bag will have a bit of “lift off” from the wet concrete and tile!
….and plenty of room on the inside with a zippered compartment and built-in pouches. This was a great buy!
Next up—this adorable pineapple necklace! I couldn’t resist. And it came in at less than ten bucks! It’s just so summery and cute!
How cute is this pineapple? Another great inexpensive buy!
I hadn’t been in Loft in quite some time and made my way to the 50% off clearance rack. Look what I got for $15.00!
This blouse will look great with white jeans! I can’t wait to wear it. J. Crew has similar shirts for a steeper price point. I’m shocked that this was on the clearance rack! NOTE! I have hips and those hips do not stop me from wearing skinny jeans! Just sayin’!
Next was a walk over to DSW. I was explaining to Oona that I was looking for shoes with a bit of a trendy look. My footwear choice is basically the same. Pointy-toed heels. But I’m liking the peep toed look these days.
These shoes were so unbelievably comfortable and looked great. But my foot is just too narrow The straps, even when the cord was pulled at its tightest, were still too loose! What a shame too!
Same with this shoe. I loved it buy my instep is also very high and makes it difficult to wear a wedge shoe. Oh well, can’t win ’em all!
My issue is that my foot is very narrow. Why couldn’t God make the rest of my body as narrow as my feet? Seriously. Thanks God! But with narrow feet comes an almost impossible fit. Many of the shoes were just too wide.
Better luck next time!
And that was my Sunday. After my little expedition, it was back home to hang with Chippy and Bonaparte and enjoy the rest of the day before writing this and getting ready for the work week!
Isn’t it great to have the sun shining down on you? Isn’t it even better when you can go outdoors without that heavy winter coat and just enjoy the moment?
It was a great end to the weekend as I made some birthday cake crumb for a birthday cake that I’ll be making for next weekend! Preparation is key!
Birthday cake crumb. No wonder I gained four pounds in two weeks. Tomorrow it is back to disciplined eating!
Today was just delighful. Like my favorite Kinks song– “Sunny Afternoon”! Just for you and only for you!
Howdy Catherine!
Loved the post–I’m a sucker for the shopping stuff. When I can’t get out and about to shop (work and weekend obligations), it’s super fun to follow you on your trips! I love the pics too–and I wish we had a Charming Charlie so I could find pearls like those! Anyway, love the tote especially–it looks like it will be so useful! You’re right–the price was insane!
Nancy–can you believe it? I love a great inexpensive tote–especially for the summer months. They take a ton of abuse between beach, pool, picnics, lugging stuff around. Before yesterday I had never been in a Charming Charlie and I was pleasantly surprised at all the fun stuff the store sells!! XOXOXOXO!!!
IT mascara is amazing too. It’s not waterproof so I put Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes over it. I also like Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.
Hi Melanie. Thanks for the heads up on the IT mascara. I LOVE Tarte Lights, Cameras mascara and my fave drugstore mascara is Maybeline’s The Falsies. I’ve heard many, many great things about Laura Mercier’s moisturizer!!! Thanks so much! XOXOXOxo!!!
It Cosmetics is my new favorite. Confidence in a Compact is a wonderful product. I use it after applying moisturizer and It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream. I apply the correcting cream and the foundation with the recommended It brushes–the coverage is perfect and it does not feel heavy. I also use their eye makeup, and all their brushes are fabulous. Being well over 60, it is a treat to find new products to love!
Adrienne. I am blown away by the love that IT cosmetics Confidence in a Compact is receiving. I think I’m going to have to buy it to see what this is all about! I do have the correcting cream and it does work. I’m in love with the lip colors. Isn’t it fun to find new products!!!! XoXOXOXOXO!!!
What a great shopping trip! So many things to comment on! Two things: that T-shirt with Patsi on it – want soooo much!!!! And you also grind your teeth? And you could buy one from Walmart?! I went to my dentist yesterday for just that and paid a load of money Oh, yes, when stressed that’s what I do, and am I stressed now? Yes, it’s the move, and my poor teeth are suffering 🙁
But I love the variety of stuff you saw when shopping and totally love all that costume jewellery. xxxxxxx
Hi Penny. OMG. I should have ordered a ton of those Patsy shirts to give out to my friends! I actually ordered it from one of those facebook sites where they sell “for the moment” shirts. During the presidential campaign here the Patsy shirt was being sold and I had to have it!
Yeah–I have been grinding my teeth for years–that’s why my bite is bad and that is why my gums are bad. And–get this. MY dentist said that I should only get a night guard from a dentist. I think not because the drug store one does the same job. I had to fit it for myself and it fits my bite and it works during my sleeping hours!
We are kindred spirits!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh Catherine I would so love to go shopping with you! You find the best stuff! We haven’t got Charming Charlie in the UK, and I don’t think we can get IT cosmetics, but it’s so much fun to read what you saw and what you bought. Bet Bonaparte was pleased you hardly spent a thing! Xxxx
Hi Judy. Oh . Bonaparte was thrilled that I spent little and spent with CASH! The funny thing is that S/A’s now do not know how to deal with cash. They are so used to cards. When I purchased the shirt, with cash, the S/A had to look for a calculator. I was stunned! This was at Loft! Everyone uses their debit cards now. I AM a dinosaur! XOXOXOXO!!!
That pineapple in calling my name
Hi Peggy. Is that pineapple not the cutest thing??? I was so happy to wear it to work today! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine…how fun to shop with you…I chuckle all the way because our taste always is in tandem…large hoops, cheap price…yes…balloon pendent…nope…the blouse is a great score too…looks like linen…love the color. And the pool bag with the tiny metal feet…yup…Love this! Thanks for taking us along. 🙂
Hi Jeanne! Those hoops are so wonderful. I have big ol’ hoops in white too. They are fabulous! Oh-did I mention that I used to be a Loehmann’s shopper? We had one on Main Street in Bay Shore and it was incredible! And so was Orbachs!! And Mays. I’m sure you remember those stores too–OH..and Alexanders!! Alexanders was like a huge rummage sale. Piles and piles of stuff!! XOxOXOXO!!!
That lipstick looks absolutely lovely on you – it is fantastic. And the shopping was inspired – you need to lead us all on an expedition for bargains, you have missed your calling as a shopping tour guide young lady
LOL. Juliet! I didn’t think I would particularly like that lipstick but I ended up a complete fan. But just to let you know, that 24/7 lipstick is great. Oona used to wear it when she competed in Irish Dance because it stayed on and didn’t get all over the really expensive dress! It’s been around at least 10 years!
XOXOXOXO!!!
Love your posts and the care you put into them.. you’re refreshingly honest and that’s so much appreciated. I also really like the “illustrative” photos. As I live in London, some of the products you mention may be unavailable but I still get a lot of pleasure from reading your blog, so thank you!
Liliane
Thank you Liliane! Thank you for your encouraging words! My honesty goes back to the values my parents taught me. I am not a fan of false writing or advertising or false blogging. Your comment really, really makes me feel very good. Thank you again! XOXOXOXO
I love your shopping picks–in fact I like the sandals so much (particularly the first pair) that I may have to pay a visit to DSW. Ever since you mentioned that you found a pair of Paul Green ‘Cayanne’s’ at Nordstrom Rack I’ve been on the lookout. I did find a pair of PG chelsea boots there over the winter so you never know!
Hi Gillian. Oh. I was so sad that those sandals did not work for me because both pair are just so beautiful and DSW is having a 25% off at the store now. I guess it’s an Easter thing.
Nordstrom Rack has great buys on shoes but you have to keep going there to look or hit it at the right time. My favorite metallic heels are by Ivanka Trump (I got them a long time before the family was in politics so I will not get rid of my Ivanka shoes!) and they were half the price of that in the regular Nordstrom store. But those Paul Green Cayanne’s were the shoe deal of the century. I was so happy!! XOXOXOXO!!!
This must be why I hardly ever find anything at Nordstrom Rack…closest one is 2.5 hrs. away in Chicago and altho I am there monthly…its not the same as being able to go i.e. weekly and have time to browse,, know the store etc and the on line site is not good at all.
Hi Catherine…First of all I want to thank you so much for acting as my researcher/personal shopper in the quest for the perfect foundation…since we have an Ulta nearby I will pop over and pick up the iT foundation compact…I’ll let you know if it works for me. Also seems amazing that you would mention Charming Charlie – it is one of my favorite shops. I love the way they organize their goods by color. They have amazing sales and carry great scarves and shawls!
Can’t emphasize enough how much I enjoy following you. I love seeing the pictures of you and your family and your wardrobe…thanks for everything XOXOX Liz
OMG. Liz! I thought the way Charming Charlie displays everything by color is genius! It makes things so much easier! You HAVE to let me know how that iT compact is! Hey..the blog is here to help!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I went to Ulta today and tried the compact…it felt wonderful – silky smoothe, good coverage, good packaging…only problem I experienced was the color…the light foundation had a bit of a greyish tint and made me look as if I’d had my face done by the Forest Lawn aesthetician…I’ll go back and give it another shot…I may have been a bit too warm and ruddy today. Not giving up! Did I tell you that I live in Palm Desert, CA? This presents extra dehydration challenges…😡
Liz! Get out! You really tried it? I’m going to Ulta this weekend–that’s it! Maybe the light was too light? I have an issue with foundations that are too light as well. I usually go a bit darker–like maybe the next darkest lightest shade. Oh man, I hope it works for you!!! I didn’t realize you are in the desert!! That does create quite a bit of a dehydration issue!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Playing the Kinks on YouTube right now. Did you get my article on Ray Davies from the latest Rolling Stone but guess you couldn’t read it as print not decipherable. I need a new foundation as tend to wear a tinted BB cream with SPF30. We do not have a car and DC has no central shopping district so tend to buy everything on line and will see if I can ferret out an Ulta near me to check out iT.
Yvonne, I did get the article but wasn’t able to read it. I searched the net and found a similar article. I love the Kinks so much! Yeah. I’m seriously thinking of putting some benjamins down toward the purchase of that iT foundation compact. It seems to have a cult following!!!XOXOXOXO!!!