The Shopping Scout does Chicago

You can't visit Chicago without doing a little bit of shopping. They have every store you could ever want and more. Although, I have to admit shopping in a big city isn't quite like it used to be! I feel like we have the same stores or merchandise at stores here in Kansas City and with online shopping nothing feels as "special" like it used to.

But, with that being said I did pick up a few goodies that I am kind of obsessed with right now! One of our first stops was Watertower place (which is pretty much my worst nightmare this time of year...) BUT, it was connected to our hotel and we wanted to pick up some Legos for our little guy.

I came across Neiman Marcus' Cusp store. It's a darling little freestanding store packed with cute, contemporary and well-priced goodies. I snagged up this super comfy hooded sweater which will be great now and especially heading into Spring. I am really loving Yellow and I think this is going to be a hot color for 2013.

If I am running errands and dressing casual, all I want to wear is Lululemon. It's a sickness, I tell you...once you wear their stuff you don't want to wear anything else. I fell head over heels for the Bundle Up jacket. It's not super poofy, but still gives you the warmth you need this time of year. The inner layer can zip out for when it's not so cold out. I got it in a fabulous reddish/orange shade called "Love Red". And really, none of the pictures do it justice, it's so much cuter in person. 

It's no secret that I am a beauty product junkie! So, when in Chicago I always like to hit up Saks to get my makeup done. I always had good luck there when I lived in Chicago. Based on my outfit for the night, The girl at Nars suggested this duo called "Hula Hula". 

She did the gold all over the lid with the soft touch shadow pencil in "Aigle Noir" which is this fabulous smooth black liner with gold glitter. The shadow pencils are amazing, I now feel I need another one. The application is so easy and it stays on all day long. I topped the look off with my favorite new red lipstick, Nars Jungle Red. 

Even though I never buy much at Barney's I love to stop in there...it's such a beautiful store and it's fun just to look around. I did get my mom a beautiful ornament and I was drooling over the handbags. Their kids department always has some unique finds. I so wanted to get this for Vivi; this shade of blue is her color. But, I just could not justify the $88 price point for something she would wear for 2 months. 

I hit up Zara, H&M and Topshop (which was totally disappointing) and didn't really see much I HAD to have. It seems as though everything right now is either pleather, sequins or black and white. I don't know about you all, but I am already excited about Spring! 

Shopping Scout: Cheap Thrills

I feel like I have been hitting the jackpot at Target lately. Seriously...such good stuff there. Even the sale racks have been good! I picked up a few things that I couldn't help but share...

Loving this sweater knit skirt...normally $24.99 and on sale for $17.99! It was hung on a lower rack, so it was hard to see...it comes in 5 pretty fun colors. I really wanted the tangerine/camel combo but it was sold out. Runs small, so you will want to size up. I will probably do tights with it, it's a little shorter than I would like :) 

Obsessed with these Converse jeggings (thanks to the Target does it again girls...a must follow if you don't already). $27.99, fit amazing and so comfy. A little tight around the calves though, but you can unzip the zippers to let them out a bit. 

This is much cuter in person...the tweed has a metallic thread running through it. Love the slim collar and zipper detail. $17.00 on the clearance rack! 

Gotta love Target...you can get your toilet paper and good fashion all in one spot :) 

The Shopping Scout

So, for those of you who have read my blog the past 4 years may also know that I wrote a very short lived (but the BEST writing job ever) blog for the Kansas City Star called the Shopping Scout. Every day I posted about great finds at stores around Kansas City. Some of my posts were about local retailers, some included items from national chains. I decided I want to incorporate this back into my personal blog as many people I talk to say that they miss the Shopping Scout.

So, I am going to make it a weekly goal to do some "scouting" and sharing with you all. Look forward to great bargains, the look for less and just plain old fabulous finds.

First one comes today from the Limited of all places. I had gone there to try on some colored denim ( a friend loves their fit), but ended up seeing this beauty on the sale rack. $24.99 ladies...yes, $24.99. Wouldn't this be perfect for the holidays? I am loving the exploded houndstooth (the emerald green is much prettier in person) and drop waist. The style is sophisticated but with a bit of edge with the leather and grommet trim. I would style it with black tights and black boots or heels. The dress is a statement in itself, it doesn't need much jewelry at all.

 I didn't snag it up, because I am not sure I need it. But geez, for the price I am thinking I may have to go back...