cost cutting, cutie, drugstore cosmetics

Brand: Ecotools
Product: Bamboo Six Piece

I had lunch this weekend with a girlfriend who surprised me with an early birthday gift. I love presents! Don’t you? I especially love girly-girl presents like the six piece makeup brush set with which my friend gifted me. The set was produced by a company called Ecotools that specializes in “earth friendly beauty”. What could be better than a girly-girl present? Why, an eco-friendly girly-girl present, of course!

My friend snagged this set for me thinking that I could review it for the blog. She scored it at Walgreens for a measly $11 and change. The set includes a blush brush, eye shading brush, angled eyeliner brush, lash and brow groomer, and concealer brush all tucked inside a brush roll made of hemp and cotton. The handles are made from bamboo, which the packaging explains is a highly sustainable plant and thus has a low impact on the earth’s resources. The bristles are completely synthetic and cruelty free. Even the ferrule attaching the bristles to the handles are made from recycled aluminum. That a company would put this much thought and effort into producing a product in such a responsible manner is remarkable. The fact that they could manufacture such a product and offer it to the public at such a reasonable price is truly breathtaking.

Now, I’m far from being an environmental crusader. I can do better, a lot better. Often times I sacrifice what’s best for the environment for what’s best for me. I must say that I make no sacrifice when I use these brushes. Admittedly, I’ve only been using them for three days, but I’m hooked. The quality is superb, and the bristles are luxuriously soft, and they out-perform my previous set of budget brushes from Sonia Kashuk (which cost about twice as much as Ecotools). Support Ecotools and support a company with a conscience. These sets make great girlfriend gifts and stocking stuffers. Just don’t forget to gift yourself with one too!

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

sample sales, new york sample sale

Ending Today, 11/24 ThreeAsFour
The ThreeAsFour sample sale has previous season’s denim from $4.44 to $44.44 and archival collection pieces for $77 to $666.
Place & Time: 77 Delancey St., at Allen St.; noon -8pm

Ending Tomorrow, 11/25 – Echo of the Dreamer
Echo of the Dreamer has added hundreds of never-before-seen pieces for their sample sale. Echo of the Dreamer jewelry is often featured in films and major magazines, and is usually only available for purchase through galleries and fine department stores. Discover these stunning one-of-a-kind pieces including some art objects and other unusual things all at overstock and closeout prices.
Bracelets now $60-$215, orig. $280-$900
Rings now $15-$210, orig. $190-$550
Earrings now $15-$110, orig. $100-$500
Necklaces now $55-$320, orig. $300-$1,200
Brooches now $20-$140, orig. $220-$580
Place & Time: 242 W. 30th St. (btwn. 7th & 8th Aves) 14th Floor; Tue-Fri 10am-6pm
Sat 11am-4pm

Today, 11/24 – 12/3 – Mike & Ally
The luxury designer of bath accessories, will be moving out of NYC. This will be both a moving sale and a sample sale – the largest one held to date! Everything will be sold at huge savings from 50-75% off wholesale. Embellished wastebaskets that retail for $225, are now $25 -$35. Tissue boutiques, lotion pumps, soap dishes, vanity trays, cottonball jars, towel holders, brush holders, vases, linen tip and hand towels are all $10-$25. This is your last opportunity to purchase an exlcusive Mike & Ally bath accessory at below cost. All items are hand-enameled in New York.
Place & Time: 350 7th Ave (btwn. 29th & 30th St.) Suite 802; Nov 24-26 Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Dec 1-3, Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Sun CLOSED

Today, 11/24 – 12/6 – TED BAKER, London
redbag presents the Ted Baker fall sample sale. This sale features their men’s and women’s collection. Find great deals on outerwear, suits, shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, vests, trousers, and dresses all at up to 60% off. Men’s sizes range from 36-44. Women’s sizes range from 0-10. Price points include:
Men’s suits and sport jackets now $400, retailing at $1,000
Men’s shirts now $50-$100, retailing at $225-$275
Women’s coats now $245, retailing at $495
Dresses now $175, retailing at $350
Place & Time: 250 W. 39th St. (btwn. 7th & 8th Ave.); Mon,Tue, Fri 11am-7pm, Wed (Nov 26) 11am-4pm, Thu (Nov 27) & Sun Closed,Sat 11am-6pm, Mon-Fri 11am-7pm (Dec 1-5)

11/26–11/30 – Leelush Boutique
Dresses, separates, and accessories from the likes of Erin Templeton and Twinkle are 25 to 75 percent off at Leelush boutique.
Place & Time: 29 Ludlow St., nr. Hester St.; Wed.–Fri. (noon–7), Sat. (noon–8), Sun. (12–8).

11/28 – 11/30 Designer Recession Sale/Black Friday Weekend
This is the real recession deal for chic ladies and gentlemen. Everything is one-of-a-kind and sizes are limited so get there early for the best selection! Find designers like Christian Dior, Gucci, YSL, DSquared, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Miu Miu, Ferragamo, Versace, Balenciaga, Emilio Pucci, Burberry London, ISSA Couture, John Galliano, Celine, Armani, Monclair Rouge, Roberto Cavalli, Acne Jeans, Malo, Victoria Beckham, Giorgio Brato, and many more. Also, find featured designer denim by Diesel, TR, RR, Taverniti, 7 For all Mankind, and more. Full fitting rooms available for both men and women. All sizes can be found: women’s 0-12 and XS-XL, men’s sizes 28-42 and S-XXL.
Place & Time: 201 Mulberry St. (btwn. Spring & Kenmare); Fri-Sun 9am-8pm

We realize everyone can’t afford a Galliano handbag, Alexander McQueen booties and all the clothing in between. And we haven’t even covered the rings, watch, earrings and cuffs. Not to fret. You’ll never feel peer pressure here!

Style Shots are only a reference for looks – not pressure to blow your month’s salary on a pair of Louboutins. You’ll see TopShop picks mixed with uber-luxe designer goods. Take a look and get some ideas on cuts, colors, shapes and everything you never thought you should really wear together.

The idea today is our always fave frilly Brit rock inspiration, mixing feminine frills with a masculine tartan’ish pant.

Happy Friday!

fashion rock, style, galliano, alexander mcqueen,topshop