Dressing luxe for less: Sales! Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook

Shopping can be difficult when you're on a budget. Driving around can be time-consuming, gas in LA is expensive, and you can't always find what you're looking for.

It's one of the reasons why I love to shop online. I can truly shop whenever I want and even do it from the comfort of my own home. And if I'm not ready to purchase right away, I can save it to a wishlist or pin it.

Sometimes you need to strike right away on a good deal, though, which is why we're talking today about Nordstrom companies.

No, no, I know - Nordstrom isn't exactly the first department store that comes to mind when I'm looking for a good deal. However, they have a major sale going on right now, with some items up to 40% off! Nordstrom is not only known for their amazing customer service, but also the high quality of their products, and a true princess knows to invest in classic pieces that will last - it will save you money, and you will always be on-trend.

It's still pretty hot in LA (I know I'm craving a beach day right about now just to escape the heat) - why not visit Malibu in this beautiful Lush maxi dress? And here's a tip; even though gas money is precious, if you have to try something on in-store but can't find exactly what you're looking for, ask an employee for help - they can check to see if what you need is in another location or available online, and the item will be shipped to your home for free. And you'll be kind in ensuring that that employee makes a commission.

However, if you want even deeper savings, you should also check out Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook (the Rack currently has a sale going on too to clear stock!). HauteLook has limited time sales events (you have to be a member but it's completely free to sign up). While they are exclusively online, you can either send it back or bring it to a Nordstrom Rack within 90 days of receipt.

Nordstrom Rack carries items that were once in the Nordstrom stores and are marked down at incredible prices. Check out this beautiful pair of VANELi merlot suede pumps that you can rock for fall and winter!

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to these websites or visit your local Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack and save big!

Summer Excursions: Let's go to the Getty!

Welcome to June, everyone!

Ahh, summer. Season changes are always exciting, but summer is something many of us innately look forward to, if not for simply fondly remembering lazy and fun summer days from our childhoods.

You may now be tempted to get out of the house and do something. You may think about seeing a movie - we've already had a few strong blockbusters debut.

Oh, you saw them already? You're now just patiently waiting for Jurassic World. Once you learned that Chris Pratt plays a raptor wrangler, you were sold.

Well, maybe we should try something a little different. How about a museum?

Head of Athena, by an unknown Greek artist, 160–150 B.C.

Okay, okay, I can feel some of your skepticism. Let's step back to childhood for a moment once more. You probably visited at least one museum with your school, and you more than likely had to go through the exhibit with your class and be told exactly where to go and what to focus on and possibly do an assignment while there. You were not given the freedom to experience the museum the way you would have chosen. Maybe the museum was focused on a topic you weren't really interested in.

You should take a look again, as you are, right now (and, as a fellow L.A. princess, it is key that you culture yourself with so much quality available nearby!). And I would recommend visiting a Getty museum. I say "a" because there are two, one called the Getty Center and the other the Getty Villa. The Getty museums have a little something for everyone, and it can make for a magnificent date or excursion with friends and family.

The Getty Center is modern and elegant in design, with European and American art for your viewing pleasure.

The Getty Villa is focused on ancient Greek and Roman artwork and design.

Both have beautiful gardens and breathtaking views - you can see the ocean from both locations!

Of course, you're on a budget. You need to save a little for your planned dinosaur blockbuster. Well, here's one of the best parts about the Getty museums - they're free!

You will need to plan to pay for parking, however ($15, $10 after 5 p.m.). There are a few spots where you could park outside of the Getty parking structures, but it's challenging to find a space, and you could be in for a long walk. And you know how hot it can get in L.A. during the summer, even with the beach close by. Paying for parking will be worth it in the long run, and you can split that with the people you end up carpooling with - but don't forget, there is always Uber.

At the end of the day, it's worth the trip, and it will be an affordable trip. L.A. has so much to offer in terms of entertainment, and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy it!


So, how do you like the Getty museums? (I love the Villa!) Would you like me to make a summer excursions series? Is there a place in L.A. (or nearby) that you would like to visit but would like to see tips on how to save? Tell me in the comments!

Beautiful skin on a budget: tea tree oil!

Welcome readers! It's been too long.

I have another blog that has been sitting in mothballs. I will bring it out of hibernation eventually. It's not that I haven't wanted to write, but life gets in the way sometimes.

I want to write something more personal. Something useful.

To survive in Southern California, you have to be a little lucky and resourceful. That's why I'm starting this blog - to share survival tips to live a fun, glamorous and fulfilling life without breaking the bank.

L.A. is expensive and, being around Hollywood, the pressure to have flawless skin is extremely high. As much as I would love to use products that celebrities use such as GlamGlow, it's simply not in my budget. But that doesn't mean that my skin has to suffer, and neither does yours!

Tea tree oil is extremely reliable in fighting acne. A large percentage of products claiming to banish those awful blemishes on the market use tea tree oil as a main ingredient - The Body Shop even has a line based off of it! I highly recommend this line, but the tiny oil bottle they sell isn't worth it when you can get so much more paying so much less!

Tea tree oil isn't difficult to find - just pop in to your local drug store. I like to pick mine up at Target, as their bottles are fairly large (2 oz) and are fairly reasonable. However, if you're prepared, you can always save by searching online. This bottle from NOW essential oils is on sale for $16.49, and it's 4 oz!

Now, a fair warning: the scent is strong, and a little bit goes a long way. A few drops on a cotton ball and strategically applying topically to your affected areas is all it takes. To be safe, you should always do a patch test first (everyone reacts to things differently, and it's better to be safe than sorry). Do not massage directly on or below a varicose vein.

I like to use this for nighttime routine - I feel that the oil and skin get better use out of each other this way. To not dry myself out, I apply (very lightly) some vitamin e oil to my skin afterwards as well. The oils will not fight each other, and your skin will be glowing in the morning!

By the way, tea tree oil helps combat more than just acne. It can also act as an antiseptic, germicide and, of course, for aromatherapy.




So, what do you think of tea tree oil? Anyone out there experiment with oils for their own DIY treatments? And are there any requests out there for my next post? (It's not only going to be about beauty products, promise!)