So, last night I ventured to two stores I’ve never been to before: Charming Charlie and Sephora. Both were overwhelming for me for different reasons.

First, I went to Charming Charlie. This store is HUGE. For anyone not familiar with them, the store offers accessories (jewelry, handbags, scarves, etc.) in every imaginable color, shape and size. The store is set up by color — all of the purple is together in one area, all of the orange is together in another area and so forth.

I walked through the entire store before I found the holy grail…the clearance section! Everything in the store is actually very reasonably priced, even at regular prices. The most expensive thing I came across was a handbag for around $40.  Almost all of the items I bought were on clearance, with the exception of a ring I just couldn’t pass up and a necklace I just had to have. Overall, I spent a smidge over $25. Here’s what I got:

 

This is the ring I couldn't pass up. It was regularly priced at $7.97.

These earrings were on clearance for $4.97. I really like the little stars (that are hard to see in pic).

I love green and I love shell. I love them even more at $.75!

More green shell! This bracelet was $.50!

This cute as a bug necklace was $1.25.

I couldn't resist this necklace, which was also $7.97 at regular price.

I’d say that Charlie was definitely charming and I’ll absolutely go back any time I need something to go with that outfit I want to wear, or if I just need a little retail therapy without making my wallet run screaming from the mall.

Next I was off to Sephora.  I was scared, yes, scared, as I took that long walk to the other end of the mall.  I had no idea what to expect when I walked in and I was instantly overwhelmed. Out of my element, I wandered over to the Urban Decay section. Of course, they were out of everything I wanted. The one thing I wanted to try was their De-Slick Mattifying Powder. The helpful sales girl brought me what she assured was a comparable product at the same price.  The other item I wanted to at least look at and, dare I say, am lusting after is their Naked Palette eyeshadow collection.

After wandering around for a while, I ended up just purchasing one item, and spending more than I did at Charming Charlie! Here’s what I got for my $34.24:

The Laura Mercier powder was $32 and the free sample of their mascara helped ease the sting a tiny bit.

Overall, I enjoyed my shopping adventure last night and will definitely be visiting both stores again. One maybe not as often as the other!

Now I’m off to run around like a crazy person and stock up on milk, bread and eggs so I can make french toast for Irene!