Friday Finds - June 30, 2017

Does anyone else absolutely beat the crap out of their sandals every summer?  No matter how hard I try, I fail to keep my sandals in great condition - I guess you can say I "Walk Hard"!  Since it's a guarantee my sandals will be tattered within a few months, I'm always on the lookout for trendy pairs on the super cheap.  An online boutique I follow had been posting outfits with these adorable sandals, and I was surprised to find out they were from Payless!  A few weeks ago they were having a sale on all sandals, plus there was a coupon for an additional 25% off.  I decided to try two other pairs as well; after coupons my total purchase came to $28.47!  Unfortunately the ones I had specifically made the order for were too narrow, but the other two pairs fit perfectly:

Left: Rayna Chopout Sandal - $7.49 with coupon

Right: Trixie Leg-Wrap Flat - $11.24 with coupon

The soles of the Rayna Chopout sandals are a little flimsy (they feel really thin, almost like cardboard!) but they look really cute on.  I've received so many compliments on the Trixie Leg-Wrap Flats - they remind me of a pair of sandals my mom got from Anthropologie years ago.  

Where/what is your go-to for sandals?  Any sales I should know about?  Do tell in the comments below :)

xoxo, Bettie

Bettie is Back! Quick NJ Shore Pit Stop

Hello dears,

It's certainly been a while, but after a hiatus your darling Bargain Bettie is back, and with a vengeance!  I was able to score my old work laptop for just $100 (talk about a bargain!), and am ready to get back to updating my fellow thrifters and deal-lovers with my finds.  Just because I haven't been writing certainly does not mean I haven't been shopping (obviously), so hopefully I can catch you all up on some of my deals through more regular Friday Finds!

My most recent shop stop was a stumble-upon moment while spending the day in Red Bank.  I'm planning an event for my company at the GORGEOUS Oyster Point and Molly Pitcher hotels, and after a walk through had some kill time in town before heading on the road home.  I grabbed a quick bite to eat at Taylor Sam's (probably one of the best salad's I've ever had) and was walking back towards my car when I noticed the windows of Greene Street.  The outside of the store looks so chic I wouldn't have even known it was consignment, had the words "Shop, Recycle, Consign" not caught my eye!

The first thing I liked about Greene Street from the moment I stepped in was the ambiance and set up. High ceilings, great lighting, a bit industrial chic with good music; it definitely had a great boutique feel.  Everything felt very fresh; it didn't feel like you were shopping secondhand or consignment at all.

The store was organized into clothing item type: a rack for shirts, a rack for dresses, a high-end designer rack, etc.

A decent men's section!

A section of dresses along the wall.

One thing I LOVED about Greene Street was their shoe section; something about the way they displayed their shoes made me want to desperately find a pair!

For my fitness ladies there was an Activewear rack.  I pulled a super cute Lululemon CRB and a pair of Athleta knickers to try on.  Unfortunately neither fit, but if you're a secondhand Lulu/Athleta junkie like I am, the rack is definitely worth a look.

Ultimately I entered the dressing room with a very heavy hand of hangers - a great cherry printed dress from J.Crew, a funky patterned babydoll by BCBG, and some other fun pieces:

My absolute FAVORITE was a plaid fit n' flare.  I was so sad that it was tight across the bust and was pulling!  It was ever so slight, but pulling in that area is a pet peeve of mine when I wear clothes, so I knew it would constantly bother me.

In the end Greene Street had a really great selection of fun, different pieces.  Everything I had pulled was in really great condition.   By my standards it is on the pricier side; while you're paying significantly less than in-store prices for clothes that are in like-new condition, $30.00 and up for a second-hand, current trend dress isn't my idea of a knock-your-socks-off find (I'd rather spend that on amazing vintage!).  For instance, the plaid dress I liked was $28.95 - if it had been under $15-20, I would have more seriously considered purchasing in light of the pulling. However, if you're simply looking for prices you could find on a clearance rack at your normal mall stores, this would suit your fancy.  Greene Street is actually a chain with multiple locations in NJ and the greater Philadelphia area - I'd love to check other locations out to see what their stock is like.  Apparently they have a men's only store in Chesnut Hill - maybe I'll bring my sweetheart and get his opinion!

My stop at Greene Street was a fun way to end my nice summer day in Red Bank.  I know I barely scratched the surface of fun shopping in this town - I'll be sure to report back when I return for some more serious hunting!

Until the next adventure,

xoxo, Bettie

P.S. - Red Bank is 15 minutes away from one of my favorite places in the world, Delicious Orchards, so you bet I made a pass on my way home.  If you come to this area, don't leave without the world's best cider donuts and pies!

Bettie's Bargain Beauty Buys!

 After 26 years of being a gal, I finally feel like I'm settling into a beauty routine and am finding my Holy Grail products; products that I depend on and will never live without!  I've been beyond happy to find that lots of my favorites have been from the drugstore, or I'm able to get them from Harmon's (I am the QUEEN of that $5 off of $10 coupon!).  These products are just so divine and are at the perfect prices that I'd figure I'd share them all with you, and about how I use them!  Keep in mind I am NOT a professional by any means, but I think every woman should feel beautiful and healthy, and these products make me feel that way!

1.) Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover ($5.99) I've come to find that my face reacts much better to simple products, preferably organic or natural.  I'm a huge fan of face products at Lush, but this Bargain Bettie only splurges so often!  I tried this product on a whim, literally because it was on the only thing in the store aside from Burts Bees and Yes to Carrots that had the least amount of crappola in it. Since I've been using it every day, I can't tell you how much my face has cleared up!  It also does truly thoroughly remove makeup.  Who doesn't love killing two birds with one stone?
2.) St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub ($3.19) I've been using some version of this scrub for the past 8 years; I started using the Acne Clear version in college, and this product has been a bathroom staple since.  I just love how gritty it is!  It's on the rougher side, which I like- just under being too much for my face.  I also like using it all over my body (again with the 2-for-1!).
3.) Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($9.79 for 16oz.) Not going to lie, I'm still not sure how to pronounce this guy! (Seht- a- fil?  Seat-ah-fil? I give up!) However, after trying DOZENS of lotions (both drugstore and not), this has been my hands down favorite.  Simple, scentless, affordable, lightweight....I could go on and on!  I use this every day underneath my primer before makeup.  Also, a little bit goes a LONG way.  The bottle in the picture is the travel size, and I've had it for at least two months!
4.) Laura Geller Spackle Under Make-Up Primer ($30.00) Okay ladies, have you been keeping this from me?!  Where has this primer been all my life!? I recently stumbled upon a primer display at Ulta, and saw this one featured.  I did some recon online and saw rave reviews, so I decided to give it a try with my Birchbox points (I essentially got it for free!).  Oh my heavens!  I love this primer!  My makeup goes on smooth, and stays all day.  No matter which foundation of mine I use, the are no patchy areas, pores are minimized, and my makeup just stays looking great!  The price itself is on the higher side, but I decided to include it because of what and how much you get for that price.  The bottle is 2oz; around the same price point Benefit's Porefessional is .75oz, and Smashbox's Photo Finish is 1oz.  You're getting double the product!  Definitely worth the investment.
5.) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($3.99) When it comes to my face makeup I usually prefer a dewy look; matte tends to look too flat and dried out on me (or maybe I'm doing it wrong!).  However, if I ever want to purposely mattify a particular area or if I'm feeling kinda oily, I grab this fella.  I also use it to set my eye shadow primer.
6.)  Revlon ColorStay Makeup (not pictured -  $12.99) I have a confession to make - I'm a little obsessed with foundation!  I wish I could easily try every single foundation out there; I'm always looking for the perfect coverage with the perfect finish for my skin type.  Even though I'm always dabbling in new brands and types, I always have this foundation on hand.  It has amazing staying power, gives me the buildable medium coverage I like, and leaves my skin looking natural.  Not to mention, it comes in tons of shades!
7.) NYX HD Eye Shadow Base ($6.99)  Before I was obsessed with foundation, I was obsessed with my oddly greasy eyelids and how no matter what, my eye shadow always creased. I tried all of the reputable primers, but none seemed to do the trick.  I read about NYX's Eye Shadow Base, and figured for that price, why not give it a whirl?  When I set it with the Matte Pressed Powder, my shadow stays better than with anything else!  I've got my mom hooked to; I'm already looking forward to one being tucked in my stocking this Christmas (momma if you're reading this- hint hint!)
8.) Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara ($8.99) My gorgeous momma also happens to love playing with makeup, and she introduced me to this mascara a few years ago.  I feel like whenever I may wander off to different mascaras, I always end up back with this one.  It gives great volume without getting clumpy and I never have fallout or smudges throughout the day.  My mom uses this in tandem with their lengthening formula for extra umph!
9.) Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub ($9.95) & Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6.00) These two are a must-have combo for soft, moisturized, flake-free lips.  I'll scrub my lips before I put on my foundation, then put on the salve while I complete the rest of my makeup.  By the time I'm ready to do my lips - voila!  The perfect canvas for any type of lipstick!
10.) Colourpop Cosmetics Lippie Stix ($5.00) These lipsticks and liners are seriously like winning the lottery.  If you don't know about Colourpop yet, go check them out right now!  They have so many colors, and for each Lippie Stick there is an exact liner to match.  Did I mention they were just $5 each?  Since I've bought these, Colourpop has also branched out into more shadows, blushes & highlighters, eyeliner, and now an ultra matte creme lip color.  Can I have them all please!?

There are always new products to try, and I'm always scouring the internet for other suggestions!  What are your favorite beauty products?  Are any of them bargain buys?  Share with all of us in the comments below!

Until next time!

xoxo, Bettie