Confessions of a Shopaholic: Westfield's Garden State Plaza Mall

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to take a mini shopping trip not too far from home at Westfield’s Garden State Plaza Mall. Instead of jumping head first into Black Friday madness, I waited a day and decided to brave the bricks & mortar jungle on Saturday.

The lovely folks at Westfield offered me the opportunity to venture out to Garden State Plaza and give their shopping shuttle a try. For those of you who live in the NYC area (or are planning to visit sometime before Christmas), Westfield is offering a FREE shuttle bus every Monday - Saturday until December 24th to the Garden State Plaza mall, only 20 minutes from Manhattan. That’s right, they will take you there and bring you back for FREE.99 up until Christmas Eve.

I picked up my free shuttle ticket at the CitySights NY Visitor Center inside the Madame Toussuad's Museum, and I boarded the bus on their 11:00AM shuttle right across the street.  I was at the mall in less than 30 minutes (it’s a super short trip)! This is a great alternative for those of us city folk who want the traditional “mall” shopping experience but don’t want to venture into the depths of the suburbs to get it.

The shuttle ride is really quick and the Garden State Plaza mall has everything from your traditional H&Ms and Bath & Body Works’ to mass department stores like Neiman Marcus and even super luxe designer boutiques like Michael Kors.

I stopped into quite a few places including their H&M (snagged some great winter sweaters), Nine West (scored an amazing pair of fur wedge booties for only $70!), Madewell (super cute Keds x Madewell sneakers) and MAC Cosmetics (to restock on my Ruby Woo before the holiday season).

All in all, the shopping trip was beyond enjoyable. I was there early enough to avoide the crazy crowds and super long lines AND I traveled for FREE. Win-win. 

For more information on the shuttle bus schedule to Garden State Plaza, click HERE. 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Disclaimer: I was gifted a $200 gift card for taking my shopping trip, but was not obligated to post about my experience. All opinions expressed above are my own and do not reflect those of the company.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2012

Last year during Black Friday, I had an unfortunate experience at the mall. Someone took one of my shopping bags while I wasn't looking and I nearly flipped ALL the way out. And that was the end of my in-store Black Friday shopping. Ever.

So, this year, being the digital savvy fashionista I am, I'm all about the digital deals. Why slave away on long lines when you can click & shop from the comfort of your home? So here are the top 5 cyber deals I'll be taking advantage of this weekend:

1. ASOS: 20% Off Everything (Even SALE Items)

 I must confess, all of my EPIC party dresses of yesteryear have come from ASOS. It's one of my favorite online shopping destinations. And they're giving an extra 20% they're already low prices. No-brainer!

Shop ASOS Here!

2. LiSi Cosmetics: 50% Off Everything

Aside from the fact that LoveBrownSugar has a new nail lacquer with them (on PRESALE at Shop LoveBrownSugar), their prices are ridiculously low ON THE REGULAR. I'm talking nail polish for $4.90! Until Monday, everything in-store and online is an extra 50% off. Run, don't walk to their website.

Shop LiSi Cosmetics HERE

 3. Shop Nasty Gal: 20% Off All Shoes

 I happen to be obsessed with Nasty Gal. I've been a fan of their pieces for quite sometime. They are one of the BEST online retailers for super dope and extremely creative footwear. So it only makes sense that they're discounting shoes this weekend.

Shop Nasty Gal HERE

4. Rachel Roy: 30% Off Everything

She's one of my favorite designers so I couldn't help but share her awesomesauce discount for Black Friday. Super cute frocks for under $100, handbags, jewels and more!

Shop Rachel Roy HERE

5. INGLOT Cosmetics: 20% Off Everything

You guys may recall that I celebrated my blog's 3 Year Anniversary at the INGLOT cosmetics loft in Chelsea. I'm a huge supporter of the brand. And today through Nov. 27th they're giving customers 20% off everything on site.

Shop INGLOT Cosmetics HERE

So, where are you guys shopping this Black Friday - at home or online?

Giveaway: ShopSwagg NYC

Every true fashionista has it. And if they don't have it, they need it. Shop Swagg. You know, shopping savvy that has accumulated over years and years of shopping highs and lows, perpetual bliss, buyer's remorse and everything in between? Well in honor of the biggest shopping day of the year, I'd like to bestow a few of my Shop Swagg tips AND offer one lucky lovely in the NYC area a chance to experience an amazing and exclusive shopping event on December 1st. Black Friday can be overwhelming. Here are my Top Three Shop Swagg tips to get the best out of this inaugural kickoff to holiday shopping...

1. Be prepared: Come in with a plan of attack. No need to wait on long lines starting at 4am and then rish the front door of the store with absolutely no clue what you want/need. Someone will step on your toes and buy all the ointment you need to rub on them (if, of course, it's on sale). So plan ahead! Do your research about what deals there are and plan to hit up those stores based on what you really need...

2. Stick to your budget: Take a second and glance above at my last sentence. It ends in "based on what you really need". While everything in the Black Friday circular might seem like something that's too good to pass up. You will have to. Unless your name ends in Hilton, chances are you can't afford everything in the circular. So shop smart and create a budget for yourself. Your wallet will thank you the next morning.

3. If it don't fit, you must acquit (well...just quit). I think this rule is pretty much standard all year round. I know you think those "perfect" pants don't fit because of all that turkey and stuffing you ate at Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. However, if they don't fit right today, there's a good chance they just won't fit you. The holiday season is a dangerous time to shop for 'true to size' options. I end up gaining so many pounds between Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas parties and baked gifts from Granny, that I don't plop back to my true size until somewhere around January. And by that time, your "perfect" pants will probably be on clearance!

Ok on to the fun stuff. You're invited to ShopSwagg; an intimate fashion & beauty shopping event at one of New York City's most trendiest and upscale spots...

 

One lucky reader will win a ticket to the above event completely gratis compliments of ShopSwaggNYC:

Eligibility

1)You must be following me on BLOGLOVIN' OR Google Reader (both links are on the right hand navigation)

2) You must be able to claim your ticket in NYC on the night of the event.

3) Leave a comment below! 

P.S. Special thanks to those of you who commented on the Lottery Ticket giveaway. Unfortunately it was canceled, so to make up for it, those who commented before November 24th at 12am will be eligible for two entries in the next DVD giveaway taking place on December 1st! (Hint: It involves Gossip Girl)