images courtesy from Macy’s

If you love shopping for cosmetics and scoring freebies along in the process, you will love Beauty Week at Macy’s! Here is a small list of the special offers and free gifts you will find during the event.

Get 3 free fragrance samples with purchase of select fragrances of $65 or more. You’ll get three small vials of Nine West Love Fury, Givenchy Very Irresistible, and Alien by Thierry Mugler. No code needed. Samples will be applied automatically to purchase.

Get free Estee Lauder Wear Makeup Lesson How-to DVD with qualifying purchase. Offer good on select purchase of Estee Lauder fragrances and beauty products. This offer is also good on other beauty product purchases as well.

Get free Tote Bag with any beauty purchase of $75 or more. Just in time for spring, this pretty printed blue tote features a zip top closure and faux leather handles. No code needed. Free gift will be applied automatically to purchase.

Get free 8-piece Gift Set with any Elizabeth Arden purchase of $27.50 or more.

Get free 10-day supply of Advanced Night Repair with any Estee Lauder purchase of $35 or more.

Get free 3-piece gift set with Lancome purchase of $60 or more.

You’ll find even more deals on Macy’s website. These deals are valid for online purchases only.

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A makeup bag is an essential for any fashionista on the go. Ideally, it should be a cute little zip-top bag that’s made from an easy-to-clean material like plastic, and you should fill it up with the essentials. I personally like to keep my lips super-hydrated and my wrists smelling like flowers(or citrus…or lush greenery) so I like to keep my makeup bag stocked with my favorite products like lip balm and miniature vials of fragrance. What else do I consider essential? Read on for my Makeup Bag Must-Haves! What’s on your list?

1. Sonia Dots Double Zip Foldover Clutch by Sonia Kashuk, $12.99 at Target- Because an ordinary cosmetics case won’t do.

2. ChapStick Skin Protectant/Suncreen Moisturizer SPF 15, $1.69 at CVS/Pharmacy- I got this as a stocking stuffer for Christmas and I love it!

3. You Rebel SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, $30.00 at Benefit Cosmetics- A little color and a lot of moisture.

4. Haiku Eau de Parfum Purse Spray, $5.99 at Avon- This light and floral fragrance will brighten you up instantly no matter where you are.

5. smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner, $25.00 at Tarte Cosmetics- Perfect for creating that sexy smoky eye look.

6- Elle Assorted Metallic Bobby Pins 6-Ct, $10.00 and Elle Animal Print Crimp No-Elastics 6-Ct, $7.00- An assortment of hair accessories for whenever. Elle makes some of the cutest styles!

Who says you can’t give your friends and family a chic Christmas or holiday? Here are some of my favorite picks all of which are $25 and under~

1-Crabtee & Evelyn Wisteria of the Valley Sampler: Have a pal that misses summertime in the garden? Give her this elegant fragrance gift which includes 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel, 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Body Lotion, 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Bath & Shower Gel, and 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Body Lotion. You can purchase this gift set at Crabtree & Evelyn for just $15.00.

2-Birchbox Membership: Do you know someone who loves to score beauty samples in the mail? Treat them to a Birchbox membership(starting at $10) and they can look forward to receiving a box every month that’s filled with deluxe-sized samples from brands like Stila, Smashbox, Kerastase, and more. Birchbox also has membership programs for men that include grooming products and bonus gifts he will love(like Skullcandy earphones). Unfortunately, they’re currently accepting backorders right now for $45 but you can join the waitlist and/or signup for their upcoming mailing list.

3- Fairisle Cowl Neck Sweater Poncho: Never let your sister choose between style and warmth again! Give her a beautiful fairisle print poncho that features a pointed hem and ribbed cowlneck design. This trendy poncho retails for just $24.80 at Forever 21.

4- Leopard Print Slippers: Keep their feet warm and toasty this Christmas with a pair of super cute slippers! These shoes feature a chic leopard print design and a single pom-pom on each shoe. These retail for just $24.50 at Ann Taylor Loft.

5-*Fragile Skinny Jeans: If you have a fashionable teen in your life, why not get her what she really wants? A great pair of new jeans. These super skinny jeans feature a low-rise fit, contrast stitch detailing, three pockets, and two faux pockets. You can purchase these jeans at Kohl’s for just $24.99.

6- Striped Scoop Neck Mickey Mouse Nightshirt: Who wouldn’t love a Disney gift that’s chic? This cute cotton sleep tee features a scooped neck, short sleeves, grey horizontal stripes, and four dancing Mickey Mouses on the front. You can purchase this tee for just $24.50 at Disney Store.

7- *Contour & Blush Palette There really is no need to purchase a lot of expensive makeup when you can buy one quality cosmetic palette from BH Cosmetics for less. This kit includes six shades of matte powders that you can use for blushes, contouring, even eyeshadows! During their Black Friday weekend special, this kit is priced^ at $10.42. After the sale, the kit is still affordable at just $18.95!

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^ indicates a price change in the near future.

Help! The Christmas season is almost upon us and I’m already stressed about what to get. I’m on a tight budget right now but I really want to purchase some wonderful gifts for all my fashionable friends. Do you have any savvy insight or ideas?

I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who is already thinking about Christmas and the holidays! I say its never to early to shop for gifts, especially when you find incredible gifts at even more incredible prices. Assuming that you’re like the rest of us and have yet to get a leg up in your holiday shopping adventures, I’d say you should start a budget first. Make a list of people you want to buy gifts for and how much you’re willing to spend per person. Next, you need to decide what to get everyone on your list. If you can’t or don’t want to ask your friends and family what they want for a gift, let their personal taste and lifestyle generate ideas for you. Which celebrity fashion icon does she admire the most? What are her hobbies and passions? Ask yourself before you make any purchase, “would she really love to find this under her tree?”.

Still stumped and need some fabulous gift ideas? Here are a few things I would love to find under my tree!

Philosophy ‘oh twinkling night’ Duo, $15.00 at Nordstrom

Dooney & Bourke Shiny It Lucy Bag $195.00 at Dooney & Bourke

Vivre Silhouette Heart Cuff by Jessica Kagan Cushman $110.00 at Vivre

Have any shopping or beauty related questions for Shop In Chic? Email her at shopinchic 1983 at aol dot com.

Boots are sexy and ankle boots(or booties as they are sometimes referred to) are even sexier. Whether you’re wearing super skinny jeans, a pretty feminine floral dress, or perhaps a tee shirt and denim skirt, it’s important to know that booties have the power to change any look into edgy madness! Don’t believe me? Check out five fabulous pairs of booties below and you’ll see what I mean.

1- Zig Soho Rally Booties $99.95 at DSW

2- Boutique 9 Daphnea Booties $225.00 at Nine West

3- Dereon Animate Yourself Booties $80.00 at Baker Shoes

4- Renton Lace Up Boot £66.00 at Dune

5- Rocket Dog Black Satire Ankle Boots £60.00 at Schuh

It’s almost that time of year again! Who doesn’t love to have an excuse to get all dressed up in something that you normally couldn’t wear on a daily basis and go out to party a little? That’s what Halloween is all about. So if you haven’t already decided on your costume yet or you’re already thinking about next year, I have compiled some of the chicest choices out there. Whether you’re looking for a sexy little number or something decidedly retro, here are the coolest looks.

Fairytale Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Fantasy Halloween Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Retro Halloween by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Sporty Grrl Halloween Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Luv ya!

Anna P.

7 Low key hairstyles for the summer from Self

How to wear a printed maxi skirt from Who What Wear

Kate and Pippa Middleton reignite a hoisery trend from NYMag

13 Beauty tips you may have never even heard of from Glamour

Take a close look at Kim Kardashian’s and Kris Humphries’ wedding invites from OMG

Make your makeup last through the summer heat from iVillage

How to get that California surfer girl look from InStyle

If you are heading out to the beach or pool this summer, you won’t want to be without these amazing essentials!

The Beach Tote:Color-Block Straw Tote Bag $29.00 at Spiegel

This pretty color-block straw tote features full-lining inside with a slip pocket and metal silver handles. I love this bag’s colorful look and beachy vibe and I think  that its the cutest beach bag I’ve seen all season!

The Sunscreen:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 $39.00 at Bergdorf Goodman

Get the highest rate of sun protection there is with this SPF 60 sunscreen. This PABA-free formula is also water-proof and sweat-proof.

The Lip Balm:Neutrogena Norweigian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 $3.49 at Drugstore.com

Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm that also has the standard SPF 15.

The Shades:Gucci Large Round Frame Sunglasses $325.00 at Gucci

These sleek and sexy sunglasses feature a grey-gradient lens and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Never buy shades without sun protection otherwise that defeats the whole purpose of wearing them.

The Sandals:Scott Hawaii Lanui Tan Flip Flops $42.00 at Zappos

A pair of flat sandals like these will keep your feet protected and comfy when you are lounging in the sand.

There is no way to underestimate the power of beautiful baubles, especially those pieces with exquisite beads. All it takes is a simple beaded necklace or bracelet to turn an outfit from boring to wow. Here are some of my favorite beaded jewelry pieces.

Double Rainbow Cuff $35.00 at Lulu’s

Layered Glass Bead Necklace with Sculpted Pendant $14.99 at Target Gardenia Pearl Garden Party Bracelet $49.50 at Banana Republic Kate Spade New York Sea Glass Triple Strand Necklace $228.00 at Nordstrom Power Bead Bracelet $32.00 at Fossil Darling Pearl Frosted 3 Stone Drop Earrings £8.00 at Monsoon Collezione Alessandro Charm Bracelet £28.00 at Freemans Cream Bead Necklace £10 at Next Phase Eight Shell Round Bead Necklace £25.00 at House of Fraser

All That Glitters:(L-R)Say Hello Palette, $35; Hello Kitty Fragrance, $55; Glittercute Collection w/ Swarovoski Crystals $495

I don’t know about you, but I just love Hello Kitty! And I’m so excited about the exclusive Hello Kitty line that is now available at Sephora stores(and online). This line offers a whimsical vibe with colorful cosmetics and cute accessories that I think all fashionistas of all ages will enjoy! The collection includes kitty-shaped palettes, nail lacquer, stick blush, kohl eyeliner, and even a fragrance. And with prices ranging from $10 to $495, this line offers something in every price range. Can’t get enough of the coolest cat on the block? Here is my list of must-haves from this covetable line!

Charmmy Kohl Eyeliner$28.00

This luxe gift set comes with seven eyeliner pencils and a cute reusable metal case that you can store your pencils in. This collection includes the following colors: Goodnight Dreams(black), Grape Juice(purple), Chocolate Milk(brown), Happy Cloud(white), Bicycle(teal green), and blue sky(bright light blue).

Shop the entire Hello Kitty at Sephora collection online at Sephora.

Hello Kitty Fragrance$55.00

This flirty scent features notes of Vanilla, Musk, Tonka Bean, Apple, Mongolia Blossom, Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin, Magnolia Blossom, and Orange Flower. Even more, I love the pretty little vintage-inspired bottle that this comes in. The Hello Kitty Fragrance also comes in other variations including a solid perfume necklace, rollerball, and body splash.

Say Hello Palettes$35.00

This palette actually is a tiered compact with four powder eyeshadows and four glosses. The collection has two palettes to choose from: Super Fun and Happy Fun. Both palettes include feminine colors that are easy to mix and blend in.

Hello Kitty Glittercute Collection Made With Swarovoski Elements$495.00

I admit that this special gift set is one heck of a splurge, but if you got the money, why not? This includes eight glittercute eyeliners, 5 luxurious cosmetic brushes, and darling Hello Kitty storage container that is covered in sparkly Swarovoski crystals!

Shop the entire Hello Kitty at Sephora collection online at Sephora while these limited edition goodies last.