If PoorLittleRichGirls.com isn’t the only thing you read, then you may have had the newspaper delivered to your door yesterday morning. Inside you should have found a special edition of the P&G brandSAVER coupon booklet.

The booklet is filled with more than $103 in coupons for your favorite products like Olay, CoverGirl and Crest. But, these aren’t just any coupons. For every coupon redeemed a two-cent donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. We think it’s a great way to save money and a great start to Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Many of the brands offering coupons are also introducing limited-edition pink products in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Visit MyPinkPlan.com for more information on the brandSAVER booklet, as well as information on breast cancer prevention and awareness.

(Lacey Brenly)

It seems like mineral makeup is everywhere these days. It got it’s start with the bareMinerals infomercials and has since been embraced by many well-known makeup brands, both the department and drugstore varieties. But, for every rave review of the powdery stuff there is rant about the less than pure ingredients some products contain.

Left- Pure. Right- Not So Pure.

There’s a range of opinions out there as to which ingredients are healthy for the skin and which are doing more harm than good. Just google “mineral makeup ingredients” and you’ll find plenty of reading material on the subject.

But, if you don’t have time for all of that, we came across a simple test to find out if there’s more than just minerals lurking in your foundation. Just dump a little of your foundation (or concealer or blush) into a small glass of water. If it’s truly pure, the makeup will not dissolve in the water and will float at the top. If there’s added ingredients, the powder will dissolve and cloud up the water.

Now, many of these “non-mineral” ingredients are harmless, but some aren’t. So, if you’re standing in front of a dirty glass of water right now, it’s probably worth a second look at your makeup’s ingredient list.

(Lacey Brenly)

For our Anniversary Issue, you voted on your favorite places to shop ’til you drop. Below are the winners from our “Fashion” category. We pride ourselves on “never paying retail” and now you can too!

Best Place to Shop for Vintage Digs
Vintage Underground (1834 W. North Ave.)
We first heard about Vintage Underground from Noelle. She came to one of our meetings raving about a store that was filled to the brim with vintage clothing and accessories. We had to check it out for ourselves and now we know why Noelle (and all of our readers) turn into giddy schoolgirls just talking about this store. You are almost always sure to find adorable boxy jackets a la Jackie O, frilly party dresses and chunky cocktail rings- classic looks that never go out of style. The best part of shopping here is that you’ll never experience that embarrassing moment at the party when you realize two other chicks have on the same dress as you!

Best Place to Buy and Sell Clothes
Sharin’ Unlimited (1510 Old Deerfield Rd. #106, Highland Park)
When Sharin’ Unlimited won as your pick for best consignment shop, we were a bit hesitant to list it. Sharin’ Unlimited is by far one the best resale shops we’ve ever stepped foot in and we weren’t sure we wanted to share our secret. But, how could we deprive our PoorLittleRichGirls of the chance to score $10 Michael Stars tee’s and ridiculously discounted designer denim? Located in Highland Park in a warehouse of sorts, Sharin’ carries everything from Three Dots, to Gucci, to Betsy Johnson (brought to you courtesy of wealthy HP women who often consign clothing with the tags still on and local boutiques with clearance or overstock). The owner takes great pride in her store, making sure to greet each and every customer and keeping her racks organized so hunting for your bargain is a breeze (unlike most consignment shops). They’re only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead for a trip to the burbs with the gals- totally worth the gas money!

Best Chain or Big Box Store
Forever 21 (Flagship Store at 835 N. Michigan Ave.)
Words cannot express how much we love Forever 21. Sure, the store on the Mag Mile is overwhelming, and a bit unorganized, but their super low prices make all that sifting and hunting worth it. For “going out” tops, dresses and accessories there is no better place to shop. We also love them for their designer knock-offs. I scored the bright colored, flower print, strapless dress that I wore out for my birthday for just $19.99! Take that Intermix! They also carry men’s and plus size clothing, so no one is left out of the savings!

Best Place to Buy Jeans
Nordstrom (24 N. State St.)
Nordstrom is the only place we would shop if we had the money. Their selection is unbeatable and the personal service is unmatched. We think this is why you chose it as your favorite place to buy the most essential item in your wardrobe- jeans. Sure, you might end up paying full price (though lately their sale racks are filled with some great deals) but if you start breaking down cost per wear, it’s always worth it to splurge a little on jeans, especially when they make you’re ass look this good! They carry all the top brands like Seven, Citizens of Humanity, and Rock & Republic and the sales people are more than happy to keep bringing you sizes and styles until you find just the right pair. You’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to denim heaven.

Best Place to Buy Shoes
DSW (3131 N. Clark St.)
Sure, we dream of the day when we can buy those coveted red-soled heels, but for now DSW is our fave place to score a discount on designer footwear. They carry brands like Prada, Marc Jacobs and Celine at prices up to 60% off retail (think $199 instead of $560!). If that still sounds out of your price range, not to worry. They carry less exotic designer brands too like BCBG, Charles David and BEBE, all at the same discounted prices (think $59 instead of $100). Make sure you don’t overlook the clearance rack, where I once scored $30, black, white and grey Via Spiga heels that I wear almost every weekend- they paid for themselves long ago. They’ve also got a great selection of handbags, so you can complete your look in one stop.

Best Place to Shop for Accessories
Francesca’s Collections (click here for locations)
It’s no surprise that this would be PLRGs fave spot for accessory shopping. From necklaces and earrings to belts and scarves almost all of their accessories cost under $30. If it’s a handbag you’re in the market for, we can almost promise you won’t spend more than $50. You won’t really find any big brand names here, but you will find a ton of designer look-a-likes, so you can get the same look as the runways for less. And, they’ve got three downtown Chicago locations, so no matter where you are you can always accessorize with the best. This is also one of PLRG’s favorite places to buy a gift, because what girl doesn’t love to get jewelry?!

Best Boutique Overall
Borrow a Dress Couture (3221 N. Sheffield Ave.)
Borrow a Dress Couture (BADC) has the most unique boutique concept we’ve ever come across. Ever wish you could just rent a party dress the way your man rents a tux? Well, BADC has you covered. Instead of spending a fortune on a gown you will most likely wear once, you can rent it for three days from BADC for just a fraction of the retail cost. And, these aren’t just any dresses! Designers they carry include Badgley Mischka, Herve Leger and Alexander McQueen. Many of their dresses retail for upwards of $600, but you can rock the designer duds for anywhere between $50-$300. So, go ahead, rsvp for that fundraiser/wedding/girls night out. You’ll be the best (and most expensively) dressed gal there!

(Lacey Brenly)

We already know that you’re always on top of what’s hot (and budget-friendly) around town. We also know that you put in a ton of effort to make the best plans for your oh-so-busy social life. Now, we want to know your opinion on your favorite things to do and buy, and your least favorites as well. That’s why we are now taking “applications” - aka short survey answers - to join the PLRG Pulse Panel! By joining our panel, you’ll be asked to share your opinions and feedback on new products (think makeup samples!), new places and marketing concepts. We’ll take this information and use it to make our content more in line with your preferences, thus making your PLRG experience even better.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, take our short survey (four questions!) and we’ll let you know if you are the right fit for the PLRG Pulse Panel.

But first, we need some of the basics from you. Please copy and paste the following demo info along with the survey answers into an email and send it to info@poorlittlerichgirls.com, with subject “Pulse Panel.”

Email:
Gender:
First Name:
Last Name:
Relationship Status:
Zip Code:
Birthday:
Income (range):
Education:

Survey Questions (answer yes or no):

Do you consider yourself a trendsetter among your group of friends?

Do you find yourself critiquing/evaluating new places you go around the city?

Do you enjoy trying/testing new products and/or places?

Would you enjoy having your voice/opinion heard by local businesses about their products or services?

You’ve seen their shoes and dresses splashed all over the pages of your favorite mags like People and Lucky. You’ve even caught your always-in-style- cubicle mate shopping for camis and accessories on their website. Now, you can finally learn what all the fuss is about Friday, October 2.

A’GACI caters to the “fearless fashionista who wants to find quality and trendy pieces, without the hefty price tag.” Sounds right up a PoorlIttleRichGirl’s alley, right?  They carry an array of girls’ and women’s clothing, as well as shoes, intimates, and accessories. Prices range from $3.00 - $15.00 for accessories, $7.50 - $22.00 for tops, $9.50 - $29.50 for bottoms, $19.50 - $36.50 for dresses, and $10.50-$32.50 for shoes. From feather headbands to round-toe boots, A’GACI covers ladies from head to toe.

They’ve also put together a “Poor Little Rich Girls” party to celebrate the Miami opening (hint- the one in Chicago was sooo much fun!). They’ll be providing amazing gift bags, passed apps, cocktails, but the best part is that you’ll be one of the first people to get a chance to shop the store! RSVP to RSVP@SKIRTPR.COM. Oh, and sunglasses are a must!

Get more of these for less during the Friends & Family Sale.

Attention Bloomie’s shoppers…the Bloomingdale’s Friends and Family sale starts Thursday, October 1 and ends Sunday, October 4. If you’ve been pining all spring and summer over a certain pair of shoes or earrings perhaps, now is the time to swoop in!

The sale boasts 20% off almost all regular and sale-priced purchases for women, men, kids and home (hint, hint-this is a great time to scour all your friends registries and buy that wedding gift you’ve been meaning to). Sale applies both in-store and online (enter code FRIENDS online).

I trust my fellow loyal card holders are on top of this and have already shopped the pre-sale this weekend. If you didn’t know about that, next time there is a Bloomingdale’s sale you can shop before the sale starts a la “pre-sale.” It’s a great way to ensure the merchandise you want isn’t sold out and you can beat the crowds.

If you don’t yet have a Bloomingdale’s card and want to take advantage of the sale, this is an opportune time to open a charge. If you sign-up for the card during the sale, not only will you receive all the discounts but you will actually get an additional 10% off your total purchases.

Bloomingdales
900 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-440-4460
10am - 8pm during sale

(Article written by, Pam Sherman, founder of Chicago Anytime Assistants, a flexible ‘anytime-you-need-it’ personal assistant service for the busy Chicagoan. She is constantly hunting down deals and sales for her clients and is now sharing them with PoorLittleRichGirls as a contributor.)

For our Anniversary Issue, you voted on your favorite spots to chow down in Chicago. Below are the winners from our “Restaurants” category. Eat, drink and save money!

Best for Dinner with the Girls
Cafe Iberico (739 N. LaSalle)
The perfect place to dine with a large group, this authentic Spanish tapas restauarnt was the clear winner in our “Dinner with the Girls” category. The small plates are great for sharing (two plates per person is more than enough to fill you up) and since each dish runs between $2-$7 your wallet will thank you later. And, what girls’ night out would be complete without fruity drinks? Cafe Iberico serves white and red sangria by the glass, half or full pitcher- it’s up to you and the gals to decide how much “fun” you want to have.

Best When Your Parents/Date/Friend That Just Got Promoted is Buying
Sunda (110 W. Illinois)
Sunda is the perfect spot for celebrating a very special occasion or if you’re looking to impress someone (or they’re looking to impress you). By that we mean it’s pricey, but worth every penny. The menu is “new asian,” so you’ll find some of your favorite asian dishes, but with a contemporary spin. Some of the flavor combinations may sound strange, but we promise that if you’re not shy and take some chances with the menu you won’t be disappointed. The Roasted Duck Hash Salad (glazed duck, daikon cake, frisee, crispy egg, unagi glaze) is absolutely to die for. You’ll also want to order one (or three) of their tasty cocktails- we recommend the Lychee Martini.

Best Place for Chips and Margs
Uncle Julios (855 W. North Ave.)
We know there are plenty of Mexican joints in the Chi, ranging from hole in the wall to fine dining, so we were a little surprised that this chain made the top of your list. Well…we take that back. We do know why you love it so much. The paper thin chips with just the right amount of salt served in “bottomless” bowls are highly addictive. Plus, the perfectly sweet and spicy salsa isn’t the only thing you can dip your chips into. Their guacamole and chile con queso are also high up on the list. Then there’s the “Swirl” margarita- a giant mug of frozen margarita laced with a fruity swirl. Yum! This is also one of PLRG’s fave hangover helpers.

Best Place to Eat When You’re On a Diet
Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark & 1401 W. Devon)
In addition to being one of Chicago’s greenest restaurants, Uncommon Ground is also a great place for healthy eats. We especially love this spot for weekend lunches and brunches with the girls. The Hummus and Granola Pancakes are some of our absolute faves, and the Veggie Chili and Melon Salad are not to be missed. The menu is made up of organic and locally produced foods. And we mean local-many of the fruits and veggies used in the recipes are grown right upstairs on their rooftop garden. Either of their two location is the perfect place for a healthy and delicious meal.

Best Late Night Eats
Hub 51 (51 W. Hubbard)
Hub 51 has lived up to it’s name, becoming the center of social life right now in Chicago. Whether it’s dinner before a big night out or after work drinks in the bar, it has become the hot spot for good food in a casual setting. Luckily for PLRG party girls, Hub serves up some of your favorite grub late-night (until last call, which means 3am on Saturdays). The late-night menu is a bit smaller than the regular menu, but no less tasty. The Chicken Nachos are so worth writing home over (letter’s in the mail now) and the Really Good Ahi Tuna Burger is, well, really good. Hub has spoiled us so much with their late-night treats, that eating anywhere else just seems like a waste of calories.

Best Place for Meat Lovers
Tango Sur (3763 N. Southport)
You could probably tell just by walking by this place that it’s a Chicago favorite since it is always packed. But, that’s no surprise when you’re a BYOB serving up delicious steaks as big as your head at reasonable prices. They don’t take reservations, but if you’re prepared for the wait you will be greatly rewarded. Make sure to bring along a few extra bottles of wine, as they will give you a cork so you can have a glass while you wait. Once you’ve finally got your table, be prepared for a feast of authentic Argentinian food. Empanadas ($1.75 each), Matambre (veal, rolled and cooked with veggies,$5.90) and Grilled Steaks with Chimichurri ($11-$16) will leave you and your wallet filled to the brim.

Best Food Before Noon
Southport Grocery (3552 N. Southport)
We were late in discovering this little jewel of a cafe and market on Southport, but as they say, better late than never! Rather than focusing on fancy imported food, here they focus on domestic foodstuffs and local ingredients, meaning the menu in the cafe is constantly changing based on the season. If you stop in for breakfast you’ll notice at least one Steak and Eggs order at each table (served with chips and salsa) and also a Grown Up Pop Tart or two (warm pastry filled with berry preserves, marscapone cheese and roasted vanilla walnuts, yum!). For lunch, we like the Grilled Brie or Grilled Turkey sandwich, but it’s also fun to share some apps. Many of the snacks and salads (Hummus and Apple Manchego Salad to name a few) come in a regular or “tasting” portion ($5) so you can order a starter without feeling guilty about wasting food or your money.

(Lacey Brenly)

Whole Foods South Loop, 1101 S. Canal

We have been super impressed with Whole Foods lately. We always thought we were too poor to shop there, but then we found out about this class they were teaching on how to save money on your groceries. Now, we find out they are hosting Sunday brunch for just $5 a plate and only $10 if you add a mimosa!

The brunch, held every Sunday in September at 12pm, is prepared by Chef Stacey in the Lifestyle Center at the Whole Foods in the South Loop. You can even sneak in some shopping (post-mimosa is more fun), but we recommend checking out this week’s deals first to get the most for your money.

(Lacey Brenly)