Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Clearance Shopping at its Best! 

Today I went to the Steeple Gate Mall in Concord, NH with my Mom to do some "window" shopping. Window shopping turned into "Oh My God SO MANY CLEARANCE SALES!" I kind of lost my mind, but luckily, I didn't lose my wallet.

In total, I bought 16 items that were originally priced $317.68. Because I bought things on sale, I spent $174.78, saving over 45%. Each item averaged $10.94 a piece. SO EXCITED! The great thing is that they are mostly all interchangeable with each other and with the clothes I already have. 

Tonight I am going to "clean out my closet" (hee hee hee) and put things in order, bringing back my Fall and Winter wardrobe. This should be interesting, but my new closet is not that big.... I wonder if I can turn my second bedroom into a closet... No, that would come with a divorce. This should make my 365 days of fashion so much easier! I will have SO MANY THINGS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Here is what I bought, where I bought it, and the cost:

Black flats  original price 24.98 sale price 9.99 bought @ The Shoe Dept
Blue flats (same info) 

Pink wrap sweater original price 18.00 sale price 5.00 bought @ JC Penney
Blue silk tee shirt original price 12.00 bought @ JC Penney
Off white crochet sweater original price 18.00 sale price 5.00 bought @ JC Penney
Khaki & White party dress original price 35.00 sale price 10.00 bought @ JC Penney
Peach Silk tank original price 12.00 bought at JC Penney
Brown trouser dress pants original price 17.00 bought @ JC Penney
Grey trouser dress pants(same info) 

Pink bangle bracelets original price 16.95 sale price 4.99 bought @ New York & Co
Turquoise off-the-shoulder tee shirt original price 26.95 sale price 12.88 bought @ NY & Co

Purple V Neck Sweater original price 19.94 sale price 15.00 bought @ Old Navy
Pink embroidered skirt original price 29.94 sale price 14.99 bought @ Old Navy
Camel colored cord skirt original price 24.94 bought @ Old Navy
Olive drab tank original price 10.00 sale price 8.00 bought @ Old Navy
Charcoal grey tank (same info) 

Happy shopping! :) 
  

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Shopping smart

I AM BACK! 



First of all, thanks to those of you who support my fashion challenge.

Here are the details: I am taking a photo of my outfit every day for 365 days. I am not allowed to look exactly the same twice. Whether I am wearing my hair differently, or wearing different accessories. It is so hard.... and I am only on day 50! 

My biggest thing is shopping for cheap layering pieces and accessories. Buying different colored camisoles and scarves really helps me be creative. I spent a little more on the basics. I bought black dress pants, a white jacket. The cool thing is blazers are really popular right now so it makes it easier to dress for work and look professional without looking too stuffy or losing my sense of style. 

It is really interesting looking through the photos and seeing all the different outfits with what I have in my closet. 

Anyone can do this.  You just have to remember my instructions on how to organize your closet before you go shopping. Keep notes of what you might need in your wardrobe. Do you need a splash of color? Do you have a lack of dresses? Putting your clothes in like sections (pants together, shirts, etc) makes it much easier to get dressed in the morning. I am not as crazy as some people by color coordinating my closet, but if it works for you, more power to you! 

Invite one of your (honest) girlfriends over and make a girls' night out of it. FASHION SHOW TIME! Does this color work with these pants? Should I get rid of my prom dress? LOL Everyone is friends with someone like me who lives for this! 

Summer is great for shopping to add to your wardrobe. You have the 80% the sweaters from the winter, tanks and dresses that are really cheap, and the future items for fall coming in. Feel free to load up on pieces that you can layer in the fall. Tights, scarves, and blazers will be your friends when it gets cooler. 

I am so glad to be back! 
Let me know what fashion dilemma do you have so I can help!

 

Friday, February 10, 2012

People:Style Watch's 10 trends for Spring

Happy February Ladies:

As you all know, I am in LOVE with People:StyleWatch!!! It always has the best trends and tips for all budgets. They did not miss a beat with this month's Spring fashion alert.

Here is their list of 10 Must-Haves for this coming season:

1. Color blocking. I am sure you have seen this in every store window. Don't be scared; I know you are all having flash backs to yourself dancing to a Paula Abdul song at a school dance. If you are afraid, start with something small, like your jewelry or a clutch. StyleWatch recommends keeping to neutrals and solid colors.

2. Day clutches. A larger take on the evening must-have. Choose something neutral, or brighten up your outfit with a sunny yellow or pink. Pair it with a casual outfit like your favorite skinny jeans and a tee or dress up your work suit.

3. Ankle-strap heels. This is a timeless look that keeps coming back. Whether they are thick or thin straps, it is a sexy addition to any outfit. Stylewatch says to try matching colors for a monochromatic look.

4. Mint green. This color works for most people and in a ton of styles. Pair it with a tan or white for a great, fresh look. Again, if you are having a hard time diving into the deep end, choose great mint accessories and work into it slowly.

5. Leather. My friend Sara does this best. She can pair a leather skirt with a floral top and look uber-feminine. COYC TIP: Start with a leather jacket in nude over a great floral dress or even a great pair of leather flats with your favorite jeans could work.

6. Blue & green jewelry. Stylewatch says to pair it with a white button-down for a casual look or a great white dress for a weekend style.




7. Floral. Pair with solids like black to emphasize the great patterns. Think big, bold colors and styles. COYC TIP: mix your styles. Go a little boho or punk glam while adding a floral print. For example, boyfriend jeans, great sandals, and a flowy floral top would look great!

8. Peplums. Step back in time with this trend. Stylewatch recommends pairing this look with a pair of skinny jeans or a tailored top.



9. Metallic heels. These are the greatest wow-factor to any outfit. Whether you going to work, out to lunch, or out on the town, you can make a statement with this trend. COYC TIP: rock a pair of great metallic heels with your favorite leggings and a sweater dress while it is still chilly outside.

10. Neon. Again, don't give up on me. You know you love it! Stylewatch says to pair it with black or white if you are feeling edgy or keep it RIGHT NOW with tan or beige.

Cleaning Out Your Closet recommends mixing some of these trends. (Not all of them of course!) For example: a color blocked day clutch, or a mint green peplum top. Try metallic heels with an ankle strap.

Have fun ladies!! Don't forget to post your pics of your favorite Spring trends!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Making 2012 about YOU!

Happy New Year folks!

I was planning on talking about what is going to be hot this Spring, but I realized in New England, I have a good 2 months before this will be a concern!

I wanted to remind all of my readers to remember their own needs this new year. Instead of making a New Year's resolution that I couldn't stick to, I decided to make small goals each month. Obviously, things will change throughout the month that causes those goals to either also change or be impossible, but it is a much better start then trying to accomplish one large goal (like to not eat sweets-- yeah, right.)

This is my challenge to each of you: make goals that ARE obtainable and stick to them. For example, if work is crazy, set your goals to your home life. Example: "I am going to reorganize my wardrobe and get rid of all the junk." (Or) "I am going to read an entire book this month" (Or) "I am going to be tech free after 8 pm and spend the extra time with my honey." Get what I am sayin'??? If it is home that you can't seem to get your arms around then set goals to take yourself out of that situation. "I am going to go to the gym 3 times this week" (or) "I am going to plan a girls' night out this weekend." Go for a walk, hang out at your favorite book store, just take an hour for yourself and breathe!

Remember people, you can't be great for your family or your job without being great TO YOURSELF! Nothing is impossible. Take a class, join a club, GO TO WEIGHT WATCHERS! Whatever it takes to get you to that goal.

One thing I think could help is start a small support group. Pick 2 or 3 people who are positive reinforcements for you and help each other. Set goals and share them. Vent when you are struggling, give each other advice, keep each other on track. This is YOUR group--- no one else.

Now that I hope I have inspired you, my last piece of advice is this: Just laugh... breathe and laugh...