Who needs a little retail therapy?

Did you miss me? :) 

Sorry I have been M.I.A. for so long COYC followers! I am back now, and with a beautiful co-host! Shannon is going to bring a fresh perspective on accessories, plus size style tips, and many rants and raves about this season's styles. Shannon has been my best friend and my favorite FASHIONISTA for the last 22 years. 

As many of you know who follow me on Facebook and Instagram, I attempted to do 365 of fashion without success. The original premise of the project was to look different for 365 days. I was not allowed to wear the exact same outfit with the same hair and accessories. The hardest part was documenting my outfits on a daily basis. I got really sick of taking all those SELFIES. Who has time for that? The worst days were when I was sick. There were photos of my blanket, my pajamas, of my messy hair. I did come up with some great ideas for new outfits though. I hope it was inspiring to my followers that there are so many things you can do with a small wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite outfits:

 These were my Christmas jammies. I love them! We have pajama day every Thanksgiving at my house with yummy food and endless hours of Christmas movies.

This is my FAVORITE dress! Totally reminds me of I Love Lucy! I paired it with black pumps, silver hoop earrings, and my mother's pearls. You can't see the red and black flowers around my pony tail.

This outfit is a pair of dress pants from The Limited that came with a suit, a tank from old navy, and a cotton jersey blazer from DOTS. I love the necklace too! It is hand-made bought at a little shop in Stowe, VT. I am also wearing a black belt and my favorite black pumps.

I look forward to future entries and hopefully even more followers to help us with our fashion quest! 

LOVE YOU! 

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! :) 

  

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!

 

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!

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...

People:Style watch's 10 Ways to Shop Smart

It is almost time for those crazy lines, 12 hours of extreme shopping, and looking for the last of that toy that everyone needs to have!

Thanks to People:Style watch, November 2011 Issue, I have 12 great tips to help you get through!!!!

1. Buy cheap chic brands
2. Take advantage of coupons
3. Find local deals around your neighborhood
4. Sign up for flash sales
5. Try a rental--- need a fancy dress? Check out the online companies that will rent a dress to you!
6. Repair your favorite pieces (get those awesome boots resoled!)
7. Compare prices
8. Check $$$ savings blogs (like mine lol)
9. Become a member
10. Experiment with Do-It-Yourself!
11. Join rewards programs (Sephora gives you a free gift for your birthday)
12. Sign up for sampling programs

These work for shopping for your Winter wardrobe, Holiday outfit, or for your gifts for the Holidays.

COYC TIP: This season is the season for glitz! Winter white, red, black with some sparkle-- wear silver eye shadow, get a sparkly gold tank to go under your blazer for work, wear red patten-leather heels... You get the idea! Go all out and wear a metallic mini dress with some knee high boots. Happy Holidays! 

COYC: Bundling up with a sale!

I am loving the Fall/Winter styles this year! It is a great time to shop! There are a TON of great sales going on and everyone is getting ready with their holiday attire and outerwear collections. I went shopping today and between coupons, store promotions, and clearance, I bought over $300 worth of clothing and jewelry for less than $150! One store that I hit was the Limited. They were having a 40% off the entire store sale. After almost spazzing out, I raided their clearance section. It was like Shop-til-you-Drop! I just kept handing the associate hangers upon hangers to put in my fitting room. That is how I shop. I go through the entire store and then hit the fitting room to divide and conquer. I have 3 piles: no, yes, and maybe. Once I have had a chance to try everything on, I decide what fits into my budget and what doesn't. Usually this is where the justifying comes into play. "Can I wear this to work?" "Can I wear it with more than one thing in my closet?" "How much is it after the discount?"

I was able to buy a great sweater and a three-piece suit (blazer, pants, and skirt) for less than $90.00. (The pants alone were originally $78!) I also went to Maurice's which is a store that I just discovered. I LOVE IT! They have so many cute styles that are not too trendy and are age appropriate for 20-30 something's not wanting their jeans too low. Between their store promotions and the great coupons you get if you get their emails and credit card, I saved as much as I spent! The best thing was when I got home I realized how many of the items I can mix and match. If I don't feel like wearing the blazer, the red sweater I bought looked great with the skirt.

Shopping is getting so easy ladies. Seriously, if you find the right store, the right sale, and the right sales associate, you can have a DREAM shopping experience. Most stores have their own accessories and shoes now too. It is okay to stay within your budget because clearance racks are great! I usually never start at the front of the store when shopping. I always hit the back first and work my way forward. A lot of top designers have lines at local stores now too like Target and Kohl's which is great. Sears and K-Mart also have great lines and designers at a reasonable price point.

Stay tuned for my snap shot of People:Style watch November edition! They have some great tips for holiday shopping!