Did I Hit the Dress Lottery???

Superbowl FUNday

I hate football.  Actually, let me be more specific: I hate watching sports on TV.  Something about the scuffing and the background noise just hits my nerves in a way that either puts me right to sleep, or gives me the "I gotta get outta here" feeling.  So far in my 33 years on this earth, this sentiment has not changed.  However, I very much enjoy going to a live sporting event and I enjoy playing sports!  

So this week, instead of watching the Superbowl (no really, I didn't see even one second of it), I went to the mall!  Really, if you hate the usually crowded L.A. malls, Superbowl Sunday is the day to go.  I even noticed a fair amount of last-minute online Superbowl flash sales. I went to the Glendale Galleria and Americana at Brand, a usually intolerably crowded weekend experience.

You know those shopping trips where you find items that are on your to-get list and you get such a good deal on them that you are, quite literally, dumbstruck?  Well, that is the kind of experience I had on Superbowl Sunday, a shoppinggasm shall we say.

$10 H&M Clearance

I have a few big events coming up.  One of them is a fundraising formal dinner with a 1920's "Great Gatsby" theme. I have been looking for a dress I could wear that would encompass this event, but not be so costume-like that I couldn't wear it again.  Low and behold I found not 1, but 2 items at H&M that would work for this and any other formal event. 

The 1st dress is PERFECT and has a total 1920's vibe.  You can't see from the picture, but the back dips down into a low V with beading.  I GOT THIS FOR $10 on clearance.

Also at H&M for $10

The second dress that I purchased at H&M was also on clearance for $10.  The 2nd one could also be used, although it is not quite as "vintage" in feel.  But for $10? Why not have a nice black cocktail dress that could be used over and over? 

H&M basic T for $9.99

Both dresses were a little big, but for $10 I don't mind getting them altered.  Inevitably I will need to anyway since my event is more than 2 months away.

I also got a classic white-T.  I really like the t's and tanks at H&M.  I have several and for $6-12 a pop, they are a great deal.  I use them for PJ's, Yoga wear, or under workwear.


 Check out this simple, inspirational look:

http://breakfastatyurmans.tumblr.com/

Oh, did I mention I also had a 30% off 1 item coupon? That means my total H&M haul was $27!

JCPenney $8 Clearance!

 I also stopped at JCPenney, a store that I usually only go to 1-2 times a year.  (I'm not sure why--perhaps its because it is not really a destination store?) And I hit another dress jackpot!  I have some summer events coming up (weddings, parties, etc) and this dress will be perfect!  It may also need to be altered on the top, but for $8?  I can afford the alterations.  It can also be accessorized up or down. 


I also found 2 cute sweaters on clearance for $7 each. 

JCPenney "ANA" $7 Clearance

JCPenney "MNG Mango" $7 Clearance

They are both that baggy look, so it really doesn't matter what my weight is, it can fluctuate and these will work indefinitely. My total JCPenney purchase: $22

 One of the items on my "to-buy" list as of late, is a grey knit shirt. 

GAP Knit Shirt $17 w/coupon

I had a coupon for $5 off a GAP purchase and, low and behold, they had the most perfect grey knit shirt, that completely fit the bill. I really really love this shirt.  It is so simple, but can go with so many things! And for $17 it will be a long-time fave.

    Here are a few of my grey knit shirt "Pin"spirations: 

Forever 21, $8.80

Last, but certainly not least (and no real mall extravaganza is complete without it) was a trip to Forever 21.

This time around I focused on accessories.  I was looking for something pretty specific- and I found it in this blue-green bejeweled necklace for $8.80.

In addition, I bought a gold locket necklace.  I have been looking for some kind of a gold pendant necklace, and for $5.80, why not?

Forever 21, $5.80

My total at Forever 21:  $14.60

Whew!  What a shopping whirlwind. Even though I went over my weekly budget, I got some things that were what I like to call "can't pass up!" deals.  You know, stuff you need in the far-future and find at such a steal you feel like you won the lottery!

My total for the week (and this shopping trip): $80.60

Back to the Grind

After the holidays, returning to work seems like such a downer.  So, I thought I would incorporate some bright colors into the mix.

The top look features a sweater from Target, a leopard print scarf from some teenie-bopper store in the mall that I have never heard of, but hey, they had a leopard scarf like I was looking for.  The pants are some 5 or 6-year-old Ralph Lauren slacks.  Shoes from Forever 21 (they are my "nothing shoes"), and, as always, my beloved Coach. (I will tell you all about my shoe and purse philosophies soon.) I was very much inspired by this look on Pinterest: here

The bottom look is a little Diane Keaton inspired. 

Oh, Diane!

Jacket is Old Navy, cardigan is H&M, the pants are Tahari. The knit shirt is from a site I recently discovered called Shade, and a great deal at less than $10. *beloved Coach* Also, I have to give a shout-out to these shoes.  They are Steve Madden and I bought them at Nordstrom Rack for $6.  Sometimes you just have to buy things when you come across them on sale.

In fact, that is often one of my golden rules: If I go to a store, Target let's say, I ONLY purchase from the clearance rack.  Obviously, the prices are cheaper there, but the idea is to buy something that you really won't be likely to find for cheaper.  You often hear "if you wouldn't buy it at full price, then you shouldn't have it in your closet".  I call bull!  I almost exclusively buy things on sale.  Think about it this way; I already have more clothes than I need.  I crave new style.  So, why buy that sweater for $24.99, when eventually you might find it for $9.98?  So, only shop the clearance rack and you will find things you like and never pay full price.  I do want to point out that this strategy only truly works if you already have a well-stocked closet full of basics.  It also pays to go to the same stores at different points in the season so that you can eyeball things at full-price and then, later on, if they go on sale and you are comfortable with the deal you're getting-go for it!

I did end up making a style purchase today.  I went to Walgreens to buy some allergy pills and saw that they had some new stock of my favorite tinted lip balm.  (Okay, full disclosure, I was really hoping they had this lip balm because I had seen ads that there were new limited edition colors) So, I bought 3!  Crazy? Not exactly.  I already have a couple of colors from the Maybelline Baby Lips collection and know I like them a lot.  I have never seen these new editions anywhere yet!  I purchased "twinkle", "yummy plummy", and "coral crush".  If you are looking for a lip balm that lasts, has SPF, a nice hint of color, and a less than $5 price tag, I highly recommend. Oh yeah, they were also on sale. Total purchase price: $13.50