I go to local thrift stores (primarily non-profit) and usually bring home a large quantity of department store and designer clothing and shoes by spending only $30-$45 and a few hours looking for fashion items to be worn with my existing wardrobe.


The goal is to is to inform women of the fashion affordability of shopping at thrift stores, the benefit of donating, and how these organizations help disadvantaged, recovering and abused men, women and children.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Don't we all have one???

Skulls! I love skulls! I own an eternity scarf with skulls, a skull clutch purse, and as of today two pairs of skull earrings...and finally - I was born with one.

Many have and would assume that a person wearing skull accessories or a tattoo is someone evil or who has satanic beliefs - but that's not always true. There may be those who possess such a belief and use the skull as a symbol of that type of worship. Then there's people who don't see that way at all - but as a symbol of life or like me - simply see it as a cool fashion accessory (fashion designers Alexander McQueen and Betsy Johnson have set a trend with skulls in their fashion and jewelry designs).

During Celtic times the skull represented time, power, divinity, gateway, initiation and creation and often represents the House of the Soul.

For many Christians (like me), it means life and to "seize the moment" and live life merry for tomorrow is not promised.

I'm considering a skull tattoo for my next birthday. Although it will be located that can only be seen if I'm in a swimsuit or my underwear - but it will stand as a symbol of mortality and treat the day as if it was my last (with love and mercy).


Bought this pair today.

Love this purse. Don't have to wear a ring on one hand!

Next purchase - a skull necklace!

HSN.com Fashion Therapy 6.27.15

I'm not sure if I was feeling something emotional or what - but I had the urge to look on HSN.com today. All day Thursday they had a Buy Bye Bye sale with lots of clothing, accessories and designer shoes at ridiculous prices and shipping and handling charges. I was tempted on a pair of Iman skinny jeans for $14.95 with $1.99 S/H - but didn't do it. Unfortunately, I fell into temptation today, but I didn't do too bad. I hope everything fits when they arrive next week.


 DG2 by Diane Gilman Brushed Stretch Twill Skinny Jean
DG2 by Diane Gilman Twill Stretch Skinny Jean
(Coral) $9.95 + $1.99 S/H


This Lyric Culture "Jumpin' Jack Flash" bootie was something I've been coveting for the last few months. They actually were priced $10.00 higher the last time I was on HSN.com, so I acted fast to buy them when I noticed the reduced price.

Lyric Culture "Jumpin' Jack Flash" Pull On Ankle Bootie
This bootie was originally priced $149.90, but I got it for $34.95 + $6.21 S/H

Lyrics from the Rolling Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash" are printed on the heel plate.


Lyric Culture "Jumpin' Jack Flash" Pull On Ankle Bootie
This is such a cool boot...Can't wait to wear them in the fall!


Payless Shoes BOGO - I have no control


Earlier this week, I received some unexpected money (a whole $86.00) and decided to give a small portion to charity, and look for the strappy black sandal that I've been looking for since May.

Since my favorite shoe store Payless was wrapping up it's Buy One Get One 50% off this weekend, I decided to look at their website first to see if there were anything that I liked - and I did. I found the black version of a sandal I bought a couple months ago and it was on clearance for $15. Also, I saw this retro Chuck Taylor looking sneaker that were had a hot pink lace overlay for $10.00 (I really didn't need the sneakers - but they were so cute!). With the BOGO, the sneaker would be $5.00. Once I located both shoes in my size at the same location I jumped in the car and to Payless I went!

I walked in the store and noticed alot of clearance and sale-priced shoes from $10.00 up. And out of pure curiosity I tried on this black wedge sandal that reminded me of my tan wedge that I had to throw away recently. Hoping that it would look bad on me...it didn't and it was sale...and BOGO...what was I to do but say to myself that it was better to have two pairs of black sandals. So what would be my BOGO with this pair? I searched for something priced $10.00 so I could pay $5.00 and feel good - but I didn't. Instead I saw this cute pair of stretch ballerinas that had a navy blue toe and trim and I was instantly sold. I don't own any shoes with blue in them and I already pictured me wearing them with my denim-colored slim skirt and my kelly green skirt. As much as I needed to return them back on the shelf - I didn't.

But I now have no regrets since I've created a couple outfits to go with each pair of shoes. And with my 10% AAA discount I only paid $49.48 for four pair of shoes (and saved $50.00).


Women's Pina High-Wedge Sling, Tumbled Black, hi-res
BOGO $9.99 (Clearance priced $20.00, Original Price $39.99)

Women's Claire Scrunch Flat, Navy/Orange Floral, hi-res
Sale Price $19.99 (Original Price $29.99)

Women's Perla Heel, Black, hi-res
Clearance Price $15.00. I bought the nude version of this shoe a couple months ago.

Women's Retro Oxford, Pink Crochet, hi-res
BOGO $5.00 (Original Price $10.00)

Outfit of the week 6.28.15

This outfit have a retro 1970s feel of which I'm a big fan. The only thrift store find is the red ponte pull-on pant, the rest of this outfit were retail purchases from years ago.

Unfortunately, I no longer have the shoes. I broke one and decided not to take them the the Shoe Doctor to have it repaired. I've had those shoes for almost a decade and it was time to say goodbye.

The angle of the stripe on this top gives me an hour-glass shape. 

Fashion Mantra #11








Have Must-Have Pieces For Your Body Shape

Image result for body shape clothing styles

Where looking in your closet means never to say "I have nothing to wear" again.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Outfit of the week 6.21.15

This entire outfit is are retail purchases. The jacket is from the Gap, skirt Lane Bryant, top Avon, kitten heels Chinese Laundry and the purse was a free gift with perfume purchase - but was a perfect match with the shoes. The necklace is from my mom's 1970s jewelry collection. Actually, I have several pieces of her "hippie" jewelry.

The pop of color with the shoes and bag gives this outfit a spring look.

Fashion Mantra #10

Embrace a Sense of Humor.









Have a laugh at your old pictures and notice how your hair, fashion choices, and perhaps your body have changed. Since we are flawed humans, there's no such thing as perfect. We can't change the past, so find the humor and the lesson.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Thrift Store Finds and New Friends (Oh My!)

Saturday (6.6.15) was another 50% off sale at Lovelady. As usual, my friend Mia and I planned to make it a day of thrift store shopping. While at Lovelady, we met two ladies who made an hour drive to Birmingham for the sale - and instantly, we hit it off! We ate lunch and traveled to several local thrift stores. It turned out that we had many things in common, and now we have great new friends and thrift shopping buddies.

Since we went to several stores, of course, I made numerous purchases. Fortunately for me, I only spent $44.97 in total! Also, it didn't hurt that I had (and shared) coupons for Mission Possible stores and it seemed as if all the thrift stores had a sale. I purposely refrained from going to The Foundry because I didn't want to bust my $50 shopping budget.

So for $44.97, I bought the following...

1 Pair of PJs (forgot to take a picture - but white flannel with blue floral, and like new)
1 Wrap Dress
2 Pairs of Shoes
2 Tops
2 Skirts
2 Pairs of Pants (forgot to take a picture of the Alfani navy pant)
3 Sweaters
3 Jackets

The belt and the sleeves made this boyfriend sweater unique.

The striped shirt is NY and Co., and the grey knit shirt is Ann Taylor Loft.

Adore this striped jacket! The Chico's brand crop pant still had the tags on. This Sarah Spenser cascading two-tone sweater will be a great staple piece. 

This picture doesn't do either of these skirts justice. The skirt to the left is Cato, and on the right is another Ann Taylor Loft piece. The red shoe to the left is Liz Claiborne and the brown suede pump is Aerosoles.

The shrug is Liz Claiborne and the wrap dress is vintage - so here I go channeling Ms. (Diana) Ross again!

The white jacket is (faux) leather,  Mossimo  and machine washable. The jacket on the right is Liz Claiborne again. I think I have Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor radar when I shop at the thrift stores (and Mia noticed that too along with my argyle sweater obsession).


Outfit of the Week 6.9.15

This week's outfit is a mix of thrift store and retail purchases.

The George blue knit blazer is a Walmart clearance item. The sandals I recently purchased from Payless Shoes, the green skirt and Vera Wang print tank are thrift store purchases and the green purse was from a garage sale several years ago.

Every time I wear this skirt and/or the purse, I receive compliments.  Nice and "Springy"!

Fashion Mantra #9

Never underestimate the power of the perfect-fitting bra.



Image result for lady at a bra fitting







Getting the right fit will make you look younger, thinner, sexier and keep the "girls" in place.