Wardrobe Revamp - Part Two.

Finally, part two.  If you haven't read the first part of revamping my entire wardrobe you can find that here. The readers digest version of that post is:  I am attempting to be my own image consultant.  Oh and do it on a budget.  Part one involved the purging of my current wardrobe in combo with ebaying the rejects to make money towards new clothes. Ok, you're up to speed or refreshed if you read part one when I wrote it a weeks ago.

Purging was a process.  I won't lie to you and say that ebaying the amount I purged wasn't WORK.  But ebay's new app is incredibly simple, so easy your Mom could use it.  And with Paypal you can purchase and print shipping labels from your home computer - also a win.  I even managed to recycle the boxes the Christmas gifts I ordered for friends came in which saved me money on buying boxes (at least until I ran out).  I sat back for a week or two and let the items sell, mailed them out, and waited for my Paypal account to accrue.  After a few weeks I had several hundreds of dollars.  Yes, really.

My friends have continued to ask me - is it really worth it?  For me it was!  I sold things I wasn't wearing anyway (yes, even if they were new with tags) as well as gifts I've received over the years and when I'm honest with myself know that I will never wear.  And I got a couple hundred bucks to put towards the new things I'd been making a list of.  The wants list grew but so did the money.

Before I started buying, however I made myself two goals:

1. I wanted to make my money go as far as possible.  I signed up for the Tjmaxx rewards credit card.  I know you probably never thought you would hear me suggest a credit card but I buy almost everything I wear from Marshalls or Tjmaxx (the card is good at both) and since I don't keep any balances on credit cards ever - I knew I could handle it.  Not only did it save me money on one of my big shopping days (10% for signing up) but I've already earned $40 worth of giftcards towards future wardrobe additions.  I paid the card off with the money I made on ebay. Win-win.  Always always always make your money work for you.

2.  I needed to get myself organized to meet my accessorizing goal.  So that resulted in this:

This kept me from being too disorganized to wear jewelry and I'm happy to report I've worn some sort of accessory every day of my new job (a month strong).  I'm nothing if not a goal follower.

After all that organizing and purging it was time to start replenishing...

Here's a weekends worth of damage.  With the money I made from my first few weeks of ebaying I was able to get 5 new pairs of shoes, 4 necklaces, 2 pairs of jeans, a couple tops, a few scarves, and even a great fitting new pair of sweatpants (hey, even sweatpants can be flattering).  It was a total win and it made the ebaying effort worthwhile.

After that I was motivated all over again and I plowed through my closet again. I purged almost as much the second go through as the first.  Yes, really.  Once I figured out that selling stuff I felt 'eh' about would pay for things I loved - I was a little obsessed.

I promise to show you some of the outfits I've been putting together with my new outlook soon but I also wanted to share that I've added a whole new part to this wardrobe revamp I hadn't planned on.  My Mom is visiting me in April and I've asked her to help me pull everything out of my walk in closet and create a custom closet.  Yep, that's right we're going to build me my dream closet over a long weekend. I can't wait. I'm going to plan this closet out so that it will make putting together the right outfits a cinch.    My mom is incredibly handy and always a willing participant in a good house project and since we've tackled pretty much everything else I wanted too in my condo - this will be perfect!

To be continued...

Love,
B

5 Wardrobe Additions I Hope to Make.

First off, happy Friday!

When I revamped my closet last week, I started a list of things I'd like to add to my wardrobe in 2012. Out with the old and slowly in with the new. I used this lovely thing we like to call the Internet to browse some fashion blogs about items everyone should add to their wardrobe in 2012 as well, to make sure if there was anything fetching on the list, I was in on it. I thought since we haven't talked fashion in a bit, why not today?

1. First up, a new black cardigan. I have one and only one and it's seen better days. Since I wear one on the regular to work and over weekend-wear, it's time to replace it. Hoping to tackle that with the help of Nordstrom Rack this weekend.

image.

2. An envelope clutch. I have a metallic silver one but I want a practical one. I'm leaning towards a navy blue one I found recently and love...but we'll see. This image kind of makes me want a practical neutral one.

3. A bomber jacket. I think this makes sense with my current wardrobe and I will get a lot of use out of it. So, I ordered one this week. Part of my deal with myself was that when I cleaned out this closet so I really knew what I had, what I needed, and where things were - was that I could add some pieces I really love and will use. So, I got me one of these...

I ordered it this week so it will be here sometime next weekend. It may make it's debut for my trip up to KY/IN on the 3rd. We shall see. May I also note that this girl's facial expression really gives me the creeps?

4. Bangles. I'd like to add some new bangles to my collection this year. I love wearing them and I'd like to snazz up my bangle wardrobe with some fun new colors.

5. Grey Pencil Skirt. I really want one. I have the perfect shirt to wear with it when I get one too.

Planning on watching the sale racks of the next few weeks. I also still have a few giftcards/christmas money I can spend. So, expect to hear about these things soon.

Also, I found a fabulous lace top I'm in love with during the Ann Taylor clearance event. Maybe I will wear it to the Tampa Bloggers Meetup next weekend. Who else is coming? I'm so stoked for this.

Love,

B

Bargain Huntress.

You all know I love a bargain more than the next wanna-be-fashionista and fall/winter really brings it out in me. I don't believe in store credit cards, which I've probably shared is a direct result of my taking the Dave Ramsey course a few years back BUT I have to say I'm a huge supporter of stores who are not issuing rewards debit cards and Nordstrom is the one that got my vote. I signed up for the Nordstrom debit card, which comes directly out of my normal checking account but I still get points as if I had their credit card - cha-ching. This way I'm never tempted to spend money I don't have BUT I still get rewarded for being a more than faithful Nordie Rack shopper.


Since the Tampa Nordstrom Rack is just around the corner I peruse the sale racks fairly regularly, hunting for buried (clearanced) treasure. This week I found this fabulous jacket market down from 158 to 38 AND thanks for my Nordstrom debit card, I had $20 in 'Nordstrom Notes'...so for $18 I got a jacket I can't wait to wear in North Carolina this week.


Please excuse the makeup-less face cell phone photo, I will try to be more prepared in the future.


Anyone participating in Black Friday this year? I have a few friends that make this a tradition and I admire them but as for me and my house? We don't fight crowds an early hours in the cold. We watch the pre-black-friday specials online and strike while the irons hot and sans tent, hot choco, and crowds. This year I diligently hunted for a petite TV for my bedroom. I'm not a huge TV watcher but since my roomie moved in, in May, the idea of having a second TV in the house, in my bedroom started to appeal.


So I present you, my new darling...

Don't ask what's on the TV, there was a commercial on at the time, ok? And that weird glow on the wall is because my accent wall (located directly behind is magenta. But I had to show you my first ever Black Friday purchase. : ]

Love,

B

Splurge and Steal.

I was flattered by some of the comments I received during the September Style month on the blog. I don't consider myself to be particularly stylish - I just wear what I like and what I feel like works for me. But I guess I consider that to be good style, working with what you have. We all have unique builds, shapes, sizes, and coloring so the trick is in finding what highlights the you that you love as Carrie Bradshaw would say.

I've been pondering lately the art of balancing what you splurge on and what you get as a 'steal' (a rediculously good deal, by definition). See, some of my best outfits include at least one 'steal'. An item I got for less than 20 dollars on most occasions but when pair right - can make a really great outfit that looks anything but cheap.

Allow me to illustrate. I bought the top I'm trying on for you below at Kohls. It's a LC by Lauren Conrad top that started at 56.00 (I think) and I found on super clearance for $12. That's right $12. Think how many people spend that on a lunch in a workday.

This picture doesn't do a great job of shop the color which is a pale pink. I see it with dark denim, a black cardigan, and simple heels. Since I already own a black cardigan, dark jeans, and more than a few pairs of black heels, I don't actually have to purchase anything additionally to go with it, making it that much more of a 'steal'.

This next one is more of a splurge. I found this Lucky Brand sweater at Marshall's in South Tampa for 29.99 which isn't totally unreasonable but isn't in the 'steal' catagory either.



I love it though - especially the cuffs being reserved. It fits great and it comfortable! I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it this fall/winter - with jeans (obviously) boots or flats, maybe even some fun red or gold accessories.

Ok fine, I have to share my big splurge of the month. I'm a little ashamed of this one because it was over my normal allowance for one item, especially a top but I LOVED it and can imagine doing so many things with it.

I'm a Nordstrom Rack insider so I know when all the sales are going to happen in advance. I usually hit them up on lunch ready to hunt through the sale racks for treasures. This item is a splurge but it's also what I'd call an investment piece because it's versatile and could be work a lot of different places and ways. Ok I'm justifying...here:

This was on super clearance but was still a little steep. Marked down from $158 to $58 - I just had to have it. I sent the picture above to two of my budgeting babes and they said go for it, just this once. ; ]

What have you been splurging on lately? What steals have you found? I'm always looking for fun ideas and I love to talk fashion.

Love,
B

Oh Fall Oh Fall, Where Art Thou?

So I keep hearing the hype about pumpkin lattes and gingerbread this and that - but I have to tell you it does not feel like Fall in the TPA.

Now the good news about this is that I can layout this weekend and the next 10ish and come home for the holidays tanner than all you people. I do love that. Especially since I have crazy tanning bed paranoia so good old natural sunlights the only way this girl will be sporting any color come December.

The bad news is that other that football, it really doesn't feel like fall!

I have, however been trying to invite fall weather my way by dressing for the occasion when possible...

Sporting my new Max Studio leopard print flats I LOVE that my Mom bought me while I was home in September. Oh and my new bag I bought myself for my bday. Happy 26th birthday to me (and many more?).

I think I may have previously shared my love for the brand Caslon as sold at Nordstrom but I found this fabulously comfy sweater there a few weeks ago while shopping with my best friend, Candy, and have worn it both with jeans and leggings in the last week (oh and the previously featured ballet flats).

I realize that big comfy sweaters are not the most figure flattering fall wardrobe addition but hey, we've all got to pick comfort of flattery once in a while, right?

One last fallish outfit share for the day. I felt a little skeptical of this combo together so was relieved when several of my coworkers (in a row) complimented it.

In total it was brown boots (that match the belt), black leggings, the striped shirt you can kind of see is long (and by kenneth cole), covered by a new york & co...sweater vest? I don't know what to call it. It comes to about my knees but it's open in the front (until I belted it). I also have one in grey. It was riskier than my usual but I think it went ok.

Sometime soon I want to share a few pictures of a few bargains I've found lately....but those will have to wait til another post.

Love,

B

Looks I Love #9.

If I were a rich women this prada trench would be mine. Love the over-the-knee leather boots in combo. Plus I admit to wanting to look pretty much exactly like Kim K anyway. Love, B

Look I Love #2.

(Image taken from peoplestylewatch.com) I haven't been a huge Katie Holmes fan since her marriage to Tom Cruise. They kind of give me the creeps. When she was recently named the new face (and body?) of Ann Taylor I wasn't surprised, however, she really has their look. I do love this outfit on her. She has the rare advange of having long, lean legs that us 5'3 foot girls would kill for - so wide leg jeans are a good look on her (they only serve to make Yours Truly look stubby). It was a great choice to hair a loose fitting top with the structured, cropped jacket. I would, however, have choosen pointy toed shoes to more gracefully lead the eye upward. If any of my readers happen to be 5'8, 120ish - feel free to rock this look in my honor.

Love, B

Today's Workout:

Jogging intervals with the heart rate monitor - 30 minutes.

(needed a break from weights, I'm wicked sore after 5 days in a row of various weight related training).

Look I Love #1.

(image taken from peoplestylewatch.com)

Zoe's outfit has two elements I'm currently obsessed with - leopard print footwear & leather jackets. Sadly there are few occasions for leather jackets in Tampa, since it's 90 degrees most of the time here. But I do love them. I fully intend to wear my white moto jacket in NYC in May.

I haven't found just the right pair of leopard heels yet BUT I do have a great pair of leopard Steve Madden wedges which are uber comfortable and can we dressed up or down. My Mom and I bought them, brand new, at a consignment botique in Carmel, IN (Carmel Consignment) and I've probably worn them 100 times since. Best $12 I ever spent, perhaps?

I do not, sadly, look as tall nor as lean as Zoe in skinny jeans but I do love the color of her jacket and the combo with the shoes. I would certainly wear this outfit on my New York trip if I had it...hmm, maybe I can keep my eye out for a jacket similar?

Love,
B

Note: This is the beginning of what will be regular posts of looks I love as I find them. I'm not sure if it'll be weekly, less, or more. Just stay tuned.

I Get What I Want...

Well, sometimes.

Remember when I said here that I wanted a navy blue blazer to pair with jeans (preferably the boyfriend jeans I still haven't found)? Well I got one!

The next few days is Gap/Banana/Old Navy's Give & Get program so I got 30% of the clearance price making it not cheap, but reasonable. So I ordered it and it should be headed my way in the next few days. I am SO pumped!

Finally I will have a blazer! Eee!

Love,

B

New York City.

Hello beautiful people.

I determined as I started to 2011 that this year was going to be significantly different from last year. 2010 was a great year for me and to be honest I was sad to see it go. But, after spending a year really purposing to practice discipline, I wanted 2011 to be more about experiences (than saving money and losing weight).

I'm 25, single, and really in a great place in life. I may never have the freedom I have now, again. Now is the time to live it up. Not chucking the discipline I've developed but planning to spend my time, money, and other resources really living life to the fullest!

Over lunch at Nordstrom Cafe with two of my absolute favorite people in the world who double as my Tampa family I got an invite I couldn't have been more excited about. They invited me to New York City! Cue the Sex in The City theme music. Since they offered me a place to stay AND I had a voucher for the flight - it sounded like the perfect opportunity to see a city I already know I will love!

New York City is home to great shopping, famous landmarks, much of our nations history and landmarks and of course, the set of one of my favorite shows - Gossip Girl! Hopefully I will become friends with Blair and Chuck while I'm there. And if I win the lotto or find a million dollars on the ground between now and then I may just buy up a bundle of designer wear. But mostly I'm looking forward to strolling in Central Park, seeing shows, and spending time with people I love! Oh, and showing off a few of the fabulous outfits I've acquired recently.

So so SO excited to have this booked and ready to go. Now hurry up May - I've got a new city to conquer.

Love,

B

Nordstrom Rack - Find of the Week.

I don't know if anyone else watches 'Pretty Little Liars' on ABC Family but I've been a loyal watcher from the first episode. If you've been watching you may have seen Hannah sport this Rebecca Taylor dress:

The exact dress is the one on the top right. Originally $295 dollars at department stores. Guess who found this on the clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack this weekend? This girl. Nordstrom Rack had originally priced at at $119, less than half of the orig-orig price BUT I waited til it went 60% off and bought it for $47. Still a little steaper than my usual spending but I really loved it. I need to have the straps taken up and then I'll try'n post a picture for you all soon. Just wanted to say how PUMPED I was to find it! Eee.

Love,

B

New Additions.

I've shared before that ASOS has become one of my favorite online stores to shop but I'm going to give you a little more of a feel for why now. I recently got my future roommate (whoo hoo - April 2011) hook because while they're in the UK - they have free shipping here and back if you need to return (which I haven't had too yet). I've found some great steals during their 70% off sale they're currently having so I wanted to share a few new additions to my wardrobe.

$10.76 on sale. I love this. It's casual but it's cute and it looks so comfy. Reminds me of some of the tee's Candy and I have bought or tried on at Zara, only a lot more reasonably priced. With dark jeans and my orange loafers perhaps?

A travel hairdryer. Stumbled upon that in their 10 dollar and under section the other day and bought one in black since I am always traveling these days. I like pack light to save my back and my wallet a little trouble so this was a must have for 10 bucks for me.

I thought this was presh and I found it while it was marked down to $25 (it's back up to 50 for some reason). I think it's adorible and I thought it might be cute for 4th of July or something.


I got this bathing suit top for $7. I already have a black bottom that I like that cuts a little higher than the ever popular super tiny bottoms that are everywhere in Tampa. So I bought this one, because I love not having strap lines and it was super cute, and let's be honest - cheap.


$15. I loved this. It's cute, casual, but has Little big of an edge to it. So many fun ways your could play it up with jewelry too. Once I get a tan, whites actually a really good color for me. Not there yet for this season yet.

Lastly, I bought this cute little shirt for $20 but in black and white (black with white piping). I think it's so cute and I'm always in need of tops. I tend to overdo it with buying jeans and with dropping so many sizes recently my tops all swallow me. So it was time for a few new ones.

The sales still going on if any of you need a few cute pieces. My roomie got some great swimsuits and dresses for a cruise she's going on in May.

Just had to share.

Love,

B

I Want That...

I was reading a Lucky article the other day about 10 wardrobe staples for under 50 bucks and it got me thinking about what items I want to add to my wardrobe. Here's my most recent hit list:

Romper. I really want a romper for this spring/summer. I've determined this will be the outfit I wear when I hit my goal weigh and I'm ready to show it off. I like the style of this BCBG number:

Celebs are into rompers right now too.

What are the chances my legs look like hers by July? Hmm.

Navy Blazer (fitted). I reeeally want a fitted navy blazer like this one by Ann Taylor:

Naturally, I'm not the only one, V Beck rocks em:

Boyfriend Jeans. My current fashion hitlist includes desperately wanting a pair of boyfriend jeans. They're everywhere right now and the closest I have is ill fitting too big jeans that kind of look like I stole them from a boyfriend? Not good enough.



Like these from Levi.

Celebs are loving them some boyfriend jeans lately and I'm loving Reese Witherspoons whole outfit.



Boyfriend jeans with my navy blazer? Yes!



While we're on the topic of boyfriend wear I also want a...



Boyfriend Watch.



Preferably this gold one by Coach.

Fabulous.

I wouldn't mind new dresses, new shoes, and a few brightly colored handbags too - if you're look for expensive gift ideas for me for, oh I don't know - memorial day? ; ]

Love,

B

Steal.

So I just had to share that I got an amazing dress I love on clearance at Nordstrom Rack (they just put one in, in South Tampa recently) marked down to $27 dollars (from over 200).


I'm a firm believer than when you find a great dress, you buy it. I figure that way you're never scrambling for something to wear at the last minute when you get invited somewhere fabulous. If it doesn't fit just right don't be afraid to have it altered, if you got a great deal and you can get it fitting perfectly, it's worth it. Lucky for me, my Mom does all my alterations for free.

Other great dressed I got for under 50 bucks...

This Jessica Simpson dress I found at Marshall's in September and ended up wearing for New Years Eve - $39.

$20 at American Eagle - it's Navy (bad pic - sorry). Haven't worn it out yet.


Also American Eagle - 20 dollars over Christmas. Wore it to see Wicked.

One of my blog friends is always posting awesome outfits and she inspired me to share with you all some of my great recent finds.

Love,

B

I Couldn't Live Without My...

Style Watch Magazine has this great section called 'I'm really love my...' and it shows celebs who wear and rewear the same article of clothing (rare). We've all got a few of those right? The key pieces we just couldn't live without. Ok so we could live without em, we just wouldn't want too. Here's a few of mine:

Joes Jeans. I shared in a recent blog post that I bought my first pair of Joes after hearing friends rant and rave about them for years. They are the best fitting jeans I've ever owned and I could sleep in them they're so comfy. While in Indianapolis, Candy notice them and said she might be the next person to buy into the trend. They fit that good.


Photo cred.

Nude patent leather heels. I have a great pair I bought at DSW a few years back before nude was really popular, after reading an article in a fashion magazine that said they were a great closet staple because they go with outfits no other shoe could. If I knew who wrote that article I'd go back and send them flowers and candy, I'm that pleased with mine. Great with LBDs or skinny jeans and a floral top. You can do so much with nude heels.

Photo cred: ebay.






My favorite Abro handbag. I LOVE this bag.

Under Armour sports bras. These will change your workout life - FYI.

Coach overnight bag. A purchase from my days working seasonally as a sale associate there. Couldn't live without it, I carry it on every flight (and I fly A LOT). I've had it...5 years? now and it's still going strong.

While we're on the great things that came out of my Coach days (other than my very best friend)...I couldn't live without my Coach planner. My parents both use Franklin Covey and they're obsessed but for me, Coach keeps it classic, simple, and organized. I love it. I'm hoping to get a new one this year (after 5 years mines starting to look a smidge worn). Pricey up front but the inserts are usually $20 a year.

Ugg boots. I know this sounds silly coming from a Florida give but I LIVE in my Uggs when I'm up north for business or pleasure. I get so cold in Indiana over the holidays I actually sleep in them on occasion (feet in the bed, gross, I know).

I'm sure there's a few more that belong on this list but this is all I could think of at the moment. : ] Or at least, the main ones. I hope to do a I couldn't live without list for beauty products someday too.

Love,

B

New Years Eve Outfit - Help Wanted.

I found this Jessica Simpson dress at Marshalls this week - for $39.99 instead of $168 and I love it. Magenta's a great color for me with my skin tone. Here's my debate though - what color shoes? Opinions from friends so far: black, nude, gold, or silver.

I want your help! What do you think?!

Love,

B

Show: Fashion Through the Ages.

If you’re my friend on facebook or follow me via twitter you already know I attended a fashion show last night. The local Redkin beauty school put on a fashion throughout the ages show to raise scholarship money. For some odd reason I get invited to practically everything that goes on in Tampa lately, via e-mail. So I got an e-mail letting me know there would be a fashion show and would I like to attend. My coworker who is adventurous like myself and I decided, why not?

We did a 20 minute change after work at the office and I think we did a pretty great job. Don’t you? Both wearing purple was not planned, by the way. My purple ruffled front shirt was found at the Gap outlet on sale when I took a mind clearing trip to Ellenton on Monday night. Not bad for 20 bucks, eh? Excuse the bad coloring in this pic...not sure what's up with that, I look a smidge grey in the face.

The fashion show was fashion through the ages so they had three groups: 40s & 50s, 60s & 70s, and the 80s & 90s. I was a little torn, but I think 40s and 50s were my favorite. Though 60s and 70s did win in the end. Here's a few people from the decades you might recognize (Twiggy, Cher, Charlies Angels, Jackie Kennedy, etc):

Overall, the students did a great job and it seemed had fun in the process. I hope they raised more money than the anticipated, although I admit to being slightly bitter about having not won anything in the raffle. Gr. I really wanted that 1500 dollar handbag! And it was won by a man - double gr.

I may just have to make this annual night of fashion a tradition - it was well worth the 5 bucks.

Love,

B