Sunday, August 24, 2014

Good things come to those who wait... Usually!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not the most patient person! I want what I want, when I want it... That mentality doesn't usually work in married life. Compromise is key.
So, about a month ago, I was shopping at Express and called Dennis to tell him I wanted to buy an outfit. He didn't sound super enthused when I told him how much it would cost, so I decided to pass on it. I was pretty salty about it for several days...
Fast forward to this past Friday: I decided to head back to Express to purchase the black skirt I had tried on the month prior; after seeing a post on Courtney Kerr's Facebook page (gotta give credit where credit's due!). Here's the comparison pic (I'm on the left). I love her... She's my style soul mate!

This outfit was so adorable, I had to have it!! The skirt retails for $69.90. I had some coupons, so I was ready to use them. It wasn't going to be a huge discount, but I was still excited. I walked in, found the skirt (it was the only one left AND in my size. Talk about FATE). But this story gets better...
When I got to the register, the salesman uttered my favorite phrase: "Oh, looks like this is on clearance"!! After taxes, I paid just over $19 for the skirt! No idea how or why, but I was not about to question it! For once, my husband's patience and frugal-ness paid off in spades.



Skirt: Express
Top: Nordstrom Topshop- currently 50% off!
Shoes: DSW
Necklace: Express
Bracelet: Express
Clutch: (old) from Aldo, but here's a similar super cute one!

Thanks for reading! Stay fab :)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Work and Play

 The last couple of weekends, I have put my new Tax-Free wardrobe to good use! It's been fun to mix and match all my new items. I'm one of those lame people who buys clothing, then spends far too much time making outfits in my head...Or in front of my closet... Or writing out actual lists! Don't judge.



I keep a pretty full social calendar. I've been this way for as long as I can remember... I love having things to do, places to see, and outfits to wear while seeing and doing :) 
This past weekend, was no different. I had a blast catching up with 3 of my sorority sisters! I kept it simple with some cropped white jeans, and a black racerback tank. 

Jeans: Rue 21, no longer available in white.
Top: Mine is from TJ Maxx, but click the link for a similar top from Express.
Lipstick: Too Faced- Melted Fuchsia





Birthday party in downtown KC at Pizza Bar. 
What's better than bar games and NY style pies with family and friends? Getting to wear a new outfit, of course!

Shorts: Mine are from TJ Maxx, but click the link to see a similar style from Von Maur (On sale for cheaper than what I paid for mine!).
Top: TJ Maxx/Express
Shoes: Madden Girl
Lipstick: MAC- Ruby Woo
Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga AKA my new obsession!




While "play" is great, don't discount the fact that most of you spend the majority of the day at work. This is where you should always try to look your best! In my line of work, I see different kinds of people face-to-face everyday. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so I like mine to be a good one! What's normally the first thing someone notices about you upon meeting? Your clothes.  
My work wardrobe is filled with classic items such as tailored jackets, pants, and skirts, and lots of trendy tops to add interest. Something I always say: "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have".

Pants: Express
Top: Rue 21
Shoes: DSW
Lipstick: MAC- Plumful
Nail Polish: OPI- Makes Men Blush

Thanks for reading! Stay fab :)

Monday, August 4, 2014

$100 Challenge- August

 The first weekend in August is always Missouri's Tax Free Weekend. This is the weekend in which Dennis allows me to do some major "no-holds-barred" shopping! We visited three different stores, and scored some killer deals.

This weekend's shop-a-thon gave me a great idea... Each month, I will post an outfit that is (head to toe) less than $100! Now's as good of a time as any I guess :)

August's outfit theme is Date Night. After spending all day shopping, I was not about to spend all night cooking! Dennis and I headed to our favorite spot in adorable Brookside; Avenue's Bistro.

 This outfit was perfect for the neighborhood's classic, yet homey feel. The orange peplum top gives you just the right amount of trendy-ness, while the the black jeggings keep the outfit's vibe casual. 

Keeping the accessories simple was also key. A few bangles, a gold clutch, and some fabulous shoes completed the look!

Now, let's do some math!!
Top: Rue 21- $18.99
Jeggings: Rue 21- $10 (in store sale, buy one pair of jeans, get the second for $10)
Bangles: Rue 21- $4.49 (accessories were buy one, get one half off)
Gold clutch: Old, but follow the link to a similar style. I'll use that price- $24.50
Shoes: Madden Girl- $41.59
Grand total: $99.57! How's that for close?!

Empty wallets and full tummies :)

Thanks for reading! Stay fab!