Stuff I Bought (Fall 2014 Edition)

Ah, back to blogging. I think I've finally caught up on all the craziness that was left in the wake of two weeks off. But I really do love sitting down and pecking away at my computer all morning.

I tend to head up to my hometown in fall for a few different reasons: Ontario really knows how to do the "fall" thing, whereas Utah will remain firmly ensconced in the devil's armpit for another month. But also, I like to do a crapload of fall shopping up there. And while (believe it or not) Utah does have some pretty good shopping, my parents live just outside of Toronto, which is kind of a shopping mecca.

I went three times.

I've been studiously building out my fall wardrobe with dark colors, thicker textures (read: leather everything) and boots, so I thought I'd share some of the latest stuff I've picked up.

First, this dress:

It's super on sale and while the sizes are limited, I was able to size down like, three sizes for this one (WHBM does the most ridiculous vanity sizing in the industry). I can't wait to pair it with my red and gold Guess heels around the holidays.

I also grabbed a bunch or shirts. I mainly focused on easy tops I could throw on with a pair of jeans or boots, but also wear with a skirt.

(here)

(here)

PS I bought that black shirt in gray too. Because you know, moderation and such. I also got this sweater to wear with skinny jeans and flats. Or my Fryes. Either way.

Now, some stuff that I bought in Canada I can't find online. Because it's Canadian. So I took some low-quality pictures and you can find similar stateside options below:

 You know I had to force some leopard in there. But this is exaggerated, so it's not as obvious. So I had to buy it. 

(Similar, similar)

I bought this shirt solely because it had a zipper front.  

(Similar, similar, similar)

This kensie bomber jacket looks super cool with skinny black pants and the sleeves pushed up. I die. (Similar, similar, similar)

 Love these with a cuffed dark skinny. I actually wore that with the red top up there for a dinner out with my cousins in Canada. Aaaaand it started pouring rain and I got these soaking wet. There's the advantage to not buying real suede, folks. They dried off totally fine.

(Similar, similar, similar)  

I also got these babies in the mail today, which I plan to wear with my leather pants and gray jeans so I can act like I'm the cool mom. I am sorely tempted to buy them in stone too. Arg. 

I filled in my shopping binge with a couple of pairs of pants, which aren't interesting at all. I feel like there was a clear trend in my shopping this fall: I'm into black and gray, with moto-style influences right now. Because really, who wants to wear hot pink in November? 

Other than Betsey Johnson.

I'm still on the hunt for some T-strap heels and I'd like a pair of moto pants, so if you have any ideas you could point me toward, I'd love you forever.

What are you looking for this fall? 

Summer Sales: Your Best Bets Under $25

As I've trekked all over the state for back to school shopping (and I have more planned for tomorrow) I've also experienced the agony of seeing stuff on sale for me, but feeling guilty because I'm supposed to buying my kids' jeans. But guilt I will feel no more! Stores are clearing out their summer merch, so it's a killer time to stock up on stuff you'll use for the rest of the year.

Look for things that you can layer up and use past August to get the most bang for your buck. You'll add some fun stuff to your closet on the cheap and, if you're anything like me in Utah, summer will last a heck of a lot longer past the back to school season.

Maxi Dresses:

Look for 'em in non-summery colors: I love black and white because they're the easiest to layer with other colors. For now, wear to the pool or while running errands with flip flops, but when it starts to cool off, add an adorable cardigan or leather jacket and some boots. DONE.

Floaty Tanks:

Loose tanks are a staple for me when it comes to throwing something over my swimsuit before we hit the lake. But don't pass them over! They're on sale! When it's cool enough, they look great with something structured, like a shrunken blazer, skinnies and heels for date night.

Bermuda Shorts:

You can find killer deals on shorts right now. Bermudas are perfect for transitioning into fall. Of course you're probably wearing them with flip flops and T-shirts now, but  they're uber-cute with loafers and comfy sweaters in the fall, so buy 'em up! Keep an eye out for structure though: Structured shorts will look way better in the fall.

Wedges:

Skip the crazy colors, florals and cork bottoms: They'll scream summer. But if you can snag some neutral wedges with clean lines, do it. It'll stay warm for a few months yet and you can pull them off through the fall for a fate night shoe. I love wedges with a skinny cuffed jean and jacket. I especially like cognac-colored wedges with fall jewel tones.

Swimwear:

August is my sweet spot for buying swimwear because of two reasons: 1) I have a great tan by August and 2) Everything is on sale. I love department stores for a huge selection of cheap swimwear. I just barely bought a suit for $9, I kid you not. My fave is a Kenneth Cole two-piece I bought from Dillards for like, $19. And I got a free tote bag, so I win at life.

Now you know what I'm keeping an eye out for. Anything you're looking for that I can help find? Let's be honest though, I don't censor myself from shopping much. If I find a great boat shoe, summer scarf or jacket, I'm probably gonna go for it. Hooray for sales!

Time to Buy: Boots

Guys, I have been SO good about not shopping and haven't been for two weeks, so be proud of me. Instead, I do a lot of online window shopping and reorganizing my closet and I'm sounding like a whiny first-worlder, aren't I?

Honestly, it hasn't been that bad -- until I see the spring sales. And, since stores are clearing out winter inventory for flip flops (even though it totally snowed in my hometown yesterday) it means you can get screaming deals on boots.

Here are some of my fave picks for less than $50-- happy shopping! (sob sob)

Knee-High Boots (Universally flattering so go forth, my friends)

Spirit by Lucchese low heel knee high boots / Breckelle's knee high slouch boots /ALDO block heel boots  
Marc Fisher knee high buckle boots / Steve Madden black low heel boots /  
CHARLES & KEITH knee high wedge boots / 

 Mid-Calf Boots (Best with skirts and dresses)

Mid calf boots  / Sole Society boots / High heel boots / / Cowgirl boots / Hiking boots

Ankle Boots (Which I previously said I didn't need, but then I got my Miladas and can't believe how amazingly versatile they are).

(Clockwise, from top)

DV by Dolce Vita ankle booties / Delia's Audrey Bootie/ Mossimo wedge booties/  
Rampage Jadyn Booties/  GUESS ankle boots / Bare Traps brown leather boots /  

How I Failed My Shopping Diet in Two Days

Every year, I traditionally go on a "Shopping Diet" in April (see here for more info on financial fasts from a money standpoint). That means an entire month of not shopping (for clothes). For some, this is NBD. For me, it's torturous. BUT! I do it for very specific reasons:

1) I have a tendency to shop A LOT during the months of February and March. It's cold and dreary and I cope with online shopping because clothes make me happy and I realize how shallow and super messed-up that is.
2) I think that I get so preoccupied with new stuff that I don't even wear anything I own. I literally have clothes with tags, unworn shoes, etc. in my closet. This is sad, because I do have some cool stuff but never get a chance to wear it. Also, it makes my husband verrrrrry grouchy.
3) I go on an annual girl's trip usually near the end of April or at the beginning of May where shopping (and eating so much eating) is the main focus. And I like knowing that I don't have to completely rein myself in when I'm on a two-day shopping bender, you know?

Therefore, April is usually my no-spend month. I always plan on rotating through my current clothes and usually get kind of excited to see how I can make them work instead of buying new ones.

It's bad you guys.

And would you believe it me that it's easier for me to diet food-wise than it is shopping wise? Food is no big deal to me. It's like "Oh, I shouldn't eat that VHS tape-sized Rice Krispie square? OK, I won't."

Shopping, on the other hand, is rough. I see temptation everywhere. I'm on my computer at least three hours a day and a lot of my work has me surfing fashion and makeup sites, which makes it too easy to buy. Then I get bored and I have to stop myself from thinking "I have a spare two minutes, I wonder if that store got some new jeans?"

Oh, 100 percent it's a shopping addiction. And let me tell you how I failed HARD already.

First, our girl's trip was pushed back to June this year, which meant my motivation was gonezo.

Then, I had to take my daughter for an eye appointment (turns out, she's basically blind, I had major mom guilt, but she picked out some adorable glasses and I can't wait to tell you. She's my daughter. She went straight for the leopard print). Now, you wouldn't think that an eye appointment would be temptation, but the eye doctor was in the mall and we were 45 minutes early.

So I wandered. And I bought some shirts. And in my insane-brain, I justified that if I bought my husband some shirts too, it wouldn't count as much. Seriously people.

Then, two of my friends (one of which whose birthday was yesterday, Happy Birthday, T!) suggested a shopping trip today and I was like "I'M THERE" because let's face it, once you eat a piece of cake on a diet, you might as well eat the rest. Then have some ice cream and brownies, too.

So guys, I totally failed. I'm sorry.

I have a proposition for you, instead. To MAKE myself do my shopping diet, I'm going to move it to May (which is really rough because hello, Memorial Day sales!) and you guys can do it with me. I'll post outfits out of the stuff I already own and some tips on remixing without using obnoxious terms like "recessionista" and we can commiserate together. Because it looks like I'll need some support to see this through (WHY did I pick a month with so many days?)

Consider it a bikini boot camp for your closet. And try not to fail after two days.

 Because that's really embarrassing.

The Rule of Three: Leather Jacket Edition

OK, let's get back to the clothes because you're here to talk about jeans, not my trip to Disneyland.

I am a compulsive shopper, in case you didn't realize. I've been a compulsive shopper since I was a teenager and got my glorious first job and with it, my first paycheque. There was a shoe store near my work and on break, my friend and I would walk over and shop. I think that job probably cost me money.

Because I KNOW I'm prone to making compulsive purchases (seriously, remember my neon stripe wedges from last year?) I try and follow what I call my "rule of three." Before I consider purchasing an item, I have to think up three outfits on the spot in which that item would work. I do this to make sure I'm not buying something just to buy something AND make sure that what I'm getting will actually work with the stuff I already own. Because there's no point in buying something you're not going to wear.

Therefore, I thought it would be a fun feature to do a "rule of three" post, showing three outfits using the very same item. I'm starting with a leather jacket but if you have any pieces you want to send my way, I'd be happy to throw some outfits together.

Now, first is the jacket itself. Start with some good bones -- everyone should have a good leather or faux leather jacket that has a feminine cut -- no boxiness. I like biker collars and moto is really cool too. And, while I might own a few jackets in bright colors, always start with a neutral. Black or tan are the most versatile colors, which mean you'll get the most use out of 'em. I have a red leather jacket that is adorable... and that I rarely ever wear.

Super Casual

American Eagle Outfitters pink shirt / Dorothy Perkins moto jacket / 
American Eagle Outfitters vintage jeans / Minnetonka studded flat / 
Croft Barrow shoulder bag / Mossimo Supply Co studded leather bracelet / 
Hive & Honey stud earrings / River Island lightweight scarve, $25 / Dorothy Perkins belt

Wearing a leather jacket with jeans and flats is practically a uniform for me. It's easy to change up the shirt and accessories, but the jacket finishes off the outfit and gives it a mucho coolness factor. This is something I'd wear running kids to school, grocery shopping and having lunch with friends. (Another reason I like neutral or tan leather -- it matches EVERYTHING).

Date Night

River Island print shirt, $27 / Dorothy Perkins biker jacket / Uniqlo tapered jeans /
Studded riding boots / Mango wedge heel ankle boots / Betsey Johnson heart purse /
2b beading jewelry / Pieces fish hook earrings, $37

I think we can all agree that leather jackets are basically too cool for school, which is why I wear one on practically every date night my husband and I go on. I like to dress up a little for dinner and a movie, so pairing a jacket with a graphic tank and black jeans is awesome. (Note: I like my leather pants, but a leather jacket with leather pants might make you look like a biker which is all well and good until you're kidnapped into a biker gang and then they find out you bought your jacket from Dorothy Perkins and things get awkward).

Boots for date night are my favorite. They're dressier than flats, but also don't cause faceplanting like heels might. Hey, I love heels, but if I can get away with looking dressy without 'em, I will.

Dressed Up

Dorothy Perkins classic black dress / Dorothy Perkins biker jacket / Spanx tight 
/ Black pointy toe pumps / ASOS flap handbag / 
White House Black Market hand crafted jewelry / Rhinestone stretch bracelet

Don't forget that a leather jacket is killer with dresses and skirts -- trust me. I especially super love them with girly patterns and colors, like pinks, grays and florals. If you're not into pencil dresses, this would look equally as adorable with an A-line skirt, too. Add some tights and closed-toe shoes because it's still March no matter what the swimsuit display at Forever 21 says, and you're good to go.

If you have any other pieces that you love but are super clueless on how to wear, send 'em to my email, which is over there on the right-hand side.

Seriously, if you don't have a leather jacket in your closet, you need to buy one. So versatile it's ridiculous. If you're still in the market for one, obviously Dorothy Perkins is a great place to start and they ship to the United States. Other jacket brands I love:
Guess 
Steve Madden
Calvin Klein (great options for plus sizes)
F21 for tight budgets
American Rag

Happy (non compulsive) Shopping!

What I Wore: Shopaholic

Last week, my husband casually made the comment that I hadn't gone shopping in a while. And I really hadn't. Aside from a few purchases here and there, I tend to spend less in the summer because you can only buy x amount of T-shirts before you're sick of everything in the store, amiright? But for some reason, his comment awoke a sleeping beast inside of me. It was old Jae, saying "He's right – you haven't been shopping in a while. He is telling you to go shopping. You should go. Right now."

I'm not even gonna lie – I literally spent the last three days on a hardcore shopping bender and I took prisoners. I dragged my family from store to store on Friday and Saturday and then shopped online Saturday night. In total, my purchases included (but are not limited to):

A cocktail dress (yeah WTH)
A pair of moccasins (My old ones were trashed – like, literally in a garbage can – in Hawaii so I needed them)
Like, 3 chiffon shirts. One of which was leopard (kind of like this one) because I am nothing if not completely predictable.
A pair of olive skinny cargo pants
A graphic tee that I wore with linen pants to the dollar theater on Saturday night like a shlub.
Basically anything I saw that had a leather accent, including a scuba-style top and a cardigan.
Tortoiseshell glasses. Like, to see with. My old glasses were scratched and I can't travel with just contacts, right? RIGHT!?
A boss chambray shirt with a U.S. flag design which I shall wear ironically because I'm not American.
2 tank tops.
2 bras (because you really needed to know)
(I almost bought another jacket, but my husband finally but  the kibosh on it and dragged me out of the store. I have two jackets with the tags still on at home, so I guess he was justified).

And lest you think that I'm a selfish sonofagun, I shopped for my family too. Like, I was in the zone, guys.

This morning I woke up and have had to deal with the damage ie: checking my bank account balance, cleaning up various price tags scattered around the house. But you'll also get to see new outfits! So um, yay for you! Because that's who I did it for.

Also, if I try to go shopping before like, Black Friday, feel free punch me directly in the face. 

On to the outfit!

Remember my rule? If I can't think up three outfits to make with a piece on the spot, I don't buy something. And for full disclosure here, I haaaated this shirt when I first saw it. The pattern was very Bill Cosby / that guy from Reading Rainbow on the hanger. But I gave it a chance and it's turned out to be super cute and versatile one.

So there's another gem for you – try stuff on, people!

Top: Local boutique (aztec design) (love this color) (similar)

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch 'Emma' (really old)

Boots: Frye (here) (cheaper)

Wrap watch: Local craft fair (similar) (obsessed)

Pinky rings: F21 (here) (love these too)

Yup, it's finally boot season around here, so get ready to see them A LOT. Anyway, I'm super excited to show you guys the rest of my haul in the next few weeks.

Also, stay tuned for the next couple of days, because as promised, it's BOOB WEEK! Small boobs, big boobs, bras – we got 'em all. So hitch up your girls and check back tomorrow. 

And I promise I will not shop between now and then.

Sale Alert: Stuff You Should Buy Now

So right after I posted on Monday, I headed out to run my various errands. I was driving to meet my husband for lunch, I had a truck crash into the driver's side of my car. Everyone's fine -- I cried for like six hours straight after. I've never been in an accident where I was the driver so it threw me right off kilter.

Yesterday I was still feeling a little gloomy. I went from crying to crazy anxious in 24 hours and in an effort to calm me down -- bless his heart -- my husband took me and the kids to do some early back to school shopping. And it worked! I still don't feel 100 percent -- my poor Tahoe is banged up and needs body work before I can drive it again and that ticks me right off -- I am definitely an emotional shopper.

Anyway, while we were oot and aboot, I found that most places are selling out their summer stuff to get ready for back to school clothes, so now's a killer time to score awesome deals on the following items. Buy 'em up now and you can wear them into fall like a boss:

Floaty Summer Dresses

 LC Lauren Conrad @ Kohls

This puppy is a mere $12, but you'll find tons of clearance summer dresses on sale. And while it 's probably still warm where you are, I love this for fall too. Wear it with flip flops now and then swap 'em for tan boots and a cream leather jacket when it cools off and OMG I will die from adorableness.


Flowy Tops, Too

Dorothy Perkins

While you're shopping for floaty dresses, take a look in the clearance section for these types of flowy, festival-esque peasant tops. While they're not really for busty girls, you can pair 'em with skinny jeans and flats or boots all fall long. This one's only $12 too!

Wedges

 JustFab

Nothing makes my heart sing quite like a cute pair of wedges and these are currently in my JustFab cart until I get the gumption to go downstairs and fish out my credit card. You'll find tons of wedges on sale -- these are $10! I wear mine with dresses and skirts well into the fall. And even if you have to put them away for winter, you can just gaze at them happily when it's dreary outside. 

Bermuda Shorts and Crops 

 jcp @ JCPenney

YAY it's shorts sale time! Most places will be focusing on jeans in the next month, so you'll score if you're still wearing shorts. If you're running out of ideas on how to wear them, try teaming them up with a graphic tee, casual blazer and wedges. Brilliant and not so summery. 

Swimwear (Duh)

Hobie @ Macy's

How cute is this swimsuit under $20? Love! I especially love swimsuit shopping in August and September. Last year, I needed a new swimsuit for our yearly September trip to Lake Powell and made out like a bandit. Super deep discounts on awesome brands -- I bought three Kenneth Cole suits for like, $25 I kid you not.

And THAT, my friends, is how you make lemonade from lemons. Particularly a large Ford lemon that wasn't looking where he was going. My misfortune means awesome deals for you. Happy shopping!

How to: Be a Good Shopping Companion... for Yourself

Every so often, the fashion gods smile upon me and somehow, some way, I'll score a free hour to hit the mall sans kids. This happened a couple of weeks ago when I had to meet my husband up near his work and then realized I could have him drive the kids home in our big car while I stole his Jeep and went shopping by myself for a while and ah, it was bliss.

But here's the thing -- I love shopping with friends. And I like to think that I'm a good shopping companion, because I'm not afraid to tell my friends when something looks weird. But what happens when you score a few minutes to shop solo and you can't have friends with you to tell you what looks good? Luckily, I don't mind shopping by myself, but I know some girls who won't go without a full jury to help them pick out a pair of socks.

Here's how I like to shop all by my lonesome, but still make sure I'm making good choices.

1. Shop with a Purpose

Shopping on your own can be overwhelming when you don't have your girly wolfpack to direct you through the stores. When I'm shopping with friends, they naturally lead me around the store and point out cute things. When you're alone, you don't get that. And while you might have dreamed for a spare moment to wander through the mall without children, it's best if you have a goal in mind -- are you looking for a couple of new everyday shirts? Do you want a new pair of heels? Narrow it down a bit so you don't walk into a store and see all the displays and huff because there's nothing that catches your eye. No one likes a huffer.

2. Grab Extra Sizes

Know what sucks? Shopping by yourself and not having a friend who can run and grab you another size. I make my friends WORK while we shop. And while you might be able to ask a sales associate, there might not be one in the fitting room the whole time. So when I'm shopping by myself, I always grab one or two extra sizes for whatever I'm trying on. That way, when I can't squeeze into one size, I don't have to get all awkward and hope that a sales associate will happen by -- I can just grab the next size up.

3. Make Nice with the Sales Associate

OK, so a sales associate might not be there to wait on you hand and foot, but it's totally OK to ask her opinion. Here's the trick though: Only ask her if you like the way she's dressed. Chances are, she's wearing clothes from the store anyway, so if you like what she's wearing, pop out of the dress room and ask for her opinion. She'll LOVE doing more than rehanging clothes and you'll get the opinion of someone whose style you admire. Winwinwin.

4. Take Pictures

So the other day -- when I was shopping without kids, husband or friends-- I was trying on this adorable pair of Roxy linen pants that I wanted to buy for when we go boating. Linen beachy pants on the boat -- I die. They had them in a ton of colors, but the problem was that I couldn't' decide which I liked more. I went back and forth, I asked the sales girl and finally, I decided to snap a cell pic.

Seeing the pictures side by side told me the black were waaay more flattering. Seriously, look how much wider my legs looked in the white and I was going to BUY THEM. The mirror lies, but the camera doesn't -- I bought the black. And have worn them repeatedly, but not on the boat yet. So sue me.
  

5. Edit

When shopping with friends, there's always someone who is like "Um, Jae, don't you already have like 6 pairs of red heels" and I'm like "Why thank you friend" and buy something else. But when you're shopping on your own, you don't get that. So before I buy anything, I do a couple of things. First, I think of three ways to wear the item I'm holding. Three completely different outfits. If I can't think of three off the top of my head, it goes back. Then, I make sure I'm not re-buying something I already have at home. If it passes those two tests, to the cashier it goes!

This all just gives my itchy debit card finger because I just remembered I wanted to buy another pair of those linen pants. Do you have any good solo shopping trip or are you solely a girl's girl shopper?

Holiday What-to-Wear Shopping List

I am still holding strong on my "No shopping until the day after Thanksgiving" rule, which has been hard, let me tell you. I'm in the market for these boots and it's killing me to wait, but what if they're on saaaaale? So instead of going on a stage five spending spree, I thought I'd make up my Holiday Wear Wish List so I can keep an eye out on stuff while I shop.

Because, you know what's coming? Holiday parties. And your husband's work party. And hanging out with your weird extended family that you don't like but want to feel superior to. You know what I mean. So it's time to start searching out holiday-appropriate pieces so you look dressy without looking crazy... and without spending a ton.

1928 ring

It's statement jewelry time and that makes me happy! Be on the lookout for tons of gold this season.... this one totally does the whole oxblood thing and manages to look heirloomy at the same time. What? Heirloomy is totally a word. 

BCBG Max Azria scarve (see more faux fur scarves)

I've been obsessing over this fur scarf for like, three weeks now and I should probably just pull the trigger and buy it. I just think there's a million ways to wear it: Fancy up a pea coat, wear it with a plain Jane sweater and boots, layer it over a cardigan with a cocktail dress. White fur is so holiday that it makes me want to listen to Aaron Neville's Christmas album while drinking hot chocolate and riding a reindeer as I decorate my home. BUT I MUST NOT. I WILL WAIT. 

Clutch (see more vintage beaded clutches)

Clutches make me more happy than they should, but that's because I'm a shallow person. Seriously though, I will say it until I'm blue in the face. Do not bring your oversized mommy bag to any event cocktail dress or more formal. Slinging your giant hobo over a chair is no bueno. Instead, grab a clutch, be happy you don't have to pack wipes for your big night out and take the chic route. This way, your clutch goes on the table or lap... you're not fishing your giant bag from underneath the table. I'm loving the vintage glam of this beaded bag, but literally any clutch that floats your boat will work. You can find cheap ones at Target, F21, wherever, so no excuses!  

OK, I just looked through what I already posted and it appears I'm on a bit of a vintage kick this winter. I just love the idea of a gorg, ladylike and glam holiday season. K? K. Moving on. 

 

Dorothy Perkins top (see more dorothy perkins)

Have a special ocssion top on hand that you can throw on for family parties, get-together with friends or more casual stuff. Like, you want to be comfy, but not hoodie-comfy. Instead, something like this, with dark jeans and a serious pair of boots? Fuggedaboutit. Or, pair it with a pencil skirt and you have a cocktail outfit. If you're on the prowl for a top like this, go for luxe fabrics and details (think velvet add-ons, sequins and rich colors) and a killer fit so you don't need to add much else. 

Wallis dress (see more purple cocktail dresses)

Grab a versatile party dress. This would work with heels and gold jewels (and that fur scarf AH!) for a fancy party, but you could also totally wear it with a cardigan and flats for something more casual. Add tights and you have something more trendy and the color is perfect for the holidays without being like, the typical red holiday dress, you know? I love. Also, side-ruching accommodates a turkey baby. Just sayin'. 

 

Pumps (see more polka dot high heels)

OMG How much do I love these pumps? So vintage. You should have a pair of serious shoes to wear to all your stuff. These would look killer with cocktail wear or dark, straight-cut jeans. And everything on this page. Maybe just buy everything on this page. Seriously though, go shopping for a pair of "OMG I love those shoes" heels. Even if you can only wear them for an hour, it'll be worth it. If I know I'm going to spend a lot of time on my feet, I have no qualms with bringing along a pair of flats to swap into as the night goes on. 

Also, notice the color palette we have goin' on here? Gold, black, nude, jewel tones. It's so holiday luxe and I love it. What's more, if you stick with a certain color palette, you'll always have something to wear and it'll be a no-brainer to coordinate for whatever party/dinner/awkward event with family you're going to. 

Now, I feel sufficiently soothed. Until next week. You're going to see my having chills and fever over being *thisclose*to shopshop time.   

Fall Shopping List 2012

I know it's officially fall now. Not because of the date, but because I just ate my first ... OK, and my second... piece of pumpkin pie. I'm hoping to make it a third in like, 10 minutes. Seriously, I don't know what is wrong with me but yesterday I couldn't focus on anything but pie. I begged my hubs to bring me some home and he obliged because he loves me very much and knows not to toy with my food cravings. And before you say it, no... I'm not pregnant. I'm just really passionate about pie, OK?

Anyway, another sign of it being fall is that I start to get itchy fingers around my credit card. I want to freshen up the old closet before the leaves start falling so I thought I'd list some of the things I'm looking for in the next couple of weeks. Note that all of these are under $50 and they'd be easy-peasy ways to update a "I don't have anything to wear!" -type wardrobe. Oh, and click the pics if you'd like the link.

 I really want some fall flats that aren't super sweet. These would be amazing with an a-line skirt and leather jacket OR with some skinnies and a cardigan. (LC Lauren Conrad)

 I've been obsessing over this vest for a few days now. See, the other day I was in a bad mood about something work-related and my husband gave me online shopping time to cheer me up. Did I mention that you can buy my love? Because you absolutely can. I went to go grab this from F21, but they didn't have my size. I now must go to the actual store and hunt for it. This with some dark jeans and Fryes? Fuggedaboutit. Actually, pretty much anything moto is big for fall.

 This cardigan!! I would love this with a white button up, a pair of skinnies and flats for like, Thanksgiving dinner (Sorry, Americans. Canadian Thanksgiving is next week so my brain is already on turkey and clothes). Add a bib necklace and you're pretty much done AND have a place to hide your food baby. (Quiksilver)

 I am loving military-inspired clothes too. My husband has this Gap military jacket that I Have plans to steal and belt when the weather gets a little cooler, but this would suffice with bootcut jeans and a pair of red heels, don't you think? (Delias)

 Tights tights tights!! I love me some patterned tights and these python ones are pretty much perfection. I'd wear them peeking out of a pair of boots. (2b)

 Speaking of boots, I'm in the market for a pair of buckle-happy ones. I have four pairs of brown boots right now, but the more the merrier, right? Plus I love the flat heel, which means I could wear them basically every day. (Charlotte Russe)

OK, so not everyone loved my plaid/leopard pairing on Monday, but that's alrighty with me! Pattern mixing isn't supposed to really "go," but plaid is a great place to start. Wear this under a striped shirt or with some colored skinnies. This one has a lace back which makes it a little more femmy.



That's what I'm looking for when I do some fall shopping... what's on your list?

Bridge Lines to Love for a Tiny Budget

Can I just tell you what a crazy cheap shopper I am? My closet is pretty much stuffed to the gills with clothes, but rarely do I buck and pay full price for something. I have a general scale in my mind for what I want to pay for anything and I typically stick to it, with the exception of a few special occasion purchases. $20 for a shirt, $30 for a pair of heels, $50 and under for jackets... you get the picture. So that's probably why I like to keep an eye out for budget (otherwise known as "bridge") lines from brands that I already totally love. Kohls, Target, JCPenney and Sears all have awesome bridge lines and I think they're worth checking out AKA spending. No, you're not going to get Gucci quality from a Target jacket... but when it's $30, WHO CARES?

 MNG by Mango. Found at: JCPenney
K, this is one of my fave bridge lines because I already love Mango clothes but they're hard to get, seeing as they ship from 'cross the pond. MNG has a really cool relaxed city vibe that I love and they do some seriously cute color block dresses. In the $15 to $45 range, you can find some awesome stuff. I love these pants (the comments say to order two sizes up) and this cute, everyday put-together top that would be so easy for like, a Wednesday.

Mossimo. Found at: Target
I am in the middle of nursing a serious infatuation with that red jacket and miiiight be going to look at it IRL today if time permits. Stupid early-out day at school means I have until 2:30 to do it. Anyway, I love the jackets from Mossimo. I bought a red pea coat from them years and years ago and I still wear it all winter long. Yes, they're junior sizes, so be aware of that. HOwever, they also have plus sizes so YAY. Also, keep an eye out. Target has a partnership with Neiman Marcus and will be selling bridge lines from high-end designers for the Christmas season, starting Dec. 1st. So excited. Also, this tweedy blazer with some dark-wash jeans, a pair of heels and a white tee? Die. Just. Die.

 I by Buffalo Jeans. Found at: JCPenney.
I live about 90 minutes from the nearest Buffalo, but I totally love the boho vibe they have. So I was totally excited to see that JCP would be carrying a bridge line from them. This scarf is so gorgeous for fall and would be so easy to wear to make it look like you know about fashion. Scarves are great for that. They also have some awesome graphic tees that are worth checking out.

 LC by Lauren Conrad. Found at: Kohls
I've definitely talked about LC before when we discussed celeb lines that don't suck. But I'm really loving what she has for fall: super duper feminine and usually under $50, which is a total plus. I love these heels. They're a little summery, but they're also on sale, so that cancels that out. Wear them with a pencil skirt or a pair of rolled colored skinnies. OMG with my blue ones? I should own these.

Metaphor. Found at: Sears
We all know that Sears is home to the dreaded Kardashian Kollection, which has been featured on many a Freaky Friday. But they also have this super cute Metaphor line which is perfect for like, the 25 to 40 age group. This shirt is adorbs and would be like, uber flattering because of the cut. They also had a ton of cute skirts and dresses for fall. If you can put up with seeing the K's face's on everything, go take a peek.

Seriously, your budget shouldn't stop you from putting together some seriously cute outfits. I went shopping with one of my friends a few weeks ago and she spent under $100 and ended up with a skirt, three shirts, a pair of shoes and two or three tanks. I would definitely call that a score. Bridge lines are nothing to be shy about. I'm always proudly telling people that I got my jewelry from F21 and my blazer from Target because I don't really care where I got something, just as long as it looks good.

I heard someone say once that as your household income goes up, so do your tastes and I call B.S. on that. What does money have to do with taste? I know a lot of wealthy people who are tackier than a Christmas tree in June, thanks. My "clothing budget" has substantially increased from my poor newlywed days... but that doesn't stop me from still shopping like a poor newlywed sometimes. Don't let a teeny budget get you down or fool you into thinking that you can't feel awesome about the way you look. Instead, explore your options: sometimes, you'll splurge on a pair of heels that'll last you to your grave and sometimes, you'll buy a throwaway top to last you through the winter.

And then we can squeal and swap shopping stories and be friends forever.

How to Shop Sales

Oh, this Monday-less week has taken a toll on me. I feel all backwards and off-schedule and I love my schedule so that's bad. Today I even slept in until 7 am. THE HORROR. I find that when I start off my morning by sleeping in, I tend to be sloth-like all day. My workout just about killed me this morning.

Anyway, the reason for the Monday-less week was obviously Memorial Day. There's always a huge sale that I like to hit the Saturday before Memorial Day, so I naturally went to go check things out. And I think I did well; I got some basic tees, a couple pairs of shoes, and a couple of fun new shirts that's I'm excited about. It made me think about sale shopping in general. Do you guys know how to shop sales?

The trick is to not get too excited. Sale tags are AWESOME, but only when you actually need what you're buying. My father-in-law always says that it's not saving money if you're spending it. He usually says this when I tell him I save $20 on a pair of shoes, so boo to that.



(My shopping triumph last weekend: These $90 Nine West shoes for $14 BOOM)

Anyway, if you want to check out the summer sales without losing your head, here are some of my best tips.

Make a day of it. When you're cruising sales, you're probably going to need to do a lot of browsing, and you can't do that with a crunched timeline. Give yourself a couple of hours, some comfy shoes, and a good friend so you're not cranky and pressed for time while shopping.

Check out different stores. When there's a mall-wide sidewalk sale, it's the perfect time to check out stores and brands that you might not have worn before. When I was shopping over the weekend I picked up an Ann Taylor shirt. And no offense to AT-wearers, but I'd never even thought to shop there before because it's just not my style. Who knew?

Make up outfits. Yeah, that sweater might be a screaming deal, but only if you'll actually wear it. If you can't think of at least two ways to wear a new piece, it might be a good idea to pass. Otherwise, it could end up in that dark corner of your closet where old clothes go to die and that's a waste of money.

Check on return policies. Plenty of sales and clearance items are going to be final sale, so you'd better be sure you love it if you're going to commit. This is not the time for wishy washiness. Ask a store associate about the return policy when you're checking out so you don't get any annoying surprises when the pants you didn't actually try on don't actually fit.

Pick up "hole fillers": Sale shopping is the perfect time to pick up items that fill a gap in your wardrobe. Whether it's a really awesome-fitting shirt, or a new pair of flats, you can't go wrong by doing a little bargain shopping. It'll make you feel like you accomplished something on the cheap. YAY!


Alright, do you have any good tips for sale shopping? What was your best score? I'm always happy with cheap shoes, but I got a screaming deal on a leather jacket during the Nordstrom anniversary sale that I'm way proud of.

Dealing with a Tiny Clothing Budget

OMG I cannot wait for Friday so we can finally talk about the slit heard 'round the world from Angelina Jolie. Did you know her right leg now has it's own Twitter feed. I kid you not.

But today, can we talk budgets? I get approached by various companies hoping to do a review or giveaway or whatever, but a lot of times I turn them down because their product is out of what I would spend on something. I know my audience, and mostly, my audience is 20- and 30-something moms that have smallish clothing budgets. You're probably not going to drop $200 on a pair of lambskin gloves, am I right? Besides, it was a LAMB. Someone skinned a LAMB.

I feel your pain when it comes to budget. We all know by now that my husband and I were basically destitute when we first got married. He went to school and worked two jobs while I waited for my immigration papers to go through. It was a dark, dark period in my life, during which I did uncharacteristic things like scrapbooked and went for walks.

*shudder*

But hello, we're not millionaires. And when I spend too much on clothes, I definitely get a stern look from my hubs, but it doesn't last long because later he'll get hungry and literally doesn't know how to peel an orange without my help. So I try to keep the monthly total as low as possible to spare our marriage and save me from a fleeting stern look. If you're trying to do the same, shall we talk bargain hunting tips?

-Buy accessories. I think I say this a lot. A huge cocktail ring is seriously like, $4 at F21. It'll make all the difference in a plain outfit and it's totally worth the one dollar bills you have floating around the bottom of your diaper bag. Wanna know what I do? I empty out my pockets into my vanity when I'm getting ready for bed at night and then use all the ones that I've accumulated to buy pretty things. Of course, buying everything with ones kinda makes you look like a stripper, but at least a stripper with really good taste in cocktail rings.

-Hit the sales racks. Most stores start clearing out winter stuff for summer inventory by the end of January and February, which is ludicrous because there is definitely still snow on the ground where i live. I've scored tons of great deals on jackets, sweaters and boots by waiting for a bit to buy. No, seriously. Once my husband tried on a jacket he loved, but we couldn't justify the $100 price tag. Come March, it was $15 so I bought it and looked like a high roller. So check out the clearance section... just watch out for the freak sizes. WHO is a size 00. WHO!?

-Give yourself a budget. So I like to shop. That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. But I don't always blow a huge amount of money on an entirely new wardrobe in one day. In fact, that's never happened -- you know that a lot of the stuff I have is literally years old. Instead, I usually see what I can score for under $30 or $40 and that way, I'm pushed to find better deals and I get in less trouble.

-Save up for big sales. I love the Memorial Day sale in Park City. But I don't want to give the hubs a heart attack, so I usually restrict my spending in May. That way, I do less of a walk of shame when heading back with my purchases because It's about what I would spend in a month anyway.

-Take inventory. Whenever I complain that I have nothing to wear, I need a complete reality check. We talked about wardrobes having good bones, right? Check out your closet and deal with the stuff you had. Not in an annoying "Frugalistashopyourclosetrecessionchic" way, because that makes me barf. But what about taking an afternoon when your kids are out of the house, blasting the Bon Jovi and going through your closet? Actually try stuff on and see how you can mix and match what you already have to come up with new combos. You can also get rid of old stuff. I'll take a bare closet filled with awesome staples over a packed closet filled with crap that doesn't fit any day.

Confession time: sometimes, when I get home from a shopping trip with like, a new scarf, I try stuff on in a weird, teen movie makeover montage way. Try it!

-Swap with friends. Every magazine ever is going on about clothing swaps with friends, but that's not what I mean. Mostly because I don't want to give away my clothes, ever. But I will literally let anyone borrow my clothes and shoes. Like, pretend you're invited to a work cocktail party with your husband. If you don't already have a cocktail dress in your closet, you probably don't want to spend major dough on something you'll wear once. Check with your same-sized friends to see if anyone else does. I'm always happy to lend out my duds to save a friend from budget blowout.

-Invest in the good stuff. Buying a $10 pair of jeans is great -- if you plan on wearing them once in a while. But if you're a die-hard jeans lover and wear them every day, it's best to spend more on a better pair than to buy five pairs of crap quality pants. I invest in daily-wear shoes, but I'll definitely bargain-hunt on a pair of crazy heels.

Is this doable? I feel like there's nothing earth-shattering here (except for the part where I divulged that I listen to Bon Jovi when nobody is home), but sometimes it's worth the reminder that a tiny budget doesn't mean you can go shopping in your South Park pajama pants, (seriously WHY) .

Although I will admit that I totally went to the store to buy toilet paper in my workout clothes today. It was gross and sweaty and I don't want to talk about it.