Goodwill Shopping Trip

I just had to share with you all my fabulous finds during one of my best Goodwill shopping trips to date. I had some extra time on Friday before I had to pick Camden up from after school, so I stopped by Goodwill on N. Elm to see if I could find a few items on my wish list. I don't know who donated so much Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft in my size, but THANK YOU!

Enjoy my very first video and look for more to come . . .

GAP Jeans

Now is the time to buy JEANS!

GAP Essential Bootcut Jeans $44.99 [$8.39]

GAP Grey Wash Jeans $24.99 [$11.18]

GAP Kempton Straight Jeans $24.99[$7.69]

It's Memorial Weekend, the official beginning of summer for most people. Retailers are all stocked up on shorts, sundresses, and sandals. Who's even thinking about buying jeans when it's 90 degrees outside? I am! Now is one of the best times of the year to stock up on jeans. Last year, I purchased several pairs of jeans during the fall and winter. Most of them were thrifted and ranged in price from $5-$15, which isn't that bad considering they were all name brand (GAP and Old Navy).

In the past couple of weeks I've found some great deals on jeans for myself and Camden. Last week, I purchased a pair of NY&CO Skinny Jeans, regular priced $49.95 for only $14.98. But the best deal of all was at the GAP Outlet Store at Tanger in Mebane, NC. The entire store was on sale this week and clearance was an additional 30% during my shopping trip. I am seriously thinking about going back this weekend to purchase another pair, one for heels/wedge and one hemmed for flats.

October is also a good time to buy jeans, if you are on a tight budget right now or planning for your upcoming summer vacations. Most retailers, are trying to get rid of all their leftover back to school stock (because of people like me who are shopping now for back to school).

H&M $100 Shopping Spree

Jersey Dress [$12.95]

2 Jersey Tub Tops [$5.95 each]

2 Jersey Cardigans [$12.95 BOGO 50% off]

Polo Shirt [$7.95]

Dark Denim Jeans [$9.95]

Black Jeans [$9.95]

2 Jersey Shorts [$9.95 each]

TOTAL plus tax [$99.21]

There’s only one H&M in the entire state of NC, so I usually budget for the two to three times that I visit Raleigh to go shopping. The last time I shopped at H&M, the only thing that I purchased was a belt, so I was really looking forward to this shopping trip. The first section I headed to was little boys. I start school shopping now for the next school year, not in August. I’ve found that most Back to School sales, aren’t really sales at all, well not enough of a sale for me on my Impress for Less budget. Camden already has his own style so I was really taking a gamble shopping without him. I kept it simple with some basics that he’s gonna need, jeans and shorts. I also threw in a polo shirt, but he liked it, yeah!!

After finishing up in the little boys section, I headed over to women’s and accessories. I really liked a lot of the trendy items that you would find in the magazines but they were either out of my price range, not in my size, or the quality wasn’t great. I was totally disappointed in the accessories and shoes. I finally settled on a couple of basics, some tube tops, cardigans, and a summer dress. I tried on a pair of harem pants at the request of another UNCG fashionista Rhonda, but I just wasn’t feeling them. I was going to buy them but they weren’t on sale yet so I didn’t get them.  Rhonda kept saying that I was gonna regret not getting them and she was right, all I keep thinking about is those darn pants. I may have to make a road trip to back to Raleigh sooner than I planned.

It's all about the SHOES

NY&CO Blouse and Cardigan

NY&CO Skinny Ankle Pants

Via Neroli Wedge-Belk [$29.99]

 

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter (@impr4less), you already know that I was shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC earlier this week. I was in the mall less than 30 minutes and had already purchased these shoes. I actually saw them online while looking for another pair of nude wedges that were no longer unavailable in Greensboro. These shoes are HOTTTT! They are so comfortable and were so worth $29.99 (original price $79).

 

I am always amazed when I look back at pictures from the beginning of IMPR(4L)ess and now. I was pretty confident with my sense of style, but blogging about personal style and fashion has really made me step my game up. Besides my hair, the most noticeable differences are my waistline and hips. You already know that I'm wearing a bodyshaper (The shapewear post is almost done) but I really like how these skinny pants make me look SKINNY! I can't believe that I've been totally against skinny jeans for so long.

NY&CO Madison Shirt

Faded Glory (Walmart) Capri Pants [$14]

Charlotte Russe Pumps-Plato’s Closet [$15]

I guess you could say that I went on a shoe shopping spree this month because just last weekend purchased these Charlotte Russe pumps. I finally got out of the house for more than shopping with a much needed girl’s night of dinner and dancing. I wasn’t excited about my outfit at all (I actually wore this outfit to Crabtree Valley Mall, I didn't even take pictures of the going out outfit). I stopped by Plato’s Closet on my way to dinner hoping to find some accessories to spice it up. Instead of finding jewelry, I found these brand new Charlotte Russe shoes! Now these are definitely 2 hours shoes and didn’t make it for dancing, but they are too cute for only $15. Girl's night definitely made me realize my lack of casual going out clothes. I have plenty dresses, but they were a little too dressy for the club we went to, like I need another reason to go shopping.

More Miss Tina by Tina Knowles

Who is that crazy lady taking pictures in Walmart?!?

Oh it's just me. More Miss Tina by Tina Knowles (yep, Beyonce's mama) has arrived at Walmart on Cone Blvd and Walmart on S. Elm-Eugene in Greensboro. Everything is under $20 and sizes range from XS(2/4) to 2XL (18/20). There are quite a few items that are on my summer wardrobe wishlist, but I will definitely be getting this maxi dress and maybe another dress that I just saw this weekend. I first featured Miss Tina for Walmart back in January with my homecoming dress and again in March with a few items I purchased for the spring. What I love about Miss Tina is of course the cost and the quality of the items. Don't fret if you don't live in NC, you can search online for a Walmart in your area that sells Miss Tina and limited items are also available online at walmart.com.

What do you think about Miss Tina by Tina Knowles? 

1 Dress, 3 Looks

Last week, I posted pictures of the $6 summer dresses that I purchased at Maxway, but here’s how you can take one of the dresses from weekend to work with just a few quick and easy changes:

1.  Out Shopping


This is a simple weekend, going shopping look. I paired the dress with a body shaper tank and flip flops. It's easy to slip in and out of when I’m trying on clothes and I'm already wearing a shaper so I know how new clothes will fit.

Summer Dress [$6], NY&CO Body Shaper Tank, Old Navy Flip Flops

2. Date Night 

I pulled the dress down to show the body shaper tank underneat. Then, I folded the top half of the dress inside (it's elastic making it easy to fold) and tucked in the straps. Finally, I added a wide belt, accessories, and GUESS platform pumps, now I’m ready for a date with my guy or drinks with the girls.

 Summer Dress [$6], NY&CO Body Shaper Tank, Wide Belt, GUESS Pumps-Goodwill [$4]

3. Work

I had been eyeing a similar short-sleeved jacket at NY&CO, but before I could buy it, it went on clearance and I could no longer find it in my size. This jacket is definitely one of my “Goodwill Finds of the Week”.  I added a skinny blue belt, simple accessories, and switched out the GUESS pumps for classic Nine West Pumps for a more professional look.

AB Studio Jacket - Goodwill [$3.75], Blue Skinny Belt - Plato's Closet [$3]

Dressing Your Age?!?

Jones New York Twin Set-Yard Sale [$1]

Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$2.39]

Banana Republic Pants-Plato's Closet

Nine West Sandals-Nine West Outlet

George (Walmart) Sweater

NY&CO 7th Avenue Pants [$23.40]

Gladiator Sandals-Ross [$9.99]

How many times have you had discussions with your mothers, aunts, or girlfriends about dressing your age? Did it begin in middle school or high school when you wanted to look older or maybe after college when you were still trying to look young? What does it really mean to “dress your age”? For me personally, it means to dress like a mother, a professional, a well put together, I feel good about myself ALL the time, confident, keeping it sexy, young woman. I’ve noticed lately that a lot of women my age (25-35) are still caught up in shopping in the juniors section. I’m not saying never buy another juniors items, but really after 25, your entire wardrobe should NOT consist primarily of juniors.

My Transition from Juniors to Misses

Up until about 25, I was a 3/4- 5/6, even after Camden, I was around a 9/10. I really had no other choice but to shop in the juniors section because misses clothes just didn’t fit quite right. Extra smalls were too little and smalls were baggy in the wrong places. I worked as a server/bartender through college and wore the same outfit to work every day so my mindset about clothes was to purchase outfits for occasions; homecoming, road trips, girl’s night, date night, etc. My budget was also much different through college. I used my student refund check to pay my rent up for several months and I always had extra cash in my pocket (one of the many perks I miss about waiting tables).

When I started working at UNCG full-time, I had just turned 26 and was one of the youngest people in my office. I soon realized that I had to step my style game up if I wanted to earn the respect of my colleagues and keep their respect with my hard work. My mindset about clothes began to shift from outfits to individual pieces. If I just had 5 pairs of pants, I could switch up my tops to make it seem like I had a lot more clothes in my wardrobe than I actually did. As my lifestyle changed; I was sitting at a desk M-F, 8-5 pm, in graduate school at night and in a new relationship, so did my weight, dramatically. Before I knew it I was an 11/12 and before going up to a 13/14 or 15/16, I made the decision to no longer shop in the junior’s section because a size 8/10 or S/M in women’s made me feel better about my size, Simple As That. My budget for clothes also decreased, without a refund check, I had to learn to pay rent, a car payment, and everything else with my once a month paycheck (no more tip money).

Other Reasons to Shop Misses

• Quality, Quality, Quality – I have a mortgage, a car payment, and a son that will NOT stop growing, so I don’t have the money or the time to replace items every season, every year. It’s important to have quality wardrobe essentials. Misses clothes cost more, but they last longer.

• Size and Fit – I work with undergraduate students and administrators at UNCG every day. I hardly ever have to worry about appropriate skirt length or my neckline being too low with misses.

Showcase Your Personal Style!

Dressing your age doesn’t have to be boring and old. I love earrings, shoes, and scarves because they offer endless possibilities for changing up an outfit. In the first picture I took a simple sweater twinset and added a belt and accessories to make it my own. I’m wearing heels to work, but could switch them out for flats to go to an afterschool program with Camden. In the second picture, I added a cute flat sandal to a simple sweater and khaki pants to make it young and fresh.

If you are a recent college graduate, fast approaching 30, or over 30 and still stuck in the juniors section, I challenge you to go to the misses section the next time you are out shopping. Take some time to try on a couple of things, a blouse, pants, and a dress. Look at the seams, the stitching, even the materials.  Compare the items to your favorite juniors item. Still not convinced? Well, keep following IMPR(4L)ess for inspiration.

With Love,

Demetrice, Style Coach (Thanks Bill and Kevin!)

a.n.a Print Shirt

A.N.A (JC Penny)Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

The Limited Pants-Goodwill [$3.75]

Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$1.49]

Life Stride Wedge Flats-Belk

I saw this shirt while shopping at the Goodwill Grand Opening last month and didn’t buy it at first because I wasn’t quite sure about the color scheme.  Two days later I couldn't stop thinking about the shirt and how much I needed some color in my spring/summer wardrobe. So, I went back to Goodwill looking for it. Totally disappointed and about to give up when I didn’t find it among all the shirts, I went to try the things that I did find. As I left the fitting room, there it was, hanging on the rack outside the fitting room just waiting for me! It was meant to be!

Potential Outfits

PICTURE 1

 A.N.A (JC Penny)Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75], NY&CO White Dress,

Gladiator Sandal-Ross [$9.99], Silver Skinny Belt-Burke’s Outlet [$2.99]

PICTURE 2

A.N.A. (JC Penny) Print Shirt-Goodwill [$3.75], NY&CO Black Skirt-Goodwill [$3.75]

NY&CO Wide Belt, Apostrophe (Sears) Platform Shoes [$9.99]

 

Old and New

If you have ever looked in your closet and said I have nothing to wear, then I'm telling you to look again! So many times we get caught up in outfits instead of separate pieces. I’ve had this leaf print dress and brown sandals for at least 2-3 years purchased on clearance from JC Penny. Here’s a few ideas I played around with to give the older items a new look with recent purchases (on my Impress for Less budget of course). 

Arden B Vest-Goodwill[$3.75]

Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

NY&CO Straw Clutch $26.95 [$13.81]

I love, love this look! But I definitely can NOT wear it to work. When it’s 70-75 degrees or above outside, it’s about  50-55 degrees in my office.  Yesterday I wore layers, bundled up with a blanket and still felt like I needed some socks and a space heater. Whose idea was it to let some universal power control the air and heat in our building? I would most likely wear this outfit on a date, to a poetry event, or a night out with the girls (if we can ever find the time to have one).

Here's the dress by itself, simple cotton blend, v-neck, A-line. Nothing special to write home about.

a.n.a (JC Penny) Print Dress

The Potential Outfits

1. Keeping it Simple

New Directions (Belk) Cardigan

Leather Belt-Beauty Supply Store

This is how I’ve worn the dress in the past with a cardigan and a belt that I found at a beauty supply store. You would be surprised by what you can find at the “hair store”; sandals, belts, scarves, hats, and jewelry. Most items are under $20 (with the exception of some costume jewelry, specifically evening wear). In Greensboro, there seems to be a beauty supply store in every shopping center and I must add that some are better than others.

2. Simple Layers

New Directions (Belk) Cardigan
Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

Leather Belt-Beauty Supply Store

I added a white sleeveless tank with a bowtie to give the outfit some structure and add dimension. I like this look for work, but it’s definitely a safe choice.

3. Add Some Color
Apostrophe (Sears) Belt [$2.39]

Old Navy Bowtie Shirt-Plato’s Closet [$1.50]

Jones New York Cardigan -Yard Sale [$1]

Instead of the expected brown cardigan I added a fabulous green cardigan borrowed from a twin set my mom purchased  brand new from a community flea market/yard sale for only $1! I don’t yard sale shop often, but  community yard sales and/or annual, semi-annual events have the most potential to yield great finds. 

Little Red Dress

This dress almost didn’t make the blog. It's been in my closet for over a year and I had only worn it once, so it was already in the “consignment” basket. When I purchased the leopard print scarf a few weeks ago I decided to give it a second chance and I’m sooo glad that I did. Here’s how this outfit came together:

1.      What to Underwear 

It’s getting warmer and the dresses are coming out, but ladies please, please make sure that you are wearing the right underwear/shapewear. Jersey knit shows every single lump and bump, so I usually wear a waist shaper thigh slimmer to keep the tummy and thighs smooth. I'm a little chunkier in the middle so I require an extra firm hold, but most ladies can go with a light to firm hold. Have no idea what I'm talking about . . . a shapewear post is coming soon. 

Flexees Waist Shaper Thigh Slimmer

2. NY&CO Knit Dress-Goodwill [$5] 

  

3. NY&CO Leopard Print Scarf

I draped the scarf in front of the dress and looped the belt in front of the scarf and tied it in the back for a different look.

 4. Complete Look

I added a cardigan, some accessories, and platform shoes for a sexy look that can be worn to dinner, church, or work (I would swap the heeled shoes for some flats at work).

      George (Walmart) Cardigan – Goodwill [$3.75]

Black and Gold Accessories – Charlotte Russe [2 for $8]

Apostrophe (Sears) Platform Shoes – [$ 9.99]

Now, let's talk about the obvious . . . My HAIR! So, I decided to return to my extra short hair this weekend and I absolutely love it! I feel sexy, sassy, young, and confident with my new look. Will I ever grow my hair again, probably so, but not anytime soon. I had my hair cut last week into a funky, modern, sides-shaved, Rihanna-like style, but woke up Saturday morning looking like the lead singer from Cameo, LOL. Back to the barber shop I went. For only $12 total for both haircuts I think I did pretty good. Now, I just have to get back used to the barber shop chatter. Men are way worse than women in the salon.

Sunday's Best: The Mother's Day Edition

Straw Hat - Ross [$5.99]

H&M T-Shirt- Goodwill [$3.75]

Wide Belt - Maxway [$3.60]

NY&CO Pencil Skirt $39.95 [$10.88]

Nine West Satchel Purse

Gianni Bini (Dillards)Pumps

I wore this outfit to church Sunday for Mother's Day. It's been a while since I've spent an entire weekend in my hometown, but this past weekend reminded me that I definitely need to do so more often. I went shopping with the girls from work last week and tried this hat on for fun, but my friend JD wouldn't let me leave the store without it. Thanks for the Mother's Day/Birthday gift! I like this outfit, but I don't really love it. I really wanted a blouse to wear with this skirt, but just haven't found one yet. Luckily, my mom had been thrift shopping the week before and this belt was one of her of her fabulous finds that gave it a little added flavor. I forgot to pack the shoes that I intended to wear and had to pull these pumps out of my yard sale/give away tote (that is still in the trunk of my car). Halfway through church I remembered why I had gotten rid of them, my feet were screaming "save me!" I had already went through my yard sale/give away tote Friday for an outfit to wear to my sister's graduation. I planned to just wear my Casual Friday outfit but changed my mind at the last minute when I saw my sister all dressed up. The dress ended up in the tote because it was a little tighter than I like. I borrowed the cardigan from a twin set my mom had just thrifted (I ended up keeping it along with a couple others) and added some shoes that were in my trunk that also happened to be a thrift gift from my mom and there you go! 

(Yes, I'm standing on my tiptoes trying to look tall beside my little sister, LOL)

London Times Dress - Goodwill [$5]

Liz Claiborne (Belk) Cardigan - Yard Sale [$1]

 Nine West Patent Peep Toe

$6 Summer Dresses

a.n.a Cardigan - JC Penny 

Blue Skinny Belt - Plato's Closet [$3]

 GUESS Platform Pumps - Goodwill [$5]

Covington Cardigan - Goodwill [$3.75]
Apostrophe Belt - Sears [$2.39]
 Mossimo Nude Pumps - Target [$22]
 NY&CO Accessories [$ 8.75]

Summer Dress, Maxway [$6]

 That's Right! Brand New!  

A few weeks ago I was reminded of how important it is to have the basic wardrobe essentials when I had to go all over town searching for a white shirt and black pants for Camden to wear to the Greensboro Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser Gala. It was a few more days until pay day and my shopping budget for the month was already gone so I had to dip into the emergency fund. While out shopping I found these dresses and thought to myself, this would be perfect for someone who needed an outfit immediately and didn't have a lot of time to search thrift and consignment shops, but also didn't have a whole lot of money to spend on an entire new outfit. I paired both of these dresses with items that I already in my closet. Some items were recent purchases (both pairs of shoes), but both cardigans I've had for at least a year now. I added some accessories (for less than $20 total) and created two great looks, now that's what IMPR(4L)ess is all about. I have a few more ideas for these dresses as the weather continues to warm up.

For those of you who have never heard of Maxway, it's comparable to Family Dollar, Super Dollar, or Dollar General. There are two in Greensboro, on Summit Ave and Randleman Road. Now the quality of these dresses, they will more than likely only last for one season with normal washing (but so do most items from Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe at double or triple the cost). From time to time Maxway also carries name brands from NY&CO to Faded Glory (Walmart). I've got Mecca, U.S. Polo Assn., and Point Zero for Camden and name brand men's dress shirts in the past. I've also known them to carry suits for men, women, and boys for $30. And if you are looking for a church hat, they have those too. Happy Shopping!

Casual Friday

Merona (Target) Flats $22.99 [$16.08]

George (Walmart) Sweater

NY&CO Scarf and Capris

 

Merona (Target) Tunic - Goodwill [$3.75]

Faded Glory (Walmart) Jeggings and Gladiator Sandals

Happy Friday! Today you get 2for1, what I'm wearing today and an outfit that I wore a few weeks ago. Target is definately my go to place for trends each season, because they are inexpensive without the lack of quality like some stores. I had been checking out these shoes for at least a month before they finally went on clearance. My only regret is that I didn't get them in a fun color, leave it to me to keep it simple and basic. The same thing with this tunic, they had a few other colors in Goodwill, but I went with white. I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone more with bright colors and colorblocking, but at the end of the day you can count on me to stick to what I know! I'll save the fun colors for my nails!

Leopard Print Scarf

NY&CO Leopard Print Scarf $19.95 [$5.11]

NY&CO Sweater, Banana Republic Pants, Kasper for A.S.L Blazer, Nine West Pumps

 I've always been a little apprehensive to experiment with animal prints. I keep thinking back to a few years ago when I purchased a snake print cardigan at New York and Company, wore it once, and almost couldn't give it away. I didn't want to make that mistake again, but it seems like leopard is a trend that comes back around more often. I tried on a leopard print blouse, skirt, and cardigan before I decided to buy this scarf and mix it with some things that I already had in my closet. Stay tuned for another edition of 1 Scarf, 3 Looks, I was orignally going to wear a dress today, but the weather in NC has decided to be a little too chilly for the legs to be out.

Teal or Turquoise?

Maxi Dress (Juniors Size)
White Stag (Walmart) Tank

NY&CO Cardigan $36.95 [$16.60]

Statement Necklace - Dots

Am I the only person that struggles with telling the difference between teal and turquoise? 

To My Best Friends

I finally had the chance to sit down and read through the May issue of ESSENCE Magazine, The Girlfriends Issue. I've always had a lot of friends, one of the rewards of being a high energy extrovert or in plain terms a social butterfly. But I only have a small group of best friends, sisters really, who have had my back through all of my many life changes. Shakira and I have been friends since we were 5 years old, I don't remember a time before I knew her. And while we are so different, we have remained close all these years, went to college together, and still keep in touch even though we are miles (a 12 hour drive) apart. We've only had one disagreement, in college over a boy, and didn't speak to one another for an entire year. When we finally reached out to each other it was like all the pieces fell right back into place. Shemia and I met during the rebellious years of high school working at Food Lion. She went to a rival high school, but they had a better football time so our friendship grew out of football games and after parties. I smoked my first cigarette with Mimi, went to my first concert (Super Jam!), and got my first body piercing (Senior Beach Week!). When I went away to college I remember us crying like babies. Over the years we have shared more tears but way more laughter.Standing by her side as she married her husband was one of those moments in life that I will never forget. In my mind, I was like "damn, i'm really doing the ugly cry!" but when you've been a best friend who've seen two people go through so much together and then come together in the name of love, well it's ok to do the ugly cry. And finally Jo'Vonia, my "bestie". We met in college, I don't exactly remember how or when but I have very few college memories without her. We kinda hung out and ran in the same circles for a while, but after she let me sleep on her couch one summer when I couldn't afford housing we became inseparable. Our relationship has grown as our life roles has changed from college students, to mothers (our son's are a couple of months apart), adult college students, and now for Jae, wife, but our friendship has remained solid. I am thankful and grateful for the many girls that I have my life, but to my best friends, Shakira, Shemia, and Jo'Vonia, I love you all like sisters. Thank you for always having my back!