Getting Dressed: Denim + Red + Leopard Print

Junior's Denim Shirt - Thrift Gift

NY & CO Red Skinny Jeans and Leopard Scar

People comment all the time that "It must take you forever to get dressed in the morning". Actually, most mornings I already have an idea of what I'm wearing if I don't have an outfit picked out and hanging in the closet already. But when I'm trying out a new outfit, I tend to go through at least 3-4 looks before deciding on what I actually wear (which may change with one final mirror check).

Side Note - Taking pictures really forces you to look at everything around you and my front yard was looking a hot mess. I finally got it spruced up last week, pics coming soon! A few neighbors have already jumped on the bandwagon (townhome living!!). Next on the list, turning my back yard patio into a living space.

Black + White = 3 Looks

Apt. 9 Tunic - $5

Triad Goodwill

Oak Ridge Commons

2205-A Oak Ridge Road

THRIFT TIP - Purchase items that you can create multiple outfits with!!

1. LADIES NIGHT: Worn as a dress (I was actually charged as a dress even when I tried to tell the cashier that it was wayyy to short). This is definitely a night out when there is little to no movement or bending over involved. 

2. DATE NIGHT - I added some leggings, a wide belt, and my favorite red pumps!

3. READY FOR WORK - I tucked the shirt into a pencil skirt, added a wide red belt, and some simple pumps with a huge bow. This is a very office appropriate look.

After months of planning, I finally made my first and probably last shopping trip (due to the distance from my house) to the newest Triad Goodwill location in Oak Ridge, NC. I usually try to make it a point to go to new store openings because they are sure to have Target new stock, but my schedule just wouldn't allow it. I really don't need another thing in my closet! I'm hosting a SHOP and SWAP this weekend to begin a much needed seasonal closet sweep. But there was no way that I was leaving this tunic behind. Overall, I really did like this Goodwill location. I found a couple of name brand items from Ann Taylor, Mossimo, Jessica Simpson, and even Polo Ralph Lauren! Oh only if it was closer . . . 

Long Pink Skirt and Vintage Earrings

Date Night

Long Pink Skirt - Goodwill, N. Elm St

Ann Taylor Denim Jacket

Mossimo (Target Sandals)

I finally found some time in my busy, crazy life to go shopping using the $50 Goodwill Gift Card I won a few weeks ago. I didn't have anything particular in mind when I headed to my favorite Triad Goodwill location on N. Elm St. but it didn't take long for me to find a few items to add to my collection. I was so hestitant about buying this long pink skirt up until when I was almost ready to check out. It seemed a little old fashioned, but the color was fabulous and it's a great alternative to a pleated maxi skirt. I ended up creating several outfits that will easily transition from Sunday's best to date night.

Weekend Ready

Here's what I started out with, a simple NY&CO shaper tank and flat gladiator sandals. I could probably get away with this look on the weekend with a strapless bra or a tank with thicker straps.

Classic Weekend

I added a royal blue blouse that I tied at the waist for a cropped look. This look would be okay with flats or wedges depending on where you decide to wear it.

Sunday's Best

I added a navy blazer, white button up, and wedge sandals. I wore this outfit to church for Mother's Day

Picture Perfect

I added a mint green cropped sweater (a thrift gift from my mama). The sweater is a little too big so I belted it for a slimming effect. The belt is also a thrift gift from my mama.

Vintage Earring $3 each

Goodwill, N Elm

I am really feeling my TWA these days!! I've decided to grow my frohawk out a little since it's getting close to summer and I refuse to be in the barbershop every week to keep it in order. I'm also trying EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel again. I co-wash my hair with Suave Naturals, add a tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and finally gel. My hair is long enough to comb coil, but I just haven't had the patience to sit down and do it. I'm going for a cropped TWA look, well for now anyway.

April Retail Rehab

The $50 a month challenge has officially been suspended. Instead I plan to update Retail Rehab to track my spending habits for the remainder of the year. The past few month's has offered many lessons learned and maybe in the future I can be a little more disciplined in my spending habits, but as of right now I just can't do commit to spending a certain amount each month

April 2012 Lesson's Learned

• Limit the number of shopping trips! I've had a few people ask how often I shop and what days of the week I typically shop. For the most part I am a during the week shopper with some exceptions made on Sunday afternoons. And I typically will only go shopping once a week, but this month I went a little overboard and it definitely showed.
• Plan for trips! I knew I was going to Charlotte for a conference, so I tried to factor in some possible thrifting and retail shopping. Thank goodness I had a gift card for Belk's.

My first official April purchase was during Downtown Greensboro First Friday at Across the Tracks (recently opened literally across the railroad tracks on Elm St). I know, yet another consignment store in Greensboro. The prices were reasonable and I will probably add it to my regular stops on First Friday.

Friday, April, 6, 2012

 As usual, I made a couple of trips to a few Triad Goodwill locations.

Tuesday, April 6, 2012

I almost didn't try this jacket on because of the size. Ladies, don't ever get caught up in sizing. I have clothes in my closet from a size 8-14! I didn't have time to try this dress on, but the color and material were my style. Thank goodness it fit and it's super sexy, now I have to find the perfect accessories.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

I spent a few days in  Charlotte, NC for a NACADA conference and after an entire day spent in the hotel headed out to find Goodwill. I was too excited to find Value Village and Goodwill in the same shopping center. Unfortunately, Value Village didn't have a dressing room so I really took a chance on the dress and capris. I waited in vain for yellow NY&CO skinny jeans to go on sale, but they sold out of my size in both stores in my area, but I think these yellow denim capri pants are a perfect substitute.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Now, this was my first ever and probably last Goodwill Outlet experience. The store concept is you load up a bin and pay $1.39 per pound. Had I even known that this location was an outlet I probably would have gone somewhere else. I had to take a deep a breath and woo-sah as I rummaged through bins and bins of clothes, no sizing, men, women, kids, or like colors! After like ten minutes, I found this NY&CO blouse and headed for the checkout. After getting the shirt home and ironing it for these photos, I discovered a hole in the back!! Ugghh, So Disappointed! I'm gonna try to salvage it somehow.

So, I totally forgot about buying this royal blue dress at the Dillard's Outlet at the end of March until I started edited my photos. Since I get paid on the last day of the month, it's technically included in my April Budget. I got the sweater and purse during my trip to Charlotte. I actually had a gift card for Belk's that I was able to use for the sweater, so it wasn't included in my total budget. 

Saturday, March 31, 2012 - Dillard's Outlet

Thursday, April 12, 2012 - Marshall's

Friday, April 12, 2012 - Belk

Friday, April 20, 2012 - Target

To finish out the month, I joined in the 1 year anniversary of the N. Elm St Goodwill location. I can't believe it's been an entire year!! Customers received a $5 off coupon, I grabbed a few things for me and returned to grab a few things for Camden (2 pairs of shorts and a Chaps shirt-not pictured). 

April19, 2012

TOTAL - $142.20

I know, I am not proud at all of the total spent, but my birthday is next month and I expect lots of gifts so I don't have to spend my own money!!