Old Navy Haul

I had some Old Navy Super Cash rewards to use this week and went in to Old Navy to only get a couple of things I've had my eye on and came out with 10 things!  But with my Super Cash rewards and the current sale deals, I walked out only having spent $85!  Here's a look at what I got!

Frost Free Fleece-Line Vest in Rich Rec, Small ($29.94 $14.70)

Women's Boatneck Sweater in Icelandic Mineral, Medium ($29.94 $11.02)

Styling Ideas:

Frost Free Fleece-Line Vest in Heather Grey Herringbone, Small ($34.94 $17.15)

Relaxed Scoop-Neck Tee in Kelp Forest, Large ($10.94 $4.30)

Styling Ideas:

Faux Leather Ballet Flats in Tan ($14.94 $4.58)

Lightweight-Sweater Infinity Scarf in Rich Rec ($16.94 $6.23)

Long Leggings in Black, Small ($12.50 $6.14)

Nude Colored Tami (tank/camisole), Large ($10.00 $3.68)

Quilted Zipper Pouch ($9.94 $6.10)

Plaid Flannel Scarf ($17.94 $5.50)

+ Tax ($5.56)

I love fall, dressing for fall, and shopping for fall clothing!  Since moving from Florida to South Carolina last year, I've been slowly accumulating more sweaters, outerwear, and other cold weather accessories like scarves.  This fall, I'm obsessed with burgundy and have been trying to restrain myself from buying too many things in this color but I couldn't resist the puffer vest and infinity scarf, especially at such a great discounted price!  I love that the vests are lined with fleece so they should be great for keeping warm with less bulk than a coat.  I'll probably get the green Basil Pesto color in a future sale.  I already own a pair of the cute tan ballet flats, but I've worn them so much I was in need of a replacement pair.  They provide practically no support and fit a little more narrow than past versions of this Old Navy flat so I wouldn't recommend if you have wider feet or have to be on your feet a lot at work.  I've been living in black leggings on the weekends lately so I'm glad to have another pair on hand.  I was pleased that they weren't see through when stretched.  I can never seem to have enough pouches and in polka-dots, I couldn't resist this one.  I'm not quite sure if the plaid scarf is meant to be a men's scarf or uni-sex, but either way I really liked the color and pattern for holiday outfits.  I bought more than I had planned to buy on this shopping trip but I also got a lot better deals than I was anticipating.   Also, 8 of the 10 items were things that were actually on my wardrobe shopping list.  And at $85 (or $8.50 per item average), I'm quite pleased with the deal I got on this haul, especially considering how much these items will get worn or used.

Sole Society - Mason Oversized Travel Satchel

This November I'll be traveling to Austin, TX for a few days to attend a conference for work.  In the midst of arranging my hotel and flight accommodations, I started thinking ahead about what I should pack and realized I really needed to replace my old carry-on bag.  I wanted something that looks nice and professional but not like your typical travel bag.  I needed something roomy enough to pack for a 3 day trip without being too bulky and cumbersome, and I wanted more organization than a duffel style bag.  I think I found what I was looking for with the Mason bag from Sole Society!

                                     Sole Society Mason Oversized Travel Satchel ($79.95)

I purchased the bag in black but it also comes in cognac brown, grey, midnight blue, olive green, and oxblood.  All bag colors have the same gold hardware.  The black bag has what looks to be a micro snow leopard print lining.  The bag measures 13"H x 19 1/2"W x 7"D,  with a 8 3/4" handle drop and adjustable cross-body strap drop of  23".  Of the 13" bag height, the main compartment is about 9" and the bottom compartment 4".  Overall, the bag is a little smaller than my old 21" carry-on suitcase so there shouldn't be an issue with airlines trying to make me check it (I hate baggage claim!). 

I was a little concerned about whether the main compartment would be big enough when I ordered but after seeing it in person I'm convinced it will be room enough to pack several pieces of clothing (I don't have to pack heavy winter clothing).  Just to get an idea of how much I could possibly fit in this bag, I tried stuffing in 2 pairs of jeans, a skirt, 3 tops, a cardigan, laptop and charger, book, 2 pairs of flats, and a cosmetic bag and still had a little room to spare!

 

  

The bottom shoe compartment is probably my favorite part about the design of this bag.  I've never really liked the idea of packing my shoes and toiletries bag together with my clothes so this compartment will allow me to pack them separately.

I like that the bag looks like a big purse so it has a more sophisticated look than the typical travel bag.  The leopard print lining also gives it more of a purse feel.  I also like that it has an interior zipper pocket and slip pockets like a purse to hold my wallet, keys, phone, etc.  There is also one exterior slip pocket that will be convenient for keeping my boarding pass easily accessible at the airport. There is a detachable luggage tag hanging on one of the handles as well.

Although this bag is sold as a travel bag, I think it would also make a nice "fancy" gym bag or work bag if you have to carry a laptop, chargers, lots of paperwork, a change of shoes, etc in addition to your regular purse contents.

This bag is faux leather and has a smell that needs to air out so I'm glad I ordered it well in advance of my trip in November.  Whenever I get new bags, I usually just put a dryer sheet inside for a couple of weeks before using to get rid of the "new" smell.  I also wanted to note that this bag does have some structure but not enough to always keep it's shape.  I don't mind it because having less structure makes it more comfortable to wear cross-body.  I think it'll also make it easier to shove in to overhead compartments on the plane.

Overall, I'm pleased with my first Sole Society purchase.  I got my bag for $64 instead of $80 because you get 20% off you first order if you join their email list (shipping is free for all orders over $30)!  The quality of the bag is pretty good for faux leather but I would still recommend taking advantage of the 20% off first order discount or sales rather than paying full price.

Charlotte Russe Military Vest Review

I've been on the hunt for the perfect olive green military or cargo vest for probably two years.  Old Navy had a great one a few years back but unfortunately I missed out.  I recently came across an affordable version online from Charlotte Russe.  I've never shopped with them before but I received my order no problems.  I like this vest because the olive green color isn't too light or too dark and the length isn't too long.  The fabric is light-weight and has some drape.  It doesn't have an overwhelming military or safari look.  There aren't too many embellishments or pockets and the pockets are not bulky.  These are all problems I've experienced with other vests I've tried.  I also like that the waist is cinched and can be adjusted to create a waistline which is very important for outwear/layering pieces to me because I have a rectangular body shape.

Charlotte Russe Cotton Twill Military Vest - Small ($29.99)

I ordered a size Small and the fit is fine overall if l leave it unzipped.  It is bit snug across my chest when zipped all the way up but I only plan to wear it unzipped.  I think a Medium would be a little too baggy when left unzipped so I'm keeping the Small.  For reference, I'm a 36B and normally wear small or medium tops.

I think this vest is a nice layering piece for cooler late summer nights, fall and even over thin sweaters on warmer winter days.  I live in a warm climate and rarely have to wear heavy-duty jackets and this piece is very versatility so I should get a lot of wear out of this piece.  I've already gotten a couple of outfits lined up late summer and early fall with what I already have in my closet.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and really happy that I've finally found an olive green military/cargo vest with the features I really wanted.  And at $30, the price is affordable!

LOFT Review



Last week I ordered a few things from the LOFT during one of their friends and family sales.  I purchased the following items at 40% off:



Striped Linen Flutter Shell X-Small ($29.70)

 

Triangle Sheer Sweater Small ($35.70)

Striped V-Neck Tee Small ($11.70)

 

Sleeveless Mixed Media Tee Small ($17.70)

Modern Straight Leg Jeans in Destructed Degree Blue Size 2 ($17.93)

  

Breton Stripe Pouch ($11.99)

 

Coral Glass Bracelet Set ($11.70)

 

All for under $140, I think I made a pretty good haul.  I am pleased with the fit and the quality of the pieces for the price I paid.  I love stripes and blue which you can definitely tell judging by this order!  The triangles sweater is an attempt to add patterns other than stripes to my wardrobe.  The triangles are definitely a bold pattern for me but I like the airy pointelle fabric of this sweater.  This should be great as a transitional spring piece with a tank underneath.  I like the loose fit and breathable linen fabric of the flutter shell but I will probably have the flutter sleeves removed.  Details like that just make my arms and shoulders look bigger; plus I don't like the baby-doll look of it.  I haven't been a fan of deconstructed style jeans in the past but this year I wanted to give them a try.  And I am surprised by how much I like these jeans.  They do not look too ratty and the straight leg allows me to mimic the boyfriend jean look without looking baggy by cuffing the hems.  The Loft modern cut jeans are straight through the hip which also gives the look of skinny jeans in the hip area on my figure, which I prefer.  The sleeveless mixed media tee is very light and comfortable.  I like the drape of the fabric but I imagine the other lighter colors this tee was offered in have to be see-through (especially the panels on the shoulder/across the back) because even this darker blue color is slightly on the sheer side.  But the thin fabric will be good for the hot summer months.   The striped V-neck tee is another good basic.  The striped pouch is larger than I expected it to be but I like that it is large enough to be used as a clutch.  Of course I like the stripes and the leather-like pull on the pouch but I do wish it had a little more structure.  The bracelet set is not great quality and I would never have paid the $20 full price for them but they are still cute costume jewelry that is understated enough for my taste.  Overall, I am happy with my order and plan to keep everything.  I will get a lot of wear out of these pieces, so I think this order was a good deal!

A maxi skirt...and a dress...in one!

Don't you just love it when you find a single item that is multipurpose?  Today's post is about an inexpensive maxi skirt I bought recently from one of my frequent shopping stops:  Ross Dress for Less.  Discount stores like Ross and TJMaxx are great places to find bargains but some shopping trips can be a "hit" while others can be total "miss".  Talk to the sales associates to find out what days and times the new weekly deliveries come in and when the new items will be put out on the floor to get the best selection at your local stores.

I spent a whole, whopping $10 on this black and white striped maxi skirt a few weeks ago at Ross! 

 

I bought this skirt thinking that I would just wear it as a casual, everyday kind of skirt but I later figured out a way to style it as a dress for more dressy occasions as well.  I like it when my money spent does double duty!



OUTFIT #1:  Maxi Skirt, Casual

 

Skirt:  Ross ($10)

Cami:  Target ($6)

Cardigan:  Forever 21 ($18)

Belt:  Ross ($6)

Sandals:  Anne Klein via Ross (old, < $20)

OUTFIT #2:  Skirt as Dress, Casual

 

Skirt: Ross ($10)

Cardigan: Forever 21 ($18)

Belt: Ross ($6)

Wedges: Aerosoles via Ross (old, < $25)

 



OUTFIT #3:  Skirt as Dress, Special Occasion

 

Skirt: Ross, $10

Cardigan:  TJMaxx, (old, < $15)

Belt: Ross, $6

Wedges: Aerosoles via Ross (old, < $25)

I know its nothing new, but I really like the idea of remixing or repurposing items in your wardrobe.  You save money because you're not shopping for new items as much, and what money you do spend is well spent because you get more wear out of the item.  However, shopping for items that can be repurposed and styled multiple ways is key!  Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe that you should have some unique, stand-out items in your wardrobe but don't forget the basics.  This used to be a major problem for me:  a closet full of nothing to wear!  I would have the hardest time trying to put outfits together because I never thought about how I could integrate an item into my existing wardrobe before I bought it.  I just bought it because I thought it was cute.  And because nothing in my closet went well together, I would often have to go out shopping again, spending more money, to put an outfit together!  My closet was a frustrating, money pit.  NO MORE!  I'm older, wiser, and a much better steward of my money.  Now when I'm shopping and I see something I really like, I force myself to STOP and THINK: 

1. Do I need this item for a particular purpose (ie. job interview, work, special occasion, good foundation wardrobe item like blazer or pencil skirt, etc) or do I just want it because it's cute or trendy? 
2. How can I style this item with pieces in my current wardrobe to create multiple outfits?  How much "wear" will I get out of this item?
3. Is the item really worth the price or can I find the same item or something similar for a better price elsewhere?  Does the price match the quality of the material and craftsmanship of the item?

If I don't have a good argument for these questions, then I have to leave the item in the store.  It's not always easy but with time it becomes easier to walk away.  The money I save makes me feel better!  Not to mention the time I save when getting dressed in the morning because my closet is more cohesive now, not a bunch of random, hodge-podge.  Along with having the closet organized and color coded, it's much easier to pull an outfit together.

 

Well, that's all I have for today.  Thanks for stopping by!

Ikat Maxi Dress

Quick post today to show-n-tell one of my many recent purchases that I mentioned in my last post.

I wanted this blue and white print maxi dress from Banana Republic the moment I saw but I could not bring myself to spend $98 for it.

Banana Republic Hailey printed, halter maxi dress

($98, but currently sold out online)

 



A few days a came across a ikat print, blue and white maxi dress in Ross Dress for Less at a fifth of the price of the BR maxi but achieves the same look and feel in my opinion.

Pink Rose Ikat print maxi dress via Ross ($20)



Thanks for stopping by!

Yes, I'm Still Alive!

Yes, I am still alive!  I apologize for being MIA for the past 3 months but I've been busy with grad school.

There have been lots of good sales and cheap (but cute) clothing finds that I've come across since my last post.  I'll do my best to "show-n-tell" as many of my favorite, recently acquired items as I can in my next few posts.  Yesterday I went to shop LOFT's 50% off clearance racks because I had a birthday reward voucher that would have allowed me an additional 15% off of my purchase!  Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with my store's selection and found nothing that I wanted to buy.  However I did spy a few newly arrived items that I will be keeping a close watch on for sale-clearance price... which I'm sure will not be for long.  I've learned to NEVER pay full price for anything at the LOFT.  Exercise a little patience and you can usually get the items you want for 30-50% off within a few weeks, either by a sale promotion or clearance mark-down.

I didn't have any luck at the LOFT but I did find a few cute and affordable things in Forever 21 to brighten up my wardrobe:

 Colorful Stripes top (Oatmeal/Taupe, Medium, $14.80)

 Summer Fun shorts (light blue, 27, $14.80)

Eyelet Adorned Woven top (Cream, Medium, $19.80)

Embellished Knit tank (rust, Small, $17.80)

Here are a couple of outfit ideas I came up with:

Outfit #1:  Colorful and Casual

 Top: Forever 21

Shorts: Forever 21

Sandals (pictured below):  Merona via Target

Belt (pictured below):  Kensie via TJMaxx

Merona Emeline Sandals (pewter, $15)

(currently out of stock on line but may still be available in local stores)

Kensie Skinny belt ($4 on clearance from TJMaxx)



Outfit #2:  Dressing Up Bright Stripes

 

Top:  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap (link here)

Belt (pictured below):  Forever 21

Wedges (pictured below):  Guess via Ross Dress for Less

Forever 21 Wide belt

(bought a few months ago but may still be available in some stores; $4.80)

Guess Tavish Wedges via Ross Dress for Less

(bought a few months ago; mostly likely no longer available; don't remember price)

Outfit #3:  Dinner with Friends

Top:  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap

Wedges:  Guess

Outfit #4:  Celebrate with Friends

Tank (detail pictured below):  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap

Wedges:  Guess

Sequin/Bead Detail

It's surprising to see such beautiful detailing like this on a piece of Forever 21 clothing!

Well that's all I have for now.  Thanks for stopping by!