{Watching for Spring Update} Good Things Come to Those Who Wait…& Save!

In the post, Watching for Spring, I discussed how to make money from cleaning out your closet. Beyond getting my closet neat for spring, I was inspired by this picture.

Pinned Image
 Not only am I very much into the layered look, I love me some Michael Kors!  I am slowly learning that a watch is a good investment and while we have been conditioned to check out cell phones, I’m sort of drawn to the idea of a watch.  S/N, I couldn’t really tell you the last time I even wore a watch, so this is very much a “big girl” move.  So, after much searching, saving,and purging, I am glad to introduce you to MK31311!

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{Every Woman Should Know…} How to Tie a Tie

A man in a suit and tie is to women, what women in lingerie is to men”

How to Tie a Tie copy

I would have to say that I totally agree.   My Mr. prides himself on knowing several knots…half and full Windsor, a Pratt knot, and so on (bragging moment).   While most men know how to tie at least one knot, others may not know how to tie their ties at all. This is when, as a woman you can step in.  After all,  being able to tie a man’s tie can be a very intimate experience a woman should not miss out on! 

Check out this Cheat Sheet:How to Tie a TiePhoto Credit: Ties.com

Who Taught You How to Tie a Tie?

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Give It To Your Woman, It’s Her Job

Just recently, I did a post about how every woman should know how to set a table. Should I have written one about how every woman should know how to wash her man’s jeans?  LOL…I think NOT!  Bad press is better than no press, right? Well, I’m not too sure about that. I was reading my morning edition on my iPad when this popped up. It was a picture taken by Emily Barnett, a staff writer for The Daily Telegraph, of the inside of her boyfriend’s jeans.  Like most laundry tags, this one gives launder instructions and then gives the option to just “give it to your woman”. On one hand, I was not familiar with Madhouse Jeans before this morning. On the other hand, I doubt very seriously that they will get my business. Not that I’m getting all self-righteous or anything, I just don’t think it’s cute. These are jeans for MEN, so I don’t think this is an issue of someone being influenced by a sexist message, but rather me claiming my worth as a woman. Sorry honey, it’s not my JOB to wash your jeans. What I’m sure is supposed to be funny just comes off as offensive. I will save money because they won’t get mine. Just my two cents…

I can’t wait to hear what you think about this:

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5 Benefits of Thrifting

THE POWER OF THRIFTING

Thrifting is not only a great way to save money, but it also provides you with the opportunity to attain rare pieces that set your wardrobe apart from the next person. Aside from creative pieces, thrifting is comparable to diving in a fashion time machine, if you will. I say this because when thrifting, you get to see how trends have changed and how our clothing has not only evolved, but also repeated itself.

Thrifting is great for…

  1. Broke College Students (that would be me).
  2. Costume + Performance attire.
  3. Home Décor
  4. Passing the time without breaking the bank
  5. Gag Gift Shopping

TOP THREE trends I’m seeing in thrift shops now that are trendy even today!

  1. High-waist denim shorts
  2. Patterned Tops
  3. Boyfriend Blazers

A few TOP thrift shopping destinations in the greater Atlanta area:

  1. Rag-O-Rama
  2. Goodwill
  3. Psycho Sisters
  4. Plato’s Closet

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Missoni for Target!

I checked out Target today and there was nothing left on the racks!

Did I mention that due to overwhelming activity, target.com is temporarily down? I guess I will have to reminisce on my older posts…

Missoni Designer Collaboration

It looks like Italian brand, Missoni, is the latest Designer Collaboration for Target. Designer Collaborations is an expansion of Target’s existing designer fashion program and each collection is available only for a limited time. This particular collaboration will only be available at select store between September 13th – October 22nd. . Designer Collaborations is a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. It is a new and exciting way of delivering the latest styles to our contemporary female guests at the prices they expect from Target.

In the meantime, check some of my favs from the Missoni Brand:

Missoni Ad

Missoni Ad

Did I mention that Missoni has also tapped into knits for your home?

Missoni Pattern

Missoni

As I get more info, I will pass it along…

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Missoni for Target!

This is a sneak peek so…this is all the information I have.

Missoni Designer Collaboration

It looks like Italian brand, Missoni, is the latest Designer Collaboration for Target. Designer Collaborations is an expansion of Target’s existing designer fashion program and each collection is available only for a limited time. This particular collaboration will only be available at select store between September 12th – October 22nd. . Designer Collaborations is a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. It is a new and exciting way of delivering the latest styles to our contemporary female guests at the prices they expect from Target.

In the meantime, check some of my favs from the Missoni Brand:

Missoni Ad

Missoni Ad

Did I mention that Missoni has also tapped into knits for your home?

Missoni Pattern

Missoni

As I get more info, I will pass it along…

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5 Ways to Make Outlet Shopping More Enjoyable

On Tuesday, I took a trip to the North Georgia premium outlets with visiting family from out of time. My intention was to enjoy girl time with my cousin and Aunts and not to blow my budget.  Maybe a shirt or two, at most.  Certainly, I didn’t anticipate the goodies I would walk away with. Good thing, I knew a few ways to save even more when outlet shopping. Here are some of my tricks.

Bring cash

Bringing cash reduces my chances of overspending. Unlike a card, you can physically see your cash stack dwindle down with every purchase you make.  When people make purchases with cash, they take longer to ponder the value of what they are buying as opposed to mindless shopping.

Begin at Customer ServiceCustomer Service

Customer Service is not only full of pamphlets and maps, but also information regarding sales and special offers. Go here first and pick up a booklet. It should include a list of all of the stores and coupons/special savings to particular stores. I saw a coupon for $15 off, unfortunately it was for a clothing store that I don’t shop.

Don’t Spend All of Your Money in the First StoreShopping

Remember the girl from Confessions of a Shopaholic? She spent ALL of her money on shopping and did not take care of her financial responsibilities. Don’t be like her!! True Story- Once we got to the outlets, my little cousin wanted to stop in a teen clothing store. She was picking up items and I told her, “Don’t spend it all here. Now that we know what they have and what you like, let’s see if any other stores have anything better or for less. If not, and you remember that shirt after we have hit up the other stores, we will come back”.

Use your time wisely

While shopping, one of my aunts pulled out a map of the outlet and highlighted all of the stores she was interested in visiting. The outlet was set up in color-coded zones and paralleled the map provided at customer service. She then wrote down each color section that had stores that we were planning on visiting and then wrote down how many stores were in each color zone. The whole process took about two minutes but it saved so much time in the end. I find that people are extremely excited when they get to the outlets and quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted. This way, you can ensure that you hit the stores you absolutely love and you don’t waste your time randomly looking in other places.

Only buy what you love

Don’t waste money on things you like when you can buy things you love. Often times, I have found myself spending MORE money just because it was a good deal. A good example of this would be the red Jessica Simpson pumps I bought for football season. First of all, I had NOT intended on buying anything. Secondly, I went into a store that was not on the list; although, I am super pleased that I did. Thirdly, I found myself searching for another pair of shoes just because the sales associate kindly mentioned that I could save 50% if I bought another pair for equal or less value. I spent about 5 minutes searching for another pair when it hit me, why would I spend extra money for something that is not in my budget and that I don’t love? Just because it is a good deal does not mean that it is the best deal for you!

What’s Your Go To Shopping Tip?

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Man Men Inspired Collection from Banana Republic

It’s Ba-na-nas!!!!

Mad Men Fashion Collection Banana Republic

Banana Republic and AMC are proud to announce the first-ever limited edition “Mad Men” inspired collection for men and women. The collection is designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with “Mad Men” Emmy® Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant and will be carried in Banana Republic’s North American stores and online at www.bananarepublic.com beginning August 11, 2011 (my birthday… yay me!). While I have heard great things about the show, I’ve never actually watched it; however, I am quite familiar with the shows’ fashions and its impact on our culture. Even the folk over at Barbie recognized the trends of the series with their own Mad Men inspired collection:



The Banana Republic “Mad Men” capsule offers a modern take on the cool polish and panache of the 1960s era through the Banana Republic lens of affordable luxury and noticeable quality. The collection features nearly 65 pieces of apparel and accessories for men and women, embodying the style tenants of the time – effortlessly chic, dressed-up American sportswear. What was once old is now new again and take it from me, I can’t wait. According to the press release from Gap, Inc., “The women’s pieces are modern yet lady-like including chic trench coats, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and statement accessories, like print scarves and leopard print pump heels.” In fact, the pieces described are also some of the feminine pieces that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Click here to see what else made the fashions basic list.

fashion quotes

I hear good things come to those who wait, but you know that can be hard… so for those of you, like me, who want to know what the collection looks like before
August.

Check out some of my favorite looks in this sneak peek courtesy of Banana Republic via the Frisky:

Man Men Fashions from Banana Republic

Mad Men Collection from Banana Republic

Mad Men Collection for Banana Republic

Mad Men for Banana Republic

Mad Men Collection for Banana Republic

Mad Men Collection for Banana Repulic

Want to gain early access to a pre-sale of the full collection? Become a Facebook fan of Banana Republic (facebook.com/bananarepublic) and preview the sale on August 10, 2011.

What do you think about the fashions you saw? Let us know in the comment box!

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Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale 2011

Heads Up!! One of my favorite stores, Nordstrom, is getting ready for their Anniversary Sale. Want to score outstanding savings on the hottest fall trends before the season starts? Duh, of course you do. Beginning July 15th, you can shop next seasons fashions for less at the biggest sale of the year. To kick it off, Nordstrom is hosting special store hours but remember prices go up August 1st.

Check out my favs from their Anniversary Sale Catalog (sneak peak):





Check out my tweeps from Nordstrom @Nordstrom!!

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Old Navy and Operation Care and Comfort (OCC)

Operation: Care & Comfort


In honor of military troops and their families and to celebrate the 2011 Independence Day, Old Navy announced that its entire U.S. fleet of about 1,000 stores will host Operation Troop Donation: a donation drive from July 1 – 4 to collect essential items needed by the men and women serving our country, away and at home. Shop in stores and donate suggested items like basic tees, underwear, socks and flip flops, or make a cash donation with Old Navy matching up to a total of $100,000. Items such as unused personal care items (e.g. hand sanitizer, lip balm, sun screen, soap) are also being collected by armed services volunteers at all Old Navy locations, which will then be sorted, packaged and shipped to troops by Operation: Care and Comfort.


You Can Help:

Most Requested Items:

Food:

Beef jerky, microwavable meals, soups (no pork please)

Hygiene:
Mach III Razor and cartridges, dental supplies

Entertainment:
DVDs, CDs

Miscellaneous:
AA and AAA Batteries, AT&T Phone Cards

Items may be shipped to, or dropped off at either of our two main locations below:

Operation: Care and Comfort
2392 Walden Square
San Jose, CA 95124

Hours: Any

American Red Cross
Operation: Care and Comfort
2731 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134

Office Hours:
9am-5pm, Monday through Friday


You Can Help:
Donating Money

Our program accepts cash donations to cover the cost of shipping packages overseas.

All donations are tax deductible and will be used specifically for this program.

At over $1 a pound, donations to cover shipping costs is our greatest need.

Please make checks payable to:

Operation: Care and Comfort

Please mail checks to:

Operation: Care and Comfort
2392 Walden Square
San Jose, CA 95124

Credit card donations are accepted online.

 Old Navy customers who participate by making a donation whether in product or cash will receive a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase in-store that day. “Operation: Care and Comfort is thrilled to continue ‘Operation Troop Donation’ with Old Navy in 2011,” stated President and Co-founder Julie DeMaria. “The enthusiastic support by the public to our cause is humbling, and the outpouring of gratitude from our military personnel abroad and at home has been tremendous. We can’t wait to do it again, and thank Old Navy for their ongoing support of our service members, Veterans and their families.” Tom Wyatt, President of Old Navy adds, “Old Navy is proud to continue our support of the men and women who serve our country. Operation Troop Donation is a great way to allow our customers to show their support as well.”

For more information, visit the Operation: Care and Comfort website, or the Old Navy Facebook page.


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