The Slackers Back!

Hi ya! It looks like I took a vacation for the summer, and didn't even realize it. Boy does time fly! I hope all of you have been doing well.

As usual, I've been up to a few things. I just recently became an Independent Jewelry Advisor for lia sophia, so you will begin seeing me wearing some awesome pieces. I chose lia sophia because I wanted a little extra spending cash. Earn extra money + chance to earn free jewelry on a monthly basis = my kind of side gig ;) I was also impressed with their Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. Once I get my website up and running, I will be sure to share that with you all. For now, click here to view the Fall/Winter catalog.

Pink Cardigan w/Jeweled Buttons: New York & Company - $10
Tiered Gray Skirt: Larry Levine - $25
Black Boots: Nine West - $50 (via eBay)
Scarf: Target - $5
Total Cost (not including jewelry): $90

The Jewels















Bracelet: Debbie - $72
Necklace: Escapade - $44
Ring: Structure - $38
Earrings: Inside Out - $26

Hey, Stranger

Hello Friends! I hope all of you are doing well. I'm excited about so many things right now, I don't know where to begin! First, I cut off all of my hair. I'm actually just starting to like it. I was almost in tears when I looked at it for the first time. It was waaaay shorter than I expected/wanted. I will admit, it's so much easier. Although, I do miss my ability to rock a ponytail :)

My birthday is coming up in a week, the big 3-0! To celebrate my Granny took me to see The Color Purple, with Fantasia Barrino, at the Kennedy Center. We had dinner before the show at the Kennedy Rooftop Restaurant. Talk about some fabulous crab cakes, and peach cobbler! The show was AMAZING! It was so upbeat and funny, and had great music. If the show tours near your city I definitely suggest you go. It will be in DC until August 9 (my birthday :)) and I think the next stop is New York. Here we are before the show!

Now, to today's outfit. These shoes are surprisingly comfortable. I thought for sure my feet would be killing me by lunch, but I made it until 5. Yay! My kind of shoe :) Here's a close up.
Black Dress: Atelier (Thrifted, Retail $320!): $5
Red Patent Belt: New York & Company - $9
Red & Cream Shoes w/Bow: Lela Rose (Payless) - $15
Pearls: Gifted

Total Estimated Cost: $28

Happy

Whenever I wear this dress it makes me so happy! The colors are awesome and the large flowers cover a lot of lumps and bumps :) My insomnia had me up at 2 a.m. and I knew today would be a grumpy day, so I had no choice but to put on the happy dress.

Tonight I will be seeing a personal trainer. I'm going to the Jersey Shore in August, and my mission is for this to be the first year that I do not have a break down in the fitting room while trying on swimsuits. Wish me luck :)



Dress - J.B.S. Limited: $20
Pink Tank - Express: $10
Pearls - Gifted
Patent Belt - New York & Company: $12
Shoes - Steve Madden, via eBay: $20

Total Estimated Cost: $62

Blur

Yesterday was all a blur. I had several meetings at work, it was the first day of Daddy Daycare (We pulled our kids out of daycare to be with my husband this summer. We work opposite schedules, so it's a perfect way for us to save some money!) and it was also Pilates night. I rushed around all day long! So much so that I forgot to take my picture. I got a little creative and just put everything back together on my bed, after the gym I had no energy to put it back on, get the tripod out, etc.

3/4 Sleeve Coral Jacket - Morona: $8
Floral Skirt - Notations, Thrifted: $6
Cream Tank - Tommy Hilfiger, Thrifted: $5
Patent Belt - New York & Company: $12
Peep Toe Heels - Ann Taylor, Thrifted: $9
Pearls - Gifted

Total Estimated Cost: $40

Covered in Chocolate

I wasn't always a fan of chocolate/brown, but now I love it! It's so rich and you can do just as much with it as black. I'm covered in chocolate today :)

Let's talk about the shoes. I love, love, love these shoes. How they came about is pretty interesting. As a blogger, you receive all kinds of crazy offers (some are legit and others aren't). I receive an email from a young lady from Solestruck.com back in the Fall that basically said...'You are a fantastic, diligent blogger and as a reward, we would like to give you a free pair of shoes.' Since I'm Skeptical Sally, I ignored it and tucked it away. I wanted to wait to see if my other blogger friends received the same offer. Well low and behold, Kimberly received the same offer took them up on it, AND received her free merchandise. So, I responded to the email immediately after I figured this out :) I wanted something funky, and in a price range that I would never pay, so I chose the Guess Cabanas. Hot, hot, hot! Check out www.Solestruck.com! They have an awesome selection, and their site is extremely easy to navigate.

Ruffle Front Shirt: Body Central - $16.50
Cream Tank: Mossimo - $5
Brown Pinstriped Skirt: New York & Company - $23
Guess Patent Peep-toe Pumps: Guess (via SoleStruck) - $104, but I got them FREE :)

Total Estimated Cost: $44.50

Multi Tasking

I'm so happy to be back to blogging, and extremely excited that it's Friday! What have I been up to for the past three months? Lots and lots of multi tasking. I have been pulled left and right, up and down with work, the kids, and family. When I get home I crash, oh, but not for long because I'm battling insomnia too! Since I've been so tired, I've been pretty frumpy. No kidding. If I would have been blogging, you guys would have wanted to make sure it was really me, and not an impostor trying to sabotage my blog. I've also been eating a lot, and put on a few pounds, so maybe I've really been in hiding...hmmm...I'm back in the gym on a regular basis, and I'm feeling confident again :) Thanks to all of you that still came to visit even though I was MIA :)

Now don't get me wrong, I've been busy, but I always make time for retail therapy. Not much, but enough to keep me happy. I scored these super cute Steve Madden wedges last week, at Marshall's for $35.


Now, to today's outfit. This sweater vest almost made it to the Goodwill bag. Here is how I wore it before. I thought it made me look super frump, and I wasn't sure if I liked it, and couldn't think of another way to wear it...until this morning. The two shirts that I have on were next to each other in the closet and the light bulb went off in my head, and said, "Go ahead, layer them b*****!" (yes, that is really how my mind speaks to me, rude!) So, I did. I think the vest is a keeper now.

Turquoise Vest: New York & Company - $15
Leopard Print Ruffly Shirt: New York & Company - $7
Black 3/4 Sleeve Top: Mossimo - $5
My Favorite Jeans: Old Navy - $30 (the only jeans I will actually pay $30 for!)
Black & Cream Shoes w/Bow: American Eagle (via Payless) - don't recall, but I'm sure <$20

Total Estimated Cost: $77

Introducing "Sasha"

Sasha is the project that I worked on for the Grand Opening of our new facility. We borrowed Sasha from the local Macy's to showcase the new shirts we had in our REALTOR Store. She came to us naked, and with no head. I got a call from one of my co-workers and she let me know that Sasha needed some help. Needless to say, Sasha has borrowed a few pieces from my wardrobe.

It was pretty funny, because quite a few of our members came in and they said, "April did a great job dressing her." A co-worker finally asked one member, "How did you know April dressed her?" She replied, "The belt gave it away. April wears a belt with everything!" I guess I can now add mannequin dressing to my resume.

Navy REALTOR polo shirt: via National Association of REALTORS - $28
Floral Scarf: Old Navy - $10
Pearls: Gifted
Grey Plaid Skirt: Worthington - $10
Patent Black Belt: New York & Company - $12
Rhinestone Watch: New York & Company - $15
Shoes: She's bare foot! Her feet were too big to borrow a pair of mine.

Total Estimated Cost: $75

Has It Really Been That Long?

OMG, how time flies! I didn't realize it had been six weeks since my last post. Geez. As you can probably tell I've been extremely busy with work, home, kids, and I'm back to going to the gym 3-4 days a week, hitting up the Zumba classes. I gained 15 pounds in a few months, and I had to do something. How can you blog, with photos, when your clothes don't fit? Uh, you don't. LOL.

Don't let me fool you, I have been keeping up with my bargain shopping though. I won a $150 gift card to a store of my choice through work, my choice was New York & Company of course. I went this past weekend and got all of this...

2 pairs of cuffed capris
2 pairs of yoga capris
3 tanks
2 3/4 length sleeve shirts
1 cardigan
1 ring
1 bracelet

Grand Total: $122.26
I Saved: $126.12 Isn't it great when you save more than you pay? Love.

I still have $27 to work with. But, might I add I'm not too crazy about their new spring collection. I only though a couple of things were extremely cute, when other times I would stalk an item until it went on sale. Believe it or not, it was hard for me to spend $150. :Bummed:

Sailing the High Seas

Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads
A whale of a tale or two
'Bout the flapping fish and girls I've loved
On nights like this with the moon above
A whale of a tale and it's all true,
I swear by my tatoo!

I thought I looked kind of like a sailor today ;)

Burgundy & Pink Striped Shirt: New York & Company - $5.50
Black Vest: New York & Company - $25
Black Cuffed Pants: New York & Company - $25
Red Patent Shoes: Nine West - $26
Scarf: Target - $5

Total Estimated Cost: $86.50

The Girl's Got It!

My daughter was home sick today with my husband. I got this photo-sorry for the quality, it was taken with a mobile phone-at work and the message said: "She put 100% of this outfit together herself."

Love it!

Velvet Flower Shirt w/Ruffles: The Children's Place - $5
Red Velvet Ruffled Pants: the Children's Place - $5
Scarf: New York & Company - $5
Belt: New York & Company - $16
Black Flip-Flops: Puma - $10

Estimated Cost: $41

Alexa

Almost Didn't Make the Cut

This will be quick, American Idol is on a commercial break :)

My husband loved today's outfit, I hate it. I feel and look, uh, BLOATED (maybe it's all of the peach flavored soda I had over the weekend)! I debated for about 20 minutes whether I was posting this pic. Hubby said that it's a great outfit and should definitely be posted. Maybe next time I wear it, I'll be less "full". LOL.

Hubby-Thank you for looking at the outfit and not the bloat ;) Love you!

Teal Shirt: New York & Company - $20
Green & Cream Skirt w/Lace Trim - Excess (?) - $5 (via Ebay)
Scarf: New York & Company - $5
Belt: New York & Company - $16
Tights: George - $5
Black Pumps: Nine West - $40

Total Estimated Cost: $91

Golden Girl

Today was a pretty good day. Just really busy, but busy is good, right? So busy that I don't have anything interesting to put here. LOL. Maybe I'll have some juice tomorrow.

Below is the latest promo that was emailed from Chadwick's. I think this sweater is pretty darn cute!

Mustard Blazer: New York & Company - $40
Grey & Teal Pinstriped Pants: New York & Company - $18
Burgundy Patent Boots: Worthington - $40
Scarf as belt: Target - $5

Total Estimated Cost: $103

All Mixed Up

Have you ever thought you were on crunch time to prepare for a meeting, and come to find out you put the date wrong in your calendar, and you really have two more days of prep? Yeah, that was me this morning. I thought I had a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, but when I got there no one was in the office. I'm in my car thinking WTF?

Since I was so focused on prepping for the meeting, I didn't realize that I never received my reminder email and agenda that I usually get the day prior. I guess it's safe to assume they will arrive tomorrow since my real meeting is Thursday!



White Ruffled Shirt: Old Navy - $15
Black Cuffed Pants: New York & Company - $25
Pink Obi Belt: HSN - $10
Scarf: Target - $5
Black Pumps: Nine West: $40

Total Estimated Cost: $95

No, I'm Not Naked!

I hope that all of you are having a happy New Year so far! Five days in and my year is getting off to a great start :)

It would be safe to say that 90% of the people I encountered today (my husband being one of them) gave me a weird look or just flat out asked, "Do you have anything under that lace shirt?" Ha Ha! The top has a flesh colored cami attached to it. Geez, do people really think I'm that crazy? In the summer, I might try that look out but it's a little too cold right now!

Pink Blazer: New York & Company - $30
Teal Lace Cami: New York & Company - $4
Cuffed Brown Pants: New York & Company - $Gifted
Brown Faux Croc Pumps: Nine West - $27
Pearl Necklace (made by one of my clients): $15

Total Estimated Cost: $77

New Year's Resolution

This year, my New Year's resolution won't be to lose weight, be nice, get up 20 minutes earlier or eat healthier. This year it will be not to fall victim to an awesome sale at New York & Company. Ha ha...NOT!

I stumbled across a 30% Off online coupon code (1200, expires 1/26/09) and got a few things online.

I was honestly in need of casual tops (Ok, ok maybe not in need). I have a few but not any that I can just throw on and go grocery shopping in. So, I found this beaut. Perfect and it looks comfy...

Original Price - $19.95
Online/Sale Price - $7.99
Penny-Pinching Price - $5.50

Oh, and I picked it up in grey as well :)


Since I'm in NY & Co. every couple of weeks, I see all of the new items while they are practically still in boxes. I saw this in late summer and again I couldn't pay what they were asking. But at the "new" price, how could I resist?

Original Price - $26.95
Online/Sale Price - $5.99
Penny-Pinching Price - $4


My total savings was about $50. My total including shipping and tax ended up being $21. Woot woot!

OMG! Where The Heck Have You Been?

Hellllllooooo! I hope everyone is doing well. Sorry I've been MIA but I've been extremely busy with work, home and life period. It feels like my day is over before it even begins! What's up with that?

This evening I had a Holiday Gathering for the members of my Association so, I had to look presentable. And this is what I came up with. The boots were comfortable until about half way through the event :( Oh well. Sometimes hotness is painful. LOL.

I saw this blazer at Wal-Mart about three or four months ago and fell in love with the flared sleeves. I thought $30 was pretty steep even though it was fully lined. Again, my patience kicked in and I picked it up on clearance for $15 earlier this week.

Blazer: George - $15
Brown Skirt: New York & Company - $23
Burgundy Patent Boots: Worthington - $40
Scarf: Rouche - $13

Total Estimated Cost: $91

Black Friday: Online Style!

I'm extremely claustrophobic and don't deal well with large crowds, so I've never been one to get out into the black Friday madness. This year, I decided to do my shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year, online style! My mind isn't wrapped around Christmas yet, so everything I bought was for me :)

New York & Company
I've had my eye on these sweaters since they came out. I fell in love with it in the store, it was so soft and has really cute faux jewels on the buttons (I got it in pink & purple). I couldn't see paying $40 for a cardigan so I decided to wait for it to go on sale. And I shrunk my one and only brown skirt so I needed another.





Total: $52 (includes shipping)
Cost Before Promos: $106

Promos I Used: Sweaters were buy one get the second at 75% off and $35 off orders of $75 before 12 noon. My order was at $73 so I added the lotion for $2.99 and it can be someones stocking stuffer :)

I still have 30% off and $20 off coupons to use. Goodness, NY & Co. knows how to keep a penny-pincher happy!

JCPenney
Here are a pair of Worthington boots I've been watching for a while, in my opinion they were overpriced. Again my patience kicked in and I waited! Good thing.



Total: $42 (includes shipping)
Pre-sale Price: $64.99

Promo I Used: Free shipping on orders of $25 or more.

I had a great time shopping from the comfort of my own home :) If you went out shopping, I hope you had a wonderful, safe day and got some great deals!

Lunch Post

Hopefully everyone is having a fabulous day so far!

Since it's so dang cold out (we're supposed to get snow flurries today), I decided to stay in the office and blog on my lunch break. Currently, I'm munching on a Mushroom, Spinach and Chicken Lean Pocket and a Diet Dr. Pepper. Yum! Oh, Lean Pocket also has another that is my favorite (I think I bought every one in the store) Spinach, Artichoke and Chicken. What? Talk about good stuff. Lean Pocket definitely isn't slacking on the flavor.

Anywho. Here's what I'm wearing today, minus the drippings from my Lean Pocket:

Blue/Greenish Shirt: New York & Company - $20
Black Sparkly Shirt: BCBG Max Azaria - $15
Pinstriped Gray Pants: New York & Company - $18
Faux Snake Belt: New York & Company - $14
Black Shoes: Nine West - $40
Buttlerfly Mother of Pearl Necklace: Cookie Lee - $20 ??

Estimated Cost: $127


PS - I didn't wear my collar like that outdoors, I wanted to make sure you could see my necklace :)

Casting Call

Did I tell you all I went to a casting call for the next Brady Bunch movie today? That is what the flip and the sweater vest is all about. I had to update the look just a bit though. OK, I'm totally joking! I do look like I rolled out of the 60's :)

The boots that I'm wearing were originally purchased by my co-worker but she couldn't get them zipped over her calf. In her defense, I have the smallest calves on earth and I almost didn't get them zipped! I gave them a test drive today to make sure I wouldn't pass out from excruciating pain in my calves. They were actually pretty comfy.






Pants & Boots Detail



Striped Shirt: Izod (Thrifted) - $3
Sweater Vest: Cherokee - $Can't remember but $10 tops I'm sure
Brown Herringbone Pants - Larry Levine (part of a suit) - $30
Brown Boots: Unlisted - $20
Mother of Pearl Necklace: Thrifted - $2
Brown Faux Croc Belt: New York & Company - $10
Headband (probably Target) - $3?

Estimated Cost: $78

Call Me Detective Pincher!

All I need is a badge and a gun and I'm all set for the NYPD! OK, maybe not. LOL. The faux detective uniform consists of...

Black Vest: New York & Company - $25
Striped Shirt: New York & Company - $15
Black Cuffed Pants: New York & Company - $25
Blue Shoes: Chadwick's - $30

Estimated Cost: $95