It Runs in the Family

I learned everything that I know about bargain shopping, super sales, digging effectively and NEVER paying full price for anything from my Granny. The uber comfortable dress I'm wearing is from one of her many successful shopping trips at Lord & Taylor. The retail was $220. Since it was a gift I didn't ask how much she actually paid for it, but I can guarantee it was no more than $40 (I know her limits :)). Anyone that paid full price should be kicking themselves.





Printed Dress: A.B.S. Collection by Allen Schwartz - Gifted
Yellow Tank: Old Navy - $2
Yellow Flats: Predictions - $7

Total Estimated Cost: $9

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

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

What Happened?

OK so what the heck happened outside? Wasn't it just 65 degrees in VA or was I hallucinating? It's like 50 below right now. Hubby came and had lunch with me today and we walked (like idiots) to a restaurant near my office. OMG! When I got back into the building after lunch I felt like I had been slapped in the face from the cold wind. As soon as I got home I changed into my comfy jammies and robe :) Ahhh, nice and toasty!

Hopefully all of you have a great weekend. Be safe!





Brown Blazer: Natalie Karlton (Thrifted-Still had the tags on it! Orig. $80) - $6
Pink Shirt: Mossimo - $6
Super Dark Denim: Old Navy - $30
Brown Pumps: Nine West (just one pair of my beauts from Wednesdays post) - $27
Belt: Target (don't know brand) - $3

Estimated Cost: $72

A Night On The Town

I normally don't post on the weekends because it's usually just jeans and a cardi, nothing exciting. Well, tonight is a celebration for my hubby's birthday (which was Tuesday) and we have a friend being shipped off to Iraq next week :( So, tonight it will be lots of laughs and lots of drinks! We reserved a room at the Donovan House in DC because I don't think we'll make it home tonight!

I got my bag at a 20% discount because there is a damaged portion of patent leather on the back side and my shirt was 10% less because part of the belt that ties in the back was broken (fixable but broken). Just goes to show check over everything before you buy it and don't be afraid to ask for a percentage off if there isn't another like it in the store!

Update:
Well, last night didn't run as smooth as we would have liked. We went to check into our hotel and were told they overbooked. No worries, we were sent to The Hotel George on Capital Hill and Donovan House foot the bill for our inconvenience. They also had us picked up by a limo service to take us to the restaurant where we had dinner reservations (we were originally going to walk but from the new hotel it would have been a looooong walk).

We had dinner and drinks at Urbana , it was swanky but still casual. There were twelve of us and I don't think anyone had complaints about the food or service. The staff was very attentive and the food was deelish. My husband had a pork chop that melted in your mouth--literally! For my app, I had calamari, it was cooked perfectly and was super crispy and for my entree, the Bianco pizza. The Bianco consisted of pecorino romano cheese, baby artichokes and picholine olives. My goodness, that was an awesome pizza! I highly recommend Urbana if you are ever in the DC area, don't forget to call me, I'll go with you :0)

We had a wonderful time and made it home safely :0)

Butterfly Shirt: Forever 21 (I'm not really as heavy as I look, it's definitely the shirt!) - $20
Black Tank: H&M - $4
Jeans: Old Navy - $30
Hat: Nine West (via DSW) - $10
Boots: Liz Claiborne - $30
Purse: DSW - $27

Estimated Cost: $121

Rock the VOTE Tomorrow!

Happy Monday! I'm pretty excited about the elections tomorrow. I'll be at the polls when they open at 6 a.m. Make sure you get to your poll place as well. I don't care who you vote for, just VOTE!

Black Vest: New York & Company - $25
Lace Top: Newport News - $20
Black Tee: Old Navy - $6
Gray Pinstriped Pants: New York & Company - $18
Blue Shoes: Chadwick's - $30
Snake Print Belt: New York & Company - $14

Estimated Cost: $113

Plain Jane

Wow! I've only been gone a week and it feels like months! I apologize for my hiatus. So many things to do, so little time...

My conference last Thursday went very well, but boy did it wear me out! I'm still trying to catch up on sleep, LOL. Since my weekend consisted of lots of sleep and not laundry, I was pretty boring on Monday...








Purple Top: Old Navy - $??
Brown Cuffed Pants (not sure why they photograph gray??): New York & Company - $Gifted
Brown Boots: Nine West - $20
Croc Patent Brown Belt: New York & Company - $10
Necklace: eBay - $3 incl. shipping

Estimated Cost: $60

Friday Has Finally Come!

Forget what the Weather Man says. Todays High is 73, it seems that it's always 3 degrees colder than what he says (and when you're on blood thinner that is a huge difference)! So, I pulled out the big guns today...my favorite boots.

It took me about four (plus) months to get these boots. I found them online and when I went to pay, I got that stupid red message that says: Ma'am we're sorry we just wasted 10 minutes of your time but, the item that you have put in your cart is unavailable and has been removed. I Googled and eBayed for months and couldn't find them. I even dragged my husband to the computer and told him that if he saw them anywhere, he should contact the proper authorities...me. After searching for at least four months, I gave up. I didn't know it but, my husband was searching as well and on Christmas morning, I finally got to see my boots in person! I love him :O)

Not too comfortable in this dress since it is much, much shorter than I normally wear. I'll be taking trouser jeans to wear under the dress as back up.

Update: Since I felt naked, trouser jeans were on by 10 a.m. LOL.

Sweater Dress: Banana Republic (Thrifted) - $4
Scarf: Old Navy - $10
Boots: Bronx - $Gifted (they were $80)

Estimated Cost: $94

P.S. Thank you for being with me today Spanx. Lord knows I need you!

Early Bird Day 2

I'm starting to get the hang of getting up on time! Todays stats: up at 5:30 a.m. We'll see what time I get to work. I'll need a nap after lunch, I'm sure.

I was origanally going to wear these shoes but I looked like a big chocolate chunk and I'm "dieting" right now. So, I went with the red shoes.

Brown Shirt Dress: Chadwick's - $7 (incl. ship.)
Embellished Cream Tank: Old Navy - $3
Leopard Scarf: via eBay - $5 (incl. ship.)
Burgundy Shoes: Nine West (via eBay) - $26

Estimated Cost: $41

Early Bird

Check me out, Blogging before going to work! This mornings stats: up at 5:40 a.m. and showered, cooked pancakes and eggs for everyone. Depending on how long I "chat" at the sitters, I should be at work 10 mins. early. Woot, woot! Lets see if I can keep this up. I hope everyone has a great day ;O)

Update: Out of the house 10 mins. early. Chatted a little too long at the sitter...7 mins. late for work :O(








Jacket: New York and Company - $35
Black Cuffed Pants: New York and Company - $35
Yellow Tank: Old Navy - $3
Burgundy Shoes: Nine West (via eBay) - $26 (incl. ship.)
Pearls: $Gifted

Estimated Cost: $99

Simple Monday

I've been such a mess lately. It's a miracle if I don't hit snooze twenty times when my alarm goes off. This mornings stats: woke up 45 mins. late, and 20 mins late for work. Ugh! Needless to say, I got dressed very quickly (thank goodness I showered Sunday night)!

I usually have some idea of what I want to wear but, I think I was so into cleaning my closet yesterday that I forgot to layout my clothes for today. Oopps!

Gold Cardigan: Faded Glory - $3
Black Tee: Old Navy - $6
Black Pants: Worthington - $20
Burgundy Patent Shoes: Nine West (via eBay) - $26 (incl. ship.)
Belt: Bought it 3 yrs. ago online, can't remember where though. Sad to say this is actually my first time wearing it. I do remember it cost me $30 because I debated about spending that much on a belt. I loved all of the different colors in it and couldn't resist.

Estimated Cost: $85

Very Casual Friday

Today I was extremely casual since I was a chaperon for my kids field trip to Disney on Ice. The show was great, we danced and sang and screamed. I definitely needed that with the week I had!

Blue Wrap Shrit: Old Navy - $7
Black Tank: H&M - $4
Black Vest: New York & Company - $25
Jeans: Old Navy (The Sweetheart) - $32
Boots: Liz Claiborne - $30

Estimated Cost: $98




Remember my post on family photos in August? Well, we got our pictures back! Here are some of my favorite shots...

Hip Hip Hooray, it's Getting Cold!

I'm so excited that it's cold enough to wear boots! It won't last very long (it's supposed to be back up to 80 on Sunday) but, it was cold and rainy today so, I took full advantage. The heel on the boots really wasn't what I was looking for, too short, but I fell in love with the detail on the side!

Since it was my Friday, I threw in a touch of denim.











Denim Jacket: French Cuff - $Got it for Christmas 3 or 4 years ago
Yellow T: Old Navy - $8
Black T: Old Navy - $6
Grey Pencil Skirt: The Limited (eBay) - $10
Black Knee High Boots: Liz Claiborne - $30
Scarf: Designer Unknown (Target) - $5

Estimated Cost: $59

When the Cat is Away...

My boss was not in the office today so, we all decided to dress just a tad casual. Shhhh. Don't tell.

I LOVE New York & Company! I used every bit of City Cash that I've earned over the past couple of months, to get some great stuff.

Today showcases a few things that I got for an awesome deal. Some items were already 30% or 40% off before my discount.




Black Kimono Top: New York & Company - $14
Pink Tank: Old Navy (via eBay) - $3 (incl. shipping)
Belt: New York & Company - $9
Trouser Jeans: Gap (via eBay) - $20 (incl. shipping)
Shoes: Nine West - $15
Necklace: New York & Company - $12
Earrings: New York & Company - $4

Estimated Cost: $77

Nice (Almost) Fall Day

I'm loving that it's getting cooler out. I'm so over summer and the heat!

What I'm looking forward to the most this fall/winter is having no AC running at work. There are eight women-including myself- that work in my office (no men, so lots of hormones floating around). Five of them have gone through or are in the middle of the dreaded menopause! At least in the winter it's appropriate to dress like an Eskimo.








Yellow Cardigan: Old Navy (eBay) - $2 (incl. shipping, it was $.50 and $1.50 shipping - Wooohooo!)
Black Top: Old Navy - $6
Houndstooth Slacks: George (Thrifted) - $4
Necklace: Xhilaration - (eBay) - $3 (incl. shipping)
Shoes: Nine West - $20

Estimated Cost: $35

Blue: Take Three

Three days of blue? I didn't even realize I had so much blue stuff!

These shoes were a lot louder than I expected. They photograph as a deep royal blue, when they are more like a bright purplish-blue. Ah, well. I still love them and they are very comfy.

Black Lace Top: Newport News - $20
Yellow T: Old Navy - $8
Black Skirt: Mossimo (via eBay) - $10 (incl. ship.)
Blue Suede Shoes: Chadwick's - $30

Estimated Cost: $68

Suspenders Are Hard Work

It took me quite a while to figure out how I would be able to wear my suspenders since every black skirt I own has the zipper in the back. The suspender clamp wasn't large enough to hold fabric and a zipper. After fiddling around for about ten minutes, I finally figured it out. Since my zipper is hidden, I was able to zip my skirt to the suspender clamp and the clamp held the top of my skirt closed. Geez, how many Penny-Pinching Princesses does it take to put on a set of suspenders? I'll blame it on being exhausted for the past few days!







White Ruffle Shirt: Old Navy - $20
Leopard Print Suspenders: Luxury Diva - $10
Black Skirt: H&M - $9
Patent Peep Toes: Nine West - $10

Estimated Cost: $49

Double Trouble

My great girlfriend and co-worker, Airica, was so excited to show me her fab new scarf she bought last week, that she brought it into the office. She pulled it out of the bag and I said, "Hey, I have that!" We laughed hysterically because lately we have been finishing each others sentences and saying the same exact thing at the same time! It's very bizarre. It was no biggie that we both now owned the same scarf, it just meant that we would have to coordinate when the scarf would be worn.

When I was getting dressed this morning, I thought, "I should give Airica a call and tell her not to wear the scarf today." I quickly changed my mind thinking, what are the odds of us both wearing the scarf today? Darn it, I should start playing the lotto! Not only did Airica wear the scarf but, we both had the same color top on and brought the same lunch. Wow!

Pink cardigan: Josephine Chaus - $?? (couldn't have been more than $20)
White top: Old Navy - $7
Scarf: New York & Company - $5
Gold Belt: Dear - $8
Grey plaid skirt: Worthington - $10
Turquoise shoes: Gianni Bini - $15

Estimated Cost: $65

Nice Day, Despite the Rain

Today was very wet and yucky but, it didn't stop me and hubby from celebrating our anniversary. We had a very nice day alone, which hardly ever happens!

Hubby writes for D3Football.com so our first stop was Gaullaudet University in Washington, DC to cover their game. It was awesome because Gaullaudet is a University for the deaf and hard of hearing. The fans were just as loud as any other college game I've gone to. There was tons of chanting, screaming and cheering. Even though the students are challenged, you could tell they were living life to the fullest.

Our second stop, a quiet dinner at Carlyle's in Arlington. I had their lump crab cakes with remoulade sauce and warm apple pie with ice cream for dessert. Yum!

Kimono Top: 15dollarstore.com - Um, $15
Cream Tank: Old Navy - $3
Jeans (The Sweetheart): Old Navy - $32
Turquoise & Purple boots: Esprit - $20

Estimated Cost: $70