Bargain Time

     I’m not going to lie.  I have been finding it very difficult to get in touch with my blogging mojo lately.  I haven’t really been in a craft mood (I’m embarrassed to tell you how long it’s been since I’ve gotten out my sewing machine.), and I just can’t think of cutesy clever ways to tell you about how this weird transitional time has just not been the most fun I’ve ever had.
     What I am eager to tell you about is my fave new shopping experience.  I’m a sucker for a bargain.  We have a new store in town called Dirt Cheap (it sounds tacky…kind of is…but hang with me for a minute).  The whole premise is that they buy overstocks, insurance claims, salvage etc. from other stores and resell it.  Ours has got a ton of stuff from Target, and I am excited about it.  Today I got a 5x8 rug for $16.43!  I am so excited to put it in my new living room!

     My living room vision is really coming together.  Because the couch is so light, I want to get tons (or a reasonable few) throw pillows to brighten it up.  I’m also thinking that I want to do lots of different shades of neutrals in different textures.  We have hardwood floors that are pretty dark (here), and the couch is pretty light (here), so I’m thinking this rug will bring them together nicely.  Also, I’ve fancied up some lamps with a can of oil rubbed bronze spray paint and new shades from (where else?) Target via Dirt Cheap.  I’ll take a picture tomorrow.

     I also got two dresses from the short-lived The Webster at Target collection (for way less than Target tried to sell them…)

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(Actually a shorter version of this…that is not nearly so low cut with a sort of ruffle-type thing at the neckline.  Obviously I couldn’t find a picture of it.)

          Places like this always suck me in.  I could spend way too much time and money on “bargains” which are such a good deal…and totally unnecessary.  In unrelated news, I got new lavender nail polish so I’m taking a (short) break from my signature red toes to try it out…loving it so far. 

TWENTY DAYS, Y’ALL!

Thrifting Zhu-Zhu

     Let’s just chat for minute about the Thrift Sale (…yes it does deserve those capital letters).  Saturday morning I woke up at 5:45 – 5:45! – to prove just how much I love a good bargain.  In spite of the early hour, standing in line, and the lady who pushed in front of me not once, but twice, I had the best thrifting zhu-zhu I’ve had in years!
     I didn’t take everything back to school with me, but I though I would give you a little preview of the things I did bring back with me.  Here we go:

 

I’m calling this a tunic.  Some people might wear it as a very short, very low-cut dress…but I would not be one of those people.  With a camisole underneath and some leggings, this will be so cute for church or teaching…or just being cute if the occasion calls for it!

A trench shirt!  I guess technically I could wear this as a jacket, but it’s so thin that I’ll probably use it as an over shirt with a fitted tee or tank top underneath.  It has a belt that goes with it too.

This one is not quite long enough for leggings, but will be perfect for fall with my skinny jeans and some cute boots…maybe a scarf.

These leggings still had the tags on…the $47 price tag.  That’s a negative.  These are pretty thick as far as leggings go, so I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of them come late fall and winter.

I was not so sure about crochet-backed tops when I first saw them, but for $2, I think I can afford to experiment.  This on is 3/4 sleeved so I can still wear it for awhile with more fall colored tank tops underneath.

 
This one is just a plain Old Navy scoop neck t-shirt thing.  I can wear it for teaching or with jeans.

     Alrighty…that’s all for pictures this time, but I can tell you a little more about my other goodies.  I also came out with a 100% silk, ivory colored blouse from Talbots with cute little ruffles at the top; it’s being dry-cleaned or I would have it.  Two Banana Republic dresses (one black, one gray) also being dry cleaned, but so cute and only $5 apiece!  I got the cutest red open sweater with flower applique around the neck and lapel…but it’s also at the cleaner.  An Old Navy tank top blouse type thing – green with little white polka dots – will have to wait until next year to be worn.  A Liz Claiborne tank top blouse type thing – also green with white polka dots – which will be perfect for teaching or regular life will also have to wait until next year.  I did get get a pink Ann Taylor Loft dress, but it fit sort of awkwardly…so it’s going to the Goodwill.
     All in all, I think that is an incredible deal for only $49!  I cannot wait to start incorporating all of this into my wardrobe.  I carried on the bargaining zhu-zhu at Kohl’s later in the day when I got the most perfect shirt for engagement pictures for 30% off the clearance price!  I’m not showing it yet, because I want y’all to be surprised when you see the pictures.  Hint: think jewel tones with some fun flats.
     Wait, did she say engagement pictures?  Why yes, yes I did.  I know I mentioned pictures here, but we’ve had a slight change of plans.  We’re moving the pictures up to the 13th, and we’ll be taking them in the Collierville Town Square.  I’ve been looking at pictures of it, and I think it’s going to be the perfect place.  Can’t wait!

Switching gears entirely.  I have three weeks (actually two weeks and four days) left at my first student teaching placement!  This is so crazy.
Also, I have some really exciting things coming up…not just engagement pictures, so I hope y’all will stick around for awhile.
P.S.  It’s practically the end of September…I mean really?  That being said, if you’re looking to sponsor for October, I would love to help you out.  Shoot me an email for more info!

Target Finds

     Y’all, I finally did it!  I have been talking about buying some teacher-appropriate clothes for next semester and, you know, my real life for forever, and I actually came through this time.  Yesterday, my mother wanted to run to Target, so of course I went, fully expecting to look and then not buy anything – my usual routine.  I don’t know if it was shopping with my mother, the Starbucks I had just ingested, or some sort of planetary alignment (…it was definitely having my mother there), but I saw tons and tons and tons of cute things!  While I did not walk out with any pants (sad day), I did buy two skirts that will serve me well on into the fall and a really cute lightweight sweater-y thing.

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     The picture doesn’t really do it justice.  It’s pretty thin (perfect for the blazing hot beginning of school, but will definitely work with close toe shoes for the fall.  The sweater I got goes perfectly, but I think it will look so cute with a plain white tank top and a denim jacket too.

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     Grey…my favorite!  This one is really lightweight too, but I think I’ll be able to stretch it for awhile.  It will look so cute with some solid color t-shirts or dressier tops.  It comes down to right at my knees, so it’s really a perfect length.

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     I’m not sure if this is exactly what I got, but it’s pretty similar.  It fits sort of loose and casual, and I think I’m going to be able to wear it a lot.

     I tried on several pairs of pants, but I just couldn’t find any that fit cute.  I’ll have to make a day of it and actually go “pants shopping.”  Skirts are great, but pants are a necessity.  Until then, I'm so happy with each of these, and I’ll be able to wear them to work, church, or out if I want.  Nest on my teacher shopping agenda is shoes.  I’ll be needing some flats.  I should also probably stock up on solid tees, but that’s not pressing.  I can always find those.
     How about all of you?  Any great finds lately?  Any tips on teacher clothes?  I want to be comfortable and professional.  No high heels at work for this girl!