Name Brands - Hospice Thrift Store

Mom and I got together last week and went shopping at the Hospice Thrift Store. I ended up getting five tops and four bottoms, along with a few other treasures.

Self Esteem 3/4 Brown Star top - $5.99

Rue 21 3/4 Teal top - $5.99

International Concepts Tan top - $5.99

A. Byer Black tank - $5.99

Aphrodite cap sleeve top - $4.99

Aeropostale Jeans - $7.99
J.Crew Khakis - $5.99
Old Navy Black Workout pants - $5.99
Denim Skirt - $5.99

*Tip: If you live in the Midwest like I do, you're still in winter. Perk up your winter basics with a few new items. Yesterday, I wore my new chinos with a sweater. Today I layered the tan tank.

Striped Sweater - H&M

So Mom and I aren't the only bargain shoppers around. My friend R is too! The sweater she is wearing today was originally $35 from H&M.

So cute! And on sale for $7. I love the tie that allows a little cinch at the waist without a belt.

Purple Day

Yesterday was Purple Day. I wore my cute Maurice's top.

My mom and coworkers also showed their support.

American Living Sweater - JCPenney

So today I am featuring a bargain not found by me. This was found by my mom. I definitely take after her. And once you read about this, you'll see what a a great role model I have!

This is an American Living sweater from JCPenneys that is originally priced at $54. My mom found it marked down 80% and then had a $10 off coupon. This brought her grand total to 81 cents! You heard right, 81 cents! 77 cents for the sweater and 4 cents in tax. I am in awe! This has to be some sort of record!

*Tip: Coupons that give discounts off any dollar amount are the best kind of coupon. These result in department store purchases under $1 as demonstrated by my mom.

She plans to wear this sweater for Purple Day. Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. I will be wearing purple in memory of my ex-boyfriend Dan, who died from a seizure at age 25. RIP. Please join me in wearing purple on March 26th!

Sewing Machine - Hand-Me-Down

While helping J's sister move, she asked if I wanted a sewing machine. Coincidentally, I was in the process of pricing sewing machines and had planned to buy one in the near future. What luck!

I took it in to get oiled and checked out overall. They also took the time to show me all the features and even threw in a few bonuses.

 

*Tip: Sometimes small-town locally owned businesses may cost a little more, but can be much more personable. As the owner typically works in the shop itself, they may be more flexible with things such as hours.

Flea Markets in Rockford

Awhile back I picked up a magazine called Flea Market Style. (Here is their blog.) I fell in love with the houses decorated in all flea market finds. Apparently I never stopped talking about it because J surprised me over the weekend and took me to two flea markets in Illinois. Here are the signs and my finds.

I am trying a new thing with my pictures. Basically the process went like this:
1) Insert pictures into Word document.
2) Crop and position.
3) Print screen and paste in GIMP.
4) Cut from GIMP and paste in Paint.
5) Save and insert into blog.
If anyone has a better method (preferably free and easy), please let me know.

*Tip: Share your interest with others. They may know of places and things you never knew existed.

Accessory Scarf - Target

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A new Target opened in my area. I found this cute scarf for only $2.50.

Spring Wreath - Etsy

Now that the weather is starting to warm up and we are already half way through the month of March, it was time for me to replace my winter wreath with a spring wreath. Nothing in the stores was what I was looking for. Then I ended up on etsy.com. For those of you that don't know, etsy is a website for people to buy and sell handmade items. I searched for a spring wreath and found this bright and spring-y wreath from Tiny Cottages Treasures.

I ordered it less than a week ago and it's already here! I got home from work and grocery shopping to discover a box by my mailbox. I was so excited, I hung up my new wreath and snapped a picture.

The best picture I could manage at night with a point-and-shoot.

*Tip: Etsy is a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind items. It is like having several hundred boutiques at your fingertips.

Trouser Jeans - Old Navy

I have been on the lookout for dressy denim pants. I found this pair in clearance for $18.89 (30% off) at Old Navy. Keep in mind this picture was taken after a full day of work, hence the wrinkles.

Belted Cardigan

In participating in the 30 for 30, I got some new outfit ideas from other bloggers. I think the belted cardigan look is really cute. I got my inspiration from Amy (Amy Fashion) and Tania (What Would a Nerd Wear). Here is my version:

I admit it's a little rough but I tried. I also didn't have the best cardigan...it's only long in the front, not the back. Ah well, I was glad to find a skinny belt to wear around my waist. My pants' belts are too big for my waist. This cute one is a really deep maroonish purple. I found it in the clearance area at Old Navy for $4.19.

Now that 30 for 30 is over and once work calms down, I will get back to my usual blogging. I found some great treasures over the past week that I can't wait to share with you.