Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

9.14.2010

frills and thrills

I've never been one to think too long or hard about my "style". I see a lot of bloggers describe their signature style on their blogs and maybe I should too... I don't know. What I do know is that for as long as I can remember I have gotten up each morning and dressed to match the way I feel. Well, lately I've been feeling all kinds of girly and have been gravitating toward lady-like dresses and skirts, pumps, and layers of beads and bangles. With that in mind, I stopped by Target on Sunday to pick up a few essentials and walked away with this beautiful dress.  The damage: under $10! Thank you, Target! You never have let me down :) 

9.13.2010

When To Splurge

I had an interesting conversation regarding finances with the hubby Friday night. I was wearing the 7 for All Mankind jeans seen in the picture above, and out of nowhere he asked me how much I paid for them. It took me a minute, but after thinking about it I realized the number I was searching for was $120. After he stopped choking on his beer, I explained that this was the amount I paid for the jeans almost 7 years ago. While these jeans undoubtedly remain one of the higher priced items in my closet, I stand by the idea that buying them was a financially sound decision. You see, I've worn these jeans more times than I can count over the course of the last 7 years. So, while $120 sounds like a large amount (and is for a single item in my wardrobe), if we calculate that figure on a per wear basis, it really isn't that bad. If I had to guess, I'd bet I average close to 1 wear per week of these jeans... so, let's do the math: 
  • Wears per week  = 1   
  • Wears per year = 1 * 52 weeks = 52 
  • Wears during 7 years of owning the jeans = 52 * 7 = 364
  • Cost of jeans per wear = $120/364 = $0.33 
By my calculations, this leaves more than enough money to spend on other things like shoes and jewelry! So, my conclusion with my husband is that splurging every now and then is not so bad if the item will receive adequate wear.  And, that gives me something to smile about.  
Happy Monday!

8.25.2010

a tale of two shoes

cardigan, Old Navy $15; dress, Gianni Bini via Dillards $40, heels, Bakers $40
Of course it goes without saying that I am slightly obsessed with shoes. I don't discriminate; I obsess over all of my shoes equally. However, these caged heels hold a particularly special place in my heart (and not just because they're freakin' hott!). No, this pair is extra special because my BFF bought them for me over the weekend. Now, allow me to explain a bit more... 

Almost a year and a half ago my best friend, Joe, made a very important decision that would drastically change his life - he underwent lap band surgery. We both knew this would mean big changes in the months ahead; however, at the time I don't think that either of us could have imagined exactly how big. Now, 1 year and 4 months later he is a svelte 190 pounds lighter and much healthier (you must go read about his journey)!

So, I bet you're wondering right about now where these heels enter into this story. Well, he and I love to shop (duh!). So, somewhere along his amazing journey we decided that as a reward, every time he met a 30 pound weight loss goal we would go shoe shopping and he would buy a new pair for himself. The months passed and he quickly lost 30 pounds, then 90 pounds, then 120 pounds. And, as he approached losing a whopping 180 pounds, he looked at me one day over lunch and said that when he reached his next goal he did not want to buy shoes for himself... he wanted to buy shoes for me

Joe, my darling, you are amazing and it has been my privilege to be by your side throughout your wonderful transformation! I loved the old you and I love the new and improved you just as much. It is my honor to be able to call you my BFF. xo, Gracie


8.04.2010

Currently Browsing: Caged Heels


Two things I realize about this post: 1) caged heels have been big all summer and 2) I am stretching it slightly to lump #7 into the category of caged heels. Two things you should know in response 1) all of the above shoes are reasonably priced (score!) and 2) I'm in love with #7! 


In all seriousness, right now is the perfect time to pick up a pair (or two) of these if you haven't already. First of all, 5 out of 8 of the above shoes really are on sale and 3 out of 8 are under $100! Second, almost any of the above would make a great transition shoe into the fall because of the boot-like silhouette. 


PS - if you're not familiar, I would highly recommend following either of the Nine West links below to Shoe Woo. I'm in love with this site - it's all about shoes on sale!

  1. Joni, Nine West $39.99 (orig. $89)
  2. Vicki Cage Platform Bootie, Rosegold $117 (orig. $168)
  3. Belle, Sigerson Morrison $127.50 (orig. $255)
  4. Pancho Cutout Peeptoe Sandals, TopShop $180
  5. Val, Nine West Boutique 9 $159 (orig. $199) - sorry, only black is left
  6. Lucky Strike Sandal, Chinese Laundry $71 (orig. $89.95)
  7. Annton, Steve Madden $129
  8. Olivia, Coconuts $65

6.04.2010

Gaga Concert Outfit Choice #2

Gaga Concert OutfitFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore


Happy Friday, dear readers!  As promised, I am happy to present you with the second of my Gaga concert wardrobe inspirations.  You'll see that the same shoe choice remains because, let's face it, those scream Gaga!  This is going to be a tough decision, but I have yet to meet a fashion conundrum that I couldn't handle.  Besides, this gives me the perfect excuse to do a little shopping this weekend :)

Whatever and wherever your plans take you this weekend, make it a great one!  I'll see you on The Flip Side!

4.27.2010

in love.

shades, Payless sample; tunic, TJ Maxx; leggins, Target; sandals, Dolce Vita; bag, Christian Siriano for Payless

I bought these Dolce Vita sandals last spring while on my spring break.  I was visiting one of my best friends in Indianapolis for the week.  She and her boyfriend were, of course, working during the day so that left me with plenty of time... to shop.  These were one of my shoe purchases.  Yes, one.  I came home with three pairs of shoes and I thought I may not live to see my wedding day.  My husband is a good man.  Fortunately it's a year later and I'm still in love with the sandals, and my husband and are still in love with each other. 

2.06.2010

Success!


hat, Payless sample; coat, Kohl's $18 (originally $180); skirt, Old Navy $6;
cardigan and t-shirt, Old Navy $15 & $5; tights, Target $7; Boots, Dolce Vita from Nordstrom's $90 

Lately, I haven't felt like I had much success in the shopping department.  But, I can successfully say that my drought ended today.  Although not what I thought I was going out to find, I am very satisfied with the end result (and, gasp - no shoes were purchased!).  You see, originally I thought I would spend the day vintaging (a term coined by my BFF and I in reference to "thrifting"), but after our usual Saturday afternoon lunch his parting words with me were, "wait, don't go today and we'll go together later!"  So in order to honor his request I decided to forgoe a day vintaging and instead hit up some other favs - TJ Maxx and Kohl's.  The jacket I'm wearing in the picture is probably the purchase I'm most proud of.  Remember me browsing these wools coats?  Well, my browsing days are over as I found exactly what I was looking for and at an excellent price!  I call that success, indeed!

1.24.2010

New Fav Shopping Destination: Gallery Classic

After driving Mom and Dad to the airport yesterday morning (sad), I decided to do a little shopping before heading home (happy!). Then, I remembered that I had a gift certificate from Christmas that I had not yet used (even happier!). So, I made a short detour to Gallery Classic, and boy was I in for a treat!  This place is Pottery Barn meets reasonable prices meets the coolest vintage home store you've ever seen!  I spent an hour worth of browsing and walked out with these beautiful pieces.  I will definitely be going back :)


Monogramed Linens
              Pottery Barn Version: 6 for $54             


Gallery Classic Version: $7

While I only purchased the towel, they had the napkin set also for ony $15!



Crome Pocket-watch Clock
Pottery Barn Version: $59


Gallery Classic Version: $12




Lastly, I found this awesome tree-inspired vase, which I just fell in love with.  I think I'm going to find (or create) some silver twigs to put in it. 

Gallery Classic Vase: $11


Total Bill: $33 (tax included)!

Alrighty, I'm off now to bea-u-ti-fy my home! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
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