Simple but Chic for Spring

Spring is on its way and here is what I am craving to add to my spring wardrobe. I don't plan to buy much this spring because I wear some things across seasons if I can and I have clothes from last year I can wear. I'm trying to save and these loans are no joke so I'm going to keep it really simple and invest in inexpensive statement accessories in bright and bold colors.. oh yeah and nail polish. Here is my recipe with simple chic pieces that can yield many outfits.

1. Denim or Chambray button down (one in indigo and another in a light washed out blue)
2. bright denim skinnies in coral, mint green (or similar), yellow and shamrock green (these are just colors I see myself in)
3. Neutral oxfords
4. Stunner shades ;)

Ensables:

- Button down with whatever color skinnies you're in the mood to wear.
- A bright skinny belt to cinch the waste.
- Oxfords and a cross-body bag. bright nail polish
- Stunner shades

Feel free to color block with accessories (belts, handbags & clutches, sunglasses & nail polish). It makes everything more fun. And this, ladies and gentlemen is how I plan to step out this spring with minimal spending. Ensables perfect for a day in SoHo and photo snapping and effortless fantabulousness.

All is Fair in Style and Retail

Okay so I prayed, had a little faith and when I went back to Banana, even though they said they weren't there, I checked for the shoes and guess what? The leopard print Mad Men pumps were there! It's a small thing but I was very happy to see them. I put them on hold and along with a few other things. I have $40 in BR Card Rewards and if things with pricing and discount works out in my favor, the rewards buck should cover most of it. I see my bday outfit coming together. I don't know where I'm going but I will look good.

Now there was a black dress that I let get away too. I've been checking for it but it looks like someone def got away with that one. Hey, you can't win 'em all! But I'm sure there'll be more little black dresses.

Buy the Shoes, Eat the Cookie

I hate when I do this but I let another amazing deal slip through my fingers. The leopard print Mad Men pumps were on sale at Banana Republic in my size but I wanted to wait until my rewards dollars arrived. I had the chance to put them hold sooner but didn't so when I called today to have them put on hold they were sold. Now I have this uneasy feeling in my stomach and it sucks. Ah well, I guess there are more fabulous shoes out there... There certainly are but not for that price.

This was a very hurtful lesson but sometimes you have to act fast on some deals. Your wallet and your wardrobe will thank you for it later.

Choose Your Battles: Price vs. Value

                         
Sometimes it is worth it to spend a little more on something you love. Don't get me wrong, I am all for frugal fabulosity (in case you couldn't tell from the name of the blog), but I am also all for "just buy something good and done." For instance, I splurged on a pair of boots that I absolutely loved this season. I waited till they were marked down and though the price was still quite high for me, I decided to go for it because I knew that I wouldn't like any boot within my price range.

A couple months ago, I found my red :) (red lipstick in the perfect shade for my skin tone) but I was trying my best to budget and decided that I wasn't going to spend $12 on lipstick when I could get it for half that at a drugstore. Now I'm not one to diss drugstore makeup just because of the name but the one thing about dept store makeup is the fact that you can try it before you buy it and know whether or not you like it before you bring it home. Drugstore makeup can be a hit or miss. And in these economic times, I can't afford to miss.

I bought a red in Rite Aid and though it went on really smooth but the color was hideous on me. Bleh! It was just wrong. I had to mix it with a sample of a darker red I had laying around. I folded and went and bought my red from The Body Shop and I'm sending the other one to my cousin. With the cost of shipping, it will be like I paid $22 vs. $12 on the one that worked in the first place.

Sometimes you have to buy what works. If you have to buy bottled water to get yourself to drink as much as you should then I say do it because what good is tap water if you won't even drink it? Skin care is no exception. Blemishes cut no corners with me so I can't afford to cut corners with my skin. I purchased Mary Kay Velocity this weekend. It was pricey for me but 100% returnable if anything goes wrong.

I leave you with this: Choose your battles wisely and buy what works.