Thrifty Tuesdays. What I've bought lately. (Week 2)

I went on a quick trip the Goodwill the other day. I ended up picking up way more than I thought I would. I think it was because I was rushed. I hate when I do that. I went in for boots, a belt, or jeans. I actually need them. I didn't get any of those, because thrift shopping never works that way for me.

I only have a few pairs of jeans that still fit, it's a side effect of losing so much weight. It seems in the last month I've toned up a lot more, and my jeans are really falling off. When you thrift there are certain things you love that you won't be able to find again. So it's weird to say goodbye to some of my favorite finds. But, as you can see I'm finding new favorites. Which I think will be just as fun.

Axcess, (A Liz Claiborne Brand). $3.75.

Tommy Hilfiger button down. $1.88. Half off baby!

I love the yellow lining.

The emblem. 

Worthington striped short sleeve cardigan. $3.75. It's brand new with tags!

Converse One Star sweater. $1.88. Another half off find!

 Hand Crafted earrings. $2.99.

I thought they were half off, and decided to keep them anyway.
I think I'm too cheap sometimes.

These had no brand. Earrings. $0.75.

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

Why you should check out RunwayRundown.com!

So you know how I love a good deal? RunwayRundown.com is all about staying in your budget, and staying fashionable. This website literally takes a look right off the runway and shows your how to get it for less. I'm in love with it!

On the right hand side of the page you can browse by designer, season, price, clothing type, style, retailer, and even color! So you can search to your heart's desire. I'm kind of obsessed with the under $100 option. I hope you guys like this site, and check it out!

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa 

Velvet love.

Where I live it's not always feasible to wear a dress to a party. If it's snowing, and the wind chill is below zero I'm not going to feel too happy about being in a dress. The wind will be all up in my business, and sometimes you even chance indecent exposure. My favorite alternative is the velvet pantsuit. It looks so luxurious, and it is thick enough for colder weather. Don't be afraid to break up the pieces to get more use out of them. Here is a few beauties to fit your budget, so you can stop punishing your legs.

The pant sits lower on the waist in this modern fit,

and the jacket is cut close to the body for an effortless evening feel.

Modern Stretch Velvet Trousers. $98. Deluxe Velvet Blazer.$158. Ann Taylor.

You will be saying "Oh this old thing? I just threw this on."

This blue boy cut blazer comes in regular, petite, and plus!

The bootcut charcoal gray pants will be flattering on everyone.

Halogen Liquid Velvet Jacket. $79.90.  Christopher Blue Lance Velvet Pants. $148. Nordstrom.

 Kohl's bring us this little number as the most affordable option.

You will look sleek with princess seams, and simple leggings.

The blazer is also available in blackberry for a punch of color.

Currently the blazer is on sale for $39.99, and the leggings for $17.99.

Apt 9 Velvet Blazer. $72.  Apt 9 Velvet Leggings. $36. Kohl's.

If you're craving feminine, and close cut encounter, try this jacket.

Add to your feminine factor with these flared leg pants.

Velvet Blazer. $175. Sloan Fit Velvet Flared Pant. $110. Banana Republic.

Try the pop of red with black leggings. 

These leggings are elegantly ruched on the side seam.

Urban Renewal Vintage Velvet Blazer. $39.99.  Sparkle & Fade Ruched Velvet Legging. $38. Urban Outfitters.

I really love the grey fox color. It has a great sheen. 

But, you can't go wrong with the black either.

This is a sexy take on the pantsuit.

I think I saved the best for last.

I want this right now.

 Velvet Jacket. $88. VS Pencil Pant in Velvet. $49.50. Victoria's Secret.

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

I'm really excited!

I'm not one to spend money. I mean that is what my blog is all about, save money, and use what you have. But, I have wanted something for a long time, a camcorder. My lovely boyfriend woke up early on black friday, and braved the weather in line at Best Buy for just that. I'm the proud owner of a flip ultra hd! This camcorder is idiot proof, which was exactly what I was looking for. I have used it, and really like it so far. So expect some videos here, and there from now on.

 

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

School days.

Who says you need to be a naughty school girl? How about boarding school material instead? Collegiate even. Bring on the pretty peter pan collars, bold saddle shoes, and trendy over the knee socks.

I love the bright, and cheery yellow color of this dress.

ASOS Knitted 60s Shift Dress. ASOS, $62.06.

 These are a great update on the classic.

The details is so luxurious they could pass as an evening shoe.

Canvas Oxfords. Forever 21, $22.80.

 Perfect pleats, and a bouncy bow make give this a 50's vibe.  

Teatime Traditions Dress. Mod Cloth, $62.99.

These mary janes will give you the height you crave.

Mary Jane Velvet Pump. Wet Seal, $24.50.

Throw a little neutral tweed in to stay cozy.

BB Dakota Douglas Tweed Blazer. Lulus, $81.

Try purple instead of something expected like black or white. 

Don't be afraid to treat it like a neutral. 

RSASKL1Unisex Solid Knee-High Sock. American Apparel, $10.

 

Put your hair in a loose side bun to offset this hat's formal look.

Wool Cloche with Grosgrain Rosette. Forever 21, $10.80.

Alright class, pencils down, and now it's time for recess. Until next time...

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

Black Friday sales. Get them while you still can, and stay at home to shop.

Just a quick post. Here is my sale round up!

Ann Taylor
40% off your entire purchase, and free shipping over $150 or more.
ASOS
20% off ASOS brand, free shipping, and 70% off holiday sale.
Banana republic
Free shipping on orders over $50, and 25% off your order until Sunday!
Bebe
40% off select new styles. $4.95 shipping.
Charlotte Russe
25-50% Everything  Free shipping over $50. Goes until Sunday.
Forever 21
A different sale everyday this weekend, site wide sale. BOGO apparel items. Free shipping over $50.
GAP
$10,$20,$30 deals., and 20% off your order. Free shipping over $50.
Go Jane
30% off regular styles until Sunday. Free shipping over $50.
JCPenney
Sitewide sale, and free shipping over $25.
Jones New York
Free shipping, and up to 80% off.
Kohl's
Free shipping with a $75 purchase, and sitewide sale! 
The Loft
 40% off everything, and free shipping with $125 purchase.
Mod Cloth
Tis the season sale, ends on 11/30 at 12:01. Free shipping with a $75 purchase.
Newport News
Extra 30% off when you spend $100.
Nordstorm
Up to 50% off seasonal apparel. Free shipping over $100.
Old Navy
$5,$10,$15 deals. 50% off outerwear. More doorbuster deals on Saturday! Free shipping over $50.
Victoria's Secret
Free shipping over $50, free tote with 3 beauty must haves, free scarf with sweater purchase, $25 off when you spend $150, and 25% off 85 styles of bras!

Norma Kamali for Walmart. Batwing cardigans, boyfriend blazers, and even a convertible dress.

So I was doing my normal browsing of all my favorite fashion sites. All I can say is holy. crap. Look at the item of the week at Style.com! It's a Norma Kamali for Walmart suit for $35.

The biggest problem is most of the clothes are only available online, and limited in stores. But, I was still really impressed. Everything is so versatile. The french terry pea jacket is only $20, and the black trench coat is only $35 (number 1,2). So you can get a short, and long coat for the price of one coat elsewhere. My favorite pieces were the all in one jersey dress and top (number 10,13). You can do so much with them. They remind me of an infinity dress but this version is much more affordable at $18. The top is $15, and even comes in some patterns. I checked some of the clothing out at my local Walmart, and I couldn't believe the quality of this for the price!

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's French Terry Pea Jacket: Women
$20 - walmart.com


Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Trench Coat: Women
$35 - walmart.com 


Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's French Terry Anorak Jacket: Women
$25 - walmart.com

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Sleeveless Tie-Waist Jersey Dress:...

$24 - walmart.com

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Batwing Cardigan: Women
$18 - walmart.com




Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Career Boyfriend Jacket: Women
$30 - walmart.com
Norma Kamali jackets »

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Cargo Pants: Women
$18 - walmart.com

  Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Twist Flare Jersey Dress: Women
$20 - walmart.com
Jersey dress »

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Oversized French Terry V-Neck...
$15 - walmart.com

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's All-in-One Jersey Top: Women
walmartimages.com



Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Classic Pants: Women
$15 - walmart.com

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's Sleeping Bag Vest: Women
$30 - walmart.com

Walmart.com: Norma Kamali - Women's All-in-One Jersey Dress: Women
$18 - walmart.com

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

The Style Article: http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/itemoftheweek/083010_Norma_Kamali_Walmart_Suit/

Things I am most thankful for, in picture, and video form.

 

My boyfriend. This picture is so old. But it's cute.

We are on the Incline in Pittsburgh here.

My kitties. They don't care about anything,

as long as I feed them, and scoop their litter.

Oh, and they are adorable.

The kitties in action.

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

Losing 40lbs, and what I've learned.

It Gets Better

Edited by: The Sunday Best

As  we head full on into the "holiday" season, with its unbridled  consumerism, endless head-whacking charity pleas, and weird tie-ins, I  expected the links list to be inundated with shopping guides. Instead,  many dealt with what can only be considered harassment or, terribly,  abuse; several looked at blogging as a cathartic experience, others as a  rallying cry. I was lucky enough to be raised in an openly affectionate  household with two strong female presences in my mother and sister, and  this has undoubtedly affected my manner and attitudes as a married man.  Since I can't go around changing men and society, no matter how cool  that superpower would be, I offer this reminder, in what I believe is  the spirit of the season (when that spirit is allowed to express itself  unfettered): respect is the bare minimum we owe each other, and the bare  minimum we should expect from others. Respect is not necessarily  agreement, but it is always acknowledgment. For those who are struggling  this season--financially, emotionally, physically--I can only echo the  words of Tim Gunn, George Takei, and others when I say, "It gets  better." Happy Holidays.

Links à la Mode: December 2

• Analogue Chic 1 step forward, ten steps back: Skinnygirl by Bethenny Frankel
• Be Fabulous Daily Women at work: An immodest proposal
• Crimson Rosella My safe haven
• Finding Tokyo Why Paris is no longer the fashion capital of the world
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Comment Challenge
• Melina Bee How to host your own clothing swap in five easy steps
• Mrs Bossa Friend Friday Guest Post: Size Matters
• My Heart Blogged Losing 40 lbs., and what I've learned
• Oranges and Apples An ethics code for bloggers
• Piewacket Hot off the press
• Statements in Fashion My Alex, My Dragonfly
• Style Eyes A fashion bloggers mini guide to psychology
• The Button Owl Control freak
• The Chic Curve From the author: "Fat Bitch"
• The Coveted Nicole de Carle: Subversive Architectural Lingerie
• The Demoiselles Can't stand the hate: Cutting Bridalplasty down to size
• The Elegant Bohemian The sisterhood
• The Laugh Slut Giving thanks
• The Sunday Best Give him scotch
• Vogue Vintage The future of fashion blogging
• Wearabout Streets on the runway

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Swimwear: Bikinis by: Tibi, Rosa Cha, Clout, DVF, Red Carter, Thayer, http://www.shopbop.com/spanx/br/v=1/2534374302167112.htm?all">Spanx, http://www.shopbop.com/cosabella/br/v=1/2534374302023729.htm?all">Cosabella, & Shoshanna




I have lost 40lbs since April. I lost the weight because I knew I needed to be healthier. Weight is just a number, and it is not a defining quality. I will admit I was eating like crap, and very sedentary. I want to be healthy, and eat in moderation. Which can feel impossible sometimes. But, I'm doing my best.

I was getting to the point where nothing fit in my closet. Now, because I kept a lot of my old clothing, I get to shop in my own closet. It is kind of fun rediscovering things in my wardrobe that I haven't worn for years. For Halloween I was Peg Bundy, and wore a pair of skinny jeans I never thought I would wear again. The last time I wore these was around 4 years ago. All Halloween night it felt really awesome to rock them.

After

My boyfriend, and I. He was my Al Bundy.

We are a little tipsy here.

Before

 This was around my heaviest.

I feel better about myself, and more confident. I don't feel as sluggish as I used to. That was really my goal, to not scrape by in my own life. I just didn't have the energy to do the things I wanted. One thing people seem to forget is just because you lose weight doesn't mean you are going to be a whole new person, so love yourself at every point in your life. You will still be you. Losing weight won't change anything but your weight. 

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa

P.S.

I can't believe I made Links à la Mode. I feel so honored. When I found out I jumped up in the air. My poor boyfriend thought I was cruh-a-zy. I want to thank everyone for reading this, Sparkpeople.com for inspiring me, and my boyfriend for loving me for me.

Thrifty Tuesdays. What I've bought lately.

Here are some of the awesome deals I've found lately. I went to Wal Mart, and Goodwill. While I'm not crazy about the prices at our Goodwill, it's kind of expensive for a thrift store, they always have really nice stuff.

Here are my finds from Wal Mart's clearance racks.

Susie Rosie $1.

Neckline, and shoulder detail. So ruffly.

Black Short Sleeve Tunic Length Top. L.e.i. $3.

It's actually from their sleepwear, it's long, and so comfy.

 The neckline detail.

Sheer ruffled button down tank. George. $1.

It's a little big, but that just makes it comfy.

Two Danksin workout tops. $2 each.

They are really sturdy, stretchy, and are moisture wicking.

Now my Goodwill steals

 Tan over sized purse. Usher. $3.75.

This has never been used, and the lining was spotless.

 Cute leather, and rounded stud details.

I don't understand how this Usher. 

Maybe this bag came free with his fragrance?

 

 Black Blouse with crystal buttons. Ann Taylor. $3.75.

The crystal buttons on this blouse are amazing.

It's so classic I couldn't pass it up.

Peep toe black denim wedges. American Eagle. $3.75.

I can't wait to wear these pumps.

Happy Shopping,

<3 Vanessa