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How to Get Gum Out of Clothing
- 1/31/2009
I updated my Clothing Cleaning and Upkeep Tricks lens with a quickie video on how to remove gum from clothing. Do yourself a favor & check it out!Labels: Life, Shopping and Fashion
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All Layered Up
- 1/29/2009
[Mini-rant: I don't know why but Blogger keeps resizing my outfit pics so they are tiny. For instance, this one should be the same width as the deet shot below it. Well, I'm migrating to Wordpress soon so I'm not going to spend any time figuring it out. Apologies for the diminutive outfit shots in the meantime.]
Anyway... do you love the bedhead? Sometimes I rock it and sometimes... not so much. I really thought I was clever with the layering in this outfit. The grey top is from Target clearance and was around $3 or so. The sweater is ancient & from Walmart's clearance rack - $3. And I wear it constantly. The skinnies were from TJMaxx, as well as the shoes & belt. Vest is from Target - guess what? Clearance. Surprise!
  I am so all about these colors layered together & layers in general, lately. Browns & greys plus olive = yum! And I've been obsessed (as you can see) with studs & giant fake gems.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Cape? Poncho? Dramatic.
- 1/28/2009
So, I scored these verrrrrry wide leg & looooong jeans at TJMaxx/Marshalls recently - I'll tell the truth, the 2 stores blur together after a while, since I shop at both so much. Anyway, the jeans were about $10 & the poncho sweater was $20 (I sprung more than normal since it's so dramatic!). I actually cleaned up on that particular trip ending up with about 3 pair of pants/jeans plus the poncho & a really cool burn-out white tee.
 The tee is from the thrift ($4) so is the necklace ($10?). Shoes are Born from TJ/Marsh ($39).
 The deets: Wearing 2 sterling bangles (ebay - $10 each?), wedding rings, sterling hoops from Grandma (priceless).
As I was browsing the T to the J today I was thinking of my best frugal fashion shopping tips. They are pretty simple: - Comb through the clearance racks &
- Be willing to try anything.
If I find something interesting & cheap (ahem, inexpensive), I take it home & make it work! It forces me to be creative. So take some leaps & have a wardrobe adventure!Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Accessories - More For Your Money
- 1/26/2009
 I've been buying way more costume jewelry than in the past and fewer new clothes. There are so many things I have found on clearance at Target & Walmart that I am just in love with.
I think it's really worth it to buy inexpensive jewelry that makes a statement. You can change the entire look of any outfit with it instead of buying a new outfit.
I've heard more people are doing this to save the bucks now that we're in a downturn. Have you been buying more accessories, fewer clothes? Or something else? Please share with the rest of the class - I know I would love to get some new ideas! Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Tahari Sequins for Day
- 1/21/2009
This tank is another post-Christmas splurge. I actually bought 5 tops plus a couple other things at TJMaxx & ended up returning, ironically, the most normal & inexpensive of the 5. I kept the Malandrino sweater and this awesome silver sequined Tahari tank top ($22). The sequins are clear which gives it a very subtle, unique effect.
 
God, do I love my grey layers! oxford heels: Madden Girl ($20); leggings: Target ($7); dress: BCBG ($20); tank: Tahari ($22); sweater: Target, thrifted ($4); bracelet: gift from friend Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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New Catherine Malandrino Sweater
- 1/20/2009
Here's an outfit with a new sweater I picked up after Christmas. It's Catherine Malandrino & I got it for $20. The extra-awesome part about it is that it's long enough to wear as a dress but tucks up under itself nicely to be worn as a top as well (shown). Drawback is it's DCO - that's dry clean only - blurgh... Hate that. But as it's versatile & cheerily bright (plus waaayyy soft) I will put up with that.
Below is the close-up. Not to show you my gigantic rack LOL. But to show off the cute pins I scored at Walmart after Christmas. I got both for $5 & they are a-dorable! I def need more - must keep eye out...
 Shoes: Liz Claiborne zebra stripe flats ($20)
Jeans: Enyce ($15)
Tank: Hanes ($5 or so)
Sweater: Catherine Malandrino ($20)
Pins: Walmart ($5)
Headband: Claire's ($5, if that)Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Eternity Scarf
- 1/19/2009
Here's a view (finally!) of the DKNY Pure eternity scarf I nabbed over Christmas break. The outfit is not the most inspired but I really wanted to show the piece on.
I really dig it but I must admit I fell into the "lusting after an item because of a brand name" bit. When I saw it was DKNY Pure I had to have it despite the $29 (sale) price tag. (I normally would never spend that on a scarf - I live in Florida for f's sake.) But I've been lusting after a bit of Pure since I spotted one of the bags from that line. It was perfect - so basic, so, well, pure. I did pass on the bag due to the price but I suckered myself into this scarf since I was in after-Christmas spending mode. Despite the label lust, I still quite like it & picture it having a place in my closet for a while. Hopefully the next outfit I wear it with will be a little more inventive.
Close up of details - DKNY Pure scarf, handmade sterling necklace (by me!) with an agate talon and a ring to match.
 The outfit details:
LizFlex heels, Willi Smith trouser jeans, Jonathan Martin top, DKNY Purse scarfLabels: Shopping and Fashion
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Handbags For Sale
- 1/18/2009
I finally(!) got a few things up on ebay. The star of the show is below:
I got it to sell, then tricked myself into trying to keep it. Then, of course, I realized that it is entirely too slouchy for me :) I'm just a structured bag kinda girl. It's very rich feeling & I almost tricked myself into trying to keep it again while I was listing it. Save me from myself, please! This lipstick for your wardrobe is starting at $10 - jump on!
Below are two smaller nylon purses that I'm selling as a lot. I started them at $0.99 so someone is gonna snag a deal on these. Their really cute, I'm just trying to thin out the pack a bit.  Franco Sarto raspberry nylon handbagAs of now, I'm going to taper of my ebay selling & focus on blogging & bringing you as much new info & fun as I can. I realized I'm crap at selling on ebay & actually lose money since I shop so much more for myself while I'm shopping for things to sell. It's gotten me in a bit of trouble I'll tell you. I will be putting up the occasional listing when I weary of bits from my closet, of course. I always like to know my overflow goes to a loving home! :)
P.S. I had to empty out my closet this weekend since we are doing new flooring in it and I realized just how many things I own. I'm tempted to only put them back in the closet as I've worn them. That would be a very disciplined way to do it. However, it's all in such chaos right now, I'd probably end up just shopping for more instead of slogging through the mess if I tried to do it that way. :) It's a nice thought about closet cleaning though, isn't it? Labels: MissAmy's Shop, Shopping and Fashion
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ShopStyle - Create Your Stylebook & Sign Up For Sale Alerts
- 1/17/2009
I added the following update to my squidoo lens Interesting & Helpful Links:
"Shopstyle is a really cool community where you can create a Stylebook, a Wish List and more. Plus you can sign up for Sale Alerts to go to your email on the brands & items you choose. Pretty nifty little site."
Check out the rest of the lens for more...Labels: Life, Shopping and Fashion
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Four Dollar Joy
- 1/16/2009
I am super in love with this tee I found on the clearance rack at Target. It's very lightweight, drapes well & is a bit dressed up with a small row of metal sequins at the neck. It's also long enough to wear with these skinny I.N.C. pants I found at the thrift for $4.
Bongo wedges, $15, Marshalls clearance
hat - $5,tee - $4, Target clearance
Cynthia Rowley sunglasses: $15, TJMaxx
Mauritzio Tauiti patent bag: (this is where I spend my money) It was around $50 or $60 bucks. I originally bought it to sell on ebay but no one bought it so I kept it. Yay me! It's a wonderful, roomy bag that takes any outfit up a notch.
 P.S. Last night I was in Target again. They took 30% off the clothing clearance prices at the register. Run, don't walk! The savings was substantial & they have so many great things.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Laced Back Shirt from Baggy Shirt Recon
- 1/13/2009
I've had this shirt (which is originally from Target but I found it at the thrift with tags still on) for a while & have worn it a bit. I like the puffy sleeves even though they're not in any more. But the fit is just way too baggy on my. My waist gets lost in all the fabric & then the sleeves just add width on top of that.
So, what I will be showing you here today is one way to make a top more form-fitting around the middle. It's definitely a rough way to do it so this is for all of you out there who really dig the rough re-con!
Supplies: baggy shirt, needle/thread or sewing machine, scissors, ribbon
Behold - the puffy shirt:
 I pinned down the edge on either side seam - wrong sides together. We are making an exposed tube type section down each side:
 Sew along the line - with a tank you could go straight up to the armpit bit with this top, I curved the seam a bit to end right at the armpit.  Now, take scissors & make cuts, perpendicular to your seam. Be careful not to cut through the thread or the whole thing will unravel. Also, do the same to the other side & make sure to line up your cuts. We want an equal number of cuts on each side - they need to be in pairs. From here you can start threading your ribbon through the sets of loops. You're probably starting to recognize this technique now, huh? Just use the ribbon to lace the shirt as tight as you desire. You could use the ribbon in the front instead for another take on this.  So, there you have it! A more flattering, snugger shirt than before. Total time was around 15 or 20 minutes.  Yes, you get some extra loops but I think that adds to the one-of-a-kind charm of the DIY.  I will try to work it in an outfit soon so you can see it on a human!
Well all, as always, let me know if you give it a whirl!Labels: Crafting and Creating, Shopping and Fashion, Tutorials
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Outfits with New Scarf
- 1/07/2009
 I read on SavvySugar today that many of us are buying fewer clothes but more accessories to change them up a bit in an effort to spend less. I highly endorse this.
Accessories almost always fit, no matter how many pies & cookies we've had. Therefore they are my mainstay loves!
So, this post is all about outfit inspirations based on dressing up extremely basic pieces. Oh, please note the scarf - it's new & I am really diggin' it. It's very watercoloury besides being super soft & warm.
At left we have the detail shot of the the first outfit. Top necklace is from the thrift (years ago, probably cost a couple bucks), the second down (beaded) is from Walmart fairly recently. It was probably under $5 - I'm pretty cheap like that. The long chain necklace is also from Walmart. I think it was $3. The scarf was snagged during the after Christmas rush at Target. It was on clearance for about $7.
The outfit itself is made up of all very inexpensive pieces. The shoes (Sofft) were $15 on clearance at Marshalls. They're pretty recent buys. Pants - Larry Levine, TJMaxx $?, Tee - Marshalls clearance, Cardi - Gianni, either the T to the J or Marshalls. That is from a while back.
  Another detail shot below - I'm trying to remember to take more of these as you can see the extras so much better than in the outfit shots. Outfit #2 was worn on New Years Eve day and then to the movies later. The main pieces: Levi's jeans - which were given to me & a Ralph Lauren thermal tee from one of my fave stores, probably TJMaxx. It most likely cost about $10. I try not to spend more than that on tops unless they wow me somehow.
Shoes are Born. I paid more than normal for these even though they were on the clearance rack. I fell in love & I think I paid $46, I can't remember for sure. That is really splashing out for me as I try to spend less than $20 on any pair of shoes. One more accessory that I added to this outfit is the hat from Target. It was clearance (again) for $5. I almost bought another one that day at full price. I didn't get it but when I went back the next week it was marked down o $5 and I snagged it then. Yay!!!
One more special thing about this one: I wore the scarf like a vest/shrug. You can use any large square scarf to do the same - fold it in half & take the corners that are touching & tie them together. Then stick you arms through the holes. I think it ended up looking really cool here. A little dramatic, a little arty.   Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Best R.I.P. Mags - Mostly From Memory
- 1/05/2009
I adore magazines! (Some people say I have a problem.) I remember Teen magazine inspiring me to tie a bandanna around the thigh of my jeans - that got me some weird judgements, I'll tell ya.
Anyway, misty-eyed reminiscing aside, I've been compiling a list of my loves that aren't made any more:
Mirabella - I used to read this in high school. It made me feel so sophisticated LOL. See some of the covers.
Blueprint - A much more stylish (and maybe a little more realistic?) Martha Stewart mag. See one of my favorite covers here.
For Me - A younger, hipper First. Walmart now puts out a similar one now called All You. It's pretty good & chock full o' coupons as well but just a bit stodgier.
Mademoiselle - I don't remember this one for the great short stories by noted authors (one of which was Truman Capote, the man that brought us Holly Golightly) but I do remember liking it a lot. Also, note that Sylvia Plath had been a guest editor, contributing to her famous-ish book The Bell Jar. Check out the covers through the decades.
Budget Living - a very hip but frugal guide to all things life. God, I am missing all of these! Sigh...
I have to say, I stick very much to the mainstream as far as mags go. I will totally admit that. I have a hard time with fantasy fashion. Ironically Susie Bubble is one of my fashion heroes.
What are some of your deceased favorites?Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Fashion Coma
- 12/29/2008
 I'm just now beginning to come out of the fashion coma I've been in, pretty much since my company got here for the holidays.
I have been so brain-dead & focused on hanging out with the fam, that I managed to wear the same t-shirt & jeans about 4 days in a row. Then, when I took my dad to lunch yesterday, I changed my shirt (see right). Today I changed into an entirely new outfit - new jeans, new black tee, new flats. Yes, I've just been bursting with creativity - not!
So, I think I can finally drum up some enthusiasm for the wardrobe & the new things I've gotten over the break. Expect big things! OK, don't, then you won't be let down LOL.
P.S. I've been just as bad about housekeeping-up and other things :)Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Post-Christmas Shopping!
- 12/26/2008
OK, this is the last post re: Christmas, I swear!
We went to the after-Christmas sales this morning - it's a tradition we don't miss.
So, here is a photo-heavy, content-light post:
Wearables
DKNY Pure scarf tube
Unisa heels, purple scarf, 2 pins
Christmas decor:
The newest is the tallest green tree. It's gigantic!
Black ornaments, giant pewter disco ornament, gift bags & colorful wrapping paper. Black Christmas here I come (next year)!
 Housewares:
Hand towels & lots'o mugs. I always stock up after Christmas for the rest of the year.
I hope you had lots of luck at the sales if you dared to venture out. It wasn't as scary this year crowd-wise, I'm assuming due to the economy. I know I watched what I spent, for sure. Here's to a happy (and hopefully recovering) New Year! Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Did You Get Your Tickets?
- 12/19/2008
To the gun show? (Exposing biceps here...) We did. My family is in town & my dad has always been a hard core outdoorsman - hunting, fishing & trapping have been or are huge hobbies. Not just for the sport, mind you, also as a practical measure - he uses every little bit of the meat from the animal. At least he's not wasteful. And you have no idea how healthy venison is for you - it's totally free range! Side note: Strangely enough, even though I grew up around that & never batted an eye, I'm still a little grossed out about wearing fur - but lately I've been lusting on the goods over on The Glamorai's blog - she really does it up fabulously! So, we heard there was a gun show & we decided to go. Not my usual cup of tea of course but I love to spend time with my dad when I get the chance. Here is my adorable nephew before we left. Isn't he the cutest? FYI, he also might be the sassiest as well... Below is the only photo I got to take at the show. There was a sign up that said "No Photos" so I didn't chance it even though there were a few things that delighted me. Overall, just the different types of people that were there was interesting. There were also a few things I would have liked to pick up & work into outfits - some interesting netted jackets, wool sweaters, etc... So, outside the venue this biker was on his cell phone. I had to take a pic - I really like the simple lines & subtle colors of his outfit. The chain and the mohawked skull were cool touches too - not too overboard. I really think you can take inspiration from anywhere. And of course - I don't believe there is any occasion that I will not turn into an opportunity to shop. We came to this table manned by an old lady. A little sign on her table read "Old lady needs money & AK-47". And my nephew announced, "This is Aunt Amy's section!" She had quite a bit of jewelry spread out & I found this gem:
It's just a pewter colored box chain with a giant gold bauble as a pendant. I can't wait to work it in some new outfits layered with other statement necklaces. Well, that's the wrap up. It was a fun day out & afterwards we did another of Dad's favorite things - we went to an all-you-can-eat buffet. I'm already craving exercise and vegetables :) Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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It's in the Details
- 12/18/2008
When I photographed this outfit - chosen for comfiness on a Friday - I thought it ended up looking kind of boring. But I realized that there were lots of cool details that made me smile & weren't as apparent at first glance so I thought I'd share. Here's the outfit:
And here are the details:
 These are crazy socks from Betsey Johnson. Bright pink & with nutty fishnet action in the back.
 This is the whole mess - Walmart necklace (my new favorite) & rings courtesy of Grandma and Target.
So there it is - the happy is in the details sometimes....Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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The Perfect Dress!
- 12/12/2008
 I think this might be the ultimate dress! Even though I'm totally anti-social & am relieved that we don't have too many holiday gatherings this year, I am at the same time almost regretful. (Almost - I am after all very, very anti-social. Here's how anti-social: If I weren't married I'd probably live in an apartment with 72 cats.)
If we had more dinners & parties, I could wear this dress a multitude of ways. I can see it classic (as shown but with pearls), slightly casual with a black turtleneck underneath & boots, glammed up with a cropped fur, worn as a skirt with a cashmere grey sweater over top. The options are really endless.
I found it on the clearance rack at Marshalls. I've actually come across this same dress in a rather bold geometric print in purple, green and yellow. I wanted it then but decided it was too much to pay since it was too loud to be worn over & over again. When I saw this one I didn't hesitate. It's my favorite color scheme. The print is classic & fairly subtle (for animal print anyway). I didn't even try it on - what luck it fit so well!
It's a Tahari & the original price was $358 but I only spent $49! Eeeeek. Now, just for the record, that is a huge splurge for me. I try not to spend over $20 on a dress and even then I must love it. So, I do love this one & it is extremely versatile. Now, if I weren't afraid of snagging the shiny jersey, I could wear it every day.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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A Hat Moment
- 12/10/2008
I seem to be having a bit of a hat moment. Explanation follows.
Exhibit A: I've been cleaning out my closets looking for things to get rid of, thus discovering things I've forgotten. Below, the rust colored velvet hat from DKNY (I used to work there.) I wore that outfit to have dinner & drinks with friends, plus of course my still favorite jacket. Also, note the perfectly matching shoes - another pre-christmas find - Sofft maryjane suede flats for $15!  Exhibit B: It's all wintery out. Alright, not all that bad since I live in Florida, but truthfully, the air has bite to it lately & hats make me think: cozy, comfy, warm. The one below is a simple black linen one from the Gap. (I worked there too LOL.)  Exhibit C: The Glamorai. Can she BE any cuter? Now I want her furs & her knit hat! Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Kmart Double Coupon Finds
- 12/08/2008
 So, Kmart had double coupons this past week. And I figured I'd show off what I ended up with for myself.
The things in this pic totalled $18.13 and the coupons added up to a discount of just over $30.
Next time this is happening I'll give you a heads up so you can cash in too! I'm amazed this worked so well.
P.S. I'll be doing reviews on the mineral eye shadow in a later post, as well as some non-sale things I picked up.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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New Squidoo Lens - Helpful Internet Resources
- 12/06/2008
 Hi all! Just want to let you know that I've started a new lens packed full of money saving & helpful hint goodness. I will be adding new goodies to it occasionally, so stay tuned! As of now there are two sections - one for grocery shopping, coupons, rebates, etc... and one for going green & helpful stuff for that. There are more to come - teaser alert: frugal fashion shopping and more!
I also added a tiny update to my Clothing Cleaning and Upkeep lens - a wine stain remover available at Amazon. So swing by there too if you think you could use the info.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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A Franco Sarto in gorgeous lipstick red leather!
