Thursday, January 26, 2012

One down...serveral more to go

I finally got one of my major dings on my credit report paid off!!! YAY!!! Thanks to a company called The Northland Group Inc, I have managed to create an affordable payment plan and have it auto drafted out of my checking account over the course of three months. I can honestly say, that for the first time in a long time, I feel as if I have accomplished something financially. Its really an awesome feeling and it keeps me motivated to keep cleaning my credit report so that I can achieve the best credit score that I can possibly get. Big shout out to Northland Group Inc! Thanks a million! :)

Friday, January 13, 2012

Shop Your Closet: Dinner and a Movie (Date Night)

My husband and I did our monthly dinner and a movie date night, and I really didn't know what to wear. Normally, I would go and at least get a new pair of jeans, but I still sticking with my journey. So I dug in my closet and this is what I came up with. (Side note: We went to see The Devil Inside and I must say it was an awesome movie. Especially if you are into horror and demon possession movies; I give it two thumbs up!)

I just pulled out a sequined front ribbed tank top and threw a crochet sweater and jeans with it. I love to layer and I am really the tank top queen (which you will find out during all these post). I love throwing a tank top under any sweater or shirt just to give it an extra pop of color. Its also very functional during these cold winter months.
 
What I have learned so far with this process is that accessories are key to magically transform any outfit. You can have something plain, whether it be jeans and a tank top or a solid color dress, and add some accessories to it and just like that you have a completely different look. I'm a huge girlie girl and I love bling, so I paired my outfit with this huge pink and metallic stretch bracelet that I got from Versona Accessories (only $14.99!!) and earrings with pink and gold earrings that a friend of a friend made for me. As far as the shoes, I pulled out my open toe tan military boot to give it that extra kick of fashion. Not only are these heels cute but they are comfy too. (Yes, open toe in January, but it was unusually warm that night) So cute!!
                                    
So this is me ready for a night on the town with the love of my life. And to think, this cute look didn't cost me a penny...I think I can get used to this. :)







Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Removing Temptation

To continue my journey of the shopping fast, I have decided to remove temptation, to make it a little easier on myself.  For starters, I have removed myself from all the email lists of all of my favorite stores. I’m sure true shopaholics can relate to opening your email and receiving special promotions or information before the general public just because you are on their email listings. And then these emails that they send you not only have great deals, but also have the link of their website so you can start shopping right then and there. So they had to go. In tribute to losing great promotions, I have decided to give an ode to my sweetest temptations of stores. These are my top five...

5. Bebe – Bebe is a store for when I want to stand out. Their line of fashion is high fashion and somewhat risky, but that’s what I love most about it. This store reminds me of a quote that was retweeted on twitter. It said “Don’t be afraid to push the envelope. People may stare, but deep inside they just wish they had the nerve.” -Unknown

4. Express – I love this store because it’s built for the everyday fashionista. Not only does it offer casual clothing and the most comfortable sweaters ever, but it also has those office appropriate suits that don’t make me look frumpy. Express is one of those few day to night stores, meaning whether I’m going to the office, or out to a club, it is my one stop shop for every occasion. Sidenote: Their winter and spring clearance sales are AMAZING!!!

3. Victoria Secret – This is the best secret in the world! J They have the greatest undergarments ever. I love how they combine cuteness and quality in every product that they make. And they are so much more than just bras and panties. Their online store has clothing and shoes that are just to die for. And don’t even get me started on their fragrances and make-up. Most of my best night on the town make-up is from their line. Another one stop shop that quenches my sexiness appetite.

2. Arden B- All I can say is that if you don’t know about Arden B, you better ask somebody. LOL! My concern is that since I’m transitioning from my 20s to 30s, it’s been extremely hard for me to find clothes that don’t make me look like a teenager, but at the same time, don’t make me look like a granny. And Arden B does just that. I like to call it the premiere transition store. It gives you sophistication with a splash of sexiness. And if you catch one of their clearance sales where they are offering an extra 50% off it feels as if you had hit the jack pot. Trust me…
                          
                               And last but certainly not least… 


1. DSW Shoes- This is my little slice of heaven. Shoes, shoes, and more shoes!! Everything from tennis shoes to stilettos. Not to mention they also sell some of the cutest designer handbags that you could possibility find. I honestly go in DSW and loose a couple of hours of my life just lost in all of the shoe glory. This is the one that would be the hardest to say goodbye to, but I must stay on the path for the greater good.

These stores all have a special place in my heart, and maybe one day, we will meet again. But today, our relationship must come to an end. For now…


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Shop Your Closet: NYE 2012

Happy New Year! It's the first day of my shopping fast and I have already gotten off to a great start. In the past, I used to buy a new outfit for every occasion. So, when my husband and I decided to go out for New Years Eve last night, I decided that instead of buying something new, I was just going to shop my closet and see what I can come up with. Here is what I came up with…


The first thing that I came across was a black and gold sequin tunic that I purchased at Arden B (one of my favorite stores) a few months ago. It is spaghetti strapped and sequined on the front and back, so I decided to thrown on a black blazer over it to tone it down some. It’s amazing how a simple blazer can compliment any outfit. I also threw some black leggings on under it to add the extra added sex appeal.




 Next, I had to find the perfect shoes. You know, the ones that compliment my outfit perfectly but not kill my feet by the end of the night. LOL! So I came up with these Vince Camuto metallic gold peak toe pumps that I bought at one of those awesome Dillards shoe sales during the summer. They worked well with my outfit, but I ended up taking them off by the end of the night. So much for comfort…




I must say that this first adventure of shopping my closet turned out to be a success! I felt great in what I was wearing and the best part is that I saved some money.  If this is what 2012 has in store for me, then I know that this will be a great year!