Purchases & Acquisitions: July 2015

Even though things were crazy last month (and continue to be so) I was still able to find time to do a little shopping... I am talented like that.

Clementine - $29.48 (gift card)

• yellow and pink t shirt, Lilly Pulitzer 

Ashby - $45.28 (secret gift from Hubby)

• black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo
• multicolor tank top, Boden

Target - $22.99

• green crepe shell blouse, Merona

Current Consignment - $39.50

• beige blazer, Nanette Lepore
• green gingham blouse, GAP

While I spent $62.49 this past month on clothes (and that's ok I guess) I am more focused on what's coming next in August. As you (should) know it's my birthday month so that means I get lots of things for my birthday and don't shop at all, shop like crazy because it's my birthday and I can, or both. We'll see how it goes. 

What was even more exciting than shopping was getting all of the items that I dropped off at the tailor back completely fitted to my new body shape. I may or may not have tried everything on and flounced around the house. I can't wait to share them with you too!  

Child of the Zodiac

This outfit is from yesterday. Yes, I am all over the place with posting but, will be back to normal next week. You'll see...

Is this week eShakti week? That would be fun (and possible now) but, no... but, as I mentioned last month I was tempted at the eleventh hour to purchase some dresses from eShakti. Those coupons and sales are hard to resist! While I was combing through their extensive collection of dresses, skirts, jumpsuits etc. there were a few that I kept coming back to in my attempts to meet my minimum purchase requirements to get the maximum savings. This dress was (obviously) one of them. How fun is this pattern? As a former teenage girl I was immediately drawn to the mystical zodiac symbols, what's your sign?

When I was trying to select the appropriate size to order I was faced with a new challenge. Although eShakti is great and saves all of your measurements when you create an account with them for easy ordering none of the measurements that were saved in their system applied to me anymore. Thanks, less face. I had to bust out the tape measure and determine my new measurements. No biggie except while trying to determine my (newer) size I came to a realization (again) that my body shape is not standard and most of the stock sizes wouldn't fit me even though I now have less face. Thank goodness for affordable customization! The best moment was later when I my order finally came. I opened the package, took out the dress, and thought, "that is really small I totally messed up on the measurements" but, subsequently tried it on and it fit. Have you ordered through eShakti? How has your experience been?

• Top: star signs stripe waist cotton dress, eShakti
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toes wedges, Steve Madden; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

Purchases & Acquisitions: June 2015

There was shopping/swapping this month, so much shopping/swapping! Well maybe not so much with the shopping but, definitely with the swapping... let me explain. I have been feeling the urge to shop in the recent months but, after my extreme closet purge that increased exponentially. I sent my Mom the picture of the finished product and she took pity on me bringing over some things form her closet that no longer fit her last weekend. Then we scheduled a time to go see the local tailor by her so that I could salvage some of my favorite items because tailoring is a great option instead of heading out and buying all new clothes. 

Unfortunately/fortunately, we didn't make it to the tailor because I was raiding my Mom's closet for things that no longer worked for her. I made out like a bandit (kinda literally) with bags of sartorial goodies. Ironically, many of those items had previously been mine going as far back as high school, for serious. It's a good thing that my mother doesn't have my penchant for closet clean outs but, I digress...  Even though the tailor was closed we consoled ourselves by heading over to one of my favorite second hand stores and she bought me a few things because she's super nice. The "damage"  is as follows... 

Goodwill $20.48 Amazon Local Deal

• red dress, Taylor 
• brown striped dress, Bailey 44 

Current Consignment $15.64

• eggplant suite, Nanette Lepore
• cream pants, Vanessa Bruno
• gray tank top, Bailey 44

Unique Thrift Store $45.22 c/o Mom

• beige pinstripe capris, New York & Company
• brown plaid pants, New York & Company
• khaki green bermuda shorts, Forever 21
• black pinstripe suit, Anne Klein
• retro inspired polka dot pumps, Bakers

Mom's Closet Raid Cleanout

• red dress, eShakti.com
• blue floral lace dress, eShakti.com
• black and white houndstooth faux wrap dress, eShakti.com
• gray scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company,
• red scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company
• black sheath dress, Books Brothers
• black sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste
• white sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste
• black polo shirt, Lacoste
• black capri leggings
• black embellished t-shirt, Merona
•  khaki skirt, Ann Taylor
• white linen pants
• denim skirt, LOFT
• black lace dress, H&M
• black sweater dress, Pink Rose 
• lime green scoopneck sweater, LOFT
• ivory scoopneck sweater, LOFT
• hot pink scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• yellow scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• green scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• black scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• green cardigan sweater, New York & Company 
• purple cardigan sweater, New York & Company
• light brown plaid suit, Sweet Suit
• brown polka dot suit, Donna Sands
• purple tweed skirt, Norton
• black and gray plaid skirt, NYCC
• ivory and beige skirt, Theory
• gray pencil skirt, Emanuel by Emanuel Ungaro
• blue and gray dress, Old Navy
• gray cropped blazer, I.N.C. 
• black and brown plaid skirt, Worthington
• black t-shirt, Chanel
• blue ombre tank top, Xhilitration

You were worried, weren't you? It really wasn't that bad after all, after all of the fun new things I added or welcomed back to my wardrobe I ended up only spending $15.64 at my local consignment store. We'll see how I do next month since I will spending time visiting my favorite shopping destination my cousin and you've seen how that goes...

Purchases & Acquisitions: May 2015

While I am not in the same (extremely limited) financial position I was when I started the blog I still need to be cognizant of the money I spend, especially considering that shopping/swapping is more of a necessity (read: nothing fits.) I think it's a good idea to keep track of the items that I obtain for a few reasons. First, it will help me to keep be aware of my spending (the tens and tens of dollars.) Also, it will help you to see what I have acquired as opposed to things that are just being brought out of my wardrobe archives.

This past month I went consignment/thrift "crazy!" While I was away for the long weekend I went to some of my favorite stores in Richmond, VA and I did not leave empty handed. I also stopped by a more local store on my way home from work one night and they were having a mega clearance sale. Lucky for me there was also some gifting going on this month!

Gift(s)

• gray blouse, Free People

Clementine - $126.36

• black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic
• pink patterned capri pants, LOFT
• pink ruffle embellished shift, LOFT
• NWT black and white capri pants, J Crew
• purple and white gingham shirt, J Crew 

Ashby - $40.01

• black and white printed pants, Kenar
• beige floral dress, Merona
• black and white bicycle wheel print dress, Jason Wu for Target

Current Consignment - $10.00

• blue and ivory sun dress, Calypso St. Barths

Overall, I spent $176.37 and obtained an eclectic selection of pieces to add to my wardrobe that I have already started utilizing. While I know I need clothes to fill in the wardrobe gaps, I don't think it's sustainable to shop like this every month. The amount I just spent is more than I spent on all my purchases combined in the first year of 260 Days, No Repeats! Also, I still only have tens and tens of dollars.

UPDATE: This morning I got two eshakti.com dresses... What? They were having a sale and I had a gift card/coupon. I basically got two dresses for $72.35 (customization and shipping included) AKA less than the price of one dress. I do not regret my decision. Adjusted total spending is $244.72 which is a little less than I spent on all purchases combined in year two or 260 Days, No Repeats. I am now feeling conflicted. I might need to not eat for the rest of the week... 

(Jump)suit

Today is my Monday this week and I am getting back to business. Can't you tell from my serious face? You're right, this isn't a serious face at all... I'll work on that. Especially since I am starting today out at the gym and my spin instructor is no joke. On another note, what do you think of the new picture location? That's our deck (squeee,) home ownership has it's perks!

Now lets talk about my outfit, I got this jumpsuit about a year ago to wear during my bachelorette weekend extravaganza. My thought was that the jumpsuit would look fancy enough to go to a club (or where my bridesmaids ended up taking me) and, comfy enough to stay out all night long. I was correct, it totally was. Given the bachelorette success I have been utilizing it on other ways so, why not wear it to the office? The word suit is in the name after all, totes professional. I know that it will be a super comfy ensemble so I can catch up on anything I missed yesterday or at least that's the plan. What is your go to comfy work outfit?

• Top: black jumpsuit, Tiana B via Marshalls; black short sleeved blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot

Purchases & Acquisitions: December 2012

Normally I try not to shop in December, the holidays are imminent and I know I'm hard enough to shop for as it is without taking potential gift options off the table. I totally broke my own rules this time around and picked up a pair of shoes that I was lusting over since the summer. If you follow me on Instagram you might remember the ones I'm talking about...

Image courtesy of polyvore.com

When I wandered into my local Aldo to see what they had going on there was a pair of these same shoes in the corner on the clearance rack and by some miracle they had them in my size. I jumped at the opportunity to snatch them up at a discount combined with an in store coupon; Original price, $69.98. Final price after discounts with tax: $45.91. It might not seem like a huge discount but, I kind of love them so, it was totally worth it. That was it for December shopping, on top of potential holiday gifts I didn't really have a large disposable income anyway... Have you gotten on the spikes/studs trend? How would you style these shoes?

Giveaway: $50 Shabby Apple Gift Certificate

Right now Shabby Apple is offering you a great prize to kick off your holiday shopping! You can pick anything from their website that you love and apply the gift card towards that. While browsing their sight site a few things caught my eye but, none as much as this Study Break dress. 

And also this Desert Modern dress...

And also... well, you get the point, there are a plethora of options to choose from for your everyday happenings or upcoming holiday fun. I'm making my list... 

This giveaway is open to readers with a US shipping address! Here are the rules: become a follower in GFC (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post telling me what item from Shabby Apple is you favorite! Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. Leave another comment. 
• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Pinterest. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Instagram. Leave another comment. 
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Bloglovin'. Leave another comment
• 1 bonus entry - Be 260 Days, No Repeats fan on Chictopia. Leave another comment.
• 1 bonus entries - Copy and tweet the below message. Leave a comment with the tweet link. You can do this everyday for multiple entries!
• I just entered to #win a @shabbyapple gift card from @260daysnorepeat. I can't wait to go #shopping! #giveaway #free
• 3 bonus entries = Give 260 Days, No Repeats +K on Klout. Leave another comment. 
• 5 bonus entries - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment with the link.
• 10 bonus entries - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment with the link.

The winner will be announced on Monday December 3, 2012 via Excel/random.org. Good luck everyone!!

Giveaway: Shopbop, Shoes, and Booties, Oh My!

I'm so excited to be able to bring you another Shopbop giveaway! There are a plethora of sartorial choices for you to pick from on their website but, I always find myself drawn to their accessories and shoes. I think it's because I know that I have better luck of fitting into those things without having to try them on but, I digress... 

Since I sprained my ankle a few months ago it is still feeling less great. I'm pretty sure I tore something and have been nursing it back to health by still trying to stay off of it and only wearing flats which is getting a bit dull. I am craving embellishments and metallics and these Unif shoes fit the bill perfectly! 

Unif Hellraiser Flats 

While they are an excellent solution for my current ankle situation I am craving high heels! While they aren't the most comfortable shoes in the world there is something about wearing a pair of skyscrapers that is so empowering especially in the work place. With the temperatures quickly dropping these Maison Martin Margiela booties or See by Chloe booties are excellent choices. If only my ankle would heal faster... In the meantime I'll be checking out the Shopbop blog to see what other fun things they have for me!

Plexi Covered Wedge Booties

Tana High Heel Booties

This giveaway will be until November 19, 2012 and is open to ALL readers in USA and internationally! I will pick the winner via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would get with your $100 gift certificate. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter and keep your fingers crossed!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purchases & Acquisitions: October 2012

Yeah, I'm still here but, I'm not shopping. If you follow me on Twitter (which you should because I'm awesome) you might have noticed a number of tweets with the hashtag #overdressed. They are all direct quotes from the book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. It was an eye-opener/page turner.

Image courtesy of  overdressedthebook.com

I'll spare you the all details (you should read the book for yourself) but, I will share that it was an excellent read to keep me on track with watching what I buy and trying to work with what I have. Who knows... November might be a month sans purchases as well! 

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

eShakti.com Picks: Fall 2012

I feel like everywhere I look fall is creeping in. While I love the crisp weather, seasonal celebrations, and fabulous fashions these things will never replace my deep, unwavering romance with summer. That being said I can' t keep the seasons from changing and I need to embrace the impending shift. What better was to do that than with some gorgeous dresses. eShakti.com's fall line is truly beautiful! There are so many options for different occasions and personalities in a plethora of colors and patterns. 

These are a few of my favorite picks from Fall 2012 but, eShakti's stock is always in flux and they are continuously adding new styles everyday. On top of that eShakti,com is currently having an unprecedented sale with 40% off specific selections for Labor Day, 25% off Summer styles, and a pre-season 25% off of their Fall line. On top of ALL that those discounts can be combined with the additional 10% off that you get with code: SH24LXN. Now the only question is, what should you get? Here are some suggestions courtesy of my lusting...

Autunno Beaded Dress

Sequined Bow Tweed Sheath Dress

Vintage Houndstooth Print Dress

Primavera Beaded Dress

                  

Owls In A Row Pencil Skirt

Deep Plum Applique Dress

Purchases & Acquisitions: July 2012

Last month while I was running around like a chicken without a head I was also able to get some shopping done... Yeah, that sounded weird to me too especially given my ability to avoid shopping. My main motivator was a gift certificate from eShakti.com that was burning a proverbial hole in my inbox and was about to expire. It would have been a shame to let that happen if there was something in their collection that I liked.

After searching my options and hemming/hawing over how much I was willing to pay out of my own pocket I picked this shirt. After everything it came out to $23.96. I think it's going to be perfect for the rest of summer and fall. To be really honest, I'll probably just rock it all year long because that is how I am despite "seasonal limitations" and then it will be worth it even more.

Bella Swan Blouson - eshakti.com

In addition, while out shopping at Target for a various gifts I was drawn into the shoe department by the siren song of some stylin' ballet flats. Even since I wore my old purple ballet flats to death I have been on the search for a replacement pair that wasn't going to break that bank. When I saw these I immediately tried them on and they were a good fit, So much so, that I picked up another pair of the Merona Madge Ballet Flat in Orange. If they had had the mustard yellow color in the store I might have picked those up as well.

Merona Madge Ballet Flat - Target

I did also notice these cute navy blue ballet flats and since they were a good fit as well I threw them on the pile. I really can't go wrong with ballet flats in my office and having different colors gives me the opportunity to spice things up a little. I'm sure navy and purple ballet flats will go over swimmingly, I'm not so sure about the orange ones but, I am willing to give it a try. Ballet flats are also a great way for me to transition back to "real shoes" after getting used to peep toes. Sigh... I wish summer was longer but, I digress.

Mossimo Ona Ballet Flat - Target

Going shoe crazy might have broken the bank if it wasn't for that fab Target gift card my parent's gave me for my birthday last year that keeps coming to the rescue. Seriously: Best. Gift. Ever.

Purchases & Acquisitions: June 2012

Let's talk about June. Last month was probably one of the busiest months I have had in a while. With my work obligations, my other volunteer obligations, my everyday life obligations, and my cousin's wedding on the horizon I had no time to do anything let alone, go shopping. Maybe it was better that way.

Purchases and Acquisitions: April 2012

­­­­This month I went shopping with a vengeance! Also, my Mom got me some stuff but, I digress... I had a goal in mind (suits) but, tragedy stuck and in the short span of two days I was down one pair of skinny jeans and one pair of skinny pants. While neither of those items are work necessities they are some of the things I wear most on the weekends. The universe was telling me to go shopping.

I went shopping for replacement jeans with one of my close friends (who stuck with me the whole time, love ya!) the weekend after tragedy struck twice. While I wasn’t 100% on board with the idea of going shopping I knew I needed to replace my broken pants. We went to a ton of stores, trying on lots of different types/brands of jeans. Naturally, the ones that I was most comfortable in were at the last store that we went to, Forever 21. I know, I know… it isn’t where I would have thought either but, I’m glad I checked it out because I’m happy with what I got in the end. They had a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans for only $13.50! I bought two with a Visa gift card I had been holding on to. I also hit the GAP and bought another pair of pants to replace my ripped ones. Ouch, 'nuff said.

Next weekend the next stop on my shopping extravaganza was the Unique Thrift Store near my house. While I had every intention of going there to pick out more suits it ended up being a total bust on that front. I did, however, end up finding two lovely vintage dresses that fit perfectly for $4.99 each! I had no doubts or reservations in my mind as I headed to the register to check out, the shopping bug had caught me! I tried to pay for the total with some Unique Thrift Store gift cards that I had received for placing in their costume contest this past October but, they didn’t work… thanks? Fortunately I had another Visa gift card that I have been holding on to and there were no issues with that.

Then I took a short trip down the block to my local Loehmanns to check out their suit selection. I have had great success finding suits there in the past so, it was a  no brainer! After sifting through the racks of suits I found a Tahari suit that really worked for me (high stance, shorter jacket, etc.). I had a coupon so the $99.99 price tag (down from $280.00 MSRP) was whittled down a little more to $79.99 total. WIN? Either way my Mom took pity on my situation and helped me out with that one, thanks Mom!

Unfortunately, the jeans that I bought at Forever 21 ended up being too big even after I washed them. They were a little loose at the store but, I figured one go around in the washing machine and they would be perfect. Wrong, they were still falling off. So I had to go exchange/return them for a different pair. Thankfully, I ended up finding something that worked even better: jeans with an elastic waistband. Yes, they are a hop, skip, and jump away from being pajama jeans. Yes, I’m ok with that. They fit well and are super comfortable! Even better they were only $11.50!! So, I exchanged one pair of the larger jeans for two pairs of the smaller ones. In the same trip I also returned the GAP pants since I was able to patch up my broken pair, more on that later.

Since I had a coupon for Old Navy and some dresses that I had pinned on Pinterest in my mind I decided to stop by and see if I could find them. I used to shop for EVERYTHING at Old Navy but, my tastes (and their quality) have shifted so, I normally don’t give them alot of thought. They didn’t have what I wanted but, I did find a different dress that I liked on sale. When it fit I decided to go for it since the coupon and a gift card made it an easy purchase.

While at the mall I also decided to try Macy’s for a suit since they were having one of their sales and I had yet another coupon. I ended up finding another suit with a fantastic pattern that I’m sure you will be seeing soon! Don’t get too excited it’s still very work appropriate but, I digress… I had some gift cards and merchandise credits on top of the coupon so with all of the discounts combined the $69.99 suit (down from $260.00) ended up coming out to $10.27 which I paid for with the balance on one of my Visa gift cards.

Shopping Overview:

• Unique Thrift Store
• $9.98  Gift Card - $0
• Loehmanns
• $79.99 after coupon  Mom - $0
• Forever 21
• $36.50  Gift Card - $0
• Gap
• $62.10 Return
• Old Navy
• $9.75 after coupon  Gift Card - $0
• Macy’s
• $10.27 after coupon  Gift Card -$0

In the end I ended up getting a whole bunch of new needed stuff for no money out of my normal income. That was partly due to the fact that I returned the replacement skinny pants from the GAP since I was able to find away to make it work and my gift card hoarding tendencies. I don’t think I will be shopping like this again for a while. That’s not to say that I am done beefing up my suit selection, I just need to replenish my gift card reserves…

           

Purchases and Acquisitions: December 2011

I went CRAZY this month shopping for myself which is the opposite of most Decembers; let me explain... After all the great eShakti.com picks that I made for the holidays I couldn't help but, pick somethings up for myself. I got two dresses and a really awesome shirt that is no longer available online.

The Birds Who Gossip Dress

Ruffle Front Cotton Knit Dress

The reason that I went a little crazy was because I had gift codes that were about to expire. I figured no one would be buying me anything from eShakti.com for the holidays so, I went for it! The grand total for the three items with shipping would have been close to $200.00 but, with the coupon code it only ended up costing me $20.85! Totally worth it in my opinion, I can't wait for you to see these dresses.

Purchases: March 2011

Wow guys I did it again, that makes five months in a row! Given my recent dental plight I don't think I will have any problems not shopping since the bill for the the whole debacle is a pretty penny and then some...

Happy Three Day Weekend AKA

From: Iris

To: You 

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to enter this giveaway which ends tomorrow February 21, 2011. It is open to US and International readers as well! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on THE ORIGINAL POST letting me know what item you wou get with your $100 credit to Shopbop... There are lots of ways to enter so take advantage of them!! Good luck!

Purchases: January 2011

Wow guys I did it again and that makes three months in a row! I don't want to talk about it anymore I might jinx this streak I have going...

How To Shop An Outlet Mall

photo credit

Three day weekends often mean some sort of crazy shopping frenzy and this one is no different. Martin Luther King Day boasts remnants of after holiday goodies combined with a big push from retailers to get their winter products off the shelves so they can start bringing in warmer weather wares. It isn't quite Columbus Day but, it's pretty darn close! For some people these special circumstances demand a different type of shopping experience and they head to the nearest factory outlet. If you haven't ever been before or don't frequent these types of malls on a regular basis they can be intimidating and overwhelming. Here are some of my tips for having the most streamlined experience:

1. Check their website and find out the hours of the outlet shops in advance so you can get there as early as possible and beat the rush of people. Generally speaking, if you can shop on a weekday that is even better!
2. Before you leave make sure you are wear comfortable clothes that will be easy to take on and off in dressing rooms with a pair of comfortable shoes. Chances are you will be walking quite a bit...
3. I know you won't want to look like a tourist but, pick up a map of the outlet facility or do some research on the website in advance to determine the must visit stores. Also, keep it handy to find the location of the restrooms if needed.
4. Look for clearance racks and additional markdowns in stores (generally in the back) and keep your eye out for unusual items you might not find elsewhere, it is a outlet after all. Check the website deals before heading out they will probably have details listed there.
5. Generally speaking you should understand that sizes vary a great deal from store to store and season to season. Outlets are definitely no different, so be sure to try on clothing to ensure the right fit and inquire about return policies if available. Check all final sale items over closely to identify any defects before you buy.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!