Thrifty Chic Challenge finale!

As Eric and I are sitting in traffic on I-77 south with what seems like every other Thanksgiving traveler on the east coast, I am putting my yoga breathing to practice and choosing to channel my frustrations of being in the car for hours and the increasing realization that we will soon miss the Walking Dead into writing this last Thrifty Chic Challenge post. 

Ta da! I made it! Where are the pictures you ask? My phone went on the fritz and I think my Siri committed suicide. Eric was so gracious to get me a new one and I was able to salvage a few of them. But mainly, I took a good number of the clothes that I purchased previously in the month and jumbled them up in a few way. There was a new ruffle cardigan that I got from Goodwill that cost $1.00. I was gifted a few handbags in our trip to Ohio from Eric's grandmother. I also scored two new vegetarian cookbooks and a Black Friday deal of a sewing machine. More on that later...

Okay. This is where my pictures should be [          ] but I am realizing they are not in my camera feed and I am too lazy to delete the above paragraph. 

As a replacement and solid second (so, first loser), here are a few lessons I have learned over the past month:

1. When thrift store shopping, try on everything you like regardless of size. You will be surprised! I have a few medium sweaters, and ya'll know I am nowhere close to a medium. Just a bit fluffier! 

2. Know the store discount days. Most have a day where a particular price tag color is 50-75% off or there are special holiday sales. Search for those colors only!

3. I LOVE to shop, regardless the locale, so this is a way for me to get my fix while still being budget conscious. 

4. You may have to step out of your comfort zone a bit. Be adventurous with where you shop and your choices! 

5. Most thrift stores have a Facebook page or website. Whatever it is, subscribe and get the scoop on what is going on and updates on deals. 

6. This is probably the most important one, so listen up! Be you, wear what you like, and love yourself. A lot of people have a hard time with this one and we all need practice. But, if you love yourself and have confidence, you will look great in almost anything. :)

This has been a fun month which leads me into December. I have consulted two of the smartest women I know (Tracy and Brenn) and they both agree that "A Handmade Christmas" should be next month's theme. So, hold on to your eggnog, ugly sweaters and Yule logs. This is sure to be a fun ride! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day # 29

Today started off as an in-office planning session. It turned out to be a wild turkey chase shopping spree, purchasing 15 Thanksgiving meals for needy families. Shout out to my co-working Daphne for "going with the flow." We were expecting the worst but ended up having a great trip and saved a lot of money! You know the thrifty chick doesn't pay full price.

I will step on my soapbox for two sentences and remind everyone that your smaller, local/regional businesses are really invested in the community and care about the citizens. We could not have made today possible without them. Their generosity would not have been matched by big box stores. Remember Small Business Daturday is this week!

I say all this to let you know we are tired, but we made it happen and our receipt shows it. Our fiscal manager will hate me next week!

The receipt in my outfit is:

Naturalizer boots = $1.75 (woohoo!)

Liz Claiborne jeans (Day 16, rewear) = $2.99. I now have over 15 pairs of jeans and I don't knowing Eric can tolerate much more!

Hippie top (super cute but unseen) =$0.99

Cardigan = $2.99

Total costs = $8.72. Loving it! 

One more day of the challenge.

Week in Review (Days #23 - #28)

You were thinking I had puttered off and forgot about this blog, huh? Well, you are wrong. I do have cleaning ADD, skipping around from task to task or just "forgetting" about a task. So, this week got a little busy and I struggled to find time to post or clean my house. Today, the holiday decorations are up, there is dinner in the crockpot, and our house is spotless. Well, spot-less-than-it-was-earlier. I also didn't want to leave you hanging any longer, so while Eric is watching the Cheatriot's game (sorry Sara Z), I thought I would do a week in recap.

Day #23 (Friday, 14th). If you are following along intently, as I know you are, you will notice that Day 23 is actually before #22. But, what can you do. One of my co-workers is fighting the battle of her life, receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Our team loves her like my friend April loves biscuits and gravy, so to show our support we are wearing these shirts on Fridays. Like other women fighting breast cancer, she is a champion and like any good southerner, she will soon tell cancer to kiss her grits because this too shall pass. 

Day #22 (Saturday, 15th) - see previous blog post. It was Happy Anniversary Day for two of the best old people I know. 

Day #24 (Sunday, 16th) - I decided to surprise Eric with a late birthday present and trip to see the Carolina Hurricane's play. We had awesome seats and it was a great game. What does a girl do when she needs hockey team gear? She raids her hubby's closet. No cost here!

Day #25 (Monday, 17th) - Oops, I missed a photo op this day, but did snap a quick picture of the outfit. Who am I kidding, I just wanted to show you my snazzy shower curtain. The shirt cost $0.99 at the Kmart going out of business sale. The gaucho style pants are one of my staples - purchased the first year I moved to Seattle in 2003. They have gradually shrunk in length, no doubt due to their 100+ dryer visits, but I hate to give them up. I wore my gold bow flats with this.

Tuesday would have been Day #26, but I can't remember what I wore. Oops. I did pull a 13 hour day that day, so give me a break! Wednesday, I overslept and had to find something in a hurry which turned out to not be a thrift store find. The person I was meeting was late, but my crystal ball wasn't working, so it was a no go.

Day #26 (Thursday, 20th). Adina and I were actually both in the office at the same time. It was a miracle! It was sooooooo cold her this week. I was hoping for show angels, but had to settle for leaf angels.

The outfit cost less than $5.00, with the sweater, jeans and shirt being thrift store finds. The scarf was a gift from my little sis. Leaf angels are not nearly as fun as snow angels. Adina was picking leaves out of my hair and clothes for a good 10 minutes.

Day #27 (Friday, 21st). I am gearing up for my holiday project weekend in this picture, seeing visions of candy canes dance in my head. I know the actual words are sugar plums, but I don't know what that is and I probably wouldn't like them. I do, however, have a candy cane addition.

The jeans and boots are a re-wear from earlier this month. The shirt cost $0.75 from Carolina Thrift and the scarves are, guess what? Gifts. You got it. I asked for yoga pants AND scarves a few years ago. :)

Day #28 (Saturday, 22nd). I tried to do the picture in the mirror thing. How does that work? It seems that is not one of my stronger skill areas. Saturday was work out day! Pasha and I walked close to 5 miles. We only stopped because she started foaming at the mouth and dragging her feet. She is better now, nestled beside the Christmas tree.

Who says you can't work out in style? The yoga pants were a gift, undershirt a freebie from a 5K race, the fleece an office clothing share, and the hat was purchased for $3.00 at the K-Mart GOBS. Not counting my shoes, I was in for about $3.00 and some tax for the outfit.

I hit up the stores today, so next week will have some good outfits. Gotta finish strong!

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #22

I thought we would have some great pictures to post from the surprise anniversary party we threw for my parents, but my camera died, it was dark and our photographer had a hard time focusing. I am not naming names but her name rhymes with Seth. Hmmm...

See what I mean? But, it was a great time and I want to thank everyone who came out and made the surprise awesome. It was a trek for some of you, sitters to find and schedules to rearrange, which made it even more special. A shout out also to the friends (the McKirgan's) who did a lot of lying and coercing to get the padres there and to my kindergarten BFF for an amazing and tasty wedding cake! Tracy, we can get those tattoos on my birthday. Not sure it is the best idea you have ever had, but I will roll with it. 

Finding a nice outfit was a bit challenging, but I think I pulled it off, even down to my DIY Spanx which are now in the dumpster. That was a disaster in itself that we will just skip right over. 

I found the dress at the Salvation Army Thrift in Reidsville for $4.99. The person who owned it before me must have had huge boobs, so I had to do a little altering with my handy dandy sewing kit and a few safety pins. When I was driving home, I guess one of the safety pens couldn't take the pressure anymore and popped loose. I will say that was the only moment in the evening that I was thankful for the Spanx. They took the brunt of the needle blow. 

The fishnet tights were a perk of having a dad who works at Holt Hosiery. For those of you conservatives, times have changed and fishnets can be worn to ANY occasion. 

The shoes were not a thrift store purchase, but were super thrifty. They were acquired about two hours before the party when I was in a sheer panic over not being able to find one of my go-to black heels. I found it this morning tucked way under the bed beside Pasha's chew toys. A little suspect on her part, but we will give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I kicked it there in a fit of rage the last time I wore them. That is a highly possible end-of-day scenario was well. The shoes were originally close to $75, but I got them for $11.98. Woohoo! 

So...my total outfit cost $16.97. Not too bad considering. One drink at the bar was that much, so it was savings all around. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #21

We have literally had all fours seasons just this week. It has been sunny and 75 degrees, the leaves are changing and falling, there was spring like fog on my commute earlier this week and soon it is going to be in the 20s. My sinuses are as confused as a cow on AstroTurf. 

So today, Cynthia took my photo on what just may be our last bit of fall before Old Man Winter takes over. Cynthia, I hope you are home kicked back, trying to relax. There aren't many things a hot bath can't cure! 

One of my favorite quotes is "Give your stress wings and let it fly away." We should all try this. Me especially! My mind naturally goes to the Red Bull guy with wings, I am not sure why. Did you know that there was a lawsuit against Red Bull? Apparently, it doesn't actually give you wings. Well, duh. Maybe I should sue Thin Mints for not helping me lose weight. Why are those things so good? Shout out to my old roommate Sara Z. who eats Thin Mints in her popcorn. Crazy Bostonian. 

If I had to give my outfit a name, I would call it "Relaxed Fit." I am very thankful I have a job where I get to wear jeans, hang out with four year olds and have breakfast for dinner. Yummy! 

Relaxed fit cost:

Blue undershirt (K-Mart going out if business sale) = $0.25

Grey sweater = $1.00

Jeans (Carolina Thrift) = $1.99

Necklace (K-Mart sale) = $2.00

Hat (made by me! = FREE

Shoes (rewear from Day 6) = $0.00

Grand total = $5.24. 

Enjoy the last of fall, because winter is moving in! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day # 20

Please excuse the mess. And the dog. And the rice that I keep finding after a toddler sensory play activity gone wrong this evening. Maybe that is why Pasha is sniffing me. 

Eric took the picture and I didn't want to ask him to take another one. He looked so comfy snuggled on the couch. It is also his BIRTHDAY! We are both learning to embrace our mid-30s, which includes a slowing metabolism and an earlier (and earlier) bedtime. I should actually be preparing for bed now, but I am living on the edge! Actually, I am now snuggled on the couch beside a Eric and don't have the energy to move. I am lucky my fingers are still typing. Before I pass out, here is today's deal...

Black camisole (Goodwill) = $0.99

Flower blouse (Carolina Thrift) = $2.25

Pants (CT) = $2.99

Shoes (Good Samaritan) = $3.99

Grand total = $10.22. 

On the bright side, I may have found enough rice tucked away in my clothes to  make a sushi roll. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #19

Ever had a day that tested your stress threshold? Like all the times you were a jackass to someone came back to you in one big ball of chaos? Well, that was my day and nothing REALLY that bad happened. It just seemed that way. After looking back through my posts, it seems this is a recurring trend. Maybe I should take off Mondays. Would that make Tuesdays bad or do you think I would get lucky? 

Today, I tried everything - belly breathing (with my awesome phone app), a quick yoga session, walking two miles at lunch, singing Christmas carols, and then eating a Panera chocolate duet cookie. A quick side note, I got a little peeved at the lady from Panera taking my order (sorry, sweet lady, it was a Monday!). I told her that I wanted the chocolate cookie, not knowing the name. She replied, "the duet?" (The actual name of the cookie). I heard, "do what?" So, I repeated myself three times and began aggressively pointing to the cookie and three times she had the same response. She then very kindly pointed out the name of the cookie and I quickly apologized. Geez. That was until she told me they would not be bringing back the chocolate mint crinkle this holiday season. She should have known that would make me a cranky pants. 

So, after getting home, I settled into an activity I know will calm my nerves...

Knitting soon to be Christmas presents! Ooh, and I think I may have convinced Eric to let me put the tree up next weekend. I think it depends on the awesomeness level of his birthday present on Wednesday. Fingers crossed!

Today's outfit was a comfy one:

Jeans (Freedom Thrift) = $2.50

Shirt (Carolina Thrift) = $2.99

The shoes were a recycle from last week. I was also wearing a corduroy jacket earlier that was $1.99. 

Not too shabby for a Monday! Here's to a stress free Tuesday!

Thrifty Chic Challenge, #18

You are never too old to just be silly. Or jump up and down by the side of the road in Seagrove pottery shopping and missing a dear friend who is at home  studying (we live you Kim)! 

Today was our annual pottery trip, which is almost comprable to the joy of Christmas morning <Insert little girl squeal here>. The day was filled with pottery, laughter, drinks and more laughter, as well as humor and just good fun. Whoever said money can't buy you happiness hasn't ever been pottery shopping! Two of the besties made today's blog and I have to say, we did it with style. 

The first two pics showed a little too much skin, but the third time was a charm. We all got air! 

Tracy (the crazy one in the middle) got her entire outfit for $12.00 at the Hospice Flea Market in Burlington. She is my little grasshopper in training. 

My outfit was pretty frugile. 

Jeans (Freedom House) = $1.00

Long sleeve t-shirt (Carolina Thrift) = $0.99

Sweater (from Forever 21, but purchased at CT) = $0.75. 

Grand total, drum roooollllllll...$2.74

I didn't count my shoes but it frosted over this morning and I had to wear boots. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge, Day #17

Anyone else feeling the Christmas spirit already? Guess what...I am!! I don't know if it is the chill in the air, the Pandora holiday station belting out old favorites, or just the thoughts of Christmas past and the nostalgia of child-like happiness. Whichever one, it doesn't matter. Tis the season!

Today, I started work on our office holiday card and thought today's picture should mirror that fun. Thanks Cynthia for the photo!

If you were not in the holiday spirit, are you there yet? No...Scrooge!

Total outfit cost = $11.97. 

Shoes (Target clearance) = $4.99

Skinny jeans = $3.99

Shirt = $1.99

Earrings (the big DG, aka Dollar General) =1.00

Scarf= knitted by ME! 

Thrifty Chic Challenge Day #16

It is after 9:00 pm and I am just getting home from work. This was the best I could do without the assistance of our resident photographer. I got too busy making egg carton crafts and talking about Ebola fears today that I forgot to snap one before disaster struck, aka parenting group. We had fun tonight but it sure was messy!! Speaking of Ebola, did anyone hear or watch the CMAs? I was listening on my way home and almost peed myself when Carrie Underwood sang "quarantine" to the tune of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." 

I am not showing the bottom half of my pants in this picture because I realized there is cheese pizza smeared all over them, I had a sticker on my butt, and glue stains on my right knee cap. Good thing I only paid $2.99 for these jeans! 

I am multitasking and typing this while walking the dog so please excuse any typos. Pasha is upset you all are intruding on her outside time.

The outfit was simple today, with a total cost of $5.24. 

DKNY shirt (with tags! From Carolina Thrift) = $ 2.25

Liz Claiborne jeans (CT) = $2.99

Flip flops (any day over 60 degrees, even in winter) = FREE. Someone left them by the family pool. Finders keepers!

Hopefully I can have a more witty post tomorrow. A hot bath and Hulu are screaming my name. 

Thrifty Chic Challenge Day #15

We did it! We are half way through the challenge. I am loving it, but it can be tough. But, I have really enjoyed the extra shopping trips! 

Pasha must have known we were celebrating because she attacked me with kisses during the photo today. She loves her mommy. A little too much sometimes. It was totally gross. She has the worst breath of any dog on the planet. Bad enough to gag a maggot. And you know I got attacked by maggots earlier this year. They are NOT my friends. Ewe.

Today's outfit cost = $3.49 + shoes. 

Pants (from Carolina Thrift) = $2.99

Top (from Goidwill) = $0.50

Shoes (Journeys circa de 2007). I can't remember exactly how much they cost, but know it was under $20. I think I have gotten pretty good wear out of them, don't you?

Thrifty Chic Challenge Day #14

The crazy temperature changes are creating chaos in my brain. All day I had a headache Resembling a callithump parade of elephants, cranky kids, and bells and whistles. 

I can't tell if it is the weather or the endless repetition of annoying election adverts that make ALL candidates seem like compete idiots. They are as useful as screen doors on submarines. I mean really. 

Let me get to the point before my meds wear off...

Several people have asked me to include the store information with the items, so I will try but if I miss something, just ask!

White ruffle shirt (Freedom Thrift) = $1.00

Tan cardigan (Old Navy) = $7.99

Black pants (Carolina Thrift) = $2.99

Bare Trap Mary Janes (CT) = $5.25

Necklace = FREE, a gift from Lori.

Total cost = $17.23. Not too shabby. 

Have a great Election Day and don't forget to celebrate no ads after tomorrow!!! Stealing from the 1964 election, "In your gut, you know he is nuts!"