Memorial Day weekend

Retail Bargain Shopping: it's possible!

Ann Taylor LOFT is my retail weakness. All my thrifting instincts seem to go out the window when I walk into that store. I want everything. I fell in love with this cream eyelet blazer the first time I laid eyes on it in the store window, only problem is, the pricetag read $138.00. Yikes. So I waited, and waited, and impatiently waited,almost giving up on the possibility of it being mine when it was only marked down to $129.99. 

Yesterday, I was told by a friend who knew about my obsession with it (yes that's how much I talked about it) that it was marked down to $79.99 and they were running a 40% off sale! So naturally I rushed to the mall after work and found the perfect fit. At the checkout I got suckered into opening their rewards card which earned me an additional 15% off, then an extra 10% for it being the first Tuesday of the month! (a rewards card perk). 

So my grand total was..... $36.71!!! In a way that is a splurge for me when I think about how much that would get me at a thrift shop, but over $100 of savings from the original price made it bearable. If there's anything I'll make an exception for when it comes to bargain shopping, it's wardrobe staples. I may wear this blazer every day this spring .

So there it is ladies! It is possible to bargain shop in classy, high quality retail stores! The secret...PATIENCE! It's the hardest thing, but as seasons change and new merchandise comes in, the new becomes old and prices are cut! Also, layering promotions and sales as much as possible whittles the price down. Happy shopping! 

xoxo, 

Mrs. Patient for a bargain

Friday Favorites

I can't stop listening to this song. I have always been a Coldplay fan, but since preordering their new album Ghost Stories, every time I get an email that a new song is available it's like Christmas morning! the whole album will be here May 18th! In the meantime, enjoy this piece of heaven.

Coldplay-Midnight 

In the fashion world, my latest and bravest purchase was high top Converses. my Dad has been wearing them for decades (and still does at the age of 54) and I'm just now realizing how cool he is and how much I love the look!

Self Magazine- I started getting this in the mail (I don't remember subscribing) and am loving the mix of health & fitness, celebrity features, and fashion. This months cover was the gorgeous Kate Hudson and featured adorable [and modest!] wetsuit inspired bathing suits! 

Chia Kombucha by Synergy. I've been a fan of Kombucha for awhile but Chia seeds add extra goodness! Track them down at your local health food store or grocery store. 

VRSLY app! I've been loving this $0.99 purchase for Instagram lately. It is basically turns any picture into an inspirational masterpiece! I highly reccommend it. 

Happy Friday friends and enjoy the weekend! 

xoxo,

Mrs. Favorites

Wednesday Wishlist

1. Flowy white blazer

2. Statement studs 

3. The Naked palate 

4. Neutral cross-body bag

5. Pointed flats with an ankle strap

Spring is in the air to stay! [hopefully] Ill be on the lookout for the bargain version of these items [except #3, that's just a matter of splurging or not] and will post updates of my finds!

xoxo,

Mrs. Wishing

My Go-To Glasses Makeup

{The Look}

{The Products}

1. Bare minerals bronzer in 'warmth' under cheekbones

2. Bare minerals blush in 'glee' on apples of cheeks 

3. Mary Kay at Play baked eye trio in 'on the horizon' on lids 

4. Kat Von D tattoo liner in 'trooper' for outer eye wing tip 

5. Make Up Forever mascara in 'smoky extravagant' on lashes 

Finally the superstar of the look and most inexpensive, underrated product out there...

6. Wet & Wild lipstick in 905D 

There's something about bold lips that just work with glasses. I'm not always brave with bright lipstick otherwise. Give it a try! 

xoxo, 

Mrs. Studiously Stylish 

China Cabinet Makeover

About two months ago, we found an china cabinet with amazing potential for just $180 at a used furniture shop. It was solid wood with beautiful details and storage. Taking on the task to refurbish this large piece was a little daunting, but it's finally done and we couldn't be happier! 

Weston stripped the polyurethane and sanded down the whole thing then we worked on painting together. We permanently removed the top doors to have an open display. 

There's something about a little teamwork and elbow grease that makes the end result so rewarding!! We added some "vintage" details with the hardware and floral drawer liner on the interior. 

It's been fun to fill up our home little by little with unique pieces. Who says you can't furnish a house with pieces you love while on a budget? We sure don't. The total cost for this project was around $220, while most new pieces I liked even on overstock.com and amazon were close to $1,000! Here is the finished product, now all that's left to do is grow my collection of glassware and china to fill it up! 

xoxo,

Mrs. Handywoman

Chia Iced "Coffee"

This recipie was totally an experiment that ended well, so proceed as you wish. As a coffee addict, I was surprised I could enjoy a drink so much that had no coffee or caffiene in it at all.

Almond milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 T chia seeds

dash of cinnamon

1 packet Dandelion "coffee" 

Mix to taste [I didn't measure things out] then chill overnight to thicken.

*fun fact: Parmesan lids fit perfectly on mason jars for a home made to-go cup! [pinterest credit]

Enjoy! 

xoxo, 

Mrs. Caffiene wean