Shopping Without Money

So, as the job hunt continues, the buying dwindles. To nothing. I had to return those gorgeous Steve Madden heels from the last post, but I felt sort of proud, like I was doing the responsible thing.

That being said, when I can't shop or find bargains for lack of any money at all, I shop my mother's closet. OK, so maybe it doesn't consist of the most stylish pieces but I find some fun things. Over-sized floral blouses paired with colorful shorts and gladiator sandals (in summer of course), dresses that I chop to above-knee length and then belt, vests that are over-sized on me in a variety of fabrics and prints over long-sleeved, solid tunic tops. Colorful belts are something amazing I am always stealing from my mom, as are the over-sized vests. Her closet is also great for stoles and wraps, which come in handy in the summer for going out to dinner or at weddings and other formal occasions.

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All in all, it's a great hunting ground, you just have to be more creative. This isn't where you look at a shirt as a shirt, it's where you envision how it will look with a thin waist belt with black leggings and booties. AND you can also I am sure find great fun prints in those over-sized 80s and 90s blouses that can be used to make fun pillowcases.

The one thing you can take as-is: clothing that was her's back in the day and jewelry and purses. Jewelry is jewelry and bags are bags, so borrow some to spice up an outfit (this can be done with sisters' and friends' closets as well if they are willing).

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But clothing that was once your mom's can be a great thing. my mother has this silk, sheer, baby-pink dress that drapes open to the waist in the back. It looks like a Greek goddess gown. So, to fix it up we hemmed it to above my knee and now I can wear it in the summer with dainty sandals or in the winter over a black turtleneck, tights and with heels or booties. You can really be inventive with this stuff. And the best part is, that it's free and since your mother probably will only offer you things she no longer wears to make space in her closet, it's a win-win.

Happy hunting.