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.

refinery29.com

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).

billingsjewelers.com

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.

Fabulous Finds

After spending the day with my little brother, his last day before going back to college, and trying Chipotle for the first time, amazing!, I went to one of my favorite places: Marshall's.

Somehow I always find what I am looking for there. At one point yesterday I was in search of something to wear to my friend's brother's "Jersey Shore" party next weekend. Ed Hardy shirts were way too expensive. $90 for a t-shirt? I don't think so. So I ended up getting a great, shirt at Macy's for $25, which my brother said "is the money," so I was happy.

But later, at Marshall's, I saw not only an Ed Hardy shirt but all these Ed Hardy belts. The shirt was not nice, but the belts were awesome. Too bad they were still $30 , so I had to opt out. But, the fact that I could find it there only reaffirms my faith in the store, they have been getting in more and more designer options.

I also found these amazing bootie-esque shoes! They are black suede Steve Madden shoes with gold studs for only $40 and the peep-toe and open heel are to die for, and totally in. If you don't believe me, check out the February Vogue.
The only problem? I might have to return them as I am still job hunting and have no cash...hopefully I will decide to keep, I am leaning toward keep, they're just so great, right?!

This amazing black nylon DKNY swing jacket for only $15. It will go perfect with a skirt and blouse for my hopefully coming soon job interviews. Plus since it's nylon and has 3/4 sleeves, it will work great in summer too!Next find: this adorable gray skirt. Sure it's polyester, but it was only $7 and looks great on, since it has a fun pattern and sits at the waist with a bubble shape: perfect for short people like me with bigger hips and small waists. Really makes you look tiny.
Last, but not least is this precious shallow Peter Rabbit bowl for $3. I bought it for my kitten, Lars, as a food dish. It's a bit large, maybe 6 inches in diameter, but it fits him perfectly. Peter Rabbit was a little rascal who never listened, same as my Lars.

Well that was the most recent trip. Other than that, there has not been too much shopping going on for me. I'm still looking for a job in this economically-challenged current world and so I am keeping my fingers crossed that soon I will be able to hunt for something other than employment, and thus share more.

Keep finding those bargains!