Thrift Tour: All Mixed Up

Last weekend I had the pleasure of having back to back meet ups with Lydia and Megan. We've found that last minute planning always works for us for whatever reason. We ended up at our favorite place to go for great deals, Coco's of Madison. Since it was closing it's doors, everything was $5.00. Yes, you read right.  How in our right minds could we pass that up? We made sure to get there right when the doors opened to make sure that we beat the crowds and to get first dibs on some affordable designer pieces. After trying on a leather/tulle Dolce & Gabbana skirt that sadly had a broken zipper, among other items I was scrambling desperately to find SOMETHING!! I walked around several times, until I ended up taking home a pair of taupe slingback Seychelle's platform sandals. Phew! I was having one of those days where  I would've hated to go home empty handed.  Even though the store was closing, we can still visit their sister store Coco's on the Green.

Lydia then led our group to a new to us store called Cinderella's Attic. It will definitely be one of our places to hit when we get together, I can tell. They had a great selection of clothing and some surprising clearance items that were sadly not any of our shoe sizes. I was very content with not purchasing anything after trying on several things, when I found the most perfect orange/coral button down blouse. Why is it that I find things just when I'm about to leave?

Megan checking out what's good for lunch.

Megan and Lydia making sure the photos are just right.

We then headed to the next town over in Guilford for lunch. Of course a day with these gals is not complete without outfit photos.  These were all taken by our lovely photographer, Lydia.

top: tjmaxx / cardigan: merona / jeans: f21 / shoes: nordstrom rack

bracelets: alex & ani / rings: peter indorf / midi ring: urban outfitters

  Our last stop was supposed to be TJMaxx. For whatever reason Megan and I ended up at a different location than Lydia, at least four towns apart so we had to cut our meet up short. That's ok though, because I'm sure that the next time we do one of our meet ups slash budget friendly shopping tours we will be more planful...right? Maybe? Oh heck, who am I kidding.

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When Bloggers Get Together

It's pretty much a great time when I get together with my fellow bloggers and meet new ones.  This time we went to Chowder Pot for lunch.  Lydia, Amber, Megan, Tiffiany, and I had a nice time talking about our holiday plans, time-off (if any), and Christmas shopping.   You know, the usual.  There were some delicious peppermint bark from Lydia and I gave everyone a mug with a crocheted cozy and a star ornament.  Yep, swag bags are always cool for meet-ups!

It was a dreary and drizzly morning but by the time we finished our meals it stopped raining and we drove to the town green where the usual photo shoot happened with these gals.  These photos were courtesy of Lydia.

Lydia, Amber, Me, Megan, and Tiffany

We then went to Coco's on the Green where everyone found some great and fabulous deals.  I didn't think I would find anything until I looked inside the glass display case by the cash register and saw a patent leather Kate Spade wallet.  I snatched it up for $18 plus 20% off!! Hello that's a bargain!  If you ask me, I'm pretty good at justifying why someone should purchase great finds.  So if you're on a tight budget or don't plan on buying anything, you might not want to go shopping with me. Then we went to Sarah's Cupboard where Lydia bought a great mirror and Megan bought a big slouchy sweater for a whopping $1!  Then there was the Cedar Chest where I was in hopes for finding something great since I had great luck last time....but alas with no luck I went home without anything.  Lydia found a great leather vest and Tiffany bought some shiny ballet flats.  Overall it was a fine afternoon of good food, fabulous and fashionable company, and great shopping.  Can't wait for the next time!

[Yay! This is my 200th post!]

Handmade Holidays

I always get excited when there's a new store in town.  This time, I stopped by Project Storefronts in the downtown area where they have all handmade products.  Local artisans have booths or should I say tables inside to display their wares.  There were handmade jewelry galore from steampunk designs, wire work, and even paper earrings to handmade clothing and accessories, drawn and painted artwork, and even vintage goods.  There's pretty much something for everyone.  Whether you're shopping for others or happen to like one yourself.  It was definitely worth stopping by.  Do you buy handmade during the holidays?

Oh Neimans

I got a little excited when I heard about the new Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration, and even discussed it with fellow bloggers when we'd be checking them out.  I looked at the list of famous designers who participated and it definitely sparked my interest, but then I saw the price of some of the items..holy cow!!  As a Target shopper, it was wee too over priced for someone like me.  For someone who often shops at Neiman Marcus, well it might seem like it's a steal!  Nonetheless, I went home empty handed.  Well, I didn't buy anything from the collection..but I probably got something else because let's face it, I always come home with something from Target.

Several things that caught my eye.  I really liked the Jason Wu ornaments and the Lela Rose top.

Have you seen the collection?  What do you think?

Thrifting With Bloggers

Last minute plans are great when they work out, don't they?  This past weekend Lydia of Chic on the Cheap, Megan of Closet Fashionista, and I decided to go check out some of the great places in Lydia's neck of the woods.  She took us first to an awesome consignment shop (named after a cute little doggie) named Coco's on the Green.  It was a great little store that had quality name brand pieces not to mention their tent sale in the back of the building.  Surprisingly out of all the racks and racks in the store, a black Ann Taylor tote caught my eye.  I resisted from buying it because seriously, do I need another black bag?!  I can't even tell you how many I have.  Go ask my husband.  No, actually don't.  We then ventured off to SARAH's Cupboard Thrift Shop and it was filled with everything that you can think of.  I was very close to purchasing a beer stein.  Very close.  I'm sad that I didn't take a picture of it since I was holding on to it inside the store for most of the time we were there.

the black tote bag that I was eyeing; blue tag deal heels
halloween decor at the last stop; cute downtown area

Then on our final and last stop, I finally found something to buy! Practically new Nine West heels that were half priced because it was a "blue tag day"!  Holler!  Lydia found some very bold leopard print pants that were also blue tagged.  It so happens that we were such big spenders that we both spent nine bucks plus tax on our purchases.  Megan didn't buy anything but she did spot several pieces that were very drool worthy such as an Hermes scarf and Prada ankle boots.  

Of course a day with these ladies would not be complete without a little photo shoot thanks to Lydia for always being so prepared with her handy tripod and camera.   

jacket: H&M (old)

blouse: Olive & Oak

jeans: Vigoss

bag: Perlina

loafers: Candies

Yes, that's me.

Lydia of Chic on the Cheap

Megan of Closet Fashionista

Megan and I ready to pose.

Lydia, Meg, and I

We tried a "jumping" shot..so it didn't quite work out.  Spirit fingers anyone?!

Ok this one worked better...for Megan who is definitely off the ground!

After three stores, and a little photo shoot we all decided to have a bite to eat at Donovan's Reef where they had a tasty selection for dinner.  It was a tough call.  Megan and I both had the fish n' chips and Lydia had the mashed potato truffle pizza (I'm ordering that next time).  And last but not least we stopped at Ashley's (the best ice cream in my opinion) to end the day.

It's always fun to hang out with these ladies.  Hurrah to last minute shopping trips and to future meet-ups.  Thanks to Lydia for taking us on a little tour of her part of CT.  It's nice to visit places that I don't really go to, especially with someone who knows the area.  Check out Lydia's and Megan's blogs for their write up of our meet-up!

Turn to the Left, Fashion!

I don't categorize myself as a style blogger.  There are so many of you out there and I am by no means going trying to claim myself as one.  I do however love fashion, trends, and shopping.  I love reading about it, get excited about it, and try to recreate it.  Shopping for the real deal off the runway, off the rack - fughettaboutit!  This is where my bargain hunting and sewing skills come in.  I stalk clothing at stores and wait for it to go on sale, or get similar affordable pieces compared to those seen on magazines.  I visit thrift stores to find what could be on trend that is a fraction of the price and maybe make some alterations.  Either way, I make it work for me and my itty bitty budget.  I've been asked what is my fashion style and recently I have been more open to patterns and prints but still stick to simple shapes and colors from time to time.

Some of my blogger friends who do outfit of the days would be proud of me for posting this...
this is as close as it's going to get - for now! haha  Baby steps.
What about you?  What's your fashion style and how do you accomplish your trademark "look"? 

Day Date With Bloggers

Me. Lydia, Amber, Megan, Courtney, and Bethany [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

It was a beautiful day.  Perfect for a day date with a few lovely ladies.  I met up with Lydia, Megan, and Courtney and we went off to meet up with Amber and Bethany in West Hartford.
This was also our last blogger meet up before Courtney left Connecticut so we wanted to make sure that she had a proper blogger send off before her journey back to Canada.  The weather was typical of a June day in New England, but surprisingly not too humid compared to the past few days of heatwave that we had the previous week.  As long as it wasn't raining, it was all good!

Beautiful day for a drive.

We all had some crepes at a cute little French cafe called Le Petit France Bakery.  How fitting for a blogger meet up, right?!  Oui oui!  I had a savory crepe called the St. Michele that had goat cheese, artichokes, and sun dried tomatoes with a bottle of Perrier sparking water.  It was the first time I've ever had a savory crepe and it was magnifique!  We chatted about bloggy stuff you know, the usual.

After our fabulous lunch we went to Blue Back Square.  However before that, I made sure to add more quarters to my parking meter....because I just wanted to make sure I didn't get another ticket for expired time on the meter, folks!!  We then ventured off to Charming Charlie's which was a mecca of accessories - a surefire hit for these fashionable ladies.

After several times of walking around in the color coordinated store, we then walked over to a consignment store called Second Time Around.  I don't think I've ever been to such a store that had Prada and Christian Loubiton heels encased in glass.  It was pretty cool, but way over my budget.  Like a few hundred bucks over my budget.  Then, in true blogger meet up fashion, we then took some pictures.... These awesome pictures were taken by Lydia.

The lovely Bethany of More Fruit Please  [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

Amber of The Girly Bird [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

Courtney of Sartorial Sidelines [photo courtesy of Courtney]

Megan of The Closet Fashionista [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

Lydia of Chic on the Cheap [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

And that's me...shying away from the camera. [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

And of course a photo shoot is not complete without me doing something silly. [photo courtesy of Lydia A]

After the little photo shoot, Bethany and Amber left and the rest of us decided to go back to Blue Back Square for some Pinkberry and Starbucks.  We then went to Nordstrom Rack and TJMaxx.  I think we all bought cute little additions to our wardrobes.  I bought a new Anne Klein watch for $30.00 with the coaxing of Megan and Lydia.  Thanks ladies!  I love my new watch.

After a long day of lunching, walking, and shopping we ended our meet up at Eli's on Whitney which is a cute little pub in Hamden, CT.  We were pretty ravenous for dinner and I definitely wanted a glass of Pinot Grigio.

Cheers to another successful meet up!

We're getting much better at blogger meet ups lately.
Another successful blogger meet up under our belts!
P.S.  Courtney I wish you the best!! We will miss you!

If you'd like to see what the other ladies wrote about our bloggy day, please check out their blogs:
Chic on the Cheap
Closet Fashionista
The Girly Bird
More Fruit Please
Sartorial Sidelines

Week In Pictures 9.0

1  My husband gathered all of our old cell phones in the house to donate.  Crazy how much technology has changed over the past few years.  I remember my first ever cellphone with the pull out antennae.

2  So when the show Thirty Something was one of the television series to watch, I don't think I was allowed to watch it.  I found this at the dollar store during the week.  I thought that I would be able to relate to it better now.  The whole first season for a buck!! Can't beat that. 

3  Someone needed some lobster claws.  Made these out of felt, elastic, and some easy hand stitching.

4  Forgot about these sequined black flats.  I really do have a lot of black flats.  Thankfully each pair is different from the other...besides the color.

5  I wore my striped knit dress with a chambray shirt and a yellow belt.  I don't know how to dress for the weather we've been having in CT lately.  Hot, then chilly, muggy, sprinkling of rain, then thunderstorm.  Go figure. 

6  Started my weekend early on Friday.  My husband and I had lunch at my favorite restaurant.  What's a Mexican meal without Modelo Especial?!

7  I've been seeing and hearing about Talenti Gelato all over the social networks recently, specifically on Instagram.  I finally remembered to get it at Target.  It definitely is what everyone said...so good!! Especially this particular flavor.  If you haven't tried it, you need to.

8  My husband picked this flavor.  I wasn't a big fan.  I definitely liked the sea salt caramel much better.  Let me know if you try either one, or different flavors.  I'd like to know what you think.

9  Went to Nordstrom Rack and found these Sam Edelman loafers with spikes.  It was one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever tried on.  Kind of weird since they have spikes, but really they were like buttah!!  Unfortunately I didn't buy them since they were a wee over my budget.

Hope you all had a wonderful week!!  

A Quick Stop at Grime

It was still early before the event.  I was making good time.  There was no traffic on 90.

On a whim, I decided to take a detour to Worcester to go to Grime Clothing Store before heading to Boston.  I've been following @grimeclothing on Instagram and have been so intrigued about all of the posts taken from the store, located in 100 Grove Street on the second floor of the building.  One shouldn't be misled with the size of the store.  Big things come in small packages, folks.  This little shop has everything from vintage, modern, and handmade clothing.  Shoes, sandals, and even cowboy boots?!  Lots and lots of accessories that you will never find at the local mall.  I was certainly happy to meet the super nice owner Molly and also have a chance to strike a pose next to the King.

I was bummed to find out that these were a size too small!

Favorite part: posing next to the king.  Yes, I am such a tourist.

My Grime loot: blue & white top, sunglasses, and plastic antler necklace.