No Money, You Say? Let's Shop!

So you say that you don't have any money.  Is this something new?  No?  You have been there before.  So have I.  Be it a personal family crisis, work related setback, illness, automobile nightmare, poor money management, the need to put all monies toward something very important.... you get the idea.  Money issues strike all of us at some point.  Even massive millionaires struggle at times (take a look at some the of the Wall Street moguls who are now working at a coffee shop).

I had a sweet relative who lived in NY for a time. Without a doubt, it is expensive to live there. But this was NY - and you need to look great/fashionable/hip/current in Manhattan.  How do you do THAT if you are broke?  How can you be incredibly fabulous with little or no money?  It IS possible. And, it is absolutely necessary in order to be the person you were meant to be..

I just read Another article about the 10 wardrobe staples every gal needs.  Phooey.  It is the Same list you see absolutely everywhere.  Nothing new.  Nothing earth-shattering.  Nothing particularly informative either.
Designers will only tout what they have to offer.  So this one went on about those skinny black pants that are 'perfect' for everyone and stop about two inches above your ankles.  What?  Skinny pants can be for size 0 and tiny gals, but not for everyone.  They are not Perfect for entire world.  There is not one style that works for the entire world.  There is not one dress that works for everyone. 

Stylists keep putting every actress in the spandex bandage wrap dress.  Why?  If you have seen one bandage wrap dress, you really have seen them all.  They are not different.  The actresses (size 0 & 2) all admit that they wear Spanx (sometimes 2 of them at once) to fit in the outfits.  Yuck.    How do you move?  How do you breathe?  How do you go potty?  I like breathing, drinking something, going to potty when necessary, etc.   This is not a perfect dress for everyone, although the actresses look great in them.

So, back to the "you don't have money" issue.  What to do, what to do?  Go thrifting!  90% of everything you see in my blog was from a thrift store. Hence, I didn't pay much, so I have more, and I don't have duplicates (note: I think I have only posted one duplicate top since March 1). Gals stop me ALL THE TIME to ask where I shop and "how do you get those clothes for so cheap!"  Same answer: Thrift stores.  Now mind you, not all thrift stores are the same.  Not all have decent pricing.  Not all are places you want to go into.  Not all have decent clothing.  If you LOOK like you purchase thrift - then You Are Doing It Wrong!  Contact me and we will set up a thrifting date so you can learn to do it properly. 

Different stores offer different specials, but they all offer specials.  Consignment and Thrift stores vary, but you can find great buys at both.  I find new items with original price tags a LOT, so I know exactly how much I would have paid at the department stores.  Some stores will have Dollar Days where one rack will be just $1. (Take a look at the outfits I have posted that only cost $2.50).  Some will have colored tags with deep discounts on a particular color each day.  Some will have week long specials where different clothing items are 1/2 price.  Take a look around your area and take a visit or make some calls to find what each store offers.  I know what the stores in my area offer, and I am always finding more outlets to shop. 

In the meantime, here are some very basic rules about thrifting:
1. Wear sensible shoes (although they need to be 'cute' shoes.)  Why?  You will walk many a mile when wandering through thrift shops as most stores are not categorized by size.  AND - if you find something that you like and you look in the mirror with icky shoes on, it will ruin your perspective about the garment.  Yes, it will.
2. Always wear something that can be easily slipped on and off.  You need to try on garments that you see at thrift stores as they usually (read: never) can be returned.  And, since you are suffering from 'no money' just don't make the mistake of handing over your cash if the clothes don't fit.
3. Those clothes you are wearing need to be light-weight.  Don't meander about a thrift store with your wool, long-sleeved, turtleneck top and heavy jeans.  And, I don't recommend heavy make-up either.  Thrift stores are notorious for suffering from air conditioning maintenance issues.  Most have operational a/c, but these facilities are not going to crank up the amps when needed, and you probably don't look that great when you have passed up 'glowing' into 'glistening' into 'sweat drops' into a 'fully-turned on faucet'.
4. Be very open minded.  Do not go thrifting if you expect to find a specific item/garment/color/tag.  It just won't happen.  If you are open minded to find 'simply great things', then you are on your way to success. 
5. Do not believe every size tag you see.  Let me repeat that:  Do not believe every size tag you see. While thrifting, you will find great clothes that may be vintage and sizes were Much tinier years ago.  You may wear a size 12 now, but it definitely might have been a size 16 years ago.  Do not be offended.  (If you really want to be offended, go to the fabric store and take a peek at the sizes listed on dress patterns.  It will make you seriously want to cry.)  Try on the goods. Period.  Take nothing for granted.  Someone may have had the clothing altered (I have been blessed to find that they were altered exactly to my size!)
6. There are really Lots of thrift rules, but I said I would just list some basic ones; so here is the one you need to pay attention to: DO NOT BUY THE SAME CLOTHES THAT ARE CURRENTLY HANGING IN YOUR SAD CLOSET!  Did you get that?  People tell me all the time that they want to: change, dress better, get out of a rut, start over, etc.  Yet, they refuse to chose anything remotely different than what they currently wear.  That will not improve anything for you.  That will only reinforce that fact that you are miserable in your current state, and now you have spent your little bit of money on the exact same thing.  Stop the madness.  Contact me and we will fix it. 

That is what I am here for, to make you Fabulous.  Contact me and let's get you there now.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

8/9/12 - Total outfit cost $14.(Jumper and Sweater)

An explosion of pink flowers.  Today is another 'happy' day.  The dress is by Dress Barn, purchased at Angelic Resale in Conroe, new with tags, for $10; the little lime sweater is by V-Knit and was $4; the fuchsia colored heels are by Apostrophe and were puchased at Sears, on clearance, many years ago for about $15.00 (they have held up very well).

Cinderalla Wishes She had These!

8/6/12 - total outfit cost $11.75 (Jumper, Top, Shoes)

The hot days of summer have been blistering!  This little Bobbie Bee very happy jumper was $5.75 at Elite Repeat in Montgomery; the lightweight white shirt is Faded Glory $2. at Walmart (the jumper didn't look quite right with short sleeves and you can easily wear a tissue-tee in summer); the Black and white herringbone heels are by Madeline and were $4.00 at Family Thrift in Dallas.





 

7/20/12 - Total outfit cost $27 (Dress, Shoes & Necklace)

The Animal Print dress is older, it is a Maggie London $7; The heels are BCBG Paris $9 at Buckner Thrift in Dallas; the Silver statement necklace is by Dana Buckman $11 at Kohl's.

I Need a Super Hero.

Ever have a day when absolutely Nothing goes right?  We all have.  Some of us more than others.  Sadly, you can usually tell when someones day is going straight to the dogs.  We need an intervention of some sort, a rescue, a tiny miracle, a new outfit, a personal assistant, a fairy godmother - something.

Since you can't count on a super hero to fly in and fix your immediate issue, you need to be prepared to work your own itty-bitty miracles when it has to do with your appearance. That is why the Closet Fairy is here.  To keep you ready to craft your miracle fix.

I was reading today about a stylist in Europe who had a list of 5 must-haves in your bag.  Her list was great if you are a model and heading straight for the runway.  One of her must-haves was a leather hole-punch to add an additional belt hole to your outfit.  Really - this is what you need to carry in your purse all the time?  Not necessarily.  It is a great tool to have at home so that you Can add an extra hole to your belt (or more likely, to your shoe strap). But you need to be a bit more practical with the real necessities to tote with you all the time. 

Baby wipes (they make travel size) - they are perfect for wiping up outfit smudges if you have a minor accident, or see later that you have left your deodorant streaked on your top.  Just make sure that they are not ones that leave lint all over the place.  What is the use of wiping a shirt to clean it, if you leave a giant, linty, fuzzy-white mess instead. 

Lint brush or lint roller (they also make tiny travel size) - Speaking of the lint you just left all over yourself, use this to roll yourself fresh. Dark, solid colors show nasty lint and make you look unkempt and dandruffy (never good).

Safety pins - Grab some of different sizes and you are set to pin yourself back in place - hook your waistband together after a hungry-man sized lunch; pin your blouse in those gaping areas that expose your intimates; hook anything to your keyring when necessary; make a boutonniere from various and sundry items.

Tape - Double sided tape works best to mend hems; tape overly-exposing-scoop-necked tops to your chest area; it comes in small rolls or tiny sheets that are pre-cut that you simply peel off. 

Clear nail polish - If you wear hose or tights, it is indispensable to stop a run; not to mention actually fix your fingernail issue.

Sewing Kit (tiny travel size) - they still make them?  Yes.  You can grab one from any Dollar store - for just a buck (imagine that).  I keep one that is in a zippered pouch - the hard plastic cases Always break and crack - avoid them. The zippered pouches are clear, have plenty of different thread colors, several needles, itzy scissors, a needle threader (So important to those of us who no longer have perfect vision), and a few buttons.  (Throw those safety pins in this pouch too).

Chap stick - This is great for everything.  Your lips; your cheeks - if you need a tiny glow just smudge some there (and it actually helps prevent chapping during windy weather); if your ring won't go on (or come off), rub it around your finger and the ring will move; or use it on the pin of a brooch that seems unwilling to go through your fabric.

An emergency set of gold and/or silver earrings.  This would be a pair that are small and not your 'go-to' pieces.  These are some that you will always carry in your must-have kit - when you realize that you forgot to put some on or you lost one you were wearing.  I actually carry two sets of earrings in gold and silver, a ring for my finger, a simple necklace and a collapsible bracelet (not a big solid round one).  That way, if I have forgotten to grab something that I realize my outfit needs, I am prepared.

Something for your hair - it can be a pony wrapper, a headband, a clip, a barrette, scarf, whatever you might need to fix yourself up quickly.  If you are out and realize that this morning would have been a perfect time to wash your oily hair, but you didn't do it - you seriously need to have something to pull your hair back before folks appear in haz-mat attire to sop up your oil spill.

All of these things fit into a tiny make-up bag!  This will pull you through almost any fashion disaster.  A few more things that I throw into my make-up bag (no joke, a Lot will fit in those things): a spare pair of pantyhose (taken out of the packaging, of course); spare pair of undies (gals, when you reach a certain age, just make sure you carry a spare); extra toothbrush; tiny travel body spray; AND travel size first aid kit.  Yup.  All of that. 

Ahh, can't you feel the stress just flowing away from your body?  If you are ready for anything, people will actually notice.  You will become the go-to person for almost everything, if you are prepared for yourself. So go make your emergency kit (I call them ditty-bags) and be your very own super-hero.

God bless you richly. I know that He has blessed me!

 

7/18/12 - Total outfit cost $14(Dress, Belt & Shoes)

This proves that a simple dress does not have to be blah.  The colonial blue and brown patterned dress was $7 at Angelic Resale in Conroe; while the dress had a self-belt, I chose something different - the strechy belt with paten leather closure is what makes the outfit not ho-hum and it was $5 at Charming Charlie's; the heels were a steal - they are BCBGirls in colonial blue and were $1.25 at Balch Springs Thrift in Dallas. 

7/16/12 - Total outfit cost $21 (top, skirt & necklace)

This is really quite a sporty outfit - sporty does not have to be running shoes and biker shorts.  The white Tommy Hilfiger top was $12 from Palais Royal; the Green and white polka dot skirt is by Margaret Frances and was $4.94 at Family Thrift in Dallas.  The 3-strand green stone necklace was $4 at Angelic Resale in Conroe.  While I could have put some green heels with this, I wanted something more fun - so I wore fuschia heels by Apostrophe. 

Shopping Blues

So I went window shopping this week.  Actual "window" shopping.  I wanted to take a gander at the window displays of the stores at the mall and the stand-alone stores.  Talk about underwhelming!  It had been quite a while since I'd done this.  I believe that stores have forgotten the art of the window display.  And, the art of the in-store display.  There were far too many headless mannequins with absolutely BORING clothes draped loosely on their form.  There was nothing that even remotely made me interested enough to purchase anything.  Nothing.  That is some sort of pitiful commentary on the state of retail clothing.  How are we supposed to decide what we want to buy?  How do we know what is 'in' or 'cute'?  I suppose that leaves us with sales fliers, magazine ads and tv ads.  Yuck. 

This creates a serious dilemma. Truly serious. Anything that you see in a magazine spread (and there are some good looking outfits) will be both unaffordable (have you checked out the prices, if they dare put the prices on the page) and/or no longer available.  They like to put loads of clothes on the models from the H&M store.  The problem with That is - you can't order H&M on line - each store carries a different  block of clothes - the item you see was only available at the store for one week because they don't re-order or restock the items they photographed - you lose.  You may love the piece, but you can't get it. And let's not get started on those prices!  I am not sure if many of these editors even 'visit' the real world.  The majority of people don't have access to an unlimited clothing fund.  Too many times I read about "affordable" outfits - and the prices hover around $400.  That is not affordable.  That is not reasonable. 

There are loads of stores on-line now as well.  You can have unlimited companies send you urgent e-mails notifying you of immediate sales on-line.  They tease you with adorable outfits, you quick-link to the site and find that your size is unavailable since they sold out of everything in a mere 15 minutes. You have no time to think about a purchase - you have to click and buy.  That is not shopping.  That is a stick-up. 

Then there are the sales fliers from your local stores.  Ho-hum.  I have looked at so many of them that I am blurry-eyed.  The clothes all look the same.  All of them.  And none of them are really fashionable, desirable, extra cute or unique.  It is your job as a fabulous gal - to be wondrous and unique.  That is a huge part of why I shop resale shops and thrift.  You will find what others won't.  You can put yourself together in such a great and inexpensive way that others have to take notice.

Let's get together for a shopping expedition.  Gather your buddies and contact me for a scheduled shopping excursion.  You will benefit, your friends will benefit and you will do it for pennies on the dollar!
Then be Amazing!

This outfit is a black spandex little top for $3.  People really like this very flowy,  lavender print Emmanual Ungaro skirt - $6.96!

Today I am wearing some plum colored J Vincent heels - $15.00.

A velvet, plum bracelet - $3.00.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

6/29/12 - Total outfit cost $15.

This large polka dot dress is one of those "go-to" outfits.  It is cute and fun.  Put bright white or yellow with it and you are set.

6/25/12 - Total outfit cost $18 (top, skirt & shoes)

The little rusched top was $3; the Ann Taylor Loft skirt (the blue flowers are really vibrant) was $3; the Nine West black and navy heeled loafers were $12.

6/22/12 - Total outfit cost $9.50 (Top, shell, skirt & shoes!!)

This neat little outfit was extra inexpensive.  The lace top was $1; the orange tank underneath was $1.50; the skirt is by David John and was $3; the studded black heels with silver buckles on top are by Rampage and were $4.  If you want to throw in the $3 cost of the orange and silver bracelets, the $1 for the vintage orange disc earrings, and the $1.50 I paid for the vintage brooch, you have a grand total for the ENTIRE outfit - head to toe - of $15.00!

You are Not a Spread in Vogue.

Aren't you glad you are not a model?  Hmm?  You don't have to stand poised with half-closed eyes, attempting to look 'sultry' with your mouth slightly ajar (well, some people seem to always have their mouth open a bit).  You don't have to stand at odd angles with one leg ridiculously far from the other while it is perched on its toes, so that somehow your legs look longer with your dress slit up to your hipbone.  You don't have to sit on the porch steps with bizarre posturing to sell -what? shoes? a skirt? makeup? hair product?  You don't have to walk into a business (like say, your dentist's office) and lay prone on their waiting room couch with one arm dropping to the ground to hold one of your shoes that somehow managed to fall off of your foot.  You don't walk into your office with your business blouse unbuttoned to your navel with no foundation wear in sight (thank goodness we don't do that!!)  Who Sits, Lays, Stands, or generally Looks like these examples?  I usually sit on the porch steps like a real person.  I generally stand like a real person.  I utilize a couch cushion as it was intended.  And, my Mother felt that people should close their mouths when it is not engaged in eating or talking.  To my knowledge, I have NEVER run into a person who exhibits the unbelievable stances that you see in advertisements for Anything. 

Since you don't position yourself in ridiculous poses as you go throughout the day, or have some army of hair and makeup professionals 'touching you up' every few minutes, and since we lack the amazing wind blown look of a fan gently wafting our hair in the breeze - then WHY ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED IF YOU DO NOT LOOK LIKE A MODEL? You should look like a real person.  An amazing, fabulous, stunning and well dressed person - but very real.  Do not compare yourself to what you see in a magazine or on a tv ad.  Do not compare yourself to famous folks.  You are not armed with a fashion squad to make sure that nothing is out of place, while your 'candid pictures' are Photoshopped to death.

Next week we will discuss putting together an outfit you see in a store window or in a magazine ad (if you can manage to look past the outrageous model pose) for a tiny, tiny, fraction of the retail cost.  And - it will be wonderful and you will be your Own model when you step out your front door!

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

6/20/12 - Total outfit cost - $33 (suit & shoes)

This Kasper suit is 16 years old - it seems to have held up pretty well - $15; the pewter colored Madden Girl heels were $18; the vintage blue 'chandelier' brooch is definitely an eye catcher.

You Enjoy Being a What?

What image do you want to convey to the world?  To your mate?  To your parents?  To your employer?  To yourself?  Do you even have an idea?  Well, think about it.  We've discussed before that what you wear makes that impression - whether you want it to or not.  Whether you Intend it to, or not.  It does.  Sometimes that impression can be permanent and hard to erase in the minds of others.

Someone commented recently that perhaps a few of my readers may wonder why there are no photos of me in anything but dresses and skirts.  Well, there are a few reasons - but for the initial purpose of this post, it is because that is the impression that I want to convey to the world at large.  I enjoy being a lady.  You should enjoy who you are (and it should be someone amazing and memorable in only the best ways). 

I can definitely state that if I have ever had an incident of a flat tire on a roadway, that the minute I step out to examine the damage, people will stop to help me.  And continue to stop to give me assistance until the situation is resolved.  I have to believe that (other than the general goodness of Texas folks), the moment someone sees a lady in a ladylike dress and heels needing some aid - they make Sure that aid is offered.  I have had more than one female acquaintance let me know that they are Never offered assistance in such situations.  Sad.  One wanted to know why I always got help.  Well, if you always look like a lady, there will always be someone earnestly Wanting to Help.  If you run around looking unladylike, they are more prone to pass you by (sorry, but true).  Now, needing a tire changed (by someone else) is NOT the reason I dress like a lady, but it is certainly one of the benefits. I do know how to change a tire (but I don't like icky) and manage crisis (and no one likes crisis) when they arise, but friendly help is always welcome.

I have also witnessed first hand (and second hand), that if you are the one who holds up a higher standard of appearance, then others will follow suit.  They will.  Try it as an experiment.  You'll see (and secretly know that YOU are making a difference!) - folks will take notice and you may be surprised at the sudden improvement of the people environment around you.  It's almost like a contest.  It's not a contest, but in full blown reality - the less fabulous dressed will find a reason to 'up their game'.  And then you have made the world a better place by just dressing great!  How easy was that?!

If you have difficulty putting together an outfit (the number one complaint I receive) - contact The Closet Fairy and we will remedy that little problem.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

An overview since March 1, 2012

6/14/12 - Total outfit cost $28 (Top, skirt & bracelet)

The dark multi-shade burnout skirt is by Boston Proper - $3; the dark olive top is Anne Klein (purchased at Dillards years ago) - $21; the vintage bracelet is stunning in person (couldn't get a good shot) - $4.

6/12/12 - Total outfit cost $16 (top, skirt, floral pin, & necklace)

Isn't this just a happy outfit?  The skirt, by Jones NY - $7; the top is acutally an exercise top - $3; the dark floral brooch mimics the pattern in the skirt - $2; the necklace has great yellow bling (couldn't get a close-up) - $4.  These yellow heels are by Gianni Bini and people constantly stop me to comment on them - they are several years old.  You can see them in previous posts.

6/11/12 - Total outfit cost $10 (dress & sweater)

This 50's inspired look is a Coldwater Creek black & white polka dot dress with hot pink trim at the neck and the scalloped hem - $7.  The pink sweater is by Merona - $3.   Those fabulous pink mod floral heels are by Mia (several years old).

May I Compliment You On Your Stunning Neckline?

Every gal has at least one 'very complimentary neckline'.  No matter your height, width, neck, chest, shoulders, back - you name it - there is a neckline silhouette that is flattering for you.  How many times have you put on a top or dress and bemoaned the fact that it just didn't look right at the top.  Too often it is because the neckline doesn't really flatter your 'picture frame' area.  More often, people ignore the fact that the neckline they are prancing around with it just not the best one for them.

How do you know what is right or perfect? 
This is something I recommend to everyone I work with:
1. Head to the mall because there is an abundance of stores (you are NOT going to purchase anything).
2. Keep focused on not buying anything - and head to the ladies TOP department.
3. Walk around to more than one department (don't just stand in the sportswear section).
4. Pick out every conceivable different style of neckline you see:
    Boat neck; Jewel; Square; Sweetheart; V-neck; Zip-front with collar; Cowl; Portrait; Turtleneck; Mock-    turtle; Scoop; Deep scoop; Peter Pan; Polo; Button-front without collar; (there's more)
5. Go into the dressing room and put them on!! (I am tired of hearing you whine that you don't like to try on  clothes - just Do it).
6. Actually look at your Upper Torso and Face only.  You are not trying to decide if you want to purchase the top.
7. Be open and objective.  Just because you have never worn that type of neckline before does not mean that you shouldn't try it on.
8. Suddenly, it will hit you like bag of hammers when that perfect neckline is reflected back to you.
9. You will also have benefited from viewing the necklines that were Not so perfect. 

Rules:  (Yes, there are some very basic rules that you have to abide by, no matter what).
1. If you have a very thick and/or short neck - Leave the jewel neckline alone.  It is not your friend.  You can't make it your friend.  You will always look uncomfortable and stubby headed (not a good look for anyone).
2. If you have very wide shoulders - Square necklines will only amplify the look.
3. Two fleshy mounds that heave above your neckline is NOT RIGHT EVER.  That neckline silhouette is too low and not the perfect one for you.  Remember that you are Not a Tart.

Armed with this new magical knowledge, you can shop so much smarter.  You can dress so much smarter.  You are a smart gal - show it!

When you find your perfect 'picture frame', your world will be a better place. I promise.
Let me know if you have had a revelation about your neckline.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

6/7/12 - Total Outfit cost:$24 (Suit & Shoes)

This Talbot's deep red silk suit was $12.  The giraffe print, extra cute, Nine West heels were $12.  It is okay to mix fun with something more serious.

6/6/12 - Total outfit cost $12.(includes top, skirt & shoes)

This little square neck top is by I.N.C -$3.00.  The skirt has gorgeous embroidery around the entire area - it is by sunny leigh - $1.00. The brick red shoes (really comfy) are by Van Eli - $8.00

6/5/12 - Total outfit cost $19 (includes top, skirt & shoes)

It's a very Boho day.  The blue lace Coldwater Creek top was $1.  The white layered skirt was $3.  The Nine West blue canvas espadrilles were $15. 

6/4/12 - Total outfit cost $18.50 (includes skirt, top, shoes & necklace)

This multi colored skirt is great for summer: $5;  The lime top was $3.50;  The shoes are Amanda Smith and were $7; the necklace is large celadon stones and cost $3.

6/1/12 - Total outfit cost $28 (Top, skirt, shoes and necklace!)

Zebra prints are always in vogue.  The top was $3.  The skirt is by E.C.I. New York and was $15 - it has a lazer cutout pattern on the hem.  The shoes are by Rampage and were $4.  The rough silver necklace is by Dana Buchman and was $6.