Black Friday Deals for the Curvy Girl

It's that time of year again, the exciting (or dreadful, however you see it) shopping day known as Black Friday...or Brown Thursday even, for those of you that are hardcore shoppers that will be going out at 6pm tonight for all of the deals being offered.  I have looked through the ads this morning and have found the following deals that are worth note, in my opinion, for the curvier folks out there.

1. Lane Bryant - 50% Off Entire Store (11/27 - 11/30)
            This sale is definitely one I will be capitalizing on.  There are no limits and not one item in their entire stock that's regular price!  The best thing about this sale though, is that it is both in stores and online AND it is for the entire holiday weekend.  That means I can avoid the Thursday/Friday rush of people and go on Saturday or Sunday instead.  I will be using this sale to stock up on my intimates.  The majority of my bras come from LB because they are the best support I have found for my shape.  I am eyeing this leopard print plunge at the moment:

Smooth Boost Plunge w/Lace $22.00 (reg. $44.00)

2. Dress Barn - All Dresses $50 or less; All "Cashmerely" Sweaters $22.99; Jewelry/Accessories B3G1 (11/26 - 11/30)
            I personally think this is one of the not-so-awesome sales overall, but I do think I will check the store out just for the dresses.  If I can get a well-made, pretty dress for less than 50 bucks, I'd consider it.  Their sale is also all holiday weekend and it's both in-store and online. It's worth note that the shapewear line is in the B3G1 free deal, so if you're in need of shaper briefs, shorts or cami's, definitely check out their wares.

Zebra Print Dress $23.99 (reg. $54.00)

3. Old Navy - 50% Off Entire Store (Thanksgiving & Black Friday Only)

            This sale is in-store and online and is only for 11/27 & 11/28.  If you shop online, they also have a 15% off entire purchase coupon code on top of the sale.  I don't normally shop Old Navy, but I know they do carry a plus size range with some comfortable, cute pieces.  I love these wine colored boots myself.

Faux Suede Ankle Boots $19.97 (reg. $39.94)

4. Macy's - Variety of Sales Throughout Store (11/27 - 11/29)

            60% Off Coats, 40-50% Off Plus Size Clothing, Rampage Boots $19.99

5. Payless Shoe Source - Variety of Sales Throughout Store (11/26 - 11/30)

            Up to 50% Off Women's Boots, 2 for $25 Moccasins (11/27 & 11/28 Only), $16.99 York & Raven Boots, $9.99 Women's Slippers

6. Target - 40% Off Plus Size Clothing (11/27 - 11/29)

7. Ulta Beauty - Variety of Sales Throughout Store (11/27 - 11/29)

            $14.99 for 72 pc. Ulta Irresistible Beauty Collection Makeup (reg. $24.99), $10 Bare Minerals 2-3 pc. Kits (reg. $44), $10 Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara (reg. $20), $10 Smashbox On the Rocks Travel Makeup Brushes (limited edition)

8. Salvation Army - 20% Off Single Purchase Coupon (11/28 & 11/29)

            Salvation Army of course doesn't have normal sales outside of the 69 Cent Color sale, but hey, a coupon is a coupon when you're going anyway!  I'll be spending most of my shopping time at my two SA locations.

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Best of luck in your Black Friday adventures this year!  Be Safe and Warm!

And a Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends out there.  May you be surrounded by loving arms and warm memories.

Much Love,

-Heather

Stuck in a Fashion Rut?

Do you ever find yourself stuck in a rut?  When it comes to fashion, and more specifically career fashion, I find it's not hard to.  During the work week, you get into a daily routine, and it never fails that you never have enough time in the mornings to devote to really seeking out a rockin' outfit for work.  You throw on "the usual" and call it a day.

For me, that "usual" is black slip on flats, black slacks, print polyester top and black suit jacket - every time.  Some days I'll mix it up and swap out the black for brown - whoopie!  Living life on the edge for sure!  But I find that I just don't have the energy a lot of mornings to really get passionate about my attire.

And then, when I go shopping, I find myself gravitating toward the same styles and color that I wear day-in and day-out.  I have found that if I don't buy "the usual" and start getting more comfortable with different looks, I'm more apt to put a different twist or variation on my daily suit.  Now, when I hit up the thrift stores and clearance racks, I focus on two things: Color and Cut.

Color:  First, I look for colors I don't normally gravitate toward.  I try out yellows, pinks and other pastels instead of the deep, dark purples, reds and blues that blend in with a black suit.  Let me tell you, yellow pops on black like you wouldn't believe!  So anyway, I buy the colors I wouldn't normally buy.

Cut: I think this is the most important thing when you're shopping, no matter what you're shopping for.  If the cut isn't right, it turns out being a crapshoot all around.  Tailored blazers are the love of my life; I have about 10 different blazers/suit jackets that are black, but all have different cuts that give each their own personality.  My problem is that you can only cut a blazer so many ways, and then you wind up buying the same cuts over and over again, hence the rut.  To get out of this rut, I keep an eye out for the cuts I like in blazers, but rather in a shirt.  Women's button ups are great for that suit structure and darting; Poncho style jackets are a nice, comfortable variation on the jacket as well.

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Now, to my reason for this post to begin with - I used these two key points today when out with my friend Kelly at the local Salvation Army.  Like all of us, she has been stuck in the so-called rut.  Kelly mainly gravitates toward neutral colors like black, grey and white.  She also feels comfortable in looser clothing that sometimes can lack the shape she needs to show off her beautiful frame.  So she asked me to head into the racks on my own, without her opinions on color and structure, and put a few outfits together.  Then she would try them on as a set rather than separates to help her get an idea of how to pair different types of clothing.

I happily dove into the racks, knowing exactly what I wanted to see her in.  I hit up the short-sleeved tops and found some great prints that had her neutral colors, but still had a little pop of color somewhere.  I also pulled tops that were solids like a beautiful light olive green one I found.  I then headed over to the blazers (you know, because I'm addicted to them!) to see if I could find anything I thought she might be open to trying.  

I spaced out the different tops I had found on the blazer rack and got to digging.  I chose to stick with her solid neutrals for the most part, but tried to find subtle uniqueness in them as well.  For example, I pulled a black knit poncho jacket and put a red printed top underneath.  I then pulled a turquoise colored suit jacket that matched a green print I found.  And then I pulled a darted, lightly pinstriped black blazer and put the olive green top with it.  Then I grabbed a couple colorful scarves and added those to what I had picked out.

I have to say, I am so proud of Kelly for her openness.  I had so much fun watching her come out of the dressing room in the different combinations, and she was pleasantly surprised by the different looks, I think.  She would up liking the pinstriped blazer (HALLELUJAH!), and ended up purchasing that as well as several of the printed tops and one scarf!  I was SO happy to see her smile when she came out of the dressing room each time, and I was happy to see her liking what I had picked out for her.

In the end, I was able to pull just a tiny bit of her personality out of the rut she feels like she's in for work, and I hope she uses that in the future to push herself to gravitate toward colors and styles she wouldn't normally buy.

Everyone deserves something different from "The Usual."

Much Love,

~Heather

Thrift Store Haul!

I have some goodies to share with you from my thrift store adventures yesterday!  I was invited by a friend of mine to go out to the Salvation Army to look for work clothes.  Of course I said yes.  We spent quite some time picking through their stock and came across some great items and at bargain prices.  Purple tags were automatically $0.69 cents, so I kept an eye out for those when shopping as well.

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I didn't come across too many things that worked out for me, but I still did well on bargains.  I found a bunch of beautiful tops, but they either didn't fit or I didn't like the style on me.  Here's what I found at the Salvation Army:

Item: Kenneth Cole-Reaction men's button up
Price: $0.69 cents

I try to find button up shirts for my fiance when I go out on 69 cent day at S.A.  This Kenneth Cole one is in great shape and a pattern that I really liked.  He wears button ups for work, so I always keep these in the back of my mind when I go thrift store shopping.  He is building up quite the collection from my thrift store trips.

Item: Merona (Target brand) women's long-sleeve t-shirt
Price: $0.69 cents


The second item I found was this basic grey, long-sleeve t-shirt.  These are super soft and a comfortable option for casual weekend days.  I would pair it with a colorful camisole underneath, a tied scarf, jeans and boots.  For fall, you could add a jean jacket or a green, military style blazer for an edgy feel.

I know these items don't seem like much, but I feel if I can find these basics in good shape for 69 cents, they are definitely worth it.  It's a way to keep rotating your basic pieces cheaper.  69 cents is still better than a cheap Walmart item that's $3.00!

Item: The Travel Selection brand red basic shell tank
Price: $2.99

I've been trying to keep an eye out for these shells to put underneath my suit jackets for work.  It's your typical sleeveless tank top, but I liked it because of the beautiful deep red color and had a flower pattern on it.  It's nothing exciting, but it will look nice and professional underneath a suit jacket.  Since this one wasn't a purple tag item, it had to pay full-price for it, but still at $2.99 it's a great deal.

Grand Total at Salvation Army: $5.18

After all was said and done, I wound up spending $5.18 total for 3 shirts and 2 decorative pillows for our living room.  While the trip was not a huge haul, I wound up finding some good items at great prices.


I still had time before stores closed Saturday night, so I decided to make a trip over to my favorite Goodwill store in town, and man am I glad I did!  I found several items that I absolutely love.  The Goodwill sale was 1/2 price blue tag items.  Sadly, only one item was a blue tag, but I still got great deals on things I know I'll wear all the time, and one not-so-great item I should have noticed before I purchased it.

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Item: Star Vixen leopard print top
Price: $3.49

I am super excited about this leopard print top.  It's a short-sleeved polyester top with large flutter sleeves.  I would wear this to go out on the weekend in.  I'd put a black tank underneath, toss on some colorful jewelry, trouser jeans and heels and head out on the town.

 



Item: East 5th tank top
Price: $1.75 (1/2 price blue tag item)

I was really happy to find this polyester embellished tank, and it was even better when I noticed the blue tag.  However, what I didn't do was pay attention to the details of the shirt.  I even tried this one on and still didn't notice there were a whole string of brown beads missing from the neckline.  I was so focused on the fact that it was 1/2 price that I didn't make sure to check the top over for blemishes.  I may be able to string new beads, but chances are I'll end up donating this one back to Goodwill before getting around to doing it.

I was really disappointed when I pulled this one out of the bag today to take pictures of.  If I would have noticed the missing beads, I never would have bought it.  And I think it's plenty noticeable, so I'll wind up never wearing it.  I should always use my own advice and check for rips, tears, missing pieces, etc before buying anything.  At least I'm only out $1.75!

Item: Tommy Hilfiger navy blue, asymmetrical cardigan
Price: $3.49

I am a magnet for cardigans.  They are easy to wear, comfortable options for work if dressed up appropriately.  This one is a soft knit material, and it has a rolled and buttoned 3/4 sleeve.  There's nothing quite like finding name-brand, quality items for killer deals!

Cardigans are so easy to pair with other separates for work and weekend looks.  I will wear this piece with black or neutral tops, long necklaces and a belt for work, and for weekends, I would pair it with a brighter tank top underneath, chunky necklace (or scarf) and no belt for a breezy, comfy outfit.  A belt can give a shapeless piece the right structured, polished look you need for a day at the office.

Item: Simply Vera by Vera Wang straight-leg denim capris
Price: $5.99

These jean capris happened to be in the denim racks with my size, but they are way too small for me.  I picked these up because my mom LOVES Vera Wang pants.  I'm pretty sure 99% of the denim she wears is by Vera Wang.  I have to admit, if her jeans came in my size, I'd probably be hooked, too.  Wang uses classic shapes and adds a touch of style to her pieces with buttons, studs and splashes of color.

This pair are in like-new shape and have the whisker detail at the hips and a cute, slit hem at the bottom.  The back pockets also have a small flower detail on them.  These were the most expensive item I bought, but at $5.99 and in such great shape, I couldn't pass them up.  Simply Vera is sold at Kohl's and usually run $44.00 and up.

Item: Purple striped 3/4-sleeve t-shirt
Price: $3.49

This shirt was my favorite piece of the day.  I am thrilled with this pattern and color!  There is no tag, so I don't know the brand, but it is the comfy knit material and super lightweight.  It's perfect for fall layering.  I wore this today with a blank tank underneath and a black button up long-sleeved shirt with buckle details over top of it.  I buttoned one button just under my bust at the waist to give a little shape.  The button up is a tailored, short hemline, so the striped detail of this top peaked out from underneath the bottom as well.

I would wear this fun print with and for almost anything.  I love this top!  :)

Item: Villager by Liz Clairborne grey blazer

Price: $3.99

I always take my time and dig through the racks of blazers at Goodwill because while they organize most styles by size (jeans, slacks, etc.), they don't do that with blazers.  You have to go piece-by-piece and check every size tag.  But I always do because I always wind up finding great items like this grey blazer for work.  It is a polyester/rayon blend material, but it has a tweed-like feel and look to it, without having the weight of tweed.  I also like that it has the black stitching detail around the lapels and bottom hemline.  I think this blazer looks chic and polished; I can pair it with a pencil skirt, a colorful top underneath and heels for a perfect office look.

Item: Valerie Stevens-Woman (plus-size line) pinstriped suit jacket
Price: $3.99

Did I mention I LOVE the blazer section at Goodwill?!  Holy cow this jacket is beautiful!  I'm a sucker for pinstriped detail.  It has red and light blue pinstriping and fits like a dream.  The two-button suit jackets work better for my body type because they button slightly lower, allowing me to button them both without any tugging on the sides due to a larger bust.  I am able to get the shape I want without feeling like a stuffed sausage.  The other great thing about this jacket is that it has pockets.  Pockets are a nice surprise because most of my suits have faux pocket detailing.  It looks great, but utterly useless.  I work for the government, and we often have to carry our badges to get through security in the building, so I always like having pockets to slip my badge in since I don't like clipping it on the outside of my clothing.  I am thrilled to have found this gem among those racks!

Grand Total at Goodwill: $28.00

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When all was said and done for the day, I spent a whopping $33.18 total for this haul.  That my friends, is why I love thrift store shopping.

Much love,

~Heather

Always Have a Game Plan

I think it's important to always have a game plan when you go shopping.  But more importantly, have a game plan when you're going thrift store shopping.  If you don't, you're almost always destined to leave disappointed or empty-handed.  I try to map out my trips before I ever set foot in a Goodwill because if I don't, I'll find myself getting scattered and never really digging for the gold in those racks upon racks of clothing.

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Without further ado, here are my tips on having a Thrift Store Game Plan -

1. Prioritize your needs and/or wants.
Are there holes in your wardrobe (or shirts even) that need filling first?  I often find two types of items that I have to keep rotating in and out because of wear and tear, weight fluctuation and the changing seasons - Suit Jackets/Blazers and Dress Slacks.  If I am needing new suit jackets, I make sure I hit up that section first.  Basically, make sure your budget is well spent before pilfering through all of those impulse buys waiting to snag at your purse strings.

2. Be willing to try things on.
I never knew how much of a problem this was for a lot of people until a friend of mine once said "I hate trying clothes on in the store.  I just hold it up, and if it looks like it'll fit, I buy it."  I couldn't hardly get over that!  Maybe it's because my mom always made me try things on before she bought them, but I ALWAYS try EVERYTHING on in the store first.  Why spend the time and money buying something that you may not end up liking or may not even fit in the first place?  Sure, in regular retail stores you can return the unwanted item and get your money back.  But most thrift stores have a "no return" policy.  You're SOL at that point. Also, it's good to try things on in the store because that is often when you notice any blemishes in the item - tears, holes, snags, discoloration, etc.  Good bargain or not, try that sucker on first!

3. Be patient.
Great things come to those who wait.  Trust me, those great deals are there just waiting to be snatched up.  You just have to be willing to dig.  Allot enough time in your day to spend time going item-by-item, rack-by-rack; that's how you find the good stuff.  And if you're short on time, keep an eye out for the sale items; if you're at Goodwill and the 1/2 off price tag color is Blue that day, make sure you stick to the blue tags.  Swiftly slide items on the rack, always keeping a keen eye out for a blue tag.  You may be able to get lucky and score a good deal on something you love.  Salvation Army is great for that since they do a $0.69 cent-sale every weekend based on random color price tags.

4. Avoid the "Boutique" section, if possible.
Some thrift stores, like Goodwill, have a section that they use to jack up the price on brand name and trendy items.  Since Salvation Army doesn't separate their items by general price ranges and individually price-mark their items, the higher priced items will be blended in with the cheaper pieces, so you have to be careful there.  I have a rule at S.A. - any item priced above $6.00 is considered a "boutique" item and off limits.  I'm there to score a great deal, not a good deal.  I'm not saying I avoid the higher priced items all of the time, but 4 out of 5 trips I won't even touch them.  If I have the extra cash in my shopping budget, then I splurge if I happen to find a piece I just HAVE to have.  Or if I'm looking for a specific style or color for a special occasion; I'll splurge then too, because it's still a cheaper option than buying at the mall.

5. Stay within your budget.
That brings me to my next game plan tip - SET A BUDGET AND DON'T GO OVER IT.  I will admit, sometimes, I can be the first one to break this rule, and I wind up regretting it later.  Granted, you're getting some great deals that you wouldn't find elsewhere, but you're still spending more than what you plan on.  It's easy to do when everything is super cheap, ironically enough.  You throw anything and everything in your cart and wind up spending $100+ at the checkout.  Set a "top dollar amount" and leave it at that.  Remember, you're thrift store shopping because it's CHEAP and good for your budget.  Keep a mental tally of the items that go in your buggy.  When you reach your limit amount, go try things on in the fitting room and weed out what ends up not working for you and keep moving, doing the same process until you reach a point where you top out at your top dollar or are happy with your finds and ready to checkout.

6. Take a friend and share the wealth of goodies!
Thrift store shopping is almost always more fun when you go with a friend.  You help each other find the great prices and get to give opinions on what you try on.  If I don't take a friend, I often end up chatting with the people next to me in the fitting rooms and share opinions that way.  I like to know another person's take on the clothes I pick out.  It can put things into perspective a little more.  I don't mean simple things like "Love that top!" but rather things like "Wow...that color works great for your skin." or "That dress would look awesome with a jean jacket."  I like getting comments like the latter two because it helps me keep a mental note for future shopping trips.  Someone says green is my color?  I'm going to watch out for that color next time and see how it works out for me.  Someone shows me how to pair separates?  Hell yes!  It's always more fun to have friends with you when shopping.  Recently, I tagged along with my 19-year-old cousin to help pick out some business/professional clothes for her upcoming school year where she will be required to student teach.  We were able to scour through several racks and stores and get some great professional looking pieces at dirt cheap prices she could afford.

7. HAVE FUN!
I really think this is the most important tip I can offer.  Thrift store shopping should be an adventure worth taking.  I look forward to every thrift store trip I take.  It's my relaxation and my gift to myself for working hard everyday.  I set aside whole days devoted to thrift store shopping most of the time.  I get excited when I come across a brand I love at a great price.  When I find going out blouses and jackets that I feel represent my personality and style, I start to get giddy.  My fiance often winds up standing at the fitting rooms waiting on me because I've spent the last two hours trying stuff on.  I can't help it; it's an adrenaline rush when I find so many treasures in one or two stores at killer prices.  Who wouldn't be excited when they score $70, name brand dress pants at the staggering price of $0.69 cents!

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I hope these tips have been helpful.  Keep an eye out for a thrift store haul post within the next day or so.  I'm heading out with a friend to help search for work attire, and I've got 50 bucks to spend on those great deals!  :)

Much love,
~Heather