Cyber Monday Motivation

There’s something nostalgic about standing in the long Black Friday lines, brazing the cold morning temps and waiting for the doors to swing open – with deals (and heat) awaiting. I’ll forever be one of those crazies but as of late, I’ve learned to temper my spending a bit to ensure I’ve got enough to splurge on the often even better Cyber Monday sales.

Case in point: this adorable striped dress picked up last year for only $10. To be honest I can’t even remember where it came from, but there was a plethora of sales promoted on Instagram that offered similar steep discounts. Keep on eye your feed next Monday, and on the prize.

Shoes: $69 from Nordstrom Rack / Choker: $14 from Apricot Lanedress

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Heavy Metal

Today is one of those weird, warm fall days where you’re not quite sure whether to wear a dress or bundle up in a cozy sweater.  The Wear What Where October Style Challenge was enough to convince me to go with the latter.  The theme is Metallic Miss and I had the perfect necklace for the occasion.

Starting with this statement necklace as the focal point (as pretty as it is, I swear it adds 10 lbs.), I built out an outfit that accents the shimmery hues.  I purchased the necklace at Nordstrom Rack for $19.99, which is a steal for something so intricate in design.

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I found this sweater last fall at T.J. Maxx and it is easily one of my favorites, minus the itchy wool.  It was around $30, which is honestly more than I would normally spend on a sweater but also a fraction of what it would have cost in a department store.  The jeans were only $10 during T.J. Maxx’s end of season markdowns last year. Shopping hack: T.J. Maxx is offering free shipping right now if you sign up for their newsletter.

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The booties are beauties.  Retailed at $129, I picked up these Jessica Simpson taupe fringe booties at Marshalls for just $49.

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Though the temperature is supposed to rise throughout the day, it started off chilly, giving me an opportunity to break out this stunning new wool coat.  Another T.J. Maxx find, the coat was purchased for just $49 (retailed at $72).  I saw a woman trying it on and basically stalked her until she bought it down.  Have y’all ever done that before?!  It might have been slightly creepy but well worth it: )

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Return of the shoulda been returned

While I feel most in my element when wearing a sundress, I have to admit I’m glad to welcome back the season of leggings.  They are just so comfortable and with the right pairing, can be appropriate for both work and play.

For today’s ensemble I mixed a little old with a little new.  The Cynthia Rowley top was found at Marshall’s (priced at $19, retailed at $29).  The print has the slightest blend of blush and tan, lined with black.

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I bought the jacket at the beginning of last spring and after bringing it home, decided I just wasn’t in love with it.  I threw it in my trunk to return on my next trip to T.J. Maxx.  But, I am the absolute worst at returning things.  The intention is always there, but the memory is not.  So, needless to say I was a bit surprised to find the jacket when cleaning out my trunk and more surprised to find that I actually love it now.  Guess it was just meant to be! It’s a Max Jeans jacket, priced at $49 and retailed at $120.

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The leggings are Lauren Conrad for Kohls.  I’ve had them for two seasons now and even after much overuse, they’ve stood the test of time and are still in perfect condition.  I’d highly recommend her leggings but don’t jump to make the purchase; they often drop down to 50% off retail and then you can use a site like Retail Me Not to get an additional percentage off (card holders get even steeper discounts).  I bought the booties last year at Ross for just $19.99 and have seen them there on this shelves again this season!  The hat and necklace are both from H&M.

Do you have any pieces like the jacket that are a dual-threat, suitable for both spring and fall?