Make a Plan, Be Willing to Wait & Use a Coupon!

Being Savvy is something I enjoy! Looking for a great bargain on items you would like to buy adds to the fun of the shopping experience, but also really saves you a lot of money and helps your clothing budget go a long way. Thats why planning ahead, being willing to wait, Patience, and using a coupon can really make a difference!

Ok, so I do have to clarify that I would not consider myself a "coupon-er" especially when it comes to groceries. I don't have the time or interest to spend hours preparing for a grocery trip, its just not for me! In fact there are many things I don't use coupons for. Sure, if I see the occasional grocery or household item coupon that I can use, I will. But most "coupons" I usually find in the Sunday paper or mailers are for processed foods in the freezer section, or loaded with other ingredients I prefer not to consume. However, coupons can be awesome and save you a lot of money especially with various retailers that run them regularly. In fact it doesn't make sense NOT to use a coupon especially if there is one available! Places I (almost) never make a purchase without a coupon: AcMoore, Michaels Craft Store, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, SteinMart, Kohl's, Macy's, JcPenney & Ulta. Many retailers now offer coupon codes via text messaging or email: Express, the Limited, JcPenney and NY & Company, Gymboree, Ann Taylor, Gap & Banana Republic Outlets. If you want to recieve these emails you can sign up for them on the individual websites and also get coupons mailed to you, or text messaged to you (which I think is awesome!)

I do believe in being Savvy, especially when it comes to Style-note the name of my blog! If you have specific items you are looking to update, add or replace in your wardrobe you can save alot of money by planning ahead and using a coupon.

Here is an example of my recent savings: I had really been in need of a new pair of jeans.  The pair that I wanted to replace I had bought on a clearance at The Gap a couple years ago so finding them at the same price of under $20 was not looking very promising.
Item Needed: New Jeans, Essential/Perfect Bootcut Jeans from The Gap.
Original price in stores: $69
Gap Outlet Price: $44.95

I had noticed that every couple weeks I had been getting an email coupon from Gap Outlet. So I decided to wait and try to use a coupon. Sure enough! I got another email from Gap Outlet for 25% off my entire purchase. Before I drove the 45 minutes to our nearest outlets I decided I had better call to make sure they had my size and ask them to set a couple pairs aside for me to try on (last time I was there they were out of my size). To my delight I was told that all denim was on sale 30% off and I could still use my coupon in addition to that!
Perfect Bootcut Jean, The Gap, Regular Price: $44.95
-30% off + 25% off........(Drum Roll Please)........
My Gap Essential Bootcut Jeans cost me a whopping $23!
While I was there I also purchased a really cute patterned tank on clearance and matching cardigan in a beautiful  bright shade of green, my coupon would also apply- I couldn't resist!
Gap Tank Top: $5.50
Gap Cardigan: $15

I think my savvy shopping is already catching on with my 3 year old daughter. The other day while she was pretending she was grocery shopping, she informed her little friend she was playing with that she couldn't buy the item she wanted because it "wasn't on sale"! Then just the other night she was playing with me and picked up one of her princess dresses, she launched into a whole story about wanting to buy it the other day but it wasn't on sale, but how happy she was it was on sale today and she could now buy it! That a girl! My little "clone" will know how to find what she wants at savvy price! :)

Perfect Boot Jeans, The Gap

Items Every Girl Should have in her Closet

I believe we all want fashion and style to be something that comes easy, and effortlessly.  But its not always that way, many times it takes a little planning along the way and putting thought into your purchases.  Versatility is key not only in making style part of everyday life, but in getting the most bang for your buck out of the clothes that you purchase. Those key versatile pieces can expand your wardrobe and outfits by giving your multiple options and outfit combinations.
Here are a few things that I love to have in my closet!

• A fitted Jacket. Fit is important because a fitted or even a belted jacket vs. a wide/straight fitting jacket gives shape and definition to your waste but can also help to hide problem areas like tummies and hips. Wear a fitted jacket with jeans, over a dress or as a light jacket.  Pair it with a pair of  hot jeans, heels and sparkly top for a sophisticated look out on the town. Choose a neutral color for great versatility. Then consider a a bright color as a second choice such as: red, orange or green for a fresh, fun pop of color. Think light weight  3/4 sleeve jackets/blazers for spring & summer, heavier weights and textures for fall and winter. Don't neglect belted trenches and jackets because they are SO versatile. For spring my go-to fitted jackets are a neutral khaki jacket and a red belted trench.

• A Wide Belt.  A wide belt, as in 2-3 inches wide has so many uses! I recommend a neutral: Black, brown, Cognac or tan to start with.  Belts provide such great versatility because you can change the look of any outfit or dress by adding a belt.  Always position your belt at the smallest part of your waste or torso to emphasize your hour glass shape and bring attention to your waste. Try adding your wide belt to your summer sundresses, jackets, or tops. My favorite type of wide belt to buy has leather or fake leather and buckle in the front with elastic around the back, they are comfortable and stay in place well.  I have added mine a little over time..I now have them in Black, Brown & Dark Tan.  $15 each on sale from New York & Company.

• A Skinny Belt. I love my skinny belt! I have found so many uses for this type of belt! They are great for belting tops when you don't want to make as bold of a statement as with a wide belt. Skinny belts are an easy way to add definition to your waste with nearly any top. You can also belt your cardigans and jackets! Mine is a dark tan skinny belt from H & M, $6.  Target has some great skinny belts right now in fun colors for $12.  Add a skinny belt in a fun spring color to a dress, or top or to add a pop of color to an outfit.

• A Cardigan or two, or three... in a neutral color, and then maybe one one or two more....:) Cardigans are a great choice when you need a light layer over tank tops, dresses and shirts. Next time you are in a hurry grab the cardigan and leave the hoodie at home, you will instantly up your style!

• Dark wash Jean. Dark denim jeans provide the most versatility and are easy to dress up or down!

• A Cocktail Ring. Every girl should have a fun cocktail ring to add a little bling and sparkle to their ensemble! And they are not just for special occasions, your can wear them with anything! Find fun inexpensive cocktail rings at Kohls, Steinmart, Macy's, Jcpenney....you get the idea.

• A Neutral Flat or Wedge. When looking for a neutral shoe for spring and summer consider a metallic shoe. Golds, bronzes, gunmetal and silver provide a little something "extra" and add interest to any outfit. Metallic work great in a shoe because they are still neutrals but add a little shine while working with allot of different outfit. I love a shoe with a little embellishment as well. I found a great pair of soft gold peep toe flats with flower accents/details on them at DSW, on sale-$20.  I love them so much and they work with so many different outfits, I have to hold back a little so I don't wear them out before summer!

So the question is:
What are some of your favorite items that bring you versatility in your everyday style? Is it a belt a scarf or a jacket? What is the one thing you would like to add to your wardrobe to change up your look?  Leave your comments below!

Shopping Alert!

Target has SO many cute shoes in right now! Whether you are looking for some cute flats or fun wedges and platforms, they have tons of options in right now. A few are on sale but most will set you back $16.99-$24.99.
Also if you are looking for some belts in fun colors they have got those too! Yellow, Bright Pink, Orange, Teal and White in skinny belts, and also great woven belts for spring & summer. Think wide or skinny this season and belt your tops at your smallest part of your waste to give you curves and ad shape to your tops and tunics!

Yay for Springtime!

So here is today's outfit.  I am not happy with how my pictures are coming out, and I am having some difficulties with the resolution being low, so I apologize for a not so clear picture.
It started out cool this morning and warmed up considerably, so I was able to loose the sweater and wear my sleeveless top!
Jeans: Old Navy $19
Top: Forever 21 $13.50
Cardigan: H & M (2yrs ago)
Peep Toe flats: DSW on clearance

Style Tip: Don't be afraid to put a tank/camisole under your low cut tops. Sometimes you want the cleavage and sometimes ya don't!

Honeysuckle ( Orange & corals) & Lace: Trends for Spring



Oranges & Corals are big for spring as is Lace. I LOVE the jacker on the right.

 I saw one similar at Kohl's by Elle, that I love, but am waiting to see if I can buy

 it on sale at a bargain price!

Cleaning Day

There are those days that being home to clean and organize are essential. Rather than throwing on a plain grubby t-shirt ( of which I own very few -if any),  or the dreaded tie dye or logo t-shirts ( which I have none of) I tend towards t-shirt like tops that have an interesting pattern on them that can be dressed up or worn casual.  Whether doing housework, running errands to the local grocery-mart, or catching a movie with friends, patterned tops & tees provide a comfortable and easy put together look that is still practical to the task at hand. Pair them with some flats or wedges and your favorite dark jean and you are good to go!

Style Tip:  When looking for basic tops, look for interesting details, or patterns that "take it up a notch" from just a t-shirt. When you are in a hurry to go out the door or just want to be comfortable, "throwing on" an interesting top takes just as little time, but looks like more effort was made--and it looks put together. You can keep your accessories to a minimum or add accessories from the color paletter in your patterned top to dress it up. Add an extra pop with a colored shoe or bag.

Jeans: Gap, ( older) $15 on Clearance
Top: Buckle ( older)
Wedge Sandals: DSW , B.O.C. $59 ( my spring splurge)

Mixing up Neutrals

White mixed with other nuetrals is big for this Spring. I found this cool necklace at Forever 21 that had brown, white and gray in it and used it as my color palette and to tie the outfit together. I threw on a chunky teal bracelet to add a pop of color. 

Style Tip: Try keep a light nuetral color palette such as a white top or pants with gray and then add a big pop of color in a shoe or handbag. ( I almost put on a pair of red shoes with this outfit to give it that pop of color, but went with the teal bracelet instead).

Gray Long Sleeve: Banana Republic Outlet $10

White Sweater Top: Banana Republic (Free at a Clothing Swap!)

Belt: Ny & Company $15

Necklace: Forever 21 $12

Shoes: Had them a while-bought them on sale

Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory $1

Todays Style Savvy: Casual on the Go

 I wanted something comfortable and an easy look to wear today as I run around town today doing errands with my kids in towe. (my daughter decided to jump in the picture)
Top: Bananna Republic Factory Outlet $12
Jeans: Bannana Republic Factory Outlet $25 ( older)
Cardigan: Kohls $9
Shoes ( old)
Belt: H&M $6

Style Tip: A patterned top adds instant interest to your outfit with very little effort. Layer on a cardigan and belt in the waste for an easy put together look. I am wearing a pair of wedge shoes that are comfortable  for on the go.

Today's Style Savvy:Spring Florals

I loved these tops because they were perfect for the Spring Trend of Florals. This year florals as usual are big for spring. Look for bright bold florals with a water color effect. Many tops at first glance look shapeless, adding a skinny or wide belt at the narrowest part of your waste will give you a more put together and taylored look. 

Look# 1: Purple floral top with slim jeans,  belt at the waste to create definition and shape. Gold peep toe flats keep the look comfortable and casual but ad a little shine. This outfit was perfect for jaunts around town with my kids.

Look # 2: In this outfit I was experimenting with mixing patterns. I have a floral cheffon blouse belted in to define the waste. I have a nuetral herringbone pant, and giraffe print peep toe pumps! I loved this outfit combination.

Look #1

Blouse: Macy's $14.99

Jeans: Gap ( old)

Peep toe gold flower flats: DSW $20

Skinny Woven Belt: H&M $6

Look #2

Blouse: Macy's $14.99

Pants: H&M ( had them a long time)

Giraffe Pumps: Marshalls $25

Belt: NY & Company, $15