Another Spin on Spending
I know “Teen Style Tuesday” is supposed to be Tuesday, but I’m trying to put less publishing pressure on myself these days. 
Generally speaking, I have issues spending “real money” (translated = anything over about $15) on clothes. Shoes, as you may have noticed, are a different story.
But, sometimes it just makes more sense to go out and buy what you need. As in the case of staples, like jeans. Or for my hero, twill pants for work. I just bought him two pairs of identical brown cotton trousers, and paid $100!, but it was worth it. He wears business casual everyday, and he wears a difficult-to-find size, and he has been looking for brown for a few years now. (And now if he wears a green shirt, he can look like a tree.)
But it was jeans I really wanted to talk about. Last week, my daughter and I were walking past the one store whose jeans she has consistently been able to wear (Express) and they were having a sale. She did more or less the same thing I did for her dad: bought two pairs, although hers were not identical, spending $100. And considers it money well spent. (For the record: she buys her own clothes, so it was her hard-earned $100. How we handled teaching our girls to budget for their clothing: Crazy Budgeting Mama.)
Incidentally, when we were there, I mentioned to the young lady helping us my most recent visit to that particular shop, which I describe back here. Her response - to the idea that a salesperson would not bring me skinny jeans to try on - hilarious laughter! That relieved the tension! LOL (Paranthetically: what brought it up was dd buying a pair of bootcuts and a pair of skinnies. I am convinced skinnies are more slimming and flattering.)
BTW, there was no possible way I could shop for myself. Am I the only one who has to spend all their energy to keep from break-dancing in those stores?
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Splendid Weekend Reads September 27 & 28
From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.
SHOPPING
NY Spender suggests that “if you buy only one pair of shoes this fall, buy one with stacked heels.“
Her Accessories is celebrating the cooler weather with a roundup of her favorite fall jackets.
Gleaming Things loves Givenchy’s look of layered chains, but they just aren’t in the budget right now - these picks are though!
Shopalicious finds a very stylish quilted handbag — with an eco-friendly twist! (Plus a coupon for 10% off!)
Chic by Nature has a great wrap top that you can wear out and then to bed.
There’s some serious inspiration afloat over at All That & a with more inspiration-themed jewelry.
FASHION
Sasha of Style Manila creates a boho-look on an 11-year old named Sylvie.
Tops 2 Bottoms shares an style idea, Layered, Belted, and Plaid for her weekly Work Wear Monday series.
Viva Woman shows you how corsages can make your attire more feminine and romantic.
Style…a work in progress finds inspiration in a little bear called Paddington
Petite Fashionista shows you how to update your Fall wardrobe with pieces that will keep you; comfy, cozy and chic!
The Space Between My Peers categorizes the looks at the bottom of the formality scale into Three Levels of Leisure.
BEAUTY
Beauty Bento Box features the elegantly packaged, eyeliner-slash-eyeshadow Kohl cosmetic, Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Liner.
Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get an easy, elegant smoky eye with the Smoky Eye Quad from Chanel.
My Women Stuff discusses whetherSilicone is good or bad for the skin.
Krizia from Beauty Match declares: We tried Pro-V Restoratives and said bye-bye FRIZZ!.
Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at three bright handbags that look more expensive than they are”.
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Friday Fashion Lab: In the Fitting Room
This post is sort of a part two to a previous post picturing some items I purchased for $4.97 each at JCPenney earlier in the week. Today, when I went to return the skirt and the jacket (to a different JCPenney store), the final clearance was all priced at $3.97!
The top was not clearance. However, it was still a contender. In the end, I decided to go for the dark green pictured further down (they were each on sale for $12.99) and wait for this one to be reduced further.
The skirt is several inches longer than the previous one, but it is all cotton. Should I keep it?
Purely for your amusement, I threw in thepictures of these two skirts: the magenta wouldn’t have been bad without the zoomy zipper up the bu** and the long one … well, what do you think I’d look like wearing it? (Have you ever heard the term “bun head”? And must it always be disrespectful?)
This third set of pictures illustrates my new personal rule: pants, for me, must stop at or above the knee or continue at least to the ankle. The reason? While my legs in total are short, from the knee down, they are actually (proportionally) an inch long.
Now, about these last two pictures:
- I am elated! Ever since the early ’90s, when I was shopping Lane Bryant for pregnancy clothes, I have been waiting for this green to reappear on the scene.
- Yes, I really did wear Great Northwest outdoor gear to the mall. Sssshhh! Don’t tell Angie.
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This Week’s Bargains
Since y’all asked so nicely, here are the three items I picked up on my trip to the mall the other day. Each was $5.
- Extra long, extra wide, white linen pants. LOL. When my hero first saw me in them, he asked me if I was “that old”. (He somehow got the idea that white linen pants = old lady.) I was undaunted. When my daughter first saw me in them, she smiled. Her natural smile. This excursion solidified my inclination toward wider, flowy trousers WITH HEELS (with flats I prefer tapered pants). Since Imogen said my pants should not be the hero, I will need to wear these with an exciting top.
- As long as I’m rambling on about my own personal preferences (aka style idiom), I may as well address skirts too. Here you see that I am a sucker for a groovy print. And sick to death of above the knee skirts. But this one has at least two fatal flaws: one, it’s polyester, and two, full skirts make me feel like a hippo. If I’m going to wear a skirt that makes me feel like a hippo, I might as well save my $5 and borrow one from my lovely daughter (who gets most of hers for $1 at the thrift store and at least half of them I picked out for her when she wasn’t even there).
- The most astonishing thing about this metallic and linen blend jacket was the response of the woman working the counter at the store when I bought it to my question about whether or not I should wear the color. The trouble is it’s very neutral for my complexion, but fabulously flattering to my hair. She was almost shocked that I would even ask; “for $4.97?” she asked incredulously. As if! My new theory about why some people let themselves go is the utter incompetence of the help in stores these days!
Anyway, what are your thoughts? Should I keep any of these items?
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Splendid Labor Day Reads
From the Splendicity community, comes this week’s best in beauty, fashion and shopping.
SHOPPING
With the economy in bad shape, NY Spender is looking for new ways to save, from coupons clipping to smaller perfume bottles.
Shopalicious shares the scoop on surfer-cool Toms Shoes latest release: the ultra stylin’ wrap boot!
Style…a work in progress finds some haute couture inspiration in the high street when she tells us that Coco joins the Crew.
ShopDiary reviews Bond No. 9 New York’s latest fragrance, Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue.
Shoe Blitz adores the purple and black L.A.M.B. Miyagi.
Glamour Gift Guide suggests the gorgeous Marc Jacobs Ostrich Stam Satchel.
BEAUTY
Krizia from Beauty Match boldly states: Why I will NEVER gain weight
Viva Woman shares with you the beauty benefits of drinking milk.
Beauty Secrets Revealed shares a Hot Oil Hair Treatment Recipe For Dry, Damaged & Frizzy Hair
Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at a number of powder sunscreens, so now you can reapply sunscreen without ruining your makeup!
Beauty Blogging Junkie has partnered with Three Custom Color to provide 25 readers with TCC’s new Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower, a dewy beige. Click here for more info on how to enter.
Beauty Bento Box shares her thoughts on a recent experiment with the Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Eye Cream.
FASHION
Petite Fashionista knows that you have to feel your best, to look your best! Join Christa and the readers of PF as they do a 5 day RESET to have more energy and fit into their “skinny” jeans!
Her Accessories is looking at the horsey side of things with her top picks for equestrian-themed accessories.
Just A Formality loves these silk sandals from Oscar de la Renta - perfect for a formal event.
The Space Between My Peers is blogging her own comeback! Check out the before pictures and offer your suggestions.
Tops 2 Bottoms features one of the trends for Fall fashion, Checks and Plaids.
Happy Labor Day!
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Teen Style Tuesday: Charlotte Russe
Every now and again, I feel guilty because my thoughts are so self-centered. Like on Tuesdays, when I’m supposed to be thinking of teen clothing. Says who? Well, says me. I like routine.
And my routine for Mondays is to hit Value Village first thing in the morning, usually accompanied by one or more teens. This week I tried on a jacket by Charlotte Russe. (Although it was a nice cotton/spandex fabric, great fit, and super cute styling, I didn’t buy it because is wasn’t one of my colors.)
Anyway, because we agree that online shopping is a frugal move these days (did I tell you I figured out a round trip to Walmart costs me $5 in gas?), I wanted to link you to Charlotte Russe.
Because now not only is online shopping frugal, it’s social with Charlotte Russe’s Shop Together application. Plus, if you buy something through my link, they’ll pay me for it!
Make your next visit interactive. Visit the Fashion Lounge at Charlotte Russe and check out what’s new. (And play with their outfit builder, which is where I got the picture of the safari dress over the bermuda shorts.)
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Splendid Reads, August 16 & 17
From the Splendicity community, comes this week’s best in beauty, fashion and shopping.
FASHION
Style Manila throws a question on locally-made shoes: where have all the Marikina shoes gone?
Tops 2 Bottoms presents a styling option The Man’s Suit for her Work Wear Monday Series.
The Space Between My Peers presented a fashion lab proving boxy tops are not the most flattering option.
Just A Formality loves this pink Justin Alexander ball gown for a fairy tale wedding.
Petite Fashionista knows the secret of olympic athletes and highlights a few petite powerhouses, that proves you don’t have to be big to be strong!
CelebLOOK is loving Katie Holmes and her svelte look. Do you agree?
Style…a work in progress enthuses over the short-sleeved…no-sleeved…jacket.
SHOPPING
Shopalicious invites you to score a “sexy little nothing” for yourself by entering to win a $25 gift certificate from Oh Cheri!
ShopDiary has images of the Comme des Garçons for H&M collection.
Her Accessories has been searching out stylish laptop bags and has found some great options, from stripes to flowers.
Shoe Blitz adores these purple peep-toe pumps from Dior for fall.
Glamour Gift Guide recommends this modern Botkier hobo in a fresh grape color.
BEAUTY
NY Spender has finally found her favorite lip gloss, and she thinks it works even better than therapy!
Viva Woman finds out why toners may reduce the penetration of active ingredients to the skin.
Beauty Secrets Revealed says Rice Bran Oil Can Give You Smooth, Glowing And Wrinkle Free Skin.
Want to know NYC “it girl” Julia Allison’s fave beauty tips? Beauty Blogging Junkie scored an exclusive interview! Click here to read Julia’s beauty recommendations from body lotion to faux lashes.
Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at long term hair removal with the Braun Silk Epil Expressive Epilator. It hurt, but it was worth it!
Beauty Bento Box shares her First Impressions on the L’Oreal Elsève Nutri-Gloss Haircare System, Pearl Protein.
Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you 18 makeup tips from the talented makeup artists at MAC Cosmetics.
Krizia from Beauty Match claims: I found the BEST flat iron (period)!.
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Splendid Weekend Reading for August 2 & 3
From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.
BEAUTY
NY Spender remembers all of her past anti-frizz products and raves about her newest one.
Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at everything you need for a perfect brow from Anastasia Beverly Hills
Viva Woman finds out the types of Vitamin C in skincare products and what works for our skin.
Beauty Bento Box offers her first impressions on the OLAY White Radiance Foaming Cleanser.
My Women Stuff discusses what are chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens.
Beauty Blogging Junkie shows you how you can channel a Mad Men character at various price points.
Cinnamon Kitten forsakes her M.A.C. brushes for a few weeks to try out a couple of eco-friendly ecoTools.
Beauty Match has a video review: Should you buy Cover Girl Lash Blast or Maybelline Collosal Mascara?
Beauty Secrets Revealed is Giving Away AminoGenesis Anti-aging Skin Care Products Worth $119
Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you details on how to attend a free Chanel master makeup class.
SHOPPING
Shopalicious wants to share the wonderful jewelry concoctions of Amy of the B-Line, chemistry teacher by day, jewelry designer for fun!
ShopDiary loves the scent of Hermèssence Vétiver Tonka.
Laya’s EYE has fallen in love with the prettiest cupcake wrappers she has ever seen.
Shoe Blitz talks about the hottest shoe trends for fall.
Glamour Gift Guide loves the look of Lori Bonn jewelry, including coordinating necklaces, bracelets and more.
FASHION
Style…a work in progress is looking forward to a Gothic-Victorian-cowgirl style Fall and tells us about it when she says “Real cowboys never run, they just ride away”
Style Manila invites all to support the Style Manila Page on Facebook!
Tops 2 Bottoms shares some shirred and bubble style ideas for your work wear.
Just A Formality talks about trends in bridal shoes.
And of course we here at The Space Between My Peers are wondering if long floral dresses are hopelessly dated.
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What I’ve Been Buying
Allow me to dispel the rumor that I haven’t been shopping. It’s not that. Somehow it’s just easier said than done to keep my annual spending page updated.
My pile of accumulated receipts:
- $3.26 - Walmart. Solid brown, sarong front, one piece swimsuit. Size 16W. He hee. Not sure what possessed me to try it on, but it actually fits as well as my old suit (size 12).
- $13.00 - Grocery Outlet. Smooth tanks, one each: black, heather gray, white. As Grocery Outlet, aka Food Rainbow, has no fitting rooms, I ended up having to exchange for another size. Something else to watch out for: hang-tag “bones” stuck through the fabric of the shirt rather than the tag. Not sure I will buy clothes there again.
- $5.40 - Value Village. Purple velvet blazer (Gap brand) which will make a suit with a purple wool pencil skirt I have. Pink and tan corduroy paisley skirt. Purple floral print half-sleeve blouse (that’s a bit challenging to describe).
- $4.61 - Macy’s clearance. Short, black, half-sleeve, cotton cardigan.
Aside from these few clothing bargains, allow me to share what I’m currently really excited about: Fresh Abundance! Fresh Abundance, in Spokane, is an organic and whole foods grocery with local products and free delivery. Free delivery, an idea whose time has come. Certainly it makes sense to have one truck driving to the multitudes of houses, rather than each family driving their own car to the store.
I got into it for the raw milk. But in order to get the delivery, one must spend $35 per week and the $35 produce box has nothing in it my family won’t eat.
Last week I got my first box; everything in it was wonderful! I weighed the box full and then weighed it empty and figured out the average price per pound for local, organic produce, delivered to my home, was $2.79/lb. Not frugal, but not bad given today’s fruit prices. They even gave me the gallon price for the milk when they had to sub two half gallons.
If you live in Spokane and decide to sign up with Fresh Abundance, there is a fee for membership. And if you join, please put my name (Rebecca Mielke) in the box asking where you heard about it. I can get a freebie!
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Retro Dresses from Lulus
Lulus.com has generously offered us a coupon code: betweenmypeers (code is case sensitive). This will give 15% off of a purchase at checkout (no minimum purchase required) from today until August 1rst of this year. Affordably priced, Lulus sells unique stuff, and they have a TON of dresses which would make super darling tops!
So, we had our first annual family reunion (on my side of the family) last month and I came home with treasures. One, a gorgeous pair of long, black, leather gloves, and two, a dress which reminds me very much of these:
Should I wear it?
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