It's a plaid, plaid world...

 

 

I'm not a huge lover of plaid. When it comes to mind, I think red, green and white. A cross between a preppy college boy and Christmas. So, when I saw these atypical plaids, I grabbed them and headed for the fitting room. All three shirts are from Old Navy and at $5.99 a piece, I couldn't pass them up.

In my quest for styling my new plaids, my first option was to check out Pinterest. Numerous designs appeared but nothing grabbed me until I realized why. As a mom in her, gasp, mid 40's, I don't adhere to much of the norm. I've developed my style based on what I like, not necessarily what a younger woman would choose. That's what fashion is about, choosing and expanding your style to fit your needs. Therefore, I'm presenting the way I would wear my new plaid pieces. While you may not agree, my choices can, and hopefully, will inspire you to explore your options with clothing and shoes.

 

 

This is an ensemble I really like. It has bright yellow, blues and greens. It's getting chilly outside and nothing is better than a nice, warm cardigan to go over just about any shirt. A cargo pant fits the bill by adding comfort and style. Lime suede mocs finish the outfit with an unusual injection of color.

Old Navy shirt-Goodwill, J.Crew cargo pants-Goodwill, Gap Cardigan, Minnetonka Mocs

 

 

 

Plaid shirt #2 has blues, purples and green. It's really a pretty combination. This shirt is styled with a blue scarf with fringe and iridescent threads. The scarf adds a bit of flash to the plaid/denim combo. I finished this outfit up with a bright pair of green Mary Jane's. Funky and fun.

Old Navy shirt-Goodwill, Scarf, no tag, Goodwill, Citizens of Humanity jeans-Goodwill, Miz Mooz shoes-Goodwill

 

 

 

 

I love pink but never really thought about it mixed with purple to form a plaid. I like it! It's different and more girly, therefore, I kind of jazzed up the combination. Leopard is still a hot trend and some even consider it a neutral, so why not throw a little in? I added some denim and ballet flats for a glitzy, fun outfit. The addition of the leopard vest and delicate ballet shoes, adds a different twist, making your plaid stand out in the crowd.

Old Navy shirt-Goodwill, Dennis Basso leopard vest-Goodwill, Joe's Jeans-Goodwill, Tieks flat

 

When you find a great deal at Goodwill, you can afford to take a chance with fashion trends. Work it into your own style and show everyone it's a plaid, plaid world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So, you think you can dance?

 

Last year, I got the brilliant idea to enroll my daughters, aged 5 and 9, in dance classes. Not unexpectedly, we needed to purchase tap, ballet and jazz shoes, as well as tights and leotards. This can add up to a small fortune but there are many ways to reduce the costs. Look no further than your local Goodwill.

With a little pre-planning, I was able to pick up each girl a leotard for $3.99 each. Girls will be girls, and soon they wanted to add to the collection of leotards. Normally, I would say 1 class a week, 1 leotard. But, stepping into the Stillwater Goodwill, I was able to get 3, size 4t skirted leotards, pictured bottom right. At Target, this purchase would have been roughly $54. Goodwill price, $11.97, or a huge savings of $42. Another trip yielded the 2 "biketards." These are typically worn for gymnastics classes but are cute and flashy, necessary things for little girls taking dance. The left biketard, is a Nastia Liukin brand. Liukin was the 2008 Olympic individual all around champion. Impressive credentials come with an impressive price tag. Her leotard typically ran between $40-$60. I paid $3.99. The biketard on the right is labeled GK Elite Sportswear and runs between $30-$60. I want my girls to look good and have fun, but with prices like these, my luck at Goodwill is the only thing that allowed for such pricey items. Just browsing the racks at the Woodbury Goodwill, I was able to put the pairing of leotard and skirt, shown in the bottom left picture, together for $5.98.

Tap, ballet and jazz shoes, sigh. Ballet shoes, $18 each, times 2. Jazz shoes, $39.95. Tap shoes, $27.50, times 2. That's another hefty layout, totaling $130+. By now, my husband was rolling his eyes while fishing out his debit card. I try to explain how wonderful and exciting dance class is. Learning how to pirouette and shuffle step, all while making friends and learning coordination. He's having none of it. Anyway, it had never occurred to me to check Goodwill for shoes. While sizing can be hit or miss, it's worth a shot to see if Goodwill has shoes. If you have a recreational dancer, shoes don't get beat up and those I found, showed little wear. The Woodbury Goodwill store had the tap shoes, shown in the upper left picture, ranging from $4.99-$9.99.

By now, you can surely see how a little comparison of prices can go a long way towards outfitting your future dancer. After a year of classes, both girls completed their very first recitals. It's exciting to see how much they learned and how much fun they had getting into their sequin, feathery costumes for their performances. Just one more tidbit. Guess what happens to recital costumes? They end up getting donated to Goodwill. Just think of how much fun a sparkly costume adds to the dress up box!

 

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Go out of your way.

The other day I was shopping for cosmetics. I don't do that often and when I do, I consult with the Paula Begoun website to make sure I'm getting good, quality items. Begoun is known as the Cosmetics Cop, because she does extensive research to make sure makeup/skincare is living up to its claims. Sadly, many are not.

There were a couple of items I was interested in, at Nordstrom, the Mecca of department store shopping. I researched first, based on what I needed and then went in for an actual look/test. I met with a nice girl. She was very knowledgeable and beyond helpful. Nordstrom is known for their legendary customer service. She was no exception. I gathered my little stash when she informed me that a HUGE gift with purchase event was approaching. Who can say no to a little extra fun makeup? Yeah, me either.

To make a long story short, I needed, whatever, these items and she made it more economical because I'm getting extra goodies. What is the gist of what I'm saying? Talk to a sales person and do so regularly. They know all about the sales and perks of the store. Saving money in around about way, still counts as saving money.

 

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Shopping at Second Debut2

 

Imagine a lovely leather Prada jacket. Feel how soft the buttery leather is. The retail price is $4000, but the price tag reads an unbelievable $400. Now, imagine a chic little boutique with chandeliers and a friendly, helpful staff. Believe it or not, you are standing in Goodwill's Second Debut2, an upscale shopping experience like no other. From the moment you walk in, you are treated to a knowledgable sales staff, all trained in styling apparel and assisting the customer to find the perfect outfit and accessories.

Merchandise is hand picked, some items being vintage, while other items still bear their original price tags. In fact, a Moschino Cheap & Chic dress was donated recently and still attached was the $995 price tag! I spotted a few fun vintage items. A floral romper from Laura Ashley, while making me look like I'm stuck in an 80's time warp, will make a great outfit for some trendy hipster. Many an adorable vintage bag was also on display, as was a good selection of jewelry.

I visited the location at 1825 University Avenue in St. Paul's, Midway neighborhood. The boutique is housed in a funky, fun renovated gas station, directly across from the soon to be opened Green Line. Clothing brands range from Banana Republic, Chico's to Tory Burch, Nannette Lepore and Escada. Pricing is determined based on retail price and adjusted accordingly. Prices are eventually reduced, but like in all Goodwill situations, if you like it, buy it!

During my visit, I perused racks of dresses, skirts, tops and jeans, of all sizes and brands. Displays are done creatively to display the entire ensemble, jewelry, shoes and bag included. Manager Amy explained that customers can and often buy the entire display. She and her staff take the guesswork out of shopping, turning getting a fabulous deal into an even better, fabulous experience.

Goodwill also operates another Second Debut located at 4300 W. 36 1/2 Street, in St. Louis Park. Opened in 2005, this location also features wedding/formal ensembles, menswear and artwork housed in a 15,000 sq ft facility.

Donations are accepted at both stores, keeping in mind that items need to be stain/odor free, in excellent condition and quality designer brand.

On April 12th, Second Debut2 will be celebrating it's 4th anniversary, with refreshments, a drawing for a $25 gift card and, what else, but a sale! Both locations will be offering a 20% discount store wide. Plan to stop in for great deals and fashionable finds.

 

Second Debut 4300 W. 36 1/2 St, St. Louis Park-(952)922-2640

Second Debut2 1825 University Ave, St. Paul-(651)645-5048

Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 10-7. Sat 10-6 Sun Noon-5

 

 

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Like to dust? No.

Target has a great deal on Pledge products. These multipurpose sprays were $3.99 each. Use the following coupons for a huge savings.

 

Target coupon $2 off cleaning products

Manufacture coupon $1.50 off 2 Pledge products from coupons.com

Manufacture coupon $3 off 4 Pledge products from coupons.com

Roughly $2 each!

 

 

 

 

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Some useful information regarding food ingredients

Organic and thrifty are certainly not synonymous. If you want to eat organic, it comes at a price, a very hefty price. I'm currently researching ways to accomplish eating organic without blowing your entire budget in one trip. Meanwhile, I found some great information on the Whole Foods website. Here is a great list of ingredients that are found to be unacceptable in foods.

• acesulfame-K (acesulfame potassium)
• acetylated esters of mono- and diglycerides
• ammonium chloride
• artificial colors
• artificial flavors
• aspartame
• azodicarbonamide
• benzoates in food
• benzoyl peroxide
• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
• bleached flour
• bromated flour
• brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
• calcium bromate
• calcium disodium EDTA
• calcium peroxide
• calcium propionate
• calcium saccharin
• calcium sorbate
• calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
• caprocaprylobehenin
• carmine
• certified colors
• cyclamates
• cysteine (l-cysteine), as an additive for bread products
• DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric and fatty acid esters of mono and diglycerides)
• dimethylpolysiloxane
• dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS)
• disodium calcium EDTA
• disodium dihydrogen EDTA
• disodium guanylate
• disodium inosinate
• EDTA
• ethyl vanillin
• ethylene oxide
• ethoxyquin
• FD & C colors
• foie gras
• GMP (disodium guanylate)
• hexa-, hepta- and octa-esters of sucrose
• high fructose corn syrup
• hydrogenated fats
• IMP (disodium inosinate)
• irradiated foods
• lactylated esters of mono- and diglycerides
• lead soldered cans
• methyl silicon
• methylparaben
• microparticularized whey protein derived fat substitute
• monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• natamycin
• nitrates/nitrites
• partially hydrogenated oil
• polydextrose
• potassium benzoate
• potassium bromate
• potassium sorbate
• propionates
• propyl gallate
• propylparaben
• saccharin
• sodium aluminum sulfate
• sodium benzoate
• sodium diacetate
• sodium glutamate
• sodium nitrate/nitrite
• sodium propionate
• sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
• solvent extracted oils, as standalone single-ingredient oils (except grapeseed oil).
• sorbic acid
• sucralose
• sucroglycerides
• sucrose polyester
• sulfites (except in wines, meads and ciders)
• TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone)
• tetrasodium EDTA
• vanillin

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