Thrifty Thursday: Shopping

Hi, y'all! I had a change to hit Cato today and tried some things on. I thought I would share what I found. ;) As you already know, I am a bit of a clearance junkie. Indeed I rarely even bother looking anywhere other than the clearance racks. I know I am not going to pay full price so I would rather not torture myself. Anway here's what was on clearance at Cato today.

First up a cream lace peplum top with 3/4 sleeves and an adorable bow belt (on clearance for $11). 

My thoughts: I really love the peplum trend. Unfortunately it doesn't love me. Because I have an ample bosom, I have a really hard time finding one to fit right. As you can see, the waist is too high and it just accentuates my top half. As to this top in particular, the sheer lace sleeves are pretty, but not entirely practical.

Verdict: Passed.
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Next I tried on a red lace skirt (on clearance for $15). 

My thoughts: I had a very similar skirt in pretty much the same color that I wore for years. I ended up donating it a few years ago because it got too big after my original weight loss. I love the color and lacy fabric and the length is perfect. Unfortunately it was just a tad too snug in the waist.

Verdict: I passed for the time being. I will keep an eye on it and if the price goes down as my weight goes down I may pick it up.
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This pale mint pencil skirt is gorgeous and at $11 a decent price, however they didn't have it in my size. Boo.

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Next a pair of white skinny jeans (on clearance for $15).

My thoughts: I have been searching for a replacement pair of white jeans for a while now so I grabbed these off the clearance rack to try on. They were a little too tight (I prefer to get stretch jeans a little snug because they inevitably stretch out to a reasonable size, otherwise they get too baggy and won't stay on.) Anyway. These were too tight and too long. (See bunchy ankles below.)

bunchy ankles

 Verdict: I passed. Obviously.
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And here are the pink jeans I mentioned last week. Marked down to ($10).

closeup of snakeprint

My thoughts: I just can't decide on these jeans. I love the shade of pink and I know that the snakeprint is so faint that it isn't all that noticeable.  But I just feel like they don't quite fit into my conservative wardrobe. I love the length and have had good luck with the comfort level in Cato's jeans.

Verdict: Passed for now. These are actually a size too small. I will check my local Cato to see if they have them in my size and then decide. Please let me know your thoughts on the snakeprint?
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And finally I tried on a white knit blazer (on clearance for $15).

My thoughts: I really liked this blazer. It was comfy and stretchy. I do already have a white linen blazer that is very structured. It is beautiful, but not particularly comfy and I typically only wear it for church. I can see this working with casual dresses, jeans and even shorts.

Verdict: I liked this a lot but am going to wait to see if it gets marked down further.

So I bought nothing today at Cato. And honestly this happens fairly frequently. I have really strict shopping rules as well as a pretty small budget. I also have a list and while I am happy to find great deals on things I really love that aren't on my list for the most part I try to stick to the list.

Do you ever shop and buy nothing? Do you have a list or are you a by the seat of your pants shopper?

Birthday Shopping

what I wore: cardi: target (old), top: thrifted(Loft), skirt: old navy, boots: payless (old)

Happy Thursday, lovelies! Today is my birthday. And while I don't really get all excited about it anymore, I did enjoy the chance to do a bit of shopping. I figured a girl ought to be able to wear her favorite color on her birthday, right?! So I wore a pink cardi and blouse with my green skirt, some cozy fleece lined tights (if you have not tried these things, you must, they are awesome) and my chocolate boots.

Now then, I started out at Cato and tried on four different fur vests (thank you, Bonnie) that were either out of the budget range or made me look like a top heavy bear. Not a nice look, I assure you. ;) There was a leopard print one that was sooooo soft and fit beautifully and if it goes on sale I will happily snap it up.

As to what I did try on. I started with a striped blazer. They only had an XL which was just too big. Even though I like oversized, especially with my skinny jeans, this was too big and not flattering. So, the search for a stripe blazer/cardi continues.

Every once in a while you run across something that isn't on the wish list but that is so fabulous and fits so seamlessly into your wardrobe that you have to take it home. Such was the case with this little lace jacket thing. It has a gorgeous peplum shape and is so pretty. I will happily wear it over every single dress I own in the spring and summer. And can't wait to put it over my basic long sleeve tees with jeans or skirts. You can be sure you will be seeing this in an outfit soon.

I found a pair of teal pants similar to my hot pink ones and for the same price, but the fit just wasn't the same. They are a little wider and shorter at the ankle and snugger in the thighs and hips. So I passed. A great deal isn't a great deal if it doesn't look good on you.

Next up is walmart. Now I am aware that Walmart isn't where most fashionistas shop. But they do have some cute stuff sometimes and I have always been pleased with the quality of the things I buy there. First up is the marled stripey cardigan. It is adorable (as is the kiddo who had to hug me while taking the picture) and has black and white and a bit of silver in the knit. Unfortunately the silver thread made it itchy. I can't deal with itchy. As much as I liked it, I know I won't wear it if it itches me. So I passed.

Then I found this striped hooded cardi. It is adorable and would have been perfect except that the sleeves were about 6 inches past my fingertips. Not kidding. I have them rolled twice in the picture and you can see the sleeves all bunched up around my elbows. I passed. One of these days I am going to find a striped jacket or cardi.

Then I tried on a pair of teal skinny jeans. They are wrangler and I like them, but have put on enough weight in the last month that I need a size up from what I would like, so I think I will wait until after January when I have lost the weight again.

And just for your viewing and shopping pleasure here are a few of the offerings probably available at your local Walmart. This skirt (very similar to the Target knit pencil skirts) for $14.44 in a cool grey animal print.

Also available in teal and fushia. Pretty.

And for those of y'all hunting for a mustard cardi (or a cobalt, or coral, or black, or beige, or white etc), check your walmart. They have a huge selection of cute cardis for around $15.

So at the end of the day I came home with the lace jacket thingy and a pair of burgundy tights for a grand total of $15 of my Payday Pretty money.

Any other ladies out there shop at Walmart? If you don't would you?

Linking up with Target Threads, Dress for the Day, Thursday Threads, This & That Thursday and Diaries of a Bargainista. 

Pink!!!

Happy Monday, y'all!

I may have mentioned a time or six that my favorite color is pink. Has been forever. So, this outfit was absolutely a winner in my book. ;) Also, this skirt is stretchy. Can we just talk about how fabulously comfortable a stretchy pencil skirt is. Seriously, y'all. Amazing stuff. It has a super cool textured feel to it, which is nice as it disguises lumps and such. Oh, and it was on clearance for $7. If you don't shop at Cato's and you like saving money, you should check them out. I do. Frequently. Of course, they are the only clothing store in town too. So. That might have something to do with it. I do however adore their clothing and their clearance prices are awesome.

Anyone else out there shop at Cato's? Heard of them? Love or hate them? Do tell!

Linking up with Monday Mingle, Visible Monday and YOLO!