Why I Shop Sales....

Although I've been in denial (and vehemently denied) for many years that I enjoy shopping, its not true. I love shopping. My most favorite thing is shoes --particularly fun, funky shoes, but I really enjoy clothes too. Now, let me clarify that I like nice, stylish clothes, but I like them for a teacher salary price! I see no good reason to pay full price for something unless its already at a good price point and I just can't live without it. Part of the fun for me is the thrill of the chase....finding that awesome deal that someone else didn't get!

I used to LOVE United Colors of Benetton and Laura Ashley when I was younger (Mom, Dad --- remember those days when that was the only clothes I wanted?). Now, that has been replaced by a host of other designers and brands that I adore --- Lilly Pulitzer (I am a serious preppy at heart!) has replaced Laura Ashley as my very favorite, girly-girl wear. So, all of that to say that I get VERY excited when I find Lilly for a good (or great!) deal. Yesterday while Ben and I were at Miracle Treat Day we walked through Belks, which happened to have a Lilly department. I found a white, sleeveless polo in my size for......$16!! Unbelievable! Well, I tried on two white shirts and didn't realize until I went to hang it up last night that I had gotten the wrong one. After dropping Ben off at camp I headed back to exchange. Luckily the correct one was still there AND the deals had multiplied over night. They now had a pink one, as well as a long sleeved button up and a dress all in my size for almost nothing. It was less than I could have gotten the same (non-Lilly) items at Target!

Solid top and Alligator print dress!

Even as a little kid I loved shoes ---- always wearing some grown ups' around the house. And, I'm sure my parents remember the Japanese "Rising Sun" tie ups that I LOVED in early junior high school. (Wish I still had those....they'd be so cute with capris!) Maybe that is where it started. And, even now, I love finding a fun pair of shoes at a great deal. And, so as it seems "tax free" weekend is also "major sale" weekend in Columbia, I was pleased to find the following shoes at Van Jean's sale. (Oh, and my little trusty fashion advisor, Ben, assisted with picking these out and assured me that they were "cool, must haves".....like mother, like son, I guess!) Trust me, these are all shoes that I drool over in store windows, but I could NEVER afford at regular prices! (The boots are leather Phillip Lim and retailed at $500...yes, that is TWO zeros....because of my thrifty shopping I paid $60! Not bad for something that will last and be worn for YEARS to come!) Sale shopping can be tricky. Sizes and selection is usually pretty limited and especially in my sizes. But, I'm also pretty patient and wait for timeless, well-made pieces that do sometimes pop up in a good sale. And, usually I know that if my size is available and I love it, it was just meant to be!

PS --- I looked for my "assistant" some goods, but couldn't find anything he liked. So, he has a raincheck for when he finds what he wants. (His personal favorites at the moment --- Ralph Lauren polos, plaid shorts..... oh, and GREAT SHOES!!!)