A Cheap-Cute Challenge - Are you up for it?

More Leggings Fun

Since my last post on cheap leggings, I got all inspired to share some other leggings-based outfits with you, to show you what you can do with them.

One of my favorite garments from this last season is a pair of simple red leggings, bought at Walmart for six bucks. I've paired-the-pair with several things, two shown here: a heather-grey, long-sleeved tee with red top-stitching (from www.womanwithin.com, part of a "lounge-wear" set--I use the bottoms for jammies) and a multi-colored top from Cato that I bought last year (you know it was under $20!).

With the grey, I wore little silver flats, which I think came from Old Navy a few years back. They've come in very handy!

With the multi-, I wore my black short boots, from Payless a year or two ago. They have a wedge heel and are very comfy. I definitely felt hip with my hair up in a topknot, like all the girls are wearing these days!

Back to leggings. I also have this pair of medium-blue ones that I got at the grocery store for $7. I put them together with this buffalo plaid shirt from Cato, bought last year on clearance for... $11? With the black belt and short boots, it's very slimming, don't you think? I really liked the way this turned out.

Oh, and there are the navy "fleece-lined tights", which are kind of like leggings, bought at Walgreens for $6. (See them in action here, too.)

Here, I've put them together with a red flannel shirt-dress from Walmart, on clearance for $7.50. I am crapping you negative. A whole frickin' dress for $7.50. Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? And damned cute with these ancient red wingtips!

Now, get out there and Shop Cheap, Look Cute!

Cheap Leggings, Cute Legs

Oh, boy! I have gotten on the leggings bandwagon the last few months. I have been wearing denim leggings, which are more like skinny jeans really, for several years. But a certain daughter of mine got really into LuLaRoe in the last year and I started looking at leggings in earnest.

I have one pair of the famed LuLaRoe leggings, courtesy of said daughter, and I do love them. They are "peached" or, as LLR has deemed them, "buttery"--a super-soft fabric that just makes you feel like you're a coddled infant in jammies!

LuLaRoe leggings are very reasonable at $25 a pair, but I have found--with my bloodhound's bargain-hunting nose--that I can do better. (Aside: If you are interested in LuLaRoe, please comment or message me, and I will refer you to a wonderful consultant.)

These pictures show me in two outfits featuring leggings I bought--get this--at the grocery store! Yeah. Go figger. These were even on clearance, 50% off the original $6.99. And the register at the self-check didn't show the discount, so the clerk gave them to me for $3! I bought two pairs at that price. Crazy!

Today is a bit chilly, so I took advantage of the temps to wear this favorite red sweatshirt one last time this season. It's from Woman Within (aka "fatgirls dot com") and probably cost me around $20 last year. One of the things I love about Woman Within (actually www.womanwithin.com) is that most of their shirts cover the crotch--perfect for wearing with leggings, denim, buttery, cheap, or otherwise.

With the red, I added my cute little Scottie pin that I got on clearance at Macy's for $4 right after Christmas. It doesn't look like "holiday" to me, but that's what Macy's called it. It's super-cute with anything black-white-and-red.

I wore my short black suede cowboy boots today, because they are super-comf and warm and cute. They are also super-old, from Payless, of course. Remember to closet shop!

And the other day, I wore the leggings with a simple black tee: 3/4 sleeves, boat neck, buttons at the shoulder. I added these ancient oxford chunky heels in grey flannel and black patent. No doubt from Payless, but many long years ago. I felt super-cute!

Until next time, be cute!

Stripe It Cheap!

This quickly became one of my favorite outfits! I feel hip but not like I'm trying too hard to look younger than I am. Of course, part of my Cheap-Cute philosophy is to feel cute, no matter my age or my weight. If I think maybe I am trying a little too hard for my age, I check in with my 20-something daughters. They will set me straight! But usually, they tell me I'm fine.

Okay, here's the nautical Cheap-Cute Scoop:

Navy/White Striped Dress: It's French terry, a fabric I love for its comfort and shape. Walmart. $15. Surprise! I know, I have been getting things at Walmart a lot lately. I still love Cato, and their prices are almost as low as WM, but somehow, I have wound up at the Walmart more than I probably should of late. Probably because they are the cheapest anywhere. And they really do have some cute things. If you know how to shop!

More about this dress--I love it so much that I went back to see about another one. I looked online and saw that it also came in red and white stripes, heather grey, and black. I didn't need black. I didn't want another stripe, either, so I thought I would get the grey. Well... I saw it in person in the store and I didn't like it at all! After all those fantasies I had about all the cute things I would put with it! Tsk. It's cool, though. I'm happy with the navy and white.

Burgundy Suede Belt: On clearance at Cato for $4. Shyeah-hah.

Burgundy Flats: Payless, of course. Don't remember what I paid, but you know, $15-$25, depending on BOGO and coupons. These are the CUTEST shoes! I just love them, and they happen to match the belt perfectly!

Navy Leggings: Oh, yes, must not forget the leggings. I can do this outfit without, of course, but when I put it together, it was "winter", which, in Texas, means slightly too cool to go bare-legged. Well. I searched high and low for footless navy tights. I'd have settled for the footed kind, but even they were scarce as hen's teeth. I stumbled across these--"fleece-lined tights"--at Walgreens for six bucks! Yeah! Who'da thunk?

And here I am, totes adorbs.

Until next time, be cute!

CheapCute in Black and White

Well, my lovelies, here we are. February in Houston, Texas, means warm temps and time to break out the summer duds and sandals! Here's the Cheap-Cute scoop:

B/W Chevron Skirt: Walmart, of course, about $10. It has high slits on the sides, and I have to turn the waistband down, since I am short. But you could pretty easily cut off this skirt, since it's made of that kind of knit that will curl a little but won't ravel. Try it!

Polka-dot Sleeveless Top: Also Walmart. It was on clearance last summer for $2. Or was it $3? Either way, extremely affordable, and I went back and got it in the red polka dot too. Comfy! And the shoulders cover my bra straps. I hate a top that lets the straps show!

I started out with this top un-tucked, with a thin red belt. It was cute, but the top is kind of long and I wondered how it would look tucked in. Sure enough, it was much more flattering tucked.

Now, I could still put almost any color shoes with this, like my red 40's-style pumps, or my turquoise patent-leather pumps. Black wedge sandals or silver or yellow flats... With black and white, the possibilities are almost endless.

Bonus: I always love the opportunity to wear this cute little pin: a movie clap-board that says "Une belle fille comme moi" (French for "a beautiful girl like me"). My sister brought it to me from Paris years ago and I have cherished it! As for the cheap-cute thing, well, the pin was free to me!

Until next time, be cute!

It's Fall, Y'all! Or... Boots and Cutes

FINALLY. Finally, there is a break in the heat in Houston, Texas! Yass!

I love fall most of all. And here's the Cheap-Cute Scoop on this outfit:

THE Boots:
I searched high and low for several years before I found these. I needed some tall black boots and wanted a medium heel on them. I had some old ones that were actually kind of hideous--patent mock-croc with a kitten-ish heel... And it just seemed like the only tall black boots I could find were either flats or biker boots, neither of which was what I wanted.

THESE little beauties were a steal at only $10. Yep. I found them on Shoe Dazzle and got them with my VIP sign-up special offer. Ten dollars and free shipping. Dang! They are not perfect, but they are definitely closer than the old ones. I only got to wear them once last year, because I got them late in the season and there was no actual winter in Houston last year. Sad! I am already happier this year and wearing my boots in 70-degree weather. Brrr!

The Top:
Purchased last year at my current favorite shop, Cato, this top is just a little bit too big on me. Fortunately, with the swishy-swashy style, you can't really tell. It has 3/4-length sleeves and is made of matte-jersey. I love the colors and the look! I don't remember the price, but Cato's prices are really low, so I am guessing I paid about $20, maybe less.

The Leggings:
These are some of my old jean leggings from Walmart. I have them in several colors. They're about $12-$15 and come in a variety of colors and prints. I recently got some that are green tartan! LOVE.

The Secret:
These leggings are crops. They barely come below the wide part of my calf. Really more suitable for spring and summer wear. I was planning to wear them today with my shorter black cowboy boots, but those boots didn't cover the bottom of the pants. There is a look of short boots with a gap at the ankle and jeans (preferably cuffed) or leggings above, but these leggings were too short to do that.

Happy Fall!

Let Me Tell You About This Skirt

I. Love. This. Skirt.

Let me tell you about this skirt. It  is nothing in the world but a pencil skirt made out of t-shirt material, got a little stretch in it, elastic waist, boom.*

You can see that it is cut in a curve, so it hugs your knees nicely--no kick pleat.

On my five-foot-three-inches, it falls about 5 or 6 inches below the knee, which is a flattering midi length.

I got the skirt at Wal-Mart for--get this--$6.88. I am crapping you negative. I actually started with a black one and loved it so much, I went back for the burgundy. They also have it in a couple of stripe patterns, a solid heather grey, navy, a black/grape check, and a blotchy grey/black.

I have styled the burgundy version with four different tops, for both summer and fall.

#1: with a "capelet" top from Cato

Outfit #1: I got this "capelet" top from Cato last year--or was it the year before? It probably cost about $17.99, but I don't recall exactly. I love it not only for going with this skirt, but also the fit and the style. It has a little bling sprinkled around the neck, so it can dress up or down. (I have two other tops that are a similar style, but widely different prints and colors--the style flatters me and is so pretty!) Here, I have put it with my little suede booties from Payless, purchased several years ago. (Remember to closet shop!)

#2: with a simple tank from Wal-Mart

Outfit #2: This simple striped top came from Wal-Mart this year, about $6 or $7. It's sailcloth, very cool, has a slight swing to it. Even with me being busty, it's flattering, and I can put a belt with it if I feel too "maternity" in it. I pulled an old bead Necklace of Many Colors out of my closet, and added black/white houndstooth pumps (Payless, of course, and btw, super-comf! I have two pairs in the pointed-toe, like these, and three pairs in the round toe version of the same shoe. The pewter ones in Outfit #3 below are the same style.).

#3: with a medallion print shirt from Cato

Outfit #3: I got this shirt at Cato last year to go with my pink stretch denim leggings (Wal-Mart, about $14), but it is perfect with this! I pulled the silver belt (Nine West, bought at Ross for $11) and pewter shoes for one look, grey sweater tights and suede booties for another. If I needed more warmth, I would add a grey or white cardigan and a pale pink scarf. Or maybe a grey scarf--I don't like to get too carried away with colors.

#4: with a large cat

Outfit #4: Outfit #2 combined with a large feline named Blue, who enjoys helping and making sure that I never leave the house without cat hair.

#5: with a 3/4 sleeve georgette blouse from
I don't remember, because I have had it forever!

Outfit #5: I have had this blouse so long that I don't remember where I got it or how much it cost. But you know me, I doubt I paid more than $20 for it. Maybe at JC Penney? Anyway, it has a lot of beautiful colors in it and I have paired it in the past with teal leggings and also with a long green linen skirt. It is fantastic with our new favorite burgundy skirt! Same silver belt as Outfit #3. With this one, I decided to go with flats. These patent mock-croc loafers in a color somewhere between puce and cordovan are perfect. The tailored style balances the boho softness of the blouse. And the low heel means added comfort if you're on your feet a lot or walking around all day--perhaps while Shopping Cheap to Look Cute!

Cheaply and Cutely Yours,
Susan K

More of the Shopping of the Closet

Here we go again with the closet shopping. I love digging into my old stuff and finding new outfits to enjoy!

Spring has sprung a bit early in Houston this year. Yes, Texas is warm, but we usually get a little more winter in March and even April. I remember many an Easter when my daughters wore their sweet spring frocks under their coats as we paraded into church.

This year, though, oy vey! We are in for a hot summer, if this March is any indication. And, being a "woman of a certain age", I am already personally heated, so warm weather really does a number on me.

I've swapped out my winter shoes for summer ones, and today, I went a-hunting in my closet for something coooool to wear. And this is what I came up with!

Ancient cotton skirt - Old Navy
Ruffled red top - can't remember
Fantastic belt - Cato, purchase in the last couple of years, the newest item
Peep toe white canvas shoes - Payless, of course

What I like about this outfit is that it still fits in my current wonderful fattitude!

Here's how I did it: I pulled out the skirt and started holding it in front of the tops in my closet. I have a yellow blouse that would go and there was a chartreuse t-shirt that matched perfectly, but there isn't enough of that color in the skirt to really pull it out. Then I found the red. Hm... good match!

I put the top and skirt on. Eh--the top doesn't look quite right... Tried it tucked in. Oh, no, much worse! (Learn more about tucking here.) How about a belt? Ah, perfect!

Putting the belt with gives me a more hour-glass look than I usually sport, considering that the Good Lord Above did not see fit to give me any hips. I feel feminine and pretty! And COOL!

Thus ends today's lesson. Happy closet shopping!

Best of the Vest

I love this outfit!

I know, I always say that. But I do!

I found this totes adorbs owl purse on sale at Cato for about $7. I KNOW! I was very excited that it went great with this scarf vest (and completer piece), also from Cato, about twenty bucks.

I put them both with this very old black pencil skirt and even older black matte jersey top, but I also have a black t-shirt dress from Walmart ($10) that works great.

You can add tights with the dress/skirt or put the vest with other neutral garments. I love my footless black tights with it--makes me feel hip! I also wear the scarf vest with a black t-shirt and tan pants.

Shoes vary--these are white canvas peep-toe wedges, Payless, ~$20.

Remember to pull neutrals from your stash of "classic pieces" in your closet!

The Blanky Vest - Wait. What?

This is a silly garment.

I know that. It's silly. And I made it. And it's still silly. I have yet to actually wear this outside of my house. Because it's silly. BUT...

But it's so soft and cozy.
But it's cheap!
But I made it myself, Mom.
But I love the colors.
But it's kind of a cool shape, right?

I was inspired to make this "Blanky Vest" by some scarf vests I saw at the fabric store. I looked at them closely and saw how simple they were--a simple rectangle with armholes cut in them. The edges were all hemmed neatly. And they were made of... chiffon. Oh. I do not have the sartorial skill to do that with chiffon. Or to do anything with chiffon.

So I started ruminatin'. What fabric could I use with this same simple pattern to create a scarf vest without wanting to slit my wrists because CHIFFON?

Then it hit me--fleece. Fleece doesn't ravel. It doesn't even have to be hemmed. And I could make FRINGE around the edges if I so desired! Brilliant!

All my ruminatin', engineerin', and plannin' led to this: the Blanky Vest you see before you. Cost me about five bucks and forty-five minutes of crawling around on the floor, measuring and cutting.

As the Blanky Vest is as yet untested in public, I cannot announce whether it is a success or not. But I like it. Maybe you'll see me wearing it around the streets of Houston soon.

Variations on Summer Whites, Ocean Blues

I actually created this outfit late last summer, and dubbed it "Summer Whites, Ocean Blues". I love this outfit! First, lets break it down into the Cheap-Cute Scoop:

White denim leggings, Walmart, $12
White lacy sandals, Payless, ~$15
White lace scarf, Charming Charlie (I think), <$15
Sleeveless top, Walmart, ~$15

Right? Okay, the other day, now that it's February, I paired this same top with dark blue skinny jeans, and topped it with my white crocheted cardigan (Woman Within) and white canvas peep-toe pumps with cork wedge heels (Payless, sugar).

Let's talk about white in winter: It's perfectly fine. There used to be a hard and fast fashion rule that white was not to be worn from Labor Day until Easter every year. Some time in the 1970s, "winter white" appeared on the scene, but it was not quite white and it was worn in very limited ways, like only one garment and never a purse or shoes or a whole dress.

That old rule died several years ago, according to the experts. However, being the Good Southern Girl I am, it took me quite some time to embrace the white-in-winter. Of course, living in the South also means that winters are typically mild, so whites are even more practical. If you happen to live where there is dirty snow and slush, like Chicago, you will probably want to save your whites for summer, or just have a peep of white here and there--maybe a white turtleneck sticking out of your parka!

Okay, get out there and Shop Cheap, Look Cute!

Old Faves + New Faves = Cheap Cute

Have you read my post on Closet Shopping? It means going into your closet to see what old clothes you might have forgotten and/or you might not have tried with newer things. This is an outfit that is almost ALL old stuff, with just one newish piece acting as a "completer piece".

There's another definition for you: a completer piece is one that--well, yes, completes an outfit. Usually a jacket or vest, a completer piece typically "makes" the outfit, pulls it all together.

In the case of this outfit, the ivory crocheted vest completes the outfit. Yes, I could wear this without it, but it's much more interesting with the vest.

Now, what you really want to know: where and how much? Starting at the bottom, the boots came from Payless, naturally. You know I get most of my shoes there. (Not all!) I probably paid $25 or less for them, although I have had them so long, I honestly don't remember.

The skirt, a washable linen that crushes but doesn't rumple, came from a store in Austin called CP Shades about 12 or 15 years ago. I want to say I splurged a bit and paid $40-$45 for it, but if cost-per-wear counts for anything, it was actually really cheap.

The t-shirt came from Kohl's? I think? I probably got it about 2013 to go with something in the teal family, but it turned out to go nicely with this old favorite skirt. 

Now, here's the nice completer piece: Unearthed at Walmart some time last summer, I paid $10-$12 for this lovely vest. It has a hood, which is "eh" to me--I could take it or leave it, but I don't hate it, and I love the shape of it. I searched high and low for a white one, to no avail. (I did finally find a white crocheted cardigan at Woman Within for about $35. See it in this video.) 

You know I don't actually endorse any store, but you also know I talk a lot about certain places where I love to shop and always find good prices. But this particular outfit came from the recesses of my closet, only with the completer piece added. Now you can update your own wardrobe with a simple completer piece. Go for it!

Another example of a completer piece, this scarf vest, about $20 from Cato. 

How to Wear Colors Without Looking Like a Clown

I had a lot of fun with this video--it's totally amateurish, but I give good info! And I almost flashed the camera!
 

Summer Fades, Style Remains

Now that summer is pretty much over, I am going to share some of my summer outfits! But most will transition into fall--and I can add updates to that effect later.

I love this outfit and have enjoyed the maxi skirt much more than I expected. Why? Because I am short. Short and pleasingly plump, as my grandmother used to say. I am growing more and more comfortable and happy with my body, in this age of body positivity, but I know what flatters and what doesn't.

But somehow, this little skirt has been very comfortable, both physically and emotionally. I feel pretty in it and get compliments when wearing it. And that's what clothes are all about, baby!

Update: For fall, the scarf goes around my neck instead of being tied onto my purse, and I add a short cardigan in grey or a denim jacket. With a long skirt like this, stay away from longer completer pieces, such as a boyfriend sweater. That will drag down the look. And, of course, I will swap the sandals for boots!

Here's the Cheap-Cute Scoop:

• T-shirt, heathered peach, Old Navy, about 8 bucks.
• Belt, silver leather and chain, Nine West brand but bought at Ross Dress for Less for about $11.
• Maxi skirt, multi-colored stripes, Wal-Mart, $10 or $12 (purchased earlier this summer).
• Shoes, well, you KNOW I got them at Payless! But it was a year or two ago, maybe three, and I probably paid $15-$20 for them. They're super-cute and way comf, too.
• Scarf, embroidered aqua, my favorite color, Charming Charlie, under $15.

I wear silver jewelry with this. I just got two pairs of big hoops, one in silver and one in gold, $12 on Amazon. I have really enjoyed that "gypsy" look--or disco! Depends on how big my hair turns out that day!

More late-summer outfits to come!

Closet Shopping

Have you ever heard of closet shopping? No, it doesn't mean shopping in secret. It means going into your own closet and taking a look around!

Here's the outfit I have on today, made up of older pieces with two new accessories:

• Magenta skirt from New York & Co. (You know I love that store!), purchased some time in 2009
• Black silk cardigan (cheaper than it sounds), purchased probably in 2007
• Black camisole, really ancient, at least 4 years old (I'm layering, because it is seriously cold today)
• Black lacy tights, purchased recently at the Icing for about 8 bucks
• Leopard print scarf, spring weight (wearing it anyway), purchased a couple of weeks ago at Payless for $12.99 (I had a return, so I only paid a couple bucks out of pocket)
• Tall black boots, purchased 2 years ago at Payless, probably for about $25

When you're closet shopping (or deciding what to get rid of), keep these tips in mind:

* Black boots, sweaters, skirts, pants, etc. can be used season after season. (Remember not to let black be the only color in your wardrobe!) If they get worn, pilly, or faded, toss 'em! My method: Check for picks and pills at least once per season.
* Solids and neutrals (black, tan, brown, navy, white) are easily updated, dressed-up, or dressed-down with accessories. My method: Look for accessories in the inexpensive stores, and keep up with sales in the higher-end. Also, just FYI, I find that J C Penney and Kohl's have some wonderful and well-priced accessories.
* Closet shop for accessories too--an old pair of earrings can create a great look with a new-ish sweater and an old-ish neutral skirt!
* Fit: You know that's the most important. If you discover something fits again after not wearing it for a while, great! Wear it tomorrow. If not, toss it. My method: "If this fit me right now, would I wear it this week?" If not, it's gone
* Shoes can sometimes become unfashionable almost without notice. Pay attention to what's in the stores--pointy toes, open toes, round toes? Chunky heels, kitten heels, stilettos? Then re-use shoes year after year until they are out of style or just worn out. My method: If I really love a pair of shoes, I will take them to the shoe place for repairs until they fall apart.

I felt lovely today in my mostly-old-ish clothes! You can duplicate this look on almost any body shape with good results. Go ahead, take a look in your closet. You're going to find something to wear again!

Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow

Yes! Tuck It!

Ladies, the TUCK is back.

And I'm not talking about little strips of fabric sewn into a shirt. (But I reserve the right to post on those tucks in the future!)

I'm talking about tucking your shirt into your pants or skirt. Yes! We have not been tucking for several years now. I'm sure you remember, if you are over 15 years old, the days when everything was tucked in.

But for several years, all tops have been left untucked, even if their hems peeked out from under a jacket or sweater. Yes, even structured suits were often modeled with the blouse sticking out at the bottom. That's one look I didn't actually go for, but then again, when do I wear a suit anymore? I gave them up in the late 90s, along with pantyhose!

This season, the tuck is back! I like tucking in the top because it usually helps to define the waist and it looks tidy. Naturally, there are many tops--pullover sweaters, for example--that simply should not be tucked in, and it is still acceptable to have that shirttail peeking out. That's a very preppy look that I personally love.

But tucking in your blouse and adding a belt will accentuate a narrow waist and define a thick one. And the renewed style of tucking coincides with the rise of the waist on many pants and skirts.

I ran across this video that shows a lot of the renewed tucking style. It's a makeover from Chadwick's and The Balancing Act. It shows a 55-year-old woman who has been dressing sloppily for a while. The makeover brings her back to looking--and feeling--so much better! Check it out and notice all the tuckage!

Until next time,
Shop Cheap, Look Cute!
Susan K. Morrow

Sweaters All 'Round!

Today dawned windy and chilly in Austin, Texas, and I was happy to have a new sweater to wear!

Yes, I went to one of my faves: New York & Co. I don't know if this sale is going on today, but over the weekend, all tops were buy one, get one half off. This is becoming a wonderful shoppers' trend: Several stores have borrowed the "BOGO" idea from Payless and are offering this kind of deal. NY & Co. recently offered it on pants and other bottoms, so keep your eyes open, e.g., subscribe to emails from the stores you like.

And this outfit came out of my weekend trip to the mall! Because I bought the cardigan and the camisole--both tops--one of them was half price. I also had a coupon, AND received a coupon for future use. Both pieces together cost me about $50. Not the least I have ever paid, but pretty good.

The cardigan is extremely soft, 100% acrylic (I am allergic to wool), and has pretty sparkly buttons. It comes in several colors, and I also picked it up in a rich red. The cami has a diamond pattern in two shades of turquoise, plus white, black, and grey. It comes in other color ways, as well as solids.

I had the black jeans from last year--they fit really well, and I think are regularly priced at $29.99 at Macy's, brand "Style & Co." This is a "mature woman's" jean--sits a little higher on the waist and is cut a little straighter. With my slender legs and "tiny mutant pelvis" (Oh, that's a blog post waiting to happen!), these fit me pretty well.

The booties, which I just LOVE, are grey suede and came from--where else?--Payless last year. No idea what I paid, but I would put money on it being under $25. They are very comfy for heels and they keep my feet warm!

You could reasonably recreate this whole look for about $100, including shoes. I forgot to put on earrings, but wouldn't silver ones be nice?

Until next time,
Shop Cheap, Look Cute!
Susan K. Morrow

Crazy Cute

How crazy is this?

This is such a funky skirt that I can only hope to wear it a few times. I just thought it was really neat and yes, I got it on sale.

I found the skirt at Macy's on a clearance rack. There was no tag on it and neither the sales clerk nor I could find another skirt like it. The clerk found one that was close enough and used that tag. It was $11.95! She warned me that, without a tag, I would be unable to return the skirt. But I thought, for twelve bucks, who cares?

Then came the arduous task of finding the right top to go with. The skirt is a double layer of thin cotton, but the colors are very fall-y, so I tried some of the colors in the skirt... All overwhelmed. I settled on this brown, which blends pretty well and then I threw in--ta da!--my Notorious Aqua Cowboy Boots!

I never get to wear these boots, so this was a treat.

Now, you know where the skirt came from, but what about the other pieces? The sweater came from Chadwick's (www.chadwicks.com) last year for about $20 or so. (I'll do a post on catalog and online shopping soon. Chadwicks has some great deals and excellent basics.)

The NACBs (Notorious Aqua Cowboy Boots) were an online purchase about two years ago. I don't even remember where I got them, but I seem to recall Googling "aqua cowboy boots" and found them. They were well under a hundred, around $65, I think. Well worth it!

If you like the look, you can now recreate it. If you think I look too silly to be cute, well, at least it was cheap! After all, that's what I'm all about--shop cheap, look cute!

Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow

A New York Minute

I don't have much time, so this will be quick! I want to give a plug to my friends at New York & Co.

You've read about them at least a couple of times here on this blog. I would hazard a guess that about 1/3 of my wardrobe comes from that store.

Really? Wow, that's a lot of clothes from one store! Maybe I exaggerate, but I do shop there a lot.

New York & Co. is probably in your mall, and is definitely online: www.nyandcompany.com. My sister told me once that there are no such stores in Nashville, Tennessee, but there are. Don't be fooled if you just haven't heard of it!

It offers frequent new collections, about every 6 weeks, so you can usually find something new and different. The clothes are not quite like anything you'll find in other stores, either.

The clothes are primarily aimed at grown women, not teenagers. My daughters (presently ages 18 and 22) have told me that I am generally safe shopping there, because their clothes are almost all appropriate for my age, which is--ahem--mid-40s.

I am concerned about dressing appropriately for my age, and you should be too. If you are in your late 30s, for example, you are past the age of the mini-skirt! I'm not kidding! I don't care how cute your legs are, it's not "fittin'" to wear super-short skirts at your age!

New York & Co. helps me stay age-appropriate, but it also often features clothes that my grown daughters enjoy. They have even found jeans that suit them at their ages.

As I mentioned in my post on credit cards, New York & Co. offers fantastic deals, sales, coupons, etc. And no, you don't always have to use the NY & Co. credit card to get them.

So I recommend checking out the store, either storefront or online. And btw, I am not receiving any compensation for this! (I wish!) On the contrary, I pay New York & Co. all the time, buying clothes there!

Check it out and let me know what you think of the store!

Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow

To Your Credit...

I can't go any further without mentioning something about store credit cards.

Whether you choose to use credit cards or not, you might not know this about store credit cards. Many stores these days, including New York & Co., Beall's, and JC Penney, give extra discounts and specials if you get and use their card.

Some stores, like Kohl's, offer a discount the first time you use the card. Some will only give the discount if you get the card, but not if you don't qualify. Others will give you the discount just for applying, which I personally think is only fair.

So what's a girl to do who wants the deals but not the debt?

Simple--pay off each charge on the spot. I can't think of any clothing store that does not accept payments to your charge account at the register. So if you have the cash, simply make a payment to your account in the amount of the charge, right there at the same time as your purchase.

This way, you never carry a balance, and you always get those extra deals.

At New York & Co., which is one of my favorite shop spots, I am on their email list, and I receive frequent coupons by email. Now, there is a catch: you only get coupons if you buy something. I don't know their formula, but it's something like, for every $25 you spend in their store, they'll send you a coupon for $20 off a total pre-tax purchase of $75--or something like that.

Now, here's a word of caution about those New York & Co. deals that offer "x-amount off of x-amount": They turn that discount into a percentage of each item. It's not a huge deal, but it is something to be aware of. As far as my "cheap shopping" goes, they're the only store that does that.

And now you know. I don't advocate carrying a lot of debt, but I do carry some myself. It's up to you, and now you can get some even better deals, to debt or not to debt!

Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow