Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $21 and a little Broadway Music!

Shirts that work in spring/summer/winter and fall are just BONUS. This shirt is one that I like to wear under sweaters or cardigans as well as alone -with slacks and with skirts. The great thing is that it's "wrinkly" so that it doesn't need to be iron. It's truly a wash and wear shirt.

The Breakdown.
Sunny Leigh shirt ($13 Belk's Sale/ARP $79), Speigel denim skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $29), Linea Paolo strap wedge ($4 thrift store/ARP $99 ).

Grand Total: $21
Approximate Retail Price: $207
Savvy Savings: $186

Savvy dressing doesn't have to be fancy dressing. It's a misconception to think that one has to be "dressed-to-the-nines" all the time. I want to be comfortable. I have kids. I don't need a pair of skin tight jeans telling me all the places I need to lose weight. I can't and don't want to compete with all the mini-skinny teens running around. Listen, Demi Moore at 43 is intimidating enough!

But I do want to make the most of what I do have, hide the stuff I wish I didn't have and be comfortable and look cute if possible.

Before I go off on a tangent of dressing to where you want to be and how you want people to see you, I leave you with this, one of my favorite songs from the musical Annie (yes, the musical, Annie). Silly as it may seem, it does relate to this topic.

I see lots of pretty Moms out and about during the day with their children. I have admired a lovely purse or a well put together outfit, but it's all pretty hollow when that Mom never makes eye-contact with the people around them or grimaces or makes faces at those serving them at cash registers or others just shopping in the same store.

Pretty is as pretty does, is an old saying, and I'm always quick to point out to my children that what you wear on the outside can never compensate for what's inside and how you treat others.

And so back to my Broadway Musical song..."Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." If you've never heard it, take a moment and find it somewhere on line or better yet, rent the movie and watch it!

Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
By Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin

Hey, hobo man
Hey, Dapper Dan
You've both got your style
But Brother,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!

Your clothes may be Beau Brummelly
They stand out a mile --
But Brother,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!

Who cares what they're wearing
On Main Street,
Or Saville Row,
It's what you wear from ear to ear
And not from head to toe
(That matters)

So, Senator,
So, Janitor,
So long for a while
Remember,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!

So please smile as you stay savvy, you never know who you meet during the day that just might need it!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $14 Kenneth Cole Cool

It wasn't technically a date night, though since we've had kids any night we get to go out without the girls and have great adult conversation somehow becomes a date night ipso facto. The girls are spending a couple days with their grandparents and great-grandparents so my Hubby and I have had some free adult time. Last night we were invited to a party.

The sad truth is that my husband's company was recently acquired and the party was actually a company "farewell party". The great news is that my husband's job seem to be one that will make the transition. Of course, in this economy we take nothing for granted but at least for now he is still gainfully employed.

That said, I do realize that every get together with his fellow co-workers is to an extent a networking opportunity that might someday result in a job or working with someone. I know this is about my husband, but it's also about us as a team and I want to be the partner that makes him proud.

The Breakdown.
Kenneth Cole Jean Trousers ($5 thrift store/ARP $79), Arden B purple shirt with chain detail ($5 thrift store/ARP $40), Fioni patent leather slides ($4 thrift store/ARP $25).

Grand Total: $14
Approximate Retail Price: $144
Savvy Savings: $130

The evening was a lot of fun, and dressed as such, I felt comfortable in the middle ground between the business wear in which some attended the party and the jeans & polo shirts of others. I LOVE these jeans because they make me look tall and leggy - and who doesn't want that? Best of all, for $15 I had a great outfit in which I felt I could hold my own.

"Why yes, I homeschool my children...."

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $20 Ann Taylor Graphic

Goodness if a cool breeze didn't just go through Music City, reminding all of us that it is still Spring. Last week we had weather in the 80's and this week we're in the 60's. Truth is that I love when the weather is between 60's - 70's. Anything higher than the 80's and I'm not a huge fan. Yes, I'm a wimp.

The Breakdown.
Ann Taylor sweater ($6 thrift store/ARP $60), hot pink tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Kenneth Cole black denim trousers ($5 thrift store/ARP $79 ), black Joan & David Patent Leather shoes ($6 thrift store/ARP $150).

Total Cost: $20
Approximate Retail Price: $292
Savvy Savings: $272

So the reality is that all I had was a Dr's appointment, but I felt good as I walked into that office. There's no reason a stay-at-home mom can't look and feel good when she's out and about, especially for this price.

Stay Savvy Y'all!

The Savvy Supermom - $20 Karen Kane Wrap Dress

Hello My Friends! Been a while and yet I have been furiously thrifting for my house and home as of late and saving all kinds of money!

For our family it's a way of life; if I need shorts the first place I go is the thrift store. If my oldest has outgrown clothes, I thrift. If I don't find it there I rarely run to a retail store to find it because the truth is we rarely NEED it right this second.

It's a hard less to learn but a good one for my kids, and well, for me. As a stay at home mom I don't need new clothes that often. I mean, outside of slight weight fluctuations of a couple pounds here and there, I'm not growing out of my clothes.

The economy has been tough on a lot of people and I think it may only get tougher for some. I propose with thrifting you can make ends meet and not lose out on style one bit.

Today's outfit was a lovely Karen Kane wrap dress I found at Goodwill. Wrap dresses are flattering to almost every figure and are SO easy. As I am a little top-heavy I have always had a hard time fitting dresses and so to a certain extent I only wore them for special occasions because if I needed one I would probably have to spend a lot of money to find one.

Today I own about 10 wrap dresses - all from the thrift store. From BCBG to CAbi (Carol Anderson by invitation) and I wear them quite often. If you want easy, this is as good as it gets. All but one of the dresses are wash and wear so there's not special treatment or extra dry-cleaning bill.

The Breakdown.
Karen Kane wrap dress ($8 thrift store/ARP $99), black tank top ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Black Nine West boots ($9 thrift store/ARP $125)

Grand Total: $20
Approximate Retail Price: $227
Savvy Savings: $207

Just yesterday I watched a couple shopping together in the thrift store and overheard (I was not eavesdropping, I swear) the husband make a very important point that I always use to justify my thrift store shopping choices. "Honey, it's $4 for all the shirts, why not get something that's nice and not just something that 'will do'."

Amen. I'm telling you, as much as I am not opposed to buying a George (Walmart brand) shirt at the thrift store if it fits well, I am much more likely buy a Free People shirt if both are just $4.

Dear Friends I will try to blog more in the future - I guess given all that's going on around me between the economy, politics, THE WORLD, I sometimes feel that my thrifting for fashion finds for my family or the house, just seems frivolous given what some are going through - and yet I do know there is a place for it.

I recently spend $45 for a friend-of-a-friend to help her with her work wardrobe. She and her husband are going through a difficult time, not the least of which is IRS difficulties. She had also lost a lot of weight (45 pounds!) and was having a hard time making things work in her closet. I was able to buy 4 pairs of pants and 4 shirts and make about 10 outfits for the money - focusing on brand names like The Limited, Ann Taylor and other work appropriate brands. I took some pictures of what we found and I hope to show those off at some point!

Till then, Stay Savvy!

The Savvy Supermom of the Day - $30 Lucky Brand Bohemian

Hey Y'all! How on earth have you been? To say I've been busy would be an understatement. It's been a full year so far. New jobs, a new homeschool tutorial, girl scouts and some household renovations that have just seemed to have eaten up all my free time. Nonetheless I have been thinking about y'all and have some great things to blog about so please stay tuned!

Lately I've been feeling a little funky and bohemian, but as I am not 20-something and don't plan on wearing dreadlocks anytime soon I've been trying to find that line between cool casual and "I'm trying to look younger than I am." It's not that I don't like my cardigans and trouser jeans, but I guess I've been craving something less structured.

There's something about the more organic shapes (paisleys and swirls in earthtones) versus symmetrical boxes and plaids and distressed leather and the deep patina of well-loved leather that just "speaks" to me. Maybe it's because in the midst of hitting my 40-something stride, I feel very liberated and more comfortable with myself.

The Breakdown.
Lucky Brand thermal shirt (Birthday Gift!/ARP $59), purple tank top ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), mustard colored tank top ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Banana Republic Boot Cut Jeans ($19 eBay/ARP $79), Bronx suede boots ($5 thrift store/ARP $125).

Grand Total: $30

Approximate Retail Price: $269

Savvy Savings: $239

I do hope this finds you well and happy - I look forward to talking to y'all soon!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $37 Fabulous Forties & Birthday Blues

I turned 41 this week, and I have to say that I'm loving the 40's so far. Sure, there are those moments of "wow, these pants don't fit the way they use to" or the "what is that darker spot by my eye?", but nothing can take away the sense of gratefulness I have for what else I have earned at this age.

In the midst of the extra pound or two here and there as well as the extra wrinkle and grey hair I've gained over the last year, I have also gained...

a deeper sense of peace at knowing that life is not a race and that the list I have will eventually get done or won't matter as much as I think it does at the moment...

a heart full of thankfulness for the things I do have: healthy, happy children, a roof over my head, plenty of food on the table, a wonderful, supportive & handsome husband, parents & siblings who are still alive, amazing in-laws, and friends who love me no matter what...

a little more patience to handle my disappointments and frustrations...

a little more grace so that I am slower to anger and judge...

and a little more wisdom than I did when I was younger.

So I have to admit that the only birthday blues I had this year were the navy blues & teal blues in this beautiful wrap dress by Evan Picone that I wore to a studio session earlier in the day and to the lovely dinner that my family treated me to that night.

The Breakdown.
Black & Navy Blue Evan Picone wrap dress ($20 TJMaxx/ARP $99), blue tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Nine West leather boots ($8 thrift store/$125 ARP ), blue cashmere pashmina ($6 hospital sale/ARP $20)

Grand Total: $37
Approximate Retail Price: $247
Savvy Savings: $210

Since it's also FREEZING here in Nashville right now (sorry all you Northeners who understand that when I mean freezing, I'm just being a wimp) I'll also add in my lovely black wool Amanda Smith coat, which was an additional $10 at the thrift store. The approximate retail price is $175.

One thing I do want to add is how much I love pashminas and scarves. I find they help bridge the gap between being cold & warm when coming inside and taking off my coat. Winter coats are bulky and yet sometimes it takes a bit for me to warm up when I get inside. A pashmina or scarf or shawl is the perfect thing to wrap around my shoulders and keep me comfortable. Plus, I do love the little color it brings to my basic black coat.

I do hope you are warm wherever you are and that it's not too crazy for you during this Christmas season.

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Into the Fray...Black Friday

So we did it. We went out for Black Friday.

My husband and I had discussed the fact that there really wasn't anything we needed...except for a new cordless power drill. Sometime in the last year our old one died and replacing and recharging the battery didn't seem to help, and while I am fine using a plug-in drill, I did miss the convenience of the battery pack. So my husband trudged out at 8:30 am and retrieved us a new cordless power drill. YEAH!

Not to be outdone by my hubby, I went out with the girls and we wandered around the mall for a bit, leaving the house around 9am. We took care of a few birthday gifts at Claire's where they were having 12 items for $10.

I also picked up a new painting at Kirklands. I had seen it a couple months ago and loved the colors. It reminds me of the beach, without being too beach-y. It was regularly $99 and I got it for $39. I had to change the color of the frame. It use to have a band of gold around the picture and the edge of the frame so I taped it up and spray painted it on my front lawn.

Besides the fact that the gold previously didn't really work with the colors I had in the house, the darker frame makes the color POP more. At almost 4 feet high and 3 feet wide it's a pretty large picture for the foyer, but I do love looking at it. Sigh, it makes me miss the beach though.

The Savvy Supermom Outfit Breakdown.Old Navy sweater ($6 thrift store/ARP $24), Red Camel Skirt (Belk's $7/ARP $30), Via Spiga boots (Free with trade-in Plato's Closet/ARP $250), Coach Bleecker Laced Flap Purse ($140 eBay/$450ARP ), Wet Seal vest ($6 thrift store/ARP $25).

Grand Total: $159
Approximate Retail Price: $779
Savvy Savings: $620

Not a particularly exciting Black Friday, but I'm happy!

Hope Y'all had a great Thanksgiving!

The Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $19 Jigsaw of London

Today's outfit was a little monochromatic, but I do love the little pop of red the bag brings and the colorful beading on this sweater.

I bought the sweater a couple years back at Nordstrom with a gift card I had received for my birthday. I think it was on sale for $21 down from $90. I do wish we had a Nordies here (that's an affectionate nickname given to it by its many fans), but I hear tell that we will get one soon!

The Breakdown.
Caslon sweater (free birthday gift/ARP $90), white tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Jigsaw of London Lyocell dress ($8 thrift store/ARP $158), Nine West kitten heel leather boots ($8 thrift store/ARP $150).


Grand Total: $19
Approximate Retail Price: $401
Savvy Savings: $382

Dresses aren't for everyone and admittedly I have a hard time fitting into dresses. I usually opt for a jersey knit or a wrap in order to accommodate my chest size which was a 34DD last time I got professionally measured. That sounds HUGE doesn't it? I mean, I don't think I look that big but I do have a hard time finding a dress that fits my body: anything too constructed will either be way too big on the bottom in order to fit my chest or way to small at the top if it fits my bottom half.

But I have to say that it is worth it when you find the perfect dress. You know the one that doesn't show a bunch of bulges without having to squeeze into Spanx beforehand, and well, if it does (like this one did a bit) just put a sweater over it!

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $13 Lucky 13

Ahhhh, jeans! I figured it was the weekend and well, if you can't wear jeans on the weekend, by golly, when can you wear them?!

This was a bit of an experiment. I'm not sure what color this BCBG sweater is, salmon? It's kind of a orangish-pink or maybe pinkish-orange, but I was kind of excited that it matched a shawl that I had recently found at the thrift store for $1.50. To kick it up a notch, I added a bright yellow patent leather purse and there was just enough color to keep this from fading into just another "jeans & sweater" outfit.

The Breakdown.
BCBG sweater ($3 thrift store/ARP $50), white tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Mavi jeans (FREE from a neighbor/ARP $80), lovely shawl ($1.50 thrift store/ARP $40), Andrew Stevens blue suede ankle boots ($6 thrift store/ARP $80)

Grand Total: $13.50
Approximate Retail Price: $218.50
Savvy Savings: $205

I am SO loving the yellow purse! Patent leather is a favorite of mine because it's so low maintenance, and with the onset of fall/winter, it's nice to have a purse that can withstand the elements without fear of waters spots. And well, the yellow is so happy. Can't wait to wear it with the yellow patent leather Bandolino wedge sandals I found last week for $4 - of course that will probably have to wait till Spring.


Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $27 Morrissey & Victoria's Secret

I put this outfit together for the sole purpose of wearing this purse today. Somehow I felt like I needed a little red in my life, and the black and white provided the perfect backdrop to showcase one of my favorite bags. It's slouchy, it's soft, it's Rebecca Minkoff's Dream Bag - and she is a dream!

The Breakdown.
Morrissey black & white shirt ($5 thrift store/ARP $150), black tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Ideology skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $60), Victoria's Secret boots ($15 boot outlet/ARP $130)

Grand Total: $27
Approximate Retail Price: $343
Savvy Savings: $316

I love clothes that can work in any season. I wore this shirt in a different combination earlier this year and paired it with a white skirt, white heels and a green purse. By changing out the shoes for boots and wearing a darker skirt, it easily moves to fall.

As it is getting a little cooler here, I also brought along one of my all-time favorite shawls. Received as a birthday gift last year, this shawl is from New York & Company, and I love it! I never figured myself for a shawl/throw sort of person but having since discovered it's basically a blanket you get to wear and snuggle up in without people looking at you like you're strange, I have since embraced it.

Of course there is a certain element of a shawl being a bit dramatic. You know...

"Frankly, I don't give a darn what you think," she yelled as she threw her cape around her shoulders and slammed the door behind her.

And though I do not necessarily see myself as such, I am now old enough to not really care if anyone thinks it a bit dramatic...I've been called worse before.

Stay Savvy Y'all!

The Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $27 & Yak Pile to Boot!

Today was school - the girls and I attend a one-day-a-week school that we integrate into our homeschool routine. I love that it's just one day a week and that it provides for us a skeleton and jump-off point of learning for the rest of the week.

I also love the fact that I put "normal clothes" on before 9 in the morning - not that PJs aren't normal, but they sure aren't appropriate in most social situations.

The Breakdown.
Mossimo cotton sweater ($5 Target/ARP $17), Essentials by Milano shirt ($3 thrift store/ARP $30), Union Bay cord skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $30), Victoria Secret boots ($15 boot outlet/ARP $130).
Grand Total: $27
Approximate Retail Price: $207
Savvy Savings: $180

Later in the day, the girls and I stopped by the thrift store and I found a lovely Tibetan 100% Yak Pile shawl (never mind that Yak Pile sounds like something from which I would most definitely NOT want to make a shawl) for just $1.50. It also happened to match my outfit perfectly so I'll be sure to use it when the weather turns colder...which I hope it DOES NOT anytime soon.

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $14 Classic Cardigan Twist

Look Ma, no denim!

I have noticed that the longer I shop thrift stores, the more likely I am to take chances or try a new color combination. This is one of them. I love the subtle green, orange and pink found in this sweater and have now worn it several times using a different colored tank under it to bring out the different colors.

Although it's difficult to see, the skirt has pinstripes going through it. As someone who is not particularly a flower & lace type of girl, I love the way the pinstripe lends a more classic feel...that the bright green purse totally throws off (and I love that!).

The Breakdown.
Ann Taylor sweater ($3 thrift store/ARP $80), green tank ($3 Rave/ARP $3), Gap pin-striped black cotton skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $50), Unisa beige heels ($4 thrift store/ARP $80).

Grand Total: $14
Approximate Retail Price: $213
Savvy Savings: $199

Thrift store shopping is a great way to try a new color combination without breaking the bank so go for it! A little color IS fun!

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $14 A Bit About Bags, a Coach Laced Bleecker

Fall is here and I am loving the fact that my wardrobe has "expanded" to include sweaters. For now they are cotton sweaters since it's really not that cold, but it's a nice change nonetheless.

The Breakdown.
BCBG Sweater ($2 thrift store/ARP $50), white tank ($3 Rave/ARP $3), Red Camel denim skirt ($7 Belk's/ARP $30), leather belt ($2 thrift store/ARP $20), Via Spiga suede wedge boots (Free - exchange at Plato's Closet/ARP $270 )

Grand Total: $14
Approximate Retail Price: $373
Savvy Savings: $359

A word about purses - I don't list them in the cost of the outfit because I know a lot of people really just use one purse for everything but in attempt to show you how you really can trade out bags in a savvy fashion I'll tell you about this Coach Large Flap Laced Bleecker.

I bought this bag on eBay after selling a Botkier Trigger Bag. I had bought the Trigger earlier in the year for $100 (after selling another bag) and though I enjoyed it, I found the drop a little too short to properly fit over my shoulder. So I sold it for $175, which means I netted $75. I then took this $75 and spent an additional $55 out of pocket for this lovely Bleecker for the fall for a total of $130. Given the rarity of this bag, I will be able to sell it for more than for which I bought it. I actually saw a bag just like this just sell on eBay for $299.

I've talked to several women about handbags and their collection. A lot of women, although they admire the idea of trading up, aren't willing to part with their bags, and really, if they have the extra money to spend then go for it. I, however, don't and so I let go of old bags to buy new ones.

A girl can only wear one purse at a time, and I have found that most women, myself included, have favorites. Some lucky ladies have only one that they use till it wears out before they buy another. Others like wearing a different bag each day. I tend to fall into the second group, using my purse as another accessory and it's choice dependent upon what function it needs to fill on that given day: a carry all or a carry my wallet - field trip or grocery shopping.

That said, I know some women can't relate to the purse thing. I didn't 10 years ago and then something changed. Maybe it was the babies, maybe it was my fashion sense, either way I do view it as one of my luxuries.

I don't get manicure, pedicures, spa dates. I don't go to the salon to get my hair colored, and my haircuts, which are but a few times a year, cost me $20 a shot. I don't go out regularly with the girls or even by myself on a regular basis, preferring to spend my time at home with my family when I get a chance. I don't have any big hobbies like scrapbooking, where I spend extra money. I just like changing out purses.

The way I justify it (and yes, it's justifying it because no one NEEDS a bunch of purses) is by being as savvy about it as possible - whether it's thrift store shopping or eBay and Craigslist splurges. It's my fun way of changing things up a little and as I always say, "Purses and shoes pretty much fit on fat-days and skinny-days, pre and post-pregnancy and whether or not you just had another birthday!"

Stay Savvy Y'all...and have fun!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $115 Botkier Trigger Clyde Bag & Diesel Boots

Ahhh - my stretchy jeans. I bought these Silver Jeans at the thrift store and had to hem the tattered leg hems but that's ok - they were just $4 so I'm not complaining...too much!

The Breakdown.
tapemeasure shirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $39), Silver Jeans ($4 thrift store/ARP $60), canvas belt ($1 thrift store/ARP $10), Diesel boots ($6 thrift store/ARP $150), Botkier Trigger Clyde bag ($100 eBay/ARP $650).

Grand Total: $115
Approximate Retail Price: $909
Savvy Savings: $794

These jeans are definitely lighter than what Stacie & Clinton suggest, but with the gray skies and rainy weather I was in a very casual mood and needed to wear my comfort jeans...instead of eating comfort food.

The Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $52 Lux Ripani Daytrippin'

This shirt is part of a recent $25 shopping spree at Goodwill this last weekend. Boy, did I score. I've not yet worn the awesome Seven for All Mankind denim pencil skirt I got for $4, but I can't wait.

Besides this shirt and skirt, I scored a white denim pencil skirt, a great tiered denim skirt (are you seeing a pattern here?), a black skirt similar in shape to today's skirt, and a Bebe lace top. I'm sure you'll see them over the next couple of weeks, though the Bebe will wait for an upcoming wine tasting....I think.

The Breakdown.
Daytrip cotton shirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $26 ), LUX denim skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $40), Unisa nude heels ($4 thrift store/ARP $80), Ripani purse ($40 new with tags on eBay/ARP $398).

Grand Total: $52
Approximate Retail Price: $444
Savvy Savings: $392

I became a fan of Ripani when I bought a gorgeous bag earlier this year at Plato's Closet. It's so soft and well, not well known, it doesn't scream LOOK AT ME, and I love it!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $61 Kate Spade Summer

HELLO my Savvy Friends! I have been a way for a while, haven't I? I'm not sure what happened, other than the end of the summer I guess. I'm so much more organized and together when there is a schedule of some sort.

Then, a funny thing happened yesterday when I was at my favorite thrift store. I ran into one of my Savvy blog friends! She admitted she was a little concerned because I hadn't been blogging lately (and well, we hadn't run into each other at the thrift store lately either). After a rough summer of several of her friends dealing with hardships like sickness, she had hoped I hadn't succumb to the same thing. And well, it made me feel loved!

Cue music and the Sally Fields clip: "You like me. You really like me."

Sometimes I wonder if anyone reads the blog. I waiver between hoping that I am encouraging people with the cheap clothes and items I find versus the sick feeling like I may be discouraging people with things that they feel they could never find or worse, that I sound like I am bragging.

Suffice to say, I hope that it doesn't sound like I am bragging. Whether it's the thrift store or retail stores, there is no reason any one should pay full price - even if you have money to spare - and there's no reason why found fashion (as fellow blogger Karla's Bonanza calls it) can't be beautiful. Who cares where you get it?

So without ado, here's today's Savvy Outfit of the Day!

The Breakdown.
Peck & Peck blouse ($4 thrift store/ARP $40), aqua tank top ($4 rave/ARP $4), Gap cotton skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $40), MIA leather heels ($4 thrift store/ARP $60 ), Kate Spade Dot Noel ($45 eBay/ARP $325).

Grand Total: $61
Approximate Retail Price: $469
Savvy Savings: $408

Summer is coming to a close and Fall is just around the corner. I can't wait to break out the jeans and jackets!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $24 Armani Exchange

Today's outfit was just a basic run-around outfit. I've often resorted to Mossimo solid colored tees from Target as a way to put together casual outfits, but although the colors work well with the different patterned skirts I like to wear, they are just t-shirts. I figured that it was time to start looking specifically for wrap shirts in solid colors that are a little "nicer" than t-shirts.

Thank goodness for eBay where I just have to type in "wrap shirt" in the search engine and I have hundreds to choose from!

The Breakdown.
Moda International wrap shirt from Victoria's Secret ($9 eBay/ARP $30), black tank ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Armani Exchange denim skirt ($8 Plato's Closet/ARP $98), Sbicca shoes ($4 thrift store/ARP $50).

Grand Total: $24
Approximate Retail Price: $181
Savvy Savings: $157

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $47 Barr + Barr Purse & Victoria Secret's MODA International

Today's outfit reminded me of being in Greece. No, the print isn't Greek-key, but the colors reminded me of the gorgeous blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the white buildings and blue roofs of Santorini...ahhh, can't you just hear the waves beckoning you to join them?

The Breakdown.
Victoria Secret's MODA International new with tags long white skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $60), Mossimo t-shirt ($5 Target/ARP $9), white Rave tank top ($4 Rave/ARP $4), Barr + Barr patent leather purse ($30 eBay/ARP $175), white MIA shoes ($4 thrift store/ARP $60).

Grand Total: $47
Approximate Retail Price: $308
Savvy Savings: $261

Stay Savvy Y'all!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $27 Hobo International Purse & Seven Denim Pencil Skirt

I think Clinton & Stacie call this type of shirt a "shweater" - part shirt and part sweater all sewn into one. I can't remember if that's a good thing or not, but I like it, and not because it's "comfortable." I like the way it hugs my curves and makes this faded denim skirt look like it belongs. Plus, there is no ironing or dry cleaning involved so that's definitely a plus in my book!

The Breakdown.
Como shirt ($8 TJMaxx/ARP $30), Seven denim skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $125), Nine West buckle wedges ($4 thrift store/ARP $50), Hobo International white leather purse ($11 eBay/ARP $250).

Grand Total: $27
Approximate Retail Price: $455
Savvy Savings: $428

Hope y'all are staying savvy out there!

Savvy Supermom Outfit of the Day - $23 Faconnable Fashion

It's Summer! Public school is out and the street is teeming with children almost all day long and we love it. This outfit was a celebration of the warm weather.

The Breakdown.
Mossimo cotton shirt ($5 Target/ARP $18), white tank top ($3 For Love 21/ARP $3), Faconnable skirt ($4 thrift store/ARP $150), Via Spiga red heels (free trade in at Plato's Closet/ARP $150), Hobo International leather purse ($11 eBay/ARP $250 ).

Grand Total: $23
Approximate Retail Price: $571
Savvy Savings: $548

Between the shoes and the outfit itself I received 3 compliments from women ranging in age from 18 to 65. Of course I didn't tell them that I only spent $23 for the whole outfit.

I haven't made much mention when it comes to additional accessories, but I scour the thrift store as well as the sale counters. The bracelet is sterling silver with some sort of stone cabachon (no brand name that I could find, just the .925 silver mark) I bought at a local outlet store named Essex for $1. The Skaagen watch was purchased at Plato's Closet for $5 (retail $125). The necklace was a gift from my sister-in-law and the sterling silver earrings were $2 at the thrift store.

Stay Savvy Y'all!