Its a Spring Thing

Camisole: $18.95  Purchased from Forever 21
I bought this top from Forever 21 when the stores were still exclusive to the United States, so I was really excited to own a "semi-unique" item! Haha. Now that Forever 21 has arrived in Vancouver however, their clothing has become more mainstream. I like the lace detailing of this camisole. It softens the look of the whole outfit, and gives a plain white top something to talk about!

Skirt: $12.50  Purchased from Forever 21
This skirt is part of Forever 21's new spring line and I love it! First of all, the price is cheap! Furthermore, the floral colours of white, navy blue and magenta brightens up the entire outfit.

Cardigan: $18  Purchased from Front and Company
Label: Wilfred
This cardigan is sold at Aritzia and typically retails for over $50. I was lucky to find it at Front and Company however, consigned for less than half its original price. This cardigan is super soft, and has sizable pockets to keep your hands cozy.

Belt: $1.99  Purchased from Value Village
This light-brown leather belt is a versatile accessory for any outfit. And the price isn't bad either!

Necklace: $19.99  Purchased from Ardene Accessories
Featured in post: Autumn Leaves, Cardigans Arrive

Hat: $14.99  Purchased from Zara
I bought this fedora-style hat last year at the end of summer, so this was the sale price. I think the original price was $30? The hat came from the Men's Accessories department, because they have slightly larger hats for my big head! I like the dark green, faded hue of this straw hat. It is more casual than a typical wool or felt-made fedora, which may be too hot to wear for the summer season which is just around the corner!

Clogs: $19.95  Purchased from Urban Behaviour
I know a lot of people are on the fence about Clogs, but i LOVE them! They are super comfortable and I find them pretty cute. I love the camel colour of these shoes. There is some understated studding around front, and the straps at the back give a lot of support when walking. So watch out world! Clogs are making a comeback!

Frugal Finds Total: $106.37

Paisley in Print

Trench Coat: $19.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Iuro
I was instantly attracted to this trench coat when I saw it at Value Village. I liked the vibrancy of the turquoise-blue color, and the jacket really stood out amongst the sea of blacks and greys in the Coat aisle. Then I noticed that it had a satin, Paisley print lining on the inside, which made it really fabulous when I rolled up the sleeves! I like the high collar of the neck, and it was a nice fit overall. I will definitely be wearing this jacket more often when spring arrives!

Top: $23.80  Purchased from Forever 21
I have owned this forest green halter for many years, but have worn it only a few times. Don't get me wrong, I really like this shirt! But I simply never had the right occasion to wear it...until now.  :)

Watch: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Seiko
This is another vintage watch that I found at Value Village, and lucky for me, it works! Regardless of this fact however, I was informed by a Value Village employee the other day that they accept returns for watches that don't work, so now I don't have to be as concerned about purchasing them! I love this piece because it reminds me of the watches my grandma used to wear. I didn't really appreciate the dainty style of these timepieces before, but it has really grown on me throughout the past couple of years. Plus, it makes me think of my grandma every time I put one on.

Necklace: $7.80  Purchased from Forever 21
Although I am not a fan of birds, I am a fan of feather accessories. This necklace caught my eye because of the pink-purple coloured ombre of the feather. It also has some faux diamonds and opals on the chain, making it a fun and playful accessory.

Tights: $14.99  Purchased from Urban Outfitters

Shoes: $39.99  Purchased from Banana Republic
Featured in Post: Autumn Leaves, Cardigans Arrive






Frugal Finds Total: $116.56

Sale Season

The moment I've been waiting for has finally arrived! On Monday February 7th, 2011, Value Village is having their 50% off sale. All used clothing, shoes, accessories, and bed & bath items are half-price!
Personal Tips:
1) If you do plan on shopping at Value Village that day, keep in mind that the earlier you go, the better the items you can snag. I predict it will be a ZOO in there later in the day.
2) Be prepared to elbow your way through the racks because the shoppers in there can get vicious on sale days. I am one of them...jk!
3) Try to wear sandals or flats, so you can easily slip them off when trying on clothes.
4) Wearing a tank top is also a good option, so you can slip shirts and sweaters over it.
5) Have an open mind. You can always alter any pieces that may not fit to your liking!
Have fun and merry hunting! :)

Plaid Fad

Toque: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
I've been looking for a cozy, Cowichan knit hat for awhile, and I was so excited when I found this one at Value Village! The thick wool keeps my head super warm, and I love the little pom pom at the top. Don't worry, I made sure to wash this hat with super HOT water before I wore it :p

Tank top: $2.99  Purchased from Value Village

Plaid top: $50  Purchased from Aritzia
Label: TNA
I received this shirt as a secret santa gift a couple years back, and I must admit that I have gotten plenty of wears out of it. One of my male friends actually chose this top, and he swears he picked it out all by himself. I guess I can believe it though...since he loves plaid shirts. And anyway, how can you ever go wrong with shopping at Aritzia?

Jeans: $19.99  Purchased from Sirens
Label: Seductions
I was a bit iffy buying pants from Sirens, since the quality of their clothing is usually sub-par. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that these jeans have remained in excellent condition. And if you have an SPC or Sirens card, that means you can get an additional 10% off their clothing. Saving money any chance you get is always a good thing!

Boots: $9.99  Purchased from Value Village
These boots were one of my first shoe purchases from Value Village. Unfortunately, I have worn these shoes so often that they are starting to wear out. What do you think my chances are of finding another pair just like it?

Ring: $5.80  Purchased from Forever 21

Jacket: $49.80  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This faux-leather jacket is such a good deal. I love the combination of the navy blue shell with the attached grey sweater. It is super cute and comfortable, and any jacket with a hood is always a bonus in my books!




Frugal Finds Total: $94.56
I didn't include the TNA plaid top because it was a gift! :)


Please check me out on TheStyleSpy! I am Girl of the Week!
Thanks again to Nicole for choosing me. Please check out her blog at Le Mode du Jour.

Color Me Badd

Dress: $14.99  Purchased from Urban Outfitters
Label: Ecote
This dress reminds me of a paint palette with its many splashes of colours. The darker hues also help transition this dress from a summer item to a winter appropriate piece. The original price of this dress was $78, but I found it on the sale rack for $29.99 which I thought was a pretty good deal. THEN I realized that all sale items were an additional 50% off! Score! Bonus, this dress has pockets on it, which I love love love.

Scarf: $19.95  Purchased from Le Chateau
I've had this pashmina scarf for many years now and it is a wardrobe staple for me. It is both practical and versatile...which is probably why I have it in 4 other colours as well...

Purse: $5.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Y-Leather
My sister was the first to take notice of this purse in the accessories section of Value Village. Luckily she passed it on to me because she felt the strap was too short for her. This bag is the perfect size for carrying my cell phone, keys and wallet.

Cardigan: $19.99  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This sweater is super comfortable. Surprisingly, it also holds it shape very well after it is machine washed. And just like my pashminas, I liked this cardigan so much that I also bought it in a light pink and navy blue.  :p

Belt: Free!
With the purchase of a dress from Forever 21

Boots: $79.99  Purchased from Gia Shoes
Label: Roberto Vianni
I have been searching for over-the-knee boots since last year, but I either couldn't find a style that I liked, or the boots just didn't sit right. Either it was wayyyy too high above my knees, or I found it too bunchy around the ankles. When I saw these boots a few months ago, I really liked them, but I wasn't able to swallow the $200 price-tag. In December, I bit the bullet and told myself that I was gonna to splurge on those boots! When I went into the store, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were on sale for $160. And just like my Ecote dress, they were an additional 50% off!
P.S. These boots were the last pair in my size. I think they were meant to be...Don't you? lol


Frugal Finds Total: $140.91

Champagne and Confetti

Dress: $45.90  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This dress was perfect for the New Years event I attended at the Mariott Hotel! It was a fun and flirty ensemble that also happened to be in my favorite colour. I was also surprised by how well it matched my shoes! For weeks I had been searching for a new years dress, but nothing really wowed me. I eventually gave up all hope of finding something at the mall and was about to resort to wearing one of my old dresses when lo and behold, this caught my eye as I was leaving the store. It was the last one in my size too. Yay!

Clutch: $5.99 Purchased from Value Village
This vintage clutch is entirely covered with silver beading. It also has a detachable metal strap you can clip on to convert it into a purse.

Shoes: $69.95  Purchased from Zara
Featured in post: I Heart Pink

Watch: $14.99  Purchased from Value Village
Label: Pulsar
This piece of jewelery is quite small in size, encrusted with jewels around the faceplate and can easily pass as a bracelet. I love this watch, and it looks as new as when I first purchased it. Currently, I am on the hunt for a larger men's/boyfriend watch. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to where to find one? Preferably cheap?

Earrings: $4.99  Purchased from Legends
(a secondhand/vintage store previously located on Main St., now the home of Woo Vintage Clothing)

Admittedly, these earrings are clip-ons...lol. I am unable to wear most earrings that are not at least 14K gold, so clip-ons are a good alternative to purchasing the authentic stuff. Regardless, I love costume jewelery and these earrings were too cute to pass up.

Frugal Finds Total: $71.87

Broke the Bank Find: $69.95 Zara shoes

Look at who I ran into on New Years? Amy from aFabricofSociety! Lets take a look at her outfit of choice that night.

Dress: $35.80  Purchased from Forever 21
Adorable lace detailing on the dress. The gold belt adds a nice touch to the outfit as well!

Shoes: $79.99  Purchased from Aldo
How can you go wrong with rounded, patent nude pumps?

Rings: $6.80, $5.80, $16.00  Purchased from Forever 21



Frugal Finds Total: $144.39

Winter Wellies

Rain boots: $59.99  Purchased from Winners
Label: Hunter
I bought these rain boots from Winners two seasons ago, and I haven't regretted it since! Being an avid fan of rain boots, I have already worn through several pairs in my lifetime. Thankfully Hunter rain boots have a "seamless waterproof shell" that should prevent any cracking of the rubber from my daily wears and tears. These boots normally retail between $149-$200, so I definitely got a sweet deal on them! I had a choice between purchasing a pink or neon green pair, but I weighed my options and figured that if I were to ever go for a walk on a dark and rainy night, this colour would attract the attention of any vehicle on the road!

Dress: $49.99  Purchased from H&M
First of all, I would like to be the first to comment that this dress shrunk 2 inches too short in the dryer! Fine...more like 5 inches. I guess I should have washed this garment BEFORE I hemmed it, but its too late for that now :(  I guess I'll just have to pair it with some stockings from now on...and a tan wouldn't hurt either...Lol

Cardigan: $14.99  Purchased from Urban Behavior
This sweater is essentially a knock-off of the classic Wilfred Cardigan from Aritizia, only it is 10x cheaper! I like the sheerness of this sweater. It is perfect for those summer nights when you want to layer a light sweater over shorts and a tank top. Moreover, it takes up very little room in your purse, and it weighs zero to nothing!

Necklace: $ Free!  Purchased from Exposure
This large peacock feather necklace was given to me for my recent birthday  by my friend Esther. She originally told me that if I did not like the necklace she will not be offended, but I assured her that I did. And not only that, I featured it on my blog! I adore the bright colours of this statement piece, and it really highlights the colour of my boots.

Purse: $29.99  Purchased from Winners
Label: Airoldi Couture
I purchased this bag for my sister many years ago, and then proceeded to steal it from her. I wear this bag all the time. In fact, I've worn this bag so often that I've teared up the inside, and had to have a friend patch it up for me. Unfortunately her mending job only last a few months, and now I am back to wearing a broken bag that I refuse to throw away!

Socks: $4.99  Purchased from Ardenes Accessories












Frugal Finds Total: $159.95