Truly Styled

An experiement at the Outlet Mall...

A friend of mine asked if I'd like to hit the outlet mall with her.  I said yes because I thought it would be fun to hang out with her, not because I thought I'd get any great deals.  In the past outlet malls were a false premise.  They claimed great savings when what I actually found was last year's items a bit less than you'd find at the normal store or items that are made specifically for the outlet and not in their mainstream store.  I've never been a huge fan and frankly they take so long to get through who has time to shop that long and not save that much money.

Well, I had a great time!!!  We left Chicago around 9am, hit a coffee shop and headed to Pleasant Prairie, WI, which took about an hour.  The timing was perfect because we didn't hit any traffic and got there at 10am, when the stores opened up. 

The key to effective shopping is to have a very good idea of what it is you are looking for.  If you go to a mall that large with no plan you will most likely end up one of two ways.  Coming home empty handed because you didn't know what to buy and got overwhelmed with all of your options or you come home with a lot of items that you didn't necessarily need and have to keep because you won't be making an hour trip to go shopping anytime soon.  Not to mention, some of these stores have return policies of "store credit" only. 

We started on the far end of the mall at JCrew.  I am a huge fan of JCrew and had plans of adding a few staples from them for my spring wardrobe.  I didn't think I'd find any of that but was I wrong!!  I wanted a pair of white and a pair of gray light weight khakis (they call them the summer weight khaki at the JCrew store).  I found both for $39.99/each (reg. $49.50).  There was also a silk halter top that was so similiar to the one I've been eying on-line for awhile ($39.99, originally $59.50).  I also needed spring/summer pieces for the kids (we are going to FL in March) and this outlet has Crewcuts which is sooo cute!   I ended up with a large shopping bag filled with 2 pairs of pants, a stripped scoop neck tee (stripes are everywhere this spring and a great addition to your wardrobe), a cute tank, the halter top, a cotton tank, a tunic to wear with capris or as a cover up. The kids got 6 tees, 2 cardigans and a pair of the cutest bermudas I've ever seen all for $376.79 with a savings of $141.14.  I also forgot to mention that the sales tax in Chicago is 10.25% and the sales tax in WI was 5.5% (wow!!!).  So in addition to the $141.14 I saved, I also saved $17.90 on tax alone.

The next stop was the Banana Republic Outlet.  I got a yellow and gray stripped polo sweater that was $49.99 at 50% off.  They had super cute ballet flats that my friend got for 50% off and I picked up some boxers for my husband at 4 for $20.  Total $47.46, a savings of $44.96 (not including sales tax).

Then we hit Bath and Body Works, I needed hand soap.  Found that and a great skincare travel bag for $9.  My friend got 2 great totes for $4/each and a cute basket.

Ralph Lauren was a hit for my friend who was looking for button downs for her boys.  If you have a baby their baby clothes are to-die for!

I hit the Bass outlet for shoes for my husband.  50% off!  2 pairs of shoes for $100 and they are beautiful!!

Lunch was quick and nice.  The eatery we went to didn't have a deli but got something borderline healthy.  Gobbled up and were on our way to another section of the mall.

I needed a clutch that was neutral and nice for going out.  I love my cheap target bags but thought it was time to get something a bit more sophisticated  that could last for a long time.  We checked out the Coach outlet for that.  There was way too much in the store with their logo on it.  I can't stand things that scream a brand name, and coach does it as good as anyone else.  I can't tell you how many closets I've been in that the "going out" purse is a small coach bag with the logo all over it.  Not my style.  I did, however, find a metallic clutch that was $99.00, a savings of $66.00.  There was beautiful wallets that I considered but I had to stay focused.  My friend got the coolest blue bag that was very vintage looking for her daughter.  She also found a wrist-let that was perfect for evenings out.

Restoration Hardware was awesome!  We needed a medicine cabinet for our bathroom and I have been eying one on-line that was on sale, but I wasn't in love with it.  It would do but it wasn't perfect.  I found the perfect one for $115.00!  They normally run $350-$450.

BCBG was tons of fun.  Tried on a lot and ended up with a few pieces but could've left with more.  I wanted to add a fun sundress and skirts and found both.  I also got a great pair of aviator sunglasses all totaling $109.19.  (you have to love what you get here, all sales are final!).

My friend went into Black House/White Market and got a cute top while I hit the converse outlet for my little guy and got him navy blue Chuck Taylor high-tops for $20.

We only covered a little more than half the mall and were there from 10-3ish.  All in all, worth the trip.    I had a great time with a friend that I don't get to see that often, added some must have's for the season and got some great deals.  What more do you want for a shopping trip!!  Maybe more money.

"I'm too old, too tired, too fat to look good..."

I just got back from an amazing trip with my mom, sister and my aunt to Carmel, CA to visit a friend of my mom's (a friend from 8th grade, so cool!).  I knew going into this trip that my mom had expectations of getting some new clothes for her new body.  She had lost some weight after a pretty tough year and was on the road to feeling better both emotionally and physically.  Growing up she was always the cutest mom in the room.  I was never embarrassed by what she wore, I actually wore her cute plaid skirt and white blouse to my first homecoming.  Somewhere along the way she gave up on caring about dressing cute.  Comfort was way more important to her (a theme I hear so often).  I have to say, I was a bit nervous to take her on.  I mean, she's my mom.  I had heard her say so often that she had plenty to wear, she was older now and it didn't matter much any more.  I knew she had a cute body under there and that if I could find her clothes that would be comfortable and cute she would feel like a million bucks.

So, we shopped for shoes first (of course!) and did we nail it!  Got her comfortable shoes that were darling and she loved them (win, win).  Then we hit the clothing stores.  I found that she was wearing her clothes too big, got her to agree to try on some jeans that were snugger, found the right type of capri and shirts/tops that fit her better but were comfortable.  She looked amazing!  It was one of the best shopping experiences to date!  To make your mom smile is always a good thing!

We returned to see my aunt and she couldn't believe her sister looked so amazing!  Now she wanted better jeans and wanted to feel better too.  So, off we went in search for the best jeans for both figures.  They are built totally different for sisters.  My mom is 5'2, short legs and her sister is 5'8 all legs.  We hit it big at Ann Taylor Loft for both of them.  I swear my aunt was walking different and was beaming!  It was a huge success.

So, when someone says, "I'm too old, too tired or too fat to look good" I say, "Nonsense!!".  A $58 pair of jeans can change the way you see yourself which ultimately changes how you feel inside.  I've always said that clothing should never define us but it can make us feel better.  Ask them! 

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

I know you won't believe me, but just the other day I was thinking to myself that I need a stylist!  Yes, me, the stylist who needs a stylist!  Friends, it's like the cobbler's shoes...we always forget the ones closest to home.

The reason I'm sharing this with you is because I realized that we all see the worst in ourselves until someone else points out the best in ourselves.  It's simple, really. Sometimes life is as simple as a great fitting pair of jeans...a perfect swimsuit (yes, it's out there)...or a hot haircut.  And sometimes we need help to know what that is! Even me ... go figure.