Minimalist Fashion (sort of)

I have been feeling overwhelmed lately by my total lack of control in regard to my shopping addiction problem. After paying down all my cards I have one that just won't go away. I am not trying too hard to seriously pay it off, even though I want to. I will make big payments each week, but just keep charging away.
I need to get in control again. A few months ago I found out about Project 333. The last group started on April 1st. For 3 months you wear 33 pieces. Clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, outerwear. Janet over at The Gardener's Cottage, where I initially read about Project 333, is such an inspiration and always looks tres chic! I thought about doing it and just like I thought about paying off my credit card before I ordered a $400 bag, I put it off for another day.
I can't do this anymore and perhaps writing it here will help me stick to it. Although the next group begins July 1st, I am going to start prepping now.
After reading Recovering Shopaholic (and realizing she was my twin) the clothes will come out of the closet and I will be putting 33 back. Because I am so challenged I am only going to do 33 garments. Keep nothing that you would rate less than an "8" (on a scale of 1 to 10) and the best advice I have read so far: If you wouldn't want your ex to see you in it, get rid of it!!!!
I have cut down my accessories a lot, but I am sure after this I will be able to get rid of more. At least some of my hard earned E-bay money can help me pay down my debt and relieve some of the anxiety I feel throughout the day.
Next up is to make a shopping budget. 50% of my income goes to shopping. Doesn't that seem nuts?!
This is perhaps the hardest season for me because I adore summer clothes and there are so many Lilly's to choose from!!!
Anyone interested in the challenge?

Sail Away

After receiving my new vineyard vines catalog panic ensued when the sailboat motif threatened to take over the pink and green Lilly's in the closet. (More on that later)
I love a boat print just as much as the next prep, but there is one major problem with nautical.
Red looks like shit on me. Really bad. Like a tan tomato bad.
As sweet as my coworkers are at trying to convince me otherwise, I just can't get over it.
That's such a shame because as you all know, 4th of July just isn't the same without a good glow in the dark Lilly short.

I caved in.
Tomato aside, I ordered the pants and bought a few red tops for good measure.
Anticipating the arrival of my nautical nirvana I cleaned out the Lilly's and sent them to the E-Bay chopping auction block.
Well they all came back up because the rise on these sailboat jobbies is high. I mean old lady high.
Perhaps I am not the target amazonian sorority sister, but I am under 60. So please Shep & Ian, drop the rise. At least to the belly button.
No one looks attractive with a camel toe. Even one covered in sailboats.

At least they didn't break the Internet this time...

Rumor has it that people have been lined up for days to gets first dibs on the discounted Lilly goods at the Warehouse sale this year. They are only doing one sale so I would hope they would make it a good one. They have no online sale, but via shops are from June 6th at midnight until tonight.

As my insomniac little Chihuahua kicked Nick out of bed at 2AM for the second night in a row, I grabbed my phone as he hit the couch and checked out Splash of Pink.

Murfee scarves for $79 and McKim's for $69 is ok, but if I am waiting a whole year for a sale give me something good!!!!

I have had so much luck in past years that I was disappointed. Zappos had the most inventory and unlike the other stores you can return if the pieces don't work. Free shipping both ways!!!


This is what I wound up with:

Spike the Punch Murfee Scarf $79

New Green Tossed Elsa Top $94.80

New Green Worth Skinny Mini $88.80

Not terrible, but I did have my eye on a few other things.

Did you score this time around?

Oh, and the top and pants will not be worn together. I would look like a well-fed inchworm.

Ok...

After a bit of a hiatus and way too much crap getting in the way I have decided to blog again.  My shopping addiction has gone way out of control, OCD has me crying on the floor of my closet every night and the debt that was paid off is creeping back up.  Husband says I need a hobby and since I have a fancy degree in writing, then writing is shall be.  If not for anything else the sound of my own voice should keep me entertained each evening until bedtime.
Things that have changed in the past year...
We moved and didn't tell anyone for 3 months.
The Lavallette house was destroyed by Sandy and is not coming back.
Nick has developed an addiction to physical activity of the most ridiculous level.
Overall, interesting on paper, but not as it played out.
As I delve back into blogging, I have had lots on my mind.
New discoveries such as project 333, as well as getting into my mid 30's and wondering if this is it.
Hopefully you can relate and if you don't at least humor me a bit. You'll get there at some point!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Sephora to Shop Rite

Deciding to put away cash for the house, I thought about ways that I could cut my spending and put more into the savings.  I have seen all the commercials with cosmetic companies claiming that there products are just as good as those found in department stores, so I decided to give myself a little challenge.

As my beauty products run out I have been replacing them with something I can get while at the grocery store.  Now, I must tell you that my local Shop Rite has the WORST selection, but I have stuck it out and done my best with what is available.

Here is how it has gone down...

Bobbi Brown Champagne Eye Shadow $21

Bobbi Brown Shell Eye Shadow $21

Bobbi Brown Taupe Eye Shadow $21

Maybelline Eye Shadow $3.99

Anastasia Brow Whiz $20

Maybelline EyeBrow Pencil $4.99

Guerlain Mascara $36

Maybelline Mascara $8.49

Aveda Shampoo $18

Loreal Shampoo $6.99

Aveda Conditioner $18

Loreal Conditioner $6.99

Boscia Face Cleanser $26

Clean & Clear $5.49

Jurlique Balancing Mist $31

Sea Breeze Toner $4.99

My skin still looks the same, and people have been asking me where my make up is from! I have to say that this switch was much easier than I ever imagined, and I am glad I did it.  Now I just have to use the rest of my over-priced cosmetics so I can find great low-priced alternatives!

By the way, my total savings so far $187.05!!!!!!!

Ssshhhhh....I'm Huntin' Critters

Hark! Do my eyes deceive me while scrolling down the J.Crew new arrivals page?
It is a critter, although not described as so.

No, it is the more sophisticated "Embroidered" variety.
Do not be fooled, it is still the same.
Somewhere deep down, you still want to be preppy, I know you do J.Crew!
Since it is most likely soon to vanish, I highly suggest wrangling putting it in your shopping cart ASAP!
It will become extinct sooner than later.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the time that it took from the writing to the publishing of this post, these shorts did in fact sell out. Ok Jenna Lyons, shouldn't that tell you something? You're overpriced organza polka-dot shorts are still lying around, aren't they?! Thought so...

How Lovely to be a Woman

One of my favorite movies is "Bye, Bye Birdie" starring Dick Van Dyke. 

The wardrobe is amazing and what girl would not want to be Ann-Margret! She has her perfect prep Hugo, and her bad-boy crush Conrad.

Kim is dressed in wonderful looks.  The transformation from bright colorblocking to her comfy sweatshirt and jeans could not be better played and she is flawless in both.

The perfect couple!

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend putting in in your Netflix queue.

You will be singing "We Love You Conrad" for weeks!!