Visiting Travis last weekend, I hit up the mall to find a pair of nude pumps for work. I have visions of wearing them almost everyday sans pantyhose. Classier than sandals, but still summer-ish. Agreed?
I went to Old Navy first since my closet has become very work oriented and I have little casual stuff for weekends, etc. I ended up getting a white cami (boring), a black cami (ditto), and a white and grey striped maxidress. It was full price (whoops) but I couldn't walk away from it for some reason. I think it was just the fact that I had been dying to try this trend, but none of the maxi dresses I found were long enough.
After Old Navy, I checked out DSW...which was a huge let down. I expected several options in the nude/tan pumps department, but didn't find anything. I did try on a fierce pair of Steve Maddon gladiator heels...but left them at the store since I currently have no where to wear such shoes.
After DSW, I headed to the shoe department at Macy's. Ahh Macy's. So dependable. I found the perfect pair of nude round toe pumps by Nine West. And they were on "sale" for $. Since I envision wearing them all the time, that's pretty good. Not as good as consignment, but pretty good.
The purchase at Macy's just started a snowball of "shopping fuzzies" and I visited Banana Republic. I am ashamed to admit that I was seriously tempted by two graphic printed sheath dresses, one cashmere sweater, and a host of skirts...but managed to pair down my fitting room mess to ONE graphic printed sheath that I had been eyeing on eBay. I am going to watch online to see if the army green pencil skirt that I loved goes on sale anytime soon...
No purchases at Forever 21...why do I go in there anyway?!? Such a mess!? Oh...I know...because the Forever 21 in Chicago was *amazing*...just a huge store sorted by category (casual, fancy, jeans) and then by color. Man...I miss Michigan Avenue. I'm sure my budget doesn't though...
Travis was less than impressed when I returned with the Banana Republic dress bag. He just has this thing against that store. And Tommy Hilfiger. Strange.
So, my foray back into full priced merchandised reminded me why I started shopping consignment in the first place.
On that note...I found another consignment store here in the Wausau area. I'm not sure of the name, but it is RIGHT by my apartment. Score!
xo
md
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday Hours
Since I'm in Oshkosh again this weekend I thought I would check on the two stores I missed last trip. Both are closed Sundays. I think this is typical for these types of stores.
xo
md
xo
md
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Me…besides shopping
So I realized that this blog might make it sound like I just shop all the time and am uber materialistic. Quick blurb about who I am…besides shopping.
I am originally from Michigan and I graduated from Michigan Technological University in December of 2008 (go me!). I work as an airport engineer for a firm in central Wisconsin and I love my job.
I also teach swim lessons at the YMCA, and volunteer as the head coach of the local Special Olympics swim team. Very, very rewarding to share a sport I love with other people.
My boyfriend (henceforth “bf”) lives and works in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which is exactly one and one half hour from where I live. He’s a pretty cool dude, but he hates shopping. So we watch GSN (Game Show Network) and sports and spend time with our two yellow labs. Seagram is 4 (almost 5) and Yukon is five months. They are fantastic.
I’m looking forward to home ownership and am financially working towards this goal. (That’s where the consignment shopping comes in…). Travis (bf) and I have a summer schedule that is packed with weddings (not us, other people), trips to Michigan, and country concerts.
So that’s me…in a nutshell as they say. Nice to meet you.
xo
md
I am originally from Michigan and I graduated from Michigan Technological University in December of 2008 (go me!). I work as an airport engineer for a firm in central Wisconsin and I love my job.
I also teach swim lessons at the YMCA, and volunteer as the head coach of the local Special Olympics swim team. Very, very rewarding to share a sport I love with other people.
My boyfriend (henceforth “bf”) lives and works in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which is exactly one and one half hour from where I live. He’s a pretty cool dude, but he hates shopping. So we watch GSN (Game Show Network) and sports and spend time with our two yellow labs. Seagram is 4 (almost 5) and Yukon is five months. They are fantastic.
I’m looking forward to home ownership and am financially working towards this goal. (That’s where the consignment shopping comes in…). Travis (bf) and I have a summer schedule that is packed with weddings (not us, other people), trips to Michigan, and country concerts.
So that’s me…in a nutshell as they say. Nice to meet you.
xo
md
Next on the List ~ Prior Attire
Aside from the Oshkosh stores I listed earlier…I also plan to check out a store here in Wausau called “Prior Attire”. Cute name, right?
936 S Third Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
(715) 842-3608
xo
md
936 S Third Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
(715) 842-3608
xo
md
Saturday, April 11 ~ Chic To Chic
N474 Eisenhower Dr Suite G
Appleton, WI
(920) 882 – 4050
I had read up on this store on their website. Cute shop, started by friends…VERY selective about the merchandise they select and it pays off. After getting hopelessly lost, and calling for directions, I found their store.
I spent way more money here than I intended, and as a result plan to visit less than some of the other stores.
At Chic To Chic I bought:
Bitten (Sarah Jessica Parker’s line for Steve & Barry’s) white pants with sailor details (NEW WITH TAGS)$12
Pink dress by Gap $16
Black sheath dress (on sale) by Banana Republic $11
BCBG pink peep toe pumps $14
American Eagle trouser jeans $23
Pink silky printed tunic top $22
Blue 3/4 sleeve sweater by Ann Taylor Loft $12
Dress Bermuda shorts by Gap $14
Total of $128 with tax
I did leave behind a pair of Max something or other jeans because they were $75 on consignment and that is WAY too far over the budget. I really enjoyed the way they made me look from behind, but it was too much to pay. I did receive a 15% discount for a coupon they sent out in the email flier. I plan to return ASAP to snatch up another pair of the American Eagle jeans because I ended up loving them. When you find something that fits and you love…buy multiples (on consignment).
xo
md
Appleton, WI
(920) 882 – 4050
I had read up on this store on their website. Cute shop, started by friends…VERY selective about the merchandise they select and it pays off. After getting hopelessly lost, and calling for directions, I found their store.
I spent way more money here than I intended, and as a result plan to visit less than some of the other stores.
At Chic To Chic I bought:
Bitten (Sarah Jessica Parker’s line for Steve & Barry’s) white pants with sailor details (NEW WITH TAGS)$12
Pink dress by Gap $16
Black sheath dress (on sale) by Banana Republic $11
BCBG pink peep toe pumps $14
American Eagle trouser jeans $23
Pink silky printed tunic top $22
Blue 3/4 sleeve sweater by Ann Taylor Loft $12
Dress Bermuda shorts by Gap $14
Total of $128 with tax
I did leave behind a pair of Max something or other jeans because they were $75 on consignment and that is WAY too far over the budget. I really enjoyed the way they made me look from behind, but it was too much to pay. I did receive a 15% discount for a coupon they sent out in the email flier. I plan to return ASAP to snatch up another pair of the American Eagle jeans because I ended up loving them. When you find something that fits and you love…buy multiples (on consignment).
xo
md
Tuesday April 14 ~ Goodwill
2713 Schofield Ave
Schofield, WI
(715) 355-6086
Since Nice as New closed at 5, I headed over to the Goodwill by my apartment because I knew they closed at 9pm. Pink tags were 50% off.
When I shop Goodwill or Salvation Army, I have to keep in mind that all the clothes in these places are donated and besides stains or tears, items are accepted and stocked. Even so, it is possible to find good brands at such places. It’s just a bigger hunt and a smaller chance.
I tried on a few items here, but ended up taking home only a green polka dotted scarf $ (shown at left on my purse), and three books. Two as a gift for Travis ($) and one for myself ($)
Schofield, WI
(715) 355-6086
Since Nice as New closed at 5, I headed over to the Goodwill by my apartment because I knew they closed at 9pm. Pink tags were 50% off.
When I shop Goodwill or Salvation Army, I have to keep in mind that all the clothes in these places are donated and besides stains or tears, items are accepted and stocked. Even so, it is possible to find good brands at such places. It’s just a bigger hunt and a smaller chance.
I tried on a few items here, but ended up taking home only a green polka dotted scarf $ (shown at left on my purse), and three books. Two as a gift for Travis ($) and one for myself ($)
Tuesday April 14 ~ Nice as New
2400 Rib Mountain DrWausau, WI 54401(715) 845-3328
I had a rare free evening after work and headed to this large consignment store an hour before they closed. I was completely overwhelmed by the volume of items in this store.
After picking through the racks, I found a cart full of decent items to try on…only to hear the announcement that the store was closing in ten minutes! TEN MINUTES? I had spent fifty minutes sorting through cheap brands just to find the jewels…and even though I’m an expert shopper there was no way I was going to be able to try on everything I had picked out.
I carefully put all the items in my cart onto the rack outside the fitting room, tried on a single pair of jeans, and left the store after vowing to only come back when I had more time.
It really pays to be picky when you shop consignment because it’s easy to buy things just because they seem like a great “deal”.
I had a rare free evening after work and headed to this large consignment store an hour before they closed. I was completely overwhelmed by the volume of items in this store.
After picking through the racks, I found a cart full of decent items to try on…only to hear the announcement that the store was closing in ten minutes! TEN MINUTES? I had spent fifty minutes sorting through cheap brands just to find the jewels…and even though I’m an expert shopper there was no way I was going to be able to try on everything I had picked out.
I carefully put all the items in my cart onto the rack outside the fitting room, tried on a single pair of jeans, and left the store after vowing to only come back when I had more time.
It really pays to be picky when you shop consignment because it’s easy to buy things just because they seem like a great “deal”.
Future Adventures
I was at Chic To Chic until 4pm, so had to cancel the rest of my trip. Hopefully, I will get to visit Sandarella’s Bridal Consignment and Frugal Fashion in Oshkosh on another weekend spree.
If you live in the Fox Cities area (or the Wausau area) and have suggestions for other consignment stores, feel free to let me know! Thanks!
xo
md
If you live in the Fox Cities area (or the Wausau area) and have suggestions for other consignment stores, feel free to let me know! Thanks!
xo
md
Saturday, April 11 ~ Too Little for Me / The Ladies Room
In this shop I found many good brands, and it seems like they take great care to select items from these retailers. Again, I scored big by checking both the small and medium areas due to differences in sizing. They were having a 50% sale on all items except blue tags (recent additions I guess) and that was prime.
The scores:
Baby blue ruffle neck wrap sweater by Banana Republic (my favorite!) $9
White dress pants from Jones Wear (NEW WITH TAGS) $19
Two gold cocktail rings $14 and
Large navy blue watch with rhinestones $
Green cardigan with beading from Ann Taylor $9
Short sleeve wrap shirt from New York and Company $8
Jean shorts by Ana (JCPenny Brand) $3.50
Red shorts by Tommy Hilfiger $8
Sriped Scarf by JCrew $
Yellow leather clutch
Gold bracelet
$95 with tax
xo
md
The scores:
Baby blue ruffle neck wrap sweater by Banana Republic (my favorite!) $9
White dress pants from Jones Wear (NEW WITH TAGS) $19
Two gold cocktail rings $14 and
Large navy blue watch with rhinestones $
Green cardigan with beading from Ann Taylor $9
Short sleeve wrap shirt from New York and Company $8
Jean shorts by Ana (JCPenny Brand) $3.50
Red shorts by Tommy Hilfiger $8
Sriped Scarf by JCrew $
Yellow leather clutch
Gold bracelet
$95 with tax
xo
md
Saturday, April 11 ~ Empty Your Closet
2009 N Richmond Street
Appleton, WI
(920) 831-6514
Disappointed! This store should be much pickier about what they select to stock. They had good brands but the merchandise seemed more than two years old.
I did find a pair of gold earrings (perfect for Jeff’s wedding) for $5 and a khaki blazer by J Crew for $13. I got to pick an Easter egg which contained a 10% discount, bringing my total to $17.
Appleton, WI
(920) 831-6514
Disappointed! This store should be much pickier about what they select to stock. They had good brands but the merchandise seemed more than two years old.
I did find a pair of gold earrings (perfect for Jeff’s wedding) for $5 and a khaki blazer by J Crew for $13. I got to pick an Easter egg which contained a 10% discount, bringing my total to $17.
Saturday, April 11 ~ Burger King
I know, I know…it’s not a consignment store (ew). But I have to include it in the expenses for the day of shopping. I had a four piece kid’s meal with a frozen coke and fries for $5.
xo
md
xo
md
Saturday, April 11 ~ Savers
317 Mall Drive
Grand Chute, WI
(920) 733-3264
My first stop of the day was to the store closest to Travis’ apartment and the earliest opening time. When I walked in, I expected something similar to Goodwill, but was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it was just having fresh legs and eyes, but it seemed quite possible that I would at least find small housewares or trinket jewelry to make my own.
I worked through each of the women’s racks, carefully going though the small and medium sections since my size depends on the brand. I was so excited to spot items from Express, The Limited, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. Since I shop at these stores on a regular basis, I had a idea of their retail price points.
I took a full cart load into the dressing room which included coats, sweaters, tanks, skirts, everything…As mentioned previous, I try on a million things to end up with two. I’m just picky. I think it serves me well in that I only end up with items I LOVE and keeps me on budget.
After checking out the jewelry counter (hint: ask about items in the display cases! They are in there because they are small…not because they are expensive) and the vases/decorative items I ended up with (see pictures at right):
Three painted bracelets that remind me of someone’s Mexico vacation $3 each
Two gold bangle bracelets $4 each
Yellow necklace $3
Gold cocktail rings $6 on sale for $3
Light grey pencil skirt from The Limited (Size 4! Go me!) $10
Black and white skirt from the Gap$7
Chartreuse silk babydoll tank top with sequins from Express (NEW WITH TAGS!) $6
Coral cardigan with gold pineapple buttons from J Crew $7
Baby blue cardigan from Old Navy $7
Pink sweater (super soft) from Gap $5
One olive green glass bowl for my living room $2
Two green glass vases $1 each
For a total of $74…
Not bad for the first store.
I will definitely visit Savers again, keeping in mind that it took me nearly two hours to sort through all the racks.
xo
md
Grand Chute, WI
(920) 733-3264
My first stop of the day was to the store closest to Travis’ apartment and the earliest opening time. When I walked in, I expected something similar to Goodwill, but was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it was just having fresh legs and eyes, but it seemed quite possible that I would at least find small housewares or trinket jewelry to make my own.
I worked through each of the women’s racks, carefully going though the small and medium sections since my size depends on the brand. I was so excited to spot items from Express, The Limited, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. Since I shop at these stores on a regular basis, I had a idea of their retail price points.
I took a full cart load into the dressing room which included coats, sweaters, tanks, skirts, everything…As mentioned previous, I try on a million things to end up with two. I’m just picky. I think it serves me well in that I only end up with items I LOVE and keeps me on budget.
After checking out the jewelry counter (hint: ask about items in the display cases! They are in there because they are small…not because they are expensive) and the vases/decorative items I ended up with (see pictures at right):
Three painted bracelets that remind me of someone’s Mexico vacation $3 each
Two gold bangle bracelets $4 each
Yellow necklace $3
Gold cocktail rings $6 on sale for $3
Light grey pencil skirt from The Limited (Size 4! Go me!) $10
Black and white skirt from the Gap$7
Chartreuse silk babydoll tank top with sequins from Express (NEW WITH TAGS!) $6
Coral cardigan with gold pineapple buttons from J Crew $7
Baby blue cardigan from Old Navy $7
Pink sweater (super soft) from Gap $5
One olive green glass bowl for my living room $2
Two green glass vases $1 each
For a total of $74…
Not bad for the first store.
I will definitely visit Savers again, keeping in mind that it took me nearly two hours to sort through all the racks.
xo
md
Saturday, April 11 ~ Consignment Binge
After doing a fair amount of research on the internet, I developed a plan for a full day of shopping at consignment stores in the Appleton/Oshkosh area. I mapped out each store and wrote down business hours. It seems that these stores typically close at 4pm on Saturdays…and are closed on Sundays…just something to note…
After I wore out the dogs (see photo of them on the sidebar) I headed for my first stop carrying a full purse with a bottle of water, snacks, and a list of items to look for. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited!
The next couple of postings will detail each of my stops… enjoy!
xo
md
After I wore out the dogs (see photo of them on the sidebar) I headed for my first stop carrying a full purse with a bottle of water, snacks, and a list of items to look for. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited!
The next couple of postings will detail each of my stops… enjoy!
xo
md
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Shopping Quote
"The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her." ~Marcelene Cox
If anyone who didn't know me went with me on a shopping trip...they would probably get exhausted.
Somethings I do while shopping ~
Try on 400 things and buy maybe 2.
Turn clothes inside out to check the seams/fabric.
Refuse to buy tops and dress that have a wasitband detail on the front that doesn't continue to the back.
Get distracted by the shoe section...
Talk to myself.
Cross my eyes to get a blurred view when checking outfits in the dressing room mirror.
The funniest thing I do when shopping is when I spy something that might be oh-exactly-what-I'm-looking-for-in-exactly-the-right-size-and-color...I sneak up on it. I don't go right over to the top or skirt or whatever...I circle around it and force myself to work through the other racks slowly. I think I'm afraid that if I rush over to it...it will get scared and hide or turn into a bad version of what I thought I found. My heart races during this entire act, but that's just how I do. Ha ha...
That's all I could think of for now...anyone else have shopping habits?
xo
md
If anyone who didn't know me went with me on a shopping trip...they would probably get exhausted.
Somethings I do while shopping ~
Try on 400 things and buy maybe 2.
Turn clothes inside out to check the seams/fabric.
Refuse to buy tops and dress that have a wasitband detail on the front that doesn't continue to the back.
Get distracted by the shoe section...
Talk to myself.
Cross my eyes to get a blurred view when checking outfits in the dressing room mirror.
The funniest thing I do when shopping is when I spy something that might be oh-exactly-what-I'm-looking-for-in-exactly-the-right-size-and-color...I sneak up on it. I don't go right over to the top or skirt or whatever...I circle around it and force myself to work through the other racks slowly. I think I'm afraid that if I rush over to it...it will get scared and hide or turn into a bad version of what I thought I found. My heart races during this entire act, but that's just how I do. Ha ha...
That's all I could think of for now...anyone else have shopping habits?
xo
md
First Post
So...I started this new blog to write about everything that's happening since I graduated and entered "the real world". I will probably post sporadically...because I've gotten very busy!
I also want to use this as a blog about my newest love...consignment shopping! I did a fantastic job last Saturday sticking to a budget and list and found some incredible items...as well as new favorite stores. More on that to come!
xo
md
I also want to use this as a blog about my newest love...consignment shopping! I did a fantastic job last Saturday sticking to a budget and list and found some incredible items...as well as new favorite stores. More on that to come!
xo
md
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