Battle of the Stores

Happy Halloween!
Today I went on an adventure to determine the best discount store in DC. I ventured to TJ Maxx, Loehmann's, Filene's Basement, Marshalls and Target (not really a "discount" store, but still has great clearance racks!). I wanted to see which store had the best over-all selection and prices. I was looking at everything but was specifically looking to buy a cozy PJ set for the impending cold winter nights ahead.
My first stop was TJ Maxx in Friendship Heights. The selection there was by far the best of the day. However, there were few sales racks (surprising for TJ's). Although the PJ section was lacking, there were many designer handbags and coats at the store. I also saw a lot of quality boots at decent prices. The best part was the great selection of Lilly Pulitzer stationary (notepads, pens, desk accessories etc. are my weakness). I have always wanted a fancy pen so I picked up this Lilly pen for only $10 (on the website they run for $20)

My next stop was Filene's Basement which wins the biggest dissapointment prize. There were NO sales (a woman who worked there told me the next sale wouldn't be until black friday) I don't know about you, but I can't wait that long! Although, the selection was decent, I left the store empty handed.

Next up was Loehmann's. There was great stuff there! In addition, there was also a medium-sized sale rack. I found a soft gray hoodie which will be perfect for class! The Loehmann's price tag said it retailed for $84 (these prices are sometimes inaccurate) and I got it on sale for $15.

Next on my journey was Marshall's in Columbia Heights. There was a lot of great stuff and decent sales but nothing really caught my eye.

Finally, I ended at Target. Here I found my PJS for $25!! How cute are they???!!!

I also love Target's dollar bins in the front of the store. I found this adorable basket for only 25 cents! It is great for extra storage for hair supplies/lotions! I put mine on top of my toilet!

And the winner is...TJ Maxx!

 Although I found my awesome PJ's at Target, I felt that TJ Maxx had the best selection and amount of designer pieces. I cannot wait to go back!

Easy (and cheap!) Desk Organizational Tricks!

I don't know about you but my desk is usually a mess! I consider myself to be a relatively clean person but my desk has always felt the brunt of my laziness. My desk is the first place I go when I walk into my room so I usually throw my keys, books and bag on it without thinking twice. However, last night I went on a mission to organize the space!
The first step was the get the massive tangle of cords next to my desk in order (untangling my laptop charger from my phone charger has turned into a daily frustration!)

I bought those adorable Vera Bradley binder clips (mentioned in the previous post) and clamped them around a folded piece of masking-tap. Next I tapped the ends to my desk and labeled them for convenience. Then I threaded the chord through them and voila!
Here is another view:

However, I cannot give myself full-credit for this one. I borrowed this idea from College Prep
Next, I wanted to organize the never-ending amount of loose-paper I seem to accumulate. I found this clear file box at Target for $10.00 I sorted the tabs by class/extracurricular activity/etc. To spice it up I found a monogram font online and printed out my initials. I then wrapped a ribbon behind the graphic and now I have an efficient (and chic!) way to organize my papers!

And from far away

It matches my lamp!
My next task was to find a solution to my top desk drawer. I don't know about you, but I have always relied on this drawer for keeping extra pens, pencils, post-its organized so they can be easily located when I need to restock my pencil case. However, the drawer has turned into a mess! To remedy this problem I took some old plastic containers (bought at IKEA three for $2 or so) and snapped the lids off. Now they are holders for my pens and pencils.

Already my life has become more organized from these easy (and cheap!) desk organizational tricks!

Now onto Halloween-
I love a good play-on-words costume! Here are a few that I came up with/saw/heard:
1.) Dress like a cat and wear a sign that says "scan"......You're a CAT-SCAN!
2.) Wear a beard and carry a pot and gardening shovel.....Your're HARRY POTTER!
3.) Wear a floral shirt and boxing gloves......You're HAWAIIAN PUNCH!

Happy Halloween!!

        

My wish list (a.k.a. items I will stalk online until they go on sale)

I have a few items on my radar which I fully intend on stalking daily until they go on sale

I love this adorable Kate Spade necklace. It would look adorable with anything from a sundress to a black V-neck and jeans. (It is also available in "Twirl")

I am OBSESSED with these Anthropology boots! But out of love for my wallet and a great deal I will patiently wait for these gems to go on sale!

What do you get when you combine two things I LOVE? This Vineyard Vines Steelers Tote!

Okay so these adorable Vera Bradley binder clips are not a huge splurge but they still make my wish list! My mind is already overflowing with ideas for these cute clips!

Love this Coach scarf. Leopard is huge this fall and infinity scarves are great! I do have to give thanks to my sister (who will from here on out be known as ATL sis) who first told me about this find.

And again with the leopard print! I need these Sperry Top-Siders in my life!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Food Bargains!

Bargains do not only apply to great discount clothing! Food can be expensive (especially in a city like DC) so here are a few tips to satisfy your bargainista appetite!
1). Go to your favorite bakery/pastry shop fifteen to twenty minutes before close and freebies ensue.
       This past week on a study break to Dunkin' Donuts I was charged for only five munchkins (donut hole-esque morsels of goodness for those of you who need to brush up on your Dunkin' Donuts lingo) at about $1.25 total and received fifteen!
2). Marshall's and TJMaxx are not just for clothes!
       These great stores also usually feature a section or two of non-perishable foods at great prices! Just a few weeks ago I scored gourmet pumpkin coffee and expensive chocolates for a fraction of their costs had I bought them in a grocery store!
3). Online coupons!
       Subscribe to sites which will frequently send you coupons (via email) for restaurants in your area!
I love "retailmenot.com"

And now for the first in a series of weekly "DO and DONT" lists

DO

-Transition yellows into fall (preferably via velvet blazers and corduroy skirts)

-Purple tights

-Orange accessories

-Glee Rocky Horror Episode!

-Jon Stewart Rally to Restore Sanity

DONT

-Faux fur vests! (no one and I mean no one looks good in one of these)

-Uggs with shorts

-Lace shirts with no cami

-Neon clothing

-Constant speculation over Taylor Swift's love life

Thanks for reading and don't forget to keep me posted on your great finds!

My Fall Obsessions

This fall I am looking forward to the crisp air, trips to the pumpkin patch and of course fall fashion! This year I am on the look out for all things "fall prep." This means that on my wish-list are cozy sweaters with suede elbow patches, tweed jackets with toggles and velvet blazers in rich colors.
I am obsessed with this great sweater from Old Navy. It is in a "cape-like" style which is going to be in this year. The best part is it is only $30.00!

I also love this jacket from Anthropologie which was originally $228.00 but is now $99.95! Note the adorable bows on the sleeves!

 Also here is a great "eternity scarf" (it is one big circle you wrap around your neck) which I own and can easily be transitioned from flowy tank tops to navy cable knit sweaters! It's from Nordstroms and only about $18.00

Enjoy and happy autum!

First Post!

In honor of my first post I went to my favorite consignment store in Washington D.C. in an attempt to find a great bargain to inaugurate my blog with! Although I was a tad disappointed with the selection (too much tweed) I managed to uncover an adorable blue and black BCBG top. It has an empire waist with velvet fabric and silk accents.  The downside of consignment stores is that because the clothes have already been worn, there are no original price tags. Thus, I cannot rejoice in being able to compare the original price to the actually price I am going to pay (my version of joy). However, because of the velvet, silk and the fact that it is a usually pricey brand I am going to take a bargainista-educated guess and say that the top would probably have sold for $80.00 to $100.00. And how much i did I get it for? $32.00!!
        I was also at Forever21 yesterday (where a true bargainista learns where to draw the line between fabulous and tacky) and I found a great necklace for an even greater price! This necklace was only $6.80. I cannot wait to wear it with a black wrap-dress or a dark purple top.

Thanks for reading and I will post again soon!