Weekly Expense Report: Stretching Your Fashion Dollar

When I got the flyer for Old Navy's dress sale I decided to drop my fashion dollars on quantity over quality. Isn't that what summer is all about, cheap disposable fashion? Now I just have to cross my fingers that they will withstand a wash.


The lime striped tie-front jersey dress ($15) is a perfect throw it on and go staple. I will anchor the neon color with a pewter studded belt and shiny purple heels.


I saw this highlighter yellow crepe tie-belt dress ($25) featured in Lucky magazine last month. I was thrilled that it flattered and I received so many compliments at work. Fashion advice--- Always pair a real belt with dresses instead of those little self-tie belts. Use the self-tie belt for your hair or as a scarf with a different outfit, but a cheap dress always looks more expensive with a real belt. I chose red.


This drawstring raglan-sleeve jersey top ($25) is retro perfection. It will look great with red trousers at work or magenta shorts and wedges on my day off. Maybe even those yellow jeans I plan on buying. I'm resisting going back to buy it in red.


The florals at Old Navy right now remind me of pin-up Hawaiian prints and this floral-print racerback tank ($18) is no exception. I will be pairing it with my high-waisted pencil skirts, wide-legged trousers, and maybe even my beloved magenta shorts.


Pin-up perfect denim capris? Check! These dark denim patch-pocket capris ($30) are super flattering. I feel ready for summer now.

Weekly Expense Report: Beauty & the First Capris of Spring

Between checking out the Fall 2012 fashion shows and my everyday life I'm afraid I've fallen off the blogosphere. Ironic how inspiration finds you only when you're busy. I've started a running tab to keep track of all my beauty purchases this year, I want to know how much it costs to be me.


I couldn't let the limited edition Carousel Gloss Collection ($65) slip through my hands. I've been drooling over swatches for months and couldn't wait to try out these crazy colors for myself. So far I've worn cherry on top and I've been very happy with it, the beautiful packaging always makes me smile! Hurry and order yours before it is gone!



When mixed with water that green mud up there becomes one of my favorite cleansers--Lush's herbalism ($28.75/8.8 oz). I love to use this cleanser in the morning to wake up my skin, tighten pores, and slough off dead cells. I use the Tea Tree Toner Water ($20) morning and night to remove leftover makeup, tighten and prep my skin. My last bottle lasted me a year!


Meet my new summer uniform. Bright capris + heels + top + bright lipstick will get me through the warm weather. If these babies don't stretch out horribly and retain their fitted pin-up perfect shape you can bet I'll be ordering the other six colors of the slim fit twill capris ($50).

Weekly Expense Report: The Cheap Edition

In the midst of life-altering financial commitments and new beginnings I've come to the conclusion that I spend too much. Like a good 50s housewife I surround myself with a material dream-world to distract from the ugly parts of life but my bank account is truly suffering for it. I'm preparing posts on financial commitments and how to prepare for the future while living an anachronistic lifestyle but in the meantime I am scaling back my spending and trying to convince myself that saving money is the way to go. Shall we see where I've pinched my pennies this week?


I finally indulged my curiosity with Margarita Bloom's Fairytales and Folklore Luxury Milk Bath Soak ($22) in Sweet Dreams. Described as "buttercream and snickerdoodle...sweet cream, caramel, nutmeg, praline, cocoa and vanilla" I am looking forward to this delicious bath! I usually use LUSH products at $2.50-$6 each bath but this 10-ounce jar will give me twenty baths for just over $1 each bath! I don't mind saving money with that cute packaging!


I had to pick up the Joie de vivre Luxury Treat Bag ($14.50) as an introduction to the brand. This baby is filled with random samples so I can try a full range of products before I invest more money! Oh, and did I mention you get 20% off with the code BEAUTIFULYOU?


I decided to scope out Maurices for some cheap fashion thrills. I found this awesome two button faux fur coat ($20 in-store) on sale. I'll be pinning my new rhinestone cherries on this one! The material is cheap but for a white occasional coat I can live with it.


My other cheap splurge is this grecian-inspired colorblock top ($26.) I love the 1930's styling and I can wait to rip off that cheap belt and add a sparkly rhinestone one. The tight bottom half of the shirt is perfect for tucking into my high-waisted pencil skirts for work! The material can be washed a thousand times and will never show wear so I feel like I got a sound investment on this one!

Weekly Expense Report: Yet More Lingerie

I have a confession to make: I am utterly addicted to lingerie. Any retro purist will say that the proper undergarments set the tone of the whole outfit so what better way to bring old-school glamor into the everyday with retro-inspired lingerie? Your day just goes better when your bra and panties match. My lingerie collection has grown so much that I switched my jean drawer with my bra drawer! I blame my increasing interest in Burlesque and actually finding bras that fit.


How cute is this? The pink corset demi bra ($46) is so cheesecake! Of course I had to pick up the matching garter skirt ($25, check local stores) as well!


The stripes, they slay me. The striped balconette bra ($42) and striped sheer back boyshort ($18) taunted me until I brought them home.


I needed a third panty to get my 3/$29 panty deal so I picked these up. The matching bra was sold out in my size but at least I can enjoy the ribbon slotted hipster panty ($18) with her bows and roses!


I had to get something frivolous for Valentine's Day...we're just going to pretend that all these sets aren't frivolous...so the dotted lace up hipster panty ($18) made the cut. The sheer pindot fabric really appealed to me and it is going to coordinate with a lot of other bras I already own.


The picked up these little beauties from Shoedazzle ($40). Want to stop traffic? These will do it and they are super walkable! I like to pair them with bright tights. These are actually knock-offs of Jeffrey Campbell's Foxy Wood ($120).

Weekly Expense Report: Vintage Shopping

Mr. Anachronistic Style and I spent a snowy day in downtown Delaware, Ohio trolling through the antique stores. We had lunch at Bun's before visiting three antique stores and one vintage clothing store. We rounded out our day with Babycakes bakery and coffee at Choffey's where I kicked Mr. Anachronistic Style's butt at penny hockey. Good day.



I found quite a few treasures at DPS Antiques and collectibles. I couldn't go home without the pink feather plume pen I scored for only $9 and Mr. Anachronistic Style found some old photographs of infinitely stylish people for only $1-4! I found quite a few bobbles, my cherry pin was only $2 and the green clip earrings and pin set were only $7.


The $3 tray above was also purchased at DPS antiques for my vanity and I couldn't resist sneaking my plume pen in there again. The candy-colored necklace was scored at Sandusky Street Antiques for only $10. I also found some amazing vintage lingerie--peach tap shorts and a romper that would have come home with me if they had fit.



We visited Captain Betty's Vintage and I was very impressed with the selection. Betty herself though is a loon and I may have left a bad review at the link above. *cough cough* I scored the pretty art-deco bauble pictured above with my McQueen-esque scarf for a cool $38. Since she had men's vintage I snapped Mr. Anachronistic Style in his new $6 vintage tie.


After an hour at Betty's I was ready to order my first Vivcore dress set ($132). I love the fact that I can get a vintage look while enjoying the pleasures of shopping new (and actually find my size!) I have so many outfits planned already for these separates.

Weekly Expense Report: A Very Stylish Christmas

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I must have been a good girl this year to get so many wonderful and stylish presents. I will not be listing prices due to the spirit of giving but links are provided for purchasing.


I received the Candy Violet Pretty You 4 piece set in siren red from the in-laws. I can't stop marveling over all the pieces, so cute and easy to wear. The flower pin, hair bows, scarf and bow hat integrate seamlessly into my current wardrobe.


This gorgeous green leopard collar 60s coat is from Asos via my mother-in-law! I love how it looks like the one Andy wears in The Devil Wears Prada.


Mr. Anachronistic Style deemed me worthy of this gorgeous Betsey Johnson tea party satchel! I can't stop staring at it, it is perfect in so many ways. Love the bows, the quilting, the interior. I will carry this for years.


My dream is to have a kitchen full of pink KitchenAid appliances. My wonderful in-laws bought me the first piece with this beautiful 7-speed digital hand-mixer! I will be baking cookies.


Mr. Anachronistic Style's cousin and his wife bought me these mixing bowls to go with my new hand mixer. So thoughtful and much needed!

Weekly Expense Report: Holiday Glitter & Glam

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While I scramble to finish all my last-minute Christmas shopping I have scooped up a couple things for myself along the way. I'm focusing on injecting more glamour and opulence into my wardrobe with sequins, fur, and retro-inspired lingerie.


This Donna Karan New York sequin party dress ($128) is my back-up anniversary dress in case the teal one doesn't work. Otherwise I'll be rocking it for New Year's Eve. I love the champagne and smoke sparkle--very film-noir in a classic silhouette. A dress this dramatic begs for a fascinator! You can find XS-XL here at Macy's and 14-28 here at Lane Bryant!


My favorite intimate store Cacique has a fabulous new December collection for the curvy and fabulous crowd that features pin-up girl styling. The ribbon slotted bandeau bra ($42) stole my heart with her polka dots and teal ribbon and comes in 36C-36DDD and 38-44B-H. The matching ribbon slotted hipster panty ($18) comes in pant sizes 12-28.


Because artfully lounging is a priority and I am a sucker for polka dots this cami doll set ($40) came home with me. It even comes with matching tap pants.



Another bra and panty set in heart-throbbing pink and black French-inspired lace. The passion lace balconette ($38) and the luxury lace trim hipster ($18) are perfect for everyday wear and come in a wide range of sizes!


There is no way I could leave this striped set behind featuring little cherry charms! The striped plunge bra ($42) and striped tanga panty ($18) will nestle their way into my lingerie drawer.


I never knew how much I would appreciate the starry night 2 piece pajama set ($55) until I put it on. I love Cacique sleepwear because the smallest size is perfectly oversized on me--like I borrowed my husband's sleep pants but they are more comfortable and come in the cutest prints. I was attracted to this set because of the D&G inspired print and little ruffle details. I never anticipated just how glamorous I would feel lounging around in these vintage-y menswear-inspired pajamas. I'll go back for more after Christmas when they are on sale so I can pick up a few more prints!



If I'm not buying tights from welovecolors.com then Spanx are definitely my legwear of choice. I love the patterned tights and hosiery with the high-waisted control top--they fit perfectly and flatter my curves better than any hosiery I've ever tried! I purchased the Diamond and Swiss Dot sheer fashion hose ($28) to round out my Holiday wardrobe.

Weekly Expense Report: Black Friday/ Cyber Monday

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Last Black Friday and Cyber Monday I was left trolling the sample sales and door-busters online without a penny to my name, pining over sales unpurchased because it's Christmas and I should buy for others. This year I planned better.


The sequin circles cardigan in navy ($98) from Banana Republic is even more gorgeous in person with iridescent beads and holographic sequins. This is going to be my go-to Holiday topper.


I also have an eight-year anniversary this December. The dark peacock silk ruffle front dress ($140) is the dress. This fits and flatters my curves (unlike the model above.) It feels so luxuriously 1930s glamour!


A silver glitter belt ($40) highlights my waist and makes dresses that come with those cheap black vinyl belts look a little more luxe.


I finally bought the BR Mad Men Collection Stefani glasses ($98) that I've been pining for since fall. So 1960s chic!


I needed a black ballet flat with silver instead of gold hardware. The BR Brynn bow ballet flat ($110) came to my rescue!


Sugarpill always has a great Black Friday sale so I scored all these Chromalust loose eyeshadows ($12) for 30% off! I purchased from left to right, top to bottom--- Tiara, Asylum, Junebug, Darling, Starling, Royal Sugar, Magpie, Weekender, & Stella.



Shoedazzle was having a double style points sale so I scored Zahara and Rhoda ($40). I love how Zahara is a bootie that is very of-the-moment, I can mix it with my retro style to modernize the look. Rhoda is green. Seriously, that is all the reason I needed!



kate spade had a sample sale so I took advantage of a few good deals. The hot pink carnation garden scarf ($79) is so festive and girly, the perfect topper for the collarless coat I see in my future! It also looks great over a crewneck or something strapless as a necklace. I also purchased the walker park colorblock hat ($59) because I fell in love when I saw it in Lucky magazine a few months ago. I chose the teal version because I asked for this teal coat for Christmas!

Weekly Expense Report: Outlet Shopping

Visited the Jeffersonville Outlet Mall which is about an hour outside of Columbus, OH this week. I hadn't been in YEARS but now I am an avid believer. I never trusted outlet malls because I knew that most stores never carried the real deal, that there was a bunch of factory stores with sub-par products. Which is still true---the Banana Republic Factory Store and Ann Taylor Factory store contains cheap-quality products that have never been inside a real mall, and I'm sorry but isn't Old Navy ALREADY an outlet store? But I did find a few gems--the Juicy Couture Outlet, the kate spade Outlet, and the White House | Black Market Outlet.


Who knew that kate spade sold clip earrings that don't pinch ($54)? I love these huge cushion cut stones that look so retro! I find myself grabbing the pink ones just about every day!


So of course I had to grab them in turqoise too ($54). I haven't worn these yet, I keep reaching for the pink ones!


I've been jonesing for the kate spade Franca sunglasses ($128) since my other white sunglasses busted. I had a conniption when I found a pair at the outlet! Overall I was very pleased with the outlet, almost all the products had been in real kate spade stores and were the quality you expect from the brand.


Scored this Juicy Couture cupcake key fob ($58) to keep all my keys nice and tidy. The Juicy Couture Outlet is a nice mix of real product and products made especially for the outlet, you just have to be picky and ask the sales girls what's what.


It's just not a shopping trip without a shoe purchase. The White House | Black Market pink cork wedge ($30) is on sale and my new favorite shoe! I can walk a mile in these things and I am determined to properly break them in before they are stored away until next summer.



A few more of the items I picked up at the WHBM outlet! I have decided I'm not shopping the real stores anymore since ALL products end up at the outlet in 2-3 months anyway! I've hunted all over town for those magenta shorts in my size so I was stoked to find them at the outlet. I almost bought the dress at full price ($168!) and scored it at the outlet for only $45.

I think I've discovered a new shopping addiction and my wallet couldn't be happier.