. . . for Lauren and Lauren: So many deals

June 24, 2013

So many deals

shirt, short, & sandals: target 

I should first say that when I went outside to take pictures, Chris asked me why I was taking pictures of this outfit.  (insert defensive and offended response) 

He told me I usually take pictures when I look more "dressed up" and never in shorts.  Now I do rarely wear shorts, but felt the need to tell him I still thought this outfit was cute and needed to share the good deals I got them for.  Plus I will take pictures these days whenever I am actually dressed.  

This shirt (which I should add the it says "in love" after the let's get lost, but it's hidden by my big belly) was $3 and the shorts were $12.  

I also recently got the dress I posted yesterday from Target for $11.  Can I say the unnecessary that I love Target?


I also got some great deals on baby stuff this week at garage sales.  I was beyond excited at all the sweet toys and baby things I found for such good deals.  It's crazy how expensive baby things and toys are and awesome how cheap you can buy them from other people for!


An activity mat, lots of board books, puzzles, blocks, a little bowling pin set, foam blocks, many other baby toys, a car seat base, and a push car all for under $30!!   I couldn't have been happier to spend that afternoon washing and organizing all this stuff!

Speaking of finding good deals, I had the chance to share about my deal finding abilities over at Shop At Home where you can find all kinds of coupons and deals.  Check out my post here.

And if that wasn't enough, today I get to share with you a blogging friend that is also a pro at finding good deals and is going to share her tips with you.  Samantha is a friend that I made near the beginning of blogging and I love reading her blog about her cute, stylish self, adorable little boy and just announced second baby on the way! 


Hi everyone! My name is Samantha and I blog over at Hooah and Hiccups. Katie's blog is one of the blogs I read religiously and one of the first ones I discovered when I started blogging. As you know, she is super cute and stylish and all about finding great deals! Today, I thought I would share some of my personal tips for shopping on a budget. 

People often hear shopping on a budget and automatically assume that means shopping for cheap clothes. Just because I get my clothes for less than they were originally listed, doesn't mean they're any less quality or lacking style. It's all about training your eye and knowing what to look for! Here are a few of the tips I recommend when hitting the stores:


1. Check out the sale and clearance racks before looking at the rest of the store. Even if an item seems "out of season", you can pair it with leggings, a cardigan, or the right shoes and make it weather appropriate. 


2. Know what stores have coupons. Express is my favorite store in the whole wide world but if we are being honest, I think they are overpriced. I only buy things there when they have the coupons like Spend $50 get $15 off or spend $250 and get $60 off etc. 

3. Buy items that can be mixed and matched with other items. Most of the tops and pants in my closet are solid colors that can be worn with everything. Patterned items are fun, but they are less practical. Spend majority of your budget on staple items and throw a few patterned things in here and there. 


4. Spend most of your budget on things you can wear everyday. Sure, that pair of Jimmy Choo's or that Dolce and Gabbana suit are super cute, but can you wear those to the park or a night walking on the town? It's okay to spend a little more on things you really want, but make sure they aren't going to sit in your closet and collect dust. 

5. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! A simple scarf, bracelet, or statement necklace can totally change the feel of an outfit. I've found this is the easiest way to dress an outfit up or down. And most of the time, these items are all found on clearance or sale! 



I'd be happy to answer any personal questions you may have as well. I make fun of my husband because whenever we go shopping, his one item adds up to be the same price of my 5 items. I have perfected the art of bargain hunting and still maintaining my style and when given enough practice, so can you!

Thanks again to Katie for having me and I hope you'll stop by and say hello :) 

  

28 comments:

Alyssa said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You are so good at finding deals! You are so close to having this baby!! I can't wait for pictures! (:

Great tips too! (:

Happy Monday!

Head to Toe Chic said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You always find the best deals!! I love your shirt!

xo,
Angela

Autumn said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I think this is a really cute outfit!

Faith said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That is so smart to get baby toys, etc at garage sales. You are so good at scoring deals.

I think your outfit is cute! I want that top :)

Cute dress too!

Lauren Shaw said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I pretty much have lived in this shirt since I got home; except I paid $5, so I think I got jiipped : ) Are those shorts even maternity? You are so stylish and thrifty!

Hima Rajana said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You're probably the best shopper I know! Great job managing to look cute on a budget!

Sara said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Awesome deals! And you look great, Katie!
Cheers,
Sara

The Olive Tree Blog said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

you got some great stuff!

Carly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Yay for this top and her baby! I'm so excited!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Girl Lilikoi said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

wow, so excited for you and the baby. Love the dress, and what a great deal too!

Love Sam's style, the one shoulder dress is gorgeous. Very bohemian

http://www.girllilikoi.com/

Simply LKJ said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You always look adorable, no matter the attire! I seriously need to take you shopping with me to find all those great deals. And yes, baby items/toys second hand are usually in great shape at a fraction of the cost. A little TLC and cleaning, brand spankin new! Thanks for introducing us to a new fashionista!

Chelsea Olivia said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You are too cute! That little miss is going to be outta there anytime now, you are so big (but little, haha)!

Kelly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love Target and Samantha!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

The top is cute! I love that it says lets get lost in love! And I absolutely love it with those shorts! I like that you took photos of a more casual outfit!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love your tee! it is super super cute!

I love deals and you can find a lot at yard sales. A friend of mine has a bunch she bought saved for when it's my time! :)

I am going shopping today & hoping to find some good deals! :)

Manda

Kristin said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I rarely spend more than $20 on any piece of clothing anymore. You've ruined me! :)

TheTinyHeart said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You got great deals on everything from Target! Their clearance rack is the best! Yay for all the new baby stuff too :)

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Always Maylee said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Oh my gosh, so many awesome deals! And I love your tee, it's so cute. Sometimes there is nothing better than shorts and a tee in the summer!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Preethi said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Yep, Target and I are BFFs. :) You look adorable!

Helene said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

you are amazing at finding deals! and I love Samantha! she is just so cute and sweet!

Annie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Haha aw, well you look super cute in your shorts & tee, and LOVE your Target dress and those yellow flats! And Samantha looks fabulous...can't wait to check out her blog :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Because Shanna Said So said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You are the deal finding Queen!!! And you wear whatever you want on this blog!! :) Love me some Samantha!! She is the cutest!!!

Sandy a la Mode said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

target has some of the BEST stuff!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Susannah said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You always have such great finds! I love it! Definitely inspirational. ;-)

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

sweet! I love when I find good deals and you're awesome at finding them!

Bri said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Love good shopping tips! And I think it's time I invested in some cute summer shorts :)

Annie L said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You look adorable in both outfits! And I agree with Samantha's accessories tip. Can instantly remake an outfit!
xo Annie
newenglandromance.blogspot.com

Nicole @ Haute Runner said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love that target dress and that shirt is too cute.

I laughed at what Chris said about your outfit! Men!