Lust List: Rent The Runway Clearance

As a Harry Potter fan I would be remiss in not putting this fantastic tribute to Alan Rickman on my slice of the internet. I, along with everyone in the free world, abhorred and adored him as Snape. His character in Love Actually? Not so much. I pretty much just abhorred him in that one. RIP Rickman #gonetoosoon

"Here's to the best damned antagonist a guy could ask for."

via The New Yorker

Now, on to the fun part of the last few days: imagining what I would buy off the Rent The Runway clearance sale had MA and I won the Powerball. Because let's face a few truths here. One, we DEFINITELY had a mess load of tickets. Two, there's no way I can justify spending the few thousand on these items that have my heart going pitter-patter. 

I love Rent The Runway! I've rented gowns for deb balls, cocktail dresses, party dresses, you name it, I've probably tried it—it is just so easy and affordable. I'm not a total labelholic, but I do see the value in a really well made dress. They fit better; they look better; they give you a certain confidence. It's worth the money in my mind.But I don't always want to pay the full price for a dress I'll wear a handful of times. Thankfully RTR let's you get a dress for just a few days. Wear it to your event and send it back, easy as pie. Then a few times a year a magical thing happens...

After every season RTR cleans out its closet, so-to-speak, and we have the chance to purchase items at 85% off of retail. Granted everything is used, but I've never, ever been disappointed in the quality of my rentals. I bought two dresses during the last clearance sale and one of them looked brand new! 

So here's what I've got my eye on for gowns and cocktail dresses.

TIBI  / Halston Heritage  / ERIN Erin Fetherston  / Trina Turk

Can't forget simple party dresses.

Haute Hippie / Shoshanna  / Nanette Lepore  / Shoshanna

Or bags.

Annabel Ingall  / Rebecca Minkoff  / Kate Spade

Don't worry jewelry, I didn't leave you out either. 

Melanie Auld earrings / Kate Spade necklace / Slate & Willow earrings

 I'm probably going to pull the trigger a few things this weekend, because the $11 Slate and Willow earrings just obviously have to be mine. I've been watching the inventory over the last few days and stuff is going fast! Anyone have anything they LOVE from the sale?

Spotting The Perfect $1.25 Necklace: Antiquing Pro Tips

There's something about a piece of jewelry from the early fifties. The plastic beads, the history, the style. It's all just a little perfect. In fact, the same can be said about every piece of antique jewelry. It's all just a little perfect. Why?

Because, not only is it (usually) very affordable, one of my favorite necklaces I found at a vintage shop for $1.25, but because it comes with a past. That's why we all like antiques isn’t it? Because they come with a past. A story. A history. An element of glamour and romance that can only come from imaginations.

Take my necklace for example. Each time I wear it I wonder, did someone my age wear it to her typing job? Did she wear it to school? A date? It has blue beads, so did she style like I do, with a blue dress? It's the unanswered questions of jewelry such as this blue necklace that have me hunting garage sales, thrift stores and vintage shops. Not in hopes of finding something with semi-precious or precious stones, but in finding something affordable that I can actually wear and enjoy.

While I always prefer to wear a piece from my Grandmother's collection, I find the thrill of the hunt is just as exciting. These are the Pro Tips I've figured out in my various trips. You never know what you're going to find!

Always be open-minded. See a pair of clip earrings you love but one is missing a stone? A hot glue gun and some hair clips from a craft store will take that clip earring to hair accessory in about five minutes. The same goes for pins. Pins were a very big thing in the 40s and 50s, but aren't such a hit now. They do, however, make great hair clips/add ons to headbands. I've also been known to clip earrings and pins to necklaces with solid color beads to add a charm look.

Don’t buy something just because it's cheap. Yes, I too love when the price tag says a nickel. But if the piece isn't something you love love love at the shop, even if it is a nickel, you aren't going to love it at home. This seems obvious, but it is something to always keep in mind—it also helps cut down on an overflow of projects. I still have a bunch of nickel necklaces I bought that I was going to restring into something else. They've been collecting dust for three five months.

Don't go shopping on Saturdays if you can avoid it. Saturdays are just crazy. That's when everybody and their mother’s brother goes out "looking for deals." The best time is Monday afternoons. The shops have had time to process items that have come in over the weekend and the store will be a little thinner on some of the overall crap, allowing you to see better, from the weekend rush.

Buddy system! Bring a buddy to look with you. It's more fun having someone to laugh with about crazy items, you never know what you'll find (I once found a single jewel encrusted tiger earring.) This is also a great activity you can do with little girls. Since the jewelry won't be (usually) that expensive, when they find something they love you can "splurge" and get it for them. Additionally, they have a good eye for sparkles, and could end up unearthing something you love.



Anyone else love the vintage look? Any tips you want to add?

Lust List: September

Lust List September by johnsonjessicamt 

I have a small confession. I'm not a huge online shopper. I guess it's the countless hours I spent in high school, college and even after graduation, working in retail stores—but I just prefer to browse the racks, be able to touch merchandise before I buy it.

But there is something really convenient about shopping from my couch while I'm watching Criminal Minds at the end of the day. While I usually try to restrain myself, I've got my eye on a really big way to spend New Year's Eve this year, I can't help but want these to show up at my doorstep. Maybe my sweet husband will get the hint?

After visiting my GMa in late July, I've started seeing ladybugs everywhere. They were her absolute favorite, and I always seem to spot them at just the right time… this watch from Kate Spade brought a huge smile to my face.

With my barre addiction, this LLL seems like a no brainer—it's on sale too.

After a trip to IKEA over Labor Day, I'm convinced I want this secretary for my dining room. I've been looking for a secretary for about two years, and have yet to pull the trigger. This might be the push I need.

I've gotten back into tennis, and it's getting really annoying having to wash every few days so I have a clean skirt to wear to matches or practice. This dress would be perfect for Wednesdays when I have matches. It's got a built in bra and a built in ball pocket. One piece covers everything I need. That justifies the price tag, obviously.

The weather is starting to cool down, and I loved dressing the boys in tiny bro outfits like this last winter. I'm excited that it is almost petite flannel and baby jeans time!

Shop Our Closet

Fitz and Alex recently sized out of their preemie and newborn clothing. While I was cleaning out their closets I realized just how much stuff we have. I've saved a few favorites, but I have a lot of stuff that was worn maybe once or twice, some not even at all.

Ever the eternal optimist, I am going to try to sell some of the things that we longer have a use for that are in excellent condition. I listed a few things Wednesday and will continue to list things each day. I didn't realize how time consuming it was to post stuff!

Curious about what we've got? Follow us on Instagram!

Monday Medley

This weekend was a big one for little ole me. Friday night. I spent some time with some of my favorite people in the world, doing some ridiculous things. (Like wearing a pink lipstick and a purple shirt.)(I also need to be more cognizant of the giant bar cups that always find themselves in my pictures.)

 I found a perfect place to live. Cross your fingers my references check out!

I threw my back out again. So I am back to walking at a 75 degree angle. It's not a cute as it sounds.

I added a movie to my Top 5 Favorites list: Midnight in Paris. If you haven't seen it, rent it immediately. Use Redbox code BREAKROOM and you'll get it fo free. Aiii, what a bright Monday.

 Finally, I bought this Saturday and I literally cannot get over how much I love it. Can't wait to wear it later this week with white denim as it FINALLY feels like Spring down here. (pssst, no code needed, you get an extra 40% off the marked price!)  

Celebrate the best thing about Mondays: go getcha a Moe's burrito for $5 with Moe's Monday. 

A True Love Affair

I've never had something I swear by. I mean I loved my Rainbows in high school and college.  I've always thought Apple products are better than their Windows counterparts; I think that in some instances generic brand foods are just as good as name brands. But I've never sworn by anything.

I am a flip flopper. I like trying everything and sticking with what doesn't look terrible at the end of the day. That was until I met my Minnetonka Moccasins.

It started out as a DSW gift card/coupon combination impulse purchase. Now I know it is real love. I now have something I swear by.

Oh yeah, and they are the most comfortable shoes ever that compliment a variety of my offbeat outfits. Winner winner chicken dinner. 

FLASH SALE

For the last little while I have be helping spread the word about a new jewelry line based in Boston: Samantha Faye.

Mainly, I drum up sales, try to place product in stores and maintain the line’s Pinterest! (So, follow it if you don’t already!)

I have quite a few samples I totally love.

Yes, that is in fact a rose gold plated pig

  They are perfectly wonderful. Delicate. Great addition to an outfit—I’ve gotten into wearing one and a scarf for some added pizzazz to a “basic” outfit. I rocked the elephant on my birthday with a string of pearls. I like mixing the unexpected and SF allows me to do that!

 If you don’t believe me, check Caitlin’s blog about her experience with the SF wishbone!

Anyway, for this week only, March 11 through the 17, I will be hosting a FLASH SALE. Yes, use the code Jessica30 at checkout and you’ll get 30% off your order! 

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of these charms.