Consignment stores are not really my thing. I’m not big on wearing a stranger’s old shirt. But when over half of the items still have store tags, sign me up!!
I met Bethany, www.saltyblonde.com, at the Girls Night Out party at our local Clothes Mentor to check it out.
Bethanny and I share a love for fashion and bargains! Oh yeah, and scarves!
I was greeted at the door with a chance to win a coral leather $458 Coach bag. So I filled out the ticket and started shopping!
Our first stop was a scarf wall!
The shoes were at the top of all the clothes racks and most were brand new! Vera Bradley flip flops with tags were $14! Brand name clothing items from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, JCrew, Splendid, Paper Denim Co, True Religion, JBrand and even Tory Burch were hanging everywhere!
Cindy Martin, Clothes Mentor franchise owner, explained that they are very picky when selecting items to resell, and buyers appreciate it!
Clothes Mentor franchise owner Cindy Martin also owns the teen brand consignment store Plato’s Coset next door Bridgeville, PA
Cindy told me women love this store’s cash at drop off policy , meaning a consignor doesn’t wait for items to sell to get paid! Cindy explained that they accept all seasons all the time and items with store tags move quickly! Her Girls Night Out events have been a huge success.
Cindy offers customers an extra 20% off during GNO and a giveaway item of value!
While I was putting together an outfit I heard them announce the winner of the $458 Coach purse …it was me!
Super cute bag! Thanks!
Here is the outfit I put together.
Pairing a bubble skirt with a wedge adds an edge to the feminine pump look.These brand new Seychelles Los Angeles chartreuse wedges were a great fashion find and a steal at $13! The brand sells in LA shoe boutiques for $95-$150!
I will be taking a bin of clothing to Clothes Mentor soon to see how much money I am offered. Have you consigned clothing? Every been to a Clothes Mentor? I would love to hear about your experience!
I hope I love it, too! My stylist: Darien!I waited two long, excruciating days to open my first Stitch Fix so I could share this fun, new experience with some girlfriends!
Here are the basics:
What is Stitch Fix? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling company for women!
1. You fill out your style profile online.
2. Your personal stylist sends you an assortment of items.
3. You try on at home and keep what you like and send back the rest!
What does it cost? $20 styling fee.
If you buy anything the fee is removed! Plus, there are no shipping or return charges.
Keep the entire fix and get 25% off the total!!
I will use any excuse to have wine, good cheese, try new recipes, and laugh with the girls!
My first Stitch Fix was the perfect excuse to try some new recipes!! I made a garlic kale tomato white pizza, feta and onion mini fillos, and asparagus and bacon quiche!And of course a spectacular cheese platter of Parmesan Reggiano and Parrano!
I have never had a stylist or anyone for that matter choose clothing/accessories for me. I style myself. I love to shop, especially a great sale!
So my expectation for Stitch Fix is to have someone choose clothes for me that I would never pick for myself and wow me!! My goal is to keep the entire box and take 25%off!!
I couldn’t wait to hear everyone’s opinions!!So I opened the box!
[caption id="attachment_1241" align="alignnone" width="243"] We couldn’t believe the box was so small!! 5 items including accessories!
Item #1
Kut From The Kloth
Marquis Striped French Terry Dolman Sweater
I have to admit I was totally bummed! A sweatshirt-y looking, big looking, jail looking striped top was NOT what I had in mind!!!
So I tried it on…
Super cute! I was totally surprised! I asked the girls “how much how much is it?” They decided not to tell me to make this more interesting. They asked me to make decisions to keep or send back with cost out of the equation! Ok, fun!
I put this top on the keep pile!
Item #2
Liverpool
Carolyn Colored Cuffed Denim Short
Pastel purple shorts? Oh, Darien… I would only wear pastel purple at Easter, but I haven’t since the late 80’s.Of course the girls loved the shorts! I couldn’t get over the pastel purple.
Love this blouse! I love this style of blouse so much I have 5 more just like it!!
I put the printed blouse on the keep pile because if it is inexpensive…I want it!
Item #5
Pomelo
Lydia Faceted Stones Long Necklace
Nope, nope, nope…no photo needed. Brassy yellow gold with big fake blue stones. I think my camera would have broken!
The Price Reveal:
My entire merchandise total is $240.00.
If I keep everything? $165.00
My keep pile?
$68 tulip printed blouse
$38 striped sweater
$106!! Just for those two items?
I didn’t LOVE them and LOVE the price so I sent the entire box back!!!
This experience cost me $20. It was so fun!
What we loved…
EVERYTHING FIT ME PERFECTLY! This is bizarre, right?
Stitch Fix included this cute styling card to give ideas to dress up and dress down the items! To see them in outfits!
What we hated…
The items didn’t go together. No outfits were created with these items.
The box is really only worth the money if you keep the whole fix and get the 25% off!
I hope you enjoyed sharing my first Stitch Fix experience with me! I will get another!! Darien figured me out! He sent me 2 items I already have in my closet!
I encourage you to totally try it! Why not? Worst case scenario is $20!
Here is the link:
Http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?reffer_id=3691311
Please share your experience, too!
The kids and I were shopping at H&M Saturday and look what I found for $17.95 What a coinkydink ; )
Ciao!
This Stitch Fix post was entirely the opinions of ParmesanPrincess and friends! Stitch Fix did not reimburse me or give me any free clothes for writing about their company!
I said “Yes, I got it at The Gabriel Brothers? Have you ever been?” And everyone laughed, “Gabes?!” Once a degenerate, damaged item discount store, Gabes has transformed itself into a mecca for thrifty fashionistas!
From Spring clothing must haves to amazing home items, you can find some great pieces at this store! Trust me I am a princess and I can’t get enough! Rule #1- You must be in a shopping/hunting mood and have zero expectations. Rule #2- You must not let some of the “crazy I would never wear that” attitude distract you from the task at hand. Rule #3- If you don’t succeed, try try again! One day you hit the gold mine and the next time, totally nothing.
Let’s look at my latest hot Spring fashion buys!!! Great day!!
First look: Graphic wide leg pant paired with a racer back tank!
Anthropologie :
Photo Anthropologie Tilted Wide Legs $118! This look was everywhere in Miami in March!
This trend is huge THIS Spring!! So comfortable and effortless! BUT will it be around Next Spring???
Guess what I found at Gabes… $12.99!! And I actually like this turquoise grey orange print better than the red/ navy!!
Next look: Casual, everyday tie front tunic dress or even swim cover up! Floral prints are in! Turquoise, coral, pastels are hot!
Anthropologie: Anthropologie Serpentes Print Tunic $148! Great colors!
Guess what I found at Gabes…
$7.99!!! These colors pop!! Cute braided tie in front…I can wear it now with a brown legging and riding boots or flats and a cardigan!!
Last look…Flirty, funky, floral minidress!
Anthropologie:
Anthropologie Rosewater Dress $148!! Cute and flirty- open back!
Guess what I found at Gabes…
$12.99!!! What???? I know , totally adorable!! Short and flirty and…Funky!!! The black crisscross strap detailing pops and adds and edge to this girl next door floral! I paired it will a strappy edgy open toed bootie!
Save your money for big classic items like a fabulous Louis Vuitton bag! Bargain shop the trends! You will be lucky to get one season out of them!
Check out The Gabriel Brothers! “Unbelievable”
Talk about trending, you can now follow Parmesan Princess on twitter @freshgratedparm!!
This post is dedicated to my #bargainbunnies #huntinghoneys #gabesgirlz #loyaltymemberloves #squeekycartsinners #Nikki #Kathy #XOXO
After a disappointing Elle magazine Spring fashion spread, I am please to announce that Anthropologie is giving me hope! The new arrivals offer everything Spring- bright colors, sexy softness, and flowing lines!
Miami had a jump on Spring style! What did I see? Flowy, graphic pants paired with fitted tanks, peplum tops with skinny jeans, and maxi dresses!
These pants were everywhere in Miami! Not to mention on the boat, by the pool and at the beach!
Photo courtesy of Anthropologie! Bricollage pants and …they come in petite!!!
Do you find yourself always looking for a great sweater??
Anthropologie’s Sapphire Flame Cardigan has Spring’s hottest colors! Turquoise, orange, and a little royal blue! Dress it up with navy ankle dress pants and wear it to church on Sunday!
Statement earring? Yes! Can you imagine these paired with some gold bangles? Yes, please!!
I love a peplum top! It can really compliment any body type! The peplum top is slimming, hiding the muffin top and the pooch very well!!
Floral peplum top! Great with jeans on a Saturday night or for Easter with a pencil skirt!!
Love, love love a maxi dress!
Brushstrokes Maxi !! Colorful, airy…Spring!
At $117, $128, $178, these are too trendy to buy at Anthropologie! Too hip and now to be classic “spend your money on pieces” because they will only be around one or two seasons! Be a super sleuth!! Find similar items at TJMaxx! Be on the lookout and let me know what you find!!
I am in love!!!! Mama got some new shoes! Finally, I’m learning!! Why do we go every Spring to Macy’s sale and then TJMaxx and then DSW and buy 3 pair of flip flops on sale for $30-$40/ pair only to actually wear one pair ever on our feet all summer???? That’s $90! Let me introduce you to the Tory Burch thin enamel flip flop in khaki…
Tory Burch Thin Enamel Flip Flop Khaki
$50!! Get one pair now before Spring-in khaki! (They sell out fast!) You will love them! These flip flops compliment all of the current trends- maxi dresses, high lows, skinny jeans, spring summer sundresses, rompers…love, love, love. And you will, too!! OK, on to the cheese and totally delicious fontina white pizza recipe!
I am also obsessed with fontina cheese right now! It’s meltability (is that a word?) is incredible! which is why I recently began experimenting with fontina on pizza!
Use to make mouth watering grilled cheese, paninis, even shredded beef sandwiches!! Here is my favorite recipe so far!
Fontina Fabulous -White Pizza
Ingredients:
Uncooked 12″pizza shell-Yep I do! ; )
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
2/3 cup of shredded fontina cheese
1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella
Salt/pepper/basil/ rosemary/or your favorite Italian seasoning
Directions:
Preheat oven with pizza stone @ 375 degrees
Press garlic and mix with olive oil
Brush shell with oil/garlic leaving 1/2inch on outside edge untouched
Add shredded fontina, mozzarella
Bake for 10-15 mins until golden brown and cheese melted!
Always top off with freshly grated Parmesan!! Enjoy!
