Retro Rewind: Layaway Is Back

I remember when I was a kid, my mother was the queen of layaway. She was a single parent with two kids and a disabled mother, so layaway was a jewel from the shopping gods.

But soon layaway went out of existence, with the increase number of people who have credit cards. Since the credit slump and the recent economy, many people have done away with their credit cards. As many retailers face quarterly losses, they are trying to find new ways to increase consumer

spending.

DAH DAH DAH DUM...Layaway is back and more retailers and consumers are taking advantage. With a little down and a small payment every week or two, you can get your heart's desire without going into debt or accruing any interest charges.

With the Christmas shopping season coming soon, I figured I would take advantage of layaway and wanted to see who still offers it.

Here are a few retailers that have an in-store layaway program:

Ashley Stewart

Burlington Coat Factory

Dress Barn

KMart

Marshall's

TJ Maxx

Sears

Walmart

Can you add to the list?

Janelle

Ladies...To The Clearance Racks!

Right now is the BEST time to save money in the fashion world. End of the season clothes are moving to the clearance racks! Start early and create a new wardrobe for next spring/summer for the whole family.

 Getting one size bigger for kids is a smart way to go since they're still growing. Ladies swimwear is expensive, you already know you going to the pool or beach next summer, so stock up on a few suits.

Shopping online you can save more, but I like going into the store and checking out deals. This is a great way to shop for future events, gifts for birthdays, graduations, mother/father days, or planning a family trip.

Online stores with killer clearance deals:

Torrid

Lane Bryant

Yours Clothing UK

Fashion to Figure

Domino Dollhouse

SWAK Designs

Happy Shopping!!

Takia

Nobody Leaves This Stage Without Singing the Blues

I had to put that as a title...Adventures in Babysitting is one of my FAVORITE films!!

Yesterday, I got my stuff I bought from Lane Bryant. I was so surprised I got it overnight...that was FAST. I'm ecstatic...I'm down a dress size. I'd like to say a dress size and a half...teetering between a 20-22. BOOM! I'm very happy about the shoes. I have to take them back though. They're too big.

I will have to say, I only bought these shoes because they were on sale. The retail price for them was $69.95. I'm sorry LB, but your shoes are NOT worth 70 bucks! But I got them for $24, so I'll stop complaining.

Also...starting to make some more changes in my diet. I'm trying to transition from a meat based diet to a plant based diet. I will probably NEVER be a vegetarian, maybe like a 80% vegetarian. Baby steps. I did make these zucchini boats last night. Delicious!!! Zucchini, red bell peppers, mushrooms, jack and parmesan cheeses...MMMMM. Brought some for lunch today. I hope they reheat well.



Oh well...going to edit and post the movie reviews later today! You guys have a GREAT weekend!!!

Janelle

Ruby Leonne's Closet

It's almost time for me to clean out my closet again! This time I'm going to do something a little different. I have a few items I've never worn or worn only once. (The size is wrong, didn't like the color, couldn't return it cause I bought it on clearance...etc) I'm going to sell these items online. Don't worry they'll be super cheap and shipping will be next to nothing. Just to get rid of somethings and make a few extra bucks.

Ruby Leonne's Closet will be open throughout the next few months. So if you have something you want to sell an item on our site (for a small fee), just contact us by email at RubyLeonne@gmail.com for more information. The site should be up in a couple of weeks.

Janelle

Lane Bryant's Online Discounts

Lane Bryant has been very generous lately. They've been shelling out discounts and codes left and right and today they're having a killer sale right now...ONLINE ONLY! I've really had my eye on their Denim Moto jacket. Buying it!!!

Lane Bryant's Denim Moto Jacket (retail $69.95)

LOTD: Torrid Must Be My Lucky Star

Last week, Torrid had their 50%-80% off clearance. I don't shop at Torrid UNLESS it's something I really really really want or they have one of their killer clearance sales. Their prices have jumped a little and I'm always looking for a deal.

It's a rainy day here in Indianapolis. It's supposed to rain ALL weekend...like all the rivers are at flood levels. So I decided since it's Friday; it is a fun day. So I rocked the TWA (teeny weenie fro for all yawh that don't know), t-shirt and jeans.

Madonna Tee: Torrid Clearance $8.99, Necklace: Methodist Hospital Gift Shop: $5

 

Jeans: Z Cavarichi Torrid Clearance $14.99. (need to get them hemmed)



Cheryl (a co-worker) & I

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

An Affair to Remember: Eliza Parker Preview

Have you ever fell in love with SOMETHING you just can't let go? Have you ever loved a piece of clothing you never want to take off?

Eliza Parker goodness...

My story begins as any story would. Once upon a time, I went to a preview show for Eliza Parker. I was so excited to have the brand here for Midwest Fashion Week. I'm a huge fan, but have to confess I don't own a stitch of EP. I'm a bargain shopper and Ms. Eliza is one of those things you have to save up for...until tonight.

I visited the website when I found out Eliza Parker was participating in fashion week so I can link their site to a Facebook status. One dress caught my eye...the Monaco Dress. 

Christine & Jess of Eliza Parker

Me, Christine & my friend Angela

I digress...let me tell you...Jess and Christine (of Eliza Parker) are the sweetest people you will ever meet. Not saccharin sweet...but Paula Deen butter and sugar sweet. I love them! They are like girlfriends you love to take shopping with you. They also shopped at Kohl's while they were here in Indiana...you HAVE to have patience for that! Very laid back...great people!

When I walked into the Skyline Club, which will be a whole other blog post in itself, I saw that Monaco Dress! I tried to resist it, but when another attendee tried on the dress, she looked gorgeous!

I had to try it on...I fell in LOVE instantly! Jess gave me a size 14/16 to try. I flinched but tried it on. It fit like a glove. You know I wear a 22/24! The belt didn't fit though...the ladies threw in their Interlocking Belt...for FREE! PLUS...she discounted the dress...$229 discounted to $150!!! I had to buy it. Even though I used half of my vacation flight money...it had to be done! It was a must! (Good thing Jay later agreed to buy the dress for me...I love him!) I'm a EP convert; I will spend the money for Eliza Parker. I'm hooked now. 

What is my face doing?

Well I didn't want to take the dress off, so I kept it on for the duration of the preview...went and ran errands. Heads turned and I got multiple complements. I didn't want to take it off. I'm actually sad now. It's 10 p.m. and my dress is now laying across the love seat. I hear her little voice. Janelle, why did you take me off? Don't you love me? I love you little dress. You make me feel special and pretty...don't ever change!

Me & Jess

Jalene, of Wisdom Wealth Abundance, one of the producers of the event.

Sola, of Midwest Fashion Week, one of the producers of the event.

 

Jess & one of the beautiful runway models for Saturday's fashion gala.

My Name is Takia...and I'm a Bargain Shopper.

Last week, I expressed how I didn’t like to shop. I like deals, sales, discounts, discontinued products...you get the picture. I could care less about name brand clothing; only if I can get a deal on them. So hubby introduces me to a thrift store called Value World. 

It's been my second trip and I found two purses that suits my style. Both purses were tagged for $1.69. I already purchased some pumps, so I knew this purse would go great. 

Purple purse from Value Village (thrifted $1.69)

 

Purple pumps from Cato (retail $12)



Frankie & Johnny Purse Value Village (thrifted $1.69)



~Takia

Thanksgiving Weekend PLUS Size Deals

I'm a big bargain shopper. Black Friday is my dream. I love running through the stores, snatching hard to find deals and occasionally trampling over people. I can remember when my sister was seven months preggers, running people over with her belly and cart, yelling and screaming for people to move. But there are times Internet shopping is more satisfying than charging the streets in a Braveheart like fashion. Here are a few sales so far this weekend circulating the Internet.

Sealed With A Kiss Designs is giving away their "Pink Turkey" discount of 50% off your purchase. You must register for your pass. You can use this discount from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. HURRY, passes are given until they run out.

Lane Bryant left a message on my voice mail a few minutes ago promoting their "BOGO" sale that starts tomorrow through Monday. The sale excludes Spanx.

Torrid is starting their sale early by offering its BOGO sale on jeans, shoes and jewelry.

I will post more as I learn of more deals. 

~Janelle

Nashville Booty!

LOL!! I'm not talking about booty the body part! I'm talking about the great deals I found at JCPenney this past weekend on my trip to Nashville. I generally don't wear accessories. I always get hung up, caught on something or I always break them. I have a ring (not engagement) from my boyfriend he bought me a few years ago, and I don't even wear that. But because of my hair changes (coming soon in another post), I feel that accessories are needed to play with my outfits and keep me from looking like a drunk auntie or a guy.

So while my friend and her friends were shopping, I snooped around the accessory section at JCPenney in Cool Springs Galleria as well.

The gold and pearl necklace was originally $26. I bought it on clearance for $5.17. The silver and jade necklace had the original price of $28. I bought it for $8.40. I also purchase two hair flowers for $6.99. The original price...wait for it...$12.

I saved a total of $45.44 on Saturday. I'm proud of me! Now to wear them...maybe I will this week with the booty I bought from Torrid. Just ordered some earrings from eBay I should be getting soon. I'll share once those come in.

~ Janelle

Goodwill Discoveries and My "Fun" Piece for Fall

So I got my oil changed on Saturday. The dealership told me it would be a couple of hours before they were done, so I forced my boyfriend to go across the street with me to shop at Goodwill. I detest picking through things to find something wearable. I don't have the patience for it. But after talking with some friends that have found wonderful things at places like Goodwill or A.J. Wright, I figure I would take my time and try to find something.

Since summer is coming to a close, I told myself I would work on some pieces for fall. I wouldn't buy any summer items unless they were on crazy clearance or something I really really really liked. So all these pieces are for fall.

I love sweaters in the fall. It is my favorite item to wear. You can dress it up or do something casual. This sweater was $3.99 plus tax.

I bought some shoes this same color at Shoe Carnival, that's why it caught my eye. Same price as the sweater before it, $3.99.

You can NEVER go wrong with an oxford shirt of any color. You can wear it alone or layer it with a vest or a sweater. For the magical price of {DUH DUH DUH DUM}...$3.99.

Okay, so I'm proud of myself. I went through every plus size rack...piece by piece to find these items. I'm going to do another Goodwill trip soon. But I will hit another one on the opposite side of town to see what I find.

My "Fun" Piece for Fall

Old Navy had this cute faux fur vest that I had to purchase. I hate the winter time with the snow and ice, but I can't wait until I can wear this. It's interesting to see the varieties that I come up with.

~Janelle

Clearance Genius

Okay, so I'm not the most photogenic in the world (especially in the hot sun just getting off of work). But I did want to let everyone know about my cool outfit I wore today. Now is the best time to shop. Many stores are doing the transition from summer to fall. The sales are endless. This little get up cost me under $20 (not counting shipping). The shirt was from Lane Bryant, $ 7.98 and the leggings are from Torrid, $8.99 (plus shipping...we don't have a Torrid here in Indy). So now is the time to shop. Take advantage of the clearance items and coupons all these retailers are offering. You never know when you may get a great deal!

Loop 18 Review

(sign outside of store)

So earlier in the week, I posted a new store opening on Facebook. Since I saw the post for Loop 18's grand opening on the internet, I've never been so excited to venture a retail store. Their website gives you no real grasp of what you will find or prices. Looking on the web I found out that it is owned by Charming Shops and is considered the little sister to Lane Bryant. Last night I went to Lane Bryant in Circle Center (Indianapolis, IN), and the store associates there had no clue what I was talking about. They were as eager as I to find out what it was like. In fact, they asked me to call them as soon as I got there to see what goodies the store held so they could drive down south and spend spend spend.

So this morning my sister, niece and boyfriend hopped in the car and drove down to Edinburgh's Premium Outlet mall to see Loop 18 for ourselves. (Well, they had other agendas too.)

Loop 18 is not a store but it is a section within the Lane Bryant store. All the store associates were pumped as they wore the new Loop 18 gear. (By the way...the service at the LB in Circle Center and Edinburgh is impeccable!) Indeed the clothes are the sister of Lane Bryant. The clothes are something I would wear...not teeny bopper but not matronly. Soon as I walked in the door I was drawn to the section like flies on...well you get my drift. The colors pop out and the cut of the clothes are perfect. I'm in a between size stage and the fit of their clothes are awesome. It is considered a junior plus, but sizes start at 13 and go to 27. (I'm in a size 22-26 depends on cut and material of item...and the 23-25 fit me fine.)

 Though the section is still kinda small, I am really impressed with the products. The prices are comparable to Lane Bryant but with it in an outlet setting, I suspect that markdowns and discounts will be plentiful. Today it was 25% off PLUS if your Loop purchase was over $75, you got an extra $18 off. PLUS I signed up and used my new Lane Bryant card. I got two dresses, a pair of jeans, a sweater and a t-shirt for just $100!!! I felt proud of myself.

Here are all my Loop 18 purchases and cost (I apologize...I just got home and my boyfriend snapped the pics. We'd been out in the hot sun all day so I'm not at my best.)

(Sweater: Loop 18 retail price $39.95 sale price (after coupons and discount) $25.50 Tank top: (from my closet) Old Navy $7 Jeans: Loop 18 retail price $49.95 sale price $31.89)

(detail in jeans)

(Dress: Loop 18 retail price $39.95 sale price $25.50)

I bought a couple more things, but these were the purchase I made from the Loop 18 section. Bottom line, Lane Bryant gets a thumbs up for making clothing that fits well and can worn by those who are not old or have Bieber fever. I will make the trip frequently until they open one here in Indy (which I do suggest) or until the snow starts falling and I'm too lazy to drive. (They don't have internet sales yet.)

Get Designer Items at 80% off with Ideeli

(from ideeli.com)

So I am in a love hate relationship with Ideeli. Ideeli is a website where consumers can get a free membership and buy designer and brand name clothes, shoes and other items for up to 80% of the designer price. There is no membership fee to buy the items, but for those that want first dibs, you can upgrade to "1st row" for $24 a quarter or $84 a year. (Get it...like a fashion show! Hee Hee snort snort!) Items are on sale for a couple of days or until they run out.

Chicas, they have the good stuff like DKNY Home, Christian LaCroix and Tommy Hilfiger at dirt cheap prices; a different share of designers every couple of days. The thing that sucks is that they don't feature a lot of clothing designers that carry plus unless you are a size 14 or 16. Every once in a while they will throw us a bone. They featured CK last week in "special sizes".  

If you are a label whore, then this site is for you. Where else can you get an Abs gold mesh lariat necklace for $99. The designer price...$250! On their facebook page, many people have complained about the lack of plus sizes and designers. Hopefully they will listen to their fans and open up their choices.

You Have to Shop For Me

You have to shop for me. I've given Torrid too much of my money in the past month. My checkbook is going through withdrawals from lack of funds. Just a heads up to all you Torrid fans out there. Got this in my email. I had to let you ladies know!