I once saw a doggie in the window...and a pair of shoes...

It's harder than it looks, folks.
Walking away from the strategically colorful and beautifully lit displays of fashionable flats and stylin' stilettos was harder than I ever thought it would be!! I've been trying so so hard not to shop lately, in efforts to save for what Uncle Sam refuses to help me out with (ahem. an education). Hence the lack of Canny Chic posts, lately (which I am undoubtedly sorry for!!). But what made today even more difficult (even more difficult than a regularly difficult day) was the 25%+15% discount coupon screaming at me from inside of my wallet.
But I did it, guys.
I walked away without spending a penny on those cute little silver pumps.
But I have a confession...I didn't leave without spending any of my pennies. I spent a lot of pennies, actually. But it was well justified!
Let me EXPLAIN!!!

You might remember reading about my cute Italian boy, over at Pink Lemonade. Well, this little blogger got invited to prom! By who else, other than the cute Italian boy?! It wasn't too long ago that I was planning out my own fabulous Senior prom night. I was so super excited that I couldn't help but look at all the pretty, sparkly dresses.

I tried so many dresses on, but once I picked up this one. I got that undeniable wowza feeling! This. Was. It.

Of course, being the bargain shopper that I brag about being, I left the store empty handed to search for a better buy (spending 200ish dollars on a dress I'll only wear once was not exactly my idea of a savvy spend!).

Going back to the mall yesterday, I decided to stop by the store and just check to see if "my" dress was still there.
And sure enough it was.
And it was in my size.
AND THEY WERE HAVING A SALE!!
Hallelujah! They were having a sale.

And, turns out, by opening a store card that day, I would get 25% off of my purchase, upon approval, and an additional 15% off whatever I charged, that day.
$200 dress (minus) $50 dollar deduction for opening up the card (minus) an extra 22ish dollars for using the card = about 120 for the dress.
That's an 80 dollar savings, here, ladies.
So I caved.

Kick off this weekend right!!!

Many of you know that I am currently battling my shopping addiction. Now, I in no way, shape, or dress-form claim success, because it is definitely a work in progress. But lately, I've been doing alright by paying down the credits and staying away from the mall.
But, even though I'm sticking to shallows, there isn't any reason that you guys can't go out with a splash! Right now is a fantastic time to scarf up scarves and save on sweaters! Stores, right now, are hastily slashing prices on winter garb, to make room for the bathing suits. (Am I the only one who finds this weird? I mean, it's not even February yet, people!!) But anyways, on top of the already reduced prices, lots of stores are issuing a little something extra as incentive to spend some post-holiday dough.
So I thought, hey! why not put together a little shopping list for you guys? Not necessarily of items to buy, but more like coupons and discount codes to make shopping just a little bit sweeter (if that's even possible!).

 

Online shoppers at American Eagle can score discounts by checking out before February 1.

Click here to shop clearance.

Since you're online shopping, why not stop by Victoria's Secert to score some sweet savings?

Click here to check out their sale items.

You can score 10% off of ALL your shopping at Pac Sun (in store and online) by signing up for email sale alerts. 

Check out my e-mail It-List and tips here.

Click here to go claim your savings pass! 

As always, the same promotion is offered at Kohl's depatment stores.

You can click here to get your free $5 and  10% coupon.

For a limited time, you can claim free shipping (which starts at about $6) on all crew necks and purchases over $100.

Click here to shop clearance at J.Crew

Now, of course, there are plenty of other stores that are offering great discounts, but for now, these savings should give you a start!

I can't wait to see what you shop for!!

{and how much you save!}

Look for Less - Grey Boots

Alright beauties, take a good long look at these bad boys! Super cute, right? As if Kohl's didn't already have me completely hooked with their adorable shoe collection, I have found yet another reason to give a standing ovation, and rack up a few more charges on my growing Kohl's card bill (I'm going to blame holiday shopping for this month's bill...next month, well, I'm not so sure about the excuse I'll use next month quite yet. But I'll be sure to think of something good. ;) ).
These babies are Elle brand at Kohl's, and have a SALE sticker of $69.99. For boots as gorgeous as these, I could see a possibility for a splurge. But the hard truth is that for a full-time student and part-time shopaholic, seventy bucks is a large some of dough, any way you look at it. So, after trying on the shoes, walking around the store, putting them in the cart, moping about the price-tag, trying them on again, moping about the price some more, and putting them back on the shelf, I finally walked away without the boots.
I was sad. There was no getting around it.

Now, fast forward. It's now about 4 days later, and while semi-strictly window shopping at the mall, and I just so happen to stumble into Claire's (around here, Clarie's was purchased out by Icing's...or it might just be the other way around. Either way, I'm not sure what the more appropriate store name, at the moment) and find these beautiful babies! (You *might* recognize them from the outfit I posted yesterday.) The best part? You guessed it! They were priced for less-much less!! I couldn't help myself, so I scarfed them up for a mere $12.

What's the best deal YOU have gotten, lately?

I couldn't help myself....



Hat (H&M $14), Sweater (Kohl's $8), Tank (Walmart $3), White Jeans (Delia's $35), Boots (Kohl's $40)

Despite my best efforts, it found me.

It snuck up on me.

As I unsuspectingly searched for the best holiday gifts, it hid in my favorite stores, and waited.

I was completely helpless.
The SALES found me! And I couldn't help but surrender!

I know, I know, I know. Tis the season to shop for everybody except for yourself. But when H&M is having a 50% off of outerwear special, can you really blame me for thinking ahead?? I know. I fail. And I'm sorry. :( But, hey, I got a really cute coat out of the deal!

H&M, $79.99 $39.99

Actually, I got a really cute coat, and a really cute bracelet.

H&M, $5.99

Okay, so I got a really cute coat, a really cute bracelet, and some adorable boots.

Aeropostale, $60.00, $18

But they were ALL on sale...!!
Don't judge me!!

PS: I *might* have splurged on the hat I was wearing too..but I thought it was so cute! And it seems to be the "in" thing right now.

When taking an innocent trip to Kohl's last week, to pay off that tricky charge card, I came across the cutest top, that I hadn't seen in any other Kohl's store, as of yet (I am what you might call a Kohl's connoisseur...but this is besides the point). Despite my Shopping Buddy's attempts to talk me out of the spontaneous purchase, I just HAD to have it, so I splurged!
The lace around the middle continued around the shirt, so it is visible from the back as well as the front. My favorite part of the new deal? Off-the-shoulder! Most of the pieces hanging in my closet are slightly more conventional and are undoubtedly two-sleeved. Once I got home to try on my new find, I realized that there probably was more than one reason for my conventionality's.
The problem is, I have no place to where the one-armed wonder. At work, I have to look "professional", so both sleeves are required. At school, I must also look (you got it!) professional... When would I wear this completely impractical shirt?! Nowhere.
With this realization, I had to choice but to return my new baby back to the department store.
Later that evening, I was surfing some online stores, and I stopped when I saw the most ironic (and cutest!) thing ever: the same exact shirt being sold at Tilly's, for one dollar less, and (here's the kicker) it had TWO sleeves!!! Now, I'm not a fan of ordering much online, so I rushed over to the nearest Tilly's outlet the next day in search of the top. And guess what??

I found it!!!

Well, actually, my Shopping Buddy did. But I was so excited I looked over to see  her smiling and waving the shirt high above hear head (we do our own kind of victory dance!).

The whole outfit was under $60!

Top (Tilly's, $14), Jeans (Deila's brand, from Goodwill, $5) Boots (Kohl's, $40)

Where have YOU shopped lately?

If I Was Going To Shop...

With a Black Friday countdown under way (only 3 more days!) I've been trying so hard to restrain myself from shopping. It's been difficult - but so far, I haven't done any major spending damage. As an outlet for my shopping desire, I decided to make a list some of the things I would buy this week, if I were shopping, and display them in this sunny collage for all of you. :)

I absolutely love long necklaces. The one pictured above is sold at Forever XXI and costs under five dollars - definitely a steal. It can spruce up so many outfits; i think the bow adds just the right amount of vintage charm.

A few weeks ago, I did splurge on a grey boyfriend sweater, similar to the one pictured above from American Eagle Outfitters. This one costs $29.95, which isn't a horrible price when you consider it's versatility.

Everyone needs a cute pair of go-to jeans, regardless of the season. I prefer skinny jeans, because they give a dressy look when paired with flats, yet they can be easily tucked into boots. Target is offering a great sale on Mossimo brand jeans, with a wide selection selling at only $10 each! If I were shopping this week, I would definitely spring on this sale. As a bonus, if you spend over $50 (that's five pairs of jeans) you get free shipping. Click here to see a list of all the jeans on the ten dollar sale.

For some reason, I wasn't able to add in the picture of this fabulous scarf to the collage, but I love the selection of scarves that Target sells - they're all so affordable, as well.



What goes with almost every outfit this season? A great pair of black boots. The best boots to buy are ones that come slightly below the knee and those that have minimal designs on them - this way, you can blend them with almost any outfit. The killer boots in the collage are from Forever XXI, and are selling for $23.

If you were shopping this week, what would you buy?

MakeUp Review!

Everyone loves a splurge here and there, but make up is something I can hardly justify spending a lot of my hard earned moolah on. I would just rather spend my money on bigger-ticket items (like new shoes, per say) that I know will last eons in my wardrobe, than makeup, which I will inevitably have to refresh in a few weeks time. Besides, I think that with the right tools and products, even costly makeup applications can be mimicked with Cover girl. :)
A few days ago, I took a trip to Walgreen's to see just how far my dollar would stretch to refresh my makeup supply for the season. I ended up spending about $20, and was able to score a variety of eyeliner and a couple of new eye shadow colors.

A. Wet n' Wild Mega Liner - This liquid liner was, overall, worth the purchase, but isn't great to use if you're in a hurry. It goes on smoothly, but the brush it comes with makes it difficult to be precise.

B. Mega Eyes Defining Marker - I absolutely love this marker. It applies with the look of a liquid liner but with extra precision. It's so easy to control every stroke, and unlike a liquid its super easy to remove if you do make a flub. I would definitely add this to my "must have" list.

C. Cover girl Drama Eyes Eye shadow - I have such fair skin, so when picking out eye shadow colors I opt for those on the more neutral side. I love the white, here, that offers a slight shimmer-definitely not overpowering. I'm finding myself using the black more and more, as well! I read once that applying a streak of eye shadow in the same color as your liner will help the style last longer. I decided to give this a try and so far, so good! This shadow is a keeper.

D. Wet n' Wild Mega Eyes Cream - This eye cream usually costs around $5 or so, but after trying it out on multiple occasions, I decided that regardless of the price tag, I wouldn't purchase it again. It was hard to apply, and it was constantly smudging. The only list I'm putting this baby on is the "chuck" list.

E. Wet n' Wild Eyeliner Pencils - This eyeliner, by far, gives you the best bang for your buck. However, I'm not sure exactly how accurate this statement is, considering each pencil cost less than a dollar.. :) I go through these liners like it's my job. I love all the colors they come in too. My favorites include their navy and grey colors.

F. Wet n' Wild Brulee Shadow - This shadow is definitely my favorite. Being so fair-skinned, I think this is just enough to give a finished look without being too bold or distracting.

Forever XXI - Haul

There's no doubt about it: I'm addicted to Forever XXI. Whenever we step near the mall, I am the first one rushing in and typically the last one to be dragged out. Some of their items can run a tad pricey, but there is always a bargain to be had on their clearance racks. What I love most about this store is their wide selection of styles. Always in step with the latest trends, Forever XXI offers a wide variety of pieces that can coordinate with any personal style, from romantic or classy to grunge and eclectic. The gems in their jewelry section are also a great deal-while everything ranges in price, it's rare to spot a piece over $20. Most of the necklaces I find are cute, classic, and super versatile, and never cost me more than $8. Jewelry is final sale, however, so with this in mind, I try to only buy what I know I will wear!

On this trip, I was shopping around for generic items that I could mix-and-match into my already existing wardrobe. My main focus was on pieces that I could wear to work (muted colors, classy, multi-functional) and the basic necessities that any fashionista should have!

The first stop was the clearance racks, of course. I didn't let the adorable mannequins and colorful tee-shirt displays distract me from my ultimate goal, which was saving more than I was going to spend, today. On sale, I found a super-cute, black-fringe, sleeveless dress. For only $14, it was definitely a steal.

I also picked up some basics including a White V-Neck ($3), Tank ($3), and Black Leotard ($4). I usually opt for shopping at Kohl's for my basics, because of the great coupons, but even these prices were no comparison!

Another thing I love about Forever XXI how everything is organized by style. So, after scarfing up on the necessities, I took a spin through the military-inspired clothing, where I found this sweater. I just love the buttons!

My shopping buddy found this romantic lace top ($9.99), last minute while we were standing in line, waiting to purchase our goodies. It's so sheer, so a cami is a must!

I also found a sweater for less than five dollars! While it's current state is more shabby than chic, it has definite potential. For now, I'll leave you guessing with these snapshots:

To Be Continued... ;)

Seeing Double!

Our mail carrier comes to our development right around lunch time, every weekday. I'm usually somewhere other than our mailbox around the time that she's dropping off my family's notes (yet another selfish reason I seldom check our mail; the only letters I seem to receive are from the dentist, informing me of a much anticipated appointment and occasionally a very boring bank statement). But today, I just so happened to be home during the exciting mail-drop time, and I, for some reason beyond my knowledge, got the urge to pick it up. To my surprise, I not only received my traditional bank letter, but I also received some fancy junk mail from a used car lot, and a new Alloy catalog! After plopping down in my favorite spot with my new read, I flipped open to a random page and stopped in surprise as a cream colored sweater, very similar to my own that I had blogged about only the day before, gleamed up at me from the page.
The sweater I had purchased, with tags still attached, from the Goodwill, unfortunately did not have a price sticker on it, so I wasn't able to see how much I would have saved. But this number that I just so happened to stumble upon (ironically paired with a very similar belt to my own) is listed at $32.90. Considering that I spend about $3.00 on these pieces for yesterday's outfit, I'm feeling slightly proud of my find. :)

Sweater Weather!

With Autumn's chilly winds settling in to stay, it's again time to reach into the back of the closet and show those sweaters the light! I was so excited yesterday, when the temperature took a dip and the weather man finally condoned the acts that I've been dreaming up for weeks: Buying new boots and snuggling up in warm sweaters. Thursdays are usually busy days, with a list of to-do's that only grows as the time left in the day diminishes, which is all the more reason to make sure the outfit of the day is comfortable (and cute!).
Believe it or not, this week's entire ensemble cost me under $30.

I've been waiting for weeks to be able to wear these boots! I picked them out about a month ago on a Wal*Mart shopping trip for only seven dollars, which made wearing them yesterday even better. ;)
The sweater was from this season, and originally sold at Kohl's, but I scarfed up this brand new baby (with sales tags still attached!) from the Goodwill. Unfortunately, the price was torn off the tag, so I'm not sure how much I saved, but I do know that it was a lot, considering that I only paid $1.00. I scored the jeans here, as well, on a different shopping adventure, for about $5.00.
The belt and bag both came from Kohl's. The bag, Simply Vera by Vera Wang, was about $14.00, with it's adorable yellow clearance sticker. The belt, also with the magic sticker, was a mere $2. :)
Fall-time can never come quick enough for me. I wait for it's signs all year, and then in a flash, it's back to shorts and bikini tops. :(. In my opinion, it's hard to improve on an already amazing chilly fall day. But an inexpensive outfit seems to do the trick every time!!

PS - Look for Even LESS!

After a few days of being confined to my bedroom and limited to cyber-shopping (which I will admit I was previously too prejudiced to do), I am finally flu-free! :) To celebrate wellness and all things healthy, I took a trip to Wal*Mart, where I couldn't believe my eyes. There, hanging on the neat plastic hanger, only slightly above my reach was the very same vest I had spent $75.00 on, only days ago. Except, this variation cost less-much less, at a comparable $14.00. Sure, I may rest in the comfort of knowing that the quality of my purchase was most likely slightly above par in comparison to my new find (by Miley&Max), but regardless, I'm still kicking myself. I suppose that it serves me right, for my impatience. But you be the judge: Is your hard earned dough worth the sacrifice for quality splurges? Or is the look you achieve on a bargain well worth the penny saved?

The Look for Less

After an incredible amount of clicking, vetoing, and coupon code typing, the results are in! While the original inspiration, found in Coldwater Creek's latest catalog, was more on the classy side of chic, I decided to opt for a more modern alternative  for today's Look for Less. The vest I found was from JCPennys.Com. Mind you, it was a bit of a $plurge for my part-time piggy bank, but it's so incredibly cute, I couldn't pass it up! The faux leather vest (which is uber 'green', I might add) by Liz Claiborn is available through JC Penny's new fall collection. It comes in Dark Brown, and is available in ranging sizes, including Misses, Women's, and Petites. Again said, it was a splurge, costing me about $72.00 (with free shipping, because I'm spending over $49). Let's just say that I plan on wearing this baby around the clock!!

I was a little more relieved when I logged onto Alloy.Com to search for a cute striped top to wear under the vest. In the clearance section, I found an adorable Mod "paint streaked" top, priced at $9.99. Since I was still in the green, at this point, I decided that the only thing that could top off such a cute combo would be shoes to match! And *surprise!*, Alloy had adorable black suede boots on sale. Some colors were selling for $14 - but, of course, the ones that will match my Look were ringing up $34.00. But, they were still a deal, considering the many times I will end up wearing them this season, and the seasons to come. To make the deal even better, I used a 15% off coupon I thieved from my mama's Entertainment Book, and was entitled to free shipping! Lucky me!!

The only piece I did not purchase today was a pair of dark wash denim. The reason behind my omission is the 30+ pair of jeans I already own, courtesy of the Goodwill's wonderful $5- Denim sale, and the fact that I haven't grown very much over the past 9 years (it's a blessing and a curse...). But after all, dressing fabulously isn't always just about shopping and new finds - it's about working with what you already own to enhance your own style!

After tallying up today's expenditures, which were $115.00, I realized I had saved about $45 just by shopping sale items, not to mention the $244.85 we avoided spending by shopping around, and finding our Look for Less!!

Savvy Sick Days

It is officially "that-time-of-year" again! You got it: Hoodies, Scarves, Boots, Bonfires, and...the Flu :( Unfortunately, the famous flu is in season, and it has reduced me to merely cyber-shopping, this weekend. But, despite contrary belief, even sick days can be savvy. Don't believe me? The proof is in your pocketbook!
While it's so tempting to gravitate to the sweatpants and tee-shirts that embody my sick-day lifestyle of the weekend, my goal is to shop smart for fall. Yesterday, my mom received a Coldwater Creek catalog in the mail. Being the blob of goo that I am today, I peeked inside in hopes to cure my flu-found boredom. To my surprise, I found that I have purchased so many similar pieces, for a fraction of the cost! Needless to say, I'm definitely adding this store my list of inspirations!
One outfit in particular caught my eye, during my page flipping. It was a sleek leather vest, worn over a striped cardigan, paired with a dark-wash denim. I was in love! After all, what better way to say Fall, than vests and sweaters? But at a stunning $359.85 for all three pieces, there is really only one solution, to look this fab for fall. Fashionistas, it's a Look for Less Challenge!

The Third Stage

The three dollar challenge of the week is getting deep - but so are the savings! I made a stop at my local Kohl's to hit the clearance in an attempt to find more three dollar deals. Now, I don't want to come across as biased,  but when it comes to clearance racks, nothing quite compares to Kohl's. This is not to say that I don't appreciate other stores' attempts to draw me into their traps, but Kohl's just does it so tactfully.
As soon as I entered their sliding glass doors, racks and racks of 80% off called out my name! Unfortunately, I did run into a few problems during my excursion. Ironically, however, none of them related to the three dollar dilemma. Actually, I found plenty of three dollar finds! The first problem was finding them in my size. The second, narrowing down my options. I did end up finding two very cute striped tunics, with a rope tie belt for under the budget. Both were so cute, and definitely fit the nautical theme that was "in" earlier in the season, but to my disappointment, none of them were my size. So, undefeated, I moved to the next department: Jewelery, where I  stumbled on the cutest chain-style necklace for only three dollars and change. The best part of the deal? It was 90% off! :) Which means I saved about $27! Pictures are available on the mini-haul photo album on facebook!
What's the most you have saved on an item, recently?

Three is a Charm

For this evening's savings adventure, I didn't have to wander very far from home. With only a few clicks of the mouse, and a minimal amount of loading time, I was able to navigate away from my 'home' page, and straight to ForeverXXI.com-all without leaving the comfort my jamies. :)
This week, I've had my eyes peeled and my wallet ready for all the three dollar deals I can find. I've had to be strict, by turning away from trendy tops and sexy skinnies, but as a result, I'm finding plenty of great additions to my closet (and yours!) and saving my poor piggy bank from a meltdown.
Tonight I found the cutest pair of black-bow hair clips, originally priced at-you guessed it-$3.00!! But to make this deal even sweeter, I found them on clearance. Today they're selling for only $1.99! These classy bows added to the handy bobby pins can be just what us busy girls need to make for a great hair day in practically no time.
Right under the accessories section on the sidebar was a link to the tops on clearance. This was the hardest part of my browsing; It was so hard to say 'no' to the deals that didn't fall in budget! But through a bit of self-discipline and tough love, I made it, and am able to bring you the three dollar ribbed tee as a stronger and more savvy shopper. The shirt comes in three shades (grey, navy, and white) and only costs three dollars and change. They're great to sport under v-necks, or layered for a stand-alone look.
Maybe later this week I'll be able to find some great accessories to go with them. Only time will tell! ;)

The Magic Number Three!

For a fashionista on a budget, a little magic goes a long way. This week, our magic number is three. Three dollars that is! ;) On a recent grocery shop to Wal*Mart (I feel like I live there), I was scanning the racks of summer clearance and I found a super cute black ballerina style dress by Miley&Max for only three dollars! The excitement grew into curiosity as I wondered exactly how far three dollars could go. So, throughout the week, I will be trekking far and wide to discover for you all of the three dollar bargains, I can. :) Wish me luck!!

Super Shopping

As many of us Pro-Shoppers know, fall time is one the best times to take advantage of major sales, designed to lure in bargain hunters like us! With the season's shopping well under way, Banana Republic, The Gap, and Old Navy, among many other stores, are making an extra effort by offering shoppers extra discounts for coming in to browse over these next few weeks. In fact, today is the last day for their Give to Get promotion. These stores are offering 30% off of ALL purchases, including sale and clearance items!! Yahoo!! :) What could make this promotion even better? An additional 5% of what you spend goes toward the non-profit organization Teach for America.


I, personally, can't wait to go and do some window shopping this afternoon. To print out your coupon, click here. I got mine through the Banana Republic E-Mail List. Saving dough on my splurges and promoting a great cause sounds like some super shopping to me!
I can't wait to hear about your fabulous finds, today!

Happy Hunting!

P.S.

I completely forgot to tell you about one the biggest bargains of my shopping adventure, yesterday! At Victoria's Secret they were having a sale on their new panty line. But, lucky for me, I had a coupon entitling me to one complimentary pair of panties with no purchase required! I scored a cute pair for less than a penny. :) I got this coupon in the mail, and while I try not to shop there too often, their freebies tend to lure me in. And let's face it: I'm a total sucker for freebies (not to mention PINK perfume) so they know what they're doing!
If you're as big of a Victoria's Secret fan as I am, you've probably already "liked" them on facebook. They're constantly posting about new additions and events, and you simply can't beat the sales and coupons!

Twenty Five.

Black Tee
Originally uploaded by Canny Chic

It's that time of year, again! Now is the season that cheesy slogans, super sales, and advertisements as colorful as the leaves on the trees float in the air, luring shoppers into their local department stores with lists longer than ever. That's right, folks: It’s back-to-school time! Accompanied by my Shopping Buddy, I set out today to see just how difficult the annual back-to-fall shopping spree would be, this year. Finding cute clothes for the season is simple. And spending loads of money on them? Well, that's even easier. The real challenge today was to stay on my small budget. After raiding my piggy bank and rummaging through my wallet, I was able to scrounge up $25 to spend on a new fall wardrobe. After a recent adventure into my messy closet, I've come to the conclusion that jeans and dress slacks are not a necessary buy this season. What I do need, however, are new tops. And a new pair of shoes couldn't hurt, either. After all, a girl can never have too many shoes! ;) For $25, I thought this list was pretty do-able, if I shop at the right places, of course. After grabbing a tasty lunch, it was time to put my money where my mouth was!
Armed with my stack of coupons, I walked in the first store: Kohl's. After a quick browse through the clearance racks and a shop around the beauty department, I ended up purchasing a black blazer and some liquid eyeliner. I also got a free "Flirt!" tote, just for purchasing makeup! The short cropped blazer with grey pinstripe cuffs, originally priced at $60.00, was a steal for only 12 bucks today! (I love clearance!!) The eyeliner, originally $12, was a bit of a splurge, costing me about $9. But here's the kicker-after deducting my coupons and discounts at the checkout, my total came down to only $6 for everything! With excitement in the air, my SB and I headed over to our next stop: Wal*Mart. For the quality of their products, I find Wal*Mart's prices to be slightly above average. However, if you're lucky enough to find your size in the clearance section, it's well worth the price! With this in mind, I meandered over to the clearance shoe section and, to my surprise, found a pair of brown knee high boots-in my size! Making this find even better was the low price of $7! To wind up the day of savings, we ventured to the mall for a bit of window shopping. I hadn’t heard of any outstanding sales, so I wasn’t planning on finding a lot for my leftover pocket change of $11.40. Walking into my favorite store H&M, however, changed my preconceptions. For only $5.00 each, I was able to purchase two tops to bring my day’s expenditures to a grand total of $23.60!! Not only did I stay under budget, but I racked up a savings of over $113.00, which can be accredited to having coupons, shopping clearance, and having self control!

Charlotte Russe

Free Bag!
Originally uploaded by Canny Chic

After a trip to the mall, I have decided that Charlotte Russe might just be my new favorite store! While many of their fashions were a little pricey for my petite budget for the day, their clearance selection was the perfect place to start my back-to-school style search. And at a Buy one, Get one 50% deal, on top of clearance prices, who could walk away empty handed? Certainly not me!! What originally had drawn me into this chic outlet, was a pair of jeans that I had scrounged up a local thrift store only weeks beforehand. My Refuge brand jeans (which cost me only $5.00 at my local thrift store) are those favorites that I pull down and wear everytime they come out of the wash. I found out through a trusty Google search that Refuge brand was sold at the Charlotte Russe outlet. So, of course, I searched the listings of local stores and treked the nearly 90 minute drive to the enchanting store. To my surprise, when I arrived, I couldn't find any, and was disapointed when I came home and learned via facebook that Charlotte isn't selling Refuge jeans anymore!! But, I'm hoping that this isn't true. I am determined to continue searching Google until I find these amazing jeans! "I'm feeling lucky!!" Anyway, my spirits got a pick-me-up when I saw the racks and racks of bargains marked "CLEARANCE". After some difficult decisions and some tough love from my shopping buddy (she keeps me on track!), I walked away with a head start on my fall shopping and I only spent $41. And the bargains didn't stop there; Because I spent over twenty five dollars, I was entitled to either a free Charlotte Russe tee or a handy shopping tote. While the shimmery tee caught my eye, I was informed they had only limited sizes, which unfortunlately did not include any that would flatter my frame. So, I selected the cute bag instead-not a bad deal!! My favorite peice I purchased was a dark blue ruffled flower tee for only $4.99! Unfortunately though, excitement got the better of me, and I put it on to wear to dinner that night, so I wasn't able to get a picture of it before it hit the hamper. But I'll be sure to show you how cute it is as soon as I can!! :) As for the other amazing finds, check out the photo album! All in all, Charlotte Russe was a wonderful place to begin my bargain hunting. Happy Hunting!