Oh y’all totally came through for me on the sheet information. My people here at Big Mama, Inc. are compiling the data and weighing the merits of percale versus sateen.
And let me just say that part of the reason this country is great is because you can buy great sheets at the same store that sells toilet paper by the case.
God bless America.
On Wednesday morning, Caroline informed me that she missed her school and would like to go see all her friends. I remembered that the school director told me they would take drop-ins during the summer so I called and asked if Caroline could spend Thursday at school. She said they would love it.
So, my social butterfly spent the day at school yesterday catching up with all her friends and discussing the upcoming presidential elections, gas prices, and Barbie Mariposa.
Suddenly I found myself with an entire day of freedom looming before me. I had no idea what to do with a day that didn’t involve the pool, multiple games of Candyland, or cutting out a peanut butter sandwich in the shape of a butterfly.
But I knew enough to know that I should cherish every moment.
Naturally, I went shopping.
And to express my gratitude for all the valuable bed linen information y’all shared, I will now share the wealth of bargain fashion I discovered yesterday.
I didn’t actually buy all these things because I value my marriage and don’t really want to look for a new place to live, however, I did buy some of them because marriage is about compromise.
Plus, hunting season is rapidly approaching which means P will be spending some coin here pretty quick. I don’t really understand how anyone needs that much camo or ammunition, but he doesn’t understand why I need multiple pairs of shoes in the same color.
It’s our differences that make us stronger.
I believe that I will share my finds in a list format because I enjoy a list.
1. About two months ago, I saw this Gap skirt. It was cute, ruffled and came in an array of bright colors. It was $39.99.
I actually called Gulley from the dressing room to tell her it was cute, but not for $40.00 (let’s call it what it is, Gap). At that time I told her I’d buy it if it went on sale for $20.00.
Yesterday, I bought it and paid EIGHT AMERICAN DOLLARS AND FORTY-TWO CENTS. I almost bought another one just to use as a dust cloth.
Don’t let the online prices fool you, Gap is having a huge sale right now with an additional 25% off already low prices. It’s just madness.
2. While I was at Gap, I also saw these white jeans. They were normally $49.99 and are on sale for $24.99 with an additional 25% off. If I was any good at math I could tell you exactly how much that makes them.
CHEAP. That’s what they are. CHEAP.
3. From Gap I headed to Banana Republic. They had this darling short-sleeve trench coat on sale. It was originally $98.00 but is now $42.99 (otherwise known as $43.00).
4. I can’t tell y’all how long I have admired these shielded sandals. They come in bright summer colors and are now just $39.99.
5. I actually bought these modern wide leg jeans a month ago and while I didn’t pay full price, I didn’t get them for $41.99 (seriously? $41.99? What kind of pricing system is that?)
Banana Republic jeans don’t always fit me right, but I love the way these fit. Plus they have a lot of stretch which helps them keep their shape and helps hold my stomach in after I’ve binged on Dreyer’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.
6. This Singin’ Robin dress is so darling. I love dresses in the summer, especially ones that you can just throw on flip-flops with and go out to broil in the heat.
7. It’s hard for me not to love something that’s called the Way We Were top.
Memories. They light the corners of my mind. Misty, water-colored memories.
Could it be that it was all so simple then?
8. Okay, this Dragonflies in the Sky Shift isn’t on sale, but I love it so I just had to share it.
Since I didn’t actually try it on, I’m not sure how long it is but I think probably mid-thigh. It would totally work with jeans or maybe leggings.
I should have tried it on, but then I would have been powerless to resist its dragonfly charms.
9. Forever 21 (oh the irony) had these teardrop chandelier earrings.
They come in a bunch of different colors, add a little pop to an outfit and are only $4.80.
10. I also found three really great shirts at Forever 21 and I will lump them all in at #10 because I don’t want to end up with a list of twelve things. It would just bother me.
I loved this Floral peasant top , this paisley v-neck tunic, and this Ashley eyelet tunic.
Even if you don’t consider shopping to be a recreational sport like I do, now is the time to hit the stores. Everyone is clearing out summer merchandise to make room for all the fall things and you can find some incredible deals.
Some might even say they are Cheaper Than Dirt!
Y’all have a great Friday!
You, too! Hope you find the sheets of your dreams…
Oh Big Mama, you are such a bad influence. I just love those earrings from Forever 21. I think there is one close to my mom’s house I may have to hit. Since I’m pregnant, I’ve only wanted to focus on jewelry and shoes. This has been one summer where I”ve seen so many cute things in the stores and just sighed. Oh well, there is always next year.
Um….WHAT are those shielded sandals?? I swear they look like they have mirrors on them so they can reflect what’s under your skirt!!!!
That made my morning. Is that sad? I too am a recreational shopper. Has your hubby instituted any horrible shoe rules? Mine established a “1 in, 2 out” rule. It’s not really a problem, I can scrape the back of the closet and find a few pairs that don’t matter anymore. Do you get the shopittome.com email? It comes as often as you like, with info on the sales from places you want. Helps me feel like I’ve been shopping while the munchkins play in the house.
Nothing brings a smile to my face like a Saturday shopping spree! It makes me so happy, my husband added “Mommy Shopping Money” to our monthly budget. Ah, what a prince I married. These are some great deals. You have me in the mood to shop!
Oh my…I think I hear the stores calling my name! It has been too long since I did some fun fashion shopping and now I know just where I need to go. Now if I can just find someone to watch the little guy!
Oh that paisley v-neck has me coveting it something fierce! So darn cute!
I’m going to the garden centre all by my lonesome on Saturday morning. I may just have to go by way of the mall.
You’re such an enabler 😉
store sales are awesome right now. at one store this past weekend, i saved more than i spent. my hubby was amazed!!
Oh Big Mama, thank you for making me feel blessed that we are not even close in the clothing size ballpark. I always love reading your fashion Fridays because your style is so much mine. But, if I were able to wear any of the clothes you show, I would be so poor. You have the best taste!
PS – by close in size, I mean that you would have to take your size and multiple it by a double digit number to get in my size ballpark. 🙂
Big Mama, found you thru our dearest Lincee. Enjoyed your blog immensly until I found that you are an aggie. I don’t know what to do now, haha. You see, I’m your ultimate enemy, raised a Longhorn/graduated from Tech. Can we ever be friends? Regardless, I think I’ll add your blog to my favorites so that come September, we can have some friendly banter!
You have inspired me. I just started working out this past week in hopes of losing those dreaded 12 post pregnancy pounds. I decided to wait until I had shed said pounds before buying one new thing – Insert hallelujah chorus sung by husband – but, you have given me the perfect reason to start shopping now! Clearance and end of season finds!
You have some cute stuff posted. I’ll be visiting Gap and Forever 21 today~!
Those shielded sandals are DARLIN’!! Just Darlin’!
And those demim jeans aren’t too bad either. 😉
LOVE it all, except the singin’ robin screams MOOMOO. tell me no.
Shopping is not for the faint hearted. I used to say, when asked what sport I played, “Decalthalon Shopping” – I especially excelled at the “Ironwoman Shopping Competition”. If it can be discounted, I can find it. OR if you discount it, I will come! I once got a pair of Brighton Sandals at Nordstrom Rack for $34.99!! (orig. $154) I cried, literally WEPT when they closed down the Nordstrom Rack in Hurst (DFW area) and replaced it with, get this, a BARNES & NOBLE!! What’s so “noble” about THAT I ask you? Evidently they still have NR in north Dallas, but I for one fear life and limb driving it the vast wasteland of wealthy women in Lexus SUVs who don’t know how to drive otherwise known as “north Dallas” (sorry to all you who live there but that’s my experience…I’m sure you a nice person…)
I’m thinking of starting a store called “Forever Fifty” – think it will be a winner?? 🙂 I can sell couture trusses, fancy granny pants and jeans with tummy support (and thigh support, and arch support….)
I am hopeless. I liked 2 things that you mentioned and the rest made me say “Really?”
If I promise you much quac and wine when we actually do meet, will you promise to not hold it against me?
Congrats on your JACKPOT at Gap. A+ sale shopping, my friend.
Also, with the shielded sandals, your feet will be protected in case of an invasion of tiny gladiators…or kids with cleats, which is totally the same thing. I’d be careful wearing them with dresses, though. Those little “shields” could act as mirrors and…well…wear pretty undies, too.
Loving the Singing Robin Dress, because my name’s Robyn and that’s just an article of clothing that a Robyn should have. Except I’m 5’2″ and it’ll probably make me look preggo, which is DEFINITELY not a look I’m gonna pay money for.
Have a good Friday!
Love Fashion Fri. I’m too old for most of it but thing I’m going to have to take a trip out 281 and try of that Dragonfly Tunic. Thanks for doing this.
Hey, those sheilded shoes are a bargain because I do believe use can use them as a mirror to apply your makeup.
I like the one comment that caught my eye who said she thinks the shield is used to look up your dress.
smiles
I was about to say what Kate said. They are darling, but I keep picturing a chubby preschool boy with a bowtie trying to get a peek.
Perfect excuse to go shopping. Thanks for the reminder since I’ve been steering of even the sale racks. 😉
Melanie,
You’re just too funny! I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and have especially enjoyed your rundown of Deeper Still on All Access.
I have to admit, I’ll be seeing Journey in a few weeks!
“Don’t Stop Believin”
Blessings!
I love Fashion Friday. I would like to be a recreation shopper. Well, I kind of am, much to my husband’s dismay. I just scored two shirts at Target today. I love those jeans, but I’m not tall.
Shopping? What’s that?
Oh, yes, I remember. I wrote about shopping last night — come over for a kind of, um, different tale of shopping.
Enjoyed this post, as always. You make me laugh!
Janera
http://www.mygardenhat.blogspot.com
Thanks to you, I am $8.92 poorer but the happy owner of the orange swishy skirt that I have been wanting!
I love recreational shopping, sometimes, I have to get my fix and take my kids with me but it doesn’t usually satisfy my craving.
Yes, I am oh so familiar with the Cheaper Than Dirt catalog – that one always makes it from the post office into the house (library reading!?) – when most of my catalogs get chunked. He really is doing me a favor by chunking them – but the Dillon Reloading girls and CTD catalogs always make it in….
The impending season is dove season; starts Sept 1 – and a guy needs tons and tons of ammo because they miss so much – but you will never hear that explanation from them.
I feel your pain –
So are the shield sandals in case you get stranded and can create distress signals to the planes flying overhead?
Ok….headed to the Gap this afternoon.
Is Francesca’s having a sale too? Every once in a while I catch them when they put their stuff 75% off. It is heaven. There stuff is so feminine.
Well, Francesca’s is next door to the Gap so I guess I shall soon find out….
shopping is so not my deal–but after reading that you’ve put me in the mood for shopping! thx
isn’t #6 technically called a moo moo?
clearly, i don’t know what’s in. right now, i’m wearing a dr pepper t-shirt and some khaki shorts. and some reef flip flops.
it’s true what they say. i’m a fashion trendsetter, really.
Yes, but did you get some sheets?? lol
Hugs,
Marie
I totally need you to go shopping with me. All of those things are SUPER cute, but I would never venture to pick them up in the store, much less try them on. Things like that look so great when someone shows them to me, but when I’m shopping alone I somehow completely miss them.
On the sheets, I bought some store brand sheets at Linens n Things not to long ago, and they faded pretty badly. So they look like I’ve spilled bleach in random places. But they’re soft. And comfy. I guess that’s what matters.
You totally ROCK as a shopper! Thank you for bringing us a special summer edition of Fashion Friday. I found a couple sales myself today…but did not have enough time to shop like I wanted to. I need to take my 14-year-old son shopping for some shorts for a week at camp. Wonder if I can trick, uhh, talk him into stopping by the Gap!
I also just bought the cute ruffled skirt from GAP in orange…wore it over the weekend, and my hubby could not stop telling me how cute/hot/pretty I looked. Now I wish I had bought one in every color!
And, Big Mama, J. Crew is having a huge sale, with tons of things an additional 25% off. This week I purchased two pairs of adorable pants (great colors) and two tanks for $40 TOTAL!!! And then I went back for flip flops…the cute, patterned ones…for $7. Can you tell I’m excited about this?!
I think I need to go get that cute ruffled skirt and the Singin’ Robin dress.
Thanks for the tips!
So it is Saturday otherwise known as shopping day, and I read your blog with excitement! I clicked on the Gap/BR sites and they are working on their site…:(
Could it be a sign???? I can’t see anything!
Dana
Umm…shopping is a recreational sport in my book. Seriously. 🙂
I think I need to go buy all of that stuff! Oh my goodness, especially that paisley top. Do you not know my love for paisley?! It’s ri-donk-ulous.
Thank you for sharing this precious stuff.
Lindsee
Thank you for all the darling ideas! Makes me want to go shopping. I hope you’ll let us know what sheets you end up buying. I need some too. But I’m going to wait and see what YOU get first.
Oh Melanie, Melanie, Melanie. What you didn’t mention was that better than buying the cute blue Gap ruffled skirt for $8.00 is getting that exact same one for the bargain price of…free. Birthday presents are fabulous. However, I’ll now just have to make sure not to wear it to any function you are attending to aviod the unintentional and semi-unforgivable fashion overlap occurence. 🙂
I scored Melanie. Many thanks for the tip.
Oh I’ve been shopping like there’s no tomorrow. I have bought 3 pair of gold shoes in the last week. WHO needs 3 pair of gold shoes? I keep telling myself at least one pair needs to go back, but I don’t know which one it would be.
I also have this awesome new mustard yellow purse. And silver teardrop chandelier earrings. I think I need silver flats and a yellow bangle to pull it all together. Then I can wear any combination of neutral tops and bottoms with it all. Coordinating outfits make me so happy.
That Gap skirt? How come it’s not on sale online? I think a blue one would be perfect with all the yellow and silver. But I have no time to run to the mall. sigh…
Shopping? I hate it, but from the looks of my wardrobe right now, I probably should look into it. =)
Glad you found some good stuff!
I, too, wanted the Gap skirt, but was NOT paying $40 for it! I found it, in orange, last weekend for $8.42! Last one in the store, and my size. I actually did the dance of joy in the store and my red faced husband headed for the benches outside. I’m glad someone else shared my elation!