Bargain Spotting

I had to get the pooch some more dog food at Petco yesterday, so I stopped into Avenue while I was there. For me it is hit or miss there. I really cannot wear their pullover tops because the 14/16 is big at the shoulders and some styles of their jeans are big in the waist of the 14s, but I am telling you that the cardigans and shrugs are perfect for me in a 14/16. 

Like many of you, I have an issue with things that button across the chest. I think that's why I adore shrugs and flyaway cardigans so much--they fit perfectly in the bust at Avenue for me and I found some great deals yesterday.

Almost everything winter is 50-60% off the ticketed price. On top of that, until closing today, you can take another 30% off of that price. In other words, a $36 item would be $10.08 if it was on the 60% off rack, then take an additional 30% on top of that. Nice!

The deals aren't nearly as good online and then you have to add shipping, so this is a case of it being better to go shopping in the store. Plus, I love to try stuff on before I buy to make sure it fits.

I came home with 3 pieces yesterday for under $30. I'm going back later for jeans and I am thinking about this faux fur 3/4 sleeve coat, but am not sure....

My finds:

I also have to say that of all the Avenue stores in the Rochester area, the one in Irondequoit is the best. They have a great selection and I always find a deal. The ladies who work there are really sweet, too.

The woman who rang me out yesterday said that the 50-60% off sale is ongoing as they make room for spring merchandise, but that the additional 30% ends tonight. That doesn't mean more markdowns won't happen, but I just wanted to give you a head's up.

fabulously fair isle.

I received some cable knit Muk Luks for Christmas last year. They are comfy, support your feet, and keep you warm. At home, they're often on my feet. These are currently on my radar!

Overstock, $32.49

Cardigan from Lane Bryant

$69.50

(Today their items are Buy 1, Get 1 Free)

Pair this tunic with leggings and boots and look grogeous!

Old Navy, $39.50

Faux fur + Fair isle from Avenue

$59.90

Mittens from Lands' End

$22.99

Scarf from Aeropostale

$13.80 (on sale today)

{boots}

One of my biggest pet peeves this time of year is boot shopping. I have 50/50 luck. If I search and try on several pairs, I usually can go to the mall or to Marshall's and come home with a pair of boots that fits perfectly in an afternoon.

One frustration I have is that some boots are cut really narrow across the calves. If I look for a wide width boot, it fits really well in the calves, but not in the foot. You see, my feet are actually quite narrow. I wear a 9.5 to 10, and generally wear a medium width, sometimes a narrow. Not all curvy girls have wide feet.

I found some really pretty boots online to share with you from One Stop Plus. What I noticed right off the bat is that while you can buy extra wide widths, you can also get medium widths, so they will fit nicely everywhere.

Some favorites:

$59.95

$69

$68.99

$65.99

....and don't forget rain boots! Here are some from One Stop Plus. I love rain boots and have a pair I scored for $6 on the Target clearance last year. They are black and white polka dots with a fuchsia lining. Check there first for budget-friendly pair. I saw some cute zebra ones there just the other day!

I love these plaid ones, too!

$47.99

I {heart} Target

The Artist Dress by Merona

$27.99

Mossimo Kitten heel pumps

$24.99

Bag (my own)

I had a great shopping day today. We're going to a party Saturday night and I have been planning to go shopping to get something new to wear. One little side gig I do is work for an hour or two a month for a local camera company on the study panel. I get to try and comment on different products and they pay for the services of the panel members with Target gift cards. That works for me! I went in for a while yesterday morning and decided to use my gift card today on a dress and shoes for the party.

I never have bad luck at Target. I love Stein Mart and Kohl's for dresses, but I knew I thought I'd see what I could find using my gift card. I lucked out today.

If you're curvy, I really suggest you check out the Merona line at Target. The sizing is quite consistent. I know I need an XL for dresses, typically a L skirt, and XL top. The 14 trouser pants also fit like a dream. I am also very happy with the quality and the prices are affordable. 

Today the first dress I tried on was "the one" for this event. I knew it right away. It's for a birthday party with dinner and dancing for a co-worker of my husband's and she's older than we are. I don't want a revealing dress, but I definitely want to play up my assets and feel good about myself.

This dress is one of those. If you have an hourglass shape like me, this is perfect. It comes right in at the waist, has enough room in the chest, and drapes beautifully (no clinging) over the hips. It is just beautiful on. There's a tie sash attached and it really accentuates the waist. It really is lovely. There are also flower accents on the left shoulder area.

It has a feminine and vintage vibe to it and looks great with the kitten toe pumps I chose in a leopard print. I plan to wear some bangle bracelets and a pair of my earrings with vintage ruby stones that I just made. I have a fun little black purse that will work well with the ensemble.

I think when you smile looking in the fitting room mirror with the dreadful lighting, you know you've found the proper dress!