Treasure Hunting: Getting The Look For Less

I confess. I love to shop. It kind of goes hand in hand when you're a fan of style and fashion. Who doesn't love the feeling of getting that new pair of shoes or fabulous dress, right?  What's not so great, though, is the impact it can have on your bank account.

I learned the value of a dollar from a very young age. I watched my mother, a single parent of 3, struggle to make ends meet as she raised my brothers and I in the inner city. Sometimes those ends didn't quite connect and we went without. She did the best that she could, but times were hard. For that reason, I don't like wasting money. In fact, I'm ALWAYS on the prowl for a great deal. Sometimes it can mean that I get basic pieces from Target or even Walmart (yup, sho do!), but every now and then I do like to splurge on more quality items. The trick is knowing where to go to find them at an affordable price.  So how does a fashionista bridge the gap between staying on trend and stylish without blowing her budget? Thrifting! Forget diamonds; thrift stores and consignment shops are a girl's best friend.

Most of us would agree that saving money or finding a great deal is part of the joy of shopping. For me, nothing quite beats the feeling of triumph that comes when you get that extra discount at checkout. In fact, the FIRST place I go to when I walk into a store is the clearance/sale section. Hey, I've got 2 kids in college. Getting a deal means more now than ever.

I know the idea of wearing someone else's hand-me-downs is unappealing to some, but I've never been phased by it. No shame in my game, as they say. As long as the items are gently used and in good condition, it's all good. I've scored numerous treasures this way: vintage Christian Dior shades for $17, Brian Atwood pumps for $36, Barneys New York leather blazer for $15, sparkly Uggs for $50. Just the other day I wandered into a local Salvation Army and found a beautiful 100% silk Diane von Furstenberg dress for $3.99!! Then, because it happened to be during a 50% off sale, it ended only costing $2! #winning!! As the saying goes, "One (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure." Indeed!

Sure, it can be overwhelming to walk into a place with racks and racks of items, many of which are not in the best of shape.  But if you have patience to sift through things of lesser quality and keep your eyes peeled for name brands or even unique, funky pieces that speak to your style sense, you can hit the jackpot.

So, just where do I go to find these gems? Here's a list of a few places/sites that I frequent. Check your local area for locations near you :

• Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• Plato's Closet (www.platoscloset.com)
• eBay (always a favorite)
• ThredUp (www.thredup.com)
• Eye of the Beholder Consignment (www.http://www.eyeofthebeholderconsignment.com/home.php)

 So remember, being fashionable doesn't have to break the bank. You can be frugal and fabulous.  Happy thrifting and may you score big and get the look for less!!

The Leighel Desiree 2015 Fall/Winter Collection- Urban Safari

One of the things I enjoy most about fashion is the ability to create looks by mixing and matching pieces. Sure, sets, suits or dresses make things simple, but there's something to be said about having the freedom to switch things up; interchanging tops and bottoms to achieve different vibes. This is one of the reasons I'm so excited by the Leighel Desiree 2015 Fall/Winter Urban Safari Collection. Business, dressy-casual, day-to-evening, urban and even semi-formal; all possible looks when you mix and match just a few of the separate faux fur, leather, organza and lace pieces of this collection.


Day to Evening
Featured: Leighel Desiree's Legendary faux leather jacket and Bondage skirt paired with her Naked long-sleeved lace crop top. Wear to a business lunch with record label execs...

Then, go sans the jacket and swap out the shoes for the after party.

Featured: Revolution Button-up Dress
Heading downtown to a meeting in the boardroom? Then don this easy-to-wear dress with your favorite pumps. The sculpted neckline and subtle shoulder pads make this piece powerful, yet still comfy. Gold square buttons at just a touch of detail.

A simple change of accessories, and you're ready for an evening out. Dinner, anyone?

East Meets West
Featured: After Glow skirt set
Comfortable and stylish, this Asian-inspired set will be your "go to" when you want to make an entrance. The a-line skirt and hi-low top in bronze stretch knit is distinguished with red trim. Dinner party-ready!

But if you want to make an even bolder statement, swap out the bronze skirt for this daring pencil skirt with asymmetrical side slit. Ready for a night on the town.

Fun & Flirty
Featured: Moon Glow polka dot organza skater skirt is an ultra-feminine take on a classic silhouette. Dress it up or down, whatever your fancy.

Edgy Chic
Featured: Ammo Faux Leather jacket and Bondage faux leather skirt.
Worn as a set, you will surely make a statement.  Supple rustic faux leather and high-fashion design combine to make the most sublime ensemble. With features like this over-sized faux fur collar, you will be sure to keep warm while looking stylish.

But if you want a slightly edgier vibe, pair the jacket with some jeans and boots and you have a completely different look. Give urban chic for an evening out.

The Leighel Desiree  2015 Fall/Winter Urban Safari collection offers versatility and a little bit of everything. To get your custom piece, visit her website at http://www.leigheldesiree.com/#_l_1k

Why I Love Polyvore

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted! It was summer back then, but now the highs are in the 30s and it's a brand new year! So much has happened. I've sent my second child off to college, started a new job and discovered a new obsession: Polyvore!!!

Polyvore, for those of you who don't know, is a wonderful app for fashion junkies like me. It's a one-stop shop for virtually all things style. With it you can shop, create looks and get inspiration/tips from others who've got great style sense.  Imagine: you've got a big event/important occasion and don't know what to wear. Download the app (or sign-in via the website), type "red shoes" or "pantsuit" in the search field (whatever you're on the hunt for), and a bevy of options pop up! Or, if you have no idea what look you want, you can follow style-savvy citizens who post looks they've created and get inspiration or direction that way. Any occasion, any price point, any item. And it's not just clothing or apparel. There are ideas for home decor as well! It's that simple. Can you believe it??! Style ideas AND where to find the looks you love, all at your fingertips. #Winning!

Of all the benefits and conveniences of the app, though, I think I love the "Create" feature most. It allows me to develop looks from every price point imaginable. It gives the stylist in me a creative outlet without necessarily breaking the bank.  It's like shopping with an unlimited budget without actually spending a dime. You can go high end or stick to a more conservative price point. I've created looks, mixing pieces that cost thousands with items that are under $50. Nothing is off limits. Gotta love that!;)  If I find a piece that I'm in love with and that fits my budget (that last part is critical), I can click the link which takes me directly to the site where I can make the purchase and have it shipped. Voila. No lines, no hassle. It's exhilarating:)

Here are a few looks I've put together over the last few months:

Clearly, you can tell how much I love this app/site and can hopefully see how it can help you, too. There's no end to the style possibilities!!  If you'd like to follow me,  download the app or go to the Polyvore website (www.Polyvore.com), create an account and look for me under (you guessed it!:) ModelMoxy. 

Until next time... Stylishly yours xoxo :)