Clothes Mentor Styling and Good Company Spot

Hey there!  It's been a hot minute since I've found the time to blog, and boy is there a lot of catch up on...

While I hope to get to all those things in the next few posts, I want to focus on a great opportunity I had with a local business.  You may have found yourself at this blog from seeing the Good Company spot I did with Clothes Mentor -- and if so WELCOME!  I hope you click around and see what my blog is about and maybe become a reader!

We've been a one income household for over a year, and with that I have become much more frugal with my wardrobe budget.  I have been more actively shopping on resell Facebook pages and consignment stores and have really found a place I love in Clothes Mentor, not just in Peoria but where ever I travel and they have a store.

When I started working with Lynn on what kind of content I'd like to bring to their Good Company stop, it's always been my point of view that good style doesn't take a lot of pieces or a big budget.  So I wanted to present the idea of a 'capsule' wardrobe or staple pieces.  This isn't a new concept, it's been around forever - but is gaining new traction as my generation is becoming more concerned with paying off large amounts of debt instead of building it.

We started the evening as they would with any personal styling session -- which they do offer and I highly recommend if you're a bit afraid of fashion.  The employees will understand your lifestyle and your body shape/size and you'll both start just looking through the racks.  Lynn and I had a focus - items you could wear to the office and could be mixed and matched.

Below are a few highlights from our experience.  The staff at Clothes Mentor Peoria are great, and I highly recommend calling and asking about a styling session!

First it is lots of browsing the racks - everything is well organized by size and then by color.  I tend to stay with colors I like (cool tones) and away from patterns, just for my own personal style!

Then there is a LOT of trying on.  The fitting room can be a woman's worst enemy!  Having someone else there that is a third party opinion can help you get out of your own head.

Here are the final looks we put together for the show, and you can watch our spot here!

Adventures in Consignment Shopping #2

So I've been de-cluttering and I finally let myself realized that I don't and won't ever use the Kate Spade diaper bag I bought right when I found out I was pregnant.  I think the price I paid for it was what made me keep it.  But, that's what consignment is for!

I went into my local Clothes Mentor store....they are owned by the same company that does Plato's Closet, but specialize in women's wear.  I fully intended to sell the bag and bring home the profits and bank them.....so responsible.  But as they were discussing pricing on my piece, I perused.....I should have never perused.  I found a diamond in the rough.....black, pointy toe Manolos!  In my size!!  I tried them on and walked around the store to make sure they were legitimately comfortable, and then I looked at the price....only $80....for MANOLOS!  And what's more I'd been considering looking for a more versatile pair than I already have.

I told myself if they offered me more than $50 for my bag, I was going to take that money and get the shoes.  After I gave them ample time to discuss I came up to the desk for my offer.  They were going to offer me $75!!!!  So, needless to say, I got my Manolos for $5!!!!!  Can you tell I'm excited!

I love consignment shopping for work clothing, but also for special occasions and maternity...when you can't make yourself pay full price.  Below are two great outfits they had styled for those specific times in your life.  

  

Such a cute casual weekend maternity look!

This dress is only $30, I don't lie.....see the below proof!

What are your favorite places to buy/sell clothing?  The seasons are changing soon here in central Illinois which means getting to spring clothes, with a potential to sell more!