Friday, October 4, 2013

Sweater Season meets Frugal Friday - Oct 4.13

When I was changing out my summer for winter clothing, I became aware of how many of my favorite items were worn -- something you don't always notice when you're wearing them all the time.  My sweaters had become nubbly and frayed.  So, when we were shopping in the city last weekend, I determined to do something about it.  We hit a lot of stores, and I saw a lot of beautiful sweaters!  What did I buy?


Target has only just opened in Nova Scotia, so I was excited about visiting.  And while I was not overly impressed, I liked enough of their merchandise to say I'd return.  One of my favorite items was this sweater.  The color is a pretty mint green; and I think the bunny makes it a really fun item to wear with jeans -- $20.
At Northern Reflections, they were having a 2-hour manager's special on these short sleeved sweaters -- $19.99 ea.  Perfect for work; so I bought one in wine and one in a gorgeous purple/blue.

I also found these cute Joe Fresh ballet flats at my local PC/Loblaws Superstore marked down to $5.94.

I was happy with my frugal finds.  But as I drove home with my purchases (and my girls) ..... (and my Starbucks skinny vanilla latte) ..... I still dreamed of the "sweaters that got away" (read too expensive and too little money).  I dreamed of the $65 purple jewel-tone pullover; and the too-big orange one at Value Village.  (Orange is still a hot color this season, right?)  So, I sent up a little prayer to the thrifting gods to be merciful to me and my little budget.  

Boy!  Did they answer me BIG TIME!  You ever try driving past a thrift store but it keeps calling your name?  "Sandyyy!  You must stop in todayyy!  You must stop innn!"  

So, I stopped.  And I found .......  
not 1 .....
not 2 .....
not 3 .....
but 4 brand new sweaters  and 1 like-new cardigan.




These 2 gorgeous jewel-toned J.Crew sweaters -- original price $72.50 each.  LOVE that purple one!
A Wallace sweater with wooden button shoulder detail -- original
price $68 -- and it's an orange-red color.  Pretty!
Everyone needs a little more animal print in their wardrobe.  Cathy Daniels brand -- original price $24.99.

And a new-to-me Nine West belted cardigan with nice pocket details in this fantastic turquoise color.


I paid $4.50 each for these at Frenchies:  a total of $26 with tax for all 5.  Now THAT is frugal (and totally fun) shopping!


I'm not entirely sure what one offers up in gratitude to the thrifting gods; but I'm willing to sacrifice all my nubbly sweaters and bake a rather large autumnal apple cake ..... with caramel drizzle.

And as high priestess of my own house, I'm willing to eat it .... and wash it down with a nice chardonney whilst reclining with my current novel.  After all, being frugal is (sometimes) hard work.

Happy thrifting everyone!


12 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I love all your sweaters. I'd say you really did very good. Sweater weather is coming. Enjoy your apple cake!

Pamela Gordon said...

Wow, you got some beautiful sweaters for next to nothing, Sandi! You deserve to celebrate.

Cheri said...

You did fabulous! Our Target doesn't open until November and am looking forward to going in. I love all your finds. Did you get your free birthday drink from Starbucks?
Cheri

Jack Tyler said...

All of my children have worked for Target at some point in their lives, and I can tell you something about their marketing philosophy that may or may not translate into their Canadian presence: For a good many quarters, Wal*Mart was kicking their butts steadily down the road toward bankruptcy, as they have so many old-school retailers, Sears and Montgomery Ward, to name a couple. Target adjusted their focus to aim at the young, upwardly mobile professional, and it has worked for them. Here with a Target in one direction and a Wal*Mart in the other, we know which way to turn at the end of the driveway based on what we want. They're a handy store to have in the neighborhood, but not for every need.

TARYTERRE said...

LOVING that animal print sweater. Great bargains one and all.

Bonnie said...

Congratulations on you terrific finds! Now, may I help you celebrate?

The Vivenne Files said...

You've got a great eye for a bargain! Be sure to invite us all over for cake and Chardonnay...

Sue said...

You have to love the thrifting gods!! You did very well indeed.

Sue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suzanne said...

I am totally in love with that bunny sweater.

I've heard about Frenchies for thrifting out that way. Seems like they have some good deals.

bisous
Suzanne

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Ahhh...a day in heaven. :-) There are times when I'll think, "I need a such-and-so" just before I walk into the thrift store, and amazingly, there it is. I have certain things on my Holy Grail list but in the moment I'm having a hard time thinking of what those things are. I've had astounding luck recently. So have you, apparently! Good thing you heeded the call. XXOO



Kay G. said...

Oh, please, pretty please, take me shopping with you! I need pretty clothes but I need them CHEAP! xx

Fibromyalgia

  Sorry! I thought I could return to a normal schedule. But my sense of 'normal' has changed. After the past 5 years of various ailm...