Today's work outfit:

Walmart Jordache red skinny jeans ~ $17.00

J Crew blue popover (clearance) ~ $20.00

Ross Sam & Libby cloth/leather flats ~ $13.00

Gap brown skinny belt from thrift store ~ $12.00

Red wax seal necklace ~ $12.00

* The necklace is from KeysAndMemories, an Etsy shop.  The custon  necklace is still available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/56868789/custom-wax-seal-initial-necklace-in?ga_search_query=red%2Bwax%2Bseal.

The Yarn Boots Arrive - Finally!

Over a month after ordering from Beyond the Rack, my Dollhouse Yarn Boots (Brown) finally got here!  At first they were out of stock, then "on the way" to the warehouse, and, finally, shipped.  I started using the tracking number for updates and was patient until November 30, last Friday.  That morning, they were scanned in Greensboro, less than an hour west!  Surely I would get them before the estimated December 4 delivery date.  Nope.  They then traveled over an hour to the east of where I live, certainly coming within miles of my home.  Finally, as promised, they were delivered today, December 4.  And I think they were worth the wait. For the price of about $35.00, they are good faux leather.  They seem to be reasonably well made.  I like the stacked heel, the lug sole, and the brass buckles.  I can't wait to wear them!

Today's work outfit:

Sleeveless blue drape neck top from TJ Maxx ~ $8.00

Drape front blue knit cardigan from TJ Maxx ~ $12.00

Old Navy cap toe blue flats ~ $8.00

*All of the above were purchased from the clearance racks at different times over about a year and by lucky chance, they are all the same blue! Love when that happens!

Target Merona Pencil Skirt in Orange Flame ~ $23.00

*This skirt is still on Target's web site - http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-doubleweave-skirt-assorted-colors/-/A-14176632#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=merona pencil skirt.  If you like comfortable, lined pencil skirts for a reasonable price, this is a great deal.  Over the past year, I have purchased several of these - wore the blue one yesterday.  They get tossed in the washer, then the dryer and come out beautifully.  The colors start out bright and don't seem to be fading.  In addition to the turquoise blue and the orange, I have the violet and the black.  The fit has been consistent and I can't complain about them at all.

75 Degrees in December

What I wore to work today:

Blue Target Merona pencil skirt ~ $22.00

Taupe Forever 21 top ~ $20.00

Taupe Gap ballet flats (clearance from two years ago) ~ $10.00

Multi-colored Marshalls scarf (clearance from last year) ~ $10.00

Love that the temperature today was 75 degrees!  After work today, I hiked in a short-sleeved t-shirt and capri leggings.  It felt like spring! (In my dreams...)

workout clothes: too hideous to photograph!

Hanes Walmart v-neck t-shirt ~ $4.00

Danskin Walmart black capri leggings ~ $8.00

Black Kalso Earth Exer-Walk (old and not too cute, but these are the most comfortable walking shoes EVER) ~ $38.00 on Amazon

So True

                                             

This simple quote conveys so much truth.  Although I've had a wonderful family, amazing friends, and a loved career for the first fifty years of my life, my aspiration is that there is even more in store during the next fifty years.

Consignment, Thrift, Etsy, and Sales

Today's work outfit:

Gap dark Always Skinny jeans from Ebay ~ $20.00

Durango brown cowboy boots from thrift store ~ $30.00

Old Navy faded denim shirt from consignment store $4.50

Land's End brown wool drape front sweater ~ actually from Land's End last month on sale for $21.99  (yeah!)

Kitchen sink scrap yarn scarf from Etsy on sale for $18.00

(from http://www.etsy.com/shop//jamiesierraknits and she does beautiful work!)

I just checked LandsEnd.com and they still have the sweaters on sale for $21.99 AND you can get an additional 40% off any one item!  (http://www.landsend.com/pp/StylePage-409674_AF.html?amp;CM_MERCH=REC-_-FPPP-_-GGT-_-1-_-409674-_-409673)             

I can afford another color...now which one???

TGI Friday!

Consignment, Wal-Mart, Marshall's, Ebay, Thrift

                              

Today's work outfit:

Gap denim jacket from consignment store ~ $12.00

Walmart caramel Jordache skinny jeans ~ $17.00

(yes, the jeans are turned inside out so you can see the tag)

Brooks Brothers cream blouse from thrift store ~ $4.25

Feather print scarf from Marshall's ~ $12.00

Caramel suede Earth scrunch boots from eBay ~ $35.00

(Thought about the red cowboy boots, but the suede ones match the jeans in a perfect accident kind of way...)

Comfortable, warm, under $100 total, and all have been worn repeatedly

Age appropriate?  I think so.

Thankfully, I work in an elementary school and casual is OK.

Retirement!!!???

So, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I turned in my resignation.  I am not truly resigning, I am retiring.  As of March 1, 2013, I will be retired.  At the age of 51, I will have taught elementary school and been a school librarian for a total of thirty years.  These are scary and exciting times.  What will I do next?  Will I recreate myself?  If so, how?  Don't really know for sure.  I love to read. I like to write.  I have always dreamed of writing a children's book.  I love to exercise. I like to sew.  I like trash TV.  I like to shop for bargains.  I love clothes.  I love the beach.  I love my family.  What can I do that combines all of these likes and loves???? Don't know...yet.  Please stay tuned.