Secrets to Saving Big Money on Kids' Clothes in DFW {Giveaway}

Note: This is a sponsored post. I was compensated for this post in return for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% my own.

I love to dress up my kids. Before my daughter was born, I bought her a Burberry onesie from Neimans...and I don't even have any Burberry! While it was wonderful to get her something nice to celebrate her coming into this world - I knew there was no one that I was going to be able to keep up dressing either of my children in brand name clothing without winning the lottery OR finding a better solution that didn't involve refinancing my house. 

Thankfully my mama taught me the value of consignment and my friends have taught me where to find the best deals! Just Between Friends is the largest children's and maternity consignment sales event in Texas with 75,000 square feet of gently used children's and maternity items for purchase at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

See all those clothes in the photos above? 

Those were all treasures from my consignment finds!

If you've been, I'm sure you know the benefit of attending the spring and fall sales to stock up on your kids' wardrobes. If you haven't had a chance, then I'm giving you the best reason to go with a chance to win a $15 gift card certificate! However, if it is your first time, I want to share some of the best tips for the best experience at JBF from some of my favorite bloggers who know all the ins and ours of consignment! 

5 Ways to Get the Best Deals at JBF from Terrell Family Fun

10 Tips for Shopping at Consignment Sales from Real Life Notes

So now that you are ready to save money, now here's your mama challenge: how much merchandise can you purchase with a $15 gift card? Enter my giveaway now and get your chance to see how far $15 can go!

Just Between Friends Forth Worth 
3/1/14 - 3/8/14 (CLOSED 3/3 thru 3/5)
Fort Worth Memorial Center
JBFwebsite

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Style IS Knocking: Front Door Fashion

Imagine what would happen if you had your own Rachel Zoe or Clinton Kelly to tell you what was a yes or no every morning? 

Bananas, right? 

Check out my new find for your NEW fashion solution on the Star-Telegram.com!

Dallas' Best Dressed Secret: Upscale Resale at Clothes Circuit

Disclaimer: I was invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary at Clothes Circuit and received a gift card. However, I have already spent way more money than my gift card balance and plan to go back multiple times. 

As I approach the holidays, my buying habits change to only giving and no more getting for me.  Unfortunately, it's also the same time of the year that your social calendar requires you to look your festive best. 

Ain't it ironic that Timing and Budget do not place nicely with each other? 

However, I did find out they can compromise.

Let me introduce you to my new guiltless pleasure, Clothes Circuit. 

A 30-year-old tradition in the Park Cities, Clothes Circuit offers women one-of-kind upscale consignment fashion with clothing essentials, shoes, accessories, coats, bags, handbags and jewelry.  Owned by Irene Mylan, the Clothes Circuit gives you the labels you want to buy at prices you can actually afford (and still buy Christmas.) 

With more than 500 items are introduced to the floor daily bearing labels from the world’s top designers and upscale retailers such as Trina Turk, St. John, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Marni, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Burberry and more.  Clothes Circuit also carries everyday office-appropriate options from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, The Gap, and Cole Haan.

A woman with little time to spend on shopping for herself, I immediately spotted a huge number of Louis Vuitton handbags and suitcases. Followed by several pairs of Jimmy Choos I couldn't wait to put on my feet. I was already reeled in now, so off to the racks to see if there was anything that I had to have. 

Of course, I found some. A lot of some. Somewhere between the devoted Tory Burch rack, a Michael Kors Black trench and lovely gold frock (holiday attire is only available from now until the end of the year), I couldn't help from seeing all the fantastic labels that I just couldn't believe was available AND I could consider buying it. 

While I've enjoyed my time there, I have to admit, I hope this new-found-fun doesn't turn like my Starbucks. From just special occasions to now multiple times a day, I'm now a gold card carrier of the coffee giant. Thankfully, Clothes Circuit doesn't have a frequent shopper card or the Christmas tree at my house might look bare. 

At least I'll look good. 

Clothes Circuit

6105 Sherry Lane

Dallas, TX 75225

www.clothescircuit.com

Get your inside look on inventory at Clothes Circuit on Instagram!

Get Ahead of the Class for Back-to-School with $15 Giftcard from Just Between Friends Fort Worth!

To-do Thursdays: 

Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card in exchange for writing this post. But my stories, my photos and my love of saving is all my own. 

I. cannot. believe. I. have. a. kindergardener. 

(Give me a minute, a need to take a breather.) 

That means it's the start of 12 more years for him of back-to-school preparations - supplies, clothes, backpacks and getting back to a routine (that's a lot to digest and even more to have to spend.) And of course, I've got a 2 year old little girl to go right behind him very soon!

Can you figure out which of these Ralph Lauren Polo items were consignment sale finds?
(All of them but the two on the left!) 

Thankfully, my mama taught me the value of a dollar, so since day one, I've been a huge fan of consignment sales to keep my kiddos dressed nice on our budget. I've even been told my daughter has the cutest clothes and most the time they are outfits I have purchased from a seasonal consignment sale. With just $100 I can get my kids suited up for a whole season plus a little more. And considering we like brand names, it's a great way to stock up without paying full price! 

While there are all kinds of consigment sales in Dallas-Fort Worth, the one that started it all was Just Between Friends and the one in Fort Worth is huge. They've things you wouldn't even think you need, but the price is so good you buy it anyway. The upcoming JBF Fort Worth sale is August 31 - September 7, but goodness knows I need a reminder...

Lucky for both of us, my friend/optimizer/tightwad Jill over at Real Life Notes has answered both our prayers with a handy calendar to keep us in line on DFW consigment sales this fall. (Isn't she organized?)

Since JBF is all about saving you money, they are making this year even sweeter by offering you a chance to win a $15 giftcard! That means you probably are getting $50-$60 worth of clothes for free just by entering.) 

So let's get back-to-school this year with money already in our pocket! 

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Flip Flops That Make Your Feet Fit

Mom Mondays:

Disclaimer: I received these products for purposes of this review. All comments expressed here are my own. 

It's no secret I'd prefer to be barefoot to wearing shoes any day of the week. However, since it's kinda gross to walk around like that most the time, I'm always on the lookout for shoes that are good to my feet and hopefully are fashionable to wear as well. 

So when one of my favorite pairs of summer sandals bit the big one the other day, I was almost in a panic. Then like a little FedEx fairy, a box arrived at my doorstep with new flip flops that claimed with every little step my butt, hips and thighs are doing reversed incline stretches while toning my muscles. So basically, I walk and and the worst parts of my body get a little more toned? So like any woman would, I tore the box open and put these babies on my feet immediately.

Developed by famed fitness icon Tony Little (you know the guy with the blonde ponytail exercising on the Gazelle trainer), his new footwear line appropriately named “Cheeks” is constructed with an inclined sole that imitates uphill walking. The shoes work by placing the body at a three-degree angle; most of the weight rests on the heels, thus promoting improved posture. 

I was able to wear these sandals every day, all day for going to work out, walking around Schlitterbahn, the grocery store - well everything. And because of the design, I could easily wear them with many outfits.  While I didn't take my measuments before I began weating the shoes, I can tell you I could feel a little strain on my legs after I wore them for hours - just like I had been running up a hill. Success. 

And they have all kinds of styles too - from black, pink with some bling and even some interchangeable straps so you can coordinate your look by flipping it over! 

Starting at $24.95 this line is definitely worth a walk around the block. 

Available for purchase on HSN.com and TonyLittle.com. 

Anytime Dr. Oz makes a recommendation, we all come running and buying. And these sandals from Wellrox were high on his list for improving balance, better posture or just a more comfortable stride. So of course, I was quick to give these "bear claws" a try. 

By separating and providing individual thongs for each toe, Wellrox has developed "GRABS" technology, a revolutionary sandal that reduces the risk of slippage and enables a more surefooted gait. The GRABS™ technology offers added grip, relief, alignment, balance and support, so when spreading your toes, you’re redistributing your weight more evenly and begin using your proper foot muscles to walk as intended. This concept is well known throughout Yoga and wellness circles (yogitoes.)

These sandals bring much needed relief to your aching feet and leg muscles. You can wear them every day, or whenever you need recovery - before or after a workout or a Yoga session, or after a day of wearing constrictive shoes. You can even wear them for a pedicure. (At least they are much better than those throw-away shoes they give you at the pedi place!) 

You can buy these summer sandals at Macys.com and local Macy retailers. For more information, visit wellrox.com.

So now you have options to work out your feet and then give them a massage by just putting your shoes on!

Happy Walking!

Mama's Prom Dress

Want it Wednesdays: 

A few weeks ago I went Prom dress shopping with my neice. It was lots of fun, but I realized about half-way through zipping up her 304th dress choice, I never actually went prom dress shopping. While I was lucky to have a gifted and talented mother to create the prom dress of my dreams at the time (something that's necessary when you have as boobs as big as mine at the time), I missed out a a rite of passage. 

Here's the one my neice chose. So cute, but not for me.

Then I realized since I was married on the beach in Mexico, I didn't go wedding dress shopping, but rather found several beach dresses online (it's hard to find a white beach dress in December in store) then jetted off with much thought about my wedding dress. So that meant I didn't have that "this is the dress" moment either. 

The whole moment-I-missed-a-moment made me kinda sad. 

So I decided to go prom dress shopping, but in the way that suits me now, that wasn't  available back in the day when I was young - on the internet. 

Here are a few of my favorites. 

What do you think? 

Is there ever a moment now as a mom you would go back and redo if you could? 

Love Her Locks with Lucky Little Lolly {Giveaway}

Want-it Wednesdays:

It's no secret I love that I had a little girl and that I love to dress her up! Unfortunately, she doesn't love bows right now, but when she finally let's me get my hands on her ringlets, she will have a serious inventory to select from! The one I'm most excited about it the one from the amazing hands of Lucky Little Lolly. 

Photo credit: http://www.renmorrisonphotography.com

Made by local Dallas part-time stay-at-home mom, part-time law office manager/associate lawyer and full-time creative, Ashley Thomann didn't search out to create a hair accessory business. Like many moms, after she had her little girl, she began crafting bows to style her daughter's hair. When she received countless comments on her clips and bows, she realized she was on to something. Thus, Lucky Little Lolly was born. 

Photo credit: http://www.renmorrisonphotography.com

But a bow doesn't begin to describe the accessories Ashley has created. Honestly, each one is a little piece of art (just check out the LLL shop on Etsy) using luxurious fabrics and materials to create flowers, fascinators and now even adult couture accessories. And she continues to share her creative genius with moms like myself who might need a lesson (or two) on how to create a boutique bow, she's loaded up a tutorial on her blog!  

But her kindness doesn't end there! 

One lucky reader is going to win a $20 gift card to Lucky Little Lolly. (And unfortunately, it can't be me, but I let you donate it to me if you want to!) 

ENTER THE LUCKY LITTLE LOLLY GIVEAWAY!

Celeb-Inspired Spring Jewelry Looks {Invitation to My Online Spring Trunk Show}

To-Do Thursdays:

JOIN THE PARTY  

---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------

So this week's Want-it Wednesday and To-Do Thursday comes together to for a mega party and YOU'RE INVITED! 

Spring means it's time to update your wardrobe with color and fun...for me that means it's time to take out the black and put some white in there, too. Luckily, I dress up my look with fun statement pieces like big necklaces and cuff bracelets. (In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die!") 

I'll admit that my kids love to play in my jewelry and even my son likes to help me accesorize my look - he actually told me the other day I needed a little pop of color! So I'm taking his advice and sharing a few of my favorite pieces (and the celebs) from the spring Stella & Dot line! 

I'm kinda obsessed with this Modern Mom, Brooke Burke!

Most people know Stella & Dot for at-home parties with your friends - but the lack of time makes it hard to just have a night to hang out with the girls. So I've done us all a favor and created an online jewelry trunk show you can attend in your PJs and from your couch! 

JOIN THE PARTY  

---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW  <-----------------

Elizabeth Banks is more than "Pitch Perfect," but she's got jewerly perfect taste, too! 

If you don't love Olivia, you should - look at her good taste! 

I hope you join me at least for a little time-out to see what you're missing...

and even better: 

So what are you waiting for? 

JOIN THE PARTY  
---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------

\

To-Do This Weekend: Treat Your Senses

To-do Thursdays:

This weekend is all about preparation for fall…with Halloween next week, my 21^st birthday (tee-hee) and a little chill actually roiling into Dallas/Fort Worth, I need a little time to get things in line. 

So with the exception of all the fun things I need to catch up on like laundry, dishes and holiday planning (I did say that), I’m planning on keeping the calendar light -- well, kinda.

Here are a few events I’m planning on for this weekend:

• Aida (with the kids?)
• Rhea Lana Consignment Sale (for the kids)
• Wish with Wings' Kitchen Tour 
• Face Logic's Peel Event (just for mama!) (see below)

Face Logic Spa, one of my favorite local spas owned by local mom Faryn Clark, is holding their annual Image Peel Event with an opportunity to see the future of your skin, Oct. 26 - 28. While I'd like to think my skin isn't beginning to age, I can't ignore the things I can see and even worse, the things I can't see -- YET.

The experience includes a special introduction to the Woods Lamp, which utilizes an ultra violet light to reveal color changes and areas of hyperpigmentation (age spots/sun damage) below the skin's surface so they can prevent those imperfections before they are visible. 

A peek into the future is $25 and includes a Wood's Lamp session and an aesthetician's analysis of what it reveals. Consultation also includes a 20 minute Image Vitamin C or Orodemic Peel ($59 value) + a $25 gift card for any Image retail product -to use that same day, cocktails and a pass into the Peel Event reception. 

Annual Image Peel Event 

Facelogic Spa Highland Park

October 26th-28th

Reception - October 27th, 1 pm - 6 pm, featuring Jena Sorenson, LME 

Raffle, goody bags and more than $800 in giveaways

4518 Lovers Lane

214.696.3223

Trendy Baby Fashion Tips (Without Going Broke)

A recent article said that raising a child costs an average family $235,000 from birth to 17. While that probably seems hard to imagine as a new or parent-to-be,  ask any parent with at least a six-month old and they know that babies and all their “stuff” add up.  And by "stuff" I’m not even talking about the perfect stroller (which I’ve yet to find and have five), but your baby’s style – like clothes, shoes and even their diapers.

I got a glimpse of my grim (and poor) future when I waspregnant with my daughter and purchased a white Burberry onesie. Not onlyshould a baby not wear while, but there is no use for Burberry on a one-yearold. I don’t even have any Burberry!

So in efforts to help you rather than pretend it’s not important, here are a couple of tips from this mom on head-to-toe baby style(not to be exemplified on mom’s own capacity to be stylish.) Besides, when your kiddo is 17 they won’t hate you for putting them in that ugly Elephant out fitif you put them in some of these designer shoes! 

One-stop shopping that cute for all ages

I’m so excited to share some new happenings from one of our favorite stores, The Children’s Place! While I have been a fan of The Children’s Place for the kids when they hit those toddler years, when they were infants it seemed like their baby section was limited. However, the store is now understanding that moms don’t have time to go to several stores to score all our kiddos’ clothes,so they’ve revved up their under 12 months old department and appropriately named it BABY PLACE! Now not only can you grab all your uniforms and staple items, but can also get clothing for the baby too! And best of all, they say during the holidays, you’ll be able to find coordinating outfits for all ages…(yes, I said that and you probably will too!)

Also,for those of you that already have kids, right now there are so good deals going on instore and online as well as cash back when you spend $40!

           Consignment shopping

If you like dressing your kids as much as I do, you’ll go broke – no matter how much money you have! Thankfully, nowadays being thrifty is nifty, so sales like Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana have become celebrated bi-annual events for moms. Whether you are selling or buying,these events make having young children affordable and you benefit from those moms who buy all the nice clothes for their kids and take care of them! When kids only wear things 2-3 times when they are under 1, it doesn't make sense to invest in really expensive clothing,but your kids can if you are willing to look and go early at these not-to-miss sales.  So just go to these websites, save the dates and make sure you get there before the crowds do!

           Stepin Style with her first pair of designer shoes!

If you follow me, you know I prefer to be barefoot, but still love the art of a beautiful shoe. And given the opportunity to have a pair of my own Stuart Weitzmans, I would probably put them in a shrine to look at every day rather than wear them. Soget almost the fun out of a having a pair and for a whole lot cheaper, get your baby fashionista her own pair of My First Weitzman.  Available from newborn to 12 months in a broad range of colors and styles, any stylish mom and her baby will thrilled to have a pair! This perfect gift item comes beautifully packaged in a pink signature box.

You can be stylish all the way to their undies

Having your baby all dolled up doesn’t end with the dress and the shoes. With designer disposable diapers and adorable cloth diapers, your baby can look good with hardly anything but their bottoms! Now while I am not a cloth diaper mama, I have tons of friends who are and claim it really is easy as well as much more inexpensive and not to mention more environmentally friendly. So when I was received a few samples of adorable cloth nappies from Ones & Twos that grew with you from ages 0-2, my curiosity made me want to try cloth diapers (only as a test.) Once I read the instructions a few times and popped online to the cloth diapering pros at Pooters, I felt I could do it…and since we weren’t going anywhere for the evening, why not?

In the words of Paul Harvey, "and the rest of story...":

Actually there really wasn’t one. I didn’t love the part about washing them after the mess, so I know I would outsource that part to the professionals. But all together, I can proclaim it can be done…(at least once that is!)

Just face it kids cost money. A lot. But by being smart and being willing to pair a little hand-me-down Ralph with a brand new pair of Stuart Weitzmans, your baby will still be the belle of the ball!

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes

Unlike most women, I don’t like shoes. (Pause for gasping.)

We’ll let me paraphrase…I don’t like to wear shoes.

I actually like to look at shoes and even take them out for a walk from time to time, but I’d just rather be barefooted all the time. Unfortunately, the only thing bad about an upcoming trip to Italy is that I have to get a few pair of shoes that are supremely comfortable to wear for several miles of exploring, but have a smidge of style since I only have room enough for two pairs of shoes for two weeks! What I found is that shoes can be a lot more than just footwear. They can have their own personality and even improve your health.

The Predictable: Black Crocs Capri IV Sandal, ($39)

I’m a big Crocs lover, not of their most familiar shoe design, but their sandal line. I’ve had four years to research all the pros and cons of these shoes. They’re versatile, far-beyond comfortable with Crocs technology, minimal design, and reasonably priced at approximately $40. The double-cushioned footbed feels amazing, the little “massage pods” feel nice all day long. I can tell you from experience the only downfall is that if you leave a pair in the sun for several hours, they will shrink, so I pay attention to the warning they give you! However, a few avid travelers told me that Crocs were not the way to do Italy and I needed something more “sturdy.”


However, from looking at some blogs, it seems you either think Crocs are the best or the worst option for traveling. I won’t know which of these camps I’ll be in, but I’ll let you know in August upon my return as I don’t go anywhere without my Crocs – at least not yet.

The Trendy: Tom’s Wedge, ($69) 

A recent birthday party with some moms all discussed their love or hate of Toms. Some of the ladies owned like ten pairs and my side still didn’t get it. I really want to like Tom’s…really. I looked at buying several pairs of them, although I think they are the cutest ugly shoe I’ve seen in a while. But after I yearned for a cute comfortable shoe that I could go to a party or the grocery store and not feel like I looked like “that” mom, I finally broke down and bought the Tom’s Wedge. I considered this style to be an upgrade from the original style and would be so stylish. Once they arrived on the doorstep, I put them on immediately and was pretty depressed. Not so comfortable and actually kind of tight, but thought I needed to break them in. While I got complimented EVERYWHERE I went, my feet hated me even more than they did all swollen at 9 months preggo…I still have hopes, but they just feel like a nice boyfriend that you just couldn’t get yourself to like no matter what.


The Wise One: Dr. Andrew Weil Spirit Sandal, ($90)

In the middle of my research on comfortable shoes, I ran into Dr. Andrew Weil…or at least his line of MOVE-ment sandals. Developed to not only make your feet look good, his podiatrist-designed, biomechanical Tri-planar Motion Control footbed has a deep heel cup that stabilizes, supports and naturally realigns the feet. And since this renowned doctor has focused his line on the mantra walking for life, I knew these shoes had to be comfortable and really great for my feet -- if anything my feet (and my posture) would better than it was before. So to be a little “out-of-the-norm,” I opted for a snake-skin look and put these puppies to work.

I definitely felt the difference. Immediately the way I stood changed in the sandals. The style was cute and certainly above my everyday sandal. Now while the sole was flexible and soft, I have yet to actually put this sandal and the straps to a real “wear-it-all-day” test on my toes. However, I think this shoe might make it a place in my suitcase…maybe not as my long haul option, but as my dressier number for dinners and a change of shoe. I am actually looking into the Restore Sandal for #1 spot, but at $90 I’ll have to save up a little.


The Wild Card: Marchez Vous Claudette ($395)

In my search to “Google” comfortable shoes, I have run across several probably comfortable but very ugly shoes. But that was not the case with Marchez Vous. French for the words “You Walk,” this Italian-made shoe line is designed not only with comfort in mind, but definitely with style and fine craftsmanship. Created by veteran actress-turned footwear entrepreneur Yeardley Smith (probably most-well known voice of Lisa Simpson), this new line of shoe have a personality all their own. Now while I won’t be galloping in these shoes in Italy, I might have to make some space in my case to at least take these babies out to at least frolic.


Not only were these tall platforms rather comfortable for a pair of 4 1/2-inch shoes, but they made me feel like a whole different woman. And apparently that’s exactly what self-professed shoe-aholic Smith wanted when you slip her shoes on. So much so that each shoe has a card inside the box that has a special name and personality for each shoe.
When I opened my box and unraveled the pretty autographed-inspired paper to find:

Once I buckled them across my ankle, I felt like a supermodel with those killer-to-die-for shoes you repin on Pinterest (and I was just walking from my bedroom to the kitchen!) While I may have to find the right dress to match these hot-mama shoes, it'll be worth it if I get the same head-turning looks I felt like they deserve. Time to take Claudette for a test drive (or at least another strut around the house!)
         

Do you have any suggestions for a fabulous shoe that is as comfortable as it is hot? Please let me know and soon since I leave for Italy in just a month!

Disclaimer: I was provided a pair of shoes from Dr. Weil and Marchez Vous for purposes of this review. However, all the opinions expressed here are all my own.