Yes it is, Kevin: Frugalista Shopping

Obviously (ahhhviously) I would love love love to have no limits in my budget when shopping - who wouldn't?

But unfortunately, I do not have a money tree in my backyard or an unlimited credit card, so I try to balance my own finances and try to make smart decisions when I am out shopping (key word: try). However, one of my new years resolutions was to only buy things I LOVE.

Previously, I had a habit of over-buying clothes and accessories at stores like Forever 21, H&M, Urban, etc. and they would just pile up in my closet collecting dust since I didn't really even want them in the first place. So whenever I am shopping I ask myself the questionS - "Do I love this?" - "Will I truly regret it if I do not buy it?" - "If I saw this one someone else would I go and ask them where they bought it?"

These questions really help me and so far this year I have been good about my purchases and love every single one.

Anyways, back to frugalistic shopping (which I do not always do...) - I find that you always find the best deals when you are not looking for them, and you can sometimes find them in the most random places.

My mom asked me to get her a new PJ today since she is recovering from surgery and I headed to the Mall of Ga - a mall near my house that isn't my favorite mall but it has your basic stores. As I headed into Macy's, I couldn't stop myself from looking in the clothes section - Macy's carries a good selection of Rachel Roy, BCBGeneration, Kensie, and other trendy but affordable brands that are a unique and well-made.

I tried a BCBGeneration dress and fell in LOVE. I can totally see myself wearing it going out to dinner or going out or even wearing it during the day with some flat sandals. And it rang up to $25 dollars!!

also got this cute top (also on major sale)... not sure of the brand but I think it will look cute with white shorts and wedges or skinny jeans

Then, I headed to H&M (not the best one in ATL...) to see if they had any of the Garden Collection - they did but I didn't really see anything I was looking for and the shirt I did try on was HUGE! I want to check out the Atlantic Station H&M and see if they have more pieces.

I ended up with these three versatile items

striped loose t-shirt with shoulder detailing

woven top (free people-ish!) - very flattering!

black loose sweater - perfect for traveling (I lost my black sweater wrap)

Here is a better picture of my Kohl's cocktail ring... I still can't believe it's from there!

also picked up these goodies with my Bath & Body Works Coupon

Forever 21 is a great place to find "of the moment" pieces but you definitely have to have patience to find things that are worth purchasing because quality can be iffy. However, I have found some great things in the past that I continue to wear. I always go there when I feel like I am lacking in accessories. An accessory I love is the long necklace - I have so many - yet I always feel like I don't have enough! I picked these up at F21.