Norma Kamali for Walmart

You've probably heard about Norma Kamali's affordable clothing collection for Walmart and if you haven't you should check it out. In Ms. Kamali's fall collection young professional (and anyone else who cares) will have a chance to pick up suiting options for $20 or less! I love the ruffled blouse! Talk about affordable interview clothes or a way to make your work wardrobe a little more professional without breaking the bank!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2010 On Now!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the biggest Nordstrom fashion event of the year. Running for just over two weeks, the Anniversary Sale offers new fall styles for women, men and kids marked down for a limited time. That's right, this isn't a sale on leftovers or out-of-season merchandise. You can save big on the upcoming season's best in clothing, shoes and accessories as well as enjoy great value sets and gifts-with-purchase from some of the top brands in Beauty! All Anniversary Sale merchandise will go up to regular price on Monday, August 2.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will run only from Friday, July 16 at 12:01 am PST through Sunday, August 1 at 11:59 pm PST. To get started browsing, click the photo below. I'd shop sooner rather than later since the best Anniversary Sale items tend to sell out quickly.

Giveaway!!

As a small token of my appreciation I am doing a giveaway for you! Up for grabs is an elegant sterling silver necklace that could be worn on it's own but, would also look great layered with other pieces. A charm with three genuine smoky quartz pieces nestled in a ring of silver (detail below) hangs on a 16.5" box link chain.

To enter you have to be a follower (if you are already let me know) and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite outfit (of mine) was so far! Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment.

1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment.

1 bonus entry - Re-post this giveaway on your blog and leave another comment on this post with your re-posted link.

The winner will be announced in 10 days on Friday the 23rd via random.org. Good luck everyone!!

The Roundup: 3 Months

Having completed the first three months of this personal style challenge I am in a mood to reflect on what has transpired so far. I feel that I have been (and will continue to be) successful in my initial goals of not repeating outfits but, also showing myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do." In the past three months I have worn 57 different outfits to work; 49 different tops, 6 dresses, 14 skirts, 14 pairs of pant like things (slacks, bermudas, capris, gauchos, etc) and 3 pairs of jeans. Although I'm not really counting them in the outfit as a whole I have used 26 pairs of shoes, 10 necklaces, 19 pairs of earrings, 1 bracelet, and 11 handbags to spice up my outfits. If you do the math you might ascertain that here are some individual pieces that I have worn more than once and that is ok! In fact, that is kind of the point...


I've answered a few reader questions. Please feel free to ask more! I have also shared a few choice weekend looks with you! Is that something that you would like to see more of moving forward?

260 Days, No Repeats has helped me see the potential in my wardrobe and being part of this "blog-o-sphere" has inspired me tremendously. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check out what I wear, read what I write, and leave me comments! I'm like a kid a Christmas when my BB beeps with an email and I see it's something from one of you! I am also inspired by the challenges that people undertake themselves, as well as, pose to this blogging community. In the first three months I participated in 3 style challenges and even tried for one of my own. Many thanks to Frances Joy of Mad Dress Game for joining me!

This challenge has also helped me curb my spending! I was not a crazy shopaholic but, I had my moments... I found it most difficult to turn down a great deal only to get home and realize that I had something exactly like what I had purchased in my closet or that even though it was a great deal I didn't really love it and therefore didn't use it. That was all money (which is tight for everyone these days) down the drain. In the past three months I have spent $46.00 on clothes and accessories and each one of those things is something I really wanted, still really like, and have used.

One thing that I feel I haven't done a great job of demonstrating as I had wanted to is the use value of my clothing. I would have loved to keep track like some other bloggers do but, to be honest some of my clothes are so old I don't remember when I bought them or how much they were. I will say though you can see that some items (especially the accessories) are used very frequently and naturally have higher use value.

Overall, I am so happy with how things are going to far and really hope that I can keep it up heading twoards the 6 month mark! If there is anything new you would like see please let me know. Again thanks so much for supporting and motivating me, you're the best!!

Save The Date

Sale Alert: The Collective Showroom

Question: Where Can I Find Eco-Friendly Interview Clothes?

As I have mentioned before I work in HR and in my time functioning as a Recruiter I have seen alot of hilarious resumes and cover letters, met some "interesting" people, and gotten a good amount of questions. One of the more difficult questions was posed to me by a college student at a job fair. I remember complimenting her on her suit (I feel as thought those people are more serious about their search. First impressions, people!) then we proceeded to discuss a greening initiative that she had worked on at former internship listed on her resume... standard job fair stuff. The two topics melded together and we talked about the accessibility of eco-friendly products and clothing made out of organic/sustainable materials which led her to the questions, "Where can a college student on a budget get an eco-friendly interview outfit?"

To be honest, I was a little stumped... OK fine, really stumped! There are lots of places to buy eco-friendly products made out of organic materials or repurposed items but, where are all the suits? Either way, I was hard pressed to find anything particularly affordable in the standards of a college budget. My best solution: thrifting!! I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. That should be the answer to all of life's issues.

You can get a beautiful suit that someone was tired of or doesn't fit into anymore for a small fraction of the price. More importantly, I don't think I've ever seen a suit in a thrift store that cost more than $25! If you don't have one of the big name thrift stores by you you can shop Goodwill online or smaller consignment shops. Anyway you go about it there is a gigantic potential there to find what you are searching for at an affordable price if you take the time to look. Plus, it keeps those discarded clothes out of landfills.

I love these questions!! Keep them coming...

Sale Alert: Geren Ford Sample Sale

What Are You Doing Friday Night?

Make Your Own: Sunless Tanner

This natural self-tanner is perfecto for that natural bronze look without producing that unwanted body odor. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust for skin tone and unfortunately it will only last until your next shower, but just re-apply.

What to Buy
1 tablespoon white unscented lotion
1 tablespoon pure cocoa powder
adjust to the amount of skin you want to cover

How to Make It
Mix the lotion and cocoa powder together until very smooth and creamy. Apply with a sponge or makeup wedge.

600 - Splurge vs. Budget: One Shoulder Romper

It seems appropriate that one of the landmark posts (600th, YAY) of She Spys The Buys would be about more affordable clothing options.... Let's talk about trendy rompers and one shoulder styles. I don't think I would personally buy this because rompers don't work for everyone, AKA me but, for some they are a really great summer style. The one on the right is a silk ABS by Allen Schwartz selling at Neiman Marcus for the "sale" price of $231.00 marked down from $385.00... I love the casual glamour of this romper especially the fabulous shoulder detail but the price is not very realistic for those of us on a budget! Thankfully, I came across this practically identical affordable option at JCPenny. Although it is not made of the same luxurious silk it is the exact same shape and style compelte with beautiful shoulder detail all for $39.99 marked down from $60.00! Perfect for a night out on the town with the girls or a hot date...