My Secret Addiction....

So yes, I have a secret addiction that I wish to come clean about (even though some are aware of this already...) It all started back in May 2007 (I remember this date well because it was the same day Rob and I got engaged). My good friend and now neighbor asked me to join her for lunch and shopping. She said, you have to check out this adorable consignment shop. I was a bit hesitant at first because I was only use to buying name brand items, BUT my friend always dresses super cute and looks like she walks out of a J Crew or GAP magazine at any given moment. So I agreed to this, told myself to keep an open mind, and the rest is history.

I am now proudly ADDICTED to consignment shops. Yes, I admit they are my absolute guilty pleasure. Ever since that Friday afternoon in May, I would say I buy 75% of my clothes from consignment shops. I'm not talking about frumpy clothes either, but rather labels such as Limited, Express, GAP, NY&Co, Ann Taylor and the list goes on and on. I have truly built up my closet to look cute and trendy at a very affordable price. In fact, the majority of my cute vacation clothes from this summer came from this shop including the biggest deal of the century, a white sundress from White House Black Market for less than $20! Also, the majority of my work clothes including suits, dresses and purses have also come from this store as well.

So naturally, my addiction continued when I found out I was pregnant. I started checking out children's consignment shops and I'm now hooked! I have found amazing deals on cute items and all in mint condition! Just for fun, I have added up the amount of what the items would have cost retail value and what I spent at the shop and I have saved us $500! I know the fun will only continue when we find out if baby schab is a boy or girl.

It is fun being frugal at times. Our life style is so much more different than how we were in college. I was able to take my RA/RD paychecks and spend all of it at the mall on clothes, food and other luxuries. Now, we have a mortgage, house improvements and most importantly, baby on the way. You soon realize you can still have nice things, but not pay an arm and a leg for it. In another post, I will explain my new love for yard sales as well. However, it isn't what you probably think. The trick is....go to the really, really rich neighborhoods in your area! That is how I scored our amazing pack n play and cute maternity tops. The lady goes, oh we had three pack n plays lying around and never used them. $20 for a Graco pack n play in mint condition!!! I think Rob is impressed with my bargaining skills. He laughs anytime I bring home new "treasures." Check out some of my deals below...