Find of the Week | 44

I've been treating the fashion and beauty preparation for my alma mater's winter gala like my term papers—elegantly presented, but barely finished in time for the deadline.

I had three specific goals in mind while shopping—I needed to find a white dress, wanted to buy locally in Newport as much as possible and somehow stay within a reasonable budget.

By nothing short of a miracle, I was able to find most of my outfit. 

I found a full-length, champagne J.Crew formal gown at Wish Consignment, gilded gold earrings at Kristina Richards and a gold Haarstick ring at Chateau & Bungalow. This is definitely one of my more glorious shopping moments—not only did I spend less than $100 on the outfit, but it also took less than an hour to shop.

With less than two weeks until Salve Regina University's 40th Annual Governor's Ball, I am officially ready to go!

Find of the Week | 23

I didn't go out on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but I made up for it on Sunday...

Shopping on Sunday actually works out, because most businesses end up extending their sales from Black Friday or Small Business Saturday through the weekend and the craziness dies down. I shopped small at The Apothecary Newport, Kristina Richards Studio, and Maison DNA, then went to Gap and Jack Wills for chain stores. Here are the goodies I scored on my mini shopping spree...

I needed a new laptop case--there's actually a cute strapless dress in the same print. 

Thornaby 13-inch Laptop Case, available at Jack Wills

I've been looking for new heels to wear to do double-duty at the office and after-hours. Now that Kristina Richards Studio has turned her Newport location as an outlet store for the winter, I had to stop in and see what shoes were on sale...

Cynthia Vincent Leopard Pointed-Toe Pumps, available at Kristina Richards Studio

The Apothecary Newport had a lot of great deals going on throughout the weekend, including discounts on a several popular skincare and makeup lines, as well as specials on gift cards. I picked up a new perfume and took advantage of two gift card offers.

Tocca "Florence" Travel Fragrance, available at The Apothecary Newport

I had intended to only pick up one pair of pants at Gap, but I ended up stocking up on dress socks and also bought a scarf. I bought a similar scarf last year and wore it death--I plan on doing the same with the new one.

Cozy Plaid Stripe Scarf in Vintage Navy, available at Gap

Slim Cropped Pants in Cast Iron, available at Gap

My two favorite things that I bought today are from Maison DNA, the vintage shop on Spring Street. I bought a vintage Pierre Cardin wallet and a vintage navy cable knit sweater that was made in Ireland for Deauville, France. A picture of the sweater on the ground doesn't do it justice, so I found a picture of a new cardigan that follows a similar concept... 

Pierre Cardin vintage wallet (1970s)

Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog (Three Bird Nest)

Find of the Week | 16

Mid- to late- February is one of the best times of the year to go shopping. The weather certainly isn't the best, but it's when a lot of stores and boutiques slash their prices super low to make room for spring arrivals.

Today I stopped by Kristina Richards Studio in Newport to check out her clearance event and scored a pair of dark J Brand chinos (originally $204.00, bought at$50.00). When I shopped the sale last year, I bought a pair of J Brand twill pants (originally $212.00, on sale for $20.00) and Boutique 9 wedge booties (originally $200.00, bought for $50.00).

J Brand is my favorite denim brand. All of their pants fit like magic...

Naturally, a shopping trip in the Brick Marketplace is incomplete without stopping into Jack Wills. I bought a grey sweatshirt dress ($24.00)  and a pair of headphones ($19.00) to replace the ones that broke in December.

Find of the Week | 7

It's been a while since I've gone shopping--the last time I had any sort of "spree" was about a month ago when I went to Kristina Richards and Gap.

Lately I've noticed that I am in dire need of new everything--basic tops (both long and short sleeve), cute tops (chambray shirt and regular button-downs), jeans, bags, and a good raincoat.

I finally bought something I could afford at Gossip on a broke girl budget--this Free People poncho can be worn year round:

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Today, I stopped by Crosswynds Traders on the way home from work--I was not expecting to score Juicy Couture jeans for only $2.00 and a mini neon handbag for only $10.00. It made my day:

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Newport/Narragansett/Wickford: Single Lady Valentine

This past Thursday was the first Valentine's Day I had been single in two years, but I survived. Overall, with work, class, and internship, the day was fairly quick and painless. My mother surprised me with a Hershey's bar in my day clutch. Plus, Lauren, my roommate from Oxford, dropped off one of the sweetest valentines I have ever received--a box of chocolates and a yellow rose.

Nautical Meets Tribal look at Gossip Boutique, Wickford

After class today, I dropped by Kristina Richards to check out the boutique's clearance sale. I bought a pair of J Brand pants (marked down to $20) and a pair of Boutique 9 booties ($50) for the best deal ($70?!). I also picked up a cute pair of red skinny pants at Gap for less than $17.

These were reduced to $50, even though the price tag doesn't say so :)

I'm really excited to get my hair done at JF3 Salon again with Tara and dyeing my hair blonde!