loveinthemidwest

I have been absent from my blog for a quite a while now.  This can be attributed to many big life changes!  My husband and I received job offers back in our home town.  While this was a happy time, it has also been painful.  We miss our little Indianapolis home, co-workers, friends and favorite places in the city.  My husband’s blog, Great Lakes Prep, has also been growing and I have been playing more of a supportive role in the many new ventures taken on there.  We still are working on getting things settled, two months later.  Hopefully, I will be able to start publishing more here or at least linking my pieces from GLP.

Chelsea

In the Midwest, we grow up with a God first, family second, self third perspective.  Naturally you can assume clothing generally falls last in the long list of things that are important in life.  My husband and I did not grow up in affluent surroundings and we certainly did not contemplate attending an Ivy League University or traveling abroad for a year before attending college in order to “broaden” our horizons.  We come from blue collar families who taught us how to work hard and spend our money judiciously.   There are certain apparel items that are well worth a high price due to quality, however sometimes a less expensive alternative can be just as good.  A great solution for looking good and spending less are consignment shops.  Yes, it may be a daunting task and you will have to set aside a slot of time to look through piles of random items lumped together but for those who are cash-savvy it can certainly be a smart investment. Take a look at what I found this week after sorting through the racks.

Ralph Lauren Polo Cable Knit Sweater / Retail Price   $99.50 / Consignment Price $14.00

Blue Button Down Fitted Shirt from H & M for $19.95

Ralph Lauren Royal Blue & Aqua Paisley Print Short can be found in limited sizes on Ebay or you could opt for a very similar option from Lily Pulitzer in a floral print for $64 / Consignment Price $7.00

Jewelry from J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft and Consignment

White Sandal Wedges from Old Navy / A great alternative option is the Angel Ankle Strap Wedge from Sole Society for $49.95 and if you head over to Gal Meets Glam you can find $15 off your first purchase with a code found here until 8/31/12.  If you haven’t checked out her blog yet I recommend that you do.  I can guarantee you will be glued to your computer screen pouring through her posts for awhile!

Chelsea