Can she do it?!

Since my blog is essentially just me copying my darling Jessa's blog, it's time to revisit my goals!

Shopping Goals
1. Khaki trench coat
2. Rain boot flats
3. Tory Birch flats
4. Sperry's
5. Burberry quilted coat
7. Pair of stilleto black pumps that are comfy and long lasting


Financial Goals

8. Pay off credit card
9. Make my savings larger than my debt
10. Have enough in my checking account to cover rent for 2 months
11. Start a Roth IRA
12. Start a 401K
13. Meet with a financial planner and figure out how much I need for retirement
14. Find a position that keeps me on track of my $100k/annually by 30
15. Figure out if I want to buy an investment property in Fresno, or a home for myself in DC (I found my dream home, and am a few months from being able to get a loan. If I wait another year, I could get an even better place).


Personal Goals

16. Stop thinking about/actively hating people I don't like
17. Lose the weight I put on from being stressed while with my ex (10 15 pounds down already!)
18. Read Wayne's favorite book
19. See my family at least 3 times (last year I saw them twice)
20. Keep my bedroom in order for at least a week
21. Cook dinner at home every night for a whole week
22. Take a day off work to spend with Wayne and only Wayne
23. Go a whole month without blowing off plans because I "don't feel like it"
24. Get all my broken stiletto heel tips fixed
25. Go a whole month without repeating an article of clothing without buying a new piece (not including shoes--this will probably happen over the summer as I have enough dresses to wear a different one every day of a month...and halfway into the next month)

Well, I was pretty good with the first 2 sets of goals. Knocked out 20%.

I've also started a new job that I'm loving, been to Vegas twice in the past month (surprised I'm not dead), met Wayne's family, introduced Wayne to my family, and eaten In-n-Out. Yeah. Life is good.

My secrets to fabulous on a budget: Flea Markets

Three phrases will get you anything you want (but you MUST know what you want):

-Flea Markets
-Consignment
-Outlets

Anyone that knows me knows that I frequent all three...well...frequently. I am the lucky to live in a large city that has flea markets every weekend. These are a few important rules for flea market shopping (if you want it  to actually be a deal):

-Know what you want!

Make a list of things you want in your wardrobe. I, for one, have been itching for a fur. Literally, for years I have been searching for the perfect piece: it had to be brown, and I preferred mink. Without $10k it was a challenge (as you can imagine).

-Know your vendor!

There are a few guys at the market near me who sell fur. However, one guy in particular consistently has gorgeous furs (and vintage designer handbags--when he gets a Gucci you KNOW I'll be first in line). He buys everything at estate sales, so there is an EXCELLENT chance that a piece is genuine and an even better chance that the piece is in excellent condition.

-Know your price!

Clearly, I will never be able to afford a seven thousand dollar fur stole like this one. Well, never in the next 5 years. However, I knew I couldn't find something for super cheap. I set my number at about $200. I know, I know, still low for a mink, but high for something I'll "only wear" on "special occasions" (let's be honest, I've worn it outside to have a cigarette). And yet, I found this:

She's gorgeous. Beautiful. PERFECT!!! Just looking at her warms my heart. And she was marked at $150. Right? I know. Get up off the ground and back into your chair ('cause you're about to fall out again). My vendor had marked it down to $75. Right?! Now back into your chair one last time... He took another $10! That's right, for that beautiful piece of heaven I paid $65. I promise to post pictures when I'm not wearing it with leggings and Uggs on my balcony. 

So let's review our rules for flea markets:

-Know what you want.

-Know your vendor.

-Know your price.

With these simple rules you won't spend too much, and though gratification isn't as instant as just showing up and purchasing willy-nilly, you'll end up with pieces that your children will fight over inheriting in your will.