Fashion at a Bargain

MIA due to New Job

2012-09-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

Top: Very Old

Skirt: Kohls $11.99

Shoes: Kmart $14

Hello Everyone I am so sorry I have been MIA. I started at the hospital 3 weeks ago and just haven't had time to blog. Let me just start out by saying that these past 3 weeks have been the most stressed I have ever been. This job is so totally different than what I thought it was going to be and nurses should be paid way more for the work they do. The past 2 days I didn't even get a lunch break and worked 13 hour days. It is intense and school did not prepare me at all. Anyways, I am off for 5 lovely days and then go back. I love my patients but it is just very busy and overwhelming. I am so tired at the end of the day I don't know what to do. I do not think I will be able to do this forever.

Today I am off and spent the day being totally lazy after I took my car to get fixed this am. No I am enjoying this cooler weather sitting in the ssunroom hitting up pintrest! :) I am about to go lay in the hammock with our new kitten and relax even more. I hope you all have been doing very well and please stay tuned for stories from the hospital I am sure I will have. I am getting excited because I get my first paycheck next week! yay me! lol I hope you all have a lovely day! XOXO

Classics

2012-08-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Inspiration from The Red Dress Boutique co facebook

Blouse: Kmart $12

Cami: Walmar $4

Skirt: Lulu's Online Clothing Boutique $36

Earrings: Burkes Outlet $3

Bracelets: Forever21 $6

A white blouse will always be in style as a classic piece that everyone woman should own. I scored this top a couple of weeks ago on sale from Kmart for $12. I had seen it in the store the beginning of the summer but did not want to pay $24, then it went down to $18 and then FINALLY to $12. Thank goodness they still had my size. I love the way it flows and the chiffon material make it perfect to wear right now. I had seen this skirt at another online boutique but it was more than the site I finally ordered it from and the top they had that went with it was around $40. So I knew I could closely copy my inspiration photo with this blouse. How do you ladies think I did? xoxo

Late Post from Tuesday

2012-08-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

Sweater: Belks $4.99

Shorts: Burkes Outlet $12.99

Necklace: Charisma Boutique $32

Earrings: Charisma Boutique $9

Bracelets: Charisma Boutique $12

Watch: Gift from my boyfriend

I have been slacking on the blog being busy preparing for work next week. :/ I am excited and nervous about starting. Yesterday was a lazy day grocery shopping, mani/pedi by myself :) (trying to save money), and watched the Hunger Games with the boyfriend. He just started classed back last Thursday for his last semester in Electrical Engineering. He will graduate with 2 associates degrees and has started working with a friend to get electrical hours and his teacher is looking at some local jobs to get lined up for him. :) He is so smart and will do anything he sets his mind too. I start on Monday at my new RN job! ahhh excited but nervous. I don't want to work all the time and want to have time to enjoy my life so I don't get burnt out on nursing. I had to sign a 2 year contract for after my orientation is up and it about killed me. I hate commitments like that especially when it is to work. I am planning on enjoying this last part of the week and weekend. Next week I have classes M-F all day and then that Saturday is my birthday!!!! The big 25. I plan on celebrating well! lol Hope you all have a lovely day! xoxo

20 Day Countdown

2012-08-06T18:31:00.002-07:00

Blouse: New York & Company $12

Skirt: Burkes Outlet $1.99

Earrings: Burkes Outlet $2.99

Bracelets: 1) gift 2)Forever 21 $1.99 3) Forever 21 $6.99

I just realized today that I only have 20 more days until I start my RN job at the hospital. AHHHHH. I am so nervous and scared and I am sad that I won't be able to work as much at the boutique. My boss is sad about the whole thing. :/ I am still going to try to work a little there but I am sure my work schedule is going to be CRAZY on the Oncology floor. The first week is nothing but classes from 7a-5p. :/ I haven't even heard from my recruiter since I accepted the offer and tomorrow I have my occupation/physical health screening, I am suppose to dress comfortable to run a treadmill. lol That should be fun. I will be sure to take a picture of my "work out" attire for it. The weekend was great we went to a cookout Friday night, Saturday I work all day at the store and we were packed for tax free weekend and the sale my boss is having, Sunday we went bike riding and my boyfriend and I just hung out and watch documentaries. Speaking of everyone should watch Food Incorporated and you will look at the food you eat very differently. I think I am going organic and vegetarian after I saw it. Ewww. Well wish me luck on my appointment tomorrow. xoxo

Copy Cat on a Budget

2012-08-02T12:36:00.001-07:00

Dress: Express (December 2011) Christmas Gift

Clutch: Ebay $7

Shoes: Rue 21 $20

So this may not be the exact look but it is my version with items out of my closet. I love re-creating looks celebrities are pictured wearing. It is my all time favorite past time now since Pintrest has came around. :) Oh I do love me some pintrest! You can find me under Jessica Hardin. I have so many pins for fashion it is not funny. So I go through and try to re-create some of them with similar items I may have in my closet. I love Audrina in this navy dress and new I could re-create her look. How do you ladies style celebrity looks from your closet? Whats your favorite place to find inspiration? xoxo

Weekend Getaway

2012-07-30T18:41:00.002-07:00

Top: BOGO Free (2 yrs ago) Charisma Boutique $15 (for 2 items)

Jeans: Cult from Ebay $20

Clutch: c/o Charisma Boutique for Graduation

Shoes: Guess from Ross $25

This weekend my boyfriend and I went to the beach one state over to visit some of his family. We went for 2 nights and went out one night to dinner and then to a bar on the beach. It had been raining there that day so the air was chillier than I am use to with the breeze coming off the ocean. I was glad I opted for jeans. It was great to get away but I always love coming back home to a normal routine. We don't like the hussel and bussel of the busy touristy areas. It is fun for a change but not for long stays. It was nice to see his family since we don't see them all that much. Hope you all had a great weekend! xoxo

Unbearable Heat Wave.

2012-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Tank: Charisma Boutique $14

Shorts: Charisma Boutique $39

Necklace: Charisma Boutique $27

Bracelet: Charisma Boutique $18

So when I got to work today my boss had boxes of new clothes that had came in that she wanted me to try on to take pictures of. After I put on this outfit she told me to wear it for the rest of the day so people could see it on someone. Everytime we wear stuff from work when we are working it sells. I LOVE this outfit! The shorts are TO DIE FOR! The scalloped hem line is adorable. So I put them on hold to get for myself next weekend for "tax free weekend." :) Plus right now we are having a sale with 20% off all apparel. :) Mine kind of deals! I can't wait to see what I can do with these shorts. I was thinking they would be cute in the fall with a pair of tights. We will see. Oh and in the picture can you tell I had been sweating?! The heat index here is 101* and our air conditioner is acting up at work. The thermostat is set at 70 and it is 79* inside our building right now! ugh! How are you ladies holding up in this weather?!

Wonderful Wednesday

2012-07-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Top: $5 (Miley Cyrus) Walmart

Skirt: c/o Charisma Boutique

Necklace: Ebay $15

I really dislike days when I don't work right now. I have nothing to do and kind of like my days being planned out for me. lol Today I am going to get new brakes put on my car and running some errands. I think I am going to go see my sister as well. I only have a month left until I start my new nursing job though which I am excited and nervous about. We just got back from VA yesterday late. We rode there to get a boat motor for Marvin's boat. Finally. :) Well hope you ladies have a great day and please check out the photos in my last post from the wedding I attended this weekend. xoxo

Best Friends Wedding Weekend

2012-07-23T16:28:00.004-07:00

All the Host of the Party with the Bride

The Beautiful Bellmont Plantation

The Dress

Helping Meredith get into her beautiful dress and put on her garter.


Myself hanging out, Caroline putting on her shoes, and our lovely makeup artist Melissa!

Brooke in hot rollers :), Mother of the bride, Mere getting her makeup did, Meredith's roomate from college getting her hair done by our hairstylist Brandy

High School Friends, Meredith after we put the Vail in, myself and Mere <3

The Graduating Girls of 05 with the Bride

Myself and Brooke, Leigh added some lip gloss, Meredith's Grandmother and Cousin Elizabeth, college roomie Ashley

Meredith with her cousin's Elizabeth and Caroline, Meredith with college roomies Ashley and Emily

Signing the License :) for Mr. and Mrs.

Me & Hillary, Marvin & I <3, Hillary and Stuart


Myself, Marti and Emily ; Paula, Myself, Samantha, Casey, Hillary, Marti, and Emily

Party Time

2012-07-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Dress: JC Penny $13

Necklace: Charisma Boutique $12

Shoes: Rue 21 $22

Bracelets & Watch: gift from my sister and boyfriend

Last night some of my friends and I threw my bestie a Lingerie Party for her upcoming wedding weekend. It was so much fun we had games, food and alcohol. :) What else can you ask for! Meredith has a great time and I am so excited for her upcoming event next weekend. I know she has been so stressed planning her big day and is ready for it to be over with but I hope she really enjoys her self and that her and her fiance will stay together forever and live a happy and healthy life. To my bestie, I love you lady and I am glad that we started hanging out junior year in high school and have remained friends through and after college and our lives continue on. I wish you and Brad the best! To Brad, I am glad that you entered Meredith's life and that she can find a great deal of happiness with you. I am glad to have you as a friend as well and hope you will take the best care of Meredith because you both deserve each other. You are both wonderful people and I am glad to have you both in my life. Wishing you all the happiness and love that anyone could ever have. <3 xoxo

Almost Friday...

2012-07-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

Blouse: New York and Company $12

Necklace: Ebay (Search J Crew Bib Necklace) $14.99

Shorts: Burkes Outlet $12.99

Shoes: Burkes Outlet $14.99

Watch: Gift from bf (Fossil)

Today I have been working on preparing for my best friends Lingerie Party tomorrow night. I went grocery shopping this morning to get items to make a wine punch I found on pintrest. I made sugar cookies shaped like hearts and decorated them with icing as bras and panties and then cut up veggies for the veggie with ranch and hummus tray. :) So needless to say it has been a busy day. Tomorrow I work at Charisma Boutique until 3pm and then I am going to decorate and get ready for the party! Meredith is going to love everything! I cannot wait! How do you ladies throw parties? What is your favorite go to food to make? Hope you all have a lovely day! xoxo

Pink

2012-07-09T08:25:00.002-07:00

Top: New York and Company $11

Skirt: New York and Company (old) $12

Belt: Charisma Boutique Facebook $6

Necklace: New York and Company $10

Shoes: Burkes Outlet $14.99

Bracelet: Burkes Outlet $3.99

Watch: Gift from my boyfriend

Well another weekend has came and passed. It was a busy one! I worked all week last week except on July 4th and we had a cookout on Saturday at a friends house on the river. I never posted any pictures from July 4th so I wanted to show you guys some of what kind of fun we have on the river in our lovely town. I didn't really wear anything special because I was in a swimsuit all day but here a few pics...

Our cookout set up for the 4th of July

Before the fireworks

Paula and myself

Myself, 2 of my sisters co workers, and my twin sis

Blue and Turquoise

2012-07-03T13:11:00.002-07:00

Top: New York & Company $9 (with coupon)

Shorts: Belks $7 (on red line sale rack recently)

Necklace: Charisma Boutique $39 ( I got mine wholesale price though)

Clutch: Charisma Boutique $49 (was a gift for graduation)

Bracelet: Belks $6

I was playing around this morning in my closet with the blue hues and wanted to wear the royal blue shorts I had just picked up with other week in belks. I had said no more clothes but how can you resist a $7 pair of shorts that were $30! Plus I figured I could wear them a ton while it is still hot outside with pinks, green, oranges, black and white. I loved this look Lauren Conrad did with royal blue and black but wanted to put a casual spin on it with a little class with the clutch and necklace. What do you ladies think? I also have a look coming up with a navy skirt and this same top and was cute. xoxo

Colorful Wardrobe

2012-07-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Skirt: Charisma Boutique $39

Top: Walmart $3

Belt: Charisma Boutique $9

Necklace: Charisma Boutique $39

Bracelet: Belk's $6

So I am working today for a little while and then going on the river with my boyfriend. We enjoyed all day Saturday out on the Pamlico River with friends, grilling out and swimming. Yesterday we had a huge storm come through out of nowhere. It was about as bad as some of the hurricanes we have seen. Boats in the river were capsized and turned over and pushed into the tresel. My boyfriend took his kayak out to help some people yesterday in moving their boat from the little island out in our river. Scary stuff. Trees are down in some places so I saw alot of people cleaning up this morning on my way to work. I just pray everyone is ok and safe. I hope you all had a safe weekend as well! xoxo

Coral and Leopard Print

2012-06-25T14:29:00.001-07:00

Blouse: Burkes Outlet $6

Shorts: Burkes Outlet $12.99

Belt: Charisma Boutique $9

Shoes: Burkes Outlet $14.99

Bracelet: Burkes Outlet $3.99

Earrings: Charisma Boutique $9

Watch: Gift from my boyfriend

So this weekend I celebrated passing my boards and now officially being a Registered Nurse. I had my friends bridal shower and worked all day Friday and half of the day on Saturday. Sunday we went on the boat with some friends and grilled out on the island at our waterfront. It was a nice weekend and I was just so excited to find out that I had passed my boards on Friday afternoon. I had waited since I took the test on Wednesday afternoon. I really thought I had failed at the least you can have 75 questions and at the most 265. I had around 130 and my computer cut off. I just think it is amazing to go to school for so long it feels like for it all to come down to a 130 questions test to determine if you are a Registered nurse or not. I had already looked up other dates that I could re-take the test and I was trying to figure out how to pay the $200 again. I felt guilty asking my parents to pay again if I had failed, but I ended up passed and when I found out I was at working jumping up and down with joy! That was the hardest test of my life and I really have no clue how I passed. Actually I do, God. So I just want to say thank you God for getting my through this long journey and never letting me give up my dream! I cannot wait to start my job the end of August and now I get to enjoy my summer! :) I hope you all had as great as a weekend as I did. xoxo Jessica H. RN :)

I am now a Register Nurse

2012-06-23T14:56:00.001-07:00

Top: NY&C $10

Skirt: Lulu's $40

Necklace: Ebay $14.99

Shoes: Rue 21 $19.99

I just found out yesterday that I passed my boards and I am now officially an RN. Today I had a bridal shower for my best friend and this is what I wore. I hope you all of you have a lovely weekend as i will celebrating being done with my studying.

Friday is here!

2012-06-15T12:18:00.001-07:00

Top: Miley Cyrus from Walmart $5

Belt: NY&C $9

Skirt: c/o Charisma Boutique $36 (normally)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry from Burkes Outlet $14.99

So now that I am done with school it feels like these weeks are flying by. I don't know what to do with my time when I am not studying, working, etc. I am working at the boutique this afternoon until 6pm and then probably just hanging out with the boyfriend. I have a bridal shower for my best friend tomorrow and then we will probably go on the river. Hope you all have a fabulous Friday! xoxo

My $3 Pencil Skirt

2012-06-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Top: Express (borrowed from sis)

Belt: Charisma Boutique $9

Skirt: Burkes Outlet $3

Shoes: Rue 21 $19.99

So when I first started my blog I sat out on a fashion journey with a tight budget in mind. I have always been the customer to shop on the sale rack and would mostly only buy if an item was on sale. As I look through my closet today I see all of my summer wardrobe of color and think of all the bargains I have purchased over the years and decided this... I will not buy another thing the rest of the summer. (well maybe besides a pair of silver shoes for Meredith's wedding and a swim suit.) I have so much stuff I never even wear I am going to re-invent ways to wear them. My sister bought this shirt last summer and I maybe only saw her wear it 1 time with a pair of jeans. So I am going to take things and wear them differently. I can't wait to see what all I come up with! Well back to studying for NCLEX! xoxo

Weekend Day Wear

2012-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Necklace: Ebay (J Crew Bib Necklace) $14.50

Tank: NY&C $12 (60% redline sale)

Shorts: Burkes Outlet $12.99

Belt: Burkes Outlet $3.99

Shoes: Shoe Show $14.99

So this weekend was the Summer Festival on our downtown waterfront. Friday I went with my friend to get her bridal portraits taken at the beach at on old war fort. They turned out awesome and she looked beautiful! We were back in town by 9ish to hang out with friends on my boyfriends sailboat at the boat docks on the river. It was a great weekend! Saturday morning I worked at Charisma Boutique but I was off by early afternoon to enjoy some time soaking up the sun on Marvin's boat. :) Saturday Night I am sure we probably had about 18 people all hanging out on the dock we were docked up to with about 3 more boats tied up to Marvin's. They had a band playing at festival park right beside us and it turned out to be a really good time. Here are a few pictures from my fun filled weekend...

The rope swing I bought him 4 years ago finally being put to good use.

Windscope into the cabin

Hill Kayaking

My twin Casey and I hanging out

Sundress, Coach Bag and Wedges

2012-06-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

Dress: Charisma Boutique (Escapada Resort brand) $60

Necklace: Ebay (Loveshop80 seller name) $14.50

Purse: Coach (gift from bestie, she cleaned out her closet) Free

Wedges: Shoe Show (Hot Tomato Brand) $14.99

So yesterday was cloudy and rainy and I sat inside all day studying for NCLEX and then going though my closet. I am really mad at myself because I found that clothes I thought I did have I think I have taken to goodwill at some point and I really thought up some cute ways to wear them. It makes me so angry when I see a picture and think I have something similar to find that I have gotten rid of it. But nothing I can do about it now. I learned a lesson though, don't throw clothes away because they will always come back in style. For instance pleated skirts like my Grandmother use to wear, loose fitting blouses, pencils skirts, and recently I have seen the "hippie" looking wide leg pants with crazy designs back in style! I LOVE that fashion always repeats! PS by the way I also posted this dress when I posted graduation pictures, I wore it under my cap and gown that night as well. What are some of your favorite fashion trends right now? How do you change them up to fit your style? Hope you all have a lovely day! xoxo

Monday :/

2012-06-04T17:18:00.001-07:00

Banded top: Charisma Boutique $8

Dress: from my twin sisters closet that she has finally now given me :)

Necklace: Made (I found a chain from an old necklace I never wore and put these coral earrings I got last years on it)

Shoes: (not pictured) Palms sandals from Shoe Show (knock of Jack Rodgers) $20

Jewelry: Spike Bracelets- from Charlotte Russe (gift from my sister); Watch - Fossil (gift from my boyfriend); Rhinstone bracelet (Burkes Outlet)$3.99

So another Monday has rolled around. Which means back to my routine of working and studying to take boards. I am trying to get more focused on studying to take my boards but it is just to hard when you live on the river and its nice out and you have festivals coming up and everyone is going out on their boats, etc, etc. You know the feeling. But tomorrow I am studying for a couple of hours in the morning and then doing fun stuff. I think I need to start taking my focus medicine again (Adderall) It saved my nursing school career this past time. This morning I had to work at Charisma Boutique and then had to go shopping for bridal luncheon plates, napkins, cups etc. Wish I could find some cuter things but my friend picked out the hardest Navy color to match so it has been difficult. Oh and PS sorry I was on the phone and had to get my sister to snap this when she was leaving in such a hurry. :) Well hope everyone had a great weekend!

Thursday Outfit

2012-05-31T08:28:00.003-07:00

Tank: Walmart $3

Necklace: Burkes Outlet $3.99

Skirt: Lulu's Clothing Boutique $40

Belt: Charisma Boutique $6

Shoes: Rue 21 $20

I am in love with this pleated skirt! The color is a mint green and it is gorgeous! I have worn it maybe 3 times so far once in this post for a Winter Look I have already made outfits with so many other tops as well! Skirts are just so much more versatile than dresses in my opinion so I have been trying to look for cute ones that I can wear different ways for summer and winter with leggings and tights. Well I am working at the shop today and studying a little so I hope you all have a lovely day! XOXO

Cloudy Day

2012-05-30T09:07:00.001-07:00

Top: c/o Charisma Boutique (Regular $36)

Shorts: Burkes Outlet $12.99

Necklace: Burkes Outlet $3.99

Shoes: Chinese Laundry from Burkes Outlet $19.99

It is a dreary day downtown. When I get off work I plan to study some for my boards coming up that I take the third week in June. This morning I am working at Charisma for awhile but there is a storm coming so my boss might close early. Hope you all are having a happy Wednesday! xoxo

Another Wedding Weekend

2012-05-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Necklace: Gift from a Friend (from Charisma Boutique was $30 in store)

Dress: Charisma Boutique $63

Clutch: Gift from my boss for graduation (from Charisma Boutique $39 in store)

Shoes: Rue 21 $20

So we had another wedding this weekend from one of my friends. It was a 6:30 wedding so I went more formal. We had a great time dancing the night away until their send off at 11:30. When I get pictures from my friend I will be glad to post a few from the night. Hope you all had a lovely weekend and have a great Memorial Day. Don't forget to thank all our service men and woman for all they do for us! xoxo

Party to Celebrate my NEW JOB! :)

2012-05-25T12:24:00.001-07:00

Top: Burkes Outlet $5

Skirt: Express from Burkes Outlet $7.99

Belt: Charisma Boutique $14

Necklace: c/o Charisma Boutique

Shoes: Guess from Ross $14.99

So yesterday I got a call from the hospital I had applied to to say that I was offered the job and wanted to see if I was willing to accept... I said yes! :) I start on their oncology floor the end of August! I cannot wait! Now I am waiting for my paperwork to clear so I can sign up to take my NCLEX. What a great week it has been! I plan on celebrating my new job with a big bottle of wine tonight. :) lol Hope you all have a GREAT weekend! xoxo