I couldn't decide if today's post fell under Frugal or Fashion so I decided it's both. I wanted to remind you all to take advantage of your favorite retail stores' Birthday Club promotions. Programs like that are one of the main reasons I have a 'junk' email address. I love a free dessert just as much as the next person, but I'd much rather have a gift card or discount to one of my favorite stores. Case in point: Loehmann's Insider Club. 

I went shopping before BlogHer looking for tops and pants (OK, shoes too). The only downside to weight loss is not having 'professional' clothes that fit. My old work wardrobe is too big (I know, tiny violins) but I don't need office friendly wear often enough to justify replacing it. So, I figured a trip to Loehmann's was in order. They have fantastic sales, and occasionally mark things down even more with special color tag clearance sales. 

The day I went in, the Shopping Gods must have known I needed help. The store was having a Yellow Tag clearance where every yellow price sticker was an additional 40% or 50% off. Yes, Loehmann's is a store where you need to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dig. But for savings like that, I say it's totally worth the time and effort. 

It wasn't until I'd picked out my items and was ready to check out that I remembered my birthday discount. Loehmann's gives their Insider Club members15% off in addition to regular sale prices. Because of my extra savings, I went back to the shoe department and grabbed a pair I'd put back thinking I only had room in my budget for one. Please say hello to the newest additions in my collection.

Both are by Steve Madden, who I love. Between the store sale and my birthday discount, I paid $48.06. That's total, not each. I also bought three tops, one if which was not part of the color tag clearance. Still, my total for all five items was $99.68! Considering the blue shoes alone are sale priced at $90 right now on Steve Madden's site, I think I did pretty well. 

Taking advantage of special offers like birthday and 'insider' discounts is a great way to save big, especially on designer items. Loehmann's is one of my go to places to look for the overpriced jeans I love so much.

Aveda, DSW, Sephora and World Market have good birthday reward programs. What's your favorite store reward? Do you know of any other retail stores who offer great birthday discounts?

Dresses and Wedges for Spring | Fashion Friday

Disclaimer: Please ignore my hair, lack of make up or pedicure and focus on the dress and shoes. :D

You wouldn't know it by my almost daily uniform of jeans, but I'm really girly. I love, love, love dresses and skirts. They always seem to 'come back' in style as the must wear look for spring or summer. What I'm seeing in my magazines under spring trends are dresses and wedges, which is a look that totally works for me since I'm short.

I love the fun pattern and great colors in this dress. They're both definitely me. If I had any skills with a sewing machine, I'd make the dress more fitted at the waist so it fell in an A line. I debated pairing it with black wedges, but that didn't feel very spring like.

The dress is from Target but I'm not sure I'll keep it because of the fit. At only $15, it's a great deal and I can see wearing it instead of capris. What do you think, is it too 'maternity' for me?

Cowboy Boots and Clogs: Yay or Nay? Fashion Friday

For a few weeks a year the weather in So Cal changes to cool and brisk and I get to wear boots and sweaters. Normally I like my boots knee high, pointy toed and with at least a three-inch heel like these I tried on at a local boutique in San Diego. 

Forward Footwear Pacific Beach

But lately I've been drawn to two types of shoe I'd never thought I'd wear: clogs and cowboy boots. The last time I owned a pair of clogs I think I was 8 years old. The Dr. Scholl's wooden shoe was just getting popular and I was so surprised my mom got a pair for me since she wouldn't spend the money on real Keds. I have never owned cowboy boots.

I was at Marshall's last weekend to look at boots and I saw these two pairs that I think would be good 'starter' shoes to see if I actually do like those styles and would wear them.

These are Frye. I don't think they're 'true' cowboy boots but they're Western-ish, right? I absolutely love the colors. I think I'd wear them with a dress or skirt. I might actually buy tights too.

Frye boots $149.99 at Marshalls

I feel like I shouldn't like these Sam Edelman clogs but I do. I know they're a little out there, but I can't help it. They're so cute! I've seen a few magazine pieces on how to transition a maxi dress from summer to fall and I have a brown dress that would look great with these.

Sam Edelman clogs $79.99 at Marshalls

So what do you say? Are clogs a good look for this season? What do you have in your closet that you never thought you'd wear?