It's Seen Better Days

In my new re-found frugalism, I need to be careful to not slip into deprivation mode, thus defeating the purpose of accepting a new position.  The job change was to help me find more peace and satisfaction in my work life, not just to run away from a job that had become too consuming. To that intent, I want to start the new position fresh and energized, and that includes starting with a fresh look and polish that I hope sets the stage for this new career chapter. I've had a 31 tote bag for over three years, using it for both a computer bag and a work tote for files and binders and such.  It has been dragged back and forth across the country too many times to count anymore, overstuffed, and stretched and pulled. It has lived a good life and gave me reasonable value.  I have decided to retire the bag, and start fresh on March 2nd.  Not yet knowing what type of computer I will be using, I am going to concentrate on looking for a new model with the file and paperwork intent, rather than double duty as a laptop case.

I've been hoarding some gift money as well as $145 in Target gift cards with the intention of putting towards a Chrome book, or a HP stream.  I've been back and forth a gazillion times.  Both retail for $199.  My sister though has a MS surface that she had purchased for work, but then didn't use, and has no intent to use.  She has graciously not only  offered to loan it to me to see if it will meet my need, since she has no need or want for it, she has offered to give it to me, knowing that if she would ever want a tablet in the future, the model she likely would want will be several versions upgraded from the current Surface model.  She is a techie in a techie job. I am thinking of  redeploying the gift cards to a reasonably priced tote.   

Here are a couple options I have found. All range between $30 and $45, but only the black version had reviews over 4 stars, and a nice boxy syle that would stand up straight on a floor. I like the idea of a pop of color, but wonder if that would be too limiting. The tan was reviewed as cute and practical for the work place, but with poor quality straps.  I am pretty hard on things, so doubtful that would work.  Alternatively, I might invest a little time and stop at a couple thrift stores, as well as this oh so quaint consignment store in St Paul and see if I might find something of a bit better quality, for the same price range. I have had a hit or miss approach with thrift and consignment-never quite finding exactly what I've been looking for when looking, but hitting jack pots when just browsing with no particular lens. I have options, but think I might stroll over to the Second Hand Years for some vintage inspiration.

Nice reviews and a nice price at $35



Cute and neutral, but mixed reviews.  Cheapest at $30.

No reviews, and the highest at $45, but how cute is this!

I plan to spring a few dollars on a pair or two of new tights, as we have another 8 weeks of cool weather minimally, a good haircut, and a new lipstick and nail polish.  I'll freshen up my spotty wardrobe with a good wash in oxy clean to ensure all dinginess is gone and some spray starch to give my clothes a nice crispness.  I'm embarrassed to say that too frequently, pulling items out of the dryer on a weekday morning has been the norm.  I've got to keep my head focused on current job right through my last day, but I'm getting that first day of school excitement.  These extra little touches hopefully will launch me to a great start.










Glam for the Low Maintenance

I'm not a slave to fashion-no one would ever put me in the fashionista category, but I don't think I would be a nominee for What Not to Wear either.  I like to look clean, neat, and appropriately dressed, but don't have the knowledge and probably wouldn't care if I did, to wear the latest designer styles or follow makeup trends.   I don't throw money at name brand products when the less expensive off brand does the trick, but I have a few favorites products I cling to.  I love a nice apricot facial scrub, and let it do double duty as an elbow and knee exfoliator.  I can get out the door, from shower to hair coiffed in fifteen minutes, so am thrifty with time as well.  That last bit was ingrained since childhood as I had so many siblings, and a one bathroom house, I  had to learn to be fast.  This extended into my adult hood, with college roommates, and marrying a man that seems to need considerably more grooming time.  As the kids got older, I also had to compete with teenagers for the bathroom as well.

So where am I going with this?  As I get older, I'm finding my  scraped back, get out the door routine might be fine for every day, but when it comes to going out with friends and my husband at night, I'd like to look a bit more put together, as opposed to thrown together.   I know Facebook is at least one part exaggeration, and another part choice photography, but so many of my friends and acquaintances seemed to have blossomed in their empty nester years, and I still look like the car pool lane mom of three. I don't mean they look like jet setters, magazine models, or presidential candidates, but they look self-assured and confident. A couple friends look like the stylish grandmas I hope to be someday; playing it cool with their young grandkids, sporting jeans and just the right tops.  A work friend can wear scarves like no one I know.  She doesn't have an extensive work wardrobe, but has scarves by the dozen, and mixes and matches them depending on her day, or color she wants to accent. 

My one claim to middle years self-confidence is my relatively wrinkle free and spot free complexion.  I wasn't one for sun bathing as a teen, and was usually wearing a cap of some sort when I was out in the sun.  Perhaps my lack of convoluted beauty routine helped-less scrubbing and pulling on my skin.  For makeup though, even when I took the time, it was nothing more than a little foundation, blush, and mascara.  Lip stick and eye shadows kind of scare me as I picture that I will look like one of those carnival caricature drawings.

 Here is my plea for help. What do you focus on for those special nights out?  What have you added to your day routine that has helped you perk up your self-confidence?  What are you go to "glam" products?   Do you have signature clothes pieces that help you feel like you are making your own statement?  Please join in the conversation. I love the idea of using vintage and repurposed items-old things worn in new ways, so those of you who have done a makeover with your own closet, I want to learn from you.  Blog pages you rely on are appreciated.