Recently, I mentioned that I am determined to get back that part of me that was lost when I became a mom.  Somewhere amongst diapers, and homework, and time-outs I quit caring about my appearance.  Outfits for me usually consist of some stretched out t-shirt, jeans I've probably worn a dozen times before washing, and six-year-old loafers or flip flops.  It's not that I don't want to look cute- oh I do!  But let's face it, I am not the thin twenty-something I was when this all started, and getting ready takes effort that I don't always feel up to exerting.  Sad, but true.  

Well, I don't believe in mentioning something on the blog and not sharing with you the journey.  The first big step has been that I have started working out 45 minutes every day while the girls are in school.  Honestly, that has been the biggest change, because I feel more relaxed and better about myself.  Funny how nothing can change about your physical appearance, and yet, once I start exercising I immediately feel more confidant and self-assured.  

The other thing I am doing is a total wardrobe overhaul.  Easier said than done when you have absolutely NO money to spend on clothes.  I decided to get a game plan.  First, I tried to pinpoint the look I was trying to recreate for fall.  I didn't want to just start buying separates and end up with a wardrobe that doesn't look cohesive.  As you all know I have a deep love for everything J.Crew.  I just think they do such a great job working with color and wardrobe choices that are practical for the average woman.  I went through their catalog and picked out the outfits that I really loved.  Then I figured out if I already owned some of the pieces. I then wrote down the components to the outfits that made them work so well.  This gave me a shopping list to take in my bag.

Off I went to the thrift stores.  As I said i have no clothing budget, so alas, this is my only source right now for clothes.  When I call this post the work of thrifting I am not kidding.  If you are trying to build a wardrobe, this thriftstore trip will not be a walk in the park.  It takes hours of sorting through racks, finding the gems, deciding which pieces will work with my "look."  I won't allow myself to buy something just because it is a great designer if it doesn't fit perfectly or isn't right for my wardrobe.  Usually I wear a fairly tight fitting T-shirt with a jacket to go thrifting so I can easily pull on shirts and sweaters right there in the aisle. And I don't bring the kids with me.  This is all business.  

So far I have two entire outfits, down to the scarf and jewelry.  I also now have components of the majority of the outfits including a wool blazer and cashmere sweater for $5.  As a bonus I found the fabulous Vera scart you see in the photo along with that cream leather clutch and wool cloche.  The hat band needs to be repaired, but for a wool hat made in Italy I think I can handle a bit of repair work.  

I will keep you posted on how progress is going, along with other purchases.  I want to mention this too- yes, if I had the money I would just walk right into J.Crew and buy their clothes.  In fact, I probably will end up watching the sales for at least one great blouse.  And no, I honestly can say that I hate thrifting for clothes.  It is exhausting and often frustrating.  But I wanted to post my progress for all of you who sit there thinking you can't get a nice wardrobe because of family expenses.  If you go in with a plan, it is possible to dress in thrift store clothes and come out looking like a photo in a magazine.  It just takes a bit more elbow grease.