Most of you already know about our photography & event design business, CLM Creative.  We are used to being behind the lens, so when it comes time for our own family photos, we trade services with our photographer friends and bring our girls, Miso & Mochi, into the picture. 🙂

For this session, we wanted to experiment with the colorful backdrop of Deep Ellum, downtown Dallas.  The graffiti art alone makes for a truly amazing landscape!  I’m a huge fan of contrast, so we dressed in classic black with a rocker edge to pop off of the gorgeous scenery around us.  You probably have those basic layering pieces in your closet – pants, dress shirt, leggings, skirt, sweater – but if not, check out your local discount and resale stores for inexpensive additions to your wardrobe.  I found the cropped faux leather jacket at Ross for only $9.99! 🙂

Have clothing choices ever been your family photo nightmare?

MsMona

Leopard print may not be the new black, but this Queen of Clothing finds it to be a purrrfect pairing of sexy and sassy!

I’m not a lover of all things leopard – for me, it has to start with a blending of black and brown.  In the case of these accessories (Betsey Johnson ring & necklace, Claire’s Boutique earrings), they also use a dash of gold or tan to highlight the print.  I found this cute short skirt at Clotheshorse Anonymous, and I just knew it was meant for me.  You see, the amazing faux fur coat I’m wearing was made by my late Mom, the original Discount Diva, back in 2001.  I know, right?! 🙂

I had never seen the exact material used in clothing anywhere, then I go to a fab Dallas consignment store and BAM!  A Neiman Marcus skirt (yes, tag still on) in my size for only $34.00.  My creative partner would have been so disappointed if I didn’t see her message in a gift that was absolutely heaven sent.  Missing you, Mom…

Do you have a favorite animal print for clothing or decor?

MsMona

So I’ve recently discovered a sweet type of discount shopping – Resale/Consignment stores.  I know they’ve been around for years, but I find so many great bargains at my usual haunts that I’ve never felt a need to venture too far outside the familiar mall walls.

My friend Tamra, of Tamra Fairbrother & Associates, told me about an upscale resale shop in Dallas called “Clotheshorse Anonymous”.  Since I’m not into couture pricing, I was content on just making a research trip to check out the store.  I parked toward the back of the Preston Forest shopping center and entered what I thought was a very small space.  Come to find out I had walked into “Etcetera”, the $50.00/under sale section of Clotheshorse. :)  Woo Hoo!  LOVE it when that happens…and on a Sidewalk Sale day, too!

I promise I wasn’t expecting anything, but when I saw the XL tag on this gorgeous Nine West coat, I thought I should at least humor myself and try it on.  OMG, only $15.00 AND it fits?! Giggling with excitement, I poked through my size and found a pair of black satin pants and a bronze drawstring pant for only $5.00 each – and get this, the money went directly to charities supported by Clotheshorse Anonymous!  How amazing is that?! 🙂

A couple of weeks later, I cruised through the main storefront and saw this hat during a 25% off special.  Yes indeed, this newsboy cap is also a Nine West and is made from basically the same material as my awesome coat!  Unbelievable.

Sunday was certainly the day to break out my new “2-piece” to attend a Survivor Sisters event in North Texas.  Aah Baby, it’s cold outside…but this cozy combo keeps me warm and fuzzy from head to toe. 🙂

Have you been Resale/Consignment shopping?

MsMona

The past few weeks have been busy, but super fun!  We’re back to business meetings and preparing for an amazing women’s conference in Farmers Branch, TX.  Within my topic, “Fearless Fashion – Dressing Smart and Looking the Part…for Less”, I’ll be speaking about how to keep your wardrobe fresh with accessories. 🙂

It seems like headbands and barrettes have been a part of fashion forever.  What I love about today’s version are the added feminine detail – rhinestones, feathers, flowers, ribbons.  The extras bring a special touch to the hair accessory, allowing you to incorporate a “theme” to your outfit.

For my husband’s office party, I wore this hot pink piece, along with my sassy pink faux fur, to tie in an early 40’s flair (my FAV fashion/style era).  I recently saw the smaller size barrette/pin, which would be oh so cute on the collar of a simple black jacket.

Where do you find your fabulous hair accessories? 🙂

MsMona

Happy New Year from beautiful Dallas, Texas and welcome to MsMona.net, a blog with tips and tricks to discount shopping for the so NAUTE couture. 🙂

Now, let me preface this by saying I am absolutely not against couture shopping – some of my favorite stores carry the most gorgeous name brand pieces.  However, not everyone can afford boutique, or even some department store, pricing.  If it’s in your budget this year, fabulous!  If not, don’t worry – stick with me and you’ll look just as amazing!

Let’s start 2011 off right with a hearty “Congratulations” to our great city.  Check out this link:  Forbes names Dallas #2 in their list of Best U.S. Shopping Cities!

Rock on, Sisters! 🙂

MsMona