Welcome to a brand new year!  Time to leave behind the worries and fears that weighed you down – life is too precious and has so much to offer! 🙂

Speaking of lightening up…our current weather feels more like autumn with sunshine and blue skies accompanying crisp morning and evening temperatures.  The Husband and I dressed accordingly in neutral tones (and layers) to stay comfortable all day. 🙂 He looks great in his $2.99 ultrasuede vest from Goodwill, doesn’t he?  Jeans and a polo were all he needed to keep it simple.

OMG, have you taken advantage of Old Navy’s huge sale?  Everything I’m wearing (except for my old comfy Target scarf) is from their clearance racks at 50-93% off!  Unbelievable! 🙂

What wonderful adventures do you have planned for 2012? 🙂

MsMona

Merry Christmas to all MsMona readers!

What a beautiful day to spend with family, here and in spirit.  I thought about Mom and how stylish she always looked for church, so I chose this classic black and white Chanel-inspired outfit in her honor. 🙂 Would you guess the jacket and skirt are from different department stores?  I was lucky to find this $15.00 I.N.C. jacket at Macy’s (originally $129.00) and mega clearance Allen B skirt at JC Penney.  Woo Hoo!

Mom also liked to accessorize, with hats being one of her fashion favorites.  I found this netted fascinator at Ross for only $14.99! 🙂 This type of popular headwear can be quite expensive, so I was happy to come across such a special piece.  My black patent purse with zipper and flower accents was a $5.00 bargain buy at Charming Charlie – I just removed these chain links from my skirt and clipped them to the front of the bag for a little extra shine!

I hope your Christmas was a magical celebration.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

MsMona

Another crazy, wonderful evening with the Society of Women Who LOVE Shoes…and Fashion!  The gifts poured inside as much as the rain outside, and everyone was warmed with fabulous appetizers and cocktails served by the awesome folks at Social 121.  I totally recommend their Crab Cakes – super scrumptious! 🙂

I knew the club would be toasty, so I went with this light black satin and lace dress (a fab $15.00 Macy’s clearance buy) to keep cool at registration.  My Target hairband actually matched the dress so I just glued on a ribbon/feathers/rhinestone accessory from Jo-Ann’s (who can go wrong with their 40% off coupon?!).  The Husband wore his “new” navy blue pinstripe vest that I found at Goodwill for $2.99. 🙂 He’s really diggin’ this look right now, and I have to say, so am I!

Between this and the Hotel ZAZA event, SWWLS collected:
*209 pairs of shoes
*10 coats and hats
*99 toys for the children!

Many families will no longer have to dream of a special Christmas – this year, it’s their reality.  THANK YOU to the generous hearts of our contributors and to the volunteer Dream Team that makes it happen!

MsMona

“We all know that when a woman feels like a woman, there is POWER!”
-Dianne Samoff, Founder SWWLS (click above to see her gorgeous sequin dress)

The rain didn’t stop volunteers and guests from coming out to support non-profit organization, Society of Women Who LOVE Shoes…and Fashion.  Not only did we collect shoes, but this month we are excited to accept toys for many deserving boys and girls around Dallas/Ft. Worth!

In wet weather, comfort is key. 🙂 This $10.00 Apt. 9 knit dress from Kohls has a tiered crinoline skirt attached, making it an easy choice for our evening event.  And these crazy clearance sequin slingback heels by Tahari – let’s just say Marshalls made them even cozier by way of my pocketbook.

Oh, and how handsome is The Husband?!  His celery green Banana Republic shirt and Stafford black vest (OMG, JC Penney tag still attached) were both an extra 50% off at the Samaritan Inn’s Thrift Store 2 in McKinney.  This $6.00 combo makes both of us smile. 🙂

Bringing JOY to families around the Metroplex this Christmas.  What better way is there to enjoy the holiday season? 🙂

MsMona

No lip service here – this T speaks for itself! 🙂

When you find super cute, inexpensive themed t-shirts, scoop up your favorites!  This $5.00 glittery Walmart find was the layering piece I needed under my glam crocodile pattern motorcycle jacket, a major clearance score from JC Penney.

Check out even more budget clothing/accessory buys online at PennyChic.com with Shauna Miller. 🙂 Very cool!

MsMona