This post is dedicated to:  sweet Cheryl, networking “Realtor with the Red Shoes” and my “Sister with the Sparkle”, Mrs. Mishe, California party pal and educational leader.

Ah, Dorothy…a girl after my own shoe closet.  When she wasn’t scampering down the yellow brick road, I like to think she was indulging in a scrumptious sushi lunch and taking Toto shopping at her local Nordies Rack!  Oh well, since she’s too busy being a still shot on my fabulous Wizard of Oz T-shirt, I guess I’ll suffer through it. :)  Are these T’s not the cutest ever?!  For only $5.00 each at a Macy’s clearance sale, I just couldn’t pass them up.  Normally I wouldn’t wear something this clingy, but layering a snug crimson red tank top underneath made my back appear a little more, um, easy on the eyes. :)  Hey, the original Spaghetti Strap Spanx!

Without knowing the Texas wind was going to blow a bit more like a Kansas tornado, I wore this flirty black Max Studio skirt – loving the ruffle detail at the hem – to enjoy the warmer weather.  Sorry, Mr. Scarecrow:  Marshalls @ $10.00 = No Brainer. 🙂

Let’s not forget the real reason we’re all here – peep toes, and wedges, and pumps, OH MY!  The type of slip-on sandal I’m wearing is simply a “must have” for any lady’s wardrobe.  Visit the clearance section of a DSW store and look at the colored stickers for additional discounts!  Need a different size?  Ask the folks at the counter to research on their register, and if they find it, they’ll ship it to you for FREE with an extra coupon inside!  You can always return them to a local DSW store, if they’re not quite the Ruby Slippers you had in mind.  It’s that easy!

If you’re like my girlfriends, Cheryl and Mishe, you too have a favorite pair of heels you love to click.  Please share with me, my Pretties! 🙂

MsMona

Spring fashion shows have arrived!  My friend, Kelly, put together a mahvelous Girls Night at her bank in Richardson, featuring some cute clothes and accessories from Get Noticed Boutique.  The appetizers, champagne, and relaxed atmosphere made for a wonderful event.  Fabulous job, Kelly – loved it! 🙂

“I thought you were one of the models!”

I was pleasantly surprised by the comment, then realized it must have been my favorite red patent bag ($36.00) and shoe ($20.99) combo they noticed. :)  I am most attracted to the shade of red that is made with more blue than orange, so to find an exact match in the clearance sections of two different Dillard’s locations?  I’m telling you, it was nothing but divine intervention.  The detail on my “Sgt. Pepper” jacket (1/2 of 1/2, Richardson) was what I first noticed on this $9.00 bargain – purchasing the trim in a fabric store would cost me just as much!  Add a starred leather bracelet, satin pants and a few bits of $1 bling…I’m ready for the bright lights of the corporate catwalk!  Or, maybe I’ll become a really stylish roadie… 🙂

What rock ‘n roll artist or band do you remember as a fixture on the fashion scene?

MsMona

I used to love thumbing through my family’s albums, filled with photos of Mom showing her amazing style from the 40’s and 50’s.  She was always so petite and feminine – two things I didn’t really inherit from her. :)  However, today’s version of that era gives me the opportunity to mix my love of black and gun metal gray with the sweetness of this lacy t-length dress from Macy’s, a steal for only $15!

Take advantage of the between-seasons clearance sales happening all over town!  I found these retro black leather Enzo Angiolini ankle strap pumps at Clothes Circuit in Dallas – they had gone down to $12, their final markdown price, about three months earlier.  Combine these with a few fabulous accessories, including my $13 Vera Wang “Simply Vera” line bag from Kohl’s, and we have a vintage look for A LOT less! 🙂

So Dahlings, what era do you find to be your fashion inspiration?

MsMona

After a few weeks of moving (and recuperating) the time came to celebrate my beautiful breast cancer sisters at a survivor brunch in Frisco.  I was honored to assist with the fashion show models and our friends at International Concepts, Macy’s Willow Bend.  Everyone did a fabulous job! 🙂

Pink makes any occasion a party, but as the signature color at every breast cancer event, it also brightens our attitude.  Right now the stores are filled with a variety of shades – blush, coral, fuchsia, rose, salmon – just waiting for you to try them all! :)  Oh, and remember to look in the clearance sections for special buys, like my $7.00 bloomer shorts from TJ Maxx and big pink kiss tank top from JC Penney.

What have you picked up during a Spring Sale this year?

MsMona

Name:  Vicente “Vinnie” Tames

Title:   Asst. Manager, “Half of Half Name Brand Clothing” in Richardson, TX.

MM:  What is the meaning behind the store’s name?
VT:  “Half of Half is from the price cut we give with all new merchandise, basically 75% off the original price.  Examples of our brand name clothing include Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren/Polo and White House Black Market.”

MM:  How does the store work?
VT:  “We have a buyer who purchases clothing, shoes and housewares for the company.  We are closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, except for when we have a special sale day.  Color tickets are to show what items are discounted and what’s new in the store.”

MM:  What is your favorite part about working at Half of Half, besides the fabulous discounts?
VT:  “It’s the customers.  They make it fun and personal!  I love helping them put outfits together.”

MM:  How did you come to the world of fashion?
VT:  “Well, going to school I came into the world of retail, starting back at Montgomery Wards. I like it a lot!”

MM:  What do you want to be when you grow up? 🙂
VT:  “A Fashion Guru!  Haha!”

MM:  What Nugget of Fashion Wisdom could you share with MsMona’s fans?
VT:  “Well Kids, Spring is here . . . Color Color Color!  Don’t over match colors – play with them!  And remember to sign up online for a $5.00 coupon to our stores.  Can’t wait to see you!”