FALL FASHION SHOPPING AT SEARS!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. #ThisisStyle #cbias

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer and I looooove the summer wardrobe options. But Fall…? Fall is … fall is romantic. Fall is fashion. Fall is an excuse to shop. (I made that one up). But honestly, every year, I flip through the “Must Have Fall Fashion” spreads in the magazines and flag virtually every page. “I muuust have that. I neeeed that. I can’t live withouuuuut that.” I usually allow myself one or two new items (fab boots are always on the list), but this year: Mama’s on a budget… ‘Cuz mama’s getting married!

Yes! I’m engaged! So exciting. But guess what? This means, it’s time to save for the big day… OR my dream honeymoon to Greece/Bora Bora/Italy/Maldives/St. Barths. (BTW, can you just IMAGINE the fabulous outfits for that trip?! Omg!)

But I digress…

There are so many fabulous looks and trends this season and I’m on a mission to rock a few without breaking the bank.  So when I was approached by Sears for this “shoppertunity,” I had to take it!  Some of the emerging trends for Fall are lace, lots of denim (of any kind! Acid washed, printed, floral, etc.), military inspired apparel, and clothing with some edge and details like studs. 

With Fall fashion fresh on my mind, aaaaand the many boards on Pinterest reminding me just how dreamy I could get with this wedding and honeymoon, I headed to my local Sears bright and early with my Venti Bold Drip in tow, to find some affordable and fabulous Fall Fashion. (For my entire experience, check  out my album on Google Plus!) 

I have to say, there were two things that I was really impressed immediately: 1) The jean selection was out of control. Neatly organized (and merchandized), there were piles and displays of every color, every size, every shape- ev.er.y.where.  It truly was a jean scene. 2) The customer service! When I saw a cute jean vest on a manequin and asked the sales woman where I could find it, she said they were out, and without missing a beat jumped up and got it down off the mannequin. Nice!

I had fun trying out a few different styles that were out of my normal fashion zone like flannel mixed with lace, or jeans with wild prints. Ultimately, I settled on a few fantastic looks that I know will carry me throughout the season.  On top of it, I got 4 completely new head to toe outfits (7 pieces of clothing) and I spent a total of $136.13 (Saved 22.04 with my Sears Rewards card, thank you very much!) Not bad right!?

Military Jacket, Kardashian Collection, $46.99 , Cream Tank with Gold Beads, Metaphor, $12.99, Skinny Jeans, Bongo, $14.99

Black Lace Tank, Bongo, $12.99, Skinny Jeans, Bongo (same as above), Bangles, $8.99 each

Two-Pocket Cream blouse, Metaphor, 19.99, Camo Skinny Denim, $19.99, Bangles, same as above

Denim “work shirt” with studs, True Freedom, $18.99, Camo Skinny Denim, Same as above.

Paired with booties, fun bags and cross body purses, I can dress all of these looks up, down and everything in between. I felt so cute and comfortable in everything and can see myself wearing these outfits to school functions, date nights, girls nights, and of course, wedding planning.

What’s on your fall fashion must-have list? I want to hear from you!

To get the latest on affordable fall fashion, follow searsStyle on Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to check my album on Google Plus to see all the photos from my shopping experience at Sears!

eBAY: OH, I'M SOLD!

Two weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of joining about 20 or so other bloggers that make up the eBay Parent Panel at the eBay headquarters in San Jose. In addition to fun dinners and outings, our two days were filled with sessions about selling on eBay. To say that I learned a thing or two about all things "how to" eBay and that I wanted to come home and start selling immediately, would be an understatement. Sitting through these sessions, I was so deeply inspired and excited: There is NOTHING that can't be sold. From coupons to handbags to old appliances or cords, I realized I was sitting on a treasure trough of trash that could turn into CASH.

Here are a couple highlights and top tips:

What to List:

For ideas on what to list, check out their Selling Inspiration House. This page is AWESOME. The Inspiration House can help you figure out if things that you have around the house are worth selling by browsing through virtual rooms. http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/what-to-sell.html

-Costumes are top sellers on @eBay. People flock to site in Sept & Oct for children's costumes.

-Selling by season @eBay: Biggest trends in selling are during winter holidays and back to school

-Brand names and small items are the easiest things to sell for first time @eBay sellers. iPhones, iPads, iPods = SOLD.

Shipping:

-I learned that if your item weighs 13 oz or less, you can ship USPS First Class Mail... BUT shipping is still making me a little woozy. I won't lie. This is something I'm going to have to figure out. I loved fellow parent panel Caroline Murphy's, of Smarty Pants Mama, post about how to make this process easier.

And if you're really scared, (and I'm of no help), check out 5 Getting Started Tips for Selling on eBay from Sommer of the Green and CleanMom.

Proudly, I had a pretty great week last week and sold 5 of the 6 items I listed. The Target Coupon book didn't sell but I listed that as more of an experiment anyway, so I'm okay with that. Right now, I have a FAB makeup/eyeshadow kit (Brand new) from Urban Decay. Hoping it will sell.... Next week I plan on listing some electronic stuff, and an old maternity gown (and by gown, I mean a FORMAL Liz Lange satin gown I wore as a bridesmaid at 36 weeks preg. Hot).

Wish me luck on my selling endeavors AND if you have an questions, please leave a comment and I'll take it to the eBay Brainiacs that have been guiding me through this all!