Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.

Swap Sunday - My Haul

On Sunday I attended the Frugal Fashionista Clothing Swap. The exciting part of a swap is that you never know what you might find. I went to the swap hoping for a skirt. I found one I really liked but it was cut way too short for my taste and my legs. Instead I found some other fantastic pieces. I scored two sweaters, two tops and a dress! 

Orange Eyelet Sweater - Lane Bryant

Fuchsia Cropped Cardigan - Torrid

Graphic Tee - PePe

Multi Striped Shell - Mossimo for Target

Khaki Shirt Dress (new with tags) - Speed Contronl NY

I didn't find a skirt but the shirt dress has a full skirt and I'll be able to wear it spring through fall. The shape is perfect for me. I'll get lots of wear out of the sweaters and tops. I can even wear the two sweaters with the two tops. It was a great afternoon of free shopping. I got rid of some unwanted items and got some fun new items (well new to me).