Too much holiday cheer!

Sadly, it seems that my work has been overtaken by tacky Christmas decorations, festive holiday jingles and crazy soccer moms. It isn't even Thanksgiving and I am already in the bah-humbug spirit. Where did my joy go? Oh, that's right, out the door with the middle aged women who just gave me an attitude because I only trying to help her.

Anyway to combat this ever present feeling of ennui, I went bargain shopping (at my place of work, haha) and ended up getting a nice pair of flats and a cashmere cardigan for like $15. Considering the cardigan alone was originally $80, I think I made out pretty well. And I am abslutely obsessed with cashmere right now. To the point that it may be unhealthy...

Hello, beautiful.

These are shockingly comfortable.

I have started Christmas shopping for others, too. (Not just for myself, haha.) Already it seems I've crossed off my mother, two brothers, aunt and cousin off my list. But I am having a hard time deciding what to get my boyfriend... I want to get him something funny (because he's the type of guy that would give me a gag gift), but at the same time, I want to give him something I know he will really like and use. Dilemma!

So, what or who are you shopping for this season?

When I feel sad, I buy things.

But when I am essentially unemployed and on a budget, I try to keep my spending manageable. Yesterday Jenn and I went out to Connecticut for some retail therapy. I have been a little down lately, so I needed something new and fresh in my life. Here's what I got:

I love Aerie.

Replacing my old nude colored bra with this prettier one.

I am in love with leopard print right now.

Just your basic hipster for when I want to be extra comfortable.
And this going-out top from Old Navy.

And that's all I'm spending for the next month, haha. But everything in total cost about $20, so you can imagine how nice it was to save so much money. (Thanks to my employee discount at the Eagle and shopping on sale.) I can't wait to wear these things out!

Bargain hunting

As a broke, unemployed college graduate, you are forced to search high and low for that perfect bargain-- the one item you must have at a price that is absolutely affordable. Yesterday afternoon, my mother and I went to Kohl's and I found these wonderfully simple black heels that will look completely polished and professional with my grey suit. They aren't Nine West, but they will certainly do the job for $13!

More and more I have come to appreciate the happiness that bargain hunting can bring. Shopping has always been one of my favorite past times and ways to unwind or disconnect from my life-- whether or not I end up buying anything. (Although, I won't lie, it's much more fun to be able to bring something home!) It's just nice to be able to think about what's in front of you at the moment, as opposed to all the distractions and frustrations that can arise in every day life. When I was still at the University of Richmond, I took daily trips to the various malls across the city-- walking, listening, browsing and people watching. Sometimes I would catch a movie or treat myself to one of my favorite restaurants in town and just enjoy being alone.