Last weekend, I hit up a bunch of local garage sales.  I found some awesome stuff, but ending up getting a lot of duds also.  That seems to be how it goes with garage sales.  I’ve only taken photos of the items I’m keeping, but I counted the total money spent against my ban.

My favorite things to find at garage sales are costume jewelry and fun accessories.  I found quite the batch.  I think the purse may be vintage.  There’s a tag inside that says the brand is Heiress.  I’ve already worn the pearls once.  According to the person I bought it from, that heart charm necklace is real silver.  Awesome deals all around.

Blue Long Sleeve Tee: Gap
White Long Sleeve Tee: Banana Republic
Gray Cashmere Blend Turtle-Neck: Ralph Lauren

These might not be as exciting as the accessories, but the fact is that my winter wardrobe is pretty slim.  I’m sure I’ll be grateful for these layering tees when the temps start to drop.  The turtle neck is gorgeously soft and it has beautiful flecks of blue and purple in it.  Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll get to wear it more than a few days a year, unless I travel out of state.  It rarely drops below 40 here.

I also went to a clothing swap party last weekend.  A few people asked what it was.  While it varies from one to another, at the swap party I went to, everyone brought clothes that they no longer wear.  We organized them on tables, and then “shopped” for new items from what everyone else bought.  I didn’t really find a lot, but what I did get I like.

So I got a very itchy but very warm Gap lambswool sweater – I think it will be good for layering on those rare cold days.  Some Bandolino heels that are gorgeous though uncomfortable.  I really don’t have any sexy, strappy dress shoes, so I figured getting a free pair wouldn’t hurt.  A funky red beaded necklace and some bohoemian chic earrings.  And a purple and black sarong, which I’ll be grateful for next beach season.

Born Sokal Flats: $50 on Ebay

You may remember that when I first started my ban, I decided that I could only buy three pairs of shoes under $100, one of which would be a pair of ballet flats.  Last week, I finally found what I was looking for.  I’d been eyeing a couple different styles of Born flats on Ebay for months now, but nothing came up at the right price.  I actually bought a pair of Born flats at a local Dillard’s recently, but had to return them because they were painfully tight.  Finally, I managed to catch these for a mere $50, which is significantly less than what they sell for new.  And I absolutely love them.  They provide decent support for a flat, have a delightful Audrey look to them, and are in a gorgeous patent.  A word of warning though – they take breaking in.  I wore them for an eight hour work day this week, and my feet are yelling at me now.

So all in all, how did I do?    I had $24 of ban money available and $7.50 in free money.  I spent $20 total at garage sales, and the swap was free, so that leaves me with $4 for next week, plus the $7.50.  The shoe money is in a different category, and doesn’t count against ban money.