This week I had a huge haul of awesomeness.  I had a total of $36 in ban money available and $20 in free money.

I made  a trip this week to a boutique near where I work.  That job is wrapping up soon, so I wanted to visit and support this shop one more time, since it’s pretty far from where I live.  I tried on several items of clothing, but nothing was clicking.  I was about to leave when I spotted this lovely handmade necklace.  I asked how much it was, figuring it was likely out of my price range.  When I found out it was a mere $15, I snatched it up right there.  I’ve been debating if this purchase should be considered ban money of free money.  Since the idea behind my shopping ban is focusing on second-hand and handmade items, I think it’s okay to count this as ban money.

Layered Chain Necklace and Earrings Set  $15 at Velvet Rope

I also hit up several garage sales last Saturday.  It wasn’t really planned, I just happened to notice one while I was out, and then discovered that there were about six garage sales on that one street.  Buying clothes at garage sales can be really hit or miss.  Often the styles are extremely dated, the clothes are in gross condition, and there’s no where to try on anything.  But sometimes you stumble upon some dirt cheap jewels, and that’s what happened this week.  There were several duds that I ended up purchasing, but they’ll all go to a clothing swap I’m going to tonight.  Here’s the jewels:

Oriental-ish Earrings   $0.50

I absolutely love these – so much so that I wore them the day I bought them.  One important note when buying used earrings – always sterilize them with alcohol before wearing.

Liz Clairborne Faux-Leather Purse  $2

This was my most “expensive” garage sale find of the day, and so worth it.  I’ve really been wanting a nice, medium sized purse that can hold my essentials while going out (and can zip closed).  This one fulfills that perfectly.  I would rather have real leather, but for $2, this is fine.

Sonoma Green Printed Tank  $0.50

It’s cotton, it’s green, and it’s the perfect length for layering.  Need I say more?

Faded Glory Pink Flannel Shirt  $1

I admit, this is one I’m not completely sure about.  Faded Glory is a Kmart brand, which I normally hate.  I’m not super crazy about dusty pink either.  And it’s a bit short.  But, I’ve been desperate for some cozy flannel lately, so this will fill in until I find something better.  Then off to Goodwill it will go.

Ann Taylor Printed Tank  $2

Um, two dollars for an Ann Taylor tank that looks awesome on me and was probably over $30 new?  Hell yes.

Old Navy Cotton Sweater  $0.50

I sort of have a rule that I never buy anything I could knit, because I would like it better if I knit it myself.  I’m so fussy about seams and finishing and details, that most store-bought sweaters are disappointments (the exception being J Crew cashmere).  However, I still need to knit more pullovers, and the cold weather (if it ever gets here) will not wait for me to finish them.  So for fifty cents, I’ve got one more pullover for this season.  I’ll put my knitter’s snobbery away for a bit.  And after all, it is really cute and comfy.

So counting the items I bought but aren’t shown because they didn’t work, I spent about $12 at garage sales on clothes.  Not bad.  I also bought a new robe at Target this week, because my old one was literally falling apart.  That was $12.50 from my free money.  So what’s left?  After the necklace and the garage sale, I’ve got $9 left of ban money.  After a $12.50 robe at Target, I’ve got $7.50 in free money.  And today, I’m going to more garage sales and a clothing swap.  Whee!