Project 333

Honestly, I'm pretty good at "cutting back"- I play a little game with myself if I buy something new, then I must give away something that hasn't been worn. It helps with maintaining space for my collection and has added tax write-off benefits :)

I also recently took on a new job, with an (ahem) adjusted salary, which has created some budgeting work to be done. Naturally as I seek resources to assist me (remember this post on Mint.com), I have also discovered a few other techniques to scale back. Thanks to CJ who forwarded a great article my way that mentioned this idea: Project 333.

Here's the premise: You select 33 items to wear for 3 months. That's it. Wedding rings, sentimental jewelry you never take off, underwear, sleepwear, lounge wear at home, or work out clothes don't count.

Here's the goal: You learn to scale back, wear your best/favorite items (it forces creativity!), and simplifies the "what will I wear today?" question every morning.

I like that she states this isn't a project in suffering, but helps us identify our best clothing (forcing us to acknowledge what FITS best, too). Even more so, I like that this creates a realistic time line. 3 months isn't forever, but it's long enough to ensure commitment.

So will I do it? I am considering it when the weather is a bit more consistent here in Boston. Once the cold hits, it's here for more than 3 months, so that feels like a reasonable goal. I'll check back in on the idea in November or December...and happy to report back on what I find about myself and my wardrobe.

You want to get started? Read the tips created by Courtney. I'd say give it a go!

Missoni Madness

September 13th may not mean much to the average person, but Target sure won't forget that day in history!

For years, Target has been pairing up with high end designers to deliver a discounted line for those whose budget simply can't afford a $1500 dress. A few from the past: Isaac Mizrahi (my mom, sister and I still mourn the day he stopped designing for Target), Calypso St. Barth, GO International Designer Collection (which featured Proenza Schouler- in fact, they re-released the most popular dresses from this line in early 2011), Liberty of London, and McQ Alexander McQueen. The most recent to that line of big names, Italian designer, Missoni.

If you haven't already heard: This. Was. Big.

The morning of the 13th, shoppers were lined up outside of the stores ready to pick up any of the 400 item collection from Missoni for Target. In fact, the demand was so high, target.com actually crashed for several hours both Tuesday and Wednesday. Many Target officials reported 9/13 was bigger than most Black Fridays, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year.

eBay now is selling pieces from the collection for some 3 or 4 times the amount Target sold it for. I tried to buy a Missoni scarf on eBay, sold for face value at $19.99, and in the last 20 seconds of the sale, literally saw the price jump up $30! Madness.

So, if you were lucky enough to get a piece from this collection- hang onto it! That may be the "it" piece of the season. Score one for Target!

New York, New York

In honor of all that still holds true, strong, brave, and good: Here's to you, New York. You've endured much in the past decade, and while I root for the Red Sox rather than the Yankees, I hold the events of 9/11 dear to my own heart.

So, as a tribute to the city and my favorite designer, Kate Spade New York, I found a little treasure for the New Yorker who boasts "city love" or someone who adores KSNY as much as I do. This cosmetic case would be the perfect gift, and not to mention could serve as a map in a pinch :)

Manage Your Mint

We all have our favorite methods for managing our "mint"~ finances often bring out the worst in me, but I am committed to making sure I spend and save a little smarter these days.

Here's the trick: I refuse to deny myself shopping trips (after all, where would the blog be??), but I do have to track my monthly intake and outtake with a closer eye for detail. And since I'm already trained for subtleties (fashion is all about that), I was pleased to discover a personal finance software that helps me manage my mint better:

Mint.com (click here to see the overview video) really gave me a comprehensive understanding of all my assets and how I spend. The main page features, especially for visual learners like me, gave me a clear sense of where my money goes and suggests ideas for smarter spending. I also liked that it evaluates my total worth, including my home and car.

Some people may struggle with the security of providing all your personal account information into one site, but I researched the security measures, and it's top notch. While internet security may make us all a little uneasy (identity theft is just too prevalent these days), I rested easy knowing this is a "read only" system, where you cannot move monies. They equate the safety measures to those of banks, and 90% of us utilize online banking sites for personal accounts. Watch this video for their security information to help ease your mind too.

In the end, I'm smart enough to know shopping also involves money management, so be smart shoppers out there and protect your mint through knowledge and organization!