Shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains

This weekend I found myself in the Mall. Not really the best place for someone who is trying not to shop to be, but my Sister needed my help in finding her First Day of School Outfit - something I have done for the past three years. Though she doesn't necessarily love my style, she does feel hopeless without my suggestions, that she can then 'tone down' for her taste.

We ended up getting a creamy crochet-lace dress from H&M and I cajoled her into belting my leopard scarf over it to dress it down. She isn't sure her peers will be accepting of a belted scarf, but I assured her that everyone cool on the interwebs has done it. I'll post a photo if she lets me!

As for me, I must note that I did give myself a budget for the remainder of August of $40, and while I was trying very hard not to, I did make a few purchases at the Mall.

A pair of sunglasses, nearly identical to the pair I've been stealing (I mean borrowing) from my Sister from Aldo, on sale for $8.

And then I went into Old Navy and happened to see the exact striped shirt I've been looking for, with stripes that don't go all the way to the top, and I did have that 30% off coupon, so the top was only $11 - which met my criteria of being under $15!

And that is all I bought! Saturday morning I went to an antiques fair and spend three hours hunting table after table, looking for any little gems, but found nothing I wanted that was a reasonable price. One thing I did see was a set of vintage Pyrex mixing bowls. I have a strange love of Pyrex. Really. I wanted them, but the seller was asking $65, and that seemed crazy. I decided to check out eBay (you know, that very instant on my iPhone) and found an identical set with a current bid of $25. I decided to bid on them and got outbid. But there doesn't seem to be a shortage of them out there, so I'll get the bowls eventually.

New sunnies in action, and (finally) wearing the white dress I shortened last month.
Also wearing two "back of the closet items" today, the sequined tank is the second. It was really cheap, $3, I think, but can not be worn on its own, and the straps need to be shortened. Today I just pinned them.

The Rundown

Dress Kohls - Top The Limited - Belt Thrifted - Sunnies Aldo - Earrings Giles and Brother thanks to Spoils of Wear's Giveaway - Sandals Guess