Retail Therapy for Rainy Days!

Hello there!
I've been away, I know, so many things happening including a change of weather which when mixed with hormones, makes me gloomy! I'm also possibly changing houses in a month... this makes me sad because I love my home and I have put so much effort into it, but also gets me so excited because I get a new slate all over again haha!! Seeing things on the bright side, I get to re-decorate, and I get to share the whole adventure with you! Oh and I'm also returning to VEGAS [baby!] in December with my inlaws and I'm so excited I'm seriously almost outfit planning!
So, in one of my previous posts I shared my fall wishlist with you, right? Well, this weekend we had friends from OOT and went shopping together. I knew I couldn't really buy much because I don't get paid until October. However, during a moment of depression I bought some things I ended up returning and had a F21 Credit. Best part? I only used like half of it!  Now, I just cant wait for the cool weather to stay! Its been raining so much, its beautiful, but Im scared to ruin all my shoes -_- Im even considering rain boots!  Anyway, this is what I snatched this weekend: 


 

Black Skinnies from Forever 21 less than $8 bucks [WOW]! I A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y loved them! The fabric is stretchy but not thin, they look so classy and black, like black-black not fading black :D! Then, I present to you my booties! My precious... HA! I saw them and fell in love and I guess hubs noticed because he asked "You want them?" I couldn't resist :) They are perfect, exactly what I wanted, the heel is perfect and they are beyond comfortable... Thanks Dillard's you always have an amazing variety in shoes!

 

So, Ive been wanting a pink blazer for a long time, even though it was not in my fall list. It is a piece that I can see as a transition piece and I had to take it for $15 bucks! I looked for a navy one like crazy but wasn't lucky... cant complain though..

 

I loved this Forever 21 Hat that I got for 6 bucks!! [YUP...$6] I was really wanting a camel colored one but when I thought I found one, I lost my hubs on a call from work. Being color-blind [YES I know that's only for boys... I guess I'm a special genetic mixup], I needed his help to see if the thing was brown or forest green... I was too ashamed to ask someone else so I left it behind and snatched this one instead! Ill be back for the camel one soon... I just need a helping companion LOL

I snatched this little outfit for $10 a piece! I couldn't believe it! There was a new little store on my way to Dillards and I saw everything was $10... I went in to peek and to my surprise I found the pants I had been looking for!! Then I saw that cool Tshirt and I couldn't resist, When I was paying I noticed it made an awesome outfit! YAY!

 

What were you up to this weeend!

Thanks for reading!

THE Red Purse

Hello there!
Since I went back to work, I don't have much time to be online in the afternoon anymore [buuhuu]! Therefore, I've used my days off to clean my house and be on pinterest all day looking for fall outfit ideas! While doing so, I've come across many posts with red purses... beautiful large red purses in all brands including Prada, Valentino, Balenciaga, Tory Burch, Celine, etc.. all stunning really! I guess red is the perfect pop of color for the fall seasons, a perfect color to deviate from the boring darks. Guess what? I have a beautiful one just sitting in my closet! I haven't really used it :(, bought it for one purpose and then changed my mind [Come on Brenda, you really cant afford these changes in mind right now!].

    

Some girls rocking the red...

    

more girls rocking the red....

 

All of these ladies totally rock their red bags! While I decide whether or not I'll be rocking mine this fall, I'll make it available for sale at a lower price that what I paid for. I guess I'm willing to let her go for the right price and if the buyer doesn't show up, Ill take it as a sign from the above to rock it this season! 

Beautiful Tory Burch Red Croc Embossed T Tote!

If you interested in the red beauty, please email me at onceuponafinds@outlook.com so that we can arrange to ship it out! 

Thanks for reading! <3

Back to Labor!

Hello there!
So, I've seen many "Back to School" posts out there and debated whether to do one or not. For me, back to school really means back to work [I teach at my local university] so I was debating what to focus on more for this post. After giving it careful thought I think what I'm going to say really applies to both [Yay!]. For me, my "back to school essentials" are narrowed to just a couple of things! First, the cute clothes; anybody not wearing a uniform always has fun with this but also stresses sooo much about it. The only tip I can give now is shop online [like, NOW!]. At least my email is getting bombarded with so many sales here and there and everywhere! Best part? Most websites have free shipping besides nice discounts [Claps]. Second, fun school/work accessories. If you are going to be spending the majority of your day in these activities, might as well use fun stuff that can make the load a little lighter! Third, [My gosh! this has been an essential since like freakin Kindergarden] the backpack, satchel, purse, or whatever your using to carry your stuff around!For those going to college its so much better, since we can change our stuff from spring to fall! Last but not least, the shoes! You need to be smart enough and chose wisely! If your feet can tolerate almost everything, you can buy several non-expensive pairs. If your feet are a bit more delicate or you NEED to be comfortable, investing in a nice pair to rock semester-round is your best option! This is what I consider a perfect school/work outfit!

Boyfriend jeans and plaid shirts are like the most coveted wardrobe staples this season. If you don't have a plaid shirt, no worries... I bet your boyfriend, hubby, dad, or brother have one you can borrow! Too big? even better! And well, what better way to pair them than with these cute and comfy Coach flats and beautiful leather Juicy hobo.

Now, if you can't manage to be carrying a purse and a backpack at once, and would like to double duty, this Cole Haan Trinity Tote is a perfect option, as it has a large zippered divider. One side can be used for work/school notebooks, files, etc... and the other side can be used to carry your wallet and so forth!

Too plain? Perfect spot to say the famous "less is more"! Being that it is so plain, it allows you to make so much of it. You can tie different collar scarfs on it and use it year long depending on the print and color of scarfs you use.

 

and finally I got to say this... Who said layering was only for clothes?! OMG I think I'll be obsessed with layering necklaces! 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

FYI: 

- Coach Flats sz 9.5 are available for sale! They were used maybe 3 times... get them for over 75% off!

- Juicy leather hobo also available for sale... I swear this is the perfect fall purse... also has a greater than 75% off discount!

- Cole Haan Trinity tote with $295 tag, for only $50! 

Please email me at onceuponafinds@outlook.com if interested!

Falling for Fall

Hello there!
I never thought I would say this, [because I'm a Summer lover] but I cant wait for this Fall season! I've always preferred the hot weather, the short stuff, the breezy shirts and sandals, and for some strange reason I'm dying to wear sweaters and boots and hats! Even though I got some cool stuff last all, and several pairs of nice boots for Christmas, I didn't manage to wear them much and I just stare at them every time I walk into my closet! There are a few things that I "need" for this fall. Things that Ive seen recently and dying to try out and things that didn't manage to find their ways to my closet last fall and looking IN this fall. My fall wishlist looks like this:

      

I looked for a denim vest like this last cold season everywhere! It was on my Fall wishlist, then Winter wishlist, and even Christmas wishlist! I couldn't find one long and large enough to throw on top of a light sweater. I also want a faux fur vest again... yeah again... I had one and I sold it on Poshmark... Ooops!

These Kate Spade flats are so adorable! I saw them and I was like O-M-G! I need a pair like these, and if I can find a budget friendly alternative Ill be beyond happy. I would love to pair them with jeans and a crisp white shirt, or borrow a shirt from hubby and throw a sweater over it with a super cool necklace! 

 

This pin has been on my Pinterest board forever! Look at her, she looks beyond perfect! I need a pair of pants like that. I feel they are so versatile. I would love to wear them just like this, or with a t-shirt and denim vest or jacket to dress them down for a traveling outfit! 

    

Dear Shirtdress, come to me! I have learned there is nothing more comfortable than a shirt dress and I think it is a perfect piece to transition into fall. This is perfect for the fall weather and can transition into the cooler season with leggings. I absolutely love this denim version I found on pinterest and now I'm desperate to find it! 

   

oOh booties! I wanted the ones on the left since last fall! I feel I need them for when I want to look cute but need to be comfy AKA teaching my labs! I just found the ones on the right, they are so perfect... the heel is chunky, they are not sky high, they are colorful & unique, and they have pom poms.. Drooling over these and it will be my goal to find them, and hopefully at an affordable price! 

and this is how I envision myself this fall.... nice booties with a chunky heel, jeans, stripes [I love stripes even though they aren't very flattering] and starbucks!! If I could place my head on this picture, it would have a statement neclace [of course!] and maybe a cute little floppy hat!

Thanks for visiting! What does your fall wishlist include?

[All Images are from Pinterest.... Pure Inspiration]

Happy Feet!

Hello there!
Have you been wearing sandals all summer? {I know I have!} There is nothing better in summer than shorts and flip flops! And when in shape, bikinis...ohhh bikinis! My heels, however, are the ones who are paying the price {and my poor wallet}! I swear my feet have been so delicate lately that if salon pedicures were the only way to fix them I'd be wearing UGGS yearly {not kidding!}. Thanks to the all-knowing pinterest and my all-finding mom, I found a solution that actually works and is budget friendly {there I go with budgeting again}! All you need is:

*  10 spare minutes
*  Enough warm water to barely cover your feet
*  Listerine 1 cup
*  Vinegar 1cup
*  Towel
*  Scrubbing tool 
*  Socks
* Aquaphor




Mix  the listerine and vinegar with warm water and soak your feet for a relaxing 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, you can look at my other posts if you haven't already :)! After 10-15 minutes take your feet out and scrub lightly {you really just need lightly, and if your heels are healthier you might just wipe off!} to remove dead skin cells. Your heels should feel like a babys bottom!

Now, I'm going to share a little secret my ex-pedicure lady once shared with me! {Helen, oh how I miss you!} This, will help keep the baby bottom feeling, and your feet away from the pedicure salon for weeks!

Take a little bit of aquaphor on your fingers and rub it into your heels. Put socks on so they force the aquaphor to soak into your skin.I swear this is the best thing you will every do to your feet... you'll make them happy feet!

Thanks for reading!

Oh, Happy Day!

Hello there!
As I told you in my "Nice to Meet You" post, I feel very, very blessed with the friends I have and I thank God daily for them. My friends, are amazing, but my best friends are just beyond that! I read a quote the other day that said "Be careful who you call your best friends... I'd rather have 4 quarters than 4 pennies", and I am pleased to say I have the best freakin quarters that ever lived! Having said that, today is a very happy day because its one of my quarter's birthdays.... its my beibi's birthday! wohooo! Her name is Brenda, just like me [the best part!] and she is so unique I feel sad for all those people that don't have her in their lives, or for those that have/had her and have no idea of the quality of gem that she is! She is the most beautiful, loving, fashionable, honest, straight, supportive, creative, desperate, and unique person I know! Shes seen me at my best, been by my side at my worst. Brenda, I hope you have an amazing day, I hope all of your wishes keep on coming true [you deserve it!], I hope we keep on growing old together and keep sharing so many memories, dreams, goals, and accomplishments! I love you with all my heart and thank God daily for  having you in my life!XOXO

 

k

Happy Birthday Sexy!!!

 

Then...

Now....

 

 & Forever <3!

May God bless you always!

Floral Favorite!

Hello there!
I'm back! Sad, happy, excited but back {I know I'm an emotional mess right now!} I'm sad because my plans for this past weekend went to the trash! Hubby worked so much since Tuesday and the weekend never came to be. My idea of a fun weekend posing for him in fun clothes for blog posts just went straight down the drain. Sad, very sad! I'm happy because I signed my job acceptance letter  today and it felt so good, proud! I feel ridiculously proud of myself I think I'm going to take myself out to eat and shop. And, I'm excited because we are going tubing this weekend for one of my BF's birthday! Water.. yes cold water come to me!

Well, having said the above, I don't have fun pictures to post regarding my favorite summer buys and summer is already leaving [I'm getting all these "get ready for Fall" and "Fall Preview" emails]... so I needed to post something before its too late right? This summer I bought the cutest little matching outfit ever from Lulumari. The best part is how I got it {me and my budgeting}! First, I found it at a nice store at the mall, then like two days later I saw a friend's picture on instagram with the same outfit in the background at a local store downtown! I literally drove there right away and got it for less than half the price, and managed to buy another pair of Lulumari shorts..WOHOOO... talk about once upon a finds <3!

Its easily paired w/ nude heels for dressing up or nude flat sandals for a more casual look!

 Besides it being obviously gorgeous why did I love it so much? Easy... I imagined wearing it a million different ways... many different outfits in one {duuuhh.. budgeting!} Besides wearing it how it was "meant to be", this is the first thing that came to mind:

 I can clearly see myself wearing this cute little ensemble on a girls day out, or sight seeing in a cute little town {yeah, I'll never stop envisioning everything for Playa del Carmen, Mexico, or why not for this weekend in San Antonio & Austin with my hubby and friends!

  Talking about the beach, it would be perfect with a cute little fedora as the one pictured {$1 from dollar tree... Woop Woop!} or a large straw hat and cute sunnies. And since no beach outfit is complete without the perfect tote.. I believe this NWT Victoria's Secret Beach Tote is the perfect one! Its not only cute, but extremely handy! It has a slot for you to roll and insert your hat, a spot for your sunnies, flip flops and water {or whatever you may  be sipping on LOL}... all besides the main compartment for clothes, towel, & bikini! Email me for more info :)

Having two day wear options, and one night option, I obviously needed a tie. So I came up with this idea below. I paired the cute little shorts with a silky BCBG hot pink top that one of my BF's gave me! It has a sexy little keyhole in the front and its longer in the back. It suits the color of the shorts just perfectly and makes the details stand out beautifully. Paired with the perfect accessories and perfect convertible shoulder/clutch purse, this is a must!

 

So, this outfit wouldn't be as budget friendly if I couldn't transition it into fall right? So far, I only have one idea, and I'm dying for more so if you have any ideas please share with me... I'd love to read <3. 

 For a fall transition, I'm thinking about pairing the top with these Zara high waist shorts from the Trafaluc line {I consider it wallet friendly} and this striped cotton blazer I found at Nordstrom Rack! I still dont have the shoes I envision it with, but I'm thinking some peep-toe booties! What do you think?

Hope to be back soon! If you like any of the 3 handbag options I showed today, PLEASE let me know, email me and I'll create an ebay listing just for you! 

Thanks for reading :**