Name:  Vicente “Vinnie” Tames

Title:   Asst. Manager, “Half of Half Name Brand Clothing” in Richardson, TX.

MM:  What is the meaning behind the store’s name?
VT:  “Half of Half is from the price cut we give with all new merchandise, basically 75% off the original price.  Examples of our brand name clothing include Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren/Polo and White House Black Market.”

MM:  How does the store work?
VT:  “We have a buyer who purchases clothing, shoes and housewares for the company.  We are closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, except for when we have a special sale day.  Color tickets are to show what items are discounted and what’s new in the store.”

MM:  What is your favorite part about working at Half of Half, besides the fabulous discounts?
VT:  “It’s the customers.  They make it fun and personal!  I love helping them put outfits together.”

MM:  How did you come to the world of fashion?
VT:  “Well, going to school I came into the world of retail, starting back at Montgomery Wards. I like it a lot!”

MM:  What do you want to be when you grow up? 🙂
VT:  “A Fashion Guru!  Haha!”

MM:  What Nugget of Fashion Wisdom could you share with MsMona’s fans?
VT:  “Well Kids, Spring is here . . . Color Color Color!  Don’t over match colors – play with them!  And remember to sign up online for a $5.00 coupon to our stores.  Can’t wait to see you!”

Most of you already know about our photography & event design business, CLM Creative.  We are used to being behind the lens, so when it comes time for our own family photos, we trade services with our photographer friends and bring our girls, Miso & Mochi, into the picture. 🙂

For this session, we wanted to experiment with the colorful backdrop of Deep Ellum, downtown Dallas.  The graffiti art alone makes for a truly amazing landscape!  I’m a huge fan of contrast, so we dressed in classic black with a rocker edge to pop off of the gorgeous scenery around us.  You probably have those basic layering pieces in your closet – pants, dress shirt, leggings, skirt, sweater – but if not, check out your local discount and resale stores for inexpensive additions to your wardrobe.  I found the cropped faux leather jacket at Ross for only $9.99! 🙂

Have clothing choices ever been your family photo nightmare?

MsMona

Leopard print may not be the new black, but this Queen of Clothing finds it to be a purrrfect pairing of sexy and sassy!

I’m not a lover of all things leopard – for me, it has to start with a blending of black and brown.  In the case of these accessories (Betsey Johnson ring & necklace, Claire’s Boutique earrings), they also use a dash of gold or tan to highlight the print.  I found this cute short skirt at Clotheshorse Anonymous, and I just knew it was meant for me.  You see, the amazing faux fur coat I’m wearing was made by my late Mom, the original Discount Diva, back in 2001.  I know, right?! 🙂

I had never seen the exact material used in clothing anywhere, then I go to a fab Dallas consignment store and BAM!  A Neiman Marcus skirt (yes, tag still on) in my size for only $34.00.  My creative partner would have been so disappointed if I didn’t see her message in a gift that was absolutely heaven sent.  Missing you, Mom…

Do you have a favorite animal print for clothing or decor?

MsMona

Do I LOVE me some costume jewelry – it’s one of the simplest, and least expensive, ways to accent your outfits!  And when I find a funky little piece with a super clearance price tag?  Feels like I hit the fashion lotto!

I visited Charming Charlie during their $1 jewelry sale and found these sweet bracelets.  Both of the cross cuffs had rhinestones missing, as well as the vintage cameo charms.  Can you believe the rhinestones were the same size for both?!  God is amazing.  So I put my crafting hat on and went to work removing stones from one of the cuffs to add to the others.  Just a few sticky fingers later…Voilà! 🙂

Is it worth putting in some elbow grease?

Let’s see:  the cuffs were originally $14.97 each and the charm bracelet was $12.97.  Hmm…I would have to say YES, definitely worth the small amount of time and effort.  Two bracelets as good as, well, from the manufacturer! 🙂

When was the last time you crafted a special piece back to life?

MsMona

So I’ve recently discovered a sweet type of discount shopping – Resale/Consignment stores.  I know they’ve been around for years, but I find so many great bargains at my usual haunts that I’ve never felt a need to venture too far outside the familiar mall walls.

My friend Tamra, of Tamra Fairbrother & Associates, told me about an upscale resale shop in Dallas called “Clotheshorse Anonymous”.  Since I’m not into couture pricing, I was content on just making a research trip to check out the store.  I parked toward the back of the Preston Forest shopping center and entered what I thought was a very small space.  Come to find out I had walked into “Etcetera”, the $50.00/under sale section of Clotheshorse. :)  Woo Hoo!  LOVE it when that happens…and on a Sidewalk Sale day, too!

I promise I wasn’t expecting anything, but when I saw the XL tag on this gorgeous Nine West coat, I thought I should at least humor myself and try it on.  OMG, only $15.00 AND it fits?! Giggling with excitement, I poked through my size and found a pair of black satin pants and a bronze drawstring pant for only $5.00 each – and get this, the money went directly to charities supported by Clotheshorse Anonymous!  How amazing is that?! 🙂

A couple of weeks later, I cruised through the main storefront and saw this hat during a 25% off special.  Yes indeed, this newsboy cap is also a Nine West and is made from basically the same material as my awesome coat!  Unbelievable.

Sunday was certainly the day to break out my new “2-piece” to attend a Survivor Sisters event in North Texas.  Aah Baby, it’s cold outside…but this cozy combo keeps me warm and fuzzy from head to toe. 🙂

Have you been Resale/Consignment shopping?

MsMona