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!”

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

Happy New Year from beautiful Dallas, Texas and welcome to MsMona.net, a blog with tips and tricks to discount shopping for the so NAUTE couture. 🙂

Now, let me preface this by saying I am absolutely not against couture shopping – some of my favorite stores carry the most gorgeous name brand pieces.  However, not everyone can afford boutique, or even some department store, pricing.  If it’s in your budget this year, fabulous!  If not, don’t worry – stick with me and you’ll look just as amazing!

Let’s start 2011 off right with a hearty “Congratulations” to our great city.  Check out this link:  Forbes names Dallas #2 in their list of Best U.S. Shopping Cities!

Rock on, Sisters! 🙂

MsMona