Last night the challenge was to design a look for Nina Garcia, the fashion editor of Marie Claire magazine and Project Runway’s “Simon Cowell” of judges, to wear to an upcoming photo shoot. The guest judge was Marie Claire’s editor and chief (and Nina’s boss,) Joanna Coles. After watching the fashions sashay down the runway the judges got together to discuss their favorites and their most hated. Joanna Coles’ remarks were the best; she said,“Clothes are emotional. When you put them on, they make you feel something and they make other people feel something when they see you in them.” About the look she disliked she said, “Are you depressed?” and when she discussed her favorite outfit she said, “That shirt would make you feel like a million bucks, you would have a wonderful day when you wore that top and exciting things would happen to you!”

I giggled a little when I thought about the idea of having a magical type of day just by choosing to wear a beautiful, flattering, fabulous blouse. But as I thought a bit more about it I thought, it was kind of true– good clothes make you feel good, when you feel good, you have a good day.

So, if the way we are clothing our bodies can effect how we feel, how much more important then is the way we are clothing our spirits? In Ephesians 6, the Bible tells us to “Put on the full armor of God.”

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [e]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16[f]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Could you imagine how amazing your day could be if you woke in the morning and clothed your spirit with characteristics like truth, righteousness, and peace? You would definitely be living the “fabulous” life! Looking good, and feeling good go hand in hand, so treat yourself well, body and spirit.

The answer is– Second Hand shopping.   Second hand isn’t just for kids’ gear.. its for us grown ups too.  Especially grown ups on a limited budget, like me.    Today I was almost as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning as I drove up to Savers (my favorite thrift store) for their annual Labor day 50% off sale.   I was a woman on a mission to find “burried treasure.”  Second hand shopping is alot like treasure hunting— I have to sort through a lot of junk.. but when I make an amazing find — WOW— endorphins are released and I experience a tiny little emotional high!  Today I found some incredible treasures!  An adorable little vintage-esque Chief’s jersey for my 2 year old for $1.50, A pair of -all they need to look brand new are some new laces-  nike’s  for my daughter for $3.00,   a super cute Gap jean jacket for $3.50 for me,  a brand new Billabong tee for my husband for $2.00…. and the most amazing treasure unearthed— a beautiful pair of Nine West knee high genuine leather platform heel boots for only $7.. the only thing at all wrong with them is a teensy tiny scratch near the toe on the left boot.   Seriously  those boots would have retailed for well over 100 big ones!!!

If thrift store shopping isn’t your thing… another amazing second hand shop is Plato’s Closet… I bought an adorable Free People dress for only $8– although that was their clearance price.  Plato’s feels like any other mall boutique.. and they only take name brand and clothes from popular stores like Abercrombie, Forever 21, and Hollister.  Everything is clean and organized and you can find some amazing bargains.  Not only can you find great things to buy there, Plato’s will BUY you’re gently used clothes from you!  I took a big bag full of clothes in and walked out with 70 bucks in my pocket.. not too shabby.

Another option is Ebay.   I have been jonesin for a North Face Jacket for years.  My husband and I are planning a week romantic getaway to the mountains this November for our 10th anniversary… I thought to myself , “OK.. here is my reason to NEED a North Face fleece!!”   I went to Dick’s Sporting Goods and tried on some jackets that I loved.. but the  one I wanted was $140… um  NOOOO, not in the budget.   So, I ebayed and found the same thing only worn a few times in amazing condition and only paid $36 after shipping.

I Love second hand shopping.  Not only is  it  super exciting,  and money saving, its good for the environment.  Being Green is so trendy these days.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle people!!! Purchasing second hand  is  definitely being resourceful.

I say, give it a try.  If done right.. No one will know you’re purchases came from more humble beginnings.  I am complimented all the time on my outfits.. especially the one’s that I’ve found second hand.. they are always more unique and rarely does someone have the same thing!

Here are some of my favorite places for First Class Second Hand Shopping:

Savers–  http://www.savers.com/

Children’s Orchard–  www.childrensorchard.com/

Plato’s Closet–  www.platosclosetkansascity.com/

Arizona Trading Co.– (816) 960-0200

209 Westport Rd Kansas City, MO 64111

I was one of the statistics!

This week, I decided I needed a professionals help to find the right bra for me… I have recently lost about 40 pounds and I had no idea what was going on with my “girls.”   The bras I had been wearing were riding up in the back, gaping in the front, and the shoulder straps were constantly and annoyingly falling down.  Something had to give!  So, I went to find out what secret Victoria wasn’t telling!

Victoria’s Secret stores offer personalized bra fittings without an appointment.  I was a little apprehensive at first, not knowing what to expect.  I am a self-conscience, modest lady and the idea of baring my ta-tas to a complete stranger who looked like a Maxim Girl, wasn’t really my idea of a good time.  However,  my experience was very positive at Victoria’s.  The fit expert  roughly measured me (blouse on) to begin with.  She grabbed a bra in the generic first measure size.  I tried it on  (privately, in a dressing room) discussed what about it fit, and what didn’t and we went from there using the trial and error process until we came up with a winner!   My new bra was a band size smaller and a cup size larger than the ones I had been wearing. ( I would have never even thought to try on my REAL size)

I wore my new “breast friend”  today, the difference was astounding!  My back didn’t hurt.  My girls didn’t pour out of there holders every time I bent over.   My shoulder straps stayed in place— ALL DAY LONG! I spent zero minutes adjusting, tugging, and tucking.   I  even look thinner.  It’s amazing what the RIGHT sized bra can do!  Its actually FREEING to have the ladies LOCKED up right where they belong!  I encourage you to go find out what size you really are, and then sing the praises of the BRAhemian Rhapsody with me!