I hit the motherload.

Before I begin I should state that, no, I did not win the lottery. No, I did not get a ton of cash for Christmas. I did pick up a freelance design job that is going to help out a lot, but that's not what this is about. This is about the fact that I am sick and tired of trying to squeeze myself into cheaply-made clothing I should have given away years ago. I am sick and tired of wearing the same pants three times in one week, and I am sick and tired of knowing I could look better if I just made the effort.

So I made the effort.

No, I didn't cut back on the banana splits. I cut a B-line to Banana Republic.

I love BReps. We go way back. Not too far back, mind you. My parents couldn't (or more like, wouldn't) afford to shop there. I remember being in junior high at Lindsey White's house and being soooo jealous when she opened her closet to show us her new dress from BANANA REPUBLIC. I also remember thinking the dress was ugly, but I kept that to myself.

Remember these fugly T-shirts?

Such is not the case today. I love almost everything Banana Republic puts out, season after season. I'd say 75% of my closet is BR. I have a BR credit card. Surprisingly, only 5% of my debt is from BR.

Well... it may be more like 10% after today, because today I found paradise. Today I found the Banana Republic Factory Store in Allen. Today the entire store was 50% off, and I had a 15% coupon over that. Today... I hit the motherload.

I won't mention my total price. If you want to know so desperately you can do the math. But I will mention my total bounty.

10 tops
3 sweaters
2 camisoles
1 tank
3 pairs of trousers
3 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of khakis
4 pairs of tights
2 pair of leather moccasins
1 pair of sunglasses

Total savings? $741.14

I mean, that's a straight-out Bluebonnets to Peaches deal right there! Stacy and Clinton, eat your hearts out.