I'm one happy mama. In preparation for the Type-A Mom Conference, I allowed myself to do a little shopping online. Anyone who knows me know that I'm frugal when it comes to fashion. While, I went a bit above my $5 - $10 per item comfort zone in some cases, I'll tell you that it wasn't by much. Here are a few of my favorite pieces purchased from some amazing retailers.

Sweater - J. Jill     Jeans - Lands' End

This sweater is so soft and comfortable. I think that may be J. Jill's trademark, and I just love it. The jeans from Lands' End are amazingly comfortable, and they fit well. At the price of around $15, I wasn't afraid to give skinny jeans a try, and I really like them.

Jacket, Top and Pants - J. Jill     Scarf and Shoes - Lands' End

That jacket was my big splurge at $40, but so worth it. It's soft, warm and comfortable. It reminds me of my favorite jean jacket from college. And the pants are from the Pure Jill collection. I could live in them. The Lands' End shoes? Cute, comfy and $9.99, baby! I wear them everywhere.

Entire Outfit (except shoes) - Lands' End

You'd think horizontal stripes would not be a curvy girl's best friend, but this sweater is so soft, that I just don't care. Plus, it's great fun to wear something bold and different from my usual solids.

Vest and Pants - Coldwater Creek

I love this outfit. Again, it really seems I'm going for the soft and comfy in clothing lately, but I don't want it to look like I'm wearing my jammies either. This outfit adds just enough structure to be fashionable. The vest came with a belt, but tying it wasn't flattering on me, so I removed it. Each of these pieces was around $10. Not bad, eh?

In my opinion, Lands' End, J. Jill and Coldwater Creek have some of the most beautiful, but comfortable, clothing for plus size women - all at prices that are within reach. Admittedly, I shopped the sale and outlet sections. I also used coupons from magazines and discount code sites like Retail Me Not. In today's economy, it really only makes sense to shop for bargains, especially when you have a family. But don't forget to treat yourself once in awhile, moms. It's amazing how far a new outfit or piece of jewelry can go to improve your mood and self-confidence!

So do you think I did good? Have you found any great bargains for yourself lately that have made you feel great?

Everyone's talking about cutting back in these difficult financial times. I've seen tons of articles lately on buying fashion on the cheap. However, everyone's idea of cheap is different. The magazines' portrayal of cheap doesn't come close to mine! I've always been a bargain shopper. I think I inherited the bargain hunting gene from my mom.

Knowing the mark-up on retail apparel, shoes, and accessories, it just doesn't make sense to me to pay full price. I don't pay anywhere close to full price. I normally do not pay more than $10 an item. Seriously. If I really LOVE something, I'll pay $15. This is my usual rule when it comes to buying clothes. Let me show you how I manage to find such great deals at one of my favorite stores.

Coldwater Creek

I know the word "cheap" doesn't usually come to mind when you think of Coldwater Creek, but check out the clearance prices on their website, and you may be surprised. Look for a store near you. I happen to be lucky enough to have a Coldwater Creek Outlet store near me, and I've found prices up to 90% off there!

Here are a few cute spring looks I've put together from Coldwater Creek's website. I chose only items in my size to show that you can find more than just the tiny sizes in the sale bins. I start in the outlet section of the site. Then I click the $14.99 or less tab. Here's what I put together for myself.

Jersey Knit Tank $8.99

Sierra Hipslung Belt $12.99

Ivy Sateen Crops $10.99

Canvas Wedges $8.99

For about $42, you've got a whole outfit including shoes and accessories. Not bad, I'd say. Let's try putting together one more from Coldwater Creek.

Drape Front Top $7.99

Classic Waist Jeans with ShapeMe $14.99

Same cute shoes as above $0 additional dollars!

Isn't this a cute outfit for going out? The top is blousy, so it will hide any tummy flaws. The draped front adds details, so you wouldn't really need any accessories to dress up this outfit. Add the shoes chosen for the first outfit, and you're at a total of about $23 for an additonal outfit. Two outfits with shoes and accessories for less than $65! And don't worry about shipping if there's a store near you. You can usually have your order shipped to the store for pick up at no cost.

With my red hair, I never used to wear pink, but these days I do. And I'm loving it. Sure, we all have our best colors, but why limit yourself if there are colors you can pull off?

I've had so much fun with this post that it's stretched out longer than I had anticipated. So I will continue with a second installment showing examples of great deals at another one of my favorite stores, Christopher & Banks, in my next post.

In the meantime, here are a couple of suggestions for finding great deals on clothes from my Twitter friends. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions!

• Target and Fashion Bug are said to be a great place to get deals on shoes, which can often be found for $10 or less.
• Check out Goodwill and consignment shops for great prices on name brands. I experienced this recently when I got a pair of Old Navy jeans that look nearly new for only $7.
• Dig N'Swap is a site that allows you to post pictures of clothing and accessories that you no longer want, and you can offer to trade with others who have items you would like. What a great concept! It's good for the environment too.

Look for more fashion finds to come in my next post!