Mafiettes, it is gone. Forever.

So until I can afford to get another camera, you will have to rely on my drawing skills.

Oh, wait. I don’t have any drawing skills! Guess I have to work extra hard to get a new camera, pronto. I’m a believer in everything happens for a reason so I’ll have to wait and see what that reason is!

I went in on a Friday, the day of the week that happens to have a 50% off sale on all clothes and jewelry. Woo hoo!

I found a couple of cute pairs of shoes, including the ones above from Carlos Santana and the ones below from Etienne Aigner.  Both were about $17 at full price.

I think my favorite clothing find was this security guard jacket.

And finally, I scoped out their jewelry and accessories.  I was surprised to find some fancy jewelry in addition to the costume jewelry.

Not needing anything fancy, I settled on this brooch for $3.

Pretty cute, huh? If you are in the DC area, definitely check out NAMI’s thrift shop. It’s a non profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults living with mental illnesses so you will be shopping for a good cause!

After watching the fabulous fashion shows, I made sure to hit up the booths to score some goodies from local vendors.

In addition to the usual pens and other junk, I scored some lip balm, a $15 gift certificate to PR at Partners Salons and Spas and $10 off at Shoes by Lara.  But my ultimate find was a $50 gift certificate to Auld Ennew, a brand new vintage and modern “gently loved” fashion boutique in Georgetown.  Auld Ennew brought some samples from their boutique, one of which was a gorgeous green Betsey Johnson dress that I absolutely must have. Auld Ennew doesn’t open until November 1st, so it looks like I will have to wait to see what my $50 will get me.

Another fun part of expos are the contests. I entered to win all sorts of gift certificates and prizes ranging from makeovers to money. Sure, I will end up on some mailing lists, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to win free stuff.

And if you’re willing to make a day of it with your girlfriends, fashion and beauty expos offer free haircuts, makeup makeovers, manicures, and more.  After hitting up the booths for an hour or two, you will be ready for a night on the town!

Only after I collected all my freebies did I make another pass to browse at the fashions. My favorite booth was South Moon Under.

Very cute, but very pricey. Their contest was a chance to go shopping in the store before it opens so you have it all to yourself. If I won, I wouldn’t be able to buy anything! haha.

Most of the people there were so stylish. I took a picture of Andrea, who I absolutely loved!

Isn’t her hair awesome?  But not everyone was quite as well put together.

Yikes!

So next time you hear about any expos near you, be sure to go because it’s fab, fun, and full of freebies!

This funky tulle skirt was my favorite! It has an old-timey goth feel to it and looks fun to wear.

This dress was interesting, but I’d be afraid of stupid boys trying to unzip it.

I thought this dress was a little boring (gasp!). It’s nice and all, but Betsey has higher expectations to meet and ‘typical’ just doesn’t cut it.

Like it, love it, or hate it?