Because I organize my closet by color, I’m well-aware of the fact that I own way too many black clothes.

But as part as my hip new persona, as demonstrated by my sassy new haircut, I just cannot own enough black.

All photos by the Teacher Man

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed my short-hair pinning spree of recent weeks.

I’ve had short cuts before, but for the past few years I’ve let my hair grow and grow … and have of course done nothing with it.

To help usher in spring (aka tell Mother Nature to please come warm my bare neck because it’s still cold), I decided to see my girl Marysol and get a chop of nearly six inches.

Here’s what she captured on her hair and makeup artist Instagram the day of the cut:

{Photo Courtesy Marysol Burton via Instagram}

It feels so fresh!

Now, I’ll start wearing brighter colors once spring really is here … and I decide to go back to my girly-girl persona (because c’mon, really, I’m just not that much of a badass).

Here’s how you can get this “black beauty” look:

Top (similar) // Solemates Boutique, Van Buren, Arkansas

Leggings // Kirna Zabete for Target

Heels (similar) // BCBG

Purse (similar) // Nine West

Earrings // Masons, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Watch // c/o Charming Charlie

Rings // H&M and Forever 21

Lipstick // Tarte “Fiery”

Nail Polish // China Glaze “Gothic Lolita”

How are you ushering in spring? Getting a new cut or refreshing your wardrobe? Tell me in the comments section!

While I don’t mind throwing down some cash when it’s an investment piece — purses, boots, classic black heels — the thrill of building a wardrobe lies in finding quirky little pieces at amazing prices.

My friends at Ross Dress for Less (which I’ve shopped at since I was a tween) recently opened a new store in my old stomping grounds of Lawrence, Kansas, and invited me to attend its grand opening.

Though I was unable to make it because of a work trip (SXSW!), I stopped into Ross Dress for Less recently to snag a few great deals with a $25 gift card the company provided me.

If you’ve never shopped at Ross Dress for Less and think that $25 isn’t much to play with, you’re in for a surprise.

The bulk of my outfit below — the dress and the shoes — rung in at less than $25!

I scored this sweet, perfect-for-work dress for $14.99 (!!!) and some fancy sequined shoes from a recognized brand name for … wait for it … $6.49.

Hello, clearance rack!

All photos by the Teacher Man

Keep an eye on the blog for a surprise from Ross Dress for Less.

You too could be finding yourself scoring some great pieces at great prices — all for being a kimberlyloc.com reader!

Here’s how you can get this “smart shopper” look:

Dress // c/o Ross Dress for Less

Belt // Target

Purse // c/o Halls (similar)

Shoes // c/o Ross Dress for Less (similar)

Sunglasses // Anthropologie (similar), gift from the Teacher Man

Ring // Inspire by Tiffany, Olathe, Kansas

Necklace // Chain via Brooklyn Charm; Bicycle Charm via Romancing the Stone (similar)

Bracelet // KC Garment District Boutique, gift from the Teacher Man (similar)

Earrings // Kate Spade via Halls

What items do you pay top dollar for, and what “cheap thrills” do you love finding? Tell me your smart shopping secrets in the comments section!