Black Beauty

Black is one of my favorite "colors" to wear. I am not sure why, but I simply gravitate towards it. When I'm given a variety of color options for an article of clothing at a store, I almost always choose black. Black is a great color to have an abundance of in your wardrobe because it's always fashionable, it is easily dressed up for formal events, can be casual if necessary, it's sophisticated, and goes well juxtaposed with other colors. Whether it's through shirts, sweaters, leggings, purses, or boots, black is an essential color to incorporate into different outfits. If you feel gothic or dreary in black, mix it with colors, such as plum, white, light pink, tan, grey, green, etc. to lighten the vibe of your look. Kourtney Kardashian is someone who has a great sense of style and rocks a plethora of black attire. Here are some black finds that are just a bit less expensive than what Kourtney wears, but equally as cute.

Black Forever 21 scarf: 6.50

This Charlotte Russe racerback vest is only 22 dollars, and is currently buy one, get one free.

This Old Navy dress looks great on its own or could be jazzed up with a cardigan or accessories. Price: 29.50

This Urban Outfitters bag is only 49 dollars, a great price for a large, good quality purse.

Watch Out

Watches, of course, have always been in style. Though, they are now used as accessory more than ever before. What was once an item with the practical use of telling time, has transformed into a decoration that can get so blingy, the actual clock face may not be readable. But I'm more than ok with that. I love how chunky watches with rhinestones and diamonds around the face are used as the new bracelet. I am especially fond of all the bright, original colors they are now popular in, replacing the typical silver, black, or gold watch.


I spent most of June with the fashion goal of acquiring one of these revolutionized watches to wear with everything from a plain white T-shirt to a sweater dress. There was one problem, however, good quality watches are expensive. I tried browsing many different stores and watch brands, ready to face defeat, until I finally decided to take a look at Fossil watches. The reason I didn't look at Fossil right away was that I for some reason had the assumption that they would only carry the classic style watch, but boy, was I wrong. What I found online was a plethora of watches I loved, at the most affordable prices I'd seen anywhere. I was now tackling a new problem: which one to choose....because I loved them all.

Here are some of my favorite options:

Stella Faux Tortoise Glitz Watch


$95.00

                           

                       Multifunction White Dial Watch $95.00

Stella Natural Enamel Topring Watch


$85.00

   

Stella Pink Glitz Analog Watch


$85.00

Though these prices might seem like a lot to stomach for one item, they are actually great deals for high quality watches, as some others can cost hundreds or even thousands. If you don't like any of these, check out the site, there are many more options. You can even build your own watch.

After going to the actual Fossil store and trying on all of the ones I liked best, I finally chose the tortoise shell watch. The white watches ended up being shinier in person than I had expected, and though I still liked them, they lost some appeal to me. What I love about the tortoise shell one is that it has both black and brown in it, so it can be worn with either color. Also, it's sophisticated looking and, therefore, something I can wear for many years to come. It's even water proof.

I have been a proud owner of this watch since my birthday in July, and it's accented many outfits perfectly. Oh, and it tells time pretty well too...

Tied together

Tie die is a trend that mysteriously re-entered our lives via the shelves of every store this season. What used to be acceptable attire only if you were a 10 year old boy or a teenage girl at the gym, has evolved into the print on dresses, yoga pants, and tops. And I'm not complaining. I've always had tie dye tee shirts stuffed away in my drawers, never to actually be worn. I had ones that were bought for me as souvenirs at theme parks and day camps, or ones that I sloppily made as an activity with my sister.  I never really wore the shirts as anything except for pajamas because it simply was not fashionable. Now that tie dye is back, I'm stocking up on the design in different colors, patterns, and styles. I'm acutely aware that the tie dye phase will soon pass and it will revert back to clothing only to be broken out for lazy days and little kids, but until then, here are some of my favorites...

I got this tie die peasant top at American Eagle for only 19 dollars. It looks great with jeans, shorts, or tucked into a high waisted skirt.

As shown in the previous post, I got these yoga pants with a tie die fold from Victoria's Secret for only 16.99.

This subtly tie-died dress is from American Eagle, and is on sale for 19.95.

This tie die skirt is from American Apparel. It's 36 dollars, which is pricier than I would normally pay for a skirt, but it's dark coloring makes it appropriate for wearing out in the winter (because, let's face it, girls still wear skirts, even when it's cold enough to make a snowman shiver.) I am more apt to splurge on a piece that can be worn year round.

Back to School Shopping: Part Two

On Monday, I wrote a post about back to school shopping. Well, my own entry inspired me, and it didn't take long before I was at Wal Mart, the mall, Target, and, finally, on the phone ordering from a Victoria's Secret catalog (in that order, allow me to explain...)

I started my back to school shopping at Wal Mart, in a quest to stock up on shampoo, conditioner, picture frames, etc, for this semester. Well, it seems that Wal Mart basically got rid of anything useful they used to sell, rearranged their entire store, and hid their employees so that nobody could help me. Oh, and did you know that at Wal Mart you can't buy just one bottle of Lysol wipes? They only sell them in a pack of three. I did not want three. I don't clean that much.... So, after an hour of walking around Wal Mart with a confused mind, frustrated appearance, and virtually empty carriage, I purchased what little I was able to find there, and headed directly to the mall. I walked in, went straight to H&M, spent 70 dollars on back to school clothes, and quickly exited the mall before I could do anymore damage. Next, I went to Target, found everything I could not find at Wal Mart, plus so much more, and bought some adorable back to school decorations and items (plus one shirt I couldn't resist.) Then, I headed home, saw that I had a catalog from Victoria's Secret in the mail, with a 70% sale and free shipping, and spent 37 dollars. The end.


Here are pictures of all of the relevant items I bought on my back to school quest. Everything is, of course, AFFORDABLE, and I got a lot for my money. (I'm working on one day having pictures that are artistic/high quality, but until then...)


(Yes, I am fully aware that only one of these items is for winter. Call me crazy, but I still have summer on my mind. I'm just not too concerned with practicality)

White Romper: Victoria's Secret- 10.99
Bathing suit top (underneath): Victoria's Secret- 9.99
(Unfortunately, the bottoms were sold out in my size.)

Blouse: Target- 19.99
The rest I didn't buy recently, but include Forever 21 shorts, Charlotte Russe sandals, and a belt that came attached to a shirt from a random store I found in NY.


Yoga pants with knot on side: Victoria's Secret: 16.99

Pink high waisted skirt: H&M- 12.95

The rest of the outfit is from previous purchases: Charlotte Russe sandals and necklace, AERIE ring, Forever 21 top. Since I'm so obsessed with finding bargains, and proud of myself when I do, I happen to remember the price of everything I am wearing here. The grand total for my outfit? 40 dollars.

Picture board with floral pattern: Target- 6.99. I can't wait to fill this baby up.

Baby Pink shirt with tie and sequin detailing: H&M- 17.95. It's perfect for wearing out with leggings or dark skinny jeans.

Ridiculously comfortable black zip up: H&M- 19.95

Black Crop shirt: H&M- 4.95. GREAT DEAL. I ended up putting a tank top underneath the crop shirt because it shrunk and got a little too short for wearing out. I will definitely wear it sans an undershirt to the beach, though. My pants were previously purchased from Forever 21.

Striped dress (that definitely makes me look like a candy cane:) H&M- 17.95
The belt is also from H&M. I bought it at the beginning of the summer for 7 dollars. The shoes are Forever 21 and cost around 10 dollars.

Out on the Town

The beginning of the school year also means the beginning of having something to do on a Friday and Saturday night. I generally buy casual clothing, firstly, because I'm naturally drawn to it, and secondly, because Storrs, CT isn't exactly the classiest establishment or fanciest area. This means that I never know what the heck to wear when I'm going out to a club, bar, or, essentially, anything other than a party in a filthy house, with broken couches and a flooded bathroom. Therefore, I've been making it a point to buy clothing I can picture myself wearing out, even if I would normally put it aside, claiming that I would have nowhere to wear it. This post is perfect for any girls out there with the same issue.

I really love tight, high waisted skirts... loose, decorated tanks...high heels, (but not too high)...dark, skinny jeans... and, of course, dresses.

Ok, so these Charlotte Russe heels are pretty high, but I think they'd be awesome with leggings or skinny jeans, and they're only 25 dollars.

This American Apparel high waisted skirt comes in 8 different colors, and is 25 dollars.

This tank from Charlotte Russe is only 4.99. That's crazy cheap, considering I saw basically the exact same thing at J-Crew for 32 dollars. It would look great tucked into a high wasited skirt and jazzed up with a long necklace.

I absolutely love this 26 dollar, Charlotte Russe dress. It's undeniabley cute.

I think this Charlotte Russe top is extremely pretty, perfect for going out, (especially when paired with dark bottoms) and a steal at only 22.80.

GAP excitement.

Although I hate to see the summer come to an end, I like to consider myself a positive person, and I can definitely think of one benefit of the approaching fall: end of season sales. Summer attire is my favorite. I love dresses, shorts, tank tops, and skirts. The sales begin around this time in the season, which is pretty generous of the stores, considering I still wear my summer gear well into September. While buying all of the forgotten leftovers from this season may not be the most appealing shopping experience, I still relish the opportunity to stock up during this time of unbeatable sales. Most of what I buy will still be in style next season, anyway, and if it's not, at least it was a steal.

GAP is a store that I love, but usually can't afford. Well, technically I can afford it, but then my inner-college -student conscience reminds me that I already spend enough money without splurging on 80 dollar jeans. But, every once in a while, the shopping gods answer my prayers and GAP comes out with an end of season sale like the one they've got going on now. Holyyyyyyyy cow.

Check out this page of sales.

Here are some of my favorites from the sale: 

 Cropped skinny jeans for 24.99, originally 69.50. Yes, please.

Jean jacket for 24.99, originally 69.50. I'll take it.                         Adorable floral dress for 29.99, originally 49.50.

                                                                                                                    I'm picturing it with the jacket, and I like what I see.

Total: 79.97    Savings: 108.53

Uhhh, Woah.

Learning to Fashion

As much as I hate to admit it, summer is coming to a swift end. It's just about time to hit the books again, which SHOULD mean that I'm preparing myself to learn, but really, back to school fashion is on my mind. Although I no longer take back to school shopping as seriously as I did in high school, I still have a few items I'd like to purchase (or have already.) As I said in my CollegeFashionista post, back to school fashion incorporates two different seasons; the fading summer and the looming, quickly approaching fall. Back to school fashion finds a way to make summer linger, but also keeps up with the ever changing weather. It also means showing off your new and best back to school outfits for all of your peers to admire.

As always, my back to school looks MUST be affordable. Especially since the end of summer means the end of my employment and the beginning of my seemingly unending spending.

My back to school wish list:

A cropped shirt (which I finally found at H&M,) Leather boots, One last sundress, Cardigans and light sweaters, high waisted skirts, yoga pants...I'm sure I'll think of more eventually!

Some inexpensive finds:

This 24.80 Forever 21 dress is perfect for the early fall.

29.99 J Crew Ruffle Sweater...on sale!

 

24.50 Victoria's Secret yoga paints :)

The picture for this skirt was being fussy and wouldn't post, so here is the link for the adorable Urban Outiftters skirt. It's a little pricier than I normally like, but the whole outfit is just so darn cute and perfect for the fall season.

Perfectly Patterned

In general, I consider myself to be a pretty plain dresser. I tend towards neutrals, I don't like wearing too many accessories at once, and I barely ever wear patterns. But, every once in a while, I find a great item that has an irresistible pattern. Most of the time, I find a pattern I love on a dress or flowy shirt. I enjoy paisleys, floral patterns, and polka dots (yes, I said it, I like polka dots. I don't care how little girlish they look.)

When wearing patterns, it's still important to pay attention to color. Though you may love a pattern, it is key to ensure that it also contains colors that flatter you. Plus, don't forget to make sure the pattern is not too busy. If there is an intricate pattern you can't resist, pair it with something simple to offset it.

Here are some items that are definitely worthy of tossing my simple ways out the window and trading them in for patterns. And, as always, they're affordable.

This is a colorful, bold, plaid romper
I purchased at H&M. Truthfully,
I can't remember exactly how
much it cost, but knowing me,
it couldn't have been expensive.
I think it was around 20 dollars.

This floral print top is from Forever 21 and is only
18.90.

I love the colored pattern on this Old Navy Sundress. Price? 29.50

These GAP floral t-strap sandals (pictured below) are only 24.99. They're  a great, subtle way to add a splash of pattern to a simple outfit.

If the Shoe Fits...

"If the shoe fits...buy it in every color."

A girl can never have too many shoes. It's a simple fact, and the sooner everyone (especially guys) figure it out, the better off we will all be. This means that it is not acceptable to deprive a girl of a pair of shoes using the excuse that she already has enough. We never have enough.

For example, regardless of the fact that I have more shoes than can fit in my hanging shoe rack, there are still occasions in which I simply cannot find the perfect pair for my outfit. Ill try on every single shoe I own, and face frustrating defeat before finally settling on a pair that does not truly measure up to my expectations. Then, there are the times that I have a wonderful matching shoe for what I'm wearing, but it is simply too dressy, or not dressy enough for the occasion.

Beyond these infuriating occurrences, there is the undeniable, bittersweet reality that there are just so many different types of shoes. Flats, heels, wedges, flip flops, sandals, sneakers, boots....the list is infinite. I don't know if this has a profound effect on any of your lives, but for me, it is certainly a problem. How can I make purchasing shoes affordable if there are so many different styles that are all so cute? You may respond by saying that I don't need every different type of shoe, but once again...there is no such thing as having too many shoes.

Here are some affordable summer shoes I found in just a few of the limitless styles.


These adorable ballet flats are 27 dollars (17 plus 10 dollar shipping) and come in white, black, pink, blue, and animal print.

These Charlotte Russe pumps come in vintage rose, (pictured) cobalt, and black. They are 35.50, but are also buy one get one 50% off...so why not get more than one color?

These Charlotte Russe wedges are only 22.99 and also apply towards the buy one get one for 50% off shoe deal. They just scream summer.

These ruffled Forever 21 Sandals are only 15.80 and also come in silver. They are perfect for both dressy and casual summer outfits.

Accessorize or Bust

An outfit is never complete without accessories. They add attitude and your own personal flare to what could be an otherwise boring outfit. In fact, some of my very favorite outfits are ones that I throw together last minute. In these instances, I usually pick out something plain like jeans and a solid color shirt, but put on a long necklace, scarf, or other accessory to spice up the look. The outfit ends up being really cute, my accessories get put to good use, and it cancels out the stress of throwing together something to wear with limited time.

One problem with accessories is that they are often expensive. I don't like the idea of paying 24. 50 for a plastic, beaded necklace. I would rather spend my money on clothing, but accessories are simply a necessity. So, I try to find sales, two for one deals, etc. when buying my bling. New York and Company is a store that has good quality, really cute accessories and almost always is having a sale. When I'm looking for something especially cheap, I usually go to H&M or Forever 21, where I can find scarves for 3 dollars and necklaces for 5. Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than a deal like that.

1. This forever 21 metallic striped scarf is 6.80 and comes in 5 different, neutral colors. It is light enough to be worn as a summer scarf, but of course also good for the winter.

2. I love this beaded flower elastic headband from Forever 21, and I also love that it's only 4.80. A small price to pay to add some oomf to your do.

3. Straw hats are in and so is saving money, which is why this 7.80 Forever 21 hat is perfect for the times. I think it would look great with a sundress or just a plain white tee.

4. Wallets and purses are usually an area I'm willing to splurge on. But, I do like to own a cheap (but cute) wristlet for when I go out at night. That way, if I lose it, something spills on it, or other disasters occur, I won't be too upset that it's ruined. This wallet from Forever 21 comes in taupe and black, and is only 12.80.

And now for the jewels...

1. This necklace is one of the more expensive items I found, but since it looks like something straight off the Titanic, I think it's worth it. It's from American Eagle and is 19.50. The good news? There is a buy one, get one for 50% off deal going on right now.

2. I found this bracelet online at Urban Outfitters in the sale section. It was originally 34 dollars, and now it's only 9.99. I love the intricate twists and pearls.

3.So what could you get with AE's buy one get one for 50% off deal? I'm feeling these champagne studs. They look good with both the necklace and the bracelet I picked out, and they appear a lot more expensive than they really are. ;) They're only 12.50, so if you get them with the necklace, the grand total would be 25.75. Not bad at all.

A little advice

"I like my money right where I can see it - hanging in my closet." - Sex and The City

One of the most common ways I end up spending too much money is when I get into what I call a "shopping frenzy." It's those times when I go into the mall with every intention to come out with a bagful of new, shiny clothes. It's the times I tell myself that I'm allowed to spend money. Of course, there's always a reason why I allow myself to buy new clothes....I have somewhere important to go, it's a new season, I just got birthday or Christmas money, I really want a specific item, etc... My shopping frenzy occurs when I enter a store that overwhelms me with the sheer cuteness in their apparel. I love everything. I want everything. I can't stop. The real problem is that I'm such a sucker for a good bargain that I can't resist a good steal. I see a 3 dollar belt that goes perfectly with the 12 dollar dress I just picked out, and I grab that too...after all, it's only 3 dollars. The issue is that it adds up. And when I'm in my frenzy, a little fashion monster takes hold of me and tells me to buy clothes and accessories I will never EVER wear or ones I could resist in my normal state. Before I know it, I've swiped 150 dollars away on my debit card. Granted, I thoroughly enjoy the outcome, but it's still a true issue. Since I entered college, I became much better at controlling my impulses and my shopping frenzy episodes have slowly diminished. Every once in a while, I'll regress, but I quickly get ahold of myself and stop.

The reason I'm writing this entry is because I know I'm not the only girl who has shopping frenzyitis. There might even be a few guys out there with the same symptoms. I want to share with you some advice about how I stopped my dirty little addiction.

1. If you cant decide on whether or not you should get an item, take a step back and really look at it. Do you have to have it? Do you truly need it? If you're still not sure, put it down, leave the store. If you keep thinking about it over and over again with a sinking feeling of regret, then go back and get it. But if you quickly forget about it, it just wasn't meant to be.

2. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you was actually passed down to me by my mom. "Get what you like." If you see something and really love it, get it, even if it's a little pricier than what you normally can afford. Don't waste your time on something you don't love. The logic behind this philosophy is that you will get the most use out of clothes or accessories you absolutely adore. You'll find ways to use it, you'll mix and match and incorporate it into many outfits, and it will end up being worth the money you pay.

3. Make sure you can picture yourself wearing what you're buying. And if you can, ask yourself, "where?" It's all well and good to own something you love, but if you have nowhere to wear it, it is a waste of money. I often end up getting something I love, but either don't wear it for months or in rare cases, find it with the tags dangling down a year later. Similarly, if you're buying an accessory, make sure you have clothing or outfits that it will go with, or else it will go to waste. I have countless amounts of headbands, belts, and scarves that I really love, but never wear because they do not go with any of my outfits.

4. I always search for a bargain. Nothing brings me greater joy than getting 10 different things for a good price, but every once in a while, it is ok to splurge. Make sure it's on a quality item and one that you will get a lot of use out of, so choose wisely, but remember that you do deserve something great every now and again.

5. One of the most effective ways I have stopped my frenzies is by setting a limit on how much I can spend before going shopping. I tell myself that "today, I should only spend X amount of money," and then I try to get as many bargains and items as I can within that range. I never go more than 10 dollars over my limit.

6. Use cash when you shop. It is so easy to swipe away your card and think nothing of it. Your clothes are being bought through the technological world, and it sometimes doesn't even phase you. If you bring cash with you, not only are you limited to spending only the amount you have, but you can physically see the money dwindling away. It suddenly becomes harder to part with, and you get a little choosier about what you buy.

7. This tip is more about what to do AFTER you shop, instead of during. If you're ever embarrassed to wear something, ignore your insecurities and just rock it. chances are, everyone will love it just as much as you do, and wish they had the guts to wear it themselves. If they don't, who cares? It's not like they're Heidi Klum....unless they are...if you for some reason know Heidi Klum. In which case, take off whatever hideous outfit you're wearing....and give me a call, I'd like to meet her. ;)


I hope these tips helped you and all of your bank accounts!

Bright and Light

I have officially decided that this blog is in need of a deal of the week. For the first of many, I checked out the sale items at Urban Outfitters, and I definitely found some unbeatable deals. I wanted to focus on dresses, since it's summer, and well, I love dresses. I do realize that not everybody has the same style as I do, so I picked out two different outfits, one bright, and one light, that I think would appeal to girls with different fashion sense (although I love both.)

A Bright Outfit

Disclaimer! Although I don't mind rocking a little attitude up top, I am absolutely not a fan of this hat with the dress. I wish I could chop off her little head for this picture, but since I can't, please just ignore it.

1. This Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue watercolor dress is only 29.90 and was originally 58. I love the front zipper and the swirls of color.

2. These Kimchi blue braided Strappy Thongs, which are only 6.99 from an original price of 28. Don't ask me why they're called "blue braided" because they are gold, but either way, I love them, and I especially love their price.

3. This UO rhinestone rope bracelet is 14.99 on sale from 28, and I think it's perfect for this dress. The pink rope accentuates the bright colors of the dress, and the rhinestones give it some glam. The neckline and the zipper on the dress aren't necklace friendly, which is why a bracelet is the perfect accessory.

4. This bag is a Deena and Ozzy Cross Zip Satchel for only 19.99, and it was originally 68. I jump at any opportunity to get a nice bag for such a steal!

GRAND TOTAL: 70.97 TOTAL SAVINGS: 63.02 :)

A Light Outfit


1. Pins and needles eyelet dress is the name...and the price? 49.99 on sale from an original price of 68.00. It's classy, has beautiful detailing, and also comes in black.

2. These kicks are the one item that did not come from Urban Outfitters. They are Charlotte Russe, and in my opinion, fabulous. I love the strap up the middle, and how well the color goes with the handles of the bag pictured in item number 3. They're called brown T-strap wedge, and they're only 32.50. Right now, Charlotte Russe is having a buy one, get the second 50% off deal on shoes, and since these ones also come in black, I can't help but want both...

3.This Kimchi Blue Linen Braided Strap Hobo Bag is a great size and compliments the necklace. And for only 29.99, It can't be beat, especially when the original price was 48.

4. This necklace is 14.99, but used to be 28. It's called faceted tear drop bead necklace, and I love how it is just the right length for the neckline of the dress.

So what's the damage??

GRAND TOTAL: 127.47 TOTAL SAVINGS: 48. 53 :)

I hope you enjoyed my choices and are ready to save just as much as I am :)