Home of the Free

I have never met someone who doesn't love the Fourth of July. This is probably because most people I talk to are Americans, but nevertheless, it has been established that it's a great holiday. What better way to celebrate our independence than by getting a long weekend in the heart of summer? It is almost always a beautiful in regards to weather, and it never fails to bring about plenty of hamburgers, picnics and memories. 

Even though I am supportive of being patriotic, I am not one to dress in American flags or overdose on red, white and blue for the holiday. However, I do like to be a little celebratory. So, here are some affordable and minimalistic pieces for the holiday...

Zara belt: $19.90

Zara top: $49.50

LuLu's Shoes: $30.00

Forever 21 dress: $9.00

OPI nail polish: $10.00

Banana Republic Scarf:

Victoria's Secret Wedges: $59.00

White Out

Our parents most likely cringe at the thought of white pants, shoes and dresses worn before Memorial Day...but Generation Y fashion lovers are pretty torn on the issue. I have friends who strictly stick to the no white before Memorial Day rule, and others who don't even know the rule exists. Personally, I think it is all contextual. A bright white dress worn on a rainy April day is clearly inappropriate, but a pair of white Keds or a white tank top before Memorial Day doesn't bother me one bit. As long as the outfit is tactful and weather appropriate, I say white before Memorial Day is a go. Rules have to be broken every now and then, and besides, who made that rule anyway? Probably someone who didn't look good in white. I think it's a little outdated, especially for people who live in warm climates! 

What do you think? 




NOT ok before Memorial Day

Via BCBG

Definitely ok before Memorial Day 

Via Aldo 

Picnic Time!

I love Memorial Day weekend for one simple and blissful reason: It is the true marker of the beginning of summer. The weather is almost always beautiful, there are plenty of picnics and everybody has Monday off  from work to spend the day eating, drinking and catching rays. There is no better time to break out your favorite summer pieces than on Memorial Day. 

Here are some affordable essentials...

Forever 21 Sundress: $17.80

Francesca's Collection Aviators: $12

Aldo's Sandals: $20.99

Forever 21 Fedora: $6

Gap Straw Bag: $50

American Eagle Bathing Suit: $30 

Forever 21 Cutoffs: $19.80

Last Minute Ideas!

Last week, I posted here about one of the most hated and the most loved holidays: Valentine's Day. Well, for those of you who are procrastinating about getting gifts or figuring out what you're going to wear, here are some inexpensive and accessible last minute ideas for both girls and guys.  Remember, a simple red accessory is enough to be festive for the day without going overboard. 

1. Francesca's Collections red watch: $18.00

2. Rimmel burgundy flirt nail polish: $3.99

3. Forever 21 PJ shorts: $5.80

4. LuLu's pink dress: $37.00

5. GAP boxers: $12.50

6. J. Crew men's watch strap: $15.00

Feared and Revered

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Valentine's Day: One of the most feared and revered "holidays." Trust me, I know that some hate it and some love it. I am one of those annoying people who love Valentine's Day, so, warning: if you hate it, this is not the post for you. 

Whether you plan on celebrating with a boyfriend or girlfriend, a friend, or by griping about how much you dislike the day, it is always festive to add shades of pink or red and some glitter to your outfit. Although, I do not recommend going overboard (I don't love Valentine's Day THAT much.) Simple cardigans or accessories are a great, inexpensive way to be celebratory, without looking like cupid. 

If you're stuck on what to get someone for a gift, here are some affordable ideas for guys and girls. I discovered a website that specializes in personalizing gifts, and I absolutely love everything they sell. 

1. Forever 21 wallet: $12.80

2. Victoria's Secret shimmer lotion: $12.00

3. Forever 21 bracelet: $10.80

4. Sephora lip gloss: $10.00

5. Rhinestone personalized mug: $21.95

6. Forever 21 dress: $19.90

7. Personalized candy bars: Get 24 for $24.00

8. Personalized canvas frame: $23.95

9. Forever 21 scarf: $8.80

10. Victoria's Secret gift tin: $20.00

11. Forever 21 cardigan: $17.80

12. Personalized love vouchers: $6.95

'Tis the Season to be Stylish

One of the best parts about the end of the year is the holidays and the consequential parties and opportunities for dressing up. As a college student, I rarely get the opportunity to wear classy dresses and sweaters. Regardless of what you celebrate, the holidays are the perfect time to adorn yourself in dressy and festive ensembles. Wearing sparkles is a great way to represent the merriment and joy of the season through clothing, and tights and silky black or gold dresses are always appropriate attire.

The one downside to the festivities of December and early January is the cost of purchasing clothes that channel the spirit of the season. Here are some great, affordable options...And remember, you can always wear a basic, neutral colored dress and spice it up with red tights, glittered shoes, or other festive accessories (as always, the links are embedded in the captions.)

This American Eagle dress is 39.95 and comes in more colors.

I am in love with this ASOS dress. It also comes in red and black and is 37 dollars.

This Forever 21 dress is 27 dollars.

This lace insert top is 48 dollars.



These pumps are slightly more expensive than I would normally recommend at 77 dollars, but they are
simply too perfect for the holidays to not share.



This Forever 21 skirt is 19.80.

Hung by the Chimney with Care

If you're on a budget, buying holiday presents can be a stressful event. It's difficult to find gifts that are affordable but also thoughtful and high quality. My favorite part of Christmas morning is opening my stocking. It is usually filled with little treasures or simple items that I always need and appreciate receiving as a gift. A creative and affordable way to give during the upcoming season is to fill a stocking with a plethora of small and inexpensive gifts. If you don't celebrate Christmas, the same gesture can be done by filling a bag (a fashionable bag can even be part of the gift!)

Here are some perfect stocking stuffers for your female friends and family...

Urban Outfitters headband, 16 dollars.

Four piece holiday nail kit, 20 dollars.

GAP scent, $14.50.

Yarn cable gloves, $12.99.

Lauren Conrad's Style book (lots of great tips!) about 12 dollars.



Silver bangles, 22 dollars.

   

Wrap it Up

Even though we've been taught since we were kids to never judge a book by it's cover, I think that gifts are an exception to this rule. Giving someone a holiday present nicely wrapped adds to the thoughtfulness and overall effect of the gesture. Not to imply that I don't appreciate a gift unless it looks like someone at Macy's wrapped it, but the extra effort it takes to make the package look nice shows that the giver truly cares. In the past, I've definitely been guilty of presenting some sloppy gifts, but if you're completely inept at wrapping like I am, purchasing fashionable gift bags and wrapping paper is a way to compensate for the otherwise insufficient packaging. So, no excuses this year! This website sells a wide variety of impressive wrapping paper, bags, and boxes for all holidays. And, of course, it's affordable. So, stock up now because the holidays are approaching rapidly.

This santa hat is actually a gift bag!

These animal print bags are perfect for those of you looking for unique packaging!