Casual Sunday OOTD

When it's a lazy Sunday and you feel like being a bum but looking cute at the same time, whats a girl to do?! DO BOTH! The trick is to find comfy clothes that are also trendy, can't be frumpy and grumpy girls pick one.  Here I am wearing plain black leggings, flip flops, a graphic tank from Forever 21, with a neon Aerie bandeau underneath.  The bandeau gives this outfit that visual interest that it needs while I get to feel like I'm in pajamas.  Most importantly, hide those bags under your eyes with oversized sunglasses, no one will know how late you were out last night.

Little Black Bag.. worth the price?

A while back I stumbled upon the site Little Black Bag.  At first I was really into it! I remember thinking wow 2 or 3 items for $50 is such a good deal considering these items clearly total more than $50! After playing around with the site, I purchased my first bag choosing a pair of designer sunglasses as my first item.  Much to my surprise I ended up with two cheap looking jewelry pieces as my auto selected items 2 and 3 but I wasn't worried because through trading I expected to rid my bag of these items in favor of things that were much better.  Unfortunately, I ended up trading those two pieces for a scarf that I have yet to wear because the material feels cheap and itchy.  This experience really turned me off to the site.  I realize that $50 isn't a terrible amount of money, but for a college student who barely works part time, it feels like chopping off a limb.  For about a year I skipped my bags each month.  This month I saw a bag on the site that I really loved so I decided to give Little Black Bag another go.  This time around I was still a little disappointed with my auto selected item but much happier with my final "bag".  As my item of choice, I selected a yellow duffel style purse with stud detail on the bottom.  

I was slightly nervous about the quality of this item but upon receiving the bag I was pleasantly surprised.  Again, this time around I ended up with a scarf as my second item but this scarf is much nicer than the first I recieved.  In my opinion, the concept of Little Black Bag is fantastic! Seriously, kudos to the creators of this company.  The only problem that I have is the quality of the items as part of the auto select process.  I think that if you see an item on the site that you love, then $50 is definitely worth it.  However, if you were using this site as a monthly box I don't think it is worth the money.

OOTN- date night

Lets be honest ladies, when it's 100 degrees it's hard to look cute. For my date night OOTN I tried to keep it cute, simple, and most importantly cool. It's so  important to have one basic lbd (little black dress) they're so versatile and always fashionable.  It can be dressed up or down, and it goes with everything. Mine is cotton and spandex and super comfy, and most importantly super affordable from H&M. I dressed up this outfit with this triangle Aztec necklace from forever 21 and chunky gold tone watch from Francesca's. My sandals pick up the turquoise from my necklace and are from target. My boldest accessory is this yellow duffel purse by Street Level. I am loving pops of color this summer and this bag is just that. I will be doing a post just on this bag later in the week. Until next time, stay trendy and cool ladies. 

OOTN - One of the guys

This is my OOTN from going to a sports bar to watch the All Star game.  If you know me at all, you know that I'm a sports junkie so going out to see this game was a good time for me.  But I was going with all guys so I needed to carefully choose my outfit so that whoever saw me wouldn't think 'look at that hoe over there pretending to like sports to get it in with those guys'.  And don't even pretend you haven't judged a girl like that because we all have.  Anyway, I decided to go with this casual yet not boring look.  I think the pops of color in the bag and the shirt gave a trendy look to this otherwise basic outfit.  In my opinion, chambray goes with just about anything.  If you don't already own a chambray shirt....what are you waiting for? Its comfier than a denim jacket, yet equally as versatile, definitely a worthy purchase.  Mine is from Forever 21, along with my shorts and bracelet.  The blue tank is from Express and the sandals are Steve Madden.  My bag was from Target and I think the pop of lime really spices up the look and just ties everything together.  I got it on clearance in my local store for $7.50, it was a must buy at that price.  I couldn't find it online but I did find a similar one at a great price if you're wanting to put together a similar look, you can find it here .  I realize that this bag will definitely not have a long life, but when buying trendier items that won't be in style for very long, I feel that finding deals and spending less for a lesser quality item is the best way to go.  

Guess who's back at it

So after taking a blogging hiatus I decided to make a comeback.  Not because I have demanding readers, or because the things that I post are so unbelievable that you can't live without them but because, well, why not?  So yes, you are all welcome for these words of wisdom that I'm about to drop on you.  NEVER PAY FULL PRICE.  I know what you're thinking....were the caps really necessary?Well the answer is, heck yes.  I was raised as a seeker of sales.  I cannot take credit for my savvy ways, at the risk of sounding cliche, I got it from my momma.  Now my mom may not be the coupon queen (cue Honey Boo Boo's mom), but it would be a cold day in hell before she paid full price for an item without googling a possible discount code.  When I was younger, this totally embarrassed me.  Why did my mom have to keep 900 pounds of clipped coupons in her purse at all times? Why was I not allowed to just get the damn shirt I wanted from Limited Too even though we didn't have "Too Bucks"?  Why did my mom go to 15 different stores when school supply shopping for us?  I remember my aunt saying to me "You live in this beautiful house because Mommy clips coupons."  As I got older, I began to realize that using coupons and searching for sales doesn't mean that you're poor.  At the ripe age of 22, I can happily say that in this respect I am turning into my mother.  When being a frugal fashionista one must be patient.  Yes, there are times that I am in love with something and decide to splurge despite having no discounts.  But most of the time, I take pictures of the item I want, go home, google the hell out of it, and stalk those sites for a sale so I can get two things that I love instead of one.  Listen ladies, I'm no fancy shmancy economist but it just makes good plain sense.  Why spend $75 on a pair of shoes at Lord & Taylor when you can wait 2 weeks for a sale and probably get two pairs for less than that?  Patience is a virtue that one must have if they wish to dress like they got their shit together, when really they make $10 an hour.  Keep in mind that end of season sales, aka the ones that go on in the middle of seasons like right now, are the best times to stock up on things!  For instance, if you have any semblance of a brain and think that spending $100 on a bathing suit top sounds worse than selling your liver on ebay, wait until July and spend half of that on the top AND bottom.  I think that you get the point I'm trying to make here.  So go forth and save.  May your closets be full, and your wallets be fuller.

Flats Flats Flats!

If you tell me that you're not petrified of putting away your Uggs for the season, I know you're a liar. Its almost that awkward time of year where its too warm for Uggs but too cold for sandals, WHAT DO WE DO! Well, I'll tell you what we do, we wear flats! Where do we find these oh so adorable things you ask? Get ready for it....TARGET! I know that most of us don't think about Target (or Tar-jay some of you fancier folk might call it) when you think of buying cute shoes but let me tell you ladies, start! This week at target these flats by Mossimo are on sale for $14! I haven't purchased mine yet so I cannot attest to the quality but for $14 if they last you a year, WHO CARES!  I know that most of us college students are preparing for internships and observations and face the constant struggle of needing to buy adult clothes on a college budget so this price fits perfectly!  This is one sale that I would not miss! Happy saving! :)

My favorite pair from the collection!
Dress formal without looking boring

These look very similar to a Lucky Brand pair that I saw
but who needs to pay double!

Sigma Brushes

So I don't know if I'm alone in this one BUT I have nightmares about buying new makeup brushes.  NOT because I don't love love love the idea of them, but because the price tags attached to these tiny tools are more than most of us can bear!! So after much back and forth in my head I finally decided to take the plunge and FINALLY get some new brushes.  It was absolutely time considering on my old brushes the bristles were starting to fall out and the paint chipping off of the handles.  So I did my research and I finally decided on Sigma brushes!! They have so much hype around them and really are not as expensive as a lot of other brushes.  I purchased the Essential Kit which has 12 brushes for eyes and face for $89.00! I know thats a big number, but considering the brushes go for about $11 individually you're getting a pretty hefty savings! AND as my valentines day gift to you savings savages, from now until February 29th, if you use the code LOVE2012 at checkout you save 10%!! And from what I understand you will receive a free gift, the gift will not show up in your cart but will be included in your shipment.  I will be sure to let you all know my opinion on these brushes as soon as I get them which I hope is SOON!! Happy Valentines Day!! xo

How to have A JUICY COUTURE Valentines Day

Good morning blog world! As the informant of sales and all things good I just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow the site HauteLook will be having a big sale on all things Juicy Couture! Now I know that some of you are thinking, pshh Juicy Couture I can't afford that, well neither can I. BUT tomorrow starting tomorrow at 11 am Juicy clothing, sunglasses, watches, handbags, shoes and jewelry will be on sale! Usually the sales on HauteLook are up to 60% so this might be a good time to stock up on some glamorous sweats (instead of the ones you bum around the house in that have 4 holes, yes we know your secret) ! You have to sign up for the site but I promise you it is so worth it with all of the sales that they run.  They literally have something new and exciting everyday and I guarantee that you will find something you love for a price that you'll love even more! Who says you need a man to get glamorous gifts on V-Day? Treat yourself  you deserve it! Happy Shopping! xo

Valentines Day Mani

So in spirit of the mushy-gushy holiday coming up I decided to do a festive heart Mani :) sooooo simple and you can do it with pretty much any colors you want (and who among us doesn't already own pink and red polish? No need to spend more!) ! Who said to be spirited you had to pay big?? Not me! Happy Valentines Day love bugs xo

NY Giants!

With football season winding down the games are becoming more serious with today's victors heading for the Super Bowl! So in spirit of this I decided to go a little craZzZyY (which for those of you who know me is nothing new) with New York giants themed nails :) let's hope it helps big blue get the W. xo

Drugstore Beauty Products Around/Under $10!!

Ok so I compiled a list of some of my favorite beauty products that are inexpensive and can be purchased at...wait for it..the DRUGSTORE!

*St. Ives Naturally Indulgent Body Lotion
*Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation
*Almay Eyeliner
*Maybelline Collosal Volum' Express Mascara
*Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain
*Dove Shampoo & Conditioner
*Ponds Moisturizer
*Ponds Original All Day Clean Wet Cleansing Towlettes
*Clean and Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
*Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid White Toothpaste

I use all of these products and honestly I find them to be just as good ( if not better ) than some of the more expensive name brand products that I've tried throughout the years.  Lets face it, times are tough (especially for us broke college students) and its important to cut costs where you can. But who are we kidding, walking past the MAC counter and Sephora without drooling is no easy task.  So once in a while, go ahead and treat yourself to a little something special, you deserve it! Hope the list helps you guys out, I'm sure your local CVS will love you, don't forget to use your bonus cards it adds up!! XO

Winter Trend Alert! Infinity Scarves

With the frosty weather upon us it’s time to make the difficult decision of how to bundle up while still looking cute. Well fear not my fashionable friends! Infinity scarves are this years must have winter accessory that helps you look adorable instead of like the abominable snowman. Countless celebs, such as Jessica Alba, have been caught rocking this trend as well. I actually made this green one myself (SO EASY!) but if you don’t have a crocheting talent there are still plenty of ways to score this look! You can find these scarves at pretty much every store, I did see a bunch at target and also forever 21! So if you’re looking for a way to look hot when the weather is cold, investing in an infinity scarf is the way to go ;) xo

Glitter Polish- Sugar Plum Fairies Gone Wild

Now that the holidays are behind us and the decorations are coming down, the walls look bare and all of the holly jolly spirit that donned our everyday life is fading away.  Today I thought to myself 'If only there was a way to keep that spirit alive all year round'.  Unfortunately my idea to create a Christmas holiday once a month was a bust, so I decided on the next best thing, sparkle nail polish.  I've never been a huge sparkle fan to be honest but lately there has been a TON of hype around this trend so I figured I'd give it a try.  I decided on Sugar Plum Fairies Gone Wild by SEPHORA by OPI.  The polish itself is clear but it is filled win tons of purple sparkles.  I used different colors underneath it on each nail to give you guys an idea of the various ways to rock this twinkling trend. (On my thumb OPI's Funkey Dunkey, my pointer OPI's A Grape Fit!, my middle finger white, ring finger black, and pinky with nothing underneath) For each nail I did two coats of the base color and one coat of the sparkles.  The sparkle polish was a bit pricy at $9.50 but worth it for the smile it will bring to your face every time you look at your fingers and still cheaper than getting a professional manicure! I hope this brings a little spark back to your holiday spirit, shimmer on my friends! xo

Michael Kors Jada Boot

So for a while now I've been searching for the perfect wedge ankle boot with no success.  Then while in Lord and Taylor I stumbled across the PERFECT boot! But of course, they were sold out of my size.  I searched high and low for these babies with no luck.  Then after the disappointment of santa not leaving them under my tree, I decided to do one last search before giving up the dream of ever owning these boots.  To my surprise I found them on piperlime.gap.com! They had my size and of course, were on sale.  I would definitely recommend checking them out, they're perfect for a fall or winter night out.  You can get to the site here and also use the code LIME to get an additional 20% off! The site also has free shipping and returns for no minimum purchase, too awesome. They were originally $198.00 but they're now marked down to $109.99 plus the 20% off so its too good of a deal to pass up!! They're the perfect little after christmas gift to give yourself, hey santa can't do it all girls ;) xo T

My first blog post!

Whaddup blog world!! As a newbie to blogging I want to say that I'm uber excited to share my extensive frugal fashion knowledge! Posts and photos coming soon! xo T