Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

My Summer 2016 Shopping List


Photos via: Prosecco & Plaid (1), Prosecco & Plaid (2), Hello Fashion, The Fox & She, Mind Body Swag, and The Fashion Cuisine.

Lace-Up Flats: I've been looking for a pair of these since the spring. I was big into flats when I was younger, but I grew bored of them in high school and college. Since then, I've been looking to up my flat game with something a little more interesting. Lace-up flats fulfill that desire as well as reminding me of the ballerina I once was.

Photos via: Pink Peonies, A Southern Drawl, Lifestyle by Joules, Suburban Faux Pas, and Merrick's Art.

Lemon Print: Ever since Beyonce released Lemonade, I've been seeing lemon print everywhere (including on this adorable grandma-toddler combo). It may be poignant or it may be a coincidence; either way, this is a surprisingly sweet trend I am more than happy to follow.

Photos via: Style Pantry, Late Afternoon, The Quarter Life Crisis, Mink & Ivory, Blair Badge, and Les Babioles de Zoé.

Palazzo Pants: I've long flirted with the wide-leg pant. Pants are one of my least favorite items of clothing to wear because they're so much less comfortable skirts or dresses. The flowy look of palazzo pants (along with the freedom that comes with non skinny-leg pants) is so appealing to me. Plus, they can be dressed up or down, which I love.

Photos via: Katie's Bliss, Margo & Me, Eleonora Petrella, Kelly Saks, and My Showroom

Short-Sleeve Romper: I have bought so many rompers in the last five years: rompers with long sleeves, no sleeves, v-necks, high necks, pant legs, shorts, etc. The one type of romper I don't own is one with short-sleeves. I'm just looking to add on to my collection here.

Photos via: Stella Wants to Die, Sunshine & Stilettos, Collage Vintage, Alex's Closet, Fashion Jackson, and Silvia's Closet.

Tan Button-Up Faux Suede Skirt: This is by far the most specific item on my summer shopping list. I have a navy button-up faux suede skirt that I got a couple months ago with the intention of satisfying my desire for this style skirt, but I still find myself wanting one in tan. The color is perfect for the summer and the fall and the style is super cute!

Photos via: Fashionably Geek, Sazan, The Cherry Blossom Girl, Mermaid Waves, and Style Sprinter.

Purses Shaped Like Objects: Dani from Mermaid Waves introduced me to this adorable trend. She has purses shaped like pizza, the Instagram symbol, and an egg, seen above. I love adding something fun to an otherwise basic (if adorable) outfit, and this is the perfect statement piece.


Monday, March 21, 2016

Fall 2016 Runway Trends


Runway fashion is undoubtedly for the rich: changing closets seasonally is not only expensive but impractical for most non-celebrities. However, it can still be fun to mimic certain easy-to-find runway trends in everyday life. These trends may already be in your closet, and if not, they're available via fast fashion retailers for less than $50. See some of these retail options at the bottom of the post and be inspired by my trend picks from the FW 2016 runway!

Photos via: Dash of Darling, CollegeFashionista, No. 21, Vetements, Barbara Bui, and Brooklyn Blonde.

Red plaid: Channel your inner schoolgirl in this vibrant but easy-to-wear pattern.

Photos via: Anna Sui, McQ Alexander McQueen, A Clothes Horse, Sarah Styles Seattle, Collage Vintage, Prada, and Alice + Olivia.

Red floral: The perfect spring-fall transition trend features a spring pattern and a fall color scheme.

Photos via: Chloé, The Mysterious Girl, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Broke & Fabulous, Hello Fashion, Francesco Scognamiglio, and The Fashion Cuisine.

Ruffles: This traditionally feminine trend is sure to make you stand out.

Photos via: Zoë Jordan, Ports 1961, Sincerely, Jules, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Topshop Unique, Damsel in Dior, and Vera Wang.

Olive green: After the light herb color was seen last fall, this is the perfect next-step.

For further reading on inexpensive runway trends, check out my Her Campus posts on each of the four weeks of Fashion Month.


Monday, December 14, 2015

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: Gift Guides from Other Bloggers



As much as I wish I could, I can't make all the gift guides that I want to. Luckily, that's where other bloggers come in. There are infinite seasonally appropriate gift guides out there, but I've chosen some of my favorites to share with you. Check them out below!


"On the Road" guide for women who travel from Page by Paige: It's nice to buy people gifts based on their interests, and travel is certainly a popular interest.


"All That Glitters" guide from Daily Katy: Who doesn't need some gold in their lives?


"Gifts for the #GIRLBOSS" guide from Mash Elle: I love the theme of this guide!


"Hostess With the Mostess"guide from Stylish Sassy & Classy: Another interest-based guide for anyone who likes to host, age and relationship aside.


"The Best Gifts For Your Sister" guide from Glitter & Gingham: Your sister is one of the most important relationships in your life, and it deserves an acknowledgement.


"Gift Guide For Mom" from Livvy Land: Note: can also be used for mother-in-laws, aunts, and grandmas.


"Christmas Gift Guide for Women" from Ashley Brooke: An all-inclusive guide for everyone from your best friend to work acquaintances to your RA to your family.


"College Student" guide from Classy Girl With Curls: College students have specific material needs, and this list satisfies them.


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: Gifts Under $20


It's officially December and, with Hanukkah in a week and Christmas in three, it's officially time to start sharing my gift guides! This year, I asked you s via Twitter which of my gift guides from last year you'd like to see again, and  "gifts by price"  won by a landslide over "gifts by color". So, here are some affordable gifts to welcome this Broke & Fabulous holiday season!



1. Navy and white scarf from Accessories 212– Scarves are always appropriate holiday gifts, especially if you live somewhere chilly.
2. Black cashmere-blend tech gloves from Portolano– Everyone deserves to have their hands pampered in cold weather!
3. Black and gold shades from Nasty Gal– Show them you know just how cool they are with a very cool (and practical) pair of shades.
4. Plaid Minimergency kit from Pinch for J. Crew– For your reckless or organized friends alike; these kits are cute and handy to have around.
5. Floral bath truffles from Anthropologie– Give the people in your life an excuse to treat themselves.


1. Bear socks from PJ Salvage– Honestly, how cute are these? Plus, they're more unique than your average pair of socks, so you won't get labelled as that person who "just gives socks".
2. Rhinestone cluster studs earrings from Lydell NYC– Super cute earrings that are especially appropriate for the holiday season but can be worn year-round.
3. Jewelry bag from kate spade new york– Everyone who wears jewelry can always use an extra organizer; plus, this one is travel-friendly!
4. Gold antler jewelry tray from Tri-Coastal Design– Simple colors and design make it compliment any type of decor, so don't worry about having to match an aesthetic.
5. Silver nail ring from Natalie B Jewelry– Badasses and jewelry-enthusiasts will love this unique ring! Plus, the design transcends gender and can be gifted to anyone who likes jewelry.


1. Eyelash-print sleep mask from MSSilk– I actually own this sleep mask and it's the perfect weight and size to help me snooze wherever I am, from my own bed to the airplane.
2. Beige fringe scarf from H&M– A super simple and classic scarf for anyone on your holiday gift list.
3. Nature print colorable postcards from Chronicle Books– I own this, too! Coloring is one of the most cathartic activities you can do, and you can send them when you're done coloring which makes it practical.
4. Dachshund print nylon tote from Baggu– Who doesn't need another grocery or beach bag? Plus, the dachshund print is totally adorable and unique.
5. "I woke up like this" gold polka dot mug from Tri-Coastal Design– Everyone deserves to wake up to a Beyoncé motto.


1. Gold glitter nail polish from Morgan Taylor– Glitter is perfect for the holiday season, and this gold will transition perfectly into spring, summer, and fall.
2. Minted rose lip balm from Rosebud Perfume Co.– Sweet portable, and good for your skin: shouldn't everything be like that?
3. Rose gold tealight from west elm– I've never met anyone who doesn't like candle light, and this tealight helps create the perfect ambience.
4. Sculpted love cuff from Forever 21– So cute and simple!
5. 3D animal alphabet mug from Pottery Barn– These are on sale and most letters are still available! Even if their initial isn't there, buy them their favorite animal.


Sunday, April 26, 2015

Shopping on a Budget

A couple of months ago, I wrote on the very basis of this blog for a CollegeFashionista Thoughts and Musings piece: shopping on $40 a month. I'm really proud of how it turned out, as it got the most views any of my CollegeFashionista pieces have ever gotten and was even featured on the front page of the site for a while!


I've written on this subject on several occasions, the most notable of which I believe include my original post on saving money while shopping, a post on what not to buy, and a recent post on making an easy-to-follow budget. The more I write on shopping on a budget, the more I consider myself a good source of information and advice on the subject.


I'm really proud of this CollegeFashionista post because it felt really good to write about something I feel qualified to write about for a platform that I admire both as an intern and a reader of the site. Plus, while developing my list of ways to shop on a budget, I went back through my archives to read through previous lists on the subject and was able to see how my personal blog has developed and grown in the last year or so. I feel accomplished both as a blogger and as an intern for CollegeFashionista.


I also read through other bloggers' lists of ways to shop on a budget in preparation for writing this piece. I found some really great posts and advice that I've compiled into a list of some of my favorites:


Don't forget to read the piece that sparked this blog post!

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Lilly Sunday

Two of my favorite things are finally coming together: Lilly Pulitzer and affordable shopping. Today marks the release of Lilly Pulitzer's line for Target, an occasion that literally caused frenzies across the United States. I wasn't able to go into the store today (not that it would have mattered– the line sold out in hours in most stores!), but I'm already prepping for the inevitable shopping spree that will happen this week by looking online for what I'm going to buy. Check out the line for yourself in a Target near you and check out my favorite picks!



This line is not mostly unavailable online (except the plus-size clothing), so you'll find all my favorite things in stores.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Shop Poshmark

In preparation for an awesome revamp of one of my favorite posts, I've been thinking a lot about consigning clothing lately. As much as I love my local consignment stores, though, only getting 50% of the money from your sale can be discouraging. Even more discouraging is when they don't take your stuff in the first place. If you have the time, patience, sales savvy, and believe your clothing is truly worth something, check out Poshmark and start selling your clothes directly to the buyer.


I've found Poshmark is an awesome place to buy items from labels you otherwise couldn't afford. For instance, I bought my friend Maddie a kate spade glasses case for her birthday for less than half the original retail price. If you don't mind the item being a little used, you can find some seriously awesome name brand deals. If you'd rather buy something new (with or without tags), you can even find that for 20-50% off the original price. Why someone would sell something for half-price as opposed to simply returning it to the store is beyond me, but I'm glad people keep doing it as that's part of what makes Poshmark such a great place to shop on a budget.



I bought the shoes on the left for $15 in January. They were lightly worn but came in the box and were originally $80. I didn't even have to justify that purchase to myself.



In addition to shopping and selling on Poshmark, I also love finding great deals and sharing them with my followers. If something is being sold for less than half of its original price, I share the listing to help my followers find deals, too. If you need help finding something on Poshmark, just let me know and I'll find and share as many listings as fit your description on my account. Check out my personal listings and check back in as I am about to add a bunch of new stuff.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Weekly Sales Report: 19 January



30% off sale items + free shipping with promo code MLKFS
Expiration date: January 19
My pick: this fuzzy white draped coat (that I actually bought last week!)


30% off essentials
Expiration date: January 19


40% off with promo code DEALS
Expiration date: January 19


20% off sale items 
Expiration date: January 20


15% orders under $75
Expiration date: January 20


40% off new arrivals
Expiration date: January 22


33% off with promo code GOSEMIANNUAL
Expiration date: January 22

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

New Year, New Wardrobe

It's a new year and, of course, I've been shopping recently to update my wardrobe. Check out what I've been buying/looking for below!



I know this color seems bland, but it simply screams "chic" on the right piece. Camel coats in particular are way up on my shopping list this season.


The reasoning behind this purchase is a little strange, but here it is: I love the way it flows out behind me when I walk. I feel like a princess in modern attire!


I mean... Can you think of a time when I wasn't obsessed with faux fur? Forever 21's current sale re-reminded me of my thirst for more faux fur in my closet, and it's too cold out to justify NOT buying something that will help keep me warm.


I've been so conflicted the last year or two about heels on my shoes. On the one hand, this simple piece makes an entire outfit look chic and fabulous with no real effort. On the other hand, my poor ex-ballerina feet can despise me when I wear heels for too long. Right now I'm stuck on loving heels, and heeled booties in particular!






Sunday, December 14, 2014

(Mostly) Universal Holiday Gifts

Let's face it: as much as we'd like each and every person's holiday gift to speak to us from the store, it doesn't always work like that. Some people are simply impossible to buy for, some don't really have a "thing", and others we forget to buy a present for until the last minute. Luckily, there's quite a few gifts that almost everyone likes and appreciates... And you can find them all at a low price.




1. Beanie





1. Pearl earrings
2. Benefit lip/cheek tints
3. Heart shaped candle
4. Ring set
5. Star hair pins