Never Pay Retail!

Previously I did a post on my spending habits.

Here is how NOT to pay retail ever again!

1. SHOP ONLINE

Sign up for emails, or search online for promo codes. You can also sign-up for sites, like Ebates, that rebates you a percentage of what you pay at online retailers.

2. WAIT

Unless you've encountered a natural disaster, or major theft you probably have enough clothing and accessories. Clothes and accessories usually go on sale 4-6 weeks after it's introduced to the store. So wait before you buy! 

3. SIGN-UP

Sometimes I'll even sign up for the company's credit card to get extra % off of my purchase, then cancel the card later! It takes more work, but I save more. You can also sign-up for the store's emails to get more promo codes to use online or in-stores.

4. BUY OUT OF SEASON

Basics, like white tees, leggings and tights can be bought cheaply at the end of every season. So stock up during sales!

5. THRIFT

Thrifting is buying secondhand. As long as you wash or disinfect what you purchase, you shouldn't be afraid to thrift. You can purchase from vintage stores, donation stores (Salvation Army, Goodwill, Savers), or consignment stores (Plato's Closet, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Co.).

6. CONSIGN

Consigning is selling your old clothes and accessories. Most stores give cash or store credit. So sell your old clothes for cash, or use the store credit at the secondhand store to not pay retail!

Being frugal, thrifty, and resourceful is positive, not  negative. There's no need to be in debt for fashion!

Weather Official!

Sure the official start of autumn has already passed, but I prefer to dress according to weather and today was the perfect fall day!

Chilly air, peeks of sunshine, and a very cool breeze.

I'm so pumped! Of course I've already transitioned; taken out the fall/winter bag and gave myself a mani.

Color me obsessed with the deep burgundy&rose glitter! 

(also experiencing a major ear-cuff affair.. aren't you?!)

To get the more pink-bronze metallic, I used a base coat of the burgundy so it would show more rose gold colored.

Ear Cuff: Forever21

Metallic (Bronze Dash): American Apparel

Burgundy (Do Not Disturb): Victoria's Secret

Top & Base Coat 2-in-1: Victoria's Secret

Blazer & Omelette

Blazer: Ann Taylor; Red tank: Loft; Jeans: Old Navy; Belt: Old Navy; Bow ring: American Eagle Outfitters; Flats: Bandolino.

3 eggs, kale and mozzarella cheese.

First Quarter Review

As we near the end of the first quarter of school, I wish to go over my spending and budgeting.

Or more like I wish to say all the above so I sound independent and responsible! ;) But also as a goal to be financially aware (and sound, whew).

Having worked all summer is such a blessing! As I enter true adulthood, and career searching, wardrobe staples are more important than ever before.

Spend a little, save a lot!

Aaand now back to school.. Good-bye queen size bed.

Tee: Gap//Shorts: Gap//Shoes: Target

Top: vintage//Skirt: Gap//Bracelet: thrifted

Shirt: Ralph Lauren//Skirt: Forever21//Sweatshirt: Kingdom Culture

(Can you tell I'm all for Gap's 'Back to Blue' campaign?!)

Dress: Forever21//Jacket: vintage

Saturday with Valentino

Yesterday was the perfect time to unwind before heading home for fall break! & Nothing travels better than Valentino!

Snow Leopard!

Shirt: Lauren by Ralph Lauren; Pleather Peplum: Kirra via Pacsun; Jeans: Old Navy; Flats: Deena & Ozzy

Falling into Fall

Took some time to unwind in the best way:

cappuccinos & magazines!

Thought I'd share InStyle's August 2013 insight as I rummage through my closet to compound what I've bought so far. It feels, and sounds, so much better now that shopping is 'therapeutic' instead of 'an addiction' ;)