Urban Outfitters Opens Halloween Shop!

This is something I am SO extremely excited for that I can barley put it into words. Urban Outfitters added a "Halloween" section to their website and the merchandise listed in that section is AWESOME. I've been on the Halloween section of Urban at least 5 or 6 times this month and each time I look at it I get more and more excited for Halloween!

In case no costume really speaks to you this year, Urban has you covered! This online section is filled with low-price items that are perfect for last-minute costumes.

For $12 you can get a shark fin to top off your Sharknado costume, or for $40, ensure that you'll win best-dressed at your party with their sumo wrestler costume (which is inflatable)!

If dressing up isn’t really your thing, but you still want to be festive, the shop also features fun graphic tees—think: cats, pumpkins, and skeletons—that are perfect to wear to any Halloween party!

Corner Shop Laundry Costume Muscle Tee- $24.00

Besides the amazing accessories and dinosaur onesies, the best part about the shop’s is its tagline—“Costumes, makeup and everything you need to creep it real…”

Check it out!

Inexpensive (Halloween) Beauty Must-Haves!

Halloween is ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite holidays! I plan on doing many blogs throughout the month of October revolving around Halloween! So, obviously, today's post will be about.. You guessed it! Halloween! Well, Halloween beauty acessories!

I totally understand that as you grow, dressing up becomes more of a chore than something you look forward to. But who said you need to wear a full costume to be considered a "Halloween spirit"? I'm going to list some accessories that you can throw on and join in the Halloween fun!

Foam Wigs - These fabulous wigs can be found at Target. They range from $15-20. Throw on one of these fierce hair-do's, a basic black dress and you'll be set for the night!

Lip Tattoos - If you love doing make up, these lip tattoos are the perfect Halloween accessory for you! They're EXTREMELY easy to apply and only cost $9.99!

You can find more lip tattoos at Violent Lips!

Back from Vacation and Ready to Blog!

Hello everyone! I've missed blogging so much. I just got back from my vacation in Orlando, Florida. I went to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights as well as both theme parks. I definitely intend on making a post about that later in the week but for now I want to talk about a new nail polish brand that I stumbled upon!

The brand is called Julep and they have some of the most ahhhhmazing colors I've ever seen! The nail polish comes in a tube that resembles a lip gloss tube, which I think is extremely different and innovative! And the best part? They come out with new colors daily! They constantly update their website with new colors as well as their "retired" ones. I am a huge nail polish fan so, I was absolutely gushing over the funky and fun colors. I'm going to share some of my favorite colors off the Julep website with you!

 Esmeralda - $14.00

Candice - $14.00

Nail Polish - Favorite Colors for Fall!

Put away those summer shades and make room for some amazing and eccentric fall nail polish colors! Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of the year and nail polish is one of my favorite beauty products. Luckily, for a few moths during the year I get to combine my love for both fall and nail polish! I always try my best to keep up with the nail polish colors that are currently in style, I rocked mint on my nails and toes pretty much the whole summer! But, now, it's time to move on to fall and switch your shades!

Raspberry

Show off your chic side from day one with a bold, raspberry polish! It's an unexpected, darker shade that's more exciting than plain black nails, but not quite as overtly girly as a bright pink.

Try:  
1. "Laurel Canyon Lolita" by NCLA, $16, shopncla.com  
2. "Pulp Fiction" by Sonia Kashuk, $4.79, target.com  
3. "Intuition" by Seche, $8.50, Ulta and salons  
4. "Don't Make Me Wine" by China Glaze, $8, salons

Dark Cherry

If you and your crush have plans to walk through the park drinking maple lattes, give your mani a subtly romantic vibe with some this deep cherry polish. It's a bit more mysterious than your average red, and the darker shade pairs perfectly with cozy fall flannels!

Try:  
1. "Dinner Party" by Candie's, $8, kohls.com  
2. "From The Heart" by SpaRitual, $10, sephora.com
3. "Lost on Lombard" by OPI, $9, ULTA  
4. "Control Freak" by Sephora X, $9.50, sephora.com

Fall Definig Beauty Products

Who doesn't love fall? I sure do! Once I feel the crisp air start to creep in, I immediately get super excited and start to prepare myself, my skin, and my wardrobe for fall! While it's extremely important to make sure your wardrobe matches the weather, it's also very important to change your beauty routines to match the weather, too. 

Cold air means chapped lips and cracked skin which is a huge no no! One very important thing to remember during the chilly months is to keep your body hydrated and drink lots of water to keep your lips fresh and your skin smooth! You also want to change your make up products to blend in with the fall season; hot pink eyeshadow isn't as cute for fall as it is for summer!

Since fall is right around the corner, I've gathered up some fall beauty products that I am DYING to try this fall! So, put your credit card down, stop buying oversized sweaters and direct your attention toward some fall defining makeup!

 

Eyes: Colored Mascara

Enhance your eye color with mascaras in shades other than black and brown! These might look scary, but one swipe provides just a hint of color that will subtly brighten up your peepers. Pick one in a shade that’s opposite your iris on the color wheel for the ultimate enhancement! 

WINK Mascara, $20, butterlondon.com

Model Confession - "Why I Quit Fashion Week"

Fashion Week is something that is looked forward to, by many people, for months and months. A lot of time, hard work and preparation goes into each Fashion Week pre-party, after party, event and Fashion Show. If you're not sure what Fashion Week is.. it's a fashion industry event, lasting approximately one week, which allows fashion designers, brands or "houses" to display their latest collections in runway shows and buyers and the media to take a look at the latest trends. Most importantly, these events let the industry know what's "in" and what's "out" for the season.

Now, while this seems fun and exciting, it can be tiring and very stressful to some people; especially the models. While I was doing my daily browse through Cosmopolitan's website, I came across an article called "Why One Model Quit Fashion Week." This article immediately interested me because who would ever want to drop out of something as fabulous as Fashion Week? However, as I began to read, I started to understand why she made the wise decision. 

The life of a tall, gorgeous runway model seems glamorous and heavenly. But for this model, walking in fashion shows was anything but.

Modeling isn't all drinking Champagne on yachts and being told you're fabulous. Runway modeling especially can be brutal. Ahead, one anonymous model shares the story of why she left the runways.

FRI"DIY - Illuminating Candle Holder

Good afternoon and happy Friday! I know everyone is in a great mood today because, who doesn't love Friday? The reason I do is because I get to blog about DIY projects which happen to be one of my favorite down time hobbies. Today's DIY is very quick and easy but awesome! Anyone who knows me, knows I love candles; especially fall scented ones :-). Which is why you'll probably be seeing a lot of candle-based DIYs on my blog. Anywho, this blog is really simple and fun, only took about 15-20 minutes and I can show you in three short steps!

What you'll need:

A candle holder (of your choice) I purchased this one from The Christmas Tree Shops - $4.00

A glue gun, I purchased this one from A.C Moore and it was around $3.99. I would also grab extra glue sticks, too!

Mosaic Stones, I purchased the mini bags above from The Christmas Tree Shoppes, they were $1.99 each. I didn't need as many stones as I bought, I just figured it's better to buy more and have some left over than to be short stones. You can choose whichever colors you want *HOWEVER* they must be transparent (see through) or the light will not shine through them. I chose red, orange, yellow and clear because they're fall colors and I love fall!

Time to start!

Superb Student Discounts (Part 2)

Good morning! Yesterday, I wrote a post on some great student discounts from your favorite retail stores. As I was researching and writing the list, I wondered if retail stores were the only places to offer student discounts. After an hour or so of searching and typing, I got a great list together of hang out and food spots that offer amazing student discounts. Let's start saving money!

Cultural Experiences and Entertainment

• AMC Theatres: student discounted movie tickets every Thursday

• The Art Institute of Chicago: $50 annual student membership, plus other various discounts within the Art Institute

• Broadway in Chicago: Ticket prices as low as $14.50 for select performances

Superb Student Discounts!

Most people are not too excited about the start of another school year but I am overly excited because the start of school means the start of student discounts! Back to school is a huge deal for most retailers and it tends to bring a lot of money into their stores. Parents take their children out (or the children just go alone) and start to stock up on some fresh clothes for the school year. If you're in the mall and you're torn between two stores and one is offering a student discount, which would you shop at? The one with the discount of course! Student discounts are a great feeling because you work very hard in school all year long and deserve the discount awarded to you by your favorite retailer.

Retailers that offer student discounts:

1. Urban Outfitters - 10% off (on select dates only)

2. Topshop - 10% off

3. Shoebuy.com - 10% off

4. Ralph Lauren Rugby - 15% off

5. The Limited - 15% off

Alex and Ani

I've been hearing lots and lots of talk about Alex and Ani bracelets, so, I've decided to check them out for myself and post about them! If you're sitting there scratching your head, wondering, "What is an Alex and Ani bracelet" .. No worries; that's what I'm here for! There are three main and very important facts about Alex and Ani jewelry. 

1) They are made in America.

"Alex and Ani is a company dedicated to creating products of unparalleled quality and beauty that promote consciousness and unity. Manufacturing in the United States and reusing and recycling materials is an integral part of Alex and Ani’s mission as a conscious and eco-friendly company. Alex and Ani’s collections are not only eco-friendly, they are made up of powerful, meaningful, and spiritual pieces, which uplift and inspire all who wear them."

2. They are Eco-Friendly

"The Alex and Ani aesthetic underscores the idea that what is pure and natural is most beautiful and creating jewelry from recycled materials enriches the beauty of each piece. Founder and creative designer Carolyn Rafaelian embraces a philosophy that is based upon using eco-friendly, recycled materials made entirely in the United States. Because of this, Alex and Ani is able to purchase metals from local mills who have received recycled scraps from refineries, which in turn, use those pieces and sell their scraps back to the Mills."

3. They are infused with "positive energy"

Back to School Backpacks! (On A Budget)

Now that September is rolling around, I'm totally in the school spirit. I recently wrote a post called Back to School Bags (On A Budget) and typically after every post I write, I ask my friends for opinions. After the Back to School Bags blog all of my friends were surprised at how inexpensive each bag was that I listed; but the post couldn't help but make us all feel nostalgic for our grade school back pack days. Each bag I posted in the Back to School Bags blog was either a tote bag or a handbag big enough to carry your school necessities. While my friends and I fell in love with each bag I posted, we all miss the days where you looked forward to picking up your funky colored JanSport backpack; which all of your books and pencil cases fit into perfectly.

JanSport "Overexposed" - $35.00

 

I love JanSport! However, now a days, JanSport isn't as popular for the high school and college crowd.. But I'm here to show you some backpacks that are! Who doesn't love a good backpack?

For men:

Tilly's "MI-PAC Nordic Backpack" - $31.99

(Available in different colors and patterns) 

Attention All College Freshman!

A few days ago, I got asked to write a blog on college essentials and advise for incoming freshman; which is such a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?

I decided that I would start with the advise part of the blog since it would consist of a lot of writing.

I had a ton of questions that I wish I would've asked before leaving for college and I faced a lot of things that I wasn't prepared for. I'm not going to lie, I was TERRIFIED to start college. I was also a little frustrated because I was already a freshman in high school and now I had to start all over as a freshman again; however, college is very different than high school. For example, you're living on your own, completely on your own. You will have to cook, clean and decide when you want to do your homework and study because there will not be anyone breathing down your neck telling you to do those things.

Starting with food, I would definitely learn some quick recipes that you can whip together before or after class. When I was going away to school I didn't even think about cooking, it didn't cross my mind, I just figured I would eat whatever I could find and whatever was quick; which is something you DO NOT want to do. Take a day to sit with your parents, or Google some easy recipes, and learn learn learn. You will ruin your body if you do not eat healthy. You will gain weight and all of the unhealthy food will run your body down and make you extremely tired; which isn't good because you need all the energy you can get in college!

Another important thing

Summer Sales!

The end of summer is the beginning of some great sales! I've been browsing the internet all weekend in search of the cutest items of clothing for the best prices possible! I know you're wondering, "Why would I want to buy summer clothes if fall is coming?" and I have the answer for you! Because most summer clothes can be transitioned into the fall season, since fall isn't as cold as winter. Fall serves as a medium between winter and summer and has a mild temperature; therefore, you can wear the new clothing you've purchased from the summer sales throughout fall. Also, why not stock up on some clothes for next spring/summer? It will be here before you know it! And imagine how exciting it would be to know you have a bunch of new clothes waiting to be worn! Definitely something to look forward to.

Let's start shopping!

Aeropostale "Sheer Cropped Crochet Tank" - $39.50 ON SALE $7.99

Inexpensive Ideas for Your Upcoming Party!

I recently read an article on Seventeen.com called "How to Throw a Kickass Party (and Pay Your Rent)" and I absolutely fell in love with the article. I felt like I HAD to share the ideas they came up with. The editors at Seventeen talked about 5 easy DIYS that will make your party stand out, all while saving money! 

Light-Bright Coasters

Apply vinyl stickers to a glass tile, then spray-paint the whole tile. Remove stickers after 30 minutes. Use a sponge to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge (prevents chipping).

What you'll need:

• Spray paint
• Painter's tape
• Vinyl stickers
• Mod Podge
• Square glass tiles

Glitter-Bomb Champagne Flutes

Using painter's tape, mark off the area you don't want to cover (start a few inches below the rim). Pour nail polish into a bowl, then blot it onto a glass with a sponge. Peel the tape once the polish has fully dried. TIP: A shimmery shade looks sleeker than chunky sequins.

What you'll need:

• Champagne flutes
• Sparkly nail polish (shown above is Essie Nail Color in Beyond Cozy)
• Painter's tape
• Small sponge

Earn-Your-Stripes Serving Tray

Stencil a design using a ruler and chalk (or eyeball it!), then cover lines with long strips of metallic tape. Using a box cutter, slice the tape so it lies flush against any edges. TIP: Rectangular trays work better than round ones.

What you'll need:

FRI"DIY" - Tassel Necklaces (On A Budget)

Hello and happy Friday! I always get really excited for Fridays, not only because it's the weekend, but because it means I get to try out a new DIY! This weeks DIY is one of my favorites. I've been dying for a tassel necklace for fall! They're adorable and match with mostly everything. They're definitely funky, new and something I'm willing to try out!

If you haven't seen tassel necklaces yet, here are some I found online at Anthropologie:

Anthropologie "Neon Plume Necklace" - $38.00

Anthropologie "Tassel Plume Necklace" - $38.00

Anthropologie's website has a bunch of tassel necklaces and they range in price from $38-500+.

I loved their tassel necklaces so much that I decided I wanted to make my own.. On a budget! I got all of my products from AC Moore and it was one of the most simple DIY's I've done! Let's get started on your trendy tassel necklace.

The cost of this DIY is completely up to you and how many necklaces you want to make. I knew I would want to make more than one so I picked up a few extra items.

Tassels - $1.99 ea.

Jars of beads - $2.99 ea.

Beading wire - $3.99 ea.

Mini Diagonal Cutter - $2.99 ea.

"WTF" Fun Facts!

Hello everyone! I apologize for writing this post so late but I've had such a busy day. I also stopped to pick up everything that is needed for tomorrow's DIY project! I'm so excited. Since I'm going to start uploading videos every Sunday, I've decided to change Thursdays to "mini post" days. Mini posts allow me to still put up a blog, just without all of the usual content; it's mainly for the shorter topics that I want to talk about. Today, I stumbled across a website that offers all of these very very interesting facts and I decided I would love to share some of my favorites with you!

Back to School Bags! (On A Budget)

Good morning! It's been raining non-stop in New Jersey but it looks like it may clear up today! I hope it does because I really have to start squeezing in those beach days before school starts again! Although I love the summer and the beach, I really enjoy school, too. I love getting dressed for class, meeting new friends and professors and learning things that broaden your knowledge beyond belief. Think about it, each little thing, or topic, that you learn something about is one more thing that you know. If you pay very close attention in every class, you will be filled with so much knowledge that you won't know what to do with it! Every year before school starts, I go shopping for a "School Bag;" which is a bag I could use for some of the semester and one I can cram all of the stuff I need to use for class in. These days, most people just carry a handbag and call it quits because they think backpacks aren't the most stylish things; however I'm going to show you some greatly priced bags that can accommodate your love for fashion as well as those troublesome textbooks!

 Joyce Leslie "Into the Wild Fringe Tote" - Originally $19.99 ON SALE: $10.00

Fringe is great for the fall! As well as the black color with golden accents.

Joyce Leslie "Day in the City Spiked Mint Tote" - Originally $19.99 ON SALE: $10.00

Mint is the most popular color this season and so are the spiked appliques on this fashionable tote!

Wet Seal "Geek Canvas Tote" - $9.90

Steal Hayley Willams' style with this adorable geek tote bag!

Budget Boots for Fall!

HAPPY AUGUST FIRST! Before I start writing today’s post I would like to say that I’m 200 views away from 3,000 views on my blog! Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and took the time out of their day to read each post!

I’ve been beyond excited to share this little treasure I found yesterday while browsing the internet for a pair of black ankle boots.  I’ll start from the beginning of my shoe journey. So, I was sitting on my computer at work and hunting for a pair of black ankle boots (which have been predicted to be the new “thing” for the fall season) and I couldn’t find a pair for under $75.00; well, a nice pair that didn’t look cheaply made. After browsing for a solid 30 minutes I came across a website called Make Me Chic. 

Make Me Chic is a website that offers you the newest and latest trends at an affordable price; pretty great for someone who’s on a budget! They have many different categories that you can shop from: dresses, shoes, swimsuits, accessories, etc but my favorites have to be the “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”, the “Sale” section and the “Shoes Under $20" sections. I mean, you don’t even have to browse through those categories for them to look appealing to you! 

After spending around an hour on this website I finally found the boots I’ve been longing for and they were on SALE! Ugh, what could be better than that!? They were originally $25.40 on sale for $15.30.. and if you think that’s the best part you’re wrong! They’re holding a special promotion right now and you can take an additional 30% OFF SALE ITEMS! They’re practically handing the boots to you! I was so thrilled I immediately added them to my cart because, surprisingly, they had my size. The total of the boots after I put in the discount code: 30SALEON (for the additional 30% off) came to $10.71. I couldn’t believe it! The 30% discount on the already marked down shoes knocked the price down $4.59 more; which is a great sale to me! I definitely don't mind saving an extra $4.59! And it gets even better.. they have a $5.99 flat fate for shipping (unless you want it expedited to you). So, all together the boots came to $16.70 including shipping. I was enthralled. 

Here’s a picture of the boots I ordered:

 They are the: Starcy41 Suede Cowboy Ankle Boots in black

They fit perfectly with almost any outfit and for any season! I plan on pairing them with a big winter sweater and high socks. Fall is my favorite fashion season. You could also pair the ankle boots with a pretty summer dress! They're the perfect boots for me!

I figured I'd look through the categories on Make Me Chic and pick out some of my favorite shoes and include the prices. Just in case you're thinking about getting an early start on your fall or back to school shopping!

Heels: 

Anne Michelle Momentum -40 Suede Pumps in black - $25.80

 Flats:

 

Bamboo Waranda-11 Pointy Studded Flats in black - $23.80