My Summer Must Haves!

Now that summer is officially coming to an end, I've been trying super hard to think of my favorite fashion pieces for this season. I've gone through so many different items of clothing and accessories this summer, which makes it almost impossible for me to choose just one but I think I have a solid list together!

#1 summer must-have: day dresses

Charlotte Russe "Belted Chevron Striped Dress" - $24.99

Charlotte Russe "Belted Zip-Back A-Line Dress" - $32.99

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.

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"

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

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.

Fall's Hottest Trend: Baroque (On A Budget)

Good morning! It's Wednesday, already, which means Friday is just around the corner! I had such a hard time sleeping last night, so, I decided I would do some online shopping and came across a new trend that I'm loving: Baroque.

Baroque is taking the fall runways by storm. Baroque patterns on pieces of clothing actually originated from pieces of art. The [Baroque] style of art was described as an exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama and tension. The main goal of Baroque is for the observer to easily notice the bold Baroque pattern; they want the arrangement to stand out. A lot of celebrities are taking part in the Baroque trend, too!

Although Baroque doesn't particularly have to ONLY be printed in black and gold, see how prominent the gold pattern is on Selena Gomez's dress? It's the first thing your eyes get drawn to. The neutral black color on the base of the dress allows the gold Baroque pattern to really pop! It's such a classy and elegant look! The pattern is so interesting; it makes you want to examine the whole dress and see if the pattern gets more interesting than it already is.

Here are some other celebs rocking Baroque:

Lea Seydoux wore a white Baroque dress with blue embroidery.

Zoe Saldana, on the cover of Harper's Bazzar, in a black and gold Baroque romper

Hayden Panettiere in a pair of Baroque Joe's Jeans

Transition Trends From Summer to Fall!

One of my favorite things to do during my downtime is create sets on Polyvore! Polyvore is an app (based off of Polyvore.com) that is loaded with merchandise that allows you to create different "sets." They have a bunch of categories that you get to choose from and you select which items you like and they get put on a blank canvas; then you get to arrange it however you want. Sometimes I sit there for hours and scroll through the many many pages of items and find current trends that I'm into at the moment and create my own mini scene. I'm really into it and I want you to check out a few Polyvore "sets" that I have created revolving around some trends that I am gushing over! The trends listed below are ones that can be worn during summer and throughout fall, allowing you to easily transition your wardrobe from season to season. Check them out!

This fall is going to revolve around pastels! They're very flattering and versatile. They're perfect for the transition from the summer season into fall. I paired the pastel color-blocked dress with some mesh heels and a tan cross-body bag; very simple yet it still makes a statement! I also chose to go with neutral make up colors to give the colors in the dress more room to pop!

Looking to shop for some pastels?

 Forever 21 "High Waist Ankle Pants" - originally $17.80 ON SALE $11.99

Forever 21 "Cutout Chiffon Shirt" - originally $19.80 ON SALE $15.90


 Forever 21 "Faux Leather Peplum Jacket" - originally $27.80 ON SALE $25.99 

From pretty pastels to dark and grunge! Another trend prediction for fall is cut off flannels! I feel like they're going to be HUGE. A cutoff flannel won't be as hot as you would be in a long sleeve flannel but they also warm you up more than a tank top. Don't forget to pair the outfit with your favorite pair of Toms! And of course, you could never go wrong with a cross-body bag, a bowler hat, some electronics and your favorite pair of circle sunglasses!

 Looking to shop for some items like the ones above?

Forever 21 "Self-Tie Plaid Shirt" - originally $14.80 ON SALE $9.99

Forever 21 "Sleeveless Plaid Shirt" - $14.80

Forever 21 "F3328 Round Sunglasses" - $5.80

The upcoming trend portrayed in this Polyvore set is POPS OF COLOR! Just because summer is ending doesn't mean that neon can't stick around for a little while longer. I love the neon paired with basic neutral colors; it allows you to stand out without over-doing it. And isn't this background just adorable? Fall is the time where basic shades are really accentuated; which is why I love the neon, it's a new spin on an old trick!

Looking for some pops of color?

Forever 21 "Cool-Girl Colorblocked Crossbody" - $24.80

Forever 21 "Two-Tone Scarf" - $7.80

Forever 21 "Neon Pop Maxi Dress" - $27.80

Unfortunately you will not see any of the sets above on my Polyvore account because I had to make them on my work computer in order to get a screen shot of them. I have many other great sets, though! If you already have a Polyvore or if you plan on making one, you can follow me (briannaonabudget) and I would love to look at some of your sets! 

In other news, I got a new CAMERA! Thanks to my, wonderful, boyfriend Cody. Starting (most likely) this Sunday I will be posting video blogs each week! It's something that I've wanted to do for a while and definitely something I'm looking forward to. So, keep an eye out for tomorrow's blog post as well as an upcoming VIDDDEOO!

PS (to those who watch Pretty Little Liars) - I'm looking forward to tonight's episode! Who do you think pushed Jenna into the lake?

What're some things you'd like to see me talk about/do during my videos? Comment below to share!

Healthier Habits & Gym Gear (On A Budget)

Good morning! Another Monday, another work week. I've been in a great mood because I'm really looking forward to a vacation I have coming up to Florida! For my boyfriends birthday I bought him tickets to Universal Studios for the Halloween Horror Nights. We are so excited! Since we are going to Florida and the weather will be nice there, I decided there's no better day than today to start getting in shape! I went food shopping last night and bought ONLY healthy and nutritious food, which I plan on blogging about in the near future. In addition to me finding a pair of sneakers I FINALLY like, I also plan on signing up for the gym tonight! In honor of my new attitude, I've decided I want to write a blog post on some inexpensive gym clothes! I LOVE the way workout gear looks and I think that just because you're working out doesn't mean you can't look cute while doing it! Let's get started!

As I was browsing online I noticed Aeropostale had such great gym clothes for an even better price! If you're looking for affordable clothes Aero has really cute merchandise. They got a new designer around 2010 and ever since then the look of their clothes have improved a lot! I would definitely shop there.

Marled Contrast-Stitch Active Leggins - $39.50 ON SALE $20.00 

(Other colors available)

Inset Active Capris - $39.50 ON SALE $20.00

(Other colors available)

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!

"Remember When?" Wednesday!

There's no greater feeling than remembering something that you enjoyed when you were a kid. Whether it was clothes, accessories, a tv show, or even a toy. I decided to dedicate this blog post to items I "had to have" and shows I "had to watch" when I was a kid. Let's take a look at some 90's classics!

Polly Pocket and her rubber clothes were all I wanted to play with when I was a kid!

Apparently these accessories are called "choker tattoo necklaces." I used to love these things and my friends and I always would put them around our stomachs because they were stretchy enough. 

Graphic Tee Tuesday (On A Budget)

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I have discovered a new obsession of mine that seems to increase daily: graphic tees. My favorite kind of graphic tees tend to be the ones with quotes printed on them. I mean, what's not to love about tees? They're extremely comfy and versatile. You can wear them lounging around the house, at the gym, or even at a casual event. If I could live in t-shirts I would and the fact that they have ones with pictures and eye catching quotes just increases my interest more and more!

Some graphic tees can run high in price. One of my favorite designers, Jac Vanek, has the most AMAZING graphic tees; however the price tag can be a little high but, sometimes it's worth it.

If you feel like splurging.. listed below are my favorite Jac Vanek graphic tees and their prices!

The "Your Blog" half tee - $49.00

"Sorry for Being Perfect" half tee - $49.00

"Pizza Boyfriend" tee - $64.00

Aren't they adorable? If you're interested in purchasing one of the t-shirts above, just click on the title of each t-shirt and it will lead you to the tee's page. Also, Jac has her tumblr blog located on the home page. She's awesome and her blog is, too.

If you're looking for some moderately priced graphic tee's we can move on to another one of my favorite designers - Brandy Melville. 

The "Stay Weird" tank - $18.00

This has also been seen on T.V star Lucy Hale from the hit show Pretty Little Liars!

Here's the t-shirt pictured on Lucy's official instagram - @LucyHale

Monday = Manicures!

It's Monday, again, and the beginning of another work week! Some people despise Monday, which I can totally understand, since it means the end of the lovely weekend and the beginning of a very long work week. One way to get over the Monday funk is to do something you enjoy after work on Monday; preferably something relaxing. If you give yourself a chance to relax and enjoy yourself you'll be ready for whatever the work week has to offer to you! One thing I love doing on Mondays is getting a manicure and pedicure! It prepares me for the long week ahead. I haven't gotten a manicure this Monday and, unfortunately, I don't intend to.. But I started looking for some cute nail art and nail colors that I may pursue for next Monday!

I love a good glitter ombré! The bold colors at the top attracts your eye to the nail then slowly fades to a gorgeous natural looking color.

This is definitely one of my top three favorites! I've been obsessing over the black and neon trend lately; especially when it comes to accessories such as your nails. Totally adorable idea for summer! 

 

If you want to keep it simple but add a little "pop" to your nail this is definitely the manicure for you! The vintage looking pink color gives off a classy and chic feel while the gold clump at the base of your nail is the perfect addition to ensure the nails aren't bland and boring.

This reverse French manicure is a new and fresh take on an old idea. I am loving the matte blue color paired with the sparkling gold base. This is a look I'd love to try for fall!

Famous Failures

Good afternoon everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog! I have a very interesting topic I'd like to write about today: failure. There has been countless times I haven't succeeded at something I've wanted to do; whether it was because someone told me I wasn't good enough and got in the way or I got in my own way. But, either way there's ALWAYS going to be critics in your life. I once read somewhere that you are your worst critic. Now, I don't know if I really believe that but I do know that criticism hurts. Whether it's from you or from someone that you barley know. I decided to dedicate this blog post to extremely successful people who have been harshly criticized and have overcome the odds. Every single one of these people have inspired me and I hope they have the same effect on you.

Steven Spielberg was rejected from his dream school, the University of Southern California, three times. He sought out education elsewhere and later dropped out to be a director. If, today, you read his bio on IMDB.com here's what you'll see, " Undoubtedly one of the most influential film personalities in the history of film, Steven Spielberg is perhaps Hollywood's best known director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world."

Marilyn Monroe's first contract with Columbia Pictures expired because they told her she wasn't pretty or talented enough to be an actress. She is now one of the most known idols, models, actresses and sex symbols in the world today.

Vera Wang failed to make the U.S. Olympic figure-skating team. Then she became an editor at Vogue and was passed over for the editor-in-chief position. She began designing wedding gowns at 40 and today is the premier designer in the business, with a multi-billion dollar industry.

One of my personal favorite success stories, Walt Disney. He was was fired by a newspaper editor because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas." Several more of his businesses failed before the premiere of his movie Snow White. Today, most childhoods wouldn't be the same without his ideas. If he were alive today, he would be worth $36 billion dollars.

Albert Einstein didn't speak until age four and didn't read until age seven. His teachers labeled him "slow" and "mentally handicapped." But Einstein just had a different way of thinking. He later won the Nobel prize in physics.

Oprah Winfrey experienced considerable hardship during her childhood, saying she was raped at age nine and became pregnant at 14; her son died in infancy. She was so poor she claimed her only pet was a cockroach living in her house. Winfrey often wore dresses made of potato sacks, for which the local children made fun of her. Oprah was fired from her television reporting job because they told her she wasn't fit to be on screen. But Winfrey rebounded and became the undisputed queen of television talk shows. Oh, and, she's also a billionaire.

Dr. Seuss' first book was rejected by 27 different publishers. He's now the most popular children's book author ever.

J.K. Rowling was unemployed, divorced and raising a daughter on social security while writing the first Harry Potter novel. She is now internationally renowned for her 7 book Harry Potter series and is the first person to become a billionaire from writing. 

Stephen King was initially so frustrated with his first novel, Carrie that he threw it in the trash. King's wife found the manuscript in the trash and took it out. To date his 49 novels have sold 350 million copies.

He may have made himself a household name, but in 1954 Elvis Presley was still a nobody. After only one performance he was fired by the manager of the Grand Ole Opry with Jimmy Denny telling him 'You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck.'

Hillary, of Lady Antebellum, auditioned twice for American Idol and was rejected both times, 'I never even got to see the judges. I literally performed for the production assistants and the interns and I just didn't make it.' All those Grammys will show 'em!

The people listed above have so much drive and determination that it's impossible to not be inspired by the obstacles they overcame. I also have a short video of some "famous failures" some I have listed above but others haven't been written about. 

There's no doubt that this is one of my favorite blogs out of the ones I've written so far. Each story means a lot and is very influential. I really hope you enjoyed this blog and I hope you have a great weekend!