Early Spring Fashion Haul 2014

Places to Shop on a Budget

I'm always looking for sales and low prices when it comes to clothes shopping because, number one, I don't have a job, and number two, I am kind of a shopaholic. Those two don't really go well together if you haven't figured it out for yourself yet. So, to help others like me, and also those of you who just want to save money, I've created a list of stores to shop at if your funds are running low and your passion for fashion is running high.

STORES WITH LOW PRICES:

TjMaxx

Ross

Marshalls

Forever 21

H&M

Wet Seal

Dollar Store

Walmart

STORES WITH GOOD SALES:

Aeropostale

Target

Charming Charlie

THRIFT/ GENTLY USED:

Plato's Closet

Goodwill

Once Upon A Child (youth sizes only)

Local Thrift or Consignment Store

These are just the ones that I go to, I'm sure there are many more. If you know any, feel free to let me know in the comments because I am always open to looking at new stores! Another way to save would be shopping online. I know many people enjoy cyber shopping, however for me, I enjoy actually going to the store and seeing the items in person. But, you never know, I might change. I remember when I was eight saying that I'll never like shopping, but now look where I am! A fashion blog and a closet full of clothes.

XO, Lauren

Fashion Helping The World

I recently purchased a couple of accessories that were really inspiring. Not because of how they looked, but because of their purpose. The first item I purchased was this cute shoulder/ cross body bag that doubles as a mini tote. In addition to looking cute, it actually provides 20 meals to starving children and families in America! That's amazing! And the founder has the same first name as me so I thought that was pretty cool too!

This bag is sold at Target along with the rest of the FEED collection! You can check out the collection here: http://www.target.com/c/feed-usa/-/N-55tua#?lnk=feedSS

And you can find out more about FEED here: http://www.feedprojects.com/

My second purchase was this beautiful beaded bracelet that gives women in Nepal a source of income to provide for their families. It is handmade and I just love the pattern so much!

I got it from this church gift shop when I went on vacation and the company is Alexa's Angels. Here's the website: http://www.alexas-angels.com/consumer/

I'm not sure if they sell these online though, but you can still check it out!

Anyways, I just love the idea of fashion helping the world. When I have my own company and my own fashion line, that's what I want to be like. I want to help others in need while fulfilling my dreams! I hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget to check out the links because it's really inspiring!

XO, Lauren

Shopping Smart

It is finally summer and, to me, that means... MORE TIME FOR SHOPPING of course!!!! So if you're a shopaholic like me, you are probably wondering how to get the most out of the money you have. I decided to make a list of tips and advice on how to shop smart! These tips have been extremely helpful to me and I have gotten a plethora of amazing clothes and accessories for affordable prices! Let's get started:

1.) The first tip I have would be to figure out what exactly you want to add to your wardrobe. What do you need? What's missing that you desperately wish you had? Make a list of those items and take it with you. This will help you stay focused on what you need and help prevent you from buying every single thing in the store!!!

2.) My second tip would be to only shop when there are sales going on and/ or if you have coupons. You can get seriously good deals if you just wait a little. This will help you save money, giving you opportunity to buy even more!

3.) Continuing from the previous tip, I suggest you sign up for emails from your favorite stores! Many stores like American Eagle Outfitters and Hollister tell you when a sale is going on and they sometimes even send you coupons!

4.) Another helpful tip would be to buy clothes that can easily be worn in any different ways. For example, a solid tee shirt can be worn alone, or layered with jackets and blazers. It can be worn with jeans, shorts, and skirts, and you can wear pretty much any jewelry with it to dress it up or down. Versatility is key when making decisions on clothing.

5.) My fifth tip would be that it's okay to splurge on that must have piece. Sometimes you just HAVE TO HAVE IT! But don't do this with everything, or else, you just wasted your time reading these tips... Pick one or two items to splurge on and keep your other purchases more affordable.

6.) Plan out what you're going to buy by looking online first. Then just go to the store for that specific item (or however many you chose) and you won't be as tempted to spend all of your hard earned money on other unnecessary items! You can also just shop online if they have lower prices. I personally prefer actually going to the store. I don't wanna risk getting the wrong size or color because... that would just be tragic.

7.) Shop at outlet stores and thrift stores! It's way cheaper and you can find tons of "hidden treasures"!

8.) Don't buy something unless you absolutely love it and you can definitely see yourself wearing it. This seems simple, but I often forget it.

9.) Remember that you don't have to buy everything all at once. Space out your shopping trips so you can try different stores and find the best prices!

10.) If you spent all of your money, then look through your closet and think of different ways to use your old clothes while incorporating your new purchases. Look through your friend's closet. Look through your parent's closet. Maybe there's something you could borrow!

I hope this post was helpful! Comment below telling me how you shop smart! What are your super saving tips?

XO, Lauren

Mini Spring Shopping Spree

I love spring shopping! The clothes are light and pretty, and everything seems so delicate. Spring is the time to try new styles and discover a new you! It's time to shed your winter coats and trade them for some cute tank tops and shorts! Okay, so anyways, I've been trying to find some collared shirts for spring, but none of them seemed to fit me right. I finally found some (plus a couple other lovely items) when I went shopping today and here they are:

These shirts are from Ross and I bought them for about $10 each. The polka dots are adorable and I absolutely love the colors. They both have lace details and would look great with jeans, skirts, or shorts! (Spring outfits post coming soon!!!!)

Next, I bought these shorts from Target for about $20. They are super cute and they are actually not as short as they seem. It came with the belt, so that makes it even more awesome! Plus, you can take out the belt and use it with your jeans or over a pretty dress!

Okay so then, I saw these beauties at Ross. Oh my gosh. I could not put them down, I just loved them so much. There was no way I was going to leave the store without them. Seriously, right? They were $50, but the original price was $90. I think that's a pretty good deal! haha :) You can wear these with any type of bottom (skirts, shorts, jeans) and even a dress! Wear it your own way!

I also bought the April issue of Seventeen Magazine, ($3) so I can read about all the new fashions this month! It's a total necessity guys, can't live without it. Hahaha just kidding, but I really like fashion magazines.

Lastly, I got this retro cassette tape iPhone case for $2 at Michaels. It fits really well and it's made out of silicone. They also had a black one and a pink one, but I picked this one because it's my favorite color :)

Okay, that's it! So overall, I spent about $95. But, I think it was worth it because the shoes will probably last forever, the shorts can practically be worn with anything, and everything else is just so adorable. It's okay to buy something really expensive once in a while, just make sure that you will definitely wear it and that it will last.

Have a fabulous day!

XO, Lauren

One Shirt, Four Looks, and a Trampoline

I'm addicted to shopping. Unfortunately, I don't always have the money to buy all of those fabulous clothes, so I began to think of different ways to wear the clothes I already have. I started with the basic white tee shirt and came up with some really cute and simple combinations!

For the first outfit, I am wearing my white tee shirt (Hollister), a pair of jeans (Abercrombie), and two long, dangly necklaces (Charming Charlie and American Eagle). I love this because it is so simple but it still looks put together. You can even switch out the normal jeans for some cute colored or patterned ones! For shoes, you can pretty much wear any kind.

For the second outfit, I am wearing the tee shirt with a pair of flowy shorts that I made. I also have on a brown, wide belt (Target) and a long necklace with a leopard charm on it that I made. This outfit is cute for a spring/ summer day! I suggest wearing sandals to complete the summery look, and maybe some pretty wedges!

For the third look, I am wearing the tee shirt with a lace high low skirt (Charlotte Russe) and a tribal looking bib necklace (Charming Charlie). This look would be perfect for those days when you don't have time to put together an outfit, and you're looking for something dressy. Wear some simple sandals with this outfit so you don't overpower the skirt.

Finally, for the last look, I paired the tee shirt with a black, fitted leather jacket (Aeropostale) and some tribal patterned, high waisted shorts (Charlotte Russe). This outfit is fun and super simple, just like the other looks! Nice for a night out during the summer.

I hope you liked these outfits! You can recreate them with your own clothes and even mix them up a little! (The leather jacket would look great with any of the other looks!) Anyways, just remember... you don't have to go shopping to find new outfits. Just find new combinations from old clothes! Be creative!

XO, Lauren