Thrifty. Much.

Good evening lovelies!

Tonight, I want to talk to you about being thrifty. I think there's a very common misconception about the term "thrifty". There is a negativity I've found attached to the word. It is believed that to be thrifty, one must sacrifice style and shopping just to save a few dollars.

HA.

I am not saying I'm a style icon by any means, or that my style is even amazing. From time to time, I will wear things that I probably shouldn't have paired with those shoes or that skirt, or even that sweater. I won't lie, I make a fashion faux-pas every now and again. I'm human, I make mistakes, it's how I learn.

But I will say that I have been complimented on my style being incredibly unique. I've been complimented on the fact that I'm not afraid to take risks and try new things; some of those things being recent additions to my wardrobe.

But just like you, I'm on a budget. And also just like you, I get the urge to go shopping, probably more often that any woman really should.

How do I afford to add to my wardrobe and not break my pitifully small bank?

Thrift stores. Swapmeets. Yard Sales. Sales Racks. Friends' wardrobes. You name it, I've gotten something from it. I'm not ashamed, and you shouldn't be either.


There are those of you out there who don't know the beauty of being thrifty. Tonight, I have an example to show you all as to what it means to get a really great deal.

Fantastic Find

$50 or less



Michael Michael Kors Heels: $5.00

Yes, you read correctly. I picked up these Michael Kors Heels, for $5, at the swap meet down the street from where I live.

This kind of find doesn't happen every day. There have been many days where I've gone on the hunt for something amazing and found nothing at all. It happens. And yes, it's frustrating when you go hunting and find nothing. Why do I keep going back then? Because of these shoes. This amazing find. This amazing deal. And the millions of other deals out there just waiting to be found. Oh, and the amount of money that you save buying these amazing deals rather than paying full-price somewhere else.

Why should anyone be thrifty? Because when people compliment your dress, your shoes, your purse, your whole outfit, you can sit there and say "I spent less than $50 for this". And when your friends' mouths drop in shock, because trust me, they will, you can sit there satisfied knowing that you're the smartest shopper of them all.


<3>

Actually, I will sweat it.

Good evening lovelies! You all are beautiful, wonderful people!

Tonight, in light of it getting warmer, I've decided to do something that is desperately needed yet drastically overlooked: Workout Clothing!

Yes, we exercise to maintain our sexiness, but do the clothes we work out in make us feel sexy? When we put on a pretty dress and pretty heels, we feel better, more confident, and we get more out of our day.

Maybe, if we ditch the hole-ridden, armpit-stained t-shirts and gym shorts for some more attractive workout gear, we'll have a more confident workout and get more out of it?

It's worth a shot! What the worst that could happen? You look awesome on the treadmill? Sounds like a win-win to me!

Work-out Gear

$50 or less




Ginger Tank: $25.00


This tank is simple, sleek, and will hold you in while running (A problem I've encountered in the past. This is not a re-run of Baywatch here people!)


Women's Swoop Organic T-shirt: $14.98

For those that prefer t-shirts, this lovely yet comfortable enough for any sport. The design is awesome and will look great on anyone. Besides, who can be $15?!



Run Like the Wind Singlet: $42.00

This funky little tank top has a little shelf up top. Kinda funky. Kinda sexy. 100% AWESOME.

Reverse Groove Short: $48.00

THIS is the kind of short that people need to invest in. These stick to your body, so you don't have to worry about them riding up or flopping in the breeze. These will look awesome, no matter what yoga position you're doing.



FlashBack Skirt: $29.00

I won't lie, I really love the convenience of running skirts. They're fun, easy, and flirty, all while being completely practical. How cute is this pink???




Women's Quest Running Tight: $27.50

OH MY GOD. I nearly shrieked when I found these. No lie. I've been searching for pants/workout tights like these FOREVER. The ones I've already found in stores are like $50 or more. It's kind of ridiculous. NO MORE! Less than $30 and these are AWESOME! Cool designs on the side, and the guarantee that they'll never ride up or look bad. Add to cart...

Men's Wardrobe Essentials

Good evening lovelies! Well, more like early morning, but it's all good. For those night owls like me, good evening! Hehehe.

Tonight, I am bringing you a something a bit different.

Friday night while I was doing a photoshoot with a friend, he and I started discussing his wardrobe (it was a fashion photoshoot) and all the things he needs in it. We then got onto the subject of wardrobe essentials that every man should have. This led us to a very extensive list, but not to worry, I will bring you the few most important things every man should have in his wardrobe.

Men's Wardrobe Essentials

$50 or Less



Chuck Taylor All Star: $45.00

Chucks are for everyone of every style. They are the perfect kick-back shoe, and they look great on everyone. These are a necessity because you never have to worry if they match. They're Chucks. Of course they do.

Satin Band Fedora: $17.99





A fancy fedora is a necessity for those fancy and fun occasions. Every man should have one. Even if it's just for fun, it's a necessity. They look awesome on every man as well.

Yesac Unisex Grey Pinstripe Fedora: $15.99


Why another fedora you might ask? This one is a casual fedora. These are necessary as well for when you feel like wearing a hat on your day off. A fun and funky fedora will go with everything and just make it look better. Trust me.

Levis Men's Guitar Plaque Belt: $26.00

The focus here isn't so much the belt as more the belt buckle. Every man, hell, everyone woman too, should own a funky belt buckle. An unusual and interesting belt buckle will make any t-shirt and jeans combo that much more awesome and interesting.

70's Peace and Love Satin Tie with giftbox: $16.99


Call me a hippie, or call me a visionary. Either one is correct, but I feel that every man should not only own a tie, but a kick-ass flower one. Any man who is secure enough in his sexuality to wear a flowered tie is a man to grab and hold on to and not let of.

Snoopy & Woodstock Silk Neck Tie: $19.95





Of course, Snoopy. A snoopy tie is most definitely a necessity in any wardrobe. Period.

Until Wednesday lovelies! <3

It's a nice day for a white wedding

Good evening lovelies! I hope you all have had an amazing week! As promised, tonight, I am bringing you some AMAZING wedding finds.

The summer is coming up and you know what that means: WEDDINGS! It's no surprise that summer is the most popular time of year for weddings; warm weather, greenery, warm weather....warm weather. You get it.

Now, I'm not a conventional girl when it comes to weddings. I refuse to wear white or a long dress to my wedding. I understand though that many of my readers are more conservative, which is why tonight I will do a mixture of both conventional and non-conventional, to suit everyone's tastes.

Wedding Wishes

$50 or less

Wedding Dresses



A Schooner is a Sailboat Dress: $42.99

Clearly my nautical nonsense is spilling over here, but this dress is conservatively sexy and playful yet very appropriate. Throw on a gorgeous headpiece, some flats and you have a wedding time.



Peach Corset Lace Bow Dress: $45.00

This dress is amazing. The cut is awesome, oh, and look, white! See? I put white in here. You thought I wouldn't, but I did. Take THAT!



Sweetheart Dance Dress: $49.99

This is just so sweet. There is no other way of putting it. Some oxford flats and a vintage hairpiece is all you need. Oh, and your ring of course.

After Wedding Dresses


Animal Print Shift Dress: $39.99

After the wedding, you should be able to have fun, but also feel comfortable enough to dance in, or whatever it is that you might be doing. This dress is sexy, yet you're still covered, yet you have enough room to move.



Isobel Lace Dress: $35.50

Just a lovely, beautiful little dress that's perfect after a summer wedding.



Satin Button Down Dress: $27.80

For those that love bold color, this dress will be awesome to slip in to after you say "I do".

Shoes


Bandolino Whimper Flats: $47.50

Adorable. Black & white. Perfect for the simple, sophisticated wedding.

Report Emery Sandals: $39.50

I imagine these might fly more for California weddings, but anyone anywhere can feel comfortable and chic under their dress. You can wear these during the wedding and after wards too. Done deal.

Smoothie Peep-Toe Oxford Pumps: $28.00

Yes please.

Accessories




Marc by Marc Jacobs Sparkle Stud: $39.50

For those than want to keep jewelry to a minimum, I recommend these and nothing else, besides your ring of course. These are classy yet still really funky, but not overpowering.


Lotus by Elephantine: $35.00

This is so lovely and elegant. There is something so elegantly sexy about a strand of a few beads against the skin.



The Elmira Necklace: $39.99

I WANT IT! How awesome would this be as your wedding jewelry?

Veils/Head Accessories



Full Tilt Flower Headband: $5.99

So lovely, and at such an awesome price!



Custom Order Headpiece: $40.00

Nothing beats a custom headpiece such as this. You will be steal the scene. No one will even come close with this piece in your hair.


Mane Attraction Headband: $19.99

Classic, cute, and absolutely affordable. The perfect wedding accessory.

There you have it lovelies! A funky fantastical wedding.




You're welcome.

Sweet sweet summertime

Good evening lovelies! I hope your week has gone well. Tonight I was hoping to bring you an amazing $1 find from Santa Barbara, but alas, the only good things we found were the clam chowder on the pier and a seagull named Larry. We didn't get to walk around downtown, but we got to witness a wedding, which was lovely and inspiring.

This Wednesday, I will put together a wedding blog, because weddings should NOT make you go broke!

Tonight though, I will be bringing you a few goodies I found that I am in LOOOOOVE with, and I hope you all will love too.

Sweet Sweet!

$50 or less




Michal Negrin Blue Grey Crystals Rose Shaped Ring: $35.00

I feel like this should've been in the group of jewelry I just received that used to belong to my grandmother. No lie, this is elegant and funky, but absolutely feels like it's a family heirloom, which makes it all the better.




Racerback Tank Dress: $35.00

Racerback. Tank. Dress. With brightly-colored pockets. This is that kind of dress you find yourself wearing all the time because you feel so fabulous in it and it goes for every occasion.


Baboosha Black Faux Leather Head Wrap: $17.00

The most elegant and kick-ass headwrap, ever.


Rhinestone Snake Pin: $40.00

I can't stand matchy-matchy outfits, so I did not mean to bring together two gold & blue pieces in the same post, but this pin is amazing! Put this on a plain slouchy tee, some skinny jeans or a funky skirt and you're all set. This pin will be the only jewelry you'll need. Ever.


Nina "Duffy" Flats: $39.95

These speak to the little girl in me without getting too young and fluffy. These are wearable by anyone of any age, yet envoke a sense of fun and mischeviousness that can't be beat.

Until Wednesday lovelies, be good!

Santa Barbara-bound

Good evening lovelies! I hope you all are having an amazing week. I have this weekend off so I am going up to my mother's for a belated Mother's Day visit, and we are heading up to Santa Barbara! It will be my first time going up there, so to celebrate, I am going to put together an outfit that I feel would be Santa Barbara-appropriate.

Santa Barbara

$50 or Less




Minicci Fedora Hat: $7.99

I desperately want a fedora, and this fedora is perfectly sweet at the perfect price.



Apt. 9 Tribal Shift Dress: $24.99

This dress is gorgeous, breezy, and will look awesome on everyone. It's very fun and it's absolutely wearable. This would be very easy to take from day to night just by changing shoes and accessories.



Big Accessories Non-Woven Tote: $1.99

I love the color of this tote and the roominess. I think this would be perfect for running around to carry all of your stuff, and just in case new situations occur, you have room to put stuff in just in case.



Simple Round Toe Flats: $14.99

Normally I'm not one for round-toed shoes since I feel that they aren't flattering for me, but I love the nude shoes because these will elongate your legs and will go wonderfully with the tribal print.



Total: $49.96

Mother's Day Madness

Happy Mother's Day lovelies! I hope you all have had an amazing day filled with love, flowers, and tons of chocolate!

I'm not gonna lie, at work, I am allowed to online shop on my down time. Almost every day, I have been searching for fantastical things to bring you.

I know I've been pulling a lot from Etsy lately, but this time I promise I dug extra hard and found some amazing things that are not so easy to find. This week, I promise I will try to put together an outfit for you all instead of just fun things I've found.

Fantastical Fun

$50 or less

Garden Party: $42.00

Cardigans are the coolest sweater, and this flower detail looks gorgeous without being overwhelming. The perfect detail. Maybe some skinny jeans and biker boots? Maybe over a funky dress? Maybe just with a tank top and some shorts on a cool summer night? You decide. Either way, you're going to look fabulous!



Gold Steampunk Hamilton Ring: $26.00

How cool would this look paired with the cardigan and some skinny jeans and oxford flats? OH YES!



Sugar and Spice Bracelet Clutch: $44.00

Perfect for any summer party or get-together with some friends.

Underwater Cardholder Wallet: $28.00
This is just absolutely gorgeous. The amount of detail and hand work that went into this. It will look fabulous when pulled out of any purse or pocket.

MIA Women's Backstage Oxford: $39.80

And it's something other than from Etsy! I am DYING for a pair of oxford flats for the summer. These are perfectly summery, cute, and will go with everything imaginable. YES PLEASE!


N.Y.L.A. Stud Studded Cowboy Boots: $49.94

I know what you're thinking; "Ashley, I already have black boots." Yes, yes you do, but you don't have black boots with studs. And if you do, you don't have black cowboy boots with studs. If you have those, you don't have these, so shush.




Great Online Deals
Calvinklein.com

Buy one polo, get another free! How sweet is that? I wish all places would do that...

Ideeli.com

Betsey Johnson ends in exactly 1 day. When her jewelry is normally $50, now it's $15. GO GO GO!

Also, Raj Imports at ideeli. You can never have too many scarves. They're all under $50, by the way.

That's it for now lovelies! Have an awesome week! <3

Midterm Madness

Hello lovelies! This evening I will not posting due to midterms. I will post on Sunday.

<3

Supernatural Stealings

Good afternoon lovelies! Since I might have to go into work again tonight (after going in this morning, double shifts=groceries=YAAAY!) I've decided to do my post for you all early.

Today, since True Blood is starting again in June (YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!) and The Vampire Diaries & Supernatural are almost at their season finales (NOOOOO!), I've decided to do a supernatural post for you all, stylishly of course.

As I'm pretty sure is apparent at this point, I am obsessed with Etsy. I adore going on there and sifting through the wonderful treasures that others have created. I also, of course, letting Etsy do the work for me and send me fantastical things that they've found. In turn, I choose the coolest things, and bring them to you. Supply and demand, huzzah!

A spooky little girl like you

$50 or Less

Bella's Moonstone Silver Ring: $45

Exactly like the one Bella wore in Twilight. How gorgeous and awesome and totally Washington hippie. LOVE IT!



My Black Arrow: $29.00

This is an absolutely stunning, chic piece that will complete any outfit and grab attention without being gaudy or over-the-top.

Hungry Like the Wolf Silver Necklace: $15.00

For all you wolf lovers out there.

The fact that it comes with a silver chain and can be switched out for a leather cord and still look absolutely kick-butt, HECK YES!!!! The detail on the wolf is amazing. It just all around looks awesome. Where this with a slouchy tee, some ripped skinny jeans, ankle booties, and you're good to go!

An Awesome Find

Best Buddy Octopi Necklace: $37.00

This was just too damn cool to pass up. How awesome are the colors they chose? And look at that detail! The Octopi are so cute and absolutely wearable! YES PLEASE!!!

And that is it lovelies until Wednesday! I hope you all have an amazing week! And good luck on midterms for those who have them.