Thursday, December 29, 2011

New Years Eve

Good evening lovelies! Due to severe computer problems and no back up to use, I was unable to post. Thankfully now my computer is working again well enough for me to post for you lovelies! Tonight, I'm going to bring you some fun outfit options for celebrating New Year's Eve in style AND comfort! 

New Year's Eve

 $50 or Less

Dresses 
 


Comfortable, warm, cute, and neutral. Need I say more?



The prettiest shade of pink with a touch of shimmer and just enough coverage to leave something to the imagination.


A touch of elegance in a modern silhouette. Throw on with a pair of brown over the knee boots, a grey cardigan and you're set for the winter.

Shoes



Boots have become a staple in most women's wardrobes, and over the knee boots are no exception. These beauties have that perfect aged look and are flat so walking will be no problem while looking stunning.



Half Star Wars, half dominatrix, totally perfect with a flirty dress and fierce jewelry.


These ankle boots are the most perfect things I've ever seen. Discuss.
Purses


Bright and cheerful; you'll be sure to stand out in a sea of black and sequins with a rainbow purse at your side. 



Perfectly girly with just the right touch of rough and tough.



Sensible, studded, and the size.

Sweaters 



Perfect for that office New Year's Eve party, or any night out with the girls over your work dress and a smart pair of heels.



A striking color in a fitted cardigan that just begs to be worn out on the town.



 Beautiful, comfortable, and will work with anything in your wardrobe for any occasion. Plus, hand-knit gives it that extra-special quality that's so hard to find these days.

Online Deals good until December 31st

15% off. Code: JOE2011




Urban Outfitters

In- Stores only: take an extra 50% off of sale merchandise.


10% off purchase. Code: JMNEXT10


Free overnight shipping, today only!!!


Online only. Code: GAPSPRING


Monday, December 12, 2011

Patience is a virtue

       Good evening lovelies! I want to bring you all some wonderful cheer this evening in the form of something really wonderful that will hopefully help you find a bit more patience with the stressful and long-hour holidays fast approaching.

       My classes are in North Hollywood about 10 minutes away from Studio City, which boasts a great deal of many wonderful shops, including a few of my favorites such as; Urban Outfitters and Free People. After class a few weeks ago I went to the Free People to return an order that didn't work out. Afterwards I wondered down to Urban Outfitters and saw they were  having 50% of their sale. Needless to say I immediately went in.

      While I was looking around in the Sale section, I found a beautiful floor-length floral chiffon dress that was gorgeous and needed to find a place on my clothing rack. When I tried everything on, it fit beautifully, but I discovered sadly that there was no tag on the dress, and no other dresses like it. When I was up front with the cashier, I asked the cashier about it and they went to go look in the Sale section to double-check. I waited 10 minutes while they looked, then they came back and said they'd go check in the back for price. Another 10 minutes went by before the cashier came back out. At that point it had been 20 minutes of me standing there waiting, but I just smiled sweetly despite my hunger raging inside me and my feet killing me from having been running around all day. The cashier looked at me, looked at the dress, then back at me. When the cashier did I simply smiled, apologized for the inconvenience, and said that I hope that the other customers don't make them run around as much.

      They suddenly put the dress in the bag, smiled, and only charged me for the other items I had. That dress retailed for somewhere between $70-$80, but the cashier said "You know what, here you go", and gave me a free dress.


      This is a rare occurrence but a prime example of how showering with kindness, even when you really don't want to, can pay out all kinds of rewards. That individual was very kind to me, gave me a free dress, and sent me on my merry little way. Probably not to hold up the lines at the store, and the dress was probably more trouble than it was worth, but  none the less, a free dress is nothing to joke about, especially an expensive one.

      That is why my lovelies, when you're rushing around like a chicken with your head cut off this mad holiday season, please keep in mind that kindness goes very very far, and it could land you a smile from an exasperated sales person, a helpful customer willing to help you with that heavy bag to your car, or even a free latte. You never know, but keep in mind that helping someone out with their day, or even just being a kind, quiet, polite customer will always win you points, even if it doesn't win you a free dress too.


Online Deals

Free shipping on any order; no minimum.


Free shipping on any order, no minimum.


Free shipping on any order, no minimum.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

JewelMint: Yes you should

Good evening lovelies! After a few weeks of getting ready for graduation, I decided to treat myself a week and a half ago when I found a coupon for a first-time purchase from a jewelry website called "JewelMint.com". I had read about the website a few months ago in an article from Kate Bosworth, talking about the jewelry website she started with her friend. This website personalizes your page so that when you log on, you only see the kind of jewelry you're interested in. When you view each piece, the site shows a picture of a model wearing it underneath with an outfit to give you ideas as to how to style it. Once signed up for the website, you get to pick what styles you want to see and what you don't want to see. If they show you a piece you don't like, you can just simply remove it from your personal showroom and choose not to see anything in that style again.



What Kate and her friend does is bring you beautiful, interesting, and limited-edition jewelry for $30 for each piece, and the shipping is free both ways. What you can do is purchase each piece on your own, or sign up so that once a month you are automatically charged the $30 and you get a new piece of jewelry shipped to you.



You've probably heard something slightly similar to "JewelMint". That's because Rachel Bilson is working with a partner on ShoeMint, a sister site which brings you gorgeous and affordable shoes for only $80 a pair. (A bit too rich for my blood sadly; hence why I stick to Kate's site). There is also StyleMint, which the Olsen Twins design shirts for. Everything on this site is also $30, and the shipping is free both ways.


I find the concept brilliant as I am an accessories girl, always have been, always will be. I feel so unbelievably naked without a piece of jewelry on, and luckily Kate and her friend feel the same way.So last week I ordered myself a ring with a coupon that my first purchase would be $10, shipping being free of course too. I was hesitant: look at half the celebrity lines out there, they're crap and fall apart after a few days, but once I had my heart set on this ring, there was no turning back.


My purchase



This beautiful piece caught my eye immediately. It felt like an affordable and limited-edition heirloom was staring at me from the screen, screaming "Ashley, I'm only $10 and the shipping is free: do you really have to think about this?!". Needless to say, I caved, and I have never been happier that I did.

My experience



Possibly one of the most eye-catching rings on and off the finger. True to my fashion-happy self, I was excited to come home from class today. Not to take a nap, which I so desperately need. Not to eat or drink some water, which I also desperately needed. No, it was to put on my ring and revel in the beauty of it.


Each purchase comes in a beautiful case like this one.


And the best part is, it's so big you can store other jewelry in there as well!!!!

 I recommend buying from JewelMint for you, friends, family, and anyone that might need an extra bauble or two in their life!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Evolution Man: My Experience

Hello lovelies! I hope you all are having an amazing evening gearing up for those holidays coming up soon! Tonight, I want to share an experience with you that will show you excellent customer service and hopefully introduce you to an amazing brand that I didn't know about until a little while ago.

Now, a lot of people I know wouldn't sign up for emails because they don't want their inbox flooded. I understand that immensely and every time I sign on I have at least 50-100 emails to go through. But, last Monday I was going through my inbox and checked my Swirl by Daily Candy email, and found it to be in a Groupon fashion. They were offering you to pay $20 and get $40 worth of product from a company called Evolution Man. Or pay $30 and get $60. Being my boyfriend's personal shopper, I immediately hopped onto the website and did some research.



Evolution Man doesn't test on animals, and doesn't use any of the following products:

"What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Oxybenzone
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan"

 Immediately reading this, I let my boyfriend know about the amazing offer. Since he doesn't use moisturizer, and since their moisturizer is $20, i explained that if I paid for the deal and got him 2 moisturizers for the price of one, he can just pay me back and finally have some much needed stuff for his dry face.

He agreed after a bit of negotiation. I ordered the deal, and immediately hopped on and purchased 2 moisturizers for the price of one. The very next day in the mail I received a package from them. Since they're located in Burbank, it wasn't surprising to receive a package so quickly. What was surprising was that I opened the package and found stuff for an Andrew Hill that had been sent to me, but it was what I had ordered. It was the Wash & Buff and another product. I called the company and sent them an email, frustrated that Andrew had received my order, and vice versa. The next day, I received a phone call from Valerie in Customer Service stating that I could keep the 2 products I had been sent, and that the moisturizers and a free lip balm, as well as a 30% off coupon was being sent my way and would be there the next day.

True to form, the next day I received the moisturizers, lip balm, and coupon, and my boyfriend essentially got 5 products for the price of one, and I got the best Customer Service experience I've ever had in my life.

I recommend Evolution Man for any man, or woman trying to buy for a man. My boyfriend, who is very leary of any beauty product, LOVES the moisturizer and raves about how non-greasy and lightly-sunscreen scented it is. He loves it and uses it every single day since he got it. And I am happy about dealing with a company that knows how to handle its mistakes!

My Recommendations

$50 or Less

The packaging for all Evolution Man is very sleek and masculine. My boyfriend had been so against my products because they were far too feminine, but he loved Evolution man immediately!



Absolutely fantastic! I used it myself: amazing for anytime! Day, night, after a dive, it works and doesn't feel greasy at all. I made sure to test it along with my boyfriend to get the full experience. 


When it first goes on, it has this unusually gritty texture which threw me off a great deal at first, until after about 3 seconds. Suddenly, the grittiness was gone and I just had smooth, kissable lips. It's a bit odd at first, but trust me, this stuff moisturizes, and has incredibly cool packaging!


I'm not going to lie: I was so excited when Valerie said I could keep those first 2 products I received. My boyfriend needs a new shaving cream like nobody's business. The $1 stuff from the $1 store just doesn't cut it anymore! Now, he gets a free test of a fantastic shaving cream. Trust me men, this is worth the investment! This is a very inexpensive, fantastic product that will do wonders for you! Men, just buy the set! Ladies, just buy the set for your man and watch him go from guy to MAN.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday Dresses: All the shine, none of the tinsel

Good evening lovelies! For those that are gearing up for graduation, I hope your caps and gowns are ordered and ready to go! For those who are just gearing up for the holidays, order your presents as soon as you can! The last thing you want is to be stuck in the mall the day before Christmas; ick!

Tonight, I want to bring you something that is very near and dear to me; holiday dresses. I absolutely LOVE any excuse possible to put on a pretty dress and makeup. With the holidays coming up, it's important to look good for your company, your family, or even just for yourself. You don't want to go overboard though; you want to be effortlessly pretty and just the right amount of girly and cool. I am here to help, of course. Tonight, I am bringing you the best looks for all the parties you might be attending, to fit your wallet of course.

Party Dresses

$50 or Less



Maxi dresses are everywhere lately, so it's a no-brainer that you should try it out! Slip on this gorgeous number with some nude under garments if you want to be daring, or wear a black slip underneath to be covered yet coy.





This gorgeous number has stars and one-sided shoulder strap! Plus, it's black. For those of us that always feel homiest in black, you're welcome.



Maxi dresses are very IN this season, so take advantage of this figure-flattering trend and try it out with a striped maxi sweater dress! The cutest way to stay warm this winter. Just add black wedges and some funky jewelry and you've got the recipe for a very hot party outfit.



This dress reminds me of Tron a little bit with the lines, but in a good way. Jeff Bridges not included.



This adorable number gives you the sparkle you want without looking like you're covered in tinsel. Just the right shade of purple to work with any skin tone and make you look gorgeous for any party you attend. You will definitely be the center of attention in this dress!


There you have it lovelies! Party on!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cyber Monday: All the best

Hello all you lovely holiday shoppers! I hope your waistline didn't expand too much on Thursday and that all your turkey sandwiches and green bean casserole leftovers also aren't nap-inducing. For those of you that aren't passed out now from all the noming Thursday and insane bargain shopping Friday, take a second to plan out your holiday shopping for tomorrow, Cyber Monday. This time shopping will be much easier as instead of having to go to any stores and wait online, you just go on your regularly-scheduled 15 minute break at work,  go to the website, click + click + credit card = done with your holiday shopping!

For those that didn't know as well, you don't always have to go to the stores to participate in Black Friday: I slept in Friday, went online, and did the rest of my holiday shopping without ever leaving my living, or my pajamas for that matter. Remember lovely, beauty sleep is important! And so is your sanity!!! No need to fight the crazy crowds when you're just a few clicks away from shopping sanity.

Sunday Steals


40% off bags & accessories. Code: HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY. Ends 12am Monday morning. Free shipping, both ways, no minimum. 30% off coats: Ends Monday.

40% off of all pillows and throws.


Last day 30% off + free shipping, no minimum.

modcloth.com

50% off: ends tonight!

Cyber Monday Magic


Extra 25% off throughout the entire store and online. Free shipping on all orders; no minimum.


Free shipping all day. Jimmy Choo & Tart: premier sales.


Free shipping on all orders $100 or more.

Free shipping on all orders over $25. Contest to win $5,000 to shop with at website.


30% off everything.

Off Saks Fifth Avenue/off5th.com

Extra 25% off everything in the store/Extra 50% off of clearance/Extra 40% everything online.


Free shipping on orders $50 or more. Extra 50% off of all sweaters, dresses & suits for men & women.


50% off of your highest-priced item. Code: RDFRIDAY


Free shipping on all orders $25 or more. Code: SHIP25.All bras: buy one, get one one 50% off. Code: DOUBLEUP. $25 off of $150. Code: 25OFF150. 20% off of any single clothing item. Code: CLOTHING20.


25% off of everything. Get $15 for every $30 you spend.


Everything in stores and online; up to 60% off. Free shipping on orders $50 or more.


50% extra off of clearance in stores & online. $25 off of $100. $10 off of all loungewear. 50% off jackets & outerwear. Free shipping. Code: FREESHIP4U


Free shipping, no minimum. 10% off your order.

25%; free shipping on all orders over $65. Code: BLCKWKND. Free shipping. Code: BLKFRI.



Free shipping, no minimum all weekend long.

$2.99 shipping; free shipping on orders $25 or more. 20% off order. Code: BF2011


Free shipping ends Monday.


Free shipping. Code: TGIVING.


Various stores are having free shipping and percentages off until tomorrow. Go to Etsy & search "Free shipping" or "Black Friday Deals" to find the best Etsy has to offer!


Free shipping on all orders $50 or more


10% off of $49, 15% off of 99 & 20% off of $199.


Get $5 for every $25 you spend.

dsw.com

$15 off $74, $30 off of $149, $50 off of $199. Code: CYBER

topshop.com

Free shipping until tomorrow.


vincecamuto.com

50% off of any boot purchase. Code: 50BOOTS. Free shipping on all orders, no minimum.

jessicasimpson.com

50% off all boots. Code: 50BOOTS

forever21.com

Free shipping on orders $50 or more. Buy one get one free

charlotterusse.com

Free shipping on orders $40 or more.

hue.com

25% off + free shipping, no minimum.

americanapparel.com

20% off sitewide.

diptyqueparis.

Free shipping. Code: CANDY34

Kipling-usa.com

25% off of order. Code: GIVING25. Free shipping on order when you sign up for emails.

swarovski-crystallized.com

20% off sitewide.

gemvara.com

Free shipping. $20 off any order.

And THAT lovelies, is your guide for doing your holiday shopping tomorrow/today! Remember, it's in YOUR best interest to get the most in the least amount of time while traveling the shortest distance. If you can buy presents for your friends and family in less than 30 minutes all without leaving your desk, then you're better than everyone else in those crazy crowds and lines!


Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Vampire Diaries

Hello all you beautiful people out there; Happy Twilight Weekend! For those of you who saw the movie the opening night; YESSSS! For those that haven't had the time yet, not to worry, I'm here to help you look every bit the stylish Twilight fan you are, without going overboard of course.

Twilight Time

$50 or Less



Not a necklace or t-shirt kind of a gal? Earrings are the perfect way to show your support in a chic and feminine way without going overboard, and you can wear them any time afterwards as the designs are lovely.



Team Jacob? Now you can show it! This is the best deal yet, because you get to wear a beautiful little picture pendant of your favorite werewolf. There's a he-wolf around your neck, open up and let him in.....



Need to write notes at work? Want to take notes for your Twilight fan novel? This beautiful moleskin notebook will be your best friend and make you look smart, and chic for having such a beautiful notebook on you.



A gorgeous little pendant necklace with lots of personality, without going overboard. The colors will make this go with any outfit, and the charms make it the only necklace you'll need.



These beautiful little pendants are perfect for the Twilight premier, or any time really. They're subtle enough to wear everyday, even to work, and also at the premier, Twilight fans will know exactly what you're wearing, and will want a pendant too to go with their Twilight gear. 




I love the different phrases they've come up with the "Keep Calm" t-shirts, and this one is no different; very clever and the color is lovely. It will stand out nicely but in the non-tacky way.





Alright fans, time to get your Edward and Jacob fix!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Thanksgiving Threads

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone had the most amazing weekend and is now gearing up for some turkey and mashed potatoes! Yes, in exactly 10 days we will all feast and then go into a food coma for the rest of the evening. Today, as I was having some computer issues last night, I want to bring you some really fun different Thanksgiving outfits for a couple different scenarios you might encounter, as well as some tips for countering the urge to overstuff yourself.

Thanksgiving Threads

$50 or Less

Outfit #1


Most houses/places I've been to for Thanksgiving are heated so wearing a t-shirt and skirt inside the house isn't that odd for Thanksgiving. Also, you'll eat quite a bit so that will make you feel nice and warm and toasty.




This skirt is perfect for eating all the green bean casserole and turkey you want without showing it and still looking super cute. This laid back outfit is perfect for hanging out with friends for dinner, and afterwards if you want to go bowling or go play pool. 



I recommend wedges such as these to offset the billowy-ness of the top and skirt; you do need some structure to help pull it all together.

Total: $40

Outfit #2



Adorable jacket you can wear unbuttoned inside if you're still cold, or take off to reveal your sweet dress underneath.



Just the sweetest little fancy dress for meeting the parents in without going overboard. Any shoes will work with this outfit: boots, flats, sandals, sneakers even. Anything really works, save for bright orange high-tops. Then we might have a few problems.



Adorable belt; the perfect color to contrast with the dress and help cinch it in to show off your waist. 
Total: $42.80

Outfit #3



Throw this on and you're set. This outfit is the perfect outfit for a casual dinner with the family or friends, or you can dress it up with funky shoes for meeting your beau's family for the first time.



This adorable vest will look so lovely over your skinnies and sweater, and heaven forbid you get a bit of a turkey pooch, the billowy vest will help with that until you're finished digesting.



Cords always look amazing, and wearing tighter clothes will make you more conscious about eating so much. When they start to get too tight, that's when you know you need to lay off the mashed potatoes. Consider it double-duty skinnies. You can wear ANY shoes with this outfit: flats, boots, heels, anything goes with skinnies.

Total: $45.00

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Versace for H&M + Online deals

Hey lovelies, for those that have been online in the past week or so, and even those that had living under a rock the past week have heard about the Versace for H&M line that debuted last night in New York City. From the line, I decided to bring you the best from the line that's the best for your wallet.

Affordable Versace

$50 or Less

 
 
 
 
 
Online Deals
$50 or Less
 

40% off of all coats, today only! Code: COAT40


Friends & Family 30% off. Code: Friends


40% off of all outerwear & accessories.


20% off of a clothing item or a pair of shoes. Code: PICK20


Buy one, get one free.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Cool Coats: $50 or Less

 Hey lovelies! I hope for everyone who just went though midterms that everything was smooth sailing. If any of you are having weird weather like we are here, then below are some fun jacket options for you. One day it's sunny and warm here, the next day it's cold and rainy and biting. Because of this bipolar weather, I've decided to outfit you, just in case.

Cool Coats

$50 or Less



Fun and funky, and warm to boot!



Considering the fact that this jacket was originally $108, and now it's only $20, you'll find a reason to wear this jacket. There's always a reason for a seriously marked down piece as gorgeous as this one.





Absolutely adorable; very lake house with a fireplace roaring inside.




Very New York City in December with thick clothes, red lips, and snowflakes falling around while cradling a warm coffee in your hands.



Fun, on-trend, and perfect for these cool winter nights.



I suddenly have the urge to go to an English garden and have tea by the fountain. Pair with red lips, loose waves and funky boots for a fun and put-together look.
 


Adorable and practical with a touch of rough feminine flair.



 
 Sugary sweet and perfectly put together with red lips and an updo.