You Got it In the Bag

Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays is always tough. The new year means a new semester and new internships. Every girl that is starting an internship needs a good work bag. Nothing is worse than carrying your backpack into the office. I made it my mission to find some work bags that won't break the bank, especially because interning often equals little to no pay. One good tip is to pick a bag that is fairly structured and large enough to hold any papers/documents you might have to take home. 

Zara Plain Tote - $25.99 (reg. $35.90)

photo credit: Zara

Zara makes high-quality bags for decent prices. It's no wonder why they can be seen everywhere on college campuses. You cannot go wrong with this simple, chic tote.

Kohl's Dana Buchman Lexi Tote - $39.99 (reg. $69)

photo credit: Kohl's

Similar to the Zara pick above, this bag from Kohl's comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit anyone's style.

Just Fab Francois - $39.95

photo credit: JustFab

I have ordered many items from Just Fab and find all of them to hold up extremely well. You'll be sure to brighten up this office with this blue briefcase-inspired option.

DSW Nine West Trio Looks Tote - $39.95

photo credit: DSW

You'll never have to worry about mixing black and brown while carrying this tote. The dual color combo gives this classic shape a modern twist.

Aldo West Orange Bag - $30.00 (reg. $60.00)

photo credit: Aldo

This Aldo bag is perfect for going from the office to happy hour. Its shape and color keeps it office appropriate, while the crossbody strap can easily transform it into a more casual piece. 

T.J. Maxx Kenneth Cole Reaction Two Tone Snake Tote - $34.99

photo credit: TJ Maxx

Although I am the biggest supporter of wearing animal print at work, you have to be careful. Too much can make you look cheap. To keep your tote professional, opt for a bag like the one above which has a small detail of an exotic print. 

Holiday Party Looks

The holidays are full of parties and events. This means swapping out your messy buns and sweats for blow-outs and cocktail dresses. The best part is that you can easily pair things you already own with newer pieces. Here are some looks that can be worn Christmas or New Years:

photo credits: DSW, Target, Tobi, Nordstrom, Express

clutch - DSW $29.95, blazer - Target $19.58, romper - Tobi $46.00, tights - Nordstrom $24.00, booties - Express $44.00 (reg. $88)

I am obsessed with rompers, especially wearing them year-round. Rompers can be dressed up simply by adding a blazer and some great shoes. Patterned tights are also an easy and cheap way to add some extra flair to your outfit.

photo credits: Express, Lulu's,  H&M, Charlotte Russe, Macy's

necklace - Express $17.45 (reg. $34.90), clutch - Lulu's $42.00, ring - Express $11.45 (reg. $22.90), dress - H&M $49.99, headband - Charlotte Russe $5.00, heels - Macy's $44.99 (reg. $59.50)

If you don't have a little black dress in your closet, drop everything and go buy one now! Seriously, they are the most versatile thing you can own. H&M often gets a bad rep for making poor quality clothing, but this dress is actually made of a super durable knit material. It will be a staple in your wardrobe for years, I promise!

photo credits: Bloomingdale's, Sears, Target, Nordstrom Rack, J. Crew

earrings - Bauble Bar $38.00, top - Sears $17.99, wedges - Target $29.99, crossbody - Steve Madden $39.97, pants - J. Crew $36.00

For more casual get-togethers, tailored pants and a lace top is a safe bet. They are just formal enough for a party, but still seem laid back. The key to keeping it casual is to have one attention-grabbing accessory, like these Bauble Bar earrings, and keep the rest relatively simple.

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas!

Boohoo Review + Haul

If you've been following my blog, then you know that I love Boohoo. I constantly feature their clothing in my posts because they are both fashion forward and, more importantly, easy on your wallet. They have promotions going on all the time, so I couldn't pass up a sale on all their inventory. I decided to show you guys what I got and create a mini pros/cons list in case you are new to the site.

Here is what I got:

Hannah Tassel Edge Cape - $24, originally $32

More capes! Super soft and easy to throw on or keep in your bag. It only comes in one size, but I can see this fitting all body types.

Sasha Oversized V Neck Jumper - $20, originally $28

I've read a bunch of reviews on this sweater and had to try them out. I bought it in the silver and mint colors in the S/M and it is extremely oversized!!! If you are petite, I would not recommend this unless you want an off-the-shoulder look. Very comfortable though!

Unity Oversized V Neck Tee - $12, originally $16

I'm a sucker for a great t-shirt. These are honestly some of the best I've worn. After reading reviews, I got the S/M size and in 4 different colors. Oops! They are a bit slouchy, but not crazy big where it makes you look like you're wearing a circus tent. Great shirts that aren't super sheer, don't stretch out, and machine wash well. I highly recommend them, especially for the price!

Pros/Cons

Pros:

• Lots of clothing and accessories to choose from for women and men
• Clothing is well-made
• Offer plus and petite sizes
• "View the Catwalk" videos - shows how clothes fit. Pretty helpful when trying to determine between sizes.
• Prices are affordable
• Constantly offers promotions and emails promo codes
• Free shipping over $50 and only $4.99 if under $50 total
• Free returns - I love this since I am the worst at determining my size
• Student discount when you create an account

Cons:

• Overwhelming amount of inventory - this also means the search tool gives you a large number of results.
• Lots of categories which can be confusing
• Shipping can take forever! - this makes sense since it's based in the UK, but their tracking tool doesn't update regularly. I like to know where my package is.
• Sizing is European - there are US equivalents, but I mostly use the reviews and videos to guess my size.
• Stock isn't replenished often

Check out Boohoo and let me know what you think!


*photos courtesy of Boohoo

What I'm Into - Capes

During the colder months, it is tempting to just throw on a cozy sweatshirt and Uggs. Capes, a trend that's popping up all over, is a fashionable alternative. They can be worn many different ways and go from day to night in a flash. Here are some of my favorites for under $50:

photo credits: Nordstrom Rack, Boohoo, H&M, Macy's, Asos

left to right, top to bottom: Nordstrom Rack - $29.97, BooHoo - $40.00, H&M - $39.99, MICHAEL Michael Kors - $44.99 (reg. $89), American Rag - $29.99 (reg. $89.50), ASOS - $34.93 (reg. 50.16)

Gift Guide - BFF

It is that time of year again! The one where peppermint overtakes pumpkin spice, Mariah Carey suddenly becomes relevant, and your bank account is in serious danger. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but it seems that as you get older, the more people you have to buy gifts for. Just because you're in college and have little money to work with doesn't mean that you can't surprise your loved ones with amazing gifts.

Check out these gifts that your BFF is sure to love. They also work for the random girl you got for your office secret santa exchange.

1. Ban.Do I Am Very Busy Agenda 2016 - $20.00

photo credit; Hattan Home

A few years ago, agendas used to be plain and simple, with only a few color options. Now, they come in so many varieties its often hard to choose one. This agenda from Ban.Do will keep her organized through all of her classes, internships, and social plans during the new year.

2. Halogen Touch Tech Cashmere Gloves - $35.98 (reg. $45)

photo credit: Nordstrom

You can never go wrong with cashmere or gloves. These are the best of both worlds. Cashmere is super luxurious and perfect for winter. Gloves on the other hand (pun definitely intended), are constantly getting misplaced, so every girl is bound to need them at some point. They come in many colors and are tech-friendly.

3. Jonathan Adler Vodka Pop Candle - $42

photo credit: Jonathan Adler

While I love Yankee candles, I'm not crazy about how obnoxious the labels are. Jonathan Adler makes candles, like the one above, in all types of scents and colors. This one is my favorite obviously because of the name. After your friend is done burning it, the holder can be a chic accent to her desk or vanity.

4. MAC Irresistibly Charming: Nude Lip Gloss - $35

photo credit: Macy's

MAC always comes out with fabulous gift sets around the holidays and this one doesn't disappoint. Thanks to Kylie Jenner, nude lipsticks and glosses are having a moment, so these are a must have. You can bet your BFF will use these until they run out.

5. Target Home Carved Faux Fur Throw Blanket - $31.99 (reg. $39.99)

photo credit: Target

There is nothing I love more than a cozy blanket, especially during the winter. Give your BFF this blanket to keep her warm in the chilly dorms while still looking fierce in faux fur.

6. Lush Comfort and Joy Wrapped Gift - $44.95

photo credit: Lush

If your friend deserves some serious relaxation, then this gift box from Lush is the perfect gift for her. It includes two shower gels, shower scrub, moisturizer, and bar soap. Another plus is that all Lush products are handmade and ethically sourced. 

7. Kate Spade New York Small Square Stud Earrings - $38

photo credit: Bloomingdale's

What girl doesn't love jewelry? Even if your friend doesn't wear any jewelry, she'll wear these. They are simple enough for the biggest tomboy, but yet come in lots of different colors, even glitter, for the fashionista.

8. IMOSHION Conversation Clutch - $34.99

photo credit: TJ Maxx

With the holidays comes lots of parties and a girl has got to have a cute clutch. This one is sure to make a statement. I love the cheeky sayings and how the metallic color will dress up any outfit. I purposefully saved this for last because, well, au revoir!

Top 10 Drugstore Beauty Buys

I am a CVS addict. I fully admit it, but cannot get myself to stop overspending whenever I'm there. There is just so much cool stuff on their shelves that I easily spend 3x as much as I planned. My purchases are most often from the cosmetics aisle and I am a big supporter of drugstore makeup. It's cheap and you can try out as many new colors or products as you want without spending a fortune. After all my tests and trials, here are the beauty products I think are worth buying from drugstores:

1. Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - $9.99

I have tried what seems like every drugstore gel eyeliner under the sun and this was by far the best. Very pigmented, doesn't budge, and comes with a handy brush. What else could you ask for?

2. Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Effect Makeup - $15

My skintone is very fair, so it is hard to find foundation that matches and keeps it from looking cakey. This one from Revlon comes in a wide variety of shades and gives great coverage while feeling very light on your skin. A tad on the expensive side for drugstore foundation, but well worth it!

3. Revlon PhotoReady Powder - $15

Another Revlon face product. I really think that they make the best foundation and powders. I've been using this one for years. It helps set your foundation and keeps your skin looking airbrushed all day long, especially with a Kabuki brush. I use this one from e.l.f.

4. Organix Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist - $8

My hair is frizz city if I don't do something with it. Before any type of styling, I spray this in my damp hair and then finger comb it through. It makes my hair silky and doesn't make it greasy, which is a big plus for me. It also smells like a pina colada so how can you go wrong? Tip: put it your beach bag to combat tangles from the salt water.

5. Maybelline New York Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara - $8

Maybelline, to me, makes the best mascaras and this one takes the top spot. I have at least 3 tubes at any given time, that is how much I love it. It gives my lashes incredible volume and actually curls them a bit, although I highly recommend using an eyelash curler first. This comes in a waterproof formula as well.

6. Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette - $13.99

Urban Decay's Naked Palette is hailed as the holy grail of nude eyeshadow palettes, but as a poor college student I had to settle for Maybelline's version. While it obviously doesn't compare to one that costs 4x its price, this palette is a really good deal and the shades are great for creating a natural, daytime look. I use it daily and can create many different looks with it.

7. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - $10

Honestly, I've never been a lipgloss kind of girl and I'm not a fan of lipsticks either. When these lip stains came out, I had to try them since I thought they would be a good middle ground. I was right. They are a good way to add lip color, but not have that sticky gloss feeling or have to keep reapplying like lipstick. There are so many colors to suit any style and super easy to use.

8. NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray - $8

If you're like me and have trouble with keeping your makeup stay on your face all day, then you NEED this spray! This one from NYX sets your makeup and keeps it there until you're ready to take it off. All you have to do is spray it a few times about 12 inches away from your face and let it dry. It feels weird at first, but really works, even throughout an intense gym session.

9. Yes To Grapefruit Correct & Repair Brightening Facial Towelettes - $7

Speaking of removing makeup, I'm super lazy sometimes and don't want to take the time to wash my face at night. I know its bad, but rationalize it by using these towelettes when I can. They aren't listed as makeup remover but work better than the Neutrogena ones and are cheaper. They also smell like the name suggests, grapefruits, and can easily be thrown into a purse or gym bag.

10. e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner - $3

First off, if you don't know about e.l.f. products, run to your nearest drugstore and buy as much as you can. They are very inexpensive and are comparable to high-end brands. Second, if you aren't cleaning your makeup brushes, start! I used this e.l.f. cleaner and couldn't believe how much leftover gunk was still in mine. Clean brushes make colored makeup appear more accurate and can even reduce your breakouts. It's a win-win!

What are your favorite drugstore products?

*photos courtesy of Ulta

Flannel Friday - Office Hours

With college comes internships and with internships comes a whole new way of dressing. When I started my first internship, I, like many students, struggled trying to develop an office appropriate wardrobe with what was already in my closet and a tiny budget. This week's Flannel Friday gives all you students out there an example of how you can incorporate your flannel shirt into your work style. Office dress-codes vary greatly, so the outfit below can be modified to either be as formal or casual as your employer allows. If you work in a more casual environment, jeans can be worn in place of dress pants. The trick for making flannel work appropriate is to layer your tops and add polished accessories, like great jewelry or a structured tote. Per usual, everything I've featured is under $50! Another plus, many stores, like J. Crew and Loft, offer student discounts. Just bring your student ID and ask at the register.

photo credits: Old Navy, Macy's, LOFT, J. Crew,  Gap, Express, Target, JustFab

flannel - Old Navy $19.97 (reg. $26.94), pumps - Steve Madden $41.65 (reg. $119!), earrings - LOFT $29.50, sweater - J. Crew Factory $34.50, pants - Gap $49.50, bracelet - Express $34.90, belt - Target $12.99, tote - JustFab $19.95 with membership ($49.00 without)

Flannel Friday - Dress it Up

Some days you just want to dress up for no reason, although it is pretty hard to do when the weather is cloudy and in the 50s all week. A good way to stay warm without sacrificing style is to layer a flannel over a mini dress. Dresses can easily be a year-long staple in your wardrobe by simply wearing a flannel overtop and knotting it in the front. Knotting it will keep it from looking shapeless or like you woke up in last night’s outfit and had to borrow a guy’s flannel to keep warm. Another must for pulling off this look: wear tights! Seriously, you don’t want to be that girl. Invest in a quality pair of completely opaque, black tights. The ones I listed from HUE make your legs look slimmer and will last you from season to season. Add some great boots and accessories and you’ll look like a million bucks, but for way less!

photo credits: Forever 21, J. Crew, Boohoo, Bloomingdale's, Charlotte Russe

flannel - Forever 21 $17.90, hair bow - Forever 21 $2.90, necklace - J. Crew Factory $32.50, dress - Boo Hoo $16.00, tights - HUE $18.50, boots - Charlotte Russe $25 (reg. $40.99)

Red Dress Boutique Review

What college student doesn’t love to shop online? We are either in class, working part-time jobs and internships, or sleeping. Some days it feels like I don’t even have time to scarf down some Hot Pockets, so online shopping is extremely convenient for me. During a recent Shark Tank marathon, I came across my new favorite online shop, Red Dress Boutique. I almost never check out the items or companies featured on the show but, their pitch was flawless and they had the numbers to back it up, so of course I had to check it out. Red Dress Boutique is an amazing online resource for busy college students because their prices are reasonable and the clothes are always on trend. I’ve purchased numerous pieces from them and have never had a problem with the products or service. For those of you who aren’t a fan of watching Mark Cuban and Mr. Wonderful go at each other every week, I’ve broken down everything you need to know. Enjoy!

The Good

• Navigating the site is easy with clear categories and headings

• Pictures are fun, timely, and high-quality

• Products range from a wide variety of clothes for women and children, jewelry, shoes, handbags and even home goods

• Styles are geared specifically towards college students and young adults

• 80% of their merchandise is under $50

• Incredible customer service - everyone I have spoken with is very friendly and helpful and every package includes a hand-written note

• Free returns within 7 days

• Sizing guides are accurate and helpful - I have trouble with ordering clothes online since I wear anything from an XS in one brand to a L in another. Each product page includes the models measurements so you can compare them to your own and order the correct size. 

The Bad

• LOTS of merchandise and sub-categories - it takes hours to go through the entire site and can become overwhelming very fast. 

• Styles that have numerous color or print options are listed as two different items - this drives me crazy! If I see a dress that I like, I want to see all the colors when I click on it, not have to go through the entire dress selection. See below for example

• Search feature doesn't produce accurate results - for example, I searched "belt" and received results for belts, dresses, and shoes

• Free shipping only on orders over $50 - a little steep in my opinion considering most of their merchandise is under $50

• Sale items are final sale

Overall, a great place to shop for casual clothes and even special occasion pieces. Definitely check it out if you need some clothes for a good price.

photo credits: Red Dress Boutique

Flannel Friday – The Classic

Back in 2006, Ugg boots were everywhere and every girl had them in multiple colors. Now it seems like everyone has at least one flannel shirt. Unlike those baby pink Uggs and denim mini skirts, a flannel shirt can be the most versatile thing in your closet. In this new series, Flannel Friday, I’ll feature a new way to wear your cozy flannels. Best of all, each piece costs $50 or less so shop away!

This first week is all about the classic look. I'm talking a flannel, skinny jeans or leggings, and a pair of boots. I see this style every day and it is personally my go-to lazy day outfit. Comfort is key for me, especially with those grueling 8 AM classes, so I find myself wearing this outfit more often than not. Although this is a common look for most undergrads, you can stand out from the crowd with statement pieces. Take a look at how throwing on some flashy accessories or swapping your basic leggings for faux leather ones can take this outfit from simple to chic. 

photo credits: Red Dress Boutique, Forever 21, Boohoo, Bloomingdale's, DSW, Asos, Target

flannel - Red Dress Boutique $30.00, leggings - Forever 21 $19.90, headband - BooHoo $5.00, earrings - Bauble Bar $32.00, boots - Madden Girl $49.94, belt - Asos $14.50, handbag - Target $34.99