Guide to Bargain Shopping

Hey girls! We're back in the swing of things now that the giveaway is over--a special congratulations to Hanna Lee!

As you all know, from the title of our blog, we love bargain shopping! There are a few tips to keep in mind when you're hunting for deals, and even though they're well known, I want to tell you my personal experience!

1. Know how often you shop! If you shop once a month, or once a week, it's always good to know how often you shop! If you get to the point where you can't keep track of which stores you went to, you know you're shopping to much! 
2. Limit yourself! I set my limit to no more than 5 pieces per store. If it's shoes, clothing, or decorations for my room, I don't buy more than 5 at any store because I know I won't get good use out of them!
3. Don't shop just to shop! You should go into a store looking for what you want, and with a budget! Going into stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Marshall's, or TJMaxx is dangerous because you can find so many things you want, but don't need!
4. There's no such thing as out of season! Just because a tag at Marshall's or TJMaxx says it's out of season, it doesn't mean it isn't fashionable! The color might be discontinued, or the collection might be last season's but it's still the same style and cut!
5. Always shop the sale section! I don't frequently go to the mall, but when I do, I always shop the sale section at JCrew, Urban Outfitters etc. The prices can be comparable to Forever 21 and they're still just as cute! Even in discount stores or less expensive ones, shopping the sales will get you the best deals!
6. Outlets are your friends! Even though most outlets are out in the middle of nowhere, it's definitely worth it to plan a few trips a year! I've tried going to the outlets at all times of the year, but it's only worth the gas money if it's the outlet price with an additional sale! I've found the best times are the Fourth of July, Black Friday, and the week between Christmas and New Year's.
7. Stock up on basics! Don't wait until your basics have holes in them or are falling apart! Buy quality basic pieces on sale! They'll be a fraction of the price and you'll always have them handy! You're never going to have to go searching for a white v-neck or black leggings again!
8. DIY the trends! Channel your crafty side and learn how to sew! Hemming a shirt is as easy as it looks, it's much more convenient to buy a shirt from Forever 21 and hem it than go to Nordstrom. The new army candy trend is also perfect! Beading and braiding is super fashionable!
9. Find dupes! Stores like Forever 21 have copycats and dupes weeks after the originals come out! There are usually more colors and the material isn't bad! Don't fall into the brand-name warp hole! Eyeshadow colors and eyeliners have dupes all over the place! And brushes come from every brand at the drugstore! 
10. Pay for the quality! Things like leather goods (belts, bags, shoes) and high quality cotton and cashmere can't be duped! However, you can find high quality belts, shoes and boots, and sweaters at the outlets, TJMaxx, Marshall's and Nordstrom Rack. I have leather belts for 7 dollars, a pair of Uggs for 30 dollars and a leather Valentino bag for 35 dollars!

Using these tips and tricks any time soon? Have any of your own? Leave your questions, comments, and requests in the comment section below. Stay beautiful!

xoxo Eve :*

Quick Beauty Tip ~ Makeup Remover that Won't Break the Bank

Hey beauties!

Today I'm going to be talking about an amazing find for all of you makeup-lovers who want a fool proof makeup remover for a fraction of the cost of using wipes.  Many people use makeup wipes to take off stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner that just won't budge even in the shower.  While I used to depend on those a lot, I realized they started stinging my eyes, leaving my skin dry, and running out in a quick period of time.  Neutrogena wipes can cost around $5-8 on a pack of 25 which adds up quicker than you'd think!  A pack can only really last a little less than a month, not to mention many dry out.

My solution?

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser.  Doing lots of theater productions for my school, I found that this was the most efficient and effective way to take off my makeup, especially during quick changes!  Retailing at about $4.70, this jar will last at least a year and really works!  With one swipe this stuff can take off any 24 hour, waterproof, will-stay-on-your-face-forever type of stuff.  It sounds sort of foreign, but I can actually find it in any drugstore I go to as well as Target and Wal-Mart!  Make sure to get the COLD CREAM versus the one labeled makeup remover.  I find that I prefer this one because it smells better and doesn't sting your eyes!

Keep reading to find out how it works!

Quick Beauty Tip ~ Starbucks Napkins = Blotting Papers?

Hey girls!

I hope everyone is having a lovely day!  Today I have a super quick tip to share with you girls on-the-go that want to save a little money.  During the summer I find my face gets the most oily which can clog pores and cause lots of unsightly pimples to start popping up.  Sometimes blotting papers can add up on your bill and so I've been looking for a cheaper alternative to the $10 packs that you can buy at Sephora.

Keep reading to find out the details!

Look for Less ~ Urban Outfitters Coincidence & Chance Revel Dress

Hey girls!

Today I have an exciting "Looks for Less" post.  I love finding clothes that look identical to an expensive counterpart but for a fraction of the cost.  One of my favorite clothing stores is Urban Outfitters because of the gorgeous hispter style clothes they sell.  However, the prices can be absolutely absurd so I try to find dupes for some pieces with a nicer price tag.

Keep reading to find out more!

Deceiving Dupes~ Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzer in Apricot and Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminizing Power in Stike a Pose Rose

Hey girlies! I have my first makeup post today! I have a dupe video for one of my favorite highlighters! This is the perfect time to break out those highlights and add some shine to your face! They're all the buzz for the summer and I've seen that lots of brand at Sephora have been putting out new highlighters for the summer! Jump on the bandwagon! Keep reading!

My favorite for the past few months has been the Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzer in Apricot, the shade all the way to the left is the one I use. However, I found out that it was being discontinued and I can't seem to find it anymore! I've been trying to use it sparingly, but I found a perfect match for it  by Wet n Wild. One of my favorite brands if you can't tell already! This is the Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Strike a Pose Rose- yet again, the shade all the way to the left. 

Left: Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzer in Apricot

Right: Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Strike a Pose Rose

Left: Sephora Harmony Trio Bronzer in Apricot

Right: Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Strike a Pose Rose

Keep reading to find out more!

Drugstore Review ~ NYC Matte Me Crazy Top Coat

Oh my goodness, how CUTE is the name of this top coat!  When I first heard about this product I thought it was too good to be true.  I can't think of any matte top coats in the drugstore at the top of my mind.  I absolutely adore the matte look for the summer.  I think it's chic and sophisticated, yet can easily be worn out on a casual beach day.  A matte top coat can easily transform a nail polish into a completely different look, practically doubling the amount of polish you have!  Not to mention, this NYC polish comes with an amazing price tag!

HAUL~ Marshall's and Nordstrom Rack

Hey everyone! I'm sure you can tell by the title that I've been doing some shopping... a little too much at that. I ventured down to my local Marshall's and Nordstrom Rack and made a few purchases. I probably already have way too much clothing and too many pairs of shoes to count, but they were too good to pass up.

Marshall's

I spent hours in Marshall's trying on clothes... but I walked out with only 2 things. Two of the same things... (teehee). They are in different colors though! The brand on both is kirra. The kirra that is sold at Pacsun, but it was discounted as Marshall's! YAY!

They were priced at $7.99 US each. With a compare at of $12.00. But  knowing the pricing at Pacsun, it was probably more expensive there. At least that's what I want to tell myself! YAY for good deals!

I took some pictures of some other cute things I saw.... Check out these sunglasses!

Classy eh?? But soo cute! They kinda have a retro vibe and bring back good memories too! They were both $6.00 US on sale! Even though they're super cute, I had to pass them up because they weren't the most practical choices.

Nordstrom Rack

I had limited time at Nordstrom Rack, but I went there with a goal in mind. TO FIND SPERRY'S. I've been on the hunt for Sperry's for years, but this year, I was determined to buy a pair. In the past I've purchased them, but after sitting around in my closet for a few weeks, they went back to the store. I found the cutest pair! Although there was some tough competition for which pair was coming home with me. 

A few months ago, I saw this pair of glitter Sperry's at Nordstrom Rack, however, they weren't very practical, they were not the best quality and they were a bit loose. Keep in mind I wear a kids size 3 or and adult size 5. It's quite hard for me to find a pair of shoes.

They were a kids size four... :( Me and my pitiful feet. Well, I had more luck today.

There was some stiff competition today. There were 2 pairs of shoes in my size. The Silver Glitter Junior in the kids size 3 and the Aqua Biscayne 1-eye in a kids size 3 as well.

I ended up getting the blue ones because I liked the fit of the smaller front on my tiny foot and it was more summery. The blue Sperry's were $23.97 US compared to $34.95 and the silver glitter Sperry's were $29.97 compared to $54.95. P.S. the quality of the glitter and metallic kids shoes are not the best even though they are beyond adorable.

cayuteeeee

There are more exciting sneak peeks to come from these shopping trips! Stay tuned for more! Save you from a fashion disaster today? Leave your rescue story, questions, comments and requests in the comment section below. Stay beautiful! 

xoxo Eve :*

tweet me @evelynSOS