5 Tips for a Shopaholic

This is a picture of a Shopaholic.

It seems like spring is the season to shop! There are a ton of sales and you can get a whole spring/summer wardrobe. The mall is a dangerous place! I have been to the local mall 4 weekends in a row now! I can stay away! I LOVE all the new spring and summer clothes that are out! It's bad! SO bad that I actually got a job a t the mall now! (American Eagle)But who can resist the %40 off employee discount! That's how addicted I am to new clothes. It's sad. This will happen again in the fall...I just know it. I am a true shopaholic. Now when people think of that label they think "Oh, she empty's her account out on clothes she will never wear." NOT TRUE! You can be a shopaholic and still save money. Just be smart about it. Here are some tips to survive the change of seasons.

1. Never pay full price! This is a motto my whole family uses. Through a combination of coupons and sales used on the right days you can get like 4 items for the price of one.
Real life example: Rue 21, sale on body con skirts, buy one get one for a dollar plus I used a $5 dollar off coupon, got 2 skirts for $12!

2. Get store cards. A lot of people think that these are a bad idea because they are basically like a credit card. The pros, you can only use it at that store! So that limits you on they things you can put on that card opposed to a regular credit card. However you have to treat it like a debit card! Once you buy something with it, act like you don't have that money in your checking account anymore and pay it off as soon as you can! The good thing about a store card tho is once you hit a certain spending level, you actually really do start to save money because of the reward point.
Real life example: Victoria Secret, I own a store card to this place and for the first month owning it I do admit I had to pay full price on somethings. But soon after that I started racking up reward points, I never spend more than $25 dollars in that store now and I'll get like $60 worth! Great example, because of my reward points, I got 2 , $25 off your purchase cards, used both of them on a $70 Cardinals Jacket! Best purchase ever :)

3. What ever the dollar amount is of the item, think to your self, is that how many times your going to wear it? If something is $40 are you going to wear it 40 times? That would make it $1 a wear, and if you wear it more that 40 times, you'll be saving money, this is called an investment. However the less you wear it, the more expensive that piece is per wear. Wear it 10 times = $4 a wear. Only wear it twice = $20 a wear. Get the picture? It's easy to calculate, just take (P) Price divied by (W) how many times you think your going to wear it and that will give (I) The investment level or "price per wear". P/W = I

4. If you aren't sure about an item, wait to buy it. If you pull something from the rack just because it pretty and you aren't really sure what you would wear it with or if you even would wear it at all, just wait and come back to it. I do this all the time. If I don't instantly fall in love with a piece of clothing then more than %50 of the time I put it back and think about it. Sometimes I take a picture and go back home and see what I would wear it with. If I can come up with 3+ outfits, then it a winner. Then I'll go back, TRY IT ON, and then if it looks good, I'll buy it. Using the P/W = I formula though. If they don't have it in your size when you go back or don't have it at all, then it just wasn't meant to be and move on. Chances are the same item will turn up on a sale rack a few months later.

5. I can not stress this enough to my friends when we go shopping, TRY STUFF ON! Don't buy just because it is "pretty" or "cute". Defiantly don't estimate your size either! Just because you a are a 2 at Forever21 doesn't mean your a 2 and American Eagle!You don't want to be a victim of trying it on a t home and it not fitting, because if it dosen't fit, your not going to wear it. And if the mall is 40 mins away from where you live, like me, then chance are you aren't going to return it within the next 30 days. Unless you are a extreme shopaholic, like me, and go to the mall every weekend! :) If you don't feel like trying on that day then make it a "just looking" day. If you plan on trying stuff on, wear a easy-to-slip off shirt and some loose jeans, NOT BAGGY and not supper tight, just loose so your not taking 20 mins in a dress room just to get your clothes off.

Hope these Tips Help!
Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Dresses: Party Dress

The perfect dress for a perfect night out with friends, a cute date, or spring fling!

Get this PARTY look:
- Exclusive orange eyelet corset dress
- light wash jean jacket
- fux leather fortune cookie bag
- over sized cat eye sunglasses
- Merritt wedge sandal

All items from American Eagle

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Dresses: The Hangout Dress

Even though this outfit looks simple, it is perfect for hanging out with friends on warm nights! This dress is colorful, feminine and easy to wear! I personally own this dress and I can seriously wear it anywhere without having to worry about being over or under dressed.

Get the HANGOUT look:
- Floral Corset Dress
- Floral Icon Sunglasses
- Bling Anchor Necklace
- Neon Strap Flip-Flops

*All item pictured from American Eagle

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Dresses: Day Getaway Dress

This is a Day Getaway Dress, this means it's great for wearing to places like the zoo, botanical gardens, outdoor concerts, amusement parks, the river front...ect. It has boho details such as crochet and embroidery.

Get this DAY GEATAWAY look:

- Exclusive crocheted top floral maxi dress
- Woven floppy hat
- Over-sized cradle bag
- Leather T-strap sandals

*All items from American Eagle

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Dresses: The Beach Dress

A simple light-weight dress is perfect for the beach. Throw it in your beach bag and then when your done swimming, throw on this comfy and sun-ready beach dress.

Get this BEACH DRESS look:
- Embroidered halter dress
- Embroidered triangle bikini top and matching bottom
- Relaxed open knit sweater (for when it get a little chilly at night on the beach)
- Pink woven fedora
- Woven strap tote
- Skinny strap flip-flops

*All items from American Eagle

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Everything Looks Good With Cowgirl Boots.

So where I come from, everyone wears boots, even the girls! Some people might think cowboy boots look hick,. However there are plenty of things go with boots. The boots in this picture are Corral Vegas Black Marble. I own these and they literally go with everything! They are a bit expensive but they are a true investment!

You can wear boots...during the week. When you're just going out to run errands or out to lunch.
Weekday:
- Floral tank (Forever21)
- distressed light wash skinny jeans (Forever21)
- White boyfriend cardi* (Target)
- Feather earrings (Forever21)
- and The Boots

You can wear boots...on a date. Especially if your man is a redneck romeo, he will definatly appreciate this outfit. You could also wear this line dancing :)
Date Night:
- Pink knit con dress (Forever21)
- two-toned braided belt (Forever21)
- multi-colored print clutch (Forever21)
- Beaded chandelier earrings (Forever21)
- *White boyfriend cardi can also go with this outfit (Target)
- and The Boots

You can wear the boots...to the game. Personally, I love the St.Louis Cardinals. So any game day is a Cards baseball game. This outfit can also been done wiht a regular graphic tee and be called "lazy day".
Game Day:
- St.Louis Cardinals Tee (Victoria Secret)
- Dark wash skinny jeans (Forever21)
- Red bow (Forever21)
- and The Boots

Rock them cowgirl boots like you don't care if people think you're hick or not.
Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Luck of the Irish

Get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and make sure you don't get pinched by wearing this Irish inspired outfit.

*Green polka dot tank (Forever21)
*Dark wash jeans (Hollister)
*Grey boyfriend cardi (Target)
*Green no-lace tennis shoes (Forever21)
*Green studded earrings (Forever21)
And to top it all off...
*Large green sequin bow headband (Claire's)

Have a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day!
and Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Break Destination #6: Grand Canyon, Arizona

If beaches and clubbing really aren't your thing, head south west to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon. When in Arizona your going to want to wear something cute and comfy such as basic denim short and lightweight camp shirt. Be sure to pack some cute tennies for hiking around during the day and a hoodie for when it gets colder at night.

What are we going to do?
Well visit the Grand Canyon of course! If your the adventurous type, do some hiking. The Grand Canyon cover pretty much the whole state of Arizona so you can stay an any city. But if you want to do the the SkyWalk (a glass bottom walk-way 4,000 feet above the Colorado river) stay within Grand Canyon West. However, if you just want to relax and chill out you can visit on of the many falls in the Havasupia Region of the canyon where you can swim.

Where are we going to eat?
Your're in the southwest! Why not try some good old western style food? Go to Canyon Star Restaurant and Saloon located at the Grand Hotel. Considering the canyon is on Route 66 why not stop in the Cruisers Route 66 Cafe, which is filled with tons of Route 66 memorabilia and is partly conjoined with an authentic 1930s Gas Station.

Where are we going to SHOP?
Who wouldn't want to take home a souvenir after visiting the grand canyon? Stop by Verkamp's Curios which in the best and oldest (over 100 years in business) in The Grand Canyon Village. Considering that the biggest thing about visiting Arizona is the Grand Canyon...there isn't really anywhere else to shop but Gift shops and Farmers Markets.


*items in picture from Forever21
*Camp shirt from American Eagle

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Break Destination #5: Miami. Florida

The most common spring break destination, Florida. More specifically, Miami. What to wear? Neon and pastel combos are big for spring this year. Try and find a swimsuit that has that complementary colors like that such as neon yellow with a pastel purple, or neon hot pink with a baby blue as pictured above. Let's be honest, who wears a shirt when in Miami for spring break? Just throw on a pair of white denim shorts over your bikini bottom for walking around off the beach (after you dry off of course). Pair it with a stylish matching beach tote and your good to go.

What are we going to do?
This one isn't hard. GO TO THE BEACH! Get you tan on and relax by laying out all day! Don't forget to use sunscreen.A lot of beaches have sponsored events with bands, food, and prize winning games during the spring break season. Some you might have to have tickets for some so do a little research. Then after the beach hit up Miami's night life, like Club Space or Cameo.

Where are we going to eat?
There is the Cuban Celebration located in little Havana during the spring break season which is 27 blocks of Cuban style food (though im sure you can find a hot dog booth as well) and music. Want to eat in? There is Mercadito in Midtown Miami which blends Mexican with local and seasonal ingredients for unique flavors. If it's fine dinning your looking for, try Area31, which is said to have the best seafood in town. They also have have vegan a vegetarian menus for those of us who don't like meat.

Where are we going to SHOP?
Like any major vaca spot, Miami has its fair share of outlet malls to choose from. More upscale is Greater Miami and the Beaches which offers a wide variety of specialty shops. What ever it is your looking for, you'll find it there. Then of course you have to shop Promenades, which is common for most shoppers in greater Miami. Little boutiques line the open air and spacious walk ways which are surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Like shopping in a tropical paradise.

*All items in picture from Forever21

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather

Spring Break Destination #4: Cancun, Mexico

Aaaaah Cancun, Mexico. Everyone's dream spring break vacation. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones that get to go here for spring break make sure to keep your wardrobe simple. Wear a light weight sun dress over your swimsuit and a big floppy hat for shade. If not bear foot on the beach, a pair of cute wedges should do the trick.

What are we going to do?
If your not going to spend your whole day laying out on the many beaches. There is always Cancun's famous water park, Wet n' Wild. If want to get out of the water and experience the real Cancun,you can visit downtown Cancun where a lot of the locals hang out.

Where are we going to eat?
For something out of the ordinary and truly unique, try dining at Los Almendros, with tradition Yucatecan food. Excellent Mexican cooking can also be found at El Mexicano, in a stunning reproduction of a 19th-century hacienda, and Perico’s, which has live Mariachi music.
Want something a little more fancy? Try fine dining at La Habichuela which is one of downtown’s favorites, now in operation for 18 years.

Where are we going to SHOP?
If its a shopping mall your looking for, try visiting Kukulkan Plaza which a 60,000 sqft shopping center that has over 250 shops. If you have a little more money to spend and want some Mexican Designer name pieces, go to Plaza La Isla. It's super trendy but super pricey.
If you want to haggle with the locals though for some good deals, Market 28 commonly called mercado veintiocho, is a good place to find souvenirs and handmade crafts. Also just take a walk through downtown and you'll find plenty of little booths to browse around in. Fair warning though, when entering a local booth, don't spend to much time in there unless your going to buy something or the owner of the booth will kick you out and tell the other booths not to let you in. You'll be forever nicknamed as El Cheapo.**

* All items in picutre from Forever21
** True story: it happened to my dad on our cruise down to Mexico.

Stay Stylish ;)
-Heather