Brand Name--For Less!

Think it's impossible to get something at Abercrombie & Fitch for less than $30? Think again, because A&F's "baby sister" store, Abercrombie Kids, has plenty of non-clearance items for much less!
Of course, most people over the age of 13 can't fit into kids clothes, but Abercrombie Kids has sizes up to 16, which is equivalent to a 2 in juniors. If you can fit into A&F's smaller sizes (00, 0 and 2) then you should try Abercrombie Kids for similar styles that are much cheaper. For example, the Blake Crop pants at A&F Kids is only $34.89, but the similar Jody Destroyed Crop at A&F is $80! Many, many styles at Abercrombie & Fitch can be found at Abercrombie Kids for less money, so it pays to look. Just don't forget to check out the size charts to compare so you get the right fit!

Be a Bandeau Babe!

Wanna know what's all the rage, at stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle and Hollister? Bandeau tops are the answer!

At first glance, they look kinda similar to a bandeau swimsuit top, except they're made out of cotton and spandex. Obviously, you can't wear them on their own, but they look great layered under a lacy tank or sheer blouse.

For a unique, beachy pattern that looks great under a solid blouse, try Hollister's Summerland bandeau ($6.89).

For a more basic look, check out AE's Layering Bandeau, available in colors ranging from Bright Cyan to Wisp Orange, all for just $9.50.

Prefer a sporty style? Then A&F's Michelle bandeau ($9.89) is perfect for you!

No matter your style or budget (bandeaus are a cheap but cute layering piece), there's a bandeau out there for you!

Celebrities Are Petite, Too!

Have you ever looked at celebrity photos in People or Cosmo and thought, "Wow, they look so tall in theat picture! I bet they're a few inches taller than me, at least." But fret no more, because--surprise, surprise--there are several female celebs who are actually under 5'4. Here are some of the most stylish:

1. Kim Kardashian (5'2)--She's a petite chick who embraces her curves without flaunting them too much.
2. Hayden Panettiere (5'1)--Hayden is super-fashionable, having been on the covers of Lucky and Seventeen, as well as being pictured often in People StyleWatch.
3. Ellen Page (5'0)--The Juno star has an edgy style all her own.
4. Carrie Underwood (5'3)--Besides being an Grammy-winning country singer and American Idol alum, Carrie always looks her best.

More celebs to come in the next posts!

Even More Shopping?!

Yep, it's true, I went on another shopping spree this afternoon! After a few weeks of earning money from doing chores around the house, I had saved up almost $90. Plenty of money to go shopping, I thought, so me, my sister and my mom trekked to The Citadel Mall.
First stop: Hollister (of course!). I had made up a list ahead of time of things I planned on buying, but unfortunately, none of them were at the store. But I found plenty of cute, cheap, unexpected things--the Summerland bandeau top ($6.89), a solid ruffly lime green babydoll ($9.03) and the Trestles Beach skirt ($29.89).
Second and final stop: American Eagle. I saw a loose white blouse there that would have paired perfectly with my new bandeau, but it was $40 so I passed it up for now. Instead, I bought the AE Linen Bermuda Shorts in Vintage Blue Wash ($29.50). I also begged my mom to buy me a replacement belt, so I picked out the AE Double Braid Belt ($19.95). Even though jewelry was buy one get one, I had to pass on that, as well, because I didn't have enough money!
All in all, it was a great day for great buys.

Sweatin' It Out

Think sweatshirts are only for winter? Think again!
Hollister has a great supply of cute hoodies (and hoodless sweatshirts) that are perfect for beach days and nighttime outdoor parties.
Like an athletic look? Try Hobson Park ($39.50) for a classic track-jacket look that's great for playing volleyball on the shore or going on a sunset bike ride.
Prefer a cute hoodie you can throw on whenever? Check out Arch Bay ($39.50) for a simple but adorable logo pullover that you can pair with a bright patterned skirt for a movie date.
For more variety, pick Surfers Knoll. It's thick stripes, contrasting logo and classic fit guarantee it'll look great with shortie shorts and flip-flops for a perfect about-the-town appeal.
Don't stash away your hoodies yet--use these tips to ensure they'll look amazing all summer long!

Cute Pick of the Month: May

I haven't done one of these in a while, and with summer fast approaching, I decided that it's the perfect time to reintroduce this feature.

This was my outfit of choice today, a great outfit for running errands (which is what I did!).

On top is a knit white cardigan from Target, paired with a lime green knit babydoll from Hollister.

For pants, I chose some khaki capris I got from American Eagle a few years ago. The cuffs and utilitarian pockets make them look adorable and comfy.

I wore Hollister's Embellished Flip-Flops in dark brown fringe, a great deal at $15.90. I accessorized with the AE jewelry I bought yesterday (see Summer Shopping Spree).

For your own cute and comfy outfit perfect for any casual outing, try a simple sweater with a bright cami or tank with basic denim or khaki capris and summer-inspired accessories.

Summer Shopping Spree

What better way to celebrate the end of the school year than with a shopping trip? Earlier today, my mom and I embarked on one after dropping off my grandparents at the Denver airport. I have been out of school for almost two weeks (a perk of being a senior--go class of 2010!) but it was a great way to celebrate.
Instead of going to the usual mall (Park Meadows), we decided that since it was early, we could make the trip to the Flatiron Crossing shopping center in nearby Broomfield.
First up was Hollister. I loved that since it was early (around 11) hardly anyone was in the store (unlike on my usual shopping trips when I go in the afternoon and the stores are crowded). Almost immediately I saw the dress I had fallen in love with online (Santa Margarita in red plaid, now $29.89) and grabbed it off the rack. After scouring the rest of the store and finding nothing else that really appealed to me, my mom showed me a cute floral babydoll tank (Newport in grey, $19.50) that I also loved and bought.
Next, it was on to Abercrombie & Fitch. I still had some money left on gift cards from Christmas so I couldn't wait to find something adorable. And I did--the Hallie ruffled babydoll tank in dark pink (a great steal at $15.89). While I was in the dressing room trying on other tank tops that I didn't buy, my mom came back with two cute swimsuits. I tried them both on and eventually bought the Leanne triangle bikini in white floral ($24.89 each piece).
Finally, we hit up American Eagle. I wanted to check out the great deal they have going on now--get a pair of flip-flops for $1 when you buy any shorts--but the shorts that I liked were out of my budget. So I made a beeline for the jewelry, which was buy one get one 50% off. I found (and purchased) the adorable Shell Double Strand Chain necklace (now $9.95) and the Chainlink Fireball bracelet (also $9.95).
Shopping bags in hand, I left the mall happy and ready to wear my new purchases.