Crazy for Christmas Shopping

(Clockwise from top left): Audrey pullover sweater in pink (A&F); AE XO Ring (AE); gold and silver necklace (AE); Manhattan Beach button-down in blue check (HCo.)

It's no secret that I love any opportunity to shop--especially when my wallet is full and the sales are on! The post-Christmas deals are always the best, and I usually have a gift card or two to use up, which is exactly what I did on Tuesday.


First on my list was Victoria's Secret PINK. They have the best selection of bras and undies, as well as some really cute lounge wear in neon shades. But the store was crowded and I couldn't find anything that really caught my eye.


Then we went to A&F and Abercrombie Kids. Both stores were offering 40% off everything, which is a great deal. I ended up buying a pink striped pullover sweater and ruffled light grey tank at A&F and a lacy navy tank with a pinstripe bow at Abercrombie. And all for under $100!

(Closeups from top left): Ashley ruffled tank in grey (A&F); Audrey sweater (A&F); Dessa lacy tank in navy (A&F Kids); Cord Jeggings in light brown (HCo.)

At American Eagle, I was honestly underwhelmed. I tried on a pair of light wash destroyed jeggings, but wasn't thrilled (especially since they were $45) but then gravitated towards the jewelry. I'm almost never disappointed in the selection. I got a gold and silver necklace and a gold jeweled 'X&O' ring, and only had to spend $3, since I had a gift card.


Hollister was the final stop on our list...but we definitely didn't expect to have to wait in line outside the store for our turn to go in! I guess they wanted to prevent the shopper overload that seemed to be present in every other store, which was a good thing. With another gift card, I scored a pair of tan cord jeggings (my second pair ever--I just bought my first denim jeggings from AE last week) and a royal blue/navy buffalo plaid shirt. 


Despite the craziness of the crowds (remind me to never shop 2 days after Christmas), it was well worth it to score a lot of deals and spend just a little over $100 (not counting gift cards, of course)!

(Clockwise from top left): faux leather bomber (F21); Bearpaw Viper boots; ALDO Pirnie booties in grey (Amazon.com); jeggings in dark rinse (AE)

Have you braved the post-Christmas crowds yet this year?

Save $$, Stay Stylish!

It's one of the worst feelings in the world: finding a piece you absolutely can't live without and then looking at the price tag and...realizing you probably can't afford it. It can be really sad having to put that handbag back on the shelf or the sweater back on the rack because it's out of your price range. But you can get the same look...for less!

First off, the Ugg Coquette slipper. At first glance, it's cute--high quality sheepskin and a stylish plush collar, not to mention how warm and cozy they are. But they're $100. For almost half the price ($54), you can get the Bearpaw Loki slipper, which is just as (if not more) cute. The hickory suede color is my personal fave--the shade is just so rich-looking. These are also lined with sheepskin, and while they lack the Ugg name, they look nearly identical and hold up just as well. Why not spend that $46 dollars on something else?

Abercrombie &Fitch is one of my favorite stores. I would buy more things there if I could...but I can't, because they are too expensive for a college student like me (even when my parents chip in!) So I mostly have a few cheaper A&F items or ones that were clearanced. But Hollister, while expensive to some, is a much better option for me. Take the Hailey sweater ($150) from A&F. I don't think I would ever spend that much on a sweater until I'm an adult with a full-time job. Sure, it's pretty and it's 100% cashmere, but I can't afford to shell that much cash out for one piece. But HCo.'s El Morro sweater ($39.50) is much cheaper, and looks almost identical. It's a cotton/viscose/angora blend but I appreciate the price tag. I could spend that $110 on so much more!
I also appreciate how much Hollister saves me on coats and totes. The Classic Cali Tote ($19.50) in olive is practically the same as the Vintage Tote ($48) in green, except the difference in logos. Why would I pay $28 more for a tote that says 'Abercrombie'? I certainly wouldn't, when I could buy a cute top for that price difference! Hollister's Harbor Cove belted puffer jacket ($140) is a steal compared to A&F's Larissa belted puffer jacket ($200). Both coats are made of the exact same material; any smart shopper would know to go with the cheaper option. And it's not like Hollister's clothes are poorer quality, they're also a pretty well-respected brand. There are so many things you can get with that $60. And finally, the Fletcher Cove puffy vest ($59.89) is a better deal than the Addison puffy vest ($98). Similar colors, same look, better price. Save that $38 for a rainy day.
Now go out and be a savvy shopper!