Frugal Finds: AMI Clubwear

This month's frugal finds come from AMI Clubwear. Amiclubwear.com is an online clothing shop based Los Angeles. With new items being added to the site every week, they are always up to date with celeb trends, looks for less and more. AMI Clubwear is your fashion expert, whether you want to find some sexy, inexpensive dresses, swimwear or a pair of fabulous heels. 

We especially love the shoe selection on AMI. They have the best selection (same shoes you will find on the UK shoe sites) for the low plus shipping is super fast. Both Derria and I are getting our spring/summer shoe line-up in order, so AMI is one of our favs places to get some frugal finds. 

The good people over at AMI Clubwear were kind enough to send us some shoes to blog in. With Derria coming to DC to visit, it was the perfect time to test out our new gifts. I went with a Yeezy Season 5 dupe, that Kim Kardashian has been wearing a lot lately. Derria opted for a strappy, lace-up sandal in a nice royal blue color. Check out the photos below to see how we styled our shoes and more outfit details.





Shop Derria's Look

Jacket: Adidas $59.99
Bag: Macy's (Similiar




Shop Christen's Look

Top: H&M $17.99
Shorts: Amazon $22.99

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The Look for Less: Gucci

Gucci is one of my favorite designers and though my frugal budget doesn't allow me to splurge on a $600 pair of shoes its never too hard to find a look for less. Let me just start off by saying I have 3 pairs of the "look for less", one in silver, hot pink and rose gold. 

I would have the black pair but I had to have some self control. But one of my shopping tips is that if you find a clothing item or shoe that you like get more than one pair especially if it comes in different colors and I did just that. In our look for less posts we usually only provide one link to the store it is at but in this case I will provide more than one link because there are multiple styles and colors. Buy yourself a pair and save a bundle of money!


UrbanOG $27 Also Available (Here | Here)

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Travel Essentials

Last month Derria shared a few tips on how to travel like a frugal shopaholic. So now I'm going to follow-up on that and give you all some travel must-haves and essentials. Some of these items may not be the cheapest, but I'll share how to get the best deal. Remember frugal and cheap aren't the same thing. 



Luggage
Luggage...well duh that's a given. If you travel often, you should invest in a good luggage set. I purchased the Lojel Wave set before I moved to Paris and it was a great investment. However, if a full set isn't doable at least get a quality carry-on. I usually only pack a carry-on unless I'll be traveling for an extended period of time. So having one that's sturdy and reliable is important. Recently, I purchased an under-seater carry-on for those budget airlines like WOW and Spirit, who only allow small carry-ons for free. Good places to purchase luggage are at T.J. Maxx, Marshals, eBags, Amazon or Overstock. 

Travel Bag/ Purse
Everyone needs a good travel bag or purse. Whether you are traveling in a car, bus, train, or plane your suitcase is away from you. A good carryall is a perfect way to keep all your essentials together. I have the OMG bag from Lo & Sons and its the best travel bag ever. If you travel a lot you need this bag! (Lo & Sons if you are reading this the Pearl bag would be great for my Cuba trip.)

Travel Wallet
Passport, ID, boarding pass, credit cards, and cash can be a lot to keep up with when traveling. Stay organized with a travel wallet. My brother got me one personalized from Leatherology, but there are many other cheaper options. 

Packing Organizers
I am super organized when it comes to packing for a trip. Packing cubes and storage bags help me do that, as well as save space. These are a must for staying organized while traveling. 


Toiletries


Leave the full-size bottles at home unless you are traveling with your 6 kids or something. I have the eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit and it takes up very little space. You can buy empty travel bottles and travel size toiletries from the Dollar Tree, Walmart or Target. Because I travel often, I keep my toiletry bag packed and ready to go. Pro-Tip: Pack coconut oil packets (from Trader Joe's) instead of lotion, it saves a bunch of space.




Travel Accessories
I don't go anywhere without my neck pillow, blanket and an extra pair of socks. Comfort is key when traveling. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable travel especially a long international flight. Make sure you pack your pillow and other accessories to ensure a comfortable trip.



Airplane Survival Kit
A survival kit is something I put together with all the things I may possibly need during my flight. You can purchase a premade kit from Nordstrom, but I like to make my own. My kit includes Clorox wipes, tissue, ibuprofen, sleeping pills, tissue, lotion, lip balm, facial spray, hair ties, nail file, gum and candy, toothbrush, deodorant, and mini liquor bottles. 
Facial Spray || Lotion || Gum || Wipes || Tooth Brush || Liquor

Hope this list helps you during your next trip. Use ebates if you are shopping at eBags and get up to 18% cash back and coupons when you shop! 

What's The TREND? Ruffles and Frills


I remember hating all things frilly and ruffled as a child. Just thinking about a frilly Easter dress is making me itch right now. Ruffles and frills are making a return into my adult life, but not as cringe worthy this time around. Ruffles were BIG during NYFW. Now all the designers and fast fashion stores are incorporating this trend into their collections for spring and summer. See some of my fav ruffled and frilly pieces below.

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Victoria Beckham x Target

Let me start off by saying I've LOVED Victoria Beckham since Spice Girls. I am waiting for the Spice Girls reunion. They all look great for their age but that besides the point. Have you heard?? Victoria Beckham x Target is happening and will be hitting the streets this weekend... Sunday to be exact and after looking at the lookbook I already know what I am rushing to the store to purchase.

What I am most excited about is that it is very affordable. The collection range from $6-$70 but the vast majority of the items are under $40. Right in my frugal range. It comes in Women's and Girls sizes and will only be available from April 9th until April 30th. Check out the lookbook for Sunday's release. The looks I plan on snagging are below!


What will you be buying??? Let me know in the comments! Sign up for ebates and get cash back and coupons when you shop.


Meet Frugal Shopaholic Aileen Luib

Name:
Hi, I'm Aileen Luib!

Where are you from?
I'm from Inland Empire in Southern California.

Explain your blog or Instagram name?
The Baller on a Budget was a project I'd been longing to create for years. I came from a family that always had to budget and it seemed there was never enough money to enjoy nice things or experiences, so over time, I became more resourceful about getting things at nominal prices. After a 2nd job layoff, I realized that job instability and financial insecurity were common issues with people working 9-5 jobs, and both problems cause many to feel like they can't enjoy themselves because of a tight budget. I dove into blogging as a means to inspire these people to become more money-savvy without depriving themselves of the finer things in life.

Describe your personal style?
I don't think I have a particular style - I really like to experiment with different styles. I'm curvy at the hips, so I want to flatter my figure I prefer form-fitting dresses or jeans. Other days I'll throw on some Jordans and streetwear. Sometimes I can throw on a T, ripped jeans, some heels and a coat. My style really just depends on my mood, weather, and the occasion!
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I do the majority of my shopping from Amazon.com, just because I really like their low prices and I get free two-day, one-day or even same-day shipping depending on the item. I shop for basics at Cotton On and I get my outerwear and intimates from H&M since they have quality coats and lingerie for a reasonable price. I get my "trendy" seasonal pieces from the swap meet or even Forever 21 because trends tend to go out of style really fast, and both places I can get some nice pieces for cheap.

What does being a “Frugal Shopaholic” mean to you?
Staying up-to-date with the trends usually means you'll wind up spending money on clothes every season, and it's not practical to splurge on fashion or beauty products that often, especially when these things are priorities in the budget. Being a frugal shopaholic doesn't have to mean that you're "not with the times" or "fashion-forward," you're just more practical and put your real dollars towards things that matter most. Fashion is great, but nothing is worse than having your credit cards maxed out and no money in the bank, even if you're rocking a pretty designer purse or shoes.

What is a frugal shopaholic tip or trick that can share with our readers?
Zero impulse shopping is the rule that I live by. Oftentimes I want to buy something at that very moment, but I'll force myself to stop and give it some time. If I really want it I'll come back for it, but more than half the time my mind changes and I no longer want it. By waiting a while, sometimes you'll also see the same item go on sale or you'll find something even better. Impulse shopping is a result of no self-control, so by turning away a purchase, you can give yourself some time to make a rational decision.

How can we keep in touch with you? 
I post at least once a week at www.theballeronabudget.com and several times a day on my Instagram at www.instagram.com/theballeronabudget.com!

4 Year Blog Anniversary

April 1, 2017, marks 4 years of blogging for us. To every last person who reads our blog, follows us on social media, leaves us comments or sends us encouraging emails, we appreciate you.  This past year has been the best yet. We revamped our site, were invited to NYFW, joined some blogger programs and more. After 4 years we've finally got the swing of this blogging thing. We couldn’t have grown Frugal Shopaholics to what it is now, without all of you. So we just want to say thank you all for your support, reading, commenting, sharing, and whatever else you do to help Frugal Shopaholics continue to grow! Stay tuned for bigger and better in the coming years. Take a look at our top 5 most viewed posts over the last year. 






Thanks again for supporting us. Don't forget to sign up for ebates and get cash back when you shop! Remember our motto: Don't just buy it, get it on sale!