Frugal Finds: Cotton On

Every wardrobe needs basics. Quality, affordably priced basics are important when building and maintaining your wardrobe.  A new favorite store of mine is Cotton On. Cotton On is an Australian retail chain, known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children. If you’re looking for a selection of the best in basics, the latest trends, or affordable activewear, Cotton On has your needs covered. They have women’s clothes for every moment, dresses and rompers, jeans, classic tanks and t-shirts, and more. If you haven't shopped at Cotton On. Check them out today. 

Corset Tee $19.95

Bell Sleeve Off The Shoulder Top $19.95

One Shoulder Ruffle Top $15

Off The Shoulder Dress $29.95

High Rise Jeggings $24.95

Ruffled Romper $26.95

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She's In The Mood for Greeting Cards

If you're anything like me you love your share of random trinkets and stationary. But I think one small obsession that I have are greeting cards. Since I was young I've always saved any birthday cards or graduation cards that I have received. It's a past-time of mine. With that being said, it's always a goal of mine to give friends and family cool greeting cards so that they want to keep their cards as well.

I attended an event earlier this summer called VTGCLT (Vintage Charlotte Summer Market) where tons of local vendors can sell their merch, food etc. While browsing through I came across a black-owned greeting card company based in Charlotte called She's In The Mood. Ran by a young mother of 3 girls, Cheryse. If you ask me she's pretty dope and so is her company. I was able to snag 3 greeting cards that started out in my mind as cards I would send to my GGs but I ended up framing them to put on my desk at home. 

The biggest plus about She's In The Mood greeting cards is not only that they are creative and cute card they are also frugal! Only $6 per card. Issa Deal! I bought three cards that really spoke to me and my personality, see all three below. This is just a sneak peek of all the dope cards that are available.

Daria $6

Homage to Cam'Ron $6

Hips & Kisses $6

Make your way to She's In The Mood and grab some greeting cards of your own! Tell her Derria (@dlolo) sent you! Sign up for ebates and get cash back and coupons when you shop! 

The Look For Less: Chanel

Me and Christen aren't strangers to designer things but there are times where we want the look but don't want to break the bank. I absolutely loved the Chanel Chain Slides that came out last year or so but I knew for sure I didn't want to pay over $800 for them. A year later, Kendal & Kylie have a pair for $100 + and that to me was still too much because I have so many sandals that it doesn't make sense to spend that kind of money on something that I may not get to wear as much. 

Just yesterday I was in Marshall's shopping with my mom and came across the same style of chain slide sandals but they were Carlos By Carlos Santana and were only $30! Talk about savings. Below I have provided the link for the Kendall & Kylie version and the Carlos Santana version they are a spitting image of each other but I like the CS version because as far as weight is concerned they are lighter and more comfortable than K&K. So much money saved with this look for less.

Chanel $895

Zoe - Carlos by Carlos Santana $30 (Similar $125)

Comment below if you're going to snag a pair! Sign up for ebates and get cash back and coupons when you shop! 

What's The TREND? Bra Tops

Crop tops out, bras tops in! Lingerie pieces like bras, bralettes, and bodysuits have been spotted throughout many designer collections the past few seasons. Bra tops specifically have been a top trend this spring and summer. Designers like Victoria Beckham, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, and Oscar de la Renta have all featured bra tops in their SS 2017 runways shows. 

This trend is so easy to wear. Back in college, I was good for wearing a bra as a top for a night on the town. However, this isn't a trend just for the night. Pair your favorite bra top with a kimono, evening skirts, cropped jeans, or suit. Wear this trend in the fall too by wearing it under a sheer top or over your tee or blouse. 

1. Cotton Poplin Bustier $18 2. Short Ruffled Top $30 3. Oriental Jacquard Bralet $32 4. Lace Bralette Top $8 5. Black Velvet Strap Detail Bralet $17 6. Jacquard Ring Detail Bralet $40

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Budget Friendly Ways to Move Across the Country

If you didn't already know... I'm moving to California and this has been one of the most overwhelming moves of my life. Leaving family and friends here on the East Coast and trying to pack up my whole life without breaking the bank has been a full-time job so far. But I am so thankful for God and my supportive friends and family. If you have never moved farther than the next city over, I promise you a move thousands of miles of way will put you in your place and have you making life decisions.

If you plan on making a big move soon or are just moving, in general, there are a few budget friendly tips that I wanted to share so that you can move and not break the bank! 

Tip 1: Don't Pay For Boxes

When paying for boxes the price can definitely add up. I suggest you check local grocery stores or just stores in general that get stock in and ask can you have their empty boxes. The worst they could say is no but usually if you ask a cashier or another associate they are willing to give away boxes. 

Tip 2: It's Time To Purge 

I know we all hate to hear it but now is the time to make a pile of the items you haven't worn in years and don't plan on wearing it. No need to carry that extra weight to your new home. In turn, once you are done with your pile pack it up and take it to Buffalo Exchange, Platos or Uptown Cheapskate and sell to make some money for your move or for new stuff if you choose lol. 

Tip 3: Start Early

Packing is never a fun thing to do but when it came to my move I knew already that I would be transporting my car. I'm not into road trips so a 3-4 day car ride to California wasn't happening. I planned ahead and requested quotes from several different transport companies to get an idea of what it would cost to ship my car so I knew how much money to set aside. This helps out in the long run because I was also able to read reviews and choose the right company. The sooner the better when placing an order to have your car shipped is the rule of thumb, the price essentially goes up as your move date gets closer. 

Tip 4: Ask! 

If you are moving because of a new job make sure you ask if they have relocation services or if they are willing to pay for your relocation. If they say no, at least you asked. Also, ask friends and family if they know someone who specializes in relocation services. They can help you find apartments or homes in the area you're moving to and can do things on your behalf. Checking out spots and making sure they are legit. Can save you time and energy. Trust me you will need it. 

These are the top 4 tips that I'm sure will help assist you in being budget friendly during your move. I'm learning more and more each day so if you happen to have any questions drop them in the comments here on the post or on our Instagram page! 

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Save $ or Splurge $$$ Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

I love a good dupe, especially when it's spot on. So when I heard that the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer was an exact dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape and it was only $4, I had to see what all the hype was about. I tried out both concealers and loved them both. I tend to use Wet n Wild for everyday looks and Tarte occasionally. Tarte has a better applicator and a larger shade range, but if you are able to find a Wet n Wild shade that works for you.....GET IT! 

See the details and tell us what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE.

Save: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer

Let your natural beauty shine with our selfie-tested creamy and luminous concealer. Tested to be white cast-free under seven different photo lighting conditions, this high coverage concealer allows only your best features to get noticed.  It instantly brightens and perfects appearance of skin; conceals imperfections, dark spot, and blemishes; delivers lightweight, buildable coverage and conceals and minimizes imperfections to achieve a flawless look good bye photo flashback

Splurge: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Sculpt and highlight as you mask imperfections with this 2-in-1 full coverage concealer. The hydrating, long wearing formula delivers natural, radiant coverage across all skin types so you can instantly brighten and cover acne, dark circles, and redness while softening the look of pores and fine lines. Wear it 1-2 shades lighter or darker, and it works as a creamy highlighter or contouring stick with a lightweight, blendable formula and tapered wand applicator ideal for precise strobing and sculpting. Powered by Amazonian clay and conditioning mango seed and shea butter, the nutrient-rich concealer helps promote skin elasticity and illumination with each crease-free application. 

Have you tried these concealers? Which do you prefer?  I like both equally. You can't go wrong with either. 

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