Staying Chic on a Tight Budget

I will never be a news reporter because I am awful at these catchy, concise title things. I was going to say something witty about the economy, but nothing came to mind.

Anyway, economy got you down? Saving up for a much-needed vacation to the Bahamas but still want to look your best? Never fear, I've got your back. Here are some of my favourite (cheap) fashion picks!

10 Picks under $20! I was going to do 20 picks at first, but then I realized how long this post would get...

Trio Bangle Set for $4 - I cannot get enough of jewelry. It's kind of a problem, which is why I'm so grateful to stores such as Charlotte Russe that offer great selections for amazingly low prices! I'm positively loving the colours of these fun bangles! Bangles, and jewelry in general, are a great way to add a little flash of colour and flare into a plainer outfit. Charlotte Russe.

Unique Knit Scarf for $5.50 - What a great scarf! I love scarves. I have one with practically every outfit, unless I'm late to class or it's really too hot. They're just great. And they keep your throat warm so you don't get sick! Also, these colours are great for fall fashion. This would look great with a white, lacy blouse or a plain black top. Forever 21.

Stretch Skirt for $6.50 - Also available in brown, charcoal and heather gray. Plain skirts are pretty much a necessity for your closet. Get them in more neutral colours like navy and gray, then match them up with a zany, bright top! These would also look great over some more exciting tights or shoes. Forever 21.

Lacy Footed Tights for $7.50 - I'm a total sucker for patterned tights! I think they're such a great addition to any outfit. These would look really great with a solid coloured skirt and some boots. Experiment, experiment, experiment! Charlotte Russe.

Mariella Woven Belt for $9.99 - Also available in orange and pink. Blue's my favourite though. This is such a cute belt! I'm a big fan of the beaded pattern... I love belts. A belt is a great accessory that's often overlooked, but a good belt can really make an outfit. Layer this on top of solid colours! Delia's.

Military Scoopneck Dress for $12.99 - Have I mentioned my absolute obsession with anything military-style yet? I think it's so classy and chic and works well with pretty much everything! Anyways, this is a great dress to throw on when you're in a rush. Plainer pieces like this are great for playing with accessories. I'd recommend maybe a long, gold necklace with matching bracelets? Charlotte Russe.

Lace Ruffle Top for $13.50 - Ahh, this is too cute! I'm a sucker for lace and ruffles. This would look great over skinny jeans with a pair of cute boots. I'm also loving the necklace that the model is wearing in this picture. This top works really well with long necklaces. And if you'd rather not show your arms, a plain jacket or solid-coloured cardigan over it would work great too! Forever 21.

Zena Zipper Skirt for $14.90 - Florals, florals, florals. I can't get enough of them. And zippers! I love zippers. Also, this has pockets, and pockets in skirts are just absolute win. For those of you who love graphic tees but want a more sophisticated look, layer your favourite tee with a floral skirt! Seriously, it makes you look so chic, especially if you add a pair of black tights and cute boots. No joke. Cotton On.

Royal Wave for $15 - Threadless is one of the most amazing stores ever. I love the fact that all the designs are voted on, so these shirts are really things that we get to pick. Also, their products are all absolutely gorgeous! Someday, I want to meet all the artists on that site and tell them how much I love them. Anyways, on this design. I adore these colours! Also, the design is just so fun and creative. Cute cute cute! Threadless.

Karoline Dress (swallow pattern) for $19.90 - Also available in Hail Spot Print and black. Every time I go shopping, I tell myself I'm going to buy this dress. Then I don't? Well, last time, it was because I wanted to save money for art supplies... End tangent. Anyway. This is such a cute dress! The picture is kind of meh, but it's super cute in person, I swear. I love dresses because I think they're a great "quick-start" outfit to just pull on when you oversleep in the mornings. And if you haven't shaved, then pull on some tights to match! What's great about patterned dresses (like this one!) is that you don't even have to worry about adding accessories to make a great outfit. For example, this dress with plain black tights, some cute, plain flats, and a solid-colour scarf (maybe a bright colour to make a statement?). If it's chilly, grab a cardigan or light jacket. Dresses are always cute! Cotton On.

It is now midnight, so I must end my post now. Hope you enjoyed my picks and don't think my fashion sense is completely awful, haha. Anyways, don't think that just because you don't have much money to spend doesn't mean you can't buy cute clothing. Shop at thrift stores or garage sales, go to clearance events, check out the clearance sections in stores... Just because they're in clearance doesn't mean they're bad! Usually, it just means they're out of season, so buy your winter clothes in the summer and vice versa. For example, I got a great winter military-style pea-coat at Forever 21 for only $25 (originally $75)! If you see something you like but it's just way too expensive, come back in a few months (patience is a virtue!) or be on the lookout for sales. Shop smart!

Okay, really, I have to go to bed. Toodles!
Pei

Topsy Turvy Week

It's only Tuesday evening and I already feel like I'm about to explode! These past few days have been jam-packed with all sorts of crazy things. On Saturday, I went to Fashion Valley and Little Italy with some of my suitemates! I snagged some watercolour brushes for real cheap (.50-1.50 each!) at Blix and had an amazing pasta dinner with fro-yo for dessert! Then, on Sunday, I took the bus all the way to Jo-Ann's for some jewelry-making supplies. My goodness, did you know it takes an hour to get there from school? It was quite the bus ride. I also got extremely lost and was hit on by a creepy drunk man. After Jo-Ann's, I took the bus back, puttered around Aaron Brothers and Whole Foods for a bit, then headed back to my dorm for some relaxation and jewelry making.

My fingers still hurt from making jewelry. I got a pair of extremely cheap pliers, so I ended up using my fingers more than anything to pull apart jump rings and what not. About halfway through my first necklace, I realized that I forgot to buy headpins. Boo, self, boo. So I improvised with some eyepins and managed to create a presentable necklace. I'm a fan, at least. I also made two other charm necklaces and I'm currently working on a bib necklace, although I also forgot to buy ribbon, so... But all in all, I was very satisfied with my products. Either tomorrow or Thursday, I'm going to go out and take some pictures for all you lovely people to see. And hopefully, you'll like what you see, tell your friends, and maybe buy some pieces once my shop is put up? Hopefully, haha.

Anyways, I'm going to have to cut this post short because right now, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I had an awkward chicken curry right now that disagreed with me and just thinking about it makes me sick. Please pray that I'm alright by tomorrow morning!

Lots of love,
Pei.

Hello (Seattle?), handmade jewelry is coming your way.

Obviously, I've been listening to way too much Owl City lately... Welcome to my blog! I had a blog on my Weebly account, but I just couldn't figure anything out, so I decided to move back to blogspot. My previous posts will eventually make their way onto here, I think.