GUYS. SALES ARE HAPPENING.

Hello, my pretties!

I wanted to disclose to you some not-so-secret shopping information I've learned on this snowy Monday morning in New York City.  Dig out your wallets, because these are big.

Firstly, ASOS.  Who can say no to a winter jacket marked down 70%, amIright?  Also, do not hesitate to scan over the men's sale for oversized sweaters.  They are too damn comfy.

Secondly, Piperlime.  An extra 20% off items already marked 60% off?  I think all my dreams have come true.  Plus, you can search the sale easily by shoe size, and you know that's always a plus for Size 11 ladies like myself.

Thirdly, Barneys.  A place I usually can not afford (let's be real) is having a "Warehouse Sale" this February - wait for it - ONLINE.  Some discounts will be marked up to 70% off, a.k.a. semi-affordable!  Click here for more information (via Racked), and don't forget to put your email down for notifications regarding WHEN this sale is actually happening.  Trust me people, you're not going to want to miss this.

NOW's the time to shop, people!  Even though winter clothes are currently on sale - IT'S STILL WINTER, and you're going to want to wear them.

Any other ridiculous sales I'm missing?  Comment away!

Do It Yourself: Teeth Whitening (Thanks, Shelli!)

Guys, isn't this sexy?

I have mentioned plenty of times how awkward I was growing up.  Super awk.  Like most middle schoolers, I had braces, and after three traumatic years, I finally got rid of them.  I immediately begged my mother to get my teeth whitened, as my older sister did the same after her braces were off, and she complied.  Oh, maybe I should mention my teeth are ultra sensitive and getting them whitened was one of the worst experiences of my life.  I can't even tell you how uncomfortable the process is.  Peep the image to the right.  (Cost: about $500 - $900)

A few years back, I decided to try Crest Whitening Strips.  Easy enough, right?  Totally wrong.  Who wants to sit around and wait with these ALSO uncomfortable strips on your teeth, not able to talk and randomly salivating when your mouth is supposed to be dry?  Not me.  (Cost: about $32 - $67)

Bottom line: whitening teeth is expensive, and the process sucks.  But, thanks to my lovely friend Michelle Loizeaux, I've learned that it doesn't have to be expensive, and it can take less than 5 minutes a day.

I present to you: Activated Charcoal. (Cost: $7.99, 100 capsules)

Image via the Vitamin Shoppe

Activated charcoal, as defined by Vitamin Shoppe: "One of the finest natural adsorbent agents.  Each particle contains many small chambers and cavities that 'capture' or bind up unwanted materials and gas, which are safely carried out of the digestive system."  Sounds pretty gross to me, too, but don't worry, you don't actually swallow it.

Here's what to do:

1.  Take a capsule, open it, and empty its contents into a glass.

2.  Add a tiny bit of water to the black powder.

3.  Swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes.

4.  Spit it out.

5.  Repeat this process every night for about two weeks, and you should notice a difference in your teeth.  After two weeks, you can switch to every other day, for as long as you feel necessary.

It's cheap.  It's quick.  It's pain-free.  I know, the black powder is slightly creepy, and sometimes it stains your tongue, and sometimes trying to take apart the capsule is a bitch, but it's been working for me!  And duh, white teeth are always in style.  Plus, you'll have a ton of capsules left over, so feel free to pass it along to your family, friends, coworkers, and roommates!  Just try not to make it look like a drug deal.

Lolz.

Interested in buying some activated charcoal?  Have any other teeth whitening options for a tight budget?  Comment away!

Situation: #brandproblems

A very happy new year, recessionistas!  My sincerest apologies for the lack of blog posts this past month.  This year, instead of being my usual cheap self, I splurged on my holiday presents, and therefore had nothing to write about.  I hope you all had a lovely holiday, and I hope Santa brought you exactly what you wanted!  Or, at least some gift receipts.

My poor puppy. Such a good sport.

Now that it's the new year, I'm suddenly really into this whole "resolutions" thing.  Reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project  recently inspired me to make small changes to my life to ultimately increase my own happiness, and what better way to begin than by drafting my own resolutions list.  While I still haven't really finished my 2013 list (it's in the makings, I swear!), one resolution I'm certain will make the cut is Trying New Things.  New workouts, new food, new people, new wine, and new brands.  Seems easy enough, right?  As a city girl, I'm always about having the most choices (which restaurant should I eat at tonight out of the MILLIONS in Manhattan??), and that is why this business is so absolutely genius.

Birchbox.  Ever heard of it?  If not, let me introduce you.  Launched in 2010, Birchbox is a business that sends a box of hand-selected samples right to your door for $10 a month.  The company describes itself on its website as "redefining the retail process by offering consumers a unique and personalized way to discover, learn about, and shop the best beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products on the market."  Brilliant.  Just brilliant.

It's not just for women, either.  While the women's subscriptions offer skincare and makeup products, the men's subscriptions offer everything from grooming supplies to fun socks to tech accessories.  If you fall in love with one of the samples (as you're sure to do so since they ROCK), you can purchase the full-size product right on the Birchbox website.  So easy.  Then there's the loyalty program that rewards you every time you shop, refer friends, and give feedback on samples.  They also have a Best of 2012 list, $25 and Under list, and a Bonus Shop.  Finally, free shipping on orders over $50.  I literally can't find anything wrong with it.

Birchbox is a fantastic idea for birthday presents and other random gifts (what a great way to suck up to someone even after gift giving season is over!) because it's super cheap and, seriously, who doesn't like beauty samples?  I haven't signed up YET, but I'm seriously considering it.

What do you think?  Good idea to have beauty samples sent to you, or are you brand loyal?  What else is on your resolutions list?  Comment away!

Situation: #LBDproblems

The Little Black Dress.  Ladies.  It's a no brainer.  This staple should be present in EVERY lady's closet, beginning at the awkward Bar and Bat Mitzvah days (also known as seventh grade), and should be updated on the reg.

"It must be so hard for you, Victoria. Having to decide
between the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, OR,
the little Gucci dress."

Being a 90s baby, the Spice Girls were (obviously) my biggest role models, both in occupation - who doesn't want to be a pop star, really - and in style.  They were so influential that I received platform sneakers from my babysitter as a birthday present and proceeded to wear them for years to come.  Photographs at my mother's house to prove it.  Posh Spice was and will always be Queen of the LBD, and for that I applaud her.  Through her role in Spice World, she taught young girls like myself the importance of "less is more," "tighter is better," and that such things as "Gucci dresses" actually exist.

My mom bought me my first Little Black Dress back in middle school from Free People (you go, Mom!) to wear to a family friend's Bar Mitzvah, and I've recognized it as a versatile piece ever since.  Dress it up with statement jewelry and red lipstick or dress it down with a light jacket and scarf.  You know those times that NOTHING in your closet is working for you?  Keep your LBD on hand as your back-up.

I've done my recessionista research and found 10 perfect LBDs for any occasion, traditional and non-traditional, all under $90 (!!!).  Don't forget - New Year's Eve is just around the corner.  Take a break from the Christmas shopping you probably haven't started yet anyway and buy yourself a new LBD.  Really.  Do it.

1.  Femme Dress (Nasty Gal, $38)

2.  Open Back Flippy Tunic (TOPSHOP, $70)

3.  Dress with Lace Skirt (ZARA, $89.90)

4.  Babydoll Dress with Skater Skirt (ASOS, $28.14)

5.  Dress (h&m, $24.95)

6.  Bad Religion Dress (Nasty Gal, $48)

7.  Nylon Tricot Figure Skater Dress (American Apparel, $50)

8.  Bow Back Sheath Dress (Forever 21, $27.80)

9.  Pins and Needles Embroidered Deep V-Back Dress (Urban Outfitters, $69)

10.  Motel Carina Sleeveless Mesh Dress (Motel Rocks, $80)

Most of these are available online, but if they aren't, it might be worth to check out the fit in the store.  I'm in desperate need of updating my LBD so I'll be ordering one of these ASAP.

What's your favorite LBD style?  How do you like to dress your staple piece up or down?  Comment away!

Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: C. Wonder

I literally can't believe that Thanksgiving is two days away.  Maybe it's the whole "being out of college" thing or maybe it was the whole "Frankenstorm" thing, but it feels like Halloween hasn't come around yet, and there's NO WAY that Christmas and Hanukkah are a month away.  I really need to stop shopping for myself.

For those of you out there who struggle buying Christmas or Hanukkah presents every year (and let's be real here, it's all of us) STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY.  Just stop it.  Right now.

I came across this website yesterday and haven't X-ed out of it since.  I've bookmarked about a hundred pages and have planned to be very very broke for the holidays.  Oh yeah.  It's THAT good.

This company's website describes themselves as "a shopping destination that transports women into a world of luxury and surprises," and that's the damned truth.  C. Wonder has the most fabulous selection of clothing, home decor, accessories, jewelry, and gift guides that I've seen in a loooong time.  From tea cup sets to iPhone covers to sweaters to key fobs, each product gets a little bit cuter and a little bit more colorful.  And - you know I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't agree at least a little bit with the prices - C. Wonder is very reasonable for the quality of its products.  The holidays gods have spoken, and we've all agreed - this is the place to do your holiday shopping this season.

Also, when you sign up for their emails, you receive free ground shipping on your first order.  I, for one, am a huge fan of free shipping.

My favorite part about the C. Wonder website is the gift guide section, where you can choose to look at gifts under the $25, $50, and $100 price ranges.  There's also gift categories like "Stocking Stuffers" for smaller items, "Personalized" for the monogram-obsessed, and "C. Wonder Classics" for, duh, classic items like cashmere gloves, driving mocs, wallets, and throw blankets.

Not only is this amazing store online, there's two New York City locations - one in SoHo at Spring Street and Crosby Street and one in the Time Warner building.  (For the other locations around the US, click here.)  As I haven't been to the stores yet, I'm not sure if the selection is the same as online, but I'll be checking the store out within the next few weeks as I begin my holiday shopping.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and as always, comment away!

Do It Yourself: Chain Tote

First things first, a video of a labrador puppy named Tugger playing with a doorstop.  Enjoy amongst yourselves.

So apparently it was a "thing" to go through many different stages growing up.  I, however cool I may seem to all my fans out there, was no exception.  (I also feel like I've written about this before, and may have mentioned my radically cool-at-the-time NIKKI name plate belt - what I look back at now as a very poor purchase decision.)  I went through this punk rock stage circa 2003 (ish) and I LOVED IT.  Hot Topic was the coolest store ever, Linkin Park was the coolest band ever, and boys in skinny jeans and studded belts were the cutest boys ever.

I'm pretty SUPER happy that the "punk rock" trend (i.e. studs and chains and ish) has made its comeback.  I'm absolutely loving the "everything studs" look on leather jackets, flats, and intense shoulder pads on sweaters.  This Zara sweater with leather sleeves is EVERYTHING.  I've also been noticing more and more purses and scarves with chains incorporated into them, and I realized just how easy it would be to make myself.

I present: my chain tote.

Things you need:

1. Tote bag with outside pockets
2. Different shape/length/color chains
3. Hot glue gun
4. Needle and thread (for reinforcement)

I pretty much only used my hot glue gun, but some of the larger and heavier chains didn't hold as well, so I reinforced with some thread.  All in all, 15 minutes later and my bag was finito.

Because I'm oh so helpful (and because this particular army green bag was purchased around 2004 from H&M before the store was cool), I've found some cheap Target bags that would be perfect for this DIY project here.

Besides these Target pieces, I didn't find many other totes with outside pockets, so it may be useful to check out thrift stores and second-hand stores as well.  As far as chains go, Michaels has inexpensive smaller chains, and for my NYC recessionistas, check out the trimming stores in the Garment District for heavy-duty unique chains.  (My favorite store is Pacific Trimmings on 38th between 7th and 8th Aves, where I bought feathers for my Halloween costume this year and sew-on gems for this R29 sweatshirt DIY project.)

What do you think?  Are you a fan of the studs and chains trend?  Thinking about taking on this DIY project?  Comment away!

Situation: #winterjacketproblems

What a week, eh?  Firstly, major major major props to all Hurricane Sandy volunteers - firefighters, policemen, ConEd workers, etc. - helping to clean, rebuild, and bring power back to those towns and cities in New Jersey and New York affected by the storm.  If you're a fellow New Jersian and looking for a cool way to donate (and get something in return!), check out these sweet Restore the Shore tees and sweatshirts here, where all profits go directly to the American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy Relief Foundation.  I ordered my tee last night!  And for those concerned, my poor little Point Pleasant beach shack made it through, safe and sound.  A little damage to the outside, sand on the porch, no power, but still standing, and for that I'm incredibly fortunate.  Other houses along the boardwalk weren't so lucky.

Really?  November 1st?

Secondly, it's that time of the year, people.  Says who?  Says Starbucks.  Holiday cups are out, temps are dropping to the low 40s, and I'm touching every fur vest I see.  Totally normal.  It's also that time of the year to start stocking up on brand new peacoats, winter jackets, and whatever kind of trendy wintery accessory you're particularly interested in (i.e. head wraps, fur scarves, leather gloves, riding boots, etc.).  However, these are usually pricey items.  Luckily, you have this cheap recessionista over here to show you the ropes on staying warm AND staying affordable all at the same time.

Is that grande nonfat no-whip Peppermint Mocha really keeping you warm?  Maybe.  BUT, these seven jackets under $100 definitely will:

For the Ivory color lover:  Jack BB Dakota Connell Coat in Ivory (Karmaloop, $54)

For the anti-scarf wearer:  Vero Moda Padded Shawl Collar Belted Coat in Fig (or Formula 1, Black, Mocca) (ASOS, $61.57)

For the trendsetter:  Emily Mod Coat by Rhyme & Echo (Piperlime, $89)

For the sweater layer-er:  Olive Star Studded Cargo Jacket (Pixie Market, $69)

For the indie shearling wearer:  Shearling Drape Jacket in Camel (Nasty Gal, $68)

For the attention to detail-er:  River Island Quilted Jacket with Pu Trim (ASOS, $87.95)

For the non-leather bomber lover:  Bomber Jacket by THML Clothing (Piperlime, $89)

All from the convenience of your living room couch.  Who doesn't love being wrapped in a blanket and drinking hot cocoa while online shopping simultaneously?

Thoughts on winter jacket shopping?  Comment away!