Sales on Sales on Sales

Every cheap little recessionista knows the three cheapest stores in which to shop and not be (too) embarrassed by the low prices you're paying.  You all know what I'm talking about.  You go up to the cashier, realize the $5.00 sweater you were buying was marked down because of a small, insignificant tear (in which you were OBVIOUSLY going to fix... not), hand the cashier $2.50 in quarters, wince at the fact that you just handed a cashier at a CLOTHING store 10 quarters, snatch your new purchase and run away.  No?  Never been there?  You haven't lived.

I have a very strong love/hate relationship with these companies.  In case you've been living under a rock for the past 10 years and are unfamiliar with these stores, I've broken them down into "Things I Like" and "Things I Don't Like" categories for your entertainment.  THEY ARE: H&M, Target, and Forever 21.

1.  H&M

Things I Like:
H&M is my favorite out of the three; although it's probably the most expensive, they have the classiest selection as well as a wide variety of products for men and women of all ages.  There's a lot of hype around H&M as there SHOULD be.  I've found that it's the only store I can go in with an item in mind - black work pants, a blazer, a plain red cardigan, a black oversized men's sweater - and leave with that exact item in hand without paying more than $50 total.  The store's "business professional" section is extensive and impressive.  I've bought several good-quality classic blazers for my internships, and the business clothes are simple enough that you can add as many jewelry pieces and accessories to distinguish yourself from a girl with the same blazer.  Some of my favorite clothes are from H&M, and they've expanded in the past few years to include close to 2,500 stores in 44 markets.  The designer collections are always fantastic and reasonably priced, like the Marni collection that I have yet to check out.

Things I Don't Like:
The store's online website is BRAND new, and I haven't quite figured it out yet.  From what I've heard and seen, a lot of the products online are not in stores and visa-versa.  How inconvenient.  Some of the sizing is weird too - apparently women don't have thighs and there's no need for pants to have stretch in them.  The teeny-bopper clothing section is horrendous, more often than not, and poorer quality (although cheaper) than the nicer product in the front of the store.


Score: 8.5




2.  Target

Things I Like:
Target will forever and always be one of my favorite brands.  The company is so well advertised, and its logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the commercial world.  Target clothing, similarly to H&M, is simple and classic, but even CHEAPER.  The best part about shopping at Target might be that you can go into a huge superstore, pick up a cheap sweater on sale, realize that you ran out of mascara, bread and shampoo and buy all of the items right then and there.  Target clothes, although I admit they're a total hit or a total miss, are well-stitched and fit true to their size.  Also similarly to H&M, the designer collaborations are all ridiculously amazing, as we've seen very well with the Missoni for Target phenomenon.

Things I Don't Like:
A lot of the clothing at Target, even though it's all classics, is quite boring and lacks real "trendiness."  They try so hard (meh!), but a lot of the women's clothing looks like (and fits like) it's only made for moms.  Going along with that, some of the v-neck t-shirts don't have a big enough "V" and cut off at an awkward part of your chest.  The online shopping isn't set up well, and because it's a department store like Walmart (but obvi better), the website design isn't "clothing store"-esque.

Score: 7.5




3.  Forever 21

Things I Like:
Forever 21 is the kind of store that you go in when you need an article of clothing for a party that you KNOW is going to get booze spilled all over it, and you're completely fine knowing that.  And you can ALWAYS find that article of clothing, whether it's just something lacy and trashy, a Halloween costume accessory or a perfect "dayge" dress.  The shoes, sunglasses and hair accessories are so cheap it's easy to buy multiples of everything just because you can, and you'll end up wearing them all.  Forever 21's clothes and young, fresh and trendy, and the store is notorious for having every current trend possible.

Things I Don't Like:
The store could not be more disorganized if it tried, and that includes every Forever 21 store I've ever been.  I think it's part of the store "culture," but I absolutely despise it, and I bet many mothers with money despise it as well.  Clothing quality is not very good, and most of the items are poorly stitched.  Because it is young and fresh, some of the clothes are TOO teeny-bopper, and people my age sometimes feel awk when shopping next to screaming Justin Bieber lovers with daddy's shopping money.  And, because it's so trendy, the clothes go out of style REAL fast.  Some of the clothes are so busy, it's hard to pair jewelry and accessories with them, and girls that don't know how to accessorize end up over-accessorizing, and it's NOT cute.

Score: 5.5  (womp.)


How accurate are my store ratings?  Agree completely or disagree?  Comment away!

Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: Hell's Kitchen Flea Market (New York, NY)

As most of you may be aware, I'm a Jersey girl.  However, because New Jersey cities are disgusting and full of bums, I've become familiar with New York City and its fast-paced way of life.

And I love am obsessed with it.

I am a firm believer that New York City is the greatest city in the world because it has SO much character, energy and eccentricity.  I knew this the moment I stepped outside Port Authority at the age of ten and a homeless man whacked me in the leg with a newspaper.  So maybe yeah, I was petrified and my mother yelled "DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER" in front of all the misfortunate city-walkers on 8th Ave. that morning, but I knew there was something different about New York City.  I could just smell it.  Or maybe it was the angry homeless man.

"Concrete jungle where dreams are MAAADE OHH there's nothing you can't do..."

Flea marketing shopping in New York City is the best EVER, but a lot of little vintage markets or flea markets pop up only seasonally in Union Square next to the farmer's market or on the side streets of Greenwich Village.  I've only been to this flea market once, but I knew then and there that I would have to come back and explore all the different parts of it.  One of the most famous outdoor flea markets in New York, Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is open every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and is named one of the top ten shopping streets in the world by National Geographic.  How sick is that?

HKFM, 9th Ave, New York City

Located on West 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, Hell's Kitchen Flea Market (HKFM for short) includes vendors selling antiques, small collectibles, vintage clothing, modern items like home decorations and furniture, plus a TON of food vendors.  My BU Dance Team teammate and I decided to try the Mozzarepa, a mozzarella "grilled cheese" sandwiched between two corn pancakes, and probably had enough calories to last us the rest of our NYC trip.

Bucu and me with the infamous Mozzarepas.

Two other markets associated with HKFM are the Antiques Garage, located at 112 West 25th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, and the West 25th St. Market, just a few avenues down at West 25th St. (duh) between Broadway and 6th Ave.  The Antiques Garage attracts shoppers on Saturdays and Sundays, the same times as HKFM, with over 100 vendors on two floors selling eclectic antiques, art, and vintage items including jewelry, purses, fabrics, rugs, furniture and fine silver.  Similarly, the West 25th St. Market features up to 125 vendors who sell antiques, collectible items, and vintage and modern trinkets.  I haven't checked out those two places yet, but I plan to in the near future.

A list of vendors is on display on the HKFM website (here).  HKFM is always very social media savvy with the Twitter handle @NYCFleaMarkets updating the different vendors each weekend as well as re-tweeting some HKFM "favorite finds."  They also have a Tumblr page called "Flea Speech," "a lifestyle hub for Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, Antiques Garage and West 25th St shoppers" as the page so clearly states.

Presh.

I have a thing for street markets, I do admit, but the HKFM was such a fun experience.  Have you ever been to HKFM?  What was your experience like?  Comment away!

Situation: #fakejewelryproblems

When the "statement jewelry" trend started back when I was in high school, I was obsessed.  I put all my silver necklaces, plain bracelets and stud earrings aside in my jewelry box, and made my mom buy me pieces of jewelry from places like Anthropologie, no matter how large or absurd they were.

My internship at Subversive Jewelry in New York City in the summer of 2010 amplified my statement jewelry fixation like crazy.  The other interns, who were interning there mainly to learn about the art of jewelry-making, taught me basic jewelry-making skills like how to connect jumprings, choose certain pliers and make the "backbone" for a Sunken Treasure necklace, Subversive Jewelry's most popular item.  I worked so hard to get better, and they finally allowed me to make my own piece.  This was the finished project:

Close-up view...

The whole necklace. Very Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean, right?

To my knowledge, it's still hanging up in the front of the store, and it's called the Ruby Sunken Treasure necklace.  It's available to rent for photo shoots if you're interested.

I wish I had the jewelry supplies to make more of these in the comforts of my own apartment, or the $575 to buy a Sunken Treasure necklace (or any piece of real silver or gold, for that matter), but I don't.  I'm cheap, and I'm broke.  (ugh.)  So, clever-little-me has a different jewelry option.  Envision a boutique with prices never reaching higher than $100 (ish).  I present to you: Bobbles and Lace.

Located on Newbury Street, Bobbles and Lace is too conveniently placed within a five minute walk from my internship at Cone Communications.  The store moved to its Newbury location this past year, but I first found Bobbles and Lace browsing through the North End with my roommate freshman year of college.  You know those "I think I know where I'm going!" walks through tight-knit Boston neighborhoods only end in one thing: desperately asking for directions.  Some very nice old man directed us back to Hanover Street, the main street in the North End of Boston, and Bobbles and Lace happened to be in our direct line of fire.  BIG mistake.

Over the past four years of college, I can't even imagine how much money I've spent in that store.  Not because they have expensive products, but because they have jewelry, purses, clutches, scarves, sunglasses, dresses, dress shirts, shoes, belts, wallets, headbands and more.  All for the most reasonable prices I've ever seen.  AND they have it all - fake David Yurman, chandelier earrings for prom, vintage pendant necklaces, large tribal pieces, and small sterling silver classics.  The best part about Bobbles and Lace is that they buy a few of each product (for clothes, a small, medium and large), and when something's gone, that's it.  They order new product ALL the time, keeping the store feeling fresh and original.

Jewelry lovers, beware: this store is a jewelry paradise.  It will, in fact, take you longer than an hour to look at every piece of jewelry in the store and make a purchase decision.  For such a small store, they really know how to squeeze in SO much product.  Don't try to make a quick in-and-out trip; you won't appreciate all the different types of jewelry and purses and shoes in the store.

Jewelry prices range from about $8-$50, and clothing ranges from $30-$70.  SO.  CHEAP.  I can't get enough.

What are your thoughts on Bobbles and Lace?  Have you spotted its small store on Newbury?  Comment away!

Situation: #darkapartmentproblems

So maybe it's not so much a fashion problem, but the darkness of my apartment interferes with my ability to dress myself and pick out jewelry to wear, and THAT, my friends, is a huge problem.

Boston apartments suck.  Like real bad.  They're all super old, super dusty and super that's-so-three-decades-ago.  And all Boston apartments look the same, no matter what neighborhood (except for Dexter, of course).  Don't even get me started on the overpriced rent.  My older sister, who attends med school at UNC Chapel Hill, lived in this super CHIC apartment last year for about half the price I pay for my small dusty Boston apartment.

Chic.

Contemp.

Resourceful.

Presh.

One of the biggest problems I've had in my Boston apartment experience, and I've lived in two different apartments during my time at Boston University, is the lack of/poorly positioned lighting.  Each room in my current apartment has one small, useless light, and when the bulbs go out, our landlord decides that we can fix it ourselves.  Which is funny because we literally can not.

My solution to this: candles.  So simple and so chic.  Unless you have a sensitive smoke detector like my roommate and I did last year, candles will always make a room appear more fashionable, secluded and sexy.  And candles are CHEAP.  Matches are even cheaper (or free if you're the kind of person like me who steals them from nice restaurants).

Bed Bath and Beyond carries cheap candles, as I'm sure Walmart and Target do as well, but for those of you in Boston without the luxury of big cheap superstores, I suggest the Candle Classics (unscented) in three different sizes, ranging from $4.99-$9.99 in Ivory and White.  I have one of each size on my nightstand next to my bed, and it makes going to bed at night so much more relaxing than a bright desk lamp.  Plus, I feel more Sex and the City.

They're cute, they're simple, they're cheap and they match any room, no matter how colorful or messy it may be.  Bed Bath and Beyond also has some smaller votives if you're looking for more candles in smaller sizes, as well as candle holders and glass plates to put underneath the candles. 

Thanks to my candles, I can actually see the clothes I pick out to wear and if they match or not.  Who woulda thunk?

Do you know of more places with cheap candles?  Or do you think lamps trump candles?  Comment away!

"Got my swim trunks, and my flippie-floppies..."

The recent Boston heat wave has got my mind ALL over the place.  As soon as it starts getting warm in Boston, I automatically think a few things: 1. Finals must be coming up... I hate my life.  2. Marathon Monday?!?!?! and 3. Can it just be summer already?!  Tanning on the BU Beach is NOT the same thing as the Jersey shore.

Uhhhh yeah no.

Girls, you know this - flip-flops are a staple in every girl's spring and summer wardrobe.  I go flip-flop shopping once every few years (because finding Size 11 flip-flops is a more difficult task than finding a needle in a haystack), and I always seem to go back to the same pair.  I'm obsessed.  Havaianas TOP flip-flops come in ALL different colors, like black, tangerine, citrus yellow, amazonia, hot pink, ice violet, ice grey, white, ruby red, navy blue and dark brown, and each pair is only $18.  Each pair I've had has lasted me quite a few years.

Not only are the Havaianas flip-flops dirt cheap and super cute, they're rubber, so they're great for the beach and pool where getting wet is almost inevitable.  I've tried to wear my favorite Rainbows sandals to the beach, but the leather sandal + sand combination just doesn't work.  They also take FOREVER to dry - those of you who have accidentally gotten your Rainbows wet, you know what I'm talking about.  Havaianas flip-flops are made to get wet and dirty, and they take two seconds to clean.

The best aspect of these sandals are their versatility.  They match every outfit!!!  The colors are all bright and girly, and they're perfect for those days you want to bum around the beach with some bright rubber flip-flops kicking sand up the back of your legs.  JOKES, that's annoying and itchy.

If you want to get creative and spend a few more bucks, check out the Make Your Own Havaianas section of the company's website.  Customers are able to built their own flip flop and choose a sole color, strap color and pins and crystals to customize it however they want.  SO cute.

LOVEZ IT.

Do you own a pair of Havaianas flip-flops?  Would you build your own pair of flip-flops, or are the solid colors cute enough for you?  Comment away!

Cheap S%$T Pick of the Week: SoWa Open Market (Boston, MA)

BEANTOWN RAISE UP!!!!

Isn't it presh?

As any Boston University female student does, I like to think I'm a "Boston girl."  I go shopping on Newbury, I want to marry a Harvard doctor, and I think the Red Sox are, like, the best team ever (just kidding, I'm loyal to the Yankees, even though baseball is my least favorite sport of all time).  I've become accustomed to the Boston weather, even though it may change with the blink of an eye, and I've learned how to use the T, avoid slow-walkers on Comm. Ave., and understand the retahhhded Boston accent.  No offense, Boston, but it's not the cutest accent I've ever heard.

One stunning feature of Boston that I've only recently become aware of is SoWa.  Picture TONS of crafty vendors in a large square parking lot surrounded on two sides by the best food trucks in New England outside on a beautiful Sunday morning in Boston.  It.  Is.  Incredible.

SoWa Open Market

SoWa runs May 6th through October 28th on Sundays from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The market, which is conveniently located next to the SoWa Farmers' Market and Vintage Market, hosts a wide variety of vendors selling an even wider range of products.  Hand-crafted accessories, t-shirts, original art, indie designer clothing, fresh bread, flowers, jewelry, handbags, you name it.  You may see something one Sunday, come back the next Sunday, and a whole new batch of vendors may be there.  And that's the beauty of it.  ALL for reasonable prices, and most often than not, you come face-to-face with the brilliant artist who designed your new favorite t-shirt/necklace/purse/trinket/art piece.

The best part about SoWa isn't even the flea market - it's the food trucks that park alongside the market.  It's literally Food Truck Heaven.  Every Sunday, about a dozen trucks roll in to sell the best in gourmet mobile food.  Some of the more popular trucks that attend are The Cupcakory, Bon Me, Clover, Roxy's Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Nation, as well as many other delicious on-the-go food options.  The first time I went to SoWa, I got a Mini Lobster Slider from a seafood truck that I haven't seen since as well as Edamame and homemade Blueberry Soda from Bon Me.

The orange-est truck I've ever seen.

Dear Mini Lobster Slider, I'll be seeing you again this summer.

Located in South Boston, SoWa is just a T ride and a 20-minute walk away from students around the Boston University campus.  I usually take the T to Copley, and then walk south down to Harrison Ave.  Especially in the summer, the walk is great through the cute little South Boston neighborhoods, and there are fantastic restaurants and stores all throughout the surrounding area.

If you live in Boston and haven't been to SoWa yet, CHECK IT OUT.  The atmosphere is super relaxed, and I promise you will find something worth taking home with you.

Bostonians, what are your thoughts on SoWa?  Still enjoying the popularity of food trucks, or is the fad getting old?  Comment away!!

Situation: #wrinklyoutfitproblems

We've all got our pet peeves.  I just happen to have more than the average person, making me super critical and kind of a harsh bitch.  Like some of my fellow BU Dance Team members (cough Mickey Main), I have a "Things I Don't Like" list that I recite often, as well as a "Things I Like" list to balance myself out.  Some of the items in the first list include cellulite, excessive PDA, the MBTA Green Line, and slow walkers.  On the other spectrum, my happy list consists of new shoes, the Jersey shore, and puppies, like my dog Baxter.

No, this is not a Star Wars ewok, it's my dog.

Pet peeves can really get the best of us.  I realized one of mine became super severe when I was packing for my recent spring break trip to the Bahamas: wrinkles.  Obviously, wrinkles fall under my "Things I Don't Like" list.

Even the word makes me wrinkle my face in disgust. (HA! Get it?)  Wrinkly clothes look trashy on even the classiest broad.  It's unprofessional and sloppy.  It's called IRONS, PEOPLE!!
As I pulled out my summer clothes from the large cheap bins hidden under my bed, I noticed a few things.  Thought #1: "I'm so happy I bought that maxi dress on sale at Anthropologie this winter, I can finally finally wear it!!!"  Thought #2: "I didn't diet nearly as much as I should have this month.  There's no way I won't look like a beached whale in that bikini."  Thought #3:  "Everything.  Is. Wrinkly."   At times like these, I: 1. begin to have a panic attack until I can get a grip and recover, then 2. retrive my mini iron and mini ironing board and go to WERK.

For those of you still living in a tiny dorm room or those who feel that a mini iron is not necessary, fear not.  Hair straighteners can get the job done just as well.  Some (like the one I stole from my mother before I left for college) are quite expensive, but others, I've found, really aren't too pricey.  And you can use it for two different tasks!  How green!

I've heard pretty great reviews about the Revlon Perfect Heat Professional Ceramic straightener, for $8.99 at Amazon.com.  It comes with one-inch-wide ceramic plates that heat quickly and evenly, and it has 25 different heat settings from which to choose.  I wish I could say I've tested it out, but as you would remember, I stole my mother's Chi straightener and it's held up well over my college years.

A few notes to point out before you go and straighten your favorite silk blouse:

• Test out your straightener's settings on something less valuable just in case the temperature is too much for the fabric.
• Don't hold your straightener in one spot (similar to an iron), it will probably burn your clothing.
• Check your garment's label before you do anything with it.  If it's Dry Clean Only, I wouldn't try to iron it, especially if it was expensive.

Save yourself the embarrassment of wearing a wrinkly outfit to an interview or fun social event.  Save yourself the money you would have used to buy an iron and ironing board, and use the same straightener you use to fry your hair every day.  Really, you're killing two birds with one stone.  Yay for saving money!!!!

Do you know of any other cheap straighteners?  Have you used this little trick before?  Comment away!