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So for years, I have always been complimented on my style, and the first thing I tell people as soon as they mention a garment’s cuteness is how much I got it on sale for. It’s something I would love to shout from the rooftops if I could but, let’s be real, it’s not that big of a deal…or is it?
Outlets are a Frugal Girl’s Best Friend
This is the main reason for my blog post. I love the outlets! You can score so many amazing deals in one day, but there are some things you need to know before you go!
Give yourself ample time
Outlet shopping needs to not be rushed or forced into a strict timeframe. With the vast array of stores all spread out, and the time you need to piece through racks, you don’t want to rush past a great deal due to poor time management. So be sure to set aside enough time to pace yourself.
Google your local outlets and see what stores they have before going
This is so helpful to know before your trip to make sure it is worth it to you to visit that particular outlet. My rule of thumb is I will go if there are at least 5 stores I am interested in. This way you can make a list of stores, decide on an outlet, and plan out your trip.
Become a member or insider
Tanger outlets are some of my all-time favorites to shop, and they have a shopping program that gets you points and exclusive coupons, along with discounts at select stores in their centers. They also have a coupon book for purchase with amazing incentives! So be sure to research these additional savings options before your trip. It’s a shame to miss out on savings just because you didn’t know it was available to you!
Have a game plan
Plan out your trip a bit by viewing the map and locating which stores are on what side so you do not have to backtrack. There are usually great snacks like pretzels and Cinnabon in the middle sections which makes it the perfect time for a quick snack break and energy boost, pretty sure that’s strategic on their part. 😉 Map out the stores with heavier items for the end of your day so you aren’t lugging that stuff around ( like Bath and Body Works 3 wick candles) and park your car on that side of the lot so you don’t have to walk as far to the car.
Head towards the extra off sign
When I step into a store on my list I go straight to the clearance section to see if they have an additional off promotion running. This is the best time to pick up items at extremely low prices. Keep in mind, this is a way to pick up staples or statement pieces at a major value but not necessarily a way to shop particular items you are looking for in particular, it’s more of a treasure search.
If you don’t have outlets near you, there are always online off-price retailers!
Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Saks Off 5th, and Nordstrom Rack offer goods at discounted prices, most of which are designer or high-end brands! Though most do have brick and mortar locations, they also have an online presence with just as amazing deals. Note: there usually is a shipping threshold of $100 to $150 to get free shipping so keep that in mind if you want to save on that! I have linked my faves below, so give them a peek!
Now aside from these outlets and off-price experiences, I practice these same techniques when shopping online and in-store at all of my favorite retailers. I look for additional off banners, and I shop when sites and stores offer entire site discounts when looking for something specific and “new”.
Shop Around
When you have a particular item in mind that you would like to purchase, shop around for the best deal on it before just jumping the gun and buying it. Online shopping has truly opened so many doors when it comes to cross-checking prices to find the best deal. You can do your due diligence in minutes versus getting in the car and shuffling around to multiple stores. This can save you quite a bit depending on what you are in the market for whether it be an appliance or handbag, you would be surprised what promotions stores are running, possibly by offering a 20% coupon for signing up for their email list, weekly discount, and know that many will price match.
I hope this was helpful and interesting for you all, and maybe will help you save a bit of money on your wardrobe this year. I personally find it super enjoyable to see the savings and love the pieces even more, so give it a try! I can almost promise it will be your new way to shop! Until next time, Hales <3
A very special thank you to Getaway for hosting our stay. All details and opinions shared are my own.
i want to break free
If the chaos of our current world has you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and feeling a bit claustrophobic, well… you aren’t alone. Sometimes going back to the earth (quoting one of my favorite Jason Mraz songs), getting in touch with nature, and most of all yourself is just what you need to recharge and refocus. This is exactly what I did on our latest Getaway. For all of my fellow Houstonians, Getaway has a new location just an hour outside of the city; perfect for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle.
Who’s That Girl?
Prints, polka dots, bows and bright colors – yep, that’s what this week is all about! If you have never watched the sitcom New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel then you have been missing out my friend! Her witty cooky and awkwardly hilarious character will instantly draw you in, along with her over the top wardrobe and group of guy pal roommates – but today, and for this week, we are focusing on her wardrobe so if you are new, welcome to my style challenge series! If you are new to New Girl, I hope these looks inspire you to check the show out – it is on Netflix btw! And for all of those true Jess lovers out there, I hope you love these inspired looks and enjoy these somewhat modern recreations of Jessica Day’s closet.
Jess Can Rock A Lot Of Polka Dots
This may have been a dig at her when she brings it up on the show, but Jess does rock a lot of polka dots and in the best of ways! Her vintage, style with a pop of cute adds to the spirit of her character. Here I have paired a navy and white polka dot, peter pan collared drees with a pearl belt and coordinating headband. Since Jess is all about handmade and second-hand I wanted her looks to be super affordable because that’s “on brand” for me as well! So this dress, along with all of my accessories are from Amazon and are available Prime!
I have to admit, this was the challenge I was most excited for. I have been a fan of Audrey since a very young age, when I first saw My Fair Lady. She just radiates all things refined and glamorous – yes, even as a peasant selling flowers. So here I have picked a few everyday looks Audrey has worn in some of her most notable films to show how timeless and attainable her style is. – Note this is everyday style and not extravagant gowns as yes, she has some amazing notable looks for this as well, but we are sticking to practical fashion for this style challenge; enjoy!
Basic Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Yes, when you think of this film, of course, the first look to come to mind is the black gown, pearls, oversized sunnies, and long satin gloves, but since we are doing every day, Audrey wears a look in this film which is still super stylish today. It’s a mock neck cropped sweater with high waisted crops and pigtails. I changed up the pants for some updated frayed hem denim and a very similar top for under $15. The sunnies are also super affordable and very similar to Audrey’s.
I know most of you have watched, or at least heard of Gossip Girl. The mid 2000’s drama about socialites, fashion, high school and well GOSSIP! Blair Waldorf was always my favorite when it came to fashion, her signature headband collection definitely had more volumes than the book series for sure! So if you love Blair, or are interested in creating looks that are Blair inspired I’ve got you covered! – Just don’t tell her how affordable these looks are or you won’t be sitting on the steps of the MET for lunch.
Tweed Need The Gossip
Blair’s style is classic. Lots of dresses, heels and headbands, so to start off this style challenge I chose a tweed. Tweed is a heavier, chic textured fabric that usually appears in the fall and winter, but in lighter tones, can be worn in more seasons. Here, I have this adorable mini dress with embellished neck bow which has a flattering, tailored fit. Blair usually wears stockings but as I live in Texas that won’t be happening – it’s just too darn hot! So please keep that in mind with all of my inspired looks, they are geared for Houston weather, not NYC. The plus to this is you can see how easy it is to adapt her style to any season or location.
Here we go! To kick off my style challenge series of July which will highlight 4 very iconic television, and movie fashionistas that I draw inspiration from for my personal style, I decided to start the month off with Charlotte York Goldenblatt of Sex and the City. I have always loved her style and was a fan of her character, which I feel was seriously underrated! So for a week I styled looks inspired by some of her most iconic outfits and will share with you how you can dress like this chic brunette bombshell as well!
Monday Sweetheart Pinks
Since the show was filmed so many years ago I decided to modernize a few of her looks by changing the cut and brightening the pinks, like with this jumpsuit. Charlotte has on a fitted sweetheart strapless dress, which I adapted the neckline but updated the style with a cropped jumpsuit and nixed the midi belt, but kept the black accessory theme she has with my sunnies and designer bag. So takeaways to make this look work are any pink dresses or jumpsuits with a sweetheart strapless design and tailored waist, and some oversized sunnies.
With so much time at home, I know you have been tempted by the scissors a few times to try a new look, trust me I have too! And because of this, I wanted to share my favorite $36 accessory to take the edge off of cutting that gorgeous hair of yours!
No Commitment Bangs?!
The accessory I am talking about is clip-in bangs! This 30-second installation gives me a completely new look without any regret, maintenance, or commitment. If you have ever cut your own bangs, then you know exactly what I mean. I only want them for a month or two but unfortunately, hair doesn’t grow back that quickly. So if you are curious about what you would look like with bangs before taking the plunge, or are indecisive with your hairstyles as I am, this is truly a game-changer.
Summer is almost here which means cute warm-weather clothes! I was lucky enough to have an amazing getaway for spring break with my soon to be sister-in-law for her bachelorette party to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico so I picked out some of the cutest pieces from Red Dress, and wanted to show you how I styled them to get you inspired for looks to rock this Summer!
Wow in a Watercolor Kimono
This maxi length semi-sheer kimono is absolutely gorg! There is a tie so you can wear it closed as a swimmie cover-up or open with an outfit as I have done here. The colors are neutral so you can wear it with pretty much any solid color. Here I have paired it with a white crop top and my favorite $15 shorts from Target.
Rompers are my go-to for pretty much any occasion because they are comfortable, easy to pack on trips, and they are perfect for tall girls because sometimes dresses are just too short! Here I have rounded up 5 super cute black rompers for casual or dressy looks, all under $30 that you need in your wardrobe this season. Best of all, these are prime so you can get them in just 2 days!
Utility Romper
Perfect for days at the beach, shopping or just running errands this style romper is my favorite. The material is lightweight and linen-like so it’s textured and looks okay wrinkled which makes it ideal for packing on your next vacay. Style it up with wedges, layered gold necklaces, and a statement bag – this one is great for accessorizing.
Here is a quick lookbook of the outfits I planned, packed, and wore during Fashion Week this past February. I went with neutral tones and a 70’s inspired vibe. Honestly, I usually have one favorite look that stands out above the rest, but this year I loved all of the looks so much! Everything was comfortable and easy to wear all day – which is super important when it’s rainy, cold and you have to walk a lot! So without further ado, here are the looks!
