Gas Station Fashion

Interested yet?

Here's the deal...the other day I was in Walgreens having a horrible day and said huh, that sundress isn't bad...almost cute! Then my friend in effort to cheer me up bought it. I guess the surprise was when I wore it the next day with coach purse, nine west sandals, and Cole Haan glasses.

Quote: Merchandise it up!

It doesn't matter where you buy that "cute" thing if you put it with other high fashion expensive items....no one will ever know....Who's cares if you are wearing that Forever 21 top...with that Burberry Trench and Banana Pants....looks like you are a million bucks! Don't be afraid of the Gas Station, Walgreens, Goodwill....as long as you can add on to the outfit and make it your own and amazing it doesn't matter where it comes from.

Here's another note, the next day we saw the SAME sundress in Target with a different tag for like $25 more?

Score.

To Survery or To Not?

So at the end of many a transaction you often hear..... "if you fill out this survey by calling this number next time you'll get....blah blah"



You've stopped reading, listening...just tuned out. No? Most people do and you simply throw that extra receipt away.



I get it, I've done it before many a time. But then the light turned on...."Ahhhhh"



So here's my story, I got one of those pesky surveys but actually did it. It took five seconds on the computer and a wrote in a five digital code on the original receipt. It was only 10%; so is 10% worth it??? For five seconds of my time? Sure!

But then last week I was one of the first shoppers at my Old Navy during Stuff n Save and got a 50% THE ENTIRE STORE COUPON. What What. Awesome. Song. Dance.

So after the glee, shopping, and more shopping I head to the counter with my hands full. I mention I had one of those surveys but I probably couldn't combine offers....right....????

NO! The ohsonice sales clerk informed me that is the best things about those 10% off surveys - THEY CAN BE ADDED ON TOP OFF ANY OTHER OFFER.



And that's when 10% became 60% and it all became worth it.....



So next time you are throwing away that extra bit of paper, you might be throwing away an extra bit o cash ;)

How to Pack Your Bags!

How to Pack Your Bags SO when flying you never pay for checking luggage.

I refuse to check luggage when I have to pay. It's silly. I pay enough for the ticket.



But how do you pack correctly to make sure you get everything you need in that carry on?



Read on.



And remember these are just my tips (everyone has their own!)



1. Brown or Black rule, if traveling for 4 days or less chose a color. That's right all your outfits either are in the black or brown family. That means one purse, one pair of shoes, one belt, one set of accessories. If you can keep your outfits all in the same family; you'll pack a lot less.



2. Know your outfits. DO NOT dump your entire closest in a suitcase, pay $100 to fly it, and then wear 2 things out of it. Seriously. DO NOT. Lay out your outfits completely. Know what the proper undergarments you need are, what the accessories are, what socks or shoes will go with. Then once they are all layed out - pack.



3. Twice is Nice. If you are traveling for 7 days or more - don't pack it unless you can wear twice. Seven pair of jeans for seven days. Puh-lease. Every thing should be in the complimentary family so you can mix and match.



4. Keep the colors in the same family so you can mix and match and be spontaneous on site. The more you can mix and match the better. BUT of course you want to be fabulous....so read on to number 5.



5. ACCESSORIZE!!!!! Scarves, Earrings, Necklaces, bright colorful pieces will add tons to your outfits and not add to your precious suitcase space.



6. Know the climate. Is it 80 or 40? Snow or Sand? Don't bring unnecessary items but don't have to make emergency runs to target and then have to figure out how to get it all home. (God forbid buy another suitcase for that emergency parka purchase.)



7. Travel Size. I love the amenities from any hotel, I keep them for my next trip. I have honestly tipped and just said "need toiletries, bed is fine". It's true! I also save makeup, deodorant, and lotions when I get to the end for the next trip, this way I use the rest of the trip and then throw it away there. That means I have just enough foundation left, I put it in the travel bag for the next vacation. You can also ask any makeup counter for trial sizes....(trust me they want you to buy their product, they'll give you a tester.) This goes for perfume as well. Any free samples you might get? Save them for your next travel! My travel bag of toiletries is impressive and probably a prize possession.



8. Rules. Lots of people think "Well I can't do a carry-on because I have to bring....xyz." Not true. Razors....fine in carry on. Shampoos....get the right size. Phone Chargers....fine in carry on. Besides the biggies, most items can be carry-on. Just ask for samples and save the small sizes for traveling. Don't go raid the travel size section of any store, please. They are just too expensive. Just call me. :)



9. Save room. No matter where you go you'll end up with some souvenir. So please don't waste money on shipping it home, just leave a little extra room in the suitcase.



10. Pack ahead of time and leave the suitcase open. Edit Edit Edit. If you pack ahead time; you'll always come up with one or two things you can remove, and one or two things you forgot.





Seriously, I follow these rules every time. I LOVE TO PACK, but only by my rules. It's stressing me to see others pack.....on a mission for the perfect carry on pack!



***Disclaimer...I am going to Europe for 2 weeks and get a free checked bag up to 55 lbs so I will check a bag (GASP!) but only cause it's free and I'll be there so long....but trust me the outfits are already layed out.



Want me to pack for you? Just call. I would love to hear anyone's tips! I love to pack!

Take the Free and Run!

Today I got those "ohsoexciting" Free Pantie Coupon in the mail for Victoria Secret......



But beware...there are reasons that companies send out free panties, free small drink, free 1 night, free travel size lotion....you get the idea. These companies have decided that giving away this one thing is worth it because once they have you in the door....you'll probably buy more. They think they can trick the average consumer!



Don't let them!!! Proudly walk and claim your free _______! Don't feel guilty! I also get my free pantie and when they remind me there is $10.00 off a bra as well, I politely decline. (Well, unless you need the other item but frankly how far away is Season Semi-Annual Sale???)



Don't feel obligated to buy something else...they sent this to you because probably you are a good customer anyway. So take the free and run!

The Morning After

The Morning After.......

A Major Holiday! Get your minds out of the gutter!!

So a morning after a major holiday is prime dealoholic shopping time. I almost get more excited for the day after.... why??

Because everything is 50-75% off!!!!!!

This weekend I went shopping with a friend and saw a great new Easter wreath...it was 25% off. She urged me to get it. I refused with "Hello, on Monday it will be 75% off?!@!?". This morning I returned to the same spot and POOF! A Large Red 75% Sign appeared. I was giddy with my deal.

Basically figure out what you need, new Christmas lights, new Skeleton paint, new Easter basket, new Turkey napkin rings, new Yuletide cards but only get it AFTER the holiday. Stock up. And yes, it will always go on sale ..... stores need to unload their seasonal items ASAP.

Okay short and sweet just a friendly reminder, shop after the holiday for your holiday decor needs. EXCEPT the candy....let's be honest candy is best fresh.

Off to hang my wreath! :)