The Perfect Accessory for Every Outfit (under $14!)

I’ve got the accessory that will make every outfit look even better and the best part is that it costs less than $14. Oh wait did I say accessory? I meant accessories because this is a pack of 12 headbands for only 14 bucks. Yep you read that right and I’m excited about it too! I recently purchased a headband from Five Below and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever even wear it. I’ve always liked headbands but felt silly wearing them. However, I found that I wanted to add a punch to my outfits and cover up those baby hairs that popped up with my postpartum hair loss. Since then, I’ve been wearing headbands multiple times a week! Since I really only have 3, I went onto Amazon to see what I could find. That’s when I found this awesome mixed pack!

Although I can’t say I love every single headband in this pack, it’s so affordable that it’s worth it. There’s definitely several styles I would wear for less than the cost of buying just one in a store. For the few headbands I won’t wear, I’ve decided I’m going to give them out to friends that I think would love them so that hopefully I can encourage them to add a little pizzazz to their outfits too.!

When it comes to wearing headbands, people may ask how to wear them. Well I’m gonna start by saying the way to wear a headband is by just wearing it. I know that sounds silly and probably not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the truth. Just wear it! It’s going to feel silly at first (I know definitely did for me!) but soon enough you’ll realize that it’s really not a big deal and you actually love wearing them. You can wear them with pretty much any outfit or add them to any hairdo. Just give it a shot!

Personally, I love wearing my headbands with a little bit of my hair towards the front, or to hold all those little baby hairs when my hair is in a bun. They can also jazz up a braid which is really fun since braids can sometimes seem a little stuffy. 

One of the things that been struggling with lately is how to store these headbands, because if you stuff them away somewhere you’ll probably never wear them again. Out of sight, out of mind- you won’t even know they exist anymore. So I’ve come up with a solution for you! I bought one of these headband holders that I can put on my dresser or in my closet for only $16. If you own headbands, you need this organizer! It’s non-negotiable friends. Just add it to your cart already.

If this set isn’t the exact style that you like, don’t worry – I’ve got a solution for you.

If you like soft headbands, try these out. I love wearing these when my hair’s in a bun, since they slip right on. I think it’s a lot harder to use these when you have your hair down. Personally, I don’t love that there’s essentially a scrunchie on me and they seem to move a lot, which is why I prefer the hard ones!

If you prefer a bow headband, try this pack. I have a similar pink striped one which I love. I think it’s so cute for adding a slightly preppy touch to an outfit, like my varsity sweater. 

If you’re a simple person who thinks this is way too many headbands, try a smaller three pack. They all have a gold trim which looks super elegant and since it comes in a range of colors, you’ll still have a headband for every outfit! I’m super tempted to buy this one too!

And, if you think that all these patterns are way too much and will clash with your outfits, try this pack of solid colored headbands. I love the lighter colors like the yellow and the coral, which I think would be great for fall!

No matter which pack you buy, it’s so much fun to add a headband to your outfits for a little bit of extra fun. It’s also great for wearing them around the house, even if you’re just wearing your PJs! I’d like to try to look put together, especially as a SAHM/WAHM, since getting out every day can be a challenge. Also, at this price point you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank! Even if you only wear four or five of the headbands out of the pack, just to be getting them for a steal compared to the cost in stores. And I really love the idea of giving these out to friends so they can accessorize their outfits too. You could even have a friend get in on it, where you buy one of the packs and they buy another, and then you share all the headbands and pick out all your favorites. 

So pick your favorite pack, and make the purchase right now so that you don’t forget. Or even worse, before you convince yourself that you can’t wear a headband! And, send this post to a friend that you think would love to accessorize her outfits too. I really think that it’s important to try new things, especially when it’s love to keep her off it’s pretty simple on the daily. Doing something like adding a headband can make an outfit feel so much more glam, even if it’s just a tee and jeans. Plus, if you pop that headband storage in your cart, you’re still under $30 and you’ll know that you have a place to keep them where they won’t be hidden or an eyesore!

So what do you think? Have I convinced you? Did I save your life by finding the perfect solution for your overflowing headband collection? Let me know in the comments below!

10 Reasons Why I Love thredUP

I’ve recently started shopping on thredUP and I am hooked. Like, head over heels, can’t-sleep-cuz-I-keep-thinking-about-you in love with them. At night I find myself on their app, scrolling for hours and dreaming about our future together. It’s because thredUP has some amazing deals. Like, “holy crap can this be right?” type of deals. As someone who loves a deal we’re a match made in heaven.  

Before I share why I love thredUP sooo much, I want to share my special link that will get you $10 off your first order with thredUP. Depending on what you purchase, this can be equal to a free item! Click here to get $10 off your first order.

Without further ado, here’s 10 reasons why I love thredUP so much!

1. You can find name brand stuff for way less than in stores.

What are your favorite brands and places to shop? Kate Spade? Yep, they’ve got it. J. Crew? Yep, got that too. Looking for luxury designer brands? Yep, got that as well! From $10 Old Navy dresses to Burberry pullovers, they have what you want. I got a Kate Spade shirt that retailed for $298 for under $40 and a J. Crew skirt that retailed for $148 for less than $20. You don’t have to sacrifice style or quality with thredUP!

2. You can hone in on your style

Because thredUP has so many different brands, you can very easily discover your personal style by favoriting items you love. Then, when you go back through your favorites you’ll probably start to see a pattern developing that will shape your personal style. For example, I saved a lot of pink (duh!) but I also realized that I prefer solids instead of patterns and stripes over polka dots. I also realized I saved a LOT of baby blue striped items, which I never would have expected. I’m not drawn to that in stores, so it surprised me! My favorites section is filled with colorful, simple yet fun clothes. I realized for me it’s also about the silhouette and while I like items in solid colors, I like them to have something fun about them. I like my clothes to be interesting, like me! I also found that this helped me to see the items in a mix-and-match way since they all go together so well. It helps to know I won’t just wear an item once!

3. You can shop all your favorite brands 

This goes hand in hand with point #1. With thredUP’s search functionality, you can filter results based on what brand they are! From J.Crew to Old Navy to more luxury brands like Kate Spade, pretty much anything you want you can find it on thredUP! This is also great for when you love an item in stores, but they ran out of your size. Check back on thredUP and you may be able to find it again! That’s what happened to me with this Old Navy shirt.

4. You can buy brand new clothes

If the thought of wearing clothes that someone else wore before skeeves you out, don’t you worry- you can shop for BRAND NEW clothes that still have the tags on! We’ve all had those items in our closets that sat there for years, and now you can snag your favorite items that came out of someone else’s closet and give them new life.

5. They offer the ability to bundle

This is another of my favorite features that thredUP has! Since you only have 24 hours to keep an item in your cart, you’ve gotta shop with speed. You can get free shipping when you spend $79, but not everyone intends to spend that in one sitting. So, you can start a Buy & Bundle and you can add items as you go for up to 7 days! They hold a $5.99 shopping deposit, and once your order hits $79 it’s automatically refunded. If you decide that you don’t want to add any more items before the 7 day mark, don’t you worry- you can choose to have your items shipped at any time, even if you haven’t hit that $79 threshold! This is a game changer so you can shop leisurely and avoid that shipping fee we all hate so much!

6. You can shop a person’s items

If you found an item you love, you can scroll down and see the More From This Seller section, where they show additional items that this seller sent them. If you like one item, there’s a chance that you found your style bestie and they’ll have even more items you like! Plus, they’re very likely to be in your size too. 

7. They recommend similar items you may like 

Just below the More From This Seller section, you’ll find a whole list of similar items to the one you’re looking it! Let’s say you’ve got a red pullover sweater. They’ll show you other, similar red pullover sweaters. This is great for if an item looks nice but maybe isn’t 100% your style. Let’s say you wanted a crew neck but it’s a neck. This section is great for finding alternatives! I love scrolling through this section to find items like the one I’m looking at. Sometimes there are some real gems here!

8. They’re always running promotions and specials.

I love a good sale! When you shop on thredUP, you can always find a deal but very often there’s also coupon codes on top! That’s savings on top of savings. I’ve seen them offer free shipping, 15-40% off coupons, and they even did a BINGO game in the summer that was super fun! It had different squares with different deals inside and you got points for each one you filled in, with a chance to win a shopping spree when you got BINGO!

9. They offer 3 monthly payments with no interest

You can break up your order into 3 payments if you want to. By partnering with Affirm, thredUP allows you to shop now and pay later! This might not be practical for everyone or in everyday use, but here’s an example of where it could be useful. Let’s say you get a new job and want new clothes. By shopping on thredUP with Affirm, you can buy these items now, wear them and ROCK your new job, then pay them off once your new paycheck starts coming in. It’s also great for buying back to school clothes for the kids, seasonal clothes, or vacation clothes! I’ve never used this before so I’d do some research into it before applying, but it can be super useful if you need some new clothes right now but can’t pay all at once.

10. Their interface is great

I guess you can say I left the best for last, but their interface is AMAZING. Unlike most places where you shop used clothes, it looks so clean and practically brand new. No more sifting through piles of clothes, no more trying to push over a hanger jammed in a small space, and no more horrible photos of clothes laying flat and lifeless. Each item is professionally photographed on a mannequin in accurate lighting. This means you can see EXACTLY what you’re getting and imagine wearing it! Looking through their items is actually enjoyable because everything looks so pretty. For me, one of the worst parts about shopping for used clothes is how gross everything can feel. Between the icky smells and the crappy shopping environment, it doesn’t seem worth the hassle. With thredUP, you don’t have any of that! You’ll actually love using their app since it’s so easy to navigate and pretty. 

So, there you have it! 10 reasons why I LOVE thredUP. I’m planning to write another post about how I used thredUP to narrow down my style and how I find the very best deals on their site. Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in by commenting below!

Be sure to sign up for thredUP now using my link and get your $10 to spend on your first order.

Have you ever shopped on thredUP? Let me know your thoughts and your favorite parts in the comments below!

DIY Varsity Letter Sweatshirt

The other day, I was sitting in the car in a mini mall parking lot, and suddenly had this great idea to create a varsity letter themed sweater. Maybe it’s because of all the back-to-school stuff or the fact that it’s fall, but suddenly I wanted nothing more than a cozy sweater with a cute fluffy letter on it. So, I bumped all the other blog posts I had out of the way so that I could show you guys this cute sweater that I made for myself! The best part is that it’s super affordable, so you can definitely make one for yourself! I was able to get everything I needed on Amazon so I didn’t even need to leave the house or go shopping at the mall for the right supplies. However, if you want to live out your back to school shopping days and go to the mall, don’t let me stop you. Shop til you drop honey!

I feel silly calling this a DIY but technically it is. Lucky for you, it’s an easy one!

You will need:

Sweatshirt (here)
Iron-on letters (here)
Vanishing ink marker or chalk (here or here)
Iron (similar here)
Piece of cotton fabric

Directions:

1. Try on your sweatshirt and mark where you want your letter to go. I used fabric chalk, but you can also use vanishing ink markers or even regular chalk if that’s all you have.

2. Place your letter on the sweater in the desired spot and place a piece of cotton fabric on top to prevent burn on the patch.

3. Iron it on, making sure to focus on the edges so it doesn’t peel. My directions said to iron on high for 30 seconds, but follow what your directions say.

4. Turn your sweatshirt inside out and iron underneath the patch for another 30 seconds.

To style your new sweater, try it with a sporty skirt or a pair of jeans and booties. It’s perfect for giving your outfit a sporty touch. There’s nothing better in the fall than a cozy sweatshirt, especially if it’s slightly oversized and therefore super duper comfortable. 

That’s all there is to it! Now you’ll have a cute and comfy sweater to tote around with you during the fall. It’s perfect for chilly nights or for wearing during fun activities like apple picking or football games! You could even match it to your team colors or school colors. I went with pink because, you know…. those are my team colors! Haha.

So, what do you think? Will you be slapping one of these bad boys on this fall? How would you style your sweatshirt? Let me know in the comments below!

Fashion For Less- How To Save Money On Clothes

One of my very favorite things to do is go shopping. I feel guilty for this little hobby of mine sometimes, but I really can’t help it. I love to find new things I love and can bring home with me! I particularly love getting new clothes, because I love the confidence boost they give me when I leave the house. There’s nothing quite like wearing a new outfit you love, and then being able to mix and match it forevermore. And somehow, this time of year makes me want to shop even more for new items in my closet. I think it’s leftover from my many, many years of BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING WHOOOOOO. Blame my parents, and my growth spurts, for this love of fall shopping. But, just because I love to shop doesn’t mean I have to spend a ton of money.

Last year, I went to the Lord & Taylor outlet store and purchased $320 worth of products for only $53. For those of you bad at math, that's over 83% savings, before tax. That's bonkers, bananas, out of this world savings. Most sales are only 15-25% off! Some of you might be thinking this is atypical, a rare occurrence, but the truth is that I save money like this on clothes all the time! After a shopping trip, my favorite thing to do is ask people how much they think I saved. Through a mixture of skill and luck, I've managed to save a bunch of money on clothes. And because I love to share, I'm going to give you the inside scoop of exactly how I do this.

Shop sales

This is a pretty obvious one, but you should shop when there's a sale going on. I was able to purchase colored jeans from Old Navy for half off. In fact, almost all my jeans are purchased when they're half off! If I hear a commercial (usually on Pandora) for a sale, I'll check out the site to see what they've got. It's a great time to pick up essentials like jeans, tees and sweaters for a fraction of the cost.

Use coupons

Another obvious one, but use coupons when you can. I'm not a crazy couponer, but sometimes Macy's will send me coupons on the mail, or Old Navy will offer a coupon for filling out their survey. I once saw a tip to create a special email address just for signing up for deals so you don't spend unnecessarily. This way, when you need to buy something, you can log into that email account and see what sales are happening and look for coupons sent to a store’s mailing list.

Shop the clearance sections

Although they can be a mess sometimes, the clearance section is a great place to find a good deal. Take a few minutes to browse around the sales section. Things over there can be pretty disorganized, so if you see something you like in a different size, browse the area to see if perhaps the one in your size was stuffed somewhere else. This area can sometimes have an added bonus, like an additional 15% off the lowest price. They want to get this stuff out of there, so they're dropping the prices like they're hot. Also, if there's anything I liked in a store, I like to take a look for it in the clearance section. Sometimes it'll be there!

Save on shoes

Honestly, I think shoes are the easiest thing to save money on! Shoes are extremely seasonal, so they're always being discounted. I love stores like DSW, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx to save money on shoes… but, what's even better is shopping their clearance section! It's like a discount on a discount. Plus it's usually name brand stuff for way less than retail!

Browse thrift stores

Shopping thrift stores has become known for fashionable people with eclectic vintage style, scoring the perfect 70's peasant dress or vintage faux fur coat. But the truth is, they've got something for everyone. I've purchased cardigans, a sequin t-shirt, and even a pink winter coat from there. I once even got a brand new pair of boots (with the tag!). You never know what you'll find there, but it's usually affordable. While the trendy shops are great for more unique vintage pieces, I find that the Salvation Army or Savers have more ordinary clothes for great prices.

Shop Secondhand

On that same note, you can also find great secondhand clothes without even having to step foot into a thrift store! You can browse Facebook Marketplace for local deals and find lots of great secondhand clothes on ebay. If you’d prefer a more streamlined way to shop, definitely check out the thredUP App! Their interface is seriously amazing and you’ll feel like you’re shopping new clothes instead of the bargain rack. They also have tons of new clothes with tags! Similarly, you can shop on the Poshmark app which is a bit more ebay in my opinion but they have tons of brands and sizes and options. I recently used thredUP to purchase a pair of brand new J. Crew shorts for $13.99 and a barely used pair for $11.99! Plus, I added a coupon and saved even more on my order. It’s seriously bananas. They have a $1.99 restocking fee if you return an item, but depending on the cost and what it’s worth, you can still save a ton. I took this screenshot after the return window ended for all my items, but only one (the top Ann Taylor Loft shirt) was final sale. Plus, look at how clean the interface is! Seriously feels like shopping brand new.

If you want to check out thredUP, you can use my special link that will get you $10 off your first order. Depending on what you purchase, this can be equal to a free item! Click here to get $10 off your first order.

Check Amazon

A lot of times, Amazon will have items on sale for cheaper than the stores. I've used it to buy crocs wedges, crocs sandals, and even my wedding shoes! Which, by the way, I got for 30% off on Amazon. I’ve also purchased tons of other clothes there, like most of my maternity dresses, skirts, nursing friendly tops…. you name it, I probably have it from Amazon! A lot of their products have prime shipping and free returns, so you can try it on and return it for free if it doesn't fit.

My Fave Stores for Great Deals

Kohls

I got my maternity jeans from Kohl’s for a great price. I love the pools has a and a Tronic tag on their displays were tells you exactly how much everything cost with the discount. Cold is great for name brands that are slightly classier and more adult than other stores. They also have a great selection of family items so he can go there and shop for everyone in the family!

Macy's

If you have a Macy’s card, you’ll probably find that they send you a lot of coupons in the mail. Also, I think they’ll also put out coupons in local newspapers, so check those out if you get them! Since Macy’s carries so many different brands, you might be able to score a deal. If you have a brand that you like, try going to Macy’s to see if you can find the same item at a discount!

DSW

I love shopping at DSW, especially their sales section! They have so many great shoes (in so many different brands) for a discount. You’ll notice that the sales section has different colored labels for the different percentages off. The other thing I really like about them is that they have all the sale prices listed. So, for example, if you find a pair shoes that cost $69.95 and then is at 40% off, you can look up on the chart and see exactly what that means. It saves you from having to do mental math or go to the register wondering exactly how much you’re going to be paying. I also love DSW because it’s pretty much like shopping on sale all the time. You’ll be able to find the shoes you need for all occasions and maybe even a bonus you didn’t know you needed, but definitely have to have.

Marshall’s/T.J. Maxx

Another one of my favorite “always on sale” stores! I love T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s because again, they have all sorts of different brands and everything is so inexpensive! I have purchased so many great pairs of jeans here, as well as shoes including my favorite pair of turquoise slides. I used to love shopping at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx to find American eagle clothing and Roxy hoodies for a fraction of the cost. Because a lot of the stuff is from last season, you’re able to find it at a discount. If you don’t care about when things were originally in the store, you may find that you were able to get a great deal on the basics that will cost twice as much in the store currently.

Old Navy

I find that sometimes Old Navy can be hit or miss, especially because the sizes run so strangely and sometimes large. However, if you’re willing to do the work, you can find amazing deals at Old Navy! Just this past summer, I was able to get a pair of purple pants for only about $12. I was also able to get a pair of boots from last season (I remember seeing them last year and liked them but didn’t buy them). I found a pair in the regular shoe section, but it didn’t have a tag. To my delight, they were only four dollars. Can you believe that?! Four dollars! You may be thinking that is the first time that happened to me and probably was a random occurrence, but it’s not! Last year, I found a pair of gold glitter boots in the regular shoe section, and I remember them again from being last season. They also did not have a tag, so I brought them to the register, and lo and behold those were only about four dollars as well!

You definitely want to sign up for Old Navy‘s email list, because they’ll be able to send you all the deals that are occurring, which are frequent. And since they have random items on sale every day, be sure to check online to see when it’s on sale. They also offer free pick up in store, so if you’re not sure something will fit, this is a great option. You can buy it on sale, try it, then return it in the store as well. I have purchased a shirt that I loved it for about $20, and it was the only item I bought it wasn’t on sale. It’s my surprise, the next day they were offering 50% off everything online. I ordered the shirt and was able to get it for half price, and returned the first one that I had purchased at full price. So, there is definitely money to be saved at Old Navy!

Walmart

Most people don’t think of great fashion at Walmart, but they do have great items! I’ve actually been shopping at Walmart since I was in college. My parents used to go there for groceries, so I’d always peruse the clothes section for some fashionable items for a broke college kid. Just recently, I got a great romper that I’ve worn more times than I can count in the 6 months or so that I’ve owned it. I also got a really soft pair of lounge pants and a Friends t-shirt! Walmart gets a bad rap for being cheap, but their clothes are actually pretty good quality for the price. I know there’s some controversy about Walmart’s fast fashion, but most retailers contribute to the problem. In that regard, if you’re willing to shop other brands that aren’t super ethical, then don’t discount Walmart just because.

Lord & Taylor Outlet/Nordstrom Rack

As I had mentioned in the intro, I once saved an INSANE amount of money at Lord & Taylor Outlet! It’s similar to TJ Maxx and Macy’s becase they have tons of different brands, but it’s their last-minute-deal type of stuff. And, you’re able to find things for a steal! I personally got a dress, heels, wedges and a shirt for a crazy discount. I’ve also shopped at Nordstrom Rack and gotten great deals!

If you love shopping but need to stay on a budget, it can be done! There are so many great stores to buy clothing that’s really inexpensive. And, don’t be afraid to shop secondhand to save money AND the environment. It’s a win-win!

So, what are your best deals that you’ve gotten over the years? Where’s your favorite place to shop? Gimme the inside scoop!

Mix and Match Fall Baby Capsule Wardrobe

Now that I’ve got a super cute little baby, I’m so excited for all the adorable outfits I can put her in! She’s still a little too small to really dress up, but I couldn’t resist looking! I’ve rounded up some of the cutest fall looks for your sweet little babe, which I think adds up to the perfect fall capsule wardrobe. Plus it’s a perfect mommy and me matching moment, right?! And the best part is that all these items can be found on Amazon, PLUS most of them are Prime! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.

1. Aqua frilly suit- Girly and sweet, this little onesie is perfect for any fall outing or event where baby needs to be a little more glam!

2. Star bow flats- These would add such a fun little touch to any outfit, and would also be perfect for Christmas time too!

3. Polka dot onesie- Your baby will look adorable in this glam gold dot onesie! It has such cute trim, and would look perfect on its own, or with a pair of tights underneath. Plus it comes with a matching headband!

4. Bear knit hat- Keep your little one warm and stylish with this super cute teddy bear hat! The pom pom ears are so fun, and the color is perfect for all of winter!

5. Gold and pink moccasins- A slightly dressier version of the typical baby moccasin, these are extra gals with gold fringe and a tiny bow!

6. Pink bodysuit- This sweet outfit will allow your babe to be cute and stylish without being too warm. Plus it’s perfect for layering!

7. Floral and yellow overalls- These have such a cozy fall feel without being too cheesy in colors. It’s perfect for people who like their clothes a bit brighter! 

8. Tan maryjanes- These look great with any outfits while adding a traditional feel! 

9. Teal fringe bodysuit- This little bodysuit is perfectly seasonal! It would look cute on its own, or layered with a little cardigan and some pants!

10. White ruffle onesie- Basic but still fun, this onesie is perfect for layering under a pair of overalls to keep baby warm but stylish!

11. Maryjane socks- If your little one is too small for real shoes, give her a pair of these socks! It comes in a set of 3 colors, so it’ll match with all your Thanksgiving outfits.

12. Yellow cardigan- Perfect for staying cozy and cute, this little cardigan is perfect for chilly fall weather!

13. Yellow off-the-shoulder onesie- Perfect for keeping it simple, this basic onesie can be paired with any color or accessories for the look you want!

14. Floral headband- If you want to add some seasonal fun to your outfit, grab a cute floral headband to dress up your little one! 

15. Tan bodysuit- Slightly traditional in color, but also has a fun shade of rusty brown, plus trendy fluttery shoulders and slightly poofy sleeves!

16. Aqua moccasins- These are perfect for the season, but super trendy by being in a fun aqua color for year-round fun!

17. White lace bodysuit- This cute lace onesie is perfect for layering! It’s simple without being boring, and can be dressed up with some cute shoes or a headband!

18. Yellow bodysuit- The little crochet emblem on the chest is perfect for adding a warm and cozy feel. Plus those sleeves are super fun!

19. Pink knit overalls- These are so cute to pair over one of these onesies featured here! They look super cozy without making baby too warm, since they’re shorts!

20. Rose gold flats- Let your little one put her best foot forward in these cute casual-but-dressy rose gold flats. If only they came in our size!

I mean... how cute are these little outfits? Don’t you just want them all?! Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!