FALL WEDDING GUEST ATTIRE UNDER $100
8 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY & STAY ON TREND
BODYSUIT | SKORT | BOOTS | SUNNIES | BRACELETS
Since I graduated from college, I have been saving my money like crazy! I guess this realization came after years of spending anything I made on clothes and shoes with nothing in the bank. Real life Carrie Bradshaw right here! I’ll never forget the scene in SATC when Carrie went to the bank to get a loan and she barely had $700 dollars in her account. Sure, it’s just a TV show, but a life lesson nonetheless! đ
The idea for today’s post came to me last week when I started thinking about all the pointless things I still spend money on. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE getting my nails done and drinking Starbucks coffee. I’m just trying to learn to curb my spending habits and thought some of you might enjoy these tips as well! (Disclaimer: I am not a financial expert)
1: NAILS
Like I said above, I really enjoy going to the nail salon, but every two weeks is unnecessary! Save the trip for special occasions and learn to paint your own. It’s not as hard as it looks!
2: MAKEUP
High-end makeup is great until you buy 4 things, and it’s over $100… Luckily, Ulta has an entire section of affordable products that work just as well! (Or Walmart for that matter) I switched my $42 Estee Lauder foundation for the $12 Neutrogena SkinClearing foundation and I swear it works just as well. (The coverage is lighter) Ultimately, go through the makeup you have and decide what is absolutely necessary and what you could try in a cheaper version!
3: DUPES
If you don’t have the $$$ for designer pieces, it’s okay! Amazon has SO many amazing dupes that it’s mind-blowing. I did a full blog post HERE highlighting my favorites! (I have the black and white Gucci belt dupes) I’m thinking I should just add an “Amazon Dupes” tab to my blog. Would you guys like that?!
4: COUPONS
Besides Target, I kind of hate shopping in person. All the fabrics irritate my eyes, and it ruins the experience! Hahaha. It also drives me crazy because 9 times out of 10, I can find a 20% off coupon (or more) floating around the internet that doesn’t apply in store. *Major eye roll* The point of this tip is to ALWAYS check online for a coupon code before you purchase! Some stores do price match!
5: CLOSET
Shop in your OWN closet! (Or a friend’s!!) Learn how to style pieces different ways instead of buying a new outfit for every occasion/event! BTW- I love getting inspiration from Pinterest and other bloggers!
6: COFFEE
This is even hard for me to type, but limit those Starbucks coffee runs! They add up SO quick. I personally end up spending around $6 a visit. If I get an iced vanilla latte 3 times a week, that’s $18, $72 a month, and $864 A YEAR. Invest in a Keurig and make your own coffee instead! (Walmart has them for $60ish)
7: SELL
Sell any clothes you don’t want. I go through my closet once a month and pull things I no longer wear! I like posting on my Instagram closet page, but Facebook or apps like Curtsy and Poshmark work great too. Make sure you don’t sell yourself short either. If you paid $80 for a sweater and it’s still NWT, do NOT price at $5. Get your money’s worth girl!
8: HULUÂ
My final advice is not fashion related, but it’s an amazing tip. Don’t pay for cable when Hulu is available for $5.99 a month! (Another option is an Amazon Fire Stick)
PS: The bodysuit and skort BOTH run small. I recommend sizing up! (Bodysuit is a US 4, needed US 6. Skort is a small, needed a medium)
XOXO
Kels
Getting My Fitness On With Ladder App
TOP | SHORTS (Lululemon) | SNEAKERS | HAT
Welcome to my very FIRST fitness post! Truthfully, I am such a newbie when it comes to working out/using proper fitness techniques. I never enjoyed it because I just didn’t know what I needed to be doing to improve myself and my overall health. I would get overwhelmed and give up, but I recently discovered a fitness app called Ladder that is a TOTAL game changer!
What is Ladder?
Ladder is a fitness app available in the App Store, so you can take your workouts and training wherever you go! Once you download the app, you take a short quiz, and Ladder will connect you to personal trainers best suited for your needs/abilities. For example, I am content with my weight, but I want to tone up and strengthen. Andrea, my personal trainer, customized a plan for me that helps accomplish that goal while not overwhelming me since I am a beginner! She also keeps me accountable by checking in daily and sending me encouraging quotes, which I love! Trainers are available to receive messages 24/7.
Why Ladder?
Ladder‘s entire purpose is providing health and wellness coaching to anyone, anywhere. This app is also great because you get the one-on-one attention you need! You can use my code KELS for a one week FREE trial of Ladder. After that, you get 10% off your subscription! There are several plans available: $49.99 per month, $89.97 for 3 months, or $191.88 for a year (that’s only $16 per month)!
How To Get Started
First, you need to download Ladder HERE. Then, you’ll use code KELS for the free one week trial when you sign up and 10% off your subscription after the 7 days are over! Finally, Ladder will match you with your ideal coach and you can start training immediately!
Another reason I’ve enjoyed using Ladder the past few weeks is that I can do the workouts from the comfort of my home. (I think I have a mental roadblock when it comes to the gym lol) I also like that the workouts are available to me whenever I can fit them into my busy schedule. There’s no set appointment or required time! Let me know if you download the app and how you like it in the comments below đ
XOXO
Kels
*Special thank you to Ladder for sponsoring today’s post*
Current Beauty Product Must-Haves
ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN
I don’t buy a lot of beauty products unless I stop liking what I currently use, but I started incorporating some new items into my makeup routine that I love! I also haven’t shared a makeup update in months, so I thought it was the perfect time after I went a little crazy at Ulta last week. Would anyone be interested in a makeup tutorial? More people have been DMing about it, so I’m debating right now… We shall see! đ Below, I am listing each product and how I use it! Everything is linked! đ
1: Morphe M321 Bullet Crease Brush
Let me just say, these Morphe brushes I listed are unbelievable for 2 reasons. One- THEY ARE CHEAP. I mean under $5 cheap. Two- THEY WORK. The best brushes I have ever purchased! I use this one to blend my crease out after applying with the M431.
2: Morphe M431 Precision Pencil Crease Brush
This is the first brush I use to apply my darkest shade in my crease, and then I blend it out with the M321. (So these two brushes basically go hand in hand!)
3: Morphe M310 Large Soft Fan Brush
If I’m being honest, I’m not sure the exact purpose of this brush. (I could Google it, but I have made up my own uses lol) After I apply concealer, I take my Laura Mercier setting powder and dab it under my eyes to set or “bake” it. Then I dust the excess powder off with my snazzy M310 fan brush!
4: Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette
Well, I have heard rave reviews about this palette for MONTHS, so I’m happy to report it has lived up to the hype! My only regret is not buying it sooner. It also blows my mind that it’s around $12 cheaper than a Naked palette, but has a lot more colors! *Currently wishing I had someplace to wear the blue colors, though* (I swatched them on my arm, SO pretty)
5: Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick (Big Spender)
If I could sell this lipstick like people sell Lipsense, I WOULD. I normally hate matte kind because it dries my lips out, but this is the exception. I want them to make more colors!! (Maybe not because I would buy them all..) Big Spender is perfect for Fall though, it’s a rose-tone!
6: Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer
I am ALL about something that makes my lashes look extra long, and this primer works! To me, it’s better than the drugstore version. I apply then let it sit for a few minutes, but I don’t like it to dry completely before applying mascara!
7:Â Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick (Bawse)
Refer to #5 for the inside scoop! This color is a great red lipstick because it doesn’t fade or smear much. It’s hard to find a red lipstick that doesn’t wind up all over your face by the end of the day, but this one doesn’t! *Insert praise hands*
8: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
HOLY GRAIL ALERT. This mascara is the best I have ever used, and it’s $10! It’s like Better Than Sex without clumping. I was truly blown away!
9: Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation
I had never tried the Neutrogena foundation before doing a campaign with them last month, and yall, I’m SO impressed. I was using Estee Lauder Doublewear (which is great), but it’s pretty thick and expensive. The Neutrogena kind isn’t as much coverage, but I personally like that better since I apply concealer and contour over it! Plus, it helps reduce acne/blemishes, so I am all for that!
10: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
I loved using my Anastasia primer, but I needed something for dry skin because mine is the worst! It feels like a moisturizer too, and that was a huge selling point for me. It works really well with my Neutrogena foundation too!
Pink Plaid Dress + 15 FAQ
Happy Hump Day!!
I think it has taken me a month to realize I haven’t even been talking about my outfits in recent posts. (Especially the ones about blogging topics) Which is kind of the point of the photos… Blogger fail! Lol. Today is a great outfit to start getting back into the swing of things, though! This dress is actually a tunic from Old Navy. I LOVE wearing oversized tunics/sweaters as dresses. It’s the perfect short girl solution! Plus, the maroon and pink color combo is a favorite of mine for Fall, so I couldn’t resist snagging this! I’m (almost) 5’2, so I sized up to a large, and it’s the best length. I do like my dresses shorter, so this would look killer as a tunic with leather leggings or skinny jeans for taller girls!
Have you guys been enjoying my posts lately?! I started putting extra time into the content, so yall can truly get something out of the various topics. I thought it would be fun to do a Q+A from Instagram Stories to answer any random questions yall want to know! Find out some new facts about me below đ
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not blogging?
I LOVE traveling. I always have to have a trip planned! There are a few fun ones coming up that I can’t wait to share. I also enjoy reading (when I have time) and binging on reality tv. What a combo, right?!
How tall are you?Â
I guess I answered this question above, but I am 5’2! (Maybe 5’1 and a half)
What is your major source of inspiration?
This is a great question. I get major inspiration from other influencers and Pinterest! Ex: I’ll buy a leopard top I see on someone, but style it differently. Before apps were huge, I would get People StyleWatch EVERY month. It was/is my favorite magazine! I still have a few, some dating back to 2011. Lol!
What are your favorite Mississippi boutiques?
Material Girls, Eve Marie’s, LA Green, I Just Have To Have It!
What was your major in college?
I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and minors in Business Admin and Marketing. (On an unrelated note, are minors actually useful? I always wondered. hahaha)
How old are you?
I just had my 23rd birthday on May 3rd! I used to hate having a late birthday, but after turning 21, I am more than happy to be the last of my friends to get older!
Do you have a boyfriend/Are you married?
I laughed at this question! Lolz. I do not have a boyfriend and I am definitely not married! I have talked to/dated some amazing guys and some horrible guys, and it was either bad timing or just the wrong person altogether. You live, you learn, you grow! đ
What book are you currently reading?
I WISH I read more. Ideally, I would love to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour each day reading, but I haven’t had time lately! I know I’m late to the party, but #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso is AMAZING. An absolute must-read!
Are you naturally blonde? If not, what do you ask for at the salon?
Another thing I wish… Lol. Definitely not! I get heavy highlights all over my head (especially the top), so it looks natural. At least until my roots start growing out! As far as my haircut, I ask for a blunt cut to my collarbone!
Is this your full-time job?
Yes! More about that in this post HERE!!
How would you describe your style?
I’d like to think my style changes depending on my mood. I love trying new trends, especially ones outside my comfort zone! Experimenting with fashion is so much fun! I would mainly describe my style as bold, bright, and trendy!
How did you start blogging?
I actually did a full blog post on this exact topic HERE!!
What do you like to binge watch on Netflix?
Do I have to pick just one?! All time favorite shows to watch on Netflix are Gossip Girl (This is a given because my cat is named Blair), Hart of Dixie, Friday Night Lights, Stranger Things, New Girl, The Mindy Project!
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever been?
It’s a tie between Paris and Venice, Italy! I went on a study abroad trip last summer, and I’m DYING to go back! (Places I want to visit are Greece; Lake Louise, CA; Positano, Italy; and Palm Springs, CA- random, but it looks super cool!)
Which holiday do you love the most?Â
Is October through December a sufficient answer?! Haha. Summer used to be my absolute favorite time of the year, but now it’s definitely Fall. I love the months leading up to Christmas because (almost) everyone is in the holiday spirit and the decorations are amazing! You switch from pumpkins to Christmas trees and never miss a beat! I do think I enjoy the hype of the holiday season more than the actual holiday, though! Anyone else?! đ
Thank you SO much for reading along! I hope I answered any questions you guys had!
XOXO
Kels