Normally I love to write about my passion for shopping and finding the looks for less, but this time I decided to change things up.
For my interview assignment I decided to profile a new local Austin, TX band Paradigms. Though they don’t share my passion for shopping, they do share my love for experimenting and trying new things through their music; exploring new sounds and methods.
Take a look at Paradigms.
As I mentioned in my very first post, this blog was created as a project for my Fundamentals of Digital and Online Media class. The semester is now coming to a close and I would like to share a little about my experience as a first time blogger.
Before beginning this project I really didn’t have any experience with blogging or promoting myself through social media. Mostly I really only connected with my close friends via Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest and WhatsApp.
This was also my first attempt at really giving Twitter a chance. I`ve had an account for a while but never used it. It really didn’t catch my attention when I first used it. Fast forward to today and I am now Twitter obsessed! After being required to use Twitter to promote my blog posts, I started to slowly follow people, networks and brands I was interested in. I really enjoyed how interactive it is and the fact that I can connect with these companies and share what I think directly to them. I really never came across an ineffective social media or WordPress tool throughout this process.
I also feel like I took a lot away from this experience. Blogging made me open up and share my hobbies and interests with others. I`m usually a pretty private and reserved person and this experience has really allowed for personal growth and new skill development. This experience has allowed me to develop new professional tools that I can bring to a future job or entrepreneurial endeavor.
Another aspect of this digital and online media class was to learn how to analyze my effectiveness with blogging and social media using data. Using the site stats I`ve found that the most popular week for my posts was in October. With 14 visitors and 27 views, I think I have room to continue working on furthering my reach.
My most popular post was my take on accessories and the best sales going on to find them. Personalize with accessories is one of my favorite posts. I loved playing with all my accessories and coming up with different ways to display them.It was really funny to also see my cat getting into the action and moving my things around in the process.
Personalize with accessories might have been my most popular blog post because I had a lot to say on the subject. To me, accessories are the most important part of any look and I think my love for accessories was projected through that post.
Its been a really fun and challenging experience writing this blog and I look forward to continuing to write,learn and grow from this experience.
December is finally here!
And the time has finally come to break out my favorite winter styles.
It`s now the time for cozy scarves, warm boots and chic sweaters and outerwear. Winter is by far my favorite season. With more layers needed to keep you warm and snug, theres more opportunity to get creative with your clothing and accessories.
Some of my beloved items I can’t wait to break out for the season are my coats and treasured winter sweaters. I also can’t help but keep a look out for new pieces to add to my seasons collection. I`ve found some styles that are definitely making their way onto my Christmas list.
H&M has some cozy looking off-the-shoulder sweaters. check it out! right now its regular price has been reduced and I can’t wait to get it in both colors and accessorize it.
Another great source for sweaters this year is Topshop. I have an obsession with embellished sweaters and right now there are so many to choose from! This cat embellished sweater is definitely on my Christmas radar.
Right now is also an amazing time to look for outerwear. Bomber jackets are really on trend right now and I think I`ve found the perfect one for this rainy weather. 6pm has a beautiful Steve Madden hooded bomber jacket I found 40% off. I also found a really cute Betsey Johnson coat 71% off! Take a look at their outerwear selection and I`m sure you’ll find amazing coats for under retail prices.
When it comes to warm and fun Winter accessories I always start with the BP. brand scarves at Nordstrom and fun hair accessories from Free People. The BP. scarves are my go-to when I travel. They`re generously sized to wrap around yourself and keep you comfortable and warm on long flights and drives. You also want to add a little brightness to any holiday look. Winter is the time to sparkle and Free People has just the right accessories to make your holidays bright. Check out my favorite hair accessories right now.
Have fun with your Winter wardrobe and see what deals you can find on amazing styles and brands.
Have an amazing holiday season!
The Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend show has come and gone, and I`m still recouping from all the makeup demos and excitement!
This was my first time at the trend show and I was not sure at all what to expect. There was so much to learn and try at this special event, I was not at all disappointed. I left with new looks and insight into the latest makeup and fashion trends of the season. Heres a little more I took away from the Nordstrom`s Fall Beauty Trend Show.
With top representatives from some of the best brands, there was no shortage of knowledge on the best products out for the season and how best to apply them. From companies such as Fresh, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford, Nars, Lancome, Dior and many more, each demonstrated and exhibited the best products they have available this Fall.
Tom Ford consultant explaining the new Tom Ford fragrances.
This fabulous morning began with a custom beauty tote filled with goodies and gifts just to start the day off right. Inside were perfume and makeup samples and Nordstrom branded favors. This was just the beginning, throughout the duration of the show, each brand gave away exclusive product sets to the lucky ladies whose names were called from the raffle entries filled out before the show began. I walked away with some amazing shades of Dior `Addict` ultra gloss.
One of the lucky winners!
There were also some exclusives and deals just for trend show goers! My favorite was the fragrance set Laila by Geir Ness. The Set included a beautiful faux snakeskin like reversible handbag, 3.4 oz. Laila eau de parfum 8.0 oz. hand and body cream, 0.17 oz. lipgloss and an autographed .5 oz. little bottle of Laila eau de parfum. An amazing deal for such a gorgeous fragrance. It also didn’t hurt that Geir Ness himself was there exhibiting his fragrance and giving hand massages with his Laila hand and body cream!
My Laila giftset!
After the show, I made my way down to the cosmetics eager to learn the secret to contouring and ready to try out some festive lip and eyeshadow shades for the holiday party season. All the experts from all the brands from Miami to Los Angeles were ready and waiting to help everyone achieve their beauty goals. It was so much fun hopping from counter to counter experimenting with different products, looks and techniques. I walked away with some amazing new products from Estee Lauder and Dior. Estee Lauder was able to match me with my exact foundation shade and a more convenient way to apply it with their Double Wear Nude cushion stick and Dior helped me find the perfect red holiday lip with their Rouge Dior 999. I really enjoyed the personalization of each consultation, and that I was able to visit with so many beauty experts from coast to coast.
I got so much insight on all the beauty trends and the best tips from beauty professionals. It was overall an amazing experience and I`m looking forward to the next trend show. With the freebies, prizes, consultations and advice it was worth waking up early for. Check out your local Nordstrom for the next beauty events and trend shows!
The holiday shopping season is upon us!
Before I set out to find the best sales to shop for gifts for my friends and family, I like to have a list of things in mind I’m specifically looking for. It`s very easy for me to let my excitement take over and buy every good deal I see. So before I overspend, I’ve made my top 5 list i`ll be searching for this holiday season.
My favorite items of the Holiday season are the body care gift sets. Those are always number one on my list for gift giving. I love Lush fresh handmade cosmetics. Some of my favorites are their body scrubs and bath bombs. Winter is notorious for drying out your skin, so why not treat your friends and family to some amazing lotions and scrubs during these cold winter months? Check out their holiday selection here.
Another holiday set favorite!
Right now is the best time to get more for less. Stores are packaging sets of their products perfect for gifting and for trying out new products you usually wouldn’t splurge on. check out some of the holiday cosmetic sets being offered at Nordstrom, Sephora, Macy`s and Ulta.
I love gifting sparkly accessories I know my loved ones will enjoy. A gorgeous pair of earrings or a nice necklace or scarf, accessories are nice little details they can incorporate into their daily wardrobe or special occasions. For unique scarves and jewelry check out World Market`s upcoming holiday sales. Closer to Thanksgiving they usually have beautiful scarves buy one get one 50% off and other great deals! Right now Nordstrom has some amazing jewelry and hair accessories in their 40% off clearance sale check it out here!
Another favorite gifting go-to of mine are winter sweaters. My husband looks forward to his annual sweater and so far his favorite and longest lasting sweaters have been from Banana Republic. They also have amazing deals around Thanksgiving time so keep an eye out for their upcoming sales. Right now there is a day left in their friends and family event check it out! Also, check out Topshop for some unique sweaters too!
I love pajamas.
If theres one thing I look forward to gifting and finding under my Christmas tree, pajamas are it. I think its a gift you can’t go wrong with, theres always amazingly cute Christmas pajamas and at amazing prices during the holiday season. They also can be super stylish and not break your gifting bank. They are also another great gift both for men and women. Check out Topshop`s unique pajamas! Macy`s is another great place to find amazing deals on these holiday favorites. If you’re looking to luxe up your loungewear, 6pm has some designer loungewear like Dolce & Gabbana, Betsey Johnson and Ralph Lauren for less!
I hope my list has inspired you to create your own list before you start your holiday shopping.
Happy Hunting!
Boots, heels, sandals, flats and athletic shoes, I love them all!
When I`m having a bad day, a trip to the shoe department or a glance online is the only medicine I need to lift my spirits. No look is complete without the perfect shoe. This conclusion is what leads me on my everlasting hunt for the next perfect shoe. Check out some pictures of my favorite Fall styles down below.
Sam Edelman Lorissa
Since I’m always on the look out for the best sales, I have put together a nice list of sales worth shopping right now both online and in stores.
Nine West is having their Best of Fall shoe event with some styles up to 50% off. They have a huge selection to choose from and if you shop them online you can get an extra 15% off if you sign up for their mailing list!
Everything from flats to riding boots, there are a ton of sale styles to choose from.
Nasty Gal is also on my shoe sale radar, offering an additional 40% off their sale shoes. From $24 and up plus the additional discount, they have some deals most retailers can’t beat. They are final sale though, so make sure you check out the sizing guide and reviews.
6pm always has amazing prices and almost all the brands. I have purchased Nike and Steve Madden shoes through 6pm at really great discounts. Check out my link and start your search!
Anthropologie has some beautiful styles to choose from in their sale, If you’re looking ahead to spring. I found a good selection of sandals and espadrilles worth saving for the following season.
Circus by Sam Edelman Whitley
Last but not least, HauteLook has some great boots and ankle booties worth checking out as well. They also offer great brands at great prices and is one of my favorite online shopping stops.
Steve Madden Raskal
Not only do these retailers have a great selection of footwear, they also have fantastic clothing and accessory finds worth glancing at along the way.
I hope you enjoy setting off on a shoe adventure and discovering some marvelous finds through my sale picks. Let me know what sale suggestions you have and what styles you enjoy most!
There is no better way to enhance your mood and outfit than the perfect accessory. Bracelets, rings, necklaces etc.., jewelry and accessories add the finishing touch. Whatever your style, I`m sure you have some staple jewelry and accessories you can`t do without.
Hunting for these captivating pieces can be a dazzling adventure in and of itself. Walking through the seductive illuminated cases upon cases of gorgeous statement pieces, or better yet admiring your next potential piece from the comfort of home makes purchasing it worthwhile. Accessories add the touches of yourself and your personality to everything you wear. Each piece converts your clothing into an expression of who you are.
I`ve been an avid collector most of my life now, and one of my favorite things to do is to go through my jewelry boxes and rediscover old favorites. Each piece holds a memory, acting as a sparkling time capsule I can use again and again.
Jewelry are not the only items that can be considered statement pieces, Sometimes a simple hair accessory, a scarf, a purse, or a unique pump can bring everything together. There is so much freedom to play and experiment and find what suits you. There are plenty of amazing places to find unique and at times inexpensive accessories.
Right now Banana Republic has an extra 50% off their sale accessories, check it out! they have some amazing statement jewelry and purses. It also never hurts to visit the store in person as they sometimes have unique jewelry not offered online.
Topshop also has some good deals in their sale section, BONUS! they offer a student discount on top of the sale prices! you just need to register here to qualify for the discount. Topshop is also another place I recommend going to in person. On my last visit to the store this Summer they had a huge clearance on jewelry and had so many gorgeous necklaces and rings and most were mix and match three for seven dollars!
Nordstrom is my favorite store and also has a good sale on accessories worth mentioning as well. If you`re looking more for earrings or hair accessories this sale is one to shop.
There is also the strictly online store Nasty Gal with some really unique pieces including sunglasses and belts both regular price and on sale.
Explore new and interesting shops and accessories and have fun playing with style!
My favorite time to buy makeup is gift with purchase time!
I personally really love Clinique. I have really sensitive combination skin, so any fragrance or oil makes me immediately break out. Clinique has by far been the best makeup for my skin, but it can get pricey.
Everyone wants to get the most out of their money right? If I’m going to splurge on good makeup I want to make sure I can get a little extra for the price. Clinique offers gifts from time to time in different stores. This is were it`s important to watch the promotions each department store is doing since it varies around the year. I try to schedule my makeup purchases around these gift times. The gifts always include great shadows, mascaras, perfumes and lipsticks. It`s a good way to save versus buying these separately and you`re getting them free from the line you already love!
Right now at Macy`s Clinique is offering a seven-piece set with a purchase of $27. I love their Bronzer and that itself is $27! So for something I already need and purchase from them, I`m getting a great assortment of other cosmetics. Take a look at all this gift includes:
When the department stores don’t have any promotions going on, their official websites will have some freebies too. At times, they’ll even include an extra discount or free shipping to your makeup purchase. Signing up for a company`s e-mails can give you access to exclusives and sales later on as I mentioned on last weeks post. Here are a few with some going on right now. MAC, Kat Von D, Clinique, Anastasia Beverly Hills. Go check out your favorite makeup brands and see what incentives they offer!
If you find that the brand you like doesn’t do discounts or promotions and you can find it at Sephora, you can join their free rewards program. Check out their incentives by clicking the Sephora link. The freebies won`t always be from the brand you like, but you’ll get to try out a lot of other makeup you might not have heard of or thought you would like.
Explore what your favorite line can offer you for being a loyal customer. Why not make every dollar spent on makeup count?
Online is the new shopping frontier and I have fully come to embrace it. We continually hear about department stores closing and opting for a larger online presence.
I love going to the store in person for those instances where I’m looking for a specific occasion or a more personal experience with the help of some knowledgeable sales associates. However, I also really enjoy the benefits and deals their online store-fronts provide as well. From sale previews to deeper discounts, there is a lot to be gained by joining their online community.
Stores are really embracing loyalty rewards programs and many have really great benefits just by signing up for email or text alerts or following them via their social media platforms. I fully take advantage of these opportunities and I follow my favorite stores and brands on Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. Some retailers even give you a percentage off after signing up for their emails. I like to sign up for those when they already have a promotion going on online. That way I can combine the sale prices with the discount they’re offering for signing up.
Some of my favorite stores that offer good discounts and deals via their rewards programs and social media accounts are World Market, Macy`s, Nordstrom, BCBG, Victorias Secret, Anthropologie, Sephora and Ulta. These are just a few of the stores I like to shop, but you can definitely check out not only department stores but the actual sites of the specific brands you like. Go check out your favorite brands online store- fronts and social media accounts and see what they offer as incentives to shop them.
My favorite time to shop is at the end of a season. All those pricey Summer dresses you eye but can bring yourself to splurge on are suddenly 40-50% off at the beginning of Fall! I love to scoop these up at the end of Summer, some dresses can easily transition into Fall especially here in Texas since it takes some time for the Fall weather to kick in. Even after the weather changes, you can combine your Summer clearance steals with cute leggings, boots, sweaters or accessories. You can also save your amazing finds for the following Season.
I got a lot of amazing suede and leather booties at the beginning of summer at half the price you will find most right now. So now I’m ready to rock them the rest of this season. I can attribute my best finds to signing up for email alerts and social media following.
Right now is the perfect time to sign up and stay connected to your favorite brands and stores. With the holidays quickly approaching and the seasons changing, it`s a good time to get a head start on good finds for now or next summer with all the summer clearance sales going on online and in stores. Signing up before the holidays will also give you opportunities to shop their sales early before the holiday shopping season starts after Thanksgiving.
Happy hunting!
Hi all!
My name is Veronica and I’m a Junior at Texas State University in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. I am a San Diego, CA native enjoying my time and amazing experiences around Austin, TX and Texas State. I love living in Austin and discovering new places to shop and picking up and learning new things along the way.
Ever since I was little shopping has been a warming and bonding experience between my mom and I. From starting new collections of figurines to developing an eclectic closet of clothes, shopping has always been the activity I favored most.
Now today away from home and my family, I continue to explore shopping in a different and exciting way. I have started to explore some amazing local shops and businesses, coming across unique finds and vintage pieces.
I also have started to explore online shopping and all the tricks of the trade to get things under retail prices. Hunting for the best deals has become a hobby I would love to share and explore with others. whether its finding the best deals or creating the looks for less, I hope to inspire you to embrace your inner shopaholic without breaking the bank.
Cheat Chic 