Sometimes shopping in malls or department stores can be stressful, expensive, or crowded. Online shopping can sometimes be unsatisfying because you can't actually try anything on. Try the new modern-day shopping experience: trunk shows. A lot of new companies are popping up with a similar concept. I just started as a merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel, a new jewelry brand, and it's one of the best jobs I've had. There is also Silpada and Stella & Dot that specializes in jewelry as well. These companies avoid the middle man--they do not sell in stores, only online and/or trunk shows at people's homes or offices so the prices are reasonable for the quality.
What's great for you is by hosting one of these trunk shows you can earn free jewelry! So if you're dying for a new statement necklace but your wallet can't support your dying needs, get your girlfriends (or parent's friends...ladies with money) together and have a party! Usually reps for these companies do most of the work so the only thing you have to do is come up with a guest list and provide some snacks. The rep comes with samples of the jewelry, your girlfriends get to try it on and order, and you get free jewelry.
It's perfect for college girls. Who doesn't like to host parties and try on jewelry? I've done trunk shows in the past that were labeled "Wine and Jewelry Party" and the girls pregamed with wine and jewelry before heading to the bars. It's a refreshing new way to shop. Basically you get to take advantage of your friend's shopping habits and earn new jewels.
Chloe + Isabel started last year and was named one of the top 20 startups of 2011 by Business Insider and the jewelry has been featured in multiple magazines, including Lucky, Glamour, and US Weekly. I'm bragging about this company because I already know a lot about it and I love the jewelry and the concept of the trunk show. So, want new jewelry but can't afford it? Host a trunk show! I even have an online boutique you can shop from or contact me about hosting a trunk show: http://danielleemig.chloeandisabel.com/
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
What to Wear for a Job Interview
I'm a huge supporter of budget shopping but if you're going to splurge on one thing, I believe it should be a nice business suit. As college girls near graduation it's important to own at least one go-to business suit that can be used for a variety of interviews or business lunches. You should feel confident in what you're wearing so this is one of the few cases where you shouldn't grab a pair of slacks from Ross or a thrift store. A nice pair of slacks should flatter your body shape and make you feel like you will own any interview you go in to. (Like a boss!)
My favorite is the Editor Pant from Express. If you are going in to a non-creative field or don't want to risk branching out from the original suit, you can't go wrong with the Editor Pant in black. I like this one because the wide waistband is flattering and works well with most shirts tucked in. Pair the pants with a black blazer and a button up shirt for a classic chic look. I like this striped blouse for a little pattern or this red blouse for a pop of color. Add this black blazer and you're set! Wear black low-heeled shoes, I like these from Target for only $29.99. I got some from Nordstrom Rack for about $20 and they have even a lower heel than the Target pumps. If you're tall or not comfortable in heels go for some professional looking black flats.
Express isn't the cheapest option but they always have sales and discounts. Right now through Sunday if you spend $75 you get $25 off and if you spend $150 you get $50 off. Plus a lot of the blouses are buy one get one 50% off so it's a good deal if you want to stock up on interview attire! Don't buy anything unless they have these deals.
If you're going in to the creative field like me then you have more freedom to add some of your personality to your outfit (and you should!) Instead of a simple button down blouse, maybe pair the black Editor Pants with this embellished top and this pink blazer if you feel daring! Make sure to keep your accessories simple, no one wants to shake your hand if you're wearing a cocktail ring on every finger. Have one stand-out piece like a statement necklace.
Now go get yourself a job with your fabulous new suit!
My favorite is the Editor Pant from Express. If you are going in to a non-creative field or don't want to risk branching out from the original suit, you can't go wrong with the Editor Pant in black. I like this one because the wide waistband is flattering and works well with most shirts tucked in. Pair the pants with a black blazer and a button up shirt for a classic chic look. I like this striped blouse for a little pattern or this red blouse for a pop of color. Add this black blazer and you're set! Wear black low-heeled shoes, I like these from Target for only $29.99. I got some from Nordstrom Rack for about $20 and they have even a lower heel than the Target pumps. If you're tall or not comfortable in heels go for some professional looking black flats.
Express isn't the cheapest option but they always have sales and discounts. Right now through Sunday if you spend $75 you get $25 off and if you spend $150 you get $50 off. Plus a lot of the blouses are buy one get one 50% off so it's a good deal if you want to stock up on interview attire! Don't buy anything unless they have these deals.
If you're going in to the creative field like me then you have more freedom to add some of your personality to your outfit (and you should!) Instead of a simple button down blouse, maybe pair the black Editor Pants with this embellished top and this pink blazer if you feel daring! Make sure to keep your accessories simple, no one wants to shake your hand if you're wearing a cocktail ring on every finger. Have one stand-out piece like a statement necklace.
Now go get yourself a job with your fabulous new suit!
Dangerously Cheap
Here's an example of a serious deal: I've been obsessed with these boots since I first saw them on Ideeli but haven't convinced myself to buy them because of how dangerously high the heel is. They first appeared about two weeks ago and Ideeli has slowly been lowering the price every. Another bonus about the site, if they don't sell the item, it will continue to post the item every few days but with a lower price tag. So if you don't think the item will sell out, wait, it might be worth it.
I think these boots started somewhere in the $40s when I first saw them. I googled them to see if I could find them cheaper anywhere else. Amazon has them for $31 currently and other sites list them for at least $50. It's a good habit to get into to make sure you're getting the best deal on the web. But Ideel has been teasing me with these boots as they are now listed at $29.99 so I may just buy them and see if I can manage the height, because $29.99 is a great deal for boots that were originally $149.00!
I'm thinking these boots would look great with a dress or skirt to add some sexy edginess to an outfit. Since I'm in Syracuse I'm always looking for leather boots as they will maintain their look better than suede when the weather becomes bad.
I think these boots started somewhere in the $40s when I first saw them. I googled them to see if I could find them cheaper anywhere else. Amazon has them for $31 currently and other sites list them for at least $50. It's a good habit to get into to make sure you're getting the best deal on the web. But Ideel has been teasing me with these boots as they are now listed at $29.99 so I may just buy them and see if I can manage the height, because $29.99 is a great deal for boots that were originally $149.00!
I'm thinking these boots would look great with a dress or skirt to add some sexy edginess to an outfit. Since I'm in Syracuse I'm always looking for leather boots as they will maintain their look better than suede when the weather becomes bad.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Get discounts EVERYWHERE
Have you ever gone to order something online and it asks if you have a promo code? Or realized that shipping was an outrageous $10 and reconsidered your purchase? Don't worry, I have the solution.
Whenever I've bought something online I used to search for promo codes for the website or brand. Google comes up with several sites that list promo codes, many of them don't work, but some of them do. It's kind of a trial and error if you're willing to spend a few minutes searching in order to get 20% off or free shipping. My last purchase was a jewelry tree stand from Cost Plus World Market and when I searched for promo codes I found one for 20% off my purchase! It's definitely worth the time searching.
But my favorite coupon site is RetailMeNot.com. It lists all the new coupons of the day, for example, there are coupons for 25% off Juicy Couture in stores and online and a coupon for free shipping from MAC cosmetics. You can also search categories or do a simple search if you're currently in the process of purchasing something online. I now get emails from retailmenot.com listing the most popular coupons of the week.
Another great thing about the site is it includes printable coupons and grocery coupons! If you're like me you hate spending money on food that would preferably goes towards clothes or shoes. So the next time you plan a trip to the grocery store, check out the grocery coupons. Then with all the money you save, you can put it towards something you actually want!
Happy shopping!
Whenever I've bought something online I used to search for promo codes for the website or brand. Google comes up with several sites that list promo codes, many of them don't work, but some of them do. It's kind of a trial and error if you're willing to spend a few minutes searching in order to get 20% off or free shipping. My last purchase was a jewelry tree stand from Cost Plus World Market and when I searched for promo codes I found one for 20% off my purchase! It's definitely worth the time searching.
But my favorite coupon site is RetailMeNot.com. It lists all the new coupons of the day, for example, there are coupons for 25% off Juicy Couture in stores and online and a coupon for free shipping from MAC cosmetics. You can also search categories or do a simple search if you're currently in the process of purchasing something online. I now get emails from retailmenot.com listing the most popular coupons of the week.
Another great thing about the site is it includes printable coupons and grocery coupons! If you're like me you hate spending money on food that would preferably goes towards clothes or shoes. So the next time you plan a trip to the grocery store, check out the grocery coupons. Then with all the money you save, you can put it towards something you actually want!
Happy shopping!
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