DIY HIGH WAIST SHORTS

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I updated, however, I'm coming back with a DIY post, and I know how much you all love DIY posts. These shorts were made literally in like 1 hour. My friend and I were going out to a party and we wanted to create a quick look. We actually went shopping at first, but decided that we didn't want to spend too much money, so we hit one of our favorite thrift stores in Chicago. I bought these Old Navy "Mom" jeans for $4.99 ! I'm a Budgetnista for a reason! I got inspired by Miley Cyrus actually, because she always wears really cute shorts, so I decided to cut them on an angle and create fringe for a kool "inspired" look. They actually came out really great, and are now one of my favorite pairs of shorts created by me. I've DIYd almost 10 pairs of shorts and these are in my Top 5. 

Must See Movie/Documentary

Thrifting 101

Hey guys, I hope you had a great weekend. Mines was very lax, I went out and enjoyed the weather. It wasn't a stay in the house type of weekend for me. I actually went to the mall at some point too and got 2 pairs of pants from H&M and a pair of leggings from Forever 21. Let me know if you would like to see them. They were pretty basic so I didn't feel a picture was needed. However, I don't call myself a "Budgetnista" for nothing. The pants from H&M were only $12.50 each! & the leggings from Forever 21 were $12.80. 

This brings me to my "Greatest find" lol. Not really, But it is this denim JCrew jacket I purchased at the thrift store for $9.99 !! I'm so excited because I've been wanting a denim jacket so bad! They've been sold out in Old Navy, Macy's, H&M and Forever 21. I was almost about to buy one from American Eagle Outfitters for $50.00 Sunday! But my mind kept telling me to wait until I check thrift stores again. Back home, I came across a vintage Denim jacket at a thrift store and put it back (God knows why) and that had been haunting me ever since lol Now that can finally be put to rest because I found a great one! & its my size, Small! 

A Woman's J Crew Denim Jacket retails from  $295 - $95. I got a great deal!

What are your favorite thrift store finds?

It's a scorching 88 degrees out, you're at home, no texts, no calls, no plans, just sitting in your room... so you ask yourself, "What is there to do on a hott, summer day?" You see an old pair of shorts eyeing you from the corner of your closet, like a laser, crumbled up, creating a sad face and puppy dog eyes begging to be warn again. You think to yourself, "Ah those shorts are so out of style. High-waist with a "Mom jeans" apperance." When suddenly a light bulb appears above your head! Why don't I try to restyle these shorts!

Okay, so maybe all of that didn't happen to you, lol but everyone has a pair of shorts, that are not so great looking, that could use a little sprucing up! I actually bought my shorts I used for this project from a thrift store for $4 or $5, I can't remember. But I know they were cheap. Most of the items I buy from a thrift store, I use in a DIY project to kind of bring it back to life! The true part of the story was that it was a hott summer day and I had nothing to do. This is a fun project to do by yourself or with your friends. My friend's and I had a DIY get together in my apartment during the school year.

There are several different things you can DIY to a pair of jeans or shorts. You can distress them, by ripping, bleach them, stud them, spike them, turn jeans into shorts, etc. I have tried most of these methods and they really do help turn "trash to treasure!"
I hope you take these tips and create some kool DIY clothes for yourself! Leave me a comment and tell me about your DIY experience.

Sometimes we get so busy with work, school, family and the everyday hustle and bustle of life that we get “stressed out, over worked, uptight, and wound up” to take a minute and indulge in ourselves.  This has been a very busy summer for me, working 5 days a week in a new city, and trying to balance my career with my personal life. Let’s not even mention my so-called “love life.”

Despite all of this, it’s important to me that I take days to myself, scheduled for relaxation. Upon roaming around my new neighborhood in Queens, I found a nail shop that does manicures for $6! Yes, that is not a typo! They merely charge the same price as a $5 footlong! I have made it my business to get a manicure every week! They do a really great job, I relax and read magazines and talk to my manicurist Deena about reality T.V. shows. You’ll be surprised how relaxing it is!  

As I mentioned earlier, I often find new places by roaming around. I think taking a walk is very valuable. You’re getting exercise as well as fresh air! There’s nothing more refreshing than getting out of the house, away from the computer or away from your desk at work. I often take walks during my lunch break at work.

Speaking of food! I love food! And I love to eat! Who doesn’t? Treat yourself to whatever it is that you’re craving at the moment! For me, its frozen pizza! Don’t ask why, but I’ve been eating cheese pizza I popped out the oven in 15 minutes and curled up on the couch watching YouTube Beauty Gurus or reality TV! That’s my type of night!

I do manage to explore other neighborhoods though by transit. Don’t worry the ride won’t seem painstaking if you read a good book along the way. I’ve conformed! I’m currently reading Fifty Shades of Grey & I must say BELIEVE THE HYPE! I want a Christian Grey in my life! I have it on my ibooks app on my Iphone 4!

I hope these tips helped you guys! Leave me a comment and let me know how you pamper yourself!

If you're like me, then you're probably overwhelmed with thinking of ways you can save up enough cash to buy new items for your summer wardrobe, as well as catch a movie and lunch with your friends a few times. The real challenge is trying to finance these summer plans! I think I've found a few ways that seem to be working for me so far.

1). Get a part time job. This may be harder than it sounds, but you have nothing to lose. Put on a nice casual outfit, neutral fresh makeup, and hit the streets (In a good way). I recommend starting at clothing stores like Victoria's Secret, and Forever 21. They're always hiring, and since it's the summer, many seasonal positions are available. Fill out applications in store, instead of online (if offered), that way you can sell yourself with a bright smile when handing in your application to a manager.

2). Drink Water! This might sound like a heath tip instead of a money saving tip but it actually is. Ordering a drink from a menu day after day, night after night, adds up. They usually run you anywhere between $2.oo and $5.00 ! Water is a healthy choice and FREE choice.

3). D.I.Y. Do It Yourself. It's the summer so you and I both know we want to look our best, but it's time we start pulling tricks from our sleeve. Instead of searching deep in your wallet for money to get your hair and nails done, do it yourself. If you need help, search for tutorials on YouTube, or ask a friend. There are plenty of ways to pull off fun & stylish looks on your own!

4). Host a "Kick-Back." A "Kick-Back" is a laid back type of party. Since you are the host, you can invite all your friends and you can see them at one place, for free. Pull out the old board games like Twister, and Scrabble, whip up some finger food snacks and lemonade to drink & there you go! A night out just turned into a night in, that's a lot of fun, and inexpensive.

5). 50/50 Rule. Half of whatever amount of money that falls into your possession is saved and the other half is fair game. That way you don't feel so bad about splurging one half, knowing that you've saved the other. Open a savings account. Most saving accounts have a minimum balance, this can be another motivating force for you to save.

I hope these tips work for you. Good luck & happy saving!

Color Blocking

Gucci Spring/Summer 2011

I've noticed this trend since I first saw Chanel Iman in this photo, AND FELL IN LOVE. I've always been a fan of color in my wardrobe, so I'm glad to see this look make a come back. Although these looks by Gucci are 'fantabulous,' here are a few more affordable ways to pull this look off.

Forever 21 Neon Blue Relaxed Deep V-Neck tee

$9.80

Forever 21 Linen Blend Short w/ patent leatherette belt

$14.80

Total cost of this fun & fresh look = $24.60

I will attempt my personal version of a color block look later on this week....stay tuned ( :