Smart and Savvy Shopping Tips

So over my spring break it was cold and there was snow every where, unlike this week which was purely amazing! Over spring break however, in order to get my mind off of the unfavorable weather I did a little retail therapy and scored some great deals. I feel like I say this a lot, so I've decided to share my secrets. Anyone who know me knows I like buying nice, quality things, which can sometimes be a bit expensive. But despite my sometimes expensive taste, I am a bargain shopping expert! Its such a thrill when you get a great deal.

Here are some of the awesome things I got while on break! I got these great green suede J. Crew flats, these I have to admit weren't really one of "great deals." I had gotten a pair of gold glitter flats from J. Crew for christmas which fell apart after 2 weeks, so these were an exchange, but they are ADORABLE and so comfortable. I also got Skinny Bitch to help with my new years resolution of eating better, definitely a good read! Now for the real steals of the shopping trip. I got these adorable wedges at Macy's, which may just become my new favorite shoe, best part only $30 after some of my money saving tricks. I also picked up a Kate Spade twirl fragrance set, I've been wanting this for while which made it that much more exciting when I found it at such a great deal. I also got the book but the amazing Beverly Hill Housewife Lisa Vanderpump, who may be one of my favorite housewives.

Smart shopping by pinkandpreppy featuring a mini tote

Now for the good stuff! Here are some of my tips and tricks; many of these might seems rather obvious but if you ignore them you'll be losing out on a lot.

1. Pay attention to sale signs and stickers, I've gotten several amazing deals because things rung up incorrectly. The wedges I bought for example. They were marked 50% off but rung up 30%, had I not been paying attention I would have had to pay that extra 20%.

2. COUPONS- yep thats right, clip your coupons! Before I go shopping I always check for coupons, Lord & Taylor, the Limited, Macy's etc. usually have pretty good discounts.

3. Marshall's and TJ Maxx- These stores are the holy grail for bargain shopper.

4. Student Discounts- this may be the best tip I can give you! There are so many stores that will give you 10, 15, even 20% off to anyone with a student or teacher ID. Some of my favorites like J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, The LOFT, Club Monaco, just to name a few.

I'm always looking for new tips and tricks, what are some of your best bargain shopping tips?

Until next time,

Happy Blogging

Chapped

Hello Again,

It is my last semester of college and its super busy all the time. I can't believe it is going by so fast. Only 86 days away from graduation! Yikes! But I digress ...

...This winter has been torture on my lips. They are always dry, cracked and sometimes split and bleeding. But i have found a few great, quick and easy fixes.

When I'm at home I will make a sugar scrub from honey, sugar and a little olive oil. But if you're stuck at school like I am most of the time, those ingredients aren't always readily available, so here are some of my favorite lip products this season.

Neosporin came out with this new daily hydration therapy lip treatment, it is absolutely amazing. My lips were cracked and bleeding and this had them feeling healed and healthy in about 2-3 days. It was a bit expensive at around $6 at CVS when I bought it but if you have lips as bad as mine were its worth every penny.

Now at Sephora the birthday gift is a Fresh Lip treatment due! I was so excited; I've never bought a full size one because I always thought they were too much. But I tell you they are definitely worth the money, I'll be picking up a full size once I've used up these little freebies, they are AMAZING!

What of some of your best chapped lip fixers?

Until Next Time

Happy Blogging!

So Many Cute Bracelets

I have see so many cute accessories inspired by sailing recently and I'd have to say I'm loving them. Like this Pink bracelet from Lemon & Line, this bracelet may be the only thing I think about for the next week.

...or this Sperry Topsiders sailcloth tote!

...or how about the new collection fron Kiel James Patrick

I know that every summer nautical seems to be a big and classic style, but with all the new cruise wear collections coming out, nautical seems to be everywhere. And I can't hide my excitement.

Until next time

Happy Blogging!

THE LAST Semester!

So Tomorrow officially starts my last semester of college, Yikes! I can't believe its gone by so fast. And with this new semester comes so many new, fun, and exciting changes. I'm now living in a triple with some of my friends, starting a new manager position at work, and starting a new internship at Boston Children's Hospital :D

I'm worked so hard the first three years, and now I can relax a little with some great fun classes, like ceramics II, and still have time to have some fun during my last semester. And as something to look forward to, my friends and I are going to florida as a post grad trip this summer!

With all these exciting changes, I've made two new years resolutions.

1. Eat Healthy and Exercise - probably, like most people I know I need to take better care of my self, so I can feel better and be more efficient in everything I do

2. Have fun and not worry about the small things- I am a worry-wart. I worry about everything. I want to try and relax, stop worrying and enjoy life a little bit more.

What are some for your new years resolutions and goals?

Good Luck to everyone starting a new semester at school and happy new year to everyone!

Until Next time,

Happy Blogging

Its Official I have finished my Christmas Shopping with 2 weeks to spare...

Now the only thing left to do is wrap them all, which may be my favorite part! I love nicely wrapped presents, it makes the whole experience so much nicer, whether you're giving or receiving.

This is how I wrapped gifts last year, and they looked so nice under the tree.

I usually go to Paper Source to get my wrapping paper, ribbons and things for christmas. Here are some great examples of fun wrapping ideas to inspire your packages, boxes and bags this year.

all wrapped up by pinkandpreppy on polyvore.com

Last year, while sitting in amazement as I wrapped, told me I that she was impressed with my wrapping skills but that I must be a "wrapping snob." But I firmly believe that how a present is wrapped show just as much thought and effort as what is inside. And great wrapping doesn't have to be expensive; wrapping presents in newspaper or craft paper, with a great ribbon or bow look adorable- and if you hit Michael's craft store with a coupon, usually are budget and earth friendly options too!

I grew up learning that wrapping was just as important as the gift inside, and learned how to wrap well at a young age. But if you are not a wrapping aficionado, here are some great places for inspiration, tips, and how-to's.

Carolyne Roehm- How to wrap a gift

Carolyne Roehm- How to tie a perfect bow

Martha Stewart

Country Home

Paper Source

Until Next Time,

Happy Holidays and Happy Blogging

P.S. Trying to cut back on the trips to Starbucks this holiday season, looking for a good peppermint mocha recipe, any suggestions? Please let me know!

Look what I found... Ink Spot Workshop

I was looking around online today and found this super cute website were you can get some adorable and cute personalized stationary, recipe boxes, and some other cute little items.

Check it out, Ink Spot Workshop !

I'm in love with these cute little cupcake toppers...

The personalized holiday recipe boxes...

and the clipboard calendars...

... its all so cute!!

So head on over and take a look, and let me know what some of you're favorite items are

you might even find some last minute christmas gifts!

Until Next time,

Happy Holidays & Happy Blogging

Winter with Jcrew

I stopped into J. Crew yesterday after work for a quick peak before meeting a friend for coffee, and I fell in love with almost everything that they had out! Here are some things that I'm loving right now. There are so may cute shoes, cozy sweaters; I was in heaven... if only my wallet were in agreement with me.

jcrew winter 2011 by pinkandpreppy featuring glitter bags

It's Here...

Thats right, I started with week with the first delicious peppermint mocha of the season in the infamous red cup. Thats right the starbucks christmas cups are here, which means its the holidays... not to mention the 12 inches of snow this past weekend at home only further supports my claim. This means, I can watch christmas movies and listen to holiday music whenever, begin visiting the Christmas in Boston store, and serious start my christmas shopping! Only 22 days to thanksgiving, only 28 days to Christmas tree lighting on the commons and only 52 days till christmas.

its here by pinkandpreppy on polyvore.com

And my roommate this year says its a bit to early for any sort of holiday talk, but I love christmas !

REGATTA

Luckily the regatta had a beautiful weekend this year, unlike last year when it rained. It was a ton of fun; there were a ton people out; that was a little overwhelming; if you've been following for a while you know I am not a fan of crowds. But it was a ton of fun again, kettle corn, fried dough, fresh lemonade, the best!

The Starting line

Sail Boats Along the Charles

The City

They're wearing Pink

This little 3-legged guy was so cute, and so happy to be out and about. He put a smile on my face!

Until Next Time, Happy Blogging

Time flies...

Lately my papa has been telling me "there's no do overs, do everything you can do now." And its definitely true. Lately I couldn't even tell you where all my time has gone. But all the sudden this semester is almost over, the holiday season is just weeks away and the just around the corner is graduation. Yikes! Its hard to believe that time had gone by this fast. It seems like yesterday was the first day of high school, being dropped off at the door for freshman orientation, or the first year of college, but those days were so long ago.

time flies by pinkandpreppy on polyvore.com

So remember, there are no do-overs, do everything you can now.

No do-overs, no regrets!

Happy Blogging!

Regatta Season

Its only about 2 weeks until the Head of the Charles regatta, I'm so excited. I don't row but I love going to watch, some of you may have seen my pictures form last year's regatta. And it is usually a cold rainy day so I've come up with a few different outfit choices: one for a unusually warm day, like this past weekend, one for a cool crisp fall day, and another most, the most probable, for a wet and rainy day.

regatta outfits by pinkandpreppy featuring crew neck tops

No matter what the weather its sure to be a ton of fun, I love traditions like this, the races, the people watching, the kettle corn (yum!), its the perfect fall day. I'll be posting a bunch of pictures of the regatta in a few weeks. The regatta is October 22-23 so keep checking back!

Until Next Time,

Happy Blogging

Winter Coats

Hi everyone! I'm sorry its been so long since my last post, its been so chaotic here. But not that things have calmed down a little, I'm back!!

In preparation for the cold winters here in Boston, I went out and bought a new winter coat. I ended up with a long patagonia, to keep my legs nice and warm walking through the city. J. Crew however, always has some of the cutest coats in some of the cutest colors. I'm loving these coats from J. Crew in the yellow and pink.

winter coats by pinkandpreppy featuring a pea coat

I'm also obsessed with winter vests, I recently bought a navy vest with a fur lining (fuax fur of course), it is my new favorite clothing item. And I am in love with vineyard vines aqua colored fleece vest. They are so warm and cute, especially with riding boots.

winter vests by pinkandpreppy featuring a slim vest

its finally fall... by pinkandpreppy featuring a slim vest

It's finally fall! I'm so excited this is the official start of my favorite time of year. All the things we love are coming back, sweaters, pea coats, vests, boots, blazers, scarves, pumpkin bread and pumpkin spiced lattes, apple pie, dark nail polishes, camel colored accessories.... I'm so excited. It doesn't quit feel like fall yet but its so close. What do you love about fall?

So Little Time...

I've just begun my SENIOR year. I can't believe it, time has flown so quickly. Although senior year seems like it may be a tad bit easier this year, I'm taking less classes and some fun classes, like ceramics (which I used to teach at day camp and I'm so excited to be starting up again). But I can't forget that there is still work to be done. I'm applying to law school this year and can't loose focus preparing for the LSAT, I have to do all my application and get all my recommendations and transcripts sent out, I started a year long internship with a child's advocacy program with juvenile court system here in boston, and am applying for a management/supervisor promotion at work for this year. So much going on...

so little time by pinkandpreppy featuring water resistant watches

I am really excited that this year all my friends are 21 so we can go out, have some fun and no one gets left behind in the dorms. Some of my friends even have apartments with some amazing roof decks with great city views; great for hanging out and parties. I also plan on taking over their kitchens for baking extravaganzas! So despite everything that is going on, I'm so excited to start my senior year (i'll never get used to saying that), I just know its going to be a blast!!

Until Next time

Happy Blogging

Fist Day of Classes

Today I, both excitedly and sadly start classes for my senior year in college. The past three years went by so fast, its unbelievable. Unfortunately its a bit, cold and wet today, so it was a bit disappointing, its always harder to get out of bed and bound to class in the warm sun. But heres a great first day of classes outfit, that warm, cozy and cute for the first day

frist day of classes ... in the rain by pinkandpreppy featuring moccasin shoes

Back to School Shopping Trip

Hi everyone!

So I wanted to share some amazing steals I've found this summer, mostly for heading back to school. In addition to volunteering at the hospital, I'm going to be interning with a children's advocate program in the juvenile court system this year and I am so so excited. Not only to get a peak at the court system, access to their legal library (I know, I'm excited about a library, but what can I say I'm a study hound), spending some time actually in court, but even more exciting then all this: New cloths!!

I like to be well dressed and put together on a normal basis, I will refuse to leave the room in sweats, and people sometimes tell me I'm over dressed (even in jeans, a cute top and a cardigan) But no more- I get to wear grown up cloths almost everyday and no one can say a thing !! So I've started picking up some more professional clothing and things so I'll be all set come September when I start. I've found some AMAZING deals and I wanted to show you guys.

I finally got my Lilly agenda in! I'm so excited and have already started filling it with all my important dates and event for the year.

I found this super cute and comfy sweater at target, I don't think you can tell from the picture but its got short sleeves. I wouldn't probably be wearing this to work but I couldn't pass it up, its just too comfy.

I also got this black draping sweater, so cute over any top with black pants or a cute skirt, an awesome marshall's find!

Another Great Find was this Polo sweater, I am in love with the pink and navy combination. This may be my new favorite item in my closet.

I got three cute tops at marshall's as well to wear to work, starting at $10. Who doesn't love a bargain like that.

While I was on vacation I found these really cute shoes. They fold up into their own little pouch you can throw into your purse, so you have a spare pair of shoes if your feet stare to hurt. So cute, they came in a few other colors too, including a silvery pewter color I was in love with but they didn't have my size.

For work I found these gorgeous Ralph Lauren heels at DSW, they look so nice on and are so classic. They are suprisingly comfortable too.

I know I've posted about these before, I was so excited when I first saw them online. They look just like a pair of Kate Spade shoes that were out not to long ago. These however didn't come with such a large pricetag, and when I finally bought them I was so excited. These are frim payless for only $27.

I also have been in desperate need of a new bag for some time now, I have been using my vineyard vines tote, and unfortunately it has become a little threadbare. My Marshall's always has really cute designer bags at amazing prices, so I was planning on just scouting out marshall's until I found one. But I found this at Aldo, and I love it! it sits so nicely on the arm and I love the gold hardware. Its also big enough to fit all my things in it.

Have you found at great back to school bargains recently?

Until Next Time

Happy Blogging!

Decorate Your Dorm

Only 5 weeks until its back to school! That means putting together the dorm again, one last time! Its hard to believe college has gone by so quickly! But I love putting my room together every year. There are a ton of very cute things out this year!

decorate your dorm by pinkandpreppy featuring handbags

I'm thinking of getting a new duvet cover for the upcoming year. I know I posted last year about my new monogramed duvet, but i found that a solid color showed spots much more then my patterned one before it, so I'm getting a new one. But I can't decide, so I'm taking a vote:

Deep Pink Damask Duvet

or

Bella Floral Duvet

(minus the black sheets)

Fall Favorites Preview

So the stores are staring to release their fall previews. I can't wait to go shopping, I'm loving them! Here are some of the things I'm loving from J. Crew right now!

jcrew fall preview by pinkandpreppy featuring a wool blazer

Most adorable cookies I've ever seen

I found a bakery that makes the most adorable cookies and cakes I've ever seen.

Its the Whipped Bake Shop, in Philadelphia; their creations are just too cute to eat!

Look it's a messy desk cake!

and look at all the cute cookies...

Look Thats a Cookie!

Gifts for the Graduate

Its that time of year again, graduation time! My sister was one of the graduates this year. Graduating high school. We had an awesome party, tropical summer theme, I blogged about a few weeks ago. But what do you get these grads, if you don't like giving money, that will be spent on summer fun, and not college essentials like you intended. I have to admit I went a little crazy putting together my sisters grad gift, but I came up with some good ideas that make great grad gifts. All of which are essentials for the college freshmen, even the wrapping was a super cute laundry bag. Now unfortunately the gift was unwrapped before I managed to take any pictures but I thought I could still share some ideas.

Gifts for the graduate by pinkandpreppy on Polyvore.com

1. Takeout menus organizer- obviously the college students' best friend, I filled my sister's with a few menus I've order from before to get her started.

2. Hangers- you can always use more hangers

3. College gear- I know, an obvious choice, but always a crowd pleaser

4. Games- like table topics college edition, catch phrase, apples to apples are great ways to help the grad make new friends in college. I know I've played rounds of catch phrase with about 15 people that go into the wee hours of the night.

5. Something to cuddle with when you're homesick- sometime you just miss home, and it helps to pop in a good movie and to have a soft cuddle buddy like this adorable teddy bear.

6. College "fun" money- by which I really mean quarters for the laundry. You can buy little piggy banks like this or if you like me and love craft projects, you can paint one. I bought a plain white bank at my michael's store (with a coupon of course) and painted the piggy bank in school colors and filled it with enough quarters for a few laundry cycles... or one frozen yogurt plus delivery and tip :)

7. Activities- midnight frisbee on the quad and nerf battles in the dorm halls are soo much fun!!

8. Towels

9. Note cards- because its fun to send and receive mail (just don't forget stamps, I know my college bookstore is always out of them)

10. Planner/Agenda- to keep the grad organized and on top of work, classes and appointments in between all the fun

11. Travel mug- to keep the grad well caffeinated on the go

12. Chocolate chip cookie recipe- because I can ensure you (at least at my school) the smell of cookies baking done the hall, is one of the best ways to meet new people. Plus its a nice surprise to get a knock on the door to fresh baked cookies :)

Well here are some ideas I've though of or have decided are essential for college life!

Until next time,

Happy blogging