Tag Archives: shopping on a budget

Favorite Finds: Love, Always

Love, Always by SD on Bubbles & Ink

I first told you about Love, Always almost exactly one year ago when, thanks to my Instagram obsession, I began discovering a slew of adorable little boutiques. Since then, the online accessories shop based out of South Florida has gained momentum and been featured in publications such as Redbook and Who What Wear. And it’s no wonder – the girl behind the shop can curate some serious arm candy. I’ve been loyally stacking mine from Miss Stephanie’s finds, two of which are pictured above (a dainty pair of clover beaded bracelet with a new obsession, the tassel a.k.a. the Ritchey bracelet, named for her friend who creates my other wish list item). And, as if you needed another reason to shop, you can rest assured in knowing you’re doing some good; every month, a portion of their profits is donated to a different anti-bullying organization.

You can stack your own arm candy (and necklaces, and rings) at a discounted price. Use code BUBBLES20 to receive 20% off your purchase. Happy shopping!

Favorite Finds: Gigglosophy

Favorite Finds: Gigglosophy on Bubbles & Ink

Like most of the great little boutiques I’ve been frequenting lately, I discovered today’s Favorite Finds shop on Instagram. (I was actually the lucky winner of one of their contests!) Gigglosophy is an adorable little shop on Etsy with covet-able trinkets galore at incredibly reasonable prices for such great quality. I’m obsessed with their ampersand charm necklace and though I did win the gold pave bracelet in the pic above, I snagged the mint and white link bracelets for myself soon after.

For the next few days, you can pick up a few of your own pieces at a discounted price. Readers of Bubbles & Ink will get 20% off now through July 5th. Use code BUBBLES20 at checkout. Enjoy!

BA STAR Eye Shadow Palettes


BA STAR Eye Shadow Palettes

Here’s a quick, no-brainer deal for your Sunday. BA STAR is giving readers of Bubbles & Ink the chance to freshen up their makeup kits with HALF OFF their sparkly eye shadow palettes. These palettes are already incredibly affordable, so this is a great chance to stock up on different colors (the Natural and Smoky sets are my favorites). You can check out all their options here.

To get 50% off your order, use discount code BBSMOKY. Enjoy!

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Kate Young for Target: April 14

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Target’s next design collaboration lands in stores and online this Sunday, April 14th with a collection of women’s apparel and accessories from celebrity stylist Kate Young. The limited-edition collection features an assortment of special occasion dresses from the woman who’s styled countless celebrities and runway shows as well as worked on other famous Target campaigns – Jason Wu, anyone? Pieces range in price from $29.99 to $89.99 for apparel and $14.99 to $49.99 for jewelry, handbags and shoes. I’ve posted some of my favorite looks here but you can get a full view with prices on Target’s look book.

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Maternity Chic: 4 Tips to Dressing the Belly

Header - Bubbles & Ink - Dressing the Belly Post

Week 32 is here and with it the slow waddle befitting one whose rotund nature is weighing heavily on their self esteem. In need of motivation, I started looking back through old pictures on my phone and came across a few shots of me dressing a belly that’s clearly got a plan of its own.

If you’re busy growing a small person of your own, I’m sure you can relate. It’s difficult to feel good about yourself when you barely recognize that person in the mirror. But take comfort in the fact that everyone else will tell you you’re glowing even if you’re sure that’s just a thin sheen of sweat breaking across your forehead from going up what used to be a short flight of stairs. Take heart. It’s only temporary. And your handbags will still fit, no matter what kinds of shenanigans your belly gets into.

Below, I give you four easy tips to dressing that belly that I discovered over the past months after making a serious effort to avoid the maternity shops. So far, mission accomplished. How’d I do? Any tips of your own you can share with us first-timers?

1) BELT THAT BUMP

Going through the first few months was tricky because all my regular clothes still fit but just made me look overweight, not pregnant. I quickly discovered that belting the baby bump would bring attention to my growing belly and clear up for everyone the fact that I was creating a person in there and not just really enjoying those Buffalo wings at Sports Grill (though I really DID enjoy all those Buffalo wings at Sports Grill…). To clear up any confusion and proudly show off your new curves, grab a skinny belt and wear it just above the belly. Something with embellishments adds a really nice touch and makes you look pulled together. Belted dresses or wrap dresses also grow with you.

Belted Shirt Dress from Kirna Zabete for TargetBelted Sweater & Layers

2) LOOK FOR LARGER SIZES

I was hesitant to dive into the maternity shops when I knew this would only be temporary. The truth is, you can easily fit into larger sizes and avoid the pregnancy tent phenomenon for quite a long while if you shop for larger sizes. Knowing I could find inexpensive pieces and still be on trend, I hit up shops like Forever 21 for loose-fitting items. I also shopped my own closet for comfortable stretch fabrics (maxi skirts, soft tees) that have worked for me even until today, at week 32. Maxi dresses with empire waists have also been an essential wardrobe stable that need not come from a maternity store.

Large Graphic Sweater - Forever 21

Outfit - Budding-Bump

3) THE POWER OF BLACK TIGHTS

When my jeans and pants stopped fitting against all better efforts, I discovered my new wardrobe staple: black tights. Sure, there are belly bands and such to make your existing pieces work. But the truth is that I didn’t want to bother with any of it. I wanted to pull something on and be done with it. So came the black tight uniform I’ve been shamelessly reinventing for several months now. Dress up or down by adding a basic tee or sweater, or even your husband’s favorite shirt. The very best part is that they’re fairly cheap and easy to replace if you outgrow them (I shopped Old Navy and Target).

Outfit - Sweater & Tights

4) ACCESSORIES ALWAYS FIT

When all else fails, the great thing is that no matter how big your baby bump gets, accessories will ALWAYS fit. Pile on your favorites or wear one standout piece. The choice is yours. But a little glitz always makes me feel much better when my clothing options begin to look like glorified tents. Remember it’s just temporary and you’ll be looking like yourself in a short while. I hear running after a little one just makes the pounds melt off.

Brighthouse Baubles BraceletEnvelope Clutch from ASOS

POST DETAILS: 

Pink ASOS Clutch, Pave Link Bracelet from Brighthouse Baubles, Lucite Bangles from H&M, Studded Black Clutch from Rebi’s Closet, Gold & Wood Bead Bracelet from Stephanie Lian’s Closet, Gold Link & Pave Link Bracelet from Gigglosophy, Graphic Print Sweater from Forever 21, Belted Shirt Dress from Target

Swim Shop

I was really hoping to make it out to the beach this morning but the weather didn’t quite cooperate. So instead, I’ve been in bed all morning, coffee in hand, shopping for what I would’ve worn if it weren’t such a blah kind of Saturday morning.

I’ve had a thing for one-pieces lately, probably because I’m feeling old and conservative. It’s making me sick to even think that way but that’s a topic for another post, preferably involving some sort of libation in hand. In any case, I’ve narrowed it down to these, all styles ranging from Old Navy to Miu Miu. What can I say. I’m an equal opportunity shopper.

Let me know what you think. You can click the pics to see more details.

For Mom

Today’s Happy Hour post is dedicated to the Mom in your life. The lady who held your hand when you were low and gave you good advice even when you really didn’t want it. The lady who’s put up with you through your adolescent, college, and bad boyfriend years. The lady who still loves you despite your faults – and actually thinks you’re the best thing to ever happen to her, no matter what. Here’s to the moms who know better and aren’t afraid to say so – because it’s for your own good, dammit.

These gifts are all under $100 and go one step beyond the usual flowers and card. Go ahead and buy a little something for mom to show her you may not be done making her crazy, but you can surely make the experience a little sweeter. Happy Mother’s Day, all. And thanks for all you do.

 

 

 

 In this post:

1) Kate Spade New York Mom’s the Word Earrings

2) Ariella Collection Floral Ring Stack – Set of 5

3) Kendra Scott Danielle Oval Pendant Necklace

4) Sequin Brights Small Enamel Bangles

5) Tocca Beauty Roller Ball Perfume Trio

6) philosophy Happy Travels Set

Cheap & Chic: Fashion on a Budget

One of my goals for the year is to be smarter about my purchases and buy pieces that will update items I already have in my closet. Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive to be stylish – in fact, style is something you just can’t buy.

But with the help of some lower-priced retailers, I’ve found I don’t need to splurge and break my budget to keep my outfits looking current. Below, I’ve included a short list of some of my favorite places to shop, both online and in stores, to update my wardrobe seasonally with great pieces (like this $15 yellow clutch from Forever 21).

What are your favorites? Let me know if there are any shops you think should be added to the list!

1) Forever 21: The obvious choice. A great, inexpensive one-stop shop for apparel, accessories, and shoes.

2) Lulus.com: This budget-friendly online retailer has a very charming boutique-y feel.

3) H&M: Those of us in Miami are still waiting for our own H&M but will happily travel and pop in wherever we can find one in hopes of catching one of their fairly regular celebrity designer collaborations.

4) Modcloth: While some of their items may run a bit on the pricier side, their sales usually offer up some great steals. This is also the place to find quirky tees and accessories.

5) Rebi’s Closet: (Local to South Florida) Aside from being owned by one of my favorite people, I love Rebi’s Closet for consistently having unique pieces at amazing prices. And she’ll come to you!

6) Target: Target has quickly built a reputation with their beautifully affordable designer collaborations. (Yep – I, too, scored a $39 Missoni bag and will proudly tote it around town.)

7) Plasticland: Self-proclaimed purveyors of kitsch curiosities and retro clothing, for both your closet and your apartment.

8 ) BP at Nordstrom: On more than one occasion, I’ve scored the best statement necklaces at an average price of $15; this is much more affordable than the higher priced counterparts throughout the rest of the store with the same quality and detail.