Prep for Less: Free Stickers

Hello everyone! Not only is this prep for less but this is literally prep for free. I'm obsessed with covering everything I own from my folders to my agenda to my laptop with stickers. Here's a look at my laptop and how I use the stickers, I didn't pay for a single one! Keep reading to find out how I got some of them and how you can too!

If you don't have stores around you (example: vineyard vines) it may be hard to obtain stickers, believe me I feel your pain. I sometimes feel awkward and like I'm annoying the employees when I ask for stickers so I've decided to put together a list of places that all you had to do is fill out a sticker request form. You don't even have to email them asking! The only annoying part is it usually takes 2-4 for delivery, but hey you're getting them for free! Here's 5 different "preppy" companies (click the names of each for links directly to the sticker request forms):

1. VINEYARD VINES 

2. SOUTHERN TIDE

3. JADELYNN BOOKE

4. LUXLEY & BERNARD 

5. PATAGONIA 

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know if you end up getting any and if so which ones!

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Disclaimer: Cotton Sticker from Southern Shirt Company. American Flag and Donut stickers from Brandy Melville, free in stores and I think they might be free with orders.

Prep for Less: Statement Jewelry

Welcome back to my series Prep for Less, if you haven't seen my other posts in the series make sure to check them out! I know statement jewelry can be hella expensive, so my latest Prep for Less post is all about getting statement jewelry for cheaper! Statement jewelry is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, it ties everything together and can be the perfect added touch. Statement jewelry can be rather expensive though for pieces that you may not wear everyday or even less than once a week. Since statement jewelry can be extremely bold, colorful, and over the top, therefore, I don't think you need to invest since if it isn't something you'll wear that often. Statement jewelry trends are always changing so there's no reason to spend a ton; of course if you are spending less, the quality won't be as nice but I think that's okay since the pieces aren't meant to be worn all the time. Here's some places I like to look for statement jewelry & some pieces that you can buy now (click the picture for links to shop):

FOREVER 21:

Forever 21 is my go to for statement earrings and necklaces. You can get statement earrings for under $10 and necklaces for under $20. Although jewels do tend to fall out, it's nothing a little glue can't fix. Luckily, their earrings don't bother my ears, but be careful if you do have sensitive ears. 

Necklaces:

Earrings:

CHARLOTTE RUSSE:

I honestly never really shop at Charlotte Russe, but while looking for necklaces for this post, I found a ton of great and inexpensive options! I actually recently stopped in after making this post and found 3 I loved & bought! Here's some of my favorites:

J. Crew Factory:

Although J. Crew factory jewelry can be expensive you can find it on sale and save some money. Although I don't own any, I assume the quality is much better than places such as Forever 21. I love all their jewelry but just don't have a store close. They also make great basic statement necklaces that can be added to tons of different outfits (examples at the end) Here's some of my favorites: 

Necklaces:

Earrings:

WALMART:

This isn't the most glamorous place what so ever, but surprisingly I've been able to find really cute necklaces for super, super cheap. Make sure to check in stores to see all the necklaces (website doesn't give them justice). I got a 3 pack of necklaces for only $7 that can easily be worn together or by themselves: 

here's 2 layered together

OLD NAVY:

Recently, I've been finding adorable jewelry here and it's almost always under $10. It's not offered online so make sure to check in your local store. 

Thanks for reading!

Let me know where your go to places are for affordable statement jewelry!

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Prep for Less: Tips & Tricks for Saving Money

I've decided to start a new series on my blog titled "Prep for Less." I wouldn't say I'm the most preppy person in the world but I do love the style and have preppy ascents to my outfits. 

When I think preppy I think of the ultimate three: Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and J. Crew.  I know first hand how much these places can drain your bank account. Here a list of my top 10 tips and tricked I've learned over the years when it comes to saving money shopping: 

1. Invest in the basics rather than fashion and trendy items! Blog post coming soon about what I consider prep basics & essentials!

2. Wait for sales! Try to eliminate paying full price for anything. Lilly Pulitzer offers a sale twice a year, Vineyard Vines offers sales more often than Lilly -especially on their sale items, and J. Crew is always offering different sales. These sales are perfect for scoring killer deals and saving money! Who doesn't love percentages off especially when its 40% off or more?

3. Everything doesn't need to be brand name! There are plenty of places other than J. Crew that make similar clothing for a fraction of the price. Blog post coming soon about stores to shop in order to save money!

4. Shop the sale section! Just because it's the sale section doesn't mean you can't find amazing and trendy clothes and accessories. There's always so many options online in sale sections that you may not find in stores! Vineyard Vines usually offers a larger sale section online than in stores. Check Lilly Pulitzer specialty stores for sale sections that Lilly Pulitzer doesn't offer online. 

5. Take advantage of student discounts! Student discounts are an easy way to save money on every purchase in store. Vineyard Vines offer 15% in store student discount and J. Crew & J. Crew Factory offer 15% in store discount for students and teachers with an ID.

6. Don't pay for shipping unless necessary. If you know a store often offers free shipping then wait until then, it's an easy way to save money.

7. Buy neutrals instead of a bunch of colors when investing. For example instead of buying a Kendra Scott necklace in a bright color, buy a more neutral color that is versatile and can be worn with many outfits.

8. If you can fit in kid sizes take advantage of it! If you are around the size extra small or small, you will most likely fit in a kids extra large in Vineyard Vines tshirts! Instead of spending $42-$48, it'll only be $26.50-$29.50. An easy way to save money especially since Vineyard Vines often sells the exact same designs in kids sizing!

9. Buy used! This may seem like a weird idea, but you can find a lot of good finds on Poshmark when it comes to Lilly Pulitzer! You'll be able to get past patterns and styles for a fraction of the price. Wash it and you'll  be good to go! Although I've never bought from Poshmark, I have bought a Lilly dress used!  was able to buy a Lilly dress for $18 from a store in my area where you can sell your old clothes! I couldn't believe it when I saw it and it was my size, I don't think I'll ever be able to beat that deal. 

10. Shop at outlet stores! The stuff will still be trendy and in style but for a fraction of the price! My blog post about stores to shop will include my favorite outlet stores!

Thanks for Reading!

Let me know your tips and tricks for saving money!

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