Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Thrift shopping isn’t just for hipster college students and extreme penny pinchers. Getting clothes and accessories from thrift stores can be a fun scavenger hunt that will save you a significant amount of money.

But not all thrift store clothes are going to be gems or ones that are going to save you much in the long run. There are certain items, however, that are almost guaranteed to save you money in both the short and the long term.

Keep reading to learn about the 5 types of clothing that you should look out for when you’re thrifting if you’re looking to save money and look stylish.

1. Brand Name Clothes

High end and brand name clothes are usually quite expensive if you buy them new. Thrift shopping for brand name clothes can save you hundreds of dollars if you can find the brands you’re looking for.

Certain brands are quite trendy nowadays, like Ralph Lauren and Adidas for example. However, brand new clothes from these brands can start at $50 for a t-shirt or even hundreds of dollars for sweaters and jackets. You just can’t justify those prices if you’re on a budget.

These same brands can be found in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Usually, t-shirts can be as little as a few dollars and even jackets can cost less than 20.

Looking for and buying brand name clothes while thrift shopping can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you the high-quality and trendy brands you want.

2. Jewelry and Accessories

What outfit is complete without some jewelry or an accessory like a watch or a hat? But nice accessories, especially jewelry, are expensive.

Thrifting for jewelry and accessories is a great way to elevate your style while staying on a budget. While the jewels and metals might not be super high quality, it is often hard to differentiate. That means you can stock up on cheap jewelry and accessories without anyone really knowing that they came from a thrift shop.

Thrift shops usually have huge stocks of jewelry, which gives you access to a wide variety of styles and products. The jewelry at thrift stores is also exceptionally low priced because of the high stock they have.

You can find necklaces, bracelets, watches, vintage pins, brooches, hats, rings, and more all at one location. Take your time sorting through the large selection to find pieces that really stand out and that can add an element of style to any outfit.

3. Men’s and Women’s Clothes

A mistake a lot of beginner thrifters make is only looking in either the men’s or the women’s section. Women tend to avoid the men’s section and men definitely steer clear of the women’s section.

But the fact is, each section has certain gems that would be missed if you didn’t look in both places.

The men’s section is usually home to many interesting graphic t-shirts, sweaters, and athletic wear. The women’s section, on the other hand, is usually much larger than the men’s section, which might give you a wider variety. It is also home to what’s seen as “women’s only” clothing items like skirts, dresses, and more form-fitting and feminine t-shirts.

Check out this website to learn more about women’s t-shirts and clothing items.

4. High-Quality Fabrics and Materials

Besides brand names, another thing you can save big on by thrift shopping is clothes made of certain expensive materials. Real leather, cotton, denim, wool, and linen are all durable and high-quality fabrics that can be expensive if you buy them new.

Getting thrifted items made of these materials will save you a lot of money while also giving you items that will last. Buying cheap, thrifted clothes made of cheaper material might be good in the moment, but chances are those clothes won’t last very long.

You’re better off buying clothes from thrift stores that are made of good quality materials. You’ll save money on the price of the item and you’ll save by getting a product that will last a long time instead of needing to be replaced soon after it’s purchased.

5. Shop Seasonally

This tip is true for both thrift shopping and “regular” retail shopping. You’ll usually get great deals and discounts on seasonal items at the end of that season.

For example, the end of summer would be a good time to go shopping for shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. The end of winter will be the perfect time to look for thick winter sweaters, winter boots, and jackets.

If you think you get great seasonal deals at retail stores, then you’ll be amazed at the types of deals you’ll get at thrift stores. You’ll be getting huge discounts on already discounted items. You’ll be paying a fraction of what you would at a retail store and getting even more of a break because of the seasonal discounts.

A word of caution on this tip: the end of a season usually will bring a lot of people looking for seasonal deals. You want to get out to the thrift stores sooner rather than later to avoid everything being cleared out by other thrift shoppers.

Thrift Shopping Can Save You Money

Living on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t have great style. Thrift shopping means that high-quality and brand name clothes can be yours for a fraction of the retail price.

Thrift shopping isn’t always easy. You’ll probably have to go to a few different thrift shops many different times in order to find some things that are name brand, high-quality, and your style. It can take some dedication, but getting high quality and stylish clothes for a low cost is definitely worth it.

Check out our blog to find more tips on frugal living. You can also find lists of helpful deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons on our website.

Thinking of getting a mommy makeover after giving birth? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

Mommy makeovers are on the rise in the U.S. thanks to the rapidly disappearing stigma surrounding plastic surgery.

It can be incredibly tough to get not only your body, but also your confidence, back after a pregnancy. However, many women don’t want to deal with the recovery time and physical stress of having multiple surgeries performed over the course of a few months.

A mommy makeover allows you to get a tummy tuck, liposuction, stretch mark removal, and a breast lift or enhancement all in one go.

But what is the cosmetic surgery cost of a mommy makeover? In this post, we’ll break it down for you.

Cosmetic Surgery Cost: The Tummy Tuck

Since you’ve gained a lot of weight in a short time, it’s likely that not only the size but the overall shape of your stomach has changed.

There might be rolls in new places or fat in a particular area. You might just not feel like you’re ready to wear a bathing suit.

A tummy tuck will help you to get rid of excess skin, tighten your abdomen, and more. You should expect the surgery to take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed.

Usually, the tummy tuck part of the mommy makeover comes with a cosmetic surgery cost totaling close to $6,000.

A Breast Augmentation or Lift

When you’re pregnant, the size and shape of your breasts will change just as your tummy did.

You might even find that your breasts aren’t as full as they were before you got pregnant. You may also feel like they’re drooping downwards, have an abnormal shape, or have stretched in some way.

A breast augmentation will add extra volume to your breasts with implants. A breast lift will help to ensure that everything stays perky.

Be aware that, immediately after the procedure, you’ll likely deal with some bruising. You should also take into consideration how a breast augmentation might impact your ability to feed your baby.

Overall, the procedure generally takes about three hours. Some pain and swelling are perfectly normal. Any scars you may have will fade away over time.

You should expect the cosmetic surgery cost of a breast lift and augmentation to total about $6,200.

Above all, make sure that you work with a qualified, experienced surgeon, like those at Simmons Plastic Surgery. We know that the thought of traveling abroad to get lower prices is tempting, but it’s just not worth putting your health at risk.

Liposuction/Fat Removal

Let’ face it — finding the time to work out after a baby’s arrival can be tough!

Sometimes, you just don’t have the time, let alone the energy, to hit the gym. Plus, even if you are committed to working out, it can feel like there are some areas of your body that just won’t tone up, no matter how hard you work out.

Dieting alone doesn’t help too much. You may lose a few pounds, but you might end up feeling hungry and deprived. Not to mention that your body needs more calories and nutrients when you’re breastfeeding.

Luckily, there’s a solution: liposuction and fat removal as a part of your mommy makeover.

It’s important to remember that liposuction isn’t meant to be seen as an alternative to eating right and exercising. Instead, it’s meant to complement a healthy lifestyle. This procedure cannot offset the harm caused by poor nutrition.

Keep in mind that your doctor may even recommend that you lose more weight. If you’re too heavy, you may not be a good candidate for liposuction and fat removal.

In general, you should expect the costs for this procedure to hover somewhere around $3,000. Liposuction usually takes anywhere from a little over half an hour to two hours to complete.

Stretch Mark Removal

Stretch marks are undoubtedly one of the biggest insecurities that women face when taking a look at their post-baby bodies.

Even if you didn’t gain a significant amount of weight while pregnant, chances are that there are a few new lines and scars across your body.

You can try as many balms and creams as you want, but the reality is that you likely won’t see dramatic results. These products rarely work – or have temporary effects.

The good news?

The cosmetic surgery cost of stretch mark removal is the most affordable part of the mommy makeover.

In general, it’s done with a laser, and only costs about $200 per treatment. Keep in mind that you will likely have to go back for several treatments depending on the severity of your stretch marks.

Of course, if you’re opting for the tummy tuck, the majority of your stretch marks will likely be removed as a part of that procedure.

Interested In Getting A Mommy Makeover?

We hope this post helped you to understand the average cosmetic surgery cost associated with a mommy makeover. Now you should have a better understanding of the mommy makeover process, and what to expect from each procedure.

Remember, making an investment in yourself — and your confidence — is always worth it. At the end of the day, you’ll look and feel better, have more energy, and wear anything you want.

Looking for a cosmetic surgeon in your area?

Spend some time on our website to connect with the best surgeons near you. We also provide tips on how to save money on the costs associated with the surgeries you want.

Need additional beauty and lifestyle advice? Our blog has got you covered! We’re always writing about the latest trends in the ever-evolving world of beauty.

Set up a consultation with a surgeon today, and fast-track the road to a post-baby body!

Do you love to wear dresses? Is summer your season because you get to show off your favorite ones?

Dresses are so much more fun and flirty than jeans or pants. Plus they are more versatile. You can dress them up for work or a night out on the town. Or you can dress them down for a more casual look. Regardless of what you do, you’ll feel sleek and pretty in your cute dress.

The average temperature in winter across the United States is 33.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This excludes the warmest (Hawaii 67.4 degrees) and coolest (Alaska 2.6 degrees) areas of the country.

Regardless, 33.2 degrees doesn’t exactly sound like dress weather, does it? But even if you live in an area that is a bit warmer than average, it still sounds a bit cold for bare arms and legs.

The bare arms you can take care of by buying winter dresses with long sleeves. That still leaves your chilly, bare legs to deal with.

Here are several great ideas for awesome winter dresses. Plus a few ideas for how to wear your summer dresses in winter.

Sweater Dresses

No discussion of winter dresses would be complete without the classic sweater dress.

The thick material is comfy and will keep you toasty warm. Most are designed to hug your curves, creating a flattering fit for almost any body type. Show off those curves and heat things up this winter!

Be sure to watch the length. Particularly if you’re on the shorter side, you don’t want to wear one too long. You could end up looking like a walking burrito! Not exactly the look you were going for.

Another tip for petite ladies- choose sweater dresses in neutral colors. They help you appear taller. Plus, they are easy to coordinate with other clothing and accessories to complete your look.

Long Sleeve Dresses

Long sleeve dresses are a fabulous option for keeping warm this winter. You can find a variety of flattering styles that keep you snug up top.

Unlike with sweater dresses, shorter ladies should go long with this type of dress. Choose a long sleeve maxi dress for extra warmth. Add a cute moto jacket and heeled boots. Voila! Now you appear taller and won’t freeze when you step outside.

If you’re on the taller end of the spectrum try a long sleeve midi dress. These are a great not-too-short not-too-long option. The perfect length will be a hair past your knees, but not any longer than mid-calf.

Again, ankle boots work great to keep your feet warm. You can choose a pair with or without heels as you prefer. Add a chic jacket and colorful scarf and your ensemble is complete!

Learn to Layer

Layering is truly the secret to wearing winter dresses.

If you know how to layer your clothes well you can even wear summer dresses in winter. Using your clothes all year round is a great way to save money! That’s what we’re all about here at Thrifty Momma Ramblings.

Wear leggings, tights, or even jeans under your dress to keep your legs warm. If you live in a frigid area of the country, invest in a few pairs of lined leggings. These will keep your legs nice and warm without adding bulk to your outfit.

Here’s a tip. Bright printed leggings really pop with a neutral colored dress. Add a coordinating jacket and you’re nice and toasty in your cute little dress!

Remember that your shoes can help keep you warm as well. On days that aren’t too cold you can pair knee high boots with a long sleeve dress. Add a scarf for contrast and you’re good to go!

With a cute short dress, you can go thigh high with your boots. They cover you up almost like pants. For extra warmth, add a pair of tights.

If you’re not a fan of tights or leggings, never fear, socks are here! A colorful pair of high socks peeking out of the top of your boots adds the perfect complement to your outfit. With the added bonus of keeping your tootsies snug as a bug in a rug.

For those super chilly days keep piling on the layers. Go for a dress over a long sleeve shirt plus knee-high socks and boots over leggings. Top it off with a warm jacket and a belt to keep a slim look.

You can even use summer dresses with short or no sleeves in a winter ensemble. To keep warm, add a cardigan or cute jacket over the top. Or layer a long sleeve shirt under your dress. Add a belt to smooth the bulk and you’ve turned your summer dresses into winter ones!

You can even use the shirt under your dress trick with strapless dresses! Add some tights or leggings and top it off with a coordinating scarf.

For summer dresses with collars, a cute look is to add a fitted sweater. Then pop the collar out for a snappy, fresh look. Cute flats with tights complete the look.

Shop for Winter Dresses

Cute summer dresses are always in style and easy to find. But where do you go for some snazzy winter ones?

You can find gorgeous selections of winter dresses online. For a great website to start with click here! You’ll find adorable long sleeve dresses, midis, and maxis. Plus a cute selection of dresses perfect for layering.

We promise you’ll love them all. You’ll just have trouble deciding which ones to add to your collection.

Wrapping Things Up

You don’t have to stick to jeans all winter. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try some new looks this season. You might find it surprising what you discover looks amazing on you!

For more great tips about fashion check out the fashion section of our blog here. We’ve got tips for everything from warm fitness wear to the perfect prom dress. And the best part is we help you stay stylish on a budget!

It takes less than 10 seconds for people to form an opinion of you. Can you afford to make a less-than-stellar impression in the place where you need it most – at work?

As a mother, working from home is probably your ideal situation. But if you count yourself among the almost 74 million moms that work outside the home, you know how important personal presentation is.

Here’s the big question – can you keep up with your kids and still stay stylish? Once you read our guide to office attire, your answer will be YES!

Suit Up

If there’s one thing every woman needs in her closet, it’s one great suit. The ensemble – a blazer and either suit pants or a skirt – seems easy enough, but there are ways to do it wrong.

First, splurge a little and make sure it’s good quality. You’ll pay a high price now but high-quality outfits last a long time.

Second, make sure it fits perfectly. You don’t want pants that are too long or a blazer that bunches in weird places. Getting it tailored makes a big difference.

The Perfect Ratio

You most likely will work for a place that has a “business casual” office attire policy. This allows you a bit more flexibility in your look.

With more formal offices, you will be stuck with stuffy button-downs and blouses. With business casual, you have more options.

Having more options, though, might make you feel overwhelmed. Don’t fret – there’s a formula for keeping your wardrobe in check.

Have a small set number of neutral bottoms and double that number for your tops. So if you have five pants and skirts, you’ll need 10 tops.

That way you can easily mix and match and create multiple outfit possibilities.

Sounds expensive? It doesn’t have to be. Keep this 6PM promo code handy and start building an amazing work wardrobe.

Office Attire Accessories

If you’re stuck in a conservative office, you can let your personality shine through accessories! Here’s a chance to get creative and add some sparkle to the workplace.

Have a certain passion or hobby? Consider a charm necklace with little symbols of what you love dangling off of it. Think how amazing a pair of bright pink heels would look peeking out from the hem of a charcoal suit.

While simple dangling earrings bring a bit of bling to your look, leave the giant hoop earrings for the weekend.

Bonus Tips

Don’t forget one of the working woman’s best friends – a fantastic attache or work bag. It should be neutral to go with all of your outfits and large enough to fit your work essentials.

As a busy mom who also brings home the bacon, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Your skin will show your exhaustion – take a few minutes to lavish it with some simple TLC.

Love perfume? Not everyone does. You sometimes spend more time with coworkers than you do with family. Don’t overwhelm them with a super strong scent.

Do you have a surefire strategy for showing your best side at the office? We want to hear it! Leave a reply and start a conversation!

If you want to feel like you’re walking the red carpet when you roll up to your prom, celebrity-inspired dresses are the way to go.

These elegant prom dresses come in many shapes and sizes, so you can let your individualism shine while still feeling like a star.

If you’re curious how the glamorous looks of Hollywood can translate into a fun look for prom, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for the low down on five elegant prom dresses inspired by trendy celebrity fashion.

Let’s get started!

1. Old Hollywood Glam

This is one look that will never go out of style. Every year at parties and on the red carpet we see gorgeous celebrities rocking long, luxurious, glamorous gowns that ooze old Hollywood vibes.

The name of the game is length, with a little flare at the bottom. Go for a bold color like red or gold, and either a strapless or v-cut top.

2. Patterned with Beads

Ever pined after a celebrity dress because of its beautiful handmade detailing? Mimic this type of look by choosing a dress that is patterned with beading.

This style gives the gown an added design element that is sure to turn heads.

3. Two-Pieces

Not only are we seeing two-piece styles on celebrities at glamorous events, we’re even seeing them at celebrity weddings! This look may seem daring, but that depends on how much space you want to leave between the top and bottom elements.

Go for more or less exposure depending on your school’s dress codes and your own personal style! And to make this look even more fun, accessorize with a cute scarf or shawl.

4. Mermaid Styles

Mermaid gowns have been at the top of the list for elegant prom dresses for quite some time now- and they’re not going anywhere! These gowns hug the figure in all the right places with a beautiful flare at the bottom.

For even more glamor, grab a mermaid gown with a long train!

5. Be Bold with Metallics

Metallic colors, especially metallic silver, are super trendy this season. And who’s more on top of the current trends than celebrities?

Many are sporting this color scheme with elegant drop-waist dresses. Metallics are also a fun way to accessorize your prom getup with a fun clutch or shoes.

Elegant Prom Dresses Don’t Need to Break the Bank

Feel like you need a celebrity budget to achieve these celebrity styles? Think again!

Many websites where you can shop online for prom dresses offer amazing deals. You can conveniently scroll through a ton of options in order to find the best match for you.

Wrapping Up

From old Hollywood glamour to fun beading and metallics to modern two pieces and mermaid styles, celeb-inspired elegant prom dresses offer something for everyone. Let your personality shine while capturing the sophistication of Hollywood’s most elite.

Because why go for the kind of dress that everyone else is wearing when you can look like a celebrity at your prom?

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