Category: Shopping Tips

Once the question is popped and you have a sparkling engagement ring on your finger, the fun of planning a wedding begins.

But while many brides dream of their wedding day and the dress that they’ll wear, finding that dress for real can be a challenge.

Luckily, with a little planning and consideration, you can make finding your dream wedding dress a breeze.

Keep reading to a few easy tips for finding and buying the perfect dress for your big day.

Find Your Perfect Shape

With so many different dress options out there, it can be easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for your dream wedding dress.

Starting the process by narrowing down your options to only the shapes that you like will help.

You don’t necessarily need to limit your search to a single shape. After all, each dress will fit differently, and you may find that you like several different dresses in several different shapes.

But most brides will find that they do not like certain shapes. For instance, if you can’t imagine walking down the aisle in a dress that is as wide as you are tall, you may be able to rule out ballgowns.

By narrowing down the shapes that you like and those that you don’t, you’ll be able to give your attendants at bridal stores a better idea of what you’re looking for. In turn, they’ll be able to pull dresses that fit your style better, to help you find your dream wedding dress.

Set a Budget

There are gorgeous bridal gowns out there for every budget. Even high-end designers like Morilee Madeline Gardner offers gowns for every brides’ budget.

But to avoid trying on dresses and then being disappointed when you fall in love with one and can’t afford it, it’s best to set your budget from the start and then stick to it.

If you start shopping and have trouble finding a dress within your budget, consider whether you could make some extra money before the big day to make up the difference.

If you do decide to go above your budget, just make sure that you don’t go so far beyond it that you leave yourself and your new spouse in debt as a result.

Choose the Right Color

While it may seem odd to freshly engaged brides-to-be that you need to consider what color you want for your bridal gown, it’s actually an important detail to think about before you start shopping.

While white may seem like the obvious answer, the reality is that “white” can mean many different things.

Bridal gowns come in so many different shades of white and ivory that the options can seem endless. To help narrow it down, you need to make a few key decisions.

First, decide whether you want bright white. While some brides want to stick to tradition and choose white, it can be an unflattering color for some skin tones.

If you decide to stray from bright white, you should then think about what shades of off-white will complement your skin tone. For instance, if you have fair skin, bright white may make you look washed out, while ivory with yellow-tones will make you glow.

If you aren’t tied to tradition, you could also opt for a dress in a shade other than white.

While studies show that 93 percent of brides choose a white or off-white shade, an increasing number of brides are opting for non-traditional hues, like red, pink, or black.

Imagine Your Dream Wedding

When you’re in a bridal store trying on beautiful gown after beautiful gown, it can be easy to fall in love with all of them.

To make it easier to narrow your options, try to picture your wedding day.

Think about how you want to look when you walk down the aisle. Will you be floating down the walkway of a massive church in a gown that rivals the setting’s beauty? Or will you be barefoot in the sand in the glow of a beach sunset?

Picturing your big day will help make it easier to decide what your dream wedding dress looks like.

Consider the Details

Besides choosing the color and shape of your dream wedding dress, you’ll also need to think about what kinds of details you like.

For instance, you could choose all-over lace or a few lacy details, a touch of bling or a dress that’s covered in glitter.

Knowing which details your dream dress must-have can help rule out some dresses, and make it easier for attendants at bridal stores to help you find your dream wedding dress.

Know Your Setting

Just as picturing your big day can help you figure out what your dream dress will look like, considering the setting of your wedding can help ensure that you choose a dress that is both beautiful and functional.

For instance, a long-sleeved, heavy gown may leave you miserable if your dream wedding is an outdoor event on a hot summer day.

If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, consider whether a long, full ballgown will get in your way or pick up sand during your walk down the aisle.

If you’re traveling for a destination wedding, you’ll need a dress that you can pack easily, or else make arrangements to have it professionally delivered or steamed and prepped when it arrives at your destination.

Choosing Your Dream Wedding Dress

Finding and buying your dream wedding dress doesn’t have to be a challenge.

By setting and sticking to a budget, considering your options and what you like before you shop, and keeping your big day in mind while trying on gowns, you can find the perfect dress.

Regardless of what you choose and how much you spend, a wedding dress is a big purchase. To help make it a little easier for you and your future spouse’s finances, check out these DIY tricks for living frugally.

Start following them now, and you may be surprised at just how much you can save on everyday expenses, giving you more to spend on your dream wedding or your dream honeymoon!

Do your outfits feel a little bland? Are you looking for a way to spice things up without investing a whole new wardrobe?

A few well-chosen accessories can make all the difference! Add a brightly colored scarf or some jewelry to jazz up a plain black dress, or make a statement with a bold new purse.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes adding accessories, don’t worry. Check out the list below to learn about the seven ladies accessories that every woman needs.

1. Scarves

We normally think of scarves as winter accessories, but they also work well during other seasons. Something small and lightweight, like a luxury silk bolero scarf, adds flair to your outfit, and you can also use them as head wraps and belts.

2. Purses

A good purse is essential. When you’re shopping for the perfect bag, be sure to take its size and shape into account:

• Short women look taller with small handbags
• Tall women look best with midsize to oversized styles
• Short women also look taller with long, rectangular bags
• Tall women benefit from round shapes
• Most women look best with a bag that hangs to the mid-torso

3. Wallets

Like a purse, a good wallet is key.

You’ll need a wallet that fits easily into your purse (or purses). You also need to think about the type of currency you’ll carry in it — do you need to carry around quarters for the laundromat? — as well as its storage capabilities — is there room for your driver’s license and credit cards?

4. Jewelry

You can never have too much jewelry, right? If you’re looking to enhance your collection, think about buying pieces that work well with your skin tone and face shape.

Gold jewelry and earth tones look best on people with warm skin tones, while silver and bright colors look best on cooler skin tones.

5. Sunglasses

Whether you prefer aviators, wayfarers, or oversized, sunglasses can be both flattering and functional. Look for pairs that block at least 99 percent of UBB rays and 95 percent of UVA rays.

6. Watches

A reliable watch is another important functional accessory. Watches come in tons of varieties, with round and square faces and tons of different colors and styles of bands.

If you wear a watch on a daily basis, look for a neutral-colored band that will match every outfit. You can also invest in watches with interchangeable bands; that way, you’ll always have an option to match your style and mood.

7. Hats

Whether it’s snowing or sunny, there’s a hat for every season. Look for a floppy, wide-brimmed hat to wear in the summer or a cute knit beanie for fall and winter. The options are endless!

How to Buy Ladies Accessories Without Breaking the Bank

Upgrading your closet doesn’t have to be a drain on your wallet. Follow these money saving tips to find affordable ladies accessories.

Look for Discounts

Before you head out, scour the internet for coupons and discount codes. There are often lots of offers available that very few people take advantage of. Since some stores offer online-only deals, you might also be able to get the accessories you’re after without leaving the house!

Check Out Thrift and Consignment Stores

Thrift and consignment stores are great for finding gently used accessories at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a regular store. You’ll be amazed at some of the hidden gems you can find!

Earn a Little Extra

If you really want a more expensive item, look into ways that you can earn a little extra money to help pay for it. Sell old clothes and accessories online or at a consignment store. You can also take paid surveys online and take advantage of cash back offers.

Whether you’re looking for more fashion advice or more tips on saving money while shopping for the styles you love, we’ve got the answers. Check out our other blog posts today!

Do you ever feel like every month you try to save some money, and every month you come up short of your goals? It seems like no matter how hard you try, something comes up and you can never get ahead.

If so, don’t feel bad. You certainly aren’t alone in your struggles to save.

According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve, “nearly 50 percent of Americans wouldn’t be able to come up with $400 in savings in the event of an emergency.”

This statistic certainly is frightening. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re not one of these Americans.

Let’s take a look at the top 3 expert money saver tips you need in your life.

1. Create a Plan

As French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

Now, even though he probably wasn’t talking about financial savings, the quote undoubtedly still applies.

It may seem obvious, but creating a detailed savings plan is something many people overlook.

Use a spreadsheet to create a plan that includes how much money you want to save and in what time period. Also, include what you want to save for. Is it a nice vacation or are you paying off a loan? Doing so will help you keep yourself accountable and on track.

Many banks actually have easy-to-use savings planners built into their apps, so be sure to check these out.

2. Be a Smart Shopper

Many people are under the impression that “smart shopping” means buying items that are of lesser quality.

However, this simply is not the case.

There are many ways to be a smart shopper without comprising quality. Here’s what we suggest:

Buy Out of Season

Buying a pool in July or a Christmas tree in December might be the “festive” thing to do, but it’s not always the financially savviest.

Nearly every product you buy has a demand cycle. Buy when demand’s the lowest, and you’ll save some money. Buy last year’s model when shopping for tech devices. Buy sweaters during the summer. And buy holiday decorations after the holiday is over.

Buy Lasting Products

Sure, a 6-pack of shirts from a big box retailer may seem like a good deal, but how long are those shirts really going to last you?

Often times, buying the quality item that is more expensive will save you more money in the long run.

Ask For Discounts

It never hurts to ask for a discount before purchasing.

Often times, a quick chat with a customer service rep is all you need to get a discount on a big purchase item.

3. Earn More

Sometimes the best way to save more is to earn more.

Now, this may seem impossible for someone who works a salaried job with no overtime pay, but really anyone with a little dedication can find ways to earn more money.

Here are a few simple ways to earn more:

• Sell items on eBay, Etsy, or Amazon
• Work as a freelancer — writing, photography, graphic design, etc.
• Get a part-time job on nights or weekends
• Take paid surveys online

Money Saver Tips Can Save the Day

Hopefully, these tips help kick your saving efforts into gear.

Saving money is hard for everyone, so don’t get discouraged if you’re off to a slow start.

What’s your favorite expert money saver tip to follow? Let us know in the comments below.

Women and our shoes. Thanks to the Internet, the possibilities are nearly endless. That doesn’t mean we can wear whatever we want, whenever we want.

Every day you open the closet and every day you ask yourself the same question: “What shoes do I wear to the office today?”

For the not-so-fashion-conscious lady out there, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Today, we’re talking about how to pick out the perfect dress shoes for work, so that your boss notices your killer pitch and not your worn-out soles.

The Best Dress Shoes for Work

Classic Black Pumps

When in doubt, throw on these dress shoes to wear to the office. They go with nearly every possible ensemble, from skirts to suits.

Just like the lady wearing them, they’re sophisticated and business-like, but can still be sexy when they need or want to be.

If you like having the illusion of longer legs, have a backup pair of neutral colored pumps. To keep it as professional as possible, go with a two-inch heel or shorter.

Flats

As long as the style is business-like, these shoes are great, especially if you’re in a busy office where you find yourself getting up and walking around. These shoes are the best for having style without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

Boots

Keep a pair of boots around. If a rainy day hits, you don’t want to ruin your pumps or flats.

It’s not hard to find a pair of these shoes for pretty much any occasion — not just a thunderstorm. Plus, they’re great for helping ladies who wear small sizes shoes look like they have more proportionate and balanced feet.

Shoes You Should Never Wear to the Office

Open-Toe Shoes

If your office attire is business formal, business professional, or business casual – and let’s face it, if you’re working in an office, it’s likely one of these three — open-toed shoes should not be considered dress shoes.

Crazy Colors

Pinks, yellows, and oranges. You love them and every lady has a pair or two in her closet. Unfortunately, they aren’t appropriate for work so Monday through Friday, leave them at home.

This rule includes shoes that have polka dots, zebra or leopard prints, and any other trendy patterns or designs.

Stilettos

You know what they say, “The taller the heel, the less appropriate it is for work.”

Who says that? We do.

These shoes are great for a girl’s night out or clubbing, but for business attire, they really aren’t doing it for us as dress shoes.

Flip Flops

If you’re looking to get canned, one great way to do so is to wear flip flops to work and see how many times you can walk by the CEO’s office before being reprimanded.

It won’t take long.

Wrapping it Up

So now you know what to wear and what not to wear. You can’t go wrong with a classy pair of pumps or even some nice Mary Jane’s.

A lot of your attire possibilities depend on your office’s dress code. To next level your outfit, match your shoes with your bag and any other accessories you’re rocking that day.

What do you think about today’s post? Leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you.

While we all like to think we are collected and prepared, there will always be times where life gets ahead of you. You will find yourself staring down the barrel of a birthday or anniversary without any gift or plans for the day.

Don’t panic, we have your back with these five golden tips on how to become the master of last minute shopping for whatever occasion.

Looking for a Gift Last Minute is No Reason to Worry

With next day, or even same day delivery now an option for online shoppers everywhere, there really is no need to panic about gifts. If you take these five essential tips into consideration you will be able to call yourself a last minute ninja.

Always Stick to Your Budget

It can be easy to throw a budget out of the window. Whether it is because of the guilt you feel at forgetting the event, or because you don’t have the time to look around for the best price. However, that is a big mistake because it can cause more problems than it solves.

Set a budget per person, or per gift, and stick to it, no matter what.

Email Works Well For Christmas Cards

Christmas is here and you need to send your corporate cards out to customers. However, if you find yourself forgetting the final delivery dates, it doesn’t matter if you have cheap business Christmas cards or not, they need to arrive on time.

In times such as this, never forget that an email card is a great alternative in the modern corporate world.

A Gift Card is a Valid Gift Option Not Only When Last Minute Shopping

Gifting someone a voucher for a shop, or a chain of shops is a simple but great gift for you to give. It means that you are giving the person receiving the voucher the ability to choose their own gift.

Use your Credit Card Points for Extra Benefits

For many of us, the credit card is a dreaded necessity, however, it can be used to work to your advantage. Many companies have different schemes and plans that allow you to save or spend points linked to your credit card purchases. If you save these up they can give you an extra bonus when it looking for a last minute shopping gift.

Approach Your Shopping with a Plan

This applies to all instances of gift shopping, but it is especially important when you are last minute shopping because there are always a lot of distractions that are ready to pull you away from your goal.

If you hit the shops, either physical or virtual with a solid game plan, then you will be laden with all the right gifts before you know it.

Giving is About the Experience and the Thought Behind it

The important thing to remember with gifts is that it is the thought behind it that really counts. You can make people happy with a simple gift that really shows you know them as an individual.

Whether you are buying in advance, or last-minute, that fact does not change.

Happy shopping!