2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Keeping in mind that the Christmas season is all about giving and receiving, we've put together a 2015 Holiday Gift Guide that features a variety of items all priced at $25 and under. Not only are they affordable, but these items are essential to every woman's life. An added bonus, is that each of these items is small enough to fit into a stocking too!

So whether you're looking for ideas of what to put on your own wishlist or you're on the hunt for the perfect present for a friend or family member, you can't go wrong with these suggestions.

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I mean, who doesn't love a good mug?! Nowadays there are so many to choose from. Some feature inspirational quotes, while others are printed with cute graphics. Some are made for hot drinks on-the-go, while others are made to be sipped from home. With a little perusing, you'll be sure to find one that perfectly fits your personality.

We found these three: Francesca's | Starbucks | Target

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A journal for the journey. Everyone is on a journey in life, and us women usually like to document it! From diary entries to letters to notes and more, journals are so handy -- so why not make it cute?

Barnes & Noble has the absolute best selection of journals around, including this set of Vintage Blossom ones.

Urban Outfitters has a selection of stationary as well, and this Feather Notebook is a favorite!

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The best thing about candles is that it's like the gift that keeps on giving! Seriously, it can change the mood and atmosphere of a whole room, over and over and over again ... until it burns out, of course.

What you may not know is that the Dollar Tree sells Skittle-scented candles (best idea ever). If you thought you loved eating Skittles, wait 'til their scent fills the room. (We are not responsible if this gift makes you hungry though!)

On the other hand, Bath & Body Works is the go-to for all things scent-related. From body wash, to lotion, to candles, they have it all -- both in quantity AND quality. The Vanilla Bean Noel candle is timeless. While it is fitting for the holidays, it is one of those scents that never gets old.

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Lotion -- it's a triple threat that helps you smell good, look good, and feel good. It helps alleviate dry, rough, and itchy skin, so say goodbye to those days and hello to an array of scented lotions.

As mentioned before, Bath & Body Works is the ideal place to shop for scents, and this Warm Vanilla Sugar gift set includes lotion, body wash, and hand sanitizer for a great value.

Ulta, on the other hand, is the prime place for all cosmetic-related shopping. Their OPI Body Lotion set comes with 6 different scents. This set will accommodate anyone, whether they just want to switch scents daily, or try a bunch out until they find the one they love best.

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The secret to buying wallets: purchase a wallet that's cheap enough, so that once you've bought it you'll still have money left over to keep in it. That's why we searched for two versatile and affordable wallet options from Charming Charlie & Forever 21. These wallets are available in neutral colors, so that they can match with any purse.

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Big necklaces and graphic-faced watches are so in this year. Why spend loads of money on ever-changing accessory trends?

Wal-Mart can help you make a statement with a necklace like this bold Pearl Cluster one.  They have a great selection of statement necklaces ranging from $5-$15. You'll be sure to find an accessory as unique as you or a friend.

Charlotte Russe and Rue 21 both have an assortment of watches, each one featuring a different face. This Flower Garden watch is just $7! By searching "watch" in their search-bar, you'll find a large variety ranging from quotes, to patterns, to pictures and more!

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After reading our Holiday Gift Guide, we hope you've been inspired for both wish-list making and gift-giving!

Black Friday 2014

Black Friday is THE one day a year that all shoppers look forward to. To assure that you don't miss out on any sales or deals, we've searched the internet high and low to make 2014 the BEST Black Friday experience.

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Websites:

1. BlackFriday.com This website makes shopping easy with an app that is available on both iPhones and Androids. Some of its features include: a Wishlist on the Go, the ability to Find the Best Deals, and the selection of Your Favorite Stores ... ALL at your fingertips.
2.  bfads.net This website provides a list of ads from local stores such as Amazon, Best-Buy, Khol's, Sears, Target, and more. It even provides up-to-date information on what times stores will be opening and closing on Black Friday.
3. RetailMeNot.com: This is an excellent website and app to have handy when looking for deals all year-round. It serves as an added bonus during Black Friday! It's constantly being updated with a forum of new deals and promo codes.

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Phone Apps:

1. Black Friday Slickdeals: Some of the best features of this app include the ability to set up alerts when a desired deal goes live, the advantage of chatting with other deal-hunters for advice and insider-tips, and special access to Black Friday information.
2. Shop Savvy: This app allows you to SCAN the barcode of an item in store so that you can compare it to prices at other stores in real time! Most results will even include reviews on the item too!
3. Your Favorite Store: Chances are that YOUR FAVORITE STORE has an app specifically designed just for your shopping pleasure! Go to the app store and search your store of choice. Why not get your deal and coupon information straight from the source?

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Deals:

1. Forever 21 is having a Thanksgiving One-Day Sale, with 40% off hundreds of styles! By visiting the link, they'll show you a countdown til the sale goes live. Chances are, they'll have a Black Friday day sale too!
2. Express is one of those stores you admire from afar but typically only shop at when they have a good sale. Black Friday is the prime time to score at Express. Make sure to stay up-to-date with their website and social media posts to see what sales are in store.
3. Asos is providing an early sale for up to 70% off, but they are also going all out for Black Friday AND Cyber Monday. We recommend signing up, so that you can be the FIRST TO KNOW about all their exclusive offers.
4. Target is the perfect place to shop because you can literally make all your Christmas purchases at one store. They have such a wide variety of items ranging from electronics, to grocery, to home decor, to fashion and more! Check out their Black Friday catalog online.

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We hope these Black Friday apps, websites, and deals make your 2014 Black Friday shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable. Make sure to leave a comment and let us know some of your favorite places to shop for Black Friday, and maybe even share your shopping tips too!

May the Black Friday sales be ever in your favor!

Alexis' Affordable Winter Look

Winter typically has a stigma of being an "expensive" season. Aside from the mile-long list of presents to buy for all your loved ones, the cold weather is another reason to break the bank. In other words, it's so cold outside that layering up is essential, and we all know that more layers means more money... unless you know how to shop with an thrifty eye.

Take a look at the outfit details in Alexis' winter look with some accompanying links to where you can purchase similar items.

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Lace Peplum Top - $2 at Plato's Closet

Plato's Closet is a store that sells gently used second-hand clothing. Because they're always buying and selling, their inventory is ever-changing and each shopping trip is a wild-card experience. Alexis' top was only $2 during a sale, but it had the original tag of $40 from Kohls.

Purple Skinny Jeans - $2 at Plato's Closet

Again, these were purchased during a HUGE sale at Plato's Closet. Colored pants are super trendy, and this shade of deep pinkish-purple is popular this winter. The pants Alexis is wearing even has a metallic tint to the denim. A great benefit of Plato's Closet is that you can sell your own clothes to the store (as mentioned in our article on Tips for Buying Cheap Clothes), and use the pay as credit towards your purchases.

Boots - $30 at GoJane.com

Although the $30 range may not seem like an affordable look, keep in mind that there are just some items WORTH investing in, such as a good pair of boots. In retrospect, this price is actually great compared to other stores. However, a $30 purchase may take some time to save up for, so when spending this amount of money on something, ask yourself: how often will I wear this? Is it versatile and comfortable? And, how long will this last me?

Denim Jacket - Borrowed, but $12 at Forever21

The denim jack pictured was borrowed from a friend, which is a great option to have when you want to "try before you buy". About a week later, Alexis found a similar one on the sales rack at Forever 21 for just $12 (marked down from about $25). We linked a page of similar jackets available at Forever21, because we believe a denim jacket can be paired with most outfits.

Dooney & Bourke Purse - $10 at Salvation Army

Dooney and Bourke is a classic brand that sells "All-Weather Leather" handbags. Alexis happened upon this authentic vintage cross-body at Salvation Army during their 50% off Wednesday sale, it was $20 marked down to $10. The bag would have easily cost between $100-$200 at a store like Nordstrom or Dooney.com.

Stud & Pearl Bracelet Combo - $2 at Charlotte Russe

If you've ever gone to check-out at a store and got distracted by all the inexpensive items near the line, then you probably ended up spending a little bit more money than intended because you couldn't resist the alluring deals. That's what happened with this bracelet set at Charlotte Russe on a rack labeled 'All Items $1.99'.

TOTAL: $58

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Photography by:  Elisabeth Huijskens // elisabethhuijskens.com 

Makeup by: Yolanda Delacerda and Christi Northington

Five Money-Saving Shopping Tips

 

1. Know what you're looking for.

• Have a general idea of the styles/trends that you want by making a list or bringing pictures of outfits with you.
• By doing this, you'll only purchase the things that you really want or really need.
• Pictured above is a Winter Trend Inspiration board we put together featuring some of our favorite looks, such as an army green utility vest, a maroon beanie, cut-out shoes, plaid shirts, and more! Carry something like this with you as you shop, or keep Pinterest and TopButtons handy.

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2. Compare prices & shop the sales rack.

• Before going to the mall, look up your favorite mall stores online and compare prices of similar trends so that you have a general idea of which stores offer what you're looking for. Keep in mind that online stores often vary in merchandise than their actual store, but it will give you a starting point.
• Go STRAIGHT to the sales rack when you get to a store. Put your "horse blinders" on and don't even look at all the cute stuff you can't afford, or else nothing in the sales rack will satisfy you.

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3. Don't buy on impulse.

• Ask yourself: do I REALLY want this, and have I wanted this for a while?
• Chances are, if you put the item down and come back to the store a few weeks later, it will still be there, and probably at a more affordable price.

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4. Use coupons.

• Never underestimate the power of a good coupon, rewards program, or a promo code!
• Stores like American Eagle, Styles for Less, and Khols all have rewards programs that benefit you the more frequently you shop at their stores.
• Type in the name of a store at RetailMeNot and they will usually have some promo codes you can use.

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5. Give yourself a budget.

• Tell yourself you're only going to spend X amount of dollars and STICK TO IT!
• Shopping on a budget can be a fun challenge if you approach it with the right attitude.
• You'll feel really good about yourself for NOT spending too much money.
• Make it a REALISTIC budget that works well with other bills or purchases you may have to make aside from fashion.

Our Fashion Cents Contributor and friends love a good sale.

Five Fall Fashion Finds $5 And Under

CottonOn has quickly become one of our favorite stores, because it offers current trends, a lot of versatility, AND it is super affordable. One of our favorite features on their website is the "Nothing Over $5" section.

We realize that their online store is constantly changing, so the images included in this article may no longer be available to purchase on their website, however we wanted you to see HOW CUTE and inexpensive their clothing options are.

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Here are 5 CURRENT fall fashion finds for $5 & under:

1. The "Coin Ring" -- For just $2, this ring could be YOURS! Its mix of gold and silver tones make this a multifaceted accessory.

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2. The "Mila Print Leggings" -- $5 is a SMALL PRICE to pay for such a BIG STATEMENT that these leggings make. Pair them with a long black shirt or dress.

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3. The "Crissy Cross Crop" - Stripes are a closet staple, so $5 is an amazing price to pay for something so essential to your wardrobe! Plus,  the cut of this shirt is super flattering. Because this is a crop though, be sure to wear an undershirt or high-waisted pants to cover the midriff!

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4. The "Destiny Strappy Woven Dress" - This dress has such a feminine pattern to it! It's the epitome of revealing less while also spending less at just $5.

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5. The "Divided Long Sleeve Top" - This is one of those shirts that would be perfect to pair with those patterned leggings that made it on this list. Another $5 steal with a studded-embellished pocket.

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There you have it ladies -- a concise list that will enhance and redefine your wardrobe on a budget! We hope you like these fashion picks! Comment below to let us know if this article inspired any purchases.

Tips & Tricks to Find Your Summer Wardrobe on A Budget

Shopping for the perfect summer wardrobe is very important, but in many places summer is such a short season that it comes and goes before we even get to wear our favorite pieces. Included in this article are a few tips that will help you make purchases that are both affordable and versatile enough to wear for seasons to come.

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1. Tip #1: Shop the clearance rack at stores like Target. When there's a shift of seasons, what's left from last season goes on sale. Specifically look for DRESSES! Practically any dress can be fashioned in the summertime. Alexis found these on the 70% off rack, and depending on the occasion she can find somewhere to wear each of these dresses.
2. Tip #2: Buy a pair of nude sandal wedges! They are a must-have!! Although Alexis found the ones below brand new at Goodwill, they were originally from Target! The boots were an added bonus find, and were so cheap because they were purchased in the off season. Sometimes a purchase now can save you money in the long-run. (Note: Only buy thrifted shoes if they are new or gently used.)

   

3. Tip #3: One-piece swimsuits are cheaper, more comfortable, and provide more coverage! Instead of trying to buy two separate pieces with the added cost of each piece, why not pay one price? Plus, when you're out and about with friends at the pool or beach, you won't have to worry about adjusting your suit. Alexis found a red halter one-piece with ruffles across the bust for $15 at Bealls Outlet. Other affordable one-piece suits can be found at Target, H&M, and even Charlotte Russe.
4. Tip #4: Buy thrifted florals!! They will surely be in style for summer, and pop when you where them in the fall. If you want to make a statement, raid the racks of your local thrift store for some floral finds. Floral print is one of those trends that never fades, so there's always lots of options at the thrift store, PLUS you'll be sure to get something that NO ONE else has. [divider_line]

We hope you enjoyed these tips, and we look forward to seeing your rock your summer style on a budget! From comfy dresses, to shoe essentials, to modest swimwear, and even to floral prints - there's so many ways to put together an affordable summer wardrobe that will carry into next season.

Be sure to tag us (@topbuttons) in your trendy Instagram posts!

Thrifty Thursday: Three Church Outfits on a Budget

[blockquote]It's always important to look your best and present yourself with class -- and that most certainly shouldn't change just because you're going to church. You don't have to wear a dress that goes down to your ankles or clunky penny-loafers to be presentable for church either. Check out these three different -- yet modest and cute -- outfits on a budget![/blockquote] (To see where we found each item of clothing for sale, click on the smaller pictures.)

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[blockquote]Part of shopping on a budget and finding good deals means that you compare prices and weigh out your options. Do a Google shopping search to find items at different prices and stores that look alike. Then, check the ratings of the product and site. If you need more tips, feel free to email alexis@topbuttons.org.[/blockquote]

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[blockquote]When you are replicating a look, make sure to make it your own. That's why we selected a shirt that's different, but still very inspired. Think about what items in an outfit really stand out to you and WHY! If you really like Carrie's shoes, then find similar ones and create your own outfits centered around that piece.[/blockquote]

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[blockquote]This last look can be pulled together from so many basic items in your wardrobe, and since all of the pieces are neutral colors in black, white, and gold, they would be an investment to purchase because you'll be able to wear them again and again. [/blockquote][divider_line]

If you enjoyed this article, give us some FEEDBACK, and check out our similar Fashion Cents articles by Alexis.