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!

How To Make Your Makeup Last

When I was nominated as a representative for my college senior class Homecoming Court, my initial excitement was short-lived. It dawned on me: I know nothing about hair and makeup, however a team of fairy-god-mothers (**cough** I mean, friends) came to my rescue and made me feel like true royalty!

If there's anything I learned from this experience, it's that a little setting spray can make your makeup last through a long day!

One of my biggest complaints about doing my own makeup in the past was that IT NEVER STAYS, but thanks to the help of makeup genius Breanna Chapa I gained a little more confidence in my everyday makeup look.

Breanna began applying my makeup at 8:30AM, and when I washed it off at 11:30PM (about 15 hours later), it looked JUST AS FLAWLESS as when she first applied it. Her secret to longevity? Simple! She set it with a MAC Prep & Prime spray.

Of course, being the queen of thrift, I opted to look for a cheaper alternative. Let's check it out below:

While you pay for quality with the MAC Prep + Prime, the ELF Makeup Mist & Set is just a fraction of the price and can be picked up at stores like Target and Wal-Mart.

"I've had my MAC spray for four months and have only used about 1/4 of the bottle, so it's definitely worth it," said Breanna.

Being so impressed with the MAC spray, I was compelled to checkout ELF, plus I just couldn't turn down the $3 price tag! I've been using it for about a week now, and I really enjoy how fresh my makeup stays all throughout the day. It sprays on a bit thicker than a mist, so I wait a minute for it to dry, but other than that I am pretty satisfied with the results!

I would recommend BOTH brands, because this simple adjustment to my daily makeup routine has boosted my confidence!

I felt so good, I snapped selfies all day!

Written by:

Alexis Gauthier

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[Makeup Credit: Breanna Chapa] [Feature Photo Credit: Ashley Espada]

Summer Trends On A Budget

Summer is just around the corner and before you know it, you'll be tanning poolside (enjoying the sun) and making memories to last a lifetime! So here are two affordable summer trends that will help YOU look fabulous while doing it.

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1. White Pants:  The white pant trend can be worn in a variety of ways. Walmart's skinny dress pant is great for a summer job or internship; Forever 21's joggers are comfy for a casual day out with friends; and Target's palazzo pants make a bold statement and can be dressed up or down.

Walmart | Forever 21 | Target

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2. Flower Crowns: These cute hair accessories make us ladies feel extra feminine and fairy-like! They come in subtle styles with small flowers or even giant head-turning arrangements. Flower crowns are most popular for a trip to a summer festival, but they definitely can be added to any outfit to conceal a bad hair day.

Charlotte Russe | Forever 21 | Target

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Whether you're working with a $5 budget or have loads of money to dish out, investing in these two summer 2015 trends will make for priceless photo-ops!

Get Zendaya's Look Without Paying the Price

Zendaya Coleman made her way to fame in 2010 on the Disney Channel hit show called Shake It Up. Airing in 30 minute episodes, the show follows the friendship of two teenage girls: Rocky (Zendaya Coleman) and CeCe (Bella Thorne). This dynamic duo is best known in the show for both their passion for dancing and their funky mix-and-matched fashion choices.

These ladies are just as trendy in real life too! Let's take a glimpse specifically at Zendaya's street style.

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Zendaya is often seen wearing boyfriend jeans (as pictured above). Blogger Sincerely, Jules captured Zendaya's look PERFECTLY in her celfie shirt and boyfriend jeans. Check out how you can accomplish a style similar to both Sincerely, Jules & Zendaya.

Here, Jules puts a fun twist on the selfie trend with her loose-fit "CELFIE" graphic tee. It's simple with its black-on-white text to tee combo and slouches over her boyfriend jeans.

Her jeans feature distressed rips, a baggy fit, and are cuffed at the bottom. Along with their cute look, boyfriend jeans are such a favorable trend because they are COMFORTABLE , leaving room to move and breathe. Jules successfully rocks the layered look by tying a camouflaged utility jacket around her waist.

Playing on the tomboy look, with her loose-fitting clothes and camouflage accents, she still keeps it classy and girly with her shoes and accessories: Wayfarer frames, a polka-dotted cross-body purse, and her Valentino-inspired pumps (which is our favorite).

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Here's Where to Purchase Everything:

Target: Celfie Shirt | Sincerely, Jules: Celfie Shirt

Boyfriend Jeans

Camouflage Utility Jacket

Valentino Inspired Pumps (Check out our article for more info on the Pumps)

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Here are other looks by Zendaya Coleman that we absolutely adore:

How To Shop The Latest Trends Without Breaking The Bank

It's not always affordable to keep up with all the trends, especially when the brands marketing the hottest new items are typically expensive and the trends change so quickly that by the time we make one investment, something new is in stores.

Something I love to do is go to designer websites like Free People and Levi for my fashion inspiration, and then Google search the key words from those items to find something similar but more in my price-range!

By no means am I saying to stop shopping at the more expensive stores altogether, because the truth is they have QUALITY long lasting products... but I am suggesting you choose wisely which trends you're willing to invest more money in than others.

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Here's two side-by-side comparisons showing just how much money you could save by purchasing your items elsewhere!

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If you like what you see, here's where to purchase:

Free People Exaggerated Fringe Necklace | Walmart Fringe Statement Necklace

Levi Boyfriend Jeans | Walmart Boyfriend Jeans

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!