Despite my semi-regular anxiety over large crowds, browsing the mall or stores- especially during Christmas time- is one of my favorite activities. In fact, I thrive on it. There's something about the hustle & bustle of the shoppers, the giant Christmas tree displays and music blasting from the speakers that gets me all giddy.

What a rush!

MY CYBER MONDAY PICKS

Long time no see! How was your thanksgiving? 

Now that the turkey has been eaten and the football watched, this weekend has been focused on all the black friday and cyber monday sales, and I’ll admit I’m WAY more apt to choose online shopping vs in store when it comes to the biggest sale of the year.

Luckily, there's no shortage of the sales:

Amazon
HUGE DEALS throughout
$20 off echo

Forever 21
Take 21% off everything online all day monday

Francesca's 
30% off the entire site
lots of deals of the week

Nordstrom Rack 
Extra 30% off clearance items (ends TODAY, hurry!)

Target
15% off select No7 products
LOTS more beauty things, seriously shop away!

My top picks will definitely be forever & amazon! What are yours?

xo,

kae

Kaeleen's guide to shopping on a budget

"You know that thing when you see someone cute and he smiles and your heart kind of goes like warm butter sliding down hot toast? Well that's what it's like when I see a store. Only it's better."

I've never actually seen Confessions of a Shopaholic {I know, ironic} but I do know I relate to this quote in a strong, somewhat over-dramatic way. I just can't help myself when it comes to shopping, but doing it on a budget can be tough. With these tried and true ways, however, it can be done. Have no fear.

Resale shops are your friend. Seriously. The best ones have quality + designer brands for amazing prices. Off-price department stores are also great. With these types of stores it can be a hit-or-miss, but if you happen to go on a good day it's like a treasure hunt and you can end up with tons of pieces. Clothes Mentor, Ross, and Marshalls are some of my favorites.

When in doubt, coupon it out. Don't go so crazy with it you end up on TLC, but it's always good to use coupons. Take advantage of websites like RetailMeNot when you're about to shop. And if you're going to Target? Get the Cartwheel app. Now. 

Be a sale spotter. There's nothing like a good sale. BOGO? 30% off? Don't mind if I do. That being said....

Don't buy something just because it's on sale. If you're not careful, you could actually spend a whole lot more than you planned, and you'll just end up with a closet full of things you wonder why you bought in the first place.

If you're in need of new pieces, make a list. Write out exactly what you need and take the list with you on your trip. That way, you're less likely to get distracted by things that you might not need.

Shop your closet. If you already have the essentials, there are so many outfits that can come from things in your wardrobe. I'm always consulting pinterest for fresh ideas on how to pair and style things I already own. 

Happy shopping!

Also, I didn't mention it yesterday, but I'm loving the little makeover the blog got. It's all thanks to the lovely Sarah over at Venus Trapped In Mars! If you're in need of a new design, she's your girl.

Four ways to boost your dressing room confidence

You know how the story goes. You've been shopping for hours and have found the perfect pieces that you just know will look amazing, and all that's left to do is try it all on. You walk into the dressing room and begin the process. After a few try-ons it becomes increasingly clear that absolutely nothing looks good, and so you're left feeling unsuccessful and defeated. 

Yeah. I hate it too. It can take the fun out of shopping, and for me, that is just not acceptable. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help out your confidence in the dressing room.

1// Bring a friend. Somehow everything is better with a friend, shopping included. Bring someone who's opinion you can trust and who will reassure you when you're second guessing yourself. 

2// Eat something light beforehand. Obviously, if you were to eat say, a full-course steak meal, you would feel bloated and clothes will end up looking less than fabulous. You should definitely eat so that you're not shopping on an empty, grumpy stomach, but save the heavy stuff for an after-shopping treat.

3// Look at things from another perspective. We are often our worst critics. Add in full length mirrors that aren't always the most flattering and everything is distorted. Try picturing yourself as another person and look at yourself and your outfit from their perspective. Chances are things won't look so harsh anymore.

4// Breathe. An outfit doesn't define you. Clothing sizes don't define you either. If certain things don't work for you, that's okay. Instead of focusing on the things that don't work, think of what your favorite pieces have in common. Play those up. And work it.