Shopping On A Budget: Top 5 Sites to Use

Every woman wants to look fantastic in the latest fashion without having to spend her entire paycheck, because frankly, she may not have the luxury to do so. However, if you’re looking to have those designer looks at affordable prices, check out some of these websites so you can start saving some cash.

H&M

H&M is located in almost every mall and can be sometimes daunting to enter because there is so much to look through. However, H&M can really add to your wardrobe when you’re looking for those basic pieces or if you want to try out a new trend that you’re not sure might stick around. The store has different styles for every person with prices that usually list around $20. Also, they finally launched their online store a couple years ago which now makes it a lot easier to get the size you want and avoid that mall traffic.

J-Crew Factory

I love J-Crew blouses and shorts but I also love saving my money. J-Crew always has a great selection of clothing but usually at a high price, with J-Crew Factory you can find the same exact styles for a lot less. I usually check out the Factory website because chances are, what I’m looking for I can usually find at the Factory store at a lot cheaper price.

Poshmark

You can either visit the site or download the app but Poshmark is a great way to basically shop through people’s closets with the bonus of being able to sell your own stuff. You can shop for various designer brands and possibly find those pair of shoes you missed out on last summer. Items may have been gently worn but you can also save a lot of money instead of paying full market price.

ASOS

ASOS started in the UK but now delivers to the US and is bringing great fashion at a lower price. They have so many brands ranging from Nike to Versace but you will definitely save compared to buying at a department store. ASOS also has their own collections, ASOS and ASOS Curve, which you can shop all year round and are always up to date with the latest fashion trends.

RetailMeNot

Coupons are pretty great, and RetailMeNot is essentially a database filled with them. If you’re making on online purchase or know you are shopping in a certain store research if there are any promo codes or printable coupons listed on RetailMeNot. Whenever I shop online I always look for those coupon codes because I may just save a little bit of money on free shipping which can definitely make a difference in the long run.

Thanks to the Internet, online shopping saves time and can even save your money because there are always sites that have competing prices. When you want to go on a shopping spree, take your time shopping around the Internet because you might find a better deal and might cause less damage to your bank account. Fashion will always have a price, but realize it doesn’t have to be a big one.

-Alexes

Imagine Me Blossom: Yagazie Emezi

Who do you imagine your best self to be?

I imagine my best self would be someone who is kind, generous and hard-working. I do hope that I’m the right path to be all of those things all at once.

What steps are you taking or have taken, to become that person?

I do my best to take my time when paying attention to people’s needs and stories. I think one of the valuable things you offer anyone is a bit of your time to listen.

What was the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn?

I’ve learnt that the kindness people show you will always be limited. Know this but never forget the kindness.

What was your “Ah Ha” moment?

I’m afraid that I’m still waiting on it.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Not too long ago, I used to tell people that my proudest accomplishment was leaving everything I knew in the States and moving to Lagos. But after a year, I can now say that my accomplishment is still sticking it out here!

-Yagazie

You can follow Yagazie on Instagram @yagazieemezi. She also creates cute illustrations, which we are sure you have seen online; here are some of our favorite ones:

July Agenda: 7 Things to See, Hear and Do This Month

Your summer should be in full swing by now. Here are our favorite picks of new music, food trends, fashion, television premieres and movies you should add to your July To-Do List!

1. Magic Mike XXL

Hopefully you have seen the sequel to Magic Mike. Mike hasn’t been stripping for three years now, he and the Kings of Tampa that are left take the road to Myrtle Beach for their last performance.

2. Naked and Afraid XL

The hit show “Naked and Afraid” is back on Discovery channel (July 12) at 10pm. This is the ultimate survival show where two strangers are left in a dangerous location to fend for themselves without any food or water, and to top it off they’re completely naked.

3. Calling All Lovers

You should definitely add these tunes to your summer playlist…If you’re into R&B music checkout Tamar Braxton’s “Calling All Lovers” (July 31). If you’re not a R&B try Owl City’s “Mobile Orchestra” and R5’s “Sometime Last Night” are being released (July 3).

4. Statement Eyeshadow

Wear some eyeshadow that you thought was too bold to wear outside of your house! Fun bright colors, glitter, and intense winged eyeliner are all in for this summer.

5. Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner has been one of the most talked about celebrities lately since she announced that she (formerly known as Bruce Jenner) was on a journey of becoming a transgender woman. Caitlyn Jenner who is 65 admits that she has been struggling with her sexuality for most of her life and finally wanted to be true to herself in an interview with Diane Sawyer. Caitlyn Jenner has received several opportunities since her debut like her new reality show on E! “I Am Cait” and the cover of “Vanity Fair” magazine where she shares her full story of dealing with “fears and doubt. love and courage. and tensions and traumas in the transition.” stated in the magazine. Pick up a copy of Vanity Fair this July to read Caitlyn’s full story or watch her transition on her new reality show “I Am Cait” premiering on July 26.

6. Fermented Foods?

Fermented foods… it sounds pretty odd but it’s actually a new way people are storing and preparing their foods like pickled cucumbers, pickled corn relish, soy sauce, and etc. Fermented foods creates a good bacteria that helps with the digestive and immune system. Though it’s not so common to find this new food trend in your local grocery store you may find it at farmers markets or agricultural outlets. Give fermented food a try, you just might like it and your tummy will thank you.

7. Target + Eddie Bargo

Target’s latest designer collaboration will hit stores on July 12. The “Out of this World” collection is said to be inspired by the craft culture of the 60s and 70s, with its unique mix-and-match pieces and hand-assembled geometric parts. The set will include metallic customizable necklaces, bracelets, belts, bags and more. Check out the full look book at Target.com.

-Tahirah

5 Things to Try This Summer

Summer has officially started and New Years was almost 6 months ago, and how is that New Year’s resolution coming along? It’s easy to forget the promises you made to yourself months ago when you are constantly balancing work, a personal life, and all the other obstacles life likes to put in front of you. With summer here, you now have that time to really try something new and take a few positive steps towards a resolution you may have put on the back burner. Here is a list of things you might think of trying out to have a more productive and memorable summer.

Imagine Me Blossom: Coleen Otero

Who do you imagine your best self to be?

My best self is fit (both spiritually and physically), fly, fearless, friendly and focused!

What steps are you taking or have taken, to become that person?

I’ve increased accountability through coaching and training. My Get it Girl online group (on Facebook) has served as a great source of accountability as well for me.

What was the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn?

To be at peace with where I am in life even when I am not content…knowing my circumstances are subject to change. To continue to embrace my life’s journey…from destination to destination and everywhere in between.

What was your “Ah Ha” moment?

It was years ago when a relationship with a person whose vision I supported for years ended. It wasn’t pretty and I thought this was a life long, ride or die relationship. It taught me that everyone at some point in time will have a choice to be better or bitter, to move on in blame or to move forward in forgiveness! I no longer put false expectations on anyone but learn to love them right where they are!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

My family unit! We have really created an Otero bubble I call it. Our safety zone! Where we walk in love and truth. It’s extremely empowering! It’s amazing how far love and support can carry a person.

-Coleen

Coleen’s work has been seen on major networks such as Bravo, NBC, BET. This Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist, Beauty Consultant, Mentor, Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, wife, and mom to 4 boys, Coleen Otero is the definition of doing it all with STYLE!

Follow Coleen on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for her latest news and upcoming events.

How To Get A Man To Spoil You Like Royalty

The Queen of Juicy Love & Feminine Allure, Stacy is back again with advice we all can use.

If I were to tell you men really, really, really want to please you, would you believe me?   I’m not just talking about pleasing you in the sack; even though that’s extremely important, I’m talking about attending to your every comfort and need.  Back in the day, this was called chivalry.  Does this sound like a fairytale?  Deep inside, you want to experience this, but don’t believe it can happen to you. Well, it isn’t a fairytale for the many women who know what to do.

5 Steps to Creating Your Own Meditation Practice

After all Meditation is Medication

Dori Thomsen, Yoga Instructor, Owner of Soluna Yoga+Spa, & Founder of Your Zen Yoga will be leading Meditation in the Wellness Lounge at the #LDOjax2015 Ultimate VIP Experience.

7 Things you miss if you aren’t at the Ultimate VIP Experience

7. Wine & Cocktail Tastings

Bar stocked with complimentary Anew wine and Carve Craft Vodka drinks. Need we say more?

For Amazing Love & Sex, Rock Your Love Mojo With Confidence…Here’s How

Last month, I was in California with my mentor, and fellow entrepreneurial Goddesses, attending a powerful business coaching retreat.

Being in an intimate group of powerful women, we were chatting up a storm about many yummy things.  I was the only Love & Intimacy Coach in the group, so the ladies were so intrigued about my work.  Since I love helping people get their sexy back, finding true love and tapping into their sassy self-confidence, it was easy for me to share the joys and passions of my work.

In the conversations, I noticed a recurring theme.  In their own way, each of these wonderful women wanted to know how to rock their love mojo.

Your Love Mojo is like pixie dust.  When you know how to use it, your Love Mojo gives you the ability to experience the joyful love, sex and relationships you desire to have in your life.

So today, I’m mixing it up for you.  I have a NEW tips video giving you a tasty morsal of how to Rock Your Love Mojo.  The video is short, sweet and oh so juicy.  Click on the video below so you can learn a quick way to Rock Your Love Mojo.

For more sassy tips and insights from me, click here to join my Tribe and you’ll receive a FREE Gift!

-Stacey Murphy
Queen of Juicy Love & Feminine Allure, Blissful Lotus School of Loving Arts & Queen B Charm School

Fashion Fleur: Yana B.

Meet today’s Fashion Fleur, Yana B.

@StyleStamp

Occupation: Government Employee by Day / Fashion Blogger and Image Consultant after work

Personal Style: Classic and Chic with an Edgy Flare

Hobbies/Interests: Blogging and talking about fashion, of course! I love having a platform to write about my art of choice, which is fashion. I also love to help people find or enhance their own personal style. My other hobbies are collecting books and reading them when I can. I also paint with acrylic on canvas. I’m looking forward to writing a book one day soon. Surprisingly, my first book won’t be about fashion!

Favorite fashion trend right now:  I don’t build a lot of my outfits or my closet around trends, but I do love nude shoes, classic single sole pumps, bright colored shoes, boyfriend jeans, rompers, and flare skirts; all of which are popular right now.  I also like some of the 70’s (Coachella) trend that is currently in. I try not to focus too heavily into trends as they often don’t last very long, leaving you with a bunch of clothes and/or shoes that you won’t wear in a few years or even months.