Subscription Boxes

Have you ever wanted to try a newly released beauty product but you don't want to spend money on the item for fear you may not like it or do you want to remain in the know for current beauty trends and new companies.  Subscription boxes are a good way to try a new product and it exposes you to different brands and companies.  There are subscription boxes for just about anything you may be into (i.e. gamer boxes, art boxes, reading boxes, and so on).  Let me share with you some of the boxes I subscribe to.

 

Allure Box

 

 

The Allure Beauty Box is a subscription box from Allure magazine.  The box runs $15 a month for deluxe sample sizes.  The box samples include makeup, hair, and skin care products.  I've received products from Wet-N-Wild to Garnier to La Mer.   So, this box exposes to brands from drug store to high end.  The total cost of the products in this box ranges from $50-$75.  I've been getting this box for a couple of months, and so far I've enjoyed everything I have received.

 

BoxyCharm

 

 

BoxyCharm is a $21 monthly subscription box.  With this box, they send out full size samples of products.  The total cost of the products in the box range from $100-$150.  I've been receiving this box over a year and I can honestly says it one of the best boxes I have ever received.  I'm never disappointed.  The BoxyCharm boxes have introduced me to new brands I've never heard of, for example Dirty Little Secret.  If I could only get one box, I would definitely get this one.

 

Ipsy Glambag

 

 

The Ipsy Glambag is a $10 a month subscription bag.  This bag sends out deluxe sample size products in a different designer makeup bag.  This bag mostly contains high end products.  The total cost of the products in this bag is $50-$75.   If you are interested in try new products but don't want the full size. 

 

Lip Monthly

 

 

Lip Monthly is a monthly subscription bag that is dedicated just to lip products.  The subscription cost is $12.95 monthly. This bag has exposed me to different products that I never knew existed.  The total cost of the products in the bag ranges from $50-$75.  If you are obsessed with lip products as I am, then this is the perfect bag for you.

 

Birchbox

 

 

Birchbox is a $10 monthly subscription box that is comparable to the Ipsy bag.  This box contains high end products and the price of the box ranges from $50-$75 in total cost of products.  My honest review on this box is that it is hit or miss.  Some months I get the a really good box and then there are months that I am underwhelmed.  This box is good for providing samples of new products.

 

So, that's all for the subscription boxes that I am subscribed to, but if you go to www.mysubscriptionaddiction,com you find the best box suited for you.  Thanks for checking out my blog and check back often for new blog posts.  Also, please check me out on Instgram and Facebook at stylishgal_on _a_budget or follow me on Snapchat under the name Stylishgal Carryn.  Until next time, Stay Stylish!

 

-Stylish Gal Carryn-

 

 

 

 

 

Who Wears Short Shorts

As Summer is winding down (I can't believe it is September already),  I wanted to share some of my fave summer shorts outfits.  I love the versatility of shorts.  They can be dressed up for a night on the town or just worn casual for a day in the park.  Let me show you a couple of outfits I wore this summer.

 

 

Date Night

 

The top I am wearing is from NY&Co.  It is just a simple black tee shirt but the sequin lips glams up the shirt a bit.  This top retails for 22.95, but I was able to snag this top for $10 during one of their summer sales.

 

The shorts I am wearing are from Kohl's,  I could not find the exact pair of shorts but I did attach a link to a pair that are similar.  The brand of the shorts are Apt 9 and they retailed for $44.95.  If you don't know Kohl's runs sales every weekend or pretty much everyday.  I was able to purchase these shorts for $20 during one of their many sales.

 

 

My shoes are Tavia from JustFab.com.  I just love the cut out detail of this shoe.   Its made out of a faux suede material,  These shoes are very comfortable considering they are a stiletto.  The shoe retails for $49.00,but because I am a VIP member,  I was able to get them for $20 during one of their sales.

 

 

Casual Stroll

 

 

The shirt I am wearing is an Old Navy plaid blouse that I thrifted from the Salvation Army.  It was in great condition when I purchased it.  There are a lot of great pieces at the Thrift Stores.  That saying is true..."One man's trash is another man's treasure."  I do not know what the original retail value for the top was but I was able get it for $3.00

 

The white shorts were purchased from Walmart.com. The shorts are great quality.  I wore the quite often during the summer and they are still in amazing shape.  The original retail price for the shorts was $16,50.  But I was able to score them for $10,00.

 

My Shoes are from Target.  They resemble the Converse look without the Converse price.  I purchased these shoes for $19.99.

 

  

 

 

Brunch Outfit

 

 

My denim shirt is from Walmart.com.  I love this shirt.  Even though it is long sleeved, its light weight, so its perfect for the earlier morning  or evening chill of summer.  Its also great for transitioning from summer to fall and winter to spring.  The retail value for this denim top is $13.50,  I did pay full retail price but it I still faired better that comparable prices for the same top.

 

The red shorts are from New York & Co.  I love the vibrant red color of the shorts, which is perfect for summer.  The original retail price is $39.95, but I was able to purchase these shorts for $16.00 during an online sale.

 

 

Lastly, these cork wedges were purchased from Dots (a clothing apparel store no longer in business).  I've had these wedges for a couple of years but they are still my fave.  Unfortunately I do not remember the cost but if you interest in these wedges there are similar shoes sold online at JustFab or Shoedazzle.  If you become a member, the cost of the shoes average $39.95.

 

Thanks for visiting my page, please come back again for new posts or visit me on instagram @ stylishgal_on_a_budget.  See you soon.

 

-Stylish Gal Carryn-

 

 

 

Sunday Funday

 

Sunday has to be one of the best days of the week.  Yeah, I know its the day before Monday, but its a day most people get to relax and mentally prepare themselves for weekend ahead.  Sunday is the day that my girlfriends and I meet up and go out to brunch.  I will share with you one of the casual outfits I would wear out to brunch.

 

Outfit Details:

 

 

 

Top:  This Sunday Funday Graphic Tee is a shirt that I created on the website Spreadshirt.com.  I love to wear graphic tees, so I was extremely excited when I found this website wear I could customize my own t-shirt.   The shirts retail anywhere from $15-30 depending on how detail or the cost of the design you choose to use.  I don't mind paying $25 dollars for a graphic t-shirt that is exactly what I wanted.  Also, the more t-shirts you purchase at one time, the company offers a discounted price.  This makes the price of each shirt to decrease.

 

 

 

Jeans:  The jeans are Lee jeans that I purchased from the Salvation Army.  I wanted a pair of jeans that I could distress and create a worn look but I didn't want to pay a lot of money for jeans I was just going to destroy anyways.  These jeans cost me around $5 and it cost nothing to distress them because I owned everything I need at home, which is a pair of scissors and tweezers,  I will do a future blog on distressing/destroying jeans.

 

 

 

Shoes:  The shoes are Raziel from Shoedazzle.  Everyone who is close to me knows I'm absolutely obsessed with anything glitter, so of course when I saw these shoes.... I had to have them.  Raziel is pump that has gold glitter starting at the toe and then transitions into black glitter at the heel of the shoe.  Just wear these shoes with a pair of jeans takes the whole outfit style up a notch.  The retail value is $39.95 if you are a VIP member for Shoedazzle.com

 

 

 

Bag:  I purchased this weaved clutch from Ebay.  This clutch is so roomy, it can carry all of you necessary essentials for an afternoon out with the girls.  I purchased my bag for $25 on ebay.  Unfortunately I couldn't find the link for the seller I purchased from, but the beauty of Ebay is there is always multiple vendors selling the same item and competing in price for business.

 

 

 

Blazer:  I purchased this cotton blazer from Walmart.com.  I added the blazer for possible cooler days, maybe early spring or fall brunch.  The blazer is casual enough to throw on with the outfit and walk out the door.

 

That's all for today blog post.  I hope you enjoyed my Sunday Funday.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.  Please take time to visit my other blog posts.  If you would like to receive email updates when a new blog post is out,  please send your email info.  Until next time, Stay Stylish!!!

 

 

 

 

DIY-Yellow Sneakers

 

 

I've always loved Converse Sneakers.  They are a shoe that is timeless and always in style.  And, of course, you have to have them in multiple colors.  But, paying $50 to $60 for each pair can get very pricey very quickly.

 

So, I created a pair of sneakers in my own color.  I really wanted a yellow pair.  I went to my local Target and I bought a pair of Lenia sneaker.  They were the closest I could find to the Converse style of shoe.

 

In this blog, I'm going to show you what you will need and how I created these really cute yellow sneakers.

 

What you will need:

Lenia Sneakers (Or any pair of white canvas sneakers of your choosing)

 

Clothing Dye (whatever color you would like.  I used Lemon Yellow from Walmart.

 

Foam Brush (You can get a individual small one from Walmart for .78)

 Painter's tape

 

Small bowl

 

Plastic tarp

 

Bleach

 

The Process:

 

To begin, lay the tarp down on the surface you are going to be completing your project (I couldn't find my spare tarp, so I laid down plastic bags).  You want to remove the shoelaces from the shoes.  Then you want to cover the rubber sole and toe of the shoe with painters tape.  This will help to avoid the dye staining those parts of the shoe. You can also you scotch tape as well.

 

 

 

 

Next, you want to pour a portion of the dye into a small bowl.  Then, you want to take the small foam paint brush and dip the brush in the dye and spread it generously over the shoe.  Once the shoes are covered, let the shoes sit for a couple of hours ( I let mine sit overnight).  After letting the shoes sit for a couple of hours, coated the shoes a second time with the dye.  Allow the dye to sit for another couple of hours

 

 

 

Once the second coat of dye has finished sitting, you want to wash the shoes.  Put the shoes in the washing machine in cold water and pour the remaining dye in the washing machine with the shoes.   Take the tape off the shoes before washing.  Wash the shoes on a normal cycle.  Its ok if you get some dye on the rubber sole of the shoe.  It should wash off in the machine or you can follow up with cleaning up any spots with bleach

 

 

 

After the wash cycle has completed, its time to dry the shoes.  I chose to air dry my shoes outside, but feel free to place the shoes in the dryer.  While the shoes are drying, takes this time to clean the washing machine of dye.  Fill up the washing machine with hot water and pour a cup of bleach in the water.  Run a full wash cycle to clean the machine of any residual dye.

 

 

 

Once the shoes are completely dry, lace the shoes up.  I chose not to dye my shoe strings.  I liked the white shoe strings, but since these are your own customized shoes, feel free to dye you shoe strings. Now is also the time to add any additional embellishments to your shoes.  When you are done, you are ready to rock your own pair of custom shoes.

 

 

 

Have fun creating your own shoes.  I love to see your creations.  Please free to tag me in your projects on Instagram, Stylishgal_on_a_budget.  Thanks for visiting my post.  Stay for new blogs and Stay Stylish!

-Stylish Gal Carryn-

Denim Days

 

I don't know about everyone else but there are days (a lot of days), where I don't want to spend hours putting an outfit together.  I just want to throw something on but still look put together.  Dress are the perfect for doing just that.  Let's get into the details of the outfit.

 

Outfit Details:

 

 

Dress:  This sleeveless chambray dress is from Walmart.com.  The material is very lightweight so it is perfect for the summer.  It can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.  The retail price for this dress is $12.00

 

Shoes: The sandals are Leire from JustFab.com.  These are perfect, easy pair of wedges to just put on.  The shoe has a lace up detail in the front that makes it look like you took time to put the shoes but there is a zipper opening in the back that you can slide you foot in, zip it up, and be on your way.  The retail price of this shoe is $59.95, but as stated in previous blog, becoming a VIP member can save you money when purchasing shoes from the company.  Because I am a member,  this shoe would have cost me $39.95 but I was able to catch one of JustFab's many sales and I brought this beauty home for $19.95.

 

Well that's all for this blog post.  Quick and sweet just like the outfit.  As usually, please leave me your questions or thoughts about the outfit below.   Also, if you would like an email update when a blog post with go up, please send you email info.  Again, thank you for stopping by and Stay Stylish!

 

 

 

Rocker Chic

 

 

This might be one of my favorite outfits I have put together.  I love the edginess of the skirt and shoes.  Pencil skirts have to one of my favorite pieces of clothing to put on.  It hugs all the right curves while still looking classy.  Lets get into the breakdown of the outfit.

 

Outfit Details:

 

Top:  The top is from Old Navy.  I've mentioned this top in a previous blog (Summer Weekend Casual).  Unfortunately, Old Navy does not carry this exact top anymore but they do carry a huge variety of tops.  They also run sales just about every weekend, sometimes it feels like everyday, so you are sure to catch a good deal.  I bought this top when it was on sale.  The original price was $18 and I was able to snag it for $10.

 

 

Skirt:  The skirt was a recent purchase from Walmart.  The cost of the skirt was $6.88.  I received a lot of compliments on my skirt and i received a lot of shocked looks when I told them where it was from.  One woman said "Don't be mad when you see me wearing that skirt next week!"  I love sharing my fashion finds with others.

 

 

Shoes:  The shoe are Aramelle from Justfab.com.  I love the cutout detail of the shoes.  There are also studded detail on the shoe to give it that rocker look.  These shoes retail for $34.00 but if you are a VIP member of JustFab, you snag these beauties for $24.00.

 

Accessories:  My sunglasses are black and gray Aviators that I picked up from Charming Charlie.  I purchased my necklace from a store that has since closed but I have seen similar necklace at Kohls and Charming Charlie for a reasonable price.

 

 

Thanks for reading stay to for new blog posts.  Please to comment or leave me your email info and I will contact you when the next post is available,  Until next time,  Stay Stylish!!

 

 



Summer Weekend Casual

Since summer is here, I like to spending a lot of time outdoors.  Here in Michigan, the winters are long and brutal.  but, our summers here, even though they are short, they are absolutely amazing.  There's a reason why it is called Pure Michigan because it is purely beautiful.  During the summer, I like to walk in through downtown areas of the different cities since they are very close to each other and visit the different shops and restaurants.  This particular weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to go to a small downtown area in the next city over from where we live.  I wanted to share the casual, budget-friendly outfit I put together to stroll downtown.

 

Outfit Details

 

 

 

 

Top:  This black jersey knit top is from Old Navy last summer. (Top is not longer sold, linked a similar top).  The top I am wearing is made out of good quality jersey knit.  It has stayed in the shape as when I purchased the shirt.  I know that a lot of shirts can tend to lose their shape over time, but I have not experienced that.  The shirt has maintained its black color with minimal fading.  The original cost of the top was $18 but I purchased the shirt for $10.  The great thing about Old Navy is they are always running great sales and promotions.

 

 

 

Shorts:  I absolutely love these shorts I picked from Walmart.com.  I'm a sucker for anything w/ a printed pattern, so when I saw these red and white geometric printed shorts.... I HAD TO HAVE THEM.  The shorts are very well made.  I know you see the name Walmart and you start to shy away but Walmart carries very good basic pieces that you can put with a lot of outfits.  The quality of the shorts I would compare to if you purchased a pair of shorts from Old Navy.  They have the same fit, The length of the shorts are perfect for keeping it casual with a pair of sneakers or glamming it up a bit with some strappy sandals.  The cost of shorts are $16 but I was able to catch them on a "rollback" sale for $10,50.

 

 

 

Shoes:  My shoes are "Maryann" from JustFab.com (Maryann is no longer available, but Gwyn is a similar shoe)  These are a cognac colored sandal with a chunky heels which makes walking easy if you are strolling around the city.  These sandals have a strappy feel but they have a zipper back, so you can throw these on quickly.  The cost of "Maryann"  is $39.95 for being a VIP member.  The shoes are comparable to those you would find a Nine West and Aldo but half the price.

 

 

 

Accessories:  I am completely obsessed with this bag I picked up from JustFab.com.  The name of the bag is "Lorenzo" (Unfortunately, this bag is sold out on the website).  I get an Old Hollywood Glam vibe from this bag except size is probably 5 times the size of the handbags back then.  Because of the size, I am able to carry my every day necessities including my daily planner and tablet.  The cost of this bag is normally $39.95 but purchased it during JustFab's Memorial Day sale where everything was 50% and I was able to get it for just under $20.  The sunnies were purchased from Charming Charlie.  I might have a small addiction to Aviator glasses but only because they are so sleek, edgy, and just a hint of sexiness which embodies my whole sense of style.  I did pay full price for these sunglasses but the good news, Charming Charlie's sells most of their glasses for under $10.  So, I guess you can I splurged alittle when I purchased the glasses.

 

Well, that's all that I have for the Summer Weekend Casual wear.  I hope you enjoyed this outfit as much as I did and stay tuned for future post.  If you have any questions about this outfit or any of my other blog posts, please feel free to send me a message.  Until next time, Stay Stylish!!!

 

-Stylish Gal Carryn-