LUST/MUST

LUST:
Top, Free People
Sunglasses, Toms
Slides, Vince

MUST
Top, Forever21
Sunglasses, B.P.
Slides, Zara

POSTGRAD FITNESS: SPRING REFRESH

How is everyone's 2016 fitness goals going? Still sticking to your New Year's Resolution? I've dialed back the intensity, but I have been very consistent with my workouts for the last two-ish months. With Spring weather already here and daylights savings around the corner, I am looking forward to getting back outside to work out. With that, I have had my eye on some new gear as well.

1. Electrolyte Tablets, NUUN $6-- Add these electrolyte loaded tablets to your water to help with dehydration. Essential if you are a long distance runner.
2. Hat, Patagonia $35 -- I just bought this hat for my boyfriend, but I am already planning on borrowing it for hikes and kayaking. The color combo is so fun.
3. Crops, Alo Yoga $36 -- My fitness closet is lacking some fun, bright colored crops so I've got my eye on this pair. I've heard great things about Alo and this pair is on fantastic sale.
4. Sports Bra, Forever 21 $15 -- I just snagged this sports bra last weekend, and so far I am really liking it. However, if you need a lot of support, this probably isn't the bra for you.
5. Yoga Towel, Good Karma Zone $13 -- I also just got a yoga towel to help with sliding during class. So far this one is working well and is very budget friendly.
6. Hair Ties, L. Erickson $12 -- My thick hair does not like to stay put while working out. After reading the reviews on these hair ties, I am going to give them a shot, although they are pricey. I am hoping that they are the answer to my hair-prayers.
7 Daypack, REI $20 - I can't wait to get out for more hikes this season. This day pack carries all the necessities and is compatible with reservoirs, so you can easily stay hydrated.

GALENTINES GIFTS

Let's be real, Valentine's Day in a relationship is just not that exciting. While I think it's a great occasion to celebrate your relationship, it's a pain to get dinner reservations, then pay a ton for a special Valentine's menu, etc. etc. Each year, I am much more excited to put together gifts and goodies for my Galentine's! Let's be real, girls appreciate all the cute stuff wayyyyy more anyways. 

1. Chocolate Dipped Treats - An easy and wallet friendly DIY! 

2. C'est La Vie Makeup Bag, Forever21 $6 -- A good mantra on a cuter bag.

3. Wine Tote, Plate and Pencil $19 -- I always love a good pun, and this bag is perfect to use year round. 

4. Key Tag, $15 -- Truth. Tacos > Everything.

5. Sheet Mask, TonyMoly $4 -- I love these sheet masks, and they are incredibly inexpensive. I always throw them into gifts as fun extras.

6. Mini Champagne, Sofia Coppola $5 -- Perfect for raising a toast to your Galentine's.

6. Nail Polish, Essie $8 -- Essie has every shade of pink and red under the sun, pick a different one for each friend!

7. Candy Bento, Sugarfina $7 -- My favorite are the champagne gummy bears.

8. Love Potion Tumbler, Ban.Do $13 -- I'm snagging this one for myself! 

9. Besties Temporary Tattoo, Tattly $5 -- The updated friendship necklace.

VALENTINE'S

I know, you probably opened this and thought "ugh, another Valentine's Gift Guide". Well, semi-true. I didn't really feel like putting together a gift guide for guys that included whiskey stones, a sweater, and cool sneakers, but I did want to put some fun products together. I love Valentine's Day, and I always have. It's just so fun, kitchy, and cheesy. I love hearts in general, and this month just gives me a good reason to put them everywhere!

I've really got my eye on those sunglasses... one pair for me and a few for my friends!

T-Shirt, Comme de Garcons $115 - Sweater, Choies $25 - Pajama Shorts, Gap $23 - Undies, Uniqlo $7
Heels, Charlotte Olympia $1500 - Purse, Rebecca Minkoff $195 - Necklace, Dogeared $62 - Earrings, Kate Spade $48
Ring, Gorjana $35 - Sunglasses, Paper Source $5 - Blush, RMK $45 - Makeup Brushes, Forever 21 $5 
Print, Etsy $18 - Mug, Emma Bridgewater $30 - Dishes, Crate and Barrel $13
Measuring Spoons, Sur la Table $5 - Card, Paper Source $7

MARBLE MANIA

Generally, interior design trends are not something I keep up with. I find it a bit overwhelming, but I do like to peek through Pinterest and a few blogs every so often. One interiors trend I have been really loving is marble. Since I can't change the countertops in my rental, I'm setting for a cheeseboard and some marble print items for my closet instead.

Athletic Tank, Gap $35 - Espadrilles, Soludos $28 - Necklace, Scotch & Soda $20
Earrings, Modcloth $13 - Bracelet, Forever 21 $7 - Scarf, Karen Zambos $28 - Phone Case, Etsy $15
Eyeshadow, Lauren Geller $24 - Cheese Boards, Williams Sonoma $30 - Jar, Crate and Barrel $20
Mug, Not On High Street $18 - Shirt, Weekday $50

SHORTS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Tailored: Zara $50 - Madewell $50 - Zara $50 - J. Crew Factory - $50 - J. Crew Factory $50

Soft: American Eagle $30 - 2020Ave $29 - Volcom $18  - Pixie Market $46 - Forever21 $15
Denim: Delia's $35 - Forever21 - Benetton $40 - Gap $50 - Mango $34

ROMPERS FOR SPRING

Top Row:
Pink, Us Trendy $58

Mint, The Grand Social $40

White, Topshop $72 

Blush, American Eagle $40

Bottom Row:

Black Floral, H&M $22

Orange Floral, 2020Ave $37

Blue Print, American Eagle $40

Tribal, Forever21 $12

FOREVER 21 NECKLACES

Being a 'budget blog' obviously Forever21 makes it's appearances. For me personally, the clothes usually don't fit because the proportions aren't cut for someone who is 5'9. Obviously when you shop there you are not paying for quality and fit, so I can accept that the clothes are not perfectly tailored. I do however love to buy trend jewelry here, and lately I have noticed that their necklaces are so on point. 

Pro Tip: Shop their jewelry online. The online store has a much larger selection, and I find that usually the jewelry in the store is disorganized.

Top Row:
Deco Pendant $7
Coin Fringe $8
Triangle and Leather $8
Fringe $9
Floral Necklace $13
Triangular Pendant $9

Bottom Row:
Geo Bib $9
Turquoise Shield $9
Multicolor Beaded $11
Fringe $11
Turquoise Pendant $8
Horseshoe Charm $4

Don't forget to enter the Valentine's Day Giveaway!

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WHAT TO WEAR TO: GIOIA PIZZERIA

image via www.gioiapizzeria.com

I love my neighborhood. It's dotted with great coffee shops, little boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. On Polk St., Gioia Pizzeria takes the whole cake (or pizza pie) of my favorite neighborhood haunt. 

Before we get to the food, let's talk about the decor. When I think about past restaurants, the decor and ambiance always plays such a big part in whether I enjoyed it and would go back. Gioia is beautifully decorated. It's got that clean, refined, slightly rustic thing going on that I love. Whoever designed the interior, please come design my house.

image via Eater

image via Eater

 I've been twice now, and each time ate something different as the menu changes seasonally. 

WHAT TO EAT:

Burrata, Roasted Radicchio, Aged Balsamic Crostini

Roasted Carrots, Chickpeas, Meyer Lemon, Mint, and Chickpea Crips

Potatoe Prosciutto Pizza with Ricotta Cheese and Rosemary

WHAT TO DRINK:

They have a pretty extensive wine list to choose from. If you are into whites, give the Verdicchio a try.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Sweater, Monki $48 - Trouser, Dorothy Perkins $44 
Shoes, Alloy $40 - Clutch, Oliver Bonas $49
Knot Ring, Kate Spade $24 - Black Ring, BCBG $28 - Infinity Ring, BaubleBar $28
Bracelet, Nasty Gal $18 - Necklace, Forever21 $7

CUTE BUT CAS(UAL).

I think Laguna Beach forever immortalized the "cute but cas" phrase. But truly, that describes how I would like to dress 99% off the time. I'm still feeling inclined toward neutrals and the weather in San Francisco has been finicky.

Shirt, J. Crew $45 - Jeans, Hollister $30
Necklace, Topshop $25 - Bangle, Nasty Gal $15
Bag, Forever 21 $25 - Flats, Modcloth $30

POSTGRAD LOVES: NYE SHOES UNDER $100

Warning: These shoes are not for the faint of heart.

In terms of NYE, I am not one to wear a black dress. Ever. But, I am one to wear a fierce heel. If you are still looking for some shoe inspo for tonight, here are 15 picks under $100 from neutral to wild. I die for every pair on this list, and I think they would make any New Year's outfit that much more fabulous.

Blacks:

Zara $40

Nasty Gal Shoe Cult $78

Jeffrey Campbell $83

Nasty Gal Shoe Cult $50

Forever 21 $33

Metallics:

ASOS $25

Shoe Republic $50

ASOS $25

Betsey Johnson $99

Steve Madden $30

Brights:

Luichiny $95

Privileged Denmark $98

Charlotte Russe $49

Guess $100

Freeport $50 

POSTGRAD LOVES: NYE DRESSES UNDER $100

New Year's Eve can be rough on a postgrad. You just finished buying gifts for everyone, and now you have to shell out a bunch of money for a party, and then more money for something to wear. If you are strapped for cash, raid your friends closet and find something cute to wear. If you borrow anything, make sure you dry clean it before returning the clothing! If you don't feel comfortable borrowing something, because like me you will probably spill, then check out my roundup of cute dresses under $100 that will make you stand out on New Year's. 

Obviously I am partial to sequins and bold colors. This is the one night a year you get a chance to wear them, so why not! If you choose to to go with an all black ensemble, add an interesting detail or dress it up with fun shoes. 

And don't forget your 2014 glasses and party poppers!

Top Row: 
Windsor Store $43 - Society of Chic $98 - Bon Prix $49 - Zara $100

Bottom Row:
Fashion Union $57 - Shop Akira $45 - 2b Stores $60 -Forever 21 $33

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR YOUR FRIENDS

Holidays can be a tricky time for a woman on a budget. Especially when you have a big, fabulous group of friends to buy for.

When I buy gifts for friends, I like to DIY, or get something small and cute. A great way to do this is buy things in packs (like the E.L.F. nail polish set below) and break it up into individual gifts. Also, take advantage of 5/$25 deals for things like PJ Shorts or cute undies. Finally, anything miniature is adorable, so keep an eye out for mini versions of any of your favorite products.

1. PJ Shorts and a Mug
Shorts, Forever21 $5.80
Mug DIY here

2. Shot Glasses and a Mini Bottle
Shot Glass, Target $6 (set of 2)
Assorted Mini Bottles, Bevmo
Straws, Williams-Sonoma $5 (box of 20)

3. Nail Polish, Files, and Face Mask
Nail Polish, E.L.F. $10 (set of 14)
Face Mask, Forever21 $1

4.Candles and a Spa Mask 
Candle, Voluspa $9
Spa Mask, Amazon $4

POSTGRAD LOVES: AFFORDABLE ACTIVEWEAR

The Holidays are a great time to amp up your fitness routine. Not because you are going to eat a lot of food, but because with the time off you have plenty of time to get a run or spin class in without being tired from work. I'm also constantly trying to find affordable, quality fitness gear, because let's be real, even though we all love Lulu, it hurts my wallet to fork over nearly  $100 per piece. But, with the holiday sales coming up there are plenty of good places to get your fitness essentials. Some of my favorite places for activewear are Gapfit, Target, Old Navy, and Victorias Secret. Zella, a Nordstrom brand, is also amazing and they have great sales and deals at Nordstrom Rack. Forever21 also has cute, trendy pieces, but wear them for your low impact workouts, like yoga!

Purple Sports Bra, C9 by Champion $12 - Black Sports Bra, American Eagle $25

 Stripe Sports Bra, Forever 21 $12 - Socks, Forever 21 $1.50

Thick Headband, Gapfit $5 - Double Headband, Zella $10 - Shorts, Zella $15

Sweatpants, H&M $32 - Jacket, American Eagle $50 - Top, C9 by Champion $9 

Bag, Gapfit $50 - Yoga Mat, Gaiam $35 - Water Bottle, Contigo $13

On the topic of Holiday food, let's get one thing straight. You are not going to gain tons of weight from Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you are going to 10 Holiday parties, then sure, be a little more careful about what you eat. But instead of panicking over pumpkin pie, just stick to a clean diet the other days and try to get some exercise in there.

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WHAT TO WEAR: WAYFARE TAVERN

Last weekend for my birthday, the man friend took me to Wayfare Tavern. And holy poop, it was SO good. First off, when you walk in, it looks like a comfy, chic mountain lodge that belongs to the editor of GQ. Super swank, but so comfortable and warm. We had the pleasure of sitting at the chef's table, which is actually a bar that looks into the kitchen. The chefs chatted with us throughout the meal and came out several times to see how our food was. And they sent us some twice baked potatoes, and I love me some potatoes.

Anyways, the food was amazing. Besides the potatoes, we started with mac and cheese, then had fried chicken and steak with a bone marrow bordelaise. Plus a braised wedge salad and the twice baked potatoes. Then we had a apple spiced cake with scorched milk ice cream and cinnamon glass for dessert. And then they give you coffee cake bites.

I had a serious food coma after.

Dining Room

As for what I would wear... I definitely did not dress appropriately when i visited, but I didn't care cause it was my birthday. I had on a pearly leather skater skirt and a beaded top with low heels. Everyone else was pretty much wearing jeans, boots, and sweaters. Except this one weird table of people who looked like they were in Vegas.. anywho. It is the PERFECT place for a cape. Definitely upscale casual, you know what I mean?

Top, J. Crew $65 - Vegan Leather Pants, UNIQLO  $30
Cape, Yesstyle.com $50 - Faux Fur Collar, Dubarry $29
Ring, Charming Charlie $10 - Purse, Forever21 $25 - Smoking Loafers, Sole Society $60

MAD FOR PLAID

Someone says fall you think: Leaves Changing, Pumpkin Flavored Everything, and Plaid.

You don't need me to tell you that plaids are huge for fall, and this year they are bigger than ever. The "new neutral", make sure you layer this festive pattern all season long. For plaid beginners, I put together a few looks to get you started on great ways to layer with dresses.

Plaid Shirtdress, UNIQLO $40 - Oxblood Sweater Dress, H&M $24
Boots, Unisa $70 - Bag, Mango $35
Ring, Damsel x Gorjana $40 - Necklace, Bauble Bar $38
Lipstick, MAC $15 - Bronzer and Brush, Sonia Kashuk $13
---
Grey Dress, Newlook.com $29 - Plaid Shirt, L.L. Bean $40
Bow, Ike Behar $33 - Flats, Kurt Geiger $62 - Bag, Topshop $40
Double Ring, River Island $4 - Spike Ring, Forever 21 $3
Eyeshadow Palette, Nars $45

Or, pair plaid and polka dots.

Black Jacket, Maurices.com $49 - Polka Dot Blouse, J. Crew Factory $35 - Pants, Asos $62
Loafers, Ollio $17 - Clutch, BCBG $88 - Eyeliner, Stila $22
Black Bangle, Aqua $28 - White Bracelet, Humble Chic $34
---
Chambray, J. Crew Factory $35 - Vest, J. Crew $120 - Skirt, Ruche $33
Booties, Therapy $47 - Tote, Old Navy $37
Necklace, Leopard and Latte $30 - Rings, Topshop $11 (set of 3)



Some bonus plaid that I also love:

Top Row: Crossbody, Sperry Top Sider $45 - Backpack, Aldo $30 - Infinity Scarf, Tildon $38 - Cream Scarf, With Love from CA $17
Center Row: Sunglasses, Ray Ban $165 - Hair Bow, Forever 21 $2 (set of 2) - Belt, Sperry Top Sider $38 - Bracelet, Forever 21 $7
Bottom Row: Boots, Legend $45 - Heels, Asos $45 - Flats, Report $17


Now don't you just want to go pick apples and jump in a pile of leaves?

SAFETY FIRST

Ring, Forever 21 $5 - Green Key Fob, Alexander McQueen $57 - Square Earrings, NastyGal $18
Blue Bracelet, Max and Chloe $63 - Black Key Fob, Alexander McQueen $85 - Bangle, House of Harlow $58
Silver Necklace, Topshop $37 - Single Strand Necklace, Glam Boutique $22 - Sweater, Zara $50
Pave Earrings, Rachel Roy $26 - Multi-strand Necklace, NastyGal $9 - Single Earring, Tom Binns $162 (pair)

POSTGRAD LOVES: BOYFRIEND JEANS

After a few weeks of teasing us with sunny, warm weather, San Francisco has yet again gotten all foggy and cold. I seriously miss the weather in LA. Anywho, I have had to make plenty of wardrobe adjustments in the last few weeks for the weather.

Enter Boyfriend Jeans, another one of those trends that I loved but had to find the perfect pair for my body. Finally, after a very long search, I found a pair at the Gap that were just right between being fitted and baggy. I seriously can not say enough good things about these jeans, they are soft and comfortable, slightly distressed, and fit amazingly. I saw about 6 other people of all shapes, sizes, and heights in the dressing room with the same pair and everyone looked great in them. But I digress. For the funky weather going on, i love pairing them with a soft, thin sweater, pile on a scarf, and comfy flats (I also could go on and on and on about how much I love these Sam Edelman flats, so squishy and comfortable for navigating the SF hills!).

Scarf, Old Navy ($10 snagged for $3.75 in store!) - Sweater, Brandy Melville (old)

Jeans, Gap ($70) - Flats, Sam Edelman ($90)

Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs (old, bigger version here) - Shades, 106Shades ($9, also seen here)

GET THE LOOK:

Sweater, Labworks $28 - Jeans, H&M $40
Scarf, Delias $13 - Flats, Nasty Gal $40 - Bag, Forever21 $25
Double Rings, Sole Society $25 (set of 2) - Statement Ring, Gorjana $49
Lipstick, Topshop $16 - Mascara, Topshop $20 

GRAPHIC TEE'S

As of late, I feel like graphic tee's are making a comeback. I have always liked a cool graphic shirt placed in the right outfit, it just adds a little bit more of the cool-girl feel. For a night out, I love one paired with a printed skirt and simple blazer. 

Tank, Forever 21 $11 - Skirt, Merona $23
Blazer, Mossimo $30 - Clutch, Nine West $50 - Heels, Zara $50
ID Bracelet, Forever 21 $4 - Friendship Bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs $38 - Spike Bracelet, Cara $15

WHAT TO WEAR: FOURTH OF JULY

Stressing over what to wear for the fourth? No worries, we've got you covered. 

COUNTY FAIR

BEACH PARTY

BACKYARD BARBEQUE

COUNTY FAIR:
Shirt, Hollister Co. $20 - Shorts, Etsy $26 - Hat, Swell $34
Glasses, Forever 21 $8 - Bag, Sole Society $50 - Necklace, Gorjana Griffin $60
Lipstick, NYX $6 - Espadrilles, Etsy $36

BEACH PARTY
Bikini Top, Victoria's Secret $23 - Bikini Bottoms, J. Crew $15 - Coverup, American Eagle $35
Sandals, Old Navy $12 - Hat, TopShop $44 - Aviators, Target $15 - Bag, O'Neill $44
Sunscreen, Coola $32 - Waterproof Mascara, Rimmel London $11

Backyard Barbeque
Tank Top, Monki $16 - Skirt, House of Fraser $40
Sandals, TopShop $45 - Bag, Aldo $25
Wrap Bracelet, Stella & Dot $39 - Chevron Bangle, Charlotte Russe $5 - Necklace, Humble Chic $48
Blue Polish, Essie $8 - Glitter Polish, Nordstrom $9