Woo! $1.00 off when you buy 12 cans of expired tuna!

Being an adult means making a lot of sacrifices. It’s about saying no to a dinner party because you can’t afford to bring more than stale bread ends. It’s about turning down movie offers because it costs 5 billion dollars to buy a ticket in NYC (and god forbid you want to see IMAX…bye bye, life savings!). And most unfortunately, it’s about buying store brands because you can’t justify shelling out for brand name mustard.

When I was younger (I’m referring to just a year ago) I would throw an absolute hissy fit in the grocery store if my mother even thought about buying non-organic eggs or frozen vegetables. The horror! I logically compared her buying non-free-range chicken to her murdering me in my sleep. But now I’m the one cruising the supermarket with a fistful of coupons and determination not to spend more than necessary. And if that means buying pre-opened food, cans with puncture holes, and expired meats on a discount, so be it. Like I said, it’s all about sacrifices. Like staying in on Saturday night because you have food poisoning from eating year-old salmon.

Penny pinching is one of my least favorite activities. It falls right between having to Google pregnancy symptoms and watching previews for Cougar Town. Yet the longer I’m out of school and the longer I go without finding out I inherited a fortune from a distant relative, the stingier I get. I practically fight over pennies on the street with homeless people. And that’s a new low.

Even for me.

I’m trying really hard to work on striking up a balance for myself. Like if I eat peanut butter crackers for a week for dinner, then I can treat myself by actually going out to dinner one night. But at the same time, I’m not getting out of control. By dinner I mean a side salad, an ice water, and a complimentary mint.

If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing when I was a college senior, it would be “You’re going to be poor so spend your drink money on lottery tickets and improve your pickpocketing skills.” But I can’t go back in time, because I depleted my Time Machine Fund on a ticket to see Avatar in IMAX. So now I’m stuck here in the present time, clipping coupons and eating old meat and wearing “irregular” socks under my faux Uggs.

There’s a great many things to do and places to see in this world of ours.  As humans, our lives are pretty short (and if you party like I do, it’s probably going to be even shorter).  So we have to prioritize!  We have brains for a reason and that reason is…reasoning (well, at least some of us use them for that purpose: see comment about partying above).  Let me be your voice of reason as I show you all the things you should be doing right here, right now.

We’re always told “less is more.”  I’m sure a couple of you out there are familiar with the concept (it’s certainly true in the case of kissing and the amount of tongue insertion…and someone needs to inform that guy I made out with last night).  Recently, I’ve become more attracted to the concept of having less stuff.  This may be because I moved into a single room in the dorms that’s smaller than my walk-in closet at home, but I’d like to think that maybe something else is influencing me.  Perhaps it’s time for society to downgrade.

Think about how much stuff you really have.  Not just the clothes and the shoes (which, for me, is the bulk of my possessions), but every little thing.  Now think about what among those things you couldn’t live without.  If you think hard enough, it’s probably not a lot.  In fact, I’m betting you could live without 98% of your possessions (excluding the ones that, you know, make you smell better and whatnot).  So why not go for it?  Throw your stuff away!  Or, at the very least, donate it to a charitable cause (even though a bonfire of your former possessions is so much more demonstrative…and fun).  You’ll feel better – I promise. 

Less Stress – Again, this may be a symptom of having to cart my crap through a dorm that resembles an 18 Century maze, but less stuff means less stress.  If you pare down your possessions to just a few things, you know exactly what you have.  In fact, you probably see it every day.  You wouldn’t have to worry about where that one sweater went or if someone is stealing a little bit of your printer paper every day just for the simple fact that you know where everything is and exactly how much of it you have.

More Creative Opportunities -  For some reason, whenever I have to operate on a limited wardrobe, I become more creative with my choices.  Accessories suddenly become vital to my existence and I work harder to make what I have creative and fresh.  This applies to my wardrobe and other personal items.  Decorating an apartment may be easy when you have boxes full of things to nail to the walls, but what’s the fun in that?  Trust me, when you try to artfully place two photographs in an entire living room/dining area, you’ll feel more proud of your accomplishment in the end than if you had just thrown everything you had up on the walls and called it good.

More Excuses To Buy Expensive Things – When you’re living a minimalist lifestyle, you need things that are classic, durable, and essential.  This definitely is an excuse to splurge on items that could be called “investment pieces.”  Instead of buying 17 pairs of jeans from American Eagle, invest in  one or two pairs from a brand that may be more pricey, but fits you better and will last longer.  Same goes for the rest of your wardrobe.  Choose pieces that will fit you well, look good for a long time, and go with every other piece in your closet.  If  only there was a program where I could take 38 cheap sweaters and exchange them for one amazing designer sweater…Cashmere for Crap?

Moving In Becomes Easier – Seriously.  Six crates of stuff for one semester in a tiny single is ridiculous.  I need to downsize.

More Transportable – If I ever feel the need to jet off to Paris for a year (you never know, it might happen), then I can.  That is, if I have less crap to lug around with me.  Nothing says “cosmopolitan traveler” like two pieces of hand luggage (that a gorgeous French dude you met on the plane is carrying for you, of course).  And if Paris doesn’t work out?  No sweat!  Just pack up your minimalist life and jet again.  Being a nomad never sounded so easy (or fun).

It Impresses People – Have you ever run across someone who actually lives a minimalist lifestyle? I have.  I always wander around their spotless, effortlessly chic apartment with my jaw dropped wondering why I can’t do the same thing.  Everyone (myself included) seems to think that minimalism is an impressive feat, especially in these times where the attitude “enough is never enough” is ingrained in us from pre-school (oh yes, I hoarded chocolate milk.  I bet you did, too.  Don’t deny it).  What could be more impressive than an apartment that has almost nothing in it, yet still looks organized, decorated, and (most importantly) lived in? Nothing, my friends.  Nothing.

Charging way too much for cotton since 1983

I was always told that imitation was the finest form of flattery. Mind you, this was back in the day when I was overweight with a perm and the boys in school who were imitating me were definitely not trying to flatter me. Anyways, I grew up believing that to be the case, but it turns out I was wrong.

At least when said imitation is getting in the way of making big money.

Just ask the peeps over at Anthropologie who are suing the homies over at Forever 21 for flattering…. er…. imitating 9 of their designs. They are angry that not only did Forever 21 copy their dresses, but they also sold them at a much lower price, thus stealing some of Anthro’s profits.

Now, I am no business or law student (and proud of it!), so I realize I am not an expert in the world of counterfeit or business models, but I am a savvy shopper who is always on the hunt for a good deal, so I think I can weigh in on this topic. And I have plenty to say.

So here is all I have to say to those snobby, rich and pompous jerks over at Anthro:

Hey, Anthropologie! Maybe if you didn’t charge $200 for a cotton dress that will, without a doubt, tear or get ruined after a single wash, girls like me wouldn’t have to go to Forever 21 to get the cheaper “copy.” We are in a recession, bucko, and while there are certain things that are worth spending a few extra bucks on (like any vodka that isn’t Mohawk), no one is going to buy one of your overpriced garments, regardless if Forever 21 has it for less.

Maybe instead of wasting all your moolah on legal fees, you should just cut your prices a bit. Sell those original designs for what they are worth – not $100 more than what they are worth. Maybe then we’d walk out of the overly bright and cluttered Forever 21′s of the world and into your warm and homey stores that are chock full of adorable (yet painfully overpriced) pieces that we all covet. Through the window. Because there is no way in hell we could ever afford them.

Just a thought…

What do you think? Does Anthro have a right to fight Forever 21, or is this just business? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/04/27/anthropologie-takes-forever-21-to-court/feed/ 41 ccandystaff anthro http://collegecandy.com/2009/04/13/im-torn-rainbows/ http://collegecandy.com/2009/04/13/im-torn-rainbows/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:00:27 +0000 Brithny - Duke University http://collegecandy.com/?p=26915 ]]> [Life isn’t black and white. As much as we wish we simply loved or hated things, there is often that whole annoying gray area in the middle. Like, we love going home to the parentals', but we hate having to live with their rules. Or we love power hours, but hate cleaning up the empty cans in the morning. Damn you, gray area; you make decision-making that much more complicated!]

I live in my Rainbows. Period. No matter if it’s spring or fall, cloudy or sunny, hot or cold. No matter if I’m heading to a class, rocking out at a concert, or lounging by the pool. My Rainbows are constantly my go-to shoe, but sometimes – I admit – they’re just not a very good shoe choice.

So, my dear Rainbows, I’m totally torn…

Love Em:

There’s many reasons why 99% of the time you see me (and the majority of the other girls on campus), I’m in my Rainbows. They’re arguably the most comfortable shoes ever made, thanks to the leather construction and cushioned sole that molds to your feet (you can even see the layers of leathery softness!). And if you want more comfort, you can even buy ‘em double-layered! Can you say “heaven”?

Rainbows come in a ton of varieties. You can choose your color (white, brown, or black), material (leather or cloth), and straps (thin or thick). Not that it matters; whatever you choose, Rainbows always match your outfit and make you look 100% Cali-cute!

Even better, the people behind the flip flops are so sure of them that they even include a lifetime warranty for the odd chance that the straps break or the stitching comes undone. And seeing how often I wear them, that little guarantee makes them pretty perfect.

Loathe em:

Once you break them in, Rainbows are super comfy. Until you break them in, though, these flippies cause some serious pain and oozy blisters. Especially right between your big toe and the little guy next door. So. much. pain.

The price tag for these casual flip-flops is also a problem: $50!? For flip flops?! Flip flops that cause your feet to ooze and bleed? Yes, they are good quality sandals, but it’s not like sandals offer any quality support for your feet! An article in Newsweek cites research that shows flip-flops actually alter the way you walk, resulting in shorter steps and more stress on your joints that can cause even more pain (aside from your blisters).

And although you’ll want to wear them everywhere (after you break them in…and break your wallet buying them), you really shouldn’t wear them when it’s raining, snowing, hailing, or your playing beer pong/flip cup; once they get wet, your feet turn brown. And stay brown until you literally scrub them raw. And definitely not good for super long walks or hikes. Although, I may be the only one who ever tried that one…

So Rainbows, I’m torn. What do you think about these flippy-floppies?

No matter where you’re headed for a week-long holiday this spring, there are a few things you definitely DON’T need to bring.

1. Your laptop. If you can’t go a week without updating your Facebook status or checking out Perez, it’s sad.  And if you can’t go a week in paradise without updating your Facebook status or checking Perez, it’s scary.

2. Your entire shoe collection. Shoes can take up the most room in your luggage, and if you’re heading to a beach resort, you really only need a pair of flip flops for the beach, a cute pair of strappy heels for partying, and a pair of sneakers for touristy excursions.  You’re not going to miss your knee-high boots.

3.  Your emotional baggage. You are still getting over a bad breakup, and think a spring break fling is the perfect solution.  It’s not.  You just found out you’re failing a class, and plan to drown your sorrows in poolside margaritas.  Bad idea.  Whatever’s stressing you out at home will continue to get you down over break, and mixing negativity with liquor might result in you slurring your problems to your fun-loving friends.  Just let it go.

4. Your inhibitions. You’re not the type to crack a beer at 10 a.m. or to stay out unil 4 a.m. on a Tuesday.  But that’s because you’re usually in the library.  There’s a reason you just dropped a G on a weeklong excursion to the Caribbean: no responsibilities!  Sure, you have to keep yourself safe, but it’s okay to let loose and have (more than) a little fun.

5.  Your stash of Mary Jane. There’s enough (legal) liquor flowing at the bars near your hotel.  Trying to hide drugs to clear security is risky, and the punishment for carrying illegal substances in a foreign country could be more than you bargained for.  Besides, baking out your hotel room will just waste some of the time you could spend sipping an ice cold Mai Tai on the beach.

6.  Your address book. I once promised everyone I knew a postcard from some awesome place I visited.  I ended up spending precious bar money, first on a bazillion post cards, and then on international postage.  As I wrote postcard after postcard, I got cramps in my hand and my well-intentioned salutations turned into generic “Wish you were here!” messages.  Screw the postcards (you’ll probably beat them home anyway), and have a photosharing party when you get home.

7.   Your crazy-expensive accessories. Seriously, a sundress will suffice at most spring break hotspots, and an over-the-top necklace or earrings will just weigh you down.  You don’t want to ruin your Coach bag at a foam party, and you don’t want something expensive targeting you as a muggable tourist.  You WILL survive without Louis Vuitton for a few days, I promise.

8.  Schoolwork. I’ll give you one book to (try to) read on the plane there and back, but once you’ve left for break, don’t even try to kid yourself.  You’re not going to get anything scholarly done. If you think you will, you’re only going to postpone your academic responsibilities, leave for break, and return to a panic attack when you realize a week’s worth of homework is due in twelve hours, and you’re too sunburned and hungover to begin.  Do your best to get everything done ahead of time so that when you come back on Sunday, you won’t have anything on the agenda except Rest and Recover.

What are you leaving behind on Spring Break?

[Photo courtesy of College Publisher.]

That being said, although I love, love, LOVE Victoria’s Secret, there is one section of their stores that makes me want to barf:

Victoria’s Secret Pink.

The sub-division of VS is supposedly geared towards high schoolers and undergrads, but is usually found on awkward middle school girls, typically in the form of bejewled hoodies and capri-length sweat pants with PINK written across the butt.

Something about the brand is just inherently annoying and cheesy to me. The bright colors, unsophisticated graphics, and heavy labeling might have something to do with it. Don’t get me wrong, some of their undies and tops (sans logo) are pretty cute, but I have NO desire to wear a “most popular” t-shirt bra emblazoned with the VS PINK crest in rainbow colors. I’ve been wearing a bra for close to 10 years now – the novelty has worn off. Additionally, I doubt my boyfriend would be impressed (or tuned on!) if I busted out a yellow polka dotted scoopneck come Friday night.

With the juvenile designs one might expect some juvenile pricing to fit junior-high budgets, but Pink doesn’t even offer that. Instead, their bras hover around the $35-$40 range, and their apparel is even more pricy. $90 for a rhinestone encrusted zip up ? Really? Online, Pink even offers logo-covered bedding that oh-so-conveniently fits twin extra-long dorm beds should you wish to showcase your love of the line in your room at college. I’m not kidding. And don’t even get me started on their “Collegiate Collection.”

Did I mention that Pink not only sells underwear, flip flops, tote bags, lounge wear, and bedding, but also skirts and jeans now?  Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t ever see myself trading in my Sevens, or even my A&Fs, for a pair of Pink skinnies. It’s just not gonna happen.

What do you think? VS Pink: Hate it or love it?

Consumerist.com posted a list of the 25 most expensive colleges in the U.S. (determined by tuition + room and board). Naturally, this list consists of the creme de la creme of prestigious schools (though surprisingly you won’t see Yale or Harvard on there), that charge extra for the name.

Now, I may not be going to Sarah Lawrence – which costs about $53,166 per year – but I think I’m getting a damn good edumacation without totally putting myself in debt (by “totally” putting myself in debt” I mean I’ll only be paying back loans till I’m about 40… not 80). While prices are on the rise, Hofstra University maintains a rather affordable tuition with plenty of financial aid. The University boasts several accredited departments as well as famous alums, such as Francis Ford Coppola. Hofstra proves that there are schools out there that offer a great education without having their students bend backwards to cover tuition.

So really guys, what’s in a name? Why the hell are these school’s so expensive? And how is anyone going to pay back the loans if they can’t get a job? And are these schools really worth all this money?

So many questions; I need answers!

If there’s anyone reading this who attends one of these top-o-the-line schools, tell us: are you gettin your penny’s worth?

The Sex and the City Movi

Rather, the SATC movie left me depressed for admittedly superficial reasons. Forget Freuds Penis Envy — the SATC Movie left me with major, MAJOR bag, clothes, and shoe envy. I felt like having a tantrum circa 1983 (But mom I waaaaant it!!!!!).

I am not exaggerating when I say that I was salivating at the sight of Miranda’s Norma Kamali Swim-suit and Carrie’s 5,000 pairs of Manolo’s and Louboutins. Suddenly my flip flops and white terry zip-up made me feel like a hot-mess.

Maybe I should have dressed up for the movie (I say this now with extreme sarcasm, because I still think movies go hand in hand with sweatpants and popcorn; not patent leather pumps and thigh highs). But when the movie was over, I had an itch to go home, freshen up and put on my best Carrie Bradshaw imitation.

But when I got home, nothing in my closet seemed to inspire me. Everything paled in comparison to my girls on the big screen. Sure, I have some stellar pieces from flea markets, boutiques and department stores; surly I could find some sort of SATC fashion inspiration for my night out on the town. But nothing came of it.

So, lucky for you ladies, I decided to do what I do best, scour the internet for SATC fashion looks that won’t leave me eating ramen and living out of a cardboard box for the next 20 years.

Carrie’s Extreme Dior Gladiator platforms ($770!) left me with extreme shoe envy, until I saw that my man Steve (as in Madden) made a very close knock off for $109.95! Pair the brown ones with a flirty ivory dress for trendy stark contrast. Then look in the mirror and call yourself Carrie (I won’t tell!).

This season is all about the Retro one-pieces. While last years maternity trend made me want to scream (and cry- which I did when someone asked me if I was expecting) this year’s hot trend of the one piece leaves me squirming with affection for the fashion gods. The Norma Kamali Mio suit that Miranda wears may just be the cutest thing I have ever seen. However, its hefty price tag counterpart of $350? Not so cute.

As an alternative, try this red retro style by Carmen Marc Valvo for $117 or this Pinup Retro Scoopneck one-piece for only $51.99

Charlotte’s Jackie O inspired shades were classy and big without making her look bug-eyed and over-stated. Everyone needs a perfect pair of shades to wear on the beach (in that new suit of yours) or with a sundress and an iced coffee (deeeelightful!). Swap out the movie originals (Natali Sunglasses from Salt for $313) and go for a pair at Forever 21 for $5.80.

In just about every scene, Samantha or one of other ladies had something fabulously belted. Thrown over a duster, a chunky sweater, a blazer, a sundress, a slightly miss-matched belt can not only complete an outfit, but also cinch in your waist giving you that perfect hour-glass figure. Try this white patent belt from Forever 21 for $7.80.

A Tip: Since belting is such a huge trend right now (read: the slap bracelets of yester-year) many jackets, dresses, etc. are coming

with belts already attached. To really punch up the outfit and make you a standout, swap out the belt that it comes with for a different one that contrasts/compliments in color. Or take it one step fabulous-er and look for a different texture (think patent, woven, or croc).

[Photos courtesy of Steve Madden, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret and shinystyle.tv]

Coming in at a close second in the gift-giving challenge is the BF. Sure, you love him. Sure, he knows you better than most people. But finding a gift he’ll like because it’s cool, and not just because you’re his girlfriend? Tough.

In case you haven’t reached your breaking point yet (I know Hanukkah is almost over, but there’s still time!), I’m compiled a list of presents the Bro and the Beau might like. It’s always hard to tell with these strange specimens, but hey, even if they scrunch their face up again this year…at least you tried. Besides, they’re been giving you shit from The Body Shop for years. Teach them through example about branching out.

• Charles & Marie Dosh Wallet ($60) – compact, manly, and oh-so-full of special pockets, this wallet is a lot better than that ratty, duct-taped thing he’s been carrying around for years. It’s a little expensive, but just think of it as payback for that time you stuck gum in your Bro’s hair or ‘accidentally’ told your friends about the Beau’s bedroom ‘issues’.

• Dakine Plaid Backpack ($59.50) – it’s really hard to hate on a backpack, especially one that’s so nondescript and cool. Plus, he can carry his laptop and snowboard / skateboard around wherever he goes.

• Nooka Zub 20 Zenv Watch ($135) – complicated, weird looking, and kind of hard to understand, your gadget-loving Bro or Beau will go crazy for it. Let’s just hope he’s getting you more than bath salts for this price.

• Ninja Flipper ($4.49) – aren’t all guys obsessed with Ninjas?

• Sudoku Toilet Paper ($5.48) – part gag gift, part something they’ll probably use.

• Badass 3-in-1 Gloves ($49.50) – sure, it’s a lot of money for gloves, but he’ll never have to buy another pair…provided he doesn’t lose them a day later.

• Shockingly Expensive Toothpick holder ($800-$1500) – if your Bro or Beau has everything…get him a diamond encrusted toothpick holder. Chewing toothpicks in public is kinda rude, but if he’s got this thing, ain’t no one gonna question!

On that note, say hello to Spats!

These absurdly overpriced leather covers are made to cover your already expensive high heels to give you more variety; more options.

Awesome, just what we all need…something to make us even later in the morning!

Not only that, but if you ask me, these gladiator-esque shoe coverings look really f*cking dated. Weren’t these on the fringe of being cool, like, 3 years ago?

Also, who the hell do we think we are? Mr. Peanut? Victorian era, old-timey, wealthy gentlemen?

Possothespat.com is offering these ugly little things for bundles of cash. And in what looks to be an atempt to be edgy, they have taken pictures of girls with only okay looking feet to pose on toilet seats with these things on. Scandalous!

Save your money, girls. Get yourself a comfortable pair of shoes that you don’t feel the need to change up just because you can. I know you’re all not that vain.