Proposition 8 was overturned, and now we have to see that lesbian comedienne Ellen Degeneres as the new face of JCPenney? Where on EARTH will I shop now? Ladies, we’ve got to do something about this. Let’s protest that crazy talk show host so that her homosexuality doesn’t taint all our kids’ back-to-school clothes and our Christmas shopping.

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Well, that’s it, ladies. My last week. I did it. I budgeted. And I learned a lot about myself and my spending habits in the process. It was sometimes difficult, but definitely worth it. Looking back at the experience as a whole I can definitely say that. So instead of recapping this last week for you (which was actually kind of boring) I thought I’d take some time to just go over the finer points and the important things I picked up this month.

1. My online shopping is often a result of boredom. You know how some people Facebook stalk when they’re online with nothing to do? Well I visit online shopping sites. I tell myself its just to check out the latest trends, and maybe it is, but then I want to buy the latest trends and that becomes a problem. Read More »

Okay, okay! I admit it! I went off budget this week! I shopped! I bought an item of clothing that I did not need and probably will not use for quite some time! But it’s useful! I swear! And I will use it…just probably not until next winter.

I bought a winter coat, which was on sale. Which really isn’t all that big of a deal if you don’t know the fact that I have a lot of coats. Leather. Wool. Down. Denim. You name it, I have it. But what do you want from me? I live in New York City, the coat capital of the world! With every season represented and plenty of excuses to buy lots and lots of coats. And so I do.

It was just a slight slip up. I was on my way to CVS when I passed one of my favorite stores with a big, huge, sale sign in the window. I had some time to kill, so I figured, why not? I’ll just browse. And then I got to the coat section. There it was: a belted, black, mid length coat. On sale.  And it was just my size. I tried it on, and yes, I bought it. But the damage wasn’t that bad. The coat which was original $200+ was on sale for $50. And although I probably won’t be wearing it this season, I will be able to wear it next winter, and the one after that, and after that, because it is, in fact, a timeless piece. And it’s better I buy the coat now then next November when it’s at its original price, isn’t it? You see how good at rationalizing, I am? Read More »

So after this week, I’m actually feeling a little bit guilty.

But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. No, I didn’t go on a major shopping spree. And yes, I did actually manage to balance my checkbook. I’ve even been keeping track of my purchases, but the thing is, since it’s winter break post-holidays and high school reunions, I’ve spent pretty much this entire week watching Netflix, reading The Hunger Games, and sleeping until noon. So I haven’t actually been spending all that much. And it’s made for a pretty easy week. I didn’t even have to buy the sequel to The Hunger Games because Amazon prime members can now borrow digital editions for the Kindle for free. (Have I mentioned how much I love Amazon lately?)

So tracking my expenses hasn’t been all that difficult. But something tells me that next week, when classes start up again, and I’m doubling my caffeine, going out with friends who are back in town, and walking by stores on my way to and from class, my tracking of expenses will become a bit more strenuous. Read More »

Most of the time, I’d like to think I am a pretty diligent person. I know how to take control of a situation, to figure out the problem and fix it. And I know how to do all that in a neat, orderly, color coded and filed sort of way. I don’t ignore things and I don’t have other people handle my problems for me. I take control and I get things done…with one notable exception.

My finances.

Maybe it’s because I’m the daughter of an investment banker. Maybe it’s because I had a job that paid well throughout my college career. Maybe it’s because I’m more of a words person than a numbers person. Or maybe it’s because I just can’t resist the urge to splurge on a new pair of boots, but financial matters have never been my thing.

Now, I’m not in any crazy sort of debt (unless you count looming post-grad school loans). And it’s not that I spend my money that irresponsibility. I just spend without thinking. And I spend without needing. So I don’t always know where my money goes. I know I have it, and then I don’t, and I have a rough idea of where and when it disappeared, but I’d like to change that. I’d like to keep track of my money and my spending habits and also take control of them. I want to figure out which ones are good, and which ones are…not so good, which ones I should keep, and which ones I should cut out. And I’d like to do so before I move onto a job that doesn’t pay by the hour. Read More »

I love giving presents. I love the face people make when opening up the specifically picked gift, hearing the sounds of the wrapping paper tearing. I love the hugs and thank yous, the ‘Oh my god! You totally shouldn’t have (but I’m secretly really really glad you did)’s.

However, I hate the process you need to take to get there. I guess you could say I hate being thrown into a crowd of about 5,376.5 people all on the same mission. It’s like survival of the fittest except the contestants are fatter and will kill you to get the prize.

So, to help every other last-minute shopper out there, here are ten gift ideas that are sure to warm the hearts of the loved ones in your life. Or at least make them wince with an unappreciative ”Yeah, totally love it.” Read More »

Lady Gaga has closed down the fifth floor of the Barneys New York Men’s Shop on Madison Avenue and, in EIGHT days, those doors will reopen to Gaga’s Workshop. She’s reported to sell “jewelry made entirely of rock candy; lipsticks in special Gaga red or pink hues; lip-shaped, hand-painted dark chocolate, and a Rubik’s Cube.” I’m guessing it’s not a normal Rubik’s Cube though—maybe it’s made out of latex or it sings “The Edge of Glory” once you’re super close to solving it. Something awesome like that, of course.

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It seems like new social shopping sites (like Groupon) are popping up every day. Some of them are even specifically focused on one thing, such as vacations, wine, shoes, and more. One of the newest sites I’ve come across is Bookperk, a Groupon-like site geared towards readers.

Bookperk pairs new bestselling books with exclusive merchandise and/or experiences that are only available to members of the site. Some of the current offers available right now are copy of Emily Post’s Ettiquitte along with a package of thank you cards and the Cowboys and Aliens graphic novel and movie poster. And like other shopping sites, the deals change daily, so if you find something you love, don’t wait too long or it might be gone! Read More »

[Last week one of our writers told you why she thought sweatpants should never be worn in public. A lot of you had some heated opinions, most of which disagreed and supported the argument for sweatpants -- wearing them from your bed to class...and everywhere in between. Turns out a few of the CC writers agreed with you, so we invited one of our lovely ladies to state her case for the other sweatpants lovin' side.]

Because our first go at deciphering the (ugly) language of sweatpants created such a stir, we’ve decided to give our readers what they want: a rebuttal argument in defense of our beloved, timeless sweatpants.

Clap your hands say yeah!

First, lets take a short stroll down memory lane. It is 8:54 on Monday morning in Burlington, VT and I have class at 9:10; the bus (UVM has five separate campuses all linked together by a bus system) comes at 9. Since I’m just rolling out of bed, I’m reaching for my sweatpants (if I’m changing pants at all).

Yup, that’s right, I’m grabbin’ my sweats. I’ll be the first to say it: I love ‘em!

So, for all of you that fled so quickly to the defense of my favorite sleepwear, lets dive right into the nitty gritty. Sweatpants, while they are definitely neither fashion forward nor even fashionable, are a definite YES for college girls. Here’s why: Read More »

Give it up to IKEA Sydney for being the innovators of the week! The Swedes, who are seemingly always on their toes, just recently opened a “man-cave” for male shoppers to hide out while their counterpart’s swipe-swipe-swipe at the registers. Males coerced into furniture shopping can now sit back, relax and munch on hot dogs and potato chips while watching football and playing arcade inspired games.

Houston, we might have a problem: this is one big step for mankind everywhere! But, uh, what about the girls?

Since obdurate feminists the world over will be screaming sexism before the day is through, we at CollegeCandy hope to add some fuel to the fire. With a list of five more safe houses for the men in our lives, lets explore the reasons why men often need to duck and cover when it comes to women.

1. We Like to Shop for Clothes

Pretend you’re a man. What’s worse? Clothes or furniture shopping? Before you answer, no, I’m not talking lingerie shopping. That’s a whole ‘nother topic entirely. If you thought furniture shopping was downright awful, wait until you’re forced to hold bag after bag and sit through 45435345 dressing room try-ons.  And if you hesitate for even a moment, men, we know you think we’re ugly and we’re fat. Or that you’re picturing the girl in the next fitting room naked. If nothing looks good or fits right, our moods will be ruined for the rest of the afternoon. The solution? A “man-cave” similar to the kind you’ll find in IKEA Sydney. Told you the Swedes are ahead of the ball. Read More »