I hate how trashy exposed bra straps look, but ever since I grew out of my sole racerback bra at age 15, I’ve always had to deal with my bra straps showing while wearing some of my favorite tops. And going braless (or buying an expensive convertible bra just to wear with a few tops) is something I’d rather not do.

That’s where Strap Perfect comes in. I’m sure you guys have probably seen it on TV – the Strap Perfect commercial claims the product will transform any bra into a racerback bra perfect to wear with all your favorite tops. In addition, it’s supposed to increase your cup size and give you a major lift in the front, all for $9.99. Sounds pretty good… but does it actually work?

I recently got the chance to try Strap Perfect for myself, thanks to my friend Mary Beth who bought a set, and I’m here to share the results with you. Did Strap Perfect work as promised? Was I able to completely hide my bra straps while increasing my cup size? Is this product worth your 10 bucks? Read on to find out!

My Experience:

After grabbing my favorite racerbank tank from the drawer, I rushed to attach Strap Perfect- with no success. I tried and tried to get the thing on, but I finally gave up and had to go across the hall and get a friend to help me. Although the commercial makes it look easy to attach, it is definitely not so simple. However, once it was on, it stayed on until I took it off- hours later.

Although attaching Strap Perfect was a difficult task, once it was on, I found it was super-comfortable. I literally forgot it was ever there- until I took my bra off at the end of the night and got the Strap Perfect tangled in my hair! I fell asleep that night not knowing how I’d gone 19 years without a Strap Perfect in my life.

My Results:

As soon as I put my tank top on, I was amazed- my bra straps weren’t showing and the Strap Perfect was invisible. My biggest surprise came when the feeling lasted all night, as it literally did not budge from my upper back. As I mentioned before, it was really, really comfortable. I did, however, notice that I had to loosen up my bra straps quite a bit- if I hadn’t, the Strap Perfect would not have been as comfortable.

While the product does work for taming bra straps, it’s not a miracle cup size booster. The commercial claims that Strap Perfect lifts the bust up, adding volume and fullness, but I didn’t notice a difference. When I mentioned this to Mary Beth, she told me that she only noticed this lift when she tightened her bra straps to the point of discomfort. I tried her technique, and found that the small, barely-visible lift was not worth an aching back and sore shoulders.

My Overall review:

Will this product help you hide regular bra straps under racerback and cross-back garments? Yes. Will your breasts look a cup size bigger? No- but you can get minimal lift if you sacrifice any sort of comfort. That said, you could just buy a push up bra instead and save yourself the pain. Are Strap Perfects worth it? Yes, especially if you have tops that show your bra straps. Just don’t expect it to do much else than hide your straps.

At $19.99 plus shipping+ handling, it’s a bit pricey if you order from the TV commercial, but fortunately, Target sells Strap Perfect for only $9.99, making it pretty affordable. In addition, you can split the cost with friends because you only really need one Strap Perfect (or, for two, if you’re forgetful like me), not the 18 that come in a pack.

While Bump Its and Smooth Away didn’t make me believe in the results of As Seen On TV products, Strap Perfect has definitely restored some of my faith in infomercial goodies.

Have you guys tried Strap Perfect?

What did you guys think of it? Do any of you want to try it now? Do you have any other As Seen On TV products that you’d like me to try? Tell me everything in the comments!

So now that we’ve got your vegan shoe-needs covered with Beyond Skin (see part I), for part II of our veggie-friendly clothing series, let me introduce you to one of my favorite brands for eco-conscious basics: Alternative Apparel.

About Alternative Apparel

Alternative Apparel is basically the friendly, spandex-less, girl-next-door version of American Apparel, which is another great humane brand.

If you’re looking for the perfect soft, lived-in basics of your dreams, Alternative Apparel is the place to go. While they are a bit pricey, there are several websites which offer discounted Alternative Apparel products such as Got Apparel or Top Dog Shirts that will save you some money.

Alternative Apparel began in 1995 with one man on a mission to create the perfect t-shirt. Founder Greg Alterman managed to do just that. Since then, Alternative Apparel has become a complete line of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories that is sold everywhere from the U.S. to Japan.

Why Alternative Apparel is Awesome

Great Quality- The fit and drape of the clothes is fantastic. In addition, the material is so soft! Their slummy tee dresses are among my go-to basics.

Humane manufacturing- Alternative Apparel does not use forced or child labor. All of their employees work in a safe environment, are paid at least minimum wage and given legally mandated benefits. You have got to love a company that’s good to the little people – many popular clothing manufacturers are not so kind.

Home Grown- 25% of Alternative Apparel’s products are made in the U.S., compared to the industry average of less than 10%.

Earth-friendly fabric- The company uses only low impact dyes, organic cotton, and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. So their products are as soft on the environment as they are on your skin.

So what do you think?

Do you like Alternative Apparel? Is it worth the higher price tag to buy organic clothing? Do you have a favorite vegan brand? Give a shout out in the comments!

Fred Flare is pretty much the world’s cutest online store. There, I said it.  It has it all, whether you want a pretty dress or cute shoes or retro sunnies. Thankfully, all of their awesome products are available at the best-designed store on the internet. From bunny rings to iPod speakers to Pac-Man oven mitts, this store has everything you’ll ever want, and then some.

Here are three tips to make shopping online at fredflare.com even better.

Buy your gifts!

If some of you are new to Fred Flare, you’re probably wondering what kind of people shop there, as the store seems stocked with random goodies. So what’s the store good for?

In a word: gifts. From your BFF to your sorority sister to your mom to that-girl-in-your-English-class-that-you-don’t-really-like-but-somehow-got-invited-to-her-birthday-party, you’ll definitely find anything and everything you want. Best of all, most everything is relatively cheap, so you won’t be breaking the bank when looking for that perfect gift. Bookmark this site and make this your first stop when looking for any kind of present!

Check on sizes

Because Fred Flare stocks a whole bunch of different brands, clothing and shoe sizing can be tricky. They do offer a rough sizing chart, but that isn’t always helpful – unfortunately a lot of it is trial and error. However, FF will exchange clothes (for the price of shipping, natch) if they don’t fit. They also offer a number customers can call (877-798-2807) for questions. Definitely pay attention to this when shopping at FF!

Wait for free shipping deals

Shipping fees are possibly the worst part of shopping online. While some stores have shipping deals that come with launches of new lines or around the holidays, Fred Flare has free shipping at seemingly random times.

For example, this past weekend, Fred Flare offered free shipping in honor of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Last year, they offered a similar deal for the premiere of Sliimy’s Wake Up video. Find out about these deals by signing up for Fred Flare’s mailing list or looking at Fred Flare’s blog, Flickr or Twitter. Next time, you’ll be able to buy your 36^th pair of Risky Business sunglasses while avoiding the $7.95 charge.

Thoughts? Advice?

As I’ve said before, Fred Flare has one of the best online stores out there and it’s definitely worth checking out. For those of you who have shopped there, what advice do you have for new Fred Flare shoppers? New shoppers, what do you think and live about Fred Flare? Tell me in the comments!

As you guys may know, here at CF, we look through and test out a LOT of products, but very few actually make it to the site. We’re really choosy about what products we recommend because we only want to show you guys the best of the best – which more often than not means not featuring anything if it doesn’t meet our standards.

This month, however, we’ve found a myriad of amazing products to share with you all! This month’s Shopping Bag theme is innovative products that are both versatile and unique.

In the beauty department this month, it is all about protecting your skin and hair from the wind/chilly weather that’s been present cross-country, as well as treating yourself to something fab after the stress of midterms. As far as apparel goes, we’ve been keeping our eyes out for the best cheap-meets-chic items that will work for spring and beyond.

We hope you all can find something you like in our list. Of course, if you know if any amazing products that we’ve missed, leave a comment!

Beauty Products

Redken Body Full Hair Products

If you’re like us, winter weather leaves your hair flat, static-y, and dried out – not exactly fabulous. That’s why we were psyched to check out Redken’s Body Full line. (Thanks, Melanie!)

The shampoo and conditioner not only smell great but they also really do add volume all on their own – no greasy, weighed-down hair here. Even without blow drying or styling in any special way, we noticed a major difference in how much volume and shine our hair had just after using the Redken products. Suffice to say they’re our new obsession!

Paula’s Choice Constant Color Gel Eye Liner

Paula’s Choice skincare products are some of the best out there for taming acne, but we hadn’t tried her makeup line until very recently, when we had the chance to test out a sample of her Constant Color Gel Eye Liner.

Much like her skincare products, Paula’s eyeliner does exactly what it says it will – goes on smoothly, and lasts all day. It’s probably the easiest liner to apply EVER and even beats Bobbi Brown’s cult-fave Gel Eyeliner in our book for smooth application. In addition, this stuff does NOT rub off or smudge during the day, at all. And at only $12.95, it’s affordable, especially when you factor in how long a jar will last (we estimate at least a few months).

(Editor’s Note: I’m a HUGE fan of Paula’s Choice products – I went from horrible breakouts that took forever to clear to rarely getting acne at ALL, no lie, thanks to Paula’s Choice skincare. I highly recommend her line if you are struggling with acne! If you have any questions, leave a comment and I’ll respond!)

Rouge G de Guerlain Le Brillant Jewel Lipstick Compact

Okay, so this is a bit pricey BUT it’s a lipstick and compact combo, the color apparently lasts all day, and the lipstick itself is made with mother of pearl and ruby powders: how luxurious! In addition, bright lips are hot for spring, as you guys probably know.

This would definitely be a great gift to give yourself as a reward for your midterm accomplishments.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar

This is the perfect moisturizer for those moments when the cold wind hits you in the face, and you can’t help but think to yourself, “this can’t be good for my skin.” Philosophy Hope in a Jar will add moisture to your skin without making it greasy, something few moisturizers do well. In addition, it will give your skin a smoother appearance all over.

This product has been so successful that Sephora chose it as the 2008 winner of the “Best of Sephora” award, so you know it has to be good.

Apparel and Accessories

D&Y Plaid Fur Trapper Hats

Punxsutawney Phil’s 6 more weeks of winter have been easy for us to navigate thanks to the ultra-warm, and ultra-chic D&Y plaid fur trapper hats we got a chance to check out this month.

As seen on celebs such as Taylor Momsen, D&Y is a great brand known for their quality and fashion-forward aesthetic. These plaid trapper hats are no exception. They give off a trendy vibe yet are still totally practical and warm thanks to the amazing faux fur they’re lined with. Come spring, a D&Y trapper hat will be one winter piece you’ll definitely miss wearing.

Free People Guava Convertible Skirt

This piece is one of our top picks for March because it’s amazingly versatile. You can totally pull this skirt/top combo off in the winter by layering or using tights. Then, keep it for the summer when you want to wear a loose, flowy skirt or top! Although it is a bit pricey, the different uses, and the fact that you’re getting two items in one, makes it totally worth the splurge.

Not feeling this top, but want to check out other convertible pieces? Check out the selection at Free People.

Turquoise Jewelry from Fantasy Jewelry Box

We all know that turquoise is one of the hottest colors for Spring 2009, which is one of the reasons we’re obsessed with turquoise jewelry right now. Not only is it boho-fabulous, but it adds an unexpected pop of springy color to any outfit.

That’s why when our friend Joyce sent us some amazing turquoise and pearl jewelry from Fantasy Jewelry Box, we were instantly in love. The pieces above not only look realistic but they pretty much go with everything we want to wear this season. The necklace works well layered over other necklaces (a la Miley Cyrus at the Grammy’s) or worn alone to get all the attention. Totally a must-have to beat the “almost spring but not quite” blues.

Urban Outfitters Glass Parlor Box

Okay, this one isn’t apparel or an accessory, but we had to put it in here regardless!

When I first saw this box on Urban’s website, the creative juices started flowing immediately. It could be super cute as a jewelry holder or as a decorative item for your room/apartment. You could even get a little fancy and buy a few and use them as bathroom storage for cotton balls and Q-tips. The possibilities are endless, but one thing is constant: this box definitely gives off the Old-Hollywood glamor vibe, and we love it!

Time to Check Out!

What do you think? Do you own any of these products? Do you have any new favorite products you would recommend to your fellow CF readers? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Fashion is commonly considered glamorous and carefree. The phrase “a day of shopping” instantly triggers images of lazy Sundays, shopping bags in one hand and an iced latte in the other. Well, I’ll admit to the occasional lazy Sunday, but just as often as I’m strolling around like Holly Golightly at Tiffany’s, I’m also frowning with the stress of tactical financial decisions à la Barack Obama regarding healthcare.

The financial side of fashion is tricky – and every girl, with her individual budget, figures out her own strategy to deal with it. A common move is to choose a cheaper alternative over the expensive, upscale original. There are a myriad of reasons for doing this. Maybe in a particular situation, it’s very, very important to save money, but simultaneously very, very important to own those boots. Or the boots are nice but not nice enough to buy as an investment, since they’re trendy and will be gone with the season. Or maybe you love a pair of expensive leather boots but want to save animals, and money, by buying the faux version.

Whatever your motivation, going for a cheaper alternative instead of a high-end item can be very effective when done right. Here are five tips on shopping for substitutes:

1. Pay attention to subtleties in faux leather.

High quality fake leather echoes the subtleties of real leather. Usually, real leather doesn’t crease in a regular, patterned way across a bag or jacket, just as your skin doesn’t crease in the same way across your body. (As an extraneous note, nothing natural – leather, fur, marble, tortoise shell — can be perfectly imitated by a tile pattern! That’s why the real thing is so expensive.) The best fake leather imitates these natural nuances as much as possible for a more natural look.

2. Avoid flat, uniform faux fur.

Much like real leather doesn’t crease in a perfect tile pattern, real fur isn’t colored and shaded exactly the same all across a piece. A flat, uniform color is a tell-tale sign of bad faux fur! This concept applies to faux fur with spots and stripes as well: ideally, they shouldn’t all be the same exact size and shape, and should not be perfectly spaced across a garment.

To be fair, however, there are some styles where this is done intentionally. If that’s what you’re looking for, then feel free to disregard this tip.

3. Seek out quality tailoring and materials.

Pass on the $500 blouse, but don’t pass on the quality tailoring. When shopping for cheaper clothing, make sure there are no hanging threads or loosely stitched buttons. Seams shouldn’t ripple, but should instead lay flat. Hems shouldn’t twist unless it is clearly intentional. A quality jacket will have lining inside.

Also, check the label for quality materials: natural fibers like cotton are good at keeping you cool or warm when you need to be. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are cheaper and may leave you either sticky or shivering.

4. Look for details that deviate from the norm.

It’s all in the details. Cheaper pieces tend to adhere to mainstream styles exactly, in order to work for everyone, but a quality piece usually has something a little bit different: a distinctive gold zipper, an intricate stitching design on the shoulder, or perhaps a slightly different color than what is typically seen on garments of that type, i.e. cream or slate grey leather jackets, vs. typical black or brown.

5. Be brand-name blind when it comes to beauty.

Luxury makeup brands don’t always provide high quality, and drugstore brands don’t always provide poor quality. The stereotype seems logical but, like all theories, the true test is in the application.

To learn how to tell quality in makeup, regardless of price, check out online beauty gurus and educate yourself about makeup! Catalina, for example, often compares her Korean roadside (comparable to U.S. “drugstore brand”) makeup to famed products such as NARS Orgasm blush or MAC lip paints – and the results are often quite similar.

In addition, always make sure to look beyond the packaging and take note of how pigmented a product is – this is an easy way to tell quality. Get greedy: more pigment cues a better product. To ensure the best match, check your makeup swatch in natural lighting and flash. (Bring a camera!)

Finally, consider eye makeup primer to bring out the best in even subpar makeup products. It may seem initially pricey, but one $17 purchase will go a long way: primer cures makeup issues for oily lids, helps makeup stay on longer, and makes colors appear more pigmented. (So if you accidentally bought a subpar eyeshadow, it won’t just become wasted money – primer may salvage it.)

What do you think?

A substitute doesn’t always have to signify a compromise! I hope these tips helped inspire you to have more confidence in fashion and beauty alternatives!

How do you shop for substitutes? What are your favorite substitute products? How do you tell quality in low-end products? Please add your comments and thoughts below!

Usually I feature items that I consider timeless; things that you can wear again and again no matter the season. For the very last edition of the Fashion Essentials series, I’ve decided to highlight something that a lot of people either skip entirely or go overboard on: seasonal trends.

I consider trendy items essentials in a college girl’s wardrobe. Adding a trendy item to an outfit full of classics is a fun way to experiment with fashion, and proves you know “what’s in”. However, having a closet full of last season’s hottest trends isn’t realistic or smart: trendy items should be simply for fun, and not investment pieces or long-lasting essentials. Because no one wants to spend big money on short-term items, I’m going to focus on spring trend essentials for under $50.

1. Clear Accessories

Photos via Style.com: Left – Prada, Right – Fendi

Transparent jewelry and accessories were hot trends on the runway this spring. Fendi’s spring show featured clear lucite clutches (above right) and wedges, while Burberry Prorsum sent models down the runway with transparent amber bangles on their arms.

I think clear accessories can be integrated into many different styles: they can be super modern with a sleek, monochrome outfit, or fun and girly with spring florals. A thick, clear lucite bangle looks 60’s mod, and clear rimmed sunglasses imitate the clear bags, heels, and shades Prada sent down the spring runway (above left). Here are some cheap items that will achieve the same look:

Product Information: Transparent blue necklace – Lord & Taylor, Clear rimmed sunglasses – Windsor, Clear stone bracelet – Lori’s Shoes

2. Warm Weather Leather (and Faux Leather)

Photos via Style.com: Left – 3.1 Phillip Lim, Right – Loewe

Leather (and faux leather) jackets were a must last fall, and they are still in for spring. Leather was used in unexpected places as well on the spring runways: items like dresses and tanks were sent down the runway in lightweight leather.

Most of this season’s hottest leather shades are faded neutrals, which is a great way to lighten up the bulky fabric for spring. I like the look of light, creamy leather (faux in this case) against an otherwise-dark outfit. The contrast allows the focus (the leather!) to shine. Pale leather also looks great with peachy and pink colors, which are also perfect for spring.

Product Information: Leather jacket – Forever 21, Denim leggings – Tilly’s, Burnout tee – Tilly’s, Flats – Kohls, Readers – Forever 21, Necklace - Urban Outfitters

3. Denim Details

Photos via Style.com: Left- Ralph Lauren, Right – D&G

As I’m sure you’ve all been heard (and seen), denim is the “fabric of spring” this year. Although you could easily work the look with your favorite pair of jeans or a chambray shirt, I think denim worn in unexpected ways is much more exciting. Trying a denim bag, pair of shoes, or headband shows a bit more effort than a simple jean jacket (although jean jackets are still cute, and great for spring).

Product Information: Denim flats – Old Navy, Striped cardigan – Old Navy, Dress – Charlotte Russe, Belt – Anthropologie, Textured bag – Urban Outfitters

4. Nude Colored Pieces

Photos via Style.com : Left – Tibi, Right – Valentino

Whether they’re accessories or clothing, nude-colored items are essentials for spring. Valentino’s spring collection (above left) featured textured nudes, and Tibi accented brights with nude sandals (above right). Here are two nude accessories to help you get the look.

Product Information: Chain handle bag – Aldo, T-strap heels – ASOS

So… what do you think?

What spring trends are you looking forward to? Do you think you could pull off Ralph Lauren’s evening denim? Would you wear the trends featured here? I’d love to hear from you!

As CF’s former beauty columnist, it’s not an exaggeration to say I have an obsession with beauty and hair. I’d love to use nothing but Armani and Chanel cosmetics, but as a college student, I love all things free/cheap/on sale-which means the majority of my beauty products are Maybelline, Revlon, Cover Girl, Wet ‘n Wild and the like.

But instead of hitting up my local CVS, I do my drugstore makeup shopping a little differently: I buy the majority of my beauty & hair products at drugstore.com. Instead of telling you how to shop at drugstore.com (it’s incredibly straightforward), I’ll give you four reasons why you should consider shopping at drugstore.com, too.

1. Everything is in stock!

Whether Murphy’s Law always applies, or I just have the worst luck ever, almost every time I venture into CVS/Walgreens, the beauty aisle is sold out of my product/shade. So there I am, looking at the Revlon section and noticing CVS is fully stocked with every shade of Colorstay Foundation for Normal to Dry skin except in 110- Ivory- my shade. 20 minutes later and $10 poorer, I’m in my bathroom with another, not-as-effective foundation that cakes and looks too yellow.

In contrast to CVS/Walgreens, drugstore.com will almost always have your product/shade in stock- and if they don’t, they’ll send you the product as soon as it comes in! Plus, you’re basically guaranteed not to impulsively spend any money on a not-as-good product; it’s a win-win!

2. You can buy hard-to-find brands.

While almost every drugstore has your usual L’Oreal, Rimmel, Maybelline, and CoverGirl, there are some truly great products that you can’t necessarily find at a Walgreens- take Ardell’s Lash Accelerator or EcoTools’s makeup brushes. Also, since drugstore.com has partnered up with beauty.com, you have access to brands like essie, Jane Iredale and Max Factor, as well as pricier favorites like NARS, Urban Decay, and Shu Uemura. Shopping here is like shopping the best Sephora and CVS have to offer!

3. You’ll have time to mull over your purchase.

I’m the worst type of impulse shopper- I’ll walk to the beauty section of Walmart fully intending to only buy some toothpaste, but walk out with three lipsticks, four nail polishes and a can of hairspray. Sometimes, I’ll just pick out the product that has the best packaging or advertising campaign- not knowing whether it actually works.

When I buy beauty products online, however, I always make sure products have awesome reviews before I purchase. Not only do I look at CF’s own Beauty & Hair category for info, but I also check review sites like Makeup Alley. Thanks to this, I’ve avoided buying products like Cover Girl’s Invisible Concealer and have bought products I would never have thought to, like L’Oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Power.

Also, I’ve noticed that I tend to be much more careful when it comes to online purchases and because of the many steps I have to take before purchasing. Entering shipping addresses and credit card numbers takes time, and, well, that mostly solves the “impulse shopping” issue.  You’ll definitely be able to think about what you want to buy for longer, and you won’t end up spending as much pointless money as you would have in a store.

4. There are sales and deals galore.

While most online retailers have great sales, drugstore.com has some of the best deals the Internet has to offer. Right now, they’re offering free shipping on orders of $25 or more and buy-one-get-one-half-off on brands like Maybelline, Revlon and CoverGirl. All of this is on top of 5% cash-back after every purchase!

Some of you guys are probably thinking “Why would I buy all of this online? I won’t pay the shipping charges at my local CVS.” But with deals like these, you’ll probably end up saving money-and who would say no to that?

Do you guys buy your beauty products online?

What do you guys think about online drugstores? Do you shop at Drugstore.com, too? Tell me in the comments!

A few years ago, sample sales were only available to the lucky few that lived in major cities like New York, Milan and Paris. These were the shopping experiences I’d always dreamed about; awesome designer clothes at a heavily discounted price. Although these sales are still prolific in larger cities, much of the action has moved online. (For more info, check out our Ultimate Guide to Online Sample Sales.)

I’m focusing on Gilt Groupe today because, in my opinion, it has the best selection of designers and is the best for us college girls, but these tips apply to all of these online sample sale sites. Never bought anything from these sites? Here are three tips to help you score some great stuff at a discount.

1. Shop Early

Gilt Groupe’s sales start daily at noon EST. Some designers and brands, like Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang, sell out in minutes. To make sure you get the best selection, you should be shopping the sale at 12:00:01 and deciding on what you want.

Be quick! The cutest items are often first to go, so if you spot something you might like, put it in your cart ASAP. You have 10 minutes to purchase it- so mull it over and buy it if you want. Don’t worry about getting every item you want at first- Gilt Groupe will combine shipping on all orders placed in 24 hours!

2. Beware of Final Sale

Every few months, Gilt will hold a huge sale featuring dozens of designers and clothes at dirt-cheap prices. These sales are great- but you can’t return anything, so be careful what you buy.

I know firsthand how tempting a $30 top marked down from $500 can be, but don’t just buy something designer because it’s cheap. You’ll end up with a $54 Ali Ro number you charmingly refer to as your “alien stewardess dress” that’s sitting in your closet accumulating dust. Not that I know or anything…

3. Check out Gilt FUSE

If Gilt Groupe carries the clothes I hope to wear (and be able to afford!) when I’m 25, Gilt FUSE carries the clothes I want and can afford now. Think mid-price brands like American Apparel, BB Dakota, BCBG Max Azria, Free People, Ksubi, Sperry Topsider… all at deep discounts.

I’m talking jackets market down from $250 to $100, jewelry for $12 (from $40+) and bags that were originally over $400 for around $100. Gilt doesn’t send me these sale e-mails and keeps these sales “hidden” on a tab at the top right. You still really need to check Gilt FUSE out- your closet (and bank account) will love you.

What do you guys think? Do you have any tips for shopping at online sample sale sites? Tell me everything in the comments!

Sign up for Gilt Groupe here. For more information on Gilt Groupe, check out New York Magazine’s great article!

Urban Outfitters has one of the loveliest online stores- it’s cute, has a great sale section and is generally full of good-quality items- just like the actual store! Don’t live close enough to an actual outpost? Here are a few tips for shopping online at urbanoutfitters.com:

1. Read the Reviews

Urban Outfitters is one of the few retailers that actually lets people comment on different clothing items! So anytime you find a top or pair of jeans you love, make sure you read the comments before you make your purchase. These comments can give insight on sizing and, more importantly, how the garment looks in real life. For example, I know not to wear these flats in the winter and to buy a size down when it comes to this pair of jeans. Seriously guys, take advantage of this feature as it’s ridiculously helpful!

2. When in Doubt, Buy and Return!

Usually, I’d advise you to be wary with buying something online that you’re not 100% sure about. However, Urban Outfitters offers free return shipping on items bought online, so you can try things on and return them at will.

If you’re undecided on a particular item, I’d advise purchasing it so you can try it on with pieces in your closet at home. If you like it and it works well with your wardrobe, you have it. If not, then you can easily ship it back- for free!

UO usually also has nice free shipping deals-currently, it comes gratis with any purchase over $150. So, if you have a couple things in your basket that don’t add up to the minimum purchase, then think about ordering a few more items. Best case scenario- you have some cute new additions to your wardrobe. Worst? You make a short trip to the nearest shipping center.

3. Shop the Sale- But Beware!

The sale section at Urban Outfitters is great- many of their full-priced pieces are a bit above my price range and the sale brings them down to something manageable. However, sometimes sale items are only available in a particular color or size- sometimes, that adorable top is only on sale in the questionable mustard yellow or isn’t available in the size you want.

If you want to know when items go on sale, (and score the best selection) definitely get on UO’s e-mail list, so you know when sales start! That way, you’ll have prime access to the items you want, before all the right sizes and colors are gone.

What do you guys think?

Have any advice when it comes to buying things from Urban Outfitters? Tell me in the comments!

However, finding the perfect little black dress can be time consuming and often gets expensive. If you’re still searching for the perfect LBD or are short on cash, here are four inexpensive LBDs and four different ways to wear an LBD– all for under $100!

Outfit #1: Keeping it Classy

Product Information: Dress- Delia’s, Clutch- ASOS, Necklace- Forever 21, Tights- Bare Necessities, Pumps- Target

Outfit Total: $95

When I think of the little black dress, I immediately think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – classic, chic, and totally timeless. The above outfit is a budget-friendly version of a classic way to wear a LBD. The dress has a great silhouette and could be worn casually if you wanted to dress the look down. Add a classic clutch with a modern twist– (faux) crocodile skin! Some tights add warmth without overpowering the rest of the outfit and nothing says timeless like a strand of pearls and black pumps.

Outfit #2: Bohemian Like You

Product Information: Dress- Old Navy, Ring- ModCloth, Necklace- Forever 21, Shoes- Wet Seal, Bag- Alloy

Outfit Total: $93

This is a boho-inspired way to rock a LBD. A lot of people think mixing black and brown is taboo, but we find that they look great together, especially when trying to achieve a boho style. This maxi dress is very plain, so the accessories can take center stage. Add a long chain necklace with wooden beads and continue the wooden motif with this cute ring. Wear some comfy gladiators and a faux leather bag to finish this effortless look. This is definitely a day look, but adding some gladiator heels and a clutch would work for night.

Outfit #3: The Feminine Mystique

Product Information: Dress- Forever 21, Cardigan- Forever 21, Stud Earrings- ASOS, Mary Jane Pumps- Zappos

Outfit Total: $99

Embrace your girly side with this pretty LBD. The tiered dress is super feminine and reminds me of an adorable tutu – very Carrie Bradshaw in the opening credits for Sex and the City. Wear it with a soft pink cardigan with a delicate scalloped detail and some oversized pearl earrings. Finish this look with some sweet yet chic mary jane pumps.

Outfit #4: Woman on the Edge

Product Information: Dress- Forever 21, Bangles- Charlotte Russe, Tights- Dillard’s, Clutch- Forever 21, Booties- Forever 21

Outfit Total: $93

Add some rocker elements to your LBD with this edgy look. The stylish one-shouldered dress has some great beaded and studded detail. These bangles carry on the studded look and add some glam, while the zippered clutch adds a tough element. These plum tights add a bold and much needed pop of color and these booties complete the edgy look.

What do you think?

Have you found your perfect little black dress yet? Which outfit do you like best? Is your personal style similar to any of these or is it something completely different? Let us know in the comments!