a plug for my entrepreneurial friends {blogtember}

Again, Blogtember coincides with a blog post I had already thought of in my head!

Wednesday, September 11: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

I have some awesome friends. They do a lot of cool things and I'm really proud of them. Instead of telling you all about my favorite stores (J.Crew, LOFT, Nine West, Target), I thought I would spotlight a handful of my friends who have started their own businesses. I truly hope you look into them and support them!

Writefully His

My sorority sister and fellow Wofford alum, Grace, began a stationary company, WritefullyHis, LLC in which a percentage of the proceeds going back to purchasing paper and pencils for schools in East Africa. These supplies are purchased locally in the village markets to make it more sustainable for their local communities.

Wildflower: Purple

Typewriter: Crisp White

Follow Writefully His on Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Wordpress

Exposed Brick DC

One of my best college girlfriends just started this cool website just a few weeks ago. She lives in DC and has been there with another one of our girlfriends since college graduation. After Jamie's first lease was up, she became obsessed with the hunt of looking for a place to live. She began logging on to websites like Craigslist, Padmapper, 4walls, and Live Lovely every day. Her obsession became worse as she studied management companies’ websites, explored open houses and grilled friends about their renting experiences.

So, Jamie created Exposed Brick DC which will give you a sampling of affordable rental listings for young professionals, in some of DC’s best and most exciting neighborhoods. For those of you not looking, “Off The Market” provides inspiration and ideas on how to make your rental feel like your own.  I am not an expert but I’d like to think that I have good taste and know how to spot a deal.

And just for fun:

Just a little college throwback

Follow Exposed Brick DC on Facebook // Twitter // RSS Feed // Bloglovin

Rodan + Fields - Alexa Pack

If you read my post a few weeks ago about Rodan + Fields, then you know all about it, but my new friend Alexa is a consultant with this company. Just as a refresher: Rodan + Fields a dermatologist- created skincare line by the two Stanford-trained dermatologists who created Proactiv. If you are interested in trying it out, just leave a comment (make sure you aren't a no-reply blogger) and I'll get you in touch with Alexa!

Folllow R+ F on Facebook // Consultant Website

Copper Penny - Columbia

And last but certainly not least, these two girls are awesome! Kensley the blonde was my college roommate for two years and is still one of my best friends. Mollie, the brunette is also a really good friend. In August, they opened up a Copper Penny in Columbia, SC, which is super exciting!

Copper Penny was first started in the Charleston area, but has spread all over the state and areas like Savannah. Columbia desperately needed a new women's clothing store that wasn't too expensive, but also wasn't too inexpensive. CP in Columbia carries Trina Turk, Rachel Pally, French Connection, Sam Edelman, Bella Dahl, Tolani, Jack Rogers, Hanky Panky, and so many more! If you are in Columbia, SC, please check them out on Harden Street!!!

Follow Copper Penny on Facebook // Instagram: @CopperPennyColumbia

Happy Shopping!

Dreaming of Jamaica

Thanks, everyone for your sweet words on my venting post yesterday. Sometimes it helps to put your thoughts into words!

As I mentioned, I have been trying to think ahead to Jamaica! I cannot wait to be on the beautiful beach with my new hubby and a ring around both of our fingers!

I've started collecting bathing suits because I don't want to wear my old, worn, lake-stained ones at this gorgeous resort!

Here some suits and cover-ups I am admiring!

J Crew

Ella Moss

Roberta Roller Rabbit

J Crew

Trina Turk

Marc Jacobs

Lily Pulitzer

Lily Pulitzer

J Crew

They are all adorable! I'd take them all!

Thoughts on Thursday

My mind is all over the place. Thank you to everyone who gave me honeymoon destination advice! We are still researching but I hope we can nail this down SOON.

 

This is a hodge podge of a post today, so.... sorry!

 

- I've been training the new guy at work the past 2 days and it is draining me! I also haven't had my social media time like I usually do. I feel so unplugged!

 

- One Kings Lane had the BEST things today! I totally ordered 5 things for myself (all very reasonably priced) to have my grandmother give me for Christmas. She LOVES Christmas and loves to give lots of little gifts! Here is what I picked out and ordered:

 

Mail Tub

 How cute is this mail tub to throw all of your junk mail in when you come home?

 

Square Tray

Coffee table tray. Enough said.

 

 



Textured Vase


I wouldn't even have to put flowers in here, it is just so genuinely pretty!



Deer Bookends

I debated getting these but just did it. I think they'd be great on a bar... Very Tyler's style don't you think??
 

Silver Pineapple

 Such a typical southern decorative item!

- I believe Tyler and I have found "our" house! Can't tell anything about it yet, though!

 

- I go home for Christmas on Wednesday! Yippee!

 

- I have a huge peppermint problem. Did you see my Instagram picture last night? (@charlotteperrow)

 

Oops. I can't resist. I will be baking this weekend for sure.

 

 

- My life is about to get CrAzY between the holidays and work and planning!

- We got our first wedding gift! I have the best friends.

 

- Y'all all need to follow thedailytay.com. Taylor is flipping hilarious!

 

That's it. Brain is done for today.

 

Ta ta,

 

 

Chicago Tomorrow!

I loved Chicago at Christmas time last year. Unfortunately I had to go for work so I didn't get to shop around like I wanted.

December 10 is mine and Tyler's 2 year anniversary (last dating one before we are married!!), so we are going tomorrow for a quick trip! Today is one of his friends' and groomsman's birthday so we will get to celebrate with him too!

I have finished all of my Christmas shopping, so this will be just a fun trip! I hope the weather is nice and I don't freeze!

I can't wait to hang out on Michigan Avenue and have a fun weekend!

Where is your favorite place to go in Chicago? I'm mapping out my favorite spots, but I want your opinion!



source

 

Last year in Chicago

 

View from the John Hancock

On my list to hit shopping:

Norstrom Rack
Anthropologie
Nordstrom
Tory Burch
Crate & Barrel
Bloomingdales
Brooks Brothers
Cole Haan
Saks
F21


Where else to go!? Where to go eat!? Not that I need to buy ANYTHING, but it is still fun to go and "window shop" right??

Let me know!!!



 

Thursday Thoughts

I'm going to be honest. I really don't have much to blog about so this is going to be a random post!

 

Have you seen that Pinterest finally rolled out private boards today? I am so excited! I'm sick of having to save pictures on my desktop instead of putting them in a folder online! I want to keep a lot of my wedding info secretive so my wedding looks original and not overdone online! Read the article from the Today Show here.

 

Land's End is having a great sale that lasts until next week! It is great!! Thanks to Megan for filling me in!

 

 

 

This cold weather here is making me feel awful! I hate the cold, dry weather. My face fels gross and the barametric pressure is just a-killin' my head! My poor coworker has pneumonia, so I'm going to take her some soup at lunch!

 

I am SO glad the election is over. Now if everyone can calm down about Obama's re-elction. Some of us may not be happy about it, but what can we do? All the social media hatred needs to stop NOW!

 

I have gotten some of my sweet friends birthday gifts from Crystal's Boutique! Can't wait for them to receive them! November is the month of birthdays for a lot of my friends!

 

I need to start Christmas shopping! I just HATE the thought of buying things and then having to ship them home for Christmas, so I guess I will order everything online this year. Byebye bank account!

 

I've been kicking butt at work the past few weeks. Pretty proud of myself! Now if only I can get some commission checks to come in! :)

 

Did you see my fantastic buy last weekend? I found these boots at Target for $10.06! They were on sale after someone returned them from online! I was THRILLED!!

Well, that's all for now! Back to the blog tomorrow for #FridaysFancies. Happy Thursday!

 

 

15 Money Saving Tips!

I don't know who I am anymore. The old Charlotte hated shopping. This Charlotte as of lately has an addiction.

Lucikly, I have figured out some ways to cut a couple of dollas. I am NO expert, but I do love a good deal and a sale! I wish I was a couponer... Some day.. Right now I don't have the patience for it!

Let me teach you some of my little secrets.

1. Shop the outlets

I am so so lucky to have an outlet mall in my town here. I mainly go to Gap and Old Navy, and now J Crew since it is open! A lot of these places (esp J Crew) offer discounts if you have your student ID. Hello, still have mine, still use it, not a student. SHHHH. It works.. 15%! And I usually shop the sale and get more of a discount.



So happy this opened!

 

2. Pay $1, get 25%

 At Old Navy on Saturday, I paid $1 to go to breast cancer research in order to get 25% off of one item. With that, on top of 40% the entire outlet, I saved over $20!

3. Shop final sales

I know we all hate the million coupons that arrive in our inbox, but every now and then there are some good final sales!!

4. Groupon & Plum District & Living Social deals

Sign up for Groupon near you HERE, Living Social near you HERE, and  Plum District HERE. I bought a Groupon for a paint & pour for one of my friends for her birthday, I follow Living Social for getaway trips, and Megan introduced me to Plum District where she got a Erin Condren gift card for less!

5. One Kings Lane

This site has adorable home things and my bff Rebecca made the mistake of inviting me to join. Haven't bought anything yet BUT I know its only a matter of time when I figure out what Tyler and I want our first home to look like! You can find them HERE.

 

6. GroopDealz

I have no idea how I found this awesome site, but I have bought a ton from it! My mini bauble necklace was $9 and I bought 2 infinity scarves for like $18 total. That's a deal. I have gotten my coworker addicted and we squeal when we see a GroopDealz email pop up in our inbox!

7. RueLaLa

Again, haven't bought anything, but I'm sure you all have either bought something or seen it. I always want to buy something Lilly, but its usually out of my size! Get RueLaLa emails straight to your email!

8. Ebay.

I know its sooooo 2000, but I have found a few adorable things and Ebay offers the "Buy it Now" option! In a tough economy, people are selling things online!

9. Ebates

 

I have a friend who is always talking about how much money she saves on this website! I think you have to shop at certain stores online and you get coupons and maybe money back from it? Check it out!

 

10. Craiglist

 

Sketchy? Sometimes. Watch out for scams... But Tyler loves him some Craigslist! We have tried to sell a few things on there and we've bought things like a folding table for the garage. Craigslist is a great place to find old things that are still in good shape!

 

11. Shop Consignment Stores

 

My friend Virginia got me addicted. Every time I am in Champaign, I stop by my fav consignment store. Here, I have bought Tory Burch flats for $45, Tory Burch sandals for $30, the J Crew dress I wore last weekend for $40, and tons of other designer (and not designer clothes). Sometimes things still have tags on them!



Consignment find for next spring!

 

12. Sell on Amazon

 

So you can make money while you are spending your money! I recently started selling textbooks on Amazon. I know that Half.com does the same thing! It is annoying at some points, but I tell myself they are depositing $$ straight into my account when a book sells!

 

13. Shop stores with free shipping & free returns!

 

For example.. I splurged on a pair of flats late this summer at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They were $89 on sale. I bought them in a size 9.5 and they were a little snug. So I sent them back (free returns!) to get a 10. They were HUGE! I really wanted the shoes, so I got the 9.5 and realized they would stretch. So I will gladly pay $89 for on-sale designer flats that I went through 3 pairs of shoes for!

 

14. Sams & Costco

 

Did you know they have "designer" stuff? Yes they do. I have a pair of Steve Madden sandals and saw a pair of Kenneth Cole flats last week! All for about $20. Helloooo that is awesome. I know at Sams you pay $40 per year for the simple membership and by golly we save money on everything there! I also just bought some new yoga pants there last week!

15. Be smart!

I am an impulse buyer... I think I "need" something, but I really don't! I just want it. We live in such a "here and now" world.. I'm here at this store now and I don't want them to run out of my size for this $300 sweater, so I should get it now... Well, why don't you wait until it goes on sale and get it... Yes, the may not have your size, but if you have a good tailor who can do it cheaply, you still are saving some money!


So there you have it... My little tips on how I *try* to save money, especially shopping online! What did I miss? What sites should I know about? What are your tips?

Ta ta,

 

Hurry up 2pm!

Because I am leaving on a jet plane....

I'm going

HERE

 

 

 I get to see

HER

 

and

HER

 

 

Do some dress shopping

HERE

 

Go talk about

THIS

 

Hopefully eat
HERE

And how can I forget get picked up from the airport by

HER

 

Whoo hoo!

 

Here's to a weekend at HOME!!!!!!

 

Ta ta,

 

 

 

Weekend via Instagram

Hello there! Happy (eek) Monday!

I feel like my weekend was super busy, but it still felt long. Is that normal?

Anyways, here is a glimpse of my weekend via our favorite Instagram:

Went to the local county fair to watch The Henningsens... They write a lot of the music for The Band Perry including "You Lie" and "All Your Life." It was really neat! They are from the town inbetween where I live and work. They are a family band and the dad farms AND they have 10 kids! Wowza! It was really fun! Supposedly one of their singles is coming out in December, so be on the lookout for that.

I finally met Megan from Sky High Heels and Sweatpants Too! We have been talking for many, many months and we FINALLY met up this weekend and she helped me try on bridal gowns at her store. It was SO nice to have someone I "knew" helping me and not have the awkward conversation in the dressing room. We giggled a lot that our first encounter was minus clothes (me of course) as I tried on dress after dress.She is SO sweet and fun and I am thrilled we finally got to meet!!!  I found out what style looks best on me, yay!

I tried on some dresses...

I found these beauties for a whopping $45 at my favorite consignment store in Champaign. I always find lots of good J Crew things and I have found a pair of Tory flip flops before. This is the first time in my life I am happy that I wear a size 10! My other pair are a 9.5 and I think that's why they fall off of my feet because they are too small! Thank goodness for a big foot! :)

Bought a wedding planner. My roommate Audrey has the one on the right and I didn't get it at first and went with a Martha Stewart one. I got home and realized it wasn't as organized as this one AND I can make more lists in this one. If only we can set a date... Sore subject.. I will move on....

Working on my smoothie recipes.. This one was an avacado- berry- yogurt- almond milk concoction. Pretty good. Oh I also got up and went to the gym this morning. I feel awesome-- go me!

So, there you have it! Tons of errands and also getting Tyler's things together to move him next weekend. Very glad only one of us is moving, I couldn't handle packing up my things, too!

Have a great day!

Ta ta,