The Items You Should Never Buy On Amazon

The folks over at MarketWatch recently broke down all the worst items to buy on Amazon.com which I thought was really interesting. (See also: The Best Deals and Worst Buys on Amazon.com)

Here are a few bad buys at Amazon that caught my eye that I thought were worth mentioning.

1. Cleaning Products: Walmart wins practically every price comparison versus Amazon when it comes to products like Windex, Pledge, Lysol Wipes, and the like. The only exception that I found was on organic cleaning products as Amazon has some pretty good deals on those.
2. Clothes and Shoes: The discounts on apparel and shoes on Amazon fails miserably when compared to department stores. I agree on this one, especially when you start factoring in coupon codes that many online clothing retailers offer that can often get you 40-50% off the original price.
3. Home Goods: Home goods are often tricky to buy online because you can’t feel the quality, plus the prices on Amazon aren’t all the competitive. MarketWatch recommends shopping at stores like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls for the best deals.
4. Beauty Products: The bottom line here is to shop at your local drugstore or Walmart for the best deals on items like lipstick, eye shadow, mascara, and all makeup products for that matter. Amazon pricing tends to run 20-30% higher in most cases.

Have you also noticed bad pricing on these items at Amazon? If so, where do you typically find the best deals? Perhaps at Walmart or maybe at your local grocery store with coupons? Check out all of the tips by clicking on the Market Watch article below.

All The Hardware Stores That Price-Match Home Depot and Lowe’s

Technology is amazingly handy, especially when it comes to DIY YouTube videos that can help you with pretty much any job around the house. Another aspect that has changed the DIY landscape is the ability to use retailer’s price-match policies to ensure you get the lowest price on tools, hardware, and DIY supplies. Perhaps you’d rather shop at your local Ace, Menards, or True Value as they offer better customer service and are happy to avoid the cavernous aisles at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

If you fall into this category, you might as well get the lower Home Depot or Lowe’s price (if they have one). It’s with this in mind, that I present all of the hardware stores, or stores with a significant hardware aisle, that’ll happily price-match Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Ace Hardware

Most Ace Hardware stores are independently owned, and many absolutely will price match. Find out if the Ace in your area price matches Home Depot and Lowe’s be simply asking or do a quick Google search. If they do, they most likely follow these guidelines:

• If you find a lower price on an identical item, at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, just bring in their current ad and they’ll match their price.
• If HD or Lowe’s is offering a percent off discount, they’ll match the final net price the competitor is offering.
• Exclusions: Labor charges, closeouts, special orders, discontinued items, clearance, liquidation or damaged items.
• They will limit to reasonable consumer quantities. So don’t abuse it.

The takeaway here is to always inquire at your local Ace Hardware to determine if they offer a price match policy.

Home Hardware

With 19 retail locations spread across Canada, Home Hardware offers a Price Match Promise at all of there stores.

• Simply bring evidence of the lower price to any Home Hardware employee.
• They reserve the right to exclude significantly below cost competition loss leader pricing.
• Because lumber grading varies by location, they will not price match lower lumber grade quality from competitors.
• They also reserve the right to limit quantities to an amount reasonable for a residential homeowner.

Lamps Plus

When it comes to fans, lighting, chandeliers, and home decor, the folks at Lamps Plus will absolutely price match. Here’s what you need to know.

• The lower price must be advertised within 60 days of the date of your purchase.
• They’ll actually give you an additional discount of 20% of the price difference.
• Can’t be redeemed in conjunction with other coupons, discounts or promotions.

Menards

If you like to shop at Menards, and you’re NOT price matching Home Depot and Lowes, there is a great chance you’re overspending. Here’s what you need to know:

• You are not required to provide the local competitor’s ad for us to honor the price.
• Items purchased must be identical size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc.
• Menards reserves the right to limit price matches to reasonable quantities.
• Exclusions: Ads when the actual price cannot be determined, competitor ads from outside of the store’s local market, “going out of business” sales or “close out” prices.

Orchard Supply Hardware

Located in California and Oregon, Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) has long been a favorite of mine. Great selection of products, but more importantly, outstanding customer service. Here isthere price-match policy:

• Item at must identical and they reserve the right to limit quantities.
• Exclusions: Bonus or free offers, special offers, rebates, financing offers, clearance, and closeout items.
• OSH will not match Home Depot or Lowe’s pricing that result from a price match or online purchase.

Sears

While Sears carries many in-house tool brands like Craftsman, there is definitely some overlap with items carried by Home Depot and Lowe’s. And the good news is they’ll price match those items if the two warehouse giants carry them for less.

• If you have a Home Depot or Lowe’s in your local area, they’ll match their price either at time of purchase or within 14 days of purchase. Just bring in price evidence to any sales associate.
• The competitor’s price must be offered on the same date as the date of your purchase.
• The price match is only eligible on the day you make your purchase.

Amazon No Longer Offers 7-Day Price Protection (But Not All Hope Is Lost)

I come today bearing bad news for loyal Amazon shoppers. As of early May 2016, Amazon is no longer offering 7-day price protection on your purchases. Apparently this was never an “official” policy, and was offered as a one-time exception at the discretion of chat operators and customer service reps. But the fact of the matter is, they almost always gave you a price adjustment if an item you just purchased went down in price.

But unfortunately, no longer. With one exception that is…new TV’s. Amazon now gives you 30-day price protection on any TV purchase, just as long as the order is fulfilled by Amazon and not a 3rd party seller. Also, when it comes to TV’s, they’ll price match a long list of online retailers, they call it their TV Low Price Guarantee. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of this new policy when you can.

So….Now What? A Camel to the Rescue

But alas, all hope is not lost, you’re just going to have to change your Amazon shopping strategyslightly. Instead of requesting the price protection after the fact, you’re going to have to get good at buying when the item is at it’s lowest price. Here’s what I mean…

So if you shop regularly on Amazon, you’re aware that their prices change all the time, which was why it was nice to have “price protection” in your back pocket. But since you don’t any more, it’s become much more important to be sure you’re getting the lowest price at the time of your purchase.

The absolute best way to do this is to become proficient with the site CamelCamelCamel.com. This site “monitors millions of Amazon products and alerts you when prices drop, helping you decide when to buy.” It also allows you to view the price history of over 18 million Amazon products so you know just how low the price of a particular item should go and shop accordingly.

Will Amazon hear the backlash from shoppers and start offering price adjustments again? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, go create your free Camel account today, or download theirBrowser Add-On and start saving money by only buying when the price is right.

Happy savings.

11 Freaking Awesome Ways to Save Money at Walmart

Walmart is the 2nd biggest retailer in the known world. With that said, it constantly surprises me how many shoppers assume the Walmart price is the lowest thus there is no need to try and find clever hacks to save even more money. Well, I’m here to tell you that the low everyday price at Walmart is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving a buck or two. Here are 11 awesomely clever ways to maximize your savings at your local Wally World.

1. Crack the Walmart Price Tag Code

Did you know you can tell if a clearance item at Walmart is about to go even cheaper simply by looking at the price tag? According to an anonymous Walmart employee tip, here is what you need to know to crack the price tag code:

• Price ending with a 7 is typically the original price. Examples include $2.97 or $5.57. Know that you’re paying full price if you see a price ending in 7.
• Price ending with a 5 is the 1st markdown price. Examples include $3.25 or $19.95. This price is better than the above obviously, but not the cheapest the item may potentially go.
• Price ending with a 1 is the FINAL markdown price. Examples include $4.91 or $57.01. This is the holy grail at Walmart and is the cheapest price the item will go.

The key takeaway from this information is to check inventory levels and buy accordingly. If you find a product with an ending price of 5, and there is ample inventory on the shelf, it will probably be worth your while to wait and come back when it is even cheaper.

2. Look For Clearance Deals (Not in the Clearance Section)

So this tip is gonna sound a little counter-intuitive. Don’t go looking for the best clearance deals in the actual clearance section at Walmart, especially when shopping for consumer electronics. Instead, look down low in the glass cases/cabinets in your local Walmart’s electronics section.

I got this tip from a current Walmart employee who said, “Most marked down, high end electronics are held in cabinets near or under their respective items. Most reduced items are not displayed and rarely have price tags. Ask to see their clearance specifically in cases. At the change of major seasons many older model items will be switched out for newer ones.”

Turns out this is where they store excess inventory, and they also use the glass case as a theft deterrent. I personally have found big deals on Samsung tablets, GPS units, high-end external hard drives, and Bluetooth speakers. All of which were priced below Amazon.com. It should also be pointed out that not every Walmart is set up with the cases/cabinets in the electronics department but it’s always worth a look.

3. Find Screaming Refurbished Deals

A fantastic way to save money at Walmart, especially on electronics, is to buy refurbished items that still come with the manufacturer’s warranty. But how do you find these refurbished deals? It actually couldn’t be easier, yet most Walmart shoppers have no clue how to find them. All you have to do is simply type in “Refurbished” into the search bar on Walmart.com and you’ll instantly be connected to some amazing deals.

Right now you can find a refurbished HP laptop for $100 off, a Xbox One console for $40 off, and a 39″ Vizio LED HDTV for only $169.99. Pretty awesome savings.

4. Shop Early in the Morning

This is especially true for grocery meats according to CBS News. “Normally, by 8 a.m., the meat department has discounted their meat, and you can grab some great deals.” For the average Walmart shopper this means that by shopping early, you’ll get first dibs on the best deals.

5. Get FREE Money Back on Coupons

From the Walmart site, “If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied toward the basket purchase.” For example, if you use a coupon at Walmart for $2 off a box of Fruity Pebbles, and the cereal is on sale for $1.75, you’d actually get $0.25 back to be used on the balance of your purchase. Even Fred Flintstone would like that deal. BTW, in case you hadn’t guessed, I love me some Fruity Pebbles.

The Legitimate Reasons Why Some Shoppers Hate Costco

Most folks love to shop at Costco as it offers some great ways to save money if you know what you’re doing. (See: Costco Shopping Tips That’ll Save You Time and Money) But as with any store, some shoppers don’t like certain aspects of shopping in the warehouse. So when I stumbled upon a MarketWatch article talking about the reasons some folks hate shopping at Costco, it piqued my curiosity. Here are a few of the reasons why some shoppers hate Costco that I found the most interesting.

Oh…the Lines

According to Consumer Reports, the slow checkout process at Costco irks many shoppers. I actually think this one has gotten better in recent years as many smart Costco shoppers avoid the weekend if at all possible. Unless of course, they shop late in the afternoon on a Sunday during the NFL season when the warehouse is practically empty.

Only One Credit Card Option

Yeah, I kinda get this one. For a long time Costco had an exclusive deal with American Express. But as of June 20th, 2016, they switched over to Visa which has made a lot of shoppers happy, especially those who use their Visa card to collect airline miles. You can use the following forms of payment at Costco: Cash, personal check, debit/ATM cards, Costco cash cards, Costco Credit cards, EBT, and your Visa credit card.

Little Shopping Advice

Some shoppers that hate the warehouse dislike the lack of employees on the floor who can help them decide which bottle of wine to buy or which HDTV has the most bang for your buck. The good news is you can use your smartphone to find reviews on Amazon. CNET, or just do a generic Google search for the product name followed by the word “review” and you’re bound to find some useful info to help you with your buying decision.

Once It’s Gone, It’s Gone

If I had to pick the one thing about Costco that I dislike the most, this would probably be it. Not because I missed out on the sold-out Sam Adams Summer Brew, but because it creates a false sense of urgency in shoppers. Don’t buy something because it “may” be gone soon, but rather because you have an actual need for the item. Otherwise you’ll end up with 4 huge bottles of Jose Cuervo Grapefruit/Tangerine Margaritas that’ll you never drink. My wife fell in love with this drink a few summers ago and we stocked up BIG-TIME. Then she decided they gave her a sour stomach and now they sit lonely in our pantry.

No Shopping Bags

I’m cool with this one, especially since the boxes they use are actually easier for carrying heavy items. At my house, shopping bags just up in the recycle bin anyways.

Ask the Reader:  Would any of these reasons be enough to keep you from paying $55 for a Costco membership? (See also: The Best Costco Deals That’ll Easily Pay For Your Membership)

7 Reasons Some Shoppers Hate Costco  |  Market Watch

Wallets Now Optional at Many Walmart Locations

In seven states, you no longer need to bring along your wallet to shop at the local Walmart.

No, I’m not talking about becoming a shop-lift artist, I’m talking about using the Walmart Pay option. Walmart Pay allows you to upload your payment information directly into the Walmart app and simply use your smartphone to pay at checkout.

The seven southern states where this has become a reality include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Look for this to go national in the next 12 months.

Once you enter your credit card information into the app, all you have to do is open the Walmart app (iOS, Android), enter your PIN, and hold your phone over the code to scan. Done. Pick up your bags and leave. You’ll then get your e-receipt shortly via email.

Using your smartphone to complete purchases is not a brand spanking new technology. The trend started with Apple Pay and has since grown to individual retail chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.

But…buyer beware. Retailers know that the easier they make it for you to complete purchases, the more likely you’ll be to buy stuff you don’t necessarily need. Or worse yet, make it easy to forget what exactly you’ve purchased and how it affected your monthly budget. Molly Blakeman, a Walmart spokesperson, essentially reaffirmed this, “One day we hope that people don’t remember if they purchased something online or in a Walmart store because it’s so seamless.”

Ask the Reader:  Have you ever used your smartphone to make a purchase?

Frugal Hack #35: Amazon Rewards Visa Trick to Get More Points

If you have the Amazon Rewards Visa Card from Chase you’re already aware that you get 3% back on Amazon purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. But when it comes time to redeem your Amazon reward points, did you know that there’s a REALLY clever way to get even more points added to your account? A way that Amazon is hoping you never consider.

If you have the Amazon Rewards Visa Card from Chase you’re already aware that you get 3% back on Amazon purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. But when it comes time to redeem your Amazon reward points, did you know that there’s a REALLY clever way to get even more points added to your account? A way that Amazon is hoping you never consider.

Essentially, you’re given several options when it comes to redeeming your points. Many shoppers, if not most, will simply opt to use their points on an Amazon purchase which will reduce the price of the item they’re buying. We can probably chalk it up to instant gratification. Well, I’m here to tell you…DO NOT ever do this again. Instead, use the cash back option (or statement credit) every time, and earn more points in the process. Here’s a quick breakdown of why.

If you use your points towards an Amazon purchase, be aware that you won’t be getting all of the reward points possible. For example, if your points bring a $300 item down to $220, you’ll score 660 reward points on the purchase ($220 x 3). But if you cash out your points, or request a statement credit, then use your card to make the same $300 purchase, you’ll end up with 900 points instead of 660. ($300 x 3). Remember, you’ll get the same dollar amount whether you cash out or redeem points directly on an Amazon purchase, making this trick a total no-brainer.

So that ends up being 240 more reward points by simply changing how you redeem your points. If you’re a loyal Amazon shopper, the extra points by doing this little trick will add up quickly and can definitely be significant over the course of a few months.

Happy savings.

Costco Members Can Shop at Sam’s Club for FREE Through July 4th

our Costco Membership Card is now your free Sam’s Club Card at all locations through July 4th.”

Hats off to the marketing team at Sam’s Club for this brilliant move. In the wake of Costco switching over to Visa from American Express, it has many Costco members very unhappy for avariety of reasons and many are actually threatening to cancel their memberships.

Because of this negative backlash, Sam’s is trying to grab some new members away from Costco by offering free access to Sam’s Club through July 4th. But more importantly, they are pimping the fact that they accept ALL major credit cards. The one caveat with this offer is that it’s not available for shopping on the Sam’s Club website.

Sam’s broke the news on their Facebook page a couple of days ago and it has many shoppers excited to check out a Sam’s warehouse in person. (See also: 8 Ways to Shop at Sam’s Club Without a Membership)

Ask the Reader:  Do you plan on checking out Sam’s Club for free this week?

Starbucks Secret Menu to Help You Save Money (Well, Not Really, It’s Just Fun)

So, no, the picture below is not of the secret Air Frappuccino beverage from the Starbucks secret menu. It’s the only picture of a Starbucks cup that I could take as I’m guilty of downing an icy treat earlier today and this is all I was left with. Hey, it’s suppose to be 105 degrees in my neck of the woods today, what’s a guy to do?

Anyways, in the wake of my popular article on the In-N-Out Burger Secret Menu, I thought it would be fun to keep it going and do the painstakingly delicious research to come up with the Starbucks secret menu. Items that you won’t find on the regular menu but have become popular enough that most baristas know how to make them anyways. I have included the ingredients (to the best of my knowledge) in case you have to tell them how to make it. (See also: Starbucks Menu Hacks Guaranteed To Save You Money)

Have fun with it and I hope you find your new favorite drink from my secret menu. Below is the secret menu at Starbucks, use it wisely young Padawan (in alphabetical order):

Here is the Secret Starbucks Menu:

1. Apple Pie Frappuccino: If you like caramel apples you’ll love this one. Must barista’s know how to make it. But if not, it’s cream to the first fill line, appe juice to the 2nd, 2 pumps caramel syrup, 2 pumps cinamon dolce syrup. Then just add ice and blend that bad boy.
2. Cotton Candy Frappuccino: This is simply a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with a pump of raspberry syrup blended into it. 1.5 pumps for a grande and 2 pumps for a venti.
3. Green Drink: While this thing looks like a kale smoothie, it’s actually made with black iced tea, then you add coconut milk and matcha powder.
4. Nutter Butter Frappuccino: I have a major weakness for Nutter Butters, as in I could eat an entire package in about 10 minutes.
5. Oreo Frappuccino: If they don’t know it by name, just ask for a Double Chocolate Chip Frap with white chocolate mocha (instead of the regular mocha syrup).
6. Orange Drink: This thing looks pretty tasty. Apparently you order it by asking for orange/mango juice, add vanilla powder, and coconut milk. Kinda sounds like an Orange Julius if you ask me.
7. Pink Drink: This one is quite popular on Instagram right now. It’s simply a Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk.
8. Purple Drink: Not a very original name for the quite mysterious drink. When you order the “Purple Drink”, you’ll get passion iced tea (with coconut or soy milk), vanilla syrup, topped with fresh blackberries.
9. S’Mores Frappuccino: Order this sucker and you’ll get a Java Chip Frappuccino along with toffee nut syrup, cinnamon dolce syrup, and whipped cream with cinnamon dolce sprinkles. Um…yes please.
10. Snickers Frappuccino: This is a Java Chip Frap with toffee nut syrup, whip cream on top drizzled with mocha drizzle. The syrup is typically 3 pumps for venti, 2 for grande, and 1 for a tall.
11. Spiced Apple Chai: Ordered hot or cold, it’s basically a chai infused in apple juice. I’ve never ordered it but apparently it tastes like spiced apple cider. Don’t they already have a caramel apple spice drink though?
12. Thin Mint Frappuccino: If you dig the famous Girl Scout cookie, you’ll love this one too. It’s basically a Tazo Green Tea Frap with 2 pumps of chocolate syrup, 1 pump of peppermint syrup, then throw in some java chips and honey.
13. Undertow: Need a quick caffeine fix? Order a Caffe Misto, add a pump of chocolate and hazelnut syrup, then add milk and 2 shots of espresso. Boom.

Ask the Reader: More drinks to come as I discover them. Any items of the Starbucks Secret Menu that I might be missing? Let me know in the comments section.

10 Spring Pieces You’ll Live in All Season Long From Alfani

Come spring, our social calendars are more jam-packed than ever. There are weekend getaways, lunch meetings, business trips, outdoor weddings — and the list goes on. Which is why we need a wardrobe that works. For women on the go, that means clothes that are equally functional and chic, that can take us from desk to dinner and everywhere in between. Check the slideshow above for 10 spring must-haves from Alfani, available only at Macy’s and macys.com.
When it comes to Fashion Week in places like New York, London, Milan and Paris, they’re usually ahead of the curve by shining a light on fashions for the following season, forcing us to pine for a shift in temperature to put the trends we see up on the runway into practice. That’s not the case with Miami Swim Week, however. The annual swimsuit mecca showcases swimwear right in the middle of summer and while we may have to wait a while for the actual styles to hit stores, we can emulate what’s presented by incorporating prevalent themes into our beach wardrobe tout de suite. With that in mind, we paid close attention to the top trends from all the presentations to give you a leg up poolside. From flirty tassels to sleek cut-outs, check out the nine swimwear trends you can rock right away.

5 Classic Prints That Are Always in Style

The latest Fashion Week runways featured clothing sprinkled with original graphic patterns, running the gamut from stubbed-out cigarette butts and marijuana leaves to surrealist faces and pineapples. But no matter how innovative designers like to get, there are certain classic prints they turn to season after season: stripes, florals, plaid, animal prints and polka dots. 

We’re positive that these classic prints will never go out of style, but we’re also excited about the inventive ways that designers are incorporating them and the fresh flavors each season’s new permutations bring. “Classic” can sometimes get mistakenly lumped in with “boring,” but one look at how these patterns are being worn on the runways, in street style and on fashion insiders is enough to assure you that timeless prints belong in a modern wardrobe. 

Summer is all about showing a whole lot of leg, whether it’s via a pair of barely-there cutoffs or a super short miniskirt. But this season, leaving a little to the imagination has become its own kind of trend thanks to the sheer array of maxi skirts on the scene. We’re talking your typical floral print incarnations fit for the inner hippie in all of us, date night versions guaranteed to make an impression and ones straight off the Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 runways. And for those of us who still want to discreetly flash our pins, several of these skirts feature strategic slits and sheer inserts. The best part of embracing the maxi skirt this summer? The surprisingly versatile piece will carry you straight into fall. Take a look at our picks for best maxi skirts in the slideshow above.

It’s Official: Lace-Up Sandals Are the Hottest Shoes of the Season

Hands down, the most popular shoe style of the season is lace-up sandals. And we’ve got the numbers to prove it: On Pinterest, pins featuring the shoe style have jumped 90 percent since September 2015. They’ve replaced single-strap and ankle-strap sandals as the shoe style du jour.

VALENTINO SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Why are they in such demand, you ask? Lace-up sandals manage to be both delicate and tough, mixing an uptown feminine polish with downtown edge.

BALMAIN SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

They famously popped up on the Balmain Spring 2016 runway and brands like Valentino and Marissa Webb delivered their own unique take on the lace-up style.

MARISSA WEBB SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Retailers are getting in on the style with brands like Stuart Weitzman, Nine West and even Kendall + Kylie churning out shoes fit to be tied. Trust us, you’ll want a pair of lace-up shoes in your arsenal before summer starts. Shop some of our favorites below.

Bold Printed Bikinis Are the Coachella Trend We’re Keeping

In the realm of Coachella trends, we’re happy to leave crochet and headbands to die in the desert (chokers and shoulder-baring tops, you may proceed). Another pool party style we’ll be carrying into summer 2016 is the bold printed bikini. Kylie Jenner’s standoutDiscount Universe look set a new wave in motion (and we’re not referring to theunfounded accusations of fashion plagiarism). Though three runway/festival/off-duty sightings usually mark a trend, when King Kylie does it, you can strike that number down to one. (After all, she is now a bona fide swimwear designer.) 

Subtle surf sets had their time. This season try out a bold, unabashed swimsuit that draws attention to your assets and your eye for detail. With a myriad of patterns and materials to choose from, these carefully coordinated pieces allow you to express your personality as you soak in the sun (through your SPF). Shop some of our favorites below. 

I learnt most of my networking skills at a young age, as I started my first business at 18 and always loved meeting new people and going to events.

Looking back at all the jobs I’ve had, I can honestly say most of them have come from networking. Some people master networking easily, but for those who find it a little awkward and find themselves unsure of what to do, here are some of my tips for you.

Set achievable goals for the event.

Keep in mind you’re not going to be able to meet everyone, so create a shortlist of the main people you want to connect with. If you have a small hit list of who you’ll gain the most from meeting, you’ll more likely walk away from the event feeling fulfilled.

Research those people you are wanting to meet.

They will be far more inclined to continue the conversation with you and will be hopefully impressed if you comment on something recent they have done. I’m not saying go through their garbage, but a quick Google or a scan of their socials will prepare you for a better introduction.

Tasteful Nudes: 21 Neutral Looks Done Right

Nude looks are shaping up to be a perennial crowd-pleaser. Vogue U.K. declared “tawny, sun-kissed beige” summer’s chicest shade almost a year ago and the movement has only gathered momentum since, merging with contemporary trends like the slip dress and the exaggerated silhouette, and widening to encompass darker tans, earthy neutrals and taupes (because not everyone’s birthday suit is beige, duh). Celebrity stylists, including Monica Rose, have played a hand in developing the fad as have recent off-white to sandy sightings on the runways of Maison Margiela, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent and more. Footwear authority Christian Louboutin recently released a spectrum of nude flats— seven total, “suited to any skin tone, from porcelain to deep chocolate.” Keep things fresh by swapping your strappy sandals for one of the inclusive, relaxed ballet styles.

Flesh-toned hues are as easy to master as wearing nothing at all with the added allure of somehow appearing at once suggestive, polished, chic and impossibly laid-back. The trick is to keep your palette one shade darker or lighter than your ideal bronzed summer tone and have fun playing with textures. Tap into your imagination while leaving something to the imagination, if you get our drift.

Still neutral on the subject? Click through the slideshow above to feast your eyes on some seriously inspiring, tasteful nudes.

Forget Crop Tops: Off-the-Shoulder Tops Are the Freshest Silhouette to Wear

The crop top has been the go-to style for a few summers now. It now has some competition, however, courtesy of the off-the-shoulder top. The look started appearing on street style stars at Fashion Week and we saw it again at Coachella.

IMAGE: IMAXTREE

We’ve gotten into the habit of choosing midriff-baring tops and haven’t really thought about much else. (Guilty.) There are other body parts to show off besides a sliver of stomach, though. It’s time to make these other areas the focus and the shoulders are a great place to start. Showing a bit of shoulder is actually very sexy. It’s not as overt as showing off your chest or back. Note that if you’re still partial to your crop tops, you can choose a cropped off-the-shoulder top. Win, win.

IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Off-the-shoulder tops are also versatile. Go for a romantic look with a frilled style or try a button-down silhouette for a crisp look. Pair your off-the-shoulder top with lace-up sandals and a maxi skirt for day and skinny jeans and mules for a night out. An off-the-shoulder top is also the perfect canvas. It draws attention upward to your décolletage and face. You can pair the top with a statement necklace or shoulder-grazing earrings. Beauty girls can skip the jewelry and try a bold metallic lipstick.

IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Are you opening up to the idea of trying something other than a crop top yet? Shop some of our favorite off-the-shoulder blouses below.

43 Times Stars Embraced the 70s Fashion Revival Trend

The style world is officially having a 70s fashion revival. But how will all the fringe, floppy hats, flares and fur translate to the real world without making everyone look like guests at a throwback costume party? Just ask sartorial celebs like Florence Welch, Dree Hemingway, Olivia Palermo, Vanessa Hudgens and Alexa Chung. They’ve fully embraced the movement, from staples like bell-bottom denim to details like skinny scarves. As these stars show, the look is less about being historically accurate and more about taking our favorite 70s fashion elements and mixing in a few modern tweaks to make them feel current. Take a look at how these trendsetters are reliving the disco era.

Celebs can be pretty fickle, especially when it comes to fashion. (Granted, that’s not exactly breaking news or anything.) So we were slightly surprised at how many stars have been favoring bodysuits for the better part of a year now. Sure, you can simply just repurpose your swimsuit for dry land, but the new batch of bodysuits are designed to be seen. No longer just your basic old-school varieties with little adornment or fanfare, we’re talking designer offerings complete with lace-up detailing and plunging necklines. It’s pretty amazing since sometimes you can’t even tell they’re bodysuits, which is probably why we’ve grown accustomed to (sometimes) spotting them both on and off the red carpet. See how to wear bodysuits like a celebrity in the slideshow above.

White Shirts and Spaghetti Straps Are This Season’s It Couple

IMAGE: GETTY/GVK/BAUER-GRIFFIN/CONTRIBUTOR

Nineties fashion has been trending for some time now. There’s something about the era that taps into a special place in our sartorial souls. Maybe it’s the memory of the economic boom that actually got people shopping. Perhaps it’s the surfeit of now-iconic ads featuring (uncontested) supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Stephanie Seymour. Whatever the case may be, we have been referencing Cher Horowitz’s incredible closet for some time now — the latest and greatest instance being the spaghetti-straps-over-white-tee look. 

We should mention that we’ve updated the combo slightly. The lingerie trend and 90s fashion trend have now become one (but were they ever separate, really?). Pull a Kendall Jenner and upcycle your skimpy festival look by reversing the standard layering order of your bra and T-shirt. The model paired her lust-worthy Anine Bing lace bralette with a white tee, Citizens of Humanity jeans, a tapestry jacket and black boots to create a chic ensemble miles away from her nearly nude Coachella outfit. It’s all about increasing the opportunities we have to wear our favorite pieces, especially those usually relegated to sleepwear.

8 Denim Trends You Could DIY Yourself…or Just Shop Here

In May, Gucci launched its DIY service, which offers customizable men’s tailoring, unisex jackets and shoes for guys and gals alike. The whimsical embellishment options are evidence of trailblazing Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s wish to show his clientele that “the way you dress is an expression of your personality, and that men and women should feel genuinely free to enjoy self-expression.”

According to a 2013 report from consulting firm Bain & Company, DIY-able offerings speak to fickle millennial minds. “As a growing consumer force, young shoppers demand more individualized products than their older counterparts—they’re not a one-size-fits-all generation.” To both Michele and Bain & Company, we say — duh.

MARC JACOBS SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Gucci is far from the only fashion house that has tapped into our need for unique touches. The Marc Jacobs Spring 2016 collection was bursting with crafty patches. Vetements’ updated vintage jeans flew off the shelves thanks to subtle yet innovative angled hems and reworked pocket designs. Yes, we want our 90s minimalism — but we want an edited version. Give us an asymmetrical hem or an inventive cut-out over standard Seinfeld fare any day.

VETEMENTS SPRING 2016; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Now, for those blessed with that elusive DIY gene, more power to you. This season’s various arts-and-crafts-inspired denim trends are just begging to be reproduced at home (for a fraction of the cost). For those of you who just know you’ll rue the day you dared to wield that seam-shearing X-Acto knife yourself, however, we’ve taken out the guesswork/handiwork. Click through the slideshow below for standouts from each DIY denim category and, for the more intrepid, tips on how to personalize your own wardrobe.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR A RAINY SUMMER

So, it’s finally summer – but here in the UK, you wouldn’t necessarily know it, would you? If, like me, you’ve been dreaming of sundresses and sandals for as long as you can remember, it can be a bit of a blow to keep waking up to grey skies and pouring rain, so here are some wardrobe essentials to make summer dressing fun – even when it’s raining…

// THE BLUSH TRENCH

I know, so predictable, right? I feel like a trench coat is my answer to everything right now, but that’s because… well, a great trench coat really IS the answer to just about everything, as far as I’m concerned. They smarten up a pair of jeans, work with both dresses and trousers, and look effortlessly chic, no matter what. If you’re bored with the standard beige, the good news is that today’s trenchcoats come in a range of different colours and styles: I’m loving this blush pink trench from ASOS, and I also like the waterfall-style duster jackets that are around at the moment, and which provide a bit of a twist on the look.

// THE CIGARETTE PANTS

When it’s too chilly for bare legs, but you can’t face the thought of having to break out the woolly tights in July, cigarette pants are the perfect solution. Again, these can look smart or casual, as required, and the ankle-length cut means they’re not as hot and stuffy to wear as something like jeans, for instance. I love this white pin-spot pair by Topshop, which are summery, without leaving you shivering.

// THE FUN UMBRELLA

Obvious tip is obvious, I know, but you really can’t get through a UK summer without an umbrella, can you?

// THE PATENT PUMPS

I’d love to be wearing sandals right now, but I’m not a fan of wet toes, so it’s probably best to keep them covered as much as possible. With that said, I don’t really feel like wearing boots or wellies all summer, either, so patent pumps are my go-to for a damp summer. No, they’re not going to protect your feet as well as rain boots would, and if it’s really pouring down, they might not be the greatest solution, but patent uppers don’t tend to get soggy, like leather or suede does, and they don’t get as easily ruined by water, either. So if you want to retain some of your usual style when it’s wet, they can be a good – if not perfect – solution.

FIVE ON FRIDAY | DRESS LOVE

I don’t know about you, but now that the weekend is almost here, I’m planning to kick back, relax, and… well, clean my house and watch Netflix, basically. So, just like every other weekend, then. I know for those of you in the US it’s the start of a holiday weekend, though, so I hope you have a good one: if you’re stuck here with the UK’s awful weather, however, here are some pretty dresses to cheer you up…

OASIS DIGITAL ORGANZA MIDI DRESS

My Oasis obsession is still going strong, and this dress is just so pretty, with it’s organza skirt and pale pink bodice: perfect for a summer wedding!

MISS SELFRIDGE PETITES STRIPE MIDI SKIRT

Miss Selfridge has one of the best petites section on the UK high street, and that’s where I found this stripe midi skirt and matching bardot top: such a cute combination! Here’s hoping they release this one as part of their regular range, too!

PRETTY KITTY GREEN FLORAL MIDI DRESS

Pretty Kitty isn’t a brand I’ve come across before, but having had a good look at their website, I think I can confidently say I’ll be featuring them again! This green floral print dress is exactly my style, and I’m finding it really hard to resist the temptation of just buying it! Speaking of green dresses…

TOPSHOP GREEN WRAP DRESS

Wrap dresses aren’t usually my style: not because I don’t like them, but because the wrap necklines always end up looking indecent on me, thanks to my awkwardly placed boobs! (At least, I’m assuming that’s why: I’m as flat as a pancake, but I STILL manage to almost expose myself in any kind of V-neckline: fun times!) The bright green colour of this one has changed my mind, though, and the reviews say the neckline is actually stitched together (so no need to worry about it suddenly gaping open!), which makes me think it could be worth a try, at least! And speaking of wrap dresses…