Achieve a Healthy Black Friday in Just Three Steps!

A long day (or perhaps morning) of scurrying to pick up pencil skirts, or running to scoop up a belt that no one noticed has landed on the floor can lead to lots of panting, bodily exhaustion, and maybe even a bruise or two. Every day this week there has been a new segment, particularly on the news, about how to shop safely this Friday. But CL has a few rules to help you fashionable co-eds to stay healthy this Friday.

1. Sleep is for champion shoppers: Stores open at 12 AM on Black Friday, so catching some early Z’s will ensure that you’ll be awake enough to catch those fabulous deals. A fully awake mind and body will match those running sneakers that you should throw on for this shopping holiday–comfy feet equals efficient shopping! Also, cashiers and sales associates have to look at people all day, so make your bright and well-rested face one that they may remember!

2. H₂0 should be your bestie: Proper hydration is important every day (but you CL readers already knew that). After hours of constantly hopping from sale rack to sale rack, and store to store you will sweat and potentially dehydrate. Don’t forget to pack  a water bottle, whether it’s plastic and store bought, or a canteen from home. Their are so many cute water bottles being sold that no classy co-ed should do without one.

3. Drop the stiletto, and take a break: Even the most seasoned of shoppers have to put their marathon of spending on hold. In between purchasing new items for your dorm or apartment, searching for the perfect sweater for your mother, and checking out the tech aisle for your brother, designate a time to sit down and relax. Sales will be going on all day, there’s no need to rush fashion!

 

 

You have to answer when duty calls, and that duty for this week is called Black Friday. Check out Megan S.’s article about Black Friday survival tips for more information. Happy shopping!

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

CL goes to the Shopaholic event at Puerto Rico

On November 20 in San Juan, Puerto Rico there was the Shopaholic Black Sunday Edition in the Puerto Rico Convention Center. I bought a ticket, I went, I shopped, and I put together a list a Pros and Cons for this type of events.

Want to know if they are worth it?   Let’s start with the bad news:

Cons

• Patience, patience, patience; and buckets of it.  There are a lot of people in a tight space, you have to be willing to wait your turn, say excuse me many times and maybe be pushed and shoved around.
• Trying on clothes: you have to be prepared to try on clothes behind a curtain in close quarters.
• May lose some money: You pay less than $10 for a ticket for something that you don’t know what to expect. You have to take the risk of going there, not liking anything and losing time and $5-$10.
• No place for guys: At least this year they had no men clothing only some watches and t-shirts but not a lot to choose from.
• Last season: It is also evident that most of the items sold at these events are the ones that are on sale because most of them are their summer inventory that they are trying to get rid of.

Now to what we liked:

Pros

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize: It is a good place for buying accessories, because you don’t have to try them on. This was the only thing that I actually bought. Some hand made accessories: a necklace and some bracelets for Christmas gifts. I was able to find a great family owned online shop. http://creacionesmichelle.com/

They were all very sweet and I was able to find cute and simple hand-made accessories. They ship to Puerto Rico and the US.

• Be different: Because they are all boutiques you can find something different that you are not going to find in a department store. They had pretty cocktail dresses good for a holiday party and you don’t have to worry about finding someone else with your same outfit.
• Easy way to compare prices, just walk to the next booth.
• Everything is less than $50
• You can notice some trends: I saw many tribal and Hindu inspired prints and shapes.
• Great way to find cheap vintage clothing.
• Find a new favorite store: a great way to meet boutiques all in one place you wouldn’t have known otherwise.
• Helping others:  a team of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society had a table at the event selling chocolate lollipops, pins, bracelets and more to raise money for blood cancer research. A little boy and his mom were raising money for this amazing cause. If you want to learn more about leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life of patients and their families go to http://www.lls.org/#/ Also, if you want to donate and help this family in their goal of raising $3,100 please visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/sfl/wdw12/nboscio

 

 

Monica Perez is  a senior at the University of Puerto Rico majoring in Communications Public Relations and Advertising. She loves chocolate, animals, traveling, art, books, fashion and her family.

CL’s Top Ten Things to Do Before Summer Ends!

August is right around the corner, which means it is almost time to go back to school. Some of you classy co-eds are super excited to be headed back to your university to reunite with friends and college life. Others are dreading heading back to exams and all-nighters. Either way, you should definitely be enjoying your last few weeks of summer! Read on for CL’s top ten fun things to do before heading back to school.

1. Go to a landmark/site unique to the place you’re at for the summer. Take advantage of wherever you are by going to a museum, park or restaurant that’s only in your city.

2. Shop around for a first-weekend outfit. You know how you used to have a first-day-of-school outfit? Well, in college that equates to a first-weekend outfit. Remember to pick something classy that shows off your summer tan!

3. Plan a final “hurrah” weekend trip with your friends! Pick somewhere not too far away, and take a little trip before you start getting bogged down with back-t0-school packing.

4. Get some cute dorm gear. Be sure to check out Room It Up and Dorm Smart for your dorm and apartment shopping.

5. Start the school year fresh with a haircut. This will save you the challenge of finding a salon near your university.

6. Spend at least one day at the pool, the lake or the beach. (Do all three if possible!) Do I really need to explain why spending the day in the water and the sun is a fabulous idea?

7. Go on a “date” with people you won’t be seeing during the school year. Whether it’s your internship buddies or your high school best friend who goes to a different college, try to squeeze in a goodbye dinner before you part ways.

8. If you’re home, make sure to have at least one family meal before you leave. You’re going to be gone for a while, so the least you can do is commit to a couple of hours of quality family time.

9. Grab an ice cream cone, and eat it outside. Ice cream in the summertime is just a little bit better! (I am a huge sucker for chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.)

10. Learn how to change a tire. A lot of us drive a long ways to get to school. If I ever got a flat tire, I would call my parents or a close guy friend, whoever was closest. Not very independent of me! I have vowed to learn how to change one before I leave for school. This CL article is a great resource on learning how to change a tire.

Carli Christain is a junior at Kansas State University majoring in Spanish and taking pre-pharmacy requirements with the intent of going to pharmacy school. She absolutely cannot wait to get back to school but loves summertime!

Classy Co-Ed’s Guide to Wearing Fabulous Shoes

I confess that I have far more pairs of shoes than are really necessary for any college girl, but that also makes me an expert on picking, wearing, walking in, and looking absolutely stunning in every kind of shoes imaginable.

The First Step: Picking Your Perfect Shoe

In the Store:

1. Don’t let really good sales trick you into buying shoes that are not the right size.- No matter how gorgeous they are (I’m looking at you red and cream Steve Madden mary janes), they will sit at the back of your closet unworn forever.

2. Know your limitations.- Not everyone can walk or even stand properly in five in five-inch platforms and if you know you never wear heels under three-inches high (like myself, I have a short-girl complex), don’t be tempted by kitten heels you’ll only wear once.

3. Do go for colors, patterns, and fun details.- Shoes are an easy, classy, and almost risk-free way to jazz up a humdrum outfit, check out the latest Jeffrey Campbell shoes!  Every girl has a dozen neutral outfits that could benefit from a great pair of statement heels.

4. Invest in a pair of nude heels (as high as you can gracefully walk in).- Every girl can use the huge confidence boost that comes from knowing her legs look mile-long, and that is exactly the effect of a great nude shoe. Plus, they’re effortlessly classy and look great with so many different outfits.

5. Do let a salesperson size your feet.- They can help you make sure you’ll find the best fit and, thus, the most comfortable shoes for your feet, and they almost always have great recommendation for products that help make wearing heels even more comfortable.

In your Closet:

1. Consider your outfit and your audience.- While I love a great pair of suede shoes, they are not the best choice for rowdy parties (no one wants a spill to ruin great shoes). Also, a job interview or brunch with your grandparents might not be the place for sexy cage heels or anything Lady Gaga-esque or studded.

2. Always break in new shoes before wearing them to a big event.- It sounds weird, but go for a decent length walk in your new heels to scuff the slick bottoms and to find any spots that might need cushioning before you wear them out.

The Next Step: Walking

1. Use your muscles for balance.- Since your normal weight distribution is off, you’ll need to use your calves and core to keep yourself balanced. Try taking a few steps with your eyes closed and focus on feeling your muscles keeping you upright.

2. Take longer steps.- If you actually had longer legs, you would take longer strides, so since heels elongate your legs, stretch them out and walk naturally.

3. Maintain good posture.- Keep your spine straight and your head up. Never watch your feet, even if you’re concerned about wobbling in your heels.

4. Be confident!- Even if you’re unsure, looking confident will make your walk ten times better. You know what they say, “Fake it until you make it”.

*A note on fabulous flats: I know that I don’t say much about flats here, but that’s because, for me, flats have always been far more uncomfortable than high heels so I almost never wear them and have very little insight on how to make them less heinously cruel to feet (unless we’re talking about sneakers, Sperry’s, Uggs, or other flat boots, but I figured rocking those fabulous everyday shoes was a no-brainer for you lovely ladies!) If you’d like any more shoe related tips or tricks or you have a tip or trick of your own, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Kat McClain is a College Lifestyles intern who loves shoes (probably too much!), dressy outfits, stripes, plaid, and all things preppy. She is looking forward to Spring Break, her summer trip to Cancun with her one of her best friends, the birth of her first godchild, and moving into (and decorating!) her first apartment this summer!

Spring Break Must-Haves Via CL

It’s cold, wet and yucky outside and the weather forecast isn’t looking too good. The groundhog may not have seen his shadow this year but this coed is done with winter. You’ve been feeling weak and your temperature is off the charts. Uh oh Doc, look like we have a case of SPRING FEVER! With spring break just around the corner, no wonder you can’t think of anything else. Here are a few tips on the necessary items you need to make your trip awesome. 

Sunscreen: This is the most important thing you will need. Sunburns are the quickest thing to put a damper on your vacation. Your face is more sensitive than other parts of your body so use a moisturizer with a higher SPF.

                                                                                                             

Comfortable Shoes: Whether you are sight seeing in an amazing city or riding a ferris wheel at the boardwalk you can be sure there will be some walking involved. Comfortable shoes are a must. Flats are comfy, affordable and cute!

                                                                                                                     

Sunglasses: These are a great way to look stylish and to prevent the sun from disrupting your nap on the beach. Just beware the raccoon eyes you may have when you wake up!

                                                                                                                     

Swimsuit: For those of you that are going to experience warm climates while on vacation, a swimsuit is probably the most important item in your suitcase. From stylish monokinis to bright colored bikinis, there is something out there for everyone.

                                                                                                                  

Oversized Tote: Big tote bags are perfect for carrying beach essentials and even a sweater for chilly nights. They are fashionable and cheap!                                                                  

Light Jacket: Even the warmest places get a little brisk at night. Be prepared by bringing a light jacket or zip up hoodie.                                                                                                   

Umbrella: The last thing you want to think about is rain. But it can happen. If you carry a small one in your tote bag you’ll be glad you did!                                                                      

Now that all of the essentials are taken care of you are ready to have the exciting vacay that every classy co-ed deserves!

Melissa Cofield is a journalism student at MSU. She loves shopping reading and is easily found in the bookstore or at the mall.

Rocking Reds and Greens this Holiday Season

The holidays are here and it’s time for fashion cheer!  As red and green are commonly considered two theme colors for the month be sure to incorporate them into your winter wardrobe.

Women’s Short Wool-Blend Coat – A must-have for every classy co-ed, this coat can be purchased at Old Navy for $69.50.  I own one quite similar to this and have already gotten much use out of it now that cold weather has arrived.  Red will give you both a cute and sophisticated look and will be a perfect way to show your love for the holiday season.

Satin Bubble Dress – I was pleasantly surprised by all of the dresses I fell in love with from Charlotte Russe.  This bubble dress is a staple item for holiday parties.  While many tend to model black or metallic dresses during the holiday season, make an expression of your individuality in this gorgeous green for only $39.50.

Popcorn Knit Scarf – An ideal way to stay warm and fashionable simultaneously, this scarf can be purchased at Gap for $24.50.  Match it with a cream or black knit sweater and your outfit is ready to be shown off.

Women’s Beaded Button-Front Cardigan – Jewels and a sweater all in one?  It does exist in Old Navy‘s $32.50 seasonal cardigan.  Being such a versatile piece it is highly likely that this will be hanging in my own closet before the season ends.

Womens Thermal Pajama Pant – You may have heard it said before, “always wear cute pajamas to bed… you never know who you’ll meet in your dreams!”  Hold on to this saying and purchase this cozy pair of holiday pajama pants found at Target for only $12.99.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Need an excuse to wear your new buys?  Read Alyssa’s “Ideas for Planning a Classy Holiday Party.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Fun holiday fashion is one of her favorite ways to bring in holiday cheer.

Master Black Friday With CL Class!

Black Friday is one of the most frustrating and exciting “holidays” of the year, at the same time!  While price drops have us drooling (especially low-income college students!), the long lines, people who push in line, snag items before others, steal parking spots relentlessly, and more have us wondering if it was even worth getting up at 5 am or earlier.

However, you can get the most out of Black Friday by just following a few simple tips to make the whole experience smoother sailing.  And remember…nobody likes someone who acts rudely on Black Friday for the sake of a sale!

PARKING

If you think you’re going to get a parking spot on Black Friday without the help of a handicapped sticker, you might want to think again.  I have circled parking lots, just like the cars in front of you will, like a shark for about 20 mins before finding the very last spot in the parking lot.  That’s Option A.  However, try skipping straight to Options B and C! — find a nearby parking lot of an establishment where it will be legal for you to park and walk from there, or have a “designated driver” that can drop you off and pick you back up when you call.

Navigating the Store

1. You may think I’m kidding, but I’m completely not – have yourself a little “rehearsal” for Black Friday where you consider the areas of the store you’ll want to shop in, or where the advertised big BF specials will be located, and find those spots!  That way when you enter the store amidst the 500 other shoppers in the store, you won’t waste any of your time trying to find what you want the most.
2. If you’re going with friends or family, which is more than likely, split up!  Finding each other is what cell phones are for   If you have a specific list of what you plan on purchasing or are considering purchasing, decide who is going for what and split up so getting what you want and getting out of there is that much easier!
3. Don’t waste your time with trips to the bathroom — make sure you go before you shop!  Finding them and then waiting 40+ minutes in line just to relieve yourself is something you’re really going to want to avoid!

Plan Your Route

Do your research!  By looking at all the store ads for Black Friday that you think you might visit, you can find out:

A) the time each store opens, so you’ll know the order in which you’re planning the “attack”

B) which items you want most so you can hit those up first

C) which stores have THE BEST “early bird” specials — you seriously never know what free stuff might come your way with these!

The Etiquette of Black Friday

Black Friday can be one of the most etiquette-free days of the year when it comes to people getting what they want, and doing whatever they need to in order to get it for the best price.  People camp out overnight for great sales, wait in line for hours, and literally run in the doors at some places.  Almost every year, there are even Black Friday related deaths from trampling or other acts of carelessness.  The best kind of shopper to be is patient, kind to those around, mentally prepared to be disappointed at times, and always thankful for what one is able to purchase and what one already has.

Think You’re Ready??

Check out this link for some of the best places to look first for Black Friday specials:

Black Friday

My poor boyfriend actually asked if he could come Black Friday shopping with me this year, as he has never been before.  I told him I’d be more than happy to take him along for the ride — he’ll be soon enough surprised   And with these tips, we’ll be prepared!  Happy shopping!

Kelsey Book is a  writer and a dreamer who thinks faith, family, and musicals make her world go ’round!   She is a self-proclaimed shop-a-holic, and froths at the mouth while studying Black Friday sale prices.

10 Simple Ways to Save Money: Part Two

Continuing the countdown, here are some more great ways to save cash in college!

Picture From: http://www.tp.ohio-state.edu/CABS/

6. Transportation

One of the quickest way to cut down on costs is through your means of transportation. Rather than driving everywhere, take the bus! Most campuses offer a bus system that will take you around the school and sometimes will go to off-campus locations as well. Better yet, walk or ride your bike to class. This is not only free, but a great way to squeeze some exercise into your busy schedule.

7. Utilize the Library

Many students would be surprised to find what all their library carries. Aside from books, many libraries have DVD’s and CD’s that you can check out. This is an easy way to save some money. Check out your school’s or the local library and see what you can find!

Picture From: http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/07/supermarket-savvy/

8. Make Wholesale Clubs Your New Best Friend

Buying in bulk can really help you to save. You and your friends or roommates can even split a membership card (usually around $50). Sam’s Club and Costco are two great wholesale places where you can buy large quanities of the groceries you use on a daily basis. It may seem a little more expensive initially, but in the long run it will save you a ton!

9. Make Lists

A simple but effective way to save is by making lists of what you need. Whether you are grocery shopping or looking for school supplies, making a detailed list of exactly what you need can be extremely helpful. Make sure you STICK to the list! Often times we will wander about the store and pick up items we don’t really need because we don’t have a clear idea of what it is we want. By making a list and only buying what is on it, you will save yourself money and make your trips to the store go by much quicker.

Picture From: http://www.brita.com.au/help/faqs-jugs_and_cask

10. Stop Buying Water Bottles

Water bottles may not seem like a big expense, but they can quickly add up. Instead, buy a Brita filter. It’s much less expensive and a great way to go green too!

 

Back to School! Dorm Room Packing the College Lifestyles Way!!!

It’s time to go back to school!  If you read my CL post about packing for vacations and trips, you know that I HATE packing.  But, packing for your dorm room is the worst kind of packing to do EVER!  Soooo many things to bring!  And what should I pack?  What will I need?  How do I get it so I don’t have a million bags of junk?  Is it possible to unpack into my room without taking forever?

Check out my “Top 3 Dorm Room Packing Tips” and “My ‘Must Bring’ Packing and Shopping List” below to help you out before you go back to school!

Top 3 Dorm Room Packing Tips:

1. Put similar things together while packing.

This sounds simple, but it makes a lot of sense!  When packing clothes, separate clothing that needs to be hung up in the closet from clothing that needs to be put into draws, so you are not making yourself crazy on move in day.  Organize your boxes and bags based on their continents (i.e. keep cleaning supplies separate from school supplies).  Using labels makes this even easier!

2. Only bring it if you need it!

The semester is only 16 weeks long, so you won’t need to bring EVERYTHING you own, especially if you will be occasionally going home for a visit.  Depending on the climate of the city where you go to school, you may be able to exchange your fall and summer clothes for your winter clothes when you go home for Thanksgiving, which will really open up a lot of space!  Also, there is no need to bring every handbag you own, but instead, just bring the few that you know you will use.

3. Keep this in mind:  you will have to unpack at the end of the year!

So don’t make a crazy collage on the wall that you will just have to take down in 9 months!  Also, make sure everything has a place, so you won’t end up with odds and ends as you move in and out.  Store items in boxes so you can take them in and out easily!

My “Must Bring’ Packing and Shopping List:

1. Clothing and Hangers

2. Shoes and a Shoe Rack

You don’t want your Ugg boots to get dented and your stilettos to get scuffed!  Check out this reasonably priced one from Target that you can leave at the bottom of your closet.  It is steel, so it will last well after your college years.

You can purchase it online:  http://www.target.com/Household-Essentials-2-Tier-Stackable-Shoe/dp/B000P6CDEK/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

3. Linens:

Bed sheets, a bed spread, and bath towels.

4. Pillows

5. Toiletries, Beauty supplies, and a shower caddy!

Keep your shampoo, conditioner, soap, and razor together so everything can be organized for shower time.  You don’t want to be ‘that girl’ who drops a bottle of shampoo when you are only wearing a towel.  It is neither fun nor classy.  Check out these cute ones for only $4.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond!

You can purchase it online:  http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=118937

6. Cell phone, stamps, and stationary

Keep mom and dad posted with everything going on!  They enjoy receiving mail just as much as you!

7. Small Refrigerator

For your healthy dorm room snacks!  This one from Target is only $89 and is also a whiteboard, so you can keep reminder notes for yourself!  (i.e. Study for bio exam, DO LAUNDRY!)

You can also purchase this online:  http://www.target.com/Emerson-Compact-Fridge-Erase-Door/dp/B003JU6PCU/ref=sc_ri_1?ie=UTF8&node=13158601

8. Television

Talk to your roomie, because you won’t need two!  Bring some fun movies along for a fun night in!  Check out Megan’s CL post to find the movies that your dorm shouldn’t be without!

9. Laptop

Also buy a lock!  They are so cheap and laptops are so expensive!  You can attach it to your desk so if you step out of your room, you won’t need to worry about your roommate’s sketchy friends.  Check out this one from Staples.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I see people carrying their expensive laptops around in a backpack.  A cute laptop bag is helpful when you bring your laptop to class, the library, or a friend’s room!  Here is a cute one from Kolobags! It can be purchased online at:  http://www.kolobags.com/like-dots-mine-messenger-bag-p-2019

Before you buy a printer, check out your school’s library policies.  At my school, students receive 500 printed pages for free, so a printer for your room may not be worth the money.  Especially since they take up a lot of limited space!

10. Cleaning supplies

Nothing too crazy:  a broom with a dust pan, Lysol wipes, paper towels, a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, sponges, dish soap, and a waste basket should be enough!

11. Laundry Supplies:

Detergent, dryer sheets, and hampers (one for dirty laundry, one for clean)!

12. School Supplies

The standard notebooks, pens, pencils, and folders are always needed, but make sure to also pack crayons, scissors, and glue sticks.  You will never know when you’ll need it!

13. Fun Chairs

Make your room the cool place to hang out!  You don’t want to make your friends sit on the floor!  Check out these different styles below.  Some of them can be folded up to pack and unpack, and all of them are easy to move and small enough to fit into your tiny room!

14. Accessories

This can be your packing downfall!  Be sure to keep all of your accessories together, so you are not separating necklaces while trying to hang up clothes.  In boxes or bins, keep your jewelry, scarves, purses, and hats separate from each other.  Keep the accessories you pack to a minimum, as space is limited, and again, you will not need every handbag you own.  Also, keep the nice jewelry that you inherited from Grandma at home.  You never know who will get sticky fingers!

15.  Plastic Storage Containers

Get a variety of these:  some with handles, some without, some big, some small, some with draws, some without!.  They are a great place to store food, school supplies, cleaning supplies, extra clothing, and pretty much anything!!!

16. Dorm room food

Check out Emily’s CL post about dorm room eating for some healthy ideas!

17. Utensils, a plate, a bowl, and a cup

Because eating off of the floor is not cool.  Just make sure they are plastic to avoid breakage!  You should be able to find cute and cheap ones at a dollar store.

18.  Fun games!

Scrabble and Apples to Apples are both so much fun for a quiet night in with the girls!

19. Decorations

Check out Kendall’s CL post for some awesome ideas!!!  I like using these wall stickers, as they come off easily, look great, and can be reused for when you move back in next year!  They really dress up a boring dorm room! Purchase them online at: http://www.target.com/Wall-Decal-York-City-Skyline/dp/B0038Z4HIU/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1

20.  Over the counter medication

When you move on campus, you can’t use your bathroom’s medicine cabinet anymore.  Keep the essentials on hand just incase you feel under the weather, like Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol.

Got everything on the list?  Check out Kendall’s post so you can see her shopping list for the little things that most people forget!

How do you pack for back to school?

Christine Palaski is a junior at Adelphi University where she is a nursing major and a proud sister of Delta Delta Delta.  She loves an organized dorm room!

CL’s Guide to Consignment Store Shopping

I’m sure lots of you love to shop—and if you’re like me, you’re always longing for those expensive, designer clothes that you can’t afford.  However, there is an alternative to spending tons of money on great clothes—and it’s not shopping online.  They’re called consignment stores.  They’re spreading through cities like wildfire and it’s easy to see why.  Consignment stores are like thrift shops—except they’re a lot more likely to carry name brand items.  In fact, some stores will only accept certain clothing if it was created by those on their “Accepted Designer List.”  You can find gorgeous Kate Spade pumps (I have) for only $30, or a nice Free People shirt for only $15. Here are some tips to keep in mind on your first (or second, or third) trip to a consignment store.

• Scavenge: This might sound strange, but there is literally no other word that best describes how to search through a consignment store.  You never know what you’ll be able to find when you go through literally almost every item the store has.  Sometimes the best treasure is buried treasure.
• Don’t buy things just because they’re cheap: If you see a name brand item for next to nothing—make sure that it’s actually an item that you’re interested in.  Even if it’s a Prada bag that only costs $50, if it’s an ugly bag, it’s still an ugly bag.  No matter what brand it is.
• Make sure you’re getting what you pay for: Since the items in a consignment store have most often been worn or used by someone before you, sometimes the items are a little worse for wear.  Don’t buy something that you won’t be able to get a lot of use out of.
• Wash before wearing: Even though people are supposed to clean their items before selling them to the store, still make sure you wash or dry clean your new clothes before wearing them.
• Don’t get discouraged: There are definitely times when I’ve left consignment stores empty handed.  Try not to get discouraged if you don’t find something perfect every single time.  Often, it is just luck of the draw—which is why scavenging helps to ensure you find fantastic new clothing.
• Be sure to come back another time: Finally, since it’s not designers that consignment stores get their merchandise from, rather, people just like me and you, they get new clothing in all the time.  You might be unsuccessful one week, and then find tons of things you love the next, so be sure to visit your local consignment store as frequently, and as fiscally, possible.

Located in many different states along the East Coast, this is the link to my favorite consignment shop, Second Time Around: www.secondtimearound.net

Lana Schwartz is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is going to be a senior at the University of Delaware and she loves to shop.

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