How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe

Hello, beautiful! I don't know about you, but this year I packed wayyyyy too much for college. Like, way too much.

Maybe I had overestimated how much space I would have (it was only my freshman year after all...speaking of which, check out my list of 100 Things I Learned my Freshman Year of College here!). Or, maybe I overestimated how much I would need those random pair of shoes from July 2014. Regardless, by the end of the year, I had clothes spilling out of my drawers, all of my hangers were full and I still didn't feel like I was 110% happy with my wardrobe.

That's probably why sometime around January, I became really intrigued by everything to do with minimalism and reducing my wardrobe. After being inspired by Marie Kondo and KonMari, I did my first thorough clean-out of my wardrobe at school when I came back for the spring semester. Then, when I came home for the summer, I decided I was going to start investing in a durable capsule wardrobe to help me transition into adulthood.

I've only just started the process of creating a capsule wardrobe in my own life. However, I've already learned a bunch of tips and tricks I wish I knew before diving into this process. So, today I'll be sharing with you some of the things that have really helped me minimize my wardrobe and start creating my capsule! Let's get started :)

Step One: Purge your closet

Building your dream closet should be a marathon, not a sprint. Rather than impulse buying tons of cheap clothes you'll regret in a week, if you're unhappy with your wardrobe, you need to pinpoint the cause of the problem before it spreads. 

That starts with pulling everything off its hangers and taking a good, hard look at everything in your closet. And I do mean everything! 

Marie Kondo says you should hold every single item in your closet in your hands individually and ask yourself, "Does this bring me joy?" If it doesn't, it has no place in your wardrobe. The clothes you do love, on the other hand, will become the foundation of your capsule wardrobe.

You'll probably find that the clothes you love and wear the most all share certain traits, like a color scheme or flattering cut. Take note of this, because when you start buying new pieces, you'll want to buy similar items that can all be mixed-and-matched with one another.

Deciding which clothes to keep is the easy part. When it comes to the clothes you don't want, figuring out what to do with them gets a little tricky. I'll talk about this more in the next section, but as I was cleaning out my closet, I made three piles of the clothes I didn't want. Those piles were: 

1. To sell. Clothes that are still in good shape, haven't been worn much (or still have the tags) and aren't too gross (no used undies or socks, please) can be sold to consignment stores or on sites like Poshmark.
2. To donate. Clothes with less noticeable stains, scuffs or marks on them might not be in the best shape for selling, but places like the Salvation Army and Savers will still appreciate them.
3. To throw out. Don't waste your time selling or donating things with egregious rips, tears or stains that can't be salvaged, or nasty things like old underwear or socks. These can go straight into the trash! 

Once everything is sorted neatly into piles, you're ready to move onto the next step, which is....

Step Two: Dispose of your old clothes

...getting rid of the stuff you don't want! Once you see how big your piles are, tackling this step can seem overwhelming. I found that moving through it one pile at a time was key to my success. 

First, I started with the easiest step: throwing out any clothes I couldn't donate or sell, which was as easy as a trip to the garbage can outside. Don't get me wrong, this step is still hard - throwing away your clothes is like throwing your money in the trash. However, while I felt a little bad seeing how much stuff I was getting rid of, it's not like anyone would want my old sweaty t-shirt or torn-up period underwear. Still, I tried to throw away as little stuff as possible and opted to sell or donate as much of it as I could.

Secondly, I went through the pile of clothes I planned to sell and listed them online. I opted to make an account on Poshmark (follow me @haleymarie90712!), but there are plenty of places to sell your old mint-condition clothes, such as:

• Consignment stores. These shops are like thrift stores, but instead of simply donating your old clothes and being done with it, you receive a portion of the sales. Try Googling consignment stores near you - you might be shocked by the number of places willing to take your old stuff!
• Poshmark, which I use, is an app where you can sell your old clothes and check out other people's cool used stuff. Poshmark takes a small commission out of every sale, but usually this is only a couple of dollars - plus they pay to ship your items, which makes a big difference! 
• ThredUp. ThredUp is an online thrift/consignment store that will pay you for your gently used, on-trend items. Simply order a "Clean-Out Kit" from them and send it back with the clothes you're trying to sell! Items likely to sell quickly will give you a payout once they're sold, while more unique, slow-to-sell items will pay you on the spot. 
• Tradesy. Tradesy works like Poshmark and ThredUp, but with a smaller commission fee. Once your item sells, the company sends you a pre-made shipping kit complete with packaging. 
• MaterialWorld. Got old designer clothing laying around? Trade it in for gift cards at Material World! They love pricey, high-end brands like DVF, Christian Louboutin and more.

Since I decided to sell my clothes on Poshmark, I knew there would be a bit of a waiting period while my items sold. So, I went out to Target and bought a $5.00 storage bin that I could neatly store my listings in until it was time to ship them out.

With two categories checked off my list, I moved on to the third and final pile: clothes to donate. I simply put these items in a garbage bag and stored them in my closet until I have time to bring them to the thrift store. I'm planning to donate my leftover clothes to my local Savers, but you could try the Salvation Army, Goodwill or your favorite local thrift store. After that's done, it's time to move onto step three!

Step Three: Determine what you need

Step three, determining what you need, can be completed as you're cleaning out your closet or afterwards - whatever works best for you! I did it afterwards, so I knew exactly where there were gaps in my wardrobe and wouldn't forget anything important.

Your favorite clothing, which you're likely keeping, will become the basis for your capsule wardrobe. So, be sure to take note of what cuts, colors and silhouettes have begun to populate your closet. As I mentioned before, the main idea behind a capsule wardrobe is that all the pieces can be worn together! (Neutrals and navies will therefore be your best friend.)

Once you've gotten rid of all the clothing you don't love, you'll probably start to notice things you wish you had - the more I got rid of, the more I found myself thinking "Oh, this top would look great with a nice denim skirt" or "Man, I wish I had some tights to wear with that dress." Be sure to write down those thoughts, because those are the things you'll want to go shopping for in Step Four. 

Remember, a capsule wardrobe should be a fixed (and fairly small number) of items - Caroline Rector's original capsule was only 37 pieces! - so don't go too crazy. (In other words, if you don't think you'd wear something, don't buy it just because it made my list.)

If nothing jumps out at you as something you wish you owned or need to own, here are some staples you'll likely want to include in your capsule wardrobe...not a complete list by any means, but a good starting off point for anyone who's stuck! 

• Black blazer. A black blazer is the perfect work-to-happy-hour essential. Wear it with work pants in the office, and throw on a pair of skinny jeans to take it into nighttime.
• Trench coat. A classic tan trench like the classic Burberry coat is an absolute staple for any working woman. This light jacket works perfectly in temperate or rainy weather to protect your clothes from the elements in style.
• Striped boat-neck top. Favored by French women the world over, a classic striped top works well for casual and work settings alike.
• Dark wash skinny jeans. I love dark wash jeans not only because they hide spills better than light wash (just kidding! well, sort of), but because they can be dressed up or down depending on the circumstances. Light wash jeans just don't go business casual the way dark jeans do!
• Blue button-up shirt. The light blue pinstripe button-up work shirt screams "girl boss" more than any other item in a lady's wardrobe. Don't be without one by the time you hit 30!
• Black pencil skirt. A black pencil skirt belongs in the working girl's wardrobe for obvious reasons. If you don't own one already, GET ONE. Stat!
• Chambray shirt. I love the chambray shirt because it's a trend that will never go out of style. Wear it solo for a casual rustic work, or layer with a cashmere sweater and statement necklace for a work outfit with a bit of flair.
• Nude pumps. If I could only own one pair of shoes for the rest of my life, these would be it. 
• Cute scarf. A scarf makes the perfect layering accessory to take a spring blouse from work to play! Or, throw it over a skater dress in the fall to stay warm and cozy without looking matronly. 
• Rose gold watch. The rose gold watch looks gorgeous for work, special occasions or weekend wear alike. Invest in a high-quality one and it's the only watch you'll ever need to own.

Step Four: Start shopping for your dream closet

Now that you have a plan, it's time for the fun part to begin: let's go shopping!

Obviously, this step won't happen all at once. Unless you're lucky enough to have thousands of dollars to shell out all at once, you'll need to start making small investments periodically over a year or more in order to build your perfect wardrobe.

The best way I've found to do this is to wait until you receive a paycheck. Then, invest a small portion of every paycheck back into your closet. The way I think of it, investing in a wardrobe I love is an investment in my confidence, meaning I'll be more likely to earn my money back later by dressing for the job I want like a #girlboss.

The most important thing to remember as you're shopping for your new wardrobe is to invest in quality pieces that will last. Part of becoming an adult means leaving the days of cheap Forever 21 tops and H&M body-con dresses behind! Ideally, the clothes you will buy now will last you 5-10 years (or longer!), so start looking at retailers like Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, J. Crew and other high-end designers whose pieces will withstand the test of time.

However, there's a catch to shopping designer as a broke millennial. As I mention in my post 10 Ways to Feel Rich on a College Budget, you should never pay full price for ANYTHING! And, that includes clothes.

To save money on expensive staples, be sure to shop outlet stores for your favorite designers (I especially love Nordstrom Rack for your workwear needs). Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls also offer great choices for a lower price - typically, these items are discounted because they have small, imperceptible defects detected by the manufacturer, but don't worry: these problems are usually invisible to the naked eye!

You might even want to check out some secondhand sites like Poshmark and ThredUp, which are just as great for buying as they are for selling! As a self-professed Poshmark addict (yup, I even got Ryan hooked), I've learned a thing or two on how to navigate the app in style. My best tip for shopping Poshmark? Try looking for the label NWT, which stands for "New With Tags" - even though these pieces are brand-new off the rack, they're often sold for mere fractions of their original price on secondhand retail sites. Also, be sure to haggle on EVERYTHING - never accept a first offer!

Altogether, these tips should help you build the capsule wardrobe of your dreams :)

Step Five: Supplement as needed

Building a wardrobe you love will take some time. However, over the course of a couple years, you should (finally) find that the gaps in your closet are all filled up!

At this point, you'll probably be wondering: what's next? For the most part, nothing. When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, less is more. You shouldn't be shopping until you truly need something - meaning one of your wardrobe staples either no longer fits or is broken beyond repair.

That means you'll want to start laying off the impulse purchases whenever possible. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time - not the kind of cheap, disposable clothes you're likely to buy on an impulse.

As a bit of a shopping addict myself, I know just how hard it can be to avoid impulse shopping. Thankfully, I've gathered a couple of tips to help us both avoid regressing into our old material ways:

1. Avoid stepping into a mall until you truly need something. In fact, unless you REALLY need to try the item you're thinking about buying on for size, opt to shop online instead of browsing around a hundred stores. Stores in the mall are literally designed to make it difficult for you to resist! 
2. Talk yourself out of buying something. Ryan does this to me so often that I've started to hear his voice in my head whenever I walk into a TJ Maxx. So, next time you find yourself trying on a dress or a pair of jeans you know you don't need, imagine what a close friend or family member would say about you spending money on it - I promise it's effective!
3. Download the Mint app. Mint is a money-saving app that allows you to safely link your bank accounts and create a budget. It also enforces the guidelines you've set up for your budget by sending you push notifications anytime you exceed it, making it a great tool for nipping impulse shopping right in the bud.

Would you be interested in starting a capsule wardrobe? LMK in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get your FREE College FAQs list!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

100 Things I Learned my Freshman Year of College

Hello, beautiful! As you may already know, I recently finished up my freshman year of college - woohoo!

Next year, I'm going to be a sophomore - not exactly an expert yet, but still better off than I was before. I'm so excited to leave behind my ugly freshman year dorm and live in an apartment with one of my best friends and sisters! (Did I mention she's a fellow blogger? Check out my roommate's blog by clicking here!)

As excited as I am to move into my sophomore year, I would feel wrong if I didn't acknowledge how hard it's been to get here. My freshman year wasn't exactly all it's cracked up to be. I expected to dive right into social life, be the life of every party and still somehow wind up with a 4.0 GPA.

Needless to say, none of those things happened. In fact, my first semester at college was some of the hardest months of my life. I struggled to make new friends and overcome my anxiety, and I felt like I wasn't having the "typical college experience." Second semester was a thousand times better than first - joining Greek life helped a lot - but that doesn't mean it was easy, either. I made the difficult decision to leave behind the paper I devoted most of my hours to, and I still haven't nailed the 4.0 GPA I wanted.

Obviously, my freshman year was tougher than expected. Thankfully, yours doesn't have to be - because I'm going to tell you all the secret wisdom I gained this year as a freshman at Boston University. I would say I left this year behind with equal parts lessons and blessings - and now, I'm going to share 100 of those valuable life lessons with you! Ready or not, here they are:

1. Living in a dorm isn't all it's cracked up to be.
2. You might not be best friends with your roommate.
3. You don't have to make all your friends on your floor.
4. Don't compare yourself to others - everyone adjusts to college at different rates. 
5. It's normal to feel shy sometimes - everyone does!
6. The risks you take that seem scariest are always the best investments.
7. Know your limits BEFORE you go out. Don't learn from experience.
8. Join things! It's the best way to meet friends with similar interests.
9. But, don't limit yourself to making friends in your same major or school.
10. It's okay to miss home sometimes. 
11. No one thinks it's weird when you cry. Especially not in the library during finals week.
12. Communicate with your roommate.
13. Set boundaries.
14. You'll have to work harder to make alone time, but you'll find yourself needing it more than ever.
15. Skipping one class quickly leads to skipping ten more - it's best not to start in the first place.
16. Get your worst requirements out of the way early. I did, and now I never have to take math again!
17. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
18. Take advantage of all the resources you have on campus, from the career center to health services.
19. Actually use your meal plan - don't waste money on groceries (or Chipotle) you don't need.
20. Finding out your lecture has been cancelled is the most incredible feeling in the world.
21. Roommate contracts aren't weird, and might actually be a good idea for some.
22. In the end, it doesn't really matter if you go random or pick your roommate. You can't really predict what they're going to be like either way.
23. You might not love your school right away, but don't confuse the normal adjustment period with needing to transfer.
24. Don't sign up for 8 AMs if you're not a morning person.
25. Think of your education as an investment rather than a hassle or an obligation - you and your parents are literally paying for the privilege to go to school here. Don't waste it.

26. Make a monthly budget, but realize you're going to feel broke and you're going to keep impulse-buying Chipotle no matter what you do.
27. Call, text and email your parents on the reg. You'll both appreciate it.
28. All the things you used to hate about your hometown will quickly become the things you miss the most.
29. Whatever you do, lock your door.
30. Don't leave your laundry in the washer or dryer, or people will literally just throw it on the floor. Set a timer and go get it as soon as it's done.
31. Speaking of laundry, if you don't put it away as soon as it's finished, it will probably sit in the basket for a week.
32. Same with dirty dishes. Wash them now, or they WILL pile up.
33. Always sit in the front few rows of crowded lecture halls. It will keep you accountable and motivate you to show up to class.
34. Also, actually raise your hand in class. It's the only way the professor will ever learn your name.
35. Even then, your professors probably still won't remember your name.
36. You will technically have more free time than ever before, even if half of it is spent walking across campus and eating meals.
37. Always wear flip-flops in the shower, if you care about your health at all.
38. In fact, college is just one big germ fest, so you had better start taking your vitamin C now.
39. Close friendships take time. Don't expect to grow close to someone overnight.
40. Don't try to replicate your high school friend group.
41. At the same time, keep in touch with your high school friends and teachers. Even if you hated high school, it's important to remember where you come from.
42. I don't care if you were your high school valedictorian - you aren't special.
43. Hold your head high, but don't be a cocky bastard, either. Everyone here is just as smart as you are. Everyone standing here went through the same admissions process to get here that you did.
44. Getting straight As isn't realistic for everyone. Put in the work, but don't stretch yourself too thin.
45. Repeat after me: Bs are NOT bad grades! 
46. When you make a new friend, get their number. Not following up is what kills college friendships.
47. Be careful what you post online - or at least make sure your future employers won't see it. (This is especially true for journalism and political science majors!)
48. If you thought Facebook was over, you're wrong - get an account, because this is how you're going to find out about literally EVERYTHING happening on campus.
49. Don't overthink your friend group. Lots of people don't stay friends with their group from freshman year.
50. Don't worry about what the juniors and seniors are doing just yet. You literally just got here - you have all the time in the world to land that internship, study abroad or do whatever it is you want to do.

51. If you're offered work study, TAKE IT. 
52. In college, you're going to be exposed to a ton of new people with tons of different beliefs and backgrounds. Get used to the idea that not everyone is going to be exactly like you.
53. You can't please everyone. Not even close.
54. Learn when to say no.
55. That being said, say yes to going out sometimes even when you don't want to. If you're tired or stressed, cooping up in your room will only make you feel worse.
56. Netflix and Amazon Prime are ESSENTIAL for college life.
57. Memorize and recite this phrase in every store you walk into: "Excuse me, do you have a student discount?"
58. Befriend an upperclassman - preferably someone in your major who can mentor you through choosing classes, picking professors, etc.
59. You should make an appointment with an academic advisor at least once a semester.
60. Nobody expects you to know what you want to do with your life, so don't put that pressure on yourself.
61. Changing majors once or twice is normal and, at most colleges, isn't even that big of a deal as long as you do it early.
62. There's no shame in bringing your stuffed animals to college.
63. Communal bathrooms will reveal pet peeves you didn't know you had.
64. Whether you're rich or poor, college will make you more conscious of how much money your parents make than ever before.
65. Speaking of which, never take college for granted. You are incredibly lucky to be standing where you are.
66. Stay active. It'll be easier to stay fit in your forties if you start adopting healthier habits now.
67. But, don't waste your time dieting. It's college. Eat the free pizza, lady!
68. If the idea of your future COMPLETELY terrifies you, then congratulations: you're normal.
69. Picking out the cutest dorm decor feels like a big deal when you first get into college, but halfway through your first semester, you'll realize it doesn't actually matter. As long as you can see yourself using these same sheets for the next four years, you're good to go.
70. Study using what works for you, not the tips your favorite blogger tells you you should.
71. About a week into school, you'll probably realize you brought too many clothes to campus.
72. Rolling under-the-bed storage containers are LIFE CHANGING.
73. Find a spot in the library you can call your own.
74. Forget how dating worked in high school. Everything you thought you knew no longer applies.
75. No matter who you're with, just be yourself.

76. There's no more "cool" and "uncool." Instead of trying to be popular, focus on finding a group you fit in with.
77. Even so, there will still be mean girls in college. Some things never change.
78. Don't bring anything you care about to a frat party. That includes shoes. And jackets. And dignity.
79. Your parents aren't always right...
80. ...but, sometimes they are. Learn how to tell the difference.
81. You WILL hit rock bottom. Probably more than once.
82. Take responsibility for having safer sex. Never depend on anyone to tell you what's safe and what's not - only do what YOU feel comfortable with.
83. Whether or not you decide to #GoGreek, don't judge your friends in Greek life. Most sororities aren't like what you see on the news. More likely, they're just a bomb ass group of boss women trying to have fun, make friends and develop leadership skills.
84. When your parents call you an adult, you've truly made it.
85. You might get a little emo during your freshman year - and that's okay. Things are changing quickly; you're growing up. A bit of a mourning period is to be expected!
86. Start thinking about your summer plans BEFORE May rolls around. The earlier, the better when it comes to summer jobs.
87. The one thing I regret the most about my freshman year is forcing myself to do things I wasn't passionate about so I'd have a more impressive tagline on LinkedIn/better experiences on my resume. Don't make the same mistake.
88. You might think people are done competing over grades, boys, etc. in college...they're not.
89. ^ Don't let these people drag you down to their level.
90. Room with someone you know if at all possible.
91. That being said, you might THINK you know someone, but you don't REALLY know them until you live together!
92. It's common to struggle with your mental health in college. Luckily, there's SO many resources to help you manage any challenges you may face!
93. Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether in school or in life or anywhere at all.
94. You are never alone during your freshman year of college. Even the people who seem the most put together struggle with the transition.
95. Call your mom at least once a month. Don't put it off - just do it.
96. Whatever you do, don't start a kiss list.
97. Never pay full price for anything.
98. There will be a thousand events on campus paid for by your undergrad student fee and you will never be able to go to them all. Don't let them guilt you about it.
99. Mute your freshman class on GroupMe. Just trust me on this one.
100. College is what you make of it, so ignore all the advice anyone has ever told you and focus on creating your own unique college experiences! 

What's the most important thing you learned your freshman year of college? Let me know in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get your FREE College FAQs list!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

My Favorite Health & Fitness Trends

Hello, beautiful! Like many of you, I just finished up my finals. I can't believe my freshman year of college is already over! More on that next week ;)

Though I haven't done a health and fitness post in awhile, I've actually gotten into a good groove when it comes to my fitness routine. I'm working out more often than ever and finally eating 100% vegan (with the exception of honey...I can't give it up) after wanting to try it for years. So, I think I'm in a pretty good place, if I do say so myself!

However, as we all know, motivation tends to be fleeting when it comes to fitness. For every day of cardio and kale there's a night of Netflix and cookie dough to balance it out. Don't get me wrong - you totally need days like that every once in awhile - but as important as balance is, a huge part of maintaining balance for me (instead of giving up and completely letting myself go) is staying motivated.

So, to inspire us all to keep working hard and sweating it out for summer, I'm sharing some of my favorite fitness trends of the Summer 2017 season! I hope this post will motivate you as much as writing it has motivated me. Sunshine and squats, here we come...

Aerial Yoga

If you haven't heard of aerial yoga yet, it's a cross between aerial dance (a type of choreography performed on silks, hoops, trapezes, etc. suspended in mid-air) and traditional asanas. Though looking at the ropes, they might seem a little intimidating, Yoga Journal says aerial yoga can actually ease your comfort level in challenging poses. Basically, in an aerial yoga class, you use a combination of low-hanging aerial silks and traditional yoga to decompress and unwind. Aerial silks are big in the BU dance community, so I couldn't be more excited to try this form of yoga this summer while I'm home! 

Live Instagram Workouts

In case you haven't heard, you can now go live on Instagram! Taking a cue from its parent company Facebook I see :) Some of my favorite Internet trainers, like Karena and Katrina of Tone It Up, are now taking advantage of the feature to bring unique, free fitness challenges and workouts to the table.  To sample what their Instagram workouts are like, you can follow along to past ones on their YouTube channel - and you can catch me up in the gym tonight working out to one of their 40-minute live workouts! (Speaking of which...should I film live workouts in the gym and put them on the Haley Marie Blog Instagram? LMK.) 

Meal Prep

I was never a meal prepper until I got to college and realized just how much money I was wasting on food. Next year, my roommate Arielle and I (check out her blog here!) will be prepping up a STORM in our gorgeous on-campus apartment! If you haven't heard of meal prepping, many fitness sensations have started cooking up a storm on Sunday nights and portioning out meals and snacks for the entire week ahead - finally, a trend that's perfect for the busy broke college girl on the go! When it comes to meal prep, cooking staples like quinoa in big batches and making it pretty with cute bento containers are key. Some of my favorite recipes to meal prep are Tone It Up's quinoa bowl (easy to leave out the dairy - can you tell I love K&K?), Bakerita's peanut butter acai bowls (simply freeze ingredients in individual baggies Sunday night and blend as you go) and Tuulia's creamy vegan lentil bolognese.

Probiotics

Taking a probiotic is something I've sworn by ever since my struggles with the pill (read more about that here). Now, I couldn't be more excited that something I know works from personal experience is finally going mainstream! Doctors nowadays are acknowledging more than ever how important it is to have a diverse, healthy gut microbiome. For example, many diseases are only able to take over your body after competition is eliminated, such as when a course of antibiotics kills off all the "good bacteria" in your gut - I learned all about it in my Infectious Diseases class this semester! Probiotics can be purchased from your local drugstore and taken daily as a supplement; however, they're also found naturally in many tasty fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt and kombucha.

Micro Meditation

Doctors and therapists alike have known for awhile know that meditation benefits the mind, body and brain - yet many of us claim to be "too busy" to take advantage of this practice. Thankfully, health and fitness trendsetters have come up with the perfect solution: enter micro meditation! Instead of spending 10+ minutes meditating every day, micro meditations last only 1-3 minutes. However, with a regular daily practice, you can still reap the same benefits from micro meditation as from a full-length session! To try this trend out for yourself, I've been loving the Aura app lately. This app lets you log data on your mood and then recommends a daily micro meditation session. In just three minutes, you'll find yourself feeling more refreshed, calm and centered. Complete it in the morning or just before bed, then go about your day as usual - you'll be surprised at how quickly you can feel the difference!

Intuitive Eating

After years of suffering through squeezing into size zeros (NOT my real size) after an attempted "cleanse" diet, I couldn't be more excited to share that dieting is finally "out." Self-love is in now! And that includes intuitive eating. If you haven't heard of intuitive eating (some people also call this "mindful" or "normal" eating), it's a set of principles that basically boil down to this: eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full. Simple, yet it's actually shown to be more effective than fad dieting to help you lose weight! Back in high school when I struggled with restrictive dieting, the intuitive eating book Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat 100% changed my whole mentality around food - it's a great starting place for beginners who feel like they'll never break out of the yo-yo cycle of dieting. (I was there once, too!)

Acai Bowls

Acai bowls are springing up EVERYWHERE. They're delicious and nutritious, yet at some trendy cafes, they run for as much as $10-15 a pop. We're lucky enough to have a Jamba Juice that accepts dining points on campus, but my frugal tip? Make your own at home! That way you can save money but still reap the benefits for your body (and taste buds!). All you need is some acai (get a 4 oz bag for $15.00 on Amazon), some plant-based milk and your favorite frozen fruits. Blend them all together until smooth, and serve in a pretty bowl with delicious toppings. My personal favorite toppings include dairy-free chocolate chips, peanut butter, honey, coconut and sliced banana. Mmm!

Buddha Bowls

The bowl trend continues - and I think I know why. Long gone are the years of fancy, sit-down dinners. Now, it's all about quick, easy and healthy meals that can still be savored in a mindful way. The Buddha bowl is the perfect example. Chock full of tasty, plant-based superfoods, Buddha bowls can be customized in almost any way you please. They're so mainstream, you can even find frozen ones, like my favorite one from Sweet Earth (I may or may not have eaten three of these in the past two weeks), at your local Target or grocery store. If you're more in the mood to save money by DIYing, many awesome food bloggers have recipes I love, too - like this sweet potato chickpea bowl by the Minimalist Baker or this spicy barbecue polenta bowl by Half Baked Harvest.

What health and fitness trends am I missing out on? LMK in the comments!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get your FREE College FAQs list!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

How to Feel Rich on a Budget

Hello, beautiful! Today I'm bringing back my Adulting 101 series to talk about ways you can save money without feeling deprived - in other words, how you can still "feel rich" while sticking to a broke college girl's budget.

If you saw my first Adulting 101 post, How to Save Money and Build Credit in College, this topic might feel a bit familiar to you. Technically, I didn't mean for Adulting 101 to become all about saving, budgeting and spending money; however, learning to manage money, for me, has been the hardest (though not the only hard) part of growing up and becoming an adult. So, if you feel the way I do, then welcome, because we're going to learn a thing or two about money throughout the rest of this series!

On that note, as I mentioned previously, today's post is all about "feeling rich" while living the poor college life. These tips will help you feel less deprived while still cinching your wallet.

I know I personally struggle with saving money because I don't like to give up the things I love (i.e. Starbucks and shopping at T.J. Maxx), so these tips are just as much for me as they are for you. I hope this advice will help us both save money and live large :)

1. Shop bargain sites

Many bloggers and financial advisors say you should never pay full price for anything. Shopping sites that offer discounted prices for high-quality items is one of my favorite ways to save money. A few of my favorite places to shop for discounted products include:

• TJ Maxx and Marshall's. Many of us already love these stores; however, did you know shopping at TJ Maxx and Marshall's can save you TONS of money on some of your favorite brands? Lilly Pulitzer, American Eagle and Philosophy are just a few of my favorite brands that can be found at TJ Maxx!
• Thrive Market. If you eat a specialty diet or love healthy, natural, organic food, then Thrive Market should be on your radar. It's a site where you can order all-natural pantry staples and snacks for less than the original price. As a vegan, Enjoy Life, Earth Balance and Beanitos are some of my favorite brands available at Thrive Market.
• Amazon. Believe it or not, shopping for some of your favorite products on Amazon can save you TONS of money in the long-run. That's why Amazon Prime is always my one-stop shop for things like home goods, hair and skincare products and books. 

2. Prep meals in bulk

Though buying bulk pantry staples like brown rice, olive oil and dried beans might set you out $10 now, it can actually save you money in the long run when you think about how much you pay for these items per pound. Some of my favorite cheap, easy meals to prep with affordable pantry staples include:

• Rice and beans. This college kid staple is not only cheap, but also vegan and nutritious! I especially love to add a little bit of lettuce and guacamole to elevate this meal from boring old rice and beans to a banging burrito bowl.
• Overnight oats. Plain old oatmeal is already inexpensive, delicious and healthy. However, when refrigerated overnight with a little bit of soymilk, peanut butter and sliced banana, this cheap and tasty treat becomes all the more delicious!
• Buddha bowls. Buddha bowls are my FAVORITE food trend of 2017 because they're both cheap and versatile to make. Buy your rice or quinoa in bulk, then top with whatever veggies are leftover in your fridge. My favorite toppings are spinach, arugula, sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

3. Take surveys for money

Need some extra cash to help you live a little bit larger? One thing I love to do while I'm watching Netflix or YouTube videos is split my screen and fill out surveys on a rewards website like Opinion Outpost. These sites will incentivize you to give your opinion with fun freebies like Amazon gift cards and $10.00 PayPal rewards. So, if you need a little bit of spending money in your pocket, survey sites like these are a great way to make that extra dough count! 

4. Clip coupons

In the 21st century, your grandma isn't the only one clipping coupons anymore. Websites and apps like RetailMeNot will collect all your favorite deals in one place for you to access anytime you need some quick savings. My personal favorite coupon clipping app is Target's Cartwheel app, where you can save on your favorite brands by shopping at Target (not to mention there's almost always savings on Target's store brand!).

5. Subscribe to savings

Some financial advisors say you should unsubscribe from as many stores' email lists as possible. I take the opposite approach: I subscribe to as many as possible to make sure I'm getting the best possible deals! I'm of the opinion that if you know you need to make an investment in the long run, whether it's in a new yoga mat or a stylish blazer for work, it's better to do it on impulse as part of a flash sale than to pay full price for it later. However, there IS a catch to my method: rather than letting these notifications pile up in my inbox to tempt me, I subscribe with my "junk mail" account and check for savings periodically.  This prevents me from overspending because I can instead check on my deals when I know I actually need to buy something. 

6. Listen to the Law of Attraction

More than anything, feeling "rich" is about your attitude, as opposed to how much money is in your bank account. If you've ever heard of the Law of Attraction, you know what I mean. According to this law, believing with all your heart that your life is already full of wealth and abundance, and reaffirming this to yourself out loud, can actually bring more money into your life! Want to test its powers for yourself? Then, repeat after me! I am already rich.

7. Take advantage of freebies

College campuses abound with opportunities to receive free products in exchange for feedback! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. For example, my sorority recently had an event with bareMinerals where we got to test (and keep!) free full-size makeup and skincare products in exchange for posting on social media. It was the easiest and most fun way to get freebies ever! You might also consider joining a paid ambassador program on your campus (such as PINK campus reps) to receive free products (and pay!) in exchange for representing your favorite brands at events.

8. Join a savings challenge

Experts recommend saving at least $1,000 in an emergency fund, which can seem like a LOT of money to a college student or recent grad. The best way I've found to save $1,000 quickly? Start small. Savings challenges like this one on Pinterest start you off with saving just $1-$5 a week and gradually build you up to saving hundreds of dollars. It's a great way to get started establishing your savings without breaking the bank right off the bat!

9. Spend money now...

...to avoid spending MORE money later! In other words, just because I'm trying to save money doesn't mean I always buy the cheapest product. Some expensive purchases are actually an investment in my future. For example:

• College tuition, student loans, sorority dues, etc. are an investment in my future. By paying these costs upfront now, I'm obviously costing me and my family a pretty penny - but as a result, I'll have a higher salary and be more marketable to employers later in life.
• Eating vegan is an investment in my health. I've heard a lot of criticism that my eating style is expensive and unattainable, but in the long run, I feel I will save myself money on doctor's bills and health care by treating my body right and spending the extra dollar on organic tofu.
• High-quality clothes are an investment against future purchases. I would rather spend $50 on a designer blouse I know will last me ten years than $10 on a Forever 21 shirt I know will rip the second time I wear it. 
• Beauty, haircare and skincare are an investment in myself. Beauty, hair and skin aren't important to everyone, but since they are important to me, I know I will save myself money on treatments by taking proper care of myself now - for example, paying extra for a high-quality shampoo for color-treated hair means I won't have to spend another $150 on bayalage anytime soon.

10. Treat yo' self (for free!)

Finally, resist the urge to spend hundreds of dollars treating yourself "because you deserve it." Obviously, you do deserve it - but opt for free self-care strategies instead! Check out this list from the Radical Transformation Project to start...or simply mosey on down to the kitchen and have yourself a piece of chocolate or a cookie :) Because yes, you have earned it!

What's your all-time favorite tip for feeling rich while saving money? LMK in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get your FREE College FAQs list!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

What to Wear to Your Summer Internship (5 Under $50)

Hello, beautiful! I'm excited to announce here on Haley Marie Blog that this summer, I will be interning in the office of my Massachusetts state representative, Kate Hogan.

As an intern, I'll be exposed to the inner workings of government and hopefully gain some experience dealing in legislation and public health policy. However, on another level, I'll also be faced with a personal dilemma: what to wear every day to an important government internship.

Internships pose a challenge for broke college students for two reasons: firstly, no one ever warned us in high school we would need professional clothes, so we haven't started building a wardrobe yet. Secondly, building that wardrobe can get expensive, since so many high-quality professional outfits are so expensive. (If you haven't seen my post How to Build an Affordable Professional Wardrobe yet, click here to check it out!)

In this edition of my 5 Under $50 series, I'll be bringing you five internship outfit ideas suited to a variety of fields. The best part? Every piece I'll be showing you costs less than $50, making these outfits the perfect splurge for a college student trying to save up some dough this summer.

The Pop of Purple

In this set...

Avah Floral Box Pleat Midi Skirt. A midi skirt is the perfect conservative cut for an office environment, while this pink floral print spices it up for the summer heat. Get it for $26.00 at Boohoo.

Amelia Rib Knit Ruffle Hem Jumper. The peplum on this delightful purple sweater keeps it light and airy for the season. I especially love peplum for building subtle yet sexy curves on petite frames. Get it for $12.00 at Boohoo.

Wear it when...

You work in a creative office space. Bright colors and prints show you're quirky and capable of thinking on your toes in a creative internship, like a magazine or tech startup. 

The Mixed Prints

In this set...

TALL Polka Dot Blouse. Bow-tie blouses are cute, but still appropriate for a conservative office space. The key to rocking busy prints (like polka dots) on the job? Stick to black-and-white hues for a can't-miss mix of prints. Get it for $44 at Topshop.

Women's Topshop Windowpane Peg Trousers. Breezy trousers like these will keep you cool in the summer heat without revealing more skin than your boss wants to see. Get them for $21 at Nordstrom.

Wear it when...

Your job is conservative, but not boring. Mixing prints maintains your personality, while wearing long hems and muted colors shows you're serious about succeeding in your career.

The Teacher's Salary

In this set...

Max Studio Ruffle Front Tie Print Blouse. Try this math problem on for size: flirty florals and a flowy top equal one happy teacher's aide at summer school. Get it for $35 at Nordstrom Rack.

Lace Pencil Skirt. This calf-length pencil skirt is appropriate yet affordable. Weighing in at just $12, this price gets an A+++ from our test graders. Get it at H&M. 

Wear it when...

Teaching is in the job description. This comfy pencil skirt and peppy printed blouse are perfect for romping around with the kindergarteners at summer school. Plus, you can get the entire outfit for under $50 - perfect for a modest teacher's salary!

The Simple Stripes

In this set...

Mariner Squareneck Dress. This simple sheath dress is flattering on almost every body type, and its soft cotton material is perfect for throwing on for a hot summer day in the workplace. Get it for $50 at L.L. Bean.

Lace-up d'Orsay Flats. These neutral flats will keep your toes comfy and cool - perfect for an active day rushing around the office or between various events. Get them (on sale!) for $25.99 at GAP Factory. 

Wear it when...

You're running late on a hot day. Some days, you're just not feeling the daily grind. During the dog days of summer, when you spend too long in bed, dresses like these are the perfect work-appropriate outfit to just throw on and go.

The Power Outfit

In this set...

Curve Coral Tie Sleeve Shift Dress. Every working woman needs a shift dress - and in this poppin' coral color, your big presentation will be absolutely unforgettable. Get it for $49.00 at Dorothy Perkins.

Yellow Flower Statement Necklace. This sunny yellow statement necklace will draw attention to your face so you can confidently own the room in style. Get it for $20.80 at Kohl's. 

Women's Casual Pointed Toe Ballet Comfort Soft Slip On Flats. These fun cheetah flats are the perfect cherry on top of an already-bold outfit. Get them for $18.99 on Amazon.

Wear it when...

You've got a big day at work and need to feel empowered. If your workplace allows it, bright colors and bold statement necklaces are the perfect way to exude confidence during an important networking event or big presentation.

Want more outfit ideas from Haley Marie? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

The Ultimate Guide to College Finals

Hello, beautiful! In case it hasn't hit your dashboard yet, here's my fave Game of Thrones meme to break the bad news...

Source: Pinterest

Finals are coming! If you're anything like me, you might be feeling a little bit like Jon Snow right know: aka like you "know nothing." But ready or not, finals are on their way, and we have to face them head on. So, what's the best way to prepare for this challenge?

In my opinion, there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach that works for everyone when it comes to studying for finals - that's where some college bloggers go wrong. As much as I wish my study advice was helpful to everyone, the truth is my favorite study techniques might not work perfectly for you.

So, instead of force my study wisdom upon you, my goal for this post is to expose you to a range of study techniques I've learned about throughout the years - whether I use them personally or not. If you're a visual learner, need to write things down or love to listen, there's something for you in this post regardless. 

If you're not sure of your learning style, I'll be including helpful ways to how to tell if a particular technique might work for you! Plus, as an added bonus, I'll also be sharing my ultimate packing list of library essentials for a long day of studying in the lib.

Y'all better brace yourselves...'cause the ultimate guide to studying for finals is coming!

Library Essentials

The right atmosphere is key to studying productively. When my study space isn't exactly right, I can never focus long enough to actually get sh*t done. That's why I opt to study in a library or study room instead of my dorm: theoretically, I could just sit in bed with my textbooks, but the mood just wouldn't optimize my productivity. However, when I head to the library for a long night's study sesh, it's equally important that I prepare for all possible scenarios - because having to rush out to grab a sandwich or a pair of headphones in the middle of reviewing an important concept can be pretty disruptive (not that I've ever done that...). So, here's the ultimate packing list for studying in the library, so you too can be ready for anything. 

Textbooks and notes

Um, duh. You are going to the library to study, after all - so don't forget your study materials!

Laptop and charger

Most papers and assignments are online nowadays, so it shouldn't surprise you that you're going to need your laptop. But more importantly, don't forget your charger! Having to leave your coveted spot in the crowded lib because you're stuck on 10% is not the way you want to start off finals.

Phone charger

Same goes for your phone charger: don't forget it! As much as your phone can hurt you when you're studying, it can also be your friend. For example, I love the app Tide for timing study times and breaks with relaxing background music.

Highlighters

Some people have strong opinions on highlighting - some people think it doesn't help you learn; personally, I swear by it! Regardless of which type of student you are, keeping a highlighter on hand for drawing attention to key concepts or challenging terms can really amp up your studying game. 

Colorful pens

I love to study by making colorful hand-drawn study guides. I find writing things down helps me remember things easier. So, if you're a big handwritten note-taker, you'll definitely want to invest in some colorful pens for those late-night study sessions in the lib.

Planner

Without my planner, life feels aimless. Even during finals week, when I'm not attending classes as usual, planning out my study schedule beforehand helps to keep me on track. Plus, I love my planner because it has a space for writing my to-do list in the margins.

Graphing calculator 

(STEM majors)


If you're not in a science or math class (I, for example, will be officially done with STEM at the end of this semester!), you don't really need this; however, for STEM majors or people with STEM requirements, a graphing calculator is key to hacking your exams.

Headphones (+ an incredible playlist!)

Trust me, I've been the girl who grabs an extra pair of crappy headphones at the convenience store - and you do NOT want to be her. Even more importantly, however, you'll need a bangin' playlist to encourage you to be productive! Check out this mix from the Blonde Chiffon for some library inspiration :) 

Healthy food

During finals week, it can be tempting to succumb to the pressure of sweet and salty snacks from the convenience store - but don't succumb! Make sure that even though you're studying, you're still eating regular meals and nourishing yourself with the vitamins and minerals your brain needs to stay focused and learn well.

Bottled water (or Gatorade)

The other day, my doctor surprised me by actually advising me to drink more Gatorade! Don't get me wrong, I'm a water girl through and through - but even though I always learned those sugary drinks are "bad" for you, my doctor says most college students aren't getting enough electrolytes. So, reach for that water while you're studying - but don't be afraid to mix a Gatorade (or Powerade, if you're one of THOSE people) into the mix.

Coffee or black tea

As every college girl knows, caffeine is key! As much as I love coffee, it's a little too much for me. If you're sensitive to caffeine (like I am - holla!), TRY BLACK TEA! It's got just enough to perk you up, but not enough to give you the jitters.

Cozy sweater or blanket

Because God only knows the library is never as warm as any other room on campus (or the outdoors, if you're lucky enough to live somewhere that gets warm by early May). 

Slip-on shoes

Confession: I'm that girl who wears slippers to the library just to take them off under the table. It's a lifestyle I wholly recommend for comfier (and therefore more productive) study sessions. 10 out of 10 recommend.

Study Techniques

Now that you're settled into your favorite spot in the library with your coziest sweater and a plethora of healthy snacks, you're ready to start getting down to business. But how do you know which study technique is right for you? Depending on the type of class, the format of the exam and what kind of learner you are, the way you study might differ from the way your best friend studies or your professor suggests. Regardless, there's many different study techniques you might want to try to ensure the best results come exam day. After careful research, here are just a few of my favorites - and how to tell if they might work for you!

Source: Tumblr

Rewriting your notes

Might work for you if... you write everything down or else you'll forget it.

If you're a writer by nature, rewriting your paper notes - rather than typing them up on a laptop - might be the best way to help you study. Use colorful pens to make the experience more creative and fun! 

Making flashcards

Might work for you if... you think in pictures instead of words.

Visual learners might benefit from making flashcards more than others. Customize your flashcards by adding creative doodles to help you visualize the concepts you're trying to master.

Repeating confusing terms

Might work for you if... you know all the words to your favorite songs by heart.

Memorization works better for some people than others. If getting something stuck in your head is the best way to help you learn it, then try writing down or repeating out loud confusing vocab terms or definitions over... and over... and over again until they finally stick!

Creating a visual dictionary

Might work for you if... you draw all over your notes in class.

If you're artistic and need a combination of words and pictures, creating a visual dictionary might work for you. This technique is especially helpful for language classes, where you can illustrate the foreign word you're trying to remember.

Printing out your notes

Might work for you if... you'd prefer an old-fashioned paperback to a Kindle, any day.

College professors are digitizing everything these days - which can be a detriment to your grades if you're more of a pen-and-paper kind of gal. So, next time you're faced with a 50-slide PowerPoint and feel your eyes glazing over, try printing it out instead! You might just find yourself focusing better and retaining more of the lecture material.

Re-reading the textbook

Might work for you if... you remember every book you've ever read. 

Reading serves some people's memory well; others, not so much. If you're more the former than the latter, try re-reading your textbook as a valuable study technique. Otherwise, don't waste your time consuming tons of material when you could be studying more effectively!

Taking practice tests

Might work for you if... you'll practice the same thing over and over again until you get it right.

A perfectionist with a lot of drive might benefit from taking practice tests, since it allows you to easily see and correct your mistakes prior to the big exam. Practice tests for nearly every subject can easily be found online - or, you can make your own using my personal favorite study site, Quizlet.

Creating a study guide

Might work for you if... you're always the man with the plan.

Winging it just doesn't work for you - and that's okay! Making a study guide provides you with a well-organized plan so you'll always feel certain of what concepts to study and when.

Watching videos and listening to podcasts

Might work for you if... you're a great listener who loves a good binge-watch.

If you're AV-savvy and get easily sucked into YouTube, finding interesting podcasts and videos on your class material might be a great way to review. In case you're not already familiar with it, the Crash Course YouTube channel is a godsend for just about every topic you could possibly need to study.

Study in a group

Might work for you if... you're motivated by other productive people.

Some people, like me, get together with their friends and get absolutely nothing done - others are inspired by their friends' productivity and use it to fuel their fire! If the latter sounds like you, then a group study session might be the best way to prepare for your finals. Just prepare for a lot of memes, giggling and study breaks ahead of time :) 

What's your best study tip for finals? LMK in the comments below or @haleymarieblog on social media!