Cyber Monday Deals & Steals!

Hello lovelies! It's been too long! I want to apologize for my complete radio silence lately, I've just been a bit overwhelmed with school! I appreciate all of your sweet messages of support more than you'll ever know, and I promise to make it up to you guys as soon as this semester ends and I have some time off!

Anyways, let's get to the good stuff! I've always had a love-hate relationship with Black Friday. I love the rush I get when I score an amazing deal, but I hate all the crazy crowds and waiting in line. So thankfully, some wonderful genius out there came up with the idea of Cyber Monday! You get all the deals right from the comfort of your home computer- what could be better than that?! So in honor of my passionate love for Cyber Monday, I've decided to put together a list of deals and steals from all your favorite stores!

UPDATED 3:30 pm ET

American Eagle Outfitters: 50% off and free shipping with promo code 94C486V1
Asos: 30% off sitewide with promo code GIMMEMORE
Charlotte Russe: Free shipping on all orders $8+, $8 steals throughout the site, $15 off $75 or $25 off $100.
Coastal Scents: 50% off sitewide
DailyLook: $150 off $400, $75 off $250, $25 off $100, and free shipping.
Dormify: 25% off sitewide with promo code ELFIT
e.l.f.: 50% off sitewide on orders of $30+ with code CYBER50
Express: 40% off sitewide and free shipping on all orders
Forever 21: Take an extra 50% off all sale items with promo code EXTRA50, 50% off bags and boots, 50% off jewelry, free shipping on all orders.
H&M: 40% off sitewide and free shipping on orders of $50+ with promo code 7376
J.Crew Factory: 50% off sitewide and free shipping on orders $50+ with promo code HOLIDAY50
Macy's: 15% off and free shipping on orders $75+ with code CYBER
Old Navy: 30% off sitewide with promo code CYBER
Sole Society: $50 off $125+ purchase
Target: Buy one get one 50% off clothes, shoes, accessories, and home decor.
Ulta: free 18-piece beauty bag with a $40 purchase, 30% off Real Techniques brushes, 25% off Pur Minerals, 2 for $18 Butter London Nail Polish, free shipping on all orders $25+
Urban Outfitters: Free shipping on all purchases, $50 off $150, $25 off $100, and $15 off $75.
Victoria's Secret: Free shipping on all orders $50+, $30 off $150, buy one get one 50% off all bras.

I will do my best to keep this list as complete and updated as possible, but I'm sure I'll still miss a few deals! Please feel free to comment down below with any additional Cyber Monday deals you discover, and I'll be sure to add them to the list as soon as I get the chance! Check back throughout the day as more deals pile up in this post!

5 Amazing Apps Every Girl Needs To Have!

Hello lovelies! Since I shared How To Primp Your Phone with Cocoppa, I've gotten tons of requests to share some of my other favorite apps! And since I'm basically obsessed with my iPhone, it's definitely a subject I love to chat about. So without further adieu, here are a few of my very favorite apps that every girl should have!

1. Pinxter
Pinxter is basically like your best friend in an iPhone app! All you need to do is upload a photo of an outfit or item of clothing you're thinking about buying/wearing, and the Pinxter community will vote on whether or not they like it. I cannot even explain how much this comes in handy when I go shopping by myself and need a second opinion!

P.S.- If you sign up, be sure to follow me at sarah_dormify and I'll follow you back! I'd love to see all the cute outfits you guys put together!

2. Beautiful Mess
This is by far my favorite photo editing app right now! Beautiful Mess is a collection of cute little borders, words, and sketches to add on your photos. It sounds simple, but all the adorable options really do wonders to spruce up my photos before I send them off to Insta!

3. cab4me
So this one is pretty self-explanatory. If you're out late and all you want to do is get home, this app will help you track down the nearest cab service in a hurry. It also has handy little tools like a fare calculator and a call button right from the app!

4. Monogram
It's slightly embarrassing how excited I was when I found this app! Like the name suggests, Monogram lets you create a custom monogram wallpaper for your phone. You can mix and match everything from backgrounds to fonts!

5. RetailMeNot
You guys know how much I love a good deal, and RetailMeNot is the best way to find coupons and in-store specials on the go! I like to pull the app up whenever I'm at the mall and check to see which of my favorite stores are offering a discount. The app is also great for restaurant coupons!

Hope you guys enjoy the apps! I'd love to hear about all of your favorites in the comments down below!

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is be happy live pink. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

Get the Look: Toddlers and Tiaras Halloween Costume!

Hi lovelies! It's almost time for one of my favorite holidays of the year, Halloween! As you guys know, I always love an excuse to get glam, and Halloween is the perfect reason to go all out! And what's more glam than a toddler pageant girl, right? So today I'm going to show you how to steal my look!

Costume

1. Raid Your Closet!
Some of the items for your pageant princess look can more than likely be found right in your wardrobe! I just used a basic white top and black leggings as the base for my costume.

2. Track Down a Tutu!
The bigger and poufier, the better! I can't find the exact tutu I ordered, but here is a super similar one on Amazon!

3. Accessorize It!
What's a toddler beauty queen without her tiara? I found mine here, but there are also tons of other affordable options on Amazon and other party stores! Of course, you'll also need a pacifier and a sash!

Makeup

1. Doll Up Those Eyes!

I opted for glittery silver shadows, but any sparkly color will do just fine! Super long, babydoll lashes are also a must for this look. So glob on as many coats of mascara as you can, or break out the false lashes!

2. Cake On the Blush!

So as you guys know, I'm usually all about the natural "lit-from-within" look, but not today! I piled on as much hot pink blush as I could without scaring people on the street. 

3. Lips That Make Barbie Jealous!

Break out your best bright Barbie pink lipstick and layer it on! I also added a bit of pink plumping gloss to amp up my lips even more. 

Hair

1. Curl That Hair!

I used a 3/4 inch curling iron and a boatload of hairspray to create super tight ringlets!

2. Tease It Up!

Although I definitely can't compete with the mountain-high poofs found on Toddlers and Tiaras, I did my best to back-comb the front section of my hair to add volume. 

And that's how I made my Toddlers and Tiaras inspired costume! Have a wonderful Halloween and be sure to tweet me pictures of your costumes or share what you're going to be in the comments below! 

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is be happy live pink. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

The Best Sites to Shop for Cheap & Chic Jewelry!

Hi lovelies! I apologize for being a bit absent these past couple of weeks! Life has been pretty crazy for me lately with midterms, my 21st birthday, and joining a sorority! If you'd like to hear more about what I've been up to (including my experience during sorority recruitment weekend) please let me know in the comments!

And now to get to the point of this post...cheap & cheap jewelry! Keep reading for all of my favorite sites to score fab pieces for a total steal!


1. BaubleBar
BaubleBar is filled with on-trend statement pieces and sparkly gems! They aren't quite as affordable as some of the other stores on the list, but they make up for it with super high quality! Plus, they have this addicting little promotional offer called the "Buried Bauble" that's basically like a scavenger hunt every Monday and Friday for marked down jewelry throughout their site. I feel like a kid in a candy store going on the hunt for all the crazy good deals!

2. Charlotte Russe
So I've actually talked about my love of Charlotte Russe before, but I just couldn't leave it out of a post about affordable jewelry! This site is seriously the ultimate jewelry jackpot, with most items about $5 each! With so many adorable pieces at such low prices, I probably get giant boxes from Charlotte Russe delivered to my door a bit more often than I should!

3. Daily Look
If you haven't checked out Daily Look yet, you seriously need to get on there right now! Every day, a new outfit is posted on their shop made up entirely of items you can buy right on the site. It's great for girls like me that fall in love with individual items but struggle to figure out what to pair them with! Plus, they have an amazing selection of super trendy and unique jewelry at great prices!

4. JewelMint
What makes JewelMint stand out from the crowd for me is the style quiz you take the moment you get on their page. After a few fun questions about your personal style, you're taken to a showroom filled with items specifically chosen for you! JewelMint also has tons of awesome promos and coupon codes happening all the time for new members. Right now, you can score any full-priced item for $8.99!

5. Sole Society
I know what you're thinking- Sole Society is for shoes! However, they also have a pretty amazing collection of super chic jewelry! Just like their footwear, all their pieces look very high-end and designer, but without the crazy price tag!

I'd love to hear all about your favorite sites to shop for affordable jewelry in the comments down below!

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is be happy live pink. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

My Favorite Budget-Friendly Looks for Class!

Hi lovelies! So I have a confession. In high school I used to rock sweatpants and a hoodie to class almost every day. It wasn't that I didn't like getting all dressed up, it was just that I was a little too lazy to make the effort to dress up at 7 a.m. But now that I'm a little older, a little more fashion obsessed, and my classes start a little later, I really enjoy putting together fun outfits for school! Of course, as a college girl on a tight budget I definitely have to find ways to look high end on a super low budget, and today I want to share a couple of my current favorite looks with you!


Keep in mind, since I scored some of these pieces months ago, they are not all still available online. So I just went ahead and included a link to the most similar item I could find, or marked the piece as unavailable and linked to the store it's from!

Outfit #1

I absolutely love the combo of a classic, almost masculine chambray shirt with super girly pastel pink & gold accessories! I know pastels are typically more for spring, but I say break the rules and rock 'em year round!

Sole Society by Julianne Hough Cut Out Flats* | American Eagle Modern Rinse Jegging | Old Navy Pin Dot Chambray Shirt (Similar) | Merona Skinny Belt  | Reecie B Pastel Necklace (No Longer Available)

Outfit #2

Lately I have been completely obsessed with these mustard ballet flats! They add such a fun pop of color to any outfit, but I especially love them with this anchor blouse!  

Sole Society Mustard Flats* | American Eagle Modern Rinse Jegging | Xhilaration Anchor Blouse (No Longer Available) | Forever 21 Gold Chain Bracelet (Similar) | DailyLook Bow Midi Ring

And those are two of my favorite affordable outfits for class right now! Now I'd love to hear all about your favorite school looks! Sound off on the best stores, new items, and anything else your heart desires in the comments down below! ♥

School Sparkle: DIY Crafts to Deck Out Your Dorm Room!

Hi lovelies! You all gave such amazing feedback from my School Sparkle guest blogger series, I decided to invite one of my favorite bloggers, The Caro Diaries, to come write one final post all about making this school year the best one ever! And for all of my fellow college kids, a huge part of having a great year is having a great dorm room or apartment on campus! So today, Caro will be sharing some of her favorite DIY crafts to spruce up your room!

I'm lucky enough to be entering my second year of university this year, and I know what it's like being a broke college student. When the exchange rate between your home country and the US is 6:1, broke becomes your middle name. That being said, I can't afford expensive accessories and decorations for my dorm room, and I've been forced to be creative. Dorm rooms can be boring. This is the place you eat, sleep, study and just hang out in all day every day for nine months out of the year, so sprucing it up is recommended, but managing to do it without spending big money is the challenge. So I headed on over to Pinterest (my favorite thing to do whenever I need any sort of inspiration - check out my Wednesday Wisdom posts every week!) and created a list of some great, easy and inexpensive DIY pieces to turn your dorm room into your home.


1) String Art
Nothing says home like making something creative to depict not only your state, but your hometown. Home is literally where the heart is with this cute decoration that's easy to make and adds so much character and a great story to your room. Click here for instructions!

2) Jewelry Board
There's no better way to showcase your fashion sense and style than by creating a jewelry board. Choosing fabrics that express your personality, and showing off your fave accessories add a unique touch to your room, and is also super convenient! Click here for instructions!

3) Photo Letter 
When you go to college, you're going to want to be surrounded by photos of home, friends, family and loved ones to remind you of them and provide a familiar face in all your new experiences. By buying a wooden letter and some mod podge, you can create a new dorm room accessory that's not only cute, but also personal! Click here for instructions!

4) Charging Station 
In college, you'll be using your phone, laptop, e-reader and iPods pretty regularly, and need to charge them daily or weekly. This power station transforms your charger cords into a cute little station, and organizes and pretties up the usually cluttered section. It's fairly simple to do and makes a big difference when compared to tangled cords. Click here for instructions!

5) Photo Lines 
Sticking up photos all over your room is highly recommended while you're at school. It's a great way to surround yourself with friends, family and great memories, and to keep you calm when you're so far away from home. Using twine and clothes pins, this transforms your room and empty wall space so much more than a regular photo collage or frames would. Click here for instructions!

6) Magnetic Makeup Board 
This one is super useful and adds a girly touch to any room by showcasing your own makeup. It also forces you to filter through and only keep what you actually use. It would be great to stick next to your mirror and make your daily makeup routine so much easier! Click here for instructions!

7) Crayon Art 
I've seen this one all over Pinterest and I've always loved it, so when I stumbled across this one I absolutely knew I needed to make it! It's so colorful and a quick way to brighten any room, but the inspirational word (or you can use a quote) adds some motivation daily which is always a plus when you're living away from home! The instructions sound easy enough.. but knowing me, I'd end up on Pinterest Fail! Click here for instructions!

8) Framed Weekly Calendar 
When you're in college, you HAVE to be organized. You have no mom telling you to wake up and go to your 8am class, and no one is there to keep track of the 16 credits you're taking, all those tests and projects, as well as meetings and other extra curricular activities. I love the idea of this weekly calendar in these frames because it's a sort of to-do list, which is always useful when you're away from home. Click here for instructions!

I hope you enjoy these cheap and easy DIY crafts to spruce up your dorm room! You can stop by my blog, The Caro Diaries, or find me on Bloglovin, Facebook or Pinterest for even more posts like these :) 

    

How To: Make Your Eyes Bigger and Brighter!

Hello lovelies! Today I'm going to be sharing another one of my very favorite makeup tricks- how to make your eyes look bigger and brighter! As you can see from the picture above, applying eye makeup the wrong way can really shrink down your eyes no matter how big or small they naturally are. While on the other hand, applying it the right way does absolute wonders if you want to achieve that glowing, wide-awake look! And let's be honest, what girl doesn't? 

So let's go ahead and get started!

1. Lighten Up

Since the eye area naturally has lots of depth and shadowing, bring in some light by applying a highlight color to the inner corners and waterline of your eye. I like to apply a shimmery cream-colored eyeshadow to the inner corner with my finger to create a well-blended, soft highlight. For my waterline, I typically use a pencil at least 2 shades lighter than my skin tone to create that fresh and awake look. Some people prefer using a stark white, but I find that can look a bit too obvious and harsh.

2. Lengthen Those Lashes

For a baby doll wide-eyed look, it's important to choose a lengthening mascara that will define and separate your lashes without clumping them up. Applying mascara on both top and bottom lashes will really make your eyes pop even more. I'm personally not a huge fan of false lashes, but if you feel comfortable using them they are certainly another great option to really amp up the length of your lashes. 

3. Contour Correctly

When applying your crease eyeshadow, be sure to extend it up above your natural crease line. This will create the illusion of a much larger, more well-defined eye. I generally like to stick with a medium-brown crease color as I find that it mimics the look of a natural shadowing. 

4. Eyebrows are Everything
I've said it before and I will say it again, a well groomed eyebrow really frames your whole face and can make or break any eye look. I like to fill in my brows with powder and then keep them in place with a clear brow gel.

5. Line with Caution
Now some might call this a little extreme, but I actually have a rule that I will not touch my bottom lash line with any eye liner. Instead, try using a brown eyeshadow to subtly define the bottom of the eye without creating any harsh lines. This trick also works great because it creates a shadow lower down, making the eye appear much wider than if you were to draw a thin line right below the lashes (notice the huge difference in the photo above).

And those are all of my favorite tips and tricks for bigger, brighter eyes! I'd love to hear any other secrets you have in the comments below! ♥

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is Carly Tati. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

(More) Home Decor Finds Under $40!

Hi lovelies! As I've been getting settled in my new apartment, I've really started figuring out what I like and what I don't as far as decor goes. Some of the items I originally purchased just aren't fitting in as well as I thought they would, and others have turned out to be even better than I expected! So today I wanted to share some of my favorite furniture and accent pieces- all for under $40!


I do want to note that since I made some of these purchases months ago, a few of the exact pieces I have are no longer available for sale online. So I just went ahead and found the most similar items I could possibly find for you guys!

Also, I just wanted to take a moment to let all of my fellow college girls out there know about Amazon Student. It's a super useful program that gives you unlimited free two-day shipping and tons of other perks like free access to Kindle books and movies. And right now, they're offering a free 6 month trial for all college students who sign up! I use my membership all the time to buy home items, food, clothes, and pretty much anything else you could imagine! If you're interested in signing up, click here for more information!

And with all that out of the way, let's go ahead and get started!

DHP Gray Trellis Accent Pillows ($29)*

I have these gorgeous pillows on my bed as we speak and I absolutely love them! They are super plush and soft, and the print is unique yet neutral enough to blend in with almost any decor. And at under $30, they're a total steal!

Xhilaration Roses White Lamp ($23.79)

From the moment I saw this lamp at Target, I just fell in love! I'm obsessed with the shabby chic charm of the frayed rose lamp shade, and the ornate base adds an elegant touch. If you're a complete girly-girl like me, this lamp is pretty much a must-have!

PB Teen Preppy Paper Desk Accessories in Pool Dottie ($39)

While I originally bought the magazine folder and pencil cup for their original purpose, the makeup junkie in me figured out a slightly different use for them as I started getting moved in! I actually use the magazine holder for my large makeup pallets. It's great because they are all standing up so I can see them, and I can easily flip through and pull one out just like I would with a magazine. Then I use the pencil cup for my makeup brushes. All in all, these pieces are super useful and a great deal for the whole set!

DHP Parsons End Table ($15)*

This end table is perfect for anyone who fears the words "assembly required" as much as I do. All you have to do is twist in the legs to the tabletop, and you're good to go! No tools needed! I've had the table for about a month now and I have absolutely no complaints. It's simple enough to fit in with any home style and affordable enough to fit with any budget! 

Xhilaration Baroque Picture Frame ($13)

Lately I just can't get enough of these ornate picture frames! I actually have two of them in my room, and they add such an elegant touch to any space! I definitely recommend stocking up on a few for this price!

Xhilaration White Flower Decorative Pillow ($20)

So this pillow doesn't translate very well in photos, but it's gorgeous in person! The petals are three-dimensional and give the pillow an amazing depth. I've seen similar pillows on Etsy or more expensive home decor shops for double or triple the price, so this pillow is also an amazing bargain! I wouldn't recommend actually resting on it though since it is white, I learned that the hard way when a bit of my makeup rubbed off on a petal! 

ModCloth Perch High and Low Jewelry Stand ($30)

I actually have a really similar jewelry stand that's no longer available, but I think I may like this one even more! I love that the "branches" can hold necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, and the bottom stand is perfect for rings. Plus, the vintage, whimsical vibe is the perfect decorative touch! 

That's it for my affordable home decor finds! I know a lot of you have been requesting an apartment tour, and I just want to let you know that I definitely hear you all and it's in the works! Let me know in the comments if you'd prefer a photo or video tour and I will see what I can do! ♥

P.S.- Be sure to "like" DHP on Facebook for tons of exclusive offers and a first look at new items!

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is Carly Tati. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

The Best Sites to Shop for Cheap & Chic Shoes!

Hello lovelies! I am so excited to be back! It's been a hectic few weeks with moving into a new apartment in a new state and starting school, but I can't wait to use all of my experiences as inspiration for future posts! In the meantime, I wanted to bring you guys a brand new edition of one of my most popular posts of all time! Only this time around, I'm giving it a shoe lover's twist!

So without further adieu, let's go shopping for some cheap & chic new shoes!


1. Sole Society
Whether I'm in need of a new pair of heels for a night out or flats for walking to class, Sole Society is always first on my list! They have a huge selection of on-trend footwear that could seriously rival any high-end designer in terms of quality and comfort- but for a fraction of the price! And not only are their prices always super affordable, but they also offer some amazing ways to save even more. Right now they're offering 20% off your first purchase and free shipping on all orders! I mean really, how can you beat that?

2. Akira
If you're a Midwest girl like I am, you've probably heard of Akira! Their stores are filled with edgy-yet-wearable pieces that are perfect for a rocker chic look on a budget. And my favorite section of Akira has got to be their shoes! I like to call them "wearable art", with crazy awesome designs like cutout heels, hologram wedge sneakers, and spiky studded straps.

3. Old Navy
Okay, so I'm sure you guys have all heard of Old Navy. But did you know they also have an adorable collection of flats, boots, and even wedges? I used to only shop at Old Navy for their ridiculously cheap flip-flops, but one day I decided to browse around a little, and I was seriously in ballet flat wonderland! What I love most about the shoes here is that they are always super comfy, and prices are so low you can stock up on two (or twenty) different colors and styles!

4. Daily Look
If you've never been on Daily Look, you seriously need to check it out right this minute! The concept behind it is basically that every day, they post a new magazine-style shot of an outfit, with everything available to buy right on their site. It's great for all the girls out there like me who see shoes they love but struggle to figure out what to wear them with. Plus, their prices are always really affordable and they offer great coupon codes, like 20% off with email sign-up!

5. Topshop
So in case you guys haven't heard of Topshop before, they are a super trendy, Forever 21-esque store that is crazy popular in the UK. Their shoes range from classic and preppy to seriously chic and high-fashion. I could seriously do some major damage on my credit card browsing all of Topshop's unique footwear! Is it wrong to want one of everything?

And those are all of my very favorite sites to shop for cheap & chic shoes! I'd love to hear about all of your favorite stores for fabulous footwear in the comments down below! ♥

This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is Carly Tati. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!

Be sure to check out StudentRate's amazing back to school deals here!

School Sparkle: 4 Quick & Easy Heatless Hairstyles!

Hi lovelies! Can you believe how much Summer has absolutely flown by? For most of us, it's already almost time to go back to school! So while I take a few moments to mourn the end of another summer break and gear up for the new year, I'll be bringing you guys a brand new series of back-to-school posts courtesy of some of my very favorite guest bloggers! 

Next up is Carly Tati with some super chic time-saving hairstyles!

We've all had it happen to us: we hit snooze one too many times, and just can't face a 7:30 am class. And our hair is the first thing to go to get those extra few minutes of sleep! 

As much as I wish I had the perfectly tousled Victoria Secret hair look that seems so effortless, my hair doesn't do that without trying pretty hard! So to get ready for back to school, here are 4 ideas for just rolled out of bed hair that barely requires brushing. The messier the better! They also don't require any heat styling. All you need is ponytail holders, bobby pins, and a brush. 5 minutes for each look and you're ready to go! 

Look 1: Side Braid with Scarf

I saw a girl the other day in my neighborhood wearing this look and thought it was so cute. This look is the easiest of them all. You could practically create it on the way to class! 

Look 2: The Chignon 

I always love a great chignon. It's fast and easy and always looks chic. The great thing about the chignon is you can wear it high and sleek, or you can go with a more tousled and messy look either high or low. Change it up depending on your mood! 

Optional pop of color: Take a silk neck scarf and roll it. Tie it around the chignon to add a personal touch. 

Look 3: The Knotted Pony

Who wants to wear a basic pony every day? It's nice to change it up and this variation offers a fast and fun way that only requires a ponytail holder! 

Look 4: The Low Pony High Volume

As I was lightly teasing my hair to add volume, I was thinking to myself, wow Brigitte Bardot was teasing her hair almost every day to create that insatiable volume! I just did the light version of it for some quick no heat volume. My hair is fine and thin, so if you have thick or wavy to curly hair, you can skip the teasing step. 

If you want more volume to take it to a 60's look, just keep teasing!! Lightly smooth your hair with your fingers to avoid losing the volume you just worked for with the teasing. 

This look is great for a downtown vibe and an uptown vibe. Dress it down if your feeling casual. If you have a date after class or a presentation, dress it up by adding a cute headband and covering the ponytail holder in back with a thin layer of hair wrapped around it to keep it sleek! 

What are your favorite time saving hairstyles? Good luck with this semester! I'm going to keep my eyes open for beauty time-savers, they are always good to have! 

xo,

Carly Tati

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This month my Ultimate Sparkle Sponsor is Carly Tati. To find out more about advertising on Sparkle & Mine, click here!