Cheap and Chic: Living on a Budget (Without Being Miserable)

Hey fellow fashionistas! Hope all is well on your end :)

It has went from a cloudy day in the big city to a sunny one, and I have to say that it is quite beautiful.

As I sit here at my desk typing away looking outside of my flat window, I can't help but have a Carrie Bradshaw moment.

#SATCForLife

Yeah, I'm a huge fan.

But back to the point of today's entry. I'm going to discuss with you all some of my ideas on conservative spending when it comes to food, clothes, and other basic essentials.

So, on that note, here's a little Carrie SATC quote to get this rolling.

"Sometimes I would buy Vogue instead of dinner. I just felt it fed me more."

While this is a lovely quote, it isn't exactly practical.

While yes, you could probably buy Vogue or Cosmo and skip a meal, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it. To read Vogue, you have to be alive. And to stay alive? You need food.

Make sense? I figured as much.

Here are some of the tips I've put together as I've started living in the big city (I also read "City and Chic" by Nina Willdorf, but I'm not using any of her points in this entry just to simply avoid plagiarism at all costs).

Basically, since I've been there (aside from the fact that a lot of money has been paid for me to live out here), I've been trying to keep my days at $10 or less.

So, here's some words of wisdom my loves, the "Jayy's Savvy Six Tips on Saving." (Yes, I have a thing for alliteration.)

1) My dear, you do not need a Starbucks everyday.

- If you really know me, you just probably fell over in your chair at the fact that I said that. But here's the reality: you can make coffee at home that is just as fulfilling as a $5.00 12 oz. cup. I just buy almond milk at the market, sugar, and the grounded Starbuck Breakfast Blend.  Yes, I get up a little earlier than usual so that I can have a solid 45 minutes to chill-out and drink my coffee, but that doesn't have to be the case! Buy a plastic, washable to-go cup, and I assure you, you'll still be just as cool as the people who have their coffee shop-bought cups of goodness on their desk. :)

Also: don't guy a bagel or a breakfast sandwich
from Mickey D's... buy eggs, bread,
and some mayo... and you have yourself a
rather delicious (and cheaper) breakfast sandwich!
P.S. That coffee is just as delicious as a good 'ol S-bucks!
(Probably because it is their own blend,
but cheaper to use
non the less)

2) Avoid food trucks and deli shops by your work, pack your lunch!

- I made this mistake my first week of work. While the prices weren't ridiculously awful, I really wasn't getting the portions I needed to make it through the day without crashing. I paid $5.29 for a salad that was about half the size of what a normal person would eat. After work every day, I would have a headache, starving, and close to crashing. Now, I've learned my lesson! I pack my own lunch, and even a few snacks, and it's still cheaper than the salad I kept buying. Who knew?

My idea: pre-boil some noodles for the week.
Buy sauces (sesame, teriyaki, marinara, olive oil, etc.)
and have yourself a pretty dang good noodle dish!

This stuff though >>> (and only $2.99!)

Fried an egg and throw it in! You'll
feel like you stopped at an Asian Bistro
on your way to work!

3) It's okay to splurge on dinner.

- Say you've had a hard work day, or you're just ready for someone to make your food for you. It's okay to go a little out of budget when it comes to rewarding yourself. If you make your own coffee and pack your own lunch, I would say that you deserve to put that $10/a day to good use on some good delivery food. I use www.seamless.com, and my order vary from $8.50-$14.50 (depends on the restaurant and their personal delivery charges). But say that you don't want to do delivery. Then don't! Go out with your girls, have some sushi, and even a few drinks. You've earned it!

4) Here's an idea: grocery shop.

- When going grocery shopping, you'll feel as if you're really dropping a lot of cash on things that will only last you a week. My first time at the market, I dropped 50 bucks, and to say I was unhappy would be an understatement... but then I did a little mathematical breakdown.

Life without grocery shopping: Not buying any food at the market...

$15 (toiletry essentials) + $35 (Starbucks coffee every morning) + $40 (buying lunch everyday) + $70 (7 night of dinners) = $160/week

Life with grocery shopping: Almond milk, bread, chips, salsa, noodles, sauces, ice cream (don't judge me), bathroom essentials, laundry needs, etc...

= $50 (grocery shopping) + $70 (7 nights of dinners) =  $120/week

160 - 120 = $40 of "play money" (or SAVING money)

So basically, that's an extra $40 a week that I can put towards things I actually want to buy (*cough* shoes *cough* books *cough), or just save it!

5) Mix/match the clothes you already have!

- This is SO much fun! Just when you think you've worn everything in your closet one too many times, try making up new outfits. You'll be surprised when, "Hey, this necklace really compliments this top." or "Wow! When I put this scarf on with this dress, it looks like a totally new outfit!"

Case in point: shop in your own closet for a change. You'll be shocked at how creative you actually are.

6) New Flash: there are fun things to do that DON'T cost money.

- Go take a walk in the park, read a book, window shop (my personal favorite), check out some free art exhibits, hang out with your friends... anything! Be creative, explore where you live, you'll never know how much that there is to do without opening your wallet. :)

Reading at the park is one of my favorite
FREE (besides buying the book, but
go to a library and that fee is eliminated) things
to do! Cheap, peaceful, and fun!

Well there ya go, there's the Savvy Six!

Now now, I know that other expenses occurred to get me to where I'm at (like rent, utilities, etc...), but just because a lot of money has been spent, does not mean you have to continue spending it frivolously.

Dream big, save a lot, and be smart.

(Excuse the typos, I didn't have time to edit properly.)

Much love :)

NYC: Wardrobe Wednesday!

Hey there readers, Happy Wednesday!

I. Am. So. Exhausted.... but, the city can do that to you!

Today, I'm just going to share with you a few outfits I wore this week (and where to look for the exact pieces/pieces similar [as most are probably no longer on sale]).

My motto? #StyleAndSavings #ConservativeBudgetChic (If you follow me on Instagram, you will see these hash-tags on a daily basis.)

I'm a firm believer in style being your own. It doesn't matter if your top is 5 years old. You can throw some pearls (fake, usually) on it and make it look as good as new. Style ALWAYS remains, and it is essentially your own, made by you (as you know, you're the one who knows yourself better than anyone else... if that made sense).

Well here you go, fellow fashionistas... here's a few of my looks from this week!

Headband: Charlotte Rusee
Top: Forever 21
Pants: Target
Shoes: Icing by Claire's
Bracelets: Charlotte Russe

Headband: Charlotte Russe
Top: Charlotte Russe
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Shoe Dazzle
Bracelet: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Charlotte Russe
Top: TJMaxx
Skinnies: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Shoe Dazzle
 

Same time, same mirror. Flat life does not give me a plethora of options.

It is safe to say that Charlotte Russe and Shoe Dazzle are my favorites! Charlotte Russe is one of my "go-to" stores.  They're always current, on-point with trends, and have what every fashionista needs.  From accessories to dresses, shoes to jeans... this place has it covered. (Also, wait for their Buy One Get One for $10 shoe sale... it happens frequently and is probably the best thing next to Christmas Day).

And Shoe Dazzle... oh my love. For unique, current, and quality styles... this is the place for you. For $39.95/pair/month (that is what it was when I started, anyway), your own personal stylist sets up a showroom for you with shoes and purses based on the criteria from a quiz you take when you set up your account.  I believe that a few things have changed since Rachel Zoe took over (like you have to be a VIP member to get the best prices [pay $9.95 a month even if you opt out of getting a pair of shoes], etc.)

About 75% of my shoe collection consists of Shoe Dazzle shoes, but they also sell good, quality purses (I own a few) and accessories! www.shoedazzle.com :)

Remember: You can been cheap and chic. Just make sure that the price is the only thing that's cheap! There's good quality in things that don't cost all that much. Sometimes all you end of paying for is the name, so don't be afraid to get something "off-brand." :)

Well my loves, that is all for tonight! Read, like, share.

Dream big, I believe in you.

 

NYC: Internship Tips

Well hey there readers, it's been a few days!

Things have been so crazy (but extremely fun) at work. So happy to have a job that doesn't make me want to look at the clock every 5 seconds!

Garment bags, tag guns, spreadsheets... oh my. ;)

It's safe to say that I love where I'm at.  I, Jonna Hyatt, am having a "I'm feeling freakin' blessed" moment.

It's okay, you can have one too! <3

For today's post, I'm going to discuss some tips with you all that are also doing internships! Internships are the perfect time to LEARN, while working hard in the process.

I recommend every college student to take part in an internship. Whether it is in your field of study or not, it is always great to explore your options.

Me? I went into college thinking I was going to follow in my family's foot-steps and join the ever so lovely field of education (that wasn't sarcastic) to become a high school counselor.

While I'm not shutting out the idea altogether, my point is this: I'm in NYC working with fashion, PR, marketing, and merchandising... and I'm having the time of my life.

I'm working my tail off, and I'm soaking in every fabulous second of it.

I'm going to stop talking about how fantastic my internship is, and I'm going to turn to the subject at hand.  I'm going to throw down some tips here for those of you who have yet to experience an internship.

Here we go...

1) Be open-minded!
       - Be willing to do whatever it takes (within your moral code, of course) to get the dream internship you want.  Where that is putting together a portfolio, a personal interview, or showing off some of your latest work. Employers are looking for people who are willing to go the distance, so when something is asked of you... brainstorm and take it a step further.

2) Prepare for it like you would for any other job interview.
      - The word "internship" does not make it any less of a "job." An internship IS a job, but it is also a learning experience.  So yes, get together a resume, cover letter, and dress your very best, because internships are extremely important!

3) Be okay with working for free.
    - The majority of internships pay you with knowledge and experience, and that is ultimately the best payment you could ask for.  Because once you leave the internship in your field of interest, you're ready to conquer a full-on career (with $$$ involved). ;)

4) Understand that the ultimate objective is to learn.
    - Referring to what I said above, understand that you're going to take so much from the experience of an internship. From learning that it isn't the right field for you, or if you want to look into a career exactly like it, by the end of your internship you will have grown as a career-seeking individual.

5) Expand beyond your home state.
    - Do what I did! Come to NYC! Just kidding. Well kind of, since it's the place for me, it might be for you too. But my point is: don't just look in your surrounding area.  You'll be limiting yourself more than you realize! There are so many opportunities and occupations you probably haven't even heard of, so get on Google and explore a little. ;)

6) Keep your social media profile appropriate!
     - We've all had that fun, happy-go-lucky night that somehow made it's way to the Facebook news feed.  Well, if you are fortunate enough to see it before everyone else does, delete it, block it, report it... whatever you have to do to keep your profile looking squeaky clean!

7) Understand that you're probably going to have to do a lot of the stereotypical intern "grunt work."
   - Don't get me wrong, you'll probably have a great time at your internship, but have a good attitude when you're asked to do unappealing things (take out the trash, clean, watch someone's kids, etc.).  If you suck it up and put a smile on your face, I promise you, it will give you good karma!

8) Don't let your major define your choice of internship.
   - I managed to change my major just enough for it to make sense with what I'm doing, but don't let your field of study determine everything.  If you're feeling a little uncertainty about your major, use an internship outside of it's circle to help you explore what is out there!

9) Be open to constructive criticism.
    - This is the part most of us struggle with. We feel that if our boss tells us that we need to re-do or change something, that they hate us and our life is over.  This is not true.  Your boss is only saying these things for the benefit of the company, and for you.  If you're boss just went around and didn't tell you what you were doing wrong, you would, essentially, learn nothing.

10) Remember: Internship bosses are important people. They will be who your next employer reports to for when you are in the interview process for a job.
   - One mistake that is usually made: "Oh, I'm not getting paid, so I can work like it." FALSE FALSE.... mega FALSE. Work your tail off, because your internship boss is actually your BOSS, so work like you're getting paid $100,000 a year... because trust me, the reward will be sweet!

11) Work hard without expectations.
   - Don't go into a project thinking, "Oh yes, I cannot wait to get praised for how well I did on this!" You'll be setting yourself up for disappointment.  I'm not saying you won't ever receive a compliment from your boss, but they are extremely busy people.  The last thing they have time for is to ensure that your ego is at an all-time high.  So settle down, and work your tail off for the benefit of yourself and the establishment you're working for.

12) When looking for internships, explore other avenues for finding them (*cough* social media *cough*).
    - Well, for example, I made contact with my employer via Twitter. This could be the case for you too! Just check out profiles of influential people who are working in a field you're interested in. Or if you're like me, just check who has followed you recently. You'll be surprised! So case in point: social media is NOT a bad place to look for job. You never know until you try it! 

13) Make sure that it is a field that you are interested in.
    - If you're not interested in you're internship and you're working for free? You're setting yourself up to do rather poorly and frankly, you'll probably be in a bad mood the majority of the time. You don't want a job where you are always waiting for 5 o'clock to roll around. Look for your PASSION!

14) Understand that not every day is going to be a "walk-in-the-park."
   - Sure, you'll have good days. Great days, for that matter. But prepare yourself for when things are hectic, no one is making sense, and you have no clue what you are doing. Learning comes with struggle, so understand that you are new to the field that you're working in, so there is no way that you can know the answers to everything. Just breathe, learn, laugh it off, and work even harder.

15) HAVE A FABULOUS TIME!
  - This is the best part of doing an internship! You get to learn, grow, and have a blast while doing it.  If you find a occupation that truly inspires you... I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

So, my dears, go out there, explore, and get yourself one heck of an internship! Oh, and come visit me out in NYC while you're doing it ;)

Much love, dream big.

NYC: Homesickness Tips and Solutions

Well, it happened.

I finally had that moment where I was like, "Where's my mom!?" "How come I can't drive 20 minutes to see my best friend?" or "Well, I have a few free hours, why can't I just go hang out with my boyfriend?"

You guessed it people. In the city that never sleeps, with rows and rows of stores to shop, places to eat, and sites to see... I, Jonna Marie Hyatt, as of last night, experienced a "homesick moment."

I knew that it would happen sometime, as I have so many people back home that I love and miss, but I didn't anticipate it happening so soon.

So, like any other girl, I took to what is called the "Super Saddness Solution" plan.

Say you're not in my situation, that you're just away for a weekend, week, or maybe a few weeks. Homesickness can strike no matter what the time frame, so don't feel ashamed if you miss your momma while you're at a convention, camp, an internship, or whatever else you can be away from home for.

And for those of you who don't know what an "SSS" plan is, I'll explain. :)

The list for a successful "SSS" is as follows:

- A Netflix account:
            You cannot have a proper "SSS" without a Netflix account. Okay, maybe that's a lie, but it
            certainly helps if you're wanting to binge watch television shows such as Gossip Girl or One
            Tree Hill (hint: these are two of my top recommendations, but right now I'm on season #3 of
            Dawson's Creek). If you don't have a Netflix account, no worries, just pick out your favorite
            chick-flick or whatever you can to make you laugh for a few hours.

- A pint of your favorite ice-cream (regular, or if you're like me, dairy-free):
           For me, this is the best part. Sure, you'll probably feel guilty afterwards, but the sugary
           sweetness of this treat and your favorite Netflix show/movie will make you feel better more
           than you think.

- A book that takes you away from reality:
          This one is my favorite parts, as I can usually go through a book in one day.  If you haven't
          read it yet, I recommend "A Fault in our Stars." And hey, the movie is out, so get some of your
          new friends together and go see it!

- A good work-out (yes, I'm serious):
         STOP! Don't scroll pass this one. I hate (okay, maybe not HATE) working out, but afterwards I
         always feel so healthy, like as if I can conquer the world.  So if you're dealing with
         homesickness, this can easily change your mood! Just find a routine that works for you, and in
         30 minutes you'll feel fabulous!

- Talk to the people you're missing (via technology, unfortunately, but you'll feel better):
         This probably seems like it would be the last thing you would want to do, since these people are
         the main reason why you're sad in the first place. But in reality, it helps to talk through it with
         these people. They are the ones that truly care for you, and do want to know when you're upset.
         This reminder will comfort you, especially knowing that even miles apart, they aren't going
         anywhere!

- Color coordinate your closet:
        This one is pretty much self-explanatory. If you're an analytical thinker, this one is the one for
        you.  A home-project will make you feel more at home, or it will just bring out your OCD skills
        and give you a much more organized closet.

- Remember (if you're in a case like me), that it is only for the summer:
        This reminder will grow to be ineffective after while, but the more you keep saying it, the closer
        it will be to the end! BUT... don't just count-down the days, ENJOY your experience. Sure, have
        a few moments here and there, that's okay... but get right back up, go out, and meet some more
        people! Because hey, you're going to be back home eventually, but it's good to meet people from
        all different parts of the world!

- And lastly, cry:
       Okay, okay... I know that this is a little bit dramatic, but you're just going to have to trust me on
       this.  It really does help, because when you're trying to stay strong all the time by holding back
       your tears, you're actually setting yourself up for really, really bad breakdown.  So take a
       moment, chill out, and shed a tear or two.  The pressure will start to alleviate, and you'll feel
       at peace.

Let me just make this clear: I'm fine. Perfectly fine! I had my moment (and I'm sure it won't be my last), but I know how lucky I am to have this opportunity, and I love this city and the people I've met so much!

I'm human. I miss my family, friends, boyfriend, and I guess I would miss an animal if I had one, but that doesn't mean I'm not happy. Homesickness is not a feeling that is targeted at unhappy people.  Happy people get down and out too, we all do.

Just remember: don't hold back on where you think you should be just because you're afraid of what you're leaving behind.  Because trust me, if they're worth it, they're always with you and will always be there for you.

Follow your dreams, even if it takes you 1,000+ miles away. And if you get sad, just try out the "SSS" plan... I promise you, you'll be glad you did.

Much love :)

"Fabulous Favorites" Friday! (And Other Highlights)

 

(Also read below for an update on my day yesterday!) -xoxo :)

Segment: Fabulous Favorites Friday by jonna-marie-hyatt featuring a wall light

Black Orchid clothing
revolveclothing.com

White legging
zooshoo.com

Bullhead Denim Co High Rise Black Jeggings
pacsun.com

2b bebe clothing
2bbebe.com

Flying Monkey L7429 Floral Jeggings
2020ave.com

Denim legging
amazon.com

Plus size legging
themogan.com

Vintage Marquee Lights wall light
purehome.com

I love jeggings, it's as simple as that. I mean, come on, it's like wearing yoga pants that don't actually look like yoga pants. You get to look all hot and put together, but in reality you're as comfortable as can be.

It's a win-win, duh.

Colored, denim-like... it doesn't matter, they're all comfortably chic!

The links are included with each jegging that I posted in the photo! Go to the sites if you love them and make a purchase you won't regret.

And the fact that you're in "jeans" and you still feel like you can do a toe-touch?

HIGH-FIVE LIKE YEAH! ;)

But anyway, enough on that, so here's the scoop on my day exploring this lovely city:



NYU. Eeeeeeeek.

One of my dream schools, hands down!

Washington Square Park!

Uhm, hey NYU grad school... see ya in a few years!?

There's been a slight delay on my inheritance. Not cool.

Lunch at Sunburst (coffee shop/café)! The wrap (The "#20"
on the menu, with roast beef, tomatoes, onions, and
homemade Dijon mustard... served warm) was good,
but the service stunk a little. I left my money on the table
and left. ;/

Empire State Building! Nuff said.

Grand Central Terminal. Yes, it's as "grand"
as the name.

Inside Grand Central Terminal! Gorgeous!

Wowie wow wow.

Dinner! Order via Seamless! (shrimp tempura
roll and a California roll)

It was a pretty amazing day overall! I was able to teach myself how to navigate to different areas all over the city via subway. I will admit, I had a few moments where I was concerned as to if I could figure it out, but I did. I was so glad that I ventured out, because now I feel more comfortable with exploring.

 

Dream big, all of you. Turn your dreams into plans!

 

 

Much love. <3

 



 

"This or That" Thursday!

(SCROLL DOWN FOR
TODAY'S ENTRY ON THIS PHOTO)
"This or That" Thursday! by jonna-marie-hyatt featuring skinny jeans

 

Siwy jeans
revolveclothing.com

J Brand skinny jeans
pinkmascara.com

Billabong blue jeans
swell.com

7 For All Mankind skinny jeans
shopbop.com

HTC jeans
lindelepalais.com

DailyLook skinny jeans
dailylook.com

Good morning my dear readers, it is a very rainy, dreary day over here in the Upper East Side.

Okay, minus the dreary. There is never a dreary day when you're in the city!

I had a full day of exploration planned (NYU, Little Italy, Washington Square, etc...), but that will probably have to wait until tomorrow, or Friday... or Saturday. ;)

By the way, Happy Shavuot! (That's the holiday that I have the day off for)

This week I'm starting a new segment that I will post about every Thursday! Feel free to comment your choice/answers to all the "This or That's" I post. I LOVE hearing your opinions on that latest trends, so this will kind of give me an idea of what you all prefer!

Today's main theme: skinny jeans!

Skinnies are my ultimate go-to clothing item. You can dress them up, or create a sporty look. Ultimately, it's your decision!

There are so many different types of skinnies, but the types I am going to focus on today are...

Drum roll please...

Okay, it's not worth a drum roll, but I've always wanted to do that.

DESTROYED SKINNIES vs. COLORED SKINNIES!

Okay okay, I love both as well, and you can to! This is just for fun. So, say you were standing in front of your closet with only 7 seconds to decide what kind of skinnies you were going to wear that day... which one would you pick up?

Be sure to comment on the link shared to Facebook so that I can actually get some results/feedback pretty puhleaseeee. <3

Take a side my dears.

More to come, especially since it's such a rainy day! :)

Much love, and don't forget: turn your dreams into plans, anything is possible.

 

NYC Have-To's: Madison Avenue

I'm pretty sure I spent about 30 blocks just walking in, and salivating.
Yes, perfect fashion can make me drool. #NoApologies

Madison Avenue: Where you'll walk about 50+ blocks without realizing you're way too far away from home. Yes, it's the perffffffff.

Despite the blisters left on my feet from a bad shoe choice (love my tan Wassio Target-brand flats though) from my little journey, I had the most perfect day here in the city.

Ralph Lauren. Christian Dior. Barney's (only the most upscale retail score their is, along side Bendel's and Bergdorf's). J. Crew. Michael Kors... just to name a few not listed above.

It is the most upscale, sophisticated shopping avenue known to man, I swear it.

I walked in several stores, and managed to get conned into trying on $700 pieces... which I fell in love with it. Apparently I dressed the part of an Upper East Sider with a deep wallet.

#WorksForMe

I also passed Vera Wang and Cartier... which are two of my dream wedding designers (wedding dress and engagement ring, respectively).

I found a new (okay, new to me), awesome but pricey, place to get all of this season's summer-swim essentials.

www.everythingbutwater.com :)

Okay, okay... the prices are a little unrealistic, but they had the most chic choices for any beach party.

+ They have some of the sweetest sales associates.

I'm having an amazing time up here, as you all can tell.

On a hungry girl note: I had dinner with a new friend tonight at a place called Bocado Wine Bar and Restaurant. I had a shrimp sandwich (jumbo shrimp, bacon, tomato, and chipotle mayo) with a side of fries, and it wasn't too shabby! It was way too tall though, too much for me, but yummy.

Oh, and I guess I'll share my kind-of #OOTD.

[Top: Express, Jeggings: American Eagle, Flats: Wassio (Target), Necklace: Charming Charlie's, Earrings: Target-brand, Bag: Boy Meets Girl]

That's the most recent update on my life here in the big city, stay tuned for more. :)

Dream big, all of you. <3