Showing posts with label Save or Splurge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Save or Splurge. Show all posts

Save or Splurge: Internship-Ready Dresses


Summer is approaching sooner than you think, and you still need to fill up that closet with more summer internship appropriate pieces. Well, you’re in luck, because I still have a couple ideas up my sleeve that can help you with that process.

This is for one of those days when your alarm doesn’t go off or you just simply don’t know what to wear for that day. Dresses are always my go-to for these types of situations. However, I don’t think our summer dresses will make the cut for our goal of creating a professional summer outfit.

In finding a dress for the office, make sure that it covers in all the right places and has a structured fit.

This LOFT dress does just that: It’s sleeveless, but it has a halter neckline that covers most of the chest and shoulders. The cutout above the chest gives the dress a fun feel while keeping what should be covered, well, covered.

LOFT, Asymmetrical Hem Sleeveless Dress; $59.99

The elastic waist will define your body, giving a structured look to what otherwise is also a fun, flirty dress. An asymmetrical hemline will make you stand out from the A-lined dresses and look on-trend at the office. Pair this $59.99 dress with minimum jewelry and pumps to look successful without sacrificing fashion. It’s also available in three different colors, too!

However, you can get a similar look for half the price with this Old Navy dress.



Old Navy, Women’s Split-Neck Sleeveless Dresses; $29.94 

Even though it doesn’t have an asymmetrical hemline, the dress has a halter neckline with a perfect slit-neck that ends right above the chest. It has empire waist, which can give you the illusion that you are taller than you actually are! So flats, preferably nude to keep the professional tone, can definitely be paired with it. The best part: It’s only $29.94.

NOTE: Keep in mind you can always throw a cardigan or light jacket over your dress for the office. You can use this to dress the outfit up or down depending on what you think is best for your workplace. Also, it tends to be a bit on the chilly side in some work environments, so keeping a cardigan handy is always a good idea!

So for a quick and easy, chic piece for your closet, will you save … or will you splurge?

This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris | Image: Source

Dress for Internship Success: The Peep Toe Wedge

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I promised in my last week’s article that I would give more options for investment pieces for your summer internship. Here you go, my second investment piece, none other than: the shoes.

Being an intern is not going to be easy. We will have to always be on our feet and ready to take on whatever task will be handed to us. We might even have to run around (literally) to complete the to-do list given by our bosses! Now imagine having to do all those while looking professional and put together … in the heat.

The perfect pair shoes can make everything easier if they are comfortable, light and preferably neutral colored (so they can match with a lot of different outfits). That is why I think this Tory Burch peep toe wedge is a great splurge for a summer internship.

Bloomingdale’s, Tory Burch Peep Toe Wedge Pumps - Eddie; $250

The simplicity and sleekness portray professionalism, the look we all need to impress our bosses (and maybe even the whole office). The wedges are only 2.5 inches high, enabling us to move easier –and faster– without having to sacrifice our desire for additional height (you ladies know how good it feels to wear heels, right?).

Now the peep toe, don’t even get me started on the peep toe! It gives a laid back, summer feel to a structured wedge without becoming completely casual (like sandals, which you should definitely stay away from.) You can also easily transform your work look into a going-out look for those fun summer nights with your friends or beau, without having to change your shoes.

They’re surprisingly comfortable, too. I personally know someone who lives in Tory Burch wedges, and let’s just say she survived walking up and down the stairs of a construction building. True story.

Sadly, these perfect peep toes are pretty pricey, and that’s not perfectly ideal for everyone. If you want to spend less, but get the same look, Forever 21 has a similar pair for you!
Forever 21, Peep Toe Wedges; $24.80

Made out of faux leather, also peep toed and also available in neutral colors, these are the true definition of a bargain. The only problem is that it’s 1.5 inches higher.

I do recommend that you wear these shoes around before your internship starts so that your feet gets used to it and won’t hurt on your first day! Yikes. Please let that pain be far away from our internship experience as possible.

So will you put your best foot forward this summer in a save ... or a splurge?

 This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris

Dress for Internship Success: The Colored Blazer


If you’ve earned a summer internship or better yet, a job, high five! Give yourselves a big pat on the back because no matter how big or small it is, the experience will take you a long way. I got a summer internship back home in my tropical country, and there’s this one huge question I’ve been asking myself: What am I going to wear?

Now, I bet the weather here (or anywhere else in the world except for the poles and Australia) and in my hometown won’t be that much of a difference. It’s going to be hot, humid and sweaty. So how can we look like we’re ready to conquer our internships without suffocating through that cotton dress shirt and boxy blazer?

I believe with the right pieces we can still look professional without breaking a sweat in the summer. However, we might have to break our banks.

This MICHAEL Michael Kors blazer is perfect for a summer internship because not only is it light, but it also comes in a variety of bright colors that are perfect for the summer. Whichever color you choose will become the statement piece of your whole outfit and will make you stand out from the rest in the office.

MICHAEL Michael Kors, Shirred Sleeve Jacket: $130

A blazer can give you the freedom to wear lighter clothes beneath it, even ones with spaghetti straps. A thin blouse with capris is the perfect complement for a bright blazer like this. Remember though, you still want to show professionalism in the way you dress. So a low-cut, see-through blouse might not be a good choice to pair with a blazer. However, chicness comes with the price of $130.

If you would like to make more money than spend this summer, you can opt out for a similar blazer for less. For $59.90, Gibson’s Collarless linen blazer is a great alternative for less than half the price.

Gibson, Collarless Linen Blazer: $59.90

So for a polished, colored blazer perfect for a thriving summer intern, will you save … or will you splurge?

Keep on the lookout for my next columns, giving you save and splurge options for other summer internship outfit investment pieces.

 This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris | Image: Source

Save or Splurge: One-Piece Swimsuits

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I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who is anxiously waiting for summer to come. It’s so close...yet so far. Even though we’re still stuck here for a couple more weeks, it doesn’t mean we can’t get a head start on our summer shopping, and yes, that includes swimwear.

Bikinis are cute and all that, but they’re so expected and average. Everybody is going to be wearing them in all different shapes, colors and patterns. So how can you stand out? Why not go old school with a one-piece!

Asos, Piha Spot And Stripe Mix Skirted Swimsuit: $91.44

This swimsuit is anything but ordinary. Its blue and white polka dots and stripes give you the nautical look with a hint of flirtiness from the flare of the skirt. The straps are adjustable and versatile, meaning you can put in on or take it off easily. This one-piece is cute to play around in the summer, even if you’re not near the waters.

If you want to look more mature, Kushcush’s one-piece jumper is the swimwear for you.

Anthropologie, Kushcush Lovey Jumpet One Piece: $165

This strapless one-piece shows off the right amount of skin without revealing more than you want to. The band on the waist with a touch of thin string transforms a simple swimsuit jumper into a one-piece that outlines females’ greatest gift. Why, our curves of course!

The one-piece is designed to flaunt every body type. 

Asos, Pour Moi D-G Underwired Strapless Suit: $66.50

Pour Moi’s nautical-themed swimsuit with a mix of polka dot and striped patterns will make you feel like a pretty pin-up babe either on the beach, in your local swimming pool or basically anywhere you can slip on this one-piece. The straps are versatile, too. Looking cute and sexy at the same time comes with a price though, $66.50, to be exact.

If you want to go for the same look without spending the money, Target has an alternative option.


Target, Clean Water Women's Polka Dot 1-Piece Swim Dress: $36

For $36, you can get a flirty, tiny polka dotted one-piece similar to the one sold at Asos. The straps are also adjustable to give you the choice of pulling two different looks. This one-piece is also called a swim dress because the top part extends towards the hips and covers it, unlike a regular one-piece swimsuit.

So for an out of the ordinary summer essential, will you save...or will you splurge?

This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris

Save or Splurge: Coconut Water


Water can be the hardest thing to drink, even though it’s the most healthy drink for us out there. Not to mention that water is vital for our health, and we need to drink a certain amount everyday to stay hydrated. Sometimes, no matter how many lemons you put into your water to give it some flavor, it’s just not enough. And if you’re like me who tries to stay healthy but gets tired of water, then listen up.

Coconut water is one of America’s new crazes, but as an Asian from a tropical country, it’s nothing new to me. Back home I would drink coconut water (and its coconut “meat”) because it was always served as a casual beverage, like lemonade to Americans. I could easily buy coconut water from street vendors, who sold them for less than a dollar per coconut.

What I didn’t know then is that coconut water contains a lot of supplements that are beneficial for our health. With only 60 calories, coconut water contains potassium and glucose used to lower our blood pressure and supply sugar needed for energy, in addition to vitamin C and B.

I definitely recommend switching your sports drink to coconut water because it has less sugar and more potassium. The sweet flavor of coconut water even has less sugar than most fruit juices… and soda, obviously.

However, as amazing as coconut water sounds, there is a limit to it. You have to be aware that it does contain sugar, and consuming a couple bottles a day is equivalent to consuming other sugary drinks. Regardless, it will be one of the most refreshing drinks you will ever taste, and it’s definitely worth a try.

Now, being in the landlocked city of Columbia, Mo., I did suffer from withdrawal for a couple months. The coconut waters found in chained supermarkets just weren’t as fresh as I wanted it to be, and the flavor just didn’t taste the same as the coconut waters I drank back home.

That was until I found Harmless Harvest’s 100% Raw and Organic Coconut Water available at Clover's Natural Foods. Its flavor was similar to the ones sold by the street vendors: natural and fresh. It turns out that this is because the bottle that the water comes in are designed to apply pressure to the water the same way that it would in an actual coconut. And there’s a price to pay for that: Each bottle ranges from $2.50-$4 in price.


For a cheaper alternative, I recommend Chaokoh’s Young Coconut Juice for only $1.25 a can, available at Chong’s Oriental Market. Sadly, it also contains coconut pulps (the “meat” I was telling you about earlier), which brings the calories up to 220. But it won’t hurt to enjoy for self-indulgence once in awhile, right?


So for a healthy, refreshing drink that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island with every gulp, will you save ... or will you splurge?

This piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris | Image: Source

Save or Splurge: Lip Savers

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Rough lips are as bad as rough skin. They don’t look flattering, and it doesn’t feel good to have them. Especially with the inconsistent weather we’ve been through, simply applying lip balm just won’t cut it. That is, unless you’re constantly doing it every five minutes. 

Now there are two ways to fix this overnight: the save way or the splurge way.

If you want the ultimate treatment for your lips, use Bite’s Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub. The natural ingredients will scrub away dead skins on lips, leaving them smooth and moisturized. The cherry smell is a sweet bonus. You can have velvety, luscious lips for $18, an investment for the perfect lipsticked lips.



A great alternative that I can’t go to bed without is Bath and Body Works’ My Favorite Night Balm. No matter how dry your lips are at night, you better believe that they will transform into soft and smooth lips in the morning. For $7.50, you can apply the balm every night for fresh lips the next day.



So to keep your smooch-tool looking rich and healthy, will you save ... or will you splurge?

This beauty piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets. 

By: Sazanka Idris

Save Or Splurge: BB Cream


Ever since my best friend introduced me to BB Cream last summer, I have become obsessed and continue to use it in my everyday makeup routine. We were in Bali island, and I wanted to cover my uneven skin tone with something that would not make my face look cakey. Especially after wearing sunscreen on my face, can you imagine wearing another layer of powder or foundation after that? Ew, no. So she offered me to try her BB Cream by Etude House, a Korean cosmetic brand, and I never stopped using it since then. It’s light, it evens out my skin tone and it has all these additional benefits that you can’t get from just powders or foundations.

For those of you who are not familiar with BB Cream, it’s a cream-like moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock. By applying a pea-size amount evenly to your face and neck, BB Creams prime, hydrate and protect the skin — all in a light formula. It also conceals and treats dark spots caused by acne and sun exposure and evens out the skin tone. This one-stop cream was founded and developed in Korea, but lately American cosmetic brands have been releasing their own version of BB Creams. So the basic contents of all BB Creams are the same, but some have extra benefits that the others don’t. The SPF among different brands varies, so that’s also another factor to consider when buying BB Creams.

As if all those benefits aren’t enough, BB Creams are also versatile enough to use alone or with other base products, such as concealers or powders.

Korean cosmetic companies have been innovating and improving BB Creams for quite a while now, including the Korean brand Dr.Jart+. For a high-quality product that will definitely give you all the BB Cream benefits and also hydrates your face all day with their Water Bead Technology, Dr.Jart+’s Water Fuse Beauty Balm with SPF 25 is one of the best you can get out there. This product has only one shade available, unlike other brands that have various shades for different colored skin tones, because the formula enables the balm to blend with and be absorbed by any skin types and colors. There’s no way that you can go wrong with this BB Cream, except for the fact that it costs $34. I consider it an investment that will save your face and your time in the long run.



The best one from the drugstore for our not-so-friendly pocket is Revlon’s Photoready BB Cream. For only $8.49, Revlon’s BB Cream comes in three different shades identical to their other base products. So for original Revlon users, you’re in luck! The cream has a dewy and satiny finish to it, and it has a higher SPF than other brands. The best part about Revlon’s BB Cream is that is has no smell, which can be noticeable and unbearable in other products.

So for a five-in-one skin saver like this, will you save … or will you splurge?

This beauty piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.
By: Sazanka Idris | Image: Source

Save or Splurge: Argan Oil


When I was two, I was bald. So my mom did all she could to make my hair grow. She used every type of herb you can find, convinced by the myths that they can make hair grow faster and thicker. From the sticky paste inside an aloe vera plant to candlenut jam, she used them all. Now as crazy as that might sound, the result is much crazier. At first my hair was normal and straight, but then as I grew older it became thick, wavy and volumized. Not to mention I grew up in Indonesia, a very humid country all year round. Since my transformation, I had no choice but to tie my hair into a ponytail almost everyday.

What’s worse is that my hair also has a rough texture and is always frizzy. I tried almost every hair product out there from different shampoos and conditioners to spray and cream hair products. All the results ended up the same until I discovered the magic of argan oil.

Argan oil is also known as Moroccan oil because it is made from argan trees that can only be found in Morocco. The benefits of argan oil are endless. This sultry, gold fluorescent oil gives benefits to not only the hair, but the face and the body, too.

I wanted to use an argan oil product on my hair as frequently as I wash it, so I decided to save. I bought Renpure’s Organics Argan Oil Deep Penetrating Reconstructor, which is a deep conditioning cream used on damp hair for three to 30 minutes. The ingredients of Renpure’s Argan Oil are organic and free from harmful chemicals. It contains various vitamins and minerals to transform the hair into becoming generally healthier, and they do. After using this product a couple times, my hair is shinier and smoother than ever before. I can FEEL that my hair is healthier. Renpure’s Organic Argan Oil also repairs dry and split ends caused from hair dryers and straighteners, which I use almost everyday to help tame my hair. The best part: it’s only $5.99!

To splurge, one of the best high-quality cosmetic brands out there, Josie Maran, sells 100 percent pure argan oil that can be used on skin, hair and nails. It is ideal to enrich almost every part of your body and to get the treatment right at home. The catch: it costs $14 for only 0.5 ounces of oil.



It’s a natural genius, I promise you. So will you save ... or will you splurge?

By: Sazanka Idris | Images: 1, 2, 3

Save or Splurge: Bandeaus & Bralettes


The month of March only means one thing: Spring break is right around the corner. I can already smell the freedom and the warm weather, even though I don’t have any definite plans for my week yet. I have, though, been preparing my spring and summer clothes in anticipation that the cold weather and dreadful snowstorms will be long gone by then. I can’t wait to be able to wear the clothes that I’ve been keeping in my storage box all winter, such as sheer tops and tank tops, and what better way to pair those tops than with bandeaus and bralettes!

I consider Victoria Secret’s PINK the queen of bandeaus and bralettes for the huge selection they offer. From cotton to lace, patterns to colors and reversible to crop, PINK has it all. They even have a variety of patterns and colors for a single type of bandeau and bralette. However, they come in a not-so-fun-and flirty price between $19.90 and $26.50. That seems like quite a lot, but some are worth investing in, like these bandeaus and bralettes.
PINK, Lace Bandeau: $19.50

PINK, Crop Bandeau: $24.50
PINK, Lace Bralette: $24.50

For an alternative, Aeropostale has bralettes in five different bright colors for $9, and Aerie has lace bandeaus in 12 different colors for $12.95! You can still rock that cool hippie festival-goer look under a budget. Here are some of my favorites perfect for sunny spring days.
Aerie, Vintage Lace Bandeau: $12.95


Aeropostale, Solid Lace Woven Bandeau: $9

The cool thing about this Aeropostale bandeau is that the straps can come on or off, so it’s a versatile bandeau that can turn into a bralette!

Whether you chose to save or to splurge, I highly recommend getting these flirty cover-ups to complete your perfect spring break outfits! I know I will.

This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.
By: Sazanka Idris

Recreate Juicy Couture's New York Fashion Week Look


What do you call the time when fashion enthusiasts from all over the world gather in one place to view the anticipated fashion shows from internationally recognized and aspiring designers? Why, Fashion Week, of course. New York’s yearly-anticipated Fall 2013 Fashion Week ran Feb. 7 through 14. Even though I was not physically present in New York (although my biggest dream is to one day be), my eyes were glued to Style.com the whole time. In my opinion, they have great fashion week coverage.

One of my favorite brands that showcased their fall 2013 collection is Juicy Couture. Now I know you’re imagining pink velvet sweats right now, but I promise those are not what I’m talking about nor will I ever talk about. Beyond them, Juicy Couture creates paradise-chic and LA-cool clothing I always drool over. And this season is no exception.

I came across this cute and simple outfit that I really love and can see myself wearing in the spring and summer.


I thought, “Hey, I can pull that off without the designer price. I can…save!”

So here’s my version of the Juicy Couture outfit (that’s not even sold in stores yet!) for a much cheaper total price.

The Jumpsuit:

I found a similar jumpsuit on Urban Outfitters for a reasonable price of $69.99. Even though they’re not completely identical, the one from Urban Outfitters has the important elements included in Juicy Couture’s. The pattern of the jumpsuit is polkadot with a shade of blue as the main color, and they are high waisted. Pretty similar, right? This one also has a knot laying in the middle of the stomach, which increases the cuteness factor of the whole outfit. Can you picture yourself wearing this jumpsuit to a spring music festival or on a sunny summer day? I totally can.

The Bag:





I assume that the bag carried by the Juicy Couture model sells for around $200, but why go for more when you can settle for less? This Forever 21 bag has the same functions and is about the same size as Juicy Couture’s. For only $29.99, you can own a cute little camera bag in black. The black color also makes it versatile to use with other outfits as well as throughout the year compared to the original mustard yellow. I personally think this bag will be a really good buy.

The Accessories:


Finish off the laid-back look with a single chunky gold chain necklace from Forever 21 for only $12.80! This statement piece matches the gold accent of the chains and the latch of the bag to create an overall cohesiveness in the look.

So now that it’s proven you don’t have to spend the hundreds of dollars on designer pieces to create the same look, are you going to save ... or are you going to splurge?

This fashion piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.
By: Sazanka Idris

Eye Spy Savings: Should You Save or Splurge on Your Eyeliner?


Eyeliner can easily become a girl’s everyday makeup essential because of its quick-and-easy application (once you get the hang of it), and its instant eye-popping effects. The most basic eyeliner is the pencil, which comes in the shape of an actual writing pencil; however, the cosmetic industry has moved past that. Eyeliner now comes in all sorts of materials and shapes.

These varieties have also lead to the creation of different styles of lining the eyes, such as the commonly-used fancy cat eyes (my personal favorite). In addition to materials and shapes, eyeliner also comes in a variety of colors, from basic black to daring green.

So for such a versatile little stick we carry around, or at least have in our makeup bag, should we save… or should we splurge?

Liquid Liners

If you’re looking to splurge, Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner gives you benefits for every penny you spend. For $18, the very fine point gives you the power over the thickness you want your eyeliner to be. It also makes it easy for you to be creative with the design of the eyeliner you want to achieve. The smooth feel and silky brush of this tattoo liner makes eyeliner applying far more comfortable than the usual marker-like eyeliner. On top of that, it doesn’t smudge and dries super fast.



To save, Maybelline’s Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Liner is highly recommended and relatively cheap (available for $6.99). The problem with most cheap eyeliners is that they smudge very easily, and when they stick to the top of your lids even after giving them time to dry… annoying! But Maybelline’s liquid liner is really good at staying on the waterline and lower eyelids. Even though it doesn’t have a fine point brush, its felt tip is good enough to make perfect lines and creative designs. A little tip for using this liquid liner: sometimes the liquid doesn’t come out from the tip, so you have to turn the stick sideways and give it a little shake.





Pencil Liners

To splurge, try Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. It will give you the precise, vivid look you want on your waterlines for $20, and just because the name has “smudge” in it doesn’t mean it will smear easily. It’s called Smudge Stick because it is based on their popular Smudge Pots, which are strong colored cream eyeliners. This pencil eyeliner is worth buying because it has all the important factors needed for a satisfying eyeliner: bold, defining color, smear-free, vibrant and waterproof. This liner also comes in nine different colors!


To save, Maybelline’s Unstoppable Eyeliner will do the job for just $5.64. Even though Maybelline only has five colors available, they are good enough to use on a daily basis. Since eyeliners are one of the most commonly used makeup tools, it wouldn’t hurt to save on them. As long as it has a good tip, a decent color and a smear-free quality to it, it’s acceptable. And Maybelline provides just that.
When looking to buy new eyeliner, it’s up to you as to whether you’d like to save or splurge; however, let me offer a personal tip: don’t buy e.l.f.’s pencil eyeliner. Not only does it not have a fine tip, but it also smears really easily and gets on the top part of your lids (not somewhere you want to have eyeliner, obviously). Even though e.l.f.’s eyeliners are super cheap, they won’t do you any justice. But these four products will be sure to!

This beauty piece is part of Sazanka Idris’ weekly lifestyle column, “Save or Splurge,” which compares products or services to help college students manage their budgets.

By: Sazanka Idris | Images: Source, listed retail stores
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