Spring Must Have: Kimono

Although it may not seem like it here in Canada, it has officially been spring for a little over a week. Fortunately, the weather is supposed to warm up this the week (fingers crossed). That means it's time to put away those heavy winter coats and toss on a kimono. Kimono's are my favourite spring trend right now - not only are they super light for spring, but you are bound to be the best dressed gal at the music festival this summer. 

one / two / three / four / five / six

What's your favourite spring trend? 

Boxing Day Sales

I hope Santa spoiled you all yesterday. If he didn't, don't fret! Boxing Day is here to help all of you get what you really wanted. I compiled a list of amazing sales going on online so you can avoid all those crazy line ups. Merry Christmas and happy shopping!

Urban Outfitters: $15 off $75, $25 off $100, $50 off $150

Daily Look: Buy one, get 50% off entire site with code BOGO2013

2020Ave: 30% off entire site use code MERRY

Nasty Gal: Sale as low as $5

American Apparel: 20% off store wide 30% off sale items

Shoe Mint: Up to 70% off, Buy 2 get 1 free

Miss Selfridge: Up to 70% off

Forever 21: Up to 75% off, free shipping

Mexx: Up to 50% off

Anthropologie: 25% off Sale Items

Etsy: 20% off selected stores with code BOXINGDAY

Runway Bandits: 26% off everything

Lush: Buy 1 Get 1

Tobi: Up to 50% Off

Romwe: $15 off $65, $25 off $85, $35 off $105

Asos: Up to 50% off

Mary Jane Fashion: Up to 50% off

Victoria Secret: Buy 1 get 50% off 2nd

Frugal Fashion Friday: Trend Drunk + Blogger Fashion Week

You know what I love? Online shopping and thrift shopping. You know what I love even more? A place where I can do both at the same time. Trend Trunk is a Canadian-based online consignment store where you can get brand new to pre-loved items for up to 80% off!

Currently, Trend Trunk is holding a Blogger Fashion Week from December 9th-December 15th and Oh Summer Candy will be featured on the final day, December 15th! If you want to shop some of my items (including the dress I'm wearing in my bubble gum photo) go check it out and be sure to shop at other fashionable Canadian bloggers closets 

CYBER MONDAY SALES

What would my blog be if I didn't talk about Cyber Monday? It's the most wonderful day of the year for compulsive online shoppers. If your online shop doesn't have a sale going on today, chances are you won't be making any money. I collected a bunch of wonderful sales that are going on on the inter-web today. Have fun and stay frugal. 

Tobi: 50% Off Site Wide Use Code FOODCOMA50

LuLus: Extra 40% Off Sale Items Use Code CYBER40

O-Mighty: 40% Off Site Wide Use Code CYBERSEX

GoJane: 50% Off Site Wide Use Code CYBER50R

Urban Outfitters: $50 Off $150, $25 Off $100, $15 Off $75, Free Shipping Over $50

American Apparel: 20% Off Site Wide Use Code CYBER13

Shoe Mint: 15 Items for $15

Vault: 1500 Items Up To 85% Off

Forever 21: Free Shipping, 30-50% Off Winter Wear, 50% Off Sale Items

ASOS: 30% Off Site Wide Use Code GIMMEMORE

Mexx: Up to 50% Off, Free Shipping

2020Ave: 30% Off Site Wide Enter Code CYBER2020

Modcloth: 20% Off Site Wide Use Code ROBOPUG

Anthropologie: Free Shipping

Victoria Secret: Free Shipping on $50 Use Code FREE50, $30 Off $150 Use Code 30OFF150, 2 Free Secret Reward Cards,

Miss Selfridge: Up To 50% Off Everything

Thread Sence: $10 off $50, $30 off $100, $50 off $150

Society6: Free Shipping

NastyGal: 30% Off Everything

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: I'm a 90's Bitch

Where has Oh Summer Candy been? Well, I have been quite busy. Landing myself a serving job and a PR Internship at my University. I think this is the first time in my life where I feel like I'm going on the path to where I'm supposed to be. Unfortunately, Paul has moved out. Ontario wasn't working for him, I miss him everyday, back to long distance is not going to be easy.

What I'm Wearing: Bart Simpson Shirt/Forever 21, Plaid/Old Forver 21 (similar), Shorts/Vintage, Tights/Value Village, Boots/Just Fab (similar)

This outfit can't get more nineties. From the Bart Simpson shirt, military boots and plaid. So proud to be a 90s kid and ecstatic that I can rock this decade again. 

"You're from the 70s but I'm a 90s bitch. I love it!"

Frugal Fashion Find Fridays: Graphic Tees

HI EVERYONE. I'm baaaaaack. I apologize for my disappearance. If you follow me on my other social media networks, you would have realized that I was moving across the country, my laptop broke, I was out of internet for a month and getting settled into school. But I am BACK. I missed blogging so much and talking to all of you. I have a lot of plans for this blog so stay tuned and thank you for not abandoning my blog.  

I wish I could tell you about my month of absence but all I can say was that I was really busy and it's not that interesting. The past week was exciting though because I was a Welcome Week Rep for my faculty at my university. I helped all the freshman transition into university. It was hard work but an absolute blast. I gained a ton of new friends, have permanent cheers ringing in my ears, and now I want to get even more involved with the school. I didn't really join many clubs or get involved my first two years of University but now I'm on a high and I just want to get involved. 

Anyways, enough about my boring life and more about helping you all out with your wallets. Today's frugal fashion finds is graphic tee's. I always say you can never have too many graphic tee's and thank god they are on the rise right now. You can style graphic tee's a million ways (watch this ThreadSence video on how to style graphic tees 10 ways). I'm particularly a fan of muscle tee's or dress-shirt styled tees. 

Here are my top picks under $20

one, two, three, four, five

Deal of the Day: Miss Selfridge Up to 50% Off

Featured Frugal Female: BreAnna @ Peacoats And Plaid

Tell us about yourself and your blog:

I'm a mommy by day and a dance teacher by night. I call myself a "die-hard creator", so I'm constantly working on some DIY/craft project or being creative in some crazy way. My blog is where I share all of that and more.

What is your favourite item in your closet that is under $25? 

My black maxi skirt that I got from Target. It goes with everything, and it's so comfy.

What drug store beauty product can you not live without?

Palladio Dual Wet/Dry foundation. It's the closest replacement I've found for my expensive salon brand foundation, dare I say I actually like it better...

Are you more likely to thrift shop or buy brand new?

Most definitely thrift shop. And more times than not, when I'm out "regular" shopping I'll turn down something because I know I can find it at a thrift store for way cheaper!

What are you most likely to splurge on?

Being that I was a hair stylist for 5 years, I have a hard time using "store brand" hair care products. The shampoo and conditioner that I currently use retails at $30 for a normal sized bottle :/ Luckily I still get my pro discount on products.

Best budget-saving advice?:

Take the time to do your research. Is it worth the money? Could you find it somewhere cheaper online? And when all else fails... coupons, coupons, coupons! 

Make sure to follow BreAnna on her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

What I (Wish) I Was Wearing Wednesday

I'm starting to pack all my clothes in order to drive across the country and move back to Ontario. I'm extremely nervous to drive across the country for four days with our beloved cat Duke, and no iPod. Unfortunately, I lost my iPod while on a trip to Lake Louise (it's been terrible). Since all my clothes are packed up, I've decided to do a What I Wish I Was Wearing feature. 

I've been obsessed with overalls lately and I'm searching for the perfect pair for myself. I feel people either hate this trend, or love it, and clearly I'm currently loving it; it's the perfect go-to festival piece. I'm also obsessed with monochrome outfits with a little splash of colour. 

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

Featured Frugal Female: Being Erica

i'm so excited to be here on summer's blog today; i have long-been a fan of her blog, and am honoured that she considers me to be an authority on thrifty fashion! i adore summer's frugal fashion features and her weekly round-ups - i'm known to frequently steal inspiration from her thrifty finds! so when you're done here, i'd love for you stop by my blog Im Being Erica and check out just how thrifty (read : cheap) i really am!

Tell us about yourself and your blog:

being erica is my personal style diary. i started it in march 2012, as a way to keep my friends and family in australia updated with my new life in london. since then, it's snowballed into a full-time blog, and has opened so many amazing doors for me. through being erica, i have met one of my closest friends (in real life!), and can count another handful from around the world as friends for life too. i never used to think i was very fashionable. through being erica, and blogging in general, i've learned it's not about what you're wearing, it's about how you're wearing it! wearing anything with a smile and a bundle of confidence is the best ootd you'll ever have.

What is your favourite item in your closet that is under $25? 

oh honey, everything in my wardrobe is under $25! i am known for only buying things that are on sale or with a discount code, because after working 10 years in retail, i know how high things are marked up! i couldn't possibly pick a favourite out of my pretty dresses though, but i do really love this cath kidston inspired chambray dress (attached)  i got at the start of the season for ten pounds! it's so pretty and practical - it looks really smart with a blouse and tights underneath in the winter, or with sandals and floral crown in the summer! i love it - a real bargain!

What drug store beauty product can you not live without?

100% my collection2000 liquid eyeliner. for £2.99 ($4.50, but usually 2 for the price of 1), i literally cannot live without it!

Are you more likely to thrift shop or buy brand new?

i wish i could thrift shop for clothes. london thrift stores are exxxpensive! i do have a couple of amazing pieces i have picked up over the years, but lately my thrifting has been all for my flat! i don't like to wear what everyone else does though, so i will only buy new if it's something really special :)

What are you most likely to splurge on?

shoes and bags. my style used to change so often that investing in clothes was pointless. now days, i'd pretty much got my look down pat, so i probably should start investing in better quality clothes. i would love to have a shopping spree at modcloth, but their international postage is so expensive! one day!

Best budget-saving advice?

i am really good with money - i should charge people for my advice! but seriously - think before you buy, and remember : it's only a bargain if you really need it!

thank you again to summer for letting me be a part of this great feature of hers! frugal fashionistas like us need to stick together!

Follow Erica

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Frugal Fashion Find Friday: Runway Bandits

You know what's depressing? How everyone's Friday is my Monday. My TGIF is TGIT (Tuesday is technically my Friday). Anyways, what's not depressing is Frugal Fashion Find Friday (TGIFFFF). I recently stumbled upon Runway Bandits and boy am I happy that I did. This shop is by far my new favourite store. Their pieces are simple, classic, chic and easy on the wallet (my eyes transform into hearts). Only downfall is their sizes; they're not plus size friendly. I understand (sort of) because their store is based in Singapore where the average size is pretty tiny. It just sucks because a lot of their "one size fits all" is a UK 6-10 and I just miss it by fitting a UK 12. But if you are able to fit into their clothing, I highly suggest picking up some of their pieces right now. 

Here are a few of my favourite pieces 

US $22.69 Upda Monochrome Shift Dress

US $20.25 Forme Striped Off Shoulder Top

US $23.49 Wiven Scallop Hem Dress

Featured Frugal Female: Nicole @ Gypsy in Jasper

Tell us about yourself and your blog:

Hey-o. I'm Nicole, the wee little lady behind Gypsy in Jasper. I'm a small town newspaper editor by day and a crafty, adventuring vagabond by night. GiJ has been my outlet for creative writing for a year and a half now, although I've only been taking it seriously for a year... that is of course if you can call anything I do serious. I use my little nook to post ridiculous photoshoots, outfits, DIYS, outdoor adventures and basically anything that's tickling my fancy. Come on over for a visit, won't you?

What is your favourite item in your closet that is under $25? 

Basically everything in my closet is under $25. Well, not everything. I do have one or two splurge items that still make me blush when I think about how much I spent. But, for the most part, I'm one frugal female (hence why I'm here, amiright!?). Basically Value Village is my home away from home, so I have a plethora of cheaptastic items to choose from, but if I had to narrow it down to just ONE item, I'd probably say...the orange cardigan in the above photo. I seriously cannot get enough of that cardi. I wear it with everything. It's the perfect fit. It's the perfect pop of colour for any outfit and it's cozy. Could you ask for anything more? (P.S. That dress is another Value Village find. I think I paid $9.99 for it! Cha CHING!)

What drug store beauty product can you not live without?

Are you ready for this? I could not and cannot live without an eyebrow pencil. Ha. So honest! But, seriously, I couldn't. My eyebrows are kind of my defining feature. People point them out and they often ask where I get them done (in my bed, with a mirror and tweezers, in case you were wondering). So, to me, it's important that they are always at their best, and part of that is for them to be filled in. So, an eyebrow pencil it is, my friends. Otherwise, it would be moisturizer, but that's just straight up boring. Everyone needs that.

Are you more likely to thrift shop or buy brand new?

I am definitely a through and through thrift shopper. My mom was and now I am too. I HATE paying full price for things and I also hate wearing things in. There is nothing better than finding an item that's already soft and cozy from repeated wear and washing, especially if it fits like a glove! If I'm to go shopping for "new" clothes, I'm still out for a bargain, so I look for a place that I can stock up on $5 tank tops and t-shirts. I also have a soft spot for Modcloth, but as of late, I have been really good at reigning myself in. I mean, do I REALLY need to spend $50 on a skirt, when I can get one for $4 at Value Village?

What are you most likely to splurge on?

A spectacular dress. Sometimes, when I see the perfect dress in a window display and I just KNOW it's going to fit me in all the right ways, I have a tough time just walking away. I just know it has to come home with me. I have a few of these in my closet at the moment and I still adore them and I still wear them, so that tells me I made the right choice...

Best budget-saving advice?

If you're humming and hawing about an item, walk away. Don't buy it. Only take home the things that you KNOW are going to be in heavy rotation in your closet. I have brought home far too many items that I thought were OK, but not perfect, and then I never wore them. Now, I try to only bring home items that I know I have a pair for and I know I'll wear. Why waste your closet space and your money, right? My other tip is to wait to go shopping until you're in the mood to browse through everything and then choose Value Village or another thrift shop over the mall. If you have the time and patience for it, you're sure to go home with a bag full of items for the same price you would have paid for one.

Well folks, that's it for me. Huge thanks to Summer for thinking of me and reaching out. It was fun to think about my shopping habits. I can't say I analyze my spending too often, so it's good to give it a second thought. And to all the frugal ladies (sung like Beyonce's single ladies), get your hands up and give yourself a high-five for keeping it real and rockin' wicked, cheaptastic outfits. See ya in the thrift shops!

Make sure to check out and follow Nicole here:

Gypsy in Jasper
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Frugal Fashion Finds Friday: Scallop Scallop Scallop!

I'm currently obsessing over scallops right now (not potatoes even though those are delicious). I know many bloggers are loving the scallop trend currently, and I'm here to show you how you can grab the perfect scallop item for your closet! My favourite scalloped(?) item I own is from Tobi which is online  for $57 which may be a little pricey for my frugal readers, but your first purchase is 50% off! (Seriously though how do I plural scallop clothing without making it sound like scalloped potatoes?) Here are some of my favourite scalloped pieces under $50.

1. Romper. Check. Tribal. Check. Scallops. Check Check.

2. A peter pan scalloped collar? Am I dreaming?

3. Perfect festival shorts

4. Office style with a little bit of personality

5. The scallops make this sexy top a little sweeter

6. Don't you just want to go on a picnic in this dress?

7. Two of my favourite trends: crochet + scallops

Don't forget to enter to win a free pair of earrings of your choice from Foxy Originals

{GIVEAWAY} What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Foxy Originals Jewelry

 What I'm Wearing: Necklace c/o: Foxy Originals, Earrings c/o: Foxy Originals, Dress: Threadsence, Bag: Nastygal (similar), Shoes (old): Ardenes

I'm so excited to share with all you frugal females a Canadian-based jewelry store that I have recently collaborated with that sells affordable and adorable accessories. Canadian designers and owners Jennifer Ger and Suzie Chemel founded Foxy Originals on the commitment to make jewelry that makes women look fabulous without having to empty their pockets. 

 When Stephanie from Foxy Originals contacted me I was thrilled! I was lucky enough to choose two items of my choice and I was beyond satisfied. I had been looking for a dreamcatcher necklace for some time now, and this one was perfect, it is by far my new favourite necklace that I own. The tribal trend is really in right now, and I'm obsessed with these earrings that I have. The colour, the shape, the style and not to mention how they didn't give my ears that crusty gross feeling after I take my earrings out that most earrings do. A few of my other favourites that Foxy Originals have in stock are this, this and this. Oh and did I mention that this wonderful shop ships internationally!?

GIVEAWAY

The wonderful people at Foxy Originals are sending a pair of earrings of your choice to a reader on Oh Summer Candy! I will announce the winner next Wednesday on July 3th. This giveaway is open to everyone because Foxy Originals ships internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SPECIAL OFFER

Foxy Originals are also offering Oh Summer Candy reader's an exclusive discount on their website! Just enter FOXYSUMMER15 at checkout for 15% off until July 30, 2013. Thank you ladies!