Looks For Less: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day is coming up and you know what that means.. you’ll need a gift for your sweetheart or maybe your bestie. I’ve put together some cute gifts that won’t break the bank. So here’s another LOOKS FOR LESS for you guys.
For Her:
SPLURGE:
This Kate Spade watch is adorable, but it’s $225.00 and you still have to buy your honey a cute card!
STEAL:
I found this one from Charming Charlie for only $20.00 (now you can afford to buy flowers and chocolates as well;)
SPLURGE:
The Naked 2 is on every girl’s wish list, but if you’re not willing to spend $54.00….
STEAL:
Maybelline came out with the “Nudes” Palette, which is available at drugstores for $10.00
For Him:
SPLURGE:
 This shaving set from The Art of Shaving is $120.00 but you still want to buy him a box of chocolates.
STEAL:
You should try making your own kit by mixing and matching C.O. Bigelow products from Bath & Body Works (currently buy 2 get 1 free)!
You can also add in a subscription to Dollar Shave Club 🙂
SPLURGE:
Brooks Brothers has these beautiful painted cufflinks for $295.00…
STEAL:
But for $19.00 you can D.I.Y. with this craft box from Darby Smart
For Everyone:
For just $2.49 you can customize a card for your loved one (and have it delivered to them on Valentine’s Day) Go to Cardstore.com and enter code CCA5129 at checkout.
Hope these tips help you and happy shopping valentines,
XOXO
Gina Nicolette

Liebster Award

I started my blog about five months ago, so I am pretty new to blogging. I am so grateful for the people that take the time to read each and every one of my posts. I am also so thankful to be nominated for this award from Daisy Michelle, who is such a talented blogger. Please take the time to look at her posts here. The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers and I find it truly inspiring that we can all support each other. 
So here we go:
1. How did you come up with your name?
I came up with my blog name because I wanted something that would explain my life and what better name than “The Life of a Fashion Student”? I chose this name because fashion is not only my major in school but it’s everywhere around me and in everything I do. 
2. Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog because I wanted to share my love for fashion with everyone else. As many of my readers know, I blog about so much more than just fashion and it’s really because I enjoy sharing every aspect of my life with my readers. 
3. What do you love most about blogging?
I think my favorite thing about blogging is when someone comes up to me at school and tells me how much they loved my blog post. It means so much to me because I blog not for the amount of followers or views, but because I’m passionate about what I write. 
4. What do you value the most in life?
It’s more like who do I value the most in life because my family and friends are seriously my life.
5. One goal you wish to accomplish this year?
This year my major goal is to graduate college. I have been working hard to graduate early and I can just picture the diploma in the palm of my hands!
6. What is your favorite social media site?
PINTEREST! Pinterest is seriously perfect because you can go on it to look for new recipes, fashion ideas, home decor trends, a good laugh, and so much more.
7. If you could travel to only one place this year where would it be and why?
If I could travel to only one place this year I think it would have to be Italy, so I could go visit and meet all of my family out there.
8. How would you describe your personal style? 
My personal style can be best described as girly. I love playing with bright colors and patterns (especially cheetah). I also like to dress differently depending on my mood. For example, if it’s just a boring day and I’m going to a coffee shop to study, I’ll wear a flannel and beanie and dress it up with cute accessories. 
9. Spring or Fall Fashion?
That one is so tough because living in Chicago there’s not really set seasons 😉 but I love both seasons because spring is filled with colorful and pastel pieces, and fall fashion is very comfy and cute with a pair of boots, which I love as well.
10. If you could choose one store to shop at, your entire life, which store would it be?
Nordstrom Rack because I can find everything there at such great prices and they have such an awesome online selection! 
11. Are you a planner? or are you spontaneous?
I think anyone who knows me knows that I am a big planner. I like having a set schedule and sticking to it. Everyday I make a to-do list so things will actually get accomplished. I’m trying to become more spontaneous though! 
XOXO,
Gina Nicolette
Thank you Daisy!
My nominees include these very talented young women:
Kali Sifuentes 
June Lee
June Kowalewski
You ladies can use the same 11 questions, or come up with different ones to share with us!

D.I.Y. Gifts on a Budget

We all know how stressful (and expensive) holiday shopping can be. If you’re like me you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life whether it be a family member, a friend, or a significant other. I decided to put together some of my favorite and easiest crafts that make great gifts for everyone.

I bought a Scrabble game on sale and used the letters to make a picture frame for my boyfriend and then bought plain coasters and glued the letters on for my mom.  I bought a picture frame from Walgreens (I would recommend doing more of a shadow box so the letters fit easier), and then just hot glued the letters onto a picture that I had printed. For the coasters, I went to Dollar Tree and bought plain brown coasters and hot glued the scrabble letters on to make different words. I then used Mod Podge (Glossy Finish) as a top coat so the wood letters wouldn’t get ruined if a wet drink was placed on them. 
If you need a gift for a friend or someone who loves cooking, baking, or just moved into a new apartment/home these DIY Anthro spice jars are perfect. You can simply use old jars, tins, or canisters and spray paint them white and do the lids different colors. You can buy the chalkboard labels at any Michael’s store or you can buy chalkboard paint and make your own design. 
One of the best gifts are the personalized ones that are also useful. I made my sister and her husband coffee mugs because they are big coffee drinkers and they were newly engaged. I bought cups from Dollar Tree and then used a Sharpie to decorate them and then baked them in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes (make sure to put them in the over before you pre-heat it so they don’t crack). 
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your family or mom I think these little village jars are adorable. You can go to HomeGoods, Marshall’s, or T.J. Maxx and find an assortment of apothecary jars. You can get the fake snow and Christmas figurines at any Dollar Tree.

I hope these gift ideas can help you during the holiday season and are also a little easier on your budget.

Happy Holidays
XOXO
Gina Nicolette