summerxkim

Why Retail Therapy Actually Works!

2013-07-01T23:44:00.001-04:00

I am a firm believer in retail therapy, of course that is every shopping junkie's excuse as to why she must spend so much personal time with her bank card, but in all honestly, shopping can be the most comforting personal time one can have, regardless if you have money to spend or if you're just browsing. This past weekend, I enjoyed some retail therapy of my own, I checked out a new TJ Maxx, and a new thrift store. Even though I didn't find anything, it still allowed for some great ME-Time!

1. Shopping makes you smile!

2. You don't need to bring anyone with you, you can have just as much fun shopping alone than with someone else. I like to plug in my headphones and zone out to Frank Ocean. Soothing music + browsing clothing racks = priceless.

3. You forget about everything negative. Seeing new faces, cute knick knacks, and other random products distracts you from the things you don't want to think about. You'll be to busy blushing while pondering about the item you just picked up.

4. Get in some good time on the phone with your friend. Making time to text or call a friend back is time consuming, but doing it while you shop will have the time passing right before your eyes. It's another way to release energy to finally get whatever it is out that you've been dying to tell your friend.

5. Exploring new stores is an adventure. I do this often. It's like taking a mini vacation in the middle of the week.

6. Rewarding yourself is like being a kid in a candy store. You deserve a nice treat.

7. Work hard, play harder. You've earned your money, and it's meant to be spent. There's something about swiping a credit card that sends a burst of energy down my spine!

8. Getting a deal on an item, is like winning the lottery! You feel like you just cheated the system, getting something for almost nothing. I went to H&M today and had a Budgetnista moment that I will tell you guys about soon!

9. Don't just shop for yourself, buy something for someone else! I get so excited when I'm shopping for others, the feeling of giving in itself is rewarding.

10. If you look good you feel good! My motto.

xoxo SummerxKim

2013-04-18T01:44:00.003-04:00

Currently OBSESSED: NEON

Color gives me life !!

2013-04-08T16:13:00.000-04:00

Hey guys,

I know I haven't updated in literally decades! As you all know, I am currently in my third year of school, so I've been extremely busy. I do apologize because I miss posting and reading stuff! So I'm going to try to get back into motion. I have a lot of pictures and things to post that I'm sure you guys will enjoy.

1. I went to Miami for Spring Break & had the time of my life! There's a ton of kool photos I have to show you guys from some of the places I visited while I was there!

2. I've gotten a chance to do some fun stuff on campus that involve celebrities that you guys will want to hear about!

3. I've had so much time to think about my life, and my goals and aspirations that I want to share with you guys! So stay tuned for more updates!

-Ashley

DIY HIGH WAIST SHORTS

2012-08-16T12:19:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I updated, however, I'm coming back with a DIY post, and I know how much you all love DIY posts. These shorts were made literally in like 1 hour. My friend and I were going out to a party and we wanted to create a quick look. We actually went shopping at first, but decided that we didn't want to spend too much money, so we hit one of our favorite thrift stores in Chicago. I bought these Old Navy "Mom" jeans for $4.99 ! I'm a Budgetnista for a reason! I got inspired by Miley Cyrus actually, because she always wears really cute shorts, so I decided to cut them on an angle and create fringe for a kool "inspired" look. They actually came out really great, and are now one of my favorite pairs of shorts created by me. I've DIYd almost 10 pairs of shorts and these are in my Top 5.

I styled them with a bodysuit I purchased in NYC, from a small store. Playsuits or (bodysuits) are my favorite thing to pair with high waist shorts! They create a great look! You can purchase some really affordable and chic bodysuits from American Apparel, and Ebay. American Apparel is more pricey than Ebay, but search all over the internet for deals. This is how I styled the high waist shorts for the party I was heading to!

Tell me what you think about how they came out!

2012-08-01T23:28:00.001-04:00

Hey guys! I know what many of you are thinking! Where have I been? I was doing so good updating on a daily basis, but life takes it's toll and decides to work however it pleases. I got really busy in the past two weeks with my internship ending =( and trying to enjoy my last weeks in the city. I wish this summer could be endless. This has seriously been one of the best summers I've had in a long time. It's been a blessing! I couldn't ask for a more exciting one. The summer isn't over yet and I will still be traveling to Chicago and Houston in the coming weeks, but I will do my best to update the blog more. Right now, I'm enjoying reading you guys blogs and commenting on your posts!

I also have a few plans for the blog as well! I'm in the process of having a new writer post on here with me! She knows who she is & I hope she's reading this! After looking at my feedback, I noticed that you all like the ones focused more on DIY, fashion, and thrifting so I will try to include more of that.

I hope your summers are going just as great as mine is. Leave me a comment and tell me what you want to read/see more of on this blog!

Currently still reading: Fifty Shades of Grey (small rant: I may be the only woman in the world who does not want a Christian Grey, he's too much for me!)

Must See Movie/Documentary

2012-07-19T18:40:00.004-04:00

So yesterday at work, my friend and I were discussing movies and I was telling her how the new movie Savages is amazing at that she should go see it. It is so good! It has a great plot and suspense. It's definitely rated R for a reason though, so take precaution, Savages is not a movie for children. So then we got into the topic of really good movies and she began telling me about a docu-movie called Catfish. She wouldn't tell me much, and I'm glad she didn't because she said it's better not knowing what it's fully about. So I went home last night and found it online for free. You can search Catfish on Google and find it free on several websites, or you can buy it on DVD on Netflix.

What she did tell me was that its about a guy (Nev Schulman) who meets a girl online (Meagan Pierce) who is a sibling of a 8 year old artist (Abby Schulman) and that his friends decide to film their on-going relationship. This film was made out of the randomness of a couple of guys and turned out to be better than most scripted Hollywood movies. You have to go watch this movie y'all! It's so good, like seriously! I wish reality tv could be as real as this movie. Catfish is an example of how real life itself is dramatic, and full of twists. It also makes you think a lot about social networking and who you're friends with on social networking sites. Social Networking is powerful in so many ways. If you take advantage of it you can use it to better yourself or someone else. Here are a few movies that feature social networking. Some show the good aspects, some show the bad, and some illustrate both.

For those of you who have seen Catfish, leave a comment and encourage my readers to watch it too! Since this is a social networking site! lol

I love watching good movies!

What are your favorite movies that have a great twist / plot ?

Celebrity Obsession

2012-07-17T18:18:00.004-04:00

If you didn't already know already, I'm completely celebrity obsessed. Well not really, but I watch a lot of celebrity reality tv shows, Kardashians being my favorite. I can't help but adore the social world of the Entertainment Industry which I aspire to be apart of. I am totally obsessed with the Kardashian family. They are a family of goregous women who manage to live life happily despite all of the criticism thrown their way.

My love of Public Relations makes me really respect what Kris Jenner has created. She has created a brand that is like a household name. Yes, everyone says they got famous after Kim's sextape with Ray J, which I agree with. But what's the problem with that? She took something negative and turned it around positive. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. I feel that Kim Kardashian has been doing an amazing job at re-defining who she is and what she's known for.

Kim-Ye! I loveeeee KimYe! I want them to get married and have children! Kanye West is my favorite rapper and I admire him so much. His swag, arrogance, style, demeanor, music, talent, intellect, apperance, dreams, everything. He is also from my same hometown Chicago and he's always reppin that. I love that Kanye came from a different background than Kim and they still have found commonalities. I adore Kanye's drive. Everyone says they want to be famous, but he has really shown that his drive is insane. I share that same type of drive to become successful.

I don't believe that success is measured in dollar amounts. I feel that success is measured by happiness. Kanye West is an artist who has worked his way from the southside of Chicago, to chillen with Jay-Z in Paris! I wish KimYe all the best and I'm excited to hear they have a possible reality show coming out!

What do you think of this hott celebrity couple?

Thrifting 101

2012-07-16T22:10:00.003-04:00

Hey guys, I hope you had a great weekend. Mines was very lax, I went out and enjoyed the weather. It wasn't a stay in the house type of weekend for me. I actually went to the mall at some point too and got 2 pairs of pants from H&M and a pair of leggings from Forever 21. Let me know if you would like to see them. They were pretty basic so I didn't feel a picture was needed. However, I don't call myself a "Budgetnista" for nothing. The pants from H&M were only $12.50 each! & the leggings from Forever 21 were $12.80.

This brings me to my "Greatest find" lol. Not really, But it is this denim JCrew jacket I purchased at the thrift store for $9.99 !! I'm so excited because I've been wanting a denim jacket so bad! They've been sold out in Old Navy, Macy's, H&M and Forever 21. I was almost about to buy one from American Eagle Outfitters for $50.00 Sunday! But my mind kept telling me to wait until I check thrift stores again. Back home, I came across a vintage Denim jacket at a thrift store and put it back (God knows why) and that had been haunting me ever since lol Now that can finally be put to rest because I found a great one! & its my size, Small!

A Woman's J Crew Denim Jacket retails from $295 - $95. I got a great deal!

What are your favorite thrift store finds?

2012-07-14T15:10:00.000-04:00

This is an exclusive inside look at Treasure & Bond, a beautiful store located in the heart of Soho, NYC. I stumbled across this store yesterday during my lunch break & immediately the curb appeal caught my eye. Its two-stories glass ceiling to floor windows revealed what looked like a fresh, urban, designer store of prints, patterns, color & texture. This store reminds me of Urban Outfitters, mixed with Anthropologie, and a hint of Nordstroms. I was greeted by nice workers with a smile. I really liked what I was seeing so I decided to sneak some pictures for you guys! They have really cool clothes, accesories, home decor, books, and furniture from unique brands from all around the world. This is a go-to store for those special items that only you will have out of your friends. They support designers who also give a percnt of their profits to charitable organizations. I think that's what really makes me like this store. I too hope to open a business in the near future that will go to a charity I've been supporting. You can check out their website Treasureandbond.com for a complete list of brands they carry.

Treasure & Bond has has partnered with eight charties from August 2011 through July 2012. In August to October 2011, they successfully donated $29,040 to the New York Public Library Programs for Children and Young Adults. Some other organizations include, Children' Health Fund, Coalition for the Homeless: Camp Homeward Bound Sleep-Away Camp and After School Services, Edible Schoolyard NYC, Pediatric Cancer Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Association to Benefit Children (ABC).

I have a deep passion for community service and I also adore children. This store may be on the pricey side, but the items are of great quality and just knowing that I am actively making a difference is what matters most. I would recommend this store to anyone, it's great. It has Men, Womens and Children clothes. I am also a sucker for great, one-of-a-kind funiture.

I would like to thank Treasure & Bond for it's generous donations, helping to make the world better, one item at a time. : )

Source

2012-07-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

It's a scorching 88 degrees out, you're at home, no texts, no calls, no plans, just sitting in your room... so you ask yourself, "What is there to do on a hott, summer day?" You see an old pair of shorts eyeing you from the corner of your closet, like a laser, crumbled up, creating a sad face and puppy dog eyes begging to be warn again. You think to yourself, "Ah those shorts are so out of style. High-waist with a "Mom jeans" apperance." When suddenly a light bulb appears above your head! Why don't I try to restyle these shorts!

Okay, so maybe all of that didn't happen to you, lol but everyone has a pair of shorts, that are not so great looking, that could use a little sprucing up! I actually bought my shorts I used for this project from a thrift store for $4 or $5, I can't remember. But I know they were cheap. Most of the items I buy from a thrift store, I use in a DIY project to kind of bring it back to life! The true part of the story was that it was a hott summer day and I had nothing to do. This is a fun project to do by yourself or with your friends. My friend's and I had a DIY get together in my apartment during the school year.

There are several different things you can DIY to a pair of jeans or shorts. You can distress them, by ripping, bleach them, stud them, spike them, turn jeans into shorts, etc. I have tried most of these methods and they really do help turn "trash to treasure!"
I hope you take these tips and create some kool DIY clothes for yourself! Leave me a comment and tell me about your DIY experience.

2012-07-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

Sometimes we get so busy with work, school, family and the everyday hustle and bustle of life that we get “stressed out, over worked, uptight, and wound up” to take a minute and indulge in ourselves. This has been a very busy summer for me, working 5 days a week in a new city, and trying to balance my career with my personal life. Let’s not even mention my so-called “love life.”

Despite all of this, it’s important to me that I take days to myself, scheduled for relaxation. Upon roaming around my new neighborhood in Queens, I found a nail shop that does manicures for $6! Yes, that is not a typo! They merely charge the same price as a $5 footlong! I have made it my business to get a manicure every week! They do a really great job, I relax and read magazines and talk to my manicurist Deena about reality T.V. shows. You’ll be surprised how relaxing it is!

As I mentioned earlier, I often find new places by roaming around. I think taking a walk is very valuable. You’re getting exercise as well as fresh air! There’s nothing more refreshing than getting out of the house, away from the computer or away from your desk at work. I often take walks during my lunch break at work.

Speaking of food! I love food! And I love to eat! Who doesn’t? Treat yourself to whatever it is that you’re craving at the moment! For me, its frozen pizza! Don’t ask why, but I’ve been eating cheese pizza I popped out the oven in 15 minutes and curled up on the couch watching YouTube Beauty Gurus or reality TV! That’s my type of night!

I do manage to explore other neighborhoods though by transit. Don’t worry the ride won’t seem painstaking if you read a good book along the way. I’ve conformed! I’m currently reading Fifty Shades of Grey & I must say BELIEVE THE HYPE! I want a Christian Grey in my life! I have it on my ibooks app on my Iphone 4!

I hope these tips helped you guys! Leave me a comment and let me know how you pamper yourself!

2012-07-12T14:02:00.002-04:00

This is my daily stop off the E train, I explore this area a lot. There's plenty of places to shop, not so many to eat though.

Slice of pizza: $1

The pink color of this building + the distressed look = priceless

2012-07-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

Church Street Surplus

327 Church St
New York, NY 10013

Antique & Military Clothing

Bought: Vintage Camo Pants $28

2012-07-11T22:05:00.001-04:00

NEW LOOK!

Out with the Old & In with the New!

2011-05-19T17:44:00.000-04:00

Reader's TAG ! Discussion Question !

What are your favorite magazines and why?

My favorite magazines are Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Harper's Bazaar! I grew up having several magazines sent to my house for as long as I can remember. Essence, Jet, Ebony, Glamour, Women's Day, Us Weekly, to name a few. Glamour magazine is one of my favorites because I love their articles, they range from a variety of topics and they are always interesting. My favorite section is the DO's and DON'TS ! lol Its comical, yet true. I always see people walking the streets and I wonder if they got dressed in the dark. This section highlights this perfectly. I love Harper's Bazaar for the ads! I like saving the ads for wall art, and style inspiration. The ads are from high end brands like Chanel, Gucci, Miu Miu etc, these are the type of brands I hope my future closet is lined with! For now, these ads give me inspiration to pull off high fashion looks in an affordable way. I've recently gained a love for Cosmopolitan thanks to my roommate and friends from school! We always read the funny sex tips aloud like "60 ways to turn a man on!" lol It's funny how bold the advice is, and how out of this world the ideas are. I was use to reading Cosmo Girl, so I guess I've finally grown up and found an appreciation for the "Real Thing" lol. Reading magazines is one of my favorite things to do when I'm bored, and now I can be even more lazy, I don't even have to go to a magazine stand, I can just chill, and read them online.

2011-05-19T15:21:00.002-04:00

Budget-nista- (n) Someone who is highly fashionable, but shops smart. Great finds, for great prices.

That is my definition of a "Budget-nista", a word that I "tweaked" from Tyra Banks word, "Recessionista." Both words pretty much mean the same thing. I like to think of myself as a Queen of finding some of the best items for little to nothing! If it's not on sale, or clearance, I usually don't buy it unless its a quality item that I know will never go down in price, or if I'm splurging to treat myself every once in a while. There's no shame in that.

Last night, I took a trip to Walmart to pick up a few things, I don't usually go to Walmart for clothes, but as I was walking by the clothing section, I saw a couple great finds for amazingg prices. These items are perfect for the summer!

OP Double V Tank for $4.00, with matching OP Elastic Waist Shorts for $5.00.

These sets came in a range of different colors and patterns. I am obsessed with all things cheetah print so ofcourse I had to choose this set. This is perfect lounge wear around the house, or over a bathing suit.

Walmart also had really cute print & colored bikini swimsuits that I almost purchased. Here is one that I loved from the website.

its only $8.00/piece !!!!

I did not find the tank & shorts set on the website, but the bikini swimsuits are available online!!

Happy Shopping!

2011-05-19T01:21:00.000-04:00

I got my nails done! Guess who did them? ME, MYSELF, and I! I'm usually not good at doing my own nails or anyone else's for that matter, but I think I did a pretty good job. I attempted to do a design, but that was a FAIL lol Leave me comment below and let me know what you think.

The colors used L.A. Girls FLARE pink, I'm sorry but the name of the green polish is rubbed off the bottle. Lastly Sally Hansen No Chip Acrylic Top Coat for a polishing shine.

2011-05-18T16:26:00.000-04:00

A girl can never have enough lipstick in her makeup bag! I'm typically a gloss girl, however, pink lipstick has been showing up glazed onto some A-List celebs lips and i have been fiening for it ever since!. Check out these celebs rocking pretty in pink lips!

2011-05-18T14:14:00.001-04:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin !!

2011-05-18T01:22:00.001-04:00

If you're like me, then you're probably overwhelmed with thinking of ways you can save up enough cash to buy new items for your summer wardrobe, as well as catch a movie and lunch with your friends a few times. The real challenge is trying to finance these summer plans! I think I've found a few ways that seem to be working for me so far.

1). Get a part time job. This may be harder than it sounds, but you have nothing to lose. Put on a nice casual outfit, neutral fresh makeup, and hit the streets (In a good way). I recommend starting at clothing stores like Victoria's Secret, and Forever 21. They're always hiring, and since it's the summer, many seasonal positions are available. Fill out applications in store, instead of online (if offered), that way you can sell yourself with a bright smile when handing in your application to a manager.

2). Drink Water! This might sound like a heath tip instead of a money saving tip but it actually is. Ordering a drink from a menu day after day, night after night, adds up. They usually run you anywhere between $2.oo and $5.00 ! Water is a healthy choice and FREE choice.

3). D.I.Y. Do It Yourself. It's the summer so you and I both know we want to look our best, but it's time we start pulling tricks from our sleeve. Instead of searching deep in your wallet for money to get your hair and nails done, do it yourself. If you need help, search for tutorials on YouTube, or ask a friend. There are plenty of ways to pull off fun & stylish looks on your own!

4). Host a "Kick-Back." A "Kick-Back" is a laid back type of party. Since you are the host, you can invite all your friends and you can see them at one place, for free. Pull out the old board games like Twister, and Scrabble, whip up some finger food snacks and lemonade to drink & there you go! A night out just turned into a night in, that's a lot of fun, and inexpensive.

5). 50/50 Rule. Half of whatever amount of money that falls into your possession is saved and the other half is fair game. That way you don't feel so bad about splurging one half, knowing that you've saved the other. Open a savings account. Most saving accounts have a minimum balance, this can be another motivating force for you to save.

I hope these tips work for you. Good luck & happy saving!

2011-05-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

Color Blocking

Gucci Spring/Summer 2011

I've noticed this trend since I first saw Chanel Iman in this photo, AND FELL IN LOVE. I've always been a fan of color in my wardrobe, so I'm glad to see this look make a come back. Although these looks by Gucci are 'fantabulous,' here are a few more affordable ways to pull this look off.

Forever 21 Neon Blue Relaxed Deep V-Neck tee

$9.80

Forever 21 Linen Blend Short w/ patent leatherette belt

$14.80

Total cost of this fun & fresh look = $24.60

I will attempt my personal version of a color block look later on this week....stay tuned ( :

2011-05-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

top 10 MEN that can EASILY have my babies!

1. Chris Brown

2. Trey Songz

3. Lance Gross

4. Shannon Brown

5. Robin Thicke

6. Kanye West

7. Ryan Phillipe

8. T.J. Holmes

9. Reggie Bush

10. Kobe Bryant

2011-05-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

I'm a sucker for cute nail polish colors! Pink is usually my favorite. I like Neon pink on my toes for the summer. It really makes almost any sandal look "bomb." I also like white or a marshmallow color for the summer. Here are a few colors I'm feeling again...

OPI Shrek "Ogre The Top Blue"

OPI "Who the Shrek are you?" is a green Ogre color that pops!

Essie "Smoking Hot" This color is like a grayish purple

I have tried all of these colors before and I love them, here are a few piks...

2011-05-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

Outfit Of The Day

Forever 21 Pants Romper, H&M sandals, ALDO peacock feather Earrings

2011-05-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

Hi Loves,

Welcome to My Life,

My name is Ashley Summer Kim

I attend Syracuse University, ((THE BEST SCHOOL EVER)), majoring in Magazine Journalism at S.U's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Fashion is my lifestyle. I love shopping, talking, eating, and going out. Im 19 years old, I love my family & I love God. This blog is one of many that I have, but has become my hobby. Comment, email, tweet me. Enjoy.