Ask Bree: Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas/Free Christmas Gift!

(Me and my models at the Nightmare Before Christmas Show I planned 2 years ago)
Happy Holidays everyone! The Holidays are among us, Christmas especially! I was a procrastinator and did all of my holiday shopping on Christmas eve. However, for all of those SUPER procrastinators out there, have no fear! There is still time to get Christmas gifts for those people that you know that you won't see today. If you have procrastinated, there's a 99% chance that you aren't exactly sure what you want to purchase, or make. Well below I have a few ideas. Enjoy!1. Super Stocking (source)Never underestimate the power of a super stocking. At this time of year, stores are basically giving away Christmas items, so finding affordable things to stuff your stocking with shouldn't be a problem! Depending on the person, you can stuff your super stocking with dvds, christmas candy, scarves, accessories and much more! If it's for someone who is just as super as the stocking, try your hand at writing a poem or sweet letter to include in the stocking.
2. Make up Bag (source) This would be a great gift for a teenager! NYC and Elf have really affordable eye shadows, makeup brushes and nail polishes for as low as $1 each, so a small bag full of these goodies would make any trend setting girl excited! This is actually one of my gift ideas, so feel free to steal it. I'll comment below and let you know if she likes it ;)
3. Baked Goodies (source)I don't know about anyone else, but food is the way to my heart. If baking is your thing, please bake and make someone very happy this holiday! If baking is not your thing, PLEASE stay out of the kitchen! The Art of Being Cool does not condone burning your house down on Christmas day...or any other day for that matter!
4. Date Night (source)If you have not gotten your significant other a gift yet, shame on you! It's okay though; times are hard! Use a special date night to substitute, or add on to your Christmas gift.  You can take them out for a night on the town to a place that they've never been to, go watch a movie on the other side of town, or plan a romantic stay in for the two of you. This date night can also work for best friends. Take your friend out to the cool bakery in your town's art district, or to a comedy show. The key is just being a bit creative ;)
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Ask Bree: How Do I Stop Spending So Much $$$ on Shopping?

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Q: How do I stop spending so much money on clothing?

A: Shopping is every girl's vice! I mean, c'mon, how do you expect us to walk away from a great sale? Well the key is getting creative with the clothes that you already have. Here are a few tips:

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Shorten the hemline to an old skirt- make old skirts and skirts that hang at weird lengths fresh again! All you need is a pair of scissors and a sewing machine (or a friend who is willing to do this for you!)

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Turn an old t- shirt into a cute fringe shirt! Pair it with some cute shorts for summer!

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Crop that top!

Don't like the look of fringes? Try making your own crop top with a t-shirt that you haven't worn in a while.

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Accessorize!

You'd be surprise how many outfits you can come up with just buy utilizing a few key accessories! Check out the Little Black Dress Experiment for some inspiration. Maybe you could do your own experiment ;)

If all else fails, check out the Great Deal Alerts that I will be posting periodically so that you won't miss cool sales ;)

Hope this helps!

Ask Bree: Online Shopping

Q: I love shopping at forever 21, however EVERYONE shops there! Do you have any recommendations of online stores within the same price as forever 21, other than wet seal?


A: I am a big Forever 21 fan; however I do agree that sometimes it's good to mix it up and have more options! Here are a few of my suggestions below. Enjoy!

Urbanog.com

I love this store because it has very sophisticated style options and the prices are still great! They also have some killer shoes for my budget!

Makemechic.com

I love all of the fun colors at this clothing store! The prices are so affordable as well. This is definitely a top store for me!

Urban1972.com

I recently found out about this shop and I absolutely love it! The collection ranges from basics, to colorful dresses, to suave business attire! 

Also, check out my post on My Favorite Big Cartel Shops!

Hope this helps! Feel free to add suggestions below!!!