Hasta La Ideas

Sigh. Now that classes are about to start again and you’re cramming yourself back into a teeny tiny dorm room and stocking up on instant noodles and coffee vouchers, why not re-stock your back-to-school wardrobe too?

Platform pumps and embellished dresses and skirts are a little inappropriate for English 101, but you don’t have to be stuck in the same hoodie and jeans all semester either! Look for stylish pieces that are comfortable, versatile and … most importantly for all college students … a good deal!

Take a look at our picks for must-have back-to-school basics that are all under $50!

We’re all envious of the people that are flying off to the Caribbean or Hawaii. We’d love to lounge at the beach or pool and soak up some sun. A day of pampering at the spa sounds amazing.

But alas, many of us no longer have the luxury of three-month-long summer breaks nor do we have the vacation days or money saved up to jet-off for a quick getaway. That doesn’t mean you can’t relax and unwind resort-style in the comforts of your own home and town, though!

Grab a large umbrella, some suntan lotion and make your way to the nearest beach! Or light some candles and put on the soothing music and give yourself a luxurious facial at home. Need a little more excitement? Round up the gals and make your favorite mix drink and serve them up in a new set of cute cocktail glasses!

The possibilities are endless on your staycation! And while a stayaction is a great way to decompress while saving money, we’re taking it one step further! Click on the slideshow to see some of our ideas and get inspired with our staycation picks, all under $50!

In this season, with it’s long sunny days and warm balmy nights, the party can easily go from day to night! We love our summer totes (and we have many …), but leave them for the beach or weekend trips. Nothing dresses up an ensemble faster than a lady-like clutch.

Plus, with summer’s already casual style, many of these clutches can go from day-to-night just as easily! Check out our picks for favorite summer clutches for $50 or less … that way you can still have money left to put in it!

You’ve found the perfect bikini (or two), the cutest sandals, some killer shades and … what a pity to stuff them into a plain, boring tote or … dare we say it?? A crinkly, bummy plastic shopping bag.

Sure, a beach bag is just for you to hold your stuff in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself through it! We’re thinking something roomy that you can stash everything in, but crushable or pliable so you can lay on it, stuff it in between the other bags or toss it onto the beach towel with no worries. Something eye-catching – bright colors, cool prints – also makes for a stylish beach tote.

And with a beach tote, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot! Check out these fashionable faves for $25 or less!

Many of us, however, have mixed feelings towards the infamous ‘swimsuit season’ with an emotion that hovers somewhere between excitement and dread. We’ve all been working hard to try and get our bodies into tip-top shape and ready to flaunt in teeny-tiny swimsuits, but perhaps you’re not quite there yet, or the idea of strutting your stuff in a skimpy two-piece is just more than you want to bare.

No worries! With shapely one-pieces and sexy monokinis, you can show off just what you’re comfortable with while hiding the parts that are still undergoing a little fine tuning!

Plus, when it comes to swimwear and our wallets both, more is less! Check out our fave pics for flattering one-pieces and monokinis at $100 or less!