Unless you've been living in a bunker you have probably seen the ugly shoe trend everywhere *ahem chunky dad shoes* One particular shoe that has become very popular is the Golden Goose distressed sneaker. These retail for nearly $500, and are so "in" that you can barely find them cheaper secondhand. I could never drop so much money on a trend where the shoe is actually supposed to look dirty!

I did a little research and found that online store Shein actually offers a variety of Golden Goose inspired distressed sneakers at a tiny fraction of the price! Every single pair is under $30! I ordered the white pair and have worn them so far through two days of post office runs, thrifting, and being on my feet all day. And I have to say they are incredibly comfortable and supportive! I am super happy with the quality and feel. One suggestion is to definitely go up one full size. I am usually a 38 / 8 and went up to a 39 which fit like a glove. And now I get the cool sneaker look without having to drop $$$ on shoes that will probably be out later this year. I've linked them down below, just click the picture to shop!

If you have your heart set on owning an actual pair of Golden Goose sneakers I've linked a few secondhand pairs below all under $300 through TheRealReal. Some are even under $200!

I have had my Chanel cap toe flats for almost two years now and I'm still completely obsessed with them! I scored them for $180 secondhand and they still has so much life in them. They add a preppy touch to any outfit and can easily make your leggings or t-shirt 1000x more put together.

​For my first edition of #secondhanddeals where I share links to current secondhand high end items currently for sale at super discounts, I'm sharing a number of secondhand Chanel cap toe flat through The Real Real! Not only are these priced at over 1/2 retail, but they are currently offering an extra 20% off with code REAL (on non clearance items) + if you are a new to the site (or have another email to sign up with) you get an additional $25! That means all the flats below run at $200 or below with discounts! Take it from me, it is really hard to find these shoes in great condition at a price like that.

As far as fit, I recommend going a size up in Chanel flats as they tend to run small. Just click the pictures below to shop immediately!

Black booties are a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down, and I can't believe I got mine at such a great deal of $29 at Marshalls! They are suede, intentionally distressed around heels and toes, and feature cute double zippers. Sadly they were the very last pair at the Marshalls I went to and I haven't seen them at any other location, but I've found these $200 booties on sale elsewhere for as low as $59! PLUS everything ships for free over $50! I'm thinking about snagging a brown pair because they are just so well made and go with everything. I've found they run true to size so make sure to order your regular size. Just click the pictures below to shop!

If you are still stumped for a gift for your guy this Valentine's Day, I'm here for you! Last year I gave Bjorn a really unique wooden watch, which he ended up loving! It really stands out and he gets compliments on it often. Some wooden watches can have a high price tag, but I've found a few options that are all under $50 + prime (aka free 2 day shipping) so you can have it just in time to give on Valentine's Day!

I know I've talked about getting my hair colored and styled at beauty schools in the past, but after using these services for nearly 3 years now, I feel like I have gained enough insight to write a new, more in-depth post about my experiences. The good, bad, and everything in between is below so if that sounds interesting to you keep scrolling!

I've been going to the Paul Mitchell beauty school in Costa Mesa, CA since June 2016 to get my hair colored and cut. I love being blonde, but the upkeep of maintaining golden locks when you have naturally dark hair can be very costly. On average, people pay anywhere from $150-$200 on root touchups at typical salons, and getting highlights or balayage can be double that. If you are like me and going in every 6-8 weeks, that adds up so quick! I actually came across the Paul Mitchell school when I did a hair modeling gig there (yearsss ago), and thought I would try it out to see if it was worth it to save some dough. 3 years later and I'm still a loyal customer!

You are paired up with either a phase 1 or phase 2 student. Phase 2 are the more advanced students, however you will pay higher fees with them. You'll sit down and explain with the student what you are wanting, and from there the teacher will come over and confirm with the student what the course of action is, and will help them mix any dye if necessary. They will also write out for you on a board at the station what you are having done, approximately how long it will take, a range of costs (for dyes sometimes you may need more which can affect the cost), and recommendations for products you may like. The teacher checks in sporadically, but mostly it is just you and the student. You will even get a nice blowout or style once your hair is done! 

- The Paul Mitchell beauty school I've been to is very updated, modern, and chic, and pics of others I've seen have a similar aesthetic. You definitely don't feel like you are in a discount salon!

​- Teachers confirm all work with the student before they start, and are often checking in to see how the progress is going which makes the whole process feel more knowledgeable and secure.

- You still get a nice drink or hot beverage while you are getting your hair done!

- Paul Mitchell makes higher quality salon products that the students use on your hair, and they often have discounts going on at the salon so you can buy them to take home.

- I love that I get my hair styled with a blow out because they last for nearly a week!

- The prices are a FRACTION of what you spend at a normal salon.

- Despite having a teacher monitor the progress, you are still having your hair primarily done by a student who has little to no experience. Mistakes may happen!

- Along with learning salon skills, these students are also learning professional skills so you may get bonked with a hair dryer here or there.

- Students are rotating between phases and eventually graduate from the program so you can't always stay with your favorite who does your hair just right.

- Because they are a school with classroom time, they can't always accommodate all types of services during their salon hours (i.e. I can only come in the mornings to get my hair done because they don't have the students long enough in the afternoon to get it done)

So you are probably wondering...how much does she pay to get her hair done already?? Well, on average I pay only around $50 to get my hair done! This may go up or down depending on if I need a hair cut, or if I waited longer than usual and they had more growth to cover up. But that is a DRASTIC difference from hundreds of dollars! For me it is totally worth the time and *slight* anxiety to get my hair done at a beauty school.

Aside from hair services, they also provide a variety of barbering, waxing, and skin treatments! I've only ever gone for hair, but I'm itching to give one of their facials a try. I'll report back once I do! Paul Mitchell has beauty schools all over the US, so if you if you are interested in checking them out for yourself you can find a location here: paulmitchell.edu 

I'd love to hear about your own beauty school experiences, so feel free to leave a comment below or send a message!