Cheap Thrills: Whining for Wine

Hi everyone! In the spirit of adult beverages, today's post is about affordable wine. Here are a few of my faves under $15 per bottle!

• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc: Soooo summery and refreshing. I can easily down a few glasses no problemo.
• Montepulciano ? from Trader Joe's: Normally hubs and I have a bottle or two of this great red table wine in our wine cabinet somewhere. It's literally less than $5 per bottle but I cannot find the exact name as of right now!
• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio: This can flirt with the $20 line, but it's a super crisp wine that is delish with pastas and chicken alike. I try to grab this one on sale if I can! I routinely score a bottle or two under $15 each.
• Rossini Prosecco w/strawberries: Yup, bubbly prosecco with pulverized strawberries. Do I have to say anything more?

And onto today's Cheap Thrills! Every item is less than $25...enjoy!

Black Dresses by Forever 21
Earrings by Urban Outfitters

Cheap Thrills: Work It Out

Le sigh...I love new workout clothes. It gives me the oomph I need to try a new class at the gym, hit the road for a long run or just look supa dupa stylin' at the gym. Let's be real - my typical gym garb consists of a racing tee and some shorts. Not supa hot.

So, today's Cheap Thrills is all about workin' it out. Here are a few of my favorite workouts on the cheap!

• Running - The best thing about running is that there is no equipment required. Just you and your shoes.
• Hiking - See above, but much less invasive. I'm a big fan of packing a picnic lunch and heading out with the hubs and the dog.
• Tennis - I am not a good tennis player. Husband is a great tennis player. It's hilarious to watch.
• Group classes at da gym - I usually meet one of my very good friends at my local gym at the absolute butt crack of dawn for a weight lifting class. If she wasn't there, I probably wouldn't get my ass up that early. Just sayin'.
• Rollarblading - I haven't Rollarbladed in quite some time, but I used to skate it out at a local park in Chicago. Great workout and you create your own breeze. Nice!

And, of course, this wouldn't be a true Cheap Thrills without some affordable merchandise. All workout items below are less than $25 each! Happy sweating!

Sport Tops by Nike
Sportswear Pants by Fila

And if you're still looking...

workout

Cheap Thrills & A Coley Exclusive

Hi everyone! So, before I get to today's Cheap Thrills, I just wanted to let ya'll know that my posts may be a bit sporadic during the next few weeks. Why? Well, I start a new job in just a few weeks!

If your inquiring mind is itching for details, feel free to shoot me an email or DM me on Twitter, as I'm not super comfortable providing this info out in the open, especially since I haven't started yet! Plus privacy issues, etc. Suffice it to say that I am positively elated to begin my new position, promoting, marketing and falling in love with my city, Charlotte, NC through the realm of a great company. It will be hard work but I'm really looking forward to it.

Anywho, many of you came here for Cheap Thrills and that's just what I have for ya in the set below. As always, every item is $25 or less and there are some may-jah steals to be had in the online shopping realm! An adorable bow cardigan, lovely lucite bangle and some presh summer dresses.

Cardigans by Forever 21
Necklaces at ModCloth

So that's that for the day - any Cheap Thrills you'd like to share?!

Cheap Thrills: I Have a Gloss Problem

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Today's personal edition of cheap thrills is alllll about lipgloss. Yep, lipgloss. I am one of those people who has at least five lipglosses in her purse at any given moment. Some may call it a sickness, I call it preparation! Here are a few of my favorite (semi-affordable) glossies...

• Revlon Super Lustrous, Pink Whisper: Ok, for those of you who like MAC's Purr lipglass, this is a nice dupe. It's the perfect baby pink!
• MAC Lipglass, Young Thing: For my skin tone, this is the perfect pale gloss to pair with a smoky eye. This shade has just enough gold undertones.
• Revlon Super Lustrous, Glossy Rose: A deeper rose shade that, I imagine, would look nice on just about anyone.
• MAC Lipglass, Russian Red Lipglass: I own the lipstick, but this lipglass is hot, hot, hot. Holy bright red.
• Milani 3D Gloss, Starshine: This may look frightening in the tube, but the "glitter" is super duper sheer and the gloss consistency is great. IMO, it ooks best layered over another shade.

So, ladies, do share, what's your favorite affordable lip gloss?

As for today's set, I've been seeking an affordable sun hat...there are a few contenders in the set below. Let me know if you spot any others that spark your cute radar...

Day Dresses by Merona
Earrings by Express

Cheap Thrills: Bookworm Edition

Happy Wednesday to all!

So, some of you may know that I love to read. Yes, the bookworm in me can take down a novel in no time. Thick books have nothin' on me. I'm a fast, almost voracious, reader and I like to plow through books. I will stay up hours reading them - it's a bit of a problem.

That being said, here are a few of my recent faves...please share yours as well!

• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - The trilogy is incredible...I will say, though, that the first 50-75 pages or so are a bit slow in this novel.
• The Girl Who Played with Fire - The follow up to the book above. VERY good.
• Time Traveler's Wife - Heart wrenching, confusing and a great read
• My Sister's Keeper - Oh em gee the tears.

And onto today's set of cheap thrills! That tribal-ish skirt would look super with a blousy white tee and sky high heels, yes?!

Button Front Tops by Forever 21
Necklaces at ModCloth

Cheap Thrills - Apps

Hi everyone!

Today's edition of cheap thrills is a fun one for all of those with smart phones. Don't have a smart phone? Well, then please revel in the Shopstyle set of cheap thrills below.

I love my iPhone. I love it so much. And, over the past six months or so, I have acquired some really fun apps. Here are a few of my faves:

• ESPN Score Center- actually, this is hubs' favorite, but it's so convenient to grab the latest scores from your fave teams
• Twitter (formerly Tweetie) - Now the "official" app for Twitter, this app is great for those of you addicted to tweetin'
• ShopStyle - I love that I can save my favorites for later and easily access them on my phone. I just wish it were integrated with my online account.
• Gossip Junkie - All gossip, from all the outlets, all the time, pulled into one smooth app.
• Yelp - The perfect app for me to access reviews of restaurants and local businesses, get directions and generally have too much fun on my iPhone.
• FlightTrack - The best flight tracker app out there. Totally worth the $2 or $4 I paid for it.

And onto my shopping set! What's your favorite iPhone app?

Button Front Tops by Charlotte Russe
Clutches by Lulu

Cheap Thrills: 31 Flavors & Visiting Planet Chubbs

You know, it kills me when I'm plowing through a dessert and someone (usually not someone I know well) says, "I'm just not a dessert person." Ex-squeeze me? I must have mis-heard you. We're not friends anymore.

But seriously, I love my sweets and ice cream in particular. I've noticed that my weekly editions of (personal) Cheap Thrills have focused quite a bit on food as of late - what can I say, I likes to eat. It's a good thing I also like to run, or I'd be a brick house - and not in a good way. All things in moderation, folks. As my friend Cathy and I like to say, let's not visit Planet Chubbs too often - just once in a while...

So, in honor of the cool, sweet treat, here are some of my fave flaves at Baskin Robbins:

• Strawberry Shortcake: Not too sweet with just enough strawberry chunks and shortcake bits to make me drool.
• Peanut Butter & Chocolate: One of my classic picks as a kid, I still dream about this flavor in my sleep.
• Snickers: It is what it says - pure Snicker-y deliciousness.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: My brother's favorite and a nice minty treat.

And onto today's set...I'm going to start using ShopStyle for my Cheap Thrills sets. I can fit much, much more into each edition and it's easier to use! Enjoy!

What's YOUR favorite of the 31 flavors?!

Tanks by Express
Earrings by GUESS

Cheap Thrills: Drinking the Bucks, Starbucks, That Is

Greetings, lovely readers! Today's edition of (personal) cheap thrills is all about Starbucks. Why? Because I love Starbucks.

While I'm putting this out there, please don't flame me for destroying the local coffee shops of the world. I like them too. Don't drink the haterade.

All in all, Star-bizzys (as hubs and I like to call it) is geographically close to work for me, so that wins out for today's post.

• Chai Soy Latte: I don't even drink soy milk on a regular basis, but soy milk in this little beverage is delish.
• Milk Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers: Right by the register. nomnomnom
• Spinach & Feta Wrap: A healthy & delicious little egg white wrap with roasted tomatoes, feta and spinach.
• Iced Passion Tea: I like the unsweetened version.

And onto today's cheap thrills! It's mainly composed of accessories this week...but if you look to the bottom right corner of this set you will see the sweetest little jewelry tree! Oh - and it's less than $12 - hooray!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item Less Than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21 jewelry

Items in this set:
Miss Trish of Capri for Target Black Coral Flat Sandal - 9 : Target, $25
Women's Mossimo® Penny Suede Flat Sandals - Tan : Target, $23
Lightening Bangle, $20
Anita Bangle, $20
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1072814318, $3.80

Do tell, what is your favorite cheap(ish) thrill at Star-bizzys?

Cheap Thrills: Funkity Funk Edition

Happy Wednesday to all!

So, I'm sure you all go through this at some point or another, but I've been in a little bit of a funk as of late. No particular reason - all in my life is good and well - just a lot going on at once, weird weather, allergies, etc.

That being said, here are a few things that just make me happy and usually lift me out of a funk...

• Snuggling with my puppy and/or husband...always a good thing
• Drama-free TV...i.e. Two & a Half Men...Real Housewives actually has the adverse effect!
• Talking with my momma...she always has some hilarious story to share
• Hitting the gym...I'm fairly consistent with this, but it always helps to change up my routine
• Vacation...durrrr

And a little shopping never hurt anyone...here are a few cheap thrills for your enjoyment!

What's your go-to way to get out of a funk?!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item Less Than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy shoes

Items in this set:
Gathered Abstract Print Top, $20
Mod Essential Woven Shirt, $18
Old Navy Womens Embellished Leather T-Strap Sandals, $20
LC Lauren Conrad tops exclusively at Kohl's, $22
Forever21.com - Love21 - Skirts - 2079371646, $18

Bloggy Feedback Please & Some Cheap Thrills...

Hi everyone! Before I get to today's edition of Cheap Thrills, please take the poll below and/or shoot me some comments (or even an e-mail) regarding my daily features. While I do blog items and features that I enjoy, I also want to keep the content fresh and new for all of you fabulous readers! I am always open to suggestions for new posts or features! And, I can really take some good constructive criticism...that will only make my blog better than ever!

Thanks so much!!! :)





And onto today's Cheap Thrills...

I really love Sephora's weekly deals - I think they offer some incredible products on the cheap. And what kind of lady doesn't love pretty cosmetics for a gift?!

Oh - Happy Cinco de Mayo, ladies! Enjoy a super-sized margarita and some guac!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item Less Than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring American Apparel tops

Items in this set:
Unisex Viscose Sexuali-Tank, $24
Laura Geller Bring On The Bronze - The Ultimate Baked Bronzing Kit..., $11
Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad ($30 Value) Bright Eyed, $6
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 2075358069, $23
Handbags for Women: The Limited for Women: The Limited, $21

Cheap Thrills: Weather or Not, Here I Come

Happy Wednesday to all! Today's edition of Cheap Thrills is aptly titled, Weather or Not, Here I Come....why you ask? Well, couple reasons...

1) The weather is rarely predicatable, as I am rarely predictable
2) I'm hoping to actually make it to Atlanta this weekend to see my very good friend Julia...my last trip was canceled due to inclement weather. I'm trying to make nice with Mother Nature so she let's me visit my good friend and explore Hotlanta.

And since the weather is free...unless you're on vacation - then you essentially paid to experience that climate - here are my cheap "weather thrills"...

• 80 degrees and sunny-ish...great weather for the beach - not too hot and it's not a bad thing if an occasional fluffy cloud passes by
• 75 degrees and SUNNY...the perfect mix in my opinion for galloping around town
• 62 degrees and partly cloudy...perfect running weather
• 50 degrees and partly cloudy...I love boots. What can I say.
• 32 degrees and sunny...but only for one day...I like a teeny bit of fluffy snow

I hope ya'll enjoy my Cheap Thrills!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy sweaters

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Lightweight 3/4-Sleeve Sweaters, $25
Jitney Ring, $20
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 2000001371, $18
Forever21.com - New Arrivals, $23
Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $14

Cheap Thrills: Chicago Edition

Happy Wednesday, all! Today's edition of Cheap Thrills is Chicago related...as I grew up in Chicago and will soon be in Chi-town celebrating my brother's wedding! Yaaaay!

In the spirit of Chicago, I wanted to share my favorite Windy City Cheap Thrills...and here they are:

• Garrett's Popcorn: Most.amazing.caramel corn.ever. Lines are out the door at all times...both locals and tourists completely lurve this place. (The cheese popcorn is also incredible...ok, it's all fabulous)
• Cubs Bleacher Seats: Ok, these aren't as cheap as they were years ago, but still....if you ever get a chance to head out to a Cubbies game, do so. The bleachers are really fun, albeit quite toasty!
• Hot dogs (at said Cubs game or Portillo's): Vienna beef. 'Nuff said.
• AKIRA: Again, not a super cheap shopping hub, but I found the most adorable tops, dresses and accessories at affordable prices. They have a great online site, too!

And here is today's Polyvore set of cheap thrills...that little polka dot silk top is so stinkin' cute. Enjoy!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy dresses

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Hooded Jersey Cover-Ups, $25
Floral Filigree Dangle Earrings - Green : Target
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 2074705200, $25
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 2089850833, $18
Xhilaration® Juniors Ruffle Tank Dress - Ballet/Black : Target, $20

Cheap Thrills - A Hodgepodge of Sorts

Hi all! Today's edition of Cheap Thrills is a true hodgepodge of sorts.

A few of my random Cheap Thrills...

• Snickers Ice Cream Bars and Snickers Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins: I really don't need to 'splain this one, do I?
• Criminal Minds (the TV show): If you haven't watched this show and you like forensics and/or crime drama and/or shows similar to CSI, this is a winner for you. Great character development and thought-provoking!
• Chocolate Almonds from Costco: So good that I would pay a yearly membership to access these alone.
• Sleeping In: This hasn't happened in a long time...but once in a while I really enjoy sleeping past 9 a.m. It's a throwback to my college days...

The set below is definitely not "themed" and the pieces certainly don't mesh well with each other, but individually the pieces are great scores - especially considering each costs less than $25. I'm diggin' that rolled up plaid from ON...how adorable would that be with some denim shorts and wedges?!

Speaking of great scores - Amrita Singh (whose necklace is featured in the set below) is hosting a 50% off necklace sale right here through Thursday at midnight. There are some fabulous deals for those of you NOT suffering through a self-imposed shopping ban ;)

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 & Under by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy tops

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Roll- Up Sheer Plaid Shirts, $25
Old Navy Womens Ruffled U-Neck Tanks, $15
New York & Company - Shorts & Rompers - Sleeveless Romper - Solid, $26
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel, $16
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074788792, $25

Cheap Thrills: Cantina Edition

Happy Wednesday to all!

Oh do I love today's Polyvore set of cheap thrills. There are some SUPER fun, affordable buys. My credit card is thanking me or my self-imposed shopping ban.

As for my personal cheap thrills - today's list is Cantina (Mexican fiesta) themed...

• Margaritas - Yum. I do love myself a nice top shelf margarita. Salted rim, please!
• Fresh made guacamole - Need I say more?!
• Street tacos - No, not tacos off the street - but small (Coley-hand style) tacos. Delish.
• Sombreros - A few margaritas and I will certainly sport a sombrero. In-deedy.

As for today's set - enjoy! Every item (per usual) is less than $25!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 Or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Items in this set:
coterie of flowers grey top, $25
Women's AE Corset Cami - American Eagle Outfitters, $16
Women's AE Rhinestone Bib Necklace - American Eagle Outfitters, $16
Exotic Jewel Earrings, $4.80
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074393665, $20

Cheap Thrills & An Announcement...

Hi all! Before I get to today's edition of Cheap Thrills, I have an announcement.

No, my eggo is not preggo...

Now please know that this announcement takes a TON of courage and willpower...so please be understanding.

I will be on a shopping ban during the month of April.

Ah, dear readers, you may be asking why, why, why?!

Well, I have a few reasons...

1) I shop fairly often and I have come to the realization that I have a smattering of great items in my closet that haven't seen the light of day yet. They need to be worn! I need to pay respect to my closet...

2) Let's be honest - saving money is not a bad thing. The credit card needs a breather.

3) I want to see if I can do it - I mean, I gave up treats for lent. I think I can handle this...(Justine did it - so I have hope for myself)

4) In honor of my husband's birthday on Friday. No, he didn't ask me to give up shopping altogether - all he asked for his birthday is for me to cook him dinner (fire trucks on standby) and for a one hour massage at our favorite spa. So, this is me being a grown up...

Does said ban mean that I won't be browsing? No, no, no! That shall keep me sane. But no buying (outside of groceries and home essentials). I made an online purchase yesterday at The Limited (btw - 30% off $100+ with the code 241) - so I'm sure I'll feature that in the coming days.

I'm planning on continuing my bloggy as is, offering up outfits, cheap thrills and the like - just no buying for me during the month of April. I cannot guarantee that I will not occasionally whine about it - I'll really try not to, though!

SO...onto Cheap Thrills! Here's a sweet little set for your shopping pleasure! That Tarte makeup set from Sephora looks precious - and it's SUCH a great deal! Enjoy!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Disney Couture jewelry

Items in this set:
Disney Couture 'Alice in Wonderland' Oxidized 14ct Gold Plated Fleur..., $21
LAVANILA The Healthy Candle 11.7 oz Pure Vanilla, $10
Accessories & Gifts for Women: The Limited for Women: The Limited, $21
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel, $20
Tarte Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette ($95 Value) Spring..., $19

Cheap Thrills & Love for Lipbalm

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday!

For my personal Cheap Thrills...today's list is all about lip balm flavors. Lip balm/Chapstick/etc. is one of my favorite cheap thrills...and I have SO many of them! Here are some of my faves...

• Burt's Bees Lipbalm - I reviewed this one via blog post a while back!
• Lip Smacker Coca-Cola Cherry - Mmmmm cherry deliciousness with a hint of color
• Lip Smacker Grape Crush- I love the Welch's Grape Soda, but considering the insane sugar content, the lip balm is a much healthier substitute for the grape-y goodness!
• Kiehl's Lip Balm in Vanilla - Mmmmm, need I say more?!

And on to today's Polyvore set of Cheap Thrills...with every item less than $25. Go ahead, treat yourself...if anyone questions you, just tell 'em Coley said so.

Cheap Thrills: Every Item Less Than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Banana Republic jewelry

Items in this set:
Women's AE Cross-Back Handkerchief Tank, $16
satin cut-out side bow platform heel, $20
Women’s Jewelry: Aphrodite stud earrings | Banana Republic, $28
Women's AE Ribbon Charm Necklace - American Eagle Outfitters, $20
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074399083, $20

Cheap Thrills - The Brilliant Booze Edition

Hello all! In honor of St. Patty's Day I wanted today's personal cheap thrills to reflect some of my favorite drinks and delights. And yes, I know that there is much more heritage and meaning to St. Patrick's Day than a bunch of boozers and leprechauns, but it's my bloggy, so there! Oh, and I love Lucky Charms!

Ha! But really..here are a few of my favorite cheap thrills - adult beverages!

Cheap Thrills & Paying Homage to My Pup

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday!

My cheap thrills today are themed around my beagle, Riley. Why? Because while he is a PITA, I love him dearly.

My cheap thrills, Riley style...

• Pointing - Yup, Riley points at certain things he wants and also points to the direction he wants to walk (while at a stop light). When I say point, see the photo above. He was "pointing" to the treat I had in my hand. That's about the only hunting related thing he does!
• Snuggling - As soon as I bring out a blanket on the couch he is SO there. He's also my little heater!
• Singing - You may have read this earlier, but my dog sings to the CSI Las Vegas theme song - in tune, on beat. It's AWESOME. He also sings to the Two and a Half Men theme song, just not as well.
• Trotting - When Riley knows I have a treat for him, especially if we're on a walk, he trots. Yup, like a horse, "knees" in the air and dancin' around. HI-larious.

So, that's my pup! Total cheap thrills.

And onto some wardrobe related cheap thrills...enjoy!

BTW...Amrita Singh is having some REALLY good deals right now! I featured a few below...

Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074516731, $25
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074376250, $25
Amrita Singh - Aztec - Ket Necklace, $24
Amrita Singh - Aztec - Isis Necklace, $24
Shug Avery Necklace - $24.00 : Fashion Necklaces at LuLus.com, $24

Cheap Thrills - Spring Edition

Hi everyone!

Today's edition of Cheap Thrills is all about spring. I love spring fashion - it's a huge awakening from the wool-covered, fleece-lined winter! And in Charlotte it has snowed about, um, 10 times this winter. For you non-Southerners - that's A LOT down here! I'm originally from Chicago, so I don't have a problem with winter, but I cannot wait for spring!

My cheap thrills - spring themed....

• Easter candy - especially Cadbury eggs and huge Chocolate bunnies
• The smell of fresh cut grass - it reminds me of soccer season (I played pretty much my entire life)
• Baby animals - 'tis the season for baby squirrels
• Magnolia blossoms - since moving to the South I have fallen in love with the site and smell of Magnolia blossoms! Lemony sugary goodness!

And here are a few spring inspired cheap thrills in the Polyvore set below!

What's your favorite spring-inspired cheap thrill?!
Cheap Thrills - Every Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Forever21.com - Dresses - 2073845673, $25
Forever21.com - Tops - Casual - 2088050671, $18
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2073246210, $20
Forever21.com - Bottoms - Skirts - 2067510096, $18
Forever21.com - Shoes - Dressy - 2073349539, $25

Cheap Thrills - The Exhausted Edition

Happy Wednesday everyone! Well, my big event went off without a major hitch yesterday and I'm quite pleased that it's over. I am, and probably will be, exhausted for the next few days...bear with me!

Now on to cheap thrills...today's edition of my own cheap thrills is exhaustion. And here we go...

• Big, fluffy pillows - especially down feather pillows. Come.To.Mama.
• Correctly identifying the Wheel of Fortune puzzle before the contestants do (ok, not exhaustion related, but it's a great cheap thrill)
• Grippy socks
• Sweatpants...yes, sweatpants in general (bonus points if you can rock them all day)
• Sleeping in...'nuff said

And a quick Polyvore set of cheap thrills...enjoy!

Cheap Thrills: Each Item $25 or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Dorothy Perkins bags

Items in this set:
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2074059684, $16
Paper Bag Lunch Date Skirt, $25
Pink puff clutch bag, 10 GBP
Product: Tre Vero Skinny Snake-Embossed Belt, $21
studded ruffle peep toe flat, $14