Monday, February 28, 2011

Magazines

It's safe to say that most girls just looove their magazines. Whether it be US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, or W Magazine, we just can't seem to get enough. When a friend is having a bad day, I run over and surprise her with this week's celebrity gossip in the form of People (and some ice cream, of course). But now, with all the same information just a click away, paper magazine sales are down and a new magazine has entered our lives -- the online magazine.

Now, by online magazine I don't mean cosmopolitan.com or vogue.com, I mean magazines that are only accessible via the internet. One of my favorite online magazines is directed toward college women, or collegiettes, and has its own branch at every school. I am talking about Her Campus. They feature weekly updates of different articles pertaining to college women. In fact, I am a writer for Her Campus at my school! Anyone can be a writer and it looks awesome on your resume. It's a perfect start to any career in the field of writing or digital media.

Another online magazine I recently discovered is JAYE magazine, which has the same audience as Her Campus -- college women. Their slogan is "Because college is more than the classroom" and I believe that 100%!! The thing that is special about JAYE is that it is online, but it looks and feels like a print magazine. It is more than just articles with links and pictures. It is a page by page magazine of awesome fashion collages, interesting articles, and even advertisements. They feature "get the look" pages along with best beauty buys, and all of your favorite magazine regulars.

So next time, instead of shelling out that $4 for this month's In Style, maybe you'll opt for its free counterpart at one of these sites. And don't worry, I'm still on the hunt for more awesome online magazines.

Know any you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments :)

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Online You

Right now is a very difficult time for me and my fellow Spring 2011 graduates. I am on an endless search for the perfect internship that will turn into the perfect job. One thing that is extremely different about my quest and those of past generations is the fact that I haven't gotten off my ass to search. I sit in my bed with my pink and turquoise Cynthia Rowley laptop cushion and browse the web. I check out sites like ed2010.com and The Intern Queen to help me find what employers are looking for recent graduates in my field. Hell, I even looked on Craigslist! But the question is: are electronic resumes the best way to present yourself?



Most businesses and companies only accept digital submissions and this can hurt those that think of themselves as a 'people person' and those who want to get in fields like public relations or marketing. But there is one way to get around this that I have recently discovered: create an online version of yourself. This includes joining sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. You should also start a blog in which you discuss your interests, including your professional ones. If you like to write, like me, join an online magazine and write for it. One great opportunity that I became a part of is Her Campus. There are branches for almost every university and if your school doesn't have one, you have the chance to start one and be the president!

Finally, the most important part of creating your online personality is to create a website for yourself! One of the easiest ways to do this is to use Wix. Wix is a free website builder where you use no codes or secret formulas. All you have to do is drag and drop images, text, links, whatever! There are several templates you can use, or you can start from scratch. Here's mine: Megan Elliott. This will make you look professional and able to keep up in this ever-changing digital world. Having your own website also makes you one step ahead of everyone else that is applying for the job or internship. Here is another site I made: Meghann Quinlan. These sites are fun and easy to make and hey, if you don't want to make one, I can always do it for you :)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Member Sites

I know I just posted about online shopping, but I just have to share my new obsession: members only shopping sites. There are two categories of these sites that I frequent. First of all, there are specialty sale sites like Gilt Groupe, Rue LaLa, and Haute Look that feature events with special sales on clothes, shoes, accessories, beauty products, home decor, and even vacation packages. The sites are free to join and the deals are unbelievable. The brands included in the events range from American Apparel to Chanel and the vacation packages feature destinations from Idaho to Bali. So no matter what your price range, you're sure to find a deal.

The other type of member sites I enjoy are the personalized and price fixed boutiques. I first discovered Shoe Dazzle when I read about it in a magazine. Endorsed by Kim Kardashian, the site begins with a style quiz so stylists can choose which shoes best suit you and your needs. Then, each month, members get a new boutique full of carefully picked shoes, bags, and jewelry. But the best part is the price; each item is only $39.95!! There is a catch though, once you make your first purchase, the credit card used is saved to your account and charged on the 5th of each month. There is the option to skip the month, but if you forget to check, your card will be charged regardless. The credits don't expire, though, and once a certain amount are collected, the monthly charges stop. Just Fabulous works the exact same way and is the same price. Personally, I have ordered a few pairs of shoes from Just Fab, but none from Shoe Dazzle, so I prefer the styles on that site.

Another site similar to these is Jewel Mint. It is exclusively jewelry, but what's special about this site is that each piece is designed by Kate Bosworth and her close friend and stylist, Cher Coulter. The price for these pieces are only $29.99 and I must say, it is well worth it.


Another cool feature these member sites have is the chance to earn points, which can be used to purchase items from the boutique. On Just Fabulous, every time you order something, you earn 20 points and whenever a friend whom you invited joins and orders something, you get 50 points. 100 points = 1 free item, so it doesn't take long to get free shoes, bags, or jewelry! Shoe Dazzle is a little stingier when it comes to points. Invited friend purchases earn you 200 points, while purchases earn you 100 points, with 1000 points being the free item cash in. Jewel Mint, on the other hand, will give you a free piece of jewelry with every purchase an invited friend makes.

Oh yeah, and all of the prices on these sites already include tax and shipping, so you will never pay more than the $39.95 or $29.99, depending on the site. So if I were you, I'd get out my card and start shopping!

Enjoy these sites and comment with any other suggestions!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Online Shopping

One of the best things about online shopping (besides the fact that you can do it in your in your bed) is coupon codes. There are so many great discounts that are available online that don't have in-store counterparts. My favorite website to check for codes is retailmenot.com. This site is made by online shoppers for online shoppers. Anyone can share a code they get in an email, read about in a magazine, or whatever. Others can rate the code so everyone can see if it works or not. There is also a comment feature where people can share more codes. This comes in handy when certain stores "Block User Submissions." I have only come across this problem a few times, but people always find a way to share codes.

I honestly cannot remember the last time I paid full price for an item I ordered online, much less paid for shipping! Some stores, like Victoria's Secret offer free gifts with purchase. I have gotten everything from a free lip gloss to a to-die-for tote full of several full sized beauty products! I'm telling you, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss out on.

What websites do you use for coupon codes? How much have you saved?