Clothing items women should buy from the men's department

BuzzFeed/Via hm.com

First thing’s first: Men’s clothes are usually made better than women’s clothes.
Why? Affordable clothing brands usually have an allotted amount of money to spend on menswear and womenswear. Menswear will usually involve fewer clothing templates (or patterns) because they offer fewer style options. For womenswear, however, manufacturers use TONS of templates (for crop tops, boat necks, oversize tees, blouses, tank tops — and we’re only talking about shirts here!). Since the templates can get expensive, there may be less money left over in the budget to invest in materials.

Exhibit A: Boyfriend jeans versus your boyfriend’s actual jeans.
Your boyfriend is paying less — so why shouldn’t you? “If you get a smaller size in a skinny fit, men’s jeans can feel more comfortable and even cost less than boyfriend styles,” says Sara Qaddoura, curator of e-commerce at London-based fashion startup Not Just A Label. Plus, menswear offers a whole new range of sizes for your fine bod.

Cool? Cool. So here’s how to beat the system and buy up the men’s department…

Looking for a new sweater? Buy it in men’s.
“Chunky menswear knits tend to be cheaper than those found in the women’s department,” says Qaddoura. “And sometimes they’re even made from better material.”

Button-up for one? Get it in men’s.
Men’s shirts have more structure, which can give you a cool, boxy look, according to Sonny Oram, founder of Boston-based style blog Qwear. Button them up to the top or throw one on over a dress (the length can work in your favor). Roll up the sleeves and you’ve got this!

Baggy sweatpants or low-slung jeans, perhaps? Men’s all the way.
“I look for pants that hang on the hip and get them hemmed,” says Qwear fashion director Shiona Heru.

Could use a cute backpack or weekender, huh? Check out men’s.
Since backpacks are a central accessory in menswear, check out the other side of the store before you settle on a clutch (no handles, say wha?!).

Dying for a comfy tee? Shop in men’s.
Wear a white men’s tee with jeans or buy one a few sizes bigger to wear as a shirt dress, according to Qaddoura.

Oversize jacket, ya? Totes in the men’s department.
The world of oversize is your oyster in the men’s department. Jackets, blazers, sweaters, sweatpants: All of it can look cool and comfy.

Thick socks? Calling to you from menswear.
If you have a larger shoe size, this benefit is yours to reap. Thick, chunky knit socks are common fare in the men’s department — and they look cute with winter outfits like underwear and tea-stained robes.

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Beauty buys under $10

These beauty helpers are as smart as they are inexpensive. From a genius makeup pencil-organizing gadget to luxurious lip butters that feel like a million bucks, these items are top performers without the high-end price tags. You'll find 15 great beauty buys under $10 below.

Color Wheel

Rummaging through a makeup bag for that one particular pencil can make anyone's head spin. The Every Beauty Cosmetic Tool Organizer allows you to click in eight standard-size lip and eye pencils (not to mention thin makeup brushes) and corral the cosmetic clutter with style.
$8.53 each

For Your Eyes Only

Removing eye makeup can be more of a hassle than applying it, leaving you with red, smudged, oil-slicked lids. To the rescue: InténsivEye pads. The durable wipes—one clears both eyes—take off makeup in a single pass, soothe with cucumber extract, and soften skin sans greasy residue.
$7.95

Triple Threat
Ideal for travelers (or the indecisive), the Flower Petite Fleurs Pocket Triplet offers three cream eye shadows in a convenient stack. To switch colors, pull off the crayon-like tip and slide it into the bottom of the tube, which pushes up the next shade. In three color combinations.
$7, walmart.com.

Cake Boss
Back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, the secret to dramatic, full lashes à la Bette Davis was cake mascara. But, oh, the mess! New Avon Mega Effects Mascara offers the same eye-popping results in a neater package. To use, pull the pint-size wand out of the base and dab the viscous formula on lashes from roots to tips. You can take it off with regular eye-makeup remover.
$4.39

Hip to Be Square
With 30 spectrum-spanning shades in a variety of finishes, Revlon ColorStay Shadow Links can be clicked together into any configuration you please. Or toss a single shadow into your bag for touch-ups in the blink of an eye.
$3 each, ulta.com

Big Deal
Although it’s a small detail, size matters when it comes to gloss application. The head of the wand on the NYC New York Color Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss is longer and wider than most, making for a faster distribution of color. Bonus: It’s enriched with antioxidant vitamin E. Available in 12 shades.
$3.57

Re-Do

Although it functions a lot like a dry shampoo in that it absorbs oil, Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Protein Mist Restyler goes on wet, so you can blow-dry your hair after misting or completely restyle it. The keys: lightweight moisturizers, strengthening proteins, and a clean citrus scent that combine to make second-day hair look (and smell) like new.
To buy: $5.94

Cool as a...
Not that you would ever need it, but Yes to Cucumbers Natural After-Sun Serum cools and nourishes sun-damaged skin with cucumber and green-tea extracts. A hint of shimmer makes you look less fried.
$7.59

Tender Lash Care
Scrubbing away at mascara can irritate your eyes—but so does sleeping in your makeup. Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads swiftly break down shadow, liner, and mascara—no need for vigorous rubbing and tugging. They also contain conditioning panthenol to help build stronger, healthier lashes.
$4.99 for 80 pads

Sheet Relief
If your regular moisturizer isn’t going the distance and you have chapped hands or ashen ankles midday, reach for Pacifica Hand & Body Lotion Wipes. Slim and spill-proof, the portable natural wipes contain exfoliating papaya extract to remove dead cells and soothing coconut milk, aloe vera, and calendula for extra hydration anytime, anywhere.
$7, pacificaperfume.com.

Rip It Good
Even the wimpiest waxers will chill out (a bit) with Completely Bare Not Feeling It Numbing & Cooling Spray. Applied pre- and post-waxing, it cools the area by up to 20 percent with botanical ingredients, so the only four-letter word your brain registers is cold.
$10, completelybare.com.

Hold It!

No need to choose between removing your toenail polish and preserving your manicure. The jauntyCutex Cotton Ball Holder lets you get a grip on the situation. Just pinch it around a cotton ball and saturate with remover as usual, then use it to erase polish on toes (or a little one’s nails) without forsaking your fingertips.
$2.50 for three, cutexshop.com.

Wing It
Finally, a way to create full, fluttery lashes even at the hard-to-get-at corners. Simply position the narrow end of the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara brush at the inner eye. Then apply, letting the longer, taller bristles catch and elongate the outermost lashes.
Pricing starts at $6.89

Butterly Love
How many times have you bought a lip product that claims it will moisturize only to find your lips chapping like crazy just hours later? Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter offers a subtle tint of color and contains a lovely blend of mango, shea and coconut butters that boost lip moisture by 156%. This gel formula is available in 20 shades.
Pricing starts at $5.79

Best Week Ever
When you can’t commit to a gel mani but want something more lasting than the traditional kind, try CND Vinylux, a color-polish–and-topcoat combo that can go seven days chip-free, no LED light needed. The topcoat’s polymers harden over time when exposed to natural light, but the polish comes off easily with regular remover.
$9.52 for color, $7.75 for topcoat; in 62 shades.

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Best dollar store buys

Personal grooming items

Hairbrushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant are significantly cheaper at the dollar store. For example, a package of two name-brand toothbrushes at the grocery cost $6.99 versus $1 for the same pack at the dollar store.

Cleaning supplies

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute found that dollar-store brand cleaners work just as well as name-brand cleaners, Woroch says, but they cost about 30% less. However, they tend to be a little more diluted, so you might have to use more to get things clean. Sponges and scrub brushes also are cheaper at the dollar store. I found a two-pack of scrubbing sponges for $1 at the dollar store, but the cheapest I could find at the grocery was one sponge for $1.29. Two items that cost the same at both the dollar store and the grocery: 14-ounce Ajax dish soap and 25-ounce Comet.

Food containers

You can stock up on plastic food containers of all shapes and sizes for just a few bucks at the dollar store. At other stores, you'll pay closer to $3 for a single five- or six-pack of small containers.

Gift wrap and bags

Woroch says that the quality of gift wrap at dollar stores isn't as good as what you'll find at Target or specialty retailer Papyrus. But why pay four times as much -- or more -- for something that will just end up in the trash? Large gift bags also are a steal at dollar stores, considering they're $1 versus $5 and up at the grocery store and Target.

Greeting cards

You can get greeting cards for as little as 50 cents at the dollar store. Woroch says that the cheapest cards at the grocery are 99 cents, and some cards can cost as much as $8.

Holiday items

If you're looking for inexpensive holiday decor, the dollar store is your place. Plus, you can find items such as Easter baskets, trick-or-treat bags and holiday candy for just $1.

Party supplies

You can find packages of paper plates and napkins in a large variety of colors and plastic utensils at the dollar store for about 30% less than party supply stores and at least 50% less than at the grocery store. Streamers, plastic tablecloths and mylar helium balloons also are a good deal at the dollar store.

Picture frames

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to frame photos or artwork (perhaps your kids' drawings), you can find frames in a variety of sizes for just a buck at the dollar store.

Scented candles

Small scented candles don't cost much more at the grocery or big-box retailer than they do at the dollar store. But the big dollar-store candles are a steal for $1 versus the $4 or more you'll have to pay at other retailers.

Shampoo

If you're not loyal to a particular brand, you can save a lot by buying your shampoo at the dollar store. In fact, shampoo is not a you-get-what-you-pay-for product, according to the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, because there's not a lot of difference between low-cost and pricey shampoos.

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Beauty buys on a budget

Olay In-Shower Body Lotion With Shea Butter, $5.19, drugstore.com
Looking to cut a few corners in the morning? You'll love this one. This body moisturizer is used in the shower immediately after cleansing; just smooth it on, rinse it off, hop out of the shower, pat dry, and get dressed. No need to follow up with regular lotion—your skin will already be hydrated and slightly scented to boot.

Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush in Petal 01, $9.79 target.com
Petra recently hailed blush as the number one makeup must-have during summer, and I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, I recommend you consider this one if you need to add a new pretty pink shade to your arsenal—it pops on absolutely every complexion. (Just use your fingertips to work it into the apples of your cheeks!)

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen Moisture Treatment, $5.99, drugstore.com
I'm a big fan of moisturizing my cuticles, but a lot of the nail oils I've used disperse way too much product. This pen completely controls that: I get the same softened result, and I don't waste any of it.

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50% Zoya nail polishes - Earth Day exchange

Note: You don't have to send in old nail polishes to get 50% off. However, it's a great campaign to participate in and clear our your old nail polishes. Plus, it's a nice way to experiment with new colors but not spend a ton of money. If you're not familiar with the brand, Zoya is known for their long-lasting, natural nail polishes.



Get the code here.

Enter to win a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers

In Honor of Design is having a contest to win a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers from Smart Buy Glasses.

Penny Pincher Fashion's FragrenceNet Giveaway

Penny Pincher Fashion is doing great giveaway during the month of February where you can win her top beauty picks from FragrenceNet!

J.Crew Factory Giveaway

Pink Peonies is having a J.Crew Factory giveaway. Thought this would be a great time for a fashion post too!

What would I consider getting if I won?

Cashmere Stripe V-Neck Sweater - $100.50


Boatneck Blouse - $45.00


Sequin Striped Tank - $41.50


Stripe Knit Pocket Blazer - $58.50


Classic Chambray Shirt - $38.50

Giveaway

Let The Tide Pull Your Dream Ashore has yet another great giveaway of a monogrammed tray from McLaughlin Glazewear. What a great gift or addition to your home!

Giveaway

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore is having a great giveaway for a Graphic Image personalized planner! As a busy law student, planners are a big necessity. These are simple but stylish.

Giveaway

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore is having a his and hers giveaway from J.McLaughlin.

The winner will receive the Lilac Beckett Silk Scarf.

And the Coral Mini Wellington Tie.

Giveaway

There is a great giveaway at Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore for a Glam Grab necklace.

Clearance: The Webster at Target

The Webster at Target collection is currently on clearance at Target.com so everyone should check it out. Even though the collection is rather summery, I still think there are ways to style their pieces for fall. I got the following items for $30 total! I used the code TGBDJLN6 for an extra 10% off but it is only valid until 9/4/12.

Groopdealz

Groopdealz is like Groupon or LivingSocial but strictly for boutique jewelry, accessories, and home decor.


For $1 you can get a monogrammed decal to put on anything!


For $14.49 you can get a statement bubble necklace.

Giveaway

There is a giveaway at one of my favorite blogs Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore for a Southern Tide polo. Enter here. 

J.Crew Sale

J.Crew is having a sale with an extra 30% discount on already reduced items. And this little beauty happens to be on sale! Really excited...the shape and design is timeless and I LOVE the red color. All my bags are neutral so this addition will really give me diversity in my closet.

Summer picks $30 and under

We're more than halfway through summer (sadness!). In an effort to cheer myself up, I did some internet window shopping and put together some steals for your summer wardrobe.



1. Forever21 - Crisscross Romper ($13.50)
2. Pierre Dumas - Golden-1 Sandal ($25.00)
3. Zara - Blonde Shorts ($29.99)
4. Banana Republic - Beachcomber Bracelet ($22.99)
5. Asos - Oasis Plait Belt ($14.08)
6. Charlotte Russe - Pleated Hem A-Line Dress ($24.99, on sale right now for $20)
7. Bauble Bar - Fushia Triad Strand ($28)
8. Nasty Gal - Isabella Striped Dress ($30)
9. Urban Outfitters - Kimichi Blue Abstract Floral Clutch ($19.99)

Hobo giveaway

Pink Peonies is having another amazing giveaway from Hobo! One winner will get the Lauren Wallet and Sheila bag. I love Hobo wallets - they are durable, function, and come in a variety of colors and prints.

Comparing cheap and expensive beauty products

1.



Maybelline The Falsies Mascara vs Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Ingredient List Comparison: The ingredients in both mascaras are very similar. Both contain silicones, PEG's, hyodrogenated jojoba oil and palm oil. The Maybelline, however, contains an ingredient called Acrylates Copolymer which is what makes these things waterproof (thought this mascara was not labeled waterproof).
Main Difference: BuzzFeed graphic designer Chris Ritter sampled the two products. "The Lancome goes on much smoother and less clumpy. I like the shape of the brush. You can tell the Maybelline mascara is trying to duplicate it, but it feels much cheaper. I applied two coats of the Lancome, since the formula was smoother and thinner. The Maybelline just felt like a thick clumpy mess."
The Verdict: The end result is pretty similar, so it's up to you if you want to splurge for a more luxurious application.

Left: Maybelline The Falsies mascara; Right: Lancome Hypnose Full Drama Mascara

2.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense vs. Lancome Artliner Liquid Eyeliner Pen
Ingredient List Comparison: The ingredients are almost exactly the same. Both contain parabens.
Main Difference: The L'oreal eyeliner is actually a thicker, darker formula. The brush is stiffer and therefore easier to apply. The Lancome tip is more like a paintbrush, and feels like you're applying a watercolor because of it's liquidy texture. Both liners have a little ball inside so you can shake up the liquid. Both have good, non-smudging staying power.
Winner: The L'oreal is actually TOTALLY AWESOME and my new holy grail eyeliner. The packaging of these two eyeliners is almost identical, so I don't see any point in buying the Lancome.

Left: L'Oreal Lineur Intense; Right: Lancome Artliner

As you can see, the L'Oreal is slightly darker and more precise.


3.

Flirt Heartthrob vs. NARS Orgasm Blush
Ingredient List Comparison: Unfortunately, the ingredient listing for Flirt Heartthrob cannot be found online, or on the package.
Main Difference: According to BuzzFeed Shift editor Hillary Reinsberg: "The NARS has a smaller, more compact box, but other than that, there's little added value. The colors really do look the same, and the the Flirt one comes with a little brush which is nice. They 'feel' the same."
The Verdict: The NARS packaging is certainly nicer, but that's about all you're getting extra. The Flirt blush does the job just fine.

Left: Flirt Heartthrob ; Right: NARS Orgasm

4.



Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipgloss in Pink Remedy vs MAC Lipglass in Purr
Ingredient List Comparison: The MAC Lipglass scored 3 points lower on the EWG Skin Deep Database, which denotes that the ingredients are less harmful for your skin. The Rimmel lip gloss also contains parabens, whereas the MAC does not.
Main Difference: BuzzFeed's executive editor, Doree Shafrir, tried out both products. "The MAC lipglass is much more highly pigmented, it gives that shimmery light sheen. I love the vanilla smell. And it feels goopy and thick in a nice way." As far as the Rimmel lipgloss goes, she says, "I didn't feel like my lips were renewed with moisture. The wand is too flimsy, barely any color goes on, and there's a weird chemical baby powder smell."
The Verdict: Definitely splurge and go for the MAC lipgloss.


Left: MAC Lipglass in Purr; Right: Rimmel Lipgloss in Pink Remedy


The Rimmel was so poorly pigmented, we could barely get it to show up on the skin at all.

5.

NYX Eyeshadow in Golden Amber vs. NARS Galapagos Eyeshadow
Ingredient List Comparison: Both contain parabens. The NYX contains mineral oil, which the NARS does not. The NARS also contains harmful ingredients such as triclosan, BHA, and aluminum powder.
Main Difference: BuzzFeed Shift Intern Jessica Testa thinks they're practically the same: "The cheaper version seems to have a looser, thinner powder, so you have to put more on to match the color of one NARS swipe. And the NARS appears to be staying on longer."
The Verdict: NYX is a better value, albeit less pigmented, and contains less harmful ingredients.


Left: NYX Golden Amber; Right: NARS Galapagos



6.

BeneFit Silky Finish Lipstick in Jingaling vs. Tom Ford Pink Dusk Lipstick
Ingredient List Comparison: The ingredient lists are fairly different. The Tom Ford lipstick is known to contain "rare ingredients" such as soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil.
Main Difference: Hillary says, "There's something really luxurious about a Tom Ford lipstick. Everyone says it's the best. It comes in a pretty tube. It makes you feel fancy. It has a really nice texture, which goes on really smoothly. It feels like an old-fashioned fancy lipstick your grandmother would have. But the BeneFit is also very smooth! The colors are very similar, but the Benefit has a little shimmer in it. The [Tom Ford] rose color is actually a little drab, and the glitter in the Benefit makes it pop more." I would add that the Tom Ford has a light, perfumey vanilla scent, similar to MAC lipglass, whereas the BeneFit has no scent.
The Verdict: The BeneFit might actually be a better bet. But if you can actually justify spending $48 on a lipstick, then you're probably the sort of girl who can't possibly settle for anything less.


Left: BeneFit Jingaling; Right: Tom Ford Pink Dusk


The shades of pink are slightly different. The Tom Ford is more richly pigmented, and has more of a satin finish.

7.

OPI Just Spotted The Lizard vs. Chanel Peridot Nail Polish
Ingredient List Comparison: The OPI and the Chanel are both free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, DBP and camphor, as long as the polish was manufactured in the last year. The OPI, however, contains formaldehyde resin. (See here for more information on nail polish chemicals.)
The Main Difference: The first coat of the OPI was more watered down, but once second coats were applied, both polishes had the same opaqueness. The Chanel brush is thinner, but I didn't prefer one brush over the other.
Verdict: The OPI is pretty much an exact dupe. Only a true obsessive-compulsive Chanel polish connoisseur would be able to tell the difference. I can't tell if my mind is playing tricks on me, but there might be a higher concentration of sparkles in the Chanel one.

Left: OPI Just Spotted The Lizard; Right: Chanel Peridot

I've been wearing this polish for 3 days now. You canNOT tell the difference!

8.

The Body Shop Lightening Touch vs. YSL Touché Eclat Undereye Concealer and Brightening Pen
Ingredient List Comparison: Both contain silicones, PEGs, and oil. The YSL has a much simpler ingredient list.
Main Difference: The Body Shop "Medium" shade came out a really weird freakish orange. So it's hard to test, as I have no idea whose coloring this could match (an oompa loompa's?) The YSL shade tested was "Luminous Vanilla," a much more natural shade which I judged via the computer screen as being for a medium skin tone, but is actually for a fair skin tone. The YSL comes in 12 shades, whereas the Body Shop only comes in 3.
Both applicators have a tendency to squirt out too much product. Both seem very similar in texture — a foundation-like consistency that doesn't really do much concealing. In fact, I've owned the YSL for years and I only reach for it when I want to psychologically fool myself that I can achieve perfect skin with my makeup. But honestly, it doesn't make much of a difference.
Verdict: Neither. This is a pointless, overhyped product that doesn't do much for undereye circles. The brightening effect is very subtle. As far as color-matching goes though, the Body Shop seems pretty off.

Left: Body Shop Concealer in Medium; Right: YSL Concealer in Luminous Vanilla

9.

CoverGirl Lipslicks in Edgy vs. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Ingredient List Comparison: They both contain castor seed oil, candelilla wax, and carnauba wax. The Cover Girl, however, contains both fragrance and alcohol (which can be drying).
Main Difference: Hillary says, "The Clinique has much more red, while the CoverGirl has much more purple. The CoverGirl has that really strong lipstick smell, but it feels more like chapstick when you put it on."
The Verdict: The Clinique isn't that much more expensive, plus it has nicer packaging, no offensive smell, and is a more natural color.


Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick



CoverGirl Lipslicks in Edgy

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