Jennifer Bacher
Silhouette Staff
Boots -
1) Hudson’s Bay = Mel Ankle Bow Boots sale $12.99
These cuties are perfect for a rainy day. The boots conveniently go to the ankle, perfect for easy stow away or for a wet day when tall boots aren’t needed.
2) Target = Array of colours & Styles ranging from $24.99 - $32.99
With Target stores opening in Canada at the end of the month these are the perfect picks for an early spring shopping spree. With such good prices who couldn’t resist these stylish rain boots.
Jacket –
1) Target = Merona Anorak Jacket $39.99 (also in black)
Another cheap pick from Target, this jacket is the perfect length and has the price to match.
2) Joe Fresh = Mac Coat $29 (come in yellow, black and orange)
I couldn’t resist adding this rain jacket. The name says it all!
Umbrella –
1) Forever 21 = Umbrella print umbrella $10.80
Who wouldn’t want an umbrella with umbrellas on it? Forever 21 always has great items that fit a student budget.
2) Hudson’s Bay = Fulton Birdcage Umbrella $35.00 (comes in variety of styles and colours)
These umbrellas are super stylish with their unique shape and patterns to match. This new design will ensure you stay dry while looking fashionable!
By: Ana Qarri
Are you crushing? Are you broke? Are you having a hard time believing that money can’t buy you love? Lucky for you, we’re here to restore your faith in popular sayings and Beatles song references. Here are five totally acceptable cheap date ideas:
Candy Picnic.
Candy picnic? Yes, a candy picnic. Now that you’ve read this phrase three times, and it hopefully sounds normal enough, we can talk. What’s cuter that going up to someone and saying “Hey lovely, would you like to eat your favourite candy with me at some park as we look up at the Hamilton sky, where stars could potentially be spotted?”
The ‘lovely’ is optional.
The wink that follows is not.
Urban Exploring.
If you aren’t into watching the stars and reciting poetry on the first date (or ever), walking around the city and finding abandoned sites, old buildings, and hidden spots could be just what you need. You can get to know Hamilton as you get to know your date. If things don’t work out with this one, at least you’ll get a long list of places to choose from for your next date.
Art.
Whether or not you’re actually artistically knowledgeable, speak with a fake (or real) British accent and charm your date with your humour and wit. Conversations about art are never boring. Luckily for you, Hamilton delivers with its monthly Art Crawls and McMaster’s own Art Museum. So grab a hand (consensually) and get some (culture).
Skating, Biking, etc…
Take your fairly-significant other skating. If they don’t know how to skate, you can hold their hand and teach them. If you both own bikes, get on them and ride away into the sunset, wherever that may be. Probably west.
Your bed.
Alright, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, but beds can be pretty comfortable; the weather is horrible and you want to stay indoors. So watch a movie, listen to music, bake some cookies, make some tea and talk about your lives - all from the comfort of your very own bedroom.
Making out is totally an option, too.
With a school year consisting of a downpour of tests, assignments and a growing pressure to accomplish looming goals, the summer months are dreamily dedicated to taking in each passing sea breeze and heat wave as they come.
But acquiring the resources for a four-month break is easier said than done.
And although late nights at work and a stricter financial plan may make summer seem more chaotic than comfortable, it is still possible to make this summer more memorable and relaxed than the last. I present to you a few economical alternatives to help satisfy that adventure itch and prevent your weeks from being swallowed by the mundane grind in which student life always seems entangled.
Thrifty Travels
If you’re looking to see the world but are having some troubles booking a flight, instead, why not make the most of public transit and travel the city? It may sound like a dull and grey excuse for an adventurous afternoon, but try challenging yourself to see just how far you can get on a single bus transfer.
Not only will you find yourself discovering hidden gems in your city of residence, but making friends with the transit regulars will definitely provide for some memorable stories. I mean, really, when was the last time you encountered a boring person on public transit?
Get even more involved in this challenge and adopt a new character. Sing to yourself and see how many people will move away from you, or fall asleep and wake up to a surprising new destination; the possibilities are endless.
Dinner on a Dime
If you’re looking for a night out on the town, complete with an international dinner and panoramic view of the city, look no further than the happening destination of IKEA. This lovely big-box furniture store boasts both delicious and affordable meals consisting mostly of Swedish meatballs and soft-serve ice cream. Can’t go wrong with that, right?
In addition to wallet-friendly meals, IKEA provides for a very interesting atmosphere. With most locations featuring multi-level displays of pseudo apartments, spend some time meandering through the halls as you imagine your future. Trust me when I say that there is nothing more humbling and adorable than enjoying a meal with friends surrounded by Norwegian wood and well-organized furniture displays.
Frugal Friday Nights
Let’s face the facts. Alcohol is expensive, especially if you plan on drinking copious amounts of it on a semi-regular basis. Instead, on those occasionally dry and boring Friday nights, try popping open a box of wine. Not only is boxed wine affordable, it’s a conversation starter. Also, its compact size will help control your intake of alcohol, which prevents embarrassing moments that may or may not involve touching people inappropriately or falling down in front of large crowds.
Reap the benefits of red wine’s antioxidants and enjoy a box or two with friends. Please drink responsibly.
Inexpensive Kindness
If you’re looking to put a smile on someone’s face, try pulling some positive pranks. Be it placing a complimentary note on a neighbour’s doorstep or surprising a friend with flowers from a “secret admirer,” get creative and do something spontaneous that will bring joy to those around you. Random acts of kindness excite everyone and require only the amount of cash you personally are willing to shell out.
