Archive | May, 2012

Celebrations Galore!

25 May

This week in May is usually quite beneficial to my closets and makeup drawer. You see, within ten days of each other, I have the priviledge of celebrating Mother’s Day AND my birthday! It’s nice having these holidays in the middle of the year. I have a chance to look over my closet and makeup to see if there is anything I need or if I need to add any new styles to my existing ensemble. This year, I was pretty set. Skin was in good shape, cosmetics were in high supply, fashions were clean and current. I was ready to roll for summer. But oh heck…. we know if you give us women gift cards, we’ll find more than one way to put them to use. And I did!!

My wonderful family indulged me in gift cards to two of my favorite stores—TJ Maxx and Sephora. Trust me, even if there isn’t anything I need, there are things I will find. I even went beyond the gift cards and found a couple of items in my local drug store that I fell in love with! So what did I treat myself to during this glorious week of May? In addition to a few days of tasty cheeses to go with my endless whine about getting old, I picked up the following:

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Waterproof) – Every time I get a new mascara, I rave about it, drop to my knees, thank the makeup Gods for such a good product, and tell everyone there is nothing better. Then, one of two things happens: a) something else comes out on the market, I try that and kick the other item to the curb; or b) it loses its initial pizzazz and doesn’t live up to what I expected a month or so after I had bought it. Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara is being advertised EVERYWHERE. Magazines, TV, internet, you name it. Its claim that it lengthens your lashes by 4 mm doesn’t really jazz me. I already have long lashes. Stay on my eyes all day, don’t flake or smudge, lengthen and thicken, and don’t run when you get wet? THAT’s what makes me love a mascara. So far… and I say that with a grin… it does all of those. I love the wide-tooth plastic brush which really combs and coats each lash for extra attention. The only fault I can find so far is that it takes each coat a very long time to dry. So I suggest curling your lashes FIRST, then waiting till you are completely finished with everything else to give them another squeeze. Be careful you don’t pull any lashes out, curling while the mascara is still wet. It’s not worth it. (Most drug stores, $6.99)

Pure Ice Nail Polish in “Strip Tease” – ‘Tis the season of neon and nothing looks better on your fingers and toes than a bright neon pink polish. It’s bright enough to give your look a bit of pop without having a color that looks totally over the top. “Strip Tease” has a slight frost to it as well to give your nails a bit of shine. This long-lasting, go with anything color is great for the warmer temps. Let your fingers and toes show with this awesome color that will definitely draw attention to your sense of style! (Walmart, $2.99)

Adrienne Vittadini Denim Rhinestone Wedges – There are three words right that that scream “chic” this season: denim, rhinestone and wedges. You can find denim everywhere this summer from shorts to skirts, including vests and hats. Rhinestones are on just about everything and it seems the more bling, the better. And wedges were hot last year and are not going away anytime soon. These wedges are super comfortable, extremely casual yet stunningly gorgeous. I am finding that it is the perfect shoe for both daytime and nighttime wear. The dark dye goes with most denims that are in style, the wood-look wedge keeps it classy, and all those gemstones will give you a “wow” factor like never before. I’ve only worn these twice since I’ve bought them and got more compliments than I could count. Definitely a great find for someone who likes that unique “sassy” edge. (TJ Maxx, $34.99)


So, with a couple other small items (Nine West Sunglasses and an off-the-shoulder tie-dyed top) I managed to use my TJ Maxx gift card all up in one outing. My Sephora card, however, has yet to be used. Although I have an idea what I’ll be spending some of it on, I’ll wait till I get my loot home. Who knows…. I could change my mind when I get to the store. I am a female, correct? Changing my mind is my given right! So stay tuned for for gift card goodie reports soon!!

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Sassy’s Product of the Day….

17 May


I can’t hide the fact that I am a lip-product junkie. Lipstick, gloss, stains, balms, you name it…. I’ve probably tried it and/or owned it. When I finally embraced the fact that I had been blessed with full, luscious lips–Anjolina Jo-lips lips–I became a fanatic about lip products. Honestly, I’ll try just about anything. Shiny, sparkly, bright, matte, frosted, glittery, you name it. I’ll either love it or hate it (there really is no in between) and will make my thoughts known. Like right now.

I discovered Maybelline’s SuperStay 24 Color for lips close to a year ago when it first came out. Although I like my glamour to have a pop of color on my lips, I’m not too fond of having to check it or touch it up every 2-3 hours. That’s why I’ve been a fan of GOOD long-wearing lip colors. Many of them make the claim to last for hours and keep your lips healthy, but most don’t live up to the hype. Some even dry my lips out to the point where potato chips have more moisture. I saw the ads for SuperStay 24 Color in almost every magazine on the market when it first came out. I tried it, and loved it immediately. There are MANY (30) shades to choose from, and the color and moisturizer are conveniently packaged in one slim tube. I’m sure if you are looking for a specific shade, you will find one on the shade list which can be found here.

Even though I already own about seven shades of this great product, I felt the need for another color–something more vibrant, more bold, more spring. And I found it. Maybelline’s SuperStay 24 Color in “Lasting Lilac” is not a shade for the faint of heart. It is a bright lilac combined with a touch of light pink with an iridescent shimmer to it. I have to say, alone it has a MAJOR “wow” factor. And that is not a bad thing! But what is even better? It blends well with any of the other SuperStay 24 colors to create something totally different and unique! It’s great for day and night wear and will last and last. For example, I put it on today at 1pm and it’s still on even now…at 11pm! (FYI? Eye makeup remover takes it off at night with no problems.) If you feel your lips getting a little dry during the day, just pop off the end that contains the built-in moisturizer and give your lips a little hydration and love.

So are you looking for a great makeup item to really give your Spring look a pop? I seriously suggest you pick up Maybelline’s SuperStay 24 Color in “Lasting Lilac” for something bright, fun and long-lasting! It’s a color that does not run with the norm, and blends easily to create fun, fancy shades all your own!

(Available at most drug and department stores, approximately $6-8)

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Sassy Girl, Sassy Stuff!

16 May

Today, I ventured outside of the four walls of my room and decided to rock a sassy look with a sassy mood, something I’ve been missing for quite a while. I am slowly coming out of my change-of-seasons funk and feeling a little like my old spunky self. Today was the perfect cure for what ailed me. I broke out a new pair of shoes, threw my hair up in a messy bun, grabbed an edgy outfit complete with rhinestones and studs, and headed out on the town, sunroof open…windows down.

I put on my favorite tunes in the car, picked up my daughter and went to do some grocery shopping as well as get my girl a haircut. It was a gorgeous day and anyone in their right mind could not feel revived out on a day with such pristine conditions. It was fabulous.I wasn’t overly thrilled that she wanted to cut about 3” off the length of her hair, however (I love her long hair) but she wanted something less “frazzled” and demanding for the warmer weather. That I can’t argue with.

While out and about, I was thrilled to get compliments on a few of my fashionista choices that I wore today. That always makes me feel good. Sometimes the item cost me less than a dollar from a thrift store. Sometimes it was the cost of a car payment… or two. No matter what the price, I truly believe it is HOW you wear it—with confidence and pride—is what really turn heads. So what got Sassy noticed today? Let’s see:

1) My hair. It’s beginning to drive my daughter nuts how often I’ll get complimented on my hair. I was born a natural redhead, but the older I got, the browner my hair became. When I reached “29+” I decided to bring out more of the auburn red side of my hair. And since then it’s been getting redder and redder and redder. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it is out there! And it is SOOOOOOOO me! It has definitely become my distinguishing feature. What’s even better? I do it myself! I’ve mastered how to color it on my own, have found a shade that I love and the right products to keep it gorg! Sassy’s Picks: Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in R3 (Light Intense Auburn) and L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free shampoos and conditioners (Most drug stores, $6.99-$7.99)

2) My shoes. I have a few…. very few…. pairs of shoes that I have spent a lot of money on. To me, “a lot” is over $100. When it comes to shoes, it is all about the hunt. To find the classiest, most stylish, en vogue pair of shoes for the least amount of money possible. I watch sales, I hit consignment shops, and I do a lot of research. One of my favorite places to get shoes is Marshalls department store. They carry name-brand footwear for a fraction of the price. And if you are lucky to get a pair on a markdown, you are golden. Today, I wore a pair of gladiator sandals that I found at Marshall’s a few months back with a gift card I had gotten. A women at the hair salon came running over to me swooning over my shoes. “I saw those on TV last night! Are those the ones?” I told her I wasn’t sure since I didn’t see the show she was talking about. “Those cost $150!!! Did you spend $150????” I smiled and said, “No, I only paid $39.99 at Marshall’s.” I then became her fashion hero. She thought I had the most stunning shoes she’d ever seen for a fraction of the designer price. Yeah… I was proud! Sassy’s Pick: BCBGeneration Silver Gladiator Sandals (Marshalls, $39.99)

3. My bracelet. Bracelets are my newest accessory addiction. I have very skinny wrists, but they don’t look as thin when I wear big, bold, chunky bracelets. I have one with a watch charm on it, one with removable charms that my kids gave me, and several sterling silver ones with various gemstones. Lately, though, I have been into sparkly bracelets. Ones with lots of glitz and glimmer and really stand out on their own. About a month ago, Macy’s had a clearance on some of their jewelry and had several stunning bracelets by Nine West. Now it’s no secret I am a fan of Nine West shoes and purses, but I had no idea they had awesome jewelry too! This one bracelet really caught my eye since it was dark, almost black, but was actually a midnight blue. It’s perfect to take any casual jeans outfit to the next level. The girl that cut my daughter’s hair noticed it immediately and had to know where I had found it. I told her but said there probably weren’t any left. She didn’t care, she was going to go looking anyways because she loved it so. I hope she lucks out… it IS an eye-catching accessory. Sassy’s Pick: Nine West Triple-Strand Sparkle Bracelet (Macy’s, $8.99)

So you see? I’m coming around. It only takes a few good days to lift the spirits and let the fashionista in me run free. Tomorrow I have to take a trip to my daughter’s school so that will give me another reason to sass myself up. I will have to raid the closet tonight and see what poor fashion items need to get out and get a shot at the “big time”. I can imagine it’s lonely being so chic yet so hidden all the time!

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I’m A Slug In The Spring……

15 May

Maybe I should have wrote in my blog sometime at the end of April that I’m not a big fan of May. As a fashion follower, you would think I would be. The styles are changing, colors are exploding everywhere, shoes are beyond your average drool. The fact is, it has nothing to do with the weather or the season. It has to do with a history of bad events happening in May during my life. I probably could change the string of bad luck if I just put my mind to it and barreled through, but as soon as May 1st gets here, I feel like I’m getting sucked into a black hole where I’ll be stuck for a whole month. Today, I looked at the calendar and realized it was the middle of May and I had been in a writing funk for over a month. Not good….. not good at all. But on the positive side, the month is half over. Wait… is that positive???

Well, I didn’t want my loyal followers to think I had been wearing old t-shirts given away at the latest vodka promo at the local bar and the same pair of jeans for an entire week. I’ve been checking out spring fashions, been slowly putting away my heavy winter attire, digging out my favorite summer sandals, looking for new styles that pique my interest. Although I’m finding some things that catch my eye, the way out of the rut is a slow one.

There have been a few things that have given me a glimmer of hope, however, that I’m getting back to my sassy glamourista self. Sometimes I over think it–honestly, it doesn’t take much! But I’m sure I’m not alone. If you’ve been in a seasonal rut, try these things like I have. Maybe they too will get you out of your fashion funk:

1) Jazz up those nails! – Pick a color that SCREAMS warm weather and “Notice Me”! Hot neons, bright pinks and flashy corals are the perfect nail pick-me-up. And don’t forget those toes! Seeing those bright colors will lift your mood right up! Sassy’s Pick: “Go With The Flow-er” by OPI

2) Change up your scent! – Still smell like the perfume your Aunt Helen gave you for Christmas? Well, it might be time to grab something new. This is the perfect time of year to find a nice body mist in a light, refreshing scent. Go all out and get the matching shower gel, body lotion and even the shimmer spray for those sleeveless shirt days. Awaken the senses and you’ll awaken the fashionista within! Sassy’s Pick: Bath and Body Works “Pink Chiffon” in shower gel, body lotion, fine fragrance mist, and shimmer body creme.

3) Wear some color! – Finding it hard to get out of the black sweater/blue jean rut? Man, I am. Of course, the weather hasn’t helped, but I’ve stopped waiting for Mother Nature to tell me when it is time to start looking spring stylish. One of the hottest trends this spring is going to be colored denims (especially skinny jeans) so I took a leap of faith and got myself a pair. Let me just say, wearing them took me FAR outside my comfort zone. And I survived! Now they are my go-to “lift my mood” pants. Think I may have to add a few other colors now too! I’m having way too much fun “creating” with these bottom hues! Sassy’s Pick: dELiAs low-rise skinny jeans in purple.

Okay, followers, I’m making a promise to myself: each day I will get up, put on something weather-appropriate, but fashionable. And I am also promising myself that I will take the TJ Maxx gift card that I got for Mother’s Day and get myself something that will be fun, refreshing, and WAY out of my comfort-zone. How about you? What do YOU plan on doing to get yourself snazzy this spring?????

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