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Marvelous Finds In March

14 Apr

My husband just asked me what today’s date was. I honestly had to pull up the calendar app on my iPhone because, frankly, I had no clue. Time seems to have stood still for me because no matter what I am writing—a check, a bill, a letter, a gym excuse my for my kids—I have been putting down “March” on everything. Then it dawned on me when my husband had me check today’s date that I had been writing the wrong date for several weeks. Maybe it is because it just doesn’t feel like spring too much here in Upstate New York yet. Maybe it’s because all of the days feel the same to me lately. My guess? If I refuse to write the real date, life will slow down. Yeah, well, not so much.

So since I am already two weeks behind for all of my April writings, I figured I better chime in quick with my awesome March discoveries before I get them confused with April’s. If I don’t watch myself, I will be writing that my latest fashion find in July was a pair of cashmere gloves. Without further adieu, here are a couple of things that I added to my glamour and fashion collection during March that you may want to look into as well:

1. Grape Seed Oil— I have never hid the fact that I think that several natural oils are fabulous for medicinal, nutritive and moisturizing purposes. Grape seed oil is derived when the light oil is extracted from the seeds of several different kinds of grapes. Mainly, the seeds left over from making wine are used for this purpose. It is wonderful when the oil is used for cosmetics and skin care because the natural anti-oxidants and age-fighting properties found in grapes then get transferred directly onto the skin. Grape seed oil has a built-in astringent quality so it is great for naturally tightening the skin. It also contains linoleic acid which is known for cell repair and renewal, keeping skin at its most youthful state. And finally, because it is a lightweight oil, it is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin providing excellent moisturization—even around the delicate eye area—without clogging pores. I now use grape seed oil every night before bed to moisturize my face and neck, with a little shot on my cuticles as well. My skin has never been so soft and smooth! Available at most supermarkets in the organic oils section

2. NYC (New York Color) Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil— A while back, I had found a great sharpen yourself eyeliner that I insisted would be the pencil I would use for the rest of my life. It wasn’t a big, well-known brand and I could only get it at one store locally. Yeah, well, that changed when I saw the display with my eyeliners in it wearing a big “Clearance” sign on it last month. Damn. Time to start hunting once again. While shopping at my local Wal-Mart one day, I saw a big display for the NYC brand. They had an extensive variety of products and colors at a price that was more than reasonable. I liked the fact they had a waterproof eyeliner that was the kind you sharpen yourself, which is the only kind I will use. After using it only once, I knew it was my new favorite liner. It was soft, easy to apply, and had superb stay power. The color was true and still sharp and strong even when it was time to take it off at night! For those who like these kind of liners, this is a must try. Available at many local retails for less than $4

3. mark Save The Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick— I wish I could take the credit for discovering this item, but all the love has to go to my daughter. She has often asked me if I knew of any acne-treatment companies that also made a concealer that would hide a stubborn pimple while treating it as well. To be honest, it really wasn’t my department. I am the queen of the dry skin, not really a breakout princess. But after doing a bit of research, I saw that mark. had a product that was just what she was looking for. Not only does the concealer stick contains 2% salicylic acid to treat the culprit, but it also comes in four medium-coverage, buildable shades. This little item has become a cult favorite with her friends as all of them love how it hides and treats little flare ups at the same time. Available at Avon.com and through local Avon representatives for $6.

4. Steve Madden’s Shelbi Wedge Sandal— Okay, here’s the story behind this purchase: I had won a gift card from DSW during the holidays. I thought it would be fun to buy a pair of peep-toed boots when they went on sale after the holidays. When the pair I liked arrived at my house, I realized I didn’t like them at all. By this point, it was March and the thought of buying boots was silly and I knew I really should look for a pair of sandals instead. So I went to my local DSW store, returned the boots, and tried on anything and everything that caught my eye. Originally I shied away from wedges because… well…. they just didn’t jazz me. HA! That was until I tried on these little cuties! The heel isn’t too high (2” stacked wedge), they were comfortable as heck and they looked chic and stylish! I grabbed a pair in black. The weather around here finally allowed me to wear them for a full day this week. My feet loved them as much as my eyes. A perfect shoe to wear with jeans, capris or shorts! I love them so much, I think I’ll grab them in the color taupe sometime in the near future. Available at DSW retail stores and DSW.com for $49.95



I think I can finally say that spring is beginning to show itself after a long, hard winter. People are breaking out their bright colors, packing up the heavy sweaters and coats, and everyone is sporting the fashions and glamour of the new season. But as April evolves, are we serious when we say that the dark, cold gloom that hung its head over us for so long must surely gone? Well, if we listen to the gospel of the late Leslie Nielsen from the ever-popular movie Airplane, we would believe it one hundred percent:

“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

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Great Finds In February…

6 Mar

Let’s face it—people are sick and tired of winter. Living in Upstate NY myself, I am so done with the cold air and the snow. Not that long ago, we actually saw temps in the 50’s which felt like a heat wave to us. The only bad thing about that is it melts only SOME of the snow, which runs into the roads, which splashes against the cars, which turns everything outside into a grey, dingy, dirty landscape. If the sun isn’t shining, it is “blah” at its best.

This starts to become the time during the season where we know spring is around the corner and we are getting antsy. Spring fashions are dribbling into stores, fresh fragrances are being introduced, and makeup colors are becoming brighter and fresher. Even though it is still way too early to break out the sandals and sundresses, it doesn’t mean we can’t add a few springtime teases to our lives. Here are a few things I picked up to get me in the mood:

“Carried Away” Select-A-Shimmer Body Lotion – Time to stimulate the senses! I have always been a big fan of body lotions. Not only do I get a light scent that isn’t too overpowering, but I also moisturize my skin at the same time. With key fragrance notes of red raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla, Carried Away is a romantic fragrance with a playful side. Plus, the Select-A-Shimmer lotion allows me to add a little or a lot of sparkle to my skin when I get out of the shower just by a click of the cap. Add more glitz to your arms when wearing a cami, or maybe a little glow on your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Nothing says fun more than a sweet scent with a little bit of shimmer! (Bath and Body Works retail stores & bathandbodyworks.com, $14)

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in “Tickled Pink” – When people think about spring, they usually think about the colors of the flowers that fight their way up towards the sun as the weather begins to warm. Tulips, lilacs and roses do not just put beautiful scents into the air, but also show us new colors to delight our eyes. Putting those colors into your makeup pallet can really give your look a lift and break you out of the winter blahs. “Tickled Pink” is a soft, elegant baby pink that works on almost everyone. Plus, the L’Oreal’s Colour Riche formula goes on smooth and creamy, keeping lips moist with conditioners like Vitamin E. A nice, long-wearing lip color that doesn’t just look luxurious but also won’t break the bank! (local retail stores, $9)

Katy Perry Nail Colours by OPI – Okay, fact is fact: advertising sells. When I first saw the ad for Katy’s new nail colors in my daughter’s teen magazine, I fell in love with them. They were bright, fun, whimsical and… well… oh, so Katy! And if you think this “29+” mom wanted to wear them, you should hear the teen girls talk about them. Especially my daughter! Twice when we went to the retail store that carried them, they were sold out. But then finally… we struck gold! My daughter purchased the “Teenage Dream” which is a true pink glitter polish with all the glitz and glimmer that a girl will love. I myself got “The One That Got Away” which is a deep, dark berry with lots of shimmer. There is also “Not Like The Movies” which is a rich silver with an edge, “Last Friday Night” is a bright blue with fierce glitter, and of course the uber-popular “Black Shatter”–a black top coat with a broken-glass effect which is so chic! Katy’s colors are hot, fresh and in demand by ladies of all ages! (select retail stores, from $5)

Ruched Sublimation Top by Body Central – An airy top with cool shades of mauves and pinks make this pullover easy to wear and a must-have in your closet. A deep v-necked front keeps it sexy, the long-waisted length keeps is practical. Finally, imagine the top being immersed in shimmery silver dots and you have this top that is great for day or nighttime wear. Still a little too cold outside to wear this short-sleeved top alone? Just throw on a lightweight cardigan without it losing its jazzy appeal! (bodyc.com, $19.80)

Believe it or not, the weatherman has predicted I will be getting 6-10” of snow for this evening. No… really. This is not going to deter me from thinking about the brighter days of spring on their way, however. My new scents, shades and fashions will look great when the pastel tulips and the green grass begin to show their weary heads. But until then… *sigh*… I will see what I can do to match up my new February finds with some winter-friendly boots and some warm and cozy gloves. Who knows–maybe I’ll even paint my snow shovel pink. With flowers.

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I “heart” Red?……

12 Feb

It’s that time of the year that people in love simply adore and people that are single and/or on their own curse till the end of the month. It is the season of St. Valentine. It begins approximately one week after Christmas, choking you with endless teddy bears, flowers, hearts, chocolates, perfume, jewelry, lace and candies right up till the middle of February.  You begin to see the world through rose-colored glasses, and that’s only because you only see things that are the colors red, white and pink for almost two months straight.  Even as a happily married woman, totally in love with her soul mate, I happen to think this holiday can get a little overwhelming.

Not that all the hype and merchandising isn’t enough to process, but now you have to throw in three colors that are not fashion- and glamour-friendly in my wardrobe ensemble… AT ALL! As a flaming, auburn-haired girl with pale ivory skin, some colors do not look good on me. Cupid’s colors embrace almost all of them. My hair should be enough to speak to the masses that I am Valentine’s Day friendly. But no… they want more from me. They want me to embrace the red-hot color of love. Bah.

Because I promised myself this year to add new hues to my closet and makeup drawer, I thought there was no better time like this huggy-kissy holiday to do a little color infusion. “Bring on the red,” I said! So what did I find to kindle a little fire in my color scheme during this season of amore? Take a looksie…


**L’Oreal HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor in Turbulent**
In my quest to find a neutral red lip color that didn’t look too over-powering, I stumbled upon a brand of lip color that I have had good luck with in the past. L’Oreal’s HiP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor goes on smooth with its sponge tip applicator, with highly pigmented color that will WOW most. Although the color was a bit too bright for me at first, I found a way to apply it with my own lip brush and blend it in a bit more. I then topped it with a light beige frosted gloss which subdued it slightly. I think this specific shade is being discontinued where I bought it because I found it for 75% off. A sexy steal for only $3.75 at CVS, but it will surely be missed.


**Milani Nail Lacquer in Ruby Jewels**
One thing I have never been afraid of is red nail color. I think it is the one shade that goes with anything and everything, and never goes out of style. There is only one problem with my red nail polish: I wear the same shade all the time. Flat, matte, hooker red. Traditionally stylish, but nothing out of the ordinary. This Valentine’s Day, however, I decided to pick out a red that had a bit of pizazz. This specific Milani nail color caught my eye from a distance, even on the shelf amongst all the other polishes. The deep red glitter polish reminds me of Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. Hmmm. Maybe this would be the perfect nail polish to wear on a blind date! Then if it doesn’t go so well, you could tap your nails on the bar and say, “There’s no place like home….?” Or not. This magical nail lacquer was found at CVS for just $4.50.


**bebe for 90210’s Silk Voile Ruffle Top**
I wish I could take the credit for daring to step out of my comfort zone when I bought this top, but I can’t. The fact is, I won it! bebe ran a contest where pieces of their newest collection were shown on the television show 90210 (for which the collection is named.) The first Twitter follower to Tweet about the pieces won one of them. I’m a sucker for a contest so I chimed in right away. And voila… the winner was me! The spring top is gorgeous. A very feminine silk top with rouched sleeves and an asymmetrical ruffled neckline. And the color? Bright true red! The top is so versatile that it can be worn dressed up with a black pencil skirt and pumps, dressed down with capris and flip flops, or worn casual chic with skinny jeans and peep-toe shoe booties. Now available at select bebe stores or online at bebe.com for $79.

American designer Bill Blass was once quoted as saying, “When in doubt, wear red.” I doubt he had a redhead in mind when he said those words. Regardless, I have elected to ease into my new-found red fashions and accents. A lipcolor here, a nail polish there, a splattering of crimson in my closet. And although I’m not ready to completely dive head-first into a glamour routine with endless scarlet treasures, I will stick with a few things that I know suit me quite nicely: red roses, Red Hot candies, and red strawberries… dipped in chocolate of course!

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Great Makeup Finds In January…

26 Jan

As the month of January comes to a close, some things are obvious to me. First, it was one of the snowiest months that I can remember. In fact, it’s the 6th highest of all time… and we still have a few days left to go with a storm on the horizon! It also has been cold. DAMN cold! And finally, this has been a month where my energy and motivation has been slim to none. Could be a vitamin D deficiency. Could be because my iron level is low. Duh… could also be because of the first two things I listed above!!

Even though I spent most of the month inside where it is warm and cozy, I did manage to venture out into the icy blue yonder where I discovered a few awesome things that I have added to my daily makeup routine. What’s even better? They can easily be found in your local drug or chain store at a very reasonable price. If you search around online, you might find a coupon for them as well. They are:

Maybelline’s Volum’ Express One By One Mascara – Maybelline promotes it as a mascara with “bold volume without any of the bulk.” It’s patented Lash Catcher™ brush “catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier.” Sounds like what all mascara fanatics are lusting for, right? But the real question is… does it deliver? In my opinion, it does! I love how the brush keeps the mascara from clumping on my lashes and seems to individually coat each one. I think it could be a bit more plumping, but I usually only use one coat. With two coats, the look was more than stunning. After all day wear not one smudge or flake either. My lashes looked so voluptuous that my husband even noticed. Now THAT’S saying something! I purchased it in the waterproof formula in the shade Very Black. Uber sexy! (Priced around $6.)

L’Oreal Paris’ Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base – Kudos to L’Oreal and Allure Magazine for the fabulous idea of putting makeup samples in the latest issue of the magazine! I have used foundation primers in the past, and have just found them to be just so-so. That is not a good grade especially when the price of some of these high-end items can go as high as $50! Not to mention, many primers and bases have a tendency to clog my pores as well as cause my face to burn because of my sensitive skin. Being able to try the new L’Oreal Perfecting Base before buying it was a huge plus. I immediately noticed that it evened out my skin tone and minimized the appearance of my pores and fine lines. Its texture was very light and silky. And after wearing it all day, my skin had no reactions to it. I put it on right after moisturizing and right before I use my NEW foundation. (Priced around $10.)

L’Oreal Paris’ Magic Smooth™ Soufflé Makeup – Speaking of my new foundation, this little gem was stumbled upon when I tried L’Oreal’s Perfecting Base. Kudos to them for putting these two samples together in Allure Magazine for people to try. Alone, each item is great. Together, they are simply fabulous! My concerns with the foundation were the same as with the Perfecting Base—I worried about breaking out, burning and irritation to my face. I was happy to be able to try it for a day to make sure my skin did not react to it. It didn’t, thank goodness… because I loved how it made my skin look and feel! As light as it was, it took very little of the Soufflé Makeup to get a nice even coverage. It didn’t feel greasy but it wasn’t drying either. It went on smooth, especially over the Perfecting Base. And the coverage lasted all day without streaking or fading. Although the shade selections weren’t very extensive, I did find one that matched my skin tone perfectly. Something to keep in mind, though—the shade I selected looks totally different on my skin than it does in the jar! (Priced around $14)

eos Lemon Drop Lip Balm with SPF 15 – We all know that the checkout counter at the market or drug store is cluttered with things from candy to cookies, makeup to magazines, asprin to ankle socks. If we linger in line longer than a minute, we know for a fact we are going to start picking through the array of goodies around us. (And the store couldn’t be happier about that.) I had been eyeing this out-of-the-ordinary balm near the register for some time now for two main reasons: 1) its odd shape; and 2) its unique flavor. First, it’s not a tube lip balm at all. It is actually in the shape of an egg, and about the size of a ping pong ball. You twist the cap off and inside is the dome-shaped lip moisturizer, enriched with shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. It goes on smooth, with no tugging or pulling of the lips. Plus its natural lemon flavor is refreshing and not fake at all. It’s sweet, so it doesn’t burn your lips. Although the shape of the product is definitely unusual, I find that this makes it easier to keep track of! Its bright yellow color stands out in my nightstand, makeup drawer or purse, and the shape makes it easy to find just by feeling around for it! Granted, you can’t just “pop” it into your pocket comfortably, but this great organic, non-animal tested product does keep your lips super soft and protected for many, many hours. (Priced around $3.50)

It is nice to have found some great new makeup items to add lift my spirits this month, especially ones that won’t break my wallet! How about you? Have you fell in love with any new products, shades, formulas or colors recently? Found something to lift your spirits during these cold, grey, winter days? If so, I want to hear about them! On my homepage is my new contact link! Just hit me up at *Click Here To Contact Sassy* by clicking on the words! Send me your questions, hot new finds, or opinions on something you’ve tried—from the worlds of fashion, makeup, skin care of glamour! Can’t wait to hear from you!!!

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My Fab Finds of 2010…

28 Dec

Another year has come and gone, and much like last year, I have no clue where the days went. I could spend endless hours sitting around with my friends from high school, remembering so many of the fun times of our teens just like it was yesterday. We’d talk about the fabulous hairspray metal bands of the 80’s, headlines, fashions and trends like we were still in class together. But if you asked me what I did last month, last week, even yesterday?… it all blurs together like cream in coffee. I should follow in the footsteps of the hilarious bogus talk show host, Jiminy Glick (played by comedian Martin Short) and use “Ginko Bilobo” to improve my memory. But like him, I’d probably forget to take it.

There are a few things, however, that I never forget as time goes on: my fabulous discoveries in the world of fashion and glamour. Once a hot find gets burned into my mind, I truly believe it is there to stay. Not only do I personally get the benefits of these little treasures, but I get to share them with the people around me! Nothing makes me happier than to talk about a product, look, style or sale that I have stumbled upon with my friends, family and blog followers. It is like graduating from the student to the teacher!

So, as I sit back and enjoy my memory-stimulating treats (rosemary-mint hot tea and those dark-skinned… umm…. berry things, the name escapes me), I will share with you a few of the things that Sassy found and fell in love with this year:

1.  Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner – I love the look of defined eyes with a deep black liner, but I could not find a pencil that had the stay power I wanted or a liquid that I could perfect. The oil-free formula of Maybelline’s Gel Eyeliner is highly pigmented for dramatic color and keeps going strong all day with its smudge-proof, water-proof wearability.  Although it was hard to master the look I wanted with the brush it came with, I decided to try something different. Which is how I came to fall in love with….

2.  Bare Escentuals’ Slanted Liner Brush – For those of you who feel like a five year old who can’t color inside the lines when using liquid/gel liners (like me), try a brush specifically designed for those who are straight-line challenged. This brush enables you to keep your hand straight in front of you without bending your arms in ways that would make Gumby frown. It works well with gel liners as well as powder eye shadows that can be used as eyeliners too. Plus it cleans up easily with regular soap and water and holds its shape. A must have brush in anyone’s collection.

3.  pureDKNY Perfume – Talk about squeaking in under the wire! I received a small bottle as part of a promotion that Sephora was running when I ordered my slanted liner brush two weeks ago. I’m a big fan of DKNY’s BeDelicious perfume, so I was happy to give this newer scent a try. I must say, it is totally different from BeDelicious. And that’s a good thing. With that scent focusing on top notes of apple and grapefruit, pureDKNY is primarily a floral perfume wrapped in the soothing scent of vanilla. Normally I lean towards citrus-type scents, but I absolutely love this one. I can see me wearing this as an every day scent. It’s genuine, soothing, simple and calm. And that’s exactly what we all need in our busy lives!

4.  bebe Logo Knit Top – I don’t care what age you are… everyone needs a little bit of bling in their closet, and bebe is well-known for their logo tops with some sparkle! The white logo top I found at bebe has half sleeves and is ribbed for a bit of extra style. It’s classic yet eye-catching, and is always worth a head turn or two when I wear it out. Even on a basic jeans kind of day, my bebe top makes me feel NYC chic!

5.  Vintage Leopard-Print Trench Coat – Some people call them thrift shops. Others call them vintage stores. I call them a gold mine… on the right day! Earlier this year, while looking for items for a costume party, I stumbled upon a brushed velvet animal-print trench coat with the original tags still attached ($75). It was stylish beyond belief and it was mine… for all of ten bucks.  Anyone who has ever watched “Sex and the City” knows that their infamous costume designer, Patricia Field, is the queen of mixing high-end designer fashions with off-the-wall vintage finds. I LOVE that! It inspires me to seek out great items at my local thrift store that can be worn “as is” or to be vogued up to push the style envelope.

6.  Cardigans, Cardigans, and more Cardigans – Before this year, the word “cardigan” brought to mind a four button, argyle sweater with the pizzazz of a slice of white bread. Yawn. This year, however, designers brought this layering piece to front of the class! Ruffles and lace, long and cropped, metallics and neutrals, buttons and belts… the styles were amazing. It brought a whole new dimension to my closet, and the mix and match possibilities were endless. And now that the colder temps are here, they are stunning and functional too!

7.  Over-The-Knee Boots – Usually when I think of high boots, visions of Goldie Hawn on “Laugh In” wearing her slamming white go-go boots always came to mind. (Did I just date myself?) For the past couple of years, the height of the boot has continuously been getting higher and higher. And with jeans getting skinnier and skinnier, the tucked-in pants look has been growing more popular. Of course, this look is NOT for everyone. I think when worn correctly on the right person, the OTK boot look just screams style and self-confidence.

As we all think back about what 2010 brought us, don’t forget to realize that on January 1st, we will be given 365 blank slates to use for whatever we want. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” We can expand our knowledge, learn new things, and develop new talents. I challenge you all to do, be or learn something new next year. You will be so glad you did!

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Exfoliate Your Face—The Winter Way

9 Dec

Ah, winter… the most drying time of the year for your skin… head to toe. Even me, the redheaded shiny-faced oil slick gets big time flaky from the dry, inside heat as well as the cold, outside air. That means it is even more important now that we all take the time to exfoliate the dead skin cells that occur during these chilly days and nights. But how can we get rid of the old and expose the new without drying our skin out even more??

Easy. VERY easy!

All skin types should exfoliate at least twice a week (slightly oily skin can exfoliate a little more).  In the winter, exfoliating can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. The key to keeping your face from getting too dehydrated is to prepare it – and protect it! – BEFORE you exfoliate!  Here’s how:

1)  Get yourself fresh, pure oil that is great for your skin. My favorites include sweet almond oil, coconut oil (organic cold-pressed and unrefined), apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil or even organic extra virgin olive oil. You don’t have to get anything special online. Just go to your local market and take a trip down the aisle with all the oils. If you don’t find one there, check the market’s organic department. I have found that lately even Wal-Mart Super Centers carry most of these!

2)  Now invest in a mild face cleanser with an added gentle exfoliant in it! By combining these two steps, you reduce the chance of over stripping your skin of the natural oils and moisture it needs, especially now. My favorites: Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleaner ($9.99 @ local retailers); Befine’s Exfoliating Cleanser ($25.00 @ befine.com); Clarins’ One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($35.00 @ fine department stores)

3)  Prepare your skin by splashing it with warm water. (Stay away from hot water as it is drying and irritating to your face.) Cover your fingertips with your preferred oil and rub it all over your face in small circular motions. Loosen up all of your makeup (including your eye makeup if you want!) then let the coating of oil sit on your skin for about a minute.

4)  Apply your exfoliating cleanser to your face (be careful around your eye area especially when working with a granular exfoliant) by gently rubbing where you applied the oil.

5)  Rinse everything off with warm water and pat dry. Apply an enriched moisturizer immediately.

By pre-conditioning your face with an oil that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, you not only prevent your skin from becoming overly stripped of the oil and moisture that can occur when you exfoliate during the colder months, but you will also protect it against free radicals that can cause premature aging. And if you have a tendency for the occasional breakout, don’t fear: the pure oils that I mentioned above are non-comedogenic. That means they won’t cause pimples or blackheads. It’s the “waxy” based oils and creams that clog up your pores and causes those nasty breakouts!

Remember, too, that hydrating is important from the inside out so don’t get slack on your water intake during the colder months. Treat your body right on the inside, pamper it correctly on the outside, and keep yourself glowy and fresh all year round!!

Letter From “The Editor” – Color My World

23 Nov

As I flipped through the fashion magazines that have been sent to me so far this month, one of my magazines really caught my interest. It wasn’t its beautiful fashions, make up looks, hair styles or flashy ads that made me take notice. It was its editor’s letter. Although I know that all magazines have a Letter from the Editor, it made me think about me and my own blog. I realize that each of my blog entries is written from the heart to all of my readers, kind of like a personal letter to each of you. I thought though that it might be nice to do my own version of a magazine’s Editor’s Letter and maybe start a new monthly trend. So here we go…


As I look at the load of laundry on my bedroom floor, I am mentally categorizing which basket I will have to put each piece of clothing in when I bring it to the basement to wash. I see jeans, a black sweater, a black pair of pants, a white t-shirt, a black sweater, a grey cami, a black cami, another black sweater, ANOTHER black sweater, a grey sweater, a grey cardigan, black socks, white socks, a black cardigan, a black pullover. Oh, and a purple tunic. ONE colorful item. You sensing a trend here?  Approximately 20 pieces of clothing, and only one of them had a color that did not appear on a TV show till after 1956. How come I didn’t notice until now that I was about as colorful as a character from one of the first episodes of “The Dick Van Dyke Show”?


When I go clothes shopping with my daughter, she always yells at me saying I seem to leave with tons of colorful bags, but they all seemed to be filled with items from the same color line: black and white. *Sigh* She is right. I must confess… I am afraid of color. I think that is because I have a powerfully pale skin tone and raging auburn red hair, and I feel that wearing color might draw attention to a potentially huge multi-hued faux pas. A horrific clashing of my coloring with my fashion shades. So I stick with blacks, whites, and shades that fall in between. The ultimate in safe. Only last year did I add two new colors to my wardrobe—purple and brown. Not really vibrant, huh? Sure, I have maybe an item or two of some other colors–lime green, gold, turquoise. But there they sit, tucked away in the back of the closet, sad and virtually unworn. Yawn.


Although standing out is something I never wanted to do in high school, I actually embrace it now that I’m older. The problem is I like to stand out with new styles, not new colors. I have a jazzy new pair of platform boots. In black. I just received a stylish ruffled cardigan. In white. And I have an awesome fleece zebra-print belted jacket. Yup, of course, in white and black. I need to change my mindset. Fast. I need to put myself out there. Now that I think about it, I ask myself why haven’t I taken notice of this sooner? I have to say that wearing bright colors in fashion brings about a newer sense of confidence when I wear them. They are a mood lifter, a smile maker. They make me walk taller and encourage me to make eye contact with people that I hope will walk away and wonder, “Hmmm. Who is she?” Why wouldn’t I want that feeling more often???


Tomorrow I am heading out to the mall to take my cousin, who is visiting from Italy, shopping at some of the popular stores here in America. Being so close to the holidays, I most likely won’t be buying a lot of things. But I will make a promise to myself to get one thing—a sweater, a top, a jacket—that stands out and makes me feel good about me. Something bright and totally out of my element! I challenge you to do the same. Step outside of your fashion comfort zone. Go ahead be bold… I dare you!!!


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Five Things I Am Loving This Fall…

11 Oct

Everything that is associated with fall is enjoyable for me. Pumpkin carving, picking apples, making pies, the bright red and orange leaves, Halloween parties, allergies. Okay, so not everything is enjoyable. But I think the thing I love the most is that coolness in the air that tells me that a new season of fashion trends in here. So what are a few of the things that I will be enjoying this autumn? Take a peek…

1) New Boots – Anyone who follows fashion knows that boots aren’t just for bad weather anymore. In fact, as I look at some of the styles that are popular right now, I am convinced that wearing them on ice and/or snow could be detrimental to your health. Because being sure on my feet is very important to me, my hot boot this season is not too high, slightly chunky, and has a non-slip sole. Plus it’s killer chic with all the hot fashions this season. Kenneth Cole Reaction’s Lead Actress, $129, shoes.com


2) A New Scent – In the fall, I tend to lean towards fragrances that are a little “deeper” when the temperatures get cooler and my new fave is no exception. With top notes including blackberry and plum, mid-notes of burgundy rose and peony, and base notes of dark vanilla bean, balsam, and musks, this new aroma is daring and sensual without losing an ounce of femininity. Plus, it comes in many different forms including a body butter and shimmering body mist. Bath and Body Works’ Dark Kiss, from $5, Bath and Body Works retail stores.


3) Denim Leggings – It took me a little while to fall in love with the skinny jean, but the denim legging was an instant attraction. The fashion possibilities are endless when paired with tops ranging from a slim tank and boyfriend jacket to a long, tunic sweater. Plus they are the perfect love connection when matched with any jazzy style of boot!! Mudd’s Broomstick Skinny Jegging, $22, Kohl’s retail stores and kohls.com


4) A Trendy Hat – With accessorizing in the spotlight nowadays, nothing screams chic more than an in-style hat. Plus, in my wardrobe it serves two purposes: not only does it add a bit of pop to an already contemporary outfit, but it is also a great way to hide some unruly hair on a bad weather day! mark’s Put a Lid on It Hat, $16, local Avon representatives or avon.com


5) A Yummy Lip Gloss – Cooler temps mean drier skin… especially lips! Trying to keep my lips moist and colorful at the same time has always been a challenge for me. This year, I found a lip product full of glossy color with a moisturizing shine. And my favorite flavor is a tasty, neutral shade that provides a nude sparkle when worn alone or a pearl shimmer when worn over a favorite lipstick color. Bonnebell’s LipLITES Vanilla Swirl, from $4, drugstores or retail establishments


Take some time and have fun creating your own seasonal ensemble, fashionistas! I’m off to create some jazzy looks of my own.

But first?… I have a nice cup of hot cider with cinnamon schnapps calling my name. Fall yumminess at its BEST!!

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Jumping On The Tweet Wagon….

10 Oct

It was inevitable…..

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a Facebook junkie. I upload photos of my family and trips frequently. I probably change my status three times a day or more. I also have over 2000 friends. Some are family, some are friends I went to school with, and many play the Facebook games I like. I have a well-stacked Mafia, my YoVille house is city chic, and I’m sitting pretty with Zynga poker chips. I do not, however, have any crops or animals in Farmville and I plan on keeping it that way. It has even been rumored that if you nag me enough to play Farmville, I will send my Mafia in to burn your crops and steal your animals. I will not admit or deny that is true, and if you ask me why Sassy’s Waste Management trucks are near your barns, I will tell you I know nothing about it.

Recently, my husband told me that he created a Twitter account. Initially I thought, “What the hell for?” I always thought that Tweeting was more of a way to stalk famous people you likes in a legal, acceptable way. I had never really gotten into “Tweeting” because I felt I could keep up with the people that I cared about on Facebook. But earlier this evening, I read in my latest Glamour magazine that in addition to following people, you can also follow brands. It was a stated that following your favorite brands on Twitter will enable you to “get pro tips, trends and special offers all in one place.” Ohhh, okay now, I’m all over that in a big way.

So today I created my Twitter account. In addition for me to keep track of what is hot and what is not in the fashion and glamour industry, I also think it will be a way to have my blog followers and fashionista friends see what hot items, deals, finds and steals I am running into while I am out and about doing Sassy things.

I encourage you all to follow me on Twitter!! Find me at:

http://www.twitter.com/sassyauburn

Please make sure you let me know that you a fan of the blog too!

I know I haven’t been blogging as much as I used to, but I promise…. I will “Tweet” more than I blog. I tend to get very involved before I do a blog post. Lots of research with seasonal themes, pictures, designs, opinions, etc. Sometimes it becomes so drawn out, an entire season has passed before I finish my entry. What can I say… I’m a chatty, wordy kind of girl. Just ask my husband. He says I’m the only girl he knows that takes a half an hour to tell a 5 minute story. But since Twitter updates are more impromptu (and have a character limit to your Tweets… damn!), I will make them short and sweet. Plus, having my new iPhone will make this easy for me too!!

Tweet at you soon!!!

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Am I Trendy?….

30 Jul

This month, my daughter received the regular copy of her teen fashion magazine. Although I get my more age-appropriate mag-rags at the beginning of each month, I like to flip through my daughter’s, just to see if what is fashionable for my age is close to what is in for her age.  The fact is, just because I am old enough to be a mom, doesn’t mean I have to look like one.  And I also realize just because I feel like a teen at times doesn’t mean I get to dress like one.

Featured in my daughter’s magazine was a segment called “Cute Trends To Try”. Hmmm. This piqued my curiosity since I like to feature in my blog what is new and hot, not to mention this might help me out with what I need to look at for myself as the fall season gets closer. As I glanced through the featured items, I was not just shocked but also thrilled at what I saw. Almost everything highlighted was already in my fashion ensemble! This made me feel pretty darn good because this means my endless flipping through magazines, keeping track of what big-named designers are featuring on the runways, and my online research about what is new and upcoming is paying off.  I guess I have learned quite a bit over the years about style including developing an intuition about what is right-now trendy, what are classic essentials, and what might be hot in the future.

So what are these items that are must haves for all ages right now?  Here are a few:

Animal Print Mini: Okay, it’s a fact that not everyone is comfortable in a mini. Especially the ones that the younger generation is wearing. (Is short getting shorter or is it just me?) Animal prints have been in for a couple of years now but this year they are even bigger, and they are expanding into different areas of the closet. My animal print skirt is a more age-appropriate length, but still short enough to feel fun. I actually purchased it over ten years ago from my local Express department store. It went out of style, and I tucked it away. But now it is back. I will probably pair it with a pair of high boots or gladiator heels for the ultimate head-turning outfit!

Graphic Tees: Graphic t-shirts have been a hot fashion item for a couple of years now, but what is even hotter are tees sporting vintage bands. I can’t say that I still have any of my REO Speedwagon or Loverboy t-shirts from when I was in high school (thank heavens!) but I do have some great graphic shirts with a rock and roll theme to them. Last summer, I grabbed a few shirts with glitter guitars, abstract designs and other modern themes at my nearby mall. At the time, they cost me only a few dollars and now they are going to be priceless once again. I will leave the band shirts to the high schoolers, and I will grab the vivid tees with a little glitter and bling!!

Cropped Leather Biker Jacket: Oh baby, I’ve been holding out for this to be a hot trend for a while now. Some things never lose style and a well-made leather coat is one of them. The only thing that changes is its overall design. Over the past few years, the leather coat has been getting shorter and shorter.  This year, it seems like a basic cropped jacket with a little bit of jazz fits right in with that edgy, bad-girl look. I have a studded jacket that I landed at an online sale two years ago for what seemed like pennies to my wallet. It will be nice to break that out once again when that fall chill hits the air!

Slim Flannel Shirt:  Even though many styles from the 80’s keep sneaking back into today’s fashion trends, I am still a worshiper of the grunge fad of the 90’s. Although the laid back college look was more slouched and comfortable, you cannot deny the beauty of a soft flannel shirt with a pair of worn jeans. Last year I landed myself two of the most cozy flannel shirts from American Eagle during an after-Christmas sale. They are body hugging with a little fashion flair ruffle at the bottom, and came in colors to match anything. They will get some attention as a fashion-forward piece this year instead of just the house-frock shirt that I originally bought it for.

Worn-In Boyfriend Jeans: Every year I add about 2-3 pairs of jeans to my wardrobe, usually leaning more towards what is currently hot in the fashion world. Although the majority of my purchases lately have been of skinny jeans, I have never ditched the straight legged jeans that I got a few years back. Those jeans that were crisp and blue with nice even hems several years ago are now all worn and torn around the pockets and knees and will look GREAT this season when I cuff them at the bottom. Another thing I am not embarrassed to say: I do not hesitate to go to my local thrift or second hand store for jeans. (My favorite store is Plato’s Closet.) Their jeans have been broke in, worn out, shrunken and washed to exactly how I want them to feel and fit. Plus the price is so right, it’s almost wrong!

Stylish Leggings: After many years of being hidden away, leggings made an appearance last year and were welcomed whole heartedly. This year, the basic legging is still on the scene and is even being kicked up a notch. They can be found in different fabrics including denim and leather, showing off different prints such as florals and plaids, and sporting textures such as acid washed and velvet.  I think I will kick up the basic black and grey leggings I bought last year at a year-end clearance by matching them up with different tunic tops or boyfriend jackets then adding a pair of high boots or metallic flats.  This year’s legging possibilities are endless!

Vanity Glasses: My daughter told me last year that her BFF got a new pair of glasses. I said I wasn’t aware she needed them. My daughter informed me that she doesn’t… she just wears glasses to be “cool”.  Yeah, go ahead, process that one for a minute.  I have been wearing glasses since I was 12 years old. I always felt like a dork with my four eyes. In fact, when I was 16, I got contacts so I could be cool!!  When did that change?  Oh, I’ll tell you when… when big named fashion designers started making eclectic eyewear!  Okay, so the new glasses I got last month reek of chic—Coach frames complete with rhinestones—but I got them not because I wanted to be stylin’ and profilin’. I got them because I reached the point in my life where I needed bifocals. Eek.  I guess no matter how you look at it, my four-eyes are in style and fashionably funky!

With my closet organized and stylish fashions out in front, I am ready to be trendy. My job now is to set out and find what accessories will be in style with the current trends. Will the over-the-knee boot be back or will short ankle boots hit the scene?  Are open-toed boots catching fire?  Will the hobo still be the go-to bag or will the sparkly clutch take over?  Is neon out and exotic in? And don’t forget your jewelry! Will you need room in your drawers for some chunky cuff bracelets, oversized cocktail rings and layered-chain/textured necklaces?  We will have to see.  But keep your mind… and eyes!… open wide so you will know how to jazz up all of YOUR trendy outfits!

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