…exactly.
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My October Fab Finds…..
12 Nov
It is mid November and we are officially in to the full Fall effect. Temperatures are getting cooler, colors are getting warmer, and Old Man Winter is knocking on the door. Before you know it, there will be Christmas and holiday ads on TV and decorations in the stores. Oh wait… that’s already happening. Did I sleep through Halloween or just totally missed it?
October was a good month for me. The cooler weather allowed me to swap out my wardrobe with sweaters and shrugs for tanks and tees. Sandals got packed up and boots were freed from storage. It also meant I had to bump up the moisture in my skin—head to toe—and fight off the dry skin before it was able to sneak in and cause a wrinkle or two. I even picked up a couple of new lipsticks and eye shadows to give my makeup look a seasonal boost.
So what things did I discover in October that added a bit of flash into my Fall fashion and glamour routine? Check out my newest “can’t live without them” items that have made a home in my fashionista ensemble:
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum – I will say right now: I am a loyal fan of my skin care brand and have been faithful to their products for over a year. I have never had a regimen that really made such a noticeable difference in my skin’s look and texture. Plus the supplements really target what they say they will. BUT, with that being said, there are nights when I am so exhausted that I fall into bed totally forgetting to “take my face off”. It’s because of those times that I have disposable, no-rinse facial wipes to take off my makeup without leaving the comfort of my bed. But what about an age-fighting product I can keep bedside too? That’s where the Revitalift Serum comes into play. This is the first retail anti-aging product that, available at a more than reasonable price, that I have been able to use without any skin irritations or issues. Not to mention?… It works! It’s a do-everything product that can be used after a quick cleansing to keep my skin fresh, hydrated and radiant without having to leave my bed! And the fact that it is under $20 isn’t bad either! Definitely a great fill-in product when I’m too exhausted to do my entire nighttime routine.
No Miss Lip Gloss in “Ferndale Fawn” – I love No Miss cosmetics! They have high quality products, using natural resources to develop non-chemical, non-cancerous products without harming the environment. They do NO animal testing and use healthy ingredients, offering truly NATURAL products that everyone can afford. Their lip glosses feature coconut oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E to keep your lips soft and moisturized all day with long lasting color. “Ferndale Fawn” is a great goldish nude color which looks great on a fall day either alone or topping your favorite deep lipstick. I love using it when I go with a bold eye look that pops! but want a more low-keyed pucker that still conditions my often dry lips. Although No Miss products are currently available online, keep an eye out for them in your favorite health food stores very soon! Find them at nomiss.com
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara – I know, I know, how many mascaras am I going to find that will make me say, “Oh THIS is the one.” I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if this is THE one, but I will say it is darn good! The formula is the longest-lasting mascara that I have ever used without smudging, smearing or flaking. It stays put. ALL DAY…ALL NIGHT! Plus the brush is large, full and lush, coating every lash to give you dramatic looking lashes. The closest mascara I have ever used that is similar to this cost me over $30. This one is on a retail/drugstore level for under $10. A great find and a better steal!!
Canyon River Blues Moxy Slippers – Okay, I know what you are thinking: “How can the fashionista shoe lover rave about a pair of slippers?” Because I’m a fashionista shoe lover and I know footwear. As Carrie once said in an episode of Sex and the City: “Men I may not know, but shoes?….Shoes I know!” When I have a day of writing planned at home in the comfort of my own home, I’ll be honest—you won’t find me wearing anything runway worthy. I might wear a nice top, maybe even a pair of designer jeans, but that would be dressing up. I like casual workout pants and funny graphic tees for the most part, but in the colder weather I definitely need something warm and fuzzy on my feet. The thing I like best about these slippers is that they have a really solid sole on them so if I need to go outside to get the mail, pick up a delivery or get something from my car, I don’t have to worry about my feet getting cold or wet, or slipping on the grass or ground. EVERYONE needs an “Oh heavens, I am NOT dressing up today” footwear that you can put on and just aaaaaah! in. For me?…these are them. These slippers are available at Sears for a retail price of $29.99…but watch the sales. I actually got TWO pair of these on a Buy One Get One FREE sale! WOOT for a BOGO!
Better Homes & Gardens Scented Wax Cubes in “Tropical Beach Holiday” – I know it might be a little early for Christmas scents, but BH&G gives you some great choices to ease you into the transition. I love their autumn scents, like Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Crisp Fall Leaves. Those rich warm spices just get you in the mood. But I found this “Tropical Beach Holiday” scent a nice surprise! It is like a fresh, ocean-like fragrance with strong background notes of rich pine and holiday cookies. It’s not an overpowering scent but actually throws off a light, calming, holiday smell that fills the room and your senses with the delicate essence of the approaching season. It helps motivate me for the day ahead by putting me in laid-back, holiday mood. Available at Walmart, $2.00 for six cubes.
There you go fashionistas…my fab finds in October. Remember it’s not always about the makeup you wear, the skincare you use, the styles you flash. It’s sometimes—cancel that—it’s ALWAYS about how you feel inside, the poise you wear in a smile. So embrace the things on you and around you to keep yourself feeling your absolute best. Make sure you keep your self-confidence rising even as the leaves and temperatures fall!
Fall Things I DON’T Need…….
14 Oct
The time has come to start swapping out a few of my summer dresses, sleeveless tops, lightweight tees and sandals for some longer sleeves, warmer tops, funky shoes and chic sweaters. I love fall. I’d rather layer it on than sweat it off. Move the shorts and capris over for some darker pants and jeans. As I pack things away, label storage bins and starting bringing out the fall fashions and accessories, I’m realizing I’m pretty stocked. My ensemble from last year is still in good shape and pretty current with the fashion trends. In fact, some things I have in abundance. Almost to the point of too many. As I check out the things I have for the change in seasons, I’m not quite sure what I do need but it is pretty obvious what I don’t!
These items that are overflowing my closet and drawers I have decided to put down in print, so I can share them and look back once in a while to remind myself, “Sassy, good heavens, do NOT buy another one of those.” I hope that works. Sometimes a good deal makes it difficult to say no. Here are a few of my “you don’t need anymore of these” items this season:
1) Boots — Holy smokes, I went boot crazy last year! When the new season came this year, I quickly picked up a pair of dressy beige boots which were the only ones I thought were a true necessity. I wanted to get them early before the good styles sold out. Then I decided to also get myself a pair of killer black leather riding boots that would go with everything. Now I am set. I have all colors needed for my ensemble, all fashionable styles, and all heel heights are represented as well. It is time to step away from the boots….. step away, step away. Sassy grabbed: Guess Black Riding Boots, $79.99, TJMaxx
2) Eye Shadows — I decided to reorganize my makeup drawer recently, sorting out all of my glamour items that I have collected over the years. Even after throwing out old items that probably weren’t “healthy” anymore, I realized the amount of eye shadows I still have is flat out embarrassing. Granted, I probably didn’t buy many of them (I sample a lot for various companies) but still… I have them. I have them divided up between creams and mineral shadows, then sorted by highlighters, lid colors and accent shades. In addition to all of those, I probably still have 15 color pallets from different brands with all combinations imaginable. It’s shameful. Even if I didn’t have a color I wanted (which I can’t see happening), I probably could create it with a multitude of my mineral shades. Just a little mixing of this and that and whala!!… A color is born. It’s time to stay away from ALL shadows. No more. However, if you’d like me to test or try a sample or brand…. send it over! I’ll never turn down a sample! The only thing I realized that I did need was a good shadow base to help even out my lids and hold all these colors I have… so THAT I got! Sassy grabbed: LA Minerals Eye Fix in Fair, $12.99, laminerals.com
3) Jeans — It’s obvious I love my denims. Up until about 15 years ago, I never wore nice jeans. They never fit well. Now, between changing styles and adding a few pounds in the right places, I love-love-love my jeans. Boot cut, skinnies, jeggings… doesn’t matter. I’ve got them all. I may find a pair or two at the store that is a brand that yells “Deal! Deal!” and I have to buy them. They speak to me! But for the most part, with the new season upon us, I’m good on denims. Now granted… if any nice colored jeans come out for fall, or patterned jeggings (animal print! cough..cough..), I may have to reconsider a small purchase. Which I already did. Sassy grabbed: Princess Vera Wang Feather Printed Skinny Stretch Jeans, $28.99, Kohl’s
4) Anything on summer clearance — Holy smokes, put a red markdown tag on something fashionable and I am drawn to it like steel to a magnet. Sure, a $5 cami or a $7 graphic tee is definitely a scream of a deal, but the fact remains I have MORE than enough to wear something different every day for three months and still have a few left over without doubling up. And NO I can’t say that I can just jazz it up with a cute cardi for winter because I have enough of those too! I’m such a sucker for a red tag. For all that is good for my well being (and the well being of my checking account), I have to steer clear of the clearance department. Period. (But before I did…) Sassy grabbed: Apt. 9 Gold Sequined Tank Top, $20.00, Kohls
Now that I know what I DON’T need, it’s obvious with changing styles and hot colors that there will be a couple of things that I will need to add to keep my look current. Not much and not a lot cost wise, just enough to keep things fresh and edgy. It really doesn’t take an entire credit card and a van to turn last year’s blahs into this year’s wows. So I will stay away from the big items I don’t need and just keep my eyes open for a few little accessories and add-ons to give last year’s fashions a splash of pop for today!!
Essentials For Fall…..
13 Sep
My daughter is very much like her mother. In addition to her love of fashion, glamour, accessories and all the goodies associated with those, she also loves to read. That is where things get a little different. She has a four-shelf bookcase completely full of books that she has read from cover to cover. I, too, love to read, but my interest is in magazines. I have a shorter attention span than my daughter, bless her soul, and I prefer pictures over words. Hey, I admit it. That would explain why I have subscriptions to Glamour, Marie Claire, and Lucky, just to name a few. And my husband’s Game of Thrones book collection sits on my side of the bed, covered in dust.
Recently, my daughter received her latest issue of Seventeen in the mail. I am actually a big fan of this magazine and I even at my age (cough cough 29+ cough cough), I like reading it very much. The he said/she said high school stuff is something that doesn’t jazz me whatsoever (SO been there, done that) but I do like seeing what girls my daughter’s age ARE wearing and SHOULD be wearing. It also gives ME good seasonal tips for things that are hot right now, things like colors, styles and especially accessories! October’s issue was really good because it focused on fall and some “key pieces” that every fashionista should have in her wardrobe to look chic and stylish this season. I think that the article was done fabulously because not only did it focus on specific items for that age group, but it also gave generalized “categories” that any age could work from. Plus—and this is a big plus—it was based on a reader vote. REAL people like you and me said these were items THEY have and can’t live without. I liked that. I’m an average Jane (not counting my shoe quantity), and like suggestions from people like me.
So what were a few of the “must have” fall items that I think anyone—at any age—should have, thanks to Seventeen’s reader’s suggestions? Here’s a few of what they think are necessities. A few of the items I have already picked up for myself. Hey, what can I say…I like to be ready!:
Lightweight Pullover – Tanks and camis are too cold, short sleeves may not be warm enough and sweaters are too hot. You need something that is stylish and right in the middle. And a nice lightweight top is just the thing. They don’t have to be always be a boring, solid color either. Don’t be afraid to look at stripes, prints, and color blocking. And if you do go solid, feel free to jazz it up with some bulky chains or a colorful scarf!
Sassy Picked: bebe’s Crochet Bell Sleeve Cowl Top. bebe stores & bebe.com (reg. $64, on sale for $18)
Wedges – I know wedges are big. REALLY big. No… literally REALLY big, to the point where I would plaster my face on any sidewalk if I tried walking in some of the ones I have seen. I guess that’s where the younger generation has an edge on me. I do love my wedges, and I have many more wedge sandals than I do wedge shoes for fall. They are, however, a must have. Find a pair or two or six that you are comfortable in and that goes with most of your outfits. And in the mix, throw in one funky pair just for fun.
Sassy Picked: Coconut’s “Oliver” Grey Suede Wedges. Marshalls. (reg. $50, clearance for $29)
Chain-Strap Purse – Oh Chanel, we bow to you as an idol, a leader and an inspirational icon in the industry. Your line always has pieces that are immediately recognizable and eternally fashionable. They are stylish and forever classy. A 1960’s Chanel suit could be worn with style and elegance even today and heads would turn every where you went. Because they would just know. The epic Chanel quilted purse with a chain strap started a trend that still goes strong even today. Of course, some of the purses can now be more edgy, rocker-ish and flamboyant, but the chain-strap purse can go with absolutely anything and everything! A must have in any girl’s ensemble at any time of year.
Sassy Picked: Silver Quilted Purse with Chain Strap. Super Shoes. (on sale, $16)
Statement Necklace – There are days when jeans and a t-shirt could make you feel overdressed. You just aren’t in diva mode, and if your inner-fashionista would let you leave the house in Mickey Mouse fleece pajama bottoms with a matching cami, you would. But you know you can’t, so you stretch your glamourism as far as it will go, and you grab a pair of good fitting jeans and a comfy fitting tee. Still blah? Doesn’t have to be. Throw on a SLAMMIN’ necklace with an immeasurable “WOW” factor and no one will even notice you’re wearing the same jeans you wore two days ago (without washing!) Accessories are everything this fall and a banging necklace will draw the eye right to it, making the statement that you are still the glam girl that you know you are!
Sassy Picked: Carolee Plated Bezel Pendant Necklace. Bloomingdales. (reg. $48, paid $37 after discount codes and free shipping)
Skinny Jeans – I think after shoes and purses, this will be my other major fashion addiction. I love jeans. I love ALL jeans. But skinny jeans? Oh lordy. I shake my head. You gotta have a pair. Or two. Or three. Or like me… eleven. Give or take. Shhhh. No one needs to know. Skinny jeans are SO versatile. On a cool day, cuff them up boyfriend style and throw on a pair of spiffy flats. On a cold day, wear them with your favorite boots of any kind, tucked in and looking sharp. On date night, jazz them up with wedges, dressy boots, or some type of heel. My personal rule is the dressier the outfit, the darker the jeans. I have some that are a lighter worn blue with minor rips that I’ll wear with an eclectic tee. I own a few that are medium blue that go great with a pretty cami and a nice lightweight cardigan. I also have several dark blue skinnies that I love to rock out with, wearing a studded bright tee and a leather jacket, or dress up in with a lacy belted tunic. The possibilities are endless which makes them a MUST HAVE in your fall collection.
Sassy Picked: dELiA*s Ink Rinse Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jean. dELiA retail stores or delias.com (reg. $46.50, on sale BOGO 50% off)
In addition to other odds and ends that Seventeen features in their article, I personally think that these items are MUST HAVE items for anyone ranging in age from 15-45 (give or take) for this fall season. As I always say, wear what makes you feel like the fabulous diva you are, search for awesome deals, and accessorize your brains out. This fall will give you the option to add some great new colors like eggplant, royal blue and other awesome shades that you can check out here. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone with color this season. Take these suggestions, kick your closet up a notch, and be ready for fall like the fab fashionista you are!!
For the entire article, as well as other great features, you can find them in the print issue of the October issue of Seventeen magazine.
Just Sassy being… well, SASSY!
Sassy Auburn's Diary Of A Glamour Junkie... 