Happy September, Fashionistas!
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One Man’s Holy Mess Is Another Woman’s Harmony
8 Aug
Whenever I am at a loss for words for my blog, I can guarantee that if I watch one or two episodes of Sex and the City, it will stir something inside me. Something I can relate to, agree with or have just plain lived though. Last night was no exception. In a late night episode, Carrie Bradshaw was faced with a situation that many fashionista women are faced with at some time in their life—what is more important: the love of their beauty ensemble or the love of their beau?
In Season 4’s episode, “The Good Fight”, Carrie’s boyfriend Aidan moves into her not-so-large NYC apartment with all his “stuff”. The clutter is more than Carrie can handle, as she has liked her apartment the way it had been for several single-girl years. Aidan suggests that, to free up some room, she should clean out her closet of the clothes and shoes she hasn’t worn in a while. Carrie gasps and is at a loss for words after such a REPULSIVE suggestion. I mean, even I know that fashion is her life, her safe haven. But her country-boy beau doesn’t understand and he recommends she could start by throwing out a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress he has never seen her wear. Are you kidding? A Roberto Cavalli? Even 20 years past its peak, this dress needs to be in Carrie’s closet. Hell, it needs to be in MY closet! Carrie keeps the dress, and out of spite, wears the outdated frock out the next day. And she looks FABULOUS in it!
I’m a little different than Carrie. I’m not a single girl living in Manhattan with her friends. I’m a happily married mom living in the ‘Burbs who’s been with her hubby for over 15 years (anniversary is next week!). But as our relationship continues to grow—as well as our kids—we keep accumulating things together. So in addition to my fashion finds over the years, not just my personal space but all free space in the house is quickly filling up with… well, “stuff”. My stuff, his stuff, their stuff. Lots and lots of stuff.
As a woman, I admit it…. it’s difficult to part with our glamour. I’m not talking just clothes either—I mean everything. Hats, scarves, makeup, perfume, jewelry, coats, purses, shoes (especially shoes!), you name it. It all has a place in our lives–either in the past or in the future. Not to mention, if it has been worn even just once? It now has a memory attached to it. And it needs to be saved. Period. Even if it is 20 years out of style, we will know when it was worn and can justify its place in our closet. It’s kind of like how men are with their cars. Yeah, see, their cars are their “girls”, their babies. They can tell you when they got it, every place they have taken it, and everyone who has ever ridden it. They know how the stain got on the front seat, how the minor dent in the back quarter panel got there, and who knocked the mirror off the door. It doesn’t matter if it is 20 years old, doesn’t run, is up on blocks in the driveway, and has parts hanging from underneath. They will tell you they can not get rid of that car. Their reason? “I love that car! It’s my car. It is going to be a classic someday.” Well let me tell ya, fellas… your classic is our vintage. THAT is why we need to keep all of the stuff in our closet. And don’t you forget it!
Whenever I see someone walking down the street in a neon yellow shirt, black stacked bracelets with a lace bow in their hair, I think about how I owned every one of those things back in 1984 because they were in style. Do I have them still? No. Why? I moved from home and never thought myself… let alone my daughter!… would ever be wearing those things again because they the thought they would come back in fashion seemed obscene. Boy was I wrong! And I don’t like to be wrong. Therefore, some of the items in my closet might be moved to a less accessible area due to not-so-current styles. But unless I find a flock of moths has eaten half of my Bebe tee (including the sequins), it will never have a reason to be disposed of. It takes up the space of a juice glass in my room. Not the space of 200 cases of juice glasses in the driveway.
So, even though I do understand how men feel about their cars, I’ve got to say us women are the winners on this argument. Just like Carrie was. Our “stuff” doesn’t take up THAT much space. Yeah, don’t throw our fashion items out. Don’t even think about it. In fact?… don’t ever, ever suggest it. Oh, and when you can hang your 1994 new body-styled Mustang on your side of the closet next to your dress shirts without a space problem?…then and only then…can you compare them to my Guess? jeans!
When The Student Becomes The Teacher….
11 Jul
A while ago my husband found that writing relaxed him after a rough, stressful day. Then he realized that he couldn’t get the right words from his mind to the paper and instead of easing his soul, it caused him more anquish. That is not a good thing.
So, for Father’s Day last year me and the family gave Mr. Sassy a camera to take nice photos with. It took him a while to get into it, but now he ventures out into the unknown taking photos of anything and everything that jazzes him. He’s very fussy and very self-critical about his pictures but I think his work is fabulous! Plus it is still a way to channel his “down time” so he doesn’t go insane from boredom. Although what he calls boredom, I call relaxation. C’est la vie.
I think when I first started writing, I too did it to relax me and keep me focused on things other than the ones that stress me out. I didn’t think about family issues, I didn’t worry about money, I didn’t concern myself about my health, I didn’t get anxious about my mother. I could submerge myself completely in my writing and get lost in the world of fashion, glamour and makeup. It was a dream world for me and I was loving every second of it. Every day, I’d walk the red carpet…. even if it was in my own mind.
Today, while at CVS getting a new top coat for my nails (I am no longer using my previous fave due to certain reasons). While there, I found a mom and her daughter in a dilemma about which mascara they should get since they were going to a water park tomorrow. I couldn’t help but chime in with my two cents. I told them that currently, my favorite waterproof mascara was Covergirl Lashblast 24 Hour Mascara. Lasts all day with no smudging or flaking. The mom said she had used that before, but didn’t like the brush too much. She was also hoping to take advantage of the Maybelline sale that was going one—Buy One Get One Half Off. Okay I can work that. I said that my favorite Maybelline mascara, by far, was their Illegal Length Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black. It stayed put no matter what you put it though. She asked if it would withhold the torments of a waterslide park and I said no problem! With the BOGO sale, she wanted to take advantage of another waterproof eye product but didn’t know what to choose. I told her that I absolutely loved Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Cream Eyepencils. I said they were smudgeproof for up to 16 hours and I found them to be very waterproof myself–so much so, that I had one in every color! I loved the way it went on easy, had the intensity of a cream, but was convenient in a pencil. She decided that she would give that a try in Bold Brown. She seemed happy with her selections and even continued to browse at a few of the other products I had pointed out earlier that I had liked and why.
After I helped her with her choices I decided to take advantage of the BOGO sale as well and picked up two of Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio Eyeshadows since I am totally loving long-wear cream shadows lately. With coral being my new hot color in my wardrobe, I got two shadows that would match this color perfectly: Fierce and Tangy and Bad To The Bronze. With my auburn hair, these colors should look ultra fab! Plus… hello?…. we all know this year’s color of the year is Tangerine Tango and these eye colors should enhance any outfit with that shade! With those shadows plus my new top polish, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, my beauty shopping was done for the day.
Just as I was about to leave, the mom and daughter came running after me as I headed to the door. She once again thanked me over and over again. She didn’t just thank me for giving her my opinions but also educating her on a few different products and brands. I just smiled and said no problem–the honor was mine. And truly it was.
I realized something while helping the mom and her daughter out in the drug store today. My love and knowledge of the fashion, glamour, and makeup industry is not just something I do when I’m bored or when I need to do something to ease my stress. It now has become a part of me. I’m trained, educated and informed and can actually help people when it comes to these loves. It’s not just a case of “This is a jazzy color!” anymore. It’s become a “I really like this product because…” which gives me a good feeling inside.
I know I don’t know everything there is to know in this industry, and that what makes it so interesting. It is always changing and that means I am always learning. I challenge you to find something you’d like to know more about, then start learning. Ask questions, read books, talk to experts. Anything. And keep learning, keep asking, keep reading. Become an expert on something, and just when you think you know it all…. go learn more. Like the great Eartha Kitt once said:
“I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.”
And My Scent Is….
27 Jun
Man, I am a writing slug. I will write blog posts every day for a week, and then disappear for a month. Of course, life has been ruling everything lately. I’ve had birthdays, holidays, my baby girl’s high school graduation, doctor appointments, car repairs, you name it. Right now, I’m watching an episode of “America’s Next Top Model” and Mr. Sassy is napping next to me. That is actually the best time to watch shows like that because Mr. Sassy says that engaging in the viewing of senseless reality shows just eats your brain. I’m not sure if he is right or not, but it gives me writing ideas and that in turn gives me blog ideas, which helps me on my dream of being a big-time writer someday. So we’ll just call this reality college. Nice.
Today on ANTM, the contestants had to choose a fragrance with notes that represented them and their personality. And that got me to thinking: If I had to create a perfume that represented me, what would it be like? What notes would it contain? What would the bottle look like? And WHAT would I name it??
So let’s go through these questions. First, what would it smell like? Well, I probably own over 25 different perfume scents right now. I wear something different every day. Depends on my mood. But there are some things I know I don’t like in my fragrances. I don’t like heavy notes of musk, and I don’t like heavy notes of rose. I like things that smell light and fresh. With that being said, my perfume would most likely have floral notes of magnolia, peony, jasmine, apple blossom and/or gardenia. To keep it fresh, I would add hints of things like berries, pear, peach, mandarin or other citrus notes. Of course, I would want some under notes of vanilla or caramel for a bit of warmth. I’m sure if you checked, all the fragrances in my collection would have one, two or more of the aromas I like. Now even I know that all of those scents I like, mixed together, would probably smell like muck, but with the right guidance and noses, I’m sure I could blend up something that would be to my liking.
Now, the packaging. I vowed if I ever made it famous, the color pink would NOT be on anything with my name. I’m sticking to that. It’s hardly in my wardrobe, and almost never on my lips. I think I would want something that catches the light… a narrow bottle that is made from yellow glass that lightens as it tapers down. And the cap? Hmmm. I’m a fan of silver and I love disco music, so I think I would want to top to be in the shape of a mirrored disco ball. Bright fading yellow bottle with a disco ball cap. I’m liking this so far.
Oh, onto the name. I thought that would be the hardest. I could call it “814” which is my anniversary. Hubby would like that. I think. With the disco ball cap, I could go 70’s and call it “Le Chic”, “Stayin’ Alive” or “Superstition” but young kids wouldn’t have a clue to the references. I could be a wiseass and call it “Stink Pretty” showing my humorous side, but I could see me having difficulty getting stores like Saks or Macys to carry it.
Then it hit me. Duh! I’d call it “Sassy”. I mean, that IS me! It would be exactly like its name… fun, light, and sassy for daytime wear and also warm, sexy and sensual for evening. Versatile-just like me. I mean I am the girl who can wear a pair of $700 shoes with a pair of thrift store jeans and consignment shop sweater and you’d never know! I would have a fine, silver chain that hung off the bottle with a tag that said “Sassy” so you’d know the name of the perfume, and have an interactive bottle to play with. So unique. Damn I’m good.
I think I will go play around with my picture programs and design my bottle right now. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll be able to buy “Sassy” at a store near you. Until then, though, I suggest you pick up and try one of my favorite scents that I really like. Out of all the perfumes/scents that I own, these are definitely some of my faves:
So share with me….. what are your favorite scents? Do you have a “signature scent” or do you have many that you coordinate with your style of the day or the occasion of the night? Have YOU ever thought about making your own perfume? And what would you call it?
Peyton Manning and Eva Longoria?
19 Mar
Now now now. Settle down your gossip hormones. No, nothing is going on between these two. But the fact is, I’m a sports fanatic. A real, die-hard, ESPN is on my presets, sports fanatic. And it is kind of hard to get men to read a blog about fashion and makeup unless you throw some sports in once in a while. I like to cater to everyone. I’m an all around cool kinda girl. I try to make everyone happy.
So, not to bore the females fans of my column for long, just a quick blurb. I cannot believe Peyton is going to go to Denver! The town must be a mess. Tim Teebow, the youngest winning quarterback to ever win the Heisman Trophy, is their idol. They love him. They worship him. (No puns intended there). And now, Peyton, a God in his own way, will be going to this town to try and bring Superbowl back to that city. What will happen to Tim? A trade probably. I think Teebow still has some work to do as far as getting up to a premier NFL quarterback level. But can he? Absolutely. I’m not really sure what Denver was thinking. I’m a Gator’s fan so I’ll keep an eye on Tim. Other than that, it’s my Pittsburgh Steelers all the way. Hey, I’m in FASHION! Bleeding black and gold is what I do… and it’s tres chic! A fan with fashion function-ability. I wish the best to Peyton, but I hope Teebow finds a football home and kicks ass all the way to the Superbowl. Well, only to get beat by my Steelers, of course.
……and in other glamour news:
My daughter had a doctor’s appointment today. The appointment was at an office that is ALWAYS busy and is jam packed with people–both patients AND employees. Because I never like to leave the house without a perfume on, I actually think ahead that I’ll be in a room with several other individuals and don’t want to sneeze someone out with a scent that will bother someone, be overpowering, or cause a wheezing frenzy. AH HA! I actually have a perfume just for these situations. In April of 2010, Eva Longoria Parker launched her perfume, “Eva”, for just those kind of people. Eva is actually one of those super-sensivitive people when it comes to fragrances. And being on airplanes, at different filming sets, restaurants, and other places, she’s constantly running into a scent or a combination that would send her into an allergy fit. She told her agent she envied stars that had signature scents, but just couldn’t wear one herself. So her agent suggested she make one herself with notes of fragrances that were not irritating to most perfume-sensitive people. And that she did!!
The resulting scent is a warm, citrusy “day fragrance” and, according to the star, is the the anti-perfume perfume. “I wanted something clean and fresh. Something that smelled like you just got out of the shower. And that’s how I came up with the scent,” said the actress in an interview by StyleWatch during her launch. The fragrance is a feminine combination of citruses, bergamot tea, neroli, aldehydes, jasmine, lily of the valley, freesia, leather musk, amber and sandalwood. I actually smelled the scent first in a magazine perfume sampler and fell in love with it immediately. I did my research, found out who was going to sell it, and wrote down its release date. The day came, and I got it! It is definitely a light scent, but doesn’t lose its essense throughout the day. I put it on today at 10am and even now, after a warm day and a slight nap, I can still smell it on my skin. It’s not really a nighttime sultry, sensual scent. But for the daytime?…. When you might be going out where people are gathered? It is THE go-to scent.
And since we are talking beauty AND sports, let me just mention that Eva was married to NBA superstar Tony Parker for three years. Tony is a 6’2″ guard for the Sanantonio Spurs. Eva has been working in the arts and entertainment industry since 1999, but is best known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on Deperate Housewives.
See? There is nothing wrong with being a girly-girl who likes her hats, heels, jeggings and jewels and can scream “TOUCHDOWN” the loudest at the local pub!!
EVA For Women By EVA LONGORIA Eau De Parfum Spray
by Eva Longoria. Available at Amazon.com for $24.00
Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 3
2 Mar
I am so glad I am nearing the end of this challenge and will be getting back to writing about clothes, makeup, nails, fashions, glamour, skin care and the rest of the stuff that I love. This little challenge has made me think a bit. I guess that’s a good thing. I’ve thought of the places I dream to go, realized I don’t read enough, and other things. I hope this has made you reflect on yourself a bit. Made YOU do some thinking about you. Because you don’t need to think about me. You can just think of me when looking at lip glosses. Ha ha.
So today is day three, which is three films. Oh wow. This will be hard. When I love a movie, I REALLY love a movie. Especially this week because as I type this, a marathon is on the channel AMC. And what is that marathon for? Well, we’ll make that movie #1…
Three Films
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1. The Godfather – This movie actually has a funny story for me. When I began dating my husband, Mr. Sassy, (who is VERY Italian!), he was shocked that I had never seen this movie. In fact, he was so shocked that he insisted that before we went out on any more dates, I had to see it. So that weekend, he came over to my apartment with a pizza, some soda, and two movies: The Godfather and Clerks. Although Clerks is epic and on a cult-admiring level, The Godfather is one of THE best movies ever made. I fell in love with it that evening and I turn it on whenever it is on TV. This week celebrates it’s 40th anniversary so it is non-stop Godfather epics all week long. I’m thrilled. And I’m watching every one of them.
2. Big – Released in 1988 with a still young Tom Hanks as the lead character, this movie became a favorite of mine almost immediately. I think part of the reason why was because when I went to see it, I had NO IDEA what it was about. I had gone with friends to see another movie, but it was sold out. We didn’t want to go home, so we just took tickets to the next movie that was starting that still had seats available. It was Big. It’s a fabulous fantasy story that is realistic enough that you hang on every scene. It’s believable, it’s funny, and it’s a must see for anyone who thinks they want to grow up too fast!
3. The Breakfast Club – This is THE movie of my generation. I think everyone has seen this movie, and if they haven’t, they really should come out from under their rock. It is a reflection of high school, not just in the 80’s when the movie was made but even now. There is a character in the movie that everyone knows or relates to and you find yourself sitting with the young, famous actors and actresses like you are a part of their world for those 2 hours. It is one of a kind, never needed a sequel and will always be a favorite of my generation.
That was actually easier than I thought it would be. If I had to get into a list of four, five or six, it might get a bit more challenging. I am a huge fan of comedies, so movies like Sixteen Candles, Old School and Animal House are always a turn to when my mood is low and a good laugh is needed to remedy the blues. But if someone left me on a dessert island with three movies (and electricity and a DVD player), I wouldn’t be upset to have just those three I picked. They’d keep me entertained for a long time!
The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 5
11 Feb
This is turning into a one year challenge instead of 10 Days. I cannot seem to get through this list. What scares me is… when I do, what then? I’m sure I’ll always have something to write about. Hell, I was on the radio for over a year and I never was at a loss for words or topics then. The makeup and fashion industry is always changing–I’ll always have something to write about there. And if I decide to write about men and/or Mr. Sassy? That alone is several months of material. For example, next week is Valentine’s Day and my husband is already done shopping for me. THAT is a book in itself!
Back to the challenge. Day Five: Five Foods. Easy peasy. I’m not a fussy eater, and because Mr. Sassy is in the food service industry, I am always exposed to fabulous and new things. I promised him–if I had never ate something before and he says to just try it, I will. Because of that promise, I have ate frogs legs, caviar, raw clams, ceviche fish, squid ink pasta… I’ve tried my share! (And none of them ended up on my favorites list either!) But there are some things that are just my favorites. And I don’t think they’ll ever change:
Five Foods
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1. Steak — well aged, cooked medium, and tender enough to cut with a spoon.
2. Alaskan King Crab Legs — steamed to perfection, with enough melted butter to grease the chassis of a Mac truck.
3. Tempura Lobster Roll — I know of only one place near where I live who has this, and I wouldn’t order it any other place even if I did find it. It’s fabulous beyond words. Keep it up, 677 Prime!
4. Creme Brulee — It takes a lot to really mess up a dessert of creme brulee but very few places can make it excellent. And I can remember where I have had excellent creme brulee! I love to try them all and compare!
5. My Husband’s Chicken Francaise — Mr. Sassy is a fabulous cook, and he knows exactly how I like this dish. The more lemon, the better. Place it on a side of angel hair pasta and I’m in Heaven.
That was a breeze. Of course, now I’m hungry for everything on that list and I don’t have one of them around. Hmmmm, my choices right now are frozen Stouffer’s Macaroni & Beef, ice cream sandwiches, or maybe a Salisbury Steak with instant potatoes. At least no matter what I choose to eat for my main meal, I can be pampered with a fabulous dessert thanks to something I picked up while shopping yesterday–a strawberry-filled Godiva truffle candy bar. Now THAT can make even a pathetic meal worth eating!
The Ten Day “You Challenge – Day 6
23 Jan
I am trying like hell to stay on top of my promise to myself–to blog each day like it was a diary. I would have done this sooner, but between football and other work obligations, this got pushed to the end of the line. But have no fear, I’m here with Day 6. And considering how tired I am you just might get an interesting answer to today’s list.
Six Places, huh? Like places I want to go right now? Where would I like to go in my lifetime? Like geographical places… or events? Hmmm. Well, this is how I’ll put it:
Six Places
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1. NYC — to see the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and actually see a designer’s show.
2. Italy — so my husband can show me the beautiful sights that he talks about so often.
3. The Bahamas — I’ve been there once, but it was simply so beautiful that I just want to go again.
4. A Foo Fighter’s Concert — They are the Foo Fighters. Need I say anything else?
5. Heinz Field — I want to see my Steelers play football, baby!
6. Napa Valley — to experience a wine vacation like no other!
Hmmmm. That was easier than I thought. Okay Fashionista fans of Sasssy…. do you have any place special places you want to go someday? Doesn’t matter how big or how small, how far or how close. It’s about you! Share away!
The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 7
22 JanOh I really am a slug aren’t I. I mean over ONE MONTH since I last posted? I’m thinking I have to stop thinking of this as a project and keep it light like I’m writing in a diary. Hmmm. Now that I think of it, my diary entries weren’t great when I was a teen. Someone stole someone’s boyfriend, fire alarm in the middle of 2nd period during the pouring rain, pop quiz in trig. Maybe my adult diary of fashionista me can be a little jazzier, less boring, and not Midol necessary. I think I can do that.
Let’s get this finished up first: My Ten Day “You” Challenge. Day seven is seven wants. This could be easy…. This could be hard. I don’t want it to seem like a bucket list, so I think I will focus on the things I want in 2012. This year. Immediate or short-term wants. I can also think of some as goals too. Okay. Here we go.
Seven Wants
1. To have my skinny jeans fit me the way they used to.
2. More laughter, less pain.
3. A pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.
4. To write an article, a review, or ANYTHING that will put my name in print in one of my favorite fashion magazines
5. An interview with a “star” that I can write about with passion!
6. To find a way to re-organize my closet in a way that would make even Carrie Bradshaw say, “Good job, girl!”
7. Stay grounded.
It’s here. The time has come. It’s time I start preparing myself for some big things this year. Big things. Things that I can call my own. Things I can get the credit for. Things that will make me a household name! Okay… I might be thinking crazy big here. But you know what they say…. especially in the fashion and glamour industry??
The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 8
10 Dec
Okay, I’m a slug. I’ve been feeling tired and drained, I’ve been busier than busy, and I probably have more excuses than shoes for not finishing this challenge by now. That’s saying a lot. But finally, I’m on Day 8. Fears. Better delayed than never
I think if you had asked me about 15 years ago what my fears are, I would have a list longer than a five year old’s wish list for Christmas. Before my husband now, I was afraid of a lot. But I’ve come far since then. I’ve faced many obstacles, challenges and uneasiness… and have conquered several! Finding yourself helps you do that. There are still a few things that scare me… some beyond words. So lets explore and see if I can find eight.
Eight Fears
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1. Snakes.
2. That my kids will find true happiness in their lives as they get older.
3. Someday I’ll actually look as old as I am.
4. Skiing.
5. Spiders bigger than a nickel.
6. That my health will take a turn for the worse.
7. Driving on ice.
8. Living one day longer than my husband.
A while back I could have added other fears. Things like mice, eating raw clams, speaking in public, and dealing with my ex-husband face to face. Not anymore. I’ve faced those things and, while discovering strength within myself, I have learned to conquer them. Well, I haven’t really conquered mice. I just don’t stand on tables when I see them anymore. Then again… I don’t pet them and invite them to dinner. Same with my ex.
Go ahead. Make a list of your fears. And see if, by this time next year, maybe–just maybe–you can cross at least one of them off the list. Find it within yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and overcome one of your fears! I can’t tell you how invincible you will feel!
Just Sassy being… well, SASSY!
Sassy Auburn's Diary Of A Glamour Junkie... 
