Tomorrow’s Fashions: a hot day calls for cool breezy attire and the accessories to match! by sassyauburn featuring a matte mousse foundation
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Tomorrow’s outfit for the day: super casual with a graphic tee
Sassy’s Summer Wish List
1 JunAfter reading my latest issue of Lucky Magazine, I discovered a cute little section that said, “Bold But Simple: My Summer Wish List”. This got me to thinking exactly what do I need to put on my summer wish list this year? Anyone who knows me knows that my makeup drawer is stocked, my skin care shelf is overflowing, and my closet is beyond jammed. Seriously…What could I possibly need for this new season? I decided to look at what I had, what doesn’t fit me anymore, what is out of style, what is beyond repair, and then I’d go from there.
After much picking and sorting, there were a few things I realized that I did need for the summer season. There wasn’t a lot, but there were some items that I thought were necessary. I have to say I’m pretty basic when it comes to my seasonal purchases. They usually don’t follow the current trend, and I can extend them out a few years no matter what the current style is. It’s easier to keep my wardrobe updated with trendy, inexpensive accessories then it is to buy a large expensive purchase that may only be a fad for one season.
With that being said, here are a few things that I think need to be incorporated into my wardrobe for this summer. Some may only be here for the season but others have the potential to stick around for a a while. And that’s never a bad thing. So what did I find? Take a look:
1. Tribal Maxi Skirt: In my line of work (tattoo shop manager), it is always best for me to be casual and comfortable. But there are days that I would still like to look pretty without me looking like a hooch and without me looking like a corporate suit. It’s sometimes a difficult task. This season’s maxi-skirt allows me to look feminine and still be comfortable. I love this skirt from dELiA’s. The print is edgy but the material is free-flowing and comfortable. And the slip up beside gives it just the right amount of sex-itude! A perfect addition when you want to show a little leg!! dELiA’s stores and delilas.com, $29.90
2. Shellys London ‘Valvori’ Sandal: We often think of sandals as the flat little strappy shoes that lack a lot of pizzazz. They’re great a super casual situation, but really can’t be dressed up too much. These sandals change all that. They have a nice chunky heel that is not too high, a lot of edgy buckle design that you don’t see often in sandals, and a whole lot of comfort. These can be worn casual with jeans, or dressed up with skirts. Although they are a little extensive in design, I have the feeling these will be able to be worn for several years to come. A solid investment! nordstrom.com, $93.76
3. Material Girl Juniors’ Short-Sleeve Textured Cropped Top: There is nothing wrong with showing a little skin in the warmer months, and the best way to do it is with a sophisticated top. This breezy tee is the perfect addition for anything casual or classy. Give your outfit a little attitude with this simple addition. Everyone has tees but a solid cropped airy top should not be shunned this season. macys.com, $14.99
4. Nicole Miller Trinity Round Sunglasses: The fact is, no matter what the current style of sunglasses are this year, I’m going to need a new pair. Not because I like to keep up with current trends, but usually because I have misplaced or broke my pair from last year. I used to but super-super cheap ones at your local department store till someone said to invest a little money into them because you will take better care of them. That worked! I paid a decent amount for a pair of Nine West sunglasses years back which got me two whole years. That was until I put them in a pocket of a jacket and sat on them in the car. I was crushed. Even now I invest a little bit but not as much. I like this style and size simply because it has a bit of flare without making me look like a fly. Awesome–nailed it! tjmaxx.com, $39.99
5. Corinne Straw Tote: I will admit, I’m slightly afraid of bright colors. With my hair doing most of the speaking when it comes to bold hues, I have to say my closet looks like a black and white comic strip. Getting my job at the tattoo shop was the best thing to happen to my dark, borderline goth wardrobe. This season, however, I feel I need something other than my blood red locks to draw some attention my way. This glamorous purse has the look of a straw tote with all the pizzazz of a glitzy, fashion-forward bag. Casual look with metallic accents will make you look like a star! bebe.com, $98.00
There. My wish list for summer. I’ve already began adding these little gems to my ensemble one by one, so it won’t be long and you and I will be able to rock the summer in style. Add some pieces to keep you cool and comfortable, add to your rocking edginess, and still allow you to be feminine as heck! Summer doesn’t have to be just cut-offs and flip flops. It can and will be HOT… in a fashion sense that is.
Casually Wet Wednesday!
27 MayTomorrow’s outfit for the day: super casual with a graphic tee
& jeans, a bit of leather for the cooler temps, and long-wearing
makeup that will withstand the elements!
Oh, and perfect for my rockstar look too?…You bet!
BCBGMAXAZRIA peony perfume
buckle.com
buckle.com
Burt s Bees burts bees face wash
amazon.com
amazon.com
Vince camuto earrings
amazon.com
amazon.com
Stretch jewelry
overstock.com
overstock.com
Miss Selfridge black jet necklace
missselfridge.com
missselfridge.com
Nine Co stripe handbag
jcpenney.com
jcpenney.com
Print tee
chiarafashion.co.uk
chiarafashion.co.uk
Topshop black biker jacket
topshop.com
topshop.com
Stila kohl eye liner
beauty.com
beauty.com
Benefit curling mascara
$33 – johnlewis.com
$33 – johnlewis.com
Maybelline moisturizing foundation
$30 – nelly.com
$30 – nelly.com
Sephora Collection waterproof eye makeup
sephora.com
sephora.com
Maybelline sheer makeup
maybelline.com
maybelline.com
Maybelline balm cosmetic
target.com
target.com
Topshop high waisted destroyed jeans
topshop.com
topshop.com
Converse footwear
journeys.com
journeys.com
A perfect ensemble for a classy, casual day at “the office”. Clothes are perfect for comfort, accessories make the look edgy, and the makeup gives an all-day look with POP!
26 May
Sassy Simplified (Dances with Wolves, part two)
14 May
So earlier this month I wrote about how I had a new job which was keeping me more busy than I’ve ever been before. My mind is calculating and occupied; my body is feeling a bit tired but balanced; and I’m doing something I find fun & exciting. I can still put my passion into writing but I can also interact with people which keeps me fresh and alive. What’s not to love!?!
Last time, I talked a lot about how I’ve simplified my skin care so I can still keep my face looking young and fresh with the least amount of time and products needed. Now, I’m going to talk a bit about makeup. I will admit, my makeup look is always changing since I tend to base my look and colors on my outfit and mood of the day. What is very important to me now? A look that will LAST! This girl ain’t got NO time to check her lashes, liner and lips every 60 minutes. I want to know my foundation isn’t sliding. I want to make sure my eyeliner isn’t running down on my cheeks. And I need a lip color that is light & easy to carry so I can touch up my lips on a whim without a mirror, keeping them fresh and soft. So what are a few of my necessities? Let’s look:
Foundation:
I have no time it bring a bag of goodies to work and touch my face up every few hours. I’m busy! Plus, isn’t that what us women really want: a no-brainer look that stays in place all day? After using many foundations, I really like how Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation keeps my look in check–ALL DAY! I don’t get oil breakthroughs, no sliding, no blotchy spots. Just smooth, even coverage all day long. I can’t say I’ve been a big fan of many Rimmel products in the past, but this one has me hooked. $5.49
Eye Shadow:
Well, I have to admit, I flounder here a bit. It all depends on my mood. Sometimes I want a long lasting powder shadow when I want to blend different colors for a mesmerizing smoky look. Other times I like a long-lasting eye pencil that goes on quick without brushes but I can still add a bold pop of color. Then there are the lazy days…the days I want to sweep one cream color over my entire lid without thinking about blending, highlighting, contouring, fading or creasing all day. So that gives me a few different options with my choices–
Powder: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow (55+ shades) $20.00
Pencil: Milani Shadow Eyez 12 HR Wear Eye Color Pencils (12 shades) $6.99
Cream: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow (10 shades) $6.99
If you have the time? Blend, mix, create! The looks are endless.
Liner:
Eyeliner used to be my nemesis. I could never find one that could line my top lids crisp, give my bottom lashes pop on the waterline, and keep them in place ALL DAY. Again, sometimes you have to pay more for what you want, and that’s what I found I had to do to get the long lasting look I wanted. They go on smooth, no running, completely waterproof & weatherproof!–
Pencil: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting EyeLiner w/smudger sponge (9+ shades) $27.00
Liquid Liner: Lancôme Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner, goes on with a fine sponge point to make your line as thick or as thin as you want. (9+ shades). $30.50
Mascara:
Mascara is an odd animal. No matter how happy you are with the one you have, you always have to try something new. And if you do try something new and aren’t happy with it? You are annoyed beyond words. I try the newest, latest and greatest whenever a drugstore brand mascara comes out. I have to say there are a few select ones that I have been pleased with. But when it comes to a mascara that gives me fabulous looking, long, lush, lashes? I always go back to my ultimate favorite. It’s super water resistant, doesn’t flake, no under eye smudging and coats and separates each lash. They look so fab, I think they almost look fake. (Hence the name!) Seriously, isn’t that what we all want? And I don’t mind paying a bit more for just that! Which is why I love Benefit Cosmetics “They’re Real!” Mascara. $23.00
Blush:
You don’t need a ton of blush to make your look natural. And I found very quick you don’t have to spend a lot either. There are some great powder and cream blushes that will go the distance without breaking your bank. And some?…no brush needed. Especially my favorite:
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush. This gel formula lets you dot and smooth right where you want to make your cheeks pop without going a bit heavier as you could with a brush blush. The variety of ten shades are smooth and buildable, if you are looking for a more dramatic look. $7.99
Lips:
Okay, honestly in this department, I’ve got nothing. See, we all have our vice. Some have Oreos, others ice cream. Some have salt & vinegar chips, others have Ring Dings. Me? Well, I have all those too, but when it comes to makeup, I can’t get enough lip products. Seriously, I have scrubs, balms, butters, stains, creams, lipsticks, colored glosses, clear glosses, the lust just goes on. Honestly, I have no favorite. I’m trying to think, though, what you will ALWAYS find in my purse. It takes a “special” product to always be in there, regardless of outfit choice of the day. That’s easy: For Goodness Grape lip tint in Strawberry Sugar Shimmer ($7.00); Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in “Bronze Glow” ($19.00); Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in “Only U” ($5.99); Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in “Mauve Fetish” ($5.49)
So, it’s true–the Sassy working woman isn’t as simplified in her makeup routine as her skin care routine, but I am more aware. I am more aware of the type of products I use that will last the whole day with few or no touch ups. I need quality items that will make it through all kinds of conditions: hot, cold, rainy, rushed, busy, quiet, stressed, chaotic, hilarious and just plain fun. Finding the right products has taken some time, and I’m sure I’ll be looking for more in the future. But for now? I am very content with my edgy, chic, up-to-date look that doesn’t require a ton of money, time or effort. Just what a stylish nine-to-five tattooed rockstar needs!!
“Now Why Don’t (S)he Write?” ~ Dances with Wolves, 1990
22 Apr
Forgive me readers for I have dimmed. My writing is not as bright as it once was. In fact, it’s not even lit up. I have been negligent in my sharing of stories and experiences, and for that I am sorry. I could give you a list of endless excuses–my fish died; dropped my iPad in the toilet; a shark bit my arms while scuba diving; I bumped my head and thought I was Molly Ringwald for six months (look her up if you have to). You, my loyal readers, deserve nothing but the truth from me. And you shall get it.
I haven’t been writing because…
...I got a job.
Now, I’ll explain this a bit. I haven’t worked a 9-5 job in years. Years! Health and family issues had prevented me to hold a regular office job that allowed me to be flexible with my appointments, my health, my schedule. Then, on a whim, a friend of mine said he needed some help at his “office” and I said I could just be the missing link they were looking for. And I think I was. I’ve been there almost four months now and love it. I don’t get too tired, I love the people I work with, it keeps me out if trouble (haha!), and I’ve found an industry where I feel I’ve found my niche. So what am I doing? You may want to sit down for this…
I am the manager at my favorite tattoo shop!
Yeah, shocking to some I know. The little quiet girl in the back of business math class is happily working with a shop of men, watching some if the most artistic pieces of work get tattooed on some great people. Now don’t confuse my fashion and glamour art with tattoo art. I can match a top, jeans, shoes and accessories to make any girl turn heads. But, I admit, I can’t draw a tree with a crayon. No art class ability at all. That’s ALL my daughter. I know that creating and designing in the fashion and glamour industry is an art, and I guess that does help me somewhat in my job. But to put an idea from mind, to paper, to body, with ink is nothing I would ever attempt. Ever. And for that my artists are happy.
With this new endeavor in my life, what could I possibly have to write about? Oh, let me tell you, I have something MAJOR to write about: convenience. I have hardly ANY free time now. I need skin care that is easy but works good–just a couple of products that do A LOT. My skin is more tired, lacking elasticity, uneven toned. Plus, now I need to find makeup that goes the distance–can be applied quick & easy, doesn’t fade, won’t smudge or flake. Seems like a heavy order, but with how busy us women are nowadays is that REALLY asking too much?
So, with that tall order, I have managed to condense and simplify my day and night skin care routine. And, I have to say, I’m pretty happy with how my skin is looking. I’ll admit, early on in my first month of working, I looked like hell. I seriously thought if I was going to look as old as I really was (haha!) this J-O-B thing might need to be reconsidered. But I readjusted some of the products I used, got things smooth and even, and had my skin not looking as tired as I really was! Now you ask, “What did she add? What is she using?” Well here are a few of the things that I have found in regards to skincare that I now use quickly and faithfully:
**Lancôme Paris Bi-Facial Double Action Eye Makeup Remover**
Fact: I do NOT have time to mess around trying to get off my waterproof, smudge proof, 24 hour stay put eye makeup. I want to wipe a cotton ball across my eyes and quickly get off everything without having to scrub like I’m cleaning a burnt frying pan. Can’t. Be. Bothered. The Bi-Facial Eye Makeup Remover gets it ALL off. One cotton ball, done. That’s what I need, that’s what I want. $28.
**Lancome Créme Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser**
I’m not on a Lancome bandwagon here, but I got a sample of this cleanser when I bought my eye makeup remover and fell in love with it immediately. Ever since I had to deal with oily skin for many years, I grew to appreciate that feeling of tight, clean skin. Now that my skin is more normal, that feeling usually indicates a harsh cleanser that can be drying to the skin. Not the Créme Radiance. It’s a light, naturally scented creamy cleanser that lathers up easy. Wash the face and neck, rinse it off, and you will notice immediately it feels free of all nasties. It cleans deep without drying. It’s quick too. One wash and rinse and dirt and makeup of all kinds are gone. Easy peasy. $25.
**L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate**
Serums are big–HUGE!–right now. There is one out there for any and ever skin problem you may have. You can pay an exorbitant amount of money for a big-named serum that does it all or spend a little money on several different serums that may do what you want. There are a lot of different options. I found, myself, that what I really wanted was something that helped reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, uneven skin texture and tone. After a magazine article caught my eye and a bit of some online research, I found this product really did what I needed it to. What’s even better? It did it all at a price that didn’t break the bank. ONE drugstore-level product that did show an improvement in my skin after a short period of time. Bingo. $24.99.
**L’Oreal Paris Youth Code™ Day Lotion SPF 30**
Okay, so when it comes to hydration and SPF day protection, I’m sticking to the Youth Code line. I believe these two products compliment each other and work together to give you the best results. The Day Lotion is potent but lightweight and oil-free. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, plus boosts the skin’s regeneration process to bring the young, healthy skin to the surface. I hate a heavy lotion feel on my skin, and this does not give me that feeling at all. And my sensitive skin has no issues with it either. Love it. $24.99
**Say Yes to Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Night Cream**
It has become obvious (or if you didn’t know, you do now!) that wrinkles originate from dry, dehydrated skin. It is essential that those of us with oily skin hydrate our skin and bodies–inside and out–and those of us with dry skin hydrate AND moisturize. Even though my skin can be oily one day and dry the next, the fact remains that it is very sensitive and products with “funky” ingredients don’t always make my skin happy. The Say Yes To line of products isn’t just natural, “it’s super natural”! Each product they produce is at least 95% natural so it would be safe in your body as well as on it. Earth friendly, the blueberry Night Cream has ingredients such as blueberries for anti-oxidants, Wild Acacia to tighten skin and reduce wrinkle depth and Cupuacu Seed Butter to richly hydrate and plump the skin. Let the cream do all the work naturally while I sleep! $19.99
**Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel**
So now I’m working during the day. I’m looking at smartphones, iPads, laptops, TVs, appointment books, you name it. At the end of the day my eyes are TIRED! Ole’s Eye Gel is just what the doctor ordered to use before bed. This incredibly soothing and firming eye gel contains calendula and cucumber which reduces puffiness and dark circles when used regularly. My peepers are thankful for this little beauty right before bed and first thing in the morning. $38.
There. I think I made up for a little bit of lost time with this post, yes? Simply stated, I have managed to find six products that I can use morning and night that keeps my skin fresh, smooth and young looking. The routine isn’t complicated, the products last a long time and won’t empty your pockets either. So if you are looking for a bare minimum skin care routine that will continue to keep you looking your best, I highly recommend checking out these fabulous products.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to bed. Visions of tattoo machines will buzz in my head. (Plus that damn new alarm clock sure does ring early!)
*POOF*–Quick Fall Lip Balm!
25 Oct
Okay no huge, long, wordy post. This is direct and to-the-point so follow along and don’t fall behind. I’m going to quickly tell you how to make a simple, moisturizing lip balm to keep you pucker happy as the seasons change. Ready?
You will need the following items:
* 1/2 tsp. raw honey STILL IN THE WAX comb (see photo)
* 1/2 tsp. organic cold pressed coconut oil
* 1/2 tsp. raw honey WAX ONLY. (You can get this by scooping out 1 teaspoon of honey from the comb, eat it, and continue to chew it till all that is left is the wax.) (see photo)
* Sprinkle of organic cinnamon
If you read my posts on a regular basis, you should have everything you need already because they are all items that are in my bathroom or kitchen right now. If you WANT to buy them, feel free… but don’t just use them for this balm. They are a few of nature’s precious commodities that can be used in soooo many beauty products as well as in cooking & baking.
Now, take a shot glass and scoop out the waxed honey–scrape it in. Scoop out the coconut out–scrape it in. Drop in the chewed piece of wax (flatten it out as best you can)–add that in. Add the dash of cinnamon. Put the shot glass in the microwave on MEDIUM for 15 seconds. Check it. See if anything is melting/bubbling. If yes, STOP! If not, put it in again for 10 seconds more. Now you should see the coconut oil has melted and the honey is bubbling. BE CAREFUL BECAUSE THE GLASS IS HOT AS HELL! Remove with a hotmit and set on counter. With a Popsicle stick, a narrow butter knife or tiny spoon, begin stirring.(Don’t touch the glass!!!) It should blend easily and begin firming up the more you stir. Make sure it is completely blended and lump free.
Before it gets too firm, scrape all contents into a CLEAN left over eye shadow container, tiny makeup jar or even an empty sample holder that has been thoroughly cleaned & dried. Put the balm in the container, scooping it in after if has cooled a bit. Smooth out the top and refrigerate for an hour.
Bam. Done. Awesome, easy balm! Once you get it mastered, you’ll be able to put them in swivel Chapstick-like tubes for easier application and storage. Sure, you could get funky with flavors, but for fall, stick with cinnamon. The balm works fab, lasts for hours & hours and well, hell….you made it. Au Naturale! All the ingredients are helpful for protecting you from the nasty germs flying around since all are anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
See? Easy peasy, puddin’ and pie. A nice, tasty, easy DIY lip balm for fall that you can be proud to make & call your own!!
Questions? Feel free to email me and I’ll see if I can help!
Congrats To Our “Grape” Contest Winner!!
2 Aug
First, let me say “thank you” to all my fans and followers who entered our “Grape Contest” for the ForGoodnessGrape lip care package. The flavors everyone came up with were so unique and awesome. I’d use them all if they were available!
I am so happy to announce that the winner of our contest is Denise Lopez! Denise said she would create the flavor “Pumpkin Marshmallow” for her lip balm. What a tasty combo, especially with fall on its way. Hmmm…. I wonder if we can get Lisa to make that one special for the season?
As soon as I hear from Denise, I will be sending out her ForGoodnessGrape goodie bag: A lip set containing a lip candy lip balm and sugary lip scrub in Lemon Cupcake; plus, since those lips will be looking and feeling fabulous, I am also adding a “Kate” Lip Tintx–a peachy-pink moisturizing lip tint with a hint of golden royalty!
Again, congratulations to Denise! Please share your experience with ForGoodnessGrape’s products after you have had a chance to enjoy them!!
(Below you will find the entry names and the random selector’s pick.)
What Should I Wear? (A Routine Posting Now and Then…)
1 Aug
On Sundays, I always take out my datebook and iPhone calendar to go over what I need to do for the week. Not just appointments either–I mean everything. Coffee dates, shopping, doctor visits, trips to the dry cleaner, shopping excursions, bottle returns, washing the car, even tattoo appointments! I have a closet full of clothes and sometimes its abundance can be overwhelming. And no matter what or how much we have, we all–at some point–will babble “God, I have nothing to wear!” Oh yeah, you’ll say it. And you should kick yourself right then and there because you KNOW you do.
Here is how I tackle the task of selecting or planning outfits. Remember anything can change on a moment’s notice, so choose wisely but also be flexible. First, I try to check the weather the night before to see what I’m facing temperature and precipitation-wise. Those two things alone can potentially eliminate 75% of my wardrobe. With that in mind I start at the bottom and work up. I try to select footwear first, followed by bottoms, tops, bracelets, necklace, earrings and finally a matching purse. Believe me, if you can have this in mind–or better yet set out–before bed?…the morning can go very smooth.
Let’s take my day tomorrow:
1. Head to repair shop to get punctured tire fixed. (Ugh–dread.)
2. Pick up a prescription.
3. Quick coffee with a friend at work.
4. Grab dry cleaning.
Okay, so it’s not a high profile day where I will be rubbing elbows with la dee da’s, and the chance of having to discuss my work with anyone new would be a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. My agenda will be a lot of go here-go there’s, so I will want to look fashionable but not über high end. I still want be comfortable since I will be in and out of the car a few times. Walking won’t be extensive. Mingling will be minimal. But the bottom line is… I will be out and I want to look approachable. And that’s why I need to be be a classy yet comfy fashionista for the day.
Tomorrow’s weather is supposed to be cloudy, chance of storms, with temperatures around 77 degrees. With this in mind, I have now selected three outfits that I can choose from:
*** Black, leather flats w/gold chains; dark-washed skinny jeans; designer graphic tee.
*** Brown low-wedge pumps; light blue boot-cut jeans; short-sleeved, dark blue flowered sheer tee.
*** Leopard espadrilles; medium blue skinny jeans; neutral-colored sequined/ruffled tank top; black shrug.
The selected outfit will determine the jewelry chosen. If it is a more laid-back outfit, like the first, the jewelry will be bolder and busier. Shoe color ultimately determines the purse. The black flats will put me into the black purse department. A large, embellished bag might be a perfect choice. The brown pumps might lean me towards a brown/tan shoulder bag. And those killer espadrilles scream gold or bronze mini metallic purse. Sad to say, I’m not lacking in the purse department. At all. I admit…bags are one of my weaknesses.
So, I will post this tonight with an update tomorrow (and hopefully a picture!) with what I chose and whether it was the right choice for the daily agenda. We all know things can change and nothing is written in stone. And if the weatherman is even remotely close here in Upstate NY, that in itself, would be amazing. So, we shall see!
Must haves for… ANYONE?!?
28 Jul
It’s true that for each skin tone and hair color, there are a few “must haves” that don’t apply to others. Redheads NEED to have a brown eyeliner and a peach lipstick. Olive skin tones NEED to have metallic eye colors and blackest black mascara. Blondes NEED to have a bold red lip and earth toned tops. But some things that I have found stylish or necessary can work for anyone. In fact, some are flat out “must haves”. So what are Sassy’s can’t live withouts? Let’s take a look:
Tape – Don’t laugh. “What do I need that for?”, you ask. You’d be surprised! Other than defurring whatever you pet owners are wearing, it can also make your purse look newer if it doesn’t have a dust bag. My biggest use for tape?–glitter fall out. Even with the best primers, glitter shadows and blushes can scatter their glitter everywhere. I always do my eyes FIRST after cleansing and treating my face. I apply primer, foundation, concealer and blush last, after the eye. And lips? Not a bad idea to tape them before applying lip products. This will help remove any tiny pieces of dry skin that can make lip colors look blotchy and flaky.
HINT: leave a roll of blue painter tape in the bathroom for just these situations. It is less sticky and there is less tugging in delicate areas.
A Newspaper Print Tee – You’re like… huh? Let’s go back to Sex and the City, circa 2000. Carrie wore a dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior from their Spring line in the series and it took off. You cannot find that dress anywhere now. It’s vintage and if it was for sale, it would probably be insanely expensive. So since you can’t have the original, go for a substitute. I’m not huge on dresses, but I have THREE newspaper print tee shirts and they are treated like gold in my closet. I didn’t buy any of them new–I got each from a consignment shop or thrift store at ridiculously cheap prices. I love the fact it can be part of a no-think outfit. A newspaper top can be worn with ANY jeans, ANY black skirt, ANY shoes, ANY hairstyle and ANY makeup look. Even though I have three already, I always keep my eyes open for other styles. They are funky and edgy with a whole lot of chic!! Always check out second hand stores before going new–way more vintage, way more classic.
Sassy Found: Bonmode’s Vintage Inspired Newspaper High Low Tunic Top, amazon.com, $39.95
White Eyeshadow – Some people think that a white shadow can make them look washed out, but it’s better to think that white shadow gives an artist a blank canvas. Matte or shimmer, powder or cream–white shadow gives you so many options for so many looks. Sometimes I’ll use my white cream shadow as a primer to hold powder shadows on and give them a brighter look. Other times I’ll just wear a white shimmer shadow with heavy black liner and mascara for a simple, sexy look. Work it how you want…just make sure you have at least one, and wear it often!
Sassy Found: Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in “Too Cool”, most drug stores, $6.99
Lots of Bracelets – Just like shoes, purses & jeans…you can never have too many bracelets. I never was a big bracelet wearer mainly because I have wrists the size of a newborn baby’s. Bangles would always fall off. Now I don’t know if jewelry makers just got smart or women’s wrists just got smaller, but the options out there now are endless. Mainly because the majority of fashion bracelets are elastic. (Yeay!!) Mix and match gold tones and silver tones. Leather bracelets are always classy. If you are like me and love that rocker look, stack and layer them. I like putting “biker bracelets” with pearl or rhinestone ones. And chains? Chains are SOOO in! The chunkier… the better. In warm weather when sleeves are short, don’t leave your bare arms hanging. Dress them in some slammin’ baubles for an attention getter!
Sassy Found: Simply Vera Vera Wang Two Tone Bead Multistrand Stretch Bracelet, $21.00; Two Tone Curb Chain Multistrand Bracelet, $7.20; Silver Plated Crystal Bead & Heart Charm Woven Leather Stretch Bracelet, $80.00, kohls.com
Favorable Notoriety – Ummmm…. what? There is nothing that locally owned, non-chain stores LOVE more than: a) favorable word of mouth; and b) repeat customers. I have a few small stores in my area that I frequent at LEAST once a week. Sometimes I leave with something, other times I just browse. But I always make sure I say hello to the owner, manager, or sales people when I go in and chat them up. I also make DAMN sure that they know what I do, I know my designers, and I know the current (or upcoming) styles. Why? Because that gives you the “in” on anything new and hot, sometimes even before the general public if you’re cozy enough. I know a girl who works at my fave “gently used” clothing store. If something from a high-end designer comes in that I might like?… I get a little text telling me to stop in. OR if they really know you shop their store a lot?…They may even offer you a loyal customer discount. When you get a compliment on that jazzy Guess? tee you picked up for $6 from your “Mentor Mecca”, tell them WHERE you got it and how much you paid. Don’t think of it as a used $6 tee…. you think of it as the high-fashion expensive designer tee shirt that you landed for an INSANELY OBSCENE price! It won’t take long before your face and name (and with me…hair!) are known and you can reap the benefits!
Sassy’s Favorite Find: Authentic Sheer Roberto Cavalli T-Shirt in Black WITH TAGS (est. retail $55.00), my cost $8.00, Plato’s Closet.
Sometimes, the most cherished items in your glamour ensemble are things that someone else wouldn’t think twice about buying or owning. They are unsung heroes in a glamourista’s closet, vanity and personality. They might not be something you think you would like, but I challenge you to try. Time after time I find more things that I may not have thought about ever wearing before and now see them as sassy chic. It might be a photo in a magazine, it might be a certain look on a model or actress. Maybe it is a “revolutionary new product” or maybe it is something classic from days gone by. Whatever you see that makes you go “hmmm” for more than a couple of seconds, make a mental glamour note that THAT thing might be your new signature feature….then give it a chance!
Just Sassy being… well, SASSY!
Sassy Auburn's Diary Of A Glamour Junkie... 