Tag Archives: bebe

Sassy’s Summer Wish List

1 Jun

After 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:

Maxi Skirt1. 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

Sandals2. 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

Cropped Tee3. 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

Sunglasses4. 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

Bag5. 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.

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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.

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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!

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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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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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