Tag Archives: Charming Charlie

Not Fashion, Not Beauty, BUT NECESSARY!!

1 Dec

While in my car today, driving home from my day of fun which others may call “work”, I had a brilliant idea for a blogpost. It may not sound like a big deal, but any thought process after a long day IS a big deal. I was thinking about the things that I need, I have, I love… that don’t really fall under any of the major categories–clothing, fashion, shoes, bags, accessories, makeup, skin care, or beauty products in general. But certain items are a must have for me. Some are things that still shows my style, my love of glam, and my glitter-ific personality. Some may be to help my day go smoother, some help me start calmer. They may not be things that apply to you but you’d be surprised how even a simple thing can let the world know you are casual and outgoing….and all while still being exceptional. An anomaly. A rockstar. A sassy, fierce individual who’s going above & beyond. Of course, glamour ombré lipstick and glitter gel eyeliner will cause heads to turn but how about a few other things to make them look and wonder. Or things that just make your day a little brighter, a little easier, a little more tolerable. Maybe things like:

1. A stunning cell phone case
2. A fragrant candle
3. A pen & pencil you like
4. A perfect manicure
5. A GOOD cup of coffee
6. A great cup to put it in
7. A cool key chain
8. A messy hair-day headband
9. A chic iPad cover
10. An old-school notebook

So, as you think about these random things that you may have never thought about before, I’ll share with you my selections for these somewhat common items that this Sassinista chose to embellish on:

1. Apple iPhone Zebra Shell on silicone case/black & hot pink
Jazzy style, cool design, hot colors. Definitely a case that says, “diva”! Since the major part of my day is on the phone, I am going to want to get some motivation, even if it’s just from the case!
(accessorygeeks.com, $12.99)

2. Better Homes & Garden jar candle in Candied Caramel Pecan
A nice, sweet scented candle that just gives the room a homey feel as you go about your day–at home or at work!
(Walmart, prices vary by store)

3. Pentel Icy Automatic Pencils & Pentel Energel Pearl Deluxe Retractable Gel Pen
They are pink, they are sleek, and they write damn good. Plus pink makes me smile.
(Walmart, prices vary by store)

4. To give yourself a perfect, easy, at home manicure, you need three things:
* A sticky base coat
* A long-lasting nail color
* A long-wearing, fast drying top coat
If you use these three products, you should only need a mani once a week. I suggest getting Orly Bonder Base Coat, OPI Nail Lacquer, and INM Out The Door Top Coat.
(Sally Beauty, prices vary & check for sales)

5. Dunkin Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donut Ground Coffee
If you perk or press your first cup of the day, this is a great flavor to have. Mix in different creamer flavors for some tasty creations.
(Most grocery markets, about $7.99)

6. “That Metal Show” oversized coffee mug
I get that this might not be for everyone, but this cup is my fave! I’m reminded of my love for heavy metal that this great show brings me. Mix in my morning cup of energy, and I can conquer the day!
(shop.VH1.com, $13.95)

7. High Heeled Shoe w/red bottom (Louboutin-looking)
With my love of shoes never a thought away, it only seemed appropriate I put one on my keys. It’s very noticeable & a great conversation piece. Plus it keeps my husband from taking my keys!
(amazon.com, many varieties to choose from)

8. Charming Charlie’s Epic Headbands
I loooooooove Charming Charlie! Such unique pieces when it come to accessories. I really love their headbands since the variety gives me many options to look at and try. Since looking sassy is how I roll, they give me so many choices for just that!
(charmingcharlie.com or a store near you, many sales going on now)

9. INSTEN 360-degree Swivel Leather Case For Apple iPad 2/3/4 (leopard design)
My life is my iPad. It’s my writing savior, it’s my note taker, it’s my main communicator. So, if I’m going to entrust it with my information, it needs to be protected. And this cover is perfect. The good news?… It’s chic, stylish and protects. The bad news?… It was a lot more expensive when I got it! You peeps are getting a great deal!
(walmart.com, $7.99)

10. Pierre Belvedere Letter Size Snap Portfolio in Fuchsia
Yes, people, there is a these here with black and white designs or hot pink and glitter accessories. This is no exception. As I writer, ideas come to at any time, any place, any situation. Don’t think I haven’t been in a one-size-does-not-fit-all doctor sheet writing notes about the epic manicure the nurse just did. Because times like this can happen anywhere, a great portfolio is good to have with me. Plus it holds papers, business cards and necessary writing instruments to keep my writing flowing smooth. The ipad is nice, but the written word is true and dominant to me. I like it.
(amazon.com, $25.50)

So, not every day has to be spent at luxury clothing store, a consignment shop, or at the makeup display of any and every cosmetic counter to look and feel great. Sometimes overlooked things for the busy, business professional female can still make you smile and give off that aura of, “Yeah, I rock!” And they make you smile when you see them or use them yourself. Take your sass-itude to a whole new level without breaking the bank… and add a little pizzazz in the process!

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Coral Me Pretty!

6 Jun

It’s no surprise that this season’s hot color is coral. In the past, it has been very muted and quiet, but not anymore. Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year is a vibrantly warm “Tangerine Tango” and designers everywhere are loving it. It is SOOOO out of the box. Bold, empowering, daring, and drastic. There are no maybes with this color. You are either going to wear it, or you aren’t. You’re in or you’re out. Nothing in between. Go bold or go home.

Me?… the leader of the most elaborate closet filled with blacks and whites, was deathly afraid of any color in the orange family. I have red hair. That was enough for me. Or so I thought. On a trip to the mall with my daughter one day last week, I found I couldn’t go anywhere in any store without finding this tangerine color being integrated into fashion, glamour, makeup or accessories in one way or another. So, without trying it on, I bought a top in this hot color and it totally changed my outlook for summer. It looked fab, gave me a kicked-up attitude, and it WAS bold! How much did I like it? So much that I went out the day after and bought three other shirts in the same color family.

So I’m dancing the Tangerine Tango this summer. Very, very far outside of my comfort zone. It might not be your color but if you do decide to give it a try, don’t forget to wear it right and accessorize it well. Here are a few suggestions to get you headed in the right direction:

Clothes: If you are wearing an orange top or prefer to dare some tangerine denims, don’t OVERDO the color–break it up by wearing coral on the top OR bottom and a neutral for the other. Orange top and orange pants are going to make you look like the citrus section of your local market. A nice glistening or funky tank with a pair of denim boyfriend jeans is a great casual day look to give you a pop of color that will turn heads. Sassy’s Picks: Juniors Say What? Sequin Tank in coral, $9.99; Grace Elements Top with cascading ruffle in coral essence, $19.99 (Available at Boscov’s stores and Boscovs.com)

Jewels & Accessories: Even if you are going to go the “black and white” route for the day, there is no reason why you can’t give the Tangerine Tango the respect it deserves in the accessories you wear. So many different things ranging from earrings to headbands to purses to even shoes can bring an ordinary outfit to another level. A great store to do this with is Charming Charlie. It is strictly an accessory store, but what is nice is it is laid out according to color. So if you are looking for orange-hued items to spice up your get up, there is a section for that! Sassy’s Picks: Classic Cluster Stretch Bracelet in orange, $6.00; Rhinestone Corners Handbag in light coral, $39.97; Sunny Days Shell Earrings in coral, $4.00; Powerful Patent Peep Toe Wedges in tangerine, $24.97. (All available at Charming Charlie stores and CharmingCharlie.com)

Makeup: You don’t want your skin to look coral with a “fake bake” tan so keep your natural skin tone and emphasize your eyes and lips to catch the wave of the hot tangerine color. Remember, BRIGHT orange on your eyes or lips can yellow out your skin tone so make sure you use a light hand when applying your colors. Also, don’t hesitate to calm down the brightness of the orange hues by muting them with white, beige, or sand shades underneath so they aren’t so overpowering. Sassy’s Picks: Maybelline Super Stay 14 hr. Lipstick in Keep Me Coral, $ 6.99 (most retail locations); LA Minerals Mineral Eye Makeup in Sunset Inferno, $8.95. (LAMinerals.com); L’Oreal Paris Infallible 8 Hr. Plumping Gloss in Plumping Coral, $8.99 (most retail locations).


So you ready to go bold? Go bright? Be daring? Be dazzling? Then hunt down this year’s hottest color, “Tangerine Tango” and make your summer look POP! Take some time to try on some clothes, some shoes, grab a handbag, or test some flashy makeup shades and make this HOT season’s color work for you!