Tag Archives: fragrance

Sassy’s Selections for July–WITH A CONTEST SOON!

24 Aug

Wow! It’s… like… August! Already! Are you like me, wondering where the heck the summer is going? I swear, I just packed away my winter clothes a month ago. Then again, I might have. The weather has been cool and raining this entire season. I should have invested more $$ in rain boots instead of sandals this year.

Regardless of your weather situation, the fact remains that a new month is upon us which means it’s time to talk about Sassy’s Hot Finds. July was definitely a month where glamour and fashion needed a lot of thought since most of the weather was so most erratic – the worst I had seen in years. And that brings with it a different group of items that were must haves last month. So what did I pick up to help me stay fab and fashionable during that damp, dreary month? Let’s see…

Ginger Bliss Naturals Mineral Lip Tint: I had to go to an outdoor camping trip last month. Although it was an outdoor-type festival, I wanted to make sure my lips were conditioned. I wanted to find a lip balm to keep my lips hydrated and soft, but I didn’t want to have to apply a balm AND lip color since we’d be roughing it. I browsed on Etsy and found several people that had different balms in different formulas but I was hoping to find a “set” so I could have a couple of shades that would go with all my outfits. Ginger Bliss had just that! These little balms are made with 100% natural ingredients: beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, Candelilla wax and natural coloring. The colors are strong and have a deeper hue than most tints. I ordered Candy Pink (icy pink), Ruby Rave (a pinky red) and Vixen (deep wine). Not only did they make my lips look jazzy but they were also soft and it was convenient to just carry one little lippie than three or more! A great find on Etsy for only $16.00 (sold by GingerBlissBathCo)

Pantene Pro-V Serious Repair Detangler: After several years of working with my hair stylist, I finally have healthy hair. No more burnt, frizzy, split ends. I now use the right shampoo and conditioner that keeps my hair clean and shiny without a ton of extra ingredients to weigh it down and strip its natural oils. The only thing I was missing was something to leave in to protect it from getting damaged from the hair styling products that I use. And that includes things from flat irons to hot rollers…. every day. So I did some searching on my own, looked at a few reviews and, of course, asked my stylist. After several suggestions, I decided to go with the Pantene product. This lightweight spray was perfect for what I was looking for. After I get out of the shower, I lightly towel dry my hair then spray the Pantene directly on the middle and ends of my hair since that is where I want the spray to work the most. After that, I spray my hands with two or three spritzes, rub them together then run my hands through the roots out towards the ends. This gives me the just a light coating so my hair isn’t weighed down where hair tends to get oily first. Seriously… a little goes a long way! After it air dries for a while, I run a wide tooth comb through it without any snags. Perfect. It gets all the tangles out while giving them a little extra moisture, protection and strength. A great product that does just what you need. You can find this in most drug stores or department stores for less than $5.00.

Leggings: Oh I know ALL the hype is out for leggings, especially since this new shop-from-home, home-based legging business hit the scene. All different colors, patterns, designs, themes, you name it—you can find it on a pair of leggings. I will admit, I bought a couple of the “party” leggings but I started thinking: there has to be a way to find leggings in styles and sizes I like without paying a fortune. So, I began to hunt, and my hunt did not last long! My search started and ended with one click to the Amazon website. Amazon has several different “stores” that carries many styles and sizes. I ordered a couple of pairs to see how they felt. They were soft, fit perfectly, had a great selection of different sizes and colors, and were more than $20 cheaper!! Ha!… no brainer there. The company that I purchased most of them from was were sold by Conceited Co. and I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. What I really liked is that Amazon suggested tops and cardigans that went with the leggings. That was a nice touch to make complete outfits. I now have comfortable sets to wear through the fall and into the colder months. Each pair was only $10 with free shipping!

Covergirl’s Total Tease Mascara: I know I recently wrote about a great mascara I had recently found, but I couldn’t resist picking up this little goodie since I had a coupon and pretty much got it for free. In the past, I have always thought that if a mascara was really good, it probably has to be expensive. This is a great example that drugstore makeup can be awesome if you do your research. Available in four colors, this mascara has a formula that makes your lashes long, full and defined. The key word there is “defined”. The little combs on the brush separate your lashes without any clumps, making sure each lash is coated. Then, at the end of the brush is a small round ball covered with the same little combs. This part is EPIC to coat your bottom lashes individually to get a full lashes look. Then, use the same little ball to get to all the tiny lashes at the corners of your eyes. I purchased the color Blackest Black in the regular formula and it lasts ALL DAY with no smudging or flaking. I have been using this one pretty consistently for several weeks now, and I am very pleased. Great new product, Covergirl! The regular price is approximately $8 but because it is new, look for coupons and deals for different stores.

Bath and Body Works “Hello Beautiful” Scented Products: When I am going to an appointment where there might be others around, I don’t want my fragrance to make me stick out like a sore thumb. I personally think it can be a distraction or borderline rude to “bathe” in a scent when others may be around. Not every scent is appealing to everyone and some can even start a sneezing fit for those that are scent sensitive. In times like these, I like to use other products that I can layer on very lightly or a little heavier if I’m not really going to be in public. Today, I was preparing to go to a doctor’s appointment later this afternoon and I don’t want to take the chance on irritating another patient’s nose. So instead of spraying on enough perfume to last for 6 hours (cough cough!), I decided to let other products work for me. The key is LAYERING. Today, I just used my new “Hello Beautiful” Body Lotion that I am totally in love with. That way I could put the scent on from head to toe without it being overbearing, but that can last on my skin for several hours. If I wanted it to last longer with a stronger scent, I would have used my “Hello Beautiful” Shower Gel then followed it with the Body Lotion. If I REALLY wanted to get the full effect of the scent, I would use the gel and lotion, then follow it up with the Diamond Shimmer Mist for a more full scent with some shimmer as well. Any part of the routine can be used alone or in combination with the other scented products to give you a just a touch of pretty or a full-on head-to-toe smell of this white gardenia, jasmine petals & magnolia blossom bouquet. There are always sales and coupon codes out there so look around for your best deal—online or at the store. Not on sale, the Diamond Shimmer Mist retails for $16.00

So those are my Fab Finds for July! As kids return to school and parents attempt to regain their sanity once again, these products may be just the thing to help you get back on track as we head towards fall. I am sure there will be a lot of newer items in all categories as we slide out of summer and into autumn. Plus the weather will be changing as well so there will be things needed in both the glamour and fashion departments of your ensemble.

BUT WAIT!!!!!!


Keep watching my blog for an awesome giveaway of one of the items that I discovered in July. Who doesn’t love free stuff? I will let you know how to enter and tell you all the details of the contest soon. Don’t miss out Sassinistas!!

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Smell Sexy… On The “Cheap”

3 Dec

Perfume clipart‘Tis the season to shop for all kids kinds of presents for guys and girls alike. And it is a known fact that fragrances are one of the go-to gifts for men to give women during the holidays. But sometimes the price of some of the high-end scents can cost more than a trip to the market…or a payment on the car that took you there! It’s a sweet gesture, but maybe there is a way to find a great scent at a not-so-steep price. Or, even better, how about getting a nice scent that costs about the same as a stocking stuffer? That frees up a whole lot of coin for those over-the-knee boots, a new handbag, or maybe some bling at the jewelry counter.

So what are a few of my favorite inexpensive fragrances that you can ask for yourself, give as a stocking stuffer or just pamper yourself with a new fragrance to lift your spirits during this crazy time? Check out some of my inexpensive favorites:

etc!Rue 21’s “etc!”: This light, bright, fruit-essenced fragrance is a perfect pick me up scent for any time of the day or any season. Barbados grapefruit, juicy apple & raspberry cordial blend together for a refreshing aroma that will brighten your senses and bring a smile to you face… anytime, anywhere. Oh, and the bottle is kind of cute too. So chic! (Rue 21 stores or rue21.com, $9.99)

Paris AmourBath & Body Works “Paris Amour”: I love this scent when I need a little deeper, more serious fragrance. With a variety of notes including sparkling mandarin, strawberry, sparkling pink champagne, apple blossoms, peach, tulip, French vanilla, coconut milk & creamy musk, it has a more forward and enticing aura. It may sound a bit busy, but they actually blend perfectly together. As romantic as the city of Paris is, this fragrance will bring that feeling of romance with you wherever you wear it. (Bath & Body Works stores and bathandbodyworks.com, $6.00 for travel-sized fine fragrance mist. Other products in the same scent available with many holiday sale priced)

PlayboyPlayboy “Play It Lovely”: Over the years, the Playboy name has given off mixed messages. When it comes to their fragrances this year, however, they have come up with a direct hit. My favorite, “Play It Lovely”, is a sweet yet sensual scent. With top notes of citrus, blackberry and juicy pear, rounded out with seductive notes of amber and patchouli, this perfume lets everyone know you are a flirt with a shy, yet playful side. Yup, that’s me and this scent is perfect to let everyone know that. (Walmart stores, $15.98)

Love ExpressExpress “Love Express” Rollerball: There is no doubt that Express makes some fun, fab clothing that is current and chic. What’s even cooler, that many don’t know, is that they make some awesome fragrances too. I stumbled upon this one in a clearance rack at one of my favorite stores, and went back two days later to buy the rest! It’s such a fun fragrance and not many others are like it. Because it’s different than many others, I always get complimented on it. That’s cool! It’s not “busy” with a lot of different fragrances. It’s simple, sexy and fun. With notes of just blackberry, Lily of the Valley, Tiare Blossoms and sheer vanilla, this somewhat basic scent has an enticing appeal… to me and the guys who notice it! (express.com, $7.95)

Britney FantasyBritney Spears “Fantasy” Solid Perfume Pencil: So I grabbed this little goodie while at the pharmacy today. There was a neat arrangement of various “pop” perfumes in solid sticks, placed in a little holiday display while people waited in line for their purchase. Yup, the glamour sucker that I am, I had to pick up each one, test the scratch ‘n sniff patch on the back, and judge for myself. Out of the four on display, three scents were already someplace in my house, in some perfume form. This one by Brittney, however, I hadn’t sniffed before. I liked the sample patch on the back of the card. I liked it a lot actually. So for the price?… I thought why not. I was even more impressed when I took it out. It has a slightly oily/wax base and it doesn’t fade away like many spray perfumes do. The fragrance has enticing yet unusual notes within it: lychee, quince & kiwi, with a bit of cupcake, jasmine, white chocolate orchid and sensual woods. I guess even pop superstars can know a thing or two about fragrance… or at least their managers do! I got the fragrance stick, put it on in the car and will keep it in my purse. A perfect little gift, especially for a younger girl! (Walmart stores and walmart.com, $9.88)

So you see, smelling fun, sexy and alluring doesn’t have to cost you or your gift giver an arm and a leg! Trust me…some of my all-time favorite perfumes would be a pretty hefty purchase if I put them on the top of my list. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing up the play and wearing something a little out of the ordinary for yourself or to give as a gift. You never know whose bells could be jingling with a sassy new scent for you or them!

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Is There Ever A Limit?

16 Jun

Overload

Today, I had an unexpected day off from my j*o*b*. I wasn’t too upset. A weekday to myself to do what I wanted is something that hasn’t come my way in months. Don’t get me wrong–I love my job at the tattoo shop. It’s fun, it’s different, I get to meet great people, and it keeps me out of the makeup aisles at drug and department stores. Except today.

I don’t think I was off the phone with my boss for two seconds before I was grabbing my comfy shoes, keys, purse, cell phone and credit card and was in the car heading for the mall. It was like old times. In my early days as a writer, I would grab my tablet, pick up a drive-thru coffee, then head out for hours at a time testing, trying, sampling and sniffing the latest and greatest additions to the glamour market. Now, I don’t get to play makeup as often as I used to, but when I do get the chance–like today–I take full advantage. And I did.

I did have a goal in mind when I left the house: find a rich, deep, violet purple lip gloss with a lot of shine and sparkle. That was it. One thing. Simple, right? Wrong. Not when someone releases a glamaholic in a local Sephora store. Opportunities? Endless. Overwhelming? Not a chance.

With one item to find, I entered my makeup Mecca and began my search. I went right to the department of the brand I liked the most, but to my dismay they did not have the color I was looking for. So, the worst case scenario followed: I had to search the ENTIRE STORE–front to back, top to bottom–to seek out what I wanted. The question remains…did I find what I was looking for? Not really. Did I find other mind blowing cool shit? Ab-so-freaking-lutely!!!

So, what did I land in my makeup haul today? Let’s take a look:

Purple glossSEPHORA COLLECTION Ultra Shine Lip Gloss: I know I talked about these in my last blog post, but seriously I can’t get enough of these little gems. Sephora’s ultra shine lip glosses come in a huge variety of colors, including sheers, shimmers and glitters. I got one as a free with purchase with my last order (#11-Shiny Pin-up Pink – bright fuchsia pink shine) and turned around and in less than a week, ordered six more: #07 Shimmery Purple Red – raspberry with opalescent shimmer; #13 Reflex Miami Pink – sheer pink opalescent shimmer; #17 Shimmery Golden Beige – light caramel with opalescent shimmer; #19 Shimmery Black Currant – rose wine with opalescent shimmer; #49 Metallic Copper – dark bronze with a hint of shimmer; #50 Rose Petal – rich rose shine. So I was covered right? Wrong. I wear a lot of purple in the summer and found I was scrambling to find a shade for those fashion items. When I went to the store today, they did not have the Sephora gloss in a shade I liked. Phooey. But that didn’t stop me from grabbing two others that will work as well: # 21 Shiny Honey Purple – sheer grape shine; and the very evasive #24 Reflex Dazzling Violet – sheer purple opalescent shimmer (sold out online for over two months!). They weren’t exactly what I wanted, but they were still awesome. ($14.00)

LipstickSEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Shine Lipstick: With a deep purple lipgloss by Sephora being out of reach, I decided to try the next best thing: a good lipstick. I found a great color with #47 Heartbreaker – Glossy – sheer royal purple. This lipstick is very similar to the shade of gloss I wanted, plus the lipstick is glossy as well and not your usual matte. I’m not anti-lipstick at all, just more if a fan of a gloss. I am in fact an odd bird because I am one who does love the mega high shine and stickiness you get from a gloss. I know, call me weird. But this great lipstick color certainly can be jazzed up with one of those high shine glosses I purchased as well. A great combo of endless possibilities. ($12.50)

Grey shadowSEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Eyeshadow: I was going to BROWSE the store for a not-to-dark, definitely-not-silver eye shadow. While I was looking at the Sephora line of lip products, I couldn’t help but to glance over the eye shadow section. And, of course, Sephora has samples of every color of every item, so I began finger painting my hands and arms with shades of greys (no book title pun intended) till I actually found one I liked. The #58 Winter In London – Grey Shimmer was exactly what I wanted. Not too dark and smokey so it would look great for daytime blending. It had enough shimmer to make my eyes pop but not too much glitter to make me look like a stri… umm… girl wearing too much glitter. This will be an awesome color to play with! ($13.00)

SpongeSEPHORA COLLECTION The Perfectionist Makeup Sponge: Not too much to say about this purchase. With warmer temps coming soon, I wanted a makeup sponge so I could apply a nice thin coat of foundation and build when and where necessary. This sponge was on clearance, was the perfect size, and hell… it was purple too. ($7.00)

BrushSEPHORA COLLECTION Classic Mineral Powder Brush: This was an item I had been considering buying for some time, and since I was already at the store, I said why not. Being able to pick up, try, feel, touch all of the brushes made the decision to get this one easy. I knew I want a powder brush that wasn’t too big and too loose. It had to be somewhat dense to get to the areas I wanted with precision but still soft to gently apply either my mineral foundation or loose setting powder. Plus I wanted a flat–not rounded–top. This brush is perfect. The antibacterial synthetic bristles makes it perfect for picking up light or dense powders. Easy peasy! ($24.00)

Acqua di gioiaGIORGIO ARMANI Acqua di Gioia Hydrating Body Mist: ALERT! ALERT! TOTALLY UNEXPECTED PURCHASE! Of course when anyone goes to a makeup counter, they always sniff a few if the newest scents that have come out. Typically, I like to buy my fragrances in rollerballs. That way they don’t “spoil” and loose their original scent if I don’t use them up quick (and I never do!). None of the newest rollerballs tickled my fancy. In fact, many were heavy on rose notes which I am not a big fan of AT ALL! A couple were too spicy or woodsy for me in the summer months, a few others were similar to others I already had. Then I picked up this bottle. Without reading the description, I sniffed the bottle and I liked what I smelled. Then I sprayed it on my wrists. *GASP!* It was white! Yeah, not clear like other perfumes, it was watery white. Then I rubbed it in. Ooooo, it was silky! Totally fascinated and intrigued by this point, I read the bottle: hydrating body mist. So, it wasn’t drying like an alcohol based fragrance. It actually provided some moisture. So I decided to break out the iPhone and get some further deets. I discovered the scent “begins with a “mojito” inspired sensual blend of crushed mint leaves, warmed by brown sugar and mixed with the zest of Italian Limone. Then, feminine floral notes emerge with joyous hints of aquatic Jasmine, dew of Peony and subtle traces of pink pepper.” Now, we take those scents which I like, infuse it into an all-over moisturizing body mist, and you’ve got my newest love for the season! Yeay me! ($36.00)

Okay, okay, so I dropped some coin today. But I can easily say nothing I bought will go to waste. I’ve already used one of the glosses (broke it open in the car, what can I say?) and spritzed my skin twice with the Body Mist. I’m sure, depending on my attire tomorrow, most of the makeup items will get used as well. That’s the difference between a new makeup rookie and a glamour guru like myself. Makeup rookies make a purchase to try a new look. Glamour gurus make a beauty investment to enhance and accessorize an already established ensemble.

Of course, then there’s me. I just like to buy cool stuff!

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Sassy’s Sexy Six…

5 Mar

Six

Each month, I try to list six new things that I have found, tried, and liked. They may be something I will include in my daily routine, or they may just be something that I think is a good product but just not for me. Here are my six favorite things that I found in February that I think are pretty awesome and you might like as well:

Towelettes1) Garnier Sensitive Skin Towelettes – I am a fan of many Garnier products, but when I saw this one, it really caught my eye. Not because it just removed waterproof mascara (which is very important to me) but also because that it was dye free, fragrance free AND made for sensitive skin! I like that they offer two different towelettes for different skin types. Heaven knows we ALL don’t have the same skin type, and the more specific the products I use on mine, the better. Keeping my fingers crossed that these will be a nice choice for a “clean face on the fly” situation. (Walmart, $4.97)

LeGloss2) L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss Lip Gloss – I am a lip gloss whore. I admit it. I will try anything new, and the shinier the better. I got a sample as a perk one month from L’Oreal and didn’t think too much of it. I just added it to the collection. But one day, I was in a bind for a nude gloss so I grabbed the L’Oreal sample of Nude Illusion. OMG, fell in love immediately! Yup, samples sell. I went out, coupons and deals in hand, and I got three more shades to cover just about every color scheme I own. The gloss is shiny, it’s consistency is thick, and it screams runway ready. And it has just a hint of butter cream scent/flavor which is fab. Just what I love–my kind of gloss! (CVS, $7.99)

BCBG3) BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic Perfume – I was really in the mood for a new scent to welcome in the new season that is quickly approaching, so I wanted something bold, sassy, fresh, sexy and alluring. I found all that and more from BCBG. Not only that, but for a limited time, Macy’s is offering a complete fragrance set with medium sized bottle of the perfume, a purse sized bottle, a shower gel and a body lotion, all for one low price. I always stress that layering your scent will help it last longer and keep the scent true. This set gives you everything to do just that. Oh and did I mention you just happen to get a large gold overnight bag as a free gift with purchase? Ah, yah…cha ching! Freebies=good! (Macy’s, $75)

BlackDiamonds4) Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in Black Diamonds – The black polish thing is really growing on me. When done neat and precise, it’s very stunning. But I have to admit I’m a sparkly/frost polish kind of girl and most black polishes are just shiny black. When I found Sally Hansen’s diamond polish, it was exactly what I had been looking for. Straight up black with bling. I think it’s going to be perfect for pretty designs and funky looks, plus make people take a second look at my jazzy nails! (CVS, $4.99)

JuicyPants5) Juicy Couture Velour Track Pants – Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a brand chaser. If it fits and looks nice, then it is for me. That goes from thrift store jeans right through to couture gowns. With that being said, I never was a huge fan of Juicy track attire because I actually thought you were just paying for the name and you could get something comparable at a less expensive retail store. Okay, that was until I got a scream of a coupon deal with Juicy that I couldn’t pass up. I had a code for an additional 70% off all sale merchandise. My first thought was to check out the velour pants since they are so known and chic. I found two pair, less than $30 each on sale with the code. I got them and they are awesome! The fit is great, they wash like a dream, hold their softness, and look fab. I doubt I’ll ever pay full price for a pair, but on a sale like that, I had to follow the trend! (JuicyCouture.com, $23)

CranberryJuice6) Cranberry Juice – Nope, it’s not just for bladder infections anymore! (Sorry, bad female joke) As a redhead it is important for me to do whatever I need to in order to keep my hair its sexy shade of red and prevent premature fading. Cranberry juice does just that. Now remember, you can’t just buy a cheap store brand of some juice blend. You need to be specific here. You have to find 100% cranberry juice, unsweetened and not in a blend. Ingredients should be: cranberry juice, water. THAT’S IT! After I condition my hair in the shower, I let it set for a minute or two then take a small mist bottle full of the cranberry juice and cover the hair, lifting and spritzing. Massage the juice in with the conditioner and make sure all your hair is coated. Let sit a few more minutes then rinse THOROUGHLY! The natural color of the cranberries plus its abundance of vitamin C helps to brighten your hair, prevent breakage, and protect it from harsh environmental elements. Keeping those auburn locks shiny is major plus in my book! (R.W. Knudsen Just Cranberry Juice 32 oz., Walmart, $5.75)

So these are my six sexy finds in the past month. How about you? Have anything new you have bought or sampled that you weren’t expecting to like or buy? Show and tell, ladies! We want to know! Us females are always dying to dish about some new goodie or tricks that we just love to love. So share away!!

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New Season…New Scent!

26 Feb

SassyPerfume

It’s about that time of year. The calendar is showing that spring is getting closer even if the weather isn’t. Fall and winter merchandise is on clearance, but seeing shorts and swimsuits in the store gives me goose bumps. This is a “mixed emotions” time of year. You know that better days are coming but it seems like it takes every last ounce of energy to get through the ones that are here. Ugh.

I think one of the best things to do when the winter funk gets me down is to get myself a new perfume. It lifts my mood, brings a smile to my face, and helps remind me that spring days will soon be here. Even when it is snowing or sleeting outside, or there is a winter weather advisory scrolling along the bottom of my TV screen (like right this very second), smelling a new, uplifting, fresh fragrance can give me that little bit of “oomph” to get through the day and daydream about better days to come.

Yesterday I set out–clear nose and coffee beans in pocket—to my local high-end department store to search out a new fragrance. I have to say, the scratch n sniff samples that have come in my magazines lately just haven’t jazzed me. I’m pretty particular. I don’t like overly mature scents. I’m not huge into heavy florals. And I certainly do not like musky perfumes since they smell like a locker room when I wear them. I like fruity scents with a light touch of bright florals and with a lingering scent, like vanilla, that sticks around for a while.

After several samples on cards, sniffing, whiffing, fanning and running through different spritzes in the air at the store (looking like a total goofball I’m sure”, I narrowed down my choices to my four favorite scents right now. Here is what I liked:

GuessGUESS – I am a huge Guess brand fan. I have it all: shoes, boots, jeans, tops, handbags, jewelry, you name it. When I saw the stunning, feminine bottle of the Guess perfume, a part of me gasped just a bit since it just seemed like a natural choice for me. I have to say, it didn’t disappoint me. It screams everything I like when I wear a scent: exciting, bold, sexy, and playful. It makes an entrance with notes of raspberry nectar, melon and bergamot, followed up by tinges of orchid, acacia flower and lily. All that gets wrapped up with sandalwood and bourbon vanilla for a scent that stays. This scent leaves a bit of a “heavy” impression which doesn’t always translates well on me, but it is still one that I’d love to have in my collection.

DOTDOT by Marc Jacobs – I’m a die-hard fan of “Daisy” so I did not expect this fragrance to let me down. And it didn’t. The scent alone says bubbly, giggly, energetic and alive. Just like the name only has three letters, it can be described in three letters as well—F U N. This upbeat fragrance has top notes of red berries, dragon fruit, honeysuckle, middle notes of jasmine, coconut water and orange blossom, all tied together with the warmth of vanilla. DOT by Marc Jacobs gives you a simple, straight-forward, sophisticated scent with a balance of sheer elegance. This is without a doubt an anytime, anywhere with anything scent!

BieberGirlfriendGIRLFRIEND by Justin Bieber – Yeah, I said it… don’t hate! You don’t have to be a screaming girl with Bieber Fever to appreciate the scents that Justin puts his name on. I certainly was not disappointed with SOMEDAY and I wasn’t disappointed with GIRLFRIEND either. Top scents of mandarin, blackberry, pear and strawberry with dreams of pink freesia, star jasmine, apricot nectar and orange blossom keep this scent light and young. Hints of vanilla orchid and light musk kisses your senses to keep the scent lingering even after the scent begins to die down. Of course, its target market if the young Beetle-mania type girls who will buy anything with JB’s name on it. But I have to say, it is young, it’s flirty, it takes your breath away, and it makes you feel like a teen again (without all the heartache!)

BCBGBCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic – Out of all the fragrances I tested, I think this one is my fave. I liked BCBGMAXAZRIA’s original scent, so to see one with a different edge really caught my eye. It has all the notes that I love in a perfume: Asian pear, black raspberry, mango, pink peony, orange blossom and violet. These light tones are all enveloped in sandalwood, cashmere musk and vanilla to keep it forward but light. I like this refined scent with persuasive accents. It makes a huge entrance and drips with extravagant textures that keeps your senses enticed and other people’s senses allured. This is such a Sassy scent. SO me! It hits you with a sexy “Wow!”, followed by a “What a confident, enchanting, sexy woman!”. Then, as the girl passes by, her memory lingers, and you can’t help but say, “Who WAS that girl?” THAT is the impression I like to leave, and this great scent will help.

So have I tempted you? In the mood to go find yourself a new perfume to help you transition into a new season? Now is time! Simple things to remember: don’t spray them all on you—spray a tester card, then label it so you remember what it was; don’t sniff too many—it will confuse your sense of smell and if that happens, that’s when a wiff of coffee beans can help; don’t go sniffing if you have a cold or allergies—n thing will smell right or even smell at all!;, and most of all—be open minded. You might not like a name or brand, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like the fragrance. Lightly sniff the bottle without spraying, if you like it, spritz a test card, wave it to give it time to breathe, then smell it again. If you are still liking it, try it on your clean wrists next time you go into the store and see how it stays with you make sure it doesn’t react to your skin. If it’s goood, then go for it! That new scent might just be what Old Man Winter needs to get him out of town and rush in the warmer weather that’s right on the horizon!!

All products in this post are available at your local Macy’s or Macy’s online at macys.com

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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:


  • Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture
  • Dior J’Adore by Dior
  • Stella by Stella McCartney
  • Coach Poppy by Coach
  • Daisy by Marc Jacobs
  • Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift
  • Michael Kors by Michael Kors
  • Pink Chiffon by Bath & Body Works
  • Ibiza Sol by mark
  • Someday by Justin Bieber
  • BCBGMAXAZRIA by BCBGMAXAZRIA



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?

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I’m A Slug In The Spring……

15 May

Maybe I should have wrote in my blog sometime at the end of April that I’m not a big fan of May. As a fashion follower, you would think I would be. The styles are changing, colors are exploding everywhere, shoes are beyond your average drool. The fact is, it has nothing to do with the weather or the season. It has to do with a history of bad events happening in May during my life. I probably could change the string of bad luck if I just put my mind to it and barreled through, but as soon as May 1st gets here, I feel like I’m getting sucked into a black hole where I’ll be stuck for a whole month. Today, I looked at the calendar and realized it was the middle of May and I had been in a writing funk for over a month. Not good….. not good at all. But on the positive side, the month is half over. Wait… is that positive???

Well, I didn’t want my loyal followers to think I had been wearing old t-shirts given away at the latest vodka promo at the local bar and the same pair of jeans for an entire week. I’ve been checking out spring fashions, been slowly putting away my heavy winter attire, digging out my favorite summer sandals, looking for new styles that pique my interest. Although I’m finding some things that catch my eye, the way out of the rut is a slow one.

There have been a few things that have given me a glimmer of hope, however, that I’m getting back to my sassy glamourista self. Sometimes I over think it–honestly, it doesn’t take much! But I’m sure I’m not alone. If you’ve been in a seasonal rut, try these things like I have. Maybe they too will get you out of your fashion funk:

1) Jazz up those nails! – Pick a color that SCREAMS warm weather and “Notice Me”! Hot neons, bright pinks and flashy corals are the perfect nail pick-me-up. And don’t forget those toes! Seeing those bright colors will lift your mood right up! Sassy’s Pick: “Go With The Flow-er” by OPI

2) Change up your scent! – Still smell like the perfume your Aunt Helen gave you for Christmas? Well, it might be time to grab something new. This is the perfect time of year to find a nice body mist in a light, refreshing scent. Go all out and get the matching shower gel, body lotion and even the shimmer spray for those sleeveless shirt days. Awaken the senses and you’ll awaken the fashionista within! Sassy’s Pick: Bath and Body Works “Pink Chiffon” in shower gel, body lotion, fine fragrance mist, and shimmer body creme.

3) Wear some color! – Finding it hard to get out of the black sweater/blue jean rut? Man, I am. Of course, the weather hasn’t helped, but I’ve stopped waiting for Mother Nature to tell me when it is time to start looking spring stylish. One of the hottest trends this spring is going to be colored denims (especially skinny jeans) so I took a leap of faith and got myself a pair. Let me just say, wearing them took me FAR outside my comfort zone. And I survived! Now they are my go-to “lift my mood” pants. Think I may have to add a few other colors now too! I’m having way too much fun “creating” with these bottom hues! Sassy’s Pick: dELiAs low-rise skinny jeans in purple.

Okay, followers, I’m making a promise to myself: each day I will get up, put on something weather-appropriate, but fashionable. And I am also promising myself that I will take the TJ Maxx gift card that I got for Mother’s Day and get myself something that will be fun, refreshing, and WAY out of my comfort-zone. How about you? What do YOU plan on doing to get yourself snazzy this spring?????

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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

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Five Things I Am Loving This Fall…

11 Oct

Everything that is associated with fall is enjoyable for me. Pumpkin carving, picking apples, making pies, the bright red and orange leaves, Halloween parties, allergies. Okay, so not everything is enjoyable. But I think the thing I love the most is that coolness in the air that tells me that a new season of fashion trends in here. So what are a few of the things that I will be enjoying this autumn? Take a peek…

1) New Boots – Anyone who follows fashion knows that boots aren’t just for bad weather anymore. In fact, as I look at some of the styles that are popular right now, I am convinced that wearing them on ice and/or snow could be detrimental to your health. Because being sure on my feet is very important to me, my hot boot this season is not too high, slightly chunky, and has a non-slip sole. Plus it’s killer chic with all the hot fashions this season. Kenneth Cole Reaction’s Lead Actress, $129, shoes.com


2) A New Scent – In the fall, I tend to lean towards fragrances that are a little “deeper” when the temperatures get cooler and my new fave is no exception. With top notes including blackberry and plum, mid-notes of burgundy rose and peony, and base notes of dark vanilla bean, balsam, and musks, this new aroma is daring and sensual without losing an ounce of femininity. Plus, it comes in many different forms including a body butter and shimmering body mist. Bath and Body Works’ Dark Kiss, from $5, Bath and Body Works retail stores.


3) Denim Leggings – It took me a little while to fall in love with the skinny jean, but the denim legging was an instant attraction. The fashion possibilities are endless when paired with tops ranging from a slim tank and boyfriend jacket to a long, tunic sweater. Plus they are the perfect love connection when matched with any jazzy style of boot!! Mudd’s Broomstick Skinny Jegging, $22, Kohl’s retail stores and kohls.com


4) A Trendy Hat – With accessorizing in the spotlight nowadays, nothing screams chic more than an in-style hat. Plus, in my wardrobe it serves two purposes: not only does it add a bit of pop to an already contemporary outfit, but it is also a great way to hide some unruly hair on a bad weather day! mark’s Put a Lid on It Hat, $16, local Avon representatives or avon.com


5) A Yummy Lip Gloss – Cooler temps mean drier skin… especially lips! Trying to keep my lips moist and colorful at the same time has always been a challenge for me. This year, I found a lip product full of glossy color with a moisturizing shine. And my favorite flavor is a tasty, neutral shade that provides a nude sparkle when worn alone or a pearl shimmer when worn over a favorite lipstick color. Bonnebell’s LipLITES Vanilla Swirl, from $4, drugstores or retail establishments


Take some time and have fun creating your own seasonal ensemble, fashionistas! I’m off to create some jazzy looks of my own.

But first?… I have a nice cup of hot cider with cinnamon schnapps calling my name. Fall yumminess at its BEST!!

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1st Annual “Sassy’s Slammin Style Awards” (part two)

14 Mar

Today, I will conclude my 1st Annual Sassy’s Slammin’ Style Awards. A couple of weeks ago, I handed out the little bronze shoe award to different items in the field of fashion and accessories. Today I will honor items that were discovered this year that keep me looking my youthful best on a day-to-day basis. These skin care and makeup products might not be new to the retail market, but they are new in my routine. Maybe they came my way via a sample, advertisement or referral. No matter. They are award-worthy. So, a round of applause to…..

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Best Performance By A Facial Moisturizer

moisturizerRÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E.™ Superior Lifting Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen by Lancome – Just like a movie trailer, samples are a tease to get the public interested in their feature so when it becomes available, you’ll want to be the first in line to be a part of it. That’s how I was lured into falling in love with this moisturizer. Lancome managed to put  age-fighting ingredients as well as a decent SPF into this rich cream that keeps my face smooth all day long. After one week of usage, I noticed an immediate difference in the texture and tone of my face. I no longer had uneven redness, my fine lines were less noticeable and my face was softer. With most products that contain an SPF, I was worried my sensitive skin would freak out, especially since it contained so many other high tech ingredients. But after using it the first week, I was happy to see that it didn’t. I was also very happy that I was able to find ONE product that was able to do the job of three. The price, I will say is steep ($80)! But the jar is quite large and the amount you use is very small. I think it is very possible that it will last well over 6 months. (Available at Sephora.com)

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Best Performance By An Eye Cream

eye-creamEye Believe by Philosophy – If keeping your face looking young is as important to you as drinking bottled water, then keeping your eyes looking young and wrinkle-free should be as important as taking the cap off of the bottled water! It is a fact that your eyes are one of the key indicators of aging. You want an eye cream that keeps the skin in the eye area moist and well hydrated. BUT… here’s the key… if you get a cream that is too rich, you can actually clog the small pores around the eye causing tiny clusters of little white bumps. That’s bad. Very bad. I tried this eye cream for a week and loved it almost immediately. It’s a silky cream that isn’t too heavy or thick, but still has all of the age-fighting peptides that are crucial in youthful looking eyes. It glides on with a powder-like finish so you can put your makeup on right over it and not have to worry about any greasy residue causing your eye makeup or foundation to slide off your face. Again, a little goes a long way. I’m just finishing up my first tube, and I’ve had it for almost a year. (Available at Sephora retail stores and Sephora.com)

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Best Designer Performance By A Drug Store Product

shimmer1Lip Shimmer by Burt’s Bees – The name Burt’s Bees is as well-known in the glamour industry as Coke is in the area of beverages. I will admit, I’ve read and heard fabulous things about their lip products but had never bought a single item. Every makeup review site I have ever written for or looked on has endless compliments about the Lip Shimmer products. Maybe I was just being a makeup snob, thinking that an inexpensive skinny little drug store tube could actually be so great. Well, I guess the crowd was right on this one! This long-lasting sheer shimmered color infused into a vitamin-enriched, natural balm is perfect for moisturizing my lips for an extended period of time and giving them a designer look. Plus the slight mint tingle is soothing as well. Available in 11 various colors, this little goodie is now a constant in my purse while being easy on the wallet! (Available at most drug and retail stores)

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Best Supporting Role In A Hair-Styling Situation

hairstufffrizz Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Cream (for Medium to Thick Hair) by Living Proof – While returning a hair product that I had purchased recently because it basically turned my hair into a glob of matted muck, my favorite salesgirl clued me in to this hot new product. She told me that The Today Show featured the frizz line on a recent episode, and before 5pm they were completely sold out of the product. What makes Living Proof’s line of anti-frizz products so unique is that they are designed for several different types of hair. They have specific items just for fine/medium, medium/thick and thick/course hair. And if you aren’t sure exactly what group you are in? They have a guide to help you find your formula. I have just a touch of wave in my color-treated, thick hair and I wanted a product that would enhance that without making it feel gluey. I wanted something to moisturize my hair while still controlling frizz. I don’t ask for much, do I? But they had exactly that! Not only was this light, nicely scented solution able to do all of what I wanted, but they also managed to create it in a way that actually repelled dirt! If I don’t wash my hair on Day 2, it’s no big deal… it looks just as fresh, soft and clean as it did on Day 1. Say goodbye to hiding under the hat on bad hair days!! (Available at Sephora retail stores and Sephora.com)

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Best Performance By A Foreign Fragrance

perfume1L’Eau The One by Dolce & Gabbana – Sometimes you will get a whiff of a fragrance that smells totally unique, completely different from any other scent that you usually wear. It intrigues you so much that you keep sniffing your wrist or the little cardboard card where you spritzed a test spray to see if it jazzes you as much after an hour as it did when you first tried it. That’s what I did when I tried D & G’s newest fragrance. Its description of having a “fruity, head-turning twist” is dead on. It is a more glamorous scent with a hint of diva-tude than your average citrus-infused perfume, but still appealing enough to wear with anything and everything… from jeans and a glitter t-shirt to a backless evening gown. (Available at Nordstrom.com)

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