Tag Archives: jeans

Fall Things I DON’T Need…….

14 Oct

The time has come to start swapping out a few of my summer dresses, sleeveless tops, lightweight tees and sandals for some longer sleeves, warmer tops, funky shoes and chic sweaters. I love fall. I’d rather layer it on than sweat it off. Move the shorts and capris over for some darker pants and jeans. As I pack things away, label storage bins and starting bringing out the fall fashions and accessories, I’m realizing I’m pretty stocked. My ensemble from last year is still in good shape and pretty current with the fashion trends. In fact, some things I have in abundance. Almost to the point of too many. As I check out the things I have for the change in seasons, I’m not quite sure what I do need but it is pretty obvious what I don’t!

These items that are overflowing my closet and drawers I have decided to put down in print, so I can share them and look back once in a while to remind myself, “Sassy, good heavens, do NOT buy another one of those.” I hope that works. Sometimes a good deal makes it difficult to say no. Here are a few of my “you don’t need anymore of these” items this season:

1) Boots — Holy smokes, I went boot crazy last year! When the new season came this year, I quickly picked up a pair of dressy beige boots which were the only ones I thought were a true necessity. I wanted to get them early before the good styles sold out. Then I decided to also get myself a pair of killer black leather riding boots that would go with everything. Now I am set. I have all colors needed for my ensemble, all fashionable styles, and all heel heights are represented as well. It is time to step away from the boots….. step away, step away. Sassy grabbed: Guess Black Riding Boots, $79.99, TJMaxx



2) Eye Shadows — I decided to reorganize my makeup drawer recently, sorting out all of my glamour items that I have collected over the years. Even after throwing out old items that probably weren’t “healthy” anymore, I realized the amount of eye shadows I still have is flat out embarrassing. Granted, I probably didn’t buy many of them (I sample a lot for various companies) but still… I have them. I have them divided up between creams and mineral shadows, then sorted by highlighters, lid colors and accent shades. In addition to all of those, I probably still have 15 color pallets from different brands with all combinations imaginable. It’s shameful. Even if I didn’t have a color I wanted (which I can’t see happening), I probably could create it with a multitude of my mineral shades. Just a little mixing of this and that and whala!!… A color is born. It’s time to stay away from ALL shadows. No more. However, if you’d like me to test or try a sample or brand…. send it over! I’ll never turn down a sample! The only thing I realized that I did need was a good shadow base to help even out my lids and hold all these colors I have… so THAT I got! Sassy grabbed: LA Minerals Eye Fix in Fair, $12.99, laminerals.com



3) Jeans — It’s obvious I love my denims. Up until about 15 years ago, I never wore nice jeans. They never fit well. Now, between changing styles and adding a few pounds in the right places, I love-love-love my jeans. Boot cut, skinnies, jeggings… doesn’t matter. I’ve got them all. I may find a pair or two at the store that is a brand that yells “Deal! Deal!” and I have to buy them. They speak to me! But for the most part, with the new season upon us, I’m good on denims. Now granted… if any nice colored jeans come out for fall, or patterned jeggings (animal print! cough..cough..), I may have to reconsider a small purchase. Which I already did. Sassy grabbed: Princess Vera Wang Feather Printed Skinny Stretch Jeans, $28.99, Kohl’s



4) Anything on summer clearance — Holy smokes, put a red markdown tag on something fashionable and I am drawn to it like steel to a magnet. Sure, a $5 cami or a $7 graphic tee is definitely a scream of a deal, but the fact remains I have MORE than enough to wear something different every day for three months and still have a few left over without doubling up. And NO I can’t say that I can just jazz it up with a cute cardi for winter because I have enough of those too! I’m such a sucker for a red tag. For all that is good for my well being (and the well being of my checking account), I have to steer clear of the clearance department. Period. (But before I did…) Sassy grabbed: Apt. 9 Gold Sequined Tank Top, $20.00, Kohls



Now that I know what I DON’T need, it’s obvious with changing styles and hot colors that there will be a couple of things that I will need to add to keep my look current. Not much and not a lot cost wise, just enough to keep things fresh and edgy. It really doesn’t take an entire credit card and a van to turn last year’s blahs into this year’s wows. So I will stay away from the big items I don’t need and just keep my eyes open for a few little accessories and add-ons to give last year’s fashions a splash of pop for today!!

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.

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!

Yes, Be “Blue” This Summer!

27 Jul

Have you ever had something that you’ve had to do—like laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc.—and you just stare at it, like you are waiting for it to do something by itself? Yeah, Ive been doing that with my laptop lately. I know my blog has been neglected. I even have things I want to write about, but the “oomph” just hasn’t been there. Every day, Mr. Sassy can’t wait to go out with his camera and take photos that move him. Why do I need a kick in the arse to get going? Do they sell bottles of motivation at the drug store? I guess if they put them next to the nailpolishes, I would have found them by now. Sigh.

Well, this week I did do something that was a bit out of the ordinary for me. I spun the color wheel and found myself a new shade that I chose to wear that wasn’t predominant in my closet. It was way out of my comfort zone, yet still looked good with my red hair! What color is that? Sea Blue! It is such a fun color because you can mix and match it with other bold colors such as neon yellow or hot pink to create a head-turning look. And you can accessorize it with chunky chains, bows and bangles to really make your look pop. So what are a few of my new blue hues that I’m jazzing on? Take a peek:

L.E.I. Junior Colored Skinny Jeans – Don’t miss out on this fashion fad—everyone needs at least one pair of brightly colored skinny jeans. And these ones fit the job perfectly, pardon the pun. Available in five different colors, I decided to go with a pair in “Lake Blue” since it would fit nicely into my wardrobe. The material is a bit lighter-weight than traditional denim, but has a lot of stretch to them. They can be worn casually with tennies and a graphic tee, or dress them up with a pair of spiked platforms and a long cami. No matter how you pair it, don’t miss out on this hot fashion trend this summer! (Walmart, $15.88)

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow – It’s summer. You want to look good for as long as possible without your makeup running down your face from the heat and humidity. If you are in need of an eye shadow that can go the distance all day without creasing, fading, or running, this is THE eye shadow to wear. To match my skinny jeans, I grabbed a one of these long-wearing cream shadows in “EndlessSea” which goes on bright and beautiful! Wear it as a bold liner on top and bottom lids, or give you eyes some pop by applying lightly from lashline to brow bone on top. However you wear it, you will really like this color and love its 24 hour wear! (Walmart and other retail distributors, $6.97 and up)

Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color – The newest accessory this year is decorated nails and Sally Hansen has all the items you need to bling out your manicure and pedicure. I love this nail polish in “Bling-tastic” which is a multi-hued blue jammed with glitter and sparkle. Wear several coats alone for nails with pop, or use it as a top coat over a shade like coral or yellow for a colorful mix. Keep your nails looking their best in blue and make them an attention-getter with this bright blue Gem Crush nail color!! (Walmart & other retailers, $6.24 and up)

In your mind, you might be thinking that the summer is half over because it’s already the end of July. But don’t let that make you “blue”. Take that flashy color and put it in to your closet and makeup drawer to give your look a bit of an edge this season. From head to toe, you can brighten your ensemble and turn some heads with a blast of blue that will be sure to turn heads as you strut your new bold look and fun burst of color!!

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?????

Make Your Statement With Shoes!

30 Mar

Okay, today was not a good day for me. It was not a sassy day at all. It was a day that started with an “s”, that’s for sure, but we’ll keep this blog PG. Just before I went to bed last night I noticed my right eye was getting itchy. Because my immune system is not as great as your average healthy person’s, I figured I would try and stop any type of infection the second I felt something unusual. I removed my contact lenses, removed all my eye makeup (nothing new worn, nothing out of the ordinary), and then washed my face by removing my makeup with organic coconut oil and giving it a light cleansing with Aveeno Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin. Then I flushed my eye out with saline solution, and went to bed with the hopes that all would be good in the morning. Right?

Wrong.

When I woke up today, my eye was stuck shut with yuck and when it was open, it was as red as a beet. I’ve worked in doctors’ offices before. Eye doctors in fact. I know a case of pink eye when I see it. And as blurry as my vision was, I could see I had a classic case of conjunctivitis. One phone call later, I was going to be heading out to the doctor. Oh yay, just how I want to spend my weekend. The nurse on the phone was strict with her instructions–she said keep my hands clean, wear my glasses, wear no makeup, and be there in 3 hours. Fun, fun, fun.

Well, it wouldn’t take me long to get ready. Without makeup or hairspray, that shaves 30 minutes off my getting ready routine. So for me to feel even remotely sassy today, it was going to all be up to the clothes. And honestly?… all I wanted to do was wear a pair of comfy jeans and a cozy shirt. Nothing runway gasping. Oh but wait! I was wearing skinny jeans, so I could REALLY make a statement with my footwear. I had the options of boots, heels, or flats. What to do, what to do.

I figured that I would be comfortable and wear my flats. Oh but not just any flats. I decided I was going to wear my pewter-studded Calvin Klein “Morgan” flats that I found on a killer sale at Macy’s two months ago. They were a one-of-a-kind design and only a limited number of pairs were released. (I did my research with my iPhone!) They were originally $80, on sale recently as low as $60. But these little beauties had made it to the 50% off rack. So I asked… yup, they were only $29.99. And… AND… I had a $5 coupon! BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL!! There was only one pair in the entire store (records showed they only had five to begin with) and this pair was in my size. They fit like they were made for me. Had to buy them. Just had to.

So I wore them today to the doctor’s office with my skinny jeans and a teal rouched tunic from Body Central, one of my favorite online clothing stores. The minute I walked into the reception area, the assistant told me she absolutely loved my shoes. Oh cool! She didn’t realize my eye was swollen shut and I had no makeup on. I made my statement with my shoes! Oh it didn’t end there either. When I went to pick up the prescription for my pink eye, the pharmacy assistant said in the cutest voice, “Oh my, I just love your footwear!” She sounded so sweet! I thanked her, bragged a bit that it was a fab fashion find, and then got my meds and went home. Even feeling like crud with a sticky eye, blaring headache, and tired body, it was nice to know I could still put myself together enough to attract a fashion conversation! One pair of shoes changed how I felt for the day. Not bad. Not bad at all.

(Of course, I had to go home and disinfect everything I had worn or touched in the past day. This included cleaning all of my makeup brushes and taking care of my liners and mascara. We’ll have to talk about this very soon because taking care of your makeup and accessories is very important since it is a bacteria breed ground! ICK!)

Do you have anything fashionable that is a must when you need to lift your mood when you’re not feeling your best? We talked about how doing something simple like changing handbags can make you smile, but what about a favorite piece of clothing? Something that always brings a smile to your face or lifts your sad or sick spirits? Tell me about them or send a photo! I’d love to know and would really love to see it!!

Sassy’s Outfit Of The Day

29 Mar

A lot of bloggers do this every day. They write what they’ve worn, the makeup they put on, the skin care routine they did. I’m an okay fan of that. I like to see what people are wearing. Just not every day. So sometimes, like today, I’ll write up my blog post with my “Sassy Outfit”. I’ll tell you right now, you most likely won’t see anything show stopping. I am a stay at home mom of thee kids (two teens, one husband…LOL) and dolling up isn’t all that for me when I’m just going to the pharmacy to pick up a new bottle of Pepto and an Easter card for my mom. But I think it is nice to know that you can look decent–stunning if you want–even in everyday life while doing everyday things. It doesn’t have to be about sweats and tees all the time. Really…. step away from the fleece. Come here… step away.

So here was today’s routine:

SKIN CARE:
Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser
Ole Henriksen Total Truth Eye Creme SPF 15
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collegen Booster
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15

…….
all available at OleHenriksen.com

MAKE UP:
L’Oreal Paris Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation (CVS)
LA Minerals Blush in Cheerleader (LAMinerals.com)
Jesse’s Girl Highlighter Eye Shadow in Starshine (Rite Aid)
Mineral Elegance Mineral Eye Shadow in Steel (MineralElegance.com)
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Creme Eye Liner in Coal Commander (CVS)
Covergirl Lastblast 24 Hour Mascara in Very Black (Walmart)
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Lipcolor in On and On Orchid (Walmart)
Kim Kardashian Rollerball Perfume (Sephora)

FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES:
Grey Belted Tunic Sweater (TJ Maxx)
dELiAs Mogan Dark Wash Skinny Jeans (Peter Harris Clothing Outlet)
Groove Grey/Black Lace-Up Boots (Marshalls)
Sterling Silver Large Hoops (TJ Maxx)
Bongo Silver Charm Watch Bracelet (Sears)
Kathy Van Zeeland Animal Print Denim Bag (TJ Maxx)

Nothing too fancy, nothing too chic, but it was an outfit to make me feel good from head to toe and turned heads with its current style. And expensive?… not at all. The most expensive thing I bought for this outfit was the purse. And it’s price? $30… last year. See?… you don’t need to win the Mega-Millions to look and feel fab-tabulous. (But hellz to the yeah, it would help!)

The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 7

22 Jan

Oh I really am a slug aren’t I. I mean over ONE MONTH since I last posted? I’m thinking I have to stop thinking of this as a project and keep it light like I’m writing in a diary. Hmmm. Now that I think of it, my diary entries weren’t great when I was a teen. Someone stole someone’s boyfriend, fire alarm in the middle of 2nd period during the pouring rain, pop quiz in trig. Maybe my adult diary of fashionista me can be a little jazzier, less boring, and not Midol necessary. I think I can do that.

Let’s get this finished up first: My Ten Day “You” Challenge. Day seven is seven wants. This could be easy…. This could be hard. I don’t want it to seem like a bucket list, so I think I will focus on the things I want in 2012. This year. Immediate or short-term wants. I can also think of some as goals too. Okay. Here we go.

Seven Wants

    1. To have my skinny jeans fit me the way they used to.

    2. More laughter, less pain.

    3. A pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.

    4. To write an article, a review, or ANYTHING that will put my name in print in one of my favorite fashion magazines

    5. An interview with a “star” that I can write about with passion!

    6. To find a way to re-organize my closet in a way that would make even Carrie Bradshaw say, “Good job, girl!”

    7. Stay grounded.

It’s here. The time has come. It’s time I start preparing myself for some big things this year. Big things. Things that I can call my own. Things I can get the credit for. Things that will make me a household name! Okay… I might be thinking crazy big here. But you know what they say…. especially in the fashion and glamour industry??

The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 9

19 Nov


I never said that my Ten Day “You” Challenge would be done in exactly 10 days., now did I? Okay, so I’m a tad inconsistent (and noticeably lazy) lately. Work with me people….

Where were we? Oh, yeah, so today is Day 9–Nine Loves. This will certainly be easier than the ten secrets. I could put my husband down nine times but I’m sure that’s would not be very soul-searching of me. So, let’s dig a little deeper….

Nine Loves

    1. My fabulous husband

    2. My two great kids

    3. My kittie cats (all five–yes I said five–of them)

    4. Pistachio ice cream

    5. Fall

    6. Jeans (All brands, all styles, all prices!)

    7. Writing about makeup and fashion

    8. Designer handbags

    9. A fabulous steak dinner, complete with baked potato & sour cream

I probably could change the list each week — adding things some days, taking things off on others. The above nine, however, will always stay the same. Of course there is one thing I didn’t put down but I don’t think I should have to. In fact, it should be so much of a given that is should be everyone’s number one. And what is that great love?

Yourself.

That doesn’t mean you have to be a narcissist or egotistical. It just means you have to love who you are, what you are, where you’re at, and where you’re going. Getting to that point doesn’t happen in days, months or even years. In fact, many aren’t at that point yet at all. And that’s okay. For some it’s a work in progress, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Because the key word there to remember is this: progress.

I challenge all of you to enjoy your loves…. if possible, every day of your life!!

Letter From “The Editor” – Color My World

23 Nov

As I flipped through the fashion magazines that have been sent to me so far this month, one of my magazines really caught my interest. It wasn’t its beautiful fashions, make up looks, hair styles or flashy ads that made me take notice. It was its editor’s letter. Although I know that all magazines have a Letter from the Editor, it made me think about me and my own blog. I realize that each of my blog entries is written from the heart to all of my readers, kind of like a personal letter to each of you. I thought though that it might be nice to do my own version of a magazine’s Editor’s Letter and maybe start a new monthly trend. So here we go…


As I look at the load of laundry on my bedroom floor, I am mentally categorizing which basket I will have to put each piece of clothing in when I bring it to the basement to wash. I see jeans, a black sweater, a black pair of pants, a white t-shirt, a black sweater, a grey cami, a black cami, another black sweater, ANOTHER black sweater, a grey sweater, a grey cardigan, black socks, white socks, a black cardigan, a black pullover. Oh, and a purple tunic. ONE colorful item. You sensing a trend here?  Approximately 20 pieces of clothing, and only one of them had a color that did not appear on a TV show till after 1956. How come I didn’t notice until now that I was about as colorful as a character from one of the first episodes of “The Dick Van Dyke Show”?


When I go clothes shopping with my daughter, she always yells at me saying I seem to leave with tons of colorful bags, but they all seemed to be filled with items from the same color line: black and white. *Sigh* She is right. I must confess… I am afraid of color. I think that is because I have a powerfully pale skin tone and raging auburn red hair, and I feel that wearing color might draw attention to a potentially huge multi-hued faux pas. A horrific clashing of my coloring with my fashion shades. So I stick with blacks, whites, and shades that fall in between. The ultimate in safe. Only last year did I add two new colors to my wardrobe—purple and brown. Not really vibrant, huh? Sure, I have maybe an item or two of some other colors–lime green, gold, turquoise. But there they sit, tucked away in the back of the closet, sad and virtually unworn. Yawn.


Although standing out is something I never wanted to do in high school, I actually embrace it now that I’m older. The problem is I like to stand out with new styles, not new colors. I have a jazzy new pair of platform boots. In black. I just received a stylish ruffled cardigan. In white. And I have an awesome fleece zebra-print belted jacket. Yup, of course, in white and black. I need to change my mindset. Fast. I need to put myself out there. Now that I think about it, I ask myself why haven’t I taken notice of this sooner? I have to say that wearing bright colors in fashion brings about a newer sense of confidence when I wear them. They are a mood lifter, a smile maker. They make me walk taller and encourage me to make eye contact with people that I hope will walk away and wonder, “Hmmm. Who is she?” Why wouldn’t I want that feeling more often???


Tomorrow I am heading out to the mall to take my cousin, who is visiting from Italy, shopping at some of the popular stores here in America. Being so close to the holidays, I most likely won’t be buying a lot of things. But I will make a promise to myself to get one thing—a sweater, a top, a jacket—that stands out and makes me feel good about me. Something bright and totally out of my element! I challenge you to do the same. Step outside of your fashion comfort zone. Go ahead be bold… I dare you!!!