Tag Archives: spring

Yeay!….Spring?

24 Mar

According to the calendar, spring came on Monday this week. As I sit here at my desk, you might not believe that. There is a still a coating of snow on the ground from a two foot storm we got LAST week. Some of it has melted but today the temperature is bordering on freezing so the rain that is falling right now is a combination of rain, freezing rain and sleet. Fun, fun. Let your inner self feel my excitement. Can you? Yeah… I can’t either.

With the date saying one thing but the skies saying something else, what are glamour and fashionistas to do when they want to add a few new things to their fashion/glamour collection but don’t know how to integrate them into this fickle weather? I have been looking carefully for things that I can use now but can also transfer into my regular spring routine (or even summer!) when the temps balance out to where they should be. It can be frustrating, but if you do your research there are a few things you can grab now that will be great for this time of year AND continue to be a plus as the weather continues to brighten up.

So what has Sassy been using lately? Here are a few things you may want to check out:

**Victoria Secret PINK Hoodie** – A hoodie of any sorts is a great seasonal transitioning piece. If it’s cold, wear it under a warm jacket. If it’s warmer, wear it under something lighter like a leather coat. If it is getting “warm”, wear a jazzy tee and leave the hoodie opened up. The thing that is nice about a hoodie is that they are so versatile that you really can wear any type and any color in ANY season. Since spring is here, I thought I would add a really nice pastel pink hoodie to my collection. I own no pink clothes. No really…nothing. I never thought it looked good with my auburn hair. But the shade I recently got looks really awesome. The color is flattering, the hoodie fits well, it is warm…. oh! And it was on sale! Cha-Ching! This is a great item to find on sale now so keep your eyes open for one you like.
Victoria’s Secret, prices vary by style.

**DSW’s Black Ballet Flat** – A few days ago, it was nice enough out for me to put aside boots and high-top sneakers and actually pull out a pair of flats to wear with my skinny jeans. Woo Hoo! Well, that was until I tried on the pair I wanted to wear. I couldn’t even get my toes into them! I have put on a couple of WANTED and NEEDED pounds over the winter and it seems some of it went to my feet. Maybe? It could also be from the foot surgery I had almost two years ago. I went through and tried on all my flats and realized I need about three different styles of black flats. I ordered a pair of ankle lace ups, a pair of fancy small wedges and a cool pair of flats with “studs”. Thankfully, all the other flats I have fit just fine. Flats are a must-have shoe style when the temperatures start to rise. It may be too warm for boots, but it may be way too cool for sandals. Flats come in all styles now so don’t be afraid to add a couple of pairs you like.
DSW.com, $39.95

**Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème** – I haven’t been one to use concealer much over the years. I’ve been lucky—the eye creams I have used have treated my eye area nicely, kept away dryness, and have prevented dark circles and fine lines. In my last Sephora order, I got a nice little sample of the KVD Concealer Crème and I put it on my vanity to try. This winter took its toll on my eyes a little bit. Over tired, stress, eye strain, even the sun. But after I tried the sample, I was VERY impressed. I will be honest…my face brightened right up! Not only does it do a great job at hiding little imperfections in the eye area (especially underneath) but it does an amazing job at illuminating my eye area AND face! This is great for this time of year because we often find that we need to moisturize our eyes more during the colder weather, but forget to use a product to brighten the skin around them. As it gets warmer, we can protect them from the sun to keep the eye area bright but often forget to use a gentle moisturizer. While we find the right product(s) that will help keep our eye area from aging, a good concealer can hide little tell-tale signs during the process. Kat Von D’s Concealer Crème does just that! The formula is gentle and the coverage is fabulous!
Katvondbeauty.com or Sephora, $26.00

**TwinMedix Pro: Essentials E5** – About a year ago, I attended The Makeup Show in NYC. It truly was a life changing adventure, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to meet with world-renowned makeup artist James Vincent who was a plethora of knowledge for me. When I mentioned I was frustrated with my sensitive skin and not being able to get my hands on good skin care near me, he told me to talk to Michelle Shaffer with TwinMedix. She was a doll. I explained to her that my skin gets irritated easily and I had to switch out brands and products depending on the season. She introduced me to the TwinMedix Pro line, explaining what each product did. Five simple products was the entire routine for day and night. Easy peasy. I have been using it faithfully ever since that day and my skin has never looked better! The one item, however, that I did not know how to put into the routine was the Essentials E5 product. Come to find out, this product is actually a MUST HAVE especially when seasons are changing. It contains pure Vitamin E which protects the skin from environmental damage while hydrating and soothing skin especially when it is exposed to harsh and changing weather conditions. It also calms sensitive skin like mine. I began to use it like a primer and I have noticed that no matter what it is doing outside, my skin feels soft and protected. I use it daily, along with my other TwinMedix products. It’s nice to have a great base to my look that doesn’t just smooth my skin but nourishes it as well!
TwinMedix.com, $90.00

**Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum** – Winter can do job on our hair. The heat, the cold, the wind, the dry air, you name it. I have a shelf… okay two… of products to use depending on what is up with my hair. Right now? I’ve got some dry ends to deal with. But earlier in the week, my hair felt oily and gummy. Ugh! I can’t keep a ton of things in the shower, so what do I do? Not to mention, my hair is color treated which doesn’t help me try to find products that won’t hurt my “enhanced” auburn tresses either. I try to find the best shampoos and conditioners for what my hair is going through and help it get healthy with those. What’s a challenge is, without extensive research, those two items can either help a lot or do even more damage if it contains chemicals that aren’t good for my hair. But when I get out of the shower, that is when I need a good product to keep my red hair in check. I need something that will smooth without leaving it feeling greasy. I need something that will give it shine without drying it out. I need something that will keep it soft without making it fly everywhere. I need something that will protect it without weighing it down. I need something that can gently “coat” each strand to keep it healthy. Oh…and I need something that can do ALL of that no matter what the weather or temperature is outside. It needs to give me what I need without checking a forecast first. PM’s Super Skinny Serum does just that. No matter what is going on outside, a small dollop of the Serum will smooth fly-away hair on dry & windy days, it will lightly condition and seal your hair strands keeping them healthy, and it will control your hair with a formula that keeps your hair shiny, silky and frizz-free in any weather. It is also an added bonus that the Serum will speed up your drying time so you hair is not wet in unhealthy elements, giving you the results you want in less time. The Super Skinny Serum is perfect for ALL hair types so it allows you to not just get the look you want but will also allow you to add it to your haircare routine without any interference. So no matter what the weather is outside, your hair doesn’t have to become damaged from it–just a bit of Paul Mitchell’s Skinny Serum will lock in the results you want.
Paul Mitchell Salons (see their website for locations), prices may vary.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome in the sunny days of spring? I know I am! Gently convert your wardrobe, skin care and hair care with these items and you can cut out some of the frustration of flip-flop weather and keep your routine on the straight and narrow!!

Please share!—Sassy wants to know what YOU have that helps you transition your fashion and beauty routine between seasons. Do you have any products that helps make these changes easier? Let me know!!

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Sassy’s April Six

1 May

imageCan you be serious…. April is over? It’s MAY? I am the first to say that I have been waiting patiently for longer days and warmer temps for a while now. But wow, April sure flew by. I guess when you are stuck inside during cold, cruddy, wet weather, time flies. At least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself. Work with me.

Even with April flying by, I was still able to find my six monthly gotta-love-’em items. Some came in right under the wire too! So what did Sassy fall in love with last month? Lets take a look:

image1. Kate Spade’s “Live Colorfully” – Samples sell, people…samples sell. This was a scratch and sniff flap sample in one of my glam mags last month. I probably would have purchased a full sized bottle I liked it so much, but I’ve been falling for so many scents with this new season upon us so I decided to get the rollerball. This worked out perfect too because I can just throw it in my purse when I have a long day out of the house. With top notes of mandarin & pink water lily, a heart of golden gardenia & coconut water and nice lingering notes of sheer amber & tahitian vanilla, this light perfume stays with me all day. kate spade nailed this new scent for the season, in a bright crystal bottle with a light, refreshing scent. It combines fun, sexy, flirty and seductive all in one easy-to-wear, easy-to-carry scent. A Nordstrom exclusive! ($24.00)

image2. OPI’s Nail Lacquer in “Pussy Galore” – Go ahead, get the giggles out now. Heck, I did it too. Done? Okay. OPI created a fabulous collection based on fab girls from the James Bond movies. What’s so cool about this line is it is known as “liquid sand”. The polish, when dry, actually feels like you painted your nails then rolled them in…umm…sand! It’s different, it’s funky, and that’s what we love about OPI. The color “Pussy Galore” is a shimmery, sparkly baby pink. It is THE perfect polish if your nails are at an in between stage like mine are now. I broke a few so I had to cut them all down and start over. This color is muted enough to not stand out and scream, “My nails look like baahh!” but gives it enough color AND texture to still look neat. Right now I’m REALLY impressed that I’ve had it on for four days and do not have one chip. I might have to look further into the other colors in this collection! (Available at select beauty stores, $8.50)

image3. Lancôme Paris CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base – Primers are not just hot sellers, but are becoming almost requirements to get the look you want with your makeup, plus get it to stay fresh looking all day. A sweetheart of a girl who works the fragrance counter at my local Macy’s is gorgeous, and one of her best features is her eyes. I asked her what exactly did she used and she showed me. Although I was familiar with the Hypnolash mascara she wore, I wasn’t familiar with this mascara primer. It’s really easy to use…basically goes on with a white base using a regular mascara brush. This pre-lengthens and pre-plumps your lashes, prepping them for whatever mascara you use, helping it to give your mascara its full potential. To combine it with Lancôme’s Hypnose Star Mascara gives you long, lush, full, fluffy lashes that STAY just like the instant you put it on and keeps going ALL DAY. Am I thrilled with adding another step to my routine?…not completely. But the fact that the Super-Enhancing Mascara Base mascara gives my eyes the look of wearing false lashes is totally FAB! Totally worth it—thanks, girlfriend! (Macy’s, $24.00)

image4. Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Overnight Hydrating Cream – I’ve always been a fan of the Yes To brand. It targets specific concerns while keeping true to its promise of a natural, cruelty-free products. I am a big fan of the Yes To Cucumbers makeup remover wipes, so when I won this night cream from a website drawing, I was excited. I won’t lie: I have a nighttime serum that I use faithfully to help cell turnover, exposing younger firmer skin. But it’s a serum and serums target problem areas you want to fix. No matter whether it be day or night, you need a serum to do the dirty work, but you still need a daytime moisturizer with an SPF and a night cream that hydrates and combats aging. I have a lot of moisturizers that I’ve collected over the years, but nothing specifically for night. Yes To Blueberries Overnight Hydrating Cream was exactly what I needed. It is 97% natural, hydrates my skin without making it feel greasy, refreshing scent, and keeps my face smooth. Now the bad news–this specific YTB night cream is no longer available to the public. (*sniff sniff*-tissue please). But the good news it has been replaced by Yes To Blueberries Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. This product is 99% natural and works hard to fight deep wrinkles as well as to hydrate skin. You actually get more benefits with the newer product! I can personally say I have noticed a BIG difference in my skin with this cream. Plus the quantity for the price is AH-MA-ZING! Keeping me looking young is what I want and that is what YTB Night Cream does for for me. (Retail outlets & drug stores, $13.99)

image5. Nuance Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover – Ever since I can remember, I’ve only used two eye makeup removers. After all these years, I now have a conundrum: one of them has gone up in price significantly and the other has been discontinued. Figures. I was given a sample of a high-end solution which I absolutely loved, but the price was really steep. So I headed to CVS to check out other options since they were having a fab skin care sale this week. I happened to stumble upon Salma Hayek’s Makeup Remover. It caught my eye instantly because it had the dual layer formula which is very important when removing waterproof makeup. I did a bit of online research and everyone who had tried it gave it five stars. Good testimonial right there. The regular price for a 4.3 oz. bottle is $7.99, but this week it was BOGO half price. AND I had a $1.50 off coupon. The deal was made. And I’m glad… because its awesome! It’s not greasy at all, has no scent, is very lightweight, and gets off even the toughest waterproof makeup (with glitter too!) I grabbed two bottles which should last for some time. I may even have to check out Salma Hayek’s other beauty items when I go back to the store! (CVS, $7.99)

image6. GUESS Kate Skinny Black Jeans with Side Lace Up – Okay, I’m sure the description alone sounds like something out of a Harley Biker Wear catalog. But it’s not. In fact, these jeans scream “Rockstar!” Low rise, true black denim pants with a crisis-cross lace design down on each outer side. They look hot, they make you feel sexy, they fit in all the right places and they are to die for. Nothing cutting, creasing, or wedging in the wrong places. I swear these jeans were made for me! In fact, so did Ian, my sales associate at GUESS! I’d LOVE for you to see an actual picture of them but they are SO NEW that they haven’t made it to the advertising phase yet. (I love being the new girl on the block.) The picture shown is the same pants in brown faux suede, so you get an idea. I have to say, without a smile, that these were the most expensive pair of jeans I have ever bought. And if I didn’t think they’d get worn or didn’t fit that good, I would not have bought them. But oh baby….. I WILL get my money’s worth and then some. And then some more! (GUESS retail stores, $148)

I have to say, I was worried early in the month. I wasn’t buying a lot of things and was pretty content with what I was using. Plus the weather is getting warmer so digging out the Spring clothes was like getting a whole new wardrobe! But these fab six managed to make their way into my life, and for that I’m thankful. As always, I encourage you to try one or more of these great products if you are looking for something specific or if you just want to try something new. Sassy likes them. I hope you do too! And of course, if you do?… LET ME KNOW!!

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The Midlife Crisis of a Sassinista….

14 Apr

MidlifeCrisis
Okay, so this post doesn’t have a whole lot to do with fashion and glamour. In a way it will, since my solutions include them. But it’s more about feelings. Oh, see? There goes all the male readers, shutting down their iPads and heading to the fridge the minute they read the word “feelings.” Most men will agree that women + feelings + emotions + conversation = MIGRAINE or DISASTER. Scotch or exercise. Or doing anything that hasn’t been done in months around the house that suddenly needs tending to, so they can avoid the topic like the plague. (“Yeah, umm, honey? I’m going to take care of that thing by the shed. You know, that thing!”) I truly believe emotional fashionistas are walking time bombs. We are one sad news story or spilling wine on a white bebe top away from just losing our shit. And it’s not pretty. OH, it’s not pretty at all.

I go through this stage–lasting from a day to a month–probably once a year or so. It happens more frequently than before so I kind of write it off to a midlife crisis…that happens frequently. So you see, this isn’t new to me. When it does happen, it tends to happen in winter. Medical professionals might diagnose it as having “SAD” which stands for “seasonal affective disorder”. Doctors are still perplexed about these winter-related shifts in mood. Blah blah Vitamin D deficient, blah blah seratonin decrease, blah blah lack of sun. WHAT-EV-AH! All I know is it makes me feel old and lifeless. This year, I have to say, it didn’t hit till now. A little late this year, according to Dr. Mood Disorders. I’ve been riding pretty steady the past few years, surfing the confident and contentment wave for a while. Happy with my work, happy at home, happy about life. But lately, kind of out of nowhere, I have hit a wall. And I’ve hit it HARD. I am blah about feeling BLAH! Oh, and I refuse to go the “Oh I hate my life. Nobody likes me. My work is so unfulfilling” bullshit route. I know I have good days, days I love! But right now, all I know, is I am having a midlife meltdown. I’m in a solid funk.

What does it feel like when a Sassinista gets in a funk? Anything and everything. (AKA: Be afraid!) To me, I feel “old”, I look “old”, I can’t remember what I said five minutes ago and I already forgot what I was going to say next. I have this pathetic feeling that I everyone I encounter will piss me off, and most times they usually do. Driving to the store gets radioed out to law officers ahead of time that a redhead in a four-wheeled weapon is on the road and all should proceed with caution. I sometimes think I could lock myself in my closet with my iPhone or iPad (of course), a bottle of Red Coke and a box of oatmeal cookies for a week or maybe two and I’d be thrilled. But the fact is, I need to make some changes. And it’s up to me to turn it around.

So how did it come to this? I don’t think I would be wrong in saying that the weather here HASN’T helped. One day it’s sunny, the next it’s cold and windy, sometimes we go for days without any sun. It rains, it snows, it sleets at any given time without warning. (That would be right now in fact.) I could spoil myself at the mall in a pair of leopard espadrilles (that’s a wedge-type sandal) with boyfriend jeans, feeling all primped and pumped, only to leave and see an inch of snow on my car. Like… WTF is up with that! Because of being cooped up through all this, I get stir crazy at home. I sleep a lot, I get restless a lot. I get grumpy a lot. I eat a lot. Or I eat nothing at all! Even if I treated myself to a little “retail therapy” or “food fixation”, I’d feel okay for a bit then I’d feel bad about it later. It’s a vicious circle that I’m just spinning around in, day after day.

So the question becomes… how do I emotionally, physically, mentally and financially get out of this funk without losing a friend, cleaning out the shoe department of Macy’s, making Xanax my meal of choice for breakfast, or just grabbing a few necessities and moving into the shed? The “good” news is I’m not alone with this. (Oh my God, you mean there’s more of me?) Doctors see it all winter long. Some of my friends get in the rut. But I don’t think it’s just a “pop a pill” situation. I think a lot of the fixing has to be done slow, from the inside, and with a lot of help … by myself. Now granted, if I thought this was serious in any way, I’d be at an M.D. in a heartbeat. But since my funk has funked me before (that sounded funny!) it’s a case of just doing little things to slowly get out of this. And with the calendar on my side, there is hope. So I’ve listed some things I do or try to do when I need to do some “funk-busting”. These things are not for everyone. Lord KNOWS they aren’t for everyone, but if something tickles your fancy, smile and consider doing it:

Sassy’s Personal Funkbusters:

1). DO SOMETHING…ANYTHING! Laying in bed, shutting yourself away from society is not going to help your blah mood. Even if its just reading a magazine at the book store, hitting a coffee shop with a friend, doing work on the iPad, or taking photos…do SOMETHING out of the house. The fresh air–no matter how cold or wet–is better than being droopy in bed watching endless episodes of Law & Order SVU.

2). Get a haircut. If its been a while, take some time to revamp your hair. You don’t need to do anything drastic either. Your can always try playing with a new color, but I love my auburn and wouldn’t mess with it. But a nice trim, followed by a home warm coconut oil or yogurt masque will give you AND your hair a major boost.

3). Get a manicure. Just to have someone massage then hold my hands then paint my nails for an hour is well worth the small price. Pick out a color that will match the mood you want. Plus salon mani’s are good for you nail strength.

4). Go for a small walk. Yeah, I know… BORING! But go for a walk at the nearest mall. Hell, bring a coffee. Yes, it’s good exercise but take it in as a sight seeing tour. Look at everyone around you. Try to guess what they are thinking. Make up stories for different people. It’s almost like making your own movie in your head!

5). Watch your favorite sad movie. Watch it all alone with a box of tissues and cry your mother-loving eyes out. Sometimes a good cry is cleansing. Think that all these negatives you feel that you are surrounded with are being washed out. Then have an ice cream or a cupcake and depuff your eyes with cold cucumber slices. Shhh. I won’t tell.

6). Play beauty parlor. Put yourself in front of a mirror, drag out every hair styling tool and styling product. Take all your makeup brushes and your glamour selection and go to town. Grab a couple of magazines with new seasonal looks in them and practice. Take a pic or two of each look with your phone so you can see what you like and mistakes you can avoid in the future. Be daring, be adventurous!

7). Go shopping. Yes, retail therapy is costly and only temporary, but you don’t have to let it be. Research local consignment shops and thrift stores in your community. Do some second-hand browsing! It keeps your purchase costs down and local business thriving too.

8). Find a new fragrance. Go to your local high end store and sniff away. Don’t forget to cleanse your senses with coffee beans after every third sniff (just put a few in a zippy bag and bring it along with you.) Also bring two extra baggies with cotton balls in them. After trying as many as you can, spritz your two faves in each bag, zip it up and keep them. Take them home and try them again tomorrow. It sometimes takes a day or so for all the notes to come to the surface. Once you find one that lifts you up?–go for it.

9). Volunteer. Shelters, food banks, hospitals, nursing homes… they are always looking for people to put a smile on their residents faces. Maybe you can do your daughter’s nails or her friend’s nails! You’ll find yourself smiling in no time too!

….and lastly….

10). Get a tattoo or something pierced. Seriously, this is NOT for everyone, but patheticly it is for me. Does pain infliction cause me to feel younger? No, but I gotta say I feel high as a kite for months after I get some new ink. I dunno.

I hope none of you are in a “screw everybody” mood like me, but if you are, take some pleasure in knowing you’re not alone. Let’s hope these blues make way for some bright clear skies, warmer temps, pretty flowers and glamour and fashion galore! Don’t let your mood get the best of you. Chomp away at those blahs, one small bite at a time and soon you’ll be flying high again!

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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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Does 97% Off Work For You?

6 Apr

Yesterday while at the mall, I had to pop into Kmart to grab some Easter things. On my way in, a few sales clerks were putting out the last of the winter merchandise at its final markdown price. What was that final price? $1.99 Wow. The problem? There really wasn’t anything left. Unless you were a fan of red, blue and black tutlenecks and men’s flannel shirts, there wasn’t much style to be found. Or was there…..

I quickly browsed through the half rack of women’s clothing and saw nothing that immediately caught my eye. Then, stuck in between a Christmas Tree sweatshirt and eight red mock tutlenecks was this black and white tunic top. It was made by Kmart’s signature brand and designer, Jacklyn Smith. On the price tag, I was happy to see my size – small – and its original price: $24.99. But right below that, marked down for about the fifth time was a pretty little red sale sticker that said “1.99”. The more I looked at the top, the more I couldn’t figure out exactly what type of top it was. Was it a tunic? Was it a nightshirt? Was it a lounge gown? Beat the heck out of me! All I know was, in my head, I easily pictured it with a pair of leggings, knee-high boots, and a studded belt around the waist–hot things I already had in my wardrobe. I didn’t care what it was. At this point it could have been a Snuggie and I would have made it a fashion trend. It was $1.99!!!!!

So buy it I did. And jazzy I made it! I decided to wear it today since it looked so comfortable and I was running errands where I didn’t want to feel constrained. So I paired it with a pair of Bullhead black denim leggings (Peter Harris Clothes, $5.99), my uber-glitzy BCBGMAXAZIRA black gemstone flats (TJ Maxx, $9.99), a wide elastic studded belt around the middle of the top (thrift store, 50 cents!) and then topped it all off with a black bowed newsboy hat (Marshalls, $6.99). The look was SLAMMING! Not only was it fun, fresh and now, but it was oh so comfy! The most expensive thing I wore today? My perfume… J’adore by Dior (no comment)!

Don’t think when you hit the malls or local stores that just past-season, out-dated merchandise is on the clearance rack. It is always worth a look. Even if something is a little “yesterday”, you might be able to pair it up with something current that you already have, making a tres chic outfit! Just look at me… I might have found a $1.99 nightgown for all I know, but I turned that little beauty into a rocking piece for my Spring wardrobe!

So tell me, fashionistas….. what is YOUR greatest fashion find that you can remember? I guarantee you can think of at least one. (ALL fashionistas remember their greatest finds!!)

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Marvelous Finds In March

14 Apr

My husband just asked me what today’s date was. I honestly had to pull up the calendar app on my iPhone because, frankly, I had no clue. Time seems to have stood still for me because no matter what I am writing—a check, a bill, a letter, a gym excuse my for my kids—I have been putting down “March” on everything. Then it dawned on me when my husband had me check today’s date that I had been writing the wrong date for several weeks. Maybe it is because it just doesn’t feel like spring too much here in Upstate New York yet. Maybe it’s because all of the days feel the same to me lately. My guess? If I refuse to write the real date, life will slow down. Yeah, well, not so much.

So since I am already two weeks behind for all of my April writings, I figured I better chime in quick with my awesome March discoveries before I get them confused with April’s. If I don’t watch myself, I will be writing that my latest fashion find in July was a pair of cashmere gloves. Without further adieu, here are a couple of things that I added to my glamour and fashion collection during March that you may want to look into as well:

1. Grape Seed Oil— I have never hid the fact that I think that several natural oils are fabulous for medicinal, nutritive and moisturizing purposes. Grape seed oil is derived when the light oil is extracted from the seeds of several different kinds of grapes. Mainly, the seeds left over from making wine are used for this purpose. It is wonderful when the oil is used for cosmetics and skin care because the natural anti-oxidants and age-fighting properties found in grapes then get transferred directly onto the skin. Grape seed oil has a built-in astringent quality so it is great for naturally tightening the skin. It also contains linoleic acid which is known for cell repair and renewal, keeping skin at its most youthful state. And finally, because it is a lightweight oil, it is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin providing excellent moisturization—even around the delicate eye area—without clogging pores. I now use grape seed oil every night before bed to moisturize my face and neck, with a little shot on my cuticles as well. My skin has never been so soft and smooth! Available at most supermarkets in the organic oils section

2. NYC (New York Color) Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil— A while back, I had found a great sharpen yourself eyeliner that I insisted would be the pencil I would use for the rest of my life. It wasn’t a big, well-known brand and I could only get it at one store locally. Yeah, well, that changed when I saw the display with my eyeliners in it wearing a big “Clearance” sign on it last month. Damn. Time to start hunting once again. While shopping at my local Wal-Mart one day, I saw a big display for the NYC brand. They had an extensive variety of products and colors at a price that was more than reasonable. I liked the fact they had a waterproof eyeliner that was the kind you sharpen yourself, which is the only kind I will use. After using it only once, I knew it was my new favorite liner. It was soft, easy to apply, and had superb stay power. The color was true and still sharp and strong even when it was time to take it off at night! For those who like these kind of liners, this is a must try. Available at many local retails for less than $4

3. mark Save The Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick— I wish I could take the credit for discovering this item, but all the love has to go to my daughter. She has often asked me if I knew of any acne-treatment companies that also made a concealer that would hide a stubborn pimple while treating it as well. To be honest, it really wasn’t my department. I am the queen of the dry skin, not really a breakout princess. But after doing a bit of research, I saw that mark. had a product that was just what she was looking for. Not only does the concealer stick contains 2% salicylic acid to treat the culprit, but it also comes in four medium-coverage, buildable shades. This little item has become a cult favorite with her friends as all of them love how it hides and treats little flare ups at the same time. Available at Avon.com and through local Avon representatives for $6.

4. Steve Madden’s Shelbi Wedge Sandal— Okay, here’s the story behind this purchase: I had won a gift card from DSW during the holidays. I thought it would be fun to buy a pair of peep-toed boots when they went on sale after the holidays. When the pair I liked arrived at my house, I realized I didn’t like them at all. By this point, it was March and the thought of buying boots was silly and I knew I really should look for a pair of sandals instead. So I went to my local DSW store, returned the boots, and tried on anything and everything that caught my eye. Originally I shied away from wedges because… well…. they just didn’t jazz me. HA! That was until I tried on these little cuties! The heel isn’t too high (2” stacked wedge), they were comfortable as heck and they looked chic and stylish! I grabbed a pair in black. The weather around here finally allowed me to wear them for a full day this week. My feet loved them as much as my eyes. A perfect shoe to wear with jeans, capris or shorts! I love them so much, I think I’ll grab them in the color taupe sometime in the near future. Available at DSW retail stores and DSW.com for $49.95



I think I can finally say that spring is beginning to show itself after a long, hard winter. People are breaking out their bright colors, packing up the heavy sweaters and coats, and everyone is sporting the fashions and glamour of the new season. But as April evolves, are we serious when we say that the dark, cold gloom that hung its head over us for so long must surely gone? Well, if we listen to the gospel of the late Leslie Nielsen from the ever-popular movie Airplane, we would believe it one hundred percent:

“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

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Great Finds In February…

6 Mar

Let’s face it—people are sick and tired of winter. Living in Upstate NY myself, I am so done with the cold air and the snow. Not that long ago, we actually saw temps in the 50’s which felt like a heat wave to us. The only bad thing about that is it melts only SOME of the snow, which runs into the roads, which splashes against the cars, which turns everything outside into a grey, dingy, dirty landscape. If the sun isn’t shining, it is “blah” at its best.

This starts to become the time during the season where we know spring is around the corner and we are getting antsy. Spring fashions are dribbling into stores, fresh fragrances are being introduced, and makeup colors are becoming brighter and fresher. Even though it is still way too early to break out the sandals and sundresses, it doesn’t mean we can’t add a few springtime teases to our lives. Here are a few things I picked up to get me in the mood:

“Carried Away” Select-A-Shimmer Body Lotion – Time to stimulate the senses! I have always been a big fan of body lotions. Not only do I get a light scent that isn’t too overpowering, but I also moisturize my skin at the same time. With key fragrance notes of red raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla, Carried Away is a romantic fragrance with a playful side. Plus, the Select-A-Shimmer lotion allows me to add a little or a lot of sparkle to my skin when I get out of the shower just by a click of the cap. Add more glitz to your arms when wearing a cami, or maybe a little glow on your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Nothing says fun more than a sweet scent with a little bit of shimmer! (Bath and Body Works retail stores & bathandbodyworks.com, $14)

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in “Tickled Pink” – When people think about spring, they usually think about the colors of the flowers that fight their way up towards the sun as the weather begins to warm. Tulips, lilacs and roses do not just put beautiful scents into the air, but also show us new colors to delight our eyes. Putting those colors into your makeup pallet can really give your look a lift and break you out of the winter blahs. “Tickled Pink” is a soft, elegant baby pink that works on almost everyone. Plus, the L’Oreal’s Colour Riche formula goes on smooth and creamy, keeping lips moist with conditioners like Vitamin E. A nice, long-wearing lip color that doesn’t just look luxurious but also won’t break the bank! (local retail stores, $9)

Katy Perry Nail Colours by OPI – Okay, fact is fact: advertising sells. When I first saw the ad for Katy’s new nail colors in my daughter’s teen magazine, I fell in love with them. They were bright, fun, whimsical and… well… oh, so Katy! And if you think this “29+” mom wanted to wear them, you should hear the teen girls talk about them. Especially my daughter! Twice when we went to the retail store that carried them, they were sold out. But then finally… we struck gold! My daughter purchased the “Teenage Dream” which is a true pink glitter polish with all the glitz and glimmer that a girl will love. I myself got “The One That Got Away” which is a deep, dark berry with lots of shimmer. There is also “Not Like The Movies” which is a rich silver with an edge, “Last Friday Night” is a bright blue with fierce glitter, and of course the uber-popular “Black Shatter”–a black top coat with a broken-glass effect which is so chic! Katy’s colors are hot, fresh and in demand by ladies of all ages! (select retail stores, from $5)

Ruched Sublimation Top by Body Central – An airy top with cool shades of mauves and pinks make this pullover easy to wear and a must-have in your closet. A deep v-necked front keeps it sexy, the long-waisted length keeps is practical. Finally, imagine the top being immersed in shimmery silver dots and you have this top that is great for day or nighttime wear. Still a little too cold outside to wear this short-sleeved top alone? Just throw on a lightweight cardigan without it losing its jazzy appeal! (bodyc.com, $19.80)

Believe it or not, the weatherman has predicted I will be getting 6-10” of snow for this evening. No… really. This is not going to deter me from thinking about the brighter days of spring on their way, however. My new scents, shades and fashions will look great when the pastel tulips and the green grass begin to show their weary heads. But until then… *sigh*… I will see what I can do to match up my new February finds with some winter-friendly boots and some warm and cozy gloves. Who knows–maybe I’ll even paint my snow shovel pink. With flowers.

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Spring Is In The Air….

17 Apr

tulipsOkay, the fact is, I’ve been a blogging slug. So much has been going on… such as life!… that my mind has been focused on things other than fashion and glamour. Can you believe that? Even though I haven’t had much time to write about the latest hip styles and products out there, that does not mean I haven’t had time to shop for them. I don’t have to leave my house to be a top-notch fashionista, you know. I can go online and do any research I need to do, and then have my goodies brought right to my doorstep. In fact, one day I had so much stuff come, I considered leaving a fruit and cheese platter outside for the delivery men to pick at.

Since the last time I blogged, a major thing has happened: Spring arrived! Living in Upstate NY, it hasn’t been the most alluring Spring I have seen in my lifetime. To say the least, I have not packed away any of my boots, coats or sweaters. But that doesn’t mean I’m not getting ready for the new beginnings that spring has to offer. So as I expand my closet and cosmetic drawer for the new season, I figured I would let you know what I think are “must have” items right now….

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­ nailpolishA killer Spring-colored nail polish – You’ve spent all winter wearing dark, warm colors to match your cold weather attire. Now it’s time for some fun! Look at the colors of flowers sprouting up around you. Yellow, fuschia, lilac, corals. They are bright and cheery and they just bring a smile to your face whenever you see them. So why not take them with you everywhere by putting them on your fingers and toes!
Sassy’s Fave: Opi’s Nail Colour in “How Cute Is That?”- a vintage pink coral (Sephora.com)

­ eyelinerA stay-put waterproof eyeliner and mascara – With constant April showers bringing May flowers, it’s a necessity that your eye makeup stay put during the seasonal sprinkles and downpours. Even if your eye makeup is water resistant, you may notice it has trouble sitting still on your eyes. Especially if your skin begins to kick in a little extra oil during the more humid days. It may take a little extra time and makeup remover to get off at night, but it will be well worth it during the day!
Sassy’s Faves: Sephora Brand Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (Sephora.com) and Covergirl Waterproof Lash Blast Mascara (most drug stores)

­ bbwA new scent to jazz your senses – You’ve been stuck inside all winter. Imbedded in your brain are the smells of pine trees, musty basements, and wet gloves and scarves. It’s time to open up the windows and immerse your body in a scent that will lift your spirits. Choose something light, maybe with notes of gentle flowers or citrus. And rather hose yourself down with your new fragrance each day, layer it in different ways. Sometimes just a body lotion, dry oil spray or body mist can be just enough to tease the senses!
Sassy’s Fave: Bath and Body Works Signature Collection in “Butterfly Flower” (Bath & Body Works)

­ flatsA pair of metallic flats – No doubt, metals are in!! Silver, bronze and gold. They are adorning our tops, enhancing our jeans, and embellishing our accessories. Bring your new favorite spring outfit to life with a pair of matching flats that coincide with the metal in your attire. Remember, don’t turn yourself into a disco ball. A belt, a pair of jazzy earrings and a matching pair of flat shoes in the same metal shade is just enough to make your look pop!
Sassy’s Fave: Dr. Scholls “Habit” Flats in Silver Metallic (Shoebuy.com)

­ betsypurse1A bold handbag – Remember the day when your handbag had to match your shoes? Basic black, mocha brown, ivory cream. Blah blah blah. It’s time to live a little! Today’s top designers are not afraid to play with colors and patterns as well as rhinestones and studs. And you shouldn’t either! They say a man’s watch is the definition of his style. I think this is true with a woman’s bag. Whether it is a hobo, swing bag, clutch or shoulder tote, step outside the box and have some fun!
Sassy’s Fave: Betsyville’s “Cha Cha Cheetah” Flap Shoulder Bag (Zappos.com)

­ pinktrenchtrenchcoat2A stylin’ trench coat (in fact, at least two!) – Trench coats are this spring’s hottest craze.Coming in endless colors, styles & materials, the fashion possibilities are immeasurable. They can be worn with your fanciest of dresses or to turn a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit into a spiffy statement. Perfect for the ever-changing spring weather, these are priceless for rain or shine!
Sassy’s Faves: Grass Sateen Ruffled Trench Coat in Fuschia (Macy’s) and Wrapper Double Breasted Trench Coat (Kohl’s)

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