Tag Archives: TJ Maxx

New Year…. New Sassy?

31 Dec

untitledIn three days, I will be like the rest of the world, joining together to ring in the new year. I hear so many people say, “Oh, I will be so happy for 2015 to come to end.” I’ll be honest, that kind of makes me sad. Sure, there are things that I wish I didn’t have to go through this past year. We all can say that about one thing or another. But the question becomes simple: If you hadn’t gone through this or that, would you have become someone other than you are now? And would you be happy with that new person? Hmmm. As much as I’d love to hand back a few of the cards I was dealt this year, the fact remains that each of those “cards” changed me in one way or another. Some made me grow, some enlightened me, others were scary, some even caused me great pain. But as I sit here at my desk in The Loft, I realize that all of those things, grouped together, have put me right here. And…. I kind of like that. I am happy. I am well. I am enlightened. I am more informed. Does that make me a new person? Nah. It just makes me more insightful. And that’s not so bad.

As the ball is prepared to drop in Times Square soon, I took some time to look back at the things I did want to do this year but didn’t. They aren’t really all fashion and glamour oriented, but some are. I’m sure as the year moves along, I will think of others. Let’s just say it is kind of a bucket list for 2016. But I have to say, a bucket list covers a really large span of time. I am just thinking of the here and now, no farther than the end of 2016. It kind of makes the goals a little more focused and attainable. So what would I like to do this coming year? These are some definites:

270665_1345_11) Get to NYC to see Fashion Week in the fall.This item is on my REAL bucket list, but I’ll be honest… I’m tired of waiting for the right time. Or more so, I am tired of waiting for it to happen. So, I have decided to just MAKE it happen. As a fashion & glamour writer, I have a lot of friends that I have made in this industry. I am going to do whatever I have to so I can be there. I don’t mean just walk around the streets of Manhattan, hoping to bump into Michael Korrs or Betsey Johnson either. I mean go with a purpose: to watch and write. I will grab the first train out of my hometown, iPad in hand, and sit in the crowd with just like me. People that love fashion, that are interested in new trends. On the inside I will be doing cartwheels, but on the outside I will be smiling and composed, knowing I’ve earned my spot there. And it will be FABULOUS! Sassy may want: a nice, chic briefcase/carry-all to hold her notepad, laptop, iPad, pens, pencils, datebook, etc. like Henri Bendel’s West 57th Briefcase in black, $398.00. Available at Henri Bendel’s website.

VS Pant2) Enjoy nature more. I started doing this a little bit at the end of this year, and found I had been secluded in my own little world too long to not spend time with Mother Nature the way I had when I was a kid. There is too much technology around us to keep us enthralled, allowing us to forget about the beauty right outside of our window. When I wrote my first article from The Loft, all I had was a laptop, a cup of tea, a beautiful view of a park in fall, and an idea. After I took my first walk in the park, I felt so much more of me had pushed back for whatever reason. Maybe it was my health, my J*O*B, my family or my feelings of responsibility to take care of those around me first. Sure, those things are important and always will be. But to lock myself away and not enjoy the sound of a spring rain, the warmth of the summer sun, the beauty in the colors of autumn or the child within during a first snowfall is a crime to myself. I will embrace the outdoors more to give me a clear mind, body and soul. Sassy may want: some comfortable outdoorsy clothes like Victoria’s Secret PINK Gym Pant in Marl Grey, $54.95 and PINK Athletic Crew Tee in White/Black Orchid, $24.95. Available at VictoriasSecret.com

SBS-6534813) Do my own manicures regularly. Okay, I know that sounds silly but it is actually is a big deal for me. For the longest time, when anyone asked me what my biggest accomplishment was in my life, I would say it was when I stopped biting my nails. You have NO IDEA how huge that was for me. I compared it to quitting smoking cigarettes—two packs a day even! It was my vice when I was bored, nervous, thinking, you name it. Then, literally out of the blue one day, I decided to stop. I had a fake set of nails put on and I loved how they looked but at that time in my life, I couldn’t afford to maintain them. Then I realized I was ready. I didn’t have to convince myself I needed to do it to keep myself healthy. There was nothing really that I needed to do it for. Except myself. So I did. I just stopped, cold turkey. Since then I have let my nails grow out, trimming my cuticles and keeping my hands soft. I asked other beauticians what is the best thing I can do to keep them strong. I follow their advice to the letter. Now, my only problem is keeping them looking fresh when I go about my other job. I’m always bumping them into metal furniture, equipment, you name it and I will get a chip on the second day. OR if I find a really good polish that lasts, I will use my nails as a “tool” which wears down the polish on the tips. I know I shouldn’t, but if I need to get a piece of tape off a box, scrape something off the top of the stove or use them to grab a tack or nail, they will surely chip or thin out. The best thing I can do is keep my hands soft, keep my nails strong, and use the best products to keep my polish on the best that I can. And if they do start looking ratty?…. redo them FAST! Sassy might want: ORLY’s Website Nailtrition, $11.29; Nail Lacquer in Gorgeous, $7.69; Glosser Professional Topcoat, $8.79. Available at Sally Beauty’s website.

TJMjeans4) Spend even more wisely. When it comes to my shopping “addiction”, I am better than most when it comes to how much I spend and what I spend it on. I am, however, a terrible impulse shopper and that seems to be where I lose my sense of sanity and just fall into “I need that!” mode. I need to follow the plan that I actually stated several years ago: if you see something you want, take a picture of it then walk away. Use the picture to make sure you don’t have anything like it and see if it will get used often while it is in your glamour ensemble. After you do that, delete the picture. If you go back to the store JUST TO LOOK FOR THAT ONE ITEM, or you keep thinking about it or talking about it for 2-3 days afterwards? It is, in my opinion, an impulse buy. The next thing you have to see is if you can get it cheaper any place else or how do you plan on paying for it. And if paying for it suddenly takes precedence over your electric bill, it’s not worth it. If I really have an urge to go shopping, I try to lean myself towards discount stores, consignment shops, thrift stores, or surplus stores where everything is already less money. Then when I get there, I head to the Sale or Clearance rack FIRST. ALWAYS go to the Clearance rack first. And don’t forget to check online for discount codes or coupons (I LOVE RetailMeNot for store and online shopping). From someone who usually bargain shops to begin with, choosing specific things I NEED rather than random things I want needs to be more of a priority now. Besides…my closet is ready to explode! Sassy might want: a nice day out at my local Marshall’s or TJ Maxx to get something like an inexpensive pair of designer jeans like Celebrity Pink Skinny Shaper Stretch Jeans in blue, $19.99. Available at TJ Maxx’s online store

pBBW1-22175228v275Tea5) Put myself first more often. I don’t want that to sound selfish, but it can happen to any of us. We get caught up in work goings on, helping others with stuff they need, being at our childrens’ beckon call. We help our spouses to make sure they don’t stress because we know that stress trickles downhill. We take on everyone’s pain and responsibilities losing our own happiness in the process. We often do it without thinking, and when we finally realize we need to step back, we can either be in the middle of a fight about it or worse…lose our own happiness completely. Trust me, I know this from personal experience. Don’t let yourself get too far gone. “No” is an easy word to say. It only has two letters. And my theory has always been if someone can’t get over it, let them get under it. Take time for you. Do things YOU want to do to make yourself happy. Do things that will enlighten you, embrace you, help you to grow. Ask yourself: “Does doing this for someone help ME get to where I am going?” Then ask: “Does doing this help THEM get to where they specifically want to go?” If the answer is no, then think twice. You need to be doing things that will keep you sane, grounded, happy, less stressed, and one with yourself. If it doesn’t, maybe saying “I would really like to, but I just can’t right now…thanks for checking with me though.” This takes the hurt off you for saying no and shouldn’t make them angry since you have given them a sincere “I’m sorry but no.” Open your eyes to new things you have wanted to do but didn’t have the chance. Take a class, climb a mountain, run a marathon, read a novel, paint a picture, remodel a room, head to the spa, take a day-cation for just you. That, in no way shape or form, makes you selfish. It will in the end make you a calmer, clearer, relaxed, well-rounded person. And the fact is…. that benefits EVERYONE! Sassy may want: to indulge herself with a relaxing tea a cup of tea in Lemongrass from Adagio found at Adagio Teas. Enjoy that tasty treat while taking a nice, long bath with and a fragrant bath of scents such as Paris – Pink Champagne and Tulips (from $6.25) from Bath & Bodyworks website.

So, I guess the question remains will a new year bring about a new Sassy? I do know there are things I want to do more of, do less of, explore more, stress less, try new things, make new friends, visit more places. Will this all go on with positive outcomes. Some will, some might, some may just go horribly wrong. But the fact remains this: I will learn and grow from everything I put in an effort to accomplish and that won’t make me a new person, but it sure as hell will make me smile.

So, tell Sassy… do you have any changes you would like to make in the new year? Are any of them glamour, beauty or fashion related? Let me know…I want to hear!!

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“Easy Come, Easy Go”–Fall Style

9 Nov

Easy come easy goTick Tock, Tick Tock…

Okay, let me sum this up as best as I can, as quick as I can:
It is 11:40 pm
1). I have insomnia
2). I’m beyond stressed
3). I’m watching repeats of Sex and the City

No big deal, right? Actually right now, it’s not. But when Carrie starts going mentally nuts because Big wants to leave his wife for her, it will get very tense. I understand… to most of you, that means nothing. But to those who understand, I’ll pause for a moment while you get a Swiss Roll and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Even being somewhat back in the workforce hasn’t completely taken me out of the world of SATC. I still know every episode and the storyline and outcome of each. The one I’m watching right now? “Easy Come, Easy Go.” Oh, I could go through the plot but it’s really involved and you probably either already know or don’t care.

But I will spin the episode title a bit for the sake of this post: Easy come, easy go. I can apply that to this week, specifically. A few things came and went for this fashionista. And they all had their own personal relevance. So let’s incorporate this theme into Sassy’s agenda:

imageEasy Come–Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ‘Ox-Sparkle Wash’ Low Top Sneaker.
This purchase was easy peasy. Fall is here…walking in heels is dangerous, flats can get wet, too early for many boots. So what do you wear when the whether is sh*t but still want to have some style? An epic style of Chuck Taylor’s. This pair looks a little like stone washed denim but in black. Definitely jazzy, and if you pair them with a nice pair of straight legged dark wash jeans and a layered look hoodie top, you’ve got a nice ensemble for a casual day! A fabulous add to my new seasonal footwear. (Sassy’s Steal: $44.99 (sale), Norstrom.com)

imageEasy Go–Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes.
Getting late? Too tired to go through the whole nightly face routine of washing, exfoliating, treating, moisturizing, etc.? Keep these by the bed for those lazy nights! I stand by the statement: never let the pillow be your washcloth. But you can just rid your day of the dirt, grime and makeup with this pre-moisten cloth that takes everything off your face, even mascara. Just an easy wipe-wipe-gone! Keep a sample size of your favorite night cream & eye cream just treat your face after you’ve said goodbye to all the goop. (Sassy’s Fave: Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Towelettes, $6.59. CVS)

imageEasy Come–Roxy Hooded Sweater.
I know I probably already have a sh*t ton of sweaters packed away to get me into this season, but with me kind of expanding my writing as well as putting in time with the tattoo shop, I need some comfort and warmth too. I’m trying to bring out the lightest weight sweaters first, and TJ Maxx has a great array of Roxy tops at fabulous prices. Warm, fun hoodies, soft and comfortable makes these sweaters a staple in my closet now. I picked up a black and neutral one to get started! (Sassy’s Steal: $29.99, TJ Maxx stores)

imageEasy Go–Philosophy’s Homemade Honey Buns Shower Gel and Lotion.
I love checking out TJ Maxx’s skin care, make up, and body area when I go. I have a few products that I specifically look for because the price is so good if I find them. This venture didn’t get me what I usually look for but it did land me a set of sweet smelling, delicious body treats that are perfect for the changing seasons. The bath & shower gel smells just like warm honey breakfast rolls right out of the oven. A great way to wash the blues right down the drain. And it’s an “easy go” for dry skin with a non-greasy body moisturizer in the same tasty scent. A great way for those stresses to say buh-bye with a smell so soothing to the senses. (Sassy’s Steal: $7.99 each, TJ Maxx stores)

So you see how an episode of Sex and the City can be turned around to fit even into the simplest days? I turned “Easy Come, Easy Go” into an article about what needs to come into your glamour collection for this fall. But that’s just a general rambling about what I did tonight. Stay tuned because Fall is upon us and I will be trying and discovering more and more things soon, without a doubt!!

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Don’t Take Away My….

11 Sep

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Recently, I wrote about how you can get a great, long lasting stunning look with just one stop to the drug store. At one time this was not easy, but with the development of better formula cosmetics, skin care and hair products, it is absolutely possible to get a great look without hitting a high end store and maxing out a credit card. Beauty can now be achieved on less than a paycheck. If you do it right, you could do it on a big trip to a bottle redemption center. Takes time & practice, but it can be done.

I do have to say, though, that even with the great products that are available on a drug/department store retail level, there are a few things that I just CAN’T live without. I admit, the majority of my ultimate faves are slightly higher end products, but not all of them. And this isn’t just for makeup and skin care either. I have a few fashion items that would make me cry if they disappeared from my closet. The fact is, no matter what the cost or where it came from, there are some things that I would throw a major hissy over if someone took them from me. They are all part of my glamour holy grail list.

So what do I love and can’t live without? Read on:

imageBenefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara – I have more damn tubes of mascara in my house RIGHT NOW than most people use in a lifetime. I test them, I review them, I am given them as samples, and sometimes curiosity of a new product just comes over me. They’re Real! came into my possession thanks to a sample from Sephora. I was a little hesitant since the “brush” applicator was very stiff, comb-like, and not fluffy like I had been used to using. It was the brush that actually sold me on this mascara! It lengthens, gently thickens, separates each lash, and although it isn’t waterproof it is “water resistant” and it seriously doesn’t move all day. No clumping, no flaking, no smudging. I was definitely sold after one use and no matter what other mascaras I’m testing or trying, I need Benefit’s They’re Real! in my drawer. I’d be lost without it.

imageLancôme Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner – I’ve always been intimidated by liquid liner. I don’t know what I do wrong, but my eyes never come out like the picture. But liquid liner is the classic example of “practice makes perfect.” And of all the liquid liners out there, Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner makes practicing easy. The foam-tip “brush” doesn’t clog up or run out before you finish your line. You want to be able to get an even color swipe without having it fade in the middle of the application. Not to mention, it comes in other popular colors so you can get a nice bold look with colors that pop. I also like the fact that you have about five seconds to smudge or touch it up before it dries and doesn’t move…. all day. Yeah, it’s a bit steep in price but a tube lasts a long, long time and saves money if you realize you don’t have to redo it 2-3 times!

imageBuxom® Full-On™ Lip Polish – Yup, I’m a lipgloss whore. I have more tubes of glitter goop than some people have shoes. Hmmm, bad reference. But I’m a sucker for trying new stuff, so if it has a good catch, decent advertising and jazzy packaging…I’m sold. But there is one lipgloss I only have three shades of and I would be lost without them. Why is this lipgloss such a staple in my collection? Well, once again we go back to the “samples sell” philosophy. I got a mini tube in the neutral color “Sugar” (a pinkish truffle). But I also have a wine/violet shade called “Gabby” that goes with anything and a bright strawberry pink called “Kanani”. The gloss is rich, thick but not sticky, and leaves your lips tingly for a pinch of plump. The colors are bold and there are many to choose from. Again, the glosses are more $$$ than an average gloss, but they do last because you need to reapply them less often and the color stays strong. I recently got a gift card so I think I will invest in a few Fall colors to keep my lips smooth with seasonal colors!

imageRoberto Cavalli Black T-Shirt – Okay, sit down because this is an epic story: One day last year, I went into my favorite “second hand” store, Plato’s Closet. While flipping through the tees, looking at the labels (because a designer item that sneaks in unnoticed is an epic find!), I see the name Roberto Cavalli on this black, logo tee with sheer zebra stripes on the back. My hands began to shake as I picked it up and saw the genuine logo medallion hanging from tag. Thanks to my years of watching Sex And The City, I knew immediately who and what I had found. I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure! I looked around, thinking this might be some kind of trick and Heidi Klum was going to pop out of a dressing room like I was in a Pranked skit or something. No one approached me, so I clinched the tee (which was my size!) like it was the last bottle of water after the Apocalypse and tried to act cool. I didn’t even look at the price tag because in my mind I knew approximately what it would have retailed for and I had to have found a deal. Holy smokes, did I. The cost on the Plato’s Closet price tag?…$6. I began to sweat as I walked towards the register, pretending I knew nothing about my find. As soon as it was rang up, paid for, and handed to me, I almost jumped the cashier. “Do you know what up this IS ?” She looked at me like I was on dope. I grabbed it out of the bag. “This is a Roberto Cavalli…ORIGINAL!” Still, a stone look on her face. No clue. Ugh…kids. Oh well!–too bad, so sad! Your loss, my gain! My days of ole watching Carrie Bradshaw and eating Hagen Daas out of the carton with a spoon on my couch had paid off. After extensive research, I discovered that the shirt I found was approximately four years old, and discontinued the same season it was released. The price new? About $350. I paid $6. Moral of the story? Watch your fashion shows, read your glamour mags and surf the net for the latest glamour news. It just may pay off. No one I see in my travels around where I live “gets it” when I wear my shirt, but I do! Oh I certainly do.

imageRampage Enamel Studded Satchel – Right up there with lip glosses, my number of black handbags is probably preposterous to the average American female. I have black purses in all shapes and sizes with all kinds of features, accents and hardware. Some have locks, some have rhinestones, some have feathers. Some are worn out, some are stained, some are basic, some are designer. All kinds for all reasons and seasons. But this specific bag is unusual. It was on clearance at tjmaxx.com and I actually stumbled upon it while looking for something else. I had just recently started helping out at the tattoo shop, and I thought an edgy, studded, rocker looking handbag with a lot of space for new items that I needed to carry with me (datebook, two cell phones, business cards, etc.) would be good. Honestly, when the purse arrived, I seriously thought about returning it. It was bigger than most of my bags, it had handles shorter than I was used to, and it didn’t have a lot of organizational features. But it was cool, the inside was hot pink which looked fab with the black exterior, and it definitely had a rocker vibe. So I loaded it up and gave it a try. I ended up carrying it for over two weeks which is long for me. What I’ve noticed, however, is that even when I do swap out handbags, I only carry them for a short while then come back to this one. I have a connection with this purse. We are compatible. It’s comfortable to me. I love that. Although it has been discontinued, it’s still a bag I could not live without. Best handbag investment I think I’ve ever made. AND it was on sale. That’s saying something!!

imageJ’adore Necklace – Like a purse is a must-have accessory, so are pieces of jewelry. You don’t have to invest a lot of money to have seasonal, in-style statement pieces but once in a while, you need to invest in a piece that is just you. A piece you can wear any time, any place and feel so comfortable in it you forget you’re wearing it. And if you take care of it it can last a long time, becoming your signature piece. Just like Carrie had her name on a gold necklace that she wore in almost every episode of Sex and the City, I have a necklace that I had to have the moment I saw it. I discovered on clearance on Nordstrom’s website. My necklace isn’t my name, but it is very Carrie-like: it’s says “J’adore”. Not only did I love it in gold, but I hunted it down in silver as well. Now I can wear my “statement piece” with whatever my outfit calls for, while still feeling NYC chic!

So that is my list of glamour and fashion “don’t touch!” items in my ensemble. We all have a few, and I’m sure the time will come to add a few more. What about you? What things can you think of that, if they were to disappear, would leave you mourning for a long while? The items you can’t imagine not being there if you needed them. They are your total comfort items, your glamour security blankets. Do you have a few too? I want to know! Share with me a photo if you have one. I want to see your must have’s too!

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How “Out There” Are You?

28 Jul

Way outAbout six months ago, as my followers know, I took on a part time position in my local, favorite tattoo shop. Except for the fact that I have to set an alarm each night and pack a healthy lunch (which I usually don’t eat), my job doesn’t take me too far out of my natural element. I get to wear cool clothes that I love (as long as I don’t look like a Vegas hooker), I get to talk!, I feel useful, and I spend time with people I like. That’s pretty freaking awesome.

I’ll be honest, although my style of clothes before going back to work was pretty much casual yet edgy, I still stayed a little under the radar. I’d wear something now and then that would “pop”, but never anything that caused a stare. (My self esteem is still under construction.) But I do have to say, spending a few hours a day in a “no holds barred” atmosphere has brought me out of my shell a little more than before. Trust me, this isn’t a bad thing. Well, as long as I keep my wild side within reason.

I won’t deny the fact that the combination of being a writer and keeping in the loop about what’s hot in the glamour industry has definitely allowed me to be not just more “me” but a little more daring as well. Before I started as a writer, I was borderline fashionably pathetic. I probably owned only three pairs of jeans. (And not very stylish ones either.) I had one neutral lipstick and a trio pallet of neutral shadows. My shoe collection could fit in a dresser drawer and I maybe had two purses–the all the time purse and the funeral/out to dinner purse. Okay, so I’ve grown. I have evolved. And…I must say…so has my closet & makeup drawer. It took a while, a few trial & errors, but I think I’ve found MY style. But you have to be careful, you see. Because in this industry–and in this world–it’s easy to get comfortable in a zone. That’s okay, but you still need to always be learning. Be evolving. Be daring. I don’t care who you are or what you do: you can NEVER settle. Period.

So, what are a few things that I probably would never have considered putting in my fashion and glamour ensemble THEN that I might seriously consider NOW? Now that I’m more “out there”? Here are a few things I’d consider:

Betsey Johnson** Betsey Johnson Gold-Tone Crystal Skull Three-Row Pendant Necklace**
Equal parts edgy and cute, this Betsey Johnson three-row necklace boasts strands of faux pearls, faceted beads, and heart-shaped charms. This skull (yes I said skull!) pendant is embellished with glass crystals and complemented with a pink bow. Gritty and girly! This mix of colored metals makes for a great statement piece sure to make people look. Macy’s, $35.00

Buckle shirt**Sinful Sea Wings T-Shirt**
This glitter graphic v-neck t-shirt takes fashion to another level with back lace-up detailing, crocheted raw edging, and hot pink sparkle detailing on a black background. There is no hiding in this shirt. Wearing it might not make you “sinful”, but you’ll still look damn good! You wear it and you WILL be noticed! Buckle, $44.00

Animal print**Leopard Print Maxi Skirt**
It’s fun to get a little wild when you wear this animal print, free-flowing maxi skirt that is perfect for summer. Featuring a soft knit body and wide foldover waistband, this skirt may be flowy and comfortable but still rocks a fun pattern. Jazz it with a crop top or comfy tee, some cool gladiator sandals and even a fun wide-brimmed hat for a down to earth safari look that’s not too over the top. Wetseal, $19.90

Valentino Bag**Valentino Leather Rockstud Crossbody**
Okay, we can all dream. And I’ll be honest: if a legal windfall dropped into my checking account today, this baby would be on a delivery truck in less than 24 hours. This purse is SO outside my norm, it’s not even funny. First, I’d have trouble convincing myself that ANYONE could use a purse at that price. Second, being a redhead just doesn’t seem to scream for anything pink in my closet. And third… did I mention the price already? This purse über designer and heavy metal in more ways than one. The color is bold and pretty over the top. But if you are daring and can afford it… DO IT! (BTW? It also matches the Buckle Wings T-Shirt above–just something to think about.) TJMaxx.com, $1099.99

Aqua liner**Aqua Liquid Eye Liner**
Aqua is the new black? Not really, but a change in your eyeliner look can really turn heads. I was thrilled to have a place to wear a heavy-liner look each day when I left for work. Then all these cool colors came out! Liquid Eye goes on with a smooth, easy application–no tugging–but still gives you that bold, liquid look. Use it alone with a neutral shadow, or layer it over black for a seductive look with an edge (that’s what I do). The Liner glides on effortlessly and stays in place for smudge-proof, long-lasting wear–up to 24 hours! Plus it’s 100% paraben-free, so you can be sure your wild look is also a gentle one. Milani Cosmetics, $6.99

So, are you ready? Are you going to challenge yourself to put yourself out there? Go a little bit beyond your comfort zone? Do it! It’s fun, lifts your spirits, kicks up your self esteem, and widens your “out of the box” options! For me? It’s become fun to introduce my glamour routine to something new and exciting. And I can’t deny…it’s a nice little ego boost to catch someone grabbing a second glance. I would be willing to bet that you’d like it too!

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What I DID Wear Today (A Follow-Up To Yesterday’s Post)

3 Aug

imageYesterday I posted a blurb about how I go about choosing my outfits each day, considering my endless wardrobe choices, my agenda for the week, the weather, and an array of other various things. I try to give myself some options because we all know that when it comes to plans?… they can change.

Like today.

I had four things to do. Four. Simple. Things. Did that go smooth? Oh hell no. One took two hours longer than it should have. One was never started so I couldn’t even do it. One got rescheduled. The last one went fine. Although my day wasn’t going to go as I had hoped, I still had to pick one of my outfits to wear that I had compiled yesterday before I could even begin my downward spiral. And I did. Of the three I had planned out, my selection was:

The leopard espadrilles, medium blue skinny jeans, neutral-colored sequined/ruffled tank top and black shrug.

It was a good choice because although the weather was forecasted to be cloudy with a chance of storms and temps only in the mid-seventies, it ended up being completely sunny and borderline hot. With the rays beaming down from the sun, unblocked by any clouds, it easily reached into the 80’s today. Because I had chose an outfit with a removable top piece, it actually worked out nice because I could leave the shrug in the car when I was outside and take it with me at cooler stores. I was on my feet a bit more than I thought I’d be so the espadrilles started squishing the toes by the end of the day, but all in all it was a good outfit selection.

So, what specifically was worn? Check out the picture below:
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Black lace shrug – Body Central (2012)
Ruffled long tank – Plato’s Closet (2011)
Karma Blue Studded Skinny Jeans – TJ Maxx (2012)
Bandolino Leopard Espadrilles Peep Toes – Marshall’s (2012)
“J’adore” Gold Necklace – Nordstrom.com (2013)
Juicy Couture Goldtoned Hoops – Juicy Couture Outlet Store (2011)
Black Leather Bow Bracelet – TJ Maxx (2013)
Roxy Gold Fringed Crossbody Purse – Marshall’s (2013)

Although many of the items were purchased one or two seasons ago, I can still pretty much “guess-timate” that all of the above items were probably less than $125. Total. For ALL of them. Name brands at discount prices? Now THAT’S how Sassy rolls!!

Stay tuned for another day of “What Will I Wear?” coming up again soon!

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Celebrations Galore!

25 May

This week in May is usually quite beneficial to my closets and makeup drawer. You see, within ten days of each other, I have the priviledge of celebrating Mother’s Day AND my birthday! It’s nice having these holidays in the middle of the year. I have a chance to look over my closet and makeup to see if there is anything I need or if I need to add any new styles to my existing ensemble. This year, I was pretty set. Skin was in good shape, cosmetics were in high supply, fashions were clean and current. I was ready to roll for summer. But oh heck…. we know if you give us women gift cards, we’ll find more than one way to put them to use. And I did!!

My wonderful family indulged me in gift cards to two of my favorite stores—TJ Maxx and Sephora. Trust me, even if there isn’t anything I need, there are things I will find. I even went beyond the gift cards and found a couple of items in my local drug store that I fell in love with! So what did I treat myself to during this glorious week of May? In addition to a few days of tasty cheeses to go with my endless whine about getting old, I picked up the following:

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Waterproof) – Every time I get a new mascara, I rave about it, drop to my knees, thank the makeup Gods for such a good product, and tell everyone there is nothing better. Then, one of two things happens: a) something else comes out on the market, I try that and kick the other item to the curb; or b) it loses its initial pizzazz and doesn’t live up to what I expected a month or so after I had bought it. Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara is being advertised EVERYWHERE. Magazines, TV, internet, you name it. Its claim that it lengthens your lashes by 4 mm doesn’t really jazz me. I already have long lashes. Stay on my eyes all day, don’t flake or smudge, lengthen and thicken, and don’t run when you get wet? THAT’s what makes me love a mascara. So far… and I say that with a grin… it does all of those. I love the wide-tooth plastic brush which really combs and coats each lash for extra attention. The only fault I can find so far is that it takes each coat a very long time to dry. So I suggest curling your lashes FIRST, then waiting till you are completely finished with everything else to give them another squeeze. Be careful you don’t pull any lashes out, curling while the mascara is still wet. It’s not worth it. (Most drug stores, $6.99)

Pure Ice Nail Polish in “Strip Tease” – ‘Tis the season of neon and nothing looks better on your fingers and toes than a bright neon pink polish. It’s bright enough to give your look a bit of pop without having a color that looks totally over the top. “Strip Tease” has a slight frost to it as well to give your nails a bit of shine. This long-lasting, go with anything color is great for the warmer temps. Let your fingers and toes show with this awesome color that will definitely draw attention to your sense of style! (Walmart, $2.99)

Adrienne Vittadini Denim Rhinestone Wedges – There are three words right that that scream “chic” this season: denim, rhinestone and wedges. You can find denim everywhere this summer from shorts to skirts, including vests and hats. Rhinestones are on just about everything and it seems the more bling, the better. And wedges were hot last year and are not going away anytime soon. These wedges are super comfortable, extremely casual yet stunningly gorgeous. I am finding that it is the perfect shoe for both daytime and nighttime wear. The dark dye goes with most denims that are in style, the wood-look wedge keeps it classy, and all those gemstones will give you a “wow” factor like never before. I’ve only worn these twice since I’ve bought them and got more compliments than I could count. Definitely a great find for someone who likes that unique “sassy” edge. (TJ Maxx, $34.99)


So, with a couple other small items (Nine West Sunglasses and an off-the-shoulder tie-dyed top) I managed to use my TJ Maxx gift card all up in one outing. My Sephora card, however, has yet to be used. Although I have an idea what I’ll be spending some of it on, I’ll wait till I get my loot home. Who knows…. I could change my mind when I get to the store. I am a female, correct? Changing my mind is my given right! So stay tuned for for gift card goodie reports soon!!

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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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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!)

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Bad Hair? To Hat With It!

26 Mar


Okay, tell me if this scenario sounds familiar to you at all:

You get up for the day. You give yourself just the right amount of time to shower, dress, put on makeup, do hair and be out of the house with time to spare. But as you grab your towel for the shower, you remember you have to make a call. Should just take a minute. One minute turns to five, which tuns to ten which turns into getting dressed while still on the phone because you know if you don’t start getting ready now, you’ll never make it. You push a brush across your teeth, spitting in between sentences. Finally, you hang up, put on the bare necessities of makeup, grab a body spritz, walk through a quick shower of it, and head for the door, already a few minutes too late. You give yourself a quick look in the mirror and almost faint at the sight.

….. oh that hair. Ugh.

Have no fear, the hats are here. About a year ago, I discovered I didn’t really look like a frog under a mushroom like my mother always told me I did when I wore a hate growing up. I look pretty decent in a hat. And since I’ve embraced that fact, I love wearing them. They are the perfect accessory to the somewhat “blah” outfit, when a neutral ensemble needs a pop of color, or… like today… when the hair has no hope and the more you can hide of it, the better!

There are lots of different styles of hats out there: floppy hats, fedoras, bucket hats, berets, cadet hats, cowboy hats, and my absolute favorite… the newsboy hat. Not every hat style looks good on every person. I look fun and flirty in a newsboy or cadet hat. I look like a doofus in a floppy hat or a fedora. A lot has to do with the shape of your face, your height, your body shape and the style of your hair. If wearing a hat is an accessory you’d like to add to your fashion ensemble, I suggest you take some time (and a friend!) and go to a large department store like Macy’s or JC Penney’s and try a bunch on to see what you and your friend think look the best.

I find I have the best luck at TJ Maxx & Marshalls when I want a new hat. They always have a great selection in all different styles, sizes and colors. It’s where I got my very first hat… a black/white checkered cap… and I always browse when I’m at their stores to see if anything new has come in that jazzes my interest. In total, I currently own seven hats: two black, one black and white, one tan, one purple, one ivory and one grey & silver. My grey/silver and tan hats are my fave. In fact, the tan is the one I grabbed today when my hair was just not publicly presentable. It is very stylish, a tad sassy, and fits awesome. Perfect for a windy day like today was too.

Even though you are going to pretty much hide most of your head with the hat, make sure you give your hair a good brushing first, getting out all the snarls. If you have a lot of static electricity, spray your hands with a good glossing spray (Like my favorite, Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray) and calm down the frizzies. Make sure your bangs hang respectably if you have any, and give your whole head a QUICK, LIGHT spray with hairspray. Finally, grab your hat, look in a mirror and put it on, making sure all looks good. There ya go! Not only did you just up your fashion level a star or two but you also saved your less-than-perfect hair AND saved yourself from being late for your appointment.

Take advantage of this awesome fashion accessory. Check out the large stores online and do some research on what you might think will grab you. Keep in mind the entire outfit, including shoes, jewelry and colors…. then go hat crazy!!

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