Quick Back to school Quick Steals and Deals

Your Fall look can start with your lips service.
E.L.F Hypershine Gloss in the color Blossom looks great on all complexions and is only a $1, as are most of their cosmetics. Pair that with a blush and bronzer compact for $3.00, and your looking at a fresh face and a loaded wallet.



These items below can all be transitioned from summer to fall to winter with the help of a few structured blazers or soft knit sweaters. Check out a few inexpensive examples below from Forever21.




Urban Outfitters is one of my favs. Check out these sale items:Tights $7.99, white and black frill dresses $9.99. Throw a light weight, long sleeve shirt under the dresses. Now pair that with the tights and a pair of the booties below, and you have a warm and sweet school look



































Forever21-sweaters, blazers and jackets listed here starting at $10.99-$29.99. A great way to snazz up any lackluster outfit, and transition a summer dress to a fall frock.





















Aldos: Footwear starting at $19.99
every pair you see here are available on-ilne and not a penny over $39.99. Now that a deal.


























Here are some fantastic juniors deals from Delia's. Yellow Pants are at $5.99 & $9.99
Plad Jacket is $19.99. Wow

Become a Discount Diva

Learn To Get Unbelievable Deals!!

Macys- Tahari Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress: On sale $29.00 from $128.00

Macys- AGB Belted Shirt Dress: On Sale $22.49 from $54.00

Express- Geometric Long Tank: On Sale $47.94 from $70.00

Learn To Shop The Discounts: People don't understand just how steep the discounts can get after season. Buying after season allows you to save up to 90% M.S.R.P. Here is how you can be a Discount Diva Too:

-In September start looking for summer sales, late December early January start looking for after Christmas sales. These sales will be on fantastic merchandise that just didn't sell as well as the retailer anticipated, not because the merchandise is defective! TIP-Black Friday sales really aren't worth it. The merchandise is typically priced high then “marked down” by merely a few dollars to make it appear to be on sale, DON'T FALL FOR IT!

Macys- Alfani short sleeved Safari Dress: On sale $35.99 from $99.00

When Shopping After Season Sales: be sure to pick classic pieces. Pay attention to brand name merchandise. While shopping the discounts, you want to buy quality not quantity. Try to steer clear of super trendy items that will be out of style by the time the next season rolls around. Look for; traditional colors, structured form, subtle classy patterns and fabric, and items you really like and look forward to wearing.

Macys- BCBG Sleeveless Ruffle Dress: On Sale $1129.00 from $288.00

- Look for items that are transitional-meaning can be worn year long or for more then one season. Example: If you are buying a pair of sandals, buy a pair that are quality made, classy and will transcend time, meaning you can keep them for years to come. Also that you could wear with a cute pair of ankle socks or tights with.

Macys-Style & Co Printed Chiffon Layered Dress: On sale $24.99 from $49.99.

-If you are buying a dress or skirt be sure it looks good layered. Try it on with a sweater over it or a collard shirt under it. Try to imagine the item with a pair of booties, tights and a long wool coat for the brisk season ahead. This way you are getting a real bang for your buck and shopping smart.

DSW: Steve Madden Jan Cuff Bootie: On Sale $ 39.94 from $90.00

-Don't get caught up in the frenzy. Be sure you really like the items you are about to purchase. Don't just buy for the sake of a 80% off sale. What are you going to do with 3 bikini tops that you aren't crazy about and have no matching bottoms? Make good decisions by setting your items aside, walking around the store browsing the bedding or home good section while letting the idea of buying those items sink in. Come back later after you have discussed it with your self and then buy if you must.

Macys- Tina B Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress: On Sale $29.00 from $128.00

Don't Forget To Let Your Fingers Do The Walking: Don't just shop in store, although going into stores at the end of season is a MUST. Always check your favorite retailer on line. Let your relaxing Sunday be you most successful shopping day without letting your feet hit the floor. Most retailers on line will have a different set of merchandise and sales prices then the items on sale in your local store. The distributor is looking to off load the summer sandals before receiving the winter boots so they can make room and have more $ to purchase more boots with. The warehouse that supplies each individual store needs to make some room also sometimes they are desperate, so take advantage of it while you can you Savvy Shoppers. Check out;

-DSW

-Victorias Secret

-Macys

-Banana Republic

-Aldos

-Express

Macys- Ralph Lauren Milly Sleeve Ruffle Front Knit: $48.99 from $99.99

Load Up On Dresses: Check out the department stores in store and on-line at the end of summer, like right now ladies. All of the dresses I have listed within this blog are on sale at this very moment online. TIP- Dresses can be worn all year long so get em while there hot. First inspect the fabric and be sure that there is some weight on it so you aren't freezing your bunz off in a silk frock mid January. Don't be scared to buy sleeveless, spaghetti strap, cap sleeves or even sleeveless dresses on sale and wear it during winter months. Save on the dress now and pair it with a warm smoking blazer, a sweet sweater, wool tights and a cute pair of wintery boots.

Macys: DKNY Sleeveless V Neck Sheath Dress: On Sale $ 29.99 from $79.50

Shop Off Price: Always check the warehouses and off price retailers at the end of Summer and Winter. They have the stock that's already priced to sell but end of season, its a free for all.

-DSW

-TJ Maxx

-Marshals

-Ross

Aldos- Mat Sura: On Sale $39.99 from $60.00

Trends To Buy On Sale: Lace, blue based greys, strapy boots, open toe boots, ankle booties, knee high boots, 90 grunge, high healed doc martins and work boots, hip length soft leather jackets, boot cut pants, twills, knit sweaters, screen printed t's, worn denim, pattern tights, structured jackets and blazers, layering on top of layering, mismatched patters.

So take out the credit card, sit down and shop without any stress ladies. Measure your self before shopping by using the measuring chart I have posted so that you can be sure the item will fit. And most of all, HAVE FUN you Discount Diva.

Do you have a Fresh Face?

Step 1- Exfoliate Exfloiate, Exfoliate!!!

I know some of you may be apprehensive and concerned because exfoliation can irritate the skin, especially if you are sensitive or rosy completed to begin with. However, if you use a super light small grained formula and massage in light circular motions you can avoid irritation. If you are unsure, make your own. I like using a home made sugar scrub. I use brown sugar mixed with olive oil or baby oil on my body and on my face I use brown sugar and honey. Be sure to rinse with warm water to open the your pores and allow the moisture in. The honey swill sink deep into the skin and makes it undeniably pliable and soft. Try it Mom, it wont irritate you I swear.

Step 2- Moisturize for youth!!

Moisturizing is the best way to give a healthy revived look .The problem with aging skin is it begins to lose elasticity and looks dull and dry. If you moisturize well and frequently it will dramatically improve the appearance of your complexion and make your skin look younger and wrinkles and lines softer. A great tip for summer is to mix sunscreen with foundation. If you don't need full concealing coverage over your entire face mix half moisturizer and half foundation. Mix it up and apply with a sponge over your entire face and neck, don't forget your neck. The great thing about this technique is you can still see all of your cute little freckles but none of your imperfections. The moisturizer will soften wrinkles and allow the foundation to sit better on your skin.

TIP: If you get over heated and hot from the summer kicking you butt or after you have exercised, keep your moisturizer in the fridge, you'll have an instant cool down. In addition, I like to keep a mini spray bottle in the fridge, like the kind you can get in the travel section of CVS, full of my fav moisturizer and a water mixed. After I get a bit hot from running around, I take a quick stroll past the fridge, sprits my face and I am instantly refreshed. It wont affect the make up you already have on, it will actually make you look soft and dewy like a mini power nap for your skin.

Step 3- Give your Skin the Royal Treatment.

I worked at a swank small cosmetic boutique in New Hope, Pa a few years ago and they carried a holistic skin care line called Dr. Hauschka. I've talked about it before and Ill do it again. This lush skin care line encourages the natural balance of skin and its worth every penny. Quince day cream is the best facial moisturizer I have ever used, and I mean it!! Its rather expensive, $35 for 1.7 oz, however it is worth every penny and more. If it's paired with the Normalizing day oil it can change your life. The day oil will calm and balance your skins oil production and clear breakouts and inflammation while giving you fantastic moisture. The day oil is 3.4 fl oz for $42.95. A bit steep, true, but hey you have saved the cash from making your own hair deep conditioner, and facial scrub. My skin has always been a problem, its a problem for my mother, my aunts, and I have realized that it will always be a concern for me. However, I am not embarrassed by my skin while I am using Dr. Hauschka and that is priceless. BUY IT!! dr.hauschka.com

Dr. Hauscha TIP: While you sleep your skin is actually hard at work regenerating itself, balancing oil production and expelling impurities. Regular application of night creams interferes with these essential tasks, and over time skin becomes less able to care for itself. Covering the skin with moisturizer 24 hours a day sends a signal to sebaceous glands to cut down on moisture production, resulting in even drier skin that becomes dependent on moisturizing products just to appear “normal.”

How to slim and rejuvenate your face with make up.

Step 1- Make your cheekbones POP!

Do so by sweeping a sheer shimmer powder along the top of your cheekbones, just under your eyes, and just under your temples. I use Physicians formula, its a natural talc free, illuminating veil powder. Its organic too which is always great. This will highlight your bone structure to make it look more pronounced and glowing.Highlighter, Physicians Formula available at any drug store about $11

Step 2- Slim your face.

Pucker up ladies, and find the hollows of your cheeks. Dust a nude powder blush in the sunken area just under the cheekbone. I use an inexpensive CoverGirl Cheekers blush in Golden Pink.
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink, available at any local drug store $4

Step3- Create a healthy Glow.

Now smile and apply a peachy cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and over the bridge of your nose. I adore Rosie Jane's cheek gloss in Marigold. It looks great on ANY complexion of any age, and gives a moisturized dewy look, rather then a heavy mate face. I use this on women who have a dull, "worn out" complexion to give them a pop of a healthy flush. And look how cute it is!

Try Rosie Jane for $24.00 at rosiejane.com

How to Wear Your Summer Hair

I want to look like I surf:

Women ask me how to get sexy undone beach hair all the time.They are looking to appear as though they've been romping through the sand, soaking up the sun and surfing the waves. Many clever manufactures have found a way to bottle that same look for a pretty penny. Such as, Bumble and Bumbles “Surf Spray”, 4 oz for $30.00, OUCH. And now you too can sport that very look for absolutely, Nada. Yep you heard right for FREE. First thing you need is a spray bottle, no need to buy one, just look around the house and find an old squirt hairspray bottle or an old Febreeze bottle, washed and cleaned that is. Next look under your sink at all of your old neglected hair products. Find a wax or gel preferably with a silicone base. Fill up your water bottle with warm water, and some of the wax you saved from the “ I don't use basket” .

TIP: use more wax for frizzy untamed hair, and less for thin flat hair. If you don't have any wax or gel, you can use a big dollop of hand cream, or oil.

Next grab a great big handful of regular table salt and add to the mixture. Shake, shake and mix. Spray your home made “beach serum” on to your dry or wet locks and scrunch lightly with your palm. That's it... use as little or as much as you like. The salt will give your hair a separated piece look, while the wax will hold the style and frizz down.. enjoy your summer undone look all year long ladies.

Battle the Frizz:

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, I was moved to South Georgia where the temperature and the humidity resemble a hot, sticky arm pit pretty much all year round. So my exceptionally Irish locks are suffering even more then my delicate sun fare skin. I cant seem to wear my hair down because it fluffs out like a sheep dog as soon as I walk out of the house regardless how hard I've round brushed and curled it. Here are a few tips for you if you're living in blistering conditions also. Below is my Fav Anti Frizz Serum. You can pick it up at your local drug store for about $6.

- Go to bed with wet hair tied in a bun on the top of your head. Be sure to put plenty of hair glossing serum or anti-frizz serum and leave in conditioner on your towel dried hair. Add a bit of mousse if you like to give it a stronger hold. Twist your hair up and pin it with bobbies or use an old scrunchy, yes I said scrunchy, to fasten the bun.

TIP: Be sure to pay close attention to the ends. Make sure they are well greased up and twisted tight in to the bun. Make sure its on the top of your head so you aren't sleeping on a hard knob.

Take down the sweet little bun in the morning after a great night sleep, and the pressure of your head resting on your pillow will have smoothed away all of the frizz magically. The bun, once untwisted, will leave you with soft uniform waves that are smooth, natural and chic. Add some more gloss and some hair spray, and you are outta here Doll. Below is my ultimate Fav hair spray, you can pick up a can for your self at your local drug store for about $6.

-If you are looking to do your hair and don't have time to sleep out the frizz, blow it dry with out a brush or comb of any sort. Make sure again to put a good dab of oil or anti frizz glossing serum into towel dried hair before drying. Simply finger dry you hair and let the natural waves dry the way they must. Sorry ladies, I don't care for my waves at my hair line either but pulling hard with a round brush wont keep the natural waves from taking over once that moisture in the air attacks it. Don't pull or tug of any kind. Once dried, crank up that curling iron to high. Separate the hair into small sections with your fingers and add more oil to each individual section before you curl it. Be sure to curl the hair from mid shaft first, clicking the iron to let the ends fall into the barrel. If you like you can leave the ends out to achieve more of a Jennifer Aniston look. Spray with an anti frizz maximum hold aerosol hairspray and DON'T RUN YOUR FINGERS THROUGH. Let it fall naturally and it will. This is your best defence against my arch nemesis, humidity.

Home Made Conditioners:

I am always looking for great organic at home conditioners. Why spend mucho bucks, when you have all of the goods at your fingertips for free. I have posted a few before for you to experiment with, and here are a few I am enjoying this summer.

Avocado and coconut conditioner:

Peel and mash one avocado into a nice thick paste. Add that to a can of coconut milk and blend until its creamy. I throw it into the blender... and its not too bad on cucumbers also. Yumm Apply this tincture to dry hair, if you can manage not to eat it all, for approx. ½ hour. Throw a shower cap over it to increase the deep penetrating qualities. Rinse and style as usual.

TIP: Do not to shampoo after using, just use a cold H2O rinse. The cold water closes the cuticle and tightens the follicle making the hair even shiner. If you don't have any coconut milk in your home, no worries, substitute it for 2 egg yolks. Eggs have a divine protein that heals and polishes the hair as well.

Spruce up your pony in a second:

I love the traditional pony, always have. It so simple and with a few minor tweaks, and adjustments you can have a variety of chic, stylish looks that anyone can take from play, to work, to date in no time.

1. Traditional side saddle: (a look that's for play)

   Take a loose pony tail and drape it off to one side, preferably the side that your bangs swipe to, if you sport bangs. Make sure the pony rest's on your neck, not too tight that it stands off of your skin. Make the pony loose and a bit messy. If it looks too stiff and 1990's, tease a bit up at the root to give some volume and try to soften and loosen it up at the rubber band. Next take a small section of hair that's held by the rubber band directly underneath the band, the side that's closest to your skin and hairline. Wrap that around the rubber band so the hair is covering it. Place a bobby pin in the back where no one will see it to secure. Spray with anti frizz hair spray and go play.

   

2. Fingered pony: (For work) above.
   

   This is best done after you have had one day of wear on your hair, when its flatter and a bit dirtier. Slightly tease the bangs, the crown and a bit at the temples. Spray with anti frizz hair spray and slightly smooth with a fine toothed comb, Don't comb out the teasing, spray again. Run your fingers through your hair to gather a pony at the back of your head. Please keep the pony lower then your crown or you will look silly with a high pony and teased bangs, hello New Jersey. Fasten with a rubber band , spray and have a great day.

3. Sleek Pony: (Evening)

   Easy follow the same steps as the Fingered pony, but be sure you hair is glossy smooth and more manicured.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about fashion and beauty related topics.

Quick Inexpensive Summer Trends to Update your look.

Quick Inexpensive Summer Trends to Update your Look.

Dark and bruiting nail color: With the sudden influx in Vampire and Goth culture, the dark, deep and dangerous nail color is back with a new level of sophistication. I am really enjoying, Salley Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line of polishes. The polish is thick and creamy, it binds well to the natural nail and gives a super rich color. “Commander in Chic” is a new sassy purple based gray that look great on even pale skin tones. You will spend about 6$ at your local CVS.

TIP: Keep your nails short, natural, and rounded at the edges. The false fake look is out this summer and quite frankly, tacky!!

Side Braids: The 90's hair style is making an appearance again almost 20 years later. The side braid looks great loose and messy, however it really only works if you have hair that longer then shoulder length, sory short locked ladies. But for you short and sassy sisters, a sweet french braid along the hairline will add a feel of whimsy and sweetness to any ensemble. You wont spend a dime with this style update.

Heels to elongate your leg: Nose bleed high heels are a must this summer. Pair them with shorts, feminine flowing frocks, or skinny jeans... just wear them with confidence ladies. Looking longer and leaner is always a plus for any woman of any size, here is a tip to do so. Find a high skinny heel that you are comfortable in and buy that heel in a nude, beige or camel color. Pick a color that is more naturally complimenting to your particular coloring. The softer an more neutral the color of the heel, the more it will blend with your skin and create a longer looking leg. Aldos is having a fantastic sale right now with free shipping on orders over 70$ heals starting at 25$.

Clothing Swap Parties: I love, love, love this idea. In college I used to throw swap parties with all of the girls in the dorm, and their friends. What you do is go through your closet, choose clothing that you can't fit in, don't like, or are just plain tired of. Tell your girlfriends to do the same and tell their friends as well. Place an ad on any of your local social networks on line, or post flyer's at your gym, salon, local thrift store or any place fashionable women are known to hang out. Every woman brings as many article of clothing as they would like to discard and everyone swaps their garments for someone else's. You can also do this with household furniture for you interior designers. What ever is left over at the end of your party can be donated. Make your party fun by having cocktails and finger food. The best part is you wont spend any money but you will be able to revamp your wardrobe.