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