$20 or Less Challenge

I have been doing a little thinking (don't laugh) when it comes to me and clothes.  I have a love/hate relationship with shopping.  I love new things but I hate paying for them.  I just wish someone would send me free stuff all the time. But since that doesn't seem like it will come to fruition, I have come up with a more cost efficient way to shop and save money.

When I shop for clothes (blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters etc..,) I only spend $20 or less.  I know some of you may think it is impossible to spend $20 or less on a single piece of clothing but I beg to differ.  Will my bargain hunting, thrifting, sale stalking ladies please stand up! 

I have come to realize that my style, weight, and preferences change.  So why would I spend more than what is needed on an item I may have different feelings about in a few weeks.  With spending only $20 or less I am not heart broken if I hand it over to a cousin or a friend.  So my challenge is for the next few months is to buy items and show them that are $20 and under.

Rules:

1. Clothing only (shoes, accessories, unmentionables are not included)
2. The use of coupons are always welcomed
3. Gotta get creative with shopping (thrift stores, consignment stores, etc are good places to start)

Here are a few things that are in my basket to start.






J. Crew Honeycomb cable knit sweater
19.99







J. Crew Cotton open-stitch cardigan
19.99

 

NY & Co. Peplum Sleeveless Top
$12.88 REALLY!!!

NY & Co. Coral Wrap Dress
$17.08

NY & Co. Solid Keyhole Back Knit Dress
$19.48

NY & Co. Pleated Shirt Dress
$17.08

See, there are so many ways to shop inexpensively but look like you've spent hundreds on your outfits.  A part of being a fashionista is knowing where to save and where to splurge.  I splurge on shoes and purses.  I feel better spending a few hundred on a purse knowing that I will have it with me for a while. Even if I gain or lose weight. I will still be able to carry my Louie, Michael, Marc, or CoCo.

Bottom line: Live Smart, Shop Smart

Happy New You!!!

I browse the Internet crushing over style mavens with impeccable taste.  They give me constant inspiration on styles that I may not trust myself with.  So here is a salute to those that share their vision with the masses.

thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

cheetahisthenewblack.com

iamkhatu.blogspot.com/

http://www.bambisarmoire.com/

Well it is official! It is 2012 and I have started out with what I believe is a great start.  I resolve to have more patience, with my self and with other.  Believe me if you know me you know I have a low tolerance for idiocy. I also resolve to have a better sense of myself.  I am always the person that is called upon when things need to get "handled".  The reason why I believe I am that person is that I hate letting other's down.  I don't like others to be mad at me or disappointed.

I feel that the New Year is a new start for all of us.  Be Daring, Be Amazed by the Little Things, Be Observant, Be Grateful, Be Brave for Yourself, & above all else Be YOU!

Happy New Year 

Lets make it a great one!

XOXO

What Im vibing to now...Florence and the Machine

My co-worker turned me on to this group.  And I must say that I'm loving every song on the cd. 
What are you vibing to?

For the Newbie Like Me

So during lunch the other day, I went to my local CVS to peruse the make-up aisle ( I admitted to having an addiction) to see what goodies I could find.  I cam across a few good ones that I had to snatch up.

The first thing I came across was the dual headed eyeshadow brush from Essence of Beauty ($6.99).  The thick end is great for applying e/s over the whole lid, and holds on to the make-up pretty well considering the price.  The other end is OK for adding definition above the lash line.  It wasn't so great for blending.  But oh well! Still like the brush for its price.

My second score is a 2 Look Palette w/8 colors from Wet n' Wild ($4.99).  The cool thing about this palette is that for the beginner like myself, embedded into the e/s itself are instructions that tell you where to apply each color. I thought why can't every e/s have instructions like this?  Life would be so much easier.  But I digress!  One look is for day and the other is for night with a lot of sparkle.  Sooo cute!

Once I charge my camera I'll take pics of both looks.  They actually came out very cute!

Go Me!

*(Please excuse the photo quality I keep forgetting to charge my Canon so this is done with the EVO)



Double Headed E/S brush







Petal Pusher

Left: Day

Right: Night







Back of 2 Look Quad showing  instructions



Storage Options Are A Must!!!

I am in need of some serious storage overhauling.  It feels that I am being overpowered by my make up.  I am too embarrassed to even post a picture of my make up.  I realize I have an addiction.  One that I do need help with.  I need an organization intervention.  So taking it upon myself, before I get committed, I have been shopping around. Below are a few ideas that are not the typical acrylic container or the glass jar with sand or the Sephora beads (don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with those.  I actually like them).  I love makeup I just don't like seeing it all over the place or when I have guest over I want to have a clean organized look.

What are your more creative, non-traditional make up storage solutions?



For all your brush holding needs
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80166044

I love how this one has different compartments that can
hold your different make up needs.
http://www.amazon.com/Advantus-6-Drawer-Organizer/dp/B000784556/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IS0TE1AH2YE1A&colid=1K2S457UL68J0 





What I really want is a vanity.  This is what I found that has the drawers and the mirror.

MY Wish List

So this is an incomplete list of some of the things that I am on the hunt for.  I may not get them tomorrow but I will get them soon.  Oh yeah I will!  Ill keep you all updated.

1. A great Matte lipstick
2. Beauty Blender Duo
3. Nars Blush in Taj Mahl
4. Michael Kors Sophia Platform Bootie in black
5. Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumières in Midnight & Lilac Sky

 If you have tried any of these products please let me know the pros/cons!

 

Thanks

 

Almost there

Friday I went for my bi-weekly therapy session, with my beautician.  When I walked in I sat down and quietly waited my turn.  In the process of waiting there was a make-up session going on.  I couldn't help but look in awe and amazement at what was taking place.  The lady was very skilled and knowledgeable about her talents.  When my turn came to start my therapy session I asked my beautician about her make-up regiment.  She gave me some great pointers one that I had heard about and wanted to try but was a little intimidated by. 

I rushed after my appointment to Sephora to find this tool to give me flawless foundation coverage. 

This is what I had been looking for.  I felt as though I was officially stepping my game up.  I know I may be late but to me this was a big deal.  The Sephora Pro Stippling Brush #44 is a treat to use and is easy to blend with.  What was I afraid of?  The price point for this is a bit steep but I am sure I will get more bang for my buck.  At $35 I'm sure there are comparable brushes with the same quality and a better value.  But for me, I love it. 

If you have tried this brush please let me know what you think.  Do you have any tools or techniques to pass on to an aspiring make-up lover?

Thanks

Pro Stippling Brush #44