Eves Addiction www.evesaddiction.com- The #1 place to buy Celebrity Inspired Costume Jewelry
DSW Shoes www.dsw.com- For designer shoes at knockoff prices!
ELF Cosmetics www.eyeslipsface.com- $1+ cosmetics
Bag Borrow or Steal www.bagborroworsteal.com- Designer handbag rentals (yes you can rent handbags)
Barefeet Shoes www.barefeetshoes.com- great shoes at low low prices!
Friday, March 19, 2010
When to spend and where
If you ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you I love a deal! Sales are my best friend! But there are times when I am more then willing to spend $$$ to get what I want. After all, there are some necessities that a true Diva needs!
#1- September issue of American Vogue. The September issue of Vogue is the Fashionita's bible. September's issue highlites the newest styles and fashions for the upcoming year. If you desire to stay on top of mainstream fashion, then that issue is a must have. Now all of the fashions featured in Vogue are very high priced designer lables. But you don't need designer duds to look like you just stepped off the runway! See whats "in" and while you're out shopping, look for inexpensive replica items. Many times you can put together a knockoff outfit for less then half the price of a designer one.
#2- Shoes. The last thing you want to do is step out feeling fly in your new shoes and have them fall apart on the dance floor! You don't have to spend $$$ on a pair of designer shoes, but we weary of those $10 heels. Places like Macys, DSW, even Barefeet sell awesome shoes at great prices! And once again, look for sales. Two weeks ago I got a pair of winter boots from Barefeet at the low price of $30. They were marked down from $60.
#3- Jewels. A true Diva needs rocking Rocks as much as she need designer purses and diva shades. Its ok to buy and even wear faux jewels to complete some everyday outfits. But when it comes to really stepping out, I choose not to take the cheap route. You dont want to be mixing with whose who and have your neck turn green from cheap or fake gold! And even when it comes to your costume jewelry, check out places like Eves Addiction. They sell great faux jewels and tons of celebrity inspired looks for less, and the material is of good quality.
#1- September issue of American Vogue. The September issue of Vogue is the Fashionita's bible. September's issue highlites the newest styles and fashions for the upcoming year. If you desire to stay on top of mainstream fashion, then that issue is a must have. Now all of the fashions featured in Vogue are very high priced designer lables. But you don't need designer duds to look like you just stepped off the runway! See whats "in" and while you're out shopping, look for inexpensive replica items. Many times you can put together a knockoff outfit for less then half the price of a designer one.
#2- Shoes. The last thing you want to do is step out feeling fly in your new shoes and have them fall apart on the dance floor! You don't have to spend $$$ on a pair of designer shoes, but we weary of those $10 heels. Places like Macys, DSW, even Barefeet sell awesome shoes at great prices! And once again, look for sales. Two weeks ago I got a pair of winter boots from Barefeet at the low price of $30. They were marked down from $60.
#3- Jewels. A true Diva needs rocking Rocks as much as she need designer purses and diva shades. Its ok to buy and even wear faux jewels to complete some everyday outfits. But when it comes to really stepping out, I choose not to take the cheap route. You dont want to be mixing with whose who and have your neck turn green from cheap or fake gold! And even when it comes to your costume jewelry, check out places like Eves Addiction. They sell great faux jewels and tons of celebrity inspired looks for less, and the material is of good quality.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Makeup Reviews
I love makeup! I love experimenting with different makeup techniques! Now everyone knows MAC Cosmetics are THE BEST (at least in my opinion). But MAC is also expensive, especially compared to drugstore brands like Covergirl.
There are many cosmetic brands that are way cheaper then Covergirl and definitly MAC. But when do you skimp and when don't you?
ELF or Eyes Lips Face Cosmetics are for the most part the cheapest, but not always the best. You can get many products from them for only $1.
I have been using ELF products for the past two years. Some I have had good experiences with and some are just sitting in the bottom of my makeup drawer.
I have found ELF brushes to be a great and cheap alternative to the more expensive brushes, tho they don't have the biggest selection. But they range from $3-$5. For a larger selection, Sonia Kashick (sp) is a little more expensive, but has a great selection. You can get a great set of Sonia Kashick brushes from Target for
about $12.
ELF also makes good eye shadows which run anywhere from $1-$3, but once again not the largest selection. If you're gonna go for ELF eyeshadows, I'd definitly recommend also purchasing their eye primer which is only $3.
When it comes to cream eyeshadow, I love Wet N Wild. You can get a pallet for about $5 and it last ALL day! I also like Wet N Wilds liquid eye liner which is $3 and comes in a variety of different colors.
Foundation I don't skimp on. Manly because my complexion is hard to match and when buying drugstore brands I usually have to mix. For my foundations, I love MAC, because not only does it match my skin tone perfectly, but I dont have to touch up through out the day. It does retail for about $30 but well worth it.
You dont want to skimp on foundations. A cheap foundation can cause breakouts and rashes. You also want your foundation to blend well with no lines.
If you dont want to spend $30 for foundation, Cover Girl makes a great foundation and many collections (including Queen) to pick from. Cover Girl also has a great collection of eye shadows, lipsticks and liners.
Maintaining your makeup can also help cut the cost. A good brush cleaner is a must. Once again, this is an area I choose not to skimp, and go with MAC brush cleanser which cost $12. Keeping your brushes clean is a must! If you dont want to buy a cleanser, trying using a gentle soap and a paper towel to clean them. Also store your make up in a cool place.
There are many cosmetic brands that are way cheaper then Covergirl and definitly MAC. But when do you skimp and when don't you?
ELF or Eyes Lips Face Cosmetics are for the most part the cheapest, but not always the best. You can get many products from them for only $1.
I have been using ELF products for the past two years. Some I have had good experiences with and some are just sitting in the bottom of my makeup drawer.
I have found ELF brushes to be a great and cheap alternative to the more expensive brushes, tho they don't have the biggest selection. But they range from $3-$5. For a larger selection, Sonia Kashick (sp) is a little more expensive, but has a great selection. You can get a great set of Sonia Kashick brushes from Target for
about $12.
ELF also makes good eye shadows which run anywhere from $1-$3, but once again not the largest selection. If you're gonna go for ELF eyeshadows, I'd definitly recommend also purchasing their eye primer which is only $3.
When it comes to cream eyeshadow, I love Wet N Wild. You can get a pallet for about $5 and it last ALL day! I also like Wet N Wilds liquid eye liner which is $3 and comes in a variety of different colors.
Foundation I don't skimp on. Manly because my complexion is hard to match and when buying drugstore brands I usually have to mix. For my foundations, I love MAC, because not only does it match my skin tone perfectly, but I dont have to touch up through out the day. It does retail for about $30 but well worth it.
You dont want to skimp on foundations. A cheap foundation can cause breakouts and rashes. You also want your foundation to blend well with no lines.
If you dont want to spend $30 for foundation, Cover Girl makes a great foundation and many collections (including Queen) to pick from. Cover Girl also has a great collection of eye shadows, lipsticks and liners.
Maintaining your makeup can also help cut the cost. A good brush cleaner is a must. Once again, this is an area I choose not to skimp, and go with MAC brush cleanser which cost $12. Keeping your brushes clean is a must! If you dont want to buy a cleanser, trying using a gentle soap and a paper towel to clean them. Also store your make up in a cool place.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sale! Sale! Sale!
Hey fellow fashionistas! I had a great shopping experiences yesterday and I just had to blog about it. I got two summer shirts, a pair of sunglasses, a ring and earrings for the low low price of $19.77! Now thats what I call a steal!
See warmer weather is coming quickly, and most stores are getting in their spring/summer merchandise and need to get rid of last years stuff. I for one have no problem buying last seasons trends, cause honestly, they isnt a big difference from this seasons!
I find the best time to shop and get great bargins are March-May for your fall/winter clothes and Sept-Nov for summer. The shops are making room for new inventory and are almost desperate to get rid of last seasons items. Now there is a down fall to shopping this way.
#1. You may find a great pair of jeans that you fell in love with on first sight. Unfortunatly, there is a chance you wont find them in your size. The more popular sizes tend to go first.
#2. You may be searching for that dress that everyone was wearing last season. But you refused to pay $50 for it, and decided to wait for it to go on sale. Well sale time is here, but your dress isnt on sale. If an item is really popular, they tend not to go on sale, or if they do go on sale, they go fast. This is were being a Diva comes into play.
Make friends with store associates. I've even gave my number to a few, so that I can find out about sales as soon as they happen! Some stores even advertise their sales on their websites. You can join, and get emails when they're having a sale. Sometimes they even send coupons.
See warmer weather is coming quickly, and most stores are getting in their spring/summer merchandise and need to get rid of last years stuff. I for one have no problem buying last seasons trends, cause honestly, they isnt a big difference from this seasons!
I find the best time to shop and get great bargins are March-May for your fall/winter clothes and Sept-Nov for summer. The shops are making room for new inventory and are almost desperate to get rid of last seasons items. Now there is a down fall to shopping this way.
#1. You may find a great pair of jeans that you fell in love with on first sight. Unfortunatly, there is a chance you wont find them in your size. The more popular sizes tend to go first.
#2. You may be searching for that dress that everyone was wearing last season. But you refused to pay $50 for it, and decided to wait for it to go on sale. Well sale time is here, but your dress isnt on sale. If an item is really popular, they tend not to go on sale, or if they do go on sale, they go fast. This is were being a Diva comes into play.
Make friends with store associates. I've even gave my number to a few, so that I can find out about sales as soon as they happen! Some stores even advertise their sales on their websites. You can join, and get emails when they're having a sale. Sometimes they even send coupons.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Fashionable Party
Summer is coming up...is a new wardrobe just not in your budget? Try a Fashionable Party! A great excuse to have a party and get new (to you) clothes!
Here's what you do. You'll need to invite at least five of your friends who wear the same size as you do (i.e. jeans, shirts, shoes) Then head to your closet. This will be the hardest part. Go through your whole closet. Toss aside anything you dont want any more, doesnt fit, or you didnt wear in the last year. Everything should be gently worn and in good condition, things that you have outgrown or havent grown into. Nobody wants to swap for tattered, stained clothes, or run-over Tweet shoes (cause they leaning ova to the left-Lol)
Tell your guest the same thing.
Now its time for the party. Because it is a party. You'll need tons of alcohol, which can be very expensive. Think potluck. Tell each guest to bring something.
before the guest arrive, clear a space in the middle of the floor or table. When the guest arrive, put all item on the table. Now you can either leave everything there for everyone to go through at their own pace. or you can make things fun!
For instance. Divide everything into seperate piles. Jeans, shirts, dresses, skirts, and so on. Sit all your guest in a circle or give each person a number. The first person who goes can pick 1 item, the second person either can choose to take the first persons pick or pick from the pile and so on until you get to the last person. Then you start over. Think the white elephant game from grade school. Be creative.
In the end, you;ll have had fun, and got at least one nice free outfit!
Here's what you do. You'll need to invite at least five of your friends who wear the same size as you do (i.e. jeans, shirts, shoes) Then head to your closet. This will be the hardest part. Go through your whole closet. Toss aside anything you dont want any more, doesnt fit, or you didnt wear in the last year. Everything should be gently worn and in good condition, things that you have outgrown or havent grown into. Nobody wants to swap for tattered, stained clothes, or run-over Tweet shoes (cause they leaning ova to the left-Lol)
Tell your guest the same thing.
Now its time for the party. Because it is a party. You'll need tons of alcohol, which can be very expensive. Think potluck. Tell each guest to bring something.
before the guest arrive, clear a space in the middle of the floor or table. When the guest arrive, put all item on the table. Now you can either leave everything there for everyone to go through at their own pace. or you can make things fun!
For instance. Divide everything into seperate piles. Jeans, shirts, dresses, skirts, and so on. Sit all your guest in a circle or give each person a number. The first person who goes can pick 1 item, the second person either can choose to take the first persons pick or pick from the pile and so on until you get to the last person. Then you start over. Think the white elephant game from grade school. Be creative.
In the end, you;ll have had fun, and got at least one nice free outfit!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Get that red carpet look
Most celebrities wear dresses that are either customer designed
or inspired by them. Now unless you're Tyra Banks or Angelina Jolie
that probably won't happen.
But you can still get a custom made dress for a great price!
For New Years I wanted a fabulous dress that complimented me.
So I went online, looked at my favorite celebrity fashions.
Next I searched the local art schools, craigslist and friends of friends for seamstress
once I narrowed my choices down, I examined their work.
How was the stiching? The last thing you want is sloppy stiching.
I also asked for references. How long would it take for
them to finish my dress? Was it an acceptable time frame?
Once I found a seamstress who was up to
my standards, I went to fabric row and picked up some
fabulous materiel. Yes, it was a little more
costly then Joannes, Walmart, or Franks.
But fabric stores have a better selection, and
better quality fabrics. The fabric for my dress cost about $30.
The seamstress charged me $200 to make my dress.
Next I needed shoes. My dress is a deep red, so it's very hard to find
the same color to match. So I visited David's Bridal.
I bought a pair of dyable shoes in the style I liked. Then I sent them
off with a piece of sample material to be dyed.
Total cost of shoes- $60.
or inspired by them. Now unless you're Tyra Banks or Angelina Jolie
that probably won't happen.
But you can still get a custom made dress for a great price!
For New Years I wanted a fabulous dress that complimented me.
So I went online, looked at my favorite celebrity fashions.
Next I searched the local art schools, craigslist and friends of friends for seamstress
once I narrowed my choices down, I examined their work.
How was the stiching? The last thing you want is sloppy stiching.
I also asked for references. How long would it take for
them to finish my dress? Was it an acceptable time frame?
Once I found a seamstress who was up to
my standards, I went to fabric row and picked up some
fabulous materiel. Yes, it was a little more
costly then Joannes, Walmart, or Franks.
But fabric stores have a better selection, and
better quality fabrics. The fabric for my dress cost about $30.
The seamstress charged me $200 to make my dress.
Next I needed shoes. My dress is a deep red, so it's very hard to find
the same color to match. So I visited David's Bridal.
I bought a pair of dyable shoes in the style I liked. Then I sent them
off with a piece of sample material to be dyed.
Total cost of shoes- $60.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Designer Steals!!!
Anyone who knows me can tell you I have two weaknesses- designer handbags and designer sunglasses! But if you're anything like me, you don't have $1,000 plus to spend on one handbag. For designer deals at knockoff prices try buying on ebay, Amazon, even Craigslist. In this ecomony, consignment shops are popping up everywhere...there are even shops that specialize in "recycling" designer goods.
I got a Real Kate Spade Handbag for $50, retail price-$400. Thats a BIG saving! While it was used, it looked brang new.
Now a true diva would never rock a fake handbag, or at least not an obviously fake one. There are steps you can take to varify that your handbag is real.
#1. Look at the material. If the bag is leather make sure that it smells like leather. Also, it should be heavy like a leather jacket.
#2. Verify the logo. Bags with Logos: The most "knocked off" bags are the ones you should be careful of because it's so easy to be taken advantage of. Most Design houses like Louis Vuitton who make bags with their signature logo or monogram have ways to tell if it's fake or real. Louis Vuitton's signature "LV" bags are the hardest to detect a fake. When you look at the stitching on the sides and you see the "LV" it should be continued onto the other side of the bag and this also goes for the other symbols on the bag. The leather on the handle, after a few weeks, should look like a good worn leather jacket does. It should have that aged look.
#3. Look for evidence. Look for things to see if it is authentic. Look for a serial number, a stamp inside that says the brand (may not be in all bags). Also, check and see if the logo is true when it comes out of a dust bag. For example, most knockoff Chanel bags have interlocking Os instead of Cs. This actually makes it legal to sell. Then they snip it to make it look real when it comes out. Beware of this.
#4 Examine stitching. Make sure that the stitching on the bag is nice and neat. No sloppy stitching! Design Houses take pride in the quality of their products.
#5 Check the tags. Make sure the tags inside of the bag are either stamped into leather or hand-stitched (example of an obvious fake: the tag on the inside doesn't have a name on it). Also look for a tag on the outside. Many designers have authenticity tags on the outside of the bags.
If you are purchasing the bag online, ten be sure to only purchase from a respected seller. Read the sellers reviews. And ask for close up pictures on the bag including the inside, tags, and lining.
Check out sites like Bag borrow or steal. Its a handbag rental site that gives you the option or purchasing their handbags!
I got a Real Kate Spade Handbag for $50, retail price-$400. Thats a BIG saving! While it was used, it looked brang new.
Now a true diva would never rock a fake handbag, or at least not an obviously fake one. There are steps you can take to varify that your handbag is real.
#1. Look at the material. If the bag is leather make sure that it smells like leather. Also, it should be heavy like a leather jacket.
#2. Verify the logo. Bags with Logos: The most "knocked off" bags are the ones you should be careful of because it's so easy to be taken advantage of. Most Design houses like Louis Vuitton who make bags with their signature logo or monogram have ways to tell if it's fake or real. Louis Vuitton's signature "LV" bags are the hardest to detect a fake. When you look at the stitching on the sides and you see the "LV" it should be continued onto the other side of the bag and this also goes for the other symbols on the bag. The leather on the handle, after a few weeks, should look like a good worn leather jacket does. It should have that aged look.
#3. Look for evidence. Look for things to see if it is authentic. Look for a serial number, a stamp inside that says the brand (may not be in all bags). Also, check and see if the logo is true when it comes out of a dust bag. For example, most knockoff Chanel bags have interlocking Os instead of Cs. This actually makes it legal to sell. Then they snip it to make it look real when it comes out. Beware of this.
#4 Examine stitching. Make sure that the stitching on the bag is nice and neat. No sloppy stitching! Design Houses take pride in the quality of their products.
#5 Check the tags. Make sure the tags inside of the bag are either stamped into leather or hand-stitched (example of an obvious fake: the tag on the inside doesn't have a name on it). Also look for a tag on the outside. Many designers have authenticity tags on the outside of the bags.
If you are purchasing the bag online, ten be sure to only purchase from a respected seller. Read the sellers reviews. And ask for close up pictures on the bag including the inside, tags, and lining.
Check out sites like Bag borrow or steal. Its a handbag rental site that gives you the option or purchasing their handbags!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)