Hip Bargain Chick BLOG

Hip Bargain Chick BLOG: Announcement! Hip Bargain Chick Business Remodel!!...

2013-02-25T11:25:00.001-05:00

Hip Bargain Chick BLOG: Announcement! Hip Bargain Chick Business Remodel!!...: OK, Hip Bargain Chick followers, I have been absent for some time. I took some time off to deal with the death of my Dad, who died of cance...

Announcement! Hip Bargain Chick Business Remodel!!

2013-02-25T11:19:00.002-05:00

OK, Hip Bargain Chick followers, I have been absent for some time. I took some time off to deal with the death of my Dad, who died of cancer on November 27, 2012. It has been quite a journey that has led me to revamp the Hip Bargain Chick business model.

Part of that remodel is the tips presented on this blog. I want to speak more from the heart and show that I can walk-the-walk AND talk-the-talk.

From now on, the tips will be of actual people wearing outfits that are hip, fashionable and budget-friendly. I admit, most of the 'actual people' will be of moi, since I spend the most time with myself. But, hopefully, as word travels, there will be pictures of other people who's lives have been transformed through the power of loving themselves - radiating that through their smiles and clothing choices.

Shirt = found in Stuff Consignments thrift store - $3.00. Belted for proportion.

Skirt = H&M skirt ordered from ebay - $9.99 including shipping.

Necklace = to provide a pop of color and to anchor the outfit at the top.

Boots = Aerosole knee highs bought in the spring time 4 years ago for $19.99.

I apologize for the picture quality. It will get better, I promise.

AND you may wonder how I remember prices.... I can't explain it... my brain was wired to remember numbers. But, ask me to add in my head and I need a calculator.

Tip #120: How to Whiten Discolored Nails

2012-07-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

Cut a lemon in half and rub on your nails for up to 7 minutes.

The acidity will help remove any yellow tint.

Tip #119: Every Target Customer should know THIS!!

2012-06-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

Target's mark down schedule...

MONDAY:    Kids’ Clothing, Stationery (office supplies, gift wrap), Electronics

TUESDAY:   Women’s Clothing and Domestics

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty

THURSDAY:   Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares

FRIDAY:   Cosmetics

If the price ends in 8, it will be marked down again. If it ends in a 4, it's the lowest it will be!!

Tip #118: TopCashBack.com!

2012-04-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

I did some research to make sure I was getting the most out of my rebate sites and found this site that seems to outdo most others in the % cash back department.

www.topcashback.com offers:

Kohl's = 6.5%

Groupon = 15.5% first purchase. 5% after.

Restaurant.com = 31%

BJ's = 3%

The Groupon cash back is HUGE for me. For example, I bought a Memory Foam bed topper for my daughters old full mattress for $119. With the 15.5% cash back, it was actually $100.

Use this link to join!

www.topcashback.com

Tip #117: DSW Discount + Discount + Free Shipping + 7% Cash Back

2012-03-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

I had a $20 off $49 purchase offer from DSW in my In Box.... apparently they "missed me". I like being "missed"... it equals savings :) So, I went shopping....

Of course, I went to www.ShopatHome.com first to get my 7% cash back and see what OTHER coupons were available because DSW.com STACKS coupon codes!!

Look at how I got 2 pair of boots for $52.37 + 7% cash back ($2.75) or 2 pair of boots for less than $50 by stacking 3 coupon codes and a certificate.

Tip #116: Neon is BACK

2012-03-12T18:11:00.000-04:00

Growing up in the 80's, I wore neon. Yes, I admit it. Looking back at pictures, I swore I would never wear it again....

Yet - here it is... thankfully, neon as 'a pop of color' is in... NOT neon from head-to-toe :) (thanks to the Mom at MOPS in Ashburn for pointing out this new trend!!)

Pair neon accessories with colorful print dresses in saturated colors (sunny yellow, bright blue, for example). These shades compliment, but don't compete with, neons. Or brighten up a white shirt with a neon pink clutch.

BEWARE... a little bright goes a long way!!! Don't wear more than 2 (MAX) neon colors together. More than 2 and you should go back to the 80's.

Tip #115: Defining the term 'Body Type'

2012-03-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

If you like your body shape, congratulations - you are in the minority :)

Whether you like your body or not, if you understand what your current shape and proportions are and know a few style guidelines for your shape you are well on your way to looking your best.

So, what does 'Body Type' mean? It is a combination of many factors...

Your Vertical Body Shape
Your Horizontal Body Shape
Your Face Shape
Your Weight
Your Height
Your Bone structure
Your shoulder size and angle
Your neck length and circumference
Your Age
Any figure flaws such as a large bottom, a large stomach, or saddle bags

I know... sounds complicated. God made everyone wonderfully unique. Remember - there are no 2 snowflakes the same, but each one is beautiful.

P.S. If you live in the Northern Virginia area, my services include Style Assessments (Body Typing + Color Analysis) for $30. You take away a personal Color Book and a personal What to Wear (and Not) List.

Tip #114: 2012 Handbag/Purse Trend

2012-02-16T12:58:00.002-05:00

Thank you to the Anonymous question from a reader... she asks "Any tips on bags/purses for Spring?!"

GREAT QUESTION!!

Handbags, purses and clutches are accessories that can be used to appropriately enhance your wardrobe. For example, a zebra print handbag looks best against a toned down outfit and may clash with other animal prints or colors you're wearing. Similarly, an elegant satin clutch doesn't pair well with a hobo-chic ensemble donned while errand-running.

With the following trendy bags for 2012, any woman will have a bag that will fit her requirements...

Color Blocked Satchels
A satchel is a handbag that's carried on the shoulder. It typically has a flap, sometimes secured with a clasp, other times with a buckle. The satchel silhouette is pretty classic in terms of purses and handbags, which makes a color blocked satchel new and interesting. It's the juxtaposition of archetypal form with flashy, unexpected color combinations that makes this handbag trend a must-follow for spring 2012.

Western Cross Body Bags
Last year's Western trend continues thriving in the fashion world. Throughout spring 2012, you'll continue to find a plethora of cowboy-chic apparel and accessories, including always smart cross body bag. From leather bags with funky inlay designs to colorful, intricate beading to the stud-adorned variety, you shouldn't have a problem finding something that fits seamlessly into your current wardrobe. FYI: Cross Body bags get their name because of their long straps, which cross over the chest and allow the bag to hang around your waist or hips.

Pastel Clutches
The feminine among us shall now rejoice, for pastels and lace are a mega "do" for spring 2012. The more ice cream and Easter-inspired the hue, the better. Think sherbet orange, minty green, cool gray, bubblegum pink and soft, butter yellows. Don't be afraid to layer the pastels, either. Designers didn't shy away from pairing and overlapping pastels with other pastels on the spring 2012 runway.

Printed Bags
Some seasons, prints just don't seem to pair well with on-trend apparel. The clean palette of spring 2012, on the other hand, lends itself very well to big, boisterous, look-at-me-prints adorning handbags, clutches, wristlets and coin purses. For example, the Dolce & Gabban's spring 2012 collection showcased bags with unexpected prints, including bags with onions and other foods. Fendi's spring 2012 collection also showcased modern, abstract prints that popped against clean ensembles. From floral to polka dot to abstract and beyond, printed bags will spice up any outfit.

Colors
The hottest trend for handbags is a flood of colors; bold, bright colors. The color trend broadens to include not only solid colors but a combination of bold colors in one handbag. Colors and animal prints are also seen in sync in some fantastic combinations.

Vintage handbags
Another hot handbag trend for 2012 are vintage handbags or handbags inspired by handbags popular in the 60s, 70s and 80s. This includes shoulder bags, clutch bags and top handle satchels, three of the most foremost handbags of those decades. But one thing noticeable about the shoulder bags for 2011 is the length of the straps. If in years past, shoulder bags were designed to fit right under the armpit, the 2012 shoulder bag has longer straps. In fact the straps are long enough to reach the hip and can even be used to cross the body.

Hobo bags
A big handbag trend for 2012 is the hobo bag. A hobo bag is typically large and crescent shaped with a long strap designed to be worn over the shoulder. Hobo bags for 2012 come in a wide array of colors and patterns with plenty of decorative features such as buckles, outside and inside pockets and even matching wallets. They are also made out of a wide range of materials, from the very elegant leather and suede to the more casual vinyl. Hobo handbags are the ideal handbags for women who are always on the go and needs a roomy bag for all the items she needs for her busy life.

Tip #113: GO SHOPPING!!

2012-02-07T15:24:00.001-05:00

I am so very sorry for my lack of posts over the last month.

My excuse? A vacation to Cancun, my 40th birthday and lots of shopping :)

So, if there is one tip I can give to you right now....

GO SHOP CLEARANCE!!!

The deals in stores right now can be amazing, with winter clothing at up to 90% off. You may have to dig, but it is worth it :)

Tip #112: Is it Dicky, Dickey or Dickie?

2012-01-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

Are you wondering what the heck I am talking about?!?!?

Ever wonder how people where a sweater and a white shirt without seeing the bulk of the shirt underneath? Yes, that's right.... a Dickey!

I was watching the Nate Berkus show today at the gym and saw this fashion tip (from the Fashion Editor at Glamour)... Apperently, a Dickie (also spelled Dicky or Dickey) is the next big thing.

According to Wikipedia.... Dickey is a type of false shirt. Cloth dickeys simulate many different styles, some often seen examples include dress shirt front and collar, formal frilled shirt front (popular in the mid seventies with powder blue tuxedos) and most commonly in modern times as false sweater fronts. Cloth dickeys can simply be a cut-off collar and/or front of a dress shirt.

So, I did an internet search on Dicky (and Dickey and Dickie. 'Dickie' is also a brand, so be careful.) It was hard to find them!!! Apparently, Glamour says this is a fashion tip, but the 'popular' stores have not picked up on it yet!

I found some collared dicky's at http://www.wdrake.com/WalterDrake for $10. http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/ has them for $6.99. They don't have a top collar button though and I can't speak to the quality of these products.

Maybe Hip Bargain Chick (and Glamour :)) has found the new 'it' thing and we will soon see them everywhere in the stores!!!... Or maybe not.... I will be buying one :)

Tip #111: Are you short or long-waisted....

2011-12-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

Women often are said to be either short-waisted or long-waisted. To figure out where your waist falls within your overall physique — your “waistedness” — follow these simple steps:

Measure the distance between your armpit and your waist.

Measure the distance between your waist and the bottom of your bum.

Compare the measurements.

If the two measurements aren’t equal, you’re either short- or long-waisted: If the first measurement is shorter, you’re short-waisted. If the second measurement is shorter, you’re long-waisted.

#110: Use Kohl's Cash On-line and Save MORE!

2011-12-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

I went to bed on a total high last night after the HUGE deal (81% off) I got last night on http://www.kohls.com/. I had Kohl's cash that was going to expire and I had no time to get to the store. There was no way I was going to lose 'free' $20.

Did you know you could use Kohl's cash on-line?

Then, I stacked coupon codes AND got 6% cash back.... here are the details.

Went to (www.ShopatHome.com)
Find Kohl's and click on the coupon code you want to open the www.kohls.com/ window.
Shop. Add the item to your bag. I chose a non-wrinkle white shirt for my husband... originally $65, on sale for $39.
Check out. Type in your Kohl's cash codes. Shirt is now $19.00.
YOU CAN STACK PROMO CODES (up to 2). I used my Kohl's charge to use a 30% off promo code. Then I entered a promo code for free shipping. The shirt is now $13.30.
Don't forget the 6% cash back! NOW the shirt is $12.50!!! Originally, $65!!! That is a 81% savings!

#109: Discounted Gift Cards PLUS Cash Back

2011-12-10T09:21:00.001-05:00

Save on gifts for others (and items for yourself) by buying gift cards at a discount on-line.

Today I compared www.plasticjungle.com, www.giftcards.com, and www.Giftcardgranny.com. Basically, they all work the same.

To get an even better deal:

www.ShopAtHome.com gives 3.5% cash back on purchases from www.Giftcards.com. Yes, that means you get a discount on the card AND cash back.... saving even more!
www.Ebates.com gives 1% cash back on purchases from www.plasticjungle.com.

#108: How to use Ebates.com to get 3% Cash Back on Groupons!

2011-12-01T07:29:00.001-05:00

In the past few days, I have overheard so many people talking about buying Groupons for Christmas. I tell everyone to go to www.Ebates.com first to get 3% cash back and they look at me like it is way too complicated. IT IS NOT COMPLICATED!

Here is what you do....

DO NOT BUY DIRECTLY FROM www.GROUPON.com!!!
Go to www.Ebates.com. Sign-in (or sign-up)
Search for Groupon.
Click on the Groupon (3% cash back) link. It will open www.Groupon.com. THEN, buy the Groupon.
www.Ebates.com will send out a check after you reach $20.00 in cash back savings.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR GROUPONS!!,

Tip #107: Black Friday Websites

2011-11-22T13:29:00.001-05:00

Check one of the comprehensive Black Friday-focused websites to see if you are getting the best deal.

bfads.net

blackfriday.info

theblackfriday.com

Black Friday@gottadeal.com

Tip #106: Four Steps to Easy Holiday Shopping

2011-11-13T17:10:00.001-05:00

1. Have a Plan

Make a list of WHO you are buying for
Fill in HOW MUCH you are spending on each person**
Fill in WHAT you are buying for each person

** If you really have no idea what to buy for a particular person, at the very least set a price limit. That way you won’t be tempted to spend too much out of desperation.

2. Do your research

Spend a little time checking out the various options & brands available for each item you think you will buy. Read the reviews, figure out some base prices, & make a list of at least your top 3 picks. Narrow down the field so you know what to look for.

3. Tackle Black Friday like a pro

I am personally not a big fan of Black Friday shopping. I would much rather stay in my P.J.'s, drink my coffee, and save big bucks on Cyber Monday. But that doesn’t mean I can't offer some tips:

Develop a plan of attack Know what time each store opens, and which “must-have” items are at each store.
Know the store policies. Bring a copy with you, if possible.
Bring the store ads along. This is useful for price matching.
Get gift receipts! You may need them later.
Look for coupons ahead of time. Save even more money!
Compare prices online. There is no sense fighting the crowds at 3am if you don’t have to.

4. Shop online (refer to Tip #105)
I am a HUGE fan of online shopping!! Besides clearance items and thrift store finds, I consistently find the best deals on-line. The selection and prices just can’t be beat!!!!!!!!!

Tip #105: Holiday Shopping Online

2011-11-06T19:21:00.001-05:00

Ugh... Holiday shopping... so much pressure to buy the right thing. Every year I wrack my brain trying to figure out what to buy everyone. But, when you find that perfect gift and see their face light up... priceless.

What isn't priceless is the money spent... but, Hip Bargain Chick is here to provide you with some money saving tips!!

FIRST.... Join Shop At Home by clicking on this link......

BEFORE YOU GO TO ANY ON-LINE STORE, GO TO www.ShopAtHome.com FIRST!!!

FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

We will use Old Navy as an example....

1. Go To www.ShopAtHome.com
2. Sign-in
3. Search for Old Navy in the Search field at the top of the page
4. Click on Old Navy when the search results are returned
5. ShopAtHome will show ALL OF THE COUPON CODES FOR OLD NAVY!
6. Click on the Coupon Code you want to use (Free Shipping, for example).
7. ShopAtHome will open the OLD NAVY Website in a NEW window.
8. Shop at Old Navy.
9. Coupon Code should be automatically applied at checkout. If not, then enter the Coupon Code.
10. When the Item Ships and is verified by ShopAtHome.com, you will receive the % Cash Back. For example, if I spend $50 at Old Navy and the cash back is 3%, then I receive $1.50 back in my ShopAtHome account.
11. When your account reaches $20+, they will mail you a check (every 3 months).

The $'s add up! I just received a check for $63.97 doing shopping I would have done anyway.

Tip #104: The Chunky Cardigan

2011-10-30T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Chunky Cardigan.... the Jacket Alternative...

The CHUNKY Cardigan is NOT meant to be belted - or slimming. When deciding, choose a more relaxed fit.

Proportion is the key if you don't want the sweater to wear you. Keep your bottom half slender, and be wary of going too long. If the sweater falls below mid-thigh, it can look draggy.

These Cardigans are especially cute with winter accessories. Try one with a long scarf, leather gloves, and booties.

Tip #103: How to Spruce Up Last Years Coat...

2011-10-23T20:07:00.000-04:00

Don't want to buy a new coat?

ADD A BELT!!

Play around with widths and colors, in either the same shade as your coat or a different hue.

For a monochromatic look, coordinate the belt to match the coat. A skinny belt looks well on petite frames.

Consider other elements on the coat. Different colored buttons? Try matching the belt to the buttons. Is the coat a masculine cut (i.e. double-breasted)? Try a buckle.

An extra-wide belt on a contrasting color makes the biggest statement. It's perfect on taller types with long torsos.

Tip #102: What to buy in October....

2011-10-18T13:22:00.001-04:00

Swim suits are on sale now!

I know, I know.... the tan has faded and those lights in the dressing rooms are not flattering.

But, October is when bathing suits are at the cheapest.

Don't forget the kids!!! This children's bathing suit is on sale at Target for $4.54!!

Tip #101: Why you can wear different sizes...

2011-10-11T11:46:00.002-04:00

Why are you a Size 6 in some brands and a 10 in others?

Most companies who mass-market start with a Size 8 production pattern, which gets shifted larger or smaller depending on their clientele. So, a high-fashion 8 isn't typically as big as a mass-market brand's 8."

Even in Europe, where measurements are standardized by law, there can be some variation because a designer may decide to fix a garment's waistline above (or below) a woman's natural waist. The best way to ensure a good fit is to try everything on - and trust the mirror instead of the digit on the label.

Tip #100!!! Thank you for Reading!!!

2011-09-29T22:12:00.002-04:00

Meet Chrystal, an avid Hip Bargain Chick follower!! I met her when I spoke to her MOPS group in Spring 2011. She contacted me a few months later and asked if we could go shopping and could I showcase her for Tip #100... here you go, Chrystal!

When we met to shop in June, she had a 5 month old baby. She was still breast feeding and trying to lose the baby weight. Her challenge was to not spend a lot of money and she needed something that wasn't in a sweat pant material :)

The Steps we took...
1. KNOW WHAT COLORS LOOK GOOD ON YOU!! Chrystal is a Summer - which means she looks best in bright, vivid colors. Grays are a good neutral color for a Summer as well.
2. UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY!! Chrystal just had a baby. She has great legs. Accentuate the positive, minimize the negative!! We also determined that a V-neck was her best friend.
3. DETERMINE YOUR STYLE!! Chrystal knew what she was looking for... a super casual outfit that was great for nursing, but could be dressed up for a date with hubby.

OUTCOME:
Chrystal's total was $36.02 for 3 shirts. A brilliant blue stripped shirt from Forever21 was $15.54. A bright pink Gap ruffle (ruffles are 'in') was $14.49 and a Gap Red V-neck was $5.99.

Chrystal now had 3 different shirts to wear with khaki's, jeans and shorts. Changing the shoes and accessories can also change the 'feel' of an outfit.

Thank you Chrystal! Great Color on you :)

Do you want to know what looks best on you?!? Contact ME @HipBargainChick@yahoo.com

Tip #99: Hip Bargain Chick Fashion Show!!

2011-09-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to...

The First Annual

Hip Bargain Chick Fashion Show!

Learn how to infuse Fall Fashion Trends into your wardrobe on a budget!!!

(Some items will be for sale… Nothing priced over $10!!)

Wednesday, October 5

Seating #1@10am

Seating #2 @7pm

8274 Shimmering Rock Road, Gainesville

RSVP REQUIRED to

HipBargainChick@yahoo.com

Limited Space!!

Light Refreshments will be served.

$5 Admission.

Tip #98: Fall SHOE Fashion 2011... on a budget!

2011-09-10T10:18:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't love DSW?!?

I love the deals I can get on-line at DSW.

They have a greater selection on-line than in the stores. If I find a shoe I like on-line, I see if it is the store near me - just in case I want to try it on first. But, the nice thing about ordering on-line at DSW is you can easily return the shoes to the store AND get bigger discounts!!!

I just ordered Heeled Loafers (a fall trend) from DSW. To get the most discounts, I did the following:

Click on the Ebates link (to the left of this blog post under the 'TOTAL VISITS' counter). Ebates gives 8% cash back on everything ordered from DSW, while ShopAtHome only gives 3%.
Join Ebates (if you haven't done so already)... it is FREE!
Search for DSW.
Ebates will bring back all the coupon codes available for DSW at that time.
Click on the coupon you want.
Ebates will automatically open a new window of DSW.
Order your shoes.
DSW ACCEPTS MULTIPLE COUPON CODES!!! Keep on entering discount codes! If they don't accept one, they may accept another! For example, the shoes I ordered were on sale, free shipping code, a 10% off code, and double reward points.

The lace-up military boot is a trend.
The buckles are also found on many shoes this fall.

Suede, Lace-up, wedge heel and bootie.
This shoes has 4 of the fall trends in 1 shoe.

Chunk heel, patent leather pump.
God Bless those that can walk in these!

This black wedge shoe shouts comfy
and low on/off maintenance. Any shoe with height will
make you appear thinner!
These are a Hip Bargain Chick 'Everyday Wear" Winner!

Not sure where I would wear these,
but they are cute and trendy!
Wedge, platform, suede, bootie...
can't you see these on Gwen Stefani?

Military Boot with a twist!
Because the entire shoe is on a platform,
the height difference between
the heel and the toe is not much...
making it easier to walk in.

LOVE boots.
SO excited for the colder weather.
These wedge, buckle boots would
look amazing with skinny jeans!

Plaid is back! Penny Loafer heels are in!
I got myself a pair in black (and not so high).

Are you seeing a theme?!?

I couldn't resist another military
lace-up bootie twist. Adorable.

For those of you who do NOT wear heels.
Stick with a flat penny loafer.
Patent leather makes it extra trendy.