Sweet T.

Get some cents knocked into ya!

2011-04-18T09:15:00.001-07:00

When I mention budget shopping, I mean just that. Purchasing what you can afford, and staying away from what you can’t. I am the QUEEN of window shopping, both online and in the world of brick and mortar. Fifty bucks for a top or pair of pants is out of my price range, so I don’t buy from retailers that aren’t accommodating to my bank account. I have lived in this town my entire life, and I’ve only been to The Limited twice. The only time I’ve made a purchase in their store was during their annual spring sale when all skirts, jackets, and dress pants are 40%off. It’s the only place I can find decently looking dress pants in short. Select tops are also discounted 30%. I walk in, and 30 minutes later I walk out with 2 pairs of dress pants (one black, one khaki), an off the shoulder boyfriend striped tee, an emerald green short sleeve dress blouse, and a pair of cropped boyfriend jeans. My grand total $167.00. That’s good enough to get me through until next year’s annual sale! The pants will last and since they’re neutrals, they’ll go with everything. The boyfriend tee goes great with the boyfriend jeans and a cute pair of flats or sandals. I’ve also used the same tee as a swimsuit cover up or with distressed denim shorts. The emerald dress shirt goes great under a high shoulder fitted blazer I found at Target for $30. This is how women in this economy need to learn to shop. And as tempting as it may be to give into that “would you like to open a store account and save 10% today?”, keep in mind that unless you plan on paying off the full balance before the next billing cycle, you’ll be paying back that “free” 10% discount a few times over in interest. Something else to keep in mind when shopping is how “relevant” or “functional” a purchase is to your life or wardrobe. You may love that long sleeve sequined mini dress, but where exactly would you wear it? I’m 27, and a mom. My clubbing days are well over, and my tiny town and it’s matching tiny population rarely if ever has an event that will call for me to wear that sexy flashy mini dress and those 6 inch peep toe booties. I don’t go shopping unless it’s for a specific purpose. Treat it like you would grocery shopping. Make a list, see what you can make out of what you already have, and shop accordingly. I’ve learned to grocery shop for necessities only, and throughout the weeks purchase things like veggies, fruits, and sides as needed. This keeps me from letting anything spoil as I know it’s going to be used right away, saving me money. So when your shopping for your closet, make sure you cover necessities. Make sure you cover colors in neutrals so you can mix and match, and always, always, think what could go from winter to spring with a simple cardigan, tights, jacket, boots, scarf, etc. You want what you buy now to be wearable throughout the seasons. Don’t worry I’ll give you some tips on how to do this throughout the blog. And when shopping online, don’t forget to check the sale or clearance items!!!!! We often get so caught up in the “new arrivals” items, we forget the sales option is even there!! And if you notice it’s always the last option!! This is sales strategy people!! Try checking the sales first. You might be surprised what you find, even at some of the bigger name brand stores and sites!!!

What the ELLE?? :)

2011-04-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Even prior to its stint on "The City," I was addicted to ELLE magazine. I get crazy inspired with every page. In the April 2011 issue, there is a section listed as INFORMANTS. It's full of incredible fashion advice delivered to you via some of the top "who's who" in fashion: aka, Michael Kors & Edmundo Castillo. Kors gives his top 15 pointers in keeping fashion fabulous. TAKE NOTES!! They are as follows: 1) Don't put a round peg in a square hole. Buy clothes based on your silhouette:1950's- hourglass; 1960's-gamine; 1970's-small-chested. 2) Buy tailored jackets, coats, dresses, and pants in neutral colors. 3) Trends are not edicts. If a new style doesn't work for your body and lifestyle, walk away. 4) Try on a few sizes first. Every designer cuts differently, so don't get stuck on a number. 5) Have everything tailored. The way something fits makes all the difference. 6) A chunky men's belt takes the sweetness out of soft silk dresses and skirts. 7) For contrast, add something sleek or tailored to something over-the-top: e.g., a tuxedo jacket over a ruffled dress. 8) Simple shapes in crazy colors are easy to wear and won't languish in your closet. But when trying newer shapes and proportions, stick to classic colors such as black, gray, navy, khaki, and white. 9) Combine covered arms with bare legs; classic trousers with plunging necklines; conservative dresses with an outrageous shoe. 10) Aviator sunglasses make any outfit sexy a' la Lauren Hutton. 11) Join the metal brigade-chunky menswear watches, bold link bracelets, and oversize rings are easier to wear than explosive earrings and necklaces. 12) Find a celebrity with your body shape, coloring, and style, and use that as a template for your wardrobe. 13) Saddle-colored leather bags, shoes, and belts are great neutrals that get better with age and will work year-round, with every color and texture in your closet. 14) Bare metallic flat sandals go with everything from a bikini to white jeans to a dress. 15) Great style means having a point of view, but evolving your look is even more important. Rushing to embrace every trend will leave you fashionable, but not stylish.

All Health is about to break loose!!

2011-03-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

After two stressful weeks of work, on top of my son’s wee-ball practice & games, paying bills, still trying to start a business, trying to keep my health and house in order, and this wonderful blog, I’m realizing there’s rarely a moment in my day-to-day life that I’m not doing “something”. I’ve always bragged about never having trouble falling asleep, and when my now ex pointed out I didn’t even remove my shoes until bedtime, it’s no wonder. I’m EXHAUSTED! It’s time to take a long hard look at the endless agenda that has become my life. Let’s face it, when it comes to time management, women all over the world know – if you stop swimming you drown. Metaphorically drown that is in things like work, laundry, gardening, bills, workouts, weeball or football practice, dance class, getting everyone bathed and fed (often forgetting about yourself), and the list goes on and on. These days when I take a hot bath, I’m not relaxing with a warm towel under my neck and cucumbers on my eyes…I’m catching up on reading books or magazines, making a grocery or to do list, all while listening to my Ipod. Who in the hell makes lists in the bathtub?? Who doesn’t take their sneakers off before bed out of fear the symbolism in the act alone will affect their productivity? Who can’t take naps or sleep past 8am because their internal “get ur lazy ass up” internal alarm clock goes off??? Who gets to work early and leaves after hours and still fits in time for the gym? The 21^st century woman that’s who! And while I vent about my non-stop workload, part of me craves it, gets a rush and satisfaction from it, and even asks for more. Deep down there’s a feeling of pride and self worth that comes with juggling and being in constant motion. The April 2011 issue of Women’s Health says just that: “studies show that women expect to juggle multiple roles from an early age. The result is that they end up thriving on stress and feeling guilty if they’re not multitasking. They get used to the adrenaline rush and eventually interpret stress as a drive to be productive rather than a potential source of long-term health problems….somewhere along the way, they came to believe that the more frazzled they are, the better person they are.” In the past, women were given specific roles. They were completely dependent upon their spouses, told how to act, dress, and conduct themselves as husbands and society saw fit. Their not for profit careers as housekeepers & mothers consisted of changing diapers, starching shirts, cooking meatloaf, & keeping their waists under 20 inches. AKA: Stepford Wives. After decades of conforming, of putting everyone first, being stripped of financial and near all independence, including the ability to even think or decide for ourselves, it’s no wonder the we have rebelled. We have gone from one extreme to the next, and where before we were duty fulfilling robots running on autopilot, now we have no off switch and the dial is set to overwrought. It’s all about balance. Yes, we’ve got to start taking our shoes off! I agree we’ve got to disconnect at some point, quiet our minds, slow our bodies, and just BREATHE, but most of us take the “I can rest tomorrow" approach. Tomorrow has come and gone!!! All I can do is promise to make an effort but easier said than done. Who knew doing a little bit of nothing could be such a difficult something?!

Let's talk crap!

2011-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

For years I’ve been putting off purging my closet. Being that lately I feel the need to clean out extra unwanted clutter in my life, I thought it was the perfect place to start. So cautiously but optimistically, I did a MAJOR closet make over over the weekend. Optimism short lived, I was on the verge of a panic attack at the thought of having to get rid of half the contents. That was my goal…not all or even most…just half! My fear was hyperventilation due to deprivation, forcing me to call Stacy & Clinton from TLC’s What Not to Wear. A few deep breaths later followed by Rihanna on max volume, I went to work! If I hadn’t worn it in over a year…chunk. If it was worn and frayed…chunk. If it was the ugliest shade of booger green….chunk! If it was out of style back in 1999…chunk!!! Disgustingly, every year these horrible garments survive thanks to that b#tch of a voice in my head that says, “well, one day I might wear it to (fill in absolutely ridiculous social gathering or event that you attend only in your imagination here).” CHUNK IT!!!!! After the first few pieces were gone, I felt pounds lighter. Chunked another piece, and another, and another, and another….before long I’d filled 3, 30gal. Hefty trash bags full of my unwanted unnecessary closet vomit!!! Now that’s what I call baggage! It felt amazing!! Incredible!!... Like it feels when you grow your hair out for two years and then cut it chin length! The weight of all this crap was gone! Less mess, less hassle, and for the first time in years, I could actually see my wardrobe! I discovered pieces I didn’t even know I had!! And now when I scan the racks, I’m pleased by what I see! Not to mention my "clutter" went to Goodwill, allowing me to give back and get a tax write off!! It’s not just a closet thing…it’s a life transition thing. If someone or something doesn’t better your space…chunk! If you’ve tirelessly held on to them or it for far too long….chunk! If it feels like weight, like obligation, like an absolute pain in the ass or eye sore…..chunk! If the things or people in your life don’t bring happiness in any small way whatsoever, they only collect…..CHUNK!!!!!!!! Why do we collect so much crap? And if you want to know if you’re somewhat of a hoarder, all you have to do is check your closet, your overflowing “junk drawer”, your cabinets or your garage, your life, or all of the above! Everybody has tons of useless crap stashed somewhere!!!! GET RID OF IT ALREADY!!!

Closet Freak

2011-02-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

You wouldn’t know I’m a closet fashionista if you saw me at the gym or in the grocery store. My hair’s a mess on top of my head, no make-up, and my wardrobe could be called hobo as opposed to boho. But that’s reality. I’m an ordinary woman, full-time employee, second time college student, and a single mom. As if I have the time or the pay check to look like a daily goddess. The majority of women don’t have a crew of make-up and hair experts, personal trainers, chefs, or access to airbrushing when we’re tagged in those not-so hot fb photos. But it doesn’t mean we don’t give it hell when it comes to keeping our figures, warding off wrinkles, or playing dress-up. As much as I love my sweats, there’s nothing like slipping into something fashion forward, putting on heels, and wearing your only sexy pair of panties without holes or frayed edges!!!