Blushblog

Bargain Replacement + A year already?

Hello All

Yes, I know that we've been gone for a while.  Things have been so crazy for the both of us.  It hasn't stopped the usual discussions and debates, so we'll spend the next couple of days getting you caught up on our wonderful finds and discussions that we'd like to share with our favorite friends, YOU!

I got a great little mag in the mail the other day called Rouge.  It's put out by Proctor and Gamble.  The recent money crunch has encouraged me to experiment with more drug store make-up than department store make-up. 

There are some things that i'll never part with, like my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  But now, I'm trying more drugstore concealers, lipsticks, and shadows.  And most drugstores, like Rite-Aid, will let you return them if you don't like them.

Well, Cover Girl has a "Make Up Match" site.
    

This site allows you to put in your department store brand and shade, and it'll give you a comparable Cover Girl Shade.  Everything is not loaded, but give it a try, you may just find a new brand, and save a load of money in the process. 

I recommend purchasing it at a store where you can return it if you don't like it.  In fact, I recommend that for all new things.  Let me know how you like it.

 

A Year Already?

Today is the 1st birthday of Nadia's youngest child.  The birthing process was humorous, wonderful, and unforgettable.  Re-live this experience with us by clicking here

 

GOOD Getting Out Our Dreams

As I'm sure you know GOOD (Getting Out Our Dreams) is Kanye West's record label and home of John Legend and Common.  If you did not know, then you are now so informed.  Rest easy.  This is not a promo for Mr. West.  He is one of the kings of promotion and certainly does not need me to be his hype artist.  What I will hype, however, is the concept of following your dreams.  Whether you are like G Peezy and pursuing your standup comedy or like Mr. West and pursuing your music, or a scientist, or a photographer, or a writer dreams keep you alive.

Life is for living.  I envy those like Kanye West who had a dream at an early age, focused on it and pursued it.  I wish I were so inspired at any early age.  GOOD.  Every once in a while my restless spirit becomes agitated and lets me know that it is in need of stimulation, but I have not quite figured out how to ease the beast inside.  Over the last few years I have tried to ease her with skydiving, parasailing, and scuba diving but these temporary fixes were fleeting.  Now that I am a mother, I am far less willing to go jumping out of planes.  As another birthday approaches, the nagging feeling that I am not actively participating in my life is getting stronger and stronger.  If my life were to end tomorrow what legacy and lessons would I leave for my kids?  Would they say "my mom got out her dreams"?  Not likely.  Neither my degrees nor my career are particularly interesting.  Both have been accomplished by many and will be accomplished by many more.  My career, which I have grown to resent, is nothing more than a reflection of my own lack of creativity, inspiration, and self awareness.  I wish I new the importance of "know thy self" when I was in my early 20's.  I wish I knew the importance of taking chances and believing in yourself when I was in my early 20's.  If I had, I certainly would have done things differently.  However, all is not lost.  There is still plenty life yet to live (Lord willing, that is). 

A time for reinvention.  If Madonna can reinvent herself fifty times, then surely I can do it a few times.  The recession in all its mind blowing glory may just be what  liberates me from the mundane.  It is requiring me to be introspective, proactive, and creative.  My professional industry is getting hit pretty hard by the recession fall out, so I must hustle to find other means of making a dollar.  This is beginning to feel like a blessing in disguise.  My business partner and I are fleshing out our business with all necessary haste and urgency.  One of my dreams is to be self made and not to have to live in the world of bosses and performance evaluations.  Once the business is running and making money, my family and I can activate the second step in the reinvention plan.  Relocation.  My husband and I are ready to give a new city a try.  We are partial to southern cities, like Charlotte, Raleigh and Atlanta.  GOOD.  Reinvention is good for your mental health, your spirit, and your relationships. 

Blushing Ladies Speak:
What's your dream?  Have you reinvented yourself?  If so, how?  What sparked you to do so?  Are you trying to get out your dreams?

Recessionista Fashionista part two.....what NOT to do!

Hey Blushing Ladies....it's BrownSugar again...back with part two of Recessionista Fashionista.

So I discussed what TO do..but I think I should take just a few moments to discuss what NOT to do.

This time of year the weather is changing and we're starting to get a taste of spring fever. We want to break out the flip flops, short jackets and lighter weight clothes.  But before we do all of that and grace the world with our bountiful harvest we must make sure that we do not break the following Commandments. (I checked and the heavenly father approved this message.)

Commandment Numero Uno -- Thou Shalt Not Have A Visible Panty Line.
To quote a good girlfriend of mine "We are all glad you made the decision to wear underwear, however, we do not need to see it"
There are several cost effective solutions to this problem. There's Spanx and then there's the alternative sold at Target called Assets. I bought a pair of the tights on clearance..my thighs have never felt more secure in their life. When I regained consciousness after getting them on I realized this was great bang for the buck.

Commandment Number Dos -- Thou Shalt Not Forget the Foundations of a Fashionista Wardrobe. In the summertime I love to wear my white and natural color linen pants and skirts.  But I also know that no one in their right mind would love to see that I have on colorful underwear. Ladies -- take the time to find and invest in underwear that matches your skin tone.  I understand it's hard to find chocolate panties/thongs/slimmers but this is a must! Marshall's, Filene's, and TJMAxx....keep your eyes open!

Commandment Numero Tres -- Thou Shalt Not Wear Flip Flops/Open Toed Pumps/Sandals Without Proper Attention Paid to Thine Feet. Pedicures are a MUST!

Commandment Numero Cuatro -- Thou Shalt Not Wear Open Backed Shoes If Thine Feet Look Like I’ve Been Kicking Up Flour All Day. Gold Bond's make a foot lotion that not only moisturizes the skin but also attacks foot odor. A two for the price of one product!

Commandment Numero Cinco -- Thou Shalt Not Wear Clothes Out of Season/Decade/Millenium. Ladies -- if you're like me you love it when you find that perfect wardrobe addition, current trend or retro thrift shop find, and can’t wait to break it out the closet. But March can be a tad tricky. One day its almost 80 degrees the next week it's back in the 40s. Practice fashion patience...and wait till the weather is consistent.

Commandment Numero Seis -- Thou Shalt Not Over Accessorize. As the late great Chanel said...look in the mirror before walking out the door and take one thing off.

Commandment Numero Siete -- Thou Shalt Not Look Like the Mannequin in the Store or Like Anyone Else Walking Down the Street. It is imperative ladies that you take your style on a budget to another level. Go back to the days when you played dress up in your mother’s closet and then step it up a notch or two. Carve out your signature look and put the world on notice!

Despite the recession bring out your inner Fashionista! This is the best time exercise your artistic license!

Blushing ladies speak,

What have you seen that's caused you to pause ..but not in a good way. If you've seen things that were ultimate no-no's please share and make your own commandments.

Your fashion sister on budget -- BrownSugar
Remember your ABC's -- Always Be Cute

 

Recessionista Fashionista

Hey Blushing Ladies!

“Recessionista Fashionista” – this is the catch phrase of the moment. I even heard Joy Bryant use the term on RIP The Runway *gasp*. Blame it on the economy if you want but if you are like me -- a city girl with years to go before paying off Sallie Mae and a penchant for shopping -- you’ve turned shopping on a budget into an art-form years ago.

I read all the fashion magazines and blogs about the latest and greatest designs and trends. I watched Sex in the City faithfully. I even saw the movie twice.  But I have to admit most of the beautifully photographed or worn items are simply out of my price range. Let’s be realistic…I had rent/mortgage to pay (I needed a closet to put my fashion finds in), a car note due (I needed to transport my finds) or heaven forbid the phone company wanted to be paid (I needed to tell someone about the great find I had just made). So I would set out on a mission to achieve the same look but for much less.

Lets take my most recent casual Friday outfit for instance – Boot cut jeans in a dark wash – Ashley Stewart - $19, White shirt and black tank - both from target $25 and $8 respectively, cropped black jack ala Jennifer Hudson in the video for “Spotlight” $25 from Kohl’s, jewelry and shoes – out of my own closet and I’ve had them for so long that I can’t remember how much I paid or where I bought them from.

There are many tips & tricks for staying fly on a budget.  Here are a few rules of thumb that my friends and I tend to employ:

* Know your body type and embrace your curves and invest in a good quality full length mirror!
 Blushing ladies this is critical! Before you set out on a day filled with shopping you have to be comfortable in your own skin. It is the foundation to any outfit. Knowing what works for your body type will make shopping less painful.

* Also knowing your body type will help you better pinpoint which stores carry clothing that suits your frame. I have curves so I know better than to shop in Express/The Limited for a pair of work pants.

* Do an inventory of your closet. As we prepare to spring forward it’s a good idea to try everything on in your closet. See what fits, what does but doesn’t quite move you and what you’re holding onto but need to give to someone else who could put it to better use. Use your full length mirror!

* Jot down a few ideas of pieces you would like to incorporate into your wardrobe to spice it up.
As you’re trying on your clothes and you look into that mirror you may say to yourself hmm this could work if I had this kind of necklace, this type of belt or these kinds of shoes.

* Think outside of the box and your neighborhood when it comes to picking which stores you shop in.  There’s no politically correct to way to say this ..but try going to the more upscale parts of your area to check out the selection at the same stores that are right up the street from you.

* Shop off season – just like the fashion shows are a season ahead you must be forward thinking as well. As winter winds down many retailers are looking to make room for spring/summer clothes often slashing prices by as much as 80% percent. This is a great way to stock up on essential winter wardrobe pieces from some of the higher end shops.

* Don’t frown upon discount clothing stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, or Burlington Coat Factory! The key is to go early, go often, and pack your patience, a power bar and your ipod! Much like Ally McBeal had theme music your shopping day needs a soundtrack. Good music will uplift your mood. 

* Don’t frown upon the higher end stores either such as Nordstrom’s, Lord & Taylors, Saks and Bloomies. Each and every one of these stores has clearance racks! And some even have discount stores of their own such Off Saks and Nordstrom Rack. This is a great opportunity to find a good deal on key wardrobe pieces or that splurge pair of Jimmy Choo’s or Christian Loubutin’s.

* Be flexible when you’re shopping and take the time to try everything on. Carry a pair of heels  with you to make sure the pants are the right length. I’ve learned this one the hard way. 

* When trying on pieces try to envision how you would incorporate it with what you already have  in your closet.

* Use the internet to your advantage. Clearly I have a popular shoe size or the damn shoe  designers feel that their shoes don’t look good in a larger size. The internet has become my  partner in crime when it comes finding a shoe in my size that I may have seen in the store  that was one size too small. For example, Nordstrom will order the shoe in your size if they don’t  have it in stock and will ship it to your home for free! DSW has a great online selection in  addition to their selection in-store. They also have a rewards card and you can receive coupons  in the mail.

* Last but not least– most of the discount stores offer up lay-a-way. Yup the old school version of  credit. Put 10% of the total purchase price down, make weekly payments and pay it off in 30  days.
It’s not hard to be a fashionista on a budget – but it takes effort. But beautiful is always hard work although we make it look flawless!

So Blushing Ladies Speak….Where do you tend to find the best fashion bang for your cash strapped wallet? What are you and your girlfriends doing to stay fly on a budget?  Do you have tips to share?

Sincerely,

Your Blushing Lady on a budget – BrownSugar!
Remember ABC … Always Be Cute….

Mom and So Real Economics

I and every one I know are hunkering down on the dollar, watching for sales, cutting back on the luxuries and suddenly adhering to budgets that were once mocked and ignored.  There is nothing like decreased production numbers at work and not so secret HR closed door meetings to humble a once active member of the consuming public.  Unfortunately, in my profession, when the business world slows so do our services to it.  I wonder if my archnemesis, Sallie Mae, will understand.  (My insightful opinions of the higher education business will have to for another day and another blog.  I need time to cultivate the proper articulation of my angst.  Right now, I digress.)

My new fiscal conservation project has resulted in the end of my weekly visits to Target  to wander through the aisles of beauty and bath products.  Target brand shampoo and its generic tribute to Dove body wash have never been so exotic.  Compare and save.  We have ended the daily runs to Starbucks and opt instead for our quaint little coffee maker.  There is nothing like a Po'Bo' Latte.  Folgers and milk.  Divine.  I now treat my fashion magazines as great fantasy short stories that are filled with wonder and intrigue from far off lands.  Who knew mystical people have such great fashion?  Too bad I can't buy that stuff anywhere.

I know I have expressed my disdain for credit cards in this economy on a previous post to this blog, but I must repeat...Vanquish them from your life.  If they were thieving opportunists prior to this economy, they are now rogue stormtroopers.  I have heard tales of their war crimes.  If you are five days late on a payment, these dingoes will hunt you down like it is the Thunderdome.

However, this tough economy can inspire creativity and opportunity.  If you are not out spending money, then you should be at home thinking of ways to make money or utilize what you have.  Think of ways to conserve money and network.  I have heard of women getting together to create a "mom exchange".  If you have a child who has outgrown his or her clothing and/or toys and you are looking to clean out what he or she is not using, consider finding a mom or moms in your neighborhood, church, job or at your child's daycare who can use your former goods in exchange for something that your child needs.  For example, I have tons of girls' infant and toddler clothes that are in excellent condition, but since I am pregnant with a boy I am looking to exchange my daughter's wardrobe for a boy's wardrobe with a mom in the reverse situation.  Get to know the women around you.  You may be surprised how your can help each other.

BLUSHING LADIES SPEAK:
Have you started a mom exchange?  How is it working for you?  What other ways are you conserving your dollars?  Have fiscal concerns sparked your creative energy?

What's NOT HOT for 2009

Excuses are NOT HOT

 
As our new president readies to shoulder the weight of a troubled world, let us vow to be mindful of the excuses we make to justify our delay in not acting to achieve our goals and dreams.  This is the year for redemption, action, and achievement.  Take the momentum of this new era as a golden opportunity to reinvent yourself.  Whether it is traveling to the country you have been dreaming of visiting, pursuing an entertainment career, starting a business, or losing weight, the time is upon you to act.

Credit Cards are NOT HOT

  
Disguised in shiny plastic, the creditor banks, are strapped for cash.  As a result of greed and lack of governance, the banks have gone from engaging in reckless practices to unreasonable restraints.  To save themselves, these vultures have their eyes set on your money.  Save yourself.  Vanquish them from your life!

The Stallionaires are NOT HOT

       
OK, I will be the first to admit that I love some reality television.  It's my vice.  I love the competition shows.  I am a Project Runway, Top Chef, and America's Next Top Model junkie.  However, the romance competition shows are way out of order.  VH1 plays host to perhaps the most egregious show of the hoochmance genre - Real Chance of Love.  In case you missed it, the Stallionaires are two brothers who competed on another VH1 hoochmance show and who have now been granted one of their own.  Why?  Who knows?  I do know it's NOT HOT, though.

All Oxfords all the time are NOT HOT

I like the occasional menswear influence in women's fashion as much as the next girl.  However, ladies, there is a limit.  I don't think they are intended to go with every outfit you own.  Please stop and think before matching these up with your broken in jeans and random sweater.  Please proceed with stylish caution.


BLUSHING LADIES SPEAK:
What do you think is not hot for this new year?