I just FEEL smarter...

 Remember my discovery of Coastal.com? Free glasses?

They came in early last week, and they are perfect! The prescription is spot on, and I've been very pleased with the quality. 

A little outlandish,yes. But I love them! 

 I also popped back in to the site to check out some of their other prices, and they have another special going on for Valentines. $50 off of your order when you add a lens upgrade. So considering another pair!

 

 

Free Nerd Chic Glasses? Why, yes, I will!

I've never been one of those people who only wore their glasses at home...You know? Where no one else would possibly see them?

I've pretty much always been a glasses loving n.e.r.d. Especially funky, trendy frames in unexpected colors. Unfortunately, glasses are expensive. I'm pretty sure every optometrist must have ten kids to put through college, because glasses usually put a crimp in my purse budget.

 

Knock, knock...

Who's there? 

Costal Contacts

I stumbled across this gem of a site while watching YouTube videos.

And do you know what? They have a promo code for a free (FREE) pair of prescription glasses! (Firstpairfree)

Check out these puppies:

 

 

 

 Yeah, that's a multiplication and division sign on the corners. Be jealous. These are so mine.

 

And I only paid shipping. *Sigh*

 

 

Valentine's Day gift ideas for the fashionista

Refer your husband to my latest article for the big V-Day, ladies!! :)


Valentine's Day gift ideas for the fashionista

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Dressing for success: Appropriate interview attire

This is my latest article. Check it out for tips on how to dress for interviews. Sorry if you find any errors, I was having trouble focusing. Normally, I'm a lot sharper! lol Please feel free to comment on the story and send story ideas or questions my way.

Dressing for success: Appropriate interview attire

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Fashion find: Sunglasses

I'm not usually a big spender on sunglasses. I have a pair of Vera Wang for Kohl's sunglasses, which were $20, but that was rare. I just recently noticed that those were getting pretty worn, and I've been using a cheapie pair my gram gave me. Then...Dum da da dum! I went to Marshall's.Ya'll know I love a deal. I love finding really good products at places like Marshall's and TJ Maxx for way cheaper than they should be.

I found these Juicy Couture sunglasses, which currently retail at $135 on the website, for $29.00 That was pretty expensive for me, but I had been watching them and watching them. I had some money saved up, so my husband told me to go ahead and grab them before they were gone.

I love the way they look, and they are pretty understated and go with everything. Man, I love Marshall's.

I'll probably be doing an article on designer sunglasses at discount prices for Examiner, because seriously, you can find some great deals. That store also had a pair of women's Calvin Klein aviators in blue for $7.00.

Why I'm glad Ebay hates me.

Well, in all fairness, Ebay doesn't hate me. We have a love hate relationship. You see, when you bid on something, you start to get attached to it, and you can't do that.

As I mentioned in my last Ebay post, I was bidding on a beautiful leopard print Dooney & Bourke bag. My max bid was $50, and I was winning up until about an hour before the end of the auction. Am I disappointed to have lost the bag? Kind of.

Let me tell you why:

I discovered a whole host of stores in Jackson that have little pockets of beautiful D&B bags. Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Stein Mart. Last night, my husband and I were out exploring the local TJ Maxx for the first time (I love this store. Everytime I see one I go in!) Usually, they have two or three D&B bags for pretty high prices. Not so last night, buddy!

I found this beauty for a song:

This is a solid leather construction Medium Drawstring bag, a style which coincidently was named by People Style Watch as the "it" bag of the new year.

The reason I got this bag so cheap? It had a pen mark down the front. I took it home and put a little rubbing alcohol on that sucker, and it was good as new. I also got a promise from the manager of the store that if that didn't work, I could return it.

Motto of the story? Sometimes you just have to dig a little and be patient. If you want a luxurious $400 bag without the heafty price tag, you have to think outside the box!

Ebay: An obsessive compulsive's worst nightmare.

Have you ever bid on anything on Ebay? Plugged a few "wish list" items into the search engine looking for the best "deal" ?

Yeah. Join the ranks. It seems like everyone and their mama is using Ebay these days to procure even the most limited edition of items. Don't get me wrong. It is a wonderful outlet for those of us trying to save a dime by buying items at lower than retail cost. I am currently bidding on a Dooney & Bourke bag in the double digits myself. It is used, but I'd take a used anything if it was a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

BUT...And there always is one! I find myself becoming obsessed with checking back to make sure the bids are still the same...Eyeballing pictures of my lovely little leopard print beauty. I almost wish I had just gone on down to the Macys and picked up a brand new one to avoid the stress. Ha. Like I have $335 laying around for a purse.

Who doesn't love getting something for practically nothing though? I can't deny that getting this beauty

Image courtesy of Dooney.com

at less than $50 would certainly make my year bright.

And it certainly would be nice to win. I will confess to having liberally cursed the first time I bid on something on Ebay and almost lost...I'm far too competitive, darlings.

Bow-tastic

After reading the wonderful Aya's (Strawberry Koi) post on homemade hair bows, I was possessed of a desire to create my own. Her instructions were flawless, and it only took me a few minutes to whip up this beauty with some spare ribbon:

So basically, if you're interested in these lovely bow creations or in vintage clothing, hairstyles, etc...Go check this lady out! She does fabulous tutorials on YouTube under the same moniker, and her blog is always lovely.

You WILL enjoy it!

Infinity Scarves

Lately, I've been obsessed with infinity scarves. Well, not exactly lately...I've actually been wanting one of these since last year. They seem to really be hitting their stride. Take a look at these affordable beauties!

Spiegel Small Infinity Scarf - $29

Nordstrom Brazen Fringed Infinity Scarf - $46

Oak Black Rib Knit Infinity Scarf - $56

If you are interested, the Limited also has a great selection of super affordable infinity scarves online! Check out their website here!

As for me....I'll be wearing this lovely blue scarf in numerous ways during the winter weather:

                                           

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, lovies!

Quicky Tip and Site Suggestion!

I learned this tip from Elle of AllThatGlitters21 (YouTube and Blogger):

If your shoes are rubbing blisters every time you wear them out to parrrr-tay, try slathering on a thin layer of vaseline on your heels and other rubbed spots before you shoe-up for the evening. The vaseline keeps the shoes from creating those nasty blistered bits, and it keeps you on the dance floor allllll night long!

Photo Courtesy of Mad About Shoes

Check out Mad About Shoes for more fab pics of gorgeous shoes like these Dior hotties!

Lemons into lemonaid...

Last night, as we were eating our pork tenderloin with rice and field peas, I went all Incredible Hulk on my lovely silver fork. It was one of those moments where you put exactly the right amount of pressure on something at the right place, and it bends just so:

Yep. No kidding. You should have seen my face. I could have bent the fork back into shape, but this sort of sparked an idea in my mind. The designs were beautiful up close, and I decided to try and make something out of it.

Using some bolt cutters and (wait for it) a dremel drill-like manicure kit, we remove the prongs and bent it into  a pendant. 

I had a few other dangly bits left over from a necklace I haven't worn in forever, so I strung them all onto a long chain with some beautiful ribbon.

I will probably fiddle around with it by adding a second chain to make it look a little more tangled, but I'm pretty happy with where it is going.

Everyday objects. Sometimes you don't notice the details until the whole is broken into parts.

Epheriell Designs!

Endless Forest Lariat Silver Necklace - $23

Silver Spirals Urban Sterling Silver Earrings - $18

Artist Jessica Van Den's jewelry designs are sleek, modern, and fantastically priced. I read about her on Down and Out Chic, and I'm officially in love with her Etsy shop. I already have several pieces picked out to give as gifts. And a few to give to myself ;)

OPI Polishes, Fall Favorites!

1. Owl Ring - $7.99 at Rue 21. I love owls, and this ring was a great price for a good statement ring. Love it!

2. Boots - $29.99 at Charlotte Russe. LOVE them. I haven't had a pair of boots in a really long time, and these were love at first sight. They have a nice chunky heel and a great buckle detailing.

3. You Don't Know Jacques by OPI - $8.50 at Ulta. I love this nice muddy grey color. Today is really nasty and rainy outside, so I painted my nails to match the clouds. :) It did take 2 coats to get a nice opaque color, so be forewarned.

4.  Barefoot in Barcelona, Miami Beet, You Don't Know Jacques, and Parlez Vou OPI (sp?) - Buy 2, Get 2 at Ulta. I've only tried Barefoot and YDKJ, but so far...I'm loving them! This was my first time using OPI polishes, and I'm really impressed by the quality of the brand.

Fall fashion, etc!

Hubby and I just got back from our trip to the Mississippi Delta for his mom's award ceremony. She was voted one of Delta University's Alumni of the Year! We were super proud. :)

I also have some photographs from our trip, which I will upload ASAP. I have a few swatches of OPI nail polishes that I am loving right now, and I even have a few pictures of new loves. I'm trying to go ahead and get in the bed early tonight, because tomorrow will be a long day of driving. I'll be heading to a seminar on hospice marketing tomorrow. I believe there will be WIFI where I am going, so I'll try to get those photos up for you soon.

Goodnight, my darlings. Hope you enjoy the brand new layout.

In and Out

Saw this post on Lollipop26's blog, and I loved the idea of it. Here are mine:

In:

Lighter hair for fall- I have had black hair for a couple months now (I usually go to black hair for fall.), and I decided to lighten it up for a change. I chose a medium auburn shade, and I'm loving it. I think it really brightened up my skin.

Purples and magentas- I recently picked up a few new pieces of clothing, and I'm really gravitating to the purples and violet colors for this season. I think they are really beautiful, and they add a nice pop of color against dark jeans.

Moisturizing religiously- I have just recently seen the light as far as moisturizing regularly. I am using Clinique's Dramatically Different every day. It is wonderful!!

Out:

Washing my hair every single day- It is true. You can skip a day. It is better for your color and for the actual hair. I wash every other day most of the time. I let my hair dry naturally, and I section it and flat iron. I use Sally's generic flat iron guard spray. I don't have to use very high heat, because my hair is naturally straight. I can sleep on it, and it still looks good for the next day!

Dressing for a size- Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT look at the size of that shirt or those pants. Look at the fit! Don't say, "I'll buy it in a size smaller and work my way into it." Don't set yourself up for failure there. Look great at every size by buying clothes that fit you properly. Buy a few special pieces and inexpensive staples. When you do drop those pounds, you can easily replace them.

Pink hair!

Told you I would update you on the process of my pink hair. I didn't end up needing to bleach more than one time. The color is a lot brighter in person than in the picture, and I like it a lot.

I tucked the highlights into my hair, so if I part it one way, the color is almost completely concealed. I originally had the very bottom layer in pink as well, but I ended up dying it black. I just didn't like the look of it.

I used Pink Fetish by Splat!, which I purchased at Walgreens for $9.99. The quality of the product was really good. Even after applying black hair dye (Balsam Lasting Color Creme in 618), I was still able to bleach to a really light color. The pink took very well and is pretty consistent throughout the whole length of my hair, which is nice.

Try it out!

Black and (pink?) hair

Currently sitting with hair in foils attempting pink highlights in my newly black hair. We'll see. Probably going to need to bleach two or three times to make them pop. I hope they turn out. Will post pics!:)

Kandee The Make Up Artist

I have been watching this woman's videos on YouTube for about two months now, and aside from being a phenomenal source of beauty and fashion tips, she has a number of inspirational videos. Just listening to her story and watching her happy, upbeat videos make my day. Reading her blog is a must!