Saturday, February 13, 2010

How to Buy Cheap Designer Makeup

Have you always wanted to wear designer makeup, but just can't justify spending so much money? Well then, its your lucky day, because I am going to give you 3 great tips to show you how to buy cheap designer makeup.

I hate to say this, because it really goes against my desire for fashion to be affordable, but the designer makeup brands are usually superior to the cheaper brands. The colors are brighter, they go on smoother, last longer, and make your skin just look so much better. That is not to say that there are not awesome brands that are cheaper, there are. But the expensive brands are superior to them as well. You really are paying for quality when it comes to makeup, skin care, and hair care.

Tips #1- Don't be scared to ask for freebies. Honestly, I am on the timid side. The thought of asking for free, well, anything is pretty much foreign to me- though sometimes I would like to, I just don't have the cajones. BUT I know that cosmetics stores and sales counters have a large amount of testers. I also know that all of these testers do not get used, and since the girls that work at these types of places are usually makeup junkies themselves they sometimes take home the testers- or they throw them away. Or they give them out to customers who ask to try some of the cosmetics.

I'm not telling you to walk around the mall and ask for free makeup, that obviously, would be a bit strange. But next time you are buying makeup products, ask the sales lady if she has any samples that you could have to try out a new line or product that you are interested in. The sales girls make a commission off their sales, therefore they want to build a relationship with their customers and they also want you to buy, buy, buy- they make money off of it! If turing you into a repeat client of theirs requires them to give you a free sample or two- they will- because they know that you will probably come back and buy it when you run out. So you get free stuff, they get a new faithful customer and everybody is happy.

Tip #2- Buy your cosmetics online. Many online retailers sell designer cosmetics for a large percentage off of the retail price. I'm talking up to 80% off here. They generally sell older products and discontinued products. Do be aware that makeup has an expiration date. Liquid based foundations, lip sticks, and mascara have a 6 month shelf life and all power and dry products have about a 2 year shelf life.

Are you going to be able to check the expiration date online before you buy a product... welllll, no. But also, I don't know anyone that anally checks their cosmetics to be sure that they haven't expired. A good rule of thumb is that if any product has a funky smell or a weird consistency, then it expired. The only product that you do actually need to really be aware of is mascara. You really don't want to be putting expired product so close to your eyes.

Tip #3- Check out ELF cosmetics. This company has neen awhile for quite awhile, but they are just now getting more attention because they are now selling products in some stores instead of just online.

Their original like is super cheap. Like, $1.00 per product cheap. their lip glosses and nice and they have really great makeup brushes. Most of cosmetics got on really lightly and need repeated application to stay fresh, but what can you expect for a buck?

Their mineral and studio line, however are awesome. They are also really cheap, everything is priced between about $3.00 - $10.00. It's just a great deal and they are quality products. If you haven't been to their website, it is just www.eyeslipsface.com- you NEED to check it out. It is like cosmetic heaven.

Anyway, now you know how to buy cheap designer makeup! Happy shopping!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How to Find Your Personal Style

Maybe you have always looked up to a certain fashion icon and want to flourish into a trend setter yourself. Or maybe you just want to figure out once and for all, what look works for you. If you are trying to establish and cultivateyour personal style, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. What colors looks best on you, what your body type is and what shapes will flatter you best, and how to successfully translate your personality into your clothing choices.

Lets start with color choices. First you must determine what season your skin color best falls in.

*Autumn skin tones are those with golden undertones. If you are having a hard time telling whether or not you fit into this category, a good rule of thumb is that golden undertones are usually found in redheads and brunettes, though this is not always the case. And if you have golden brown eyes, you probably also fit into this category. Autumn skin tones look best when paired with colors that also have golden undertones, like tans, orange, gold, golden brown and some shades of red and pink. These colors will look best, not only worn as clothing, but for make up as well.

*Winter skin tones have blue or pink undertones. Winters can have very pale skin, but also African Americans and Asians can have pink undertones in their skin. Winters are usually dark eyed, brunettes and they look best in bright pink, many shades of red, navy blue, dark purple, and black and white. Keep in mind, that pastels may wash you out.

*Spring skin tones also have golden undertones, but they have lighter hair than the Autumns. The classic red head would fall into this category. Spring girls have freckles, golden or strawberry blond hair and pale skin. These girls look best in warm, golden colors like red, orange, tan, pink, browns- but avoid muted dark colors like dark gray and navy.

*Summer skin tones have pink undertones and pale skin. If you are the all-American natural blond with blue eyes- you fall into this category. Summers look best in shades of red and blues and pastels.


Once you have determined your skin tone, you must access your body type. There are three different body types: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph.

*Ectopmorphs are slim, with shoulders that are the same width as their hips. These girls are the ones that we refer to as 'straight up and down'. These are usually your regular fashion model body types. This is the easiest body type to dress, if you are an ectomorph, you can wear almost everything. What you will most want to keep in mind is that you should pick shapes that will add curves to your otherwise slim frame. Belts or dresses that emphasize your waist are optimal. You want to stay away from boxy jackets or shirts that billow out at the waist- they will do nothing to flatter you.

*Mesomorphs are your pear-shaped or apple-bottomed girls. (Think JLO booty.) They are generally larger boned and have bottoms and hips that are wider than their shoulders. These girls can have problems maintaining their weight, but can put on muscle quite easily as their shapes are great for it. You may feel like wearing baggier bottoms to huge your booty- but don't. Make sure you wear bottoms that are snug and fit you properly. If your pants fit your bottom, but gap at the waist- then they do not fit, and will not be flattering. Dress to emphasize your booty rather than hide it. Flaunt it if you got it, right?

*Mesomorphs are your athletic girls. They have broad shoulder (wider than their hips) and a medium to large frame. Mesomorphs generally want to dress in more feminine, flowy materials to help balance out their athletic shape. Skirts that are full at the bottom are a good example of a garment that would help to balance a mesomorphs shape.

Now the fun part- learning to wear your personality. You can dress to suit what music you like or what hobbies you have. If you are a brainy bookworm, then go for glasses and argyle. Do the sexy secretary thing. Or if you love rock music- bust out the studs and leopard print. Artsy? How about some fun bright colors and quirky accessories. If you are a nature girl or environmentalist show it by opting for flowy materials and pretty flower prints. You get the picture.

You don't have to go crazy with it, just incorporate small pieces into your wardrobe that really show who you are as a person. Or wear a little something of your favorite color everyday. Even if you just wear a really unique pair of glasses everyday- the idea is to have a signature that is easily recognized by others, and stick with it.. develop it into a look that is all your own.

That is what personal style is all about..

..and how to find your personal style.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Find Your Personal Style

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes a person a Fashion Icon? Or a Trend Setter?

Personal Style.


Anyone who has ever been admired for their fashion sense, has been held in such high regard because they had impeccable personal style. If you want others to admire your fashion sense- then you also need to find your own personal style.

Now, this is not about wearing whatever is trendy at the moment and keeping up with all the latest fashions. This is about expressing yourself through what you wear. Are you an artsy kind of girl? Then dress the part.. whether what you like is "in fashion" or not. If you are drawn to more glamorous styles.. then dress the part even when you are just running errands. Make your style your signature. This is the easiest way to not only stand out of a crowd- but to make others follow you.

Trends only become popular because someone decided it was cool to wear something- and others loved their style and imitated them. Keep in mind, it usually isn't designers or celebrities that set trends, though that can be the case. Usually it is just regular girls with unique style. If you asked any designer or celebrity what their biggest fashion inspiration is.. they would stay street style.

And 'street style' is referring to you. And every other person with a killer sense of self that successfully demonstrates it through their apparel.

So find your personal style, whatever that may be. Dress the part everyday, develop your style into something that is truly unique- just like you

Friday, January 29, 2010

Simply Fashion

Today, I'm going to take a break from pointing out great sales, to just talking about- simply fashion. What are the hottest trends right now? Of course, there are always a million trends that are popular at any moment- but a few stand out among the rest. For the winter season, these trends are: Plaid, Rocker chic, and a Boho look.

Plaid, which was also popular during the fall season, has managed to carry on strong through the winter season. Honestly, I can't really see this trend ending anytime soon. Mainly, because of it's versatility and ease in which it becomes the focal point of an outfit. For the fall season, we saw it on dresses and long-sleeve shirts- which really gave the season a western flair.

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And now, for winter, we are seeing plaid on coats, vests.. even boots. I love plaid- its cute and its easy to pull off with little effort. Actually, wearing it requires less effort- eye liner and glamorous curls don't really go with the look, now does it?

It seems that no matter where you go, you are passing rockstar look-a-likes everywhere. Studs, leather, grommets, animal prints, and textured tights are dominating the style scene. And why not? It's such a fun look.. who doesn't want to bring out their tough side every once in awhile?

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Taylor Momsen really pulls off this look perfectly. She looks girly and pretty- but in a tough, rocker chic way.

And finally.. boho. But really, when is this look not trendy? Though, recently it has really blown up with the introduction of more fur into wardrobes everywhere. Fur jackets and vests- fur is even being used as the trimming on purses and shoes. Which is perfect for the winter season.. what is cozier that fur. Faux fur, to be specific. :)

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How cute does Misha Barton look? Misha has always been fashionable, but this vest is right on the mark. I really love the cropped fur jackets that are popping up everywhere- especially the leopard printed ones. Now if I could pull it off, is the question.

Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

Oh and if you are interested in Lady Gaga's Fashion sense and her new position as a style icon. Head over to This Page.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Todays Affordable Fashion Finds

Today I was standing in front of my closet, deciding that I have NOTHING to wear.. which I do regularly. So I wandered over to my computer to browse the Internet for a new outfit in hopes that it would cheer me up a bit- until I remembered that rent is due in three days. Damn. Kinda puts a damper on my spontaneous shopping spree. A damper, mind you- it wouldn't actually stop me :)

Since my landlord is probably not going to accept a cute outfit as payment- I guessed I should probably keep the spending under control. Luckily for me, Lulus is having a sale, so this is actually easy.

Lulus.com is a really cute website that is usually pretty affordable and has really unique and trendy merchandise. Sometimes their shoes can be a bit pricey- but they usually always have a sale going on so you can balance the expensive items with some really great finds. And make sure you check out their jewelry and handbags too- super cute!

Anyways, I'm just really sick of all of my 'going out' clothes. I feel like I've worn all of my dresses one time too many, and I really need a cute pair of pants that will carry an outfit on their own. So that is what I was looking for today... here's what I came up with:

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I really love the zipper detailing of both of these dresses- very trendy, but also something that you will be able to wear even after the 'trend' is over, just because of the uniqueness factor. Though, what really draws me to both of these dresses in their shape. They are both very artfully constructed, which makes them look a lot more expensive then they are. And they are not expensive- The purple dress is on sale for $47.50 and the black dress is on sale for $51.50, which may be a tad bit pricey... but I really love these dresses. They are really freaking cute- so cute that I will probably need new shoes to wear them with.

I was thinking a black heel for the purple dress, like this one from lulus for $19.50 (awesome, right?)

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And for the black dress, a flat would go with the more casual feel of the dress. This purple flat would give it some color, yet still look sophisticated.. and for only $19.50.

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And going with the rocker vibe, I found these pants...

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...on sale for $53.50- they were $84.00. They would also go with either shoe, and they are dressy enough to wear a subdued top and a cool necklace and you're set. I really like the design on top of the jean- actually I'm all for wearing eye-catching pants. I mean, I like a cute top as much as the next girl; but jeans like this just radiate confidence. And nothing is sexier than that, am I right?

Of course I am :)

Hope you liked my fashion finds for the day, thanks for reading!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Shoes for the Affordable Fashionista

Every fashionable girl loves shoes, right? Every smart fashionable girl likes shoes when they don't cost enough to support a small country for a year. If you fall into the latter category, girl, do I have the site for you. I hope you haven't heard of it, so I can be the first to tell you- you will love me forever.

Gojane.com

Go right now... err

Go right after you finish reading this :)

I have been a loyal customer for about 3 years. Yes, these shoes are so ridiculously affordable you will question whether the heels are going to snap off when you step outside. They won't. Or at least, in my experience they haven't. I have (and wear) boots that I bought three years ago. So this website isn't some sort of trick.. it's just like really super fantastic.

I'm a fan.. can't you tell? And here's why:

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How cute are these? They would look so chic which dark skinny jeans. And for... $24.99

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Prefer some bling? $22.99 .. Seriously.

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Or maybe a sexy, out-on-the-town boot. These are perfect for going out dancing with your girlfriends. Want people to keep ask you all night where you got your shoes? Wear these. For $19.99!

All of these boots are on sales right now, as are tons of others. The shoes selection on this website is quite expansive, so grab some coffee and plan to spend about an hour looking. I'm not kidding.

Happy shoe hunting, you Fashion-loving savers!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Some great Fashion Finds- not on sale, but so affordable, they may as well be

While I love all fashion (even though I REALLY love sale fashion), there are some people whose style I emulate. One of my biggest style icons is Kate Moss. What I admire most about her is that she wears whatever she wants, she doesn't follow the trends- she sets them. She is fierce and fearless, and really trusts her own judgement. When I think of a "cool chick", she is the first that comes to mind.

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I LOVE what Kate is wearing in this picture. She looks tough and fierce, but the mesh sweater under the leather jacket adds a girly element, which is a lovely contrast. So of course, I went looking to copycat the look myself.. and here's what I came up with:

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This cropped motorcycle jacket is from Forever21 and is only $39.80! That price is unbeatable, especially for such a versatile piece. This jacket will take you from season to season, and find an important place in your wardrobe.

And now for some tops:

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Both of these tops are also from Forever21 and they are only $17.80 each! Isn't that crazy? Both of these tops are great layering pieces, girly and edgy. And they are super trendy right now, so you may be weary of buying one just to have it go out of style next season- but for $17.80.. who cares, right?

I love Forever21. I know some girls talk about the brand like its 'disposable' clothing because of the sometimes questionable quality. But the quality of the garments has really gone up in the past year and the prices are so good that getting a few uses per item is still worth the cash. And for girls like me (that try not to repeat outfits too much.. I am ridiculous, but I know there are lots of girls just like me) Forever21 is just a great deal all around. And TONS of options.

Hopefully you liked my fashion deal of the day!! Ciao!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Great Fashion finds

Since we are now past the holidays, you would think that all the great sales would be ca put, and our hunt for recession-proof fashion deals would be sadly lacking. Wrong. TJMFNZJX6JEN

Right now, YESSTYLE is having a HUGE sale, so if you haven't checked it out, you definitely need to head over there asap. While YESTYLE (which is yesstyle.com), can be intimidating since the website is based out of China, don't let that deter you. Yeah, it is going to take a little bit longer for you to receive your order, but New Years has past, so it's not like you NEED that party outfit right away. Believe me, it will look just as cute next weekend as it would this weekend :) And if you spend $150, they ship you your order free! Yippee!

The one thing that I HATE about shopping online is paying shipping.. I honestly think it should always be free. Anyway....

In case you aren't familiar with the site, or the general style they feature:

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The long sleeve "Love You Only" is only $36.00. The prices on this site are awesome and the style is unique, very urban; you definitely won't be caught looking like everyone else. Not everything is so ridiculously affordable, so you do have to do a little browsing, but they have so many interesting designs- I'm sure that won't be a problem.

And for more of your weekend party look:

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How cute is that Skirt? Seriously, it's freaking adorable... and it's only $40! Okay yes, I realize it's winter, but throw on some tights and tough it out.



Onto my next order of business- Makeup. It's really a love/hate relationship with me. While shopping for makeup I get all 'kid in a candy store'- then I get home.. and ugh. The Eye Shadow that looks super bright is really lacking in the pigment department, or the lipstick that I was really excited about seems to want to stain every part of my face- but my lips. Even "drugstore makeup brands" are decently expensive and usually there are like four aisles dedicated to making you pretty. Which are really fun to look at and really frustrating when it comes to actually finding good products. Thank God for Sephora.

You are probably thinking, are you crazy- you think that huge store with a million different products is easier to navigate?! And are you trying to bankrupt me here.. I thought this was a blog dedicated to SALES!?! Well, the answer is- of course I don't find the store easy to navigate and yes, I want you to keep as much money as possible in that cute wallet of yours. That's why I shop at Sephora.com. First of all the Sephora brand is very fairly priced... and secondly, they are having a big sale right now! And if you spend $50, which is very easy to do, you get free shipping!

But what I really love about the website is that its so easy to navigate. It is broken up by category, and from there you can further break it up by brand, and even list the products from the lowest price to the highest. and it's biggest selling point- the REVIEWS. Seriously, these are key. Tons of wonderful makeup mavens have taken the time to even write short reviews on the products- so you'll know that the lip plumper you want really tingles and plumps and the eye shadow packs a punch- of color. This always helps me find the product I am really looking for, and even if I have to pay a few extra dollars, I know I am saving by not having to shell out cash for 5 different products until I find one that works for me.

Until next time, happy sale scouring you, fashion-ista!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Welcome to Fashion On Sale

Fashion. Fashion. Fashion.

I'm not gonna lie, I liked a great sale before this lovely recession. But now we fashionistas can proudly browse the sale racks while show-casing our budgeting prowess.

Hate online shopping? I love it, you're crazy :) While you can't try on your finds, you have all the time in the world to go through sales and products with a fine tooth comb. You can search for the best prices without having to fight off crowds of after-school mall goers. Ugh. Just the thought gives me a migrane.

Just in case you are one of the crazies that hate to shop online, or are just plain overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stores, and clothes, and accessories (oh my!)- I've got your back. I'll post great sales that I've found through my recession-proof shopping for your shopping pleasure. You can thank me later.

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts on afforable fashion during the recession, make sure to check back soon, so see what I've found!