Do you really need it?

I lost all of my clothes and shoes in a flood in 2010. I had to start my wardrobe over again and I was extremely limited on funds. It took two years for me to build it back up and even then, I always felt like something was missing.

My strategy had been to buy things on sale or clearance and not even touch anything that wasn't on sale. It was a good plan - kind of. It fit my budget at the time. I was able to purchase work and weekend wardrobe items for very little money. Some deals were great, but other things I wore just because they were cheap. Flats for $7.99? Sure. Dress for $10? I'll take it. Were they things I absolutely loved? Rarely. But at least I wasn't going naked...

In 2013, it dawned on me that I was doing this all wrong. My closet was packed. I had tons of shoes and clothes. I didn't really love anything. I had plenty to wear and didn't want to wear any of it. I was still in the habit of buying cheap, buying a lot. What if I took the money I would spend on two $10 dresses and buy a $20 dress?

I was in Target yesterday and immediately saw a blue & black Aztec sweater hanging in the clearance section. The price tag was $16 and some change. I immediately put in my shopping cart without thinking twice. Sure, I could browse the clearance racks and find two tops for $8, but why? I loved the sweater. Right now I'm typing this while wearing that lovely sweater and I have no regrets.

I find myself buying LESS these days, but I have MORE to love. It's easy to slip into the addiction of finding a "bargain", but usually that bargain goes in a pile with the rest of your bargains and doesn't bring too much joy.

The moral of my story is: buy what you love. Bargain shop, by all means, yes. Just realize the value of owning a piece you truly enjoy.

Pain Free Secret for After Waxing

A few years ago, I started waxing my eyebrows at home and I haven't been back to a salon since. It's way cheaper and easy once you get the hang of it. But, no matter if I'm waxing at home or in a salon, I hate that terrible burn and pain that comes after waxing!

 

One day, I discovered the cure. I had just waxed my eyebrows. They were bright red and felt like they were going to burst into flames any second. I noticed I had a bottle of aloe vera gel with lidocaine under the bathroom counter. I remember when I was younger my grandmother would use an aloe plant anytime she burned herself in the kitchen. Aloe vera gel is also great for sun burns. Lidocaine is used to numb skin. PERFECT combo for painful waxed areas! A great idea was born.

 

I swear by aloe vera gel with lidocaine! Just take a small amount and rub it into the burned area. It will tingle, but relief is almost instant. My skin doesn't hurt anymore and all of the redness from waxing is gone by the next day!

 

Even better, you can pick up a big bottle at most stores for under $5. It lasts practically forever!

 

I'm back!

I'm finally back. I didn't mean to stay away for so long! I would often have an idea to post about, but never made it to the laptop with it.

My first approach with this blog was to do some affiliate type links and see where that got me. It only got me a lot of frustration. :(   I may still do them in the future...however, right now I want to focus on content - GOOD content. 

I want to be real - I want to give some negative reviews! Because some products really deserve them...ha.  I want to also give great reviews and advice.

So I'm steering this ride a little to the left... time for new posts!

10 Trends I Can't Get Behind

There are a few trends I hate. Or maybe I just don't understand them? Either way, I thought I would share with you some things you'll never catch me wearing...

1. Animals on sweaters
Kittens, puppies, foxes, oh my! They are everywhere. I don't think I could wear one without feeling like I was eight years old again. I think that was cool back then, right? I don't know, but everything inside of me screams that this trend is not for me.

2. Galaxy leggings
Sure, my thighs might be as vast as the milky way, but I don't need the galaxy printed across them. Maybe I'm starting to show my age, but even ten years ago in my teens I don't think I would sport these bad boys.

 

3. Chunky heels

Hello, chunky heels. Please go back to the 90s where you belong! They might be easier to walk in than their stiletto counterparts, but they are so bulky and look sloppy. You're better off in flats. Or barefoot.

 



4. Platform sneakers - "Flatforms"
I first noticed these making a comeback after Miley Cyrus wore them. Um, that should be a clue enough. I wouldn't follow her fashion lead. These are not the least bit cute.

5. Cat flats
While we're on the subject of bad shoes, let's ask the questions, "why?", regarding cat flats, or whatever they're called. Are you supposed to wear them with your cat sweater?

6. Glitter sequin uggs
Boots with caked on glitter sequins or any shoes with caked on glitter remind me of a girly tin man.

7. Harem pants
This lady at my work wears harem pants but she doesn't weigh more than 90 pounds. These pants, however, make you look huge. You're not MC Hammer. Wear some jeans.

8. Striped pants
You're not Robin Thicke or Beetlejuice...and most jail inmates wear orange. So, please, step away from the stripes.

9. Leather / pleather tops
I can deal with just about anything leather besides leather shirts. They look hot and sticky and have no stretch to them. Biker gangs don't even wear them so you shouldn't either.

10. Studded / spiked shirts, bracelets, shoes, etc.
I'm a clumsy person and I don't want to fall and impale myself on my article of clothing. I could also potentially poke one of my eyes out or someone else's. That is just how my luck goes.

I will stop at 10. This is list is gag worthy enough!
(This post was not intended to offend. Fashion is always about your own personal sense of style and what works for you. Feel free to tell me what you hate/love in the comments.)

Little Black Dress Jewelry

Every lady should own a little black dress. But, how should you accessorize it?

I love statement necklaces. Black goes with virtually any color. You can be as daring (neon yellow) or as meek (silver) as you'd like to be. Jewelry can transform any outfit! Even a bland t-shirt can be transformed with a statement necklace or the right piece of jewelry.

Forever 21 has some seriously cute necklaces at great prices.

Statement faux stone necklace: here | Faux stone cluster: here | Modernist geo: here | Bejeweled bib: here | Opulent layered: here | Layered faux stone fringe: here | Bejeweled Opaque: here | Geo bib necklace: here | Glam faceted stone bib: here | Femme scalloped: here

These necklaces are affordable at under $15 a piece. You don't have to commit to a certain piece of jewelry (which I hate to do) due to the great prices.

There is just something about a statement necklace that makes me feel instantly put together!

What I Wore Today 10/28/13

Black top: here | Leopard dress: here | Boots: here | Necklace: here

Sometimes I wear my dresses as skirts! Well, I wear a shirt over them and no one knows the difference. :)  I always try to think of new ways to wear clothes and this is a great example.

I love leopard print but I try not to over do it. I limit myself to one leopard print piece per outfit. I keep the rest neutral or sometimes add a pop of color. I kept this outfit simple with black boot wedges and a dolman top. The necklace adds some sparkle. That's all I needed for this gloomy day.

EOS Blueberry Acai Lip Balm Review

Don't you just love comfort foods? I love blueberry muffins. You know what EOS Blueberry Acai reminds me of? A blueberry muffin in egg form.

Blueberry Acai smells just like a blueberry muffin and tastes so good. I was pleasantly surprised.

I previously reviewed the Strawberry Sorbet, and it seems like Blueberry Acai is slightly different in it's moisturizing ability. I would say Blueberry Acai is a step up, A+. I thought the formula would be the same, but I could swear that Blueberry Acai is actually more hydrating and goes on smoother.

 I also love the packaging. It's unique and fun and I don't lose it like I lose my other lip balms.

This is my favorite EOS lip balm to date!

 

EOS - or Evolution of Smooth - claims "95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free, packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, to keep your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth."