Splurge vs. Budget Fringe Necklace

With the overwhelming amount of metallic accessories this fall there are alot of choices out there. But, why spend a ton of money on something that is overwhelmingly trendy and bound to be out of style as quickly as it came. Here are choices for you... which one if more expensive?
The left one is the $34.50 Ann Taylor Loft version while the right one is the marked down $9.99 Urban Outiftters version. The best part about our budget choice is that it's are having free shipping right now with the code FREEBIRD. While you're at it you can pick up one of my favs from Fab Collabs on super sale!

Do It Yourself

Maybe you are the make everything yourself type, or perhaps you prefer to pick it up at the store... either way, you don't need to be Martha Stewart to use this recipe! Stray away from the chemical additives in normal lipgloss and make your own. This beautiful shade will take you through the end of fall and carry you through winter in style!

Beet Lip Gloss
10 minutes; makes 1/2 ounce

What You Need:
(local and organic whenever possible)

• 1 beet (light-colored red beets yield a red shade; darker ones get you a merlot color)
• 3 drops olive oil
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 capsule of vitamin E oil
• Repurposed lip gloss container or pillbox

Directions:

1. Remove beet from stem, wash, and chop into 1-inch pieces.

2. Place chopped beet in microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1 minute until it releases juice.

3. Pour beet juice and the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly (add sugar by the teaspoon until it reaches your desired thickness).

4. Empty the finished blend into a small jar, preferably a repurposed lip gloss container. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 hours to thicken, then apply as you like. It'll keep for 6-8 months.

If You're Going To Do It

Then do it right!!! Black Friday shopping can be a majorly amazing way to save some money and knock alot of people off your shopping list. On the other hand... it can be a total headache! My recommendation to avoid the stress that comes along with venturing out on Black Friday is to only go if you have a plan. Check out the some deals from your everyday favorite stores and be out of there by brunch.

Get Some Culture

We should all go see the Design for a Living World exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt. I'm planning my weekend around it right now. It shows how 10 top designers put their pins and needles on sustainable materials and made beautiful things. Check out Kate Spade's woven totes with FSC-certified hardwood handles and jipijapa, a fun-to-say fiber made from palm leaves; Isaac Mizrahi's salmon-leather shoes, made with re-purposed materials and fewer toxic chems than regular leather; and Ted Muehling's veg-ivory jewelry, like bangles and earrings, carved from ivory-nut palm tree seeds.

Design for a Living World at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum,
2 E. 91st St. (212-849-8400). Tickets, $10/adult.

Green Your Holiday

	Shop eco jewelry from Yania Creations, Jeeyun Ha & Real Jewels, home decor from Humble Collection & Tilonia Artisans, sustainable shoes from Charmone, accessories from Kaija Handbags, First World Trash & The Hand of Fatima, baby wear from Positively Organic, organic pet treats from Get Lick'd, organic beauty products from Spirit Beauty Lounge, Lee Lai, Nima Nyima & She Essential Beauty, gourmet food and drink from Guyaki and more... All under one roof!