Make You Own: Foot Scrub

What You Need:

8 strawberries
2 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon of almonds, finely chopped

How to Make It:

Mix and blend all the ingredients together to form a paste. Don't over blend. The strawberries have a lot of water in them and too much blending makes for a 'watery' paste. Massage it onto your feet, rinse off and dry your feet. Be careful with your massaging here because you don't want to grind almond bits into your skin. You can refrigerate any mixture that is leftover. Shelf life is about a week.

Designer Line: Jimmy Choo for Uggs

Your eyes do not decieve you! There is a pair of Ugg boots that might tempt you more than the average. Too bad the price tag is absolutely astronomical... Jimmy Choo or not no pair of fluffy sheepskin boots is worth $795.00 but, if you are still interested you can purchase them here.

Sale Alert: $15 LOFT Ruffle Trim Tee

Click here to get it while you can!

Retail Therapy!

Wish you could score a hot new bag! I'm always trying to find a way... Pop Sugar is giving away the real deal, seven different designer handbags, each one better than the last in PopSugar's Retail Therapy's first ever contest! Think Balenciaga, Chanel, Alexander Wang! To enter, head over to PopSugar's Retail Therapy game on Facebook, click the "Enter Now" button in the top banner and fill out the form that pops up. Each bag is unlocked based on the number of people playing PopSugar's Retail Therapy, they've already given away the first one so everyone else need to get in the game! They've unlocked the next bag and have started again! The best part is, you only need to enter once. The seventh level bag is the holy grail of handbags, the bag of all bags (approximate retail value $10,000)! I'm waiting with bated breath like you... So enter now and tell your friends! The sooner we hit the levels, the sooner we'll unlock the bags! To learn more, read the official rules. Good luck!

Keeping It Vintage

Clothing Swap

RSVP here

A Quarter Of A Century: Happy Birthday To Me!

Weekend Plans

Norma Kamali for Walmart

You've probably heard about Norma Kamali's affordable clothing collection for Walmart and if you haven't you should check it out. In Ms. Kamali's fall collection young professional (and anyone else who cares) will have a chance to pick up suiting options for $20 or less! I love the ruffled blouse! Talk about affordable interview clothes or a way to make your work wardrobe a little more professional without breaking the bank!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2010 On Now!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the biggest Nordstrom fashion event of the year. Running for just over two weeks, the Anniversary Sale offers new fall styles for women, men and kids marked down for a limited time. That's right, this isn't a sale on leftovers or out-of-season merchandise. You can save big on the upcoming season's best in clothing, shoes and accessories as well as enjoy great value sets and gifts-with-purchase from some of the top brands in Beauty! All Anniversary Sale merchandise will go up to regular price on Monday, August 2.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will run only from Friday, July 16 at 12:01 am PST through Sunday, August 1 at 11:59 pm PST. To get started browsing, click the photo below. I'd shop sooner rather than later since the best Anniversary Sale items tend to sell out quickly.

Giveaway!!

As a small token of my appreciation I am doing a giveaway for you! Up for grabs is an elegant sterling silver necklace that could be worn on it's own but, would also look great layered with other pieces. A charm with three genuine smoky quartz pieces nestled in a ring of silver (detail below) hangs on a 16.5" box link chain.

To enter you have to be a follower (if you are already let me know) and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite outfit (of mine) was so far! Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment.

1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment.

1 bonus entry - Re-post this giveaway on your blog and leave another comment on this post with your re-posted link.

The winner will be announced in 10 days on Friday the 23rd via random.org. Good luck everyone!!

The Roundup: 3 Months

Having completed the first three months of this personal style challenge I am in a mood to reflect on what has transpired so far. I feel that I have been (and will continue to be) successful in my initial goals of not repeating outfits but, also showing myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do." In the past three months I have worn 57 different outfits to work; 49 different tops, 6 dresses, 14 skirts, 14 pairs of pant like things (slacks, bermudas, capris, gauchos, etc) and 3 pairs of jeans. Although I'm not really counting them in the outfit as a whole I have used 26 pairs of shoes, 10 necklaces, 19 pairs of earrings, 1 bracelet, and 11 handbags to spice up my outfits. If you do the math you might ascertain that here are some individual pieces that I have worn more than once and that is ok! In fact, that is kind of the point...


I've answered a few reader questions. Please feel free to ask more! I have also shared a few choice weekend looks with you! Is that something that you would like to see more of moving forward?

260 Days, No Repeats has helped me see the potential in my wardrobe and being part of this "blog-o-sphere" has inspired me tremendously. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check out what I wear, read what I write, and leave me comments! I'm like a kid a Christmas when my BB beeps with an email and I see it's something from one of you! I am also inspired by the challenges that people undertake themselves, as well as, pose to this blogging community. In the first three months I participated in 3 style challenges and even tried for one of my own. Many thanks to Frances Joy of Mad Dress Game for joining me!

This challenge has also helped me curb my spending! I was not a crazy shopaholic but, I had my moments... I found it most difficult to turn down a great deal only to get home and realize that I had something exactly like what I had purchased in my closet or that even though it was a great deal I didn't really love it and therefore didn't use it. That was all money (which is tight for everyone these days) down the drain. In the past three months I have spent $46.00 on clothes and accessories and each one of those things is something I really wanted, still really like, and have used.

One thing that I feel I haven't done a great job of demonstrating as I had wanted to is the use value of my clothing. I would have loved to keep track like some other bloggers do but, to be honest some of my clothes are so old I don't remember when I bought them or how much they were. I will say though you can see that some items (especially the accessories) are used very frequently and naturally have higher use value.

Overall, I am so happy with how things are going to far and really hope that I can keep it up heading twoards the 6 month mark! If there is anything new you would like see please let me know. Again thanks so much for supporting and motivating me, you're the best!!

Save The Date

Sale Alert: The Collective Showroom

Question: Where Can I Find Eco-Friendly Interview Clothes?

As I have mentioned before I work in HR and in my time functioning as a Recruiter I have seen alot of hilarious resumes and cover letters, met some "interesting" people, and gotten a good amount of questions. One of the more difficult questions was posed to me by a college student at a job fair. I remember complimenting her on her suit (I feel as thought those people are more serious about their search. First impressions, people!) then we proceeded to discuss a greening initiative that she had worked on at former internship listed on her resume... standard job fair stuff. The two topics melded together and we talked about the accessibility of eco-friendly products and clothing made out of organic/sustainable materials which led her to the questions, "Where can a college student on a budget get an eco-friendly interview outfit?"

To be honest, I was a little stumped... OK fine, really stumped! There are lots of places to buy eco-friendly products made out of organic materials or repurposed items but, where are all the suits? Either way, I was hard pressed to find anything particularly affordable in the standards of a college budget. My best solution: thrifting!! I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. That should be the answer to all of life's issues.

You can get a beautiful suit that someone was tired of or doesn't fit into anymore for a small fraction of the price. More importantly, I don't think I've ever seen a suit in a thrift store that cost more than $25! If you don't have one of the big name thrift stores by you you can shop Goodwill online or smaller consignment shops. Anyway you go about it there is a gigantic potential there to find what you are searching for at an affordable price if you take the time to look. Plus, it keeps those discarded clothes out of landfills.

I love these questions!! Keep them coming...

Sale Alert: Geren Ford Sample Sale

What Are You Doing Friday Night?

Make Your Own: Sunless Tanner

This natural self-tanner is perfecto for that natural bronze look without producing that unwanted body odor. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust for skin tone and unfortunately it will only last until your next shower, but just re-apply.

What to Buy
1 tablespoon white unscented lotion
1 tablespoon pure cocoa powder
adjust to the amount of skin you want to cover

How to Make It
Mix the lotion and cocoa powder together until very smooth and creamy. Apply with a sponge or makeup wedge.

600 - Splurge vs. Budget: One Shoulder Romper

It seems appropriate that one of the landmark posts (600th, YAY) of She Spys The Buys would be about more affordable clothing options.... Let's talk about trendy rompers and one shoulder styles. I don't think I would personally buy this because rompers don't work for everyone, AKA me but, for some they are a really great summer style. The one on the right is a silk ABS by Allen Schwartz selling at Neiman Marcus for the "sale" price of $231.00 marked down from $385.00... I love the casual glamour of this romper especially the fabulous shoulder detail but the price is not very realistic for those of us on a budget! Thankfully, I came across this practically identical affordable option at JCPenny. Although it is not made of the same luxurious silk it is the exact same shape and style compelte with beautiful shoulder detail all for $39.99 marked down from $60.00! Perfect for a night out on the town with the girls or a hot date...

Something To Do This Weekend (Besides Fireworks)

A new project has launched in NYC’s Garment District! Remeber the painted cows that were all over Manhattan a few years ago? Well, the The Fashion Center Sideawalk Catwalk is bringing that vibe back with 32 designers who have custom designed Ralph Pucci mannequins as part of a public-art installation put together by the Fashion Center Business Improvement District. Designers participating include Isabel Toledo, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Rebecca Taylor, Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, and many more. After the installation closes on September 3rd, the mannequins will be auctioned off and proceeds will benefit Materials for the Arts. See it while you can!

Love: zoe&zac for Payless Huarache Sandal

What is it with Payless and fantastic summer shoes? These zoe&zac sandals are a great nude color, perfect for the rest of the summer, I would wear them to death! They feature a beautifully woven eco-friendly faux suede. The rubber outsoles on zoe&zac styles are made with reduced heavy metals and contain recycled material, which helps reduce waste. outsole. So you can be stylish and help save the enviornment. I wonder if they will go on super sale anytime soon?

Sale Alert: J Crew Sample Sale

Sale Alert: Eugenia Kim Sample Sale

Don't forget, this sale is going on right now!!!

Sale Alert: Payless Clearance

This isn't BOGO this is cold hard SALE! Remeber those Christian Siriano sandals that I had been lusting over? Well, they are only $9.00 and I can have them shipped directly to a payless store for free (thanks anonymous commenter.) If I was you I would shop this sale quickly, at these prices the good stuff won't last long!

Sway!!!

I think every girls should have lots of fun, stylish, "got to" dresses in her closet. Dresses are fun to wear and very practical since they work for all different occasions and are actually whole outfits in one piece of clothes. Enter

With this new clothing site launching in the fall you will be able to get exclusive access to new dresses everyday! Click here to join early and enhance your dress wardrobe, like I did. I can't wait to see what they have in store...

Sale Alert: Shop The Box @ Express

Save up to 60% off select items at Express through 6/30/10. Sorry, no cool picture because Blogger hates me...

Sale Alert: Lily Pulitzer For a Cause!

Sale Alert: XOXO

I remember XOXO from high school but, some of their items would still work for me today. Check out their sale, while you can, where everything is close to 30% off (if not more.) Plus, with the code PSW20 you can get an extra 20% on top of that!! Here are some of my picks...

XOXO Sale by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

260 Days, No Repeats is Featured!

I was featured as a guest blogger on Shop It To Me's Blog! Check out the article and let me know what you think.

Sale Alert: Threadless $10 Tees

Click here to shop!

Find: Super Affordable Fedora

The fedora has been a must have accessory of fashionistas for the past two summers. It is so versatile and useful that it is one of the only things that I have picked up this summer so far since my gifted one was murdered by my cat (that jerk) but, I digress... If you're still looking for one here is a great option from Aeropostale marked down from $19.50 to $5.99!

Make Your Own: Face Scrub

Gentle Facial Exfoliating Scrub

This is a very inexpensive scrub made from basic kitchen ingredients and a touch of lavender.

Yields: 16 ounces of scrub
Application: Use three times a week
Storage: Plastic or glass container; Store in a dark, cool place for best results
Shelf life: 6 months


What You Will Need:

1 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup dry lavender flowers, stripped of stalks (optional)
1/2 cup powdered soy milk
2 teaspoons cornmeal
Filtered water


How to Make It:

Mix all of the "dry" ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a container with a lid.

How to Use It:

When you are ready to use, combine 1 tablespoon of your scrub with enough filtered water to form a thick paste. Gently massage in circular motions over your face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry.


Look at that. You found your own little scrub of youth.

Sale Alert: Eugenia Kim Sample Sale

Casule Collection: Velvet for Uniqlo

Uniqlo, the uber affordable Japanese mega-store has partnered with Los Angeles-based brand Velvet by Graham & Spencer to create a unique capsule collection of feminine knits includes pants, tops and dresses for summer 2010. The Velvet for UNIQLO Collection, set to hit stores next week on June 17th, will build on the Velvet's heritage of contemporary t-shirts, offering a fresh approach to this wardrobe essential. The collection will consist of 14 items, ranging from the classic t-shirt to camisoles to dresses and jersey harem pants and retail prices are from $15.50 - $19.50.

Capsule Collection: Mulberry for Target

This Just In: Target is partnering with British brand Mulberry to launch a a limited edition handbag collection! So you can own your own high prince Mulberry lookalike for super cheap (comparatively.) The line will be available through December 24th.

Live Socially With Me!!!

I know everyone is on the whole group buying kick: Groupon and other sites like that. Well, after much hype from friends I started checking out deals that had amazing saving to no avail. They were impressive but, in no way relevant to me until today. That right, I finally found one that was.Living Social actually pushed me over the edge with it's $25.00 one hour massage!!! I know, I can't believe it either. I would definitely recommend checking it out. Click here to join and get awesome deals in locations all over the country...

Something To Do This Weekend

What are your plans? I will be at the Renegade Craft Fair scoping out the awesome home made goodies like bags, stationary, tee shirts, jewelry, and more. See you there!

Make Your Own: Hairspray

Make-Your-Own Hairspray
If you’re looking for something truly natural with light hold, the Light Lemon and Orange Hairspray will do the trick. It’s easier to make than bread and butter and will last you for about a week. Pump it and tame that mane all day long, girl.

What You Will Need:

A spray bottle
2 lemons
2 oranges

Directions:

Cut the lemons and oranges into slices, and combine in a small pan. Add three cups of water. Boil on low heat for about 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Strain water and cool for 15 minutes. Place the liquid in the spray bottle and keep in the refrigerator.

Since there are no preservatives, spray will last for about a week. Keep some lemons and oranges on hand and you got yourself a refill.

Help The Planet and Get Free Stuff!

I know you have those old bottles of nail polish lying around that have been there since the 8th grade. I'll admit I have them too but, now we can all get something tangible for them instead of the natural guilt that would come from throwing them in the garbage. For a limited time (as part of an Earth Day initiative) you can send six of those cracked out crazy polishes (baby blue ala Clueless anyone?) to Zoya and they will send you back six brand new bottles of their fabulous polish in shades that you choose! It's a win win situation for mother earth no doubt but, the only catch is you have to pay $3.50 per bottle for shipping and handling... when you think about it though that's 50% off the retail and you're helping out.

Love: Christian Siriano for Payless Sandals

I love, want, need, gotta have these sandals from Christian Siriano for Payless. They will be a stylin' addition to my summer shoe wardrobe! Unfortunately, when I tried them on in stores they did not have them in my size so I am now on the hunt because I don't want to pay for the shipping... Wish me luck!

Free Shoes! 'Nuff Said

Work With What You've Got: Pants

via: 260 Days, No Repeats

As I have said before I am trying not to shop as much and work with what I already have in my closet. For example: my favorite cuffed stretchy pants from New York and Company. Unfortunately there is a problem with these pants (in all colors except black, wierd) when I bought them they fit perfectly but, after a few washes they shrunk and in the strangest way. I can still fit into them no problem but, if I wear the at my waist-ish area they are wayyy too short. At first I had disillusioned myself into thinking that the almost flood length pants were fine the way they were and continued to wear them. After some funny looks from people I realized that I was sooo wrong!

When I noticed my co-worker Patricia wearing the same exact pants that I owned (and was going to donate) I mentioned that she should be careful how she washed them because they were notorious for shrinkage and she nodded knowingly pointing out that fact that she had had the same problem and had taken the cuffs down. I hadn't even noticed her INGENIOUS fix at first glance! So I have decided to undertake that project and I took a few pictures. I think it's going along quite well don't you? When I wash/iron them the fold of the former cuffs won't be as noticable. Thanks Patricia!! This is a perfect example of doing what you can with what you have.

Sale Alert: POSH Sale

Snag designer fashions for less at the POSH Sale — New York's leading fashion fundraiser. The Sale, which runs from May 13 - 16, offers discounts of up to 80% on clothing and accessories for women, men, and children from designers such as Jimmy Choo, Dior and Chanel. Every year I think about going but the idea of buying tickets to potentially just walk around and look at things I can't probably can't afford always deters me. But, thanks to this deal from CharityHappenings.org I am thinking that the possibility of me attending is much greater! You can get 50% off admission by clicking here www.poshsale.org/chapp. All proceeds benefit Lighthouse International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.

Sale Alert: Foley + Corinna Sample Sale

The Foley + Corinna sale started yesterday with up to 75 percent off handbags, clothing, and jewelry from 2009, plus one-of-a-kind archive samples. While your waiting for the fabulous fall collection you can add the fabulous $200 tie-dyed leather Mid City tote (reg. $444) to your list of spring fashion essentials. Through Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at 186 Orchard St., btwn. Houston & Stanton Sts.

Finally...

It has taken long enough but, Coach has released a bag this spring that I am actually in LOVE with! I used to be a huge fan of their classic but, sometimes quirky style and I purchased enough of it from them that I used to get those customer appreciation 20% off coupons... yes, I had a problem but, I digress.

Point being, recently I had I fallen out of love with Coach because at some juncture I looked at their products and didn't really see where the classic but, sometimes quirky style had gone. It felt like they were trying too hard as they re-designed the classic C on some bags and released the mostly fabric Poppy collection. I don't know what they were thinking!!!

But, they are getting back on the right track with this bag! While the shape is great I am also really liking the fact that although there is some embroidery. It is subtle and almost needs a second glance. Also, the ivory/eggshell color works perfectly into a spring wardrobe. I don't like the giant shiny silver Coach tag because that looks a little China Town to me but, either way I would carry that bag all the time! Hopefully just enough people don't feel the same way so that there is a glimmer of hope that I will be able to find this at the outlet (since $498 is a little rich for my now responsible self)but, I honestly doubt it...

Sale Alert: $3.98 @ Fashion Bug

While browsing blogs I came across Deals for the Short and Curvy which I'm loving. While I am not a short person per say, I am curvy and proud of it!!!Bianca (the author) alerted me to the $3.98 sale going on at Fashion Bug online only. There are some great basic tops totally worth the small price tag.

Really FOX?

I was shocked to hear about the controversy surrounding a new Lane Bryant Cacique commercial. It seems to be on the back burner in the news but, you can read more about how FOX and ABC refuse to play the ad because it shows to much cleavage? See the original commercial that they banned.

Yeah after the smut that runs on FOX... and on top of the fact that they are airing the new Victoria's Secret commercial for The Nakeds! It makes me think that maybe they are not very accepting of a normal looking woman and that is sad since more women in America are rubenesque as opposed to waifish. How do you feel about this?

This Weekend: Crafts On Columbus

You might have gotten the hint that I love totally unique handcrafted items, whether it be clothes, jewelry, or housewares (although most of the time it ends up being jewelry) so I am super excited for Crafts on Columbus taking place on the Upper West Side for the next three weekends! To get more details click here. If you happen to go don't forget to stop by the Carnelian Knoll booth, they have some of my fav jewelry!


I'm so excited for the beginning of many more craft fairs and farmers markets to come now that the weather is gettin warmer!

It's Not Easy Being Green - Happy Earth Day 2010

How are you celebrating Earth Day? This was my small contribution twoards the movement... If you are thinking of shopping green you should check out this guide, summarized below. Not everything is what it seems when it comes to green as most companies have started green-washing their images to fool the public. One of my fav eco shopping sites is ecoist and right now they are offering 20% off any item for Earth Day. Lots of retailers are offering discounts to help out the earth, check them out here and have HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Vegetarian / Animal Free: products that have been made without the use of leather or animal tissue products. Examples are shoes and bags made from “vegetal leather” using Amazonian rubber instead of animal skins or other recycled or man-made materials.

Ethically Produced: Ethical fashion is fashion that has been produced with respect for people and the environment. Although there are existing certifications for Organic and Fair Trade, we want to encourage companies who are taking significant action but don’t qualify for certification. This might include companies producing locally or on small scales in developed countries, who might not qualify for Fair Trade certification or companies working with farmers to transition to sustainable crops but who might not yet qualify as Organic (which takes a few years). The “Ethic Chic” section of each brand profile should have details on the specific steps of the brand’s ethical production.

Craft / Artisan: products that have been crafted using artisan skills such as embroidery, which preserve the perpetuation of ancestral traditions.

Custom or Tailor-made: also called demi-couture or made-to-order. This is a way of encouraging quality and “slow fashion” over mass-produced disposable fashion.

Fair Trade Certified: an organized movement that promotes standards for international labor (such as reasonable work hours, no child labor, the right to unionize, a fair living wage), environmentalism, and social policy in areas related to production of goods. Fair Trade focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries. Some Fair Trade certification organizations include: FLO www.fairtrade.net, IFAT www.ifat.org, TransFair (Canada and US) www.transfairusa.org and www.transfair.ca.

Organic: natural fibers that have been grown without any pesticides and other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment. The process of organic growth can be certified by various organizations.

Recycled: anything that has been made from already existing materials, fabrics, metals or fibers. These are often reclaimed from previously made clothing and accessories and reworked into new ones. Fibers can also be re-purposed from pre-existing fabric, re-spun and reused for new garments.

Vintage/Second-Hand:vintage is a generic term for new or second hand garments created in the period from the 1920’s to 1975. However, the term is often used more generally for second-hand clothes or up-cycled clothes (second-hand clothes that have been given a new life through some sort of customization).

Two Tees To Check Out

I know you love my alliteration... Anyway, I've been over it before... I LOVE T-Shirts!!! Just because they can be very schlumpy doesn't mean they have to be. I love the ones below and can think of many different places to wear them and be acceptable. The one on the left is on sale now for $9.99 at New York and Company. I would without a doubt pick it up in black for a night out with the girls. The one on the right is on sale at JCrew for $19.99 not as good of a deal but, I would totally wear this to work!

On the T-shirt note I want to thank Retail Me Not for their awesome $25 Threadless gift certificate. One of my favorite t shops for sure!

Sale Alert: French Connection Sample Sale

In The World Of Fashion

Jenna Lyons is doing something very, very right. J.Crew Group Inc. has just announced that Lyons, formerly creative director, has been promoted to executive creative director for J.Crew, and she will receive a $325,000 bonus. This comes six months after Lyons received a $1 million bonus, which was awarded on the condition that she must pay it back in full should she leave J.Crew within 2 years or pay back in half should she exit the brand in 4 years.

Chairman and chief executive officer Millard "Mickey" Drexler will also benefit from a cash payout of $2 million, part of the a series of bonuses paid out by the company's compensation committee to reflect J.Crew's strong performance. Other beneficiaries include Tracy Gardner, president of the retail and direct businesses, who will receive $425,000, chief administrative and financial officer James Scully, who will get $250,000 and executive vice president of factory Libby Wadle, who will receive $200,000. In 2009's extremely challenging climate, J.Crew’s total income more than doubled, with a revenue increase of $1.58 billion. I am absolutely schocked that they did so well...

More Into It

Perhaps you recall a few days ago when I was discussing my feeling of dread in relation to swimsuit season. I tihnk today I am embracing it more especially since I stumbled across an absoluetly amazing selection of retro style swimsuits on ModCloth. They are affordable (in my opinion) and the red/wine colors remind me of the Nomal Kamali one that Miranda was rocking in the first Sex and the City movie. Yay affordable option, however many years later...

retro bathing suits by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com