Bargain Beauty

We talked about the inexpensive vibrating mascara but, let's face it ladies, that is not the only kind of make up we use. If only it could be that simple... But, I digress. One of the product lines that I was very eager to try was Sally Hansen's Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy. Unfortunately, in my area it is a bit difficult to find but, finally last weekend I was able to pick up some items. Having previously purchased Sally Hansen Airbrush foundation I was eager to try the newest one from Sally Hansen. I definitely was not going to purchase the other alternative. So this morning I tried it out. I recommend spraying it onto a sponge so you can stipple it onto your face. That is much more accurate than just spraying it directly onto your face and blends better than using you hands. Check out this video of Carmindy doing it. It is so light and not noticeable I really like it. The Beige/Dark color I got is perfect for summer when I'm a little tanner.

I have also been on the search for a new blush because the shades that I was using before were

kind of dark. Plus for the summer I was gifted a super sheer pink Acerola Rush lipgloss from my old boss and the combo just looks funny. So, while I was shopping for foundation I came across some awesome blush. It's light enough that it actually makes me look flushed but, not unnaturally so and it's perfect for the summer. I recommend using a big fluffy brush for blush. Overall, I am super happy with my Natural Beauty purchases. For the cost and ease of use they fit the bill perfectly and I would highly recommend these products I can't wait to try out the other products.

Affordable Designer...

Who knew khaki could be so exciting? The Gap has partnered up with the hippest designers to remake something basic into something absolutely covetable. Simple is Sexy! This year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominees (including Vena Cava and Alexander Wang) have reworked Gap’s classic khaki fabric into fabulous creations which will launch in stores on June 16th. Personally, I can't wait because these pictures look like come of the items could be work worthy.

And speaking of a designer collaboration that is not so work worthy. Tracy Feith for Target's Go International line hit stores on Monday and although I haven't had a chance to take a look I would bet that it is flying of the shelves. Perfect for bumming around at the beach on those warm summer says when I'll probably be sitting in my office working. O well, There are always weekends.

There are also some sample sales going on that I think are worth checking out:

• J Rosen is having their fabulous designer bathing suit, flip flop, and jewelry sample sale with new merchandise arriving daily. The swimsuit designers include Vix, Sofia by Vix, Hermanny, and Lisa Curran, who are normally sold at Saks Fifth Ave, Bloomingdale's, Scoop, and Intermix. The designer jewelry includes earrings with semi-precious stones, gold bangles, and necklaces. Cocobelle Sandals normally $95 only $40!!.There is always something fun and exciting to find at this sale with a wide variety of bikinis, one-pieces, and tankinis. Mix and match sizes to find the perfect fit! And when J Rosen has a sample sale most of the other showrooms in the building do as well.
• Clothingline is having a theory sample sale, with over 5000 units of mostly new merchandise and some restock including shirts, knits, shorts, pants, denim, dresses & more
  tees $29 knits, shirts & sweaters $69 - $89 shorts, skirts & pants $59 - $89 dresses $99 blazers $139 sizes 00 - 12 / petite - xlarge
• Opening yesterday was the Gilt Groupe sample sale at my fav eco sample sale location. Follow the map and find the treasure.
  
• Burberry has the goods and starting today they're giving you 40% off that's nearly half off select items from the 2009 spring and summer collections for men and women. and it doesn't end there accessories are included in the bundle.

I'll Let You In On A Secret...

With the new vibrating mascara trend, it’s only natural that the more affordable brands get on the bandwagon. I definitely would not spend $34.00+ to try this out. I will however shell out a cool $15.00 or so. Maybelline has entered the arena with a vibrating version of their own. The Maybelline Pulse Perfection puts out 7,000 vibrations per minute, which results in longer, thicker lashes, without clumping but while still mimicking the zig zag motion of mascara application performed by professional makeup artists.

Here's what has enticed me to take the leap. Unlike other vibrating mascaras that come vibrating the second you free the wand from the tube, Maybelline’s Pulse is manual, so you control when it should vibrate. Also, the vibration is relatively faint, and easy to control.

The Maybelline Pulse Perfection mascara comes in “black” and “very black”, retails for $14.95, and will make its debut in stores in June. Can’t wait that long? You’re in luck: select retailers will be selling this amazing item starting May 18th. Simply go to www.Maybelline.com/Pulse, which will take you to one of four retailers: CVS, Target, Walgreens or Walmart to purchase the mascara. Naturally, Walmart is the cheapest overall with their 97 cent shipping. Check back for more updates, I'm going to try my hardest.

Let's Talk About Sales

There are sales everywhere I know... But, some of the upcoming sample sales actually look promising in terms of frugalicious pricing

• What: Hugo Boss
  Why: New duds (spring/summer and fall/winter) for men and women at up to 80 percent off.
  When: Today, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  Where: 601 W. 26th St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves., 8th flr. (212-940-0800).
• What: Psycho Bunny
  Why: A spirited collection of scarves, ties, hats, and polo shirts for lads and lassies are 50 percent off.
  When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
  Where: Leffot, 10 Christopher St., at Gay St. (212-989-4577).
• What: Bindya
  Why: No-brainer. Spring scarves in ikat prints and plaids starting at ten bucks (reg. $80). Plus, tunics at 65 percent off.
  When: Apr. 16 & 17. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  Where: 49 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 9th flr.
• What: Kara Janx
  Why: Neon stripe tank tops, cute high-waist skirts, and other spring merch is 50-80 percent off.
  When: Apr. 22 & 23. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
  Where: 242 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 8th flr. (212-594-4797).
• What: Mara Hoffman
  Why: Resort, spring, and swim ’09. Tops and bathing suits start at $15; dresses start at $50.
  When: Apr. 23-25. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Where: 120 W. 28th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 3rd flr. (212-505-3020).
• What: Miguelina
  Why: Breezy floral dresses, camisoles, and silk chiffon blouses are up to 50 percent off wholesale prices.
  When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Where: 20 W. 36th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 6th flr.
• What: Ted Rossi
  Why: Save up to 75 percent on bangles, cuffs, clutches, and more.
  When: Apr. 30 & May 1. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  Where: 15 E. 30th St., b/t Madison & Fifth Aves., ste. 300. (212-683-1726).

Another One Bites The Dust?

Tiffany Is in the Hole and Sees No Way Out

The high-end jewelry industry is not impervious to economic ruin, as we thought almost a year ago. Really rich people might still flaunt their wealth in carats, but a lot of that shiny stuff is on sale now. Like clothing chains fending off discount fever, nonconformist jewelry companies are hurting. Yesterday Tiffany announced that earnings fell 75.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Like Versace and Abercrombie & Fitch, the jeweler refuses lower prices — as competitors unveil rollback after rollback — to preserve the integrity of the brand. Sales in the Americas were down 33 percent, with sales down 34 percent in the New York flagship alone. But European sales only shrank 2 percent, which sounds almost promising! Still, Tiffany convinced 600 employees to accept early-retirement packages and closed its sixteen-store Iridesse pearl-jewelry chain, which was probably smart because who buys pearls, anyway? From Tiffany of all places?

Tiffany said that this past holiday season was the "most challenging" in 21 years. But they don't see any "signs of an upturn" in business. Perhaps they haven't heard that these days, rich people are embarrassed to be seen spending the money they'll always have. We'd suggest Tiffany take its sign down and open new stores in a secret underground space only accessible through subway barber shops, where rich people can shop in secret. Or bring door-to-door salesman back for the sake of job creation.

Have A (Free) Drink For Me!

Holy Crap!

Everyone knows that the economy is tanking and things are heading towards the bottom. Frankly the sooner we hit it the better because then there is no where to go but up. I try not to focus on the failing state of things but this article I came across in New York Magazine made me stop for a minute. If the super rich can't afford to buy clothes what are the rest of us going to do?

Barney's Spring Orders Halted

Barneys is still having financial troubles. In other news, the sky is blue. The tanking luxury market hasn't been kind to Barneys, and its owner, Dubai-based Istithmar, has reportedly been secretly trying to sell the retailer for the past month. Istithmar hasn't had any luck finding a buyer, since everyone's broke right now (grass is green, blah blah). The chain has been without a CEO since Howard Socol left in July. With things so unstable, some factors have stopped approving spring orders, WWD reports. Such factors haven't commented, but sources close to the situation said the move is only a temporary solution until they know what the hell is going on with Barneys, namely how much support Istithmar will provide.

One source told WWD that Barneys probably isn't seriously for sale, because selling something like Barneys in the downturn would just be silly. The source noted that if someone were willing to pay a billion dollars — which they'd have to seriously be on something to do, since it's now worth less than half of the $900 million Istithmar paid for it — Istithmar would likely gladly unload the chain.

Financial messiness aside, Barneys appears up to speed on its bills. The president of Versace U.S. and many smaller labels said Barneys was paying on time, although one said payment was slower than usual. The factors in question should have the answers they seek by the beginning of next month so Barneys can continue buying spring clothes to sell to people who still have money. All four of you.

To Buy or Not To Buy?

trench /trɛntʃ
–noun
1. Fortification. a long, narrow excavation in the ground, the earth from which is thrown up in front to serve as a shelter from enemy fire or attack.
2. a deep furrow, ditch, or cut.
3. Oceanography. a long, steep-sided, narrow depression in the ocean floor.

4. Fashion. a fabulous and classic coat

Within the past few years I have fallen in love with trench coats for a great in between seasons outerwear choice. Classic and universally flattering! I own two trenches already (black and classic khaki) but, they are both big on me since I lost weight I have been toying with the idea of buying a new one. I have controlled myself while searching for the perfect one. Not to mention the fact that the two I already have fit me well enough when I tie them. But, I found this today.

I absolutely love the color. There was a gray trench at NY&Co. that I had tried on but it had the worst pockets. This new one is not an exact trench because it doesn't have the same length but it's still a cute alternative for an amazing price. It more resembles the safari jackets that were super popular last year. I'm ready to go on the hunt for this one because I hate the idea of buying it without trying it on. What a dilemma! If I make it to the mall I will definatley keep my eye out and it's meant to be it will if not there is a better coat waiting for me somewhere...

Whose The Fairest of Them All?

It's this time of year that has me yearning for earlier days when I had more friends with fashion connections and I would find myself sitting in the tents at Bryant Park... those were good times. Unfortunately for me, those times have passed and now all I can do is read about collections reported on by those people whose seats I had probably stolen in the past, sorry. I'm not going to get into the fabulosity of it all but I will share with you this tidbit from The New York Times that but a smile on my face. Everyone could use that...

To the canon of legendary fashion feuds, as in Chanel versus Schiaparelli, Geoffrey Beene versus John Fairchild, and Giorgio Armani versus just about everyone, comes one this season that seems especially childish.

Hello Kitty is taking on Barbie for the title of most fashionable plaything.

There is not a designer worth his polyester who hasn’t spent a little too much time obsessing over dolls, so it is perhaps less surprising than tasteless to find fashion folk falling all over themselves to dress Barbie and Ms. Kitty for Fashion Week events. Barbie, who turns 50 next month, is having a runway show on Feb. 14 in Bryant Park, with Barbie-inspired clothes by one group of designers. Hello Kitty was set to show off looks by another group at a party Thursday night given by MAC, which has also created a new Hello Kitty cosmetics collection. Marketing ploys, indeed, but they do raise the question: Who’s the bigger fashionista?

Let’s put it this way: Barbie is to Cindy Crawford what Hello Kitty is to Naomi Campbell. One is the conscientious workhorse of her oeuvre, with a heart of gold (or plastic) and an improbably perfect body; the other is more difficult to read, with a sinister streak lurking behind that sweet, beautiful facade.

“I love that there is an innocence about Hello Kitty, but she’s also sexy,” said Esteban Cortazar, the Ungaro designer, who was taken by her cockeyed red bow. (He is among the 30 designers who have made Hello Kitty dresses, which will be auctioned on eBay next week to benefit the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.)

Of course, Barbie is the bigger diva. Mattel estimates that more than a billion fashion items have been created for her clique, and her show will include looks from 50 designers. But as Hello Kitty, who is 34, would say if she had a mouth, Barbie is a lot older.

“They’re both pretty relevant in terms of their fashion,” said David Blond, a designer of the cult label The Blonds. “Hello Kitty is edgier, and Barbie is more sophisticated.”
Then again, Mr. Blond is working both sides of the playpen, having designed outfits for both events. At least Mr. Cortazar was willing to take a side when he was asked which he would prefer to have at his own show.

“I would go with Hello Kitty,” he said. “There are enough girls coming to the show who look like Barbies already.”

M-e-o-w.

No Help Needed

It's a fact! With stores closing left and right it's impossible not to get amazing deals! It has made it really hard to post because what is there to talk about? But I think I got one today that is worth mentioning While taking break from data entry, because that's baisically my job and I have ADD sometimes, I was checking out the sales at Ann Taylor Loft online. I was really looking for shirts/sweaters/blouses because I am in desperate need of those, perhaps some that are pink becuase the pink section of my closet is dwarfish compared to others but, I digress. I found a really cute dress and although I really don't need anymore dresses it was much too good of a deal to pass up. Jersey knit, sleeveless, to the knee, coral/pink color $14.98... I was skeptical because I really don't need anymore dresses but with the coupon code that I found at one of my new fave spots for that it was only $10.88 shipping included!! It's like I got the dress for $4.00 if you take into account their standard shipping charge is $6.00 on every order. They have a few other amazing dress options that are around the same price. Or you can just get everything you see in your size. But hurry it up they won't last long!

Rocking the Stockings

Happy New Year!!! I'm back to the nitty gritty of work and have found myself inspired to wear skirts to the office. Strange, I know, considering the almost freezing temperatures but, I digress. Wearing all these skirts in this weather has had be buying quite a bit of hosiery. I am going to suggest to all that instead of investing major bucks on one or two items or going the other route and spending tons of money on cheap alternatives that you follow me to the middle ground.

I am really liking Target's version of Spanx, Assets! Created by the same woman, Sara Blakely, Assests are amazing. The downfall is that there are nowhere near as many variations in Assets but I think it's only a matter of time. I was thrilled after I bought them, wearing them 2 or 3 times then having to get a new pair because I put runs in them which I thought was perfectly acceptable for stockings but, after the reading the reviews there are many people who would disagree with me. I wonder:

How many time should you be able to wear stockings/tights?

• 1 time, they're as disposable as tissue.
• 2 times, more than once is good enough.
• 3 or 4 times, almost the same thing...
• Same pair, 5 days a week.

Created on Jan 13, 2009

View Results

poll by twiigs.com

Either way, I love Assets! The stockings last 2/3 times but the tights are even better. And with all the shaping fabulouness of Spanx combined with the frugal price tag of Target it's a win/win situation.

From everyone at She Spys The Buys!!!

Here's A Tip

Fashionista's definitely don't need any extra help finding sales, you can't turn your head without seeing or hearing 50%, 60%, or even 80% off items at some of the fav stores. It's been an amazingly frugalicious month of Christmas shopping for sure! That being said, be wary of the sales. While these high percentages off might sound budget that doesn't mean that you can walk out of a store with two shopping bags full of stuff for a pittance. And while I am preaching it to you now I wasn't following it a few days ago and I thought everyone can use a reminder from time to time.

With my arms full of heaping piles of fabulous clothes I made my way to the cash wrap at New York & Co. not knowing what kind of serious damage I had done. The original plan was the pick up a few things for my mom, especially after I saw those big red sale signs but, I ended up going absolutely completely utterly off the deep end buying things for my disillusioned self. So, when I made it to the register I was honestly surprised when I racked up a +$200.00 bill. Completely caught off guard I threw down the plastic but was so bothered that I couldn't enjoy my surprisingly delicious food court fare or any of the subsequent shopping.

The most frustrating part of this had to be when I got home and started to go through my loads of purchases. The stuff I got for my mom was solid but under a more critical eye not all the things I picked out for myself were quite right; some of them didn't fit, some of them weren't necessary, and they were obviously just picked up in the heat of the moment. Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed in myself. That being said, after going through everything once I can see what isn't exactly right and alot of it needs to be taken back. Now, I didn't only waste my time but now I have to waste my money on gas. Lesson learned! Now I pass it on to you... don't be sucked in by the sale, take a deep breath, think about what you need, try it on, and be as judgemental as possible because you need to absolutely love everything in your wardrobe.

More Gift Ideas

While going through my spam I realized that there were a few more affordable yet fabulous gift ideas that got sent there. It's a good thing I thought to check! So we're closing in on the big holidays with ridiculous rapidity and you might be stuck wondering what to get those last few friends of family. I understand, I don't think I've ever felt less festive and more stressed but, I know the minute I get the gifts wrapped and under that tree (which I still need to get) I will be Santa She Spys. Plus, I still need to make my annual trip to Saks 5th Ave and see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree which will also help but, I digress.

Onward with gift ideas... The fashionista is always one of the hardest people to shop for because they have great (probably expensive) taste, they are generally good at spotting deals, and almost always end up buying the things that they really want for themselves. That being said, I haven't met a fashionista who didn't absolutely love Project Runway. With its imminent move to Lifetime we can all relive the glory days with Project Runway design kits. You can design handbags, clothes, and even something for your pet! They cover everything from hair, makeup, and jewelry to even the models. It's a fabulous and budget way of surprising those people who never know what they want because they've bought it all for themselves already or it's too fabulous to be affordable.

For people who love lotions and potions there is a personal fav of mine Lush. Although the items are a little more expensive than some stuff it is one hundred times better quality which in my opinion makes it worth it. They have gift sets and all that but they tend to run on the more expensive side. The most thoughtful gift is the one you make yourself anyway so why not pick a few choice items for your friends and make your own personalized set? My first pick was the Emotibomb (which apparently is sold out), simply place the wonder ball on the shower floor directly beneath the water flow — as the warm stream hits it, a wonderful fragrant steam will fill the room. Their lip balms are also awesome, smell and taste great, and do the job right. The soaps are awesome too. Put them together and you have a great personalized spin on the typical body lotion and splash from Bath and Body Works.

And just for fun, if you have an oddball friend who is into the random things I would reccomend Oxygen Plus. O+ is 90 percent pure, recreational oxygen that elevates your energy, increases alertness and restores your get up and go. O+ provides a convenient, natural way to give yourself a boost. give O+. I pulled the scrip from a newsletter and thing the term "recreational oxygen" is hilarious, and your friend probably will too.

So keep on keeping on with the season, but don't forget to take some time for yourself. I know that I've been running around like a crazy person and while I was at work decorating the office tree and spreading Christmas joy it made me want to buy my tree and festify my home. This weekend: Boston, when I get back: Decoration because I can't believe I haven't done it already...

Overflowing Inbox

I'm one of those people, like most, who love to be in the know. So, I keep it up by reading zines, blogs, and of course email newsletters. I get so many that if I don't keep it in check my inbox will be flooded with over 100 emails a day, with maybe 5 that are personal. That being said I have sifted through the fluff and found a few cute potential gift items for you holiday shoppers that are running out of ideas for friends (or for your own wish list).

First there are gifts for the eco-friendly friend. I know that shopping for a person that doesn't want factory pollutant, mass produced gifts can be difficult. Alot of things that are good for the environment are more time consuming to make, not in high demand and at the same time trendy, etc. which makes them pricey and hard to find. That being said, ReMake Its Recycled Gift Kits are really cool. They have a do it yourself mentality which I love and are pretty inexpensive. My favorite is the Wine Cork Trivet which paired with a bottle of inexpensive yet delicious wine (might I recommend the Smoking Loon Merlot or Recession Red) puts your friend on the road to eco-fabulousness for around $20. I also like the Magazine Envelopes and the Bottle Cap Magnets.

This next one is something that could be for anyone who doesn't like cumbersome winter hats. With one of the coldest winters in a long time coming this year it will definitely be handy. This Sweater Floral Earwarmer from Urban Outfitters isn't your mama's fleece earwarmer headband, that's for sure. And thank goodness because I want to rip the one that my mother wears off her head and throw it away but, I digress. They have three colors online but it also came in a gorgeous winter white that you still might be able to find in stores if you go on a hunt. I totally wanted that for myself but after spending a pretty penny on winter hats in Bryant Park a few weeks ago I think it would be prudent to wait and see if someone reads this post and gets it for me.

Lastly, you could really use some affordable fun stuff for yourself after being on the hunt for everyone else. I would recommend hitting up a local Target in a week or two and seeing if they have put out the Thakoon or Hayden Harnett capsule collections. Both are supposed to hit the stores after Christmas on 12/28 but I know the store by me always puts them out at least 3 or 4 days early and that means, less items to choose from when the official release date comes. You might find something you absolutely love, try it on, and want to buy it. I would recommend stalking it online and waiting till they mark it down. It might take a few weeks but in the end it's worth it, winter is still upon us and those things will be just as fabulous and wearable when marked down.

Inspiration & Literature

You might ask what drives me to keep up with this blog. I will admit sometimes things get busy or stressful and it becomes quite the challenge which results in lapsed posts. But, I am trying to keep it consistent and I look for inspiration all around me. Besides my new outlook on shopping there has been one other thing that bought me back hardcore and that is watching ridiculously unnecessary amounts of What Not To Wear re-runs on TLC. Actually, I was even watching them just now during lunch. I love Stacy and Clinton! They are too funny and as complicated as it might seem their fashion rules are really simple and easy to integrate into your life. It led me to do my own closet purge (which, by the way, I want to write a book about) and I got rid of so many things, 12 large shopping bags to be exact. Honestly, it is the most liberating thing you can do for yourself and if you want to get it started but need help email She Spys.

Now I am going to do the most unusual of things for a fashion and sales blog, a book review. That's right, fashion is everywhere! Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body by Stacy & Clinton covers every type of body for both men and women telling you how to dress the best for your shape. That being said the book is a bit overrated although, the B&N sale price isn't bad. I mean, you only need to know how to dress yourself, not everyone else. I suggest going to a Barnes & Noble, Borders, or whatever else (I'm non-partisan about book stores) and finding it then, taking some notes. One thing that I found a bit invaluable was the list of items that make a complete wardrobe. I always wonder how they rebuild women's wardrobes after they tear them down. I know they are professionals but that's alot to remeber!

Amazing Sale

With the world in an economic stupor it has only meant good things for us frugal ladies. Granted, everyone had to be more discerning when it comes to spending money but overall you can get higher caliber goods for low low prices.

That being said, Ann Taylor Loft is having a ridiculous sale! From $6.98 and $9.99 up in store, and a few good items on the web. Those low ticket items are Final Sale but, if you try it on and love it there should be no problem there. And I love their stuff overall for business casual & casual wear. In my local store the super sale items encompassed more than just one paltry free standing rack so there was a good selection to choose from.

Now, that all being said... don't go crazy. Buy what you need and what looks great on you! What's the point in getting great deals if you buy a bunch of fluff for no reason other than the price. I guarantee you it will sit in your closet forever, or until you do some spring cleaning.

Indulgences

Kudos to everyone who made it out there for black friday shopping! I was pleased to hear that even with this economic mess overall black friday was on par with past years in terms of consumer spending, if nothing else. Curiously enough, I also heard that there were less people.

With the state of my personal finances I definitely have to rethink little things that I was partaking in on a regular basis that could be construed as unnecessary. When looking over things I did some math and realized that getting my nails done (manicure only) could end up costing me (or my mom) almost $520.00 a year. That's money that could be spent on serious stuff like bills, groceries, etc. with maybe a little left over for a new pair of shoes but, I digress. I figured that manicures can't be all that difficult and have resolved to do my own nails each week! After all, practice makes perfect and to save that kind of money it's definately worth a try.

Here's what I've learned:

• Remove any former polish using a good remover. Don't use anything with gelatin, it makes it harder to rub the polish off.
• When filing you nails, less it more. Work with the natural shape of your nails which for me (and many other women) is square-ish. While filing them, round the edges because when they are too pointy they crack and chip, not to mention scratch.
• If your cuticles are beast then you can try to trim them. Although, I recommend getting a manicure once a month so they can do that for you. In the interim you can use a cuticle moisturizing cream and use an orangewood stick to push them back.
• Now, you can start painting. With any good paint job you need to start with a good base. This is where a general rule comes in. Spending a little more on these products is totally worth it because you will still save tons in the end. Invest in a bottle of my fav base coat! This will make your manicure stay, my nails jobs now last longer than when I went to get them done at the salon.
• You can choose whatever color you like but again I recommend going with higher quality, I like Essie Wicked for the colder months and Starter Wife or similar sheer pinky colors for the warmer months. These will last you a long time. You should paint two coats on your nails. And, you shouldn't lay the first coat on too thick. The second one can be a little thicker to cover up any imperfections. If you go over the line while painting, that being your cuticle, you can dip a q-tip in nail polish remover and touch it up or you can use a nail corrector pen. I picked one up at my local beauty supply shop and it works great, much more precise than a q-tip which is great because I'm not that delicate.
• Lastly you need a good top coat to seal the deal. I like OPI Nail Envy. It was recommended by the owner of the nails salon by my house and is the perfect compliment to Seche Base. My nails are stronger than ever. You can follow up during the week with additional top coats to keep your mani fresh!
• I recommend carrying a nail file in your car or purse so that just in case one of your lovelies breaks you can file it back into shape instead of being tempted to pick at it or bite. What good was all that work if you don't maintain?

HAPPY SHOPPING DAY!!!

But first, HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!! Don't worry about the calories and squeezing into your fav jeans or that little black dress, you should be allowed a cheat day and honestly one day isn't going to undo all your hard work. I, for one, can't eat the mounds of food that are splayed out before me anyway. Just because it's Thanksgiving doesn't mean my stomach has doubled in size but, I digress.

Any good deal seeking individual is revving up for the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday! Frankly, you don't want to be dealing with the crazy people and the crowds if you are not prepared. I will give you a few steps that will make your Black Friday Shopping the most efficient thing you've ever done... yes, shopping can be efficient.

First and foremost, make a list of everyone you want to get gifts for and try to categorize them by how much money you want to spend. While your mom, dad, brother, sister, boyfriend, etc. might be in the higher up area you definitely don't want to spend the same amount of money on Dad's GPS navi that you do on your Kris Kringle at work.

I pride myself on being able to do my Christmas shopping for friends and acquaintances for $10-$20 bucks. It takes some serious dedication and lots of creativity but it's totally worth it when your friend opens their gift, loves it, and while they think you spent mad money you spent practically nothing.

Second, you need to check out the Black Friday fliers. Most companies have posted or mailed them so that you have an idea of what their deals are going to be like and what the door buster items are going to be. For those of you who have never been Black Friday shopping understand that while the door-busters are amazingly cheap there are only 8-15 of them in each store. So while you think that you can show up at 5 in the morning and get the $398 laptop/printer combo at Best Buy, you are wrong because 5 is when the doors open not when they start handing out the tickets. I would recommend showing up at 2 and waiting outside because there are going to be lots of people who will be there at that time or perhaps even earlier. Wear lots of layers and bring a chair or a buddy so you can wait in shifts.

After cross referencing the fliers and your list you should have a good idea of where you need to go to get your gifts so you can plot the course that you will be taking when you wake up before the sun rises and know what stores to hit first. Obviously I would do door-buster stores first, then in order of what time they open. If you have specific items in mind it helps to go with a friend or two so you can send them off to help you. I bring my brother because he has no other loyalties or people to buy gifts for.

Now on to items that I think are worth heading out for, I'll try to group them by store.

• Old Navy: While I'm kind of over their clothes for the most part they are offering a really cool Black Friday deal, a Free Mp3 player with $20 purchase, while supplies last. I'd like to give it to my mom who would think it was cool but never want to spend the money on a Mp3 player. Maybe for you a little sister, brother, or cousin. And for my $20 purchase I would probably get pajamas for my aunt or someone, and maybe something for myself because I have a gift certificate.
• Best Buy: For the techy people in your life, there are tons of computers, computer accessories, camera, gps's and such on sale. But for me and my frugal gift giving I'm probably going to hit up the $4.99 DVD section, it's great if you have an inside joke with friend or whatever and you can find the DVD that exemplifies it, and you still have $15 to spend on other stuff. Of you can get some seasons for $14.99 which is awesome too and that's alot of hours of tv watching. See it can be done.
• Kmart, Target, and Kohl's are on my list also for all the filler bits. You kinds just have to walk around and think hard about who you might be able to give the things you see to but it can be worth it.
• Ann Taylor Loft: For me, They are having 25% off everything until noon, and there is this gorgeous dress that I want for fancy occasions so I might have to stop by and pick it up.
  

So overall: don't eat too much turkey (tryptophan bad), wake up early, make a list, make a travel plan, and stick with it! Shopping can be efficient and economical... and my boyfriend just had a heart attack somewhere I should call and make sure he's ok.

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