Thrifty girl

‘Forever21′

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Although I just wrote about shopping and saving cash, I think I may have to write about it a little more since I recently had a Forever21 evening.

I used to detest Forever21, but as of late I have noticed that their clothing has gone from tacky to what’s in. Or maybe I’m just happy about what’s in, since I wasn’t so content about the trends that were going around for about a long time.

Anyhow, Forever21 isn’t only putting out items that are currently in, they are also reasonably priced. Hm, correction, they are cheap. There I said it….Cheap. And although the quality of the fabric isn’t as durable in comparison to the more expensive items, and you may quite possibly may see ten other people wearing your T-shirt on your way to work, the quality of fabric has increased over the years, and who cares if someone else is wearing the selfsame printed T as you are…? Maybe you two or three can get together for a coffee, cuz you probably have more in common if you chose the same T-shirt..no?

Right now I’m really into printed T’s with funny sayings on them. I like to rock them under blazers, it’s sort of my personality breaking through the bland colors of tan, grey, brown, all those – I belong in the world of suits –colors.

Does the evening at Forever21 mean that I have a closet stocked full of Forever wear? No. I still  believe in shopping at locals where each item is special, or close to it, but it’s good to do a little of everything, too much salt, it just too much salt.

Check Forever21 out and get back to me if you do. And no, I’m not even going to go into the meaning of their name with you…But think about that one for a minute.

Graduation

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

I haven’t been talking about saving money lately, so let’s do that. I recently graduated (Two days ago) college, which means I had get myself together for graduation. This means nail painting, hair styling, and purchasing new clothes.

This is how I went about the whole business: (It was only slightly tortuous.) I splurged on a dress from Roni, (An Nyc shop) $150.00. This dress required a belt for it to appear it’s best, so instead of purchasing a belt for $50 that I would wear, what three times, I ran to a fabric shop and got myself a thin spool of ribbon for $2.67.

When I called around to various nail salons, I found out that it would cost nearly $50 for a manicure & pedicure. I initially thought it’s graduation, a little pampering won’t hurt, but one must remain realistic about these things. Because that pampering will hurt at the end of the month when the mailman hands over the pampering bill. So, I purchased my own nail polish for $3.99,  soaked my feet in the tub, and made my own toes attractive. It was actually quite relaxing since the part of my brain that usually moves from one thing to the next, had one focus only, and it being a simple task, it was vacation from the thinking.

When it was time for the hair I called Maria Bonita, a salon that I invariably turn to for special occasions, and booked an appointment for a blow-out for $45.00.

(I have a decent variety of shoes, so I didn’t have to worry about that. Thank goodness.)

In total, new outfit and look: (My hair is usually curly.) $201.66. It’s not bad considering how put together I looked. The trick is to spend where you need to, and not to spend when you don’t, or when creativity would be an even better option, do that.

We Tested Tinted SPFs–Our Top 3 Below!

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Illuminating the skin: No weapon is more powerful in the fight against free radicals and UVA & UVB rays than a good SPF. SPF 30 is recommended by skincare specialists and doctors everywhere in preventing age spots, wrinkles, melanoma, skin lesions, and rosacea. Never leave the house without an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply after excessive sweating. Studies have shown that SPFs above 30 can protect the skin just as much, but you need to apply it liberally—key word. You really want to drench yourself in it.

Here are the best SPF 30’s around. Added bonus—they’re tinted! Wave bye-bye to foundations and primers during the dry and sticky months. All available at Sephora.

LORAC ProtecTINT SPF 30 Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer


Used In The Buff (the second lightest), Tahitian Tan (the darkest shade), and Beach Bronze (a sheer bronzer for any skin tone). Dare To Bare, their lightest shade, is normally the only one I could use, but there is something special about Lorac’s shades. The colors are so sheer, that when blended thoroughly, virtually any shade can look like your own. Tahitian Tan actually looked like a real tan on me! So effortless to blend, there was no tell-tale foundation line anywhere—very impressive, Lorac! Light coverage, excellent for layering, leaves skin dewy. Can get shiny a few hours after application, so pack some blot sheets. Great for sensitive skin!

5 sheer shades to match any skin tone. 1.3 oz for $32, found at Lorac Cosmetics.

Numbers 2 & 3 after the jump!

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