Update your Spring Wardrobe!

Spring has sprung and many ladies are packing up their winter wardrobe in favor of beautiful spring pieces. Here are a few tips to keep your Spring clothing trendy, tasteful and classy!

1. Sort through what you have. Set aside about 30 minutes for yourself. Sort through all of your spring/summer clothes and try each piece on in front of a mirror, if you have a 3 way mirror, even better. Trying everything on now ensures that you know what fits, what may not and what you absolutely don't want in your closet anymore. Now, create 4 small piles-One for pieces you love and they fit and do not need repair, one for pieces that need repair such as a button sewn on or a hem re-stitched and the third for donation/give-away items. These clothes can be donated or sold to a consignment shop. The last pile is for items that don't currently fit. You'll need to make the call on whether you plan to lose weight and keep it or if you just need to put it in pile 3 for donation, etc. This allows you to know now what needs to be repaired/dry-cleaned so you have it ready when you need it, this sorting process also organizes the items you own so that you have more room to keep the clothes you love wrinkle-free and you know now to buy another white v-neck tank top.

2. Decide how much you have to invest in new pieces and accessories. It may only be $50-100 and that will work. In this case, you'll want to watch for sales and look at shops like Ross, Target, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Pick pieces that add a bit of trendiness. Maybe you purchase one new dress or tank top in a spring color like fuschia or a new pair of inexpensive gladiators to add to your shoe collection. You could also invest in some fun belts to use with dresses or to wrap around your waist over a fitted blazer. Cinched waists that create a feminine silhouette are all the rage! You can also invest in some longer necklaces, hoop earrings, or some bangles to add some interest to your outfit. An outfit is not complete without accessories, so I highly recommend adding some, even a colorful scarf added to your handbag works as an accessory. Have fun with it, you don't need to break the bank!

3. Wear ONLY what Flatters and Fits! Too many women make the mistake of keeping and wearing clothes that are one or more sizes too small. Some think that the tight clothing makes them look younger and makes them feel that they can still fit into a size "x". The fit is more important than the number on your jeans. Wear only what fits you and flatters your body type. It's better to spend your money on a few classic pieces that will last and really flatter your figure rather than use it all up on numerous pieces that are trendy but don't fit your or highlight your best assets.

4. Just Add Color! Many people are so used to be trapped in the black, brown and gray zone, especially during winter months that is sometimes continues into spring. Spring is all about blooming flowers, rejuvination, new life and color. Add a little color to your outfit even if it is only in the form of a handbag or a pair of shoes. Go outside of your comfort zone and buy a bikini in jade green or purple instead of the usual black. Start introducing white into your wardrobe too to lighten it up. Don't get me wrong-the combination of black and white is very classic and can be seen on many spring runways however don't let it be ALL that you wear. Color naturally adds interest, draws attention to you and appears more "happy" too.

5. Go Feminine- Springtime fashion usually conjures up thoughts of florals, pretty colors, pastels and girliness. There's no time like 2009 to crank up your femininity. With ruffles, sheer fabrics, flower prints and cinched waistlines, you're sure to find something that appeals to you and will show off your figure. Dresses are a must this season, but if you don't enjoy heels there are a lot of cute styles that do incorporate ballet flats or sandal flats. Try cuffed shorts, a pretty blousy top, a cute floral dress with your flats. So enjoy being comfortable, fashionable yet still feminine.

Spring Cleaning the Natural Way!

Classy Women not only respect themselves, but they also respect their home and their planet. Make every effort to keep our earth green, clean and healthy. Clean your Home the Natural Way with nature's finest ingredients.

Here are a four that are not only very inexpensive but are eco-friendly to boot!

1. Lemons

2. Baking Soda

3. Distilled White Vinegar

4. Toothpaste

Here's how you can use them:

Fabric Softener

Since most fabric softeners contain toxic ingredients both for the planet and for you, try something a little different. Use 2 tbsps in your rinse cycle for great results that will never leave your clothes feeling coated and won't irritate your skin. Don't worry-your clothes won't smell like pickles, I promise! Make sure you are using Distilled white vinegar, not malt, or something sticky.

Dishwasher Rinse Aid

Vinegar has yet another wonderful use and that is getting your dishes sparkling clean! Yes, that's right, just pour vinegar into your dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser and it will keep them clean and spot-free.

Carpet Deodorizer

Use baking soda as a carpet deodorizer, especially if you have pets. Pour some on, let is sit for about 15 mins and then vacuum it up. Since baking soda absorbs odors in your fridge/freezer, it will do the same for your carpet and rugs too! (On a side note-I had a lost rotton onion that stunk up my cabinet, and poured baking soda on it for a whole day. It absorbed the moisture and most of the odor, then I kept an open box of baking soda in the cabinet for a month and smell was gone!)

Shower Mildew Preventer

They say vodka is a natural mildew preventer. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to drink the expensive stuff vs. clean with it. There is another natural alternative though. Vinegar will do the trick. I keep a spray bottle filled 3 parts vinegar, 1 part water and spray the shower after each use, especially the chrome. It keeps it shiny and free from hard water spots.

Garbage Disposal Freshener

While little citrus discs are available from the store, wouldn't you rather use something natural to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal? Use left over citrus rinds or rinds/flesh from squeezed lemons and oranges. Put one or two in with a little water into your disposal and voila, any bad smells will be gone! The citrus is biodegradable unlike the store-bought disks and do not contain artificial fragrance, phthalates, etc.

Cutting Board Cleaner

When you have finished using your cutting board whether it be wooden, plastic or my favorite-glass, always use the flat side of a lemon-half or slice to clean the cutting board afterwards. This is my favorite thing to use after cutting garlic, it takes the smell away.

Get Chrome Super Shiny

I mentioned that vinegar is great for getting chrome to sparkle, you can use a little baking soda too if you need a little paste for extra scrubbing on a stubborn hard water scale. However, another great alternative is toothpaste! Maybe you bought a brand that you don't prefer, don't throw it away-use it with an old toothbrush to clean stubborn hard water stains and grime. You can use it in your bathroom, kitchen, for scrubbing between tiles, etc. The best part is the natural mint smell you'll enjoy while cleaning!

Drain De-Clogger

Once my drains get a little clogged I always checked for hair first, as this is generally the culprit. Once you've cleaned that out, if your drain is still not working right, use a little baking soda and vinegar. First pour some baking soda in, maybe about 3 tbsp, then add some white vinegar and try to cover the drain and let it fizz and foam away. Once it sits for about 10-15 mins, pour boiling water (from a kettle or very hot tap) down the drain. It will start dissolving the grime naturally unlike the usual drano-type products that are horrible for the environment.

Window Wash

Use vinegar in a spray bottle and recycled newspaper to clean your windows/mirrors. This is a much more eco-friendly and non-toxic way compared to ammonia-based products.

There is a plethora of great natural products available to you, if you don't feel like mixing and making your own. Try Seventh Generation, Method, or Ecover. Those are my three favorite brands. They offer everything from hand soap to dishwasher detergent to dryer sheets and diapers! They can be found online, at a Whole Foods Store or in some cases your local grocery store.

I hope you will try these natural methods so that you can reap the benefits of Spring Cleaning without the toxic cloud that will pollute your indoor air quality as well as our waterways, fish and ground.

For some great tips on how to keep a clean fridge click HERE. You can click HERE for some secrets on maintaining a clean car.

Do you use natural cleaning products are ingredients? What are your favorites?

Shutterfly Promo Code Offers

A friend of mine gave me a Shutterfly promo code for a free photo book. I was so excited! With only 3 days left before the offer expired, I decided to get right to work and start creating a book featuring photos from a milestone birthday that I had been meaning to create for months. I couldn't wait to finish it and see that all I would have to pay would be the shipping and handling. Boy was I wrong!

Most people love snapping digital photos. They save them on their computer, send a few here and there, maybe upload a couple to their facebook account but rarely print any at all. So, now you’ve received a coupon code from a friend to try http://www.shutterfly.com/ which is similar to snapfish and kodak gallery. These online sites let you upload and store your photos and then later enlarge them, print them out or use them to create fun memory items like mugs, invitations, Christmas cards or a personal favorite, a photo book!

Most online retailers will accept the promo codes that circulate on the web. Some are different though, like Shutterfly. They use specific targeted marketing in the form of emails that get sent out to their current account holders. The promo codes sent to each person are specifically tailored to them and have long promo code numbers which correlate with their exact account. So, if you try one that your friend has given you, chances are that it will not work.

I wanted to share my story with you so that you do not experience the same disappointment

I’ll keep my book sitting in my account and perhaps one day when the offer is good enough, I’ll print it. But as it stands, without knowing what the print quality is like from Shutterfly, I want to wait until the investment is minimal and then I might consider ordering future books if the first one turns out well.

The good news is you can find many promo codes for other photo printing vendors online. So, happy coupon code hunting but always remember to test out the checkout center before doing all of the work first!

Chocolate-Coconut Valentine's Day Treat!

Trying new recipes is one of my favorite things to do, especially if it is a dessert! My husband is a coconut lover and I decided to make him a treat that he couldn't resist-Black-bottom Coconut bars. These are a combination of 50% brownie bottom and 50% coconut macaroon top, they are 100% DELICIOUS!

These bars are great for entertaining no matter what the occasion is. Here is the recipe so you can try them too! It is compliments of Martha Stewart.

Prep: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Makes 24 Bars

FOR CHOCOLATE BASE :

· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
· 1/2 cup sugar
· 1/4 tsp salt
· 1 large egg
· 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
· 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

FOR COCONUT TOPPING :

· 2 large eggs
· 3/4 cup sugar
· 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
· 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
· 1 package sweetened shredded coconut (7 ounces), 1/2 cup reserved for sprinkling on top.

Directions:

1. For chocolate base: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a slight overhang; butter bottom and sides of foil (not overhang).
2. Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl; melt in microwave. Add sugar and salt; whisk to combine. Whisk in egg, then cocoa and flour until smooth. Spread batter in prepared pan.
3. Bake just until sides begin to pull away from edges of pan, 10 to 15 minutes (do not overbake). Let cool slightly while preparing coconut topping. Keep oven on for topping.
4. For coconut topping: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla. Gently mix in flour and coconut (except 1/2 cup reserved for sprinkling).
5. Drop mounds of mixture over chocolate base; spread and pat in gently and evenly with moistened fingers. Sprinkle with reserved 1/2 cup coconut.
6. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Lift cake from pan, peel off foil, and cut into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container 3 to 4 days.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/black-bottom-coconut-bars

3 Ways to Drink MORE Water

As we all know, drinking more water is essential to good health. But for some it's hard to think about drinking 8-12 glasses per day. Here are some easy ways to incorporate more water drinking into your day.

1. Add a little Flavor

Most people avoid drinking water because the quality of the water tastes bad or because water doesn't have any flavor. Firstly, ensure that you are drinking filtered water so the taste isn't an issue. That is as simple as using a Brita filter or in-home filtration system. Try to avoid costly bottled water which use a lot of resources to create the plastic your water is contained in. You can add a little flavor to your water by adding a squeeze of lemon, orange, or a slice of cucumber. You could even add a dash of 100% natural fruit juice like pineapple or grape to perk it up!

2. Use a Measuring Tool

You will drink more water if you have a way to keep track or count the amount of cups you are drinking. Using a reusable nalgene bottle or a brita pitcher with the number of cups indicated will give you a sense of accomplishment as you go about your day. It's hard to lose count when the container does all the work for you. Simple fill it to 2L and keep drinking until it's all gone! There are SO many health benefits to filling up on H2O including clearer skin, fresher breath, hydrated, more youthful skin, no dehydration headaches and the cushioning of your joints.

3. Consume more Liquids

While pure water is important for our body's functioning, other liquids that include a lot of water will help add to your daily quota. Soup (thin, not heavy chunky kinds) can be an excellent way to add more water, especially at lunch time, provided it is mainly consisting of broth. This is a great way to fill up too, helping you eat less and lose weigh along the way! Smoothies are another great way to add water. Instead of using milk, soymilk or juice for your smoothies, add your fruit but use water instead.

For a healthy snack idea, check out this post.

What tricks do you use to consume more water daily? Leave a comment and share with us so we can use you tips!

~Karla

How to Save Money while Dining Out

Dining out can be expensive. Some spend hundreds, if not thousands per year on meals alone! Here’s how to enjoy dining in Restaurants without going broke.

1. Look Before you Tip! Automatic gratuity is common at many restaurants, especially for larger groups or parties. Don’t shortchange yourself by double tipping! Always look to see if a tip has been added before adding it in.

2. Coupons are your Friend-Use them whenever possible. You can usually find them online saving up to 50% of your bill, or in other places like the Entertainment book, newspaper coupons etc. Some people feel silly pulling them out or even cheap, but in today’s economy I assure you nobody will look down on you for wanting to save a little money.


3. Go Family Style-Sharing dishes is not only a tradition in many countries, but with larger portions, it is the perfect way to share with friend(s) or family. This way you get to try a little bit of everything and discover your favorite dishes, without the price to match.

4. Share Dessert! Sometimes you want something a little sweet to cleanse the palate after your dinner but aren’t sure you want to drop $6 on one. Sharing a dessert amongst 2-4 people will not only save you money, but the extra calories too! It’s a great way to enjoy the finer things without feeling guilty afterwards.

5. Insist on a Separate Bill- Many people enjoy eating in large groups but when the bill comes a few people always wind up putting in a little more for those that didn’t put in enough, to ensure the bill is paid with a suitable tip. An easy way to avoid overpaying it to request your own bill. You can also control the tip based on your specific experience.


6. Avoid the Alcohol! There is no faster way to drive up the check than to order alcohol. Sure it’s social but why not have a drink before heading out of the house. Instead, drink water with lemon a refillable drink like iced tea or coffee. You will notice a dramatic reduction in your restaurant bills if you change this ONE thing!

7. Save Room for your Entrée-Skip appetizers when you can, or share one or two with another person/couple to try out different items. Most people’s eyes are bigger than their stomach, so to speak. They feel so hungry when they order that they order too much and often feel stuffed by the second bite of their entrée. However, if you order an entrée only and are still hungry afterwards, then order more food at that point. If you absolutely must, share an appetizer, is just as fulfilling.


8. Extra Sauce is Extra Cost! With the increase in grocery items these days, so too comes the increase for restaurants, and believe me, they WILL pass that cost onto you when it comes to the little extras. If you want extra sauce or dressing, many eateries are adding those costs onto your bill, the $2 and $3 here and there starts to add up.
9. Share your Celebration- Tell your server what you’re celebrating. Many servers will even ask you if you’re celebrating a special evening etc. Often, especially for birthdays, you might snag a free dessert, a discount etc. It’s worth it and it doesn’t cost you a thing.

10. Speak Up- Places like Starbucks are notorious for letting their customer switch up their drink if they don’t like it. Well, the same holds true for restaurants. Let your server know that you are dissatisfied and why. If they don’t offer it up, tell them you’d like to return it to the kitchen but would instead like to have the “x” dish. There is no sense paying for a meal that you don’t enjoy. If it’s just a matter of food being overly well done etc, they will in some cases comp it on your bill or at least provide a discount all while replacing it with a new meal.

11. Save money by always bringing your leftovers home. You may not want to think of another bite while you’re at the restaurant but leftovers can turn into a snack or tomorrow’s lunch. So, why not save on your grocery cost by bringing home whatever there is left over, no matter how small the portion may seem. After all, you did pay for it!

12. Happy Hour! Many restaurants offer happy hour, and we're not just talking greasy wings at the bar kind of happy hour. Many sushi and other restaurants offer certain times and weekdays (usually between 4-7pm) where a variety of meals are offered at discounted rates or even half price! Use this to your advantage and head to a restaurant after work to catch these great deals. Also note that lunch is always cheaper than dinner!

How to Dress Classy on a Budget

For some women, the concept of dressing classy without spending much money seems impossible. Many equate Designer clothing and accessories with the look of class. You can still achieve the wardrobe you see in magazines and on the runway without emptying your wallet. It is a great feeling to get a bargain when an item looks much richer than what the price tag indicates.


Here are some simple tips to achieve a classy look whether you're heading to the office, the gym, or for a night on the town.

1. Basics for Work. Keep good basics in your wardrobe that are truly timeless and will last the test of time and fashion trends. Key basics include black dress pants. Have about 3 good quality pairs. You will want at least one pair to have a pin stripe which will give your body some length and add variety, as well as one pair with a cuff on the bottom, and one without. All pairs should have a crease running down the leg for that dressy look. Avoid anything with pleats which is currently outdated and tends to make you appear larger in the frontal area anyhow. DO invest in good quality, but inexpensive tops such as short sleeved and ¾ length tops with Lycra (to keep their shape) in both v-neck and round neck styles. I recommend black, white and red, if you cannot wear red, perhaps gray. These are key for under blazers with pants and can also be worn with jeans on a casual Friday.


You will about 3 nice black skirts, a pencil skirt, or slight A-line, one with a tasteful print and one that is more airy, flowing and fun. Dress shirts for women are more popular than ever. You will want to have some variety here. I recommend buying shirts that fit your shoulders and arm length properly and have a bit of Lycra or stretch fabric so you can move freely. Make sure the buttos across the chest don't gape open. These can be bought anywhere such as Winners, Ross for Less or department stores. Keep winter and summer colors.



Important to any business wardrobe is the suit. You will need a black, navy and lighter color suit such as camel or a paler gray for summer. You can wear your blazer with your skirts too, no need to buy a skirt suit. When buying shoes keep the same in mind, find at least 3 comfortable pairs of shoes, perhaps a pair of flats, and 2 pairs of heels, one lower and the other a higher pump style. I don't believe in having all the colors of the rainbow on my shoe rack, especially when on a budget. Black and brown always work, throw in a pair of camel or red in for fun. The overall idea here is to have classic pieces that won't go out of style that last for years as to not constantly be buying clothes. I firmly believe in investing in these basic pieces so they'll last a long time. Look for sales, clearances and wander through thrift stores to find what you need to build your basic wardrobe. Be selective though-buy quality bargain pieces and have them taken in by a seamstress if they aren't a perfect fit vs. buying cheaper items that happen to fit you.


2. Make Accessories Work for You- Whether they are shoes, sunglasses, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, scarves, or handbags find the ones that you love best and buy many at low cost shops. The key is to dress up a wardrobe many different ways without blowing your budget on pumps and expensive handbags. The best thing to do is buy all sorts of accessories for as little as you can. These keep your wardrobe interesting by adding color, texture, shape, and bling! A couple shops I love for this are Le Chateau, H&M and Aldo. I find the best inexpensive jewelry, trendy shoes and hair clips. Buy a purple or red handbag from Payless Shoe store for $20 and pump up your black suit for work, or jeans and a t-shirt. Hollywood stars use the same tricks just on a different budget.

The best tip is to wear a great outfit with one or two accessories maximum that pop! My mother used to dress extremely well because she picked out accessories and clothing that looked great but cost next to nothing. This is because she looked in stores like K-Mart as she couldn't afford designer or even mall store prices being a single mom for many years. Put on a Blazer. fitted tee and jeans with a pair of cute flats and have one significant piece like a great necklace to really make your neckline pop. When hair is done up, this is the best time to show off shoulders and your neckline, so draw attention with some great earrings and a necklace. Even a funky watch or belt can jazz up an otherwise low-key outfit.

3. Scarves are so Versatile- Scarves have so many uses that it is hard not to have any in your wardrobe. Scarves can act as a tie around your hair in a ponytail or used as a handband style, tied around your neck, used as a belt around your waist or simply tie to the shoulder strap of your handbag for a flirty look. It is good to have variety. Black and Red are my favorites however I have some softer colors such as pale pink, and patterns like houndstooth, polka-dots, and tasteful florals are very 'in' right now also. The scarf belt goes great with a sexy top and pair of jeans. When you are bored with the pattern or color, trade with your friends for variety.

4. Focus on your Face- Even if you don't feel like your wardrobe looks like a million bucks, put on a smile. It goes a long way and brightens your face! A little makeup really makes a difference. The 3 essentials I would recommend are Mascara, Lipstick (or a great gloss) and some blush. This will add color to your face and make your features pop. I have never bought into the notion that Designer or expensive makeup is best. I've used mainstream brands and organic/natural makeup my whole life and have always had compliments. These products are ¼ the price of department store and I can buy them anywhere. The key is to keep the makeup simple and light. Don't wear heavy foundation and loose powers with bright lipstick and heavy eyeliner. The idea is to look natural and elegant with the right shade and application of blush and lipstick and a black/brown or black shade of mascara. Spend less money on makeup but spend more time on mastering a natural look that enhances your natural beauty and allows you to look radiant.


5. Buy Quality Shoes that Last- Always buy quality shoes that can last you at least 2-3 years. Ensure that they are simple in color and style, are made of leather, but that they have a good sole and heel lifts. Shoes aren't made the way they used to be. I find myself having to replace my lifts on most of my shoes since they are plastic vs. high quality rubber or leather. They wear down quickly causing potential accidents as you glide across floors in those heels. The shoe repair shop will put great quality lifts on and it is inexpensive. Replace these every year or as needed with wear so that the heels of your shoes stay looking new. In addition, shine your shoes regularly and buy scuff removing solution. A great pair of shoes can look like trash when they have not been taken care of.

If you really do crave something trendy then let it be for a particular outfit, or dress say for a wedding, where the shoes will not be frequently worn, if ever again. Why not get the knock-off style at Payless Shoe store or another discount shoe store? Then you'll get the style and price you want and don't have to worry so much about the durability.


6. No Tattered Undergarments- Many women focus on their outer wardrobe and forget what is hiding underneath. It is important to frequently wash your bras as well as camisoles etc on delicate cycle. It is very unappealing to see a well dressed woman with a frayed, dirty bra strap peeking out of her top. Likewise, underwear and socks need to be replaced when stained, they start to look thin or have holes or elastic coming apart. This is not sexy for your partner or for yourself! You can typically buy a bunch of inexpensive clearance rack panties that look like designer knock-offs with all the lacy styles. You'll pay around $2-$5 per pair and they look great! If they get ruined in the washing machine or wear with time you can just toss them without thinking twice. While we are on the subject, ladies do buy bras that fit your cup and your body properly and are seamless. Bras aren't meant to cut into your skin and cause a ripple effect. There is nothing worse than a great top with seam lines, back fat or nipples showing!


7. Accessorize but don't overdo it- Classy women look classy because they don't overdo it. Wearing a great dress or outfit with a single ring, pair of small earrings and a small necklace is fine. Wearing a suit with a ring on every finger, watch, bracelet, heavy makeup, hair in an elaborate clip, a belt, a scarf around the neck and bright shoes is overkill. Nobody knows what to look at first! When you get ready to leave the house, look into a full length mirror with your entire outfit including a hat or handbag if included. You will often slowly start to strip a couple accessories away or tone down bold shoes and handbags. Remember, simple is best. Add one or two killer pieces that will have you feeling great and getting compliments along the way.


8. Don't be Afraid to Shop in Thrift Stores- I can't tell you how many things I've been able to snag there. The key is to go into an area that is more well-to-do or exclusive. Often people with a lot of money can discard things faster for new items such as great sweaters, blazers, handbags, you name it! My last purchase there was actually a set of hot rollers that retail at $70 that I picked up for $16! I bought an $80 pair of great brown boots that were never worn for $6!! I'll admit, you have to make some time to sift through a lot of duds till you find a few keepers, but it is well worth it. Buy items that have their original bold color, no fading! Make sure there are no holes, or stains. If there is a small area that is inconspicuous and the item is a steal, by all means grab the item if you can fix it. You can also find some fun handbags, belts and jewelry there too!

9. Wear clothes that Fit You Properly- There is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful woman in skin tight dress pants, breasts hanging out, and the visible appearance of flab around the waist or back due to tight clothing. Looking slimmer is not about wearing super fitted clothing, clothing with breathing room and comfort will not only make you look better but feel better too. Classy women don't let it all hang out! If something in your wardrobe is too small but you love it, keep it until it does fit (maybe use it as motivation, or donate it to someone who can use it now) and find something new to wear in the meantime.


10. You Don't Need Designer Labels to Dress Well- Today with so many great knock-offs and fun styles to choose from, there is no need to spend $450 on a pair of designer sunglasses. I have a $17 pair of Gucci knocks-offs that I bought in the airport, and have got more compliments on those than a real pair of Ralph Lauren shades that I spent over $100 on. Likewise, people see how well your outfit is put together moreso than they do what brand you are wearing. I see a lot of wealthy people wearing brand name overkill and they don't look classy at all, they just look tacky. Don't be a walking billboard for a brand name, just be an original and wear what fits you and what you feel good in.


This post was inspired by many women that I have worked with, spent time with, seen walking in the streets, and those that have told me that they simply don't have the money to dress well. You need an objective eye and patience to find what looks great on you. So, give your charge card a break and find out how fun it is to buy a couple items with a $20 bill! One of the most important things to remember to wear is your smile! Walk confidently and have a positive attitude, this is a makeover in and of itself!

Thanks for Reading!

XO





Photo Credits: (1) , all others via google.