BIg Girl in a Skinny World - A Must Read for the Curvy Lady

While everyone else is joining the high tech world of Nooks, Ipads, and Kindles, I still enjoy the feel of a good magazine.  However, I must "thank" those of you who have moved on to these devices because magazine subscriptions are super cheap and several years ago I subscribed to nearly every fashion/fitness/gossip magazine out there.

Even though I love my fashion magazines, I get annoyed with some of the super editorial looks that feature women with abnormal measurements in clothing that the Queen probably couldn't afford.  Honestly, who wants a $20,000 motorcycle jacket?  Love you Gucci, but when the price says, "upon request" this girl is out.

That's why I found it so refreshing when Marie Claire started featuring a monthly column from their own Nicolette Mason.  Mason is unlike most of the women working in this superficial industry; she is plus size and proud! Each month she takes on a new topic that often finds curvier women shying away when it comes to fashion.  May's issue featured Nicollette sharing her own former fears about shorts.  While shorts have emerged all over the runways, most of them are a wee bit, well...short, and nothing is less chic than a lady pulling her shorts down every time she takes a step!

Check out her blog and learn more about her fashion finds.  Even if you're a skinny twig, some of her advice is applicable to all of us.  With her personal touch it's hard not to identify.

So the next time you're at the Supermarket skip the Cosmo (do you really need to know how to make your man hot in bed...I mean...he's a guy...he probably doesn't care...) and pick up Marie Claire.  With fashion advice from Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia, it's hard not to see that Marie Claire is heading in the right direction when it comes to fashion for all!

Big Style, Small Price - Designers that Give You More Bang for your Buck

I've always been jealous of my friends that live in larger cities because they always pick up the most unique items that looks super chic and expensive but are completely affordable.  I don't know about you, but there's nothing I despise more than going to the mall and seeing 3 people with the same top on.  It's funny, because at 14 I wanted to look like everyone else (Abercrombie & Fitch all the way!) and as an adult I want to be completely unique from my peers.  I want to enter a room and have someone say, "wow I love your dress" and then be able to say, "yes, and I got it so cheap!" - there is nothing more gratifying than feeling like you got your moneys worth.  Well, some of us may never have the opportunity to peruse the local high end consignment shops in search for someone's 1970s Missoni dress but with the internet there is a way that some of us can still look chic without having to give in to the monotony of so many stores these days.

For those of you who have been in a coma for the last year, you may not have heard that Kate and Pippa Middleton have emerged as the style elite.  However, unlike some of their peers they like to mix up high end pieces with more affordable items as well.  There favorite go to brand?  Zara.  This international brand has just recently made the move to the States, and for almost a year us Americans have been able to peruse the shop online.  Seriously, this was big stuff for someone like me.  For the price, Zara's quality and tailoring is impeccable and most looks are classic enough that you will get several seasons out of it.  Here are some of my favorites for spring.

Blazer - $99, zara.com

Dress - $79.90

Shorts, $59.90

Topshop is another fabulous brand that offers some cutting edge designs for a much more reasonable price than premiere designers.  Many celebrities have been seen at high end events wearing pieces from the line, while others have collaborated to create designs.  One of the most popular collections from Topshop was designed by Kate Moss - who still works with the line today.  Pregnant?  No problem - they offer maternity gear too!  Best part - free shipping over $100...and since it's coming from the UK, it's well worth the discount! 

Chiffon Dip Hem Dress, $84

Floral Romper, $76

So if you're tired of the usual mall stops try out these two online havens.  One recommendation - check the size charts!  European sizing is very different than US sizing and many silhouettes are more narrow.  If you have to change your size, don't sweat it - just send it back and order something new.  Trust me - you can find something from these fabulous lines! 

Celebrity Fashionista of the Month - Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence is certainly living the high life right now - she has hit mega stardom after being cast as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games series, she is on the cover of all of the hottest magazines, and oh yeah...she's drop dead gorgeous!  All of the hottest designers are throwing their latest and greatest creations at this girl because she is walking the red carpets EVERYWHERE!

But before she was walking the streets of LA in a Balenciaga jacket, Miss Lawrence was growing up in Louisville, Kentucky with fairly humble beginnings.  However, with that face, that hair, and those piercing green eyes I think it's safe to say that she's right where she belongs.  Check out some of her latest looks!

at the LA premiere of the Hunger Games

at the 2012 Peoples Choice Awards

in Ralph Lauren @ the Hunger Games premiere in London

a look from her Glamour photoshoot

another look from her Glamour photoshoot

This "girl on fire" has really made her mark.  Seriously, can she look bad?  Let's hope not...we wouldn't want to have to revoke her "fashionista" status!  

Alive and Kicking - The Nerdy Fashionista is Back!

In case you didn't realize...I've been gone for quite some time.  Let's just say, that life gets in the way of the fun stuff.  For those of you who know me personally, you know that 2012 hasn't been very smooth thus far.  In January I was diagnosed with Celiac's disease and recently my husband was diagnosed with epilepsy.  Besides all of the medical ailments, we have moved around and changed jobs and let's just say it's been a little...interesting.

A few of my readers asked me why I had stopped blogging and I normally would point to the obvious factor - no time!  However, when I considered how much I spend on the net any way (I may have an addiction to the Facebook game WeTopia!) I realized that time really had little to do with my MIA status. In fact, it had more to do with the fact that my lifestyle had changed.  You see, having the moves and the months of unemployment has hit the budget pretty hard and my husband and I went from a very comfortable lifestyle to penny pinching.  This has caused me to have to cut back on a lot of extras like mani/pedi's, massages, shopping splurges, and fashionista-like activities.

However, the other day while waiting on a prescription at CVS and perusing through some of the "As Seen on TV aisle" I saw the Electric Pedi Spin (the battery powered version of the pedi egg) and thought, "what the heck?"

So, $10 later I was at home and trying out my latest purchase.  And you know what?  The thing really worked!  Sure it wasn't quite as relaxing as the spa, but after ignoring the sound and my husband's terrified expression, I realized that my feet were feeling just as soft as after a pedicure and it clicked!  I can still write my blog, but now I can focus more on being savvy and saving all of us a little moolah while still getting our fashion on!  

In short, I'm back and hopefully more budget friendly.  I may not be on here every day, but I hope to bring you guys lots of great ideas to freshen up your look without breaking the bank!  

Celebrity Fashionista of the Month - Michelle Williams!

I've been a fan of Michelle's since she was climbing the ladder into adolescent filmmaker Dawson Leery's bedroom on everyone's favorite teen drama Dawson's Creek.  And while she's come a long way since the high school wild child, I must say that Ms. Williams has proved that you don't have to marry an A-list celebrity to hang with the big guns (ah hem Katie Holmes...).

Let's face it, Michelle's rise to stardom hasn't been an easy one.  However, even through the drama of a public romance, a child, and a death of your ex she has still come out on top and has earned roles in some of recent years most acclaimed pictures.  In fact, her recent role as Marilyn Monroe has been getting quite  a bit of Oscar buzz.  And even if she does lose to Meryl Streep (don't worry Michelle, it's a common occurrence that most actresses go through) at least she still looks amazing while doing so.

As many of us know, once you're on the top your wardrobe better match your new caliber status.  Therefore, it's no wonder that Ms. Williams has been looking absolutely delectable throughout awards season.  However, she still manages to look fabulous walking with little Matilda.  This is a single mom who knows what she is doing!

at the Critics Choice Awards 2012

channeling Marilyn in Vogue (breathtaking!) 

hanging with Matilda

at the Marilyn Premiere

Seriously, this girl has got some natural beauty to support those acting chops!  Keep is up Michelle - we need more talented, beautiful actresses like you!  

HANA Hair Dryer - a Must for EVERY Lady!

With the holidays recently over and the winter weather actually settling in (I was actually starting to believe in global warming...) it's likely that you're starting to wonder why you made that new years resolution to hit that gym boot camp class at 5am every morning.  Am I right?  Well, maybe there' s a way to revamp your look without all of that hard work...

When winter weather comes plowing in so does the dryness, and it sucks the life out of your skin and your hair!  Not to mention that the constant thrust of cold wind and a running nose can make your often just done locks look like you got in a fight with a weed whacker on the way out.  Seriously, when it comes to the winter blues...my hair is the last thing on my mind.

I always get tired of people telling me how nice my hair is.  My mother and my husband (who by the way, both have very short hair) are always begging me to wear my hair down or not to cut it.  But let's face it, for most of us time is of the essence and if you're a mom, a working lady, or both you certainly don't have hours on end to primp every morning.  That's one reason why I seem to always be stashing elastics everywhere! - in my purse, on my wrist, at my desk, in the car - you name it.  What may start out as a day to wear my hair down could quickly turn into a day to to wear it up.

To get back to my point, winter is the worst.  With the dry weather (and hence all that static) blow drying my hair doesn't even seem like an option.  Why bother if it's just going to look like I stuck my finger in a light socket or have hat hair all day?  I've tried just about every hair dryer out there and even with my genetically blessed hair (one of the few things I can't complain about) I just never seemed to be impressed.  Until now...

Recently, I came across the HANAair Professinal Hair Dryer on the Misikko website and I was impressed with what I had read...so I had to try it out for myself.

One of the things I love most about this hair dryer is that the thing works fast!  Even with my Chi hair dryer it would take me up to 10 minutes to blow dry my hair...and half the time I had worked up enough of a sweat that it wasn't even worthwhile!  The HANAair professional hair dryer comes with 2 fan speeds and 3 heats - and there is a noticeable difference!  I noticed I was able to dry my hair in approximately 5 minutes.  And the best part?  Even with my ionic heat that the Chi produced I still always had to run a straightener through my hair after already drying my hair - just another annoying, hair damaging step.  Not with the HANAair - my hair was super shiny and soft.  I have to say that I was shocked...I had no idea that a hair dryer could make so much of a difference.

I also recommend the HANA hair shine shield thermal protectant that is specially formulated to work with these products.  It's just a small enhancement to ensure that when you are using your blow dryer or other heated styling product that you're not doing any more damage than necessary.  If you have dry hair ladies - this is for you!  My hair looks so shiny and healthy without being greasy.

Lastly, I have to say that I've found a new favorite beauty and hair website in Misikko.  With free shipping over $75, some of the best package prices on the internet, and not to mention super packaging with free goodies you can not beat what this place has to offer.  Personally, I'm already saving up for a new straightener and curling wand.  Check out their selection - and start your wish list now!

Flat Irons

Curling Irons and Wands

So if you see me this summer, I may not be 10lbs lighter; however, my hair will be looking FABULOUS!  Can't wait!  
 

Gifts Sets - They Don't have to be Gifts!

One of my favorite things about the holidays is that companies know that they have to increase the incentives in order for you to buy, buy, buy!  For us fashionistas, this means more for our buck.  Most of your favorite beauty brands produce fabulous gift sets during this time of the year and although they make great gifts, they're also great for you!

There are so many reasons why gift sets are the way to go.  I often buy a gift set when I want to try a new product or brand but am not prepared to invest in the larger sizes and prices.  About a year ago I had read some great reviews on the brand Fresh.  All of their products were praised for their natural skincare approach and I was excited to try them out.  However, on my next trip to Sephora I found that a hefty price tag came with the good experiences.  That's why I chose this gift set below.  For $45 I got to try the fresh sugar scrub, the lip treatment, and the spray.  What I loved most?  I am now OBSESSED with all of these products and more.  It was a great introduction to the line - for a fraction of the cost!

Fresh Set, $45

Don't you get annoyed when you're planning a big trip and you realize that all of the economy sized shampoos and body washes you've purchased are just not going to fit into your carry on (or meet the TSA requirements...obviously men made those restrictions!)?  Well...that's why I sometimes like to splurge on some gift sets where they give you a variety of miniature sized body gels and lotions that are perfect for travel.  Philosophy is a great brand to find these items.  

Philosophy "Sweet Kisses and Merry Wishes" Set, $36

L'Occitane Hand Cream Collections, $40

Perfumes are even jumping on board and are ditching some of the body gels and creams in their bonus sets and are opting for a travel sized bonus.  Or take a look at this Marc Jacobs fragrance set.  Try 3 of his most popular scents for only $38.  Each rollerball will fit perfectly in your purse!

Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio, $38

Armani Code Set, $82

So obviously you now realize that gift sets are the way to go!  Whether you split the set up for numerous gifts, give the whole thing as a gift, or keep all the goodies to yourself there's one thing that's for sure - you will be looking great, smelling great, and have more dough in your wallet for all of the after Christmas sales!