Nails: A Different Kind of Ombre

12. February 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: I Can Do That, Love & Fashion, Tips · Tags: , , , , , ,

 

I suppose I’ll dedicate this week to Valentine’s Day-inspired fun.  If you remember from last year, I’m not a huge fan of the Hallmark holiday.  However, anything that invokes explosions of pink is something I can’t steer away from, so here we are!  I decided to try a different kind of ombre nail-do.  I chose 3 colors, all from Essie, and all in the pink/red family.

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Then I got a paper plate and starting mapping out what I wanted to do.  The goal was to start with the light “mod square” and blend each nail until I reached “russian roulette” red.  I didn’t want to see a grave difference between each color, so I mixed them.

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“Mod square” on the first finger.  “Mod square” and a dab “Super bossa nova” on the second.  “Super bossa nova” on the third.  “Super bossa nova” with a dab of “Russian roulette” on the fourth.  “Russian roulette” on the fifth.

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Perfectly pink and lovely for the week.

Xo,

Jenn

Surviving Black Friday

23. November 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Events, Life, Tips · Tags: , , , ,

For the past 4 years, I’ve spent the day after Thanksgiving inside the mall.  I haven’t been the shopper, I’ve been the employee who helps you find all of your crap and pile it behind the register at odd hours of the morning.  Black Friday is like the Hunger Games, minus the step where everyone dies, and minus the fact that people aren’t fighting to stay alive, they’re fighting over clothes, electronics, and other material things that will be replaced in 4 months.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a good deal.  I like sales.  I like getting all of my shopping done at once.  On the other hand, I don’t like crowds.  I hate waiting in lines.  And I don’t like waking up before it’s light outside.  I think it’s stupid that people literally camp out in front of places like Best Buy for an entire week.  I think it’s disgusting that retailers open all day on Thanksgiving so people can get a head start on shopping.  Screw those people.  They can’t shop the day before?  The day after? In October?  It’s just greedy.    (Thankfully, my company is awesome and I have the day off to rant.)

You can definitely get a good deal the day after Thanksgiving.  You can also shop in a manner that makes your life easier.

Here are my tips on surviving Black Friday:

  1.  Busiest time: Midnight-3am.  Slow times: 3am-7am, and 6pm-closing time.
  2. Know where you’re going.  You can look up items online and figure out what you’re looking for.
  3. Make a list of what you need.  If you don’t, you’ll end up buying a bunch of nonsense that you end up returning later.  Returns are coming up, don’t you worry.
  4. If you’re buying for other people, KNOW THEIR SIZES.  When you get to a store and say “well, she’s about your size.  Except, well, maybe not.  She’s a little bigger than you, but shorter.”  That tells me nothing.  When I have to stand there and wait for you to call whoever’s mother or sister at 3am, I’m going to walk away and tend to the other 400 people in the store.
  5. I’m assuming you’re buying for other people.  READ the return policy.  Do not ask an associate, do not ask a manager.  Find it and read it.  If you don’t understand it, read it again.  There is nothing more annoying than someone trying to return something and saying “well, someone told me I could return it.”  Well, the chances are, that “someone” was a holiday hire and only worked two days and now they’re gone.  Or you’re lying.  I usually assume people are lying.
  6. Once you understand the return policy, get gift receipts.  Also, KEEP YOUR OWN RECEIPTS.  Here’s what happens:  Around the holidays, people like to steal.  People also like to steal and then try to return their stolen merchandise for money.  Obviously they don’t have receipts. They say “it was a gift.”  Retailers hear that line hundreds of times over the course of the holiday season.  It’s more difficult on everyone if you don’t have proof of your purchase.  Your bank statement doesn’t count.    Take an envelope and put all of your receipts in it.  It will make your life much easier in the event that you’re the obnoxious person who comes in with the tags detached and no receipt.  Yes, you’re obnoxious.  You’re also less obnoxious if you’re prepared.
  7. BE NICE.  No one who works in retail is going to try to make your life miserable.  Retailers want you to spend all of your money, on all ten of your credit cards, in their store.  They also have rules to follow.  Don’t ask them to bend those rules.  You are not worth their job.  Sorry I’m not sorry.
  8. This is not South America.  Do not try to bargain.  If you buy two wallets, you get two wallets in your bag.  If you buy six, you don’t get seven.  You’re the most annoying person on earth and everyone wants to kick you in the face.
  9. If you’re going through a stack of shirts, it isn’t necessary to unfold the same shirt in 4 sizes.  I promise you, they all look the same.  Find your size (or ask someone to help you find your size) and keep moving.
  10. Control your spawn.  If your kids are running around and you are not in sight, I feel I have the right to tell them to sit down.  If they escape from the store and I see them, I’m going to pretend I didn’t see them and I will hope someone takes them because they are probably better off.  Kids like to break jewelry and put their grubby fingers on everything.  I don’t have kids and I don’t want to babysit yours.
I genuinely hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and that you get all of your shopping done with ease.  If you follow these tips, your holidays will be stress-free and wonderful.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Xo,
Jenn

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Spring Cleaning

24. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , ,

Don’t be nervous.  This doesn’t involve cleaning your room, your car, or your kitchen.  I’m not even talking about cleaning in a manner that takes much effort at all (which is the way I like it).

Since the summer (oh, glorious summer) is fast-approaching, it’s the perfect time to rid yourself of those old pieces you’ll (probably) never wear again.  Don’t trick yourself into thinking you will, either!  If it hasn’t touched your skin for 6 months, it’s taking up space.  Period.

The process is very easy and I’m here to offer some helpful tips:

1. Get two bins.  They can be actual plastic bins, trash bags, shopping bags, or any sort of container.

2. Mark them “Donate” and “Sell”.  (Trust me.)

3. Go through EVERY SINGLE THING in your closet, in your drawers, on your shoe rack, etc.  If you haven’t worn it in an extended period of time, take it out.  If it’s in good condition, throw it in the “Sell” bin.  If it’s not, “Donate” box.

4. IMPORTANT:  Once you have put something in one bin or the other, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT!  You will try to convince yourself that you could possibly, maybe, for the right occasion, wear it again.  You won’t wear it.  You’ll buy something new.  Get rid of it!

5. Once you’re finished, go to your nearest Plato’s Closet, give them your stuff, and let them pay you for whatever they can sell.  Don’t ask questions.  Take what you can get.  You’re making nothing from it while it sits in your closet.  I just donated 3 bags of clothes, shoes, and handbags, and I got $121.  I can totally use 121 dollars in new clothes for my trip :)

6. They’ll give you back whatever they won’t be able to sell due to brands, condition, whatever it may be.  Put those in your “Donate” box.  Then go to the nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army or wherever you choose that takes clothing.  Drop them off and you’ve got some good Karma on your side for your good deed of the day!

7. Put the money in your bank account… Or, my choice option: Go get some new, awesome, bright, wonderful things for summer! :)

Happy Spring Cleaning Everyone!

 Xo,

Jenn

Oh, Boys.

10. April 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Love & Fashion, Tips, Trends, Yay or Nay? · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Normally I wouldn’t rag on people who have terrible styling habits, but… okay I’m lying.  I totally would.  This one, however, is just an awful misuse of clothing, and it’s origin might make your typical “tough guy” think twice before rocking this “look.”

From CBS News

Working in a retail store, I see this trend pretty frequently.  I cringe every time I see it and I’m often tempted to express how preposterous I think it is, but I like having a job so I keep my mouth shut.

From ABC News

 ”Housing” or “low-riding” your jeans has been around for quite a while, but it didn’t originate as a fashion trend, which most people are unaware of.  It made its first appearance in American prisons, where belts were taken from inmates to prevent suicide.

As you probably know (unless you currently live under a rock), many inmates resort to homosexual activity or rape in the absence of women.

Here’s the good part:

Inmates who were willing to participate in sexual activity would “house” their pants, exposing the top of their underwear as an invitation to other prisoners.  Eventually the trend spread out of prisons and onto the streets, where guys thought it was “hard” and/or “fashionable.”  As it turns out, it’s neither.

I wonder what Lil’ Wayne would think…

As the origin entertains me, the look is still atrocious.  So, boys, here’s some advice:

Buy a belt.  No one cares about your man panties.

Choose your trends wisely.

Until next time,

Jenn :)

No Purchase Necessary

15. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

So I’m having a tiny (AKA HUGE) internal battle in trying to control my spending.  I have been seeing AMAZING stuff everywhere and I have forbidden myself from buying any of it.  Why?  Well, because unlike the majority of people who have already given up on their New Year’s Resolutions, I am still in hot pursuit of mine.  My first goal on the list is to go somewhere outside of the US.  I’ve been contemplating the destination a little more than I probably should, but I’m also trying to save as much money as humanly possible so I can splurge while I’m there, wherever “there” may be.  So, since Florida decided to get chilly on me and I never did any winter shopping, I’ve had to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.

Typically, my wardrobe consists of little skirts and dresses that I can dress up or down, tank tops and anything without sleeves.  So now that it’s January and I lasted the majority of the “cold months” in next-to-nothing, I am being forced to pack on the layers.  A little styling can go a long way, though!  I revamped some of my summery goods with new inspiration and created newer versions of them that will get me through the (hopefully short) drop in temperature.  Plus, I didn’t spend a single penny!  Here’s what I did:

Definitely easy!  If you don’t want to spend your money on sweaters that you’ll wear for a week, step up your creativity and take your simple summer pieces to winter wear.  You’ll be able to do cool things, like travel the world.  I’ll let you know where I end up going. :)

Write you soon,

Jenn

Muffins Are For Eating

23. August 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Today I’m getting a little personal and talking about a tiny pet peeve of mine.  The reason this little issue is so obnoxious to me is because it is completely avoidable.  What am I talking about?  The Muffin Top.  It’s unattractive and makes people look bigger than they are.

I see at least one girl everyday who is spilling over the top of her shorts because she has squeezed into a size 2 instead of her rightful size 4.  I also help shoppers on a regular basis who insist they’re a specific size (when I can clearly see that is NOT the case), but then can’t breathe in the jeans they’ve forced themselves into.  What’s the result??  You know it, we’ve all seen it…

The Muffin Top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listen up ladies!  If you’ve realized that you’re two different sizes in two different stores, there is a perfectly good reason.  It’s a little thing called “vanity sizing.”  Since smaller sizes are more appealing to customers, stores have created this simple solution:  Put smaller numbers on bigger clothes.  Yes way.  A typical size 10 is now labeled a size 8, an 8 is a 6, and so on.  And if you find that you tend to shop at those places where the numbers are smaller than usual, then you’ve just proved the theory.  Let’s be real; No one sees your tags or checks your sizes while you’re walking around in public.  But, they do see those poor threads struggling to stay put.

So try a size (or two) up.  If that doesn’t work, try a different style.  A mid-rise or high-waist will help to prevent this fashion disaster, along with preventing a lawsuit from your button popping off and killing someone.  Check yourself out in the mirror.  You will feel (and look) a lot better in jeans that fit, as opposed to the ones you’re scared to bend over in.  If the sizes really bother you that much, cut the tags out, or hit the gym.  :)

Write you soon,

Jenn

Interview Attire: A Step Closer To Getting Hired

15. August 2011 · 1 comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As the job market begins to open up, I see a lot of people on their way to interviews.  What’s weird is, they all look the same.  Why does everyone choose a black pencil skirt and a white long-sleeve button-up?  Because it’s safe?  It’s “professional?”   It’s boring! So incredibly boring.  You’re trying to be remembered, trying to make an impression, and your outfit is the first thing your interviewer sees.  And no, it doesn’t matter what you’re applying for.  I know it can be hard to think outside the box, so I’ve put together 3 different looks (pants, a skirt, and a dress) that are completely appropriate for an interview, along with where I found everything.  You can probably find most of these items already in your closet!  So here’s the first:

For those of you who are stuck on black, I understand.  So this is black with some sass.  I chose skinny black pants because I think they’re extremely chic, but you can alter the style to your body-type or liking.  Add a jacket of a different texture or color to give your look a focus.  I chose a simple bracelet in the same color-scheme, not to overdo it.  Choose a shoe with a small embellishment to top it off and you’re good to go.  Polished and put together.

Next on the list:

A peach skirt, almost to the knee, so you’re not showing your goods off to anyone.  It’s light, loose, and ladylike, plus you’re venturing away from the standard black skirt.  I chose a top that covers all the key points; shoulders, chest, and back.  Add a long necklace to dress it up, and of course a pair of heels.  Classy AND conservative.

Now the easiest choice:

Wearing a dress to an interview is totally appropriate.  You don’t have to wear 10 pieces if just 1 gets the job done.  I adore this dress by Love Reign (you can find it at Dillards.) It has sleeves, it isn’t too low-cut, or too high above the knee.  I picked neutral shoes and accessories because the navy is such a rich color.  The bangle won’t make noise if you’re moving your hands around, and the earrings are small and simple.  Not only could you wear this to score a job, but out with your girls (or your guy) to celebrate your new career.

So the next time you’re trying to get a job, get it! Do your research, ask questions, and look amazing!  No one will forget the girl who was smart AND stylish.

Good Luck :)

Write you soon,

Jenn

 

No Tax? Go Nuts!

11. August 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Tips · Tags: , , , ,

People will do anything to get a deal.  They wake up early, wait in outrageously long lines, fight traffic, or maybe even fight each other.  In Florida, tomorrow starts TAX FREE WEEKEND.

Have you ever been in a bar where everyone is just hanging out, being mellow, and the DJ plays “Sweet Home Alabama” and everyone just loses it?  They scream the lyrics, spill their drinks, and make you believe that you might be the only person NOT from Alabama.  That’s what Tax Free Weekend reminds me of.

Thousands of people storm the mall and go crazy for what?  $7 per $100 spent.  So not worth the hassle right?  Not if you know what you’re doing!  Here’s a little advice:  This is not about saving your tax dollars!  A lot of stores run awesome sales for this three-day event, so take advantage!  Even if everything is 30% off, you can get $500 worth of everything you need for $350, and that’s pretty awesome in my book. Don’t get stuck on all the full-priced items, hit the sale rack!  Use your head and get your money’s worth.

So, if you’re choosing to indulge in the spirit of TFW, I hope you’ve been hoarding your cash because the more you spend, the more you save!  Happy shopping my fellow Floridians and don’t forget to be smart! :)

Write you soon,

Jenn