My Favorite Lipstick of the Moment - Prescriptives

As I was perusing my massive lipstick collection the other day, I came across a tube of Prescriptives in "Rose" and put it on. Man, that is a good lipstick! Not only was the color ultra flattering, but it stayed on all day. I have about 9 tubes of Prescriptives that run the gamut from fuschia to coral to burgundy and pink, and I'm going to start using them. A lot of lipsticks are too creamy and they slide right off your lips or start feathering around the lipline. I have not experienced that at all with this lipstick and I've worn it almost every day for a week. They no longer carry the lipstick in the colors I have because they've renamed them all, so I can't really recommend any colors to you. That is kind of personal anyway. Have fun finding one that works for you!

SUPER SHOPPING SECRET #16

Acrylic pendants $24
Shop for fun jewelry at www.alltherageonline.com. There is a wide variety of styles available, and while some of it may not be your taste, you should be able to find a good bit of things to your liking. They have many unique and creative pieces of costume jewelry. I wouldn't make any guarantees that any of this will last you a lifetime, but if you are looking for some affordable accessories that will add some character to your outfit, then this is the place to shop. Through January 1st, they are offering 50% off all orders $15 and over and free shipping for orders over $75. Here are a few things I found that I liked:

Kismet pendant $20
Stacked ring $6
Geode Necklace $36
Pearl drops $8
Chandelier earrings $21
They also have hand-painted jewelry, wood pieces, glass pieces, and the new fabric bib necklaces. You are able to return an item within 15 days of receipt if it is not to your liking. Check it out!

"Shooties" and other Ugly Shoe Trends

Is it me, or have shoes gotten really ridiculous looking lately? Maybe I'm showing my age, but these new bootie shoes (or "shooties") are just not my thing. Especially now that they are being worn with dresses. You see them in all the fashion magazines, but this is one trend I will not be following. Here are a few examples of ugly shoes I found in last month's magazines:
I would call these "Stripper Shoes." I mean, who really wears these outside of a nightclub?
Victoria Beckham says these are her favorite shoes and she feels really sexy when she wears them. When I look at these shoes, all I can think of is Minnie Mouse. And what the heck is sexy about that?
Hayden Panetierre. What a beauty. But these shoes are probably the last thing I would have picked to wear with this soft pink dress. I guess I'm just not "with it."
Dalmation spotted "shooties" in the latest DKNY ad. I don't think it's necessary to say anything else here.

I would call these "bandage shoes." Not sexy. I think this outfit would have looked so much better with a different pair of shoes. What do you think?

Please post a comment and vote in my new poll at left. Thanks!

SUPER SHOPPING SECRET #15

SUBSCRIBE! SUBSCRIBE! SUBSCRIBE!
This is my advice: Think of every single store you love to shop at, and every single restaurant you like to eat at and subscribe to their website. I can't tell you how much you will benefit from this! Today being "Cyber Monday" I got more offers in my inbox than I could possible shop in a day. Here are just some of today's offers:

Ann Taylor - 40% off entire purchase plus free shipping on $100 or more.
Cole Haan - 40% off a single full-priced item or 30% off all sale items plus free shipping & returns.
Smashbox.com - 20% off your entire order plus free shipping.
Ralph Lauren - 25% off your entire purchase
Benefitcosmetics.com - Free Shipping plus free samples with every order.
Bobbibrown.com - 20% off your order plus free shipping on $65 or more plus free gift wrap.
Piperlime - 20% off and free shipping.
Ann Taylor Loft - 30% off entire order plus free shipping on $100 or more.
Banana Republic - 20% off
Old Navy - 20% off plus free shipping on any purchase
Anne Klein - 30% off sale merchandise and regular priced shoes plus free shipping
Gap - 20% off plus free shipping on any purchase
Naturalizer - 20% off plus free shipping
Kate Spade - %25% off plus free shipping
Henri Bendel - 30% off plus free shipping
Bath & Body Works - 25% off entire order

And if you subscribe, you are better apprised of sweepstakes and other contests you can enter. I highly recommend doing this. I won a $500 shopping spree from Bluefly and a $100 Express gift card from Lucky Magazine. I also receive many coupons and free offers on my birthday. Every year I get a $20 gift card from Pappa's Steakhouse, and last year I received a free ice cream from Ben & Jerrys, a free dessert at Lubys, and a free beauty product at Ulta among other things.

So get on that computer and start subscribing!!!

SUPER SHOPPING SECRET #14

This week's Super Shopping Secret is www.myperfectsale.com. This site shops for you, finding all the brands you love at the stores and websites you love. They consolidate all the best deals on designer apparel and accessories and send them right to your e-mail address. My Perfect Sale takes its cues from you. You select your favorite designers from a list of 100's. They shop 100's of stores and websites and send you literally 1000's of sale items to peruse. Of course the more designers you choose, the more sale items they will e-mail you. Almost one million people use this site to shop. I love it, but to be honest I hardly ever have time to look at all the wonderful things on my personal sale e-mail because it is so comprehensive. They shop stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Macys, as well as smaller, lesser known shops. They also shop sites like YOOX, Zappos, and Overstock. They offer everything from Michael Kors, Juicy Couture and Kate Spade to Dior, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada. Once you open your sale of the day, you may sort your items by price, by designer, by store or even by the percentage off. Have fun shopping!

Repurposing Your Altoids Tins

I came across this great idea for repurposing Altoids tins in "Girlfriend Getaways" magazine. I'm a major fan and consumer on Altoids, as many people are. (Cinnamon is my favorite!) Here are just a few ways you can use these little tins for storage. Great idea for when you are traveling or just for everyday! And this can be your small contribution to "going green!

1. Jewelry - necklaces that don't tangle too easily or multiple pairs of earrings. Great idea for travelers.

2. Aspirin - Instead of paying an inflated price for the travel size bottles, just pour some in a tin.

3. Hair Accessories - Hair bands, bobby pins, small barretts or clips. I'm always digging for them in my purse.

4. Sewing kit - buttons, thread, needle, safety pins

5. Ipod earphones

6. Almonds. Tis is my favorite idea. I read that an Altoid tin holds exactly a single serving of almonds. Great healthy snack when you're on the go.

Other things you could store in the tins are bandaids, throat lozenges, and loose change (if you can stand the noise!) The possibilities are endless! If you think of something not included on this list, please post a comment so we can all share!

Great Gifts from Bobbi Brown & Benefit!

Continuing with our Christmas shopping theme, each of these items are $40 or less.
1. Bobbi Brown Velvet Plum Eye Palette - $40. This is one of Bobbi Brown's "greatest hits." Touted as "the perfect day-to-night eye palette." Beautiful.
2. Bobbi Brown Tube Tint Trio - $28. Includes 3 full size lip tints that are supposed to flatter all complexions. Great stocking stuffer!
3. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio - $40. A set of 3 gorgeous glosses. What more could a girl want?
4. Bobbi Brown Basics Eye Palette - $40. A slim compact with 4 eyeshadows "that flatter all complexions."5. Bobbi Brown Basics Lip Palette - $40. Beautiful color palette that once again claims to be "universally flattering."
6. Benefit Realness of Concealness - $32. Benefit's top selling concealers and enhancers in miniature. Great for travelers. Includes many of the products Benefit is famous for: Ooh la Lift, Lip Plump, High Beam, Lemon Aid, and Boi-ing.
7. Benefit Celebutante - $34. A complete makeup kit for eyes, lips & cheeks. Includes a few of the items Benefit is famous for like Benetint, High Beam, and Dallas. A great value!
8. Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Palette - $32. Love this natural color palette!

Shop Bobbi Brown cosmetics at www.bobbibrown.com. They are currently offering free gift wrap and I think you get free shipping with a minimum purchase. Also shop Benefit at www.benefitcosmetics.com.