In today's economy, people are rethinking all of their purchases. Everything is being reconsidered, from groceries to entertainment to automobiles. We just don't have the money we used to have to spend on those "extras" like going to the movies, dining at a nice restaurant or travelling. I know of many women who are second-guessing their spending habits in the clothing, accessories and beauty departments.
One of the best examples that comes to mind is designer jeans. Do we really need to spend $150 or even upwards of $200 on a pair of jeans? Our mothers and grandmothers would likely disapprove. But jeans today make a true fashion statement. With an increasingly casual work environment, and numerous celebrities popularizing high-end jeans, the fashion-minded are clamoring to find the latest "it" jean. And it doesn't come cheap.
But is it worth it?
On the "yes" side, I have to say I own several pairs of designer jeans. The fit is incredible, and I enjoy the styles offered. Plus, there's just something about wearing designer that makes you feel, well, special. I was concerned when I found a hole in one designer pair recently, but was pleasantly surprised when I emailed the company, I found out that they'd repair or replace my jeans for free. This, to me, makes it worth the higher cost.
On the "no" side, before I moved to downtown Chicago, I lived in a suburban area in Michigan. People still dressed stylishly, but the emphasis on high-end jeans was not so pronounced. It wasn't until I moved here that I felt the pressure. Even some of my good friends, who by no means had the extra money, still encouraged me that I needed these designer labels. Now I like them, and don't know if I could go back...but I survived before. I was fine without my designer jeans.
There are good points to both sides, but just like comparing drug store makeup to department store makeup, or a $20,000 car to a $50,000 one, it comes down to your priorities. Is it worth it to spend more and save less? Or are you willing to take the lesser of the two items (where the difference is often unnoticeable) to save money? It's up to you.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Beauty on a budget
As a fashion-conscious gal who regularly attends special events, I often need to find outfits that make me look amazing, the latest "it" shoe, a bunch of beauty products and beautiful handbags. On top of this, I really should get my hair and nails done too. Don't forget some kind of tan--whether its a fake spray or from a bottle. Goodness, this stuff adds up!
I do think I'm a bargain-savvy individual, and I regularly buy sale items. I even purchase drug store makeup. (Hey, don't knock it...Great Lash mascara rocks, and has been an expert favorite for decades!) But there's a point where I just simply feel I do not have the $$$ to keep up with the trends and the designers and the spa appointments.
While I've become pretty dejected lately, I'm never one to completely give up. The thrill of the hunt is always a good motivator. And when I find an amazing bargain, I'm happy to tell all my friends about it. So I'm telling you about a few superb bargains that have come my way lately. First? Everyday Lip Gloss. Convenience is a major factor here--it's shiny, comes in several colors and is NOT sticky. Hooray! The bargain? $5 bucks! Plus, the company donates a portion of every sale to breast cancer research. Did I mention...it contains all natural ingredients? Can be shipped anywhere in the US? If you order four the fifth lip gloss is free? WOW!
My next bargain is my newest find. So new that the salon hasn't even opened yet, but you can be sure I will be there to test it out....it's almost too good to be true, so a girl's gotta see for herself. Blo Dri is a walk-in (yes, walk-in) salon specializing in blowouts and updos! You're in and out in under an hour. You can get a shampoo/style (and even the option for champagne, you lush!) for $50 bucks or less. What a phenomenal idea. What a good deal! It's in Chicago starting Sept. 22. Don't know if it's in any other cities yet, but I'm happy it's here.
Then there's my tried-and-true favorite bargain--moissanite. Bling without the huge bucks. But still the best quality around and more fire than a diamond too. Totally worth it (and you don't have to worry about contributing your money to dangerous mining practices).
You need a dress to go with that beautiful jewelry. I'm excited to try out Le Dress in Chicago. Apparently the prices are great too. Then again, there's always BlueFly--if you can buy your dress online, you get a good deal. For sure. But I've always been a fan of the Bloomingdale's sales racks.
Finally, I have to give a shout out to Hudson jeans. They were expensive when I bought them, but they quickly became my favorite pair. I was quite upset though when I found a hole in them in under two years of wear! Fortunately for me, I emailed Hudson directly and got a prompt reply that I can mail them my jeans, and they'll either repair or replace them free of charge. Good move on the company's part! I would not have bought a $100+ pair of jeans if I knew they'd get a hole in them, but now that the company will stand by their product, they will have a return customer in me. The jeans are seriously awesome.
Now I'm curious: what are your bargain beauty secrets?
I do think I'm a bargain-savvy individual, and I regularly buy sale items. I even purchase drug store makeup. (Hey, don't knock it...Great Lash mascara rocks, and has been an expert favorite for decades!) But there's a point where I just simply feel I do not have the $$$ to keep up with the trends and the designers and the spa appointments.
While I've become pretty dejected lately, I'm never one to completely give up. The thrill of the hunt is always a good motivator. And when I find an amazing bargain, I'm happy to tell all my friends about it. So I'm telling you about a few superb bargains that have come my way lately. First? Everyday Lip Gloss. Convenience is a major factor here--it's shiny, comes in several colors and is NOT sticky. Hooray! The bargain? $5 bucks! Plus, the company donates a portion of every sale to breast cancer research. Did I mention...it contains all natural ingredients? Can be shipped anywhere in the US? If you order four the fifth lip gloss is free? WOW!
My next bargain is my newest find. So new that the salon hasn't even opened yet, but you can be sure I will be there to test it out....it's almost too good to be true, so a girl's gotta see for herself. Blo Dri is a walk-in (yes, walk-in) salon specializing in blowouts and updos! You're in and out in under an hour. You can get a shampoo/style (and even the option for champagne, you lush!) for $50 bucks or less. What a phenomenal idea. What a good deal! It's in Chicago starting Sept. 22. Don't know if it's in any other cities yet, but I'm happy it's here.
Then there's my tried-and-true favorite bargain--moissanite. Bling without the huge bucks. But still the best quality around and more fire than a diamond too. Totally worth it (and you don't have to worry about contributing your money to dangerous mining practices).
You need a dress to go with that beautiful jewelry. I'm excited to try out Le Dress in Chicago. Apparently the prices are great too. Then again, there's always BlueFly--if you can buy your dress online, you get a good deal. For sure. But I've always been a fan of the Bloomingdale's sales racks.
Finally, I have to give a shout out to Hudson jeans. They were expensive when I bought them, but they quickly became my favorite pair. I was quite upset though when I found a hole in them in under two years of wear! Fortunately for me, I emailed Hudson directly and got a prompt reply that I can mail them my jeans, and they'll either repair or replace them free of charge. Good move on the company's part! I would not have bought a $100+ pair of jeans if I knew they'd get a hole in them, but now that the company will stand by their product, they will have a return customer in me. The jeans are seriously awesome.
Now I'm curious: what are your bargain beauty secrets?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Women's Shows
I've just recently heard about the Southern Women's Shows. As a northern girl, I wasn't aware of these events. I must say, we don't have anything like this up here in the Midwest. (At least not that I'm aware of.) According to their website, the Southern Shows began in 1959, and the company is still family run. Over 600,000 people attend these consumer-driven shows every year.
I happened to run across the shows as I was browsing online for moissanite. I found out Charles & Colvard, the company that markets and distributes the jewel, will be showcasing there for the first time at this upcoming week's show in Charlotte, NC. And, they'll be raffling off beautiful pairs of earrings too! I wish I could go. I imagine these shows are like temporary mega-malls with phenomenal sales and offers. Plus, I'm sure each company or boutique that's exhibiting is showing off their latest and greatest designs. What a cool idea! I wonder why there aren't shows like this in the Midwest.
I happened to run across the shows as I was browsing online for moissanite. I found out Charles & Colvard, the company that markets and distributes the jewel, will be showcasing there for the first time at this upcoming week's show in Charlotte, NC. And, they'll be raffling off beautiful pairs of earrings too! I wish I could go. I imagine these shows are like temporary mega-malls with phenomenal sales and offers. Plus, I'm sure each company or boutique that's exhibiting is showing off their latest and greatest designs. What a cool idea! I wonder why there aren't shows like this in the Midwest.
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