Because no, being broke AIN'T pretty....

The Budget Fashionista's current series on getting your finances in order is fashionably on time and on point!...

The Budget Fashionista's Being Broke Ain't Cute Personal Finance Advice Series

Go to her home page to see all the entries for this week. I haven't read them all in depth but knowing Ms. Kathryn it will be advise well taken!

Shopping for Tees?....

Yeah, yeah, I know - if you are it gets tougher as you get older. Especially if, like me, you aren't a big fan of the kitchy printed/puffy flower/studded kind in florescent colors! (What is UP with that?!?!?)

Skip over to Shefinds for a pretty good guide to buying T-shirts for different body challenges:

The Tee Guide

(Thanks to A Girl Named Kristopher for the heads up!)

A Happy Father's Day!...

Shout out to all the Dad's out there on their special day!

And an especially loud one out to my Dad - who's having an especially tough one this year.

I love ya Daddy-O! And thanks for everything!

Over at Styledash....

Okay, as I try to catch up, I'm overwhelmed with the posts from Styledash!

However, here's a few I think you might enjoy...



Get Stiff

Okay, every woman (and for that matter man) alive should have a cache of these in their desk drawers! (Because, of course, the hem issue ONLY happens when you're on the way to a big meeting! :-/)



Crocs Go Stylish

My aching ankles and stabbing pain heels say Hurrah!!!!

My favs:

The Neat



Nightcap Poppy

Yeah, their still lovin' those bright colors - but is that so wrong when the shoe is so cute? And with the possibility of being cute and comfy - growl!!!

(Pics credit to Blogging Stocks)


Eat Cake - Lose Weight

Sounds like something that, if you are

1. Trying to lose weight,
2. Trying to eat healthier or
3. Both of the above

is worth having! (I'm a number 3, so I will be looking into it!)


Another Booty Shoe

Assuming you are actually walking - not just wearing them as you drive around town, which is actually the issue for most of us, is it not?


Invest in a Luxury Fund

Hummm...maybe I'd better check my 401K fund for this choice. After all, if folks are going to be mad enough to spend 4000+ on a handbag, why not cash in? ;-)

And last and certainly least, in the just plain wrong column...

Little Lily Dog Bikinis

Considering the source, no surprise here - why just embarrass yourself when you can drag your dog into it too!

People - STOP DRESSING YOUR DOGS! If you haven't noticed - they came with their own outfits!

Actually, the only reason I'm linking to this is that the illustration is just too darn cute! And I need a cheer up today!

A classic look....

Gets rocked out in a budget friendly manner over at I Like Her Style!...

Steal Jennifer's Style

The whole ensemble is one that women of just about any age could pull of with ease!

I personally have an issue with dresses because of my one size on top, different size on the bottom issue - but with a dress this reasonably priced, another 20 bucks or so for alterations would not be out of line! ;-)

Speaking of Dressess....

Over at You Look Fab Ms. Angie gives a heads up on a dress sale at Macy's this weekend...

Macy's Dresses On Sale

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's Father's Day. But maybe you can sneak out for a bit while the kids shower Dad with gifts and attention on his special day! ;-)

If you can still rock the heels....

You might want to skip on over to Spork Fashion for a review of a product that can help protect them...

Smart Heels - A Smart Way to Protect Your Shoes

(And, yes, I had the same question as this intrepid woman's husband about ruining the look of the shoe! But then preventing the ruining the shoe might just be a more important concern! ;-) )

Over at the Budget Fashionista....

A couple of posts to note...

Fashion Advice: How to Be Fashionable after Sixty

Now that you've got some additional tips on it, where to buy the stuff.....

Fashion Advice: Best Online Stores to Find Discount Designer Fashion


I could not resist going by the Goodwill site. It was fun to browse through the clothing items and, actually, I saw a couple of decent things. You have to scroll through the whole list (there is no breakdown by category), but you just might find it worthwhile!

Just so you know...

As those who visit here more or less regularly know, I've always been a somewhat occasional poster, through I've tried to post at least once a week. Unfortunately, posts here may come at even longer intervals as there are serious health issues going on in my family right now.

I'm still going to try to post at least once a week - it just might not happen. So please hang in there with me!

The Budget Fashionista....

Has a interesting post on how stores mark-up their merchandise....

New York Magazine: How Your Favorite Stores Make Money

Her summary is, as ever, a good one focusing on the clothing mark-ups. But do yourself a favor and check out the entire article which covers how a wide (and I mean wide) variety of individuals and business make their money. It's an eye opener!

I think Joanne....

Over at Second City Style might have hit the nail on the head when it comes to the iteration of celebrity "designers"...


Fashion Manifesto: Why Celebrities Should End Their Affair with Fashion Design

What do you think?

(Don't get me wrong...I have found pieces of some worth in some of these celebrity lines (see my review of the M by Madonna line). But I too find it disturbing that celebrity lines are taking up the air that those who are truly designing clothing could be breathing - and perhaps coming up with truly innovative designs.)

Bluefly is having a Blue Door Sale Today....

And there are some lovely bags under $200.00 to be had!

My Favs:

Via Spiga:





Mariettta Large Hobo - $124.00

A great bag for work - and reminiscent of the Coach Carly at about a 3rd of the price!






Bombay - $150.00




Yvette Hobo Bag - $110.39

Kenneth Cole:





New York Eggshell Stitched Leather Rosette Handbag

If you've got a few weddings to attend this spring and summer - this would be a great bag to take!


LAI:




Josephine Faux Croc Convertaible Clutch - $60.79

Speaking of weddings -

I must confess that I'm not a big fan of clutch purses. However this one would be just perfect under your arm or held demurely in your lap as you sit watching the happy couple exchange vows. It also comes in a lovely blush pink - also on sale!




Arriana Faux Croc Satchel - $156.79

Yes, it comes in a lovely tan as well! (You know my love of blue always gets the better of me! ;-) )

Furalt:





Black Lace Drawstring Tote - $63.99

I just think this is lovely!

Maxx New York:




Leather Large Coin Hobo - $131.19

Temma Dahan:




Lola Fringe Tote - $199.99

This is my least fav - but if you're looking for a good sized leather bag for work this might just be it!

The sale is over at 6PM today - so get steppin' ladies! ;-)

Whoa!!!

Who knew?.....

Wardrobe 911 - The Evil of Fabric Softeners...

I was aware of the possible fire hazard - but I didn't know about the effects on fabric!

Ms. Teresa doesn't just talk about the evil, of course - she gives some possible solutions as well!

Now These are floppy sandals I can definately love!

Check them out at The Budget Fashionista....

Product Review: Dr. Scholl's Original Women's Sandals

They get a big old YEA from me! ; - )

Belt Bags Back?????

Back in the day when I was a Girl Scout, I had a beloved GS belt purse. It was the perfect embodiment of the Girl Scout philosophy - things you need at the ready but keeping your hands free for action!

I loved that green vinyl patent change purse that fit so discreetly on my belt, carrying my cash close to my body and leaving my hands free for whatever I was doing at the time! And oh how my heart broke when it finally gave up the ghost!

Now admittedly, the belt bag is a problematical fashion accessory - it isn't easy to wear with grace.

But folks continue to try to come up with a good version of this handy bag. Check out Flote bags on EBags.com:

Flote

A couple of my favs:



Flote Gold Bedford - $77.00


This bag is made of textured Italian leather and I love the color!




Flote Black Stash - $77.00

Made of smooth calfskin leather, it has a nice,tailored look.



Flote Navy Brass Allowance - $30.00

Made of heavy cotton canvas and a bit thinner than the first two, this could be a great, with jeans, errand running bag!

All the above bags have back clips that allow you to clip them to your belt.

EBags is offering all the above for 20% off. So if you've been looking for a bit more bag convenience but something more stylish than the much maligned fanny pack, the Flote bags might just fill the bill!

Unpack those under-eye bags!

If you, like me, took a look at yourself this morning and wondered who packed all that stuff under your eyes, skip on over to Wardrobe 911 for tips from Ms. Teresa for getting those under-eye bags and circles under control:

Concealing Those Under-eye Bags