Beware of Black Friday

Hey budget fashionistas, be careful when shopping on Black Friday.  As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, people tend to shop in a frenzy during the holidays and with stores giving you only a few hours to purchase great deals, it can leave you walking out with a lot more than you intended and a maxed out credit card.  (You don’t want to start 2012 in serious debt do you?)

Rule #1 – create a realistic budget.

If you only have $500 to spend for Christmas, only spend $500. Write out a list of whom you are purchasing gifts for and the amount you want to spend on each person.

Rule #2 – save something for you

While you’re out shopping for others, it’s really hard not to pass up buying those great pair of boots you’ve had your eye on and are now on sale. Create room in your budget for yourself.

Rule #3 – make a Christmas gift

If you’re on a budget (like me), and have some rad creative skills, make a gift for someone you care about like a necklace, a Christmas wreath, or a yummy Christmas cookie basket. Personalized gifts like these will be appreciate by your loved ones and you won’t have to spend hours trying to find a parking spot at the mall ;)

Have a very safe and happy Thanksgiving my fashionistas! J

Flats

This past summer I was working out like crazy and unfortunately that caused a major spinal injury :( (who knew there was such a thing as too much Zumba?) I had to make a lot of life changes and one of those was making the switch from my sexy high heels to comfy and cute flats. I was pretty sad at the beginning but as I starting my search for flats, my dissapointment quickly turned into a smile.

I first did an online search and came across some really fabulous red flats at Express. I quickly ran over to the mall and tried on a pair. It was love at first sight...well after I saw the price that is ;) I grabbed the pair for only $35. I have received so many compliments on them.

I now own a few pairs of flats and even though I stand at 5'5", I can still pull off wearing these comfortable shoes with skirts, pants, shorts or jeans. It's how you accessories and how you put together your outfit that will make it work. Since my legs are not as long, I wear skirts that sit right above the knee to give a longer leg appearance. If you're afraid to wear skits, try wearing some dark colored leggings this winter. Complete that look with some flats with a little bling and you've got a great look for the holidays and you'll be ready to dance without any horrible blisters the next day.

For a rock n' roll look, grab some studded black flats, for a more elegant look, grab a pair of simple ballet styled flats, and for a quirky look, hunt down a pair of leopard print flats. Happy shopping my fashionistas!

my new shoes :)

http://www.express.com/pointed-toe-ballet-flats-38537-489/refine/Style/Ballet-Flats/control/show/3/index.pro#jsLink               on sale $24.43!

http://www.dsw.com/shoe/cl+by+laundry+bubblegum+flat?prodId=233023&category=cat20068 $24.95

http://www.chineselaundry.com/shopallbrands/flats/alysha
44.95

http://www.zappos.com/jessica-simpson-cedia-black-cranberry-patent-maya
$69.00

Dress for Success

Dress for Success is a fantastic not-for-profit organization that provides disadvantaged women with a network of support, career development tools and professional attire to thrive in the workforce. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to volunteer with this organization. By volunteering as a personal shopper, I have met many amazing women, both volunteers and clients, who inspire me with their drive to succeed and drive to help others. If you would like to get involved with DFS, go to http://www.dressforsuccess.org/  to find a location near you.

If you happen to be in Austin this week, check out the Dress for Success event on November 10th at Banana Republic from 5pm - 10pm. Make a purchase of $100 and get $25 off. They will also be accepting donations for new or gently used work appropriate attire including, shoes, purses and accessories. While you're there, enjoy free cupcakes, wine and great music by singer Corrina Rachel.  Happy shopping/volunteering my fashionistas! :)