Keeping it LOCAL! Scope out your neighborhood consignment , thrift and vintage stores and SCORE!

I was power walking through Georgetown when...

I stopped into TARI consignment boutique last Friday. I had heard about the boutique but hadn't remembered to stop in and check it out. The new Georgetown boutique had gotten a fair amount of buzz though local fashion blogs and had a big grand opening party during Fashion's Night Out this past September. I missed that due to the down pour of rain that happened that night, so I thought I'd finally see what they had in store.
The sun was shining and I decided to be spontaneous. I'm really glad I did because I quickly saw that they had a great selection.  From the moment I walked in the staff was very helpful and friendly. Seeing how many items I had in my hand, a very friendly and pretty sales girl Tamika quickly prepared a fitting room for me. What am I doing, I'm thinking??? I am supposed to be on the way to the Apple store! That's the whole objective of my Georgetown excursion! Those thoughts became completely irrelevant once I stepped into the fitting room. Long story short with so many things in my hand, I just decided to started trying each item on and see what happens.
To my surprise..EVERYTHING fit me! Even this long skirt by London designer Amanda Wakeley  that I thought might be too narrow on the thighs fit! Feeling so enthusiastic with what I had found I kept trying things on. The gray harem pants for $80..check. The black harem pants..check. The pastel green vintage mint dress..check. The Tahari pants that were $25 on sale for 50% OFF...check!

I was on a roll! Then I thought..oh my. I need to make some choices. Being on a budget I couldn't splurge just because. If I had unlimited funds to buy what I wanted, I would have bought every Anne Fontaine shirt I saw. Compared to prices their regular prices $200 and up, Tari boutique was re-selling these beautiful white shirts for $65. There was an emerald green floor length YSL silky dress with buttons alongside on a mannequin for $600 that was a dream. The pastel mint green dress with winged sleeves for $150.

Amanda Wakeley London skirt $80

Vintage dress $150

 

Tahari pants $12.50

I decided to just go with the basics. I bought the Tahari pants for $12.50! These black crepe pants fit perfectly on my waist and stopped at my ankle. This is such a rare occurance, I left the store doing cartwheels! Of course I didn't leave without that beautiful black high waisted skirt with the slit for $80. I also decided on a pair black harem pants for $40.
It's pretty rare for me to buy everything black. I love color but these pieces are so versatile and timeless, I had to make them staples in my wardrobe. Before I left the store manager Alida gave me her card and informed me about how I can bring in my pieces to consign.
I left happy happy happy!!!

TARI boutique is a consignment trip with wonderful selections from ready to wear, accessories and formal wear. Definitely check them out !

I walked out of the store and right across the way was Secondhand Rose. A consignment store in Georgetown that has been around forever. Feeling like I was on a lucky streak I wanted to see if I could score some more amazing finds.
Secondhand Rose is jam packed with everything under the sun. It is cluttered and the racks are stuffed. Things are hanging on the wall above your head and if you don't look up, you'll miss them.
The place is just busting at the seams with inventory. For anyone not willing to dig this might not be the best store to shop in. BUT for those treasure hunters like myself, shopping at Secondhand Rose is like digging for buried treasure. After sifting through the racks I managed to find a great sweater from the 80's with gemstone birds for $28. The sweater was by an Italian designer and in perfect shape. Although it's long sleeve, the material is light enough to wear in the spring and summer evenings.
I am on a lucky streak I thought, so I kept looking. I found a fabulous pair of black beaded pants that were heavy as all hell but too special not to try on. They didn't fit quite right but for $80, they are going to make someone really happy. I found another pair of silk and chiffon flowy pants that moved in layers when I walked. Those were $110 and didn't fit me. Maybe my luck was running out?
I decided to take a photo of them to suggest them to a friend of mine whom they would look great on.  I left with the sweater and decided to call it a day.

Yves Dupuis vintage sweater $28. Black harem pant $40 secondhand shoes Nine West

 $10

Okay that's not exactly the end of the story. A few blocks down and next to my original destination (the Apple store ..remember?) I popped into Nine West to look for some stacked heels I could wear to a wedding the next day. My luck returned once again as I found a pair that were PERFECT for the vintage 70's sheer green gown I planned to wear. They were on sale and the last size 6 they had. Priced for $69, beige and gold and very Studio 54, I was ready to make my last purchase of the day.

Ninewest.com

I remembered that I had received an email from Nine West last week stating that as part of their rewards membership I had a $10 off coupon. BOOM! So..I paid $59 for these fabulous and surprisingly comfortable heels.

All in all it was a very unexpected and successful shopping day. Everything I bought was exceptional quality and will get tons of wear!
I encourage everyone to ditch the mall, ditch the places you normally shop and look up your local consignment and thrift shops. You will get one of a kind pieces and even designer pieces that have barely been worn. On top of all that you won't look like anyone else wherever you go and you'll save money!  What else in the shopping universe can you ask for?

Champagne taste on a beer budget? How-to-do the Luis Vuitton Spring 2012 trend T.T.F Way

Hello my Thrifty Fashionistas!

Are you jumping into spring yet? I know I am! The weather has me discarding bulky layers and wanting to wear what's light and airy- finally! Beautiful blue skies and warm breezes make me want to ditch work and sit outside and eat pistachio gelato all day.

Photo Steven Meisel

In between enjoying the weather of course I have been pouring over through the latest issues of Vogue and W, paroozing all the glorious spring fashion campaigns. Not surprisingly, the masterminds that are Marc Jacobs and fashion photog god Steven Meisel have inspired me the most with their latest and greatest concepts.

Photo Steven Meisel

Luis Vuitton's spring 2012 campaign feature two models in a ice cream parlor in white peekaboo cut out patterns of flowers and geometrical shapes in 60's silhouettes ranging from full skirts, coats, dresses and tops with chiffon layered over top.  Hmmmm...I never thought about layering in spring! Have you?
I thank Marc Jacobs for this brilliant idea! What a perfectly prim-and-proper way to show your femininity and sexiness in the most ladylike of ways! Showing just a hint of skin is what spring fashion is all about. I love how Mr. Marc Jacobs paired these retro silhouettes with modern pointy heels topped with metallic tips on the toes. The entire spring collection is head to knee in retro class while dipping a toe into the future with metal accents. Sugar and spice and everything nice; I can't think of a better way to categorize the modern woman. Perfection!
Understated sexy dressing is something I admire in the highest regard and it has given me great inspiration to re-create the look, T.T.F style of course. The Thrifty Fashionista is all about feeling beautiful through fashion, makeup and unique style on a budget. Here are a few suggestions on how you can re-create this perfect spring look.

1. Look for peekaboo cut-out form fitting body suits or vintage tops like the ones shown below.
2. Layer them with see through tops from vintage, thrift store selections or these from American   Apparel
3. Pair these tops with wide leg high waisted pants and full skirts
4. Grab a pair of ass kicking 3-4 inch pointy or round toe metallic heels or flats with metallic accents
5. Complete the look with a candy colored, white or see through lady like purse

Photo The Sartorialist

American Apparel.com

American Apparel

NineWest.com

NineWest.com

Vintage top from Meeps

NineWest.com

Vintage Top from Meeps

Beauty tips to complete the look:
1. Sweep hair into a messy bun or updo using those nifty pins from Goody (in your local drugstore)
2. Top with a thin head band in metallic shades
3. Sweep a wash of color like a cobalt blue or bright metallic green on your eyelids and keep the lips nude with a sheer nude or pink lip stain or gloss
4. Loads of L'oreal Voluminous black mascara!!!
5. Black or black brown winged gel eyeliner
6. Pearl eyeshadow on the bridge of the nose and under the arch of the eyebrows

7. Very light mineral powder so your luminous skin still shines through


Et Voilla! You are ready for spring! You're welcome :)

How to keep your makeup fresh and budge-proof all day. Pro Tips, Tricks and T.T.F's favorite drugstore products!

Over the years with countless amounts of women in my chair, I frequently get asked this question:
How do I keep my makeup looking fresh all day? As a drugstore beauty product fanatic and lover of all things low priced and highly effective, I decided it's time to write a post about this! Keeping your makeup fresh and long lasting is a lot easier than you think and it doesn't require 500 different products. Here are some simple and tried and tested effective tips to keep your look amazing all day.

TIP #1- Make sure your face is properly exfoliated and moisturized. When makeup is applied to smooth, moisturized skin it will last a heck of a lot longer. Think of your skin as a canvas and paint as the foundation. Placing liquid makeup or powder on rough patches of skin will cause a blotchy appearance. If your skin is not properly hydrated it will draw the moisture out from your makeup creating an uneven appearance and separation and even darkening in color.

-For oily skin try Clean and Clear Mattifying Moisture SPF 15 $5.99

-For combination skin Neutrogena Anti Wrinkle SPF 20 with Helioplex and Hyaluronic Acid $18.99   is superb!

-For combination/dry skin try Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair SPF 30 $20.99

-For all skin types St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub $3.99

Anyone who has read this blog before knows what a fan I am of Neutrogena products. Combined with a little weekly exfoliation, your skin will be smooth and even in no time. You will probably notice that you need to use even less cover up as a result. Those are the results I have seen with the products I listed above and my clients tell me the same. Great skin care is the key to amazing makeup and coverage. Give it a few weeks and let me know how it's working for you.
But back to tricks on how to keep your makeup lasting all day!
TIP #2- Use a foundation or blending brush to apply your baseUsing a brush to apply your foundation instead of your hands or a sponge will not only keep germ clogging pores off your face but creates the best coverage without wasting the product. Putting liquid on a sponge only soaks up the product and who wants to waste a great foundation. It's just like throwing money down the drain! If you are used to using a sponge and you like how it blends your makeup creates a light finish then you'll love using a foundation or blending brush. You can get one of these nifty little brushes at your local drugstore or by contacting me.
ECO Tools foundation brush $6.99
Made from synthetic bristles, this brush is great for blending liquid makeup

VM Photography & Makeup Studio Blending Brush $19.99

Made of synthetic and goat hair, this brush is great for blending foundation, powder, bronzer and blush. The fine bristles makes for a flawless airbrushed look. No more streaks of rouge from a bad 80's movie!

 TIP #3- Keep your hands off your face!
Frequently touching your face is not only taking your makeup off but adding disgusting amounts of bacteria to your face which cause skin irritations and break outs. The formation of a pimple are a result of one of two things: clogged pores from dead skin combined with oil and cosmetics or toxins from inside your body trying to get out, getting stuck inside our pores and creating a pimple. Dirty hands touching your face only exacerbates the problem so STOP IT!

TIP #4- Powder , Powder , Blot then Powder
To keep your makeup budge proof you need to powder. Why? Powder sets the makeup on your skin giving it a drier finish, thus making it less likely to fade and separate on your skin when it mixes with your skin's natural oils.
What kind of powder is best? I like to start the day with a translucent loose powder over a light liquid foundation. Applying loose translucent powder at home sets your make without applying any additional color.  I also like using the loose powder in the morning and leave it at home as it can be a bit messy to travel with. Touch ups if necessary during the day can be done with pressed powder but need to be preceded by proper blotting.  Why do I need to blot my skin before applying powder?  When you reapply powder throughout the day without blotting it will mix with your skins natural oils and settle into pores, making powder appear cakey and creased by the end of the day.

These are great options and under $10:

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets 50 ct. $6.99

Neutrogena Shine Control Blotting Sheets 60 ct. $6.99

An even better way to blot without buying blotting sheets is to use the toilet seat covers in your nearest public restroom. Nope. Not kidding. These work just was well at absorbing oil. Also pulling apart toilet paper to make it a one ply sheet and pressing against the oily areas of your face is another way to blot.

Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil in Translucent $8.99

Maybelline Mineral Power Pressed Powder $8.99

With 0% talc, oil, fragrances or preservatives, this ultra fine powder will set your makeup with a natural
finish without clogging pores.

So you've applied the proper skin care and you know the importance of setting powder over foundation but what about everything else?

After setting your foundation with powder please do not skip the following areas: jawline, eyelids and lips.

Powder not only sets your foundation but acts as a base to your eyeshadow, lipstick and blush. Always remember that powder sticks to powder. The drier the base the more likely it's bound to stay put. Applying a base of powder to the eyelids will give the color of the eyeshadow something to hold on to. It will also ensure an even application of color because it isn't mixing with the oil on your eyelids.
There is really no need to buy a eyeshadow base or similar products. If your eyelids are extremely oily then maybe, but more that likely you can get by with simply putting powder to your eyelids to make eyeshadow stay on longer.
Apply powder before blush and on top of the blush for the maximum stay put effect. Applying powder to lips and then a neutral lip liner will keep lip color on and inside the lip line, especially darker shades.

More TIPS!
Try a long wearing foundation like Rimmel 25hr Foundation $7.99
I've tried this and I love it. For a long wearing formula it feels weightless and provides light to medium coverage. The down side to Rimmel foundations is the lack of a large shade range which I hope they will iron out soon! Other than that this product is fantastic and so is the price.
Revlon ColorStay Foundation $12.99
Provides light to medium coverage and dries relatively quickly so blend away before it dries! Great shade range and their soft flex technology keeps the foundation in place comfortably.

Try long wearing lip colors. Using a long-wearing lip color perfect when you know you'll be too busy to touch up. Avoid the ring of color around the lips with these surprisingly comfortable formulas.
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Color $7.99

An amazing range of colors for day to night wear, this is a lip color that is budge-proof and comfortable at the same time. I just purchased Timeless Toffee and Cinnamon Stay for for my client and the colors are absolutely gorgeous!

Try L'oreal Infalliable 24hr eyeshadow $7.99

I'm disappointed that L'oreal has decided to discontinue one my favorite long wear eye shadows, H.I.P Creme Shadow paint! This eye shadow did not budge or crease all day. I 'm excited to try this new formula. So far I love their shade range. 


What about mascara and eyeliner? Powder underneath the eye will prevent the the mascara and eyeliner from blending with the oils in your skin that create darkness under the eye. I've had many women complain to me about their dark circles only to find out that it was their makeup making their eyes look dark. We've been taught that powder underneath our eyes will accentuate the lines. That's true, but only if you put too much. Applying a light layer of loose powder goes a long way with keeping eyeliner and mascara underneath the eye.

These products are tried and tested by me and believe me they aren't going anywhere!

Cover Girl Lash Blast Waterproof mascara $7.99 
Do it till you're satisfied on the top lashes but just tap the bottom. Skip the Tammy Faye look!

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner $4.99
Great for extending the lash line on the top and using underneath the bottom lashes in the corner or completely underneath the eye. Use a q-tip to blend and smudge, then set lightly with powder then repeat. You're good to go for an all night dance party without giving you the raccoon eyes!

Maybelline Eye studio Lasting Drama Gel eyeliner $8.99
This gel eyeliner is great for creating the winged eyeliner look. Make the line as thick or thin as you like. Whatever mood you're in! But it's consistency makes for a sleek not smokey effect.

That's exactly how I make my makeup long wearing! These are my tried and true tips ladies.

Please let me know how these tips work for you. I always love to hear from my Thrifty Fashionistas. Ciao for now!

GET FESTIVE with RED LIPS! How to choose a red lipstick in the drugstore

It's the holiday season and you want to wear a red lip but don't know where to start.  Well this drugstore diva is here to help! Here are some smart tips for choosing a red lip color in the drugstore and which makeup to complete the look with.

Choosing a red lip color is easier than you think.  First you need to know what skin tone you have. You can look at your wrist or your neck to see this. Looking at your face for undertones can be misleading as you may have pigmentation from the sun or other marks that won't let you detect it as easily. If you have yellow undertones, a warmer red will look great on your skin.  Think more orangey red tones. If you have a blue/red pink undertone in the skin, a blue undertone, 'cool' tone red will compliment your skin better. Of course makeup 'rules' are meant to be broken so feel free to experiment. These are tips on what reds are complimentary to skin tones.

L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in 'British Red' $7.99

L'Oreal's Coloure Riche lipstick in 'British Red' $7.99 is hydrating but not super moist, giving it a stay put feeling without the dryness. It has a velvety texture that is luxurious that makes you want to keep layering it on! This is a classic red that looks great on most skin tones. It's not too orangy or blue, British Red is Allure Magazine's best of Beauty winner for 2011.

Revlon 'Cherries in the Snow' $7.99

Another great red lipstick and cult classic of all the makeup mavens is Revlon's 'Cherries in the Snow' $7.99. Part of Revlon's Super Lustrous line, this moisturizing shade has been around since the 1950's. It has hues of raspberry and pink so it's brighter red shade looks great with most skin tones.

Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lipstick in 'Eldorado Red' $2.99

Black Radiance Perfect tone lipsticks are a steal of a deal. At $2.99 they give a lot of pigment and moisture. This deep dark red has fucshia undertones and is excellent for olive/deep skin tones. Fairer complexions can definitely wear it too. Just skip heavy eye makeup and add a hint of blush!

NYX Lip gloss Palette in 'Red Rediscovered' $8 is my personal favorite. For those who want to mix color to see which red tones are perfect for your skin, this palette has warm and cool reds in light to deep tones that let you create the perfect shade.  Each shade is highly pigmented and the wear is long lasting.You can buy NYX online or in certain beauty supply stores. http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/products/lips/lip-gloss/lip-gloss-palette

So you don't like the luxurious 'made-up' feel of lipstick? Here are some options for you.  Try a lip gloss or lip stain.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss $5
Another NYX favorite of mine are their Mega Shine Lip glosses! For $5 these glosses deliver loads of pigment with high shine. The red shade I love is called 'Perfect Red'. I love it because it doesn't have any shimmer in the pigment, just tons of color and shine. These glosses can bleed over the lips so you will want to use a nude lip liner before you apply.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in 'Perfect Red' $5

Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick in 'Firecracker' $6.99 is a transparent brownish red that is glossy with a hint of shimmer. A deeper red and lightly pigmented makes it perfect for those who don't want to commit to the full on red lipstick lips.

Revlon Super Lustrous lipcolor SPF 15 in 'Firecracker'

 $6.99

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm $8.99 in 'Gothic' or 'Flame'

You hate re-applying gloss and don't want tons of color?  Then you will love Revlon's new line of lipstains. They're moisturizing and give you just a hint of color. These dual ended lipstains do what they promise giving you color that is light and matte and a balm that is velvety and sheer and they last for hours! This product was one of Allure's 2011 Reader's Choice Beauty Breakthrough products and a Best of Beauty 2010 winner. 


Now you know some great options for buying a gorgeous red lipstick without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to complete the look.
1. Skip eye shadow or use a neutral shade sparingly. Red lips are best pared with a hint of blush and simple eyes.
2. Use a gel liner to extend the lash line and add loads of black mascara to top lashes. Just a touch on the bottom lashes
3. Use a powder or liquid gold highlighter to put above the apples of the cheeks, bridge of the nose and on your brow bone. For wider eyes, place the shimmer in the corner of the eyes.
4.  For those applying red lipstick or gloss, place your finger in your mouth and pull it out to remove excess color on the inside of the lips so the color doesn't end up on your teeth.

Some of my favorite products to complete this festive red lip look!
Cover Girl Smokey Shadow Blast in Bronze Fire $7.99
These shades can be worn together or alone. Use the champagne lighter color all over the lid or as a highlighter.  The darker color you can use as a liner underneath the lower lashes. For tan/deeper skin tones use the bronze as a base color. Or use both together for a lighter smokey eye. A great alternative to the gray/black combinations. A bronzey smokey eye is nice with a red lip but keep it light!

Black Radiance Quad in Desert Clay $4.99
Excellent for all skin tones, these gold earthy shades give your eyes sparkle while letting your lips be the main focus.  You can use the darker color as a liner or crease color and or mix the lighter golden shades to highlight the eyelid, inner corners of eyes and brow bone. These eye shadows are highly pigmented so you just need a dab. Black radiance eye shadows give MAC a run for their money!

 

Black Radiance Quad shadows $4.99

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 'Blackest Black' $8.99
Top the eyes with a black gel liner. Use a thin angled brush to create a line just above the lash line (as thick or thin as you like). Make it winged to lift your eyes and create a vampy look. The gel formula isn't as severe as a liquid liner but stays put the whole night through.

Blush...a little! 
Use a mauve blush very sparingly for blue/red undertones and a pinkey/peach with gold flecks for warm skin tones. A deep raspberry with red or blue hues are great for deep skin tones. Let the red lips be the star of the show. Dab blush on the apples of the cheeks or to accentuate cheekbones use underneath the apples of the cheeks.

L'Oreal True Match 'Spiced Plum'

Black Radiance 'Plum Sorbet' $3.99

Cover Girl 'Pretty Peach' $3.99

 Here are a few gorgeous red lip looks to inspire you. Happy shopping at your favorite drugstore!
Comments or questions just email me!