Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Halloween Year Round.....







Most holidays come and go, but at our house, Halloween seems to be THE holiday for the year! Do you notice the easter egg coloring AND the Christmas tree? These are actual photos taken at of my stepson in his wide array of costumes. They are the ACTUAL pictures NOT "doctored". He LOVES wearing costumes! Doesn't matter what he is doing, who is over, what time of year it is, he is wearing a costume ALL THE TIME!
This is just a "sampling" of what he throws on to parade around the house. Let's not forget about Indiana Jones, Superman, and Black Batman that is often stopping by the kitchen for a snack or watching a movie with us.
It's HYSTERICAL and I LOVE HIM for it! What's not to love about a little transformer or super hero snuggling up by you on the couch or helping you make dinner!
Since Halloween is right around the corner....thought I would share a little personal note about our home and how the HALLOWEEN holiday seems to go on and on and on...around here!
Happy Halloween, Everyone! Be safe and have fun!




It's Halloween! Who will you be?







Halloween is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! What happened to October? The final days of picking THE PERFECT Halloween costume is upon us! Are you stressing out? Are you feeling the pressure?


In a meeting I was at today, we were talking about Halloween. One of the gals mentioned how she was "stressin out" trying to figure out what she was going to wear for her THREE Halloween parties that she had for Saturday night. After the meeting, I made the mistake of stopping at a Party America store to pick up some items for the event we are/were planning and it was PURE CHAOS in the store. So, if you are feeling the Halloween "heat" of trying to decide which costume to wear, you are NOT the only one! Believe me, if you had been at this particular Party America store, you would understand what I am saying to you!!! (IT WAS NUTS!)


Here are my "two cents" on the Halloween holiday:

1. It's totally a kid holiday! Whether you have kids or if you are a "kid at heart", this is the holiday to be silly and crazy!

2. Search inside for your "alter ego" and let it shine through on Halloween. Pick a costume that is totally out of your comfort zone and have fun with it!

3. Most popular costumes for 2009. Adult: Michael Jackson, Kate Gosslein, Farrah Fawcett, The Joker (Heath Ledger Version), Mario Brothers, Vampires (think Twilight). Child: Mario Brothers, Transformers, Princesses, and Super Heroes.

4. I LOVE homemade costumes MUCH MORE than the store bought kind. (No offense to the retailers out there.). It's a GREAT opportunity to show your creativity, as well as save some money! It's a chance to come up with costumes that puzzle people and it becomes a game for people to try and figure out WHO YOU ARE! Some of the best costumes I have ever seen have been HOMEMADE!
5. Most Important: Have fun! Have fun! Have fun!


Halloween for me is not so much about dressing up. I know, right? Me? Not like dressing up? Clothes? Costumes? Whatever? That seems crazy to say "out loud". Dressing up is not my favorite part of the Halloween holiday. My favorite part is seeing the kids in their fun costumes, handing out candy, and trying to figure out costumes that adults are wearing at parties. It's exciting to see kids/people "leave their reality" for a small amount of time and enter a fantasy world either spooky or whimsical!


What are some of your favorite Halloween memories or Halloween costumes? I would LOVE for you to share.....


Don't delay....get your Halloween costume today!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Monday Markdowns: October 26, 2009

Whew...just made it before the clock strikes twelve and it turns to Tuesday....not too many to "report".....

DSW (http://www.dsw.com/)
Earn extra reward points through November 1st, 2009 - in stores and online!

Express (http://www.express.com/)
Buy one, get one at 50% off on all graphic tees for him and her!
Buy one, get one at 50% off on all jeans for him and her!

BCBG
Save $100 on a $300 purchase
Promo Code: giftcheck09

Ulta (http://www.ulta.com/)
FIRST TIME EVER! Get a 4-piece Bare Minerals gift set with a $44 purchase of Bare Minerals product.

Francesca's Collection (http://www.francescascollection.com/)
DON'T MISS THIS!
Buy ONE clearance apparel item at the marked price and receive an additional 50% off all other clearance apparel items.
Now thru November 8, 2009.

Victoria's Secret (www.victoriassecret.com)
Find your favorite college hoodie or tee online!

Pavilion on the Square (Utica Square, Tulsa, OK)
It's no trick to treat yourself...take advantage of their Halloween savings: Receive 25% off any one fall item in the store!

Margo's Gift Shop (Utica Square, Tulsa, OK)
Jon Hart Trunk Show - personalized, hand crafted products
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
11:00 - 4:00 p.m.

If I find out about other great deals, I will be sure to post them for you! Have a GREAT day!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Monday Markdowns: October 19, 2009

This week's "must hit" list:

BCBG
BCBG and Vogue UNITE for a 20th Anniversary event!
Thursday, October 22nd! Check it out in stores and online!

Victoria's Secret
FREE SHIPPING with sleepwear purchase! They have some REALLY CUTE sleepwear!
Promo Code: SHIPSLEEP
Expires October 21, 2009

DSW
Share the shoe you love!
$10 off any $49 purchase.
Online only thru October 26, 2009.
Promo code: SHARELUV

Express
Luxe stretch tops: Buy 1, get one at 50% off.
1MX shirts: Buy 1, get one at 50% off.

Francesca's Collection
FREE SHIPPING on purchases of $100 or more online!

Gaga-a-Gogo (Tulsa)
Halloween Party - Jupiter Jump and Candy!
Halloween costume contest too!

Gap/Old Navy/Banan Republic
Don't miss this - LAST DAY is October 20, 2009
Online Only
15% off $75 purchase
20% off $100 purchase
25% off $125 purchase
Promo Code: SAVE123

Weekly Style Secret: A Good Tailor

I found this adorable pair of jeans last week, but ran into the same problem as I ALWAYS do when it comes to pants. That darn ol' gap that I get in the back of the wasitline right about my behind! Why do all of my pants do that?

I was talking to the sales associate. We started talking about having this problem with our pants (she has the same problem) and how, if you have a really good tailor, they can alter them to perfection.

It reminded me that another great style secret is: HAVING A GOOD TAILOR.

At some point in your life, everyone has needed an article of clothing altered. If anything, for women, it's been at least ONE bridesmaid dress or even your own bridal gown! Some of us hardly ever need a tailor, others of us, need a tailor ALL THE TIME! It is very important to work with an experienced tailor. A good tailor will make the alterations and, when finished, the article of clothing looks like it was purchased that way (or, maybe, even BETTER than when it was purchased).

Here are some tips for finding a good tailor:
1. As I have always said "word of mouth" is the best advertising. Listen to friends, family, and colleagues to find out who they use as a tailor.
2. Visit the web. Check out association sites or even classified sites that offer "product/service reviews".
3. Set up a consultation, if possible, to meet the tailor.
4. Make sure the person that is doing the fitting of the garment is also making the alterations.

Once you've found a good tailor, is it worth making the alterations:
1. Is the clothing item WORTH being altered? Determine how much you spent on it, how much you will be spending on the alterations, and is the total value equal to YOUR value of the clothing item.
2. Launder or dry clean the item first. Sometimes, after a washing, articles of clothing will shrink, fabric will shift, and this will insure that the clothing item is in it's truest form when being altered.
3. Get an estimate of what the alteration will cost and, again, determine if it is worth it to have the article of clothing altered.

I can't stress enough how important it is for your clothes TO FIT! FIT PROPERLY! A shirt from Target can look like a million bucks, if it fits properly. A shirt from Bloomingdale's can look horrible, if it DOES NOT fit properly.

A good tailor will make you look like a million bucks ALL THE TIME!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Our "SPIDEY" turns 5 TODAY!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICHOLAS!
Our "spidey" turns 5 today! Wow!
Where does the time go?
I'm definitely wondering that as I look at the date of my last posted blog. YOU are probably wondering where I AM?
SO SORRY!
Time has flown by this last week as we have "enjoyed" movies, school, the fair, pumpkin patches, church, and the list goes on. Specifically, the planning of a fun evening for our "SPIDEY" has been on the forefront the last few days. It's amazing how something "small and fun" can become so time consuming...YET, so WORTH IT!!! My hubby has been saying..."remember, SMALL and fun". Hmmm....does that mean I shouldn't have stayed up 'til after midnight baking cookies and getting up way before dawn to frost them???
I have only been in his life for a few years, but I have cherished those few years SO MUCH! He has grown ALOT and has become quite the little boy these days!
So, today is dedicated to our "spidey"...and look at him...doesn't he look handsome as spiderman!
Stay tuned! I WILL BE BACK with lots of fun, fashion tips and tricks!
Happy Birthday, Nichols Pickles!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

PAY LESS for Designer!






Take a look at these shoes! What words come to mind? Rock and Roll? Bohemian? Trendy? EXPENSIVE?
Well, believe it or not, these can be found at Payless Shoe Source. Yep, you heard me! Here is, yet, another example of high end designers opening their doors to the middle market! Due to the economy, high end/couture designers are creating lines suitable for middle market price tags.
I'm excited!! Because for, you, fashionistas out there that are living on a shoestring budget, this gives you the opportunity to follow trends without paying the "trendy" prices! How fun is that?
Alice & Olivia is the brand that I'm highlighting above from Payless Shoe Source. It is a casual, edgey brand that I LOVE and these shoes/boots are at a terrifc price point of $50.00! Yep, you heard me! Only $50.00! But, this is not the only designer brand that is being offered. You will find Lela Rose and Christian Siriano too!
Fun, fun, fun!! I LOVE shoes!
So, don't delay....check out Payless Shoe Source today!
Oh, and just so you know, it happens to be the BOGO sale right now!
Buy one, get one for 50% off!
GO NOW before they sell out!



Sunday, October 4, 2009

Wear Pink!















It's October!!! It's time to pull out all your pink items and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
This is the time of year where stores are flooded with merchandise to support the cause. The items posted above are just a small, very small, snippet of the merchandise that is available these days to show your support.

Don't delay...show your support today!

Tshirt: Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure Tee $40.00

Tennis shoes: Zappos Reebok $67.00

Watch: White House Black Market $58.00

Scarf: Amazon.com (unavailable at this time)




Weekly Style Secret: TARGET GOES DESIGNER

Target takes another turn at New York fashion AND jewelry.

Two New York designers have partnered with Target to create high fashion lines with an affordable price tag.

Anna Sheffield
Edgy statement necklaces, bracelets, and rings created wtih charms and lockets that provide a unique twist.

Anna Sui
Okay, anyone who is obsessed with fashion will recognize this name. Anna Sui has been around for awhile. Her line is filled with feminine rocker chic pieces with a New York City vibe.

Both lines debuted in September and, at this point, they are limited-edition lines. Take a look in store and online now!

www.target.com

More Military...



More military jackets:
Black Jacket: Banana Republic $180.00
Grey Jacket: Topshop.com $160.00
Red Jacket: Old Navy $69.50


I Salute...Napoleon!


As I was flipping through the White House/Black Market booklet that I received in the mail, I came to a screeching halt and stood at attention when I came to the page with this BEAUTIFUL military jacket!

Seriously, this deserves a salute! Now, I haven't seen it in person...YET. But, from what I can tell, the craftmanship is GORGEOUS! The collar, buttons, the crisp white color...it is a masterpiece and I salute "a job well done".


Military jackets are a perfect combination of masculine and feminine with the big collars, buttons and structured design. It's a great coat to wear over dresses and skirts or gives quite a punch to a more casual look like leggings and boots.


The Napoleon/military jacket is a MUST HAVE for Fall! It's funny, I was flipping through the White House/Black Market booklet and then later hopped on my computer to catch up on my favorite stylist, Rachel Zoe. On her page, she was talking about a Napoleon jacket that she was lusting over by Rag and Bone.

Let me say this again, a Napoleon/military jacket is a MUST HAVE for Fall!

Don't delay...go get your Napoleon jacket today!

Pictures: White House Black Market Jacket: $198.00

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Weekly Style Secret: LAYERING

It's October 1st! Fall is here! Well, technically, by the calendar Fall is already here, because it began in September. But, it's October, for me, that really feels like we've turned that corner towards Fall. Can you believe it's here already?



As the weather gets cooler, we find ourselves amidst the days that we can't decide is it going to be hot or cold? It's cold in the mornings, warms up in the afternoon, and then cools off in the evenings. So, what does one wear to keep up with the changing temperatures?



Layer your look! It's the easiest way to keep up with the craziness of the climate! Now, layering may seem like a very simple thing. Which, to a certain degree, it is...just be a weary of a few things:



1. Do not multi-layer bulky fabrics or more than one oversized item. You don't want to turn into the "Michelin Man". In this case, you will end up looking heavier than you really are and who wants that outcome?



2. Layer more fitted items underneath a more oversized item. For example, layer a tshirt, under a fitted v-neck sweater, and for an extra layer of warmth, add a sweatshirt jacket.



3. Scarves are a perfect option to create a layered look without all the bulk. For example, use that layered tshirt and sweater combination that I listed above, but, instead of the sweatshirt jacket, tie a scarf around your neck. Scarves create the illusion of layering and make for a FUN accent piece to your outfit.



4. Make sure your layering pieces compliment each other in fit, fabric, and pattern. You don't want to be "matchy-matchy". But, you don't want to look like you just threw on whatever you found in your closet either!

A great example of layering with a scarf, is the LOFT ad that I posted with this blog. It shows a fitted shirt, with a cardigan sweater over it, and they finished the look with a loose scarf. Perfect for the Fall days!

For the most part, layering is easy to do and it helps win the battle against the changing climates. The biggest key is not to weigh yourself down with multiple bulky items, or, like I said, you will end up looking like the "Michelin Man". We all remember him, don't we? The big, white, puffy tire guy..that is NOT the goal that you are trying to achieve with layering!

Stay warm and look cool as you enter the Fall season!



Stepparent Day! Sunday, October 4th, 2009


Well, it's not a surprise that in this day and age, we have reached a time where there is a Stepparent Day! Blended families have become "the norm" in this day and age. It's appropriate these days to acknowledge their existence too.


I have two perspectives on this subject. The majority of me is VERY GLAD that stepparents and blended families are as "accepted" as they are these days, because it has become the "norm". In addition, I AM a STEPmom and am VERY BLESSED to have been given that responsibility! My stepson has given me a whole new perspective on life and what is important! I wouldn't change anything in my life. It is an amazing opportunity to be part of his life and world.
But, a small part of me still wonders what happened in this world that DIVORCE has become such a "norm" too. When I was growing up, NONE of my friend's parents were divorced. Now, I talk to my nieces/nephews and find it's very common that their friends come from blended families. It is just very interesting to me to step back and see how times have changed!


ANYWAY, my point is this: to let people know that there is a day to acknowledge and celebrate STEPPARENTS! On October 4th, just take some time to celebrate the stepparents that you may know in your life! Parenthood, in general, is not an easy task, and STEPparenthood just takes that task to a whole different level.


So, on Sunday, October 4th (or ANY day for that matter) take a moment to say "thank you" to the stepparents in your life, as well as your parents! They are all here for the same cause!


Happy Stepparent's Day to all of the stepparent's/blended families in the world today!