Scrub A Dub Dub

If you remember back in my Pour Some Sugar On Me post, I mentioned a fantastic face scrub that I wanted to devote an entire post to, but I was just waiting for the right time to show itself and for inspiration to hit. Well, it's just been presented to me in the form of a desperate plea from another reader that came to me for help:

My Olay face scrub is almost gone. I need it. I've witnessed the results of not using it once or twice a week. It's not good. In fact, it's lame. The only problem is, I can't find this particular scrub anymore. I love love love love love the MD skincare facial peel, but cannot afford it. Is there something similar to the MD skincare, on an Olay budget?

As soon as I finished reading this note, I knew that it was a sign from the bargain beauty gods that I needed to talk about the wonderful Apricot Scrub from St. Ives that only costs $3.99! Not only does this scrub smell so fruity delicious that you have to keep reminding and telling yourself that you can't eat it, but you can use it on your body too! What could be better than a multi-tasking scrubber that costs less than $4? Come on!

I have absolutely no doubt that my reader will be doubly satisfied knowing that she can get super smoothing results not only on her face, but everywhere else too...AND all on an even lower than "Olay budget."

Keep writing, my fabulous ones...I'm loving every second of this!

Image courtesy of St. Ives

The Case of The Missing Silver Style

I was nothing but giddy to receive my first bargain plea just before the weekend arrived and I took it rather seriously (and yes, I did "tweed" out in my detective garb and plopped on my hat and draped my cape over me for the hunt) Here is the desperate plea below, that after reading, I knew I had to take on the case:

Dear Bargain Bex,

I've lost almost all of my cute silver earrings and need to get some new ones, but I am on a budget so I can only get a couple of pairs...what would be cute and fun to wear this summer without breaking the bank?

Sincerely,

Earringless in Kaysville

P.S. Is it lame to keep one earring in my jewelry box when I am sure the other one is lost forever?

After tireless, exhaustive searches (and giving some much needed TLC to my clicking fingers to recuperate) I have found the best of the best from the simple "always in style" jewels to the eye-catching-ly ornate for Ms. Earringless in Kaysville and am displaying my finds (and her infinite choices) now:

Stud-ly Stunners

Sundance Catalog $28 Shenandoah Earrings

Anthropologie $24 Magnolia Posts

Francesca's $9 Encircle Studs

Dangling Darlings

Overstock $15.49 Sterling Silver Dangling Sand Dollar Earrings

Anthropologie $28 Rolling Mercury Earrings

Anthropologie $28 Andes Crown Earrings

High-End Hoopla

Sundance Catalog $25 Ocean Park Hoops

Anthropologie $28 Kinetic Sculpture Earrings

Francesca's $12 Crimped Circle Hoops

Pricey (er) Little Pretties

...I just had to include these because they are so incredibly stunning (and they would be the only pair this bargainer could get for the summer with their price tag)...

Anthropologie $48 Steel Spire Earrings

Sundance Catalog $48 Heraldic Earrings

With all of these superb silver styles to choose from, I have no doubt that my Kaysville client will be earringless no more. This case is officially solved.

P.S. I've totally kept a lone earring in my jewelry box (and will many more times to come) thinking that one day its pair would miss it so much that it would magically appear again...it's never happened, no matter how many times I've willed it so! :)

Images courtesy of Anthropologie, Francesca's, Overstock and Sundance

Write It Out

As another week is coming to a close, and the weekend draws ever so near, I just wanted to write a note to all of you...my incredibly fabulous, fantastically savvy readers.

This blog o' mine is getting awfully close to its two month anniversary (I wonder if I should use it as an excuse to get myself a little something to celebrate the momentous occasion) and I have all of you to thank for coaxing and encouraging me to finally start showing the world my writing and what I have to say and (if that wasn't enough) you've all been sweet enough to take it even further and comment here and tell me how much you enjoy my babbling; I've truly got the best of the best when it comes to all of you!

I still want this to be a beauty forum of sorts where you can come on and feel comfortable enough to write to me with all of your fashion and beauty questions and concerns (I've even created a sample letter that you could write to me in this entry's picture...I know, I'm a dork) I'd love to feature them all here and start playing detective (because then I can pretend to put on darling tweed ensemble with a matching hat and cape) and find the answers and display them in featured posts...so get to writin' (you can even pen your pleas and send them to me here: bargainbex@yahoo.com) and keep commenting, guys and gals because I love, love, LOVE to hear from you!

Alright, alright. Go and have a wonderful start to your weekend now...and I just have one last thing to say to you all: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Satisfaction Guaranteed

When browsing through the shoes on Forever 21, ready to click at any given moment with my mouse, I came across a pair of motorcycle boots; instantaneously I remembered my envy factor with each visit from my fabulous Miss M wearing her own pair with dresses, jeans and simple tops alike. That's when I figured the saying: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery rang true for this particular situation and predicament and I allowed my eyes to look underneath the picture at the price; my chest seemed to get a tad tighter because I just wasn't sure that this bargainer could splurge for the $40 price tag that adored them. Visions of my M and her kicks wouldn't stop swirling in my head, so...I did it. I put them in my virtual shopping bag.

Since the day they arrived on my doorstep, these boots have definitely become my "go-to" shoe. I wear them with EVERYTHING (I wonder if it would be taking it too far to wear them while I sleep?) ...and the amount of times in which I have stepped into them for the day has already paid for their steep (at least according to my moniker) dollar amount.

So, in the end, I only have Miss M to blame for my rare dive into the full-priced world (and I and my feet thank her each and every time that we walk out in them) I'm also pretty darn sure that every pair of these particular boots has a hidden stamp on them that only we owners can see and read: 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Cut and Color

Red, brown, blond (every shade imaginable) and black. Name the color and my hair has been it. Pixie, shag, banged bob, flipped and straight. Name the haircut and my head has donned it. But about a year ago, I decided that it was time to go back to flaunting my natural roots again: a dark and dirty blond. Don't get me wrong, I have loved being au naturale again (as has my wallet), but I am toying with the idea of going back to the one cut and color that has felt like it was created just for me: A platinum blond, layered pixie of a cut; I am further being convinced daily to sport this style due to an ad (below) that I saw in this month's Allure:

Now that I know that my hair has always secretly wanted to be the perfect shade of platinum...a la Gwen Stefani...maybe, just maybe (with my wallet's approval) I'll be sportin' this perfect pixie sooner rather than later.

Daydream Video Chic

First, watch (and listen) to the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xepMH7-yfk, then read my post below:

I have got to talk about how totally envious I am (and would like to officially bow down now) to the stylist for the All-American Rejects video for their new single, "The Wind Blows"... whomever told that beautiful specimen of a man and lead singer to don the casual, laid back style in the video should get an award. The neutral, muted tones that he wears while standing in the ocean (the jacket that perfectly complements the water's blue tones, the collared white shirt that is open just enough to showcase the necklaces and the silky linen pants that fall in all the right places) and I can hardly even go there about the tough, hard black jacket he wears as he shuts the cab door on his lovely...and as he turns back with the collar perfectly popped up with that disheveled hair (come on, like anyone would ever leave that behind as they drove away) and don't get me started on the orange windbreaker he wears halfway through (an orange windbreaker?! Are you trying to kill me?); if only every man dressed this well...*sigh*

And is it a tad pathetic that every time after watching and hearing this particular video (the exact number of times that I actually have will go with me to my grave), that I like to close my eyes and pretend that he has shown up at my house, leaning against his scooter, brushing his hair from his face...asking, "Do you think maybe you'd want to go catch an indie flick, and afterwards, wax all things philosophical while noshing on cupcakes and then do some vintage shopping to end the day with me?" After fainting (and cleverly falling into his arms for the umpteenth time) I open my eyes, look up at him, smile and say "Yes, please."

Boys...take it from me...go out (wherever you need to...be it J.Crew, Banana Republic, or Express for men) and start dressing like this man...and my daydreams (and other gal's just like mine) will thank you. Trust me.

Video courtesy of universalmusicgroup on YouTube

Good Old Mr. Reliable

My Christopher & Banks "G-pa Cozy-Collared Snuggle Up with a Good Book" Sweater

Given the holiday that we just celebrated yesterday, the title of this little entry has a double meaning for me, and I thought it only appropriate to not only give some much-deserving props to my very own Good Old Mr. Reliable, my Papa (the one man in my life that I have never doubted or questioned his love and who would do anything and everything for me...all I have to do is bat my little lashes and ask), but also take the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite fashion trends...my stylish standby, my other fondly-named Good Old Mr. Reliable: The Grandpa Sweater.

Being that it's summer time here in Utah (officially saying so as of yesterday, on June 21st, according to my calendar) you certainly wouldn't know it from the rain-soaked month we've been having (and I have to admit that there is nothing I love more than to turn off all things electronic and listen to the rain hitting the pavement outside) and in this wet weather, I've been able to wear the one piece of clothing that I usually have hibernating in the back of my closet until the later months. These sweaters and cardigans literally go with everything: my little black dresses, my jeans and t-shirts and my cutoffs and tanks; not to forget to mention that the summer time is the best time to grab them on clearance with what should be illegally low prices, hanging on the racks in the back of your local boutiques and shops.

Who knew that I would have all of the fathers (and grandfathers) out there in the world to thank for having had it so fashionably right all of these years?

My "Go Ahead, I Dare You to Try and Mess with Me" Old Navy Cardigan

Astrological Adoration

Every morning when I wake up, wrapped up in a blanket, I immediately log on to my e-mail and check to see if I have my daily BeautyScope waiting ever so patiently for me; it is a habitual daily fix of mine because it simply combines two of my most favorite (and guiltiest) of pleasures: my horoscope (just fun to think what could happen) and, of course, all things beauty. There's just something so inexplicably fabulous about seeing the adorable little Gemini icon (seen above with the rest of the astrological signs) alongside my daily predictions. To find yours, just clickity click on Astrology.com and type in these two words: "beauty scope" into the search box and click on your sign. Here's my Friday reading below:

GEMINI May 21 - June 21
Wrestling with a dash of nervous energy? Then keep your hands and mind busy: Give yourself a manicure, prowl the Internet to take care of all your month's gift-giving and finish things off with a go at those brows.

The weird thing about it? I totally took a little glance in the mirror today, noticed my brows and thought of putting tweezers in hand and getting some plucking in...and I did want to search through some new online clothing sites today...AND...I did want to put a clear coat on my fingernails today for just a touch of shine. Man. The people over there must be psychic or something...

Have a beautiful weekend, my pretties!

Images courtesy of Astrology.com in association with iVillage.com

Nail Bouquet

I've been itching to use my new nail polish pretties ever since first laying eyes on them in my e.l.f. cosmetics birthday package extraordinaire, but have been a tad hesitant because I didn't want to don the same old boring, one-note nails.

I decided to break out my tried-and-true method of nail art by using my trusty Mr. Q-Tip (the love affair rages on) and nail polish remover, (in case this confessed perfectionist needs to undo and redo) toothpicks (for the most precise application) and the chosen nail colors for my floral masterpieces.

The results of this artist's work (so what if I like to pretend that I'm a super professional and much sought after nail tech?) are displayed above on my big toe (and no, I am not above shameless plugging and self-promotion as seen on the upper left hand corner of my toesie. Hee hee)

Pour Some Sugar On Me

Running out of my St. Ives Apricot Scrub, (a definite and much-deserved, rave-filled future post) I took it as a sign of someone taking pity on me from above when I came across an online article from Real Simple dispensing secret beauty tips from top experts, especially this dandy little one from Carmindy (the tinted moisturizer, lip gloss loving makeup artist from TLC's What Not to Wear):

Carmindy also says, "Every other day in the shower, I lather up with a liquid cleanser, then take a handful of white sugar and scrub in circular motions on my face and body. It makes my skin super-smooth."

I tried this sugar trick this morning and my skin turned out to be so baby soft...and a total bonus: I smell just like a sugary sweet piece of candy! Thanks, Carmindy!

Blog Crush

I am a smitten little kitten. My J-Lo (yes, she really is my very own original version of the fearless female powerhouse) introduced me to this gal's sweet paintings simply because she had an inkling that I may crush out on them...and I most certainly (and quite happily) have! I am most partial to her lovelies: Amelia Bumble, Poppy Print, Black Eyed Susan and Bella.

Any girl that has a profile picture with an ingeniously darling take on the French film, Amelie, had (and has) me at hello. See for yourself exactly what I am talking about here and view the artist and her works through her online shop, and once there, also peruse her other venture: my fashion-y blog (as she has so aptly titled) filled with vintage-inspired pictures and writings. Simply adorable.

I heart this crush-worthy blog and have no doubt that you will too...

Witty Bag Banter

While effortlessly enjoying what I like to brag and boast as a lackadaisical Sunday, I hopped on my imaginary board (the best kind, in this homebody's opinion) and soon found myself surrounded by the smell of saltwater and suntan lotion...ridin' the waves and surfin' the web; this was definitely a super rad day for waves, especially the gnarly one that I caught on shopbop.com.

This surfer chick certainly has a lifelong love affair (not only with online waves) but with words in any unique or witty combination, and while coasting, I came across the most fabulously clever (and stylish to boot) totes that would perfectly hold my every beach beauty need from sunglasses to sunblock; I just had to set foot on land again to feel the sand between my toes and share my discoveries with all of you, my fellow riders...so come and ride the fashion wave with me now:

$24.50 Jessica Kagan Cushman "Fashion Can Be Bought/Style One Must Possess" Mini Tote

$24.50 Jessica Kagan Cushman "It" Mini Tote

Jessica Kagan Cushman "Contraband" Mini Tote

Totally tubular, dudes and dudettes.

Images courtesy of shopbop.com

Veggie Unveiled

I have had many an inquiry in regards to Veggie's identity and I thought it due time to go ahead and introduce her now and finally share that darling face with you all.

I've been lucky enough to have her the entire day so we decided to have an impromptu photo shoot (wardrobe changes and all) and there were so many fabulous shots that I had a very hard time having to edit and choose from the adorable bunch, but after many a head scratch, I somehow managed to do so (at least for this entry)

Without further ado...please, meet my Veggie:

It really should be illegal to look this good

What a barefooted beauty!

Seriously people...how is she NOT a supermodel?

Clothes, jewelry, nature, me...you name it...it loves her!

Don't worry, folks...this definitely won't be the last time that Miss Veggie makes an appearance here...she's just too gorgeous to keep all to my little self. 'Nuff said.

Target = Bullseye

With Target gift card in hand, (thanks to R, C and J-Lo) I was on a mission to see not only if I could live up to my blogging name, but also what I could find to add to my closet on this Thursday shopping spree for $20. I immediately set my eyes on my target: the ever daunting (and often feared) clearance racks.

Within seconds (definitely under 5 minutes) I found my first piece: a navy blue jacket with silver toggles. I ran toward the first mirror that I saw, threw on the jacket, fastened it up and nodded in approval to my reflection. This was a keeper at $8.74. No debate needed.

Merona Navy Jacket

As I scoured the racks, pulling hanger after hanger, pushing aside the clothes...I came across my next discovery...nestled in between the sweaters: a red and white printed V-neck tank top. I scanned the red sticker (the most beautiful thing to ever grace a price tag) and it said: $1.98. I immediately threw it over my arm atop my navy jacket and marched on.

Mossimo Supply Co. Tank Top

The final piece that I added to my "Target Trio" was a black tent dress with a fantastic silver zipper surprise stopping in the middle of the back. I made my last glance at my trusty red sticker and smiled: $6.24.
.

Mossimo Black Zipper Dress

My search was complete. My total came to a little over $18 with tax. Bullseye.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why they call me Bargain Bex.

Virtual Vow

For as happily single as I pride myself in being, I do still need a fairytale escape every once in a while where I daydream of the day where my hair and makeup are nothing but perfectly coiffed and applied, the birds are happily chirping away carrying my veil in the air as they fly, and I walk down the petal strewn aisle towards my very own Prince Charming, happily waiting for me; and each and every time that I do envision this happy ending, I am always wearing one of the dresses above and below from jcrew.com.

Now see...the beauty of being single and the dreamer of this dream (and being a confessed fashionista) is each and every time I do walk down that imaginary aisle, I can (and I do) change the dress I'm wearing as many times as I desire...to my little heart's content...and that's a vow I can promise to uphold now, forever and always.

Images of bridal gowns galore courtesy of jcrew.com

Hair Ya Doin'?

The self-proclaimed "product junkie" that I am, I have never had an affinity for hair products just for the mere fact that every time I do try any gels, sprays, mousses or pomades, they always seem to weigh my already volume-lacking 'do down; after reading countless articles in my magazines raving about this one hairspray in particular (apparently now finally available in the states) I had to see what all the fuss was about...and boy oh boy...am I glad that I did!

Just one quick spray all over this mane o' mine...and it holds my style for the entire day (and well into the night) I even had to test out the promise on the bottle that it holds even after you've run a brush through it...and it's totally true! It leaves my hair silky, glossy and in perfect form (proof in my pic to the right) and I can finally have a good hair day, every day. Now I have to add a hairspray to my ever-growing product addiction. Great.

Image of $15 L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray - Extra Strong Hold at target.com