Mad About Drew And Ellen Too!

Have you ever seen a celebrity on a talk show sitting so prettily and gabbing away with the host or maybe even watched them wax philosophical on the big screen or even read an enchanting article and thought, for a slight second, that if you were sitting in the same room with said actress ... that beyond a shadow of a doubt ... you would become nothing but "insta-besties?"

Well, that exact epiphany happened with me after reading the featured article and seeing the pretty pictorial in this month's (October 2009) issue of Marie Claire magazine with Miss Barrymore and Miss Page. 

Girl Crush x 2.

(Insert your pic here. See? We could totally fit right in and complete the trio with Drew and Ellen. Totally.)

The epitome of trusty girlfriends, girl power and besties ... on skates.  Guess pictures really do paint a thousand words.

Adorable.

(Well, maybe 1001.)

This week's "Magazine/Feature of the Week" brought to you by Marie Claire Magazine

Off To The Vases

A Christmas or two back now, there was a gift exchange among friends.  Specific rules were to be followed at this event.  Absolutely, under no circumstances, were you to spend over a $20 limit.  Music to this shopper's budgeting ears.  I immediately got to work.

I headed down to the discount mecca of a shop, TJ Maxx, where there is a treasure on each and every aisle just waiting to be found  by the bargain professional's discerning eye. The laws of this land?  You MUST be willing to be patient enough to look for it, and once it's in your sights, to pounce on your intended prey.  Hint:  It also helps to bring along a tall drink of water of a man in your shopping partner that can intimidate with not only his stare, but his statuesque presence, and who has a long enough arm reach to quickly snatch your prize once spotted.

The search was over once we reached the vase aisle.  Rows upon rows of glistening glass vases were calling with their sweet, sweet gleaming selves.  Tall, short, round and multi-colored lovelies ... each under $20.  Quite a few minutes were spent choosing between the beauties, and once the final selections were made, it was off to the cashier to pay for our finds.

To entice friends to choose our wrapped gifties, we oh so cleverly placed them in white cardboard boxes (brown would work too) and took black permanent marker and wrote tempting little sayings to coax them into both wanting and picking the presents.  Another idea:  if the top of the vase is wide and open enough, you can fill it with candies (just make sure they are wrapped and won't melt)  Needless to say, our vases were the hit of the holiday party that year and there's nothing quite like beaming with pride, knowing that you've found another amazing favorite, all on a bargainista's budget.

Now, whenever I go to TJ Maxx, I always hit the vase aisle first just to see what I can find, and the featured image today is one that I snatched up for myself, "for keeps" at only $5.99!  Yeah.  I have a feeling I just need to "vase the fact" that it is going to be the first in what is bound to be a very large collection for this discounting diva.

Black, White And Jealous All Over

Ever since going from a sweet, demure bob to a shorty-short cut, I've been mulling over whether to bleach it all over again to achieve maximum platinum perfection.

My coif contemplation has inched closer to fruition with every inspiring image I see of blondies like Gwen Stefani's savvy swoops or Diablo Cody's new hue and 'do.  If done right, it can make the infamous statement: Blondes have more fun (and look so good doing it) ring totally true.

I've been wrestling, no agonizing (had to put in some dramatic effect) with this decision, hoping that signs will just magically appear, and as soon as I think I'll just stick to my original guns and stay with my natural dirty/dark blonde self ... POOF! ... another sigh-worthy picture comes into my view and I'm transfixed all over again (thanks hugely in part to Vanessa Jackman and her stunning portraits. Take a look here and thank me later)

Over the weekend, just when I thought I was safe, it happened again.  I was minding my own business when I came across ads for White House Black Market (an example in the stunning  photo above) and found myself daydreaming that I could look like that, all sophisticated and ingenue-like, with my colored crop and wear nothing but black, white and bright red lips (a great contender being the lipstick from my last post, no?)

Now all that's left is to save up all my pennies to be able to afford my hair lust to be created by a professional.  I've resisted the bargainista urge inside me that just wants so desperately to go out and grab an at-home coloring kit and douse it all over my own head, all by my lonesome.  Be proud of me.  I realize that this is one process that is definitely worth the moolah.

Image courtesy of White House Black Market, inside the September issue of In Style magazine

Seeing Red

Actually, it's more like a fantastically bright and pretty, just-right hot pink-ish shade that is getting ready to run on over to join the reds in all their fun.

What is it about this lipstick that has me writing this rave review?  Maybe I am falling so fast for this lipcolor because of the totally-worth-every-penny $5.94 that I so happily doled out at the register.  Come to think of it, I'm sure it's all about the fact that all I need to complete this look is a quick pinch of my cheeks for a nice, natural flush and a little mascara and I'm walking out the door.  Yeah.  That's got to be it.  Then again, it really could be something as simple as the cheery name on the bottom of the tube:  Cherries in the Snow.

Whatever the reason, all I know is this:  red lipstick's stigma is very much apparent here with all of its mystery, allure and appeal because it truly does give this wearer nothing but supreme confidence, and really, isn't that reason (and bargain) enough?

The Revlon lipstick being worn and shown here, courtesy of the makeup aisle at Target

It's Game Time. Wanna Play?

I can't BELIEVE that it's already the 100th post of this little blog o' mine.  Wow.  Time really does fly when you are having fun just writing and babbling away about things that make a girly-girl giddy.  Somebody pinch me?  This can't be real.  Goodness. 

To celebrate the occasion, I wanted to shine the spotlight on someone who is the complete definition of wit and whimsy, and after seeing his new fall campaign in a magazine spread for Liz Claiborne, I knew exactly who I wanted this entry's shining star to be: Isaac Mizrahi. 

Go way back with me now.  Do you remember the books, "Where's Waldo?" You know ... where you had to find the man with the black-rimmed glasses and red and white shirt out of the different crowded scenes on every page?  Well ... that's what I want to play today, but with a new 2009 twist.  Instead of Waldo, you're going to have to find Mr. Mizrahi within his ads.  We'll call it, "Where's Isaac-o?" Ready to play?

Do you see him?  Huh? Huh?  Not to distract or try to interrupt your train of thought, but I just had to say that I wish I had that whole plaid suit to wear right now.  It's so darn cute.  Ok, ok.  I'll stop now.

How about in this scene?  Check out the shoes on every model.  I'll take one of each, please.  And how 'bout them orange-y bags?  So chic and the perfect pop of color, no?  Gosh.  I'm doing it again.  I'm totally disrupting here.  Sorry.  Get back to the game.

Do you see our Mister Man?  I just can't not talk about those grey sailor pants/trousers our girl to the left is donning with her bright pink clutch.  Come on!  How darling is that?  Kind of makes me want to go and see a flick (I suspect the powers of subliminal messaging are at work here)

GAME OVER

(I've always wanted to type something like that - hee hee)  Alright, alright.  I really just wanted today's post to reflect clothing that has me nothing but inspired for the chillier months to come, where layers will be the new black, and I feel like Mr. M's take on the classics (trousers, trenches and plaid) has been reinvented for many seasons to come ... and he simply makes me happy.  Check out the new Liz Claiborne fall line here.

Well.  That's all she wrote for her big 1-0-0 post.  Thank you, readers, for taking this ride with me and writing, commenting and supporting me as I do what I love to do most.  Thank you.  Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.  I hope you'll keep coming back, because I promise, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

All images found in  In Style magazine's anniversary edition (with Jennifer Lopez gracing the cover)

*Isaac can be found picking up his morning paper, reading said paper at the train station and up high on a ladder, letters in hand*  Thanks for playing!

All You Gotta Do Is Ask For A Little Yelp

Cupcakes.  Cupcakes.  Cupcakes. 

That sweet little word has been swirling and twirling around in my mind incessantly as of late as I do nothing but picture and imagine taking a big old bite into a mound of frosting resting atop a yum yummy cake. Mmm.

I could suffer in silence no more, so as soon as I awoke this morning, I went to the one source that I knew would take pity on me and help me curb this cupcake-y craving:  Yelp.com.

The only work required from me was to click on my desired city (Salt Lake, baby!) and then type in my sweet tooth's anecdote: cupcakes. There it was.  Just waiting ever so calmly and patiently for me to notice and remember it again:  Mini's Cupcakes.  Of course!  How could I have forgotten this vintage-y gem?  I'd been so lucky to savor these tasties in the past, not only for a birthday celebration, but for my own taste bud pleasure. I had fallen madly and deeply once before for these beauties with their mini size, price (only $2 a pop!) and all over 'prettiness' ... (and I heart that I giggle every time I read the tag line: Change Your Cup Size - hee hee) ... and it was (and is) time to fall all over again.

One last quick click and I was immersed in Mini's pink-y web world full of cupcakes, cupcakes and more cupcakes.  Home sweet home.  A giddy little shriek escaped from me as soon as I noticed that in addition to their downtown abode, they had a new Sugarhouse location! (Shut up!) For those of you who don't know, Sugarhouse is both mine and Utah's version of some sort of a fairytale-like Candyland, literally. Filled with 'Mom and Pop' shops, boutiques and chic eateries galore.  A shopping jewel and haven, just for us Utahnians.  Needless to say, I'm going to be making a trip down to see these cupcake-bakin' ladies in their new home very, very soon.  Consider my cupcake craving cured.  Thanks for all your help, Yelp.

I thought it would be a form of cruel and unusual punishment not to share at least a few pictures of the yummies with you (and if you aren't lucky enough to reside in our state, maybe you'll be convinced to come and stay a while as your tummy grumbles in agreement for just a sliver of a sampling of the deliciousness):

You're welcome. (It's ok, you can wipe the drool, this sugar addict completely understands)

Mini's Downtown

14 East 800 South (between Main and State Street)

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.363.0608

Mini's Sugarhouse

1751 South 1100 East

Salt Lake City, Utah

801.746.2208

Wednesday's Websites of the Week:  Yelp and Mini's

What A Piece of (Art)Work!

Found this Twiggy-esque canvas painting at Harmon's.  Uh-huh.  My local grocery store.  Yeah.  For $12.99. 

Enough said.

Animal Instinct

While stocking up on September birthday cards (it's a little ridiculous the amount celebrated this particular month in my clan) I, purely by accident, (*wink wink*) happened to stroll past the shoe aisle on my way to the check-out stand ...  my shopping cart came to an abrupt and screeching halt, when resting right on the top shelf of an end cap, were these feline flats. 

One quick glance at the red sticker (as all fellow bargainistas know that can only mean one thing: CLEARANCE!) and the $3.24 typed in big, bold black ink, and I was sold. I guess it must have been my natural, animal instincts that pulled and drew me over to them in the first place.  Insert womanly roar here.

Shoes found at Target, courtesy of Mossimo

C'mon And Give It A Curl

At first glance, your forehead could very possibly wrinkle and crease and your brow just may furrow as you cock your head to one side wondering what this medieval-looking torture device, this contraption, could ever do in terms of beauty. 

If there is one thing that I've learned through my 29 years, it's to never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, by its sterile, clinical outward appearance. 

As of late, I've been rockin the natural, fresh-faced look, nothing heavier than a tinted moisturizer here, and this 'peeper product' has been my knight in silvery shining armor. If I haven't gotten my recommended 7-8 hours of sleepy slumber the night before (which sadly, is an almost nightly occurence for this insomniac) all I have to do is rest it on top of my lashes for just a few seconds, and when I gently release its grip, what's staring back at me are eyes that have popped open, awake and wide-eyed. Mascara optional.

In conclusion, the five dollars that I parted with for my lash curler extraordinaire (mine happens to be yet another Revlon rescuer) proved to be a truly eye-opening experience.

So a bargain wrapped in a steal of a deal? Can't get much better than that. What are you waiting for?  C'mon ... and give it a curl!

Blaz(er)in' A New Trail

There was a time when yours truly had what some may call a slight obsession with blazers.  Maybe, just maybe, you could slide open my closet doors at any given time and see a tiny (alright, alright, a rather large) section dedicated to the jacket-like items in a vast array of textures, fabrics, patterns and shapes. Maybe. I will neither confirm or deny this.  I plead the fifth. 

I can say that there was a time I had convinced myself that the blazin' glory days had passed and needed to be a distant and fond memory ... until just a few months ago ... when I spotted the beauty hanging to the left  while gettin' my 'Gap' on and screen-hunting online. 

I know, it looks rather plain and simple, unassuming in its design and structure ... but don't let it fool you.  This innocent-looking piece is the first thing I grab when heading out the door because it so effortlessly is able to be  thrown over anything from a dainty little dress to a tee and jeans ... I may even admit that its collar has been seen accidentally popping up to graze my earlobes.  I'm just saying, it could have happened. 

With it's ever so subtle hint of a stripe to its pattern, a tad shorter sleeve length (with adorable buttons resting near my elbows), its one button option to fasten or leave open and its lightly padded, 80s-tastic shoulders ... Uh-oh.  I think it's happening all over again ... that old familiar feeling is creeping up on me again ... Must. Buy. More. Blazers.  Uh-oh.  Help?

Bing And Ye Shall Find

This Website of the Week story is brought to you today by bing.com.

Today's tale begins a little something like this:  

Once upon a time, on a lovely Wednesday morn, a deal-hunting bargain-ista awoke with dreams of grandeur at wanting nothing more than to seek out and find vintage-y, costumed jewels to rest upon her all-too-bare-neck for the chillier fall and winter months to come. She knew where her accessory answers would lie ... all she really had to do was "bing it."  And that's just what the savvy searcher did.

 Typing these four simple words: vintage clothing stores online into the provided box made our gem seeker's treasures magically appear with the help of her 'bing'-ed out online fairy godmother, Nelda's Vintage Clothing.

 Pretty piece upon pretty piece was laid out in front of her adorning eyes as she "oohed and ahhed" in their gilded presence. Never did she think she would be surrounded by such beaded beauty. She was experiencing nothing she had ever before (coming from the land of silver-spun beauties) She was having a definite "gold moment" ...

$25 Vintage Gold Tone 80s Necklace

$25 Napier Gold Tone Choker

$30 Trifari Gold Tone Necklace

$25 Monet Metal Necklace

$25 Napier Gold Tone Necklace

$50 80s Givenchy Designer Choker

... and it baubled her mind.  And, yes, she lived bling-ily ever after.

The moral of this tale?  Bing and ye shall find.

All necklace/jewelry images courtesy of Nelda's Vintage Clothing

I'm Eating Japanese, I Think I'm Eating Japanese, I Really Think So

Usually when thinking about and craving sushi, this bargainer sees one thing blaring from in her mind's eye: $$$.  Yep.  Dollar Sign City. 

Thankfully, wallets and insatiable appetites everywhere have found their cure and are being fed by what I believe to be Utah's very own answer to the most deliciously affordable Japanese cuisine out there:  Yoshi's Japanese Grill. 

Last night, I had such a fix at a catered soiree where I found myself surrounded by such colorful characters as The Matrix, Mario's Madness and Godzilla. No, these weren't fellow partygoers or even the night's movie entertainment/scene-stealers, these were the meal (in sushi roll form!)

By night's end, there wasn't a plate at the party that hadn't been filled with seconds (and thirds and fourths) and licked completely clean.  As the festitivies came to a close, goodbyes were said (and many a guest found sneaking said yummies into bags and purses alike), the statement that the food really does makes the shindig proved to be an understatement ... and our satisfied (and quite full tummies) had only Yoshi's to thank for it.

I just wouldn't feel right nor would I truly be the 'hostess with the mostest' of this blog and entry without properly showing off the night's stars of the menu. So, please, allow me now to introduce you to 'The Tasty Trio,' known as Matrix, Mario and Godzilla:

The Matrix

Mario's Madness

Godzilla Roll

Mmm.  Yum. Yum.  Yummy.

If you are lucky enough to reside in the Beehive State and have not yet had the pleasure of dining in and having your hunger filled and catered to byYoshi's, don't fret ... they are ready and waiting to meet you at two locations throughout the valley:

5695 South 900 East

Murray, Utah 84107
801.713.9423 

or at their newest location:

121 East 12300 South

Draper, Utah 84020
801.878.8484

You can also feel free to contact and/or visit them online for all dining, menu and catering options here.

If sushi's not your thing, I also highly recommend the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl (so, so tasty) and be sure to tell them Bex sent you. Happy eating, readers!

All images courtesy of Yoshi's Japanese Grill

Sisterly Love

You've heard the phrase "sister store(s)" before, right?  You know, where one company ... like today's example of Forever 21 ... is the main, big old umbrella (or sibling) and then contained and enclosed safely underneath it are even more additions (ie: 'sisters' like Heritage 1981, faith 21 and Love 21?) 

Well, while clicking away and giddily browsing through said site (online shopping being one of my most favorite ways to pass the time, no doubt) I stumbled across a new line that had a distinct 'couturish' vibe and feel ... sophisticated with an obvious edge, but with price tags that this bargainer could wrap both her head and wallet around.  This savvy-licious find (yes, I liked what I was seeing so much, I had to create a word for my discovery) is called Twelve by Twelve. 

Each time I do visit this collection, I see unique pieces that would be sure to turn heads and produce envious glares from others not wearing what they're gawking at ... and it being Monday and all (if you are anything like me, this is the one day in the week where it's just that much harder to wake from your restful weekend and feel even the tad bit fashion inspired) ... I decided there is no time more perfect than right now to share some of the pieces that 'razzle dazzle' this girl-y frill-seeker and help me escape my first-day-of-a-new-week rut:

$34

Cafe Peplum Sweater

$46

Belted Contrast-Tiered Dress

$22

Dark Rose Tee

$29

Pleated Windbreaker Jacket

$29

Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress

$49

Chiffon Trim Jacket

And the last picture that I just couldn't (though I tried my very, very hardest) end this entry without posting to share and spread the love with all of my fellow fashion sisters out there so you could take a tiny peek at and appreciate all its shimmery glory and goodness ... the I-have-absolutely-no-idea-where-I'd-wear-it, fantastically fabulous sequin-rific frock:

Ta-Da!

$49

Sequin Ruffle Dress

There. Satisfied and speechless now.

All images courtesy of Forever 21

Go On And Tweeze Me!

I'm keeping this entry short and sweet today since it's also a perfect description for how these babies get even the pluckiest of jobs done.

I've tried every brand out there (severely slanted, super straight, short and lengthy) but I've ALWAYS come back to these silver-y Revlon tweezers; forever comforted in knowing that they are readily available down any grocery or drugstore aisle when I need a nice, close brow-shaping session.

I just wouldn't have the beautiful, natural arches that I have today without this amazing (under $10) tool.  Now that's what I call a bargain.

MAC Attack

Many moons ago (please, don't make me admit the actual number of said moons that have passed, a girl's got to have some secrets) I was introduced to MAC cosmetics through a tiny pot of an all-in-one highlighter, eyeshadow, blush and cupid's bow accent-er (if there was such a thing as cosmetics gymnastics, this little wonder would take the all-around champion title every time, chalked-hands down) that they called Vellum.  From that one black pot came my Spice lipliner (an ever-popular staple that would find me holding my breath in anticipation as the make-up artist rummaged through the drawers to see if they had any in stock that day - apparently my fellow Utahnians shared my pencil adoration) and my purse's one and only constant: clear Lipglass.  One swipe of the stuff and you knew that you looked good.  You just knew (and I'm also pretty darn sure that I'm not the only one since said department store lipgloss has been a vote-getter and winner from beauty users and editors alike ever since it was introduced those never-to-admit-how-many moons ago)

Every gal knows about the LBD (the one little black dress that every woman should have hanging in her closet as her go-to for anything and everything that may come up for her in terms of 'what to wear') but I am partial to my very own version, the LBB (you know, the little black bag that the consultant hands to you after you have purchased your MAC product for the day)  I like to think that every woman should have at least one in her make-up bag arsenal at all times ... and don't even get me started gabbing on about the first time I discovered a free-standing boutique (no shared counters or bays here) in a shopping mall in California.  I have no doubt that I heard the angels singing and shining a bit brighter that day (because of the Lipglass they were wearing, no doubt) and I had a shopping buddy (and witness) that could testify to that glorious day's events ... right Mrs. B?

That same witness also rang the doorbell to my front door one unassuming day, and as I opened it, what I saw standing in front of me was a sparkly emerald-eyeshadow-ed blonde beauty that, while pointing to her eyes, exclaimed "I did it. I went to a MAC counter ... and look what they did!  So cool, right?  Just wanted to show you. Gotta go!"  Behold the power of MAC.

I kind of like the intimidation that surges through me as I approach the chromed counters, trying to catch a quick glimpse and peek into all the saturated colors calling my name, and mark my words, the day will come where I muster up enough courage to sit myself down on one of those black and silver stools and have a make-up consultation (aka a 'MAC Attack') all my own with one of the brilliant artists at my local counter ... and I'll smile at the angelic voices that accompany me that fine LBB-filled day.

Logo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

DIY Card Couture

Have you ever found yourself being drawn in by all the sparkles, baubles and brilliant colors calling to you from the greeting card aisle?  You start to put your hand out just so you can get a touch ... and after you fall head over heels in love with said folded card ... you immediately (and habitually) turn to the back to see the price as you gasp with utter shock and horror at the numbers staring back at you from  the little beauty? Then, after shaking off your sticker shock, shrugging your shoulders, and  having to put it back where it first summoned and flirted with you ... you sigh as you mumble to yourself, "I bet I could make just as pretty a card all by myself, if only I knew how or where to begin" ... Well, you're in luck because today's Website of The Week, Donna's Stamp Room, has heard our "under the breath ramblings" and is more than happy to show us (especially in these economic times) how we can create (and give) these beautiful bargain beauties with our own two hands with a blog full of categories, sub-categories (every party and holiday theme you can think of), how-tos and step-by-step tutorials galore.

We've all been there.  At the restaurant, celebrating our friend's good fortune ... at the baby shower, huddled around the expectant mommy-to-be as she tears off the wrappings to her gifties ... or at the dining room table as the tissue comes flying out of yet another birthday bag ... and there is always that one guy or gal that pulls out a special little envelope that as soon as the recipient opens and sees it, smiles a little wider and places said card to their chest to allow it to linger in their presence a bit longer ... and their eyes get a bit mistier, and almost instantaneously, it is being  passed around to be shown off as it becomes the envy-of-all-friends, why-didn't-I-think-of-or-make-it couture card.  Have no fear, card-challenged ones, DonnaJ9 is here.

It was nearly impossible for me to choose which stunners to highlight (seriously) but I wanted to give you just a little taste of some of the works of art that this "card queen" creates and has waiting for you in her online shop (anyone that advertises and opens with telling me she is open 24/7 and I can wear my jammies to shop with her, has my loyalty for all time) :

A little birdie told me this just may be the cutest card ever!

Spring has definitely sprung here!  Look at those darling folded flowers!

What a spectacularly spooky Halloween sentiment ...

No card set would be complete without a pretty little Christmas addition (that deer stamp? C'mon!)

Now that you are sufficiently satisfied and all of your greeting card needs have been met by you clicking over to this greeting card palace, I have one more tiny little thing I feel I must tell you ... and I, with the utmost sincerity, must apologize in advance for the green shade you may turn upon hearing my last confession ... this master of card stock, stamps and folds alike?  This talented card creator?  Well. I'm lucky (and oh so proud) enough to be able to call her my Auntie.  Yep.  I'm related to this genius!  Can you believe it?  I guess it's true what they say ... some gals have all the luck.

All card imagery and the window sticker courtesy of DonnaJ9

The Numbers Game

What's that saying?  Age ain't nothin' but a number?  Well ... I'm going to go ahead and change the wordage just a bit here this morning and have it say this instead:  Size ain't nothin' but a number ... and I have both a brilliant and fellow blogger, The Sartorialist and Glamour magazine (the September 2009 issue with Miss Jessica Simpson on the cover, to be exact) to thank for it.

The above mentioned super talented blogger (with his incredibly addicting and inspirational blog of beautiful fashion images from people on the street) first brought up this issue in a recent post where he showed an up-and-coming picture to be included in the article that I am referencing from the magazine today, entitled:  What Everyone But You Sees About Your Body (by Akiba Solomon on pages 190-194)  In the picture is a woman depicted where you can see that she has a bit of a belly (and who doesn't?  I mean, I'll even go as far as to tell you that I have my own little belly bulge that has (and always will be) lovingly referred to as my 'bagel') The specific issue brought up, set on the table, and posed on both his blog and to Glamour readers ... that I believe deserves to be talked about even further today (hence this entry) ... is if we as shoppers, readers (and viewers) are finally ready to accept our unique selves AND different sizes as beautiful? No more comparing ourselves to the wee-sized supermodels that grace the pages.  Are we ready to accept and say that we are stunning, whatever size may be on our tags?

Look. I've done the "size tag peek" so many times, I've lost count.  I've been in the dressing room and sighed when the smaller number hasn't even been able to be zipped up and around me and I've had the gut-wrenching churn in my tummy as I've had to succumb and admit defeat and go up a size ... but the truth of the matter is ... I've always looked better in the item or garment that fit all of me ... instead of the lower size I've tried to squeeze myself into.  Today is the day that I stop the "size tag peek" and I accept that I am beautiful, no matter my size or shape and I hope that I'll persuade you, even a little bit, to join me.  Read what both experts and people on the street had to say within the article about accepting (and lovin' every inch of your beautiful selves ... it made me feel way more confident and stand that much straighter):

"What makes women so interesting to look at - and touch - is the contrast between their smaller, smooth areas and the plump, soft ones." - Sam, 25, St. Louis

"We have curves for a reason." - Sue Baelen, licensed midwife 

(She goes on to say) "...and what we call the pooch - the slight roundness of the belly - stores needed estrogen. We've been poisoning ourselves with unrealistic images for so long that we see these parts as liabilities. So I want all of us ... to embrace the changes our bodies undergo as a part of the natural order of things."

(I knew I loved my own 'bagel' for a reason! Ha!)

"Your body doesn't deserve to be bashed!" -Gyasi Atkins, Saks Fifth Avenue sales associate

(Read on for her blunt, but totally amazing take) "...I also don't feed into negative language. Terms like chunky, huge and gross don't belong in my store. It's partly selfish: I don't want to be influenced by their negativity. Besides, if someone came in and started beating up my customer, I would intervene. The same goes for verbal self-bashing. I like to think I'm breaking a cycle. Even a half hour of seeing your body in a positive light can help."

After reading those words, it's officially, 100% completely settled for me now. The days of me holding in my breath (and my 'bagel') are starting to be a distant memory since I'm taking the time to start doing the things that I truly love and adore (this blog being my catalyst) and shopping and hunting for other men and women and their shapes, and showcasing the best, no matter the size and have come to learn that each designer/company and their cuts and fits will always have a different number.  I'm a whole range of different sizes ... and I kind of like that I don't fit into any one, specific mold.  Makes me feel special.

The next time that I ponder (or am asked) what size I am, I may just shrug my shoulders, smile, and say: "Normal," instead of what number may be resting on the tag because, at least in this case, size doesn't matter.  It's the person wearing it that does.

Out Of Office Reply

Seeing how it's officially Labor Day today (and most of the world has the day off, most ... my apologies to those of you who have to work, work, work) I am bound and determined to do nothing too strenuous or laborious (get it, huh?) because it should be a day of relaxing and celebrating the fact that we are doing absolutely nothing ... and I figured that both me and this blog o' mine fit right smack dab into the middle of the "no work-y today, please" category ... so we're taking the day off ... but don't fret, just like the sign says, I'll be back to my old writin' self tomorrow with all things bargain-y, savvy and deal-y to gush about.

Happy Labor Day, my readers ... now please, do something for me?  Go forth and ... do nothing!

Let Them Eat Cake

Whenever another holiday rolls around, the first thing that comes to mind is to celebrate, right? And there is a key ingredient, quite the staple, that is used to add to all of my festivities ... Cake. Mmm. Cake.

So I thought it oh so appropriate with the Labor Day weekend fast approaching, to share one of my all-time favorite websites (just very recently having been introduced to and can't stop reading. It's now the first thing I log on to see in the morning, right after my horoscope) I am totally and completely addicted and it always assures that I start my day off right: with a smile. Well ... more like laughing so hard you have to grab your sides and remember to breathe because you can't recall the last time you giggled this much!

Click right on over to Cakewrecks, and with any post, you'll see why it will kick start your weekend with two of my favorite things: cake and humor.

Pass me a fork? Yum. Hilariously delicious.

Have a super happy and safe holiday weekend, readers!

Grin And Wear It

I was feeling a bit low this morning when I just so happened upon Kate Spade's Debut Clothing Collection for Fall; it instantly put a big old smile on my face and infused some much needed happiness to my woe and I wanted to share it with you here, hoping that if you need a bit of whimsy and inspiration to your day too, that it will do the same for you by putting a little glee into your Thursday:

DAY AT THE OFFICE

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE

OFF TO THE OPERA

HITTING THE ROAD

BEST IMPULSE BUY

FRET NOT, FETE YES

TREASURE HUNTING

DIM SUM AFTER DARK

SQUEALING WITH DELIGHT

LEAVING WORK EARLY

POP OF COLOR

SPIED A CAB

CATCHING A MOVIE

BEST GUEST

Although the cost of the pieces (seen here) tend to be a little out of reach for my bargain-y budgeting ways, at the very least, it gives me a dose of fashion-forward ideas and inspiration to incorporate some cheer into my own wardrobe when I'm out shopping and hunting down my own deal-y steals ... and I figure you can't really put a price tag on that, can you?

Delightfully Darling Debut Collection Images Courtesy of Kate Spade