FancyPants Favorites! Ballin’ On a Budget!

So, it’s been a while and there are 4 treasures of mine that I have been obsessing over for the past few weeks. The bonus of all of these picks is that I got them all for a bargain! Ballin’ on a budget booooyyyyyy!

Riverberry Women’s Vintage American Flag Scarf

I’ve actually had this scarf for a couple of months now but just decided to share it with everyone because I love it oh so much! This was a surprise gift from my ever so thoughtful boyfriend and it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s a rather large scarf but super thin and breezy so you can wear it all year long. What’s great is that it practically goes with everything, I mean c’mon now, it is the American flag! I love scarfs and this by far gets the most compliments. The best part about it, he found it on Groupon for half the price; I originally found it on Pinterest for $25- $30 and it was $10.99 on Groupon. Do the math and get one. ‘Merica!

 

http://www.groupon.com/browse/houston?lat=29.76&lng=-95.3625&query=american+flag+scarf&address=Houston,+TX&locale=en_US

Brina 01S T Strap Peeptoe Stack Heel Platform in Cognac

OBSESSED! These are the most comfortable heels I have found in the past few years. They are a classic platform that goes with a ton of outfits. I love that they look vintage yet beachy; if that even makes sense! These shoes are identical to the Steve Madden Dyvine – Cognac Lea for $109.99 and they are always sold out. On the bright side, the smart shopper that I am, I found these wonderful Heaven sent platforms at my local mall in a store called, A’Gaci for $27.50!!!!!! Yes, that’s right!

http://www.agacistore.com/product.aspx?id=1844519&cid=2254&sid=2254

Ann Taylor Petite Notched Tweed Jacket and Fringed Tweed Pencil Skirt in Yellow Dobby

Once in a blue moon, I find a suit that magically fits my body and just 2 weeks ago, it happened! I’m in the process of seeking a new career, in normal terms, I’m job hunting, and I figured a new career, a new wardrobe. I usually go for the standard black or charcoal grey dress pants, button up blouses, and printed cardigans. So, a tweed suit is completely out of my comfort zone. It fit like a glove which is rare because I’m only 5’2 but have a huge bust with skinny legs and a narrow body from the waist down. It was classic yet fun; breathable yet professional. How could I resist making this an investment piece for my wardrobe? Better yet, I did it again! Both pieces originally cost around $270 and I luckily bought them for $140! Shazam!

http://www.anntaylor.com/petite-notched-tweed-jacket/338434?colorExplode=false&skuId=16240414&catid=cata000032&productPageType=search&defaultColor=0153

 

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Lavender 

I’m sure everyone has tried at least one Sinful Colors Nail Polish and normally I always grab the standard OPI or Essie shade of fabulousness but I wanted to try something different and cheap! I was going to get the shade Cinderella but decided to go for Lavender. I tried it on my toes and surprisingly loved it . I’m wearing it right now and very satisfied with my choice. It’s dark with a purple-blue hue and only took 2 coats! It’s a steal and you can find it at every Target for $1.99! I can’t guarantee any other colors for this brand but Lavender is a contender! They nailed it!

 

SINFULCOLORS

 

I hope you enjoyed my top picks. What are your faves!?

 

*All photos courtesy of Deseree Joson

Take Your Clothes On a Test Drive Before You Buy Them? Why Not!

A clothing in store in Japan is allowing customers to take items from their store to “test drive” them. Read more here.

https://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/clothing-store-s-new-policy-lets-you-wear-clothes-out-of-the-store-without-paying-155638745.html

 

*Photo courtesy of Google Images

Secrets for Shopping at Sephora!

Are you a Beauty Insider or better yet a VIB?! Check out this link to read about tips for shopping at Sephora!

*Photo courtesy of Google Images & Sephora

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine, Blowing Through The Jasmine In My Mind

It’s that time of year again where 80% of the population smells of sun tan lotion, wavy hair is a must, and every girl is slaving of their last minute diets. Yes, it’s swimsuit season! Check out Elle’s Annual Swimsuit Guide for 2014!

*Photo courtesy of Elle.com

My Everyday Must Haves!

 

 

 

Every girl has her go to products that she cannot go without on a daily basis. Whether it’s the perfect lipstick or hair spray, a find at the drugstore or a high end splurge. Once you find something great that works for you, it’s an investment piece. I like to try different products left and right but the issue, just like many of us, I have super sensitive skin so I always breakout. I have to be very choosy when it comes to makeup and once I find something that works, I can’t let it go. Here are few beauty items that I use everyday that I cannot live without!

 

Neutrogena Skinclearing Oil-Free Makeup ($11.99) 

Though my current foundation is made by MAC, for years I have always crawled back to Neutrogena Oil Free foundation because it is super light and doubles as a skin care product. It doesn’t dry my face out nor does it clog my pores. During the summertime especially, I use this to ensure I don’t have a greasy face or breakouts. I have to be cautious not to try every foundation that I see and so far for the past 5 years, this oil free liquid makeup has impressed me.

 

MAC Coppertone Powder Blush ($21)

Obsessed! I love that this blush has lasted me 2 years (same refill pan!) and it goes well with my natural skin tone and when I’m tan during the spring and summer. It’s the perfect blend of peach, pink, brown…you name it! I randomly picked up this blush at the mall as an impulse buy and usually those picks eventually get tossed in the back of my cabinet in the makeup graveyard, but this perfect shade convinced me otherwise. Of course MAC makes great quality makeup but I literally use this every single day and it goes great with any type of look I’m going for. It’s definitely a beauty staple. If you’re looking for something that’s versatile like NARS Orgasm, check this out. 

LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer (Travel $7/Regular $32)

 

If my face needs to a bit of color and a natural glow, LORAC Bronzer has been my right hand man since I was a freshman in college. Yup almost 10 years! I have yet to find another bronzer that blends well with my skin tone and doesn’t give off an orangey glow or something super cakey. This goes on very smoothly and comes with an awesome brush that facilitates contouring. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great options for bronzer that work, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it! It’s a quality find and the travel size has lasted me almost 2 years, so you can’t beat that! 

ELF Finishing Spray ($3)

ELF is a hit or miss when it comes to makeup and you really can’t resist picking up their products because of their affordable prices. I randomly tried this after reading pretty decent reviews online. I figured people raved about it because it was so cheap but it proved me wrong. On a normal day, I don’t wear a lot of makeup so finishing spray wasn’t something that I needed, but for those long nights out and hot summer days, it’s nice not to look like your face is melting. The finishing spray is all natural which is nice and that means no breakouts and it’s not sticky or hardening. I usually spritz it on my face and neck 2 to 3 times and it leaves a nice dewy look. Now, I’m from Florida and I currently live in Texas, so I’m used to sweating and constantly dabbing my face and reapplying makeup but since using ELF’s Finishing Spray, everything stays in place! It’s a steal and I think it’s a practical dupe for any high end finishing sprays. It’s $3, c’mon now, go try it!

 

WIGO Color Teasing 100% Boar Bristle Brush (3.99)

I love big hair and I cannot lie! I think it’s timeless and sexy. So, go big or go home! My hair is super thick and I’m very thankful for the mane I was blessed with, but since it’s so heavy, it’s tough to add volume sometimes. I’ve tried small toothed combs and large paddle brushes, pretty much everything and it just wouldn’t stay. I discovered the WIGO Teasing Bristle Brush at Ulta and it’s changed my life completely. I just need to do a few backcombs on my crown with a bit of hairspray and creme, I’m done. It’s perfection and doesn’t pull my hair out nor does it make it look matted like a rat’s nest. The teasing brush has done wonders on my hair and I couldn’t ask for anything better. The only negative is that some of the bristles pop out very easily, so you have to be very careful and meticulous when cleaning the brush, but overall no complaints! 

Please share with me your favorite everyday picks! 

 

I’m 99% Sure I’m a Disney Princess!

Disney Princesses are the first role models that little girls have and aspire to be…and few of us do believe that we are truly princesses. Can you blame any young girl or even a grown woman for desiring these girls? They have beautiful, flowing hair, flawless skin, and always seem to look perfect even if they’re under the sea and just around the riverbend. Side note, this is meant to be funny because I know some readers tend to take everything seriously, so yeah!

Snow White 

The most of annoying voice of them all, Snow White has taught women to not eat the forbidden fruit but to clean a house for diamond miners! She gets 7x worth of diamonds….gold digger? On a serious note, always have a good mirror; one that tells you who the fairest of them all is. It’s you of course! Take a good look in the mirror everyday and know that you are beautiful!

 

 

Cinderella

A good pair of shoes will change your life. In Cinderelly’s case, a glass slipper took her away from her psychotic step family and away from being a servant. She now, because of her shoe size, married a prince and is now living happily ever after. Whether they’re on clearance at Target or those beloved red bottomed Louboutins, a great shoe can make a difference. Though, it may not be life changing, it metaphorically can! If they look good, you feel good, and that’s all that matters! So, dress your feet up. You deserve it!

 

Sleeping Beauty

Personally, Aurora is my favorite Disney Princess, so I’m biased by saying she’s the most beautiful of them all. What I learned from Ms. Briar Rose is that rest and relaxation is important and crucial if you want to escape evil (aka dark circles and a poor complexion).   Who doesn’t love a good nap, right? I mean, this girl slept for 100 years and when she awoke, she looked stunning! So, when I sleep until noon on the weekend, it’s not because I’m lazy, it’s because I’m practicing my skin regimen. Can I also add, all she had to do was dance in a forest and then sleep, and she got a hot prince. That’s a very low maintenance couple! Sleeping Beauty also taught me that if you can’t choose between 2 items (or colors in her case), you should get both! Though it wasn’t necessarily her decision with a pink or blue dress, Briar Rose’s giving fairies gave her both a pink and blue dress! I know when I’m shopping and I can’t decided between 2 colors or shirts or whatever it is, I always end up getting both! Why wouldn’t you if they both look fab!

 

The Little Mermaid

Legs are required for jumping, dancing….you gotta have a nice set of legs! Ariel made a deal with Ursula to give up her voice for legs so she could get a man. And you know what, it worked! Take care of those stems, work ’em out, shave them, moisturize, and if you’re like me, add some bronzer. It’s summertime, show them off! PS: She makes beach hair look amazing!

 

 

Beauty and The Beast

Tale as old as time, Belle has always been our favorite bookworm and that’s sexy. She’s got brains! When she hooked up with the beast, he gave her a gigantic library that we’ve been drooling over for 20 years (man, that makes me feel old), but you know what so many girls look over in this movie, her talking armoire. A talking closet! Now that’s cool! If you’re lucky enough to have a wardrobe that can help you pick out the most fabulous outfit, take it and run! And for the men, the beast made beards hot! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a man with some hair on the face. Honestly, when he turned into a prince, he wasn’t that great looking, I preferred The Beast!

 

I believe in fairytales and that every girl should be treated like a princess! You don’t need a castle, a prince, or even animals to clean your house; even though we’d all prefer that! It’s fun to splurge and to just be a girl once in a while. A little glitter never hurt anyone! Take some pointers from our favorite royal beauties and sing along, you know you still know all the words!

And they all lived happily ever after!

 

Nailed It! 2014 Summer Nail Trends!

Mani/Pedi Combos!

Laid Back…With My Mind On My Money and My Money On My Mind

I concur.

FancyPants Forever 21 Finds!

Just the other day I decided to take a trip to Forever 21 just to browse. Can I please add that there is no such thing as browsing at Forever 21! So, I picked up a few closet essentials all for under $30! Check them out!

 

Favorite V Neck Tee – Heather Grey $3.80

 

Black Stretch Knit Mini Skirt $5.80

 

Favorite Crop Top- Lime $4.80

 

Quirky Owl Pendant Necklace $4.80 (I had to get an owl necklace because I am a Chi Omega XO!)

These items can be found in stores and online! Happy Shopping!

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=f21&category=whatsnew_all

 

FancyPants Favorites! My Top Beauty Picks!

These are just a few products that I have been loving and couldn’t help but want to share with everyone! What’s exciting is that these are all super affordable products with high quality results! Enjoy!

Beauty

Facial Cleanser- Cetaphil

I have super sensitive skin and my face is oily so it’s difficult to find a cleanser that won’t cause breakouts and clog my pores. I’ve been using Pond’s since elementary school but have recently let my dear pal go and hibernate in the back of the cabinet. I’ve tried Proactive and other big name products and still no luck; they caused more breakouts and my skin to become flaky! Then randomly one day when  strolling down the Target aisles, I picked up Cetaphil. Everyone and their mothers swear by it and I finally see why. Within 2 days of washing my face, my skin was radiant and soft. It’s pure perfection and if you’re not using it, go get some.

 

Facial Moisturizer- St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer

Like I said previously, I used Pond’s for my entire life but as I get older, I’ve noticed my skin is changing, especially as the seasons pass. Though my skin is oily, once in a while my face will get overly flaky and dry; mostly due to me experimenting with different cleansers. I’ve finally found a moisturizer that does its job by refreshing my skin and not clogging my pores. You just need a small dollop to cover your face, neck, and chest and you’re good for the day! It’s very light and also helps firm your skin. It’s a great product and I wouldn’t use anything else.

 

Facial Scrub- St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Ok, I know I sound redundant and a spokesperson for St. Ives but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it! St. Ives Apricot Scrub is a facial product that I use 1 to 2 times a week depending on the season and how much makeup I wear. It helps with blemish control as well as making my skin feel silky smooth. It’s a steal!

 

Summer Glow- Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Self Tanning Tinted Lotion

I know I just posted an article listing the top self tanners for 2014, but as a Florida girl, I know tanners! I’ve pretty much tried them all and I’m not too fond of many that are on the shelves (not saying those products aren’t great but they just don’t work for my skin). It wasn’t until last year that I tried Victoria’s Secret brand of tanners and bronzers. The Beach Sexy Self Tanning Tinted Lotion is amazing and a little goes a long way. It’s very simple to use because you just put on your standard body lotion/body butter and add just a tiny bit of the tinted lotion on top of it. Make sure you blend it well and wash your hands of course! It lasts for a few days, adds a beautiful glow to your skin, and it doesn’t smell like your standard tanner.  It’s worth the try and one step closer to looking like those mutants AKA Victoria’s Secret Angels!

 

Nail Polish- OPI Samoan Sand

I’ve been obsessing over nudes lately just because they are so simple and sophisticated. I’m normally a black nail type of girl because I feel that’s fashionable but I’m so tired of people asking me if I’m depressed or goth. Really people, black nail polish does not reflect a person’s mood! I like black but I think I’ve been converted to the light side. The perks of this color, in my opinion, is that it’s not brown, white or pink. It’s a solid neutral that goes with everything!

 

Hair- Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion and Styling Creme

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/index.tmpl

My hairstylist, Allie, in Raleigh, NC introduced me to these amazing hair products 2 years ago. Bumble and Bumble is a solid line of products that are worth the splurge. It’s pure quality and works with different types of hair. The Tonic Lotion made a great change to my scalp. It’s a light spray that I put in my hair when it’s damp and usually every other day I lightly mist it into my scalp. I normally have an itchy scalp and Allie noticed that it was red and flaky. She told me to spray the tonic lotion on my scalp and it acts as a refresher to the hair. Ever since then my head hasn’t itched once! It’s truly wonderful! The Styling Creme I only use when my hair was damp or I’m doing some necessary teasing to my mane. It adds a kick of volume and you only need a tiny bit around the crown area. To be honest, I’ve used these products for 2 years and I’m using the same bottles. So, it may be a tad more expensive than drug store products, but you definitely get what you pay for!

 

My favorite products aren’t always pricey and the popular go to names but these are amazing, high quality items. These are based on my opinions and my personal experiences. All of these products can be found in your local drug store except Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Self Tanning Tinted Lotion (obviously!)  for an affordable price! If you’re looking to change products or always open to try something new, check these out! Word to your Mother!