Wednesday's Reprise

Good evening lovelies! It has been too long! For those that don't know, I am filming a show called "The Jace & Ashley Show". My wonderful partner Jace is editing and the show should be up and running very soon. When that's up, I'll be sure to post the first episode on here. 

This evening I decided to take the leap and make my own video show. Tonight I created a tutorial I am so excited to share with you. After some editing tomorrow, I'll be sure to post it Monday night for everyone to see. 

Tonight though, I'm excited to share with you some amazing deals I've found around the web, as well as an amazing find that I stumbled across a few weeks ago.

Eyebuydirect.com Glasses

$50 or less

 

For those that don't know, which would be most, I am rather near-sighted. For my Channukah present last year, my mother bought me a beautiful pair of Anne Klein glasses. She paid most of it, and I chipped in $80. Then, this past January, one night I had them, and the next day they were gone. I had been in my house the whole time, and since then I have torn my apartment apart, flipped it upside down and inside out; no glasses to be found.

Being rather nearsighted, I decided a few weeks ago instead of hoping for them to magically turn up, to just buy a new pair. Being poor, I wanted to find a pair that suited me. Eyebuydirect.com had the best prices. For those that are leery of ordering eyeglasses online, do what I did and go off what you know suits your face. Since I couldn't see how they looked on my face, I instead chose a pair that looked like the pair I lost. If you're uncertain what looks good on your face, I recommend going into a store to try on glasses and see what looks right for your facial structure, then going on the site to find the closest matching pair.

It was very quick, very simple, and very fast. Within a week I had my glasses, and now I can see while driving! (A very important thing, at least to some anyways)

The best part? These glasses only cost me $35 WITH shipping and handling, and yes, they're my exact prescription. Take THAT Anna Wintour!

Online Deals

madewell.com

25% off - Ends Friday. Code: WHYNOT

Urbanoutfitters.com

Free shipping, no minimum. Ends at 3am!!!

calvinklein.com

25% everything, including sale. Code: CK2012

loehmanns.com

25%-40% off of  select handbags and watches. TONIGHT ONLY!!!

Live Art or Cruelty?

For those that haven't heard, there's a new art form in town. Well, in Mexico really: live art. During Mayan times women used to bejewel their beetles and wear them as live jewelry as a status symbol. Today not much has changed as women have tried to cross over bringing jeweled Maquech beetles from Mexico embellished as brooches for women to wear. The beetles have their shells encrusted with gems which are also attached to a chain-linked pin. The women pins herself and the beetle is free to roam around on his short leash, and on her lapel.

Beetle Brooch

PETA has been up in arms about the recent jewelry trend that actually dates back thousands of years. While the bugs actually aren't specifically being harmed by this practice since it's only on their shells which doesn't hurt them, they are being taken from their natural environment which no doubt is upsetting the ecosystem, and being forced to be worn on a random person's jacket for hours on end; AKA - A literal fashion slave. They're just like any other living creature; they need to eat and drink, live out their productive little beetle lives, and go to the bathroom. 

I get the sneaking suspicion that Maquech poop on the collar isn't as glamorous as an encrusted shell.

Let the Games begin

Hello lovelies! I'm sure since most of us aren't living in the wilderness under rocks, that we all know about the highly-anticipated Hunger Games movie. It is the most anticipated movie of the year and had the 3rd-largest weekend opening for a movie, ever. Having not read the books, I saw the movie and was quite surprised and pleased at how fantastic the movie is. It's the first of a the Hunger Games Trilogy, and I can't wait to see what happens in the other movies, and I should probably read them first, although you didn't really need to read the first book to understand and love the movie.

Today, I'm going to bring you Effie Trinket's style on a budget. For those that don't know, the beautiful Elizabeth Banks changed her appearance and voice to play the wild-styled Effie Trinket. The women of the Capitol love loud colors, big hair, crazy nails, makeup, and accessories. It's like a whole city of Lady Gaga's, Nicki Minaj's and Kesha's all in one: AKA - Bright, bold, and strangely beautiful. The colors are a strong contrast from the poorer districts that make up the nation of Panam.

While sitting in the theater, my boyfriend asked me "How do you feel about her outfit?". Being in the movie, I couldn't say much, but I was rather in love with the color and boldness of not only Effie, but the women of the Capitol.

Hunger Games

Effie Trinket

 

Effie Trinket for Less

  

Miss Me Dressy 1: $16.49

Cute peep-toe black ankle booties; yes please!

 

Xhilia Socklets: $5.00

Effie wears nude ankle socks with her heels in almost every scene and makes them look quite tame compared to the rest of her outfit, and these ankle socks are no exception. A slight touch of sweet in a structured outfit.

 

OR

Raglan Slub Knit Top: $4.99 

If you're going to work, then the black top is a more suitable option, but if you feel like being daring in an Effie way, the the darker maroon works as a nice neutral for the bright pink to pop against so you can play with colors but not look like a Lite Brite board.

 

Ponte Pencil Skirt with Fish Tail: $26.86

An adorable skirt that will work for any work function or social gathering. This will be a nice splash of color to help get noticed, so you can talk about all your hard work and contribution to the company of course!

 

Rosette Hair Clip/Pin: $1.50

This can be worn on your jacket or in your hair; either way it works quite nicely in this outfit, and in any outfit in the future as a splash of color. Color is your friend; embrace the bold!

Makeup

Since we're not trying to be EXACTLY like Effie, you'll want a more realistic approach to the makeup. If this is a work outfit, since you'll be wearing bold colors, you'll want to keep the makeup minimum and stick to a nice gloss for the lips, such as Smashbox's "Fame"; a very lovely softer pink to balance the brighter hues you'll be sporting. If this is for a party, then you play a little bit with a bit of liner on the eyes or possibly even a very soft shimmer on the eyes in a golden hue, but remember, keep it very light to make sure you don't look like you're trying to be Effie.

Nails

Since this isn't Panam and you don't live in the Capitol, I wouldn't recommend the crazy blue-style nails shown above, but you can pretty much do anything you want, given that it's ok in the environment you work in. I would recommend a solid color if you're unsure what kind of nails to sport with the outfit, but in true Effie style, any color works! 

Tip: For an extra fun outing, add a bit of loose glitter while your nails are drying for a truly Effie sparkle!

Hair

Being someone with a gigantic cotton ball as a head of hair, I don't need to do much to look like Effie, but if you want to rock this outfit and make it appropriate for work, you can do a side bun and pin the flower on the front of the bun, which also works for a party. If you want to jazz it up even more for a party, wear your hair down with just a touch of teasing and a spritz of volumizing hair spray and you're good to go for the night.

Total: $54.84

Internet Deal

roamans.com

 99 cent shipping. Ends tonight. Code: RDSHIP99

Sample Sale! + Online deals

Good afternoon lovelies! It has been too long since I have posted, and thankfully now without any further adieu, here is my first post in waaaaaaay too long!

Who loves a good sample sale? You do! And I just might too.

Sample Sale

Stewart+Brown Hosting Sample Sale with Betty Belts
and Midi Queen

Where: Stewart+Brown Studio 955 E. Front Street (across from "The Wharf")
When: Saturday (Today) 12-5 pm

Find bargains on luxury organic cotton, cashmere and hemp clothing gorgeousness that makes you look and feel good!
60-90% off. Have a glass of wine and meet the designers themselves. Kid friendly.
Today is the first pick day of production samples. There are all sizes available. Saturday is the deeper discount day with irregulars and prototypes.
I will have reduced sea glass jewelry on my table along with colorful leather and upcycled surfboard resin seconds and much more to be determined shortly.
Midi Queen is bringing a great selection of her awesome bags too : )

We always have so much fun at these sales and we just ADORE the clothes, which are comfy, elegant AND flattering (I live in them). If you haven't been to one yet, you won't regret coming.

Smiles and Aloha,
Donna

 

Online Deals

dsw.com

Free shipping: No minimum. Code: SHIP4FREE

Do the Nasty

Hello lovelies! I hope you had an amazing Valentine's Day filled with lots of love, or lots of fantastic date time, or just lots of fantastic warmth from your human friends or your favorite fluffy friend.

Funny Story & Advice

(( Word of advice from a lesson learned the hard way. Ladies: DO keep a spare change of clothes in your car including undergarments. Brothers/Boyfriends/Friends of females: DO keep extra products for women in case of an emergency, or your lady might end up spending a special day, i.e. Valentine's Day, running around downtown Santa Barbara on State St. going in and out of stores looking for undergarments and a change of clothes. Not that it's particularly difficult to find clothes and underwear on a typical day, but I guess on Valentine's Day people need their underwear more so than usual. ))

A few months ago I ordered a $5 something from Nasty Gal. A week later I received an email stating that my item was no longer in stock and the order had been cancelled. When I went back onto the website, the item was still listed as being available. A bit frustrated, I emailed them asking them why my order had been cancelled but the item was still being offered on the website. About 2 weeks later I received an email from them apologizing and giving me a $20 gift card to their site to use whenever I want.


2 weeks ago I used the gift card, buying a pendant necklace and a pair of leopard print socks. Both came within a few days, and both were nothing like they were on the site. I was rather horrified at how tarnished and cheap the necklace looked and felt, when on the site it looked bright, shiny and strong. The socks looked like something I'd find for $1 at a sale bin at Marshall's. Immediately I returned both items, and instead used my $20 to buy the Gunmetal Filigree Ring.

Product Review

 

Gunmetal Filigree Ring: $11.20

This ring is absolutely stunning and worth the wait. It's not too heavy, but heavy enough so that you feel it. It fits nicely on my hand and is very comfortable for wear. Its colors are striking and go with everything. This is my new favorite ring and because of it's darker, edgier vibe will retain a permanent place in my jewelry collection for as long as it is intact. (I have a nasty habit of being slightly rough with my jewelry, never intentionally of course, but nonetheless it happens.)

I'd recommend this ring for anyone, and with the price being as affordable as it is, why not splurge and get it? It will fit perfectly in with anyone's wardrobe, and truly if you're only going to wear one piece of jewelry, this is the one to wear. 

My Fair Ring

Valentine's Day: Minus the confusing subplots

Hello lovelies! I hope we are all gearing up for the exciting Valentine's Day coming up. For those of us (myself included) who don't have a boyfriend per-se, but are seeing someone, it can be rather awkward to think of what to wear. It's not a serious relationship, so do you actually need to dress up for the occasion? What if it's a simple friends-with-benefits situation? What if it's someone who you hope to turn into a boyfriend but just haven't reached that stage? Maybe an ex hoping to rekindle a romance? There are all kinds of hairy situations when it comes to that famous holiday surrounded by love, and heartache coincidentally, but not to worry, there are all kinds of fun date ideas to take the pressure off.

For now, I'm here to help you take the pressure off your date outfit. What should you wear, you ask? It's February, so unless you live in the Keys or the desert, you want to dress in layers. Tonight, I'll show you a few different V-Day outfit ideas that will work for almost all body types and skin tones.

Outfit #1

$50 or Less

 

Poppie Jones Turnlock Shoulder Bag: $19.94

A funky shoulder bag at a fantastic price, paired with the neutral dress and fun shoes makes this outfit scream "Awesome and fun date".

 

Back Zipper Dress: $8.74

Just the prettiest LBD that will work for any occasion.

 

Dollhoues Pitone Flat Boots: $14.94

Snakeskin flats = <3

Outfit #2

$50 or Less

 

SOHO Central - Pocket Front Dress: $19.80

Dresses like these become instant favorites because of their versatility. Layer them over wool tights and boots, or over jeans and flats, or wear with sandals on a cool autumn day. The simple design and sweet color make this dress a must-have.

 

 Polka Dot Hard Case Wallet: $5.70

 So cute, so functional and so affordable. I am in love.

 

Step in the bright direction Wedge: $21.99 

The coolest wedge. Ever.

Outfit #3

$50 or Less

 

Deer Sweater: $13.99 

Just the funkiest little sweater on the market. So cute. So affordable. So going into into the "Must Buy" category.

 

Glen Plaid Trousers with belt: $15.99

A fantastic pair of pants that can work in any situation with the right shoes and accessories. These will become a wardrobe staple.

 

Folded Collar Sueded Bootie: $14.99

This beautiful little bootie will give you a sturdy foot in any dating situation, with a beautiful color to boot. The folds make this bootie stand out from every other girl and will make you the chicest date he's ever had. All of the colors work together because of the neutrals and the shoes being the only pop of color you'll have.

The battle, not the war

Don't worry Patriots, you may have lost one battle, but there will many more ahead and you will prevail. You lost this battle, but not the war to being the best team in NFL history. Someday my Pats, someday soon you will rise again and take back your glory that you deserve. <3