Early Bird Specials

I received a Kohls gift card so I planned on going to the Early Bird Specials before heading to work this morning. I had my eye on a pink Argyle sweater (which was actually cheaper before Christmas, it was $19.99 before Christmas and currently $23.99, but still worth it, the original price was $40.00). However the BEST Deal was a pair of Cultured Pearl earrings. I received a pearl necklace from my in-laws, so as I was passing through the jewelry department a 60% off sign caught my eye. It was 60% off pearls, how could I not take a look at what they had? I found a pair of 5.5 mm cultured pearl on 14k gold posts. The earrings were originally $60.00 and I paid $20.39. I received 60% off and an additional 15% early bird special. What a Deal!!! Okay, I am off to work now, but I had to share that deal.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a safe and joyous Christmas. Below is a pic of my boys celebrating the Holiday. Enjoy!

It's my Birthday so 30% for Everyone

My Birthday is December 14, so my sister and I are celebrating by offering 30% off all JSoDet and Fabulous Chic Designs Jewelry.

For one day only, on Sunday, December 14th 2008, everything at http://www.jsodet.com/ is 30% off.

Happy Shopping!

Below are some of my new Fabulous Chic Designs:

Metallic Chic $55.00 available http://www.jsodet.com/

Pearl-licious $60.00 available at http://www.jsodet.com/

Enjoy 20% off online at Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown is offering a Friends and Family Discount

Use coupon code BFF08A to get 20% off and free shipping at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Hurry this coupon is only good from December 2-December 3!

Happy Shopping

Simple Ways to Save Money

If you are like most of us, the state of the economy has us all tightening our purse strings and becoming more frugal shoppers. Below are a few things that I have done to save money: 1. Instead of getting my eyebrows waxed, I now pluck them on my own, which saves $20 every 2-3 weeks. 2. Giving myself a manicure, which saves $15 every 2 weeks 3. Using drugstore products, instead of paying premium prices for salon products. I use Eucerin Original Cream, which run about $12 from Target instead of paying twice a much for other salon and other specialty brand body creams.

4 Making my own body scrub. I use epsom salt and just a couple drops of baby oil. I also found a recipe for a sugar scrub on Recipezaar.com http://www.recipezaar.com/Simple-Sugar-Scrub-92027

5. Using reward systems and taking online surveys to get points that can be redeemed for gift certificates. I used the points that I earned from mypoints.com to redeem a BP Gift card and a Macy's Gift card. I am also enrolled with e-rewards (http://www.e-rewards.com/) and glamspotters (http://www.glamoursurveys.com/), these are great ways to earn free items.

What are some things that you have done to save money?

BCBG Private Sale 2 days Only

This offer is only good for 2 days, September 25-September 26. Below are some of my favorites looks for Work, Weekend and Night.

30% off at Banana Republic

Just as I started my very strict budget, I get wind of this very big deal. For today only, BR is offering 30% off and free shipping. Just enter HAPPY30 at checkout.

My Final Splurge

Now that I moved my wedding up, I put myself on a very strict budget. I am only to buy the necessities. However, before I changed my status from the budget fashionista to the very frugal borderline poor fashionista, I had one more cosmetic splurge. I needed to update my make-up collection for the fall so I bought Bobbi Brown's Cocoa Mauve collection. For $65.00, I got a really nice make-up case, Iced Mauve Metallic Eye Shadow, Cocoa Mauve Gel Eyeliner, Sand Pink Blush, and Berry Mauve Lip Color. For an added shine I bought Bobbi's lip-gloss in New Mauve. These colors are great for the fall. Below is the model wearing the collection and a picture of collection. I am definitely satisfied with this being my last cosmetic splurge.

Banana Republic Coupon

I am very excited about 2008 Fall Fashion! Shortly I will posting different fashion trends, however my lunch hour is almost over and I have to get back to work. I wanted to share this with you now because it expires September 1. Banana Republic has a new coupon code for 15% off $150 when you shop online. Just type in PWFTTZ9V7X7Q at checkout.

Below are some of BR's fall fashions

30% off shoes at BCBG Maxazria

Sale ends Sunday, August 3rd.

Below is my favorite:

Free Clutch at DSW

Receive a free metallic clutch with a $50.00 purchase at DSW.com by using promotion code GIFT7. To get free next day shipping use promotion code PSHIP

J. Crew Sale

Save an extra 30% off of sale items. The coupon code expires Sunday, July 20 at 9:59 pm.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom is having there anual annivesary sale this weekend and there are some great deals. Here are some of my favorites.

You have to check it out this weekend. Prices go up on Monday!

Bobbi Brown 'Cocoa Mauve' Collection (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$65.00

GUESS by Marciano Wool Blend Pleat Skirt Peacoat

Sale $109.90After Sale: $168.00

Juicy Couture 'Free Style Medium' Satchel

Sale $259.90 After Sale: $395.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA Stretch Charmeuse Shirtdress

Sale $173.90

After Sale: $260.00

Private Sales

I have been receiving a number of emails regarding private and friends & family sales. Below are links for various sales/coupons.

Arden B
20% in-store only ends June 29
http://www.ardenb.com/content.jsp?pageName=FriendsAndFamily

Club Monaco
10% off of already reduced merchandise, in-store only ends June 29
http://www.clubmonaco.com/emails/CM_summersale_finalday.html

Bebe
$50 off a dress and handbag or a dress and shoe purchase, in-store only ends June 29
http://images.bigfootinteractive.com/images/5890074/17871155/062608_dressprint7.jpg

My trip to Chicago

I recently went to Chicago for a conference. It was my first time in Chicago and I loved it. I would describe it as a Midwest New York. It has the hustle and bustle, there are people out at all times of night and has great shopping. What I did notice is that during the day a lot the women wore flats. When I worked in New York, I pounded the payment in at least 3 inch heals everyday, so I can appreciate fashionable flats. However, being what can be considered shorter in stature I probably won't adapt the flat into my everyday wear but I would wear flats when I know I have a long day of walking. Below are very cute reasonable priced flats:

Steve Madden 'Kobraa' Skimmer $69.95 at Nordstroms

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2999514/0~2376778~2372808~2372904~2376184?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2376184&P=1 Jessica Simpson Belina $69.00 at Piperlime.com

http://www.piperlime.com/browse/product.do?cid=4016&pid=580901&scid=580901012

DV by Dolce Vita on sale for $24.97

http://www.piperlime.com/browse/product.do?pid=5703590121075&cid=19852

The shopping was great in Chicago. I spent 4 hours in Filene's basement. Great deals. I bought this sundress for $29.99

This is great for a Sunday Bruch and for $30.00 bucks I couldn't pass up the deal.

This blouse was only $24.99 and looks great with at pair of jeans.

MAC Friends and Family Discount

Hello Fellow Fashionistas,

I have a great deal for you. Mac is offering a friends and family discount, but you have to hurry to take advantage of it; it ends June 17. Used coupon code MACFF8 to get 15% off your purchase and receive free shipping.
Happy Shopping!

JSoDet Newsletter

Fabulous Chic Designs is featured in the JSoDet Designs Newsletter. This is a quarterly newsletter features fashion news for the season, new jewelry designs, coupons, random drawing winner and featured customer.

The newsletter is in Microsoft word and it is emailed to subscribers. If you are interested in seeing the Summer newsletter please let me know by adding a comment with your email address and I can send it to you. If you want to subscribe send an email to jen@jsodet.com

Happy Reading!

Busy Bee

Hi my fellow fashionistas. I know I haven't been around lately to blog but I have had so much going on. I am working on getting Fabulous Chic up and running. I sold several pieces at a party that I was recently at and now I am working on marketing the Fabulous Chic line.

I also have very exciting news. I am getting married!!! So I am now trying to plan fabulous wedding on a budget. I am thinking of destination wedding in PR. We are planning 2010, so I plenty of time to decide what type of wedding that we are going to have. I have also been flirting with the idea of a cruise wedding.

I will keep you updated on the wedding plans and how I plan to stay within a reasonable budget.

Fabulous Chic is Online

I have been working hard marketing Fabulous Chic and getting my pieces ready for show and now I am finally online. Below are some of my pieces that can be found at http://www.jsodet.com/fabulous_chic and http://www.fabulouschic.etsy.com/

Let me know what you think.

The Green-eyed Beauty






Pretty in Pink



Lavender Rain Drop

At Midnight

All of my jewelry is make from Gemstones and High quality glass beads and I always find a way to add Swarovski Crystals to add a little bling.

Make-up Challenge Update

After 3 weeks of my make-up challenge, I am really enjoying my drug store cosmetics. The two products that I use daily are the Rimmel London Eye Magnifier Mascara and Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation.


Rimmel London Eye Magnifier Mascara- 2 thumbs up. This mascara lengthened my short eyelashes without any clumps. I love it!!!


Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation- I am not typically a foundation wearer. I'm always worried that my foundation doesn't match my skin color perfectly and people can tell. Plus I don't like heavy make-up on my face. However, I pushed away my foundation concerns because I heard so many good things about mineral make-up as well as Halle Berry was the spokesperson so if Halle wears it I have to try it. I now wear this foundation daily. This product evens out my skin. This make-up is so lightweight, you can't even tell that I have it on. The cons- 1) the brush that comes with the foundation to apply is a little hard. I am getting used to it now, but I would suggest buying a softer brush to apply and 2) it doesn't provide full coverage to make skin look poreless. I can still see my pores after application. So this product I give one thumb up.

All in all, these products are definately comparable to the department store brands.

Almay Intense I-color

So the first item I decided to try on my list was the Almay Intense I-color. Almay has 2 collections for each eye color, the Bring out collection and the Play up collection. Although, the mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner are sold separately, the packaging easily showed which item went with each collection. I bought the Bring out collection for brown eyes. The combination of brown and lavender looked amazing when I applied it. I loved the eye shadow, it looked great and on the back of the package had which color to apply first and what part of the eyelid it should go on. The liner was a shade a purple (which is a color I don't typically wear) looked really nice and complimented the eye shadow. The mascara goes on nicely and does not clump, I didn't even have to use my eyelash comb. This set looks fantastic together and it really enhanced my brown eyes. This definitely gets thumbs up.

Make-up for $12 or less

I love Mac, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Vincent Longo and Chanel lip-gloss. Okay so you get the point I love department store cosmetics. However, my sister recently introduced me to Rimmel London and I love their eye shadow and mascara. So one day, I was walking through the cosmetics aisle in my local Target store and decided to do a little experiment. Are the cosmetics sold at drug stores just as good as the department stores? I remember a few years back, watching Oprah and she had make-up artist speaking on this topic. There was one lady that only bought department store cosmetics and when the make-up did half her face with the name brands from the department store and the other half with drug-store cosmetics, she couldn't tell which was the department store side. Okay so I digressed, but I wanted to do my on experiment own this very topic.

I went to Target to buy the products to conduct my experiment, I plead the 5th on the total amount I spent, however each item was less than $12.00.

Below is the list of things I bought to try:

1. Maybelline Great Lash-Blackest Black Mascara
2. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush
3. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Eye Shadow
4. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation
5. Sonia Kashuk eyelash curler
6. Rimmel London Eye Magnifier Mascara
7. Almay Intense I-color Eyeliner
8. Almay Intense I-color Mascara
9. Almay Intense I-color Eye shadow
10. N.Y.C. Ultra Last Lip Wear

Keep tuned as I review each item and give it either the thumbs up or thumbs down.

Fab Finds

Gold accessories are very hot this season. Here are a few great finds that won't break the bank.





This Fossil watch is $105.00 at http://www.fossil.com/


This Michael Kors watch is $160.00 at http://www.nordstroms.com/















This ring is only $39.00 at http://www.bananarepublic.com/







Other Great Finds at Banana Republic are the classic gold hoops at $18.00 and ring earrings for $32.00

New Bag at FabulousChic, possibly??

I finished another bag today. This one is pretty retro looking. I am thinking about keep this one for myself. At first, I was not sure about the design. One of the workers in the fabric department suggested it and I wasn't sure if I like it. I didn't want to hurt her feelings and the material was pretty inexpensive so I thought why not, it is pretty funky. Now it has grown on me and I think it will look great with a necklace that I have been eyeing at one of my favorite online boutiques for accessories, JSoDet Designs at http://www.jsodet.com/ It would also match a ring that was debating on from Banana Republic and a watch that has been on my wish list. Any excuse to purchase accessories ;)

Great Handbags-Steals, Deals and Splurges

Since the price of the love of my life, the MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Desert Large' Satchel has smashed the dreams of us being together. I have found these great bags for less than $300.

Banana Republic

Kensington straw shoulder bag Regular Price $98.00

Banana Republic

Greenwich shoulder satchel Regular Price $228.00

Nordstrom

Elaine Turner 'Sconset Terah Large' Tote$195.00

Here are handbags that I saw and loved but are not within this Fashionista's budget.

Nordstroms

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Quinn' Turnlock Satchel$448.00

Coach

New LILY SIGNATURE CANVAS SATCHEL $768

Fabulous Chic

I received a sewing machine 3 years ago for Christmas and couldn't figure out how to use it. So I have been taken sewing lessons. The first sewing class that I took was 7 weeks long and the students were able to make whatever we wanted, so my first project was a blanket for my niece. I thought it was an easy enough project to do, but it took all 7 weeks to complete. Afterwards, I took another class on how to make handbags, now this was my calling. I had so much fun making handbags that I do it at home on the weekends. I am planning on turning my hobby into a way of making a little extra cash.

Below are a couple of samples of my handbags. Let me know what you think.


My creations will be on Etsy soon. My Esty shop is called FabulousChic, where I will sell not only handbags but also dog accessories. I'll keep you updated. Below is one of my models wearing a Fabulous Chic bandanna and matching toy bone.