Category: Accessories

Accessories /

6 Last-Minute Shopping Hacks for Holiday Procrastinators

If you’ve waited until the eleventh hour to wrap up your gift shopping, you may be feeling anxious and a bit panicked over you ability to get it all done in time. Unfortunately, this combination could cause you to make poor purchasing decisions and lead you to overspend.

1. Shop in the wee hours.
Save your sanity by taking advantage of extended store hours and shop during the less busy times of day. Many stores will be keeping their doors open past regular hours for straggling shoppers. For instance, Babies ‘R Us will stay open until 2am through Friday, Macy’s and Target will be open until 12am all week long, and Kohl’s will operate around the clock through Friday. Know when to shop by reviewing the comprehensive list of store hours from DealNews.

2. Know where the sales are.
Save time and money by using the Steps Away app, which offers hyperlocal, real-time offers and promotions from nearby retailers so you know where to find the best sales and deals instantly. It is now available in over 150 malls in 40 states and 20 major metro areas. Don’t forget to download Coupon Sherpa’s free coupon app which provides coupons to stores based on your location so you never miss an offer. You’ll find offers such as 15% off with a Famous Footwear coupon or 20% off from Kohl’s.

3. Find gifts in unexpected places.
You don’t have to shop at traditional retailers to find gifts for everyone on your list. Save time by picking up presents in unexpected places while running errands. If you’re heading to the drugstore for prescriptions and gift wrap, look for beauty sets, fragrance and even toys for the women and children on your list. The warehouse store is the perfect place to stock up on groceries for guests and cleaning supplies while offering a wide selection of potential presents like small kitchen appliances, gadgets and even chocolate and cookie tins that make great hostess gifts. And if you’re on the way to the airport, look for a Best Buy kiosk for affordable headphones and bluetooth speakers.

4. Opt for an experience gift.
Experiential gifts are the ideal last-minute gifts because they’re quick and easy to procure and offer the recipient a lasting memory. Print certificates to various experiences like wine tasting, race car driving and hot air balloon rides instantly from your computer. Get creative with packaging by combining the certificate with a coordinating item like a bottle of wine with a wine-making experience, for example. Check out eBay experiences or Groupon for an endless list of ideas!

5. Make something.
Making a gift may sound time-consuming and complicated, but there are several homemade items that are cheap, easy and quick to make. For example, you can put together a festive cookie mix gift by layering ingredients from your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar or try this DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub, it’s simple to make with just sugar, coconut oil, food coloring and peppermint essential oil. If you’re feeling crafty, make a painted or glitter ornament by following instructions here.

6. Regift.
Regifting is a controversial practice, but when executed thoughtfully, it can be a great alternative to traditional gift giving. There are definitely do’s and don’ts for regifting, including using only new or like-new items and being honest about whether the recipient wants the item. Unused candles and accessories like scarves make great gifts for coworkers and neighbors. You can even regift a favorite book with a note letting the recipient know why you enjoy it so much, and why you thought they would, too.

Feel free to share “6 Last-Minute Shopping Hacks for Holiday Procrastinators” with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

###

Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea’s stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN Money, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea’s demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com for more information about booking an interview or requesting an original written article. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for daily money tips.

Accessories /

First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House – Must See Interview

First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning during her interview with Oprah Winfrey.  FLOTUS was seen on the CBS network wearing a Brandon Maxwell Shift Dress.  Personally, I adored the high fashion and use of bold accessories (purple pumps) during this television special but the hairstyles were gorgeous as well.

The new special FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS FAREWELL TO THE WHITE HOUSE — AN OPRAH WINFREY SPECIAL will be broadcast Monday, Dec. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. OWN will air the second showing of the special on Wednesday, Dec. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). In the special, which taped on Dec. 14, Oprah Winfrey speaks to First Lady Michelle Obama for her final one-on-one interview inside the White House. During this exclusive interview in the First Family’s private residence, Mrs. Obama talks about life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, her eight years as First Lady of the United States, the legacy she’ll leave behind and her plans for the future. Photo: Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon

Michelle’s natural (chemical-free) hair was cut in a Blunt Bob and Oprah wore the perfect Ponytail.  Aside from the fashion and beauty displayed by both women, the CBS special addressed topics that can be related to women across the world.

The First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her experiences entering in The White House, national program initiatives such as Let’s Move, and raising her daughters in the public eye.

There was also a brief visit from President Barack Obama.  In closing, Michelle couldn’t forget to address that life changing quote “When They Go Low, We Go High” as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration.

To watch, click here:  An Oprah Winfrey Special:  First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House

Accessories /

New Year’s Eve Party Prep – Start Now

It seems like just yesterday that we were getting into the Christmas spirit and now, it’s pretty much upon us. Aside from the food that we’ll eat and the presents that we’ll share, that only means one thing: New Year’s is right around the corner. The Holidays can be a busy time to prepare for, but they don’t just end when the clock strikes midnight on December 25th. In fact, for some people, they just get into full swing. So, why not think about getting prepared now?

You’re probably all ready for Christmas. You’ve got your candy cane nails on, the presents are wrapped, and the food is all planned out. So, now is the perfect time to get ready for your New Year’s Eve plans. You might even find that some of these preparations prepare you more for Christmas itself. Regardless of your plans this year, you’ll be grateful that you started early when you’re enjoying the evening with ease.

 

Look After Your Skin

With the range of delicious food and even a little champagne, it’s like that our bodies are going to be a little relaxed over the Holidays. It can also apply to our skin. When we’re indulging more and working out less, it starts to show all over our face. So, combat that now and do your best to fight away and problems that could pop up. Work on your cleansing routine and schedule in a few masks. Your perfect New Year’s complexion will be worth all of the effort.

Book Your Wax

If you’re a regular visitor at the waxing salon, why not swing by and make sure your appointment for New Year’s is already booked. You might even be able to get in before Christmas, killing two birds with one stone. But, if you leave it too late, you might find yourself without an appointment but with hairy legs. So think fast and make sure your appointment is set in stone.

Pick Your Makeup

You’ve got plenty of time, so why not think about trying a new makeup routine for New Years? It’s never a good idea to try something new on the night (unless you’re a professional), so start practicing now. Get your brushes, your Anastasia makeup, your lashes, and find a tutorial that will look great with your outfit for New Year’s – it might even make for a fun afternoon.

Decide What To Wear

And while we’re on the topic, you’re going to want to think about what you’re going to wear. You might already have an outfit in mind, so if you do try it all on. If you’ve seen something you want to buy, buy it now. If you wait any longer, your size might be sold out. Or, if you’re styling up an outfit with things you already have, waiting until the last minute to put it all together could be disastrous. It might not look right, or you could find that things no longer fit. So while you have the time, get your look ready.

Book Your Hair

Now that you’ve got an outfit sorted and you’ve had a play around with your makeup, you’re going to want to think about your hair. If you’re planning on having it cut or a new color applied, head to the salon and get your appointment confirmed. You might even want to get any style changes done now, just to make sure that you like them ahead of the night. If you’re thinking of having it styled, then booking it now will make sure that your slot is reserved.

Get In Shape

The year isn’t over yet, so if you’re still a pound or two off of your New Year’s Eve target, you’ve still got time to get in shape. You might not be able to see a complete turnaround, but there’s still time to get in some running and weight training. You never know, your final efforts could be the ones that make you feel incredible or finally make you fit into that dress. So get your mind in the game and stick at it!

Book Your Mani

And finally, the last appointment that you might want to make will be for your nails. You have your Christmas design on now, but it might not look right for your New Year’s Eve plans – especially now that you have your makeup, outfit and hair all sorted out. Get an appointment for the 31st itself or as close to it as possible; then you can avoid any last minute breakages that could kill your mood!

Accessories /

Holiday Style with AMI Clubwear

With all the holiday parties coming up, you know you can’t wear the same outfit twice! With AMI Clubwear’s numerous options at affordable prices, you can have a new dress for every occasion! AMI offers styles ranging from the classic little black dress, to sparkly sequins, to the current velvet trend. Whether you prefer long or short, light or dark, you’re sure to find the right look for you.

unnamed-1

Once the holidays are over, keep the party going all year long with even more fabulous outfits and accessories from AMI Clubwear. Strut into 2017 in style!

unnamed-2

See more at amiclubwear.com.

 

Accessories /

Affordable, On Trend Jeans You’ll Love to Wear this Holiday Season

With the holiday season upon us, many people will be scrambling to figure out what they will wear for holiday parties, events and special celebrations. Those leading the fashion trends say now is the time to kick-start your holiday wardrobe with the perfect pair of on trend jeans and for all those holiday events

“Opting for a cool pair of jeans to wear for holiday functions will BE the fashion trend, this holiday season,” explains Elizabeth Collier, designer STS Blue line of jeans.  “You’ll save money and wear them again and again. When you pair your comfortable, but sexy STS Blue jeans with holiday sparkle, you will be on trend.”

The fashion world is changing and occasions are becoming more casual, with girls using their everyday wardrobe to attend special events. STS Blue focuses on helping people feel good in their jeans. The LA-inspired denim line gives girls on trend and trendy clothing that doesn’t break the bank. Some of the reasons their line of jeans is so sought after this holiday season include:

• Girls are able to finally get affordable jeans that are also on trend. The STS Blue line of jeans is all Southern California inspired in design, so girls all over the country can take home a piece of LA, the leader in casual fashion.

• Their line of jeans focuses on comfort, giving girls clothing that is as flattering on their body as it is comfortable.

• The STS Blue selection offers something for everyone, such as patches and pearls, embroidery, and athletic stripes. They also offer such styles as  Piper skinnies, The boyfriend jean, and jeans that are super soft, and perfectly deconstructed.

• An average price point of only $50 per pair, gives girls the ability to obtain high quality fashion jeans, but at an affordable price.

tomboy-crop

“We get feedback often about what you girls love about our LA-inspired jeans,” says STS Blue creative director Evelyn Ober. “This season they are in hot demand. People want to give them as gifts, as well as make a fashion statement at the holiday parties they attend. We are thrilled to help them do it!”

STS Blue line of jeans has become a favorite of millennials because it gives them the chance to wear affordable Southern California style fashion no matter where in the country they may live. It hits the trend, while still allowing girls to still feel like themselves. They also help spread the movement through social media sites like Instagram, where their fans are referred to as “denim dolls” (#DenimDolls). Get inspired @STS_Blue.

About STS Blue:
The STS Blue denim line is inspired by the casual LA and Southern California vibe. They live, breathe and love denim! STS Blue styles are true to size, and are made in a variety of fabrics to execute perfectly authentic washes while maintaining a flattering fit. They offer cotton, polyester, spandex and rayon blends for that comfortable, laid back, and effortlessly chic So Cal look. STS Blue is sold at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Von Maur, as well as online at STSblue.com. Styles include skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, denim shorts, and more; all with a friendly price point averaging $50.