What’s In The Box?

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Amy

The newest trend right now isn’t a pair of booties, a dainty chain necklace, or even a colored satchel, it’s a box, or to include the one variant on the list, a package. Subscription boxes come just like magazines, once at the beginning of every month. They include an assortment of products that ship for a flat fee which frequently includes free shipping. Most of these are beauty boxes, but the market is starting to expand beyond makeup and body products to fashion and accessories. It began with Birchbox and now has the concept has soared. If you love surprises, then be sure to read on!

Birchbox: You get five customized premium beauty and grooming samples from popular brands, mostly those sold at Sephora
-$10/month + ability to earn points
A sample box might include- Beauty Blender sponge, Korres shower gel, Nail polish remover pads, Juicy Couture perfume sample, and Ghirardelli chocolate

Pro- A selection that is tailored to your appearance and your beauty preferences. They also sell a kit for men!
Con- The box is only stuffed with samples, so it’s more of a chance to test what products you might be interested in rather than an opportunity to get something that will last for 6+ months.

POPSUGAR Must Have Box: Get beauty, fashion, and home items that are favorites of the POPSUGAR team
-$35/month, worth over $100
Last month’s box included- Revlon lip stain, Hanky Panky thong, Brokedown wrap, Connoisseurs jewelry cleaner , Safe Haven book, MarieBelle New York’s Trésor Box, and Conversation Hearts candy,

Pro- Definitely sounds like it’s worth the money, and everything is selected by editors who have tested tons of loot.
Con- Although there was a theme to the February box, you don’t really know what to expect. It’s a big motley package of girlie products.

The List gift bag by I-Ella: Submit a style profile and then choose from one of three levels. It’s hard to say exactly what you’ll get, but I think the lower end ones include makeup and jewelry while the two more expensive sets have clothing and accessories. With all bags you will get 3-5 items and 1-2 of them will have a designer label.
-Must subscribe for 3 or 6 months, $59/month, $129/month, $389/month, worth almost double the price
A sample Soho box might include-The Entrepreneur Equation book, Sam + Lavi blouse, and Elena Rubin Carpe Diem lotion

Pro- It’s fun and will make make you very excited to check the mail. They sell it using the pitch that it’s like getting a mysterious swag bag at a fancy fashion party.
Con- It is clearly very pricey.

Ipsy: Created by makeup artist, Michelle Phan, famous for her blog with loaded with tutorials, this also includes samples and occasionally full sized makeup, hair, and body products from less familiar brands. The box looks nice, but it hardly differs from Birchbox.
-$10/month
A past box included- A makeup bag, Coastal Scents eye shadow palette, Mirenesse lipgloss, Bombshell mascara, Pequi oil treatment, and a Circus nail polish

Pro- Includes full sized as well as sample sized products. They are also open with what comes in the box. Members can review what they received and view past and even current arrivals. Best of all, the site operates like a social media platform where you can access awesome video tips and how-tos from other users.
Con- Seems awfully similar to what the ladies at Birchbox started but with a slight twist.

Sample Society- Beauty Bar and Allure have teamed up to create another box of deluxe samples. Each month you get sent five samples and a mini beauty magazine. You may get makeup, skincare, and/or hair products, and it seems most boxes come with more body and skincare products than makeup.
-$15/month with the chance to save money on a full sized item, it seems the value really ranges but is often 3x the price paid
A sample box may contain- Oscar Blandi mousse, Exude lipstick, Herbal Essentials towelettes, Lord and Berry eye pencil, and Borghese body lotion,

Pro- The brands are really pricey so even with sample sizes you get your money’s worth.
Con- Maybe it’s just me but it seems the contents aren’t that useful. I own a handful of eye liners and don’t need fancy body schmears or eye cream…even if it’s infused with caviar.

Glossybox- Another service that allows the you to share your preferences and promises that you will be satisfied with the careful arrangement of five samples to suit your fancy.
-$21/month
A previous box included- Tarte Glamazon Lipstick, OPI Sand Nail Lacquer, Sebastian Professional Potion No. 9, Narcisco Rodriquez Eau de Toilette, and Prime Style Extender

Pro- They reveal the products after they have been sent out so it makes it easier for you to decide whether or not you want to continue the service. Last month they had the blogger of the Man Repeller compile her favorites for a special box.
Con- At $20/21 (depending on how many months you choose) it’s a little steeper in price than some of the other deluxe sample sites.

I would love to hear your opinions and reviews on any of these boxes!

*Picture from Birchbox

Lipstick Pairing For Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Amy

Just like the pairing of wine and cheese, lipstick is better as part of a duo. The color you paint your lips looks smarter when you complement it with the right outfit. Here are five dresses for Valentine’s Day, coupled up with their lipstick mate. You will definitely seal the night with a passionate kiss in any of these styles.

1. Piperlime, Pim + Larkin- $90, Sephora, Korres “Natural Pink 13″- $18

2. Modcloth, $80, Sephora, Makeup Forever “Red”- $19

3. TheOutnet.com, Thakoon- $275, Sephora, Bite “Apple Red”- $24

4. RicketyRack.com- $120, Sephora, K Von D “Backstage Bambi”- $19

5. Windsor- $34, Sephora, Nars “Honolulu Honey”- $26

If none of these colors suit your fancy check out selection at StudioGearCosmetics.com and score 10% off with discount code- FSB13

Mía Mariú Makeup Review and Giveaway

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Amy

I’m excited to share with you a makeup brand I recently discovered called Mía Mariú. Like Avon or Mary Kay, you can order the makeup through a local sales representative, but you can also purchase the products on their website.

While it’s difficult to buy foundation or concealer online, they have a shade finder page to help you determine which colors will be the perfect match for your skin tone. The makeup is mineral based, which means it’s healthy for your skin. They also sell other healthy care products such as nutritional supplements and skin treatment. In my package they sent me three samples of their microdermabrasion cream.

I ordered a blush in María Bonita. It’s a rosy shade that instantly brightened my face. The color is strong so only need to wear a little, but it spreads well and feels silky. It comes in a black compact which is the perfect size to throw in your purse, plus it has a mirror on top!

I also received a brush recommended for applying powder called “The Perfect Blending Brush.” The bristles are fluffy and feel gentle on my face but the bristles fan out so it makes blending easy.

Now you can win these products! One winner gets a mineral blush in any of the four shades they offer and a perfect blending brush for a value of $39.

Liking me on Facebook (the side of my profile) is a mandatory entry and after doing that you can unlock more entries. This contest is only open to US readers, sorry. It ends on December 1, 2012. Thanks for entering and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty Tips

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Amy

You don’t need a personal makeup artist and endless budget to look fabulous. Here are some makeup tips that will help you save money and look great:

1. Indulge in cheap brushes- Use the sample brushes (the ones with the black stem and white slanted tip) from Sephora to apply liner with any color eye-shadow. Liquid liner dries out quickly and pencil liners always need to be sharpened, but choosing any shade of the rainbow in a powder allows you to achieve a light, slightly imprecise look. The brushes also work well for gel-liner which is my favorite choice because it’s bold, you can be apply it above or below the eye, and it manages to stay in place. I can’t find these brushes in online, but I did find an equally useful option– Precision Tips by Q-tips. Although they are fuller, they actually provide more uses and easily create a great smokey eye. Q-tips, Amazon.com- $2.75 for 170

2. Sleep on a satin pillowcase- It is reportedly good for your hair and skin, but who needs an excuse to sleep on satin anyway? It’s smoother than rough cotton fibers, helping to reduce wrinkles and allowing your moisturizer to absorb on your face rather than on your sheet. As an added bonus, it is supposed to keep flyaways and general bedhead at bay. Pillowcase, Amazon.com- $7.50

3. Use Pinterest for Expensive Styling Tips- Look no further than your favorite collage site to never waste another day with boring hair. What’s more is that a lot of pins give step by step instructions. You can work at your own pace because it’s done through a series of pictures rather than a video. Always wanted to try out a knotty ponytail? Pinterest Ponytail

*Picture from The Beauty Department

VMAs 2012- Best Dressed

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Amy

Maria Menouos in Kymerah- She showed some flair with one of the three black leather dresses of the evening– but the only one with a circle skirt. The look proved leather can be ladylike while the bustier top showed off her sexier side. With straight hair and a matching clutch she looked ready to take on the red carpet.

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel- Finally branching out in a sexy white pants suit, Taylor looked grown-up and chic. She kept the neckline clean with a sliver of deep cleavage and let the jewels dangle only from her earlobes. Because of the single color she was able to play up her face with a crimson lipstick and smoky brown eyeliner. The ensemble was paired with gladiator gold sandals which made the outfit less business and more rock n’ roll.

Shaun Robinson- I haven’t seen much of Shaun Robinson, but when I typed her name into Google a slew of gorgeous dresses turned up. Her outfit was neither too provocative nor too basic. The jewel covered dress in the complementary peacock color sparkled during interviews. The picture of her is the one on top and from the MTV website.

Amy Paffrath in Agua Dulce- It’s hard to resist a neon lemon dress with rose lace detailing. Instead of an obvious sweetheart neckline the dress formed a point on one side and a line between the bodice and skirt as extra details of interest. She kept the focus on the bright dress with black accessories.

Rihanna in Adam Selman- The Barbados born babe kept it clean in a white, backless number. Although it was a full-length dress, she kept it VMAs appropriate with the knot at the hip like a sarong. The dress also had cute tie accents on the back of both mismatched sleeves.Now with a very close cropped cut she proves no hairstyle or shade is off limits.

*Picture from MTV

Subscription Discount Sites For Fashion

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Amy

These days it is easy to get a bargain online, the problem is being able to find what you are looking for. Many subscription discount sites offer free membership and fabulous prices for designer threads and furnishings. But when you join tons of sites you allow your inbox to fill up with emails that you eventually get turned over to the spam folder. Most of these websites don’t even allow you to browse their products without first joining the list-serve. That’s where I come in! To save you the junk mail and allow you to do the fun part (shop!) without useless newsletters and sales updates, I’ve given you the details on a bunch of great discount sites. Now it’s up to you to decide which you want to become a part of, and if it doesn’t work out you can split ways pain-free by unsubscribing (an option on the bottom of emails in fine print) and try out a different one or few.

Site- Beyond The Rack, Company- Amazon, Discount- About 45-85% off, Sells- fashion and home goods, Money for Invites- $10 credit per person when he/she makes his/her first purchase, Shipping- $10, Loving- Anna Lee and Hope Cooper Sweater, was $88, now $30

Site- Fab.com, Discount- About 20-50%, Sells- Everything! Money for Invites- $30 for ten friends who join, $60 for 25 friends and $25 for a friend making a $25+ purchase, Shipping, $9, Loving- Jessica McClintock Bustier, was $120, now $93

Site- Gilt, Discount- About 40-85%, Sells- fashion, home goods, food, trips, and outings, Money for Invites- $25 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping- $6 Loving- Elina Skirt by Walter, were $128, now $59

Site- HauteLook, Company- Nordstrom, Discount- About 50-70% off, Sells- fashion, beauty, and home goods, Money for Invites- $10 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping- $8 or more, Loving- Button Down by Tulle, was $45, now $21

Site- Ideeli, Discount- About 50-75%, Sells- fashion and home goods, Money for Invites- $25 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping, $10, Loving- Black High-Low Skirt by Hazel, was $115, now $40

Site- Luxe Yard, Discount- About 40-80%, Sells- fashion, home goods, and art, Money for Invites- $25 credit per person once he/she makes a purchase, Shipping, $5 under 10 lbs, $7 under 15 lbs, $8 under 20 lbs, Loving- Isabel Lu Top, was $136, now $55

Site- Modnique, Discount- About 50-85% off, Sells- fashion and beauty, Money for Invites- 10% of friend’s purchase after it ships Shipping- Free over $99, Loving- Pilgram Skanderborg Necklace, were $115, now $115

Site- MyHabit, Company- Amazon, Discount- About 50-90% off, Sells- fashion and home goods, Money for Invites- $20 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, but it cannot be redeemed if you live in AR, CO, CT, IL, NC, or RI, Shipping- Free! (Except 1 day or international), Loving- CoSTUME NATIONAL Shoes, were $1200, now $240

Site- Rue La La, Discount- About 25-85%, Sells- fashion, home goods, and travel, Money for Invites- $10 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping, $10 and then free for the next 30 days, Loving- Theia Dress, was $395, now $199

Site- The RealReal, Discount- Steep but clothing is second-hand, Sells- fashion, Money for Invites- $10 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping, $10 is purchase is $250 or under and $15 if purchase is $550 or under, Loving-Elie Tahari Skirt, $125

Site- The Sample Sale, Discount- About 35-85% off, Sells- fashion and art, Money for Invites- $25 credit per person once he/she makes first purchase, Shipping- Free over $75 (Otherwise $5), Loving- Paige Dark Blue Straight Leg Jeans, were $160, now $80

Site- TopFloor, Discount- There is no discount but you can earn rewards to save you money, Sells- fashion and extra knickknacks, Money for Invites- $15 credit per person once he/she signs up, Shipping- Free for the first two months (Otherwise $6 for one item, $2 for additional ones), Loving- Eagle Pendant by Live World- $50

*Picture from Gilt

What To Buy For July

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Amy

1. Hair chalk- Why will this product become popular these season? Chalk it up to being spill-proof and simple to use. The crayons are the perfect non-committal way to get spunky streaks of color to spice up your braid, bun, or ponytail. Remember how Avril Lavigne and Rachel McAdams took Pink’s trademark and toned it down by mixing the unnatural shade (hot pink) with their own hair hue? With easy grip sticks or Kevin Murphy’s half sphere, the application is precise, cheap, temporary, and best of all, doable in your own home without the help of a savvy hairstylist. Forget synthetic clip-in extensions which look like a doll’s locks; hair chalk delivers the perfect amount of your dye with a quick glide. Just be careful not to get the powder on your clothing. Wait until it sets before getting dressed.

Amazon- $25

2. Beauty balm- Product engineers have come up with a face base to beat tinted moisturizer. This new product is hitting shelves everywhere, including your local drugstore (see Garnier Fructis). Often abbreviated to BB, beauty balm is light, hydrating, and has SPF. It’s supposed to leave your skin with a smooth finish while hiding and healing imperfections. It’s ideal for the summer days when the you want coverage from foundation that won’t melt and clog in the heat.

Sephora- $34

3. Cropped bustier top- Looking to sex up the crop top style even more? If you want to bare your midriff at a club but fear not passing the strict “dress to impress” wardrobe code then try this fancier style with more structure. Pair it with a blazer or a summer jacket, a high-waisted skirt you can swirl around in, and sky-high heels and you will not only feel but look ready to party.

Asos.com- $58

ModCloth.com- $40

4. Wedge sneakers- You know those colorful high top sneakers by Pastry and other hip-hop style brands? Well there is a new pair of kicks in town. While sneakers with a sliver of a clicking heel can look tacky (like bedazzling your flannel) wedges work with the intended image of the shoe and give you a hidden lift (that works for your butt as well). Be comfortable and still feel powerful and feminine.

Shopbop.com- $250

Asos.com- $75

*Picture from A’GACI

Nail Art

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Amy

#8 Spectacular Nail Art

I often do my own nails but even after the q-tip clean up they still look hand done. Some people are naturally good at painting their own nails (like my friend who can easily maneuver a toothpick to create plaid and sports a new nail color every time I blink) but for those of us who have the imagination but not the arts and crafts equivalent of a green-thumb, there are ways to make decorations on your nails without mistakes. I love the shatter colors Katy Perry designed for OPI that add a broken glass effect to your base. Another option? Sally Hansen nail strips which press on and stay on without the tacky glue and flammable plastic talons.

*Picture from Style Tips 101

Product Review- Neauties Lip Glosses

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Amy

This review covers all Neauties’ products. For some of you that may sound like a new name in the beauty industry (get it?! pronounced “NEW”-tees!) but they have been selling their products since 1998 according to the group on facebook. Still, not enough people know about their enriching lip glosses. Sometimes the best companies are lesser known ones rather than the massive corporations, so Fashion Scoop Blog is here to spread the word about Neauties. At Neauties, it is clear they care about their customers and know their clientele based on a few characteristics: their count-on-one-hand ingredient list, competitive pricing, and appealing colors and scents. They ship for free and in a timely fashion, in addition, each package includes a receipt plus protective bubble wrap for each pot of gloss you purchase. The company only makes eight lip glosses so makeup for your mouth is the brand’s specialty. It is reassuring to see all natural ingredients for a cosmetic you plan on slathering all over your pretty lips about ten times a day. The product is not a mousse formula and it doesn’t melt into your fingers when you touch the mix, which actually means you gain more control over how much you apply. These glosses also hydrate and do not contain excessive shine so you avoid looking like a waxed apple (a picture perfect look if you are a fruit, although I occasionally do it too). The one drawback is that the glosses obviously enhance shine which attracts sunlight and if your plans include sauntering outside long enough to burn, you will want to wear an SPF balm instead.

They make eight different kinds of glosses with some falling into multiple categories. There are three scented ones, four shimmers, three colored, and one plain original. Each one is banded with a card listing the ingredients.

The first one I opened was the mint which hooked me immediately. Although cherry is a best seller for the company, I love the peppermint oil infusion. The mint honestly made me feel and smell fresh. It provided that great cooling trigeminal effect that hit after a couple of seconds of applying it which might be able to provide a healthy jolt of energy on a sluggish day. It wasn’t so tingly that it burned which I have experienced with other products, especially lip plumpers. The cherry was also a yummy flavor but the aroma of the strawberry was described as “light and creamy” and produced a very faint scent that I could not be pinpointed as strawberry or anything mind blowing. The plain ones do not smell bad but there was a slight odor that would be better with a delectable scent coating it such as the mint or cherry.

Lava is one of the shimmer pigments and I love that it has barely visible shimmer and works as a way to moisturize your lips while producing a dreamy red tint. The red is stronger than the pink and the gold shimmers and the one that appears the least “glimmer-like.” Lava is the perfect shade for parties and it would be even better layered on top of a dab of the peppermint or cherry so you’re prepared for a moment that just may be the perfect kiss. I recommend layering the standstone (gold) or the basic shimmer since they are a little faint and would make a much better top coat, especially if you are going for drama or that “notice me” appearance. As for the pink blossom, it looks nice on its own when you are trying to flaunt a modest, wholesome look.

I am glad I discovered Neauties which I will now be toting everyone, popping each one in a different purse. All shimmer shades are $10.50 and all originals lip glosses are sold for $9.50. To check out more information or to purchase one, many, or all click here.

Hard Candy Cosmetics Review

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Amy

If the name Hard Candy sounds familiar, you may remember their makeup from back when it was sold at Sephora. Now the company has been tweaked and consumers are adjusting to the brand’s improved prices and new products found exclusively at Wal-Mart.

I tried Mouthing Off Sheer Lip Shine in Love Dove and Kal-eye-descope Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Ab Fab. The packaging on both was cute, looking friendly and modern. Still, when I opened the eyeshadow I was not expecting much. The two shades in the unopened package looked like those chosen by a child experimenting with makeup for the first time. I tried them out on a weekend when I had no plans scheduled. I will admit I was afraid I would like a clown at work or a Barbie on a date. But after trying it, I now wear the shadow proudly when I leave the house. The purple looked beautiful atop my brown eyes and added originality to my look. The small compact did not come with a brush, but with a back and forth sweep I had the right amount of shadow for a packed day. The pink was not my favorite color for eyeshadow but that too looked nice enough when I wore it with the purple or in a small dose alone.

My favorite part of the lip product was its yummy sweet smell, like candy! The gloss had very little pigment (they were not lying about the sheer sheen) but could work well as a top coat to pink lipstick. It had some shimmer that reflected in the light. It was not incredibly sticky, though on a windy day my hair would probably still be magnetized to my mouth. I would recommend the lip gloss if you need a new one that gives you a little something extra without wanting all the bells in whistles, color, outrageous shine, etc. Sometimes simple can go a long way.

Be sure to check out more products here: Hard Candy

Product Review: Milani Multitasker Face Powder

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Amy

This face powder comes in a compact with a divider between the mirror and applicator pad and the powder. It’s marked with an intricate design that is raised on the powder but sadly disappears after a few times use. The sponge provided was surprisingly velvety and wasn’t abrasive on my skin, which has happened with other drugstore brands powder-puff. The powder is called “multitasker,” supposedly serving as a setter, finisher, and blotter. The package also says it provides light to medium coverage. The claim is true. This face powder is not to be used as a substitute for foundation or concealer, especially for people like me who use liquid forms. However, it may help you lightly the load on your face or in your handbag since you will be doing less blotting and you won’t need both a color and translucent powder. You can dispose of shine-free sheets which are awkwardly used to dab off sweat and oil as you dance the night away. The color applies evenly and somewhat naturally. I went a shade darker than my normal skin pigment so I would not looked washed out (a horrible appearance for pictures). Light/Medium has warm yellow undertones and was relatively light but certainly did not make me look ghostly. The color added pigment to my fair face but since it was far from my natural color I had to apply it everywhere and rub it in well to avoid the devastating pancake face. The product is made with talc (just like nearly all non-mineral makeup) which can be harmful to your lungs when breathed in, but it has been used by the makeup industry for years so. Swoop your brush in at a bit of a distance and avoid dusting directly under your nostrils and you should be okay. If you use the product 6 times a week, as an approximate estimation it should last about 3 and a half months.

To purchase right off of Milani’s website or view other colors, click here:

Milani Multitasker Face Powder- $6.99

Product Review: Black Magic Eye Liner And Eye Glimmer In Sterling

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Amy

This eye pencil has a glittery color on one side and a dark, solid pigment on the other end. The silver glitter added a lovely luminescence to my peepers. The pencil is a little bit thicker than most, but still easy to make a precise line with. I actually liked how the tip had a slightly wider diameter because it allowed me to smudge the black liner and create sexy smoky eyes.

You can wear either shade alone, or my favorite look, together, but the glitter should be worn only to parties or nighttime social events to jazz up your ordinary look. Since black eye liner is a staple, it means you will probably go through the pencil quicker than other products. It’s worth it to get a couple of these in different colors. I look forward to checking out the teal!

The liner lasts, but be sure to wear translucent powder over the black. In the intense humidity my liner smeared more than I would have liked it to. Also, as with any product that is designed with glitter instead of shimmer, it is tougher to remove. However, you should be fine if you rub a cotton swab over the leftover sparkling particles.

To purchase right off of Milani’s website or view other colors, click here:

Milani Black Magic Eyeliner- $6.99

Product Review: Milani HD Advanced Lip Color in Raspberry Blush

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Amy

This lipstick comes in a sleek package that is thin enough to fit in a tiny wristlet, or even your pocket, without excessive bulging. The lipstick rises with the turn of the tube, like any other, but this one clicks so the level of the tube raises slower than normal. This is helpful for those of us who accidentally cap it without lowering the tube and squash the lipstick formula.

The name Raspberry Blush is very fitting; the company found the perfect way to describe the shade. However, the sticker on the product and the color on the website is darker than what will appear on your lips in person. The shade is in between a red and a pink (it is a berry) and it goes on with a lovely sheer pigment so it’s not too crazy for everyday wear. It really did brighten my whole face! Miraculously, I put it on one day to go out, intending to wear a full face of makeup, and I nearly forgot to apply blush because my face already looked perky from the lipstick alone. This lipstick can do more than the 9-5 hour day; it can work for the whole 24 hours and suit any event. The shade is easy to pull off and I think it would look great for all different skin tones. I wore it over lip balm and my mouth stayed hydrated for a long time. Immediately I noticed the sheer pigment (which can be made heavier with multiple coats) and its moisturizing effect, the two product claims advertised online. The color does not last all day, but a hint of color will remain for quite some time. And don’t forget, it is small enough that you can put it in your pocketbook and therefore you always have the opportunity to reapply! In addition to a positive response for the product, the company, Milani Cosmetics, has incredibly kind and helpful representatives who I’m sure will be a terrific aid if you have product questions.

To purchase right off of Milani’s website or view other colors, click here:

Milani HD Advanced Lip Color- $8.99

The Votes Are In

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Amy

Every month my favorite magazine, Glamour, has a mini question session at the end of their interview with their feature makeup expert. The questions name brief scenarios or products and ask the person if it seems worth it. I thought this would be a great way for me to weigh in on fads or ideas. Like my other posts, it is an opinionated column, but the great part is that you have the freedom to take or leave my advice… remember I try to make my responses useful bits of wisdom : )

1. Feather or colored hair extension strips:

Worth it. It’s a great way to mix it up without worrying about roots, making a mess, or spending a fortune. If you don’t end up liking them, it’s easy peasy to remove; but even better, it’s easy enough to get the gist of how they will appear in your hair before you put hook it in temporarily.

2. Paying big bucks for a small item:

That Marc Jacobs change purse you have your eye on? If you know you’ll get use out of it, then go for it. If you place it in your wagon on a whim and your best reason for buying it is related to pressure from your posh friend who you want to impress, then skip the purchase.

3. Scouring the racks

Worth it. Sure, it takes time to search high and low, especially at a store that’s huge (3 floor Forever 21 anyone?) or one that’s in disarray (Marshalls) but you’ll be able to find the great stuff others before you didn’t have the patience to try on. I have friends who can’t do this, and sometimes even I’m not in the mood to spend my time searching without success. However, I don’t just love buying, I love shopping. So for me, most of the time, taking time to scour the store is almost a perk.

3. Wearing junk when you feel crappy

I have two opposing answers to this. Are you feeling crappy because you’re sick with a stomach ache or a fever, or are you just having an off day? If the answer is “yes” to the second I say it’s worth it to wake up and get dressed in something dapper to put a little pep in your depressed step. Like they say, you never know who you will run into. However, if it’s just been an atrocious week or you’re about ready to vomit PLEASE give yourself a break. I give you credit for even leaving your bed, and no one is going to judge you for wearing sweatpants one in a while because you’re feeling a little green or extremely blue.