Holi-Daze: Hassle Free Gift Wrap

'Tis the season for trying to cut straight lines, walking around all day with tape stuck to unflattering places, and struggling with scissors and curling ribbon.

Image courtesy of cgtreasures.blogspot.com

Check out these super simple (not to mention super lovely) wrapping ideas from RealSimple. There are 21 of 'em, so you're bound to find something you can bust out in just a matter of minutes.

Sorry, tape still necessary in most cases. Keep a mirror handy.

Updates

Okay, I KNOW.

I haven't posted here in what, a month? Ridic. But look at this and tell me I haven't been busy! It's been a CRAZY few months of projects and planning, but I do have a few updates for you.

I mentioned CrowdTap a while back - Well, about a week ago I applied to be a part of a group to test a product. Specifically the Old Navy Style Council's test of women's outerwear. Low and behold I was chosen to participate, and received a coupon in the mail to go choose ANY PIECE of women's outerwear FOR FREE. Not only that, but they sent a coupon for me to give to 'a stylish friend' so another lucky duck could cash in as well.

It seems to good to be true, I know, but I am living proof it's legit : Went to my local Old Navy yesterday, and although the cashier looked at the coupon long and hard, once she rang it my $89.94 neon red/orange thigh-length felted coat went down to a big fat goose egg. Woooooot! So get yourself over to CrowdTap and sign up. It certainly paid off big time for me, and the cost is just answering a few (0-5) survey questions a week.

My Wool-Blend Double-Breasted coat in Rowdy Red

Image courtesy of OldNavy.com

Another update is on Missoni for Target. You all shared in my glee at scoring three pieces : A chiffon sweater, velour hoodie, and a pair of ballet flats. After a short delay (4 weeks instead of 2) I received the chiffon sweater and it is stellar. The velour hoodie met a much sadder fate - Cancelled. Target to the rescue, however, sending me a $25 gift card for my disappointment. The ballet flats are estimated to show up sometime in December... If they show at all. But hey, if Target's handing out $25, I'll take it. They can certainly pay me $50 for not getting anything.

Image courtesy of ItsAllFreeOnline.com

All for now... And, let's face facts, probably all for a while. Feel free to follow my project-o-rama over on In Knots: Attempting a Handmade Wedding if you need a dose in the meantime.

Missoni Success!

Woohoo!

After 4 hours of stalking and hitting the refresh button until my finger blistered, I FINALLY got through to the Missoni sale on Target.com.

I picked up the ballet flats, velour hoodie, and the v-neck tissue sweater. I don't know how I managed (erm, actually I do - My bank account said N-O.), but I resisted the robe, sweater skirt, and pajama pants. Oh and the throw blanket, but that was sold out in all three colorways by the time I arrived on the scene. Drat!

Anyway, here is an article about the massive virtual stampede to Target.com from The Washington Post (makes me laugh since I was one of those online crazies), and here is the link to the Missoni goodies. Stores are apparently receiving shipments tomorrow and Thursday to restock.

Based on the current eBay sales, it may be worth snapping up whatever you can find... The shoes I bought for $29.99 are currently listed there (eBay) for $180!

Don't Miss(oni) It!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I feel like I've been counting down the days for.ev.er, but I can finally say: Missoni for Target launches tomorrow!

 

I'll be attacking my computer basically as soon as I'm awake to see what I can snap up before the hordes move in.

Apparel, home, and goodies for the kiddos, which, even if you don't have any to buy for is worth ogling purely for the cuteness factor.

www.Target.com TOMORROW!

Tap In

I know, I know, ANOTHER link to someone else's content. But as I stated from the beginning, I solemnly swear to post only good stuff on this blog, remember? And I've stuck to it, yes? Alright then.

I recently discovered Crowd Tap via a friend's Facebook post, and I'm diggin' it. You know those product survey results you're always hearing about and wonder "just who, exactly, is this "THEY" that does theses surveys?!" Well, it's you if you join this free site.

Basically you answer questions with a click or a sentence, and earn points and cash.
No, really.
Once you've earned said cash, you can either have an Amazon.com gift card sent to you in the amount, or donate it directly to a charity of your choice. Mine is the ASPCA (animal rights - not the crazy ones who throw blood, fyi), and the logo is loud and proud on my "profile" on Crowd Tap.

And not only that, but a lot of the companies will send you free product to be tested in the market place. I'm currently awaiting Old Navy's newly redesigned flip-flops to show up in my mailbox. No. Purchase. Required.

Free stuff and good works? I'm tapping in.

Step Up[Grade]

Want to get in on the tribal trend without breaking the bank? Check out the latest DIY entry from Geneva on A Pair and A Spare. Best part? Works on heels OR flats, and it's hardly a bank buster - Pick up a couple cheap-o necklaces from Forever 21, break 'em apart, and use the beads on some craft store-bought black string or elastic (or pick up a few packs of beads from your local craft store while you're there) . Drape on a pair of tired black shoes in your closet. New shoes for $10 or less... Just how I like it.

Here are her inspirational shots, from the Burberry money-suckers to her finished project product:

Hot tip: If you have an idea for bead colors you want but can't find them, go the route of buying ready-made necklaces*, pick up a can of spray paint (I like Rustoleum brand), and make them the color(s) you desire. You can do this with any jewelry... And believe me I'm going to.

*It's easier to shellac the ready made strands rather than trying to spray loose beads as they roll around. Not that I have any experience with the latter... *cough cough*

Closet Case

One of the blogs I frequent, Just B, had a recent post citing a few basic goodies every girl should have in her wardrobe arsenal. I've seen a million of these in magazines, and I always seem to find them so... blah. You know the drill: White Collared Shirt. Khakis. Black Dress. Yes, I know these are good things to have, but why-oh-why do they need to be so dull?!

With that said, I appreciated B's take on things, as she shifted her list more towards shapes then a list of colors. Here is her list, and some easy-on-the-wallet visual aids gathered by yours truly:

1) Every closet needs a great blazer, classic dress, and a pair of jeans that make your butt look great!

 

Blazer by LoveCulture.com ~ $22.90

Dress by OldNavy.com ~ $39.94

 

Jeans by Citizens of Humanity via Nordstrom.com ~ $154 (but wear them for YEARS)

2) Take the time to find the perfect fitting denim for your body type. Denim is that piece you can wear with boots/flats or heels - day or night. A stretch fabric can also help you avoid pinching areas you don't want to be accentuated.

 

3) Choose a well-fitting coat like a belted trench, and look for styles that are slimming and comfortable.

Gallery Trench Coat by Michael Kors for Norstrom.com ~ $98 (secret hood!)

4) A piece that can be a classic choice to make any outfit is a basic v-neck top. A 'v' neckline is universally [flattering]. It helps elongate the neck and make you appear taller.

V-Neck Tee from Forever21.com ~ $6.80

5) Don't forget that LBD (Little Black Dress). Dress it up or dress it down - You'll never know when  you may need to grab your classic for a night on the town!

 

Sateen Dress from Target.com ~ $27.99 

So there you have it, a Just B/Wore Room combo post that will hopefully help you get your year-round closet together. My fave thing about all the visuals I found: Just think of the accessory options! You could take any one from grocery store to glam with the change of a jewel and shoe.       

Eye of the Tigress

Raise your hand if liquid eyeliner is or was ever a scary prospect. Nearly everyone? Yes? Let me qualm your fears and lead you into the land of Cleopatra with ease.

 RIP Liz ~ Image courtesy of SelectSpecs.com

Now, let it be known, I can take z-e-r-o credit here.  The ever-fashionable and intrepid makeup guinea pig LBD turned me on to this, and even gifted me my first one. I'll kill the suspense: It's InColor FauLiner. A liquid eyeliner contained in a FELT TIP MARKER. I cannot make this up. Genius.

Image courtesy of Walgreens.com

I was nervous about liquid eyeliner for years before trying it out, but once the spell was cast I could never go back to a regular pencil. I was fairly adept at my mini-cat-eye swipe*, but the trouble was the inconsistency. Sometimes thicker, sometimes thinner, a q-tip fix often took up some of my precious morning getting ready time.

At $1.99 - seriously - FabuLiner is a steal and a half. It comes in your basic brown and black online, and I've seen it in navy and dark green in Walgreens. Quick tip: Find it almost always at the cosmetics counter. It's not on the wall or down an aisle like a major brand (Cover Girl, etc.), and the only thing sold under the brand name is eyeliner. Period.

Image courtesy of AccordingToNoes.com

I do wish they would come out with a waterproof version, but at a price of under $2, I can afford to reapply if needed (actually haven't really had to ever - fab staying power on the upper lid!)

Walk like an Egyptian.

*My fave pre-FabuLiner find was always Almay. If your a traditionalist when lit comes to liquid liner, try it out. Optional waterproof formula, soft brush, and easy on the eyes (literally and figuratively).

Like Buttah

Had to get a quick post up about this - On sale through the weekend at Walgreens.

 Image courtesy of Wallgreens.com

I've been meaning to procrastinating getting a new flat iron for, well, years actually. I bought a semi-expensive one literally almost 9 years ago (really?!) and being the thriftonista I am, wanted to eek every penny out of that guy. However, upon closer inspection, the daily use (confession: sometimes more than once a day), the 'oops-I-forgot' long-term heat up sessions, and the repeated product removal (ie: scraping with a metal emery board) has taken it's toll. I even found cracks on the plastic surrounding the metal heat plates.

Structural Damage + Overall Mange = Time For A Newbie

Image courtesy of Wallgreens.com

Lucky me (and therefore, you), the Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Straighteners 2-Pack is available at Walgreen's, and is on sale this week for a rock bottom $17.99. Not only is it nicer on the locks (ceramic vs. copper), but it comes with the cutest mini version of itself which is perfection for this carry-on-only traveler. Over the top bonus: Hot pink plates. Swoon.

I've found it heats up super fast, has a 20-range heat setting, straightens in a single swipe, and my hair is shiny and healthy. Okay, I know that healthy part is an illusion, but this tool is making me believe.

And not to worry - Even if you find this post too late for the sale, it's regular price tag only reads $29.99. Steal!

Making My Own Sunshine

In my corner of the world, Old Man Winter will just not unclench his miserable, waterlogged grasp. As of this May 13th, I could see my breath as I walked into work swathed in my fleece and pashmina. Unacceptable!

 Image courtesy of IndependentTraveler.com

So what's the remedy? Well, as jetting off to some island locale is off the table at the moment, I'll settle for sunny, flashy nails.

 I recently discovered Savina nail polish at Nordstrom Rack, and it - Like Mary Poppins herself - is practically perfect in every way. I picked up "Golden", and the perfect metallic that is coating my digits right now is almost as good as seeing a break in the clouds.

Almost.

Image courtesy of VeganGoods.com

 But to boost my morale, Savina also ticks these must-haves off the list:
*Has the ever-coveted perfect application brush (only a couple swipes to evenly coat the entire nail)
*Only two coats necessary, and a quick dry time on the first.
*Earth (& human) friendly formaldehyde and toluene-free formula (say that five times fast.)
*Under $4/bottle for almost 100 colors on VeganGoods.com

Now if only Mother Nature would catch up to my sunny mood.

Follow-Up (5/19/2010): Although this note will force me to come clean on a bad habit, this nail polish (paired with OPI's Chip Skip and Wet n' Wild topcoat) was a dreamy peeler - Came off in sheets when my picking fingers got to it. What fun!

Dreamland-Dot-Com

If TheWoreRoom is the extent of your fashion-y blog reading then girl (or boy, we're equal opportunity here), are you missin' out! Even if you aren't into crafting or styling, the world of Do It Yourself (DIY) fashion is out there for the inspiration-taking.

One of my current obsessions is P.S. I Made This. It's bordering on a sickness as I find myself on this page daily, new post or not.

Blow-your-mind blog-ess Erica Domesek has the single most incredible knack I've ever seen for seeing something beautiful, sucking out it's essence (in the best way), and recreating that beauty in a crazy-skilled - and generally quite simple - manner.

Maven of Recreation, Ms. Domesek in her drool-inducing craft room ~ Image courtesy of Shine on Yahoo.com

Erica's beautifully easy-to-read blog is a dream for DIY-ers and inspiration seekers alike.

Inspiration 'bulletin board' for a pompom purse DIY segment

Image courtesy of psimadethis.com

Not only does she pull her DIY ideas from runways around the world, but from the hottest trends in home goods as well. Every tutorial features a scrapbook-like layout of needs and short-n-sweet instructions.

I'm going to try this with cheap-o vessels found at my local thrift store for pennies.

P.S. I Made This also features DIY archives, so you can peruse the pages (highly recommended), or get straight down to business on a project of your choosing. And Erica's latest project: A book of her best and brightest, for sale on Amazon.com

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

So go, click forth, and be inspired. You can do it... Really!

Sneaky Slippers

Think of this as a 'happy new year' to your feet.

Heels are fantastic: Pretty to look at, legs look longer, skinny jeans look better, the list goes on. But at what cost to your toes? We've all been half way through an event and hit that point of utter agony that leaves us considering walking barefoot for miles through the unclean streets of Rome... No? Just me who did that? Well, if I'd had these in my bag, I wouldn't have had to risk life, limb, and a chance at stepping on a hypodermic (I didn't, for the record.):

Collapsible - and actually cute - flats!

These, which I recently purchased online through PacSun.com (on sale now in limited size selection in silver and gold for $19.99 + 50% off), are by Report, but there are lots of different brands and styles on the market.

Keeping in mind that I had to buy the giant size, those with more human sized clompers will find these even more convenient for tucking in an evening bag. However, I picked up the XL (11-12), and they are much closer to the 10.5/11 side of the spectrum. If you're on the cusp, order a size up.

Keep in mind that these are slippers, not shoes. Nearly as thin as thick socks, they aren't meant for traversing the outdoors or schlepping between home and work - More for comfort at the office or relieving pain on the dance floor.

I'm pretty sure a pair or two in gold or black will be sneaking into my closet pretty soon too.

Flash Sale!

I'll continue with the sample review tomorrow (I've tried 3 more since my last entry), but had to alert the masses:

One of my fave web and catalog shoe sources - Alloy - is having an up to 50% off all boots sale on their website for the next 4 days only.

Alloy has that Forever21 malaise of having to really pick through to find the gems that aren't in the only-appropriate-for-a-14-year-old genre (granted, that's their target market), but their shoes have always treated me right. They carry a wide range of sizes, heel heights, and have proved to be durable, comfy, and stylish every time I've purchased... Which is at least twice a year.

These are my current faves:

Quinn Boot - Image courtesy of Alloy.com

I bought an extremely similar pair last fall at full price (still a fairly good bargain) and have worn them multiple times a week for months on end two years in a row now.

These boots were made for walkin' - Get you some!

Samples Are A Girl's Best Friend

Samples, how great are they?

A world of possibilities to find the next best thing in a palm-sized package. I have a stash of all kinds of goodies just waiting... and waiting... and waiting... for me to find the perfect moment to try them out and use them to their full potential. Maybe because they're free, or maybe just thinking I might need just exactly that size of that thing at some specific future moment, but I never actually use them.

This changes today!

I recently placed an online Sephora order, of which every one you get to choose three of their offered samples for that time period. I also (through RetailMeNot.com, posted about here) found a web code to get a slew of other free samples with my order in a tidy little travel case. Here's the stash:

So now my objective is to try each and every one, and give a little review here. Who knows, I may just find the next best thing.

Oh, the possibilities...

Gorgeous on the Go

Trolling Sephora.com one day, I found myself scoping the "Value Sets" section. As a rule, this section of the site offers fantastic little snack packs of all sorts of beauty brands, allowing you to test drive a multitude of colors and categories.

On this day, I found this gem I've come to love:

Image courtesy of Sephora.com

It's the Too Faced Glamour to Go 2 Pack, and my only disappointment is that I missed number one. Containing eight semi-sheer and shimmery eyeshadows on the top level and four glosses and a blush on the second slide-out tray, it's topped off by the mirror (underside of lid above shadows - not seen in photo), and the fact that it's all about the size of a 1/4 of a pack of cards. Magical! My faves in the pack: The yellow looking shadow in the bottom right corner is actually the perfect shade of glimmery gold that I find myself using nearly every day in some capacity, and the nude lip gloss in the top left corner of the bottom tray is almost obscenely perfect.

Downside: No applicators come with this guy. To me, not truly a problem as I'd rather use my own brushes or fingers anyway, but if you're used to the brands that come with their own you may be dismayed.

Priced at $19.50 it may seem spendy, but when considering a regular size Too Faced singular eyeshadow is around $16 a pop... Well, you can see the value.

On Sale Now!

Discount alert:

Image courtesy of VictoriasSecret.com

The Victoria's Secret cotton-cashmere wrap I wrote about in August here is now on sale for $39. Not only that, but sweaters are 20% off using the code SWEATER20 at checkout, bringing the total to under $32. 

Image courtesy of BizRate.com

Just wanted to pass on the good news.

An Apple A Day #2

Number two in the series! I know you've been holding your breath. Sit back, relax, and begin the download.

Pick number 2: Hipstamatic

Image courtesy of iphone.appstorm.net

This is the most-used app I've downloaded on my phone, simply because it's so much fun. The Hipstamatic camera offers an unpredictable, analog-y feeling to any scene you snap. A multitude of lenses, films, and flash effects, I feel like I could take 20 pictures of the same thing and have a different, creative result each time.

Image courtesy of 3.bp.blogspot.com

Fantastic!

Bonus features: An easy button to upload to Facebook for sharing the ones that you feel rival Ansel Adams, and every-so-often themed photo contests for Hipsta-users.

Image courtesy of farm5.static.flickr.com

The $1.99 download comes with 3 lenses, 3 films, and 2 flashes - Plenty to be happy with. If you love it and want more options, you can purchase 'Hipstapaks' for $0.99 each, which also come with several lenses/films/flashes, and can be previewed before purchase. I have to say, I've absolutely zero complaints about this one.

Image courtesy of pocket-lint.com

Oh, snap.

Image courtesy of geeky-gadgets.com