Splurges That Are Worth It

I like saving money, but sometimes it is better to splurge on a quality product. Earlier this year, Expensive things that are worth every cent! was posted on the Yes and Yes forums and got me thinking about the things I like to splurge on.

A Professional Haircut and Color

Minka Kelly

I've lived through many hair disasters. Wanting a radical new look but trying to save a few dollars, I will cut and color my hair and quickly find myself in the salon's ER - and spending a lot more money than if I had just gone to the salon in the first place. Lesson #1: Never try to go from black to blonde at home on your own. Lesson #2: Layering is an art form best left to the professionals.

A Quality Handbag

Princess Bucket Bag by Dooney & Bourke

My first handbag splurge was a Dooney & Bourke from their It Bag Collection. It cost a little under $200, but carrying it on my arm made me feel like a million bucks. You don't have to spend a fortune, and a quality bag will last for years. I like carrying whimsical bags because they are great conversation starters. Other brands I like are Coach and Kate Spade.

Nike Sneakers

Nike Free XT Everyday Fit+

I turn to Nike for sneakers because they run narrow and will last me a couple years. Plus, the sneakers come in exciting colors.

Victoria's Secret Pajamas

The Tee-jama

Poor quality pajamas can feel stiff, but Victoria's Secret jammies are comfortable and wear well. I love their flannel sets in the winter, which are perfect for running around in on Christmas morning.

MacBook

MacBook

I'm on my second MacBook. My first MacBook lasted for five years, although that last year it was really slow. I love my MacBook and can't imagine switching to anything else - except maybe a MacBook Pro.

What do you like to splurge on?

Chicwish

Chictopia is a wonderful place to find inspiration. It's impossible not to find someone whose style you admire. A couple of days ago Fancytreehouse wore a divine little red dress and that is how I discovered Chicwish. This fabulous online boutique caters to shoppers craving a vintage inspired look. While the company is based in Hong Kong, they ship internationally and offer free shipping on purchases over $150. Sadly, I must wait until payday before any of these lovelies can be mine.

Starry Night Romper

Dolly Denim Dress

Dreamy Fluffy Dress

The Perricone Skin Care Giveaway ends midnight, May 30th!

Things i LOVE Thursday

Going to a baseball game

Trying a new hairstyle thanks to this video

(it's the perfect style for summer)

Listening to Lady Gaga all week long

(loving this song)

Reading Secondhand Chic by Christa Weil

Seeing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 3D

(next movie needs more Spanish soldiers!)

Hearting this Jane Austen dress

Being included in the vvb32 reads Armchair BEA festivities

Learning to shimmy

Wanting this Barbie Dream House Ring by nOir Jewelry

Loving these festive shoes

When the Prize Disappoints

You've commented and tweeted, and now you are the lucky winner of a... disappointing prize. Now what?

As a blogger, I enjoy hosting giveaways, and I like to think of giveaways as a thank you to my followers, so it's no good when the winner feels that the prize has quality issues. A recent situation has made me realize that there can be a real disconnect between the product I'm sent to review and the prize sent out to the winner. I, also, realize that even though I like a product it might not work for someone else. While I contemplated quality issues and varying taste, I was struck by inspiration - winners could review their prizes!

Eden-Avalon of The Reason for Tears has agreed to write the first prize review. In April, I reviewed the Romina from the Vedette Sensuale Collection and was quite happy with it. Eden-Avalon received the Danette from the store's regular line and found the quality lacking. I should note that the two other winners from the giveaway liked their garments, but I do not know what garments they were sent.

Eden-Avalon's Vedette Sensuale Giveaway Prize Review:

I received style #115 The Danette in black. I took Midnight Cowgirl's advice and ordered a size up, even though Vedette recommended I stick to the chart when I spoke to them on the phone. Unfortunately the item was still too small to really wear and I am quite used to shapewear. I called upon my younger sister, who was two sizes down from the size I ordered but it was also too small and tight for her. The partial body suit reduced my waist by 1 inch and hers by 0. It also reduced my hips by 2 inches and hers by 1. I'm afraid the elastic at the top has already started to wear down. Still - i'm thrilled to have won this item and big thanks to The Fashion Planner for the opportunity to try this out!

Eden-Avalon, also, posted a more in depth review on her blog, and it is worth checking out. Thanks to Eden-Avalon for being the first to write a prize review!

I'd love to hear other thoughts on posting prize reviews and if anyone else has won a blog giveaway and was disappointed that the prize did not live up to the hype.

If you've won a giveaway on The Fashion Planner and would like to do a prize review (positive or negative), contact me for details!

There is still time to enter the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway if you would like the chance to win a product of your choice (up to $150 value) and the opportunity to write a prize review.

Monday Morning Good things

Happy Monday! This weekend kept me busy. I worked as a dresser at a Macy's fashion show and started packing for a possible move this summer. Tonight I have tickets to see a baseball game and am looking forward to hanging out with friends. Here are some other good things that are brightening my day:

Flat Sandals

The Silvana sandals from J. Crew scream "Summer!" Made from supple vachetta leather and only $98 a pair, the Silvana could be the perfect summer shoe.

Pleated Skirts

This ASOS Pleated Knitted Skirt is too cute to pass up. My latest obsession is finding the perfect pleated skirt, and I absolutely love this color.

Cookbooks

I find the best cure for boredom is to make something. Baking these yummy treats from BabyCakes is a delicious way to pass a free day.

New Music

Lady Gaga's new album drops today and Amazon is offering the full MP3 album for only $.99!

Need something else to do? Enter the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway for your chance to win your choice of a Perricone product worth up to $150!

What are your plans for today?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Reading The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams

Taking time to dance

(and wishing I could dance like this...)

Watching From Prada to Nada

Listening to this song by Avril Lavigne

Wanting this belt bag by Rodarte for Opening Ceremony

(and wondering if this could be a diy project?)

Hearting these rhinestone shoes

Needing this watch from La Mer Collections

Obsessively reading What Kate Wore

Making plans for a fabulous summer

More YouTube Beauty Gurus

About a year ago, I posted a list of some of my favorite YouTube beauty gurus, and now it is time to update the list. From hair care tips to favorite nail polishes, YouTube is one of my favorite beauty resources. Here are some fabulous beauty vloggers I have discovered over the past year:

QueenBeauty

missglamorazzi

pixi2woo

itsjudytime

FleurDeForce

Who are your favorite beauty gurus?

Check out the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway!