Not News...Retail Coupon Codes

Before finalizing the order confirmation for your favorite clothing items, might I recommend opening a separate window and searching to see if your retailer has a coupon code lurking somewhere in cyberspace. I was pleasantly surprised this weekend while ordering a few items online. I was excited that the items were already on sale, but the 'Frugal Fannie' side of me [I totally dated myself with that reference] could not resist. I just ran a quick check out of pure curiosity. I found a few coupon codes that could apply. I chose the code that offered the greatest savings. I know this isn't news to some of you, but in case you thought coupons were only for groceries or food items...nah. You can find coupon codes out there for just about anything.

You're wondering what I got, aren't you? Just some items from Ashley Stewart! I have a few evening events to attend. Curvy girls can get dolled-up too -- and for a reasonable price! Keeping up with my look without spending too much for fashion essentials (e.g., the standard little black dress captured below). If you are interested, take advantage of the holiday sales and see if any coupon codes can be combined with your purchase. Either way you will save!

Ashley Stewart's Sweetheart Illusion DressReg. Price $49.50

http://www.ashleystewart.com/sweetheart-illusion-dress/AS-023682_3501-IT-XR.html?dwvar_AS-023682__3501-IT-XR_color=black#sz=65&start=63

Let the Makeovers BEGIN!!

It's time. Time for us to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Evaluate. Decide now what it is you will change about you. Then, tell me. And I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. NVidel's last post featured a photo shoot with 6RobinsPhotography. I had the pleasure of helping to makeover a group of exciting teens.

Take a look at what the team pulled together!

Finding Hosiery to 'Control-Top' the Dollar

If  you have read my personal blog, you may have come across the post about my quest to find high-quality and fashionable pantyhose (for women of color - namely me) that didn't break the bank, Hanes Solutions - Transparent Sheer. I have been comparing every other brand since finding this brand, and have yet to find one that can top both it's cost and quality. I have only been able to find it in Target stores, who may be an exclusive retailer of the brand. When initially finding Transparent Sheer last year, I enjoyed paying a little over $5 per pair. However, while shopping for more this weekend, I noticed that the price has gone up...WAY up; now ranging $7 - $8! I'm sure this is due to the sales success of  a higher-end brand with a cuter name. Unfortunately, For 'whatever reason' I am not able to easily find them online (side eye), as I am with other Hanes hosiery (except through ebay) - double side eye. So, my search to find reasonably-priced, quality hosiery for women of color continues...stay tuned.

The back-story: An excerpt from Considering All Things:

What Qualifies You?

Yeah...somebody did ask me that after I shopped for and dressed her sister. I suppose her sister's satisfaction wasn't enough of an explanation. If I were as presumptuous as she seemed, I'd probably tell her to ask my clients, instead I told her the following story.

The story about how I knew I loved to prepare "looks" for other people...

Well, first let me say that it's fun to me. I also believe that I have a knack for most things aesthetic. During my sophomore year in college, my cousin and I went shopping for "night-on-the-town" outfits - known then (to us) as "club gear." After perusing the halls of a popular the retail outlet mall, we came across one of my favorite stores for the hip and fashion-forward twenty-something woman. I pulled a couple of separates together and asked my cousin to get a fitting room so she could try them on. Knowing what I was up to, she was hesitant - almost refused my prodding, but eventually gave in. She stepped out of the dressing room to model the outfits pulled together for her...