Fashion

Today is the last to enter for a chance to win 1 of 20 prize packs in our Fashionable Gals for A Cure Fundraiser and Giveaway.

For every $1 you donate to Breast Cancer Research through our fundraiser, you get a chance to win 1 of 20 fabulous prize packs – each one worth $100 or more!

• Anyone who donates $10 or more will be entered to win a pink Clarisonic!
• The person with the most referrals will receive a $100 Eden Fantasy’s Gift Card!
• The biggest donor will receive a $100 SuperShoes.com Gift Card! Right now, there’s a four way tie between our $50 donors, so I’ll pick picking one of them… If you’re one of those donors, you might want to come back and add another $1 to the pot and seal your win!

Here are the prize packs with the lowest entries (AKA HIGHEST chance of winning!): #1, #6, #11, #13, #16, #20. These prizes contain accessories, jewelry, beauty products, gift cards- oh my!

Right now, about $405 has been raised- let’s make it $500!!! We CAN do it!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who’s donated & helped spread the word… I can’t wait to draw winners this weekend!

xoxo,
The Fashionable Gal

PS- If you donate through PayPal, PLEASE try to use a source other than a credit card, especially if it’s a single entry- PayPal takes $0.33 out of every $1 donation!!!

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Written by Laney Knapp  |  Leave A Comment >>

“With a customizable ruby stain that captures the blood red lips sported by fashionable vampires, Twilight Venom can let you play the part!”

Okay, so I totally haven’t hopped on the Twilight train… I haven’t read the books OR seen the movie. However, DuWop Twilight Lip Venom is something we can all be a fan of! Here’s some info about the product:

“Twilight Venom can be applied repeatedly until desired intensity of color has been reached and lips are plumped and revitalized. Its formula argan, avocado, and olive oils, as well as Vitamin E.”

You can purchase DuWop Twilight Venom from Sephora or Nordstrom.com for $16.00!

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Recently, I was lucky enough to attend a wonderful blogger event, hosted by TJX- the parent company of both TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I’ve always loved both stores, but the event gave me some really great behind the scenes info about how the stores are run, and what their executives are doing to make the shopping experience even more enjoyable for us!

Today, I’m going to be talking exclusively about TJ Maxx but will post more about Marshalls next week (with a great giveaway)!

TJ Maxx has always been a favorite store of mine; my mom and I have shopped there together as long as I can remember. Because the store features perfectly priced merchandise that ranges from socks to pasta, handbags to electric razors, dresses to dish towels- there really is something for everyone! I’ve seriously spent hours venturing up and down the aisles, finding bargains priced treasure galore!

For those of you who’ve never been to TJ Maxx, you’re probably a little confused about what I’m talking about. A common misconception is that the store is stocked only with second hand merchandise- off season, out of style, or irregular/damaged items. NOT TRUE! Here are some facts about the store and its policies (most of these are true of Marshalls, too!):

~Over 95% off the merch in TJ Maxx is first quality (so not damaged or defective).

~The items stocked are actually bought all over the world (i.e. handbags from Italy, soap from France, etc.)–they have vendors in over 60 countries).

~Each store receives new items weekly, and depending on the size, this can mean more than 10,000 new items!

~There are no sales or coupons, but because merchandise turnover happens so fast, there are plenty of clearance items!

What I found most fascinating is the buying and stocking process… Not just because I totally covet the job, but because it directly affects the buying experience! Basically, TJ Maxx doesn’t buy items for the stores in advance (like outwear for November in Spring)–merchandise is bought just a few weeks before it actually goes on shelves. Because of that, the stores can stay completely up to date with trends, even as they change throughout a season. So, if purple suddenly becomes the “in color” mid-September, department stores may or may not be able to stock a range of purple items- but TJ Maxx can go out, scoop ‘em up, and fill their shelves!

Due to the fact that the buyers pick up merchandise so close to the time it goes on shelves, they also have a really great opportunity to nab merchandise from canceled orders! For example, if Macy’s cancels an order of high-end dresses, TJ Maxx can go in and buy the now surplus-frocks from the vendor at a much cheaper prices, since the vendor would rather make SOMETHING off the items. That’s part of how the savings are passed onto us!

One last thing I thought was really interesting- many vendors are selling the exact same merchandise to TJ Maxx that they’re selling to high-end department stores at the same time. Even though I’ve been a TJ Maxx shopper for years, I didn’t realize this… I probably would have noticed if I had enough money to shop department stores, but that hasn’t been the case for a while! Anyhow, the reason that consumers don’t know that TJ Maxx has the same merch (without actually going into the store) is because the vendors request NOT to have their brands advertised by name, in order to keep their higher-end clients from getting miffed.

So, what have we learned? TJ Maxx has the SAME merchandise at the SAME time for a LOWER price! Or, in their words… “The right merchandise, in the right place, at the right time, for the right price.”

Now, while TJ Maxx and Marshalls have the same parent company and do have similar merchandise (in TYPE), they do not stock the SAME merchandise. Here are some features that set Maxx apart from Marshalls:

• Women’s footwear (they don’t stock men’s or children’s)
• Beauty department (my fave!)
• More plus-size items
• Jewelry department
• “The Runway,” a specific area of the store that carries only super high end merch

The pictures throughout this post are from a recent trip I made to TJ Maxx. Of course, like an idiot, I forgot to write down the prices… BUT, nothing was more than $50! Here’s some info on the pics, in order the appear: 2 bottles of Ken Paves hair spray (Jessica Simpson’s stylist!), awesome boots, NARS skin care (marked down to $5! WHERE else can you get NARS for $5???), Philosophy hair care, a couple of great dresses and an awesome coat. I do remember the coat was $24.99 and the material felt divine! Here are a few more:

Brand new Urban Decay lip gloss? $2.00? Hell yes!

Ummm, helloooooooo Coach sneakers!

These pictures are perfect to describe why I love TJ Maxx- the store is an amazing blend of everything I love! There were some fab bags and pieces of jewelry, too- but the sales women seemed to think I was casing the place and I didn’t really feel like explaining why I was taking pics… But what other single store can you walk into and find Coach sneakers, Urban Decay lip gloss, Betsey Johnson handbags, Philosophy hair care– and still have only gone through an aisle or two?

- The Fashionable Gal

GIVEAWAY The fantastic people at TJX and Rocket XL are offering readers of The Fashionable Gal a $25 Gift Card to use on your own TJ Maxx shopping adventure! What fun! Giveaway ends 8/23 at midnight EST; open to US residents only!

Click Here To Enter!

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If you frequent Wal-Mart or are a savvy value shopper, you’ve probably at least seen All You Magazine. However, if you’ve seen it… You’ve probably read it. All the great coupons, deals, recipes, and advice filled articles are hard to resist!

Recently, the folks at all you decided to re-vamp their website, in order to make your online All You experience as easy and enjoyable as actually having a magazine in your hand. Having seen the before and after versions, I think the new site rocks- and is really pretty!

The main page has headings for Coupons & Deals, Food, Budget Home, Style for Less, Diet & Fitness, and Community! Each topic had a drop down menu that will take you to whatever it is that you’re interested, whether it be coupons, quick and easy family meals, budget beauty, at home work outs- pretty much whatever your heart desires!

One of the articles that caught my eye today was featured right on the homepage- “Make A Meal for Under $1 Per Serving.” When I make my weekly pilgrimage to the grocery, I’m only shopping for two people- and yet it usually costs around $80! I’m looking forward to trying some of these recipes and watching my grocery savings add up! And I won’t be forgetting to check out the Coupons Page before I go..

Of course, I’m really a Beauty girl at heart, so you know that I’ve been spending most of my time in the Style for Less Section. There are articles on a ton of my must-haves right now: boot cut jeans, wedge sandals, melt proof makeup, comfortable bras… And everyone should read this article on how to find the perfect fitting dress!

Also, don’t forget to check out the Giveaways page! I’m a total contest junkie, and I’m always telling (okay, bragging to) Sarah about all the neat prizes I win. I have actually won online sweeps from two different magazines, so even though it seems like the odds are overwhelming- somebody’s gotta win, and it might just be you!

Now, if you’re forgetful like me, you probably forget to hit your favorite sites on a routine basis- and thus, you miss out on a lot of great news (you better have our site bookmarked!). All You has that covered- you can sign up for their newsletter and receive updates on whatever areas interest you most. There’s a whole checklist of topics to choose from so you can customize what news you get- and what you don’t. How neat is that?

Okay, so back to the actual magazine! All You is only sold at Wal-Mart, which means that while most people have access, you might not! I know that back in Vermont there was only one Wal-Mart and it was so crowded all the time that going was a bit of a hassle (but worth it when I needed to do some serious bargain shopping). Thankfully, you can subscribe to All You and skip the car trip- and you can do it right online! There’s actually a free trial offer running right now- if you don’t like your first issue, you can cancel the subscription and not pay a cent! If you love it- which we know you will- keep it and get a whole year’s worth of issues for $23.88. Considering how much money you’ll save with each coupon-packed issue, that’s a total steal!

WIN IT! The amazing people at All You are offering up a subscription to one lucky Fashionable Housewife reader! You have until Sunday (midnight, EST) to enter- so let’s go! US residents only, please.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the all new All You and tell me what your favorite section is or about a really cool feature you found!

Extra Entries:

Take a look at some of the specific articles. Find one that you think is particularly interesting or helpful, then leave me a comment with the article name, something you learned/why you liked it, and a direct link. ~1 Entry

Tell me one of the benefits of becoming an All You Reality Checker (and sign up if it sounds like something you’d be into!) ~1 Entry

Use the Budget Recipe Search (top of homepage) to find a recipe you’d like to try (comment with the name of the recipe). ~1 Entry

Subscribe to my newsletter (box on sidebar). ~1 Entry

Follow me on Twitter @thehousewife . ~1 Entry

Tweet this giveaway using the following link (w/o quotation marks). Leave a link to the tweet in your comment. ~1 Entry per tweet, can be done 2x daily!

“Win a subscription to All You Magazine & score beauty and budget tips, plus tons of coupons! http://tinyurl.com/ltodgu @thehousewife RT!”

Good luck, ladies!

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Recently, I had the opportunity to try a few wonderful pieces from SWAK Designs. The company caters to plus-size women who want stylish, comfortable clothes. All too often I find adorable pieces in department stores that just don’t come in “normal,” much less plus-size options! I’ve been working on losing weight, so I tried the 1x options and found them to be perfect!

In the package I originally received from SWAK, there was a pair of the Whitney Palazzo Pants. All too often I find pants in this flattering, wide legged style to be either too big in the waist and too small in the thighs or vice versa. However, the Whitney style is PERFECT! Not only does it skim over my hips and thighs, creating a more flattering silhouette, but they’re wonderfully comfortable. Actually, I’m wearing them right now-one of my favorite aspects is their versatility. I’ve worn them out to run errands, at night for a nice dinner with the boy, in the house to do chores, and in bed! When most of my clothing was packed for the move, I pretty much lived in them! The Whitney pants are $41.99-and worth every single penny! (Available in Black, Navy, Grey-sizes 1x to 6x.)

Because I loved the Whitney pants so much, I decided to place an order with SWAK. Among the items I decided to try were the Gaucho pants. Due to my height (about 5′4″), they don’t hit me higher on the ankle like they do in the photo. However, that doesn’t stop them from being as comfortable and stylish as the Whitney pair. Now, one thing to keep in mind while wearing capri styles pants is that depending on wear they hit you on the calf, the pants can create a more choppy image that doesn’t allow the pants to flow and slim you. However, since they’re so comfortable and light weight for spring, I’d definitely recommend a pair-but I’d wear them with some of the season’s flattering, high heeled shoes (wedges, pumps, etc.). The Gaucho pants are $32.99 and come in Black, Brown, or Grey (size 1x-6x).

Of course, I needed a top to complete the look! I have a ton of tank tops from when they were on sale at Wal-Mart, but I like to layer them under nicer shirts for a classier look. I loved the Cheyenne top, as it’s flowing, loose style would keep with the soft appeal I was going for. Because there’s a bit of elastic under the bust, the top doesn’t look baggy. Rather, it’s fitted in a comfortable and sexy way. I selected mine in Black, but I also love the Rust (pictured). I think it would actually make a really sweet bathing suit cover-up in the summer. In the meantime, pair it with lighter tops and flowing pants or skirts. Since warmer weather and prettier colors are right around the corner, a pretty dress would look gorgeous under it! The Cheyenne is currently on sale for $25.99; unfortunately, only 1x is available right now.

When I placed my second order, I also decided to try a few dresses! I was planning on getting two different styles, but I love the Kayla so much that I ordered it in two different colors. Due to the fact that I’m incredibly pale year-round, I opted out of the white (although I’m thinking about ordering it now). Instead, I selected the gorgeous pale pink, and the soft turquoise. Once again, I was totally thrilled with the comfortability level and the super appealing look! My boyfriend caught me trying it on over jeans and loved it, so I’m looking forward to the weather to warm up a bit so I can start wearing them out! The dress is also on sale for $28.99, and is available in 1x-6x (not every color is available in every size).

Bottom line? Sealed With a Kiss Designs gets Five Kisses from Me!

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‘Tis the season for many things, and one of them is dining out. Whether you’re going home for the holidays, or staying where you are, chances are you’ll be reconnecting with lots of old friends and family. I know I’ll be going out quite a bit, and while there’ll be plenty of fun, there will also be a few downsides! One is the cash, of course, but another is the calories! As if the turkey and stuffing won’t be bad enough, all of those get-togethers will have take a toll on my waistline if I’m not careful! Thankfully, I found an article on MSN that gives some great tips for eating out without over-indulging. You can check out the whole article here, but read on for the highlights!

Read the whole menu. It’s tempting to jump at the first sumptuous dish you see, but chances are there are plenty of delicious options-including healthy ones!

Be the first to order. Chances are, your grilled chicken salad won’t sound quite as delicious after hearing everyone else at the table order burgers or potatoes with extra gravy. Order your meal first, and you may just encourage others to eat healthier as well!

Start with a salad. This is something I try to do in the cafeteria, as a big pile of vegetables will help fill me up with lots of vitamins and other “good stuff” before I dive into a pile of fries. You’ll wind up eating a lot less of the unhealthy choices, and chances are that you’ll feel a lot better after the meal.

Consider a la carte. A bowl of soup and a salad or sandwich can be just as delicious as a basket of chicken tenders, but the portions will be more realistic so you won’t be tempted to overeat.

Split the difference. If an entree sounds like too much food, see if a companion wants to split it with you. I always try to do this with dessert, but splitting a overly large meal is a great idea, too! Another option is to just ask the waiter/waitress to wrap up half your meal without even serving it. That way you’re not tempted to eat too much, and you can have another normally portioned meal later!

Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. A lot of restaurants really lay the dressing (or gravy) on thick! I always find that the salad at Olive Garden is heavily drenched in dressing, and while delicious, it doesn’t help with calorie counting. When the dressing is on the side, you can lightly apply it yourself, or dip your fork in with each bite-that way you get the flavor without all of the calories!

Ask questions. Check if there’s a lot of butter involved in making your food, if the chicken can be grilled instead of fries, etc. If all else fails, ask what you can substitute for high fat side dishes-and if they use a lot of butter in those! Lately I’ve been substituting broccoli for fries, and finding that the veggies are smothered in enough butter to make the calorie difference tiny!

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Where, oh where, have the Fashionable Housewives gone?  Well, it turns out they’re all lucky enough to be on vacation!  That leaves me, The Fashionable Gal, to pick up all the beauty slack!  Here are some of my favorite posts from throughout the week!

1.  Rain Boots from Nordstrom.  Check out my favorite patterns from the very fashionable Chooka!

2.  $10 FREE from Sephora! Head on over to snag the coupon code and check out my picks!

3.  QVC’s Beauty Steals.  Here’s a quick listing of all the must-see QVC TV!

For more beauty bites, check out the rest of my post over at The Fashionable Gal-and have a great weekend!

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