Corrective Per-SPEC-tive

Agent J November 12, 2017

Ever since I can remember I've struggled with my vision. I'd become accustomed to not being able to see afar, accepting the fact that I couldn't fully make out what my teachers wrote on the board in class. I had even developed the habit of holding one eye open with my hand to minimize the strain of watching TV. After watching me suffer from daily headaches due to constant eye strain, my then-boyfriend, now husband, booked an eye examine for me. So finally, in my mid twenties, I was given the gift of clear vision eliminating the strain & pain. Why it actually took me so long to commit to an eye examine and get suited up with glasses is a whole 'nother story.

At first I was afraid I would look silly in glasses. But we took our time and found a pair that looked really good on me. My guy wears glasses too, so we looked quite fitting together both in our specs. Fast forwarding a decade, corrective lenses have not only been a life-saver but they're a staple accessory; heck my glasses have become iconic to my brand with my business logo featuring my signature cat-eyed glasses. I found those signature cat-eyed glasses from GlassesShop.com a few years back, and they've garnered so many compliments I've lost count.

Out of curiosity, I paid Glasses Shop another visit earlier this year. They were running a BOGO Free special so I thought, "oh let's see what they've got." And then I sort of went crazy (see pictures below). Let me just say I really like this particular company for several reasons. One: they have wonderful customer service. Two: they offer the virtual try-on feature where you simply download an image of your face to see if the style works for you. Three: their prices won't break the bank and they often have their BOGO Free sale or a first-frames-free deal. Below are my Glasses Shop finds. I've added the links to purchase the same styles. If you use code: INVIFJ4E7SVHQ at checkout you'll SAVE 50% off frames on your first order. I believe my large black cat-eyes (1.) are no longer available which is truly unfortunate as they are SPECtacular.

*****

1. Salisbury Cat Eye - Black

2. Elsie Cat Eye - Tortoise

3. Marquette Square - Crystal

4. Lexingto Rectangle - Purple

5. Saxton Round - Black

6. Isabel Oval - Purple

7. Bruns Round - Crystal

8. Alice Oval - Floral

The merchandiser in me loves to have all my glasses on display and it's fun choosing which pair to wear.

Get the Look:

* Glasses Display

* Mirrored Vanity

* Stool (I painted the legs a softer gold color).

* Tiered Makeup Stand (DIY - Soon) / (Purchase - Soon)

* Vanity Mirror (wall mirror was a thrifty score).

* Makeup Organizer

* Trash Bin

Content by: Agent J

Frugal Fashionista

Agent J May 29, 2015

"Today this is me. After this past Monday morning I have been free falling. With the uncertainty of steady income, I must be extremely frugal and tight with my current finances. Spring time is my favorite time to shop and bring new treasures into my closet. This Spring however is different. So rather than be sad and boring, I am grateful for all the treasures I already have and I am going to have fun playing dress up with them." ~ J (FB 05-06-15)

After resigning from my job of 10 years, I was just at the beginning stages of starting my own business. I had to be money-conscious and frighteningly frugal. Being a self-proclaimed fashionista, I had to get creative and find a way to stretch my dollars. I became a Frugal Fashionista. Here is one of my tricks for getting killer looks for a fraction of the price.

It is absolutely no secret that I am a HUGE fan of second-hand clothing. See my previous posts: Retro Fabulous and Second Helpings. I enjoy treasure hunting at local thrift shops, the fun hand-me-downs from friends and family, and of course, eBay. If you can't go out or don't have a decent thrift shop in your area, eBay is an excellent place to find second-hand and vintage fashions for less than the cost of double-shot cocktail. Another online shopping option is Poshmark, which I LOVE (I have the mobile app). But we'll talk about that in another post.

Ok, now back to eBay. So here's what I do: I log on and type in my keyword search, e.g., dresses. Then I make the magic happen by narrowing down my the results from your basic categories, such as size, styles and location. Next I have them only show me listings under $1.00. That's right, I am dollar shopping. Once I narrow down the items I like, I'll add them to my watch list. Then, close to when that listing is expected to end, I start my bidding. Sometimes you may get into a bidding war with some unknown far away shopper and other times you truly score. Either way, the amount of money you save is well worth it. And in some cases you're paying more for shipping than the actual item, which to me is still a deal when that skirt is only $0.99. If you don't see anything in that price range, bump it up another dollar or so. Just start low and work your way up. Take your time and most importantly, have fun.

* Pro Tip: Know your size, know your measurements and have a tape measure by you while shopping online. Also, if a listing has the brand or designer stated in their description, research that brand and confirm sizing with their size chart. Not all sizes are created equal. Take into account that laundered item could have shrunk. Pay attention to the descriptions, material content and feel free to ask any questions to the seller. They're there to sell, they'll be happy to answer your questions. This is a MUST when purchasing non-refundable, second-hand apparel. The last thing you want to do is waste your money.

Below are some silly mirror selfies of my 2015 Spring/Summer eBay Shopping Spree Collection: Total Cost $99.64 (All things considered, that is 13 pieces, resulting into an average of $7.67 per piece).

Content by: Agent J

It's A Long Story

AgenT May 26, 2015

Since I first started wearing makeup, all those many long years ago, I have searched for the perfect mascara. Lancôme, Dior, Revlon, Mary Kay, Maybelline, Benefit, Rimmel...the list goes on forever. I'm pretty sure every gal that wears makeup has the same challenge. Luckily I happened to find the PERFECT mascara and it happens to come from my favorite company, Arbonne. Dye free, mercury free, no animal by products or testing, vegan, and it works.

Made with Polypeptides and bamboo extract it is formulated to be water resistant and long wearing. It smells like flowers, not that it makes a difference since you can't smell your eyelashes, and that is a welcome change from the funky chemical scent of most mascaras. You can see the comparison from naked lashes to 2 coats of It's A Long Story below.

Naked eyelashes top left2 coats top rightSee the length difference and the definition of the individual lashes on the bottom — Naked eyelashes top left
2 coats top right
See the length difference and the definition of the individual lashes on the bottom

Excuse my bare skin, but it's morning and I am not ready for the full face yet! I was so excited to share the mascara that I just went for it.
I know there is a mascara craze going around the interwebs and everyone is slinging the 3D fiber lash whatever that makes you look like spiders hatched on your eyelids. I don't personally find that "The Look" that suits me. I prefer natural and pretty for my daily life and if I wish to take it to Drag Queen city then I bust out the Falsies and get to gluing. The Lash extensions are awesome too, I just can't with the maintenance.
So if you want a mascara that looks awesome, stays put, gives you some drama, makes you happy, cooks you dinner, feeds your pets and charges your iphone then It's A Long Story is IT!! (Those last few actions on that list are made up. It doesn't really do all that.)

Go to my website http://tobiannewalt.arbonne.com to learn more about It's A Long Story and how you can get it. Just click the GET IN TOUCH button and enter your info.

Content by: AgenT

UPDATE The winner of the It's A Long Story mascara is...Melanie Mathis!

Congratulations, Melanie!! I will be contacting you via Facebook!! Thanks to everyone who Liked or Shared this post. There will definitely be more AgenT J Giveaways happening in the near future.

My Cover Story

Agent J May 9, 2015

Last Summer I purchased The Hera 5-Way Shirt / Cover Up / Top from 10th Muse Couture. And I LOVE it!

As you can see, it converts into many different looks and uses and is one of the most versatile pieces of my summer wardrobe. Personally, my favorite way to wear it is as the high-waisted skirt paired with a crop top, as pictured.

Headed to the water but need to stop and pickup VODKA? This cover up covers you up. Rather than most "cover ups" in which you might not be comfortable frolicking in public, this one can look just like a skirt. With an 80 % Nylon and 20 % Spandex material content it is similar to that of a swimsuit, so it can also be worn in the water. One could even turn a beach day into a night on the town by wearing this piece as a skirt or top. The material is thicker than a standard swimsuit but dries just as quickly. So if some drunk jerk spills his drink on you, don't fret - you'll be dry in no time.

Choose between colors Mind Eraser Black and Barrier Reef Grey, sizes Small thru Large. Currently only three small blacks are available, but inventory is expected to be replenished mid June, just in time for Summer.

10th Muse Couture is a swimwear and clothing line created and co-owned by a friend of mine. Right now most swimsuits are on sale some marked down 50% off and they will be adding new goodies to their website soon too.

The ladies over at 10th Muse Couture have given AgentJ.co readers an exclusive coupon code for their online shop, 20% off your total purchase by using code agentj20 during check out.

Shop here and like their Facebook page to be updated on new arrivals and special sales.

And that's my Cover Story.

Content by: Agent J

Rain Boot Blues

Agent J February 13, 2015

A few years ago I made the mistake of wearing my much loved wellies during a cold winter day. Unfortunately for me it was only a couple degrees above the negative temperatures (fahrenheit). The combination of the wet snow and freezing temp caused my beloved rain boots to crack. I was absolutely devastated knowing they would be near impossible to replace. So into my closet they sat, collecting dust. Each time Spring rolled back around I would wistfully look at them and scour the internet in search of a replacement. But being I bought them so long ago, the company was no longer in business.

Fast forward about three years and two weeks, give or take a day... During a discussion with one of my girlfriends, I showed her my boot graveyard inside my closet. There were boots with broken zippers, torn heels, ripped seams, and my poor cracked rubber wellies slouching in the corner. She told me about a local shoe repair shop, and said she would take the pair with the torn heel to have it mended. That got me thinking- surely there had to be some new amazing liquid rubber goop in a tube out there somewhere, you know, like goo for a shoe or something ;) Back to the web I went to search for such a revolutionary product. It took me only minutes to stumble upon the product called Shoe Goo, which I then found and purchased on Amazon here. You can choose between clear or black. I bought clear as my boots are white with navy blue stripes.

The application process is quite simple. Make sure the surface of the boot is cleaned, dried and free of dirt. Read the instructions on the package and open the tube of Shoe Goo. Use your index finger to spread a thin layer over the cracked area. And don't worry, this stuff is not like super glue- it peels right off your skin. Allow a couple hours to dry in between coats, adding your second, third and fourth coat. The instructions state to add up to three or four thin layers. Once you are done, allow 24 hours for the sealant to cure and become fully adhered and waterproof. Depending on the material and temperature, it states maximum strength may not be reached for 48 to 72 hours. I did three thin coats and allowed it to dry 24 hours before I tried on my boots. It seems to have sealed the hole. I will continue to allow them to sit until Spring, which hopefully is only a month away.

**3 coats of Shoe Goo & 24 hour cure time**

**Seems to have done the trick. Reunited and it feels so good.**

Sorel Slimpack Riding Winter Boots - Shale

The mended crack doesn't look perfect, but it's completely sealed and waterproof, which means these cuties will be joining me this Spring. And I would like to add, after I cracked my rain boots, I bought a pair of actual winter snow boots which I love. Not only are they stylishly comfortable but also keep me warm and dry. These are Sorel's Slimpack Riding Boots in the color Shale and you can find them here, here and here.

Content by: Agent J

Second Helpings

Agent J May 27, 2014

More please!

Second Helpings couldn't be more fitting for this title, as it's the name of the thrift store where I discovered most of this round of killa' second-hand scores.

In case you missed it, here is my list of Thrifty Tips to better assist you with your next treasure hunt.