Corrective Per-SPEC-tive

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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. 

First pair of glasses w/ my husband.

First pair of glasses w/ my husband.

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. 

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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. 

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

"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

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.