Why it pays to spend more

Posted on May 15, 2012 by rsutherland

Math is not my strong suit. Unless you are talking about shopping math, or justification for buying quality versus quantity. Then I can hook you up.

I was reminded of the importance of doing shopping math before you buy when I recently sprung my favorite sandals from shoe jail on the fourth floor at Belk SouthPark. The kind folks there don’t hold my items against their will — it’s the only place I trust to fix/restore my precious kicks and leather goods.

Anyway, here’s the story of my sandals. I don’t wear flats often (read: EVER). But I was in need of some comfortable stylish flat sandals two summers ago. While working part-time at Saks Off Fifth, I lamented buying these beauties for weeks — pre sale (and employee discount) price had them at around $100. I wasn’t sure I liked them enough to pull the trigger, but they were leather and were unique.

Long story short, I bought them. And literally every summer since, I’ve been so so thankful that I did. They recently took their third trip to shoe jail, where they received spa treatments so restorative, they looked brand new upon pick up. Never mind that they were fitted with their third set of new soles, or that the toe straps had been shortened (after being stretched out from two full summers of near-daily wear).

Here’s where the math comes in, and the importance of quality materials: those awesome leather sandals cost roughly $60 when I bought them back in 2010. Resoling in 2011 ran about $10. This year’s rehab was a bit more extensive, but so worth it, and clocked in at $25.

So, my perfect pair of sandals has cost me about $95 total. That’s about $31 per summer, and I don’t have to spend any time trying to find the perfect shoe — I’ve already got it in hand.

That’s not too bad, when you consider the alternative: buying a new pair of flat sandals every summer. Low end that would run $25 per summer ($75), and they certainly wouldn’t be leather. Nicer shoes (not even high end)? A minimum of $40-$50 per pair ($150).

I’m still working on applying “buying better, buying less” to my entire wardrobe, and I’ve pretty much got it down with shoes and bags.

So what’s your take? Do you agree? No? Think it’s convenient retail rationalization?

Fashion Camp? Yes Please!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by rsutherland

Do you have a teen that lives and breathes all things fashion and is between the ages of 12-16? Do you live in the Charlotte area?

Then you are in luck. Or I should say, your teen is in luck.

The amazing Sonya Barnes, founder of the International Fashion Style Academy, has just announced IFSA’s inaugural Summer Fashion Day Camp, scheduled for June 18-22 at the NC Dance Theatre, 210 N. Tryon St. (Have you been to that building? Amazing space on its own, with incredible energy, but I digress …)

The camp, which runs from 8:30a-5:30p daily, is a “full immersion program” Sonya says, including offering campers exposure to a variety of fields in the fashion industry, tours of local boutiques, guest lectures from industry experts and culminates with a fashion photo shoot with a professional photographer.

The camp will introduce your budding fashionista to all aspects of the fashion industry — including designing, styling, modeling, merchandising and more — and help them begin to understand creating their own style profile.

$225 per person. Visit intfashionstyle.com for more information or to register.

Brow Ambassador? Of Course!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by rsutherland

The first delivery of Tweezerman goodies

Near the top of the list of my many, many beauty obsessions sits brows and lashes. Windows to the soul, yada yada yada … I love that eyes and brows are so universally unique, so distinctly me, and so highly customizable. I am hella consumed with Adele’s eye makeup (have you seen my Pinterest lately?). Just last week, I spent way too much trying to find (again) the perfect mascara.

I love just about everything about my eyes (except for the near-transparency of by brows and lashes sans makeup), so when the opportunity to join the Tweezerman Ambassador program presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

As one of the beauty bloggers in the program, I’ll be testing Tweezerman products and sharing my reviews with you here. And, let me just say, my tired, chippy, well-loved neon pink enameled tweezers are thankful that reinforcements have arrived!

The first Tweezerman shipment featured more than 10 of their products, many of which I have never used before (remember the part about the old, chippy tired tweezers?) — I can’t wait to get busy with my new tools.

Tell me your brow secrets and I’ll tell you what I learn as I go! What do you favor for beating your brows back? Do you dare use scissors and a brow brush? How about gel or setting lotion to tame unruly brows?

Secrets Of The Arm Party

Posted on April 19, 2012 by rsutherland

I recently scored the most colorful, wonderful arm party for $12ish dollars. Really.

I have to share the details because the story of its creation epitomizes high-low dressing and a willingness to see style where ever you are.

While on a shopping road trip to Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem with my friend Kisten (she writes the fab Polish Pauper blog), we hit my favorite spot for super cheap, on-trend accessories: Forever 21. I stumbled across a bowl full of bracelets (similar bangles here) and was stunned to see that even by Forever 21 standards, they were hella inexpensive: $1.80 per set.

I wasted no time putting five sets in my basket. When I got home, I split the sets, giving my daughter the skinny metal bracelets, keeping the colorful wrapped bangles for myself. A few days later, I spied another colorful wrapped bangle in the $1 bin at Michael’s. I snatched it up.

I wore my colorful bangles to a speaking engagement recently, and was peppered with questions about where I purchased the set, even going to so far as to ask if I had picked them up at a specific boutique in Charlotte. While I thought for a sec about just saying yes, I came clean about my secret source of budget-friendly accessories.

The moral of this jewelry story? Don’t judge a store (even a craft store) by it’s cover. Beautiful fashion can be found just about anywhere. Wear your budget-friendly finds proudly — I know I will!

Search For The Perfect T-shirt, 2012 Edition

Posted on April 10, 2012 by rsutherland

In the grand scheme of things, my inability to find the perfect T-shirt is relatively low on the list of world’s problems.

Zara's organic cotton T-shirt may be my perfect shirt. Maybe.

But, let me just say it is hella frustrating. I’ve been whining and writing about this personal drama since at least 2009 (that was the first time I put it on paper, I don’t doubt that I had been verbally complaining to anyone who would listen years before that).

Since then, I’ve adjusted my expectations. I buy shirts where I can with little thought these days. My criteria is rather short: V neck, full sleeve, 100 percent cotton. I don’t expect shirts to last more than a season. If they do, bravo. I also don’t expect to be able to find them again once I’ve purchased.

It was in that frame of mind that I snatched up two organic cotton Ts from Zara during a recent trip to Atlanta — one black, one white — without even trying them on. At $9.90 each, it was a fashion risk I was willing to take.

For those not in the know, Zara is fast European fashion for adults, and the chain is considerably more grownup than H&M (and stores are a lot less disco, which is a good thing). In New York City, Zara is nearly as ubiquitous as Starbucks, seemingly on every corner, but I’ll take fabulous fashion over bitter coffee any day.

But back to the shirts. I’m almost nervous to say it, but I think I’ve found my perfect T: opaque enough to wear without a tank underneath, flattering cut that hugs curves and the shirt is blessedly long — no riding up or having to layer for coverage. Did I mention it’s less than $10?

The only downside is there is no Zara in Charlotte, but thank goodness, we can order the magical shirts online.

Test Drive: Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Posted on April 5, 2012 by rsutherland

My love of Kiehl’s is enduring and storied. When I moved to Charlotte almost 14 years ago, there was no place to buy Kiehl’s. Really. I had my mom get my favorite products in suburban Detroit and ship to me.

Thankfully, that’s no longer the case, but my love of the products hasn’t waned. I’ve even turned my product-adverse husband on to the line’s simple, reasonably-priced, high-quality products (he loves the Cross-Terrain All-In-One Refueling Wash, but I digress).

So when my friends at Kiehl’s sent a bottle of Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution for me to try, and I assumed I’d love it. However, I was unprepared for just how much I’d adore the serum. Rarely does a product do what it says it will so quickly and effectively.

After three or so weeks of nightly application, my acne-scarred face is bright and even, remarkably so.

Formulated with Vitamin C, white birch extract and peony extract, the fast-acting serum evens skin tone, lessens dark spots and increases skin luminosity. There are no silicones, paragons, fragrance or colorants.

Kiehl’s says in as little as two weeks, 55 percent of women clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in dark spot intensity. In four weeks, 69 percent of women had a continued reduction in dark spot intensity and 73 percent showed a significant reduction in acne scarring.

Clinical studies showed skin tone improved with continued use, and prolonged daily usage would help to prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations.

The serum applies and absorbs like a dream — silky and smooth without being tacky or greasy. It layers beautifully under day or night cream. $49.50

Social Dress Rebirth At Belk

Posted on March 29, 2012 by rsutherland

After taking my search for a gown for February’s HRC Gala on the road (namely Atlanta), I was all too excited to hear what Belk buyer Hope Politis had to tell and show me recently: Belk Southpark has substantially increased its social dress department.

If you’re like me and rarely make it out of the shoe department (It’s disturbing how easily I’m distracted “Ooh … Frye boots. And sandals ….”), like me, you’ve been missing out on what Hope and her peeps started putting together earlier this year, just in time for prom season.

There’s just more: More price points, more styles, more designers including Tadashi Shoji, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren’s Lauren line and Jessica Simpson among others. I have to admit, J Simp’s dresses are surprisingly elegant — nothing about the blouson number with a beaded waist (right) screamed Jessica Simpson.

Of course there are prom dresses galore, but for those of us who A) are not 16 B) looking for social dresses the rest of the year and C) not interested in aging ourselves with a dress and/or spending a zillion dollars, Belk has the hookup. Politis says it’s not going anywhere soon. The department will not be seasonal, but a year-round presence.

You’ll have a chance to check out the expanded offerings during a free fashion show at noon Saturday, March 31 at SouthPark Belk, 4400 Sharon Road. Details: 704.364.4251.

Dress For Success Inventory Reduction Sale
Dress For Success, the popular non-profit that empowers women is ready to empower bargain hunters this weekend: The Inventory Reduction Extravaganza will feature most items priced below $20 (some exceptions, including designer apparel and accessories). The sale is open only to women and has a few caveats: No returns, plus-sizes are limited, no children allowed and ID is required to shop. 10a-4p at DFS Boutique off Clanton Road.

Score! Drugstore faves

Posted on March 23, 2012 by rsutherland

Jesse's Girl 9 Pan Eye Shadow Compact can be found online and at select Rite Aid drugstores for $3.99.

I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that you pay for what you get.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t love a good bargain every now and again. When you can find that sweet spot of price and quality, you’re in my happy place. Especially when it comes to cosmetics and skincare products.

Here are a few of the drugstore products I am loving right now:

Baby powder: You will never need to buy dry shampoo again. Seriously. Tap out a smudge of powder, pat it between your hands, flip your hair over and work into the roots. Aim a blow dryer at your roots and vigorously work in the powder. Voila! Instantly fabulous Day 2 hair. Low tech and low price! $2ish (or less) for the travel size.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Night Cleansing Pads: I love some Salicylic Acid — anything that can help tighten my pores, help reduce acne and promote exfoliation gets an A+ in my beauty book. These pads are life-savers for my finicky, oily-but-dry skin. I use them first thing in the morning (instead of washing my face with cleanser). Afterwards, my face is clean, bright and ready to accept tinted moisturizer. $7.99 for 60 pads

Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes: Yes, I’m sure we all know how important it is to really wash your face every night, but there are just some times when I am so beyond tired that the thought of pumping cleanser into my hand and splashing water on my face is enough to bring me to tears. Enter Lumene Cleansing Wipes: gentle and effective enough to remove waterproof eye makeup without scrubbing. It’s no surprise the product as chosen as a Beauty Best by Allure magazine in 2011. $6.99 for 25 wipes at CVS

Jesse’s Girl 9 Pan Eye Shadow Compact: As I’ve mentioned before, I discovered Jesse’s Girl at Cosmoprof last year, and my love of their products is deep and unwavering. The shadows in this palette are heavily pigmented, apply like a dream and don’t flake, crease or disappear on their own. The line regularly bests many other drugstore brands in quality and price. $3.99 at select Rite Aid locations

My Date With Madonna (Finally!)

Posted on March 13, 2012 by rsutherland

Not only was Madonna a style icon, I have coveted her chameleon-like hair for since the "Like A Virgin" days. My favorite style? Number one, without a doubt, is the "Express Yourself" platinum curly bob.

Madge is coming to see me in November.

Well, not just me, but she is coming to Charlotte and I do have a ticket. I can barely breathe — I will be seeing the Material Girl in concert for the first time ever and needless to say, I am beyond excited, some eight months in advance.

My Madonna playlist has been in heavy rotation and nary a day has passed when I haven’t thought to myself at least once to myself — What am I going to wear to the show?

See, if you’re a girl (or a boy — Madonna-worship knows no gender boundaries) in your mid-to-late 30s, there is simply no other 1980s style icon. Period. And, she’s from Michigan too. There are few places or memories in my life that can’t be tied to her influence Madonna.

I have lost count of the number of years in a row that I dressed up as Madonna (I use a snapshot of one of those looks on my bio page for my company’s website). Or how many times I tried to wear my rosaries as necklaces.

I can vividly recall how I longed for a pair of mesh fingerless gloves just like Madonna’s and how in awe I was of the literal wall of black jelly bracelets at Express (because she pre-dated the Manrepeller with arm parties, but Madge’s were of the black rubber variety). And I can remember like it was yesterday my mom being upset that I cut a Barbie’s hair to look more like Madonna’s and drew a rosary around the doll’s neck with a Sharpie.

Madonna’s influence extends past fashion and style straight on to business acumen and overall philosophy: She is a badass who does what she wants, is wildly successful and has made a very profitable career out of building on her strengths and trusting her instincts.

She refuses to conform in order to fit someone else’s idea of what she should be, while still growing and changing (especially her personal style) over the years.

I’ve got some time — eight months or so — to figure out the perfect concert-going ensemble. I might just throw in a pair of mesh gloves, black Wayfarers and a tiered skirt just for old-times sake.

Brights Are Lighting Up My World

Posted on March 13, 2012 by rsutherland

: refinery29.com images

Here’s a recent post I wrote for the WOW Goodwill blog:

For someone who wears as much black clothing as I do, it’s surprising (even to me) that I’m so drawn to the uber-trendy bright colors of this spring. Especially the neon, which has crept back into our fashion consciousness again — yay!

I guess it’s a case of “do as I say, not as I do.” I’m working on changing that, but let’s first talk about the color so dense and delicious, I want to eat it up.

Color is everywhere this spring, in a zillion different incarnations: Florals, prints, tribal influences, just to name a few. I’m especially entranced by bright, super-saturated solids in colors, and hot pink (fuschia), cobalt blue and kelly green are rocking my colorless world at this moment.

If you’re unable to dive right into the ROYGBIV dressing pool like I am, there are a few things you can do to incorporate color into your wardrobe without spending lots of money:

Go slow. Start with a pair of bright sunglasses, or a pair of earrings.
Don’t be afraid of colorful shoes. I am coveting a pair of hot pink patent leather heels right now. And a pair of black strappy platform sandals with neon pink and yellow accents. And a pair of cobalt blue wedges.
Build upon your wardrobe of staples by adding in a splash of color through a belt, with a completer piece like a sweater or jacket, or with a handbag. Goodwill is a great place to start building out your colorful accents!
Be fearless! Color won’t hurt you! Assemble a Pinterest inspiration board for dressing colorfully and give your self time to have a personal styling session in front of the mirror at home.

I guess I should take my own advice, huh?

If The Shoe Fits

Navigating the world of fashion one high heel at a time