New Giveaway: New Job, New You

Back in January I attended the New Job, New You 2010 career kickoff party at RockIt Wrigley.

New Job, New You 2010 is the title of the book by Alexandra Levit. It was a really fun event because the drinks were flowing and a lot of the usual suspects, Thinking Black Girl, etc were there.

Here's the book's description from amazon.com

If you're dissatisfied in your current position, fantasize about doing something else with your life, or have just unceremoniously been given a pink slip, take heart. It's never too late to start fresh and forge ahead on a fulfilling new career path. Alexandra Levit, career columnist for The Wall Street Journal, has interviewed dozens of individuals who have successfully switched careers—many of them more than once—and provides practical, empowering, and action-oriented steps for figuring out your next move with clarity and confidence. Organized by the seven major motivations that lead people to seek career changes—family, independence, learning, money, passion, setback, and talent—New Job, New You shows you how to


• research careers that best reflect your new direction
• stand out in this competitive job market
• market yourself to a particular (most ideal) position
• create a financial plan to maintain income during your transition
• use the power of networking to put you exactly where you want to be


Complete with compelling personal stories, helpful questionnaires, and savvy, down-to-earth advice, New Job, New You gives you the resources you need to turn your wildest pipe dream into a solid reality and obtain the rewarding, invigorating career that you deserve.

{here i am with Rockit's owner, Billy Dec and Thinking Black Girl}

As usual when I attend these types of events, I like to show my support and so I purchased the book although I knew I would most likely not read it.

I am in the midst of my Spring cleaning/Apt Redo/Purge, and I am getting rid of anything that I know I will not use.

So instead of just dropping this in a bin, because I know a lot of women are making changes to their careers or trying to start new ones, I decided to give this one away here at the blog.

So, if you want the book, leave a comment saying why you would like it and I will randomly choose a winner monday 5/3 @ 11am cst.

The Makings of a Dress

I have been taking my sewing classes for a few weeks now and so I thought I would put a quick post about my current project.

I am a major wrap dress girl, so choosing to make one was a no brainer.

The pattern that I am working is Vogue pattern #V8379. It is considered as you can see on the package, a very easy pattern. Well..I guess it is, if you have ever sewn in your life.

Moi on the other hand, I have owned a sewing machine for a couple of years now and it has held residence in my basement storage.

But anyway, I am making the short sleeve, collarless version of the dress.

Because I am a total newbie, we are working the dress in muslin first.

Here is my progress so far..mistakes and all..

 {pattern cutting can be a breeze when you just chill with it and leave your perfectionist tendencies at home}

 {my fab instructor Tchad}

 {jacked up crooked stitches...thankfully it's just muslin}

 {tada..hours later...stitching, pressing...you never think about all the steps when you grab a piece off the rack}

I picked out a fabric, and so I am going this week to pick up my yards.

 Hopefully next week I will be working on the real thing..

Yay!

Money, money, money...

An interesting side conversation to Ashe Mischief's great blog about Finance and the Fashion Blogger, is how some people have no problem trying to get in other people's business to find out how they are able to afford what they have or what they blog about.

I am not one of those bloggers who blog about their expensive shoes and clothes, etc and people ask me this all the time!

I rarely ever blog about spending big money on anything {mainly because I am offended by the price of most "designer" things}, although as I write this, I have a blog about Coach bags sitting in my drafts. But mind you, most of my Coach pieces were given to me by my very generous ex, Dex.

But,if you follow my tweets, tweet photos and foursquare checkin's, its obvious that I spend quite a bit of time out and about and in shops from Starbucks to Charlotte Russe to Lane Bryant to Macy's and beyond.

Hell my starbuck's trips alone could honestly total $100+ a month, so I get that things like that could possibly make people curious as to "how she do that".

People ask me all the time what I do for a living and my answer might seem kinda vague because for one, I am in my "day job" in spite of all my openness online, in a very private type of business.

I handle other peoples money and assist them with their lives for a living mainly and then I have my other more fun side jobs, ReThrifted, my Etsy shop, this blog.

I am also working to create my "dream hustles", my fashion line, my photography career, etc.

So, when people ask me this on twitter or wherever, I tell them I work in accounting or bookkeeping or that I have a virtual assistant business and all of the above is true.

But sometimes, I wonder what the motivation behind the questions are.

I know some people are just generally curious and it's pretty typical to ask someone what they do for a living BUT sometimes it is just obvious that people are just trying to be nosy and I find that rude.

People make a lot of assumptions based on little fact most of the time.

Personally I spent 15 yrs working in investments and while I would love to say that I handled my money fantastically, I did not.

I was 19 years old with Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Marshall Fields cards, among others and a boyfriend who didn't have a dime and who made some really big mistakes that cost us both terribly, financially and otherwise.

And while I am very good at handling other peoples money and advising them on how to manage it, I was definitely not prepared for that kind of credit availability back then.

So, fast forward two decades and while I am not totally where I want to be, I can honestly say that I am definitely living with my eyes wide open.

Does this mean that I have no debt and my financial house is without blemish?

Hell naw!

But I have made a lot of adjusments and every day I am making more.

I use cash 90% of the time.

I shop as I say "to make Washington look like he has had botox", stretching my dollars, using coupons, shopping sales and being creative.

So, while I get it that some people are just curious and may actually be asking with nothing but good intentions, I am kinda put off by the questions at times and I know other people are also.

The Purge: One a day

I am in the midst of a major spring cleaning and apartment redo and I don't know about other folks but the older I get the more I need to get rid of.

And when I don't respond to this internal need I suffer the consequences in many ways..

For one I am finding especially as of late, being 'a collector of things' is becoming at times more of a chore than a pleasure.

As my spring cleaning has progressed I have been getting a bit perturbed that I am really only making a dent in the much needed for my sanity's sake purge of the collections.

Yesterday, I was packing my gym bag and could not find one of my shoes and that was just the last damn straw.

I am also one of those girls who has things with the tag still on them that I purchased eons ago or things that I have  worn once and know I will never wear again, which is in itself at this point is major aggravating!

Recently I was reading Make Under My life and Jess wrote about how she was going to undertake a "Throw out Fifty Things Challenge" spurred on by the Gail Blanke book.

It's a really great premise, to basically release things to open up to things.

So I have decided I would take the idea to another level, one that would fit the scope of my issue and remove at a minimum one thing a day from my place.

And while I am sure it will turn out that I am purginng more than one thing a day because I have already collected bags of stuff, I am starting out with saying a minimum of one thing because I know me.

If a non fun task, especially a domestic task takes too much energy I will hate it because I am not a domestic chick and I would rather do almost anything else.

I am gonna start off slowly and thankfully there are several of those huge donation bins within blocks of my flat so I can just take a bag of things and chuck it easily.

Some of the new unworn items and the rarely worn may end up in ReThrifted but most of it will hit the bins.

With that being said...the long overdue, totally needed...

begins..

Chicago Crave Guide Giveaway

During the past few months, I have attended a couple of cool events put on by the folks of CRAVEChicago.

First the Blissful Bloggette Party and recently the Bloom + Tone Party.

While the Blissful Bloggette Party was all drinks and fun and laughter, the Bloom + Tone Party was all about health, beauty and wellness and I enjoyed them both.

And since I received a copy of my new favorite Chicago guide, the Crave Chicago Guide at both events, I decided to share the love and give one away.

{photo: The Crave Co}

It's a really great way to learn about so many fantastic women holding down some really cool businesses in the Chicago area.

I have tagged pages and plan to use it A LOT especially as the weather warms up to get out and explore more of the City and nearby suburbs.

You can take a peek inside here.

And while this is a giveaway for the Chicago version of the guide, you don't need to live in Chicago for the guide to be useful. In this day and age of the internet, you can reach and shop these fab businesses from anywhere via their websites.

And if you are craving a guide for your city, you might just be in luck.

They have guides for plenty of other cities, from New York to Amsterdam and places in between.


To enter to win either:


Click the link below to tweet the giveaway

Tweet this giveaway

OR

Leave a comment on this post answering the following question:
What one thing do you find yourself always craving? 
The fine print--One winner will be chosen for this giveaway.  The giveaway ends Thursday 4/30/10 @ 11:59 pm CST and is open to folks with US mailing addresses only.  

Burt's Bees Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to all of you beauties who left comments and entered the giveaway.

The winner of the Burt's Bees Natural Body Kit is @StilettoLipstik!

Please send me your mailing information Via Email and I will ship it off to you.

Stay tuned..more giveaways are coming soon!

I Interrupt My Birthday & Earth Day Festivities..

because I just got an email from adweek and I have to take a moment and give a major "are you f&%*() kidding?" to Fox and ABC for their ridiculous resistance to the new Lane Bryant ad.

All the ish that they broadcast on a regular basis and they object to this?



I am not one to holler out discrimination lightly BUT this comes across as smelling like nothing other than "fat hate".

A beautiful plus size woman looking sexy and happy in her skin apparently is too much for their audiences?

I mean how many other well known brands advertise underwear on a regular basis and no one even gives it a second thought?

For example...



Really?

Now you tell me which one of these ads SHOULD be viewed as a bit too much for prime time?

Thankfully LB did not idly sit by and made a stink.

They posted their side of the story and expressed their frustration, including how FOX demanded all kinds of re-edits, etc of the commercial before they would air it during American Idol..

American idol...

of all shows...

as if...

don't get me started..

Curvatude in the Stores: Lane Bryant

I spent Sunday afternoon participating in a little retail therapy and one of the places that I spent a bit of time at was Lane Bryant.

I don't think that I am the only one who can say that although I appreciate that they are one of the pioneers in the game, I have had a tumultuous up and down relationship with LB.

I mean they do some things really well but sometimes they leave me hanging, big time.

Yesterday my main purpose for going was to try on some of the new leggings that they have this season.

I tried on the Knit buckle leggings. And sorry, I realize now that you can not see any detail on this pic but I am also kinda glad because they were too big for me because I tried on a 22/24 because there weren't any 18/20's available.

But this is what they look like on their website.




Although I am going to try to find them in my size and try them on, there is one thing about them that I think will make them not work for me.

They are made of a material that seems like it will sag. I have similar denim look leggings from forever21's Faith21 line and they fit like a glove and that's how I like my leggings {see below}.

The LB leggings are made of a poly/rayon/spandex blend which can be a really good blend depending on how much of each is involved but they are loose fitting in the waist/pelvic/butt area.

So, we shall see how it goes when/if I find the right size..

I also tried on this dress that I tweeted. {I couldn't find it on their website}

I had my wallet ready and I so wanted this dress to work but it fit everywhere but the waist.

And if they would have made one adjustment with the design of it by adding elastic/stretching insets to the sides, it would have been a home run.

I doubt if I will be the only woman who will find that it does not work for them because of this.

And it's too bad because the print is gorgeous and it's well lined and would have been perfect.

I will post if I find the leggings in my size.

Sweet Bee Keepa'...

Over the years, no matter how many new products come on the scene I always find myself reaching for the goodies from Burt's Bees.

I just love that I can feel good about using them and not have to think about being "chemicalized" to death.

The products are free from all those yuckies that are in so many of the products that we use on a daily baisis like Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates or Petrochemicals and that they come in delicious scents and are highly moisturizing.

So, as a quick little jump start to the week, I am sharing some of my Burt's Bee's love with this giveaway.

The Natural Body Kit contains the following:

# Replenishing Lip Balm (.15 oz)
# Beeswax Lip Blm Tin (.30 oz)
# ResQ Ointment (.30 oz)
# Hand Salve (.30 oz)
# Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (1 fl. oz),
# Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (.30 oz)
# Peppermint Foot Lotion (.47 fl. oz)

It comes in a clear plastic case and its a perfect sampling of the kinds of products available from Burt's Bees.

To enter to win either:


Click the link below to tweet the giveaway

Tweet this giveaway

OR

Leave a comment on this post answering the following question:
My favorite body product is__________ 
The fine print--One winner will be chosen for this giveaway.  The giveaway ends Wednesday 4/21/10 @ 11:59 pm CST and is open to folks with US mailing addresses only.  

The Limited Stores and it's Plus Size Future

2012 Update: The Limited has launched their plus size collection, eloquii by The Limited and it was worth the wait!

~~~

On Tuesday, I attended a fashion show for the new Jodi Arnold Collection at The Limited and it turned out that their CEO, Linda Heasley was in attendance.

So, like any self respecting, plus size, down for the cause girl should do, when a moment presented itself for me to put a seed in her ear, I took full advantage of it without hesitation.

{moi & The Limited Stores CEO Linda Heasley}

To start off, I asked her the money question: "Why no plus sizes?"

She responded that they are working on it. That it is something that she really wants to do. That they tried awhile back and added "extended" sizes but it was a disaster because it was not properly executed.

That there would be pants in a size but there wouldn't be a coordinating top in that size, etc.

She said that they are putting together a team and she hopes to have something in the stores "tentatively" within a year. I told her that I would definitely hold her to that.

I even immediately sent her an email when I arrived home because I really think that it's important for US to connect with brands and not necessarily call them out but give them a real perspective on the plus size woman of today.

All in all I left my conversation with Ms. Heasley feeling very optimistic. I have always loved The Limited but of course I have been frustrated with the fact that I can usually only fit into their tops or buy accessories.

So, I am definitely going to follow up with Ms. Heasley during the coming months and I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Now on to the fashion show.

The pieces in the Jodi Arnold for The Limited collection were all influenced by the women of the world and handcrafting.

Love that!

Oh and ChiTown fashion freaks, it just keeps getting better...the first ever Jodi Arnold Chicago Sample Sale is taking place at Beta Boutique on 4/24 & 4/25 ! Over 700 pieces of the Spring 2010 line will be going for up to 80% off!

 {here is CEO Linda Heasley wearing a a fab dress from Jodi Arnold}

Check out the video I shot and listen to Jodi & Elliott {who is hilarious} give you a little background on the pieces and how to wear them.



Oh and I love that they gave us one of the bracelets featured in the show in the goodie bag..its adorable!

Swimsuitsforall.com Review & Giveaway

The fine folks at swimsuitsforall.com sent me the Longitude In Stitches Plus Size Swimdress Swimsuit and I can not wait to hit the beach in it.

It is so flattering and feels really good on.

The suit is made what they call "Latitude Control" to eliminate riding up the leg and binding at the shoulder.

And they aren't stretching the truth.

I experienced no binding or pinching or pulling or boob spillage at all.

And I put it thru the tests: sitting, walking, simulated throwing and all of that.

And I love the way that the back has a lil extra length to keep the tush under wraps.

I ordered it in a size 18W and while the product description states that it "will comfortably fit up to a D cup", I am a DD and it fit perfectly.

I chose a swimdress because I already own a couple of tankinis and two piece swimsuits and I wanted something different.

And while I chose this black number with the subtle embroidered empire waist, they have a huge selection in a variety of styles for the plus size woman.

Now on to the giveaway: One winner will receive a $75 coupon code good for one purchase excluding shipping costs.


And as a thank you gesture to you dolls who have joined me on Facebook {remember I said something was coming just for you?}, this giveaway is only open to my Facebook page followers!

So, if you haven't joined my page: Do so NOW!

To be entered to win, just leave a comment on the Facebook status update for this blog post.

Fine Print: One winner will be chosen for the giveaway. The giveaway ends 4/30/10 @ 11:59 pm CST and is open to folks in the US only. The winner will receive a coupon code worth $75 to be used for one purchase at swimsuitsforall.com excluding any shipping costs.

Fall 2010 Anticipation: Christian Siriano

Yes, Spring has just sprung and yes, Summer is still yet a distant desire to come but I came across something tonight that made me crazy giddy for Fall.

You might recall these from the runway photos from back in February but tonight I saw these Fall 2010 Christian Siriano shoes on the Payless website and I fell head over heels?

Now as much as the Spring line geeked me, they have nothing on what's potentially coming for Fall!  

Note: I say potentially because the Spring 2010 line that was featured on the runway was tweaked before it hit the stores.

I want the bootie...I repeat...I want the bootie!

Love, love, love them!

And as much as I don't want to rush thru these glorious Spring and Summer months, I can't wait for September to come!

Get your Spa On and Enter to Win!

Spa Week is coming!

From April 12-18th get select services at some of the best spas around the country for $50.

Although I don't go to them nearly as much as I want to, I love spas.

I mean, who doesn't love to shut out everything for a bit while someone else does all of the work?

And the good thing about Spa Week is that it gives you the chance to check out places that you might have always wanted to but may have felt were out of your reach financially.

I also like that it's not just facials or massages that are being offered and that you can partake in a variety of services.

For a limited time, Spa Week will pick 5 lucky people at random and give them a $100 Spa Week Gift Card. In addition, one super lucky person will win the Grand Prize - a $1,000 Spa Week Gift Card. It's easy. All you have to do is click below to register your e-mail address with Spa Week and then if you forward this e-mail to 5 friends and they register on www.spaweek.com {my referral link} your e-mail address will automatically be entered to win.

I am still trying to decide which of the deals I am going to take advantage of..after all it is Goody Month and I need to get my pamper on!

Rules, Regulations and Consequences

#BeautyPSA I am not much of a follow the rules kind of girl.

Blame it on the bull in me but I rarely ever read instructions or manuals or follow step by step instructions for anything.

That goes for cooking, electronics, beauty products, you name it.

I have had the same digital camera for almost 9 years and still find out new things about it from time to time because I never read the manual.

For years I have colored my hair..I mean many a blue moon without incident..until now..


After dying my hair black last week, I experienced itching beyond belief and as a result scratched my scalp to hell and now have the scabs to prove it.

I won't mention the brand because honestly I don't think it's necessary and mainly because it's my fault for not following the clearly stated instruction to perform a pre test.

So the moral of the story: no matter how much of a rebel you deem yourself, read and follow the damn instructions..or potentially suffer the consequences.

OUCH!

UPDATE: I just wanted to add that the product that I used was one that I have used for over 15 years.

I am adding this lil tidbit to this PSA because as we know, companies are changing formulations all the time for all kinds of reasons. 

So, I wanted to dispel the notion that because it's the same one that you have used all the time, that it will always be ok.

What I do know is that one of two things {or both} happened.

The ingredients in the product may have been changed or been enhanced in some way.

OR

Perhaps as I age, my skin is becoming more sensitive or something else was going on at the time.  It could have even been a reaction to other products that I used in my hair before, during or after.

I will never know, I just know that I will going forward be more conscious and take more precautions.

Sam Fine “A Fine Day of Beauty" is coming to Chicago

Sam Fine, {@SamFineBeauty,} Chicago's own and the makeup industries "go to makeup master for women of color" is coming to Chicago May 1st for a 2 hour seminar and Q&A session.

Details: Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1pm @
Lifebook Lounge, 1200 W. Lake Street.
Cost: $150.00
Hosted by Brushes by Viola

A GIFT BAG will be given to the first 100 guests and will include:
A signed copy of Sam Fine’s instructional DVD entitled
FINE: The Basics of Beauty and a stunning selection of makeup from a few of the world’s most coveted beauty brands.

Get more info and purchase tickets here.