Guess what's at Payless?

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

This is the really, really big issue!!!! Weighs at least 6 pounds!

Today I am in a total fashion state of mind. Not that if you saw me at this very moment would you say, “You look so fashionable!”.  I am showered but beauty and fashion are still on stand-by. Nothing comes between me and my blog when I am inspired and I am today! My September issue of Vogue just arrived with the fall fashion forecast and I am just filled with inspiration and I know you will be as well!

First, this issue just weighs a ton, so you know it is just packed with great clothes and ideas–to be exact, 726 pages of them. At $4.99, this magazine bought off the shelves is a steal. With a subscription, there’s not a better deal anywhere unless Godiva has one of those “going out of business sales” which I seriously doubt will happen. (One year is $15, buy online)

Second,this issue of Vogue tipped me off to a great injustice. On September 10 and beginning as early as September 7, New York City is the scene of Fashion Night Out (FNO) when the block party to end all block parties happens with Vogue editors, models, celebrities and major fashion retailers taking part in special events–including, of course, shopping! Other cities in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta will participate as well.

Houston, we have a problem! Do we not love fashion? Are we not consumate shoppers? What the heck is wrong with this picture? Besides, Bloomingdales, Sak’s, Sephora, Macy’s and more than 900 other stores will participate. CBS is even showing a documentary of the event on September 14. Proceeds will benefit NYC AIDS Fund.

For more details about Fashion Night Out, go to Vogue.com. QVC has its own event running on TV from September 10-15.

While I am getting over being left out of FNO (you would know the jet is in for repairs), I am very excited about some of the really beautiful clothes and accessories that will be coming to our stores soon. While some of the outfits featured in Vogue may cost thousands of dollars, there will be very similar styles at affordable prices at our local retailers soon. The fabrics are rich jewel-toned colors and there is lots of gorgeous, rich suede, fur accents, and the strong  influence of  animal prints and patterns.

Continuing the march of high-end designers to affordable retailers like Target.  Payless Shoes has their own stable including Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, and Isabel Toledo. Don’t expect their designs to be in the stores long because they are stunning, however, you can buy them online right now. Most are priced between $39 and $45. Wow!

I know those of you who are like me and have issues with really bad hair days will be elated to learn that Vogue has proclaimed that the turban is back!! I can’t remember when it was in, but I am relieved to know that we have another option besides wearing our tennis hat all day. I am guessing that we will be soon seeing classes on “How to wrap a turban”. As big as scarves have been recently, we’ve all got the essential material, we just need possibly more than just a little help–at least I for one do. There is probably a trick to looking more Grace Kelly-like than cleaning woman. And then there is Bret Michaels. Maybe this is one look we will skip!

Have a simply fantastic day!

Diane

Darling shoes by Isabel Toledo for Payless!

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I didn't have a photo of an Emmy! This represents all the beautiful women!

This is the morning after the night before when all the people we love on television came together in one place, on one night to celebrate the best–The Emmys. It’s no wonder that I’m pooped today. These award ceremonies are just exhausting. First there is the pre-award show and the red carpet showcase of who’s wearing what. Since there are two different pre-red carpet show, you pretty much have to keep flipping back and forth to be sure you aren’t missing something, especially that one really outlandish outfit that could resemble a zoo animal or something that fell off a UFO.

I am sure that when all the reviews are in, the beautiful January Jones from Mad Men will win the “what the heck was she thinking?” award”.  In case you missed the show and can’t wait for the special edition of People, her gown was royal blue made up of what might have been  plastic, pleated cones. The full gathered skirt was short in the front and long in the back. I am pretty sure one of my kids made something like it for a science fair.

It is interesting that the gorgeous Miss Jones also had the distinction of being selected last year for the most awful gown. It is possible that while she might not have won an Emmy, she may have this award in the bag or in the dress as the case may be.

Emily Gerson’s acceptance speech for the Emmy for producing Temple Grandin was upstaged by her strapless gown that slipped a little lower with each emotional “thank you”. It was nothing short of a miracle that there was not a complete wardrobe malfunction. You can count on her dress getting more press than her Emmy.

I love Modern Family and undoubtedly lots of others do as well. It took the Emmy for best comedy. If you haven’t seen it, you are missing some of the best writing and ensemble actors on TV. Christopher Lloyd, the writer, not the actor from Back to the Future, by the same name, previously wrote and produced one of the best ensemble comedies in the history of TV, Frasier.

Mad Men, my other favorite show won again for best drama. Even if you didn’t live though the 60’s, this series captures the feel and the look with another talented ensemble. Or you can ignore the ensemble and just watch Jon Hamm, who by the way did a mean boogie with Betty White in the opening number of The Emmys.

Back down to earth…

Great sale on sheets & comforters!

Keep your eyes peeled for Dillard’s ads announcing those days when they take another 20-40% off of their already marked-down sale items. There are a number of items in the stores currently marked 70% off, which is almost giving them away!!! With an additional percentage off, you just can’t miss it!!!

Need linens? Check out the linen department at your favorite Dillard’s. Mine in Deerbrook Mall had a huge selections of beautiful sheets marked 70% off. If you know sheet sizes for your family members, those make great gifts and the price is exceptional. If you need a comforter and accessories, Dillard’s has most brands marked at least 30% off, and some by Ralph Lauren at 50% off.

Swimsuits are finally 70% off and the selection is best in larger sizes. Obviously, the skinny girls shop early.

At 70% off, swimsuits are a deal!.

Have a fantastic Monday!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Yesterday I was thrilled to point out a great buy on this season’s hot wardrobe item, jeggings–on sale at Dillard’s. I purchased a pair without trying them on and then wrote my post. This morning in the bright, cruel light of day, standing in front of a full-length mirror, I realized I had made a serious error in judgment. I really don’t know quite how to describe the way the jeans jeggings looked on my body. No, I will not be including a photo.

It is possible if they were all dark denim, they might have been more forgiving, but with the dark denim fading into light denim and back again, I had the sensation that big waves were swelling up and down my thighs and and about to crash onto a really large shore on top. Possibly I could have thrown on a top over them, but the only part I would have ever considered showing was about 2 inches just above my ankles. So today, back they go for some willowy woman to buy or at the very least, a woman who does not own a full-length mirror. Buyer beware.

What do you love about you?

There is am interesting feature in the September issue of Marie Claire magazine called, “What I love about me“. I thought that was a strange feature because I think most of the time we are so focused on what we don’t like about ourselves that we don’t pay enough attention to what is positive. The women who are in the magazine feature are all mostly in their 20’s, but I think it is relevant for women of any age. While most of them are attractive enough, they are not  all great beauties. Just a sampling of some of their comments:

“Shoe shopping is easy when you wear a size 5 and 1/2″

“I was a dancer…and was extremely thin. But now my body has returned to its normal size–I celebrate healthful eating.”

“I like my crooked smile. Unique imperfection is better than having Chicklet teeth.”

“Both my parents are 5′6″ so it took me a while to make peace with my 6′ frame.”

“Growing up in South Korea where pale skin is the ideal, I always thought my skin was too dark, but now I embrace it.”

If you were to answer that question, what would you write? For me it would have to be my laugh. All my life I have been teased about my laugh which has been compared by some to various creatures including a hyena and a chicken. On the positive side, my family and friends can locate me in a Super Target in a matter of minutes. I was embarrassed by it and had no luck controlling or muffling it, until one day someone stopped me and told me they loved my laugh. It was contagious and made them laugh as well. So now, I look upon it as an opportunity to hopefully bring a smile to someone else’s lips and maybe even a really good snort.

Free or almost free Computer Apps for every job!

Last Monday, The Houston Chronicle had an excellent article that highlighted many computer applications that are very handy to have and are free or are very inexpensive. Here are a few you might enjoy:

1. For photo editing, I have already mentioned Picnik.com, which I love, but also try, GIMP.org, Paint.NET and photoscape.org.

2. For Internet Security try avast.com, malwarebytes.org, mywot.com

3.  For digital drawing try inkscape.org

4.  For Web page design try kompozer.net

Keep your herbs happy!

Fresh herbs allow you to use less cream, oil and salt in marinades and sauces. Treat fresh herbs like you would fresh flowers, trim the stems at a 45 degree angle and place in a glass with two inches of water. Refrigerate up to two weeks. You can cover the leaves with an unsealed plastic bag to minimize odor absorption and replace the water if it gets cloudy.

Have a lovely evening!

Diane

Good Afternoon  Dear Reader:

I am afraid I am drowning in a sea of freshly-printed fashion magazines and, and well, how can I say it? There’s good news and then there’s bad news. The good news is that many of the looks from last season are still in style and our favorites— like khaki pants, jeans, cardigans, cropped pants and scarves are everywhere. You already know that you must have either spots or scales—leopard, snakeskin or such, somewhere on your body.

In footwear, boots are very hot and the bootie heel (imagine that a short boot and a stiletto mated) is just huge. The look that is new is the bootie with a huge wedge heel. I know that it will be  flattering to someone, but not me. There is such variety in the shoe styles for fall that I think everyone can find something to love. The loafer is back looking a bit more sophisticated and streamlined, and in lots of colors. Toes are round or pointed. Heels are stilettos or kitten.

Now for the bad news. the hot jeans for fall are skinny. This is not good news, girls. The photos in the magazines of the jeans they describe as being relaxed and curvy, show a model about 5′11 who weighs 100 pounds. I don’t know about you, but I have tried on skinny jeans. I’ve seen sausages with more room in the casing than I had in those pants.

The other look that I will be avoiding is socks with heels. Page after page in the new Lucky magazine features models in great looking outfits with high heels and socks. Just for your benefit, in case you have not seen the magazine, I made some photos. You have no idea what a sacrifice it was to make those photos. Have you ever tried to photograph your own foot? It is not easy. I tried leaning over, propping my foot up on the bar , the table and a chair. I may be seeing a chiropractor later today. I do hope you appreciate the sacrifices I make so you can stay on the cutting edge of fashion.

Lucky Beauty Editor Jean Godfrey-June is simply over the top about the new Burt’s Bees’ Milk & Honey Body Lotion. At $8 and available everywhere, it stands up nicely to other beauty products reviewed in the range of $60+. She insists one application leaves your skin soft and supple even 24 hours later.

It’s Real Simple to me

The September issue of Real Simple has a fun article, 6 Uses for a sock.  Some of those include filling it with rice and essential oil and microwaving for a mini-heating pad, using it over a broom handle to dust difficult to reach places, filled with beans and secured to stop drafts under a door and my personal favorite, using it as a decorative carrier for a wine bottle. Somehow, I think my sock missed the mark on this one.

If you are contemplating decorating or redecorating your home, you can find inspiration at www.Houzz.com. This site is a compilation of more than 40,000 images submitted by decorators, architects and users. Real Simple, page 60.

Have a simply splendid day!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Yesterday, I had a most embarrassing situation— I fell asleep at the AT&T store. Let me just say first, I slept very little the night before after drinking a cup of cappuccino very late in the day (yes, I know better, but I do love it and I am weak willed when it comes to coffee and chocolate). The unthinkable had happened to me–I lost every single contact in my IPhone. I know you feel my pain. I couldn’t even order out, I didn’t have a number to my name. That’s when I decided to go to the AT&T store and beg for help.

Well, let me tell you, that store is possibly the hottest place in town. They have a sign-in sheet and nice cushy chairs to wait in until your name is called, which was the beginning of my problem. Those chairs were just a bit too cushy. Pretty soon I was sliding right down in one and the next thing I knew, 45 minutes had past and they had blown right past my name. Thank goodness I wasn’t snoring, or at least I don’t think I was. Their staff there is very helpful and friendly, besides if you need a nap while you’re out shopping, it’s a great place to stop.

Don’t say I did not warn you…

The latest issue of Marie Claire is out and all I can say is if you don’t have something with an animal print on it or a faux fur vest, you will not be able to show your face in pubic! Ha! Seriously, the other hot look is tassels so just pluck those drapery tie backs and go. Three clever features I like in Marie C. are Splurge vs. Steal, Look Like a Million for Under $100 and Big girl in a skinny world–so brave a feature for an American fashion magazine. Bravo!

If you're not wearing a (fake) animal you may as well stay home!

I Love Tim Gunn

Tim Gunn is such a class act and so mentoring to the Project Runway wantabe designers. He has a new book coming out in September, Gunn’s Golden Rules. Read more in Marie Claire, page 110. He believes above all, be nice and polite— and how refreshing that is. He was on Dr. Oz’s show today doing a wardrobe makeover on a female Army soldier, mother of 5, who lost her leg on her third tour of duty in Iraq. He was so moved by her courage and attitude. He made her look beautiful.

He tells a funny story about Isaac Mizrahi whose clothes are now at Target. He calls him one of the world’s biggest divas. He tells about him throwing a fit about a security guard in the Liz Claiborne offices (Tim is Creative Director there). Everyone wondered if the guard was stealing? late? what? Turns out he made the horrible mistake of wearing brown.

Estee Lauder fan?

If you are an Estee Lauder girl, get thee to Dillard’s. they have a lovely gift with purchase of at least $29.50 that comes in warm and cool shades–2 lipsticks, eye shadow, eye liner, cleanser/makeup remover and a lovely face cream, until supplies run out.

Have a perfectly fabulous Wednesday!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Life is back to normal or whatever that might be. Athough I am still trying to re-distribute the contents of my suitcase which miraculously doubled in New York. No, I did not shop until I dropped, in fact, quite the contrary. My only real tangible purchase was a pair of flip flops I bought because my “comfortable, but dressy tennies” had rubbed giant blisters on my heels. Obviously, the breaking-in of them was insufficient. They are still cute, but will be worn in short increments of time, with big wads of cotton stuffed in the heels leaving them looking not quite so cute after all.

Look what I did…

I want you to carefully observe the photo to my right. Not only is it of some beautiful coleus I grew, but there are actually 3 zinnias in there as evidence that some plants are determined to survive no matter how you treat them! The other thing I would like you to notice is the clever photo editing, the softening of my photo, the text on the picture and the borders. No, I have not mastered PhotoShop, and possibly never will. However, thanks to a wonderful seminar at BlogHer, I discovered the fantastic photo site, Picnik.com. It is free to use and easy to use. I mastered the basics in 10 seconds, so you know even your beagle can learn to use it. The basic services are free, but there is an upgrade for about $2 per month that allows you to get really, really fancy. For most of us, this is plenty. Try it, have fun!!

Quick, buy this issue! It is life-changing! Buy one for a friend!

Oprah really is brilliant

If you don’t subscribe to Oprah Magazine, run, don’t walk to the store and buy a copy of the September issue. I will not recycle it. I will not loan it. I will keep it forever. It has the best collection of articles to inspire and improve how we live our lives. Every article is spot on.

Even Dr. Phil, who at times I must admit, gets on my nerves (at least on TV). His column, Give Yourself a Mental Makeover, is powerful. In fact, the entire magazine is devoted to “Makeover Your Look, Your Luck, Your Life”. I started turning over corners of all the articles I found helpful and pretty soon I realized I had dog-eared more than half the magazine. I am going to share some excerpts, but you owe it to yourself to have your own copy because I can’t do justice to it because there is so much great content!

Tomorrow, I will highlight some of the articles I found to be so powerful–truly, road maps (with clear directions) for getting to where you and I want to be in our lives.

Have a great hair day anytime!

Another thing about this issue that I think is great, Oprah is wearing a darling wig. She looks fabulous and I think younger as well. I am all for wearing what I like to call “party hair”. I don’t care how fabulous your hair is, there are just days when fab is hard to find. Traveling is hard on the hair. Looking good from dawn til’ disco might be easy for some, but for the rest of us, there is not enough hair product in the world to give us good hair after 9 p.m. on a big day. That is when you pull out your “party hair” (wig) or your clip on hairpiece. Today, the wigs are light weight and very natural and the clip-ons, like Jessica Simpson’s are available in many color matches (at Ulta).

I have had great success finding my great party hair at Sherry’s Wig’s on 1960 at I-45 in Houston. If you know of other great stores, let me know and I will share.

Have a simply wonderful day!!!

Diane

Don”t forget to check out our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Dec.  1-9. We already have some absolutely fun women going and we’d love you and your bestie to join us!!! Click on TRIPS at the left for details!

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Sometimes that darn spell-checker just blows it and lets a typo slip through, however if you find errors today it will be because I am zooming down I-10 across the state of Louisiana at 65 or so miles an hour. I know you will be relieved to know that I am not the one driving! Every time we hit a bump or a dip in the road, my little laptop bounces up and down so I hope you appreciate the dedication with which I am attempting this post.

After being on the road for more than a week, our car looks like one of those gypsy wagons where you can buy everything from pots and pans to jewelry and get your fortune told to boot. We have beach noodles, a beach umbrella, ice chests, suitcases, boxes of vegetables from my sister’s garden, a huge bucket filled with her gorgeous zinnias and about 25 books and magazines. Did I mention two grocery bags of snacks? You just never know where you will be able to find decent snacks on I-10.

About the fortune telling part, you will not believe this. I use MSN.com for news, and of course to see if Heidi Klum has had another baby. I just want to know who carries them for her? No one has four children and looks like she does. Life is just not fair.

Okay, back to the fortune telling. MSN.com has a new feature where you can check your daily horoscope. You are not going to believe this, but the gypsy fortune teller’s name is Madame Blanco. I think this is clearly some type of intellectual property violation because I am pretty sure I am Madame Blanco and I have not given anyone permission to put me on MSN.com, without properly compensating me, of course. Besides the character looks exactly like Bill Murray in a wig and headscarf. At the very least, they could have used Ryan Secrest.

Yesterday, I had such a thrill. I am a huge fan of Kathy L. Patrick, author of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life. She is not only a book-loving literary expert, former publisher’s representative, hairdresser extraordinaire, but the founder of 319 Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs (We are organizing #317 in Kingwood). Authors adore her and flock to her shop, Beauty and the Book, in Jefferson, Texas for signings and of course, to get their hair done.

January 13 through 16, 2011, Kathy Patrick will hold her 11th Anniversary Girlfriend’s Weekend in Jefferson, Texas and we are invited! Not only will you have an opportunity to meet Kathy, you will be in the company of some of your favorite authors. In fact, there is an author’s dinner which is prepared by the authors themselves and served by them. Last year, the great Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides is one of my favorite, favorites!) served the iced tea and will be returning this year with his wife author Cassandra King.

There will also be a play written by and acted in by the guest authors. The highlight of the event is the Big Ball of Hair Ball, where you get to dress up and have really big hair. For some of us that will be a challenge. I am going to have to either rent or buy some hair because this little fuzz on my head will never qualify as ‘big” under any circumstances. Just ask my hairdresser Sylvia.  She cries every time she does my hair.

Lipstick Digest will be setting up camp in Jefferson hoping to rub shoulders with authors whose work inspires us. A complete list of authors attending and details about Girlfriend Weekend at Kathy’s Website, www.Beautyand the Book.com., click on Girlfriend’s Weekend. Hurry, attendance is limited!

Have a spectacular day! Don’t forget to sign up for Lipstick Digest’s European Christmas Market Tour, see Trips at the left!  Diane

Don't you just love flowers? Don't I wish I could grow them like this!

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

I know that all of you will be gratified to hear that I am limping back into technology. What that means is that while I can send and receive e-mail, any e-mails I had before last Sunday have gone into the Twilight Zone. I know there were important messages there, recipes for the perfect 2 ingredient casserole, possibly the funniest YouTube video ever, and about 35 pleas to forward a chain e-mail to my ten closest friends or risk some horrible fate. I think I already experienced a horrible fate–I lost my e-mails, my contacts,  my calendar and possibly the birthdays of some very important people! Maybe even yours!!

Girlfriends, Let’s Go!

Later this week I hope to have some exciting news about a Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour in partnership withKingwood Travel and Trafalgar Tours, December 1-9. I have been hosting tours to Europe for the past seven or so years and have always longed to be there during the holidays to experience the traditions, the lights, the holiday spirt and of course, the shopping. I hope you will all think of at least 3 or 4 of your dearest and most fun friends who would love to go as well. I can guarantee a great time, possible terminal silliness, lots of healthy endorphines from laughing and a whole bus load of new good friends. Stay tuned!

Victoria Secret is no secret!

What a deal!

Victoria Secret has a swell sale on bras. The great tee shirt bras are now two for $32! Check it out.

Here’s the dirt–or the Dirt Road Divas If you are anywhere near Houston, you should swing up to Kingwood and check out Jodie and Tony Robinson’s Dirt Road Divas boutique, 2665 Royal Forest Dr., which has nothing to do with biking or being dirty. It is a precious store with ladies and children’s fashions, many from local talented artists /designers. While they have those tiny sizes we love to hate, they also carry ladies sizes 1X-3X. There are familiar lines includingJoy Joy, ABS, Zenby with cool New Orleans vibes, Romeo and Juliet, Free People, and more. www.dirtroaddivaskingwood.com, 281-360-DIVA

The lovely Jodie Robinson, Dirt Road Divas owner, with some great after 5 looks

You will love the original jewelry line they carry, Tobbe Creationsby Jean Gathmann. She combines pearls, natural stones, and crystals to create beautiful, unique and affordable pieces. If you live elsewhere, visit her at Tobbecreations.Etsy.com

The darling Jean with some of her beautiful handmade jewelry

I love you Dr. Oz, but you’re scaring me!

The Houston Chronicle carries Dr. Mehmet Oz Dr.Michael Roizen’s weekly column on Mondays and today they shared some scary stats. Once we hit 40, our lean body mass begins to shrink 8% each decade. At age 70, it almost doubles to 15% each decade leaving us with less muscle, more fat and a slugish metabolism. We can stave off some of this loss by eating sufficient protein, especially good-for-your-heart foods like fish, nuts,beans, low-fat dairy, eggs whites, soy and skinless poultry, taking some at every meal.

Some ways he recomends getting your quota is with peanut butter on whole wheat toast for breakfast, snacking on nuts, non-fat cottage cheese, hummus and whole-wheat pita, and  nonfat Greek yogurt.  Lunch or dinner can be 3 ounces of turkey breast on whole wheat bread, beans, tuna, and chicken.

Eat some almonds and come back tomorrow!

Diane

Darling dressy blouses at Dirt Road Divas by Joy Joy

Good Morning Dear Reader:

This is the way I want to go !

Although it is a lovely Friday, I am still no closer to resolving my technology problems, although miracle of miracles, I can get to the Internet, just not my e-mail or contacts on either my computer or phone.

Believe me, Bill Gates is staying up nights trying to fix my Microsoft Outlook issues. And I am grateful. I will be more grateful when I can contact people by some other form than telepathy. I hope all of you got those personal messages I beamed out yesterday. I’ll be sending more today, so get ready. Some may include winning lottery numbers, George Clooney’s personal cell number, Donald Trump’s ATM code, and Demi Moore’s plastic surgeon’s name, number and discount code. Stay tuned.

Fall on sale now!

One of my favorite stores, Nordstrom, has started their anniversary sale today! If you can’t get there in person, go to their Website, shop.nordstrom.com. They have the most gorgeous boots of all kinds that are 30%+ on sale. For the first time in my memory, they have Uggs on sale, and not last season’s styles. The classic Kensington regularly $199.95 is now $139.95, the Mare at $169.95 is $109.90 and the Abbie Clog at $129.95 is $89.90. If not for yourself, some lucky girl on your Christmas list would be thrilled with a pair.

Check out their women’s apparel for all the great fall coats, faux fur vest (sale $89.90 from $137) and also designer apparel is on sale at great values.

Both Nordstrom and Dillard’s have a first, the Shape-ups Sketchers in several styles are now $67-$69 from original prices of $99-$109.

At $67-$69 these Shape-Ups are a deal!

In person or online, the deals are calling!

Of real benefit…

In the new Lucky Magazine, I found two great gifts either for a friend or just for you! Benefit cosmetics has two great new samplers of some of their best products. Each contains eyeliner, gloss, cheek color, and four shadows, plus step-by-step instructions. You can find them at Sephora or at major department stores. The cases are gorgeous! $38

Speaking of good deals…

You know I love magazines and right now there are so many bargains out there because many are struggling with this economy to stay afloat. If you love one or more, do consider subscribing and giving gift subscriptions for  Christmas and birthdays or just to someone you know would love a reminder once a month that they are special to you.

Here are just a few great offers:

Allure, the beauty expert, gives you 9 free issues plus a darling red tote bag and makeup case for $10, which is a one year’s subscription. Or get two years and the goodies for $18 plus $2 handling.

Lucky, the fun shopping guide, has 12 issues for $14.97 or 24 issues (2 years) for $19.97! For the young girl in your life, you can get Lucky and TeenVogue for $20 for a one year subscription for both.

Conde Nast Traveler, a great magazine, has 12 issues for $13 and 24 issues for $24 (includes shipping cost).

There are more great deals out there, just go online and find your favorite and check out the great offers!

New from Revlon

Revlon has a new Grow Luscious Mascara which claims 96% of women testers saw “instantly longer lashes”. It also claims to strengthen lashes to complement their growth cycle. If you are using or have tried it, weigh in. Inquiring minds want to know!

Have a simply fabulous day and weekend–come back Monday!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I think I have figured out how this country will eventually be conquered by either a foreign government or aliens.  It will not be necessary for them to fire a single shot. They will simply turn off the Internet. This entire week I have been battling two powerful adversaries, a brand new computer and intermittent Internet service. I have pretty much snatched out all the remaining hairs on my head (there weren’t that many to begin with) trying to successfully post to this blog. I only hope that my frustration has not rubbed off on you, because if it has, I will be seeing you soon at Sally’s House of Wigs where we will both be getting fitted.

After years of complaininig about my old laptop computer, which by the way, weighed 64 pounds (I’m pretty sure) my sweet husband bought me a beautiful new one that weighs about the same as my makeup bag, 4 pounds. It is sleek. It is shiny. It is mean. Nothing works the same way as “Old Reliable”. It is also fast, whereas, I am poking along trying to figure out how in the heck to do all the things I want to do with a brand new system.

Don’t get me started on disappearing and reappearing Internet service. If you want to feel my pain, shut off your phone and e-mail for one day. That’s when the shakes start. Pretty soon you are imagining you won the lottery and no one can find you to tell you that you must claim your prize by midnight. As far as I know, Walgreen’s does not have an aisle for Technology Pain, I know I have looked.

So that is where I’m at for now.

What is a brand?

We all have one. It is what comes into other people’s mind when they think of us. Think of “Godiva”. For me, it conjures up images of dark, rich, yummy chocolate. What about Ferrari? Fast, expensive sports car. Crest? Fights cavities, dentist approved.

Godiva--one of my favorite brands!

If you don’t know what your brand is, ask your family and friends. They all know. Are you confident, flighty, dependable, conservative, indecisive, bohemian, inventive, creative, or a trendsetter?

Here’s the big question:  Is that the brand you want to project? And why does it matter? Our brand is a reflection of not just how we look or how we dress, but also how we act. And the most successful people in both their personal and professional lives are consistent in their brand.

No matter how intelligent and efficient a person is, if their physical appearance is sloppy, that message supersedes what lies beneath the surface, at least for first impressions. And many times all we have is one opportunity to create a positive impression.

Estee Lauder is a great brand

A woman who dresses like her teenage daughter will have great difficulty being taken seriously in any situation. A business man who has a nice suit, but wears scuffed up shoes that need to be polished or replaced is sending a message that details don’t matter.  If your wardrobe says “stuck in the 80’s” how up to date can you be in other areas?

Knowing your own brand and tweaking it to project exactly how you want to be known can lead to greater success in both your personal and professional life. Which is why fashion, good grooming, and caring for your body both inside and outside matter .

Have a great day!

Diane