Shortcut to Fabulous Philanthropy
October 15, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
Every fabulous girl finds ways to give back! This month is the perfect month to give back as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all have been touched by breast cancer in some way. We’ve had our own fight or scare or watched a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor or loved one fight this disease.
Check out these stats on breast cancer: One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer. About 90% of breast cancers are due not to heredity, but to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general.
As scary as these statistics are, there are constant advances being made as a result of breast cancer research and each advance brings new hope for a fabulous future free of breast cancer. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I am giving you a shortcut to fabulous ways to support the fight against breast cancer.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Sign up to participate in your local race for the cure and get a workout while you help mankind. Many cities host their event in October including Miami, Baltimore, Louisville, Orlando and Jacksonville. Click here to see when your city hosts its Race for the Cure and link to the website to sign up. Don’t feel like waking up so early on a weekend? You can register to sleep in for the cure and exercise your fabulous philanthropic muscles by hitting the snooze button!
Shop for the Cure
What better form of retail therapy than buying something that helps save the world! Marie Claire’s website has a spread of 152 fun products that are cute, stylish and pretty in pink. Click here for to see Marie Claire’s spread of products. What is French, Pink and fights breast cancer all over? Lacoste’s Pink Croc collection of course. 10% of the sale of these items benefit breast cancer research. Go buy something nice for yourself, cause darling you deserve it. After all, it is for a good cause and you have to do your part right?!
Save the Environment and Fight for the Cure
Kill two birds with one reusable shopping bag! These oh-so-cute reusable shopping bags help save the environment and raise awareness every time you shop. And that is not all…20 percent of the net proceeds go toward funding breast cancer research.
Manicure for the Cure
OPI has a special breast cancer color called “Pink of Hearts” for sale and Essie’s Color this year is called, “Yes we Can Pink.” Portions of the proceeds from the sale of both colors will go toward breast cancer charities. Click here to order your Essie’s bottle and here for OPI.
Whether you race, sleep, shop, reuse or manicure your way to the cure, know what a fabulous impact you are making on the fight against breast cancer. Check out the links above, do some good and enjoy these shortcuts to fabulous philanthropy!
Shortcut to Fabulous Fall Accessories
October 8, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
Finishing off an outfit with the right accessory is key to looking fabulous this Fall. If you are strapped for time and cash, follow my easy guide below to Fabulous fall accessories for the budget conscious fashionista!
Chain of Leaves Necklace from Banana Republic $39.99- This necklace is the perfect statement piece for your Fall wardrobe. Wear it with a pencil skirt, scoop neck tee and a cashmere cardigan and you instantly have a chic, in-the-moment outfit.
Stunning Blue Herald Cocktail Ring from Banana Republic $34.99- Cocktail rings are definitely on the fashion radar this Fall. This ring has a great vintage feel and the cobalt blue color of the stone is the perfect pop of color.
Obi Belt from Nordstrom $38.00- The ultimate figure flattering waist cincher, this black faux leather obi belt is an absolute must have this Fall. Make any boring pencil skirt and top or simple dress chic and current with this belt.
Oversized Metallic Chain Tote from Arden B $58.00- I am normally a bit of a bag snob. However, with the economy still edging toward recovery mode, finding fabulous alternatives to a designer bag is something every fiscally fabulous girl must do. This tote is a great piece for fall and the price is oh so nice!
Sequined clutch from Arden B $38.00- I am madly in Love with this sequined clutch from Arden B. I love that the sequined pattern integrates gold and silver which may make this the most versatile clutch I have ever seen…and it is under forty bucks!
Stone Cuff from Arden B $28.00- This gold stone cuff comes in either pink or green. Need to integrate some color into your accessories wardrobe? This a great way to do it!
Cameo Charm Necklace from Bebe $29.00- Bebe’s Cameo charm necklace screams Fall so loud I almost have to cover my ears. This necklace epitomizes Fall’s homage to the romantic, edgy look that I think is so fun. It is like Jackie O’ meets 80’s Madonna.
Demure Rocker Charm and Faux Pearl Necklace from New York and Company $22.95- I love the polished goes edgy look of this necklace. A great statement piece that can be worn to work and then taken for a spin out on the town.
Faux pearl flower stretch bracelet from New York and Company $29.00- The flower detail on the bracelet is so fun and so Fall. This is a must have in your Fall wardrobe!
Zodiac Pendant Necklace from Nordstrom $22.90- This necklace comes with vintage inspired charms and a charm to match your astrological sign. Personalized jewelry for under $25…..how fun is that?!
Liz Palacio’s Etched Disc Earrings from Nordstrom $17.90- The disc earrings tap into Fall edgy feel.
Michael by Michael Kors Reversible Skinny Belt from Bluefly $27.99- A belt that serves double duty is good for the soul. This skinny belt comes in a fabulous silver metallic finish on one size and reverses to a black belt on the other.
Tahari Suede Studded Belt from Bluefly $29.00- The magical things this belt can to do mask tummy issues might just make it okay to eat dessert again. It is a great way incorporate Fall’s love for Rocker studs into your work wardrobe.
Faux Pearl Triple Strand Necklace from Newport News $24.00- Tell me this is not the perfect accessory for your little black dress or dressing up jeans and a plain blouse or wearing to work with Fall’s Hardworking pencil skirt?!
Studded Tote Bag from Newport News $39.00- A $39 dollar bag that looks this good should be illegal, but I am so glad it is not. Studs are all the rage this Fall, but who knows if the trend will stick around, so this bag is the perfect way to stay on trend without any guilt. I heart this bag!
Ruffled Satchel Bag from Newport News $34- Ruffles are another trend that has popped up in the handbag world that is not exactly worthy of a two thousand dollar designer bag splurge. This bag is cute and ruffley in all the right places and comes in gray which is a huge handbag color for Fall.
Metallic Corset Belt from Spiegel $39.00- Metallic and figure flattering…enough said!
With all of these fabulous accessories to choose from you should knee deep in delightful Fall accessories. So, start clicking your way to this shortcut to fabulous fall accessories!
Shortcut to Fabulous Halloween Costumes
October 1, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
It is that time of year again. Fall is upon us and party season is about to begin. Fall and Winter party season consists of a myriad of fabulous themed parties. First up…Halloween themed parties. Costume parties serve as a sign that the fun part of the year is here. Every fabulous girl must have a fabulous costume. I don’t know about you, but every year it becomes a tad more difficult to think of a fun and original costume that will make me look and feel fabulous! So, I decided to do the work for you and scour the internet for the best women’s costume websites and ideas for fabulous, fun, flirty and most of all flattering costumes.
Yandy- I think this website might cater to strippers based upon some of the other things that they sell. However, the costume choices for women is great (over 1000 costumes), the prices some of the best on the net and the shipping is FREE. Try this code to get ten percent off (dream10). The only downside to this website is the inability to sort (via price, size, etc.) and no returns, but since I sorted through all one thousand costumes for you….you can experience the fabulocity without any frustration. (If you feel like you might need to return Google the costume and find a place with a more generous return policy, but stick to this website for figure flattering, fun and flirty selections and plus sized costumes as well.)
Here are some of my favorites for under $45
Alice and Wonderland $37.95
Athena Greek Goddess $31.95
Japanese Doll $33.95
Raggedy Ann $44.95
Little Red Riding Hood $28.95
Fire Fighter
$36.95
Fifties Waitress $31.95
Marilyn Monroe Costume $22.95
Sassy Snow White $32.95
Cleopatra Costume $29.95
Pirate $27.95
Sandy from Grease $27.95
French Maid $39.95
GoGo Girl $29.95
Superhero $35.98
Flattering Fifties $35.95
Flapper $38.95
If you have more than one costume party to attend, I highly recommend these reversible costumes
Reversible Police/Criminal $55.95
Ladybug/Bee $49.95
Reversible Cat/Mouse $55.95
If a more generous return policy is something you need, check out these costume websites with great prices, selection and generous return policies.
Flirt- Place your order today, October 1, 2009 and get 30% off and free shipping!
Spirit Halloween- They include a free return shipping label with your order, Try this code for 20% off of one item (SPAF20)
Happy October everyone…now get online and start clicking these shortcuts to these spooktacular and fabulous costumes!
Shortcut to Fabulous Feet
September 4, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
The reception area of one of my favorite local spas has a ton of fabulous products for sale. The owner of the spa is a genius and sells gift items, jewelry, even cards. It was at this spa that I discovered the best shoe I have ever owned. In fact, I love the shoe so much, I purchased several pairs for my mom and a few more for myself as well. What makes the perfect shoe you ask? Well, first of all this is not a shoe, it is actually a flip flop. However, this company sells shoes as well. What makes this flip flop so perfect? It is made of a rubber material that makes it super durable and best of all, waterproof. You can even put the shoes in the dishwasher to clean them! How fabulous is that!? They are the perfect shoe for going to the beach or engaging in some type of water activity. They are perfect to wear around the house, wear to yoga or pilates class or walk around town. I wear them to the nail salon and the rubbery material keeps my pedicure perfect even if I need to dash out of the salon. They come in 24 fabulous colors including a silver and bronze. They are only $25, which may seem steep for flip flops, but trust me they are so worth it! Wanna know the thing about this shoes that really makes them the best ever? They have little massage beads based on reflexology principles so you get a massage with every step you take. You can purchase these perfect shoes called OkaB’s by clicking here. Look for the Chloe if you want the flip flop, but these shoes come in other great styles as well.
So pamper yourself and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous, fancy feet!
Shortcut to Fabulous Fall Fashion Finds
August 24, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
It is hard to believe as I view today’s forecast promising 98 degree temperatures that Fall begins in less than a month (September 22nd). Despite the heat or maybe because of it, Fall Fashion fever has definitely hit me. I am so excited by all the colors and different looks that Fall 2009 has to offer. What I am not excited about is spending money to retool my wardrobe to stay current with Fall trends. Fortunately, for you my obsession with finding fabulous fall fashions at fabulous prices has uncovered a few key pieces that will help you transition fabulously into Fall, all for under $250!
Tops
Limited’s Ruffle Crewneck Sweater $24.99- Perfect by itself or layering with cardigans, sweaters, vests and blazers. It comes in a fabulous golden yellow and gray, perfect to update your Fall wardrobe.
Limited’s Cinch Waist Cardigan $44.50- Were this a mere cardigan, it would not have made the cut with its over forty dollar price tag, but the cinch waist feature and availability in one of fall’s hottest shades, purple, makes this cardigan a cinch to fall for!
NY & Co’s City Style Double Scoop Tee with Stud Trim $18.99- Edgy enough to capture this Fall’s Rocker vibe, but demure enough to wear to work.
Bottoms
City Stretch Pencil Skirt $32.95- This skirt will be your new best friend this fall. You can take her anywhere and pair her with just about anything, including every single one of the tops above and all of the accessories and shoes below!
Ruched Leggings $7.99- The ruching in these leggings, along with their longer length updates this trend and makes it more wearable for more body types because the below the ankle legging creates a nice, long, lean line!
Shoes
Style & Co Suede Gray Pump $15.99- Think of this Pump as a neutral like beige or black and instantly update any look for Fall
Madden Girl Raleigh Platform Ruffle Bootie $49.99 – The ruffle on this bootie makes it look like it fell off the runway, but the price makes you feel like it fell off a truck full of hot goods!
Accessories
City Style Multi Strand Flower and Ribbon Necklace $29.95- Wear this necklace with a basic black dress, crisp white shirt or a pop of color to send the world a message you are fabulously Fall 2009!
Woven Leather Bangle $4.99- This bangle can go from rocker chic to sophisticated and sleek with the change of an outfit. It is like a hyper color bracelet with an oh so tiny price tag!
Reversible Python Belt $9.99 – This belt does double duty and serves as a slimming black belt or python belt, which perfectly incorporates the season’s affinity for animal prints.
Crocodile Corset Belt $8.99 –The perfect waist cinching belt for your all of your pencil skirts, pants, dresses that need a waist and anything else you want to add some shape and presence to!
So, now that I have done your Fall shopping for you, kick your heels up, enjoy this week’s shortcut and click your way to a fabulous Fall wardrobe!
Shortcuts to Fabulous Pampering- Spa Week 2009
August 6, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
Everyone knows Spas are an integral part of living the modern fabulous life. However, if you are like me, the state of the economy has made it a little harder to justify indulgences at your favorite spa. Well, I am happy to report that I think the economy is on its way back and even if it is not, the $50 treatments offered during national Spa Week will be make you feel like it is.
Spa week is still a month away. So, why am I writing about it now? Because, I am giving you a shortcut to fabulous of course! Spa Week is only a week-long event, so appointments fill up fast. This shortcut is about planning ahead. Spa week takes place in either Mid-September or Mid-October, depending on your geographic location. You can begin to book your appointment a month before spa week begins in your respective location. Check out the schedule below to see when your state will be celebrating Spa Week and visit the Spa Week website for further details.
Once you have figured out when your location will have Spa Week specials, create a calendar entry for yourself on your email, PDA, Outlook or other calendaring device for exactly one month before the start of your area’s Spa Week. When that day comes, be the first to go online and book your treatment. Being the early bird will give you your choice of dates and times. In addition, it will ensure that you will not miss out on this incredible deal.
www.spaweek.com
The Fall 2009 Spa Week Event takes place:
September 14-20: Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle.
October 12-18: Denver, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Boston, Detroit, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Virginia Beach and Toronto, Canada.
Can’t wait a month and a half to go to the spa? Then check out the steals and deals section of the website for current deals. I also recommend visiting the website or calling your favorite spa to see if they have any pre-spa week specials. One of my favorite Spas, The Standard, has a yummy 45 minute gingergrass bamboo scrub and a 50 minute anti-oxidant facial starting next week. Imagine 95 minutes of pampering at one of the world’s premier hotel spas for $100!
For Miami residents Miami Spa Month has been extended to the end of August. Miami Spa Month is a similar program, but treatments are $99. Check out the participating spas and treatments:
http://www.miamispamonth.com/
So let’s be philanthropists for the world economy and take this shortcut to fabulous skin, body and soul.
Shortcut to Finding a Fabulous Place to Eat
July 30, 2009 by Shortcuts to Fabulous
Living in Miami, I am privileged to enjoy a huge selection of chic and yummy restaurants. I have my favorites that I frequent with family and friends, dine in for birthday parties, go on dates with my husband, etc. However, I am always on the hunt for something new and exciting. I want to know about the whole in the wall on Calle Ocho with great Vietnamese (Hy Vong) or the newest trendy eatery to open up on the Beach or in the Design District. Here are a few websites I frequent when I can’t decide where I want to eat or want to try something new.
This website is a foodie haven and has coverage almost worldwide. I think the best boards/strings are for U.S. based cities like New York and South Florida, but you can search international cities as well. Here is how it works: You sign up and create a username. Then you post a query in the city where you would like to eat or find some fabulous food item. For example, “What is the best bakery near Grand Central Station OR Where is a good place for a group birthday party for four or more people, accepts reservations and is somewhere on the lower east side.” Make sure you post in board for the applicable area (example above would be posted in Manhattan). Then, you wait for fellow foodies to weigh in and give you suggestions. Brilliant right! I also recommend paying it forward and leaving a suggestion of your own on a string. You can also search a board for postings of a particular area. For example you could search the Chicago board for “best hot dogs.” Often, simply typing in a search term of the type of cuisine you would like to eat will yield a myriad of suggestions. I have used this site for numerous weekend getaways to various cities and locally to find new, exotic and fabulous food.
This site currently only covers the following major US cities: NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., South Florida. If you live in one of these cities/areas and don’t have this site bookmarked you are MISSING OUT. This site has printable and on screen menus of many restaurants in these cities. There are also reviews of the restaurants, phone numbers and information on whether they deliver. I use this website religiously to order take out on the way home from work or delivery when I just feel like a fabulous night in.
So, Bookmark these two sites and enjoy these shortcuts to fabulous food finds!
