Mini Lipstick Haul

Audrey Hepburn gave me a new found love of lipstick when she said "a girl just can't read that sort of thing without her lipstick". Whether it's good nes, bad news, or a hot date, lipstick always makes the moment better. When I found I had run out of this much needed beauty item, I took myself to buy a couple new shades of lipstick. One is from Guerlain--a brand whose lipstick I simply adore. The other is from Rimmel. I awalys recommend having a luxury brand of lipstick and a less expensive drugstore brand. Drugstore brands are great for casual outings, trends, and nudes. Highend lipsticks tend to stay on longer so they make great date lipsticks. The video above shows what shades I bought and gies a quick review of each lipstick.

LUSH Website Budget Haul

 Even though I recently went boxing day shopping at LUSH, I had to do another haul because the company introduced their limited edition red dragon soap and I had to get my hands on it. I also wanted to keep myself in line (at least that was the plan) and chose a budget. The budget however was "blank check" giving free reign to shop. Did I shop like a mad woman? You can find out by watching the video.




This was my first time shopping from the lush.ca and I found the service to be good. My items shipped fast and the items were well packaged. Nothing arrived damged. This surprised me since I have heard horror stories of people recieving items that were not in the best of shape.

The only down side with shopping online for soap is that I didn't get a chance to pick the size or cut I wanted. It's a bit of a gamble where you get whatever piece LUSH gives you. This isn't a big deal for generic looking items, but for items whose selling point are their look (pretty colors, glitter etc) or scent, it can be a let down to recieve an item that is not top standard.

Still, the shopping experince was easy and fun and I didn't have to wait long for my purchase. 

LUSH gift set budget haul video

When LUSH cosmetics brought out their Christmas items, I really wanted to purchase more than a couple of them. The scents and designs of several of them put me in the Christmas mood. To reign myself in, I decided to put myself on a budget while shopping for a LUSH gift set. The gift sets are my favorite items as it allows me to try several products. View the video below to see what my budget was and if I managed to stay within it. 

NARS Budget Haul

I'm a NARS junkie. Now that the secret is out I can openly tell you that you may be seeing more of these NARS hauls in the future along with some detailed reviews on their products. This one in particular didn't start out as a NARS haul, but you'll have to watch the video to find out what I'm talking about

Why you should avoid emotional spending

Laughter isn’t just the best medicine health wise; it can also do wonders for your finances. Experts suggest putting off making financial decisions until you are in an upbeat frame of mind.When you are feeling positive you are better able to make suitable choices, and to find more innovative solutions to problems.

Good moods lead to smarter shopping. This is because good moods promote optimism, creativity and generosity. When all these emotions come together it’s a fertile time for decision making.

Daphomine, an internal brain chemical, becomes more available when you are happy and also stimulates
sections of the brain responsible for memory and thinking.

People who feel sad not only shop more but they are willing to spend more for the things they buy.
Shopping has always been used as a distraction. People spend money and go on shopping binges to
escape their feelings.

Many of us can admit to emotional shopping at one point or another. You find yourself making
unnecessary purchases after a tiff with a friend or as a means to boost your self-esteem.

I used to “treat” myself to something special before a big exam. I figured even if I didn’t do great I’d at least have something nice to cheer me up, and if I did do well then it was a reward.Unfortunately, my bank accounts wasn’t looking too happy.

However, on the other hand, you also want to postpone making decisions if you are extra confident or highly adventurous. Researchers found that overconfident people sold stock too often, resulting in poor earning than other investors.

Bottom line you will have to pay for your emotional spending. A happy shopper is a smarter shopper.

Picture credit: http://aaartwork.tumblr.com/

15 affordable online fahion shops

I'm an online shopper. I like getting packages in the mail. Yes, brown paper packages are one of my favorite things. I also like when I can get items for a better deal, which is one of the reasons why I love shopping online so much. There is an ever growing number of online retail shops, all with different ratings. Some are good, some are clearly for window shopping, and some are just taking up web space. With the holiday season coming up I decided to make a list of a some of my favorite online shops. They all offer great customer service, ship internationally and you can always find something there for under 50 dollars.

1.Modcloth: sells vintage and retro feelings items. 
http://www.modcloth.com/

2.Forever21: Offers trendy often unique items.
http://www.forever21.com/Default.asp

3.Tillys: Claims to be a serf and skate retail site but they also sell girly are rock trend wear.
 http://www.tillys.com/intl/

4.Shopruche: Specializes in vintage inspired clothing
http://www.shopruche.com/index.php

5.Revolve Clothing: One of the best places to find designer brands and in-the-trend items for less
http://www.revolveclothing.com/Homepage.jsp

6.Dorothy Perkins: UK based fashion retail website that ships internationally. It offers some of the cutest party and everyday dresses
http://www.dorothyperkins.com

7.Metroparkusa: Fashion, music and art all under one domain.
http://www.metroparkusa.com/index

8.Chaotic clothing: Alternaive, Goth, Punk, Emo fashion and accessories
 http://www.chaoticclothing.co.uk/

 9. Cutie Code: Korean and Japan fashion
http://www.cutiecode.com/

10. kfashionhouse: Korean fashion
http://www.kfashionhouse.com/

11. CCT Fashion: Japan fashion at  very affordable prices
http://www.cct-fashion.com/

12.Alloy: comfy boho chic clothing
http://store.alloy.com/

13.topshop: cute and trendy items.
http://us.topshop.com/

14: American Apparel: Something cute and unique can always be found here
http://www.americanapparelstore.com/

15.gojane: Club wear at unbeatable prices.
http://www.gojane.com/

Forever Seventeen With Betsey Johnson

Enter the world of Betsey Johnson where it's always prom night, you always make homecoming queen, and looking good doesn't have to be serious business. Betsey Johnson speaks to the teenager in all of us--carefree and beautiful.
 

I couldn't help but love nearly all the items in the Downtown Calgary location. The store will be celebrating it's 1 year come November and I'm not so secretly wishing for an invitation to the party.

Oh but what to wear! The options seem almost endless. The store layout is wonderful for one's senses. Uncluttered, with everything in view, it's no wonder I felt ADD in there.

Another reason to check out this location is the customer service. Janelle Courchesne and Ally Chang were down-to-earth and the definition of Betsey girls--playful and sweet. Helpful and obliging to all the customers, I credit the blissful shopping experience to them. They were kind enough to take some photos of me in some of the new Betsey Johnson dresses.

I don't remember the name of the first dress, but the second one is  Film Noir and the third is Evening Peacock Flair

Ideally I would have loved a dress, but logic made me think twice. Where would I wear it to? Then I thought, who cares! I could simply sit in it while I blogged. Though in all honesty, one doesn't buy a dress like that if they don't plan to be seen.

The shoes were to die for. However, Betsey doesn't have half sizes and I have a rule about only buying perfect fit shoes.

Instead, I went with a belt. Stunning isnt it ;)

If you are in the Calgary area, visit the Betsey girls and check out the sales.

Address: 203 8th Ave Southwest Calgary
Phone:(403) 261-8803

In The Trenches Shop Goodies

It's Summer! Finally I can officially say it and with a new season means new items for my store. With summer upon us there's a little less reason to be wearing trench coats,  unless of course you live in my area and then you probably were wise enough to not put away your warm clothing. The rest of the world however is probably dancing in the sun, and I say why not dance in  style.

Carlos by Carlos Santana Women's Pleasure Peep-Toe Pump

I am loving the pumps above. The bright colors make a bold fashion statement. Their price isn't bad either. You can check them out in my store starting at 31.99. The animal print is fabric with a patent heel.

Betsey Johnson Women's Oval Acetate Frame Sunglasses with Heart Cutout

You can't go through summer without a fun pair of sunglasses, and this pair from Betsey Johnson with its cute heart cutout puts the fun in fun-in-the-sun. The glasses also come with a pink pouch for storage.

Kirra Vidette Bag

I love the color the this bag--not a boring black, but not an over the top neon either.The dual side pockets add more room.

    I for one am very excited for a fashionable summer. Please be sure to check out In The Trenches Store to see more new items. I redid the shoe page to add a ton more items and they are now in easy to find categories.

How to recognize a fraudulent offer

A sweepstakes is an advertising or promotional tool in which prizes are awarded to participating consumers/members by chance, with no purchase or "entry fee" required in order to win. Unfortunately, not all games and sweepstakes are fair, so it is important to be alert and know what to look for to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Below are 11 ways to recognize fraudulent activity

1. The deal seems too good to be true: Prizes usually match with the companies doing the sweepstakes. Thus a small candle company probably won’t be giving a free vacation.

2. You’re the winner of a contest you don’t recall entering. This is a classic one that scam artists use. If you get an email claiming you’re the winner but you don’t remember entering, the offer is by all means a scam. All legitimate contests make sure their contestants verify or consent to being part of the contest; they also keep track of contestants and do not sell your information. If you didn’t say enter me in some manner, ignore the offer.

3. You’re asked for money to claim the prize, example, to pay for taxes, shipping, or processing. Sweepstakes are supposed to be one hundred percent free. If anyone asks you to pay money at any point be skeptical.

4. You’re told this is the final day for the promotion so you should order now. Again you should not have to pay money to be part of a sweepstakes.

5. You are offered a free demonstration in your home. This is usually a selling tactic. Once the person is in your home, you’ll be talked into buying. It is also a clever way for con artists to get your home address.

6. Someone else offers to pick up your cheque. Believe it or not this method is used, especially on seniors. They are told that if they are unable to get the prize themselves, someone will get it for them. This is usually a way to get your banking information and home address.

7. You are asked for your banking information. A reputable business will not ask for this, unless you are making a purchase and using that specific method of payment.

8. You are asked to call a 1-900 number. There is always a charge to call a 1-900 number, so if you are told to call that number to collect your prize, be skeptical.

9. You are asked to send cash or money order: Again, never pay anyone to join a sweepstakes.

10. The person calling refers to you by your first name and asks you a lot of personal or lifestyle questions. The caller is trying to become your friend and trying to find out if you are lonely and willing to talk in order to get information they may be able to use against you.

11. You must make a purchase to enter the contest. Remember, no purchase is necessary in order to enter a sweepstakes, and the chances of winning are the same whether you order or not.

Contests are fun, when they are legitimate. Use the tips above to help recognize a fraudulent offer.

Spring Must Haves

It's the first week of spring, finally, and I couldn't be happier. I love spring, namely because I hate winter, but also because there's more to work with style wise. I won't lie, I don't make that much of an effort during winter. However, as soon as the snow begins to melt all my angst goes with it and the urge to look pretty quickly rises. I know many of us feel inspired during springtime to go shopping and step back into femininity. I started a thread on the mallvibes forum asking people what items were a must for their spring wardrobe and below is list of the common picks.



The trench coat

Obviously, this one made my list as well. Trench coats are always big during the spring season.They may be a different style or color that takes the spotlight, but it's always a spring must have. This year the focus is on the classic trench with 3/4 sleeves. I personally like long sleeves, but that's just because I have lanky arms. Regardless of the style, the trench coat is a definite must have, and lucky for you, the In The Trenches Shop is stocked full of them.











Pastels




Light hues always become popular during springtime, as more people get away from the dark drab winter colors. This spring, lavender is a favorite among shoppers. Whether it's shoes, nail polish or a bag, it's a color that's finding it's way on people in some form or another. I'm all for it. I love purple, and any shade of it is pleasing to me.






Wedge Heels

I've never been the biggest fan of wedges, but apparently a lot of people are this season. They are easier to walk in at times and with all the different styles available this season, I'm sure there might be something to please even me.


Nautical

This is a trend I actually want to try. Nautical doesn't get enough attention, but there are so many ways to work it into your wardrobe. I would especially love a nautical swimsuit.



Flirty Spring Dress

An absolute must have is a spring dress. Once the snow melts, I can be seen exclusively in dresses and skirts. Skirts with pockets are still very big, and I doubt they'll be going anywhere, and dresses made from chiffon are very in this season, which makes me smile from ear to ear, since I love those types of dresses. The spring dress was on nearly every mallvibers list.

Leather Jacket

Besides the trench coat, the only other coat that excites me is the leather jacket. (well I actually love pea coats too). Leather jackets are great spring accessories. Not only do they add some edge to the girly flirty nature of spring, but they are very practical on those rainy days.










There's a lot of different trends to choose from this season, some I haven't even mentioned such as military, vintage, metallic; the possibilities to up your wardrobe for spring seems endless. I'm so happy spring has finally sprung and I can look good again.

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