Tag Archives: shopping

4 Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

The holidays are upon us – ah, the music, the colors, the food, the shopping! We are approaching the busiest shopping season of the year, a time for buying decorations, holiday gifts, and more. But, according to the LAPD Crime Prevention Section, “it is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.” While shopping for all these goodies this season, make sure the bad guys aren’t shopping you.

Here are some ways to keep yourself from becoming an easy target this holiday season.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Don’t allow talking on your cell phone or responding to texts to distract you from what’s going on around you. Keep your head on a swivel, scanning from side to side, while walking with purpose. This keeps you aware of your surroundings and oncoming potential problems.

woman parking lot

Carry only the essentials

Let’s start with that expensive designer bag you’re carrying. It makes a statement and telegraphs wealth, real or imagined. If you can leave it at home, the best place to carry your personal items is on your body, such as in pockets or in your waistband. If you must carry a purse or bag, take a look at its contents before shopping. You really only need car keys, cell phone and wallet. Even your wallet should only contain essential shopping items: identification, cash and credit/debit cards.

There is always safety in numbers

If you can help it, don’t go out shopping alone. Shop with a friend, or several.

women shopping talking

Practice parking lot safety

Park in a well-lit area or shop during daylight hours. Try not to park a sedan between two large vehicles, like SUVs, vans, or trucks. It blocks you from view of the rest of the lot. Remember to roll up all windows and lock all doors when leaving your car and don’t leave valuable items in plain view.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a hazardous duty. A few simple precautions can keep you safe, prepared and out of harm’s way.

 

Find out more about Gary at www.tabkeandassociates.com and follow him on Facebook Tabke & Associates, Private Investigations.

What to Wear to a Fall Wedding

Here comes the bride… and here comes the indecision about what on Earth you should wear to her ceremony. There’s something so beautiful about saying “I do” surrounded by fallen leaves and rustic burlap decor; but figuring out what to wear to a fall wedding can prove a little tricky. If you’ve RSVP’d to an autumn affair, then these styling ideas are sure to inspire.

8 Classic Outfit Formulas for Fall Wedding Guests

1. Subtle Metallics

When it comes to weddings, there are only a couple of outfit rules for guests: don’t wear white, and don’t try to upstage the bride. Solid metallics are an excellent way of dressing up without looking too flashy. Avoid wearing all-over sequins or embellishments, and stick to simple silver, gold, rose gold, or bronze designs instead.

Try:

Metallic

H&M Shimmering Metallic Top, $29.99
H&M Shimmering Metallic Wrap Skirt, $49.99
Baublebar Irena Drop Earrings, $48.00

2. Something Blue

Blue is a universally flattering shade, and it’s a great way to add a color pop to your favorite LBD. Use navy, cobalt, and sapphire as accent colors to strategically freshen up a tried-and-true wardrobe staple.

Something Blue

Baublebar Crystalline Drop Earrings, $42
Boston Proper Satin Pumps, $120
Baublebar Malibu Statement Necklace, $48

3. Beyond-Basic Black

Speaking of LBDs, a black dress is a versatile choice for weddings year-round — but it’s especially ideal for fall and winter events. Upgrade the effect with fringe, ruffles, or eyelet for a more eye-catching presentation.

Try:

Black Wedding Fashion

H&M Mules, $34.99
J.Crew Bell-Sleeve Daisylace Dress, $188
Baublebar Gem Pinata Tassel Drops, $38

4. Lovely Layers

With fall weddings, it’s a bit challenging to predict what kind of weather conditions you’ll encounter on the big day. That’s why it’s smart to create an ensemble that includes a few luxe layers. Comfy longline cardigans are perfect additions to silky gowns, while velvety kimonos give chiffon party dresses a little bohemian flair. Attending a fancy ceremony on a chilly evening? Top off your look with a satin jacket or a faux fur coat.

Try:

What to wear to a fall wedding

H&M Creped Dress, $39.99
H&M Faux Fur Coat, $129
J.Crew Avery Glittery Tweed Pumps, $107.99

5. Intricate Textures

Fall is all about texture, and weddings are the time to show off your faves. Go the feminine route with lace, add a touch of plush with velvet, or twirl around in satin flounce. The exception to the rule? Just say no to faux leather, unless it’s a motorcycle-themed fall wedding (in which case, do your thing).

Try:

Autumn Wedding Outfit

Sole Society Large Faux Fur Stole, $54.95
H&M Velour Dress, $49.99
Baublebar Mini Pinata Tassel Earrings, $42

6. Elevated Knits

Think you can’t wear a sweater to a wedding? Think again. These cozy styles are easy to glam up with the right accessories, and they’ll keep you warm no matter the forecast. Add a pretty skirt, tie on a neck scarf, layer on jewelry, or wear a sparkly pair of high heels to take these cold-weather essentials to the ceremony and beyond.

Try:

Wedding Fashion

H&M Pleated Skirt, $69.99
H&M Cashmere Blend Sweater, $59.99
J.Crew Lucie Glitter Pumps, $104.99

7. Blushing Pinks

Save your bubblegum pink for spring and summer affairs, and stick to soft, diaphanous hues instead. A blush-colored dress is a lovely option that works with a wide range of wedding themes, and it looks especially fresh paired with rose gold jewelry and accessories.

Try:

Pink Wedding Outfit

Sole Society Clover Crispin Drop Earrings, $26.97
H&M Satin Wrap Dress, $69.99
Charming Charlie Party Sequin Clutch, $29

8. Fine Wines

Raise a toast to impeccable style. Purple and red are both intoxicating choices for fall weddings, especially in deep autumn tones like rust and burgundy. These cool shades pair perfectly with fall’s signature color palette, and they’re super sexy in an understated way.

Try:

Wine Wedding Fashion

H&M Lace Top, $39.99
H&M Calf-Length Satin Skirt, $49.99
H&M Faux Suede Pumps, $24.99

Are you attending any fall weddings this year? If so, what look are you going for? Share your styling ideas in the comments!

Savvy Shopping: Gorgeous Lingerie on a Budget

Feeling sexy and glamorous doesn’t have to come at a high price point and you don’t have to be a millionaire to feel like a million bucks. With all of the fast fashion stores online and in shopping centers, there are so many options to buy everything from shoes to lacy lingerie at an inexpensive price point. Of all the items in your closet, lingerie is a no-brainer when it comes to saving  since most of us aren’t wearing corsets and bustiers all day every day, so the materials and durability don’t have to be of extraordinary quality (read: expensive).

We’ve rounded up some retailers (online & in-store) that have hundreds of affordable lingerie options that will have you looking and feeling your sexiest without emptying your bank account!

 

H&M

H&M Lingerie
H&M Lingerie | Photo: @byjennip

H&M Lingerie ranges in price from around $5 to $35, which means that even at their absolute highest price point, it’s still very affordable. H&M sells bras, panties, corsets, basics, shapewear, sportswear, socks, tights, and gorgeous sleepwear pieces. H&M even carries cute bras for E and F cup-sizes!

 

Adore Me

adore me lingerie
Adore Me Lingerie | Photo: @brianamatopoeia

Adore Me is primarily a membership-based online retailer for everything lingerie (however you can also make a one-time purchase). The VIP membership is around $40 a month and each month you’ll receive a matching set of your choice. On top of that, you can get an additional $10 off any piece, any time. Every sixth set you receive from Adore Me is free of charge. You also have access to VIP sales, and shipping and exchanges are always free! On the first of each month, VIP members will have access to a curated shop filled with lingerie personalized just for you; you pick your items before the fifth of each month and they’ll be shipped right away. You can also skip a month and get a refund or store credit in the amount of your membership fees that can be used at any time.  Adore Me has the cutest and most diverse styles of any other online retailer. Also, they have pieces from petite to plus, so everyone can shop comfortably and confidently.

 

TopShop

TopShop lingerie
TopShop lingerie | Photo: @bethedmundsxo

TopShop is another major retailer that sells affordable lingerie. I especially love their bralettes, but they sell everything from sets, bralettes, padded bras, no- padding bras, and underwear. You can sort through pieces by style, color, size, fit, and price point online. The prices range from $2.00 (for lacey panties) to $118 (for a sequin matching set).

 

AMI Clubwear

AMI Clubwear is best known for just that: their clubwear. However, AMI has one of the most extensive lingerie size ranges, ranging between XS and size 44. AMI lingerie is not for the faint of heart and most of the pieces were definitely made for the bedroom – there are very few styles that you could rock under a low cut tee for girls night out, one of my go-to ways to show off a cute bra. Prices range from $5 to $200+, with most pieces falling in the $20-$40 range.

 

Forever 21

forever 21 lingerie
Forever 21 lingerie | Photo: @misstorilynne_

Forever 21 has a smaller range of intimates, however, every single one of the pieces is stunning and the most expensive is around $25, allowing you to build a large collection if you wish. The pieces are all very classic and can be worn again and again. Forever 21 is not the best option for large-busted women, as they only sell bralettes online.

 

Missguided

missguided lingerie
Missguided lingerie | Photo: @sarahcolee

Missguided is my favorite website to shop lingerie because they have hundreds of pieces (almost 300, to be exact) that can be mixed and matched. Missguided carries just about every style for every type of girl – there are pieces that are sexy and strappy and also those that are sporty and cute. Each piece ranges from $4 to around $50.

Menswear Made Feminine: How to Wear Your Boyfriend’s Clothes

The holidays are over and you’re feeling spent…literally. All the last-minute gift giving, charitable as it was, has left you on the strictest of budgets. Now, instead of treating yourself to some end-of-year sales, the only shopping you’ll be doing is in your closet. Or, if you’re smart, in your boyfriend’s closet. Now is the perfect time to channel your creative side and incorporate some menswear into your wardrobe. And we’re not talking womenswear simply inspired by men’s clothing. We mean “I bought it from the men’s department, next to the ties and boxers” menswear. You can’t really beat the idea of expanding your options without having to spend a dime, right?

 

Not quite sold on the trend? Start small by topping off your ensemble with some men’s accessories. Exchange your dainty timepiece for a bolder, chunkier look. Swap the bangles for a handkerchief on your wrist. You can even add some panache to your fit by throwing on a subtle skinny tie. These pieces are appropriate wherever your day takes you, from the office to your dinner date.

menswear outfit

Post-Christmas is an optimal season to dig around in your guy’s closet. Winter has set in and, when weekend errands are beckoning, it’s a struggle avoiding the impulse to just throw a coat on over your pajamas. Instead of risking this fashion faux pas, opt for the casual, comfy look, and pair your boyfriend’s cozy sweater with leggings and boots. It’s easy and totally beats that awkward moment when you, fully clad in your Christmas onesie, unexpectedly cross paths with an acquaintance in the freezer aisle.

menswear outfit

Incorporating a men’s button down into your outfit offers some great versatility. Not only are you able to snag some funky patterns that may not be traditionally found in clothing tailored to women, but the loose fit allows you to layer to your heart’s content. Top the button down with a fitted blazer or sweater and finish the look with a colored leather mini and tights. The mix of feminine and masculine create an edgy juxtaposition that fellow fashionistas are sure to admire.

menswear outfit

*All photos: Dionna Carter

5 Items You Need In Your Minimalist Makeup Bag

These days, Instagram feeds and YouTube videos are ripe with gloriously flawless faces demonstrating how to contour the cheekbones or create the perfect cat eye. Pair red lips with natural eyes and bold smoky looks with nude lips. The techniques and trends seem to change and evolve with each passing day, and it can be overwhelming. So what’s a girl to do when all she wants is a little glow and minimal work?

This isn’t the guide for the woman with 18 brushes, six palettes and a drawer full of lipstick. This is for the woman who doesn’t know where to begin, but wants something a little more than the mundane daily routine.

A simple, easy makeup routine starts with quality products. Though more expensive than their drugstore counterparts, these brands offer products that will last longer and easily give you the look you want. Here’s your minimalist makeup guide.

Start with a Good Moisturizer

Moisturizer works for your skin now and 10 years from now. It keeps the skin balanced, fresh and helps prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. For a simple, all-purpose moisturizer, go with the bareMinerals Smart Combination Smoothing Lightweight Emulsion. It sounds complicated, but it’s as simple as one pump of lotion.

smart combination bare minerals

 

Choose an All-Day Wear, Light Foundation

One of the easiest ways to look great without much effort is applying a foundation or powder to the face. An all-day wear liquid foundation is a great option. Why? Because you’ll use less over time, which saves you money and hassle. Try Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation. This foundation lasts all day long, regardless of humidity levels or how oily your skin might be. Once it’s on, you won’t have to worry about it again. No touch-ups. No carrying it with you. This foundation stays in place and looks beautiful all day.

tarte makeup

 

Pick Your Perfect Mascara

Accentuating the eyes is a staple in any makeup look, and good mascara will do the trick. You’ll want to choose one that defines, elongates and thickens the lashes. Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara does all of the above. Its innovative brush elongates lashes while defining them without clumps. This mascara is natural-looking and comes in multiple colors, so you can choose which shade will work best for you.

benefit mascara makeup

 

Go With a Light Shade of Lip Gloss

The world of lipsticks and glosses can be overwhelming. Your best bet is to go with a neutral toned lipgloss for an everyday look. You want something that will add a tiny bit of color and shine to accentuate your lips. Urban Decay’s Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Naked is a great option. This natural, pink tone not only looks good with every skin tone, but it adds just enough color without feeling overdone.

urban decay lipgloss

 

A Little Shimmer on the Cheeks

Blush is another one of those makeup products that will have a makeup minimalist cringing. The wrong color blush can make you look overdone, which is the opposite of the desired look; but you can add a little shimmer to the cheeks without adding a ton of clown-like color. Stila offers an All Over Shimmer Duo  perfect for adding just enough shimmer to the cheekbones. The duo includes a natural, light pink and a light beige option so you can choose between adding a little color or swiping on a little bronzed glow — perfect for multiple occasions without all the hassle and confusion of too many options.

stila all over shimmer makeup

 

The perfect everyday look doesn’t have to include 45 minutes in the mirror and a YouTube video tutorial. These five simple items will add the right amount of glow to your skin and pep to your daily routine.

The New Green Trend Says Goodbye to Packaging in Zero Waste Grocery Stores

Imagine a supermarket where there is no disposable packaging. There are no shelves lined with single use boxes or plastic containers. Instead shelves hold products ready for dispensing into reusable containers.

zero waste market
“Zero waste market”, image courtesy of SFU University Communications on Flickr under license CC BY 2.0

This may seem like a far cry from the debates Americans have over banning single use bags but these zero-waste supermarkets are slowly becoming a reality. Original Unverpackt opened in Germany in 2014, selling some 350 products including produce, dry grains and dairy such as yogurt. All ready for customers to place into reusable containers. A similar zero-packaging supermarket is set to open in Copenhagen this summer and another hopes to open by the end of the year in Vancouver.

zero waste market
Photo courtesy of Original Unverpackt

Bea Johnson, author of Zero Waste Home, is one of a growing number of people around the world paying attention to the crazy amount of waste involved in our daily lives and in our food supply. Food and the packaging containers it comes in account for as much as 45 percent of the materials in US landfills. They waste energy and resources, generate greenhouse gases and contribute to the growing problem of plastics in the oceans.

zero waste market
Photo courtesy of Original Unverpackt

Recycling was once thought of as the answer, but more than 30 years after the first mandated curbside recycling in the US, the practice has yet to widely catch on in any substantial way. Americans still only recycle 51 percent of food packaging and less than 14 percent of plastic packaging.

recycling bins on curb

A zero-waste lifestyle like the one Johnson leads and zero waste supermarkets are attempting to stop the waste problem before it starts. Micro grocer In.gredients in Austin opened in 2012 and at least one more zero-waste US supermarket is in the planning stages. In general, prices at these supermarkets tend to be similar to those in a traditional market, and the fill-your-own container can prevent both food waste and save customers money as they only buy what they need.

in.gredients team
The in.gredients team | Image courtesy of in.gredients | Photo: Patrick Lane Photography

“The zero waste lifestyle does not cost more: it saves us 40 percent on our overall spending! It does not take more time: voluntary simplicity has allowed for our housework and professional work to be more efficient (what we do not own, does not need to be bought, stored, cleaned, maintained, repaired, replaced, recycled, etc.),” Johnson said.

zero waste market purchases
“Zero waste market purchases”, image courtesy of Christopher Porter on Flickr under license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Although the zero-waste lifestyle is not for everyone, the rise of zero-waste supermarkets or even adapting a zero-waste shopping style have the potential to dramatically improve the food system, the environment and maybe even our overall quality of life.

Simple Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For Jet-setting Moms

 

As we plan to show the mother figures in our lives how much we love and appreciate them this Mother’s Day, let’s think outside of the box and review gift ideas that will appease their adventure-loving, jet-setting sides. This list has something for everyone, whether Mom is a seasonal traveler whose children have flown the nest or a busy, soccer mom who craves a minute of leisure.

I know that gift-giving isn’t always easy, and it’s important to have options for every budget. Here you will find a few economically-friendly ideas.

A beautiful passport cover

Maybe you can’t buy her an overseas trip, but you can get her dreaming about the next time she will use her passport. Etsy has a variety of passport covers adorned with leather, inspirational quotes, and personalized embellishments. Not only are they elegant, but passport covers can also be practical and protect her passport book from wear and spills. Plus, she will cherish this unique gift, designed to suit her personality.

Young female passenger at the airport, looking at the flight information board

 

An outfit that reminds her of home 

She may love to travel, but there isn’t any place quite like home. Help Mom show off her home pride by buying apparel that represents her home state. Both the company and customer reviews boast about the incredibly soft, comfortable and easy to maintain fabric in each tee, tank, and sweatshirt. These tops may, therefore, be just the ticket for anyone who enjoys living on-the-go. Also, you will feel philanthropic knowing that up to 10% of your purchase will go towards Multiple Sclerosis research.

 

A tea gift set 

When jetlag kicks in, or when Mom needs a moment break from being her typical selfless, nurturing self, help her unwind by buying luxuriously delicious teas from around the world. Teaforté is known for quality, and they even market special gift sets as the perfect gift for tea-loving moms. Many of these particular infusions are designed to promote peace and relaxation with ingredients like nutrient and antioxidant-rich green and oolong tea, and soothing herbals like lavender. The rejuvenation gift set comes complete with 10 infusers, a porcelain teacup, and ceramic Orchid-white tea tray.

assortment of dry tea in ceramic bowls, close-up

 

A wireless activity and sleep tracker 

Mothers can be so devoted to their families that may forget to keep track of their personal fitness goals. Encourage your mother to get back in shape and stay healthy with a travel-friendly fitness/health monitor. The new face of fitness watches records steps, calories burned, distance covered and hours spent sleeping, which will come in handy when she goes off on her adventures. The Misfit Flash  is also waterproof, making it perfect for those who prefer visiting tropical lands and exotic shores.

 

The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou, plus Mom & Me & Mom 

Does she love to take a good book with her everywhere she travels? A great book set for women who value the words of other strong women is the Maya Angelou memoir collection. The set comprises the first six books, beginning with the famous I know why the caged bird sings, Angelou’s final book. The seventh book, Mom & Me & Mom, discusses Angelou’s relationship with her mother after years apart and can be purchased separately. These memoirs will take your mother on a journey through Angelou’s life, beginning with her own ascendance from child to young woman and mother, all while facing adversity. In fact, motherhood is a recurring theme in her books. She also wrote about her own overseas adventure in All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, book 5 from the set, which describes her experiences leaving the USA and living in Ghana.

 

 

Last Minute Gift Shopping for Everyone

Whether you typically put off buying gifts until the eleventh hour or just happened to forget someone this year, you can still find thoughtful gifts to give, just in the nick of time. Here are some suggestions for last-minute gift shopping to ensure none of your loved ones feel forgotten this holiday.

Image via iStock/Milan_Jovic
Photo: iStock.com/Milan_Jovic

eGift Cards –  The fastest gift you can give someone far away, besides a phone call (usually very appreciated!), is an e-gift card. Your gift is received in minutes and the recipient gets to choose something they actually want from a store that suits their interests. Here are a few good suggestions for the different people in your life.

The self-professed geek – They’re in right now, you know. At Think Geek, you can find all things awesomely nerdy.

The outdoor enthusiast – REI is a store with top of the line outdoor gear that can give you expert advise on all things from climbing, to canoeing, to yoga.

The college student – CB2, the modern version of Crate and Barrel, is perfect for apartments and dorms.

The culinarian – SurLaTable gift cards can be used for kitchen gadgets and even cooking classes – fun!

The jetsetter – Flight 001 is a source for cool luggage, trendy accessories, and travel gadgets.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Monthly subscription services – A gift that’s appreciated all year-round is one that arrives in the mail every month. Try one of these for a present they can appreciate long after the holidays are over.

The oenophile (a fancy way of saying ‘someone who loves wine’) – the highly-rated Wine of the Month Club will send 2 full-sized bottles of premium wine from around the world each month.

The primper – Birchbox will send a box each month filled with samples of beauty and skin products. They also have men’s boxes that contain items like shave cream and what they call “gadgets”.

The Fit girl (or guy or kid) – A Fabletics subscription will allow them to choose an outfit per month from a wide selection of stylish activewear for men, women, and kids.

Those with furbabies – Barkbox sends a new box of treats and toys every month for their pooch.

Amazon Prime – What better gift to give someone than the gift of convenience? Amazon Prime is an uber-useful service offered by the huge online retailer that sells almost anything you could imagine, and you can gift it to someone for about $100 for one year. Prime service offers free 2-day shipping, unlimited movies and TV shows through Prime Instant Video, and tons of free books on Kindle.

Need to hand-deliver a gift? Here are some options if you’re looking for a gift to bring to a party, relative’s house, or maybe a secret Santa exchange.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Stores that Wrap – If you forgot to get the gift, then you might have forgotten to get some wrapping paper for it, too. Or maybe you just aren’t great at wrapping, like 90% of us. In that case, there are a few stores that will wrap your present for you. Stores like Crate and Barrel (for the interior designer), Williams Sonoma (for the at-home chef), Barnes and Noble (for the bibliophile), and Nordstrom are happy to wrap up your purchase, or put it in a nice bag. Some even spritz the tissue paper with some delightfully-scented spray (L’Occitane, for the spa lover) as a luxurious finishing touch.

Gift Sets/Baskets – You can pick up a pre-wrapped basket of an assortment of items from stores like Bath and Body Works (options for both men and women) and Godiva (who doesn’t love chocolate?); you can even find some at Costco. It’s great if you’re not sure exactly what to get someone since there are a variety of things included in a basket. Plus, they’re always put together in a beautiful and festive way, ready to be given as a lovely present.

Last Resort – If you have absolutely no time, meaning, you’re already on your way to Grandma’s house, drug stores have an option that can still be pretty thoughtful. Find a gift card that suits the recipient’s personality and give them the choice to use it as they wish. You’ll often have a wide variety of choices, from all sorts of restaurants, to movie theatres, specialty stores like Bass Pro Shops, and more. If you can find a card in the same theme as the gift certificate (say, a holiday fishing card) then it will further show you know and care about their interests.