How to start a Handbag Collection

Quality over Quantity - The key to getting a quality handbag is purchasing something of good quality as well as something you can afford. Start where you are and buy what you can with what you have

Needs over Wants – Starting a handbag collection you will need to decide what your needs and start there.

1. Do you carry a large wallet?

2. Do you have a large makeup bag?

3. Do you need a lot of pockets and zippers?

4. How do you dress 80% of the time casual or dressy?

5. Do you have a separate bag for your IPAD?

6. What is the style of your current handbag and does it work for you?

7. Do you attend evening events if so how often?

8. Do you like or hate monograms?

9. Do want be a collector or actually use the bags?

10. What is the most you are willing to spend on a bag?

Colors – If you want to carry something other than a basic black bag, look through your closet and see what colors you own the most. For instance if you wear a lot of black you may want to get a classic black bag but you could also consider a bright color bag of your choice.

Think long term – Don’t be a slave to trends when purchasing a high end bag. The Louis Vuitton Speedy bag has been around for decades and is still a staple piece of most collectors. Brands like Channel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Balenciaga have been around for a long time. Think of your bags as investments.

Research – YouTube is a great resource to finding out about different bags and styles. Go shopping at high end stores and try the bags look at the storage, material and functions. NEVER buy a bag online if you have not done all the research first, so many people have gotten burned simply because they did not know what to look for.

Type of handbags– Clutch, Cross body, Tote, Hobo, Top Handle, Makeup, and a Pouchette. Most brands carry each type of these.

Type of Collection – Decide what type of collection you want. Do you want functional, brand, style? I am a cross-brand girl I like a variety of bags while some women only focus on one brand.

Wish List – Create a wish list and research each bag you would like to purchase. Know EVERYTHING about your handbags and start saving for it. Do not waiver from your list! I cannot stress this one, something like it is never the same, don’t settle. There is a reason you put certain bags on your list because you really like it and want it. The list is important because it keeps you on track to your goals.

Its Monday! Today I started my cleanse ( Daniel Fast) and next week I will continue with a healthy lifestyle.  My Journey started in October last year I lost a total of 20 pounds! You can do it too!  Follow me on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube to see what I am doing. Lets get inspired and do this together! Say NO to resolutions and YES to healthy lifestyle changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In My Own Skin: Faux Leather Jacket and Jeans

Jacket - David Bitton | Scarf - Walmart | T-Shirt - Target | Jeans - Old Navy Rockstar | Booties - BCBG  

 

 

Life is only as hard as you make it! Learn to live and love life!

 

This is a simple easy style for the busy mom. You can exchange the booties for your favorite flats or boots and "Phoof!" you have an easy stylish look. This look can take to you to the grocery store, out with friends, kids birthday party or shopping.  I am a busy mom so my style has to be practical, comfortable, versatile & affordable. Enjoy!!

Celebrate a Berry New Year!



 

Pants - Old Navy |Cardigan - Old Navy| T-Shirt - Target | Boots - Nine West

 

Happy New Year!! This year I wanted to do something different.. I never wear corduroy pants but I found these on sale at Old Navy and I fell in love! I no longer do "New Years Resolutions" however I do set 1 goal which is not to be in the same place next year. 

Be blessed in 2014.

New Year Beauty

Get Ready for the New Year, whether you are getting ready on a budget or just getting ready a new year always means a fresh new start.  I don't know much but I do know this..
New Years resolutions are for the birds so I let them fly away with the wind.  I make promises to myself I can keep and I create attainable goals.  Last year my goal was not to be in the same place next year, I lost weight and my self confidence is headed out the roof.  I still have work to do but guess what I am in a new place.  Beauty and Fashion is only second to My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Family (that will never change). I want to be more focused on what is important. Getting your life in order should always be number one. Thank you guys for hanging in there with me.  Much Love, Hugs and Kisses. More to come in 2014!

Nail Care after Acrylic nails.

For years I have worn acrylic nails and I loved them!  There were several reason why I stopped wearing them the first and the most influential reason was I developed a fungus, water got up under my nails and bam a nail fungus. The second reason was it is expensive to maintain. If you have a special occasion and want to do something different or new you were a slave that color until your next appointment. The third and final reason why I chose to stop wearing fake nails was because they damaged my natural nails.   There is life after acrylic nails.  Life without fake nails is a lifestyle change which requires you to take better care of your nails as well as your hands.

Must Have Nail Tools
Clear Nail Hardener
Multivitamin or Nail and Hair Vitamin
Hand and Nail Lotion
Nail Brush
Cuticle Oil
Orange Stick
Glass Nail file
Acetone

10 STEPS to transition from Fake Nails to Natural Nails.
1.  Make the decision to remove the nails for good, no going back!
2.  I recommend letting them grow out a few weeks without a fill and once the nails begin to lift or break trim and soak off with pure acetone.
3.  At this point some people nails may ache; take an aspirin .
4. The nail will be weak so keep them moisturized with hand and nail lotion and follow with cutile oil as needed.
5. Take hair and nail vitamins Daily!
6. Drink lots of water!
7. Put cuticle oil on your nails 3 times a day or more.
8. Push back your cuticles every 2 weeks or when you get a manicure. (This is very important)
9. Keep your nails trim every 2 weeks until the weak portion has grown out.
10. Be Patient!  I can’t stress this enough it may take about 3 months before you are happy with your nails

Don’t get discouraged go get a manicure. Once your nails are healthy you can enjoy beautiful manicures at home or the nail salon.

Calories Do Count

We have done it and heard it all about Calories.  What is a calorie a unit that measures how much energy a food has and that is the dummy down definition.  Contrary to popular beliefs CALORIES DO COUNT.  I have been on countless diets and they come back to the same basic principals of Calorie counting.   You may not be required to count them per say by writing them but in some shape form or fashion you are counting them.  Weight Watchers call their calories points they created their own universe of calorie counting, and the Adkins diet restricts carbs so those calories are out the door.  Wheather they rename or elimate a foods or food groups you are counting calories.  You should be counting calories if your goal is to loose or maintain your current weight. Please know this regardless if you count the calories or not your body is keep track of them!