VILLAGE GIRLS PRESENTS FALL FANTABULOUS

See hot new fall fashions and accessories. Also receive valuable tips on how to select the right clothing to flatter your body type. Looking for statement pieces for a night out or just want to add classics to your wardrobe?
Village Girls has it all and more!
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BARGAINISTA STYLE

Greetings Fashionistas...

When the times get tough a Fashionista gets even tougher. A Fashionista is able to shift gears into Bargainista mode, without skipping a beat. Do not let the state of the economy hamper your ability to be Fantabulously Fierce. The biggest way to maintain your divalicious style when the economy is putting a crunch on your pocket book is shop strategically. There are tons of sales and reasonably priced merchandise out there. The best thing is that your style does not have to suffer. As a matter of fact, utilize this time to truly allow your fashion imagination to run wild. You might even surprise yourself.

A Fashionista turned Bargainista knows the smell of a great bargain. Bargain shopping – is a frugalite's dream. Seek out sales and price mark downs. Some of my favorite bargain places to shop are Dillard's, Macy's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, DSW and Show Cents. These retailers are always bringing in new merchandise. The buyers of these establishments keep the stores stocked with the latest fashion trends, as well as, classic wardrobe building pieces and accessories.

I spotted a beautiful cocktail dress at T.J. Maxx, similar to one Kia Whitacker (Forest Whitacker's wife) flossed at a most recent fundraising event. The best part was the dress was a mere fraction of the original price. Typically, at off-price retailers you can find one of a kind pieces and rock bottom prices. Finding that one of a kind piece means that you are sure not to show up at an event and see another Fashionista wearing the same frock. Although, it is funny to see "Who Wore It Best" in the US Magazine it is by no means funny when it happens to you. ha ha

The objective is to look fabulously flawless and stylish while not breaking the bank! Seek out the bargains. Bargain shopping can be very stressful, but it is can also be very thrilling and rewarding. Here are some pointers that can help you to have an absolutely stress free bargain shopping experience, and most of all save money.

• Get a local newspaper or magazine that lists local secondhand stores, outlet malls and weekend sales.
• Head to the back of the store. This is where the sale and/or clearance items are typically held. Stores want you to look at their fully priced items before their discounted merchandise.
• Know what you are looking for and do not buy just to buy. With just a bit of patience and a keen eye you can get some really good deals.
• If you like brand name products, call to the major stores and ask if they are going to be having any closings, or overstock sales. Overstock is a great way to get designer brand items at cheap prices.
• Shop around. Never buy something that you can get a better price someplace else.

Another great thing about bargain shopping today is that you do not necessarily have to leave the house to bargain shop. It can all be done online. Many great deals and one of a kind pieces can be found with the click of a mouse. Combine sales with an online coupon to maximize your savings. Use an online website that organizes up-to-date coupons by category. (e.g.

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com). Shopping online also makes it easy to compare prices, but be aware! Some sites are not always safe. Make sure you feel comfortable when you give a site your credit card number. Print your receipt for your records.

With the holidays approaching us bargain shopping will be crucial now more than ever! Take advantage of those after holiday sales. After the holidays stores want to get rid of fall clothing to make room for summer merchandise.

Be a Fantabulous Fashionista doing it Bargainista style!!!

Stay tuned for my next blog where I will reveal what is hot for the fall season. Yes, ladies it is fall. Tis the season for boots, sweaters and fabulous holiday attire.

I'M EVERY WOMAN FALL FASHION & HAIRSHOW

Greetings Fashionistas,

Image Essentials LLC has partnered with Versatile Beauty Center & Salon to bring you an extraordinary fashion show. This fun-filled afternoon, hosted by Ayana Mack of 104.1 KRBE, is guaranteed to be an exciting display of fashion forward fall designs, creative hairstyles and an opportunity to give back to the community!

This is an event you do not want to miss!

Event Tickets: $25 (Proceeds Benefiting The Houston Area Women's Center)

For more information contact:

Versatile Beauty Center & Salon
5175 Westheimer Suite 2145
Houston, Texas 77056
713-840-9466 or 713-840-9955

The Fashionista Project

Glitter Graphics Maker & MySpace Layouts

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Greetings Fashionistas!

While we may believe that we are registered to vote, it is important that we are each 100% certain. Many individuals have checked this site and were surprised to find out that they were not registered in their area/county, for whatever reason. Visit www.canivote.org to check your status. If you are not registered, you can register on the site, as well as, find your polling places.

Please do not put this off for another minute. Check your status!

Please feel free to forward this message to all who may benefit.

TO BEIGNET OR NOT TO BEIGNET THAT IS THE QUESTION

Les a le bon ton roule Fashionistas...


There is nothing else in the world like a beignet. Some may say it is just a donut with powdered sugar on it...I would have to disagree. Let me take a moment to break down exactly what this delicious treat is.


A beignet pronounced ben–YAY, which is means "bump", refers to a French pastry made from deep fried dough and sprinkled with confectioner's sugar. Beignets are also popular as an appetizer, with fillings such as crawfish or shrimp. Beignets are often found in, and typically associated with, the city of New Orleans. While in New Orleans you must make your way to the quaint French bakery Cafe Du Monde. Do not expect an elaborate backery. This french style bakery is nothing like the French bakeries you may have seen on your favorite romance movie. There is powdered sugar on the floor and outside of the establishment there are pigeons every where trying to get a morsel of this delicious goodness.

I know that the beignet is not on my meal plan, but this is definitely a treat that I had to take advantage of on my recent "pre- hurrican Gustav" visit to New Orleans. I was fortunate enough to revisit New Orleans after hurricane Gustave. Let me ease your mind by telling you that Cafe DuMonde is still there churning out these small caloric packed goodies 24/7.


My mouth is starting to water just thinking about this sugary treats.

STYLE COMES TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Fashionistas!

We are fortunate and so blessed to be part of a generation that is seeing history in the making. On this 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech we are witnesses to the very first African American man to be nominated as the Democratic nominee for the President of The United States. Barack is a man of such great influence. He definitely needs a woman of equal power beside him. Michelle Obama fits the bill totally! She is not only smart and accomplished, but also beautiful and stylish. I know we've said to ourselves that if an African American woman was to ever become the First Lady, she would be incredibly stylish. Michelle doesn't let us down in any form or fashion.

Michelle Obama's big speech at the Democratic convention was eagerly anticipated not just for what she'd say, but for what she'd wear. The would-be first lady's fashion flair is already grabbing the attention of fashion aficionados all around. She's being closely watched as a possible budding fashion icon. Now how exciting is that. :-)


Michelle and her daughters all sported hues of blues and purples. Michelle's blue dress was designed by Maria Pinto, a Chicago-native designer (formerly assistant to Geoffrey Beene). She chose to accent the dress with a large pendant that came straight from her very own jewelry box. The pendant was reminiscent of Barack's rising sun campaign logo. The pendant was placed over Michelle's heart, so it might have symbolized that her speech was coming straight from her heart.

On the last night of the convention the Obama family looked coordinated but not contrived. They were all wearing a variations of red.

I doubt it very seriously that Michelle will change her style if she makes it to the White House. She already looks like a first lady; her style is so clean and elegant, she will not need to change anything. Another thing to note is that Michelle has broken tradition by wearing a print dress on such a big occasion. Fashion is what you make of it. Forget about all of the myths about fashion take a chance on style. Incorporate fashion, style, and your personal touch; and you are guaranteed to have a winning combination each and every time. Michelle is truly a Fashionista who is not afraid to make a statement. Let her be an inspiration to us all.

I can't wait to see what she wears for the Inauguration!

DILLARD'S BACK TO SCHOOL FASHION SHOW RECAP

Greetings Fashionistas!

If you weren't there on August 16, 2008 to see the "The Dillard's Back To School Fashion Shows" you missed a fantastic treat! The day was filled with smiles, beautifully done make-up and fantabulous clothing. Make-up was provided by the Lancomb, Estee Lauder, Clinique and Sheseido make-up counters conveniently located in Dillard's West Oaks. Clothing was provided by Dillard's of course.

As the crowd eagerly awaited, energy and excitement was in the air. The music was booming and the lights were flashing as the models hit the runway sporting their back to school looks. Designer lines such as House of Dereon, Sean John, Giani Bini, Jessica Simpson and Echo made a big presence on the runway. All of the designer lines and many more can be found at Dillard's for reasonable prices.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to Lisa Etie - Cosmetic Counter Manager, Shawn Hughes - Store Manager and all of the many other Dillard's employees who helped to make this show a huge success.

I must say ladies....if you haven't been to Dillard's recently you are really missing out on some fabulous finds! A Fashionista could easily get lost in their shoe department alone.