The Budget Fashionista Forum

How Do You Pick a Hairstyle?

2008-04-21T18:15:29-05:00

For the last year or so, I have been wearing various versions of the long in front/short in back bob that’s so popular this year. I really like it, but am becoming slightly bored. Still, I can’t seem to decide what else to do with it . . . and am uninspired. Are there any great websites or other methods that you know of to pick a hairstyle? And what do you think are the hot hairstyles of the minute (or to come)?

Who’s Shoes? Quiz at Hollywood.com

2008-11-12T10:44:36-05:00

Okay, there's really no actual point to taking this, but who says that's a bad thing? Seriously, these days we can use a few minutes of fun distraction -- take the quiz at Hollywood.com and let us know how you did . . . (honestly, we didn't do so hot!)

Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty

2008-12-17T16:08:48-05:00

Has anyone tried Cindy Crawford’s skin care line? If so does it work and does it do what the informercial says it will.

Just have to know because I am slowly being seduced by late night viewing (insomnia/menopause - yuck!) and was close to buying it the other night. But, because of the Recession, I don’t want to spend good money on something that does not work!

Favorite Brand of Home Hair Color?

2008-12-05T19:01:43-05:00

I’m a haircolor addict, but I’ve gotten to where I’ve been using the same brand over and over (Clairol Natural Instincts) and with so many other products on the market, I’m looking for some advice—what home haircolor brands work great for you? Thanks!

Does anyone cut their own hair to save a buck?

2008-09-02T14:09:58-05:00

I used to do this several years ago, and got pretty good at it (this is on short, kinda spikey hair). I haven’t had to do it for many years, but as I am currently unemployed (grrr) I find myself thinking about doing this again…but I’m kind of nervous about it, plus it’s a long process (not to mention messy!).

Does anyone else lop their own locks to save a few dollars? How did it turn out?

suits

2009-10-25T20:40:43-05:00

I wrote in the Fashion Advice section that every woman needs a suit, but that suit separates are a good option. They save money and are easier to fit. Well, this is true for men also. Every man should have at least one suit, but suit separates are a great option. They do save a lot of money. And if the man has a large "drop," separates mean fewer alterations. For those unaware, the "drop" is the difference between the jacket size and waist size.

For example, my husband badly needed a new suit because his old one is falling apart. However, "real" suits tend to cost at least $200 before alterations, and we are on the world's tightest budget. So I figured that suit separates might save us money. We found a navy blazer and navy dress pants (navy is his favorite color) on sale at JCPenney, both of which fit him comfortably, and with a coupon, we paid $89.

Help: Perfume

2008-02-09T23:25:48-05:00

What’s a good perfume for teenagers?

I’m 14 going on 15 and I’d like to find another great perfume to add to my repertoire of perfumes.

I am currently using Valentino V Absolu, which smells like a fusion of citrus and incense. It’s great, but I have received very few compliments on it. Perhaps it’s too heavy? I enjoy the smell and the bottle is beautiful.

My parents couldn’t stand most the perfumes I used in the past. I’ve tried:

Britney Spears Fantasy
Lolita Lempicka
Weekend by Burberry
American Girl Truly Me
Magnolia Blossom from Bath & Body Works
White Cherry Blossom from Bath & Body Works
Petit et Mamans by Bvlgari
Malaia by Hollister

The perfumes that my parents approved of so far were:

White Cherry Blossom (which smells fresh like lychee)
Petit et Mamans (white smells like baby powder/lotion)
Malaia (which smells musky and beachy)

My mom hasn’t said anything about Valentino V Absolu except that it was “heavy”.

I like musky, soft scents with a clean, non-powdery finish. I also like fruity fresh smells.

Can you suggest anything that is under $40?

I want something that could fit my personality.

Pore Minimizer?

2008-05-05T20:05:19-05:00

I’m pretty sure that large pores are just something I’ll have to live with, but I’m curious—anyone know a product or home beauty trick to help minimize large pores? Thanks!

I need a great moisturizer for less!

2008-10-13T08:51:13-05:00

I seem to be cursed in that once I find a facial moisturizer I like (that’s in my budget) they seem to stop making it (or it just becomes unavailable at all my usual beauty supply haunts like Target, Walmart, CVS . . . ) For example, loved my Nivea Q10 facial moisturizer—and now can’t find it anywhere. So I’m looking for a new product that’s similarly effective, and also doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Anyone?

Tips for Dressing for the Holidays?

2008-11-13T19:31:18-05:00

All the talk this time of year is about holiday dresses for the women, but guys have to dress up for the holidays too -- so we want to hear your thoughts on how guys can put their best foot forward this holiday season. We kinda like a subtle, dark-colored velvet blazers -- now, your turn.