Renting Dresses

Spring is approaching, and I don't know about you, but for me, that means wedding season! I got this particular idea from one of my very favorite people. She has fabulous style, and frankly was half of my wardrobe in college. After a bit of Facebook stalking, I noticed that she had the most fabulous dresses. I wanted them! I needed them! So I asked where she got them... And low and behold, she rents them! Really???

I've heard of clothing rental sites, but never put any stock in them. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized, we only wear our formal/fancy dresses once or twice (you can only be photographed wearing the same dress so many times) and they cost way more money than even the nicest jeans - which are expensive, but worn to death so the cost to wear ratio drops. So, why not rent?

Renttheyrunway.com is the site that way recommended - but after a quick search online, there are dozens on rental sites! Depending on what you want to rent - that should help you choose your online service. I've seen designer handbags, jewelry, dresses, jeans, scarves, etc. Almost anything you want, from a litany of designers - all available to rent!

Done and done!

Dillard's Sale

Did you know, today begins Dillard's 50% off sale?

Everything on sale is an extra 50% off.

It's a madhouse here... But totally worth it.

You'll thank me later.

Finally!!!

As some of you may remember, I posted about how I can't find a nail salon that I like and how I'll happily find a great bottle of nail polish and paint my nails myself.

Well, my friends, I finally found a salon that I love! And here's why!

1) Great color choices - I wasn't overwhelemed by the amount of choices, they had a medium size collection of all the best colors - and no weird extras (There don't need to be 32 shades of blue. I promise. Not that many want smurf fingers.)

2) They gave me the classic up-sell (for a aromatherapy pedicure) but weren't pushy when I said "No, Thank you."

3) I was given good directions of when to go to the manicure table, rather than try to figure out where my nail person went and then grab my bag and try to waddle in their direction...

4) Once my hands were massaged and my nails were cleaned up, before my polish - I was given the choice to pay then. BEFORE my polish went on. So there wasn't that terrible moment of trying to grab my cash or a card and worry that I'm screwing up my nails.

5) My absolute favorite part: As I was sitting under the fans and heated light dryer thingy, I was given a massage. Holy crap. It was AMAZING!!!!

Great job on the nails, on the massages (calves, feet, arms, hands, neck and shoulders - with extra attention to the balls of my feet, because she noticed I enjoyed it), and the best part, they gave me a punch card! 10 services at this salon, and I get a FREE manicure. And as we know, I'm a sucker for free! So great!

November 10th

Do you know what happens on November 10th? Do you? DO YOU?!?!

Only the greatest announcement in the history of this week! I've been hearing rumors for a few weeks and today I finally got official confirmation...

International Mall in Tampa is getting an H&M! And it's opening on November 10th!!! 

THIS November 10th!

For those of you who don't know about H&M - it's a Swedish company who makes decent quality, extremely on trend clothing at super cheap prices. They have been in the US since 2000, in most major cities. But the only way to find their clothes currently are in stores in the US and abroad. Rumor has it they will be bringing online shopping to the US market, but in the meantime, my fellow fashion lovers - rejoice! H&M is coming to Tampa!

Kinooooos!

I feel like I am be the last person on the planet to find out about the famous Key West sandal, Kinos, but just in case I’m not – let me tell you all about them!

Down this mildly sketchy alleyway off of Duval St. and inside this open warehouse room, you’ll find dozens upon dozens of people. These people are holding up shoes, trying things on, and running back and forth across this 20ft by 10ft little area, almost shouting numbers at harassed looking girls who are in their late teens and early 20s. Then you take a closer look – these shoes are cute! And holy crap, they are $12. 12 freaking dollars! 

Then you begin to start picking up sandals and try to politely get the harassed girls attention. But then you realize they do this all day every day, and they don’t care if you get your shoes or not - they are regular apathetic teens. Then you realize that of the color or size or style that you really want (for $12!) is limited. They only make so many pairs of each sandal that day. Then the frenzy begins and you start to understand the back and forth buzzing of the customers in this cramped shopping area. 

I got two pairs, one classic flip flop in gold and the other, strappy, in brown leather with rope accents. Super cute – and I have been wearing them nonstop. I can happily say, they are comfortable too! And WAY more comfortable than what you’d expect for a $12 sandal. My shopping partner, who has been there two days previously and purchased five pairs, bought another three pairs. No wonder they can’t keep shoes in stock!

It’s safe to say, I’ll not only be going back to Key West, but to the Kino Sandal shop. I’ll give a heads up, just in case anyone needs a pair (or five!)

Something Good to Try

I’m not a fan of having to get my nails done every 2 to 3 weeks (and I totally don’t want to pay for it! $35 every few weeks is much better spent on cupcakes, sweet forever 21 dresses, or chunky costume jewelry.)  Don’t get me wrong, I love to get my nails done, they look so nice and my feet get so smooth.  But I don’t always have the time or desire to get my butt into a salon (but that could be because I haven’t found a salon I love.) 

I was at my parents’ house today and my mother commented on my toes.  She asked if I had just received a pedicure, with a smirk, knowing my thoughts on getting pedicures. I looked down, because it’s been at least a 6 weeks. Then I realized it’s my nail polish! I love O-P-I & Essie… they are practically all I wear. The colors I want, they go on well, don’t really chip – what’s not to love. Welllllll, I have picked up, from time to time, a bottle of cheap nail polish because it was a cute color or I wanted a little treat for myself while running errands. One day I came across Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure, and my nails have never been the same. 

When I’m not able to get to a salon, or just flat out refuse, I reach for a bottle and my nails always look great! And I get more compliments on the colors than I do almost any other shade I wear. The polish is thick, but goes on smoothly. It has a base and top coat and is very pigmented. And it doesn’t chip for weeks, it does the fade and smooth away that most higher end nail polishes do. And what’s more, it can be picked up at most corner drug stores in any city or small town in America. So really, you never have to be without a good salon. Trust me on this one, you’ll be glad you did.