ShopItUpChic.com $50 Giveaway
5 NOVEMBER 2009

Remember my mention of this adorable little online boutique? Shop It Up Chic sells affordable fashions or rents these fashions for a low monthly fee. Great concept. So, we were quite excited when they offered to sponsor this giveaway, a $50 certificate towards the item of your choice.

As usual, it’s super easy to enter. All you need to do is to let us know, by posting a comment here below, which item on ShopitupChic.com you would put your certificate towards if you were the winner. Think of some of those cute dresses, just in time for the holidays!!! . Visit here. Lots of great choices!

This giveaway is open until Nov 19 @ 11:59am CT. Usual giveaway rules are: One entry per person. The winner will be chosen at random using a random integer generator. Your information is confidential and used for this giveaway only. Multiple entries will be deleted. Valid in US only.

Read more: http://www.thesucculentwife.com/shopitupchic-com-50-giveaway/#ixzz0WOJCp0D5

Avoid super hot showers and baths. The heat in the water does nothing to keep your skin moisturized. Use lukewarm water and don’t stay in for too long. If you have dry, itchy skin try a bath with oatmeal or baking soda; this too may help relieve your skin. Don’t forget to moisturize your legs after you shave. I actually moisturize about 20 minutes BEFORE I jump into the shower and shave and then again afterwards. I find that this gives me a nice smooth feel afterwards.

Moisturize: Your winter skin care products should be different from your spring and summer products. Find a moisturizer that’s oil-based, like Eucerin®. This will create a protective layer on the skin that helps keep moisture in. Many lotions labeled as night cream are oil based. Not all oils are appropriate for your face so choose with care in your choice and look for non-clogging oils.

Your Hands: These are a bit harder to keep moisturized due to the skin being thinner here than on other parts of the body. Your hands also have fewer oil glands, and this makes it harder to keep them moisturized. This dryness can cause itchiness and cracking. When you go outside this winter, wear some gloves to protect your hands. Avoid wet gloves, they can cause damage to the skin as well.

It is important to keep your hands and cuticles well moisturized for healthy nails, too. To avoid brittle nails that chip and crack I use Sally Hansen’s Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Crème®. I also use Olive Oil for my cuticles and nails sometimes, It’s always around the house and its cheap and easy to find. To use it: rub it in and then rinse hands and pat them dry.

Your Feet: Exfoliate to get the dead skin off your feet, then “grease ‘em”. Use something with petroleum jelly or glycerine in it. I personally like Bag Balm® and Udder Butter®, both are great for chapped skin and can often be found in your local drug-store for fairly cheap. I prefer to do this after showering and exfoliating, right before bed. After applying this, I put on a pair of thick socks to keep the moisture in and keep my tootsies warm overnight.

Your Lips: I know I am not the only one who’s lips get chapped from the dry cold air. You should keep your chap-stick handy and use it liberally and often. I really like softlips® lip conditioning balm or Bert’s Bees®.

For television viewers, this means broadcasters will pull all the strings to keep you watching, whether it be with their news specials (Rihanna is going to be on both Good Morning America and 20/20 this week on ABC), primetime shows (shocking plot twists), or television specials (the World Series).

Here is the lowdown by network:

—FOX was going to bench Dollhouse until December but decided to forge ahead with its sophomore season. Lie to Me sees Lightman work to keep a Korean ambassador from being shot, only to have someone else fall victim. House reclaims his position as Head of Diagnostics, while Lucas returns. So You Think You Can Dance continues to eliminate contestants. Glee continues to narrate it way through high-school with song and dance. Zooey Deschanel continues to guest-star on Bones, while Steven Fry returns as Dr. Gordon Wyatt.

—NBC shows the blossoming of the flirtation between The Office’s Erin and Andy into a full-blown romance. Taylor Swift will host SNL on the 7^th. Jeff moves in with Pierce on Community, having previously lived in his car. 30 Rock deals with auditions for a new TGS actor.

—ABC is premiering V. FlashForward investigates recent suicides, while Aaron gets a visit from an old friend’s daughter. Jules learns how to hang by herself on Cougar Town. Grey’s Anatomy has Cristina test her boundaries with Owen. Naomi struggles with the idea of genetically designing babies on Private Practice, and Betty feels obsolete on Ugly Betty when Daniel hires an assistant.

—CBS explores the idea of exposing anti-gay rights activists on its evening news. Barney gives relationship advice to Marshall on How I Met Your Mother, while the gang works to break up Barney and Robin. Robert Patrick guest stars on NCIS. Santana’s music is used heavily in an episode of ColdCase. Gwen Stefani’s better half Gavin Rossdale guest stars on Criminal Minds.

Also, during the month, Sophia Bush directs an episode of One Tree Hill, Samantha Ronson guest stars on 90210, and Leighton Meester’s new single is featured on an episode of Gossip Girl.

With that said, I now have a grasp of what it takes to produce a fashion show. Many elements are needed.

First, you need to decide on your budget. Fashion shows can be planned with both big and small budgets, as people are willing to volunteer and offer their services in return of publicity. If you are designing the clothes yourself, it may be a good idea to split the show with another designer. If you are sponsoring a charity, be sure to let the boutiques you select clothing from know. With patience, there will be boutiques willing to give clothing for the show to have it returned after.

Secondly, determine the goal of your show. Are you trying to raise money for a school club? Promote your designs? Planning to donate the funds to a nonprofit organization? It is important to zero in on your goal, as this will keep you from wasting time with unnecessary tasks.

Be sure to set the ticket prices, and decide whether or not you will have invitations for VIP.  Plan where to advertise your show in order to get the right target market.

Then, pick a location. If it is a school-sponsored show, try to have it on or close to campus. Think of your target market; if you are trying to appeal to teenagers, it would not be wise to have your show somewhere minors cannot be let in. Your budget will play a big role in selection your location as well.
Choose a theme, and be sure to not only decorate the stage as so, but also coordinate with the models’ clothing. My school’s fashion show was titled Midnight Masquerade, and we had the models walk out with decorative masks. If you are designing the clothes yourself, incorporate the theme into your designs.

Find models. It is easy to find people who are willing to walk for free in order to get experience. Be sure to do proper fittings, and have the proper tools (pins, etc.) to ensure the clothing fits. You cannot select or make clothing until you have this task completed.

As the show grows near, select a host to emcee the show. It is easy to do this job yourself, but if you are not comfortable with speaking in front of a crowd, choose someone that is charismatic and outgoing. Friends are a great resource. If you are sponsoring a charity, try to talk to a local radio station or television channel to have one of their hosts do the show. Local celebrities will further promote the show. They may say no, but it never hurts to ask!

Choose a DJ, photographers, and, if you decide to film, someone to man the camcorder. If this is a school event, try to find these people on campus. Again, be sure to mention if you are sponsoring a charity.

Be sure to have plenty of help. Most people will be working backstage. During the show, each model needs a dresser. There also needs to be someone to tell the models when to star their walk.  At the front of the house, you need greeters and ushers, maybe even valet parking.

Last of all, remember your goals through your planning, and be sure to have fun! Fashion shows can be stressful, but they are a great way to network and gain experience.

Good luck!

By: Chelsea Hands

However, the dream of lying in front of a cozy fireplace sipping wine with Mr. Right doesn’t seem to translate the same way in today’s dating scene. Why? Many women’s first answer would be because a good man is hard to find. But a popular men’s blog on essence.com suggests it’s because a lot of women have been single too long. In last week’s post on “It’s A Man’s World,” male blogger, The Fly Guy, suggest that some women start to make unwise dating decisions when they have sat on the sidelines longer than expected. He gave three sure-fire signs to determine if you have been single too long and I just HAD to share them with other women. He says:

#1: Desperation Sets In

Some women who have been single too long start to get desperate for the attention of any man with a pulse and lower their standards to an all time low.

My thoughts: One way to figure out if this fits your situation is by being honest with yourself about what you want in a mate. If you find that the men you do go out with do not possess any of the qualities, you are lowering your standards. If a relationship starts or exists solely for convenience and not love, chances are it will never fully satisfy you.

#2: You Start Overreacting
Once desperation sets in, the next step some women tend to take is to overreact, over analyze and over-interpret everything, from simple greetings and salutations to a harmless compliment or suggestion.

My thoughts: If you find yourself saving multiple drafts of text messages or emails until you’re certain you have written the best possible message to say something as simple as “hello,” this definitely fits your situation. Dating isn’t always easy, but it should never become a game of chess or be so stressful that you can’t actually enjoy it. Loosen up!

#3: You’ve Become Too Picky
Some women go the exact opposite of desperation and literally find something wrong with any and everyone they encounter, engaging in self-sabotaging behavior.

My thoughts: I think most women fall into this category. We live in a day and age where women are just as capable of bringing home the bacon as men are. We have degrees, great paying jobs and to top it all off, are beautiful and stylish. It’s only natural to want a male counterpart with similar qualities. The problem is we want him to come perfect in a neat little package with a bow, no assembly required. We are not perfect so why do we expect men to be? If “perfect” is what you are looking for you might as well quit while you are ahead.

The Fly Guy concluded the blog by saying that women should address the signs and maintain a positive outlook. I agree, but also think that women who have been single too long should take it one step further by making it a point to hang out with more men. Chances are, if you have been single for a long time it has probably also been a while since you’ve consistently hung out with men. Being around men more often will at least make you more comfortable on a first date. They say practice makes perfect, and I’m sure if you practice you’ll become a pro. Remember, good things come to those who wait so be patient and don’t over analyze every detail. Who knows, you may look up one day to find you’ve met Mr. Right.

DeWayne Rogers is The Fly Guy. Read more of his thoughts on love and relationships at www.flyguychronicles.com

Shop jewelry, clothing, accessories, children’s items, and many more holiday gifts, from local designers, boutiques, and artists!

One of the many boutiques featured at the event will be ShopitUPchic.  Created by two best friends, Katie and Christin, ShopitUPchic is an exceptional boutique. ShopitUPchic allows you the option of purchasing OR renting the clothing it carries. Combining domestic and international designers, the everchanging rental closet of ShopitUPchic keeps every fashionista up-to-date with style trends without breaking bank.  Be sure to stop by and browse through the racks to find your next look for a night out on the town!

Shopping aside, food will be provided, along with an open bar. Enjoy the entertainment as you peruse the booths of Austin’s most talented artists and designers.

Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. If you bring a new book to donate to the Dell Children’s Hospital, it will be $5 at the door.

The event begins at noon and lasts until 6 PM.

Visit shop787.com to purchase tickets. Be sure to invite your friends and family to get tickets as well, for The Holiday Shopping Event is your only chance to see all this great merchandise at one location!

Buy your tickets here and be automatically entered in a $150.00 gift certificate drawing!

http://shop787.com/uncategorized/shop787-with-shop-it-up-chic/

http://www.unreal360.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147:shopitupchiccom&catid=45:fashion&Itemid=53

SHOPITUPCHIC.COM BURSTS ONTO SCENE WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND FASHION EXPERIENCE
Online retailer offers a unique spin to buying online

This month: the new kid in the online retail community.

Shopitupchic.com provides the perfect answer to the question of affordable chic.

Creators Christin Chan and Katie Camacho, both former footwear buyers of famous online shoe retailer Zappos.com, came up with the idea for the website in Las Vegas. The company is currently headquartered in both Las Vegas and Austin and focuses on making available unique contemporary designs, both domestic and international, at affordable prices. Offering well known brands like Hazel, Shopitupchic.com gives the customer a unique fashion experience by also “thinking outside the box.”

“We are inspired by different cultures from around the world. For instance, we carry the brand Runway, which comes from Australia. This gives our customers a wide spectrum of different available options,” says co-owner Christin Chan.

While creativity and fashion are in many ways inextricably links, when it comes to affordability and quality, the options become limited. The founders of Shopitupchic.com created their website to change this norm by providing an affordable place to shop, a place where it is possible to buy that cute little cocktail dress while still having enough left over for that night on the town during which to wear it—a way of giving fashion back to the masses without breaking their banks, in other words.

“Women love fashion, and when we can’t afford quality, it can also be one of our biggest heartbreaks. We wanted to change that, and those women are the inspiration for Shopitupchic.com,” remarked co-owner Christin Chan

However, for those with strong fashion senses but even tighter budgets than usual, Shopitupchic.com provides them an alternative means of access to their fashions. With the launch of the rental portion of their site, the founders are now able to continue to uphold their promise of providing affordable fashions to everyone. Members get the choice of three levels of membership, each of which allows them to borrow a certain number of outfits each month. With no contract involved and no required commitment to buy, the rental aspect of the site allows women to enjoy fashion even if they cannot buy a closet full of clothes.

“We want everyone to enjoy what we offer; we want to give women what they love: clothes,” states co-owner Katie Camacho.

CHECK OUT SHOPITUPCHIC.COM’S FASHION FOR A CAUSE CHARITY EVENT TONIGHT!
Contact: Christin Chan
(512) 355-1234
cchan@shopitupchic.com

Determine your skin care type.  Do you have; oily, combination/ normal, sensitive, dry, aging or sun-damaged skin?

Skin test: suggested by Rona Berg, in her book “Beauty the New Basics,”: Wash your face, pat it dry then take a couple of pieces of rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper and press it onto different spots of your face. If you have oily skin then the paper will stick, pick up oily spots and become transparent.  If it doesn’t stick or pick up oily spots then you have dry skin.  About 70% of women have combination skin and you can determine if you have this skin type if the tissue sticks only to your T-zone.

Type 1: Oily skin is often shiny with enlarged pores, making it prone to blackheads.

Type 2: Combination/ normal skin types have medium sized pores, may have some dryness in the cheek while oily in the T-zone.

Type 3: Sensitive skin has small pores and delicate skin that flushes easily and may be prone to becoming rashy with allergic reaction.

Type 4: Dry skin can feel tight after cleaning.  Fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches may occur.

Basic steps to take for happy, healthy skin is as easy as: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Cleansing:  Find a cleanser that responds well with your skin type, it doesn’t have to be expensive, a low- mid prized one from the drug store will do.  Avoid bar soaps; they are more likely to dry out your skin.  TIP: If you have dry skin, choose a creamy cleanser.  If you have oily skin, then choose a clear cleanser.  Don’t cleanse too often, you should be good with just washing at night.  Use warm water to loosen dirt from pores.  Use your cleanser and rinse with cool or lukewarm water, never hot.  You should splash your face with water in the morning to remove oily build up from overnight, especially if you moisturized.

Exfoliate:  DON’T SKIP THIS!  Berg states in her book that men tend to look more youthful because they tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.  You can choose what type of exfoliating works best for you; Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and reinoids.
Scrubs remove the top layer of dead skin cells.  You only need to exfoliate with a scrub once a week to keep a year round healthy glow.  TIP: Use scrubs that have tiny grains and are gentle.  Cheap scrubs with big grains can do more harm than good.

Chemical peels can be pricy, but you can try some of the over the counter peels that work over the course of the month.  Try MD Skincare for this.

Retinoids also remove dead skin cells, but their purpose is actually to generate collagen (the structural fiber in the skin).  This is a pricey method but very effective.  Renova and Retin-A are available at beauty stores such as Sephora and Ulta.

Moisturize:  Everyone should moisturize.  Your skin will dictate how much and how often.  If your skin is tight it is dry and needs some moisture.  Moisturizing is especially important in the Fall and Winter months and in drier climates.  TIP: Don’t over moisturize, you can clog pores this way.

Use Sunscreen: This will help keep wrinkles at bay.  Start in your youth so as not to allow sun damage.  A good way to get your sunscreen is in a daytime moisturizer that you can apply before your make-up (you should use a different one at night).  Or you can use make-up with UV protection in it.

Trust me on this; your face will thank you for it!

Blonde is the most popular. It is an expensive look, and a natural finish can be obtained by weaving in different shades of blonde—sable, vanilla, mink, etc.—through the hair. The new blonde is always paired with lowlights. Tone-to-tone coloring: Like blonde-on-blonde, it adds smart sophistication to any shading. When you want to look fancy, you can also add rich highlights and lowlights.

Brunette is all natural. Harsh black, purple and stripy highlights are gone from the scene. For the perfect tone-on-tone brunette, get subtle golden highlights painted on top of a light but warm brunette base. To add depth, a slightly darker color at the roots and under layers will add a lot to the look. You can improve the color by adding darker shades to make it look deep and groomed.

Red, the most popular for this season, can be improved upon with warm variant shades of red that show depth and dimension on an intense base and golden highlights. Shades of red from burgundy and strawberry blonde to copper brown and auburn will be among the most wanted shades this season. So, don’t be simple and wear just plain red.
Dark brown is also good. Think darker even than brunette but not as deep as ebony, so think chocolate. This color can make you look really beautiful, and it’s good for almost any complexion.

Black is a very stirring color this season. It is perfect for fair skin and is the color you need to impress and turn heads.
Whether your color is blonde, brunette, red, dark brown or black, remember that it’s all about being natural this season. Natural, however, does not mean plain. Don’t get up in the color if you feel it’s wrong for you because color can always be changed. So, wear these colors well, ladies.