Welcome To Day One

And thank God there’s no HAL running the ship.  Yet.

Happy Two Thousand And Ten!  Or, for the other half of the world, Happy Twenty-Ten!  Whatever, they both work for me.

Anyway, as I promised, you will find listed below the goodies we discussed on yesterday’s Fox 9 Morning Buzz.  Poor Tom and Keith – it was all girlie stuff all the time.  I don’t think they enjoyed it much.  But for the ladies of the Empire, I present to you:  Tips And Ideas For Looking Gorgeous In The New Year.  Frugally, of course.  As that is how I roll.

Fantastic Sam’s Conditioning Treatment Shots by Redken.  The Shots run from just $5 to $10, and you can get a blow out afterwards starting at just $6.99.  Hair cuts generally start at just $9.99 – prices vary by salon.  However, from the 13th to the 24th, all salons will offer all cuts at just $9.99.  Plus, the week of January 11th, check your ValPak coupon mailer for deals on all-over hair color, highlights, conditioning treatments and waxing.

Hair By Morgan hair extensions.  Their regular price is half of the competitions’.  They also have FREE hair consultations, plus the cut/wash/blow out/style is included in the total price for extensions.  One more bonus, they have half off coloring now until January 15th.  If you ever wanted hair-down-to-there-momma, this is the salon for you.

For Love 21 at the Mall of America.  They carry fun, on-trend, and quality-looking accessories for very little money.  Stop by this offshoot of Forever 21 for jewelry, bags, purses, scarves, belts, even some shoes, and on occasion – makeup.  Love 21, H&M, and Target are my three go-to places for modern accessories, as well as items I can mod into costume wear.

The trend may be opened-toe everything, from shoes to boots, but we live in the Great White North.  So ladies, keep your toes covered until at least the snow melts.  Target has cute shoes for less, many with closed toes.  Best of all, they’re so inexpensive, you won’t get mad when they get destroyed by all the salt on the roads and sidewalks.  These are my favorites for just $29.99, full price.  I also want the real leather biker boots for $39.99 (still no sale price in sight).  Perhaps I can justify them as an early birthday gift to myself?  What say you’s guys?

The easiest going-out outfit is a pair of flattering jeans and a cute party top.  Check out JcPenney’s a.n.a. brand for really nice jeans at a great price –they have a pair to flatter your body, trust me.  Best of all, they’re on sale right now, as I type.  Like the Holiday Bootcut, a perfect dark wash bootcut, flattering on most women – usually $38, on sale for $14.99.

Charlotte Russe, H&M and Forever 21, the trifecta for those cute, aforementioned tops.  Stores that target Juniors have inexpensive, festive party tops, and they usually fit women, not just teens.  However, you must remember to go up a size or two in Juniors clothing.  Added bonus – Forever 21 has extended sizes in their Faith 21 brand.

One of my plans for 2010 (not resolutions, not goals, PLANS.  Which I will see through.  Much like Brian Boitano.) is to get down and funky with how I dress.  Since I’m finally back down to a size that makes me a happy camper, now is the time to flex my fashion muscles.  You know, before they atrophy and fall off.

To that end, I’ve been browsing the Interwebs for real-life fashionistas.  The ones who DON’T rely on mega-bucks to dress themselves, the ones who like Target and thrifting and trading clothes with friends – THOSE fashionistas.  And boy-howdy, did I hit the jackpot with this one:  What I Wore Today.

This woman has the coolest style, and the ability to make inexpensive clothing look amazing and designer-like.  You may not always appreciate her choices, but you have to give her mad props for frugality and fabulousness.  Plus, she has instructions and tutorials and THIS.  Information on how to swap your clothes with fashionable folk all over the world.  HOW COOL IS THAT?  Check her out, and get ready to look better in ’10.