about "Black Friday"......

In United States of America the day After Thanksgiving (Friday) is known as "Black Friday". This also is unofficially or officially holiday shopping season's start. Almost all stores come out with Doorbuster Sales with early bird special to attract consumers to their stores. People stand in line hours before stores are opened, to grab the bargain of the year. Almost every store has something that interests every one. For bargain hunters, if there is a biggest festival in a year, that would be, no doubt, the "Black Friday".

Closest reason as to why it is know as "Black Friday" is given in Wikipedia - "Many retailers report some of their highest profits on Black Friday. The black portion of the name, "Black Friday" relates to businesses recording their losses in red ink and gains in black. This tradition lives on in modern accounting software, hence the name."

This infographic provides an insight into the statistical information about “The Black Friday”.

Source: WomensPersonalFinance.net

guest post - How To Be a Goodwill Fashionista

As I have told you before, here in my city we don’t have Goodwill or Thrifty stores.

So I’m so pleased to have Alexis Bonari, a freelance writer and researcher for CollegeScholarships.org as a guest blogger here at Searching the Inner Me…. 

Read below as she demystifies and gives some tips about thrift store shopping.

The Seeker

The recent economy has made many people cut back on spending in all areas, including fashion. Goodwill used to be only for people who didn’t care how they looked, but not anymore; it has become a resource for thrifty fashionistas and trendy hipsters.

Within a couple weeks of each other, I found my favorite pair of jeans (straight-leg, Gap brand) for $3.89 and a couple of J. Crew tops that I frequently wear to work for under $4 each. My favorite story, however, comes from a girlfriend of mine, who found a small, Coach bag for $10! I’ve also seen several tops and pants from Ann Taylor Loft but am holding out for my a few in my size.

If you’re willing to put in a little time and a lot of patience, thrift store shopping is a great way to cut your fashion spending without having to sacrifice the brand names. Here are a few things to help weed out the unused, unwanted items you’re likely to find.

1. Know Your Area

If you live in a small town, you may only have a single store, but bigger cities usually have multiple locations, and a fifteen-minute drive can be the difference between finding Walmart jeans and 7 For All Mankind. Find the stores in the nicer neighborhoods around town to find better brand names for the same price.

2. Decide What You’re Comfortable With

I wear jeans until they actually rip apart, so second-hand works great for me; however, I don’t like used hats, shoes or lingerie, so decide which used items are acceptable to you and stay away from the rest; cheap items are still wasted money if you don’t use them. This will also save you time while sifting through all the items.

3. Know Your Layout

Clothes are divided into adults and children and further by gender. There are also super cheap bins in the back. Individual pieces are divided by color, not style or size, so you’ll have to do some digging to find what appeals to you and what will actually fit. What you save in money, you’ll pay for with time and patience.

4. Try Things On

Just because you’re not sopping in a department stores doesn’t mean you can’t try items on. Goodwill locations usually have two or three small dressing rooms. Make sure things fit and flatter your figure. Again, unused cheap items are still wasted money.

5. Inspect. Inspect. Inspect.

You can’t return items if you get home and they have holes or stains, so go over them several times to make sure they are acceptable for everyday wear.

6. Accessorize

Use the money you’re saving on clothing at Goodwill to invest in great accessory pieces to accent your new finds and give them some variety.

Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for CollegeScholarships.org, where recently she’s been researching grants for education and scholarships in nigeria. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

spring/summer 2012 shoes.....

That I bought last March, when I went to mainland and still are waiting to be used...... because of this crappy weather!

From Primark

From Promod

  

From Stradivarius

From H&M

 


 From Bershka

 

lovely Hubby gave me a present....

This S/S 2011 season, a men’s style watch is a must-have piece of jewellery to any fashionista. Well I was lucky enough and got this one from lovely Hubby. Isn’t that great? (well both, Hubby and the watch… :D )

Sorry for the blurry pictures, it was I who shoot them and I’m not good on that.

On another note I really would like to know your opinion about the clothes information fashion bloggers put of theirs outfits, meaning "Free Advertising" since the clothes are bought and not courtesy of the brands.

Do you think it's worth????????? I'm on the edge..... and this can be a turning on my blog....

Insights please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dresses and hats, a marriage made......

You all know I love hats!!!!
Dresses and hats are a marriage made, if not in Heaven, then in the history books of women’s fashions. We all know that the proper Victorian woman of style would not have been caught dead out of doors without her hat. Neither should we.

The fact is that, while some of those outdated styles were more for looks than practicality, hats perform as valuable a service today as they did then. They serve to block at least some of the sun’s harmful rays while shielding our scalp from being overcooked and rendered burnt. (Burnt scalp can itch and peel and this can be quite unattractive.) Even the most stylish of hats is not, of course, utopian. After all, we have all had a glimpse of what a sun hat can look like when you doff it for a moment in the shade. So, choose your hat not only to complement your look, but also pick it because you won’t mind wearing it for long periods of time.

Lightweight materials provide you with the best choice in warm weather hats. Whether you opt for a wide brimmed hat in straw, the fedora hat or the all-so-American Cowboy hat in similar materials, both will pair well with more casual dresses and outfits. For those formal occasions such as outdoor receptions and cocktail parties, you should look to the milliner’s offerings that come festooned with modest (not loud) decorations from ribbons to the small bows to spruce up their chic, simple lines.
Outdoors events that require a more athletic style of dress, such as a tennis match or a seat on the bleachers of a soccer game, cry out for some of the small, short brimmed baseball or field style caps/hats.
One hat allows your head to remain cool and is as easy as investing a little time and money into shopping for the proper headgear. Shopping for a great look in hats, perhaps to complement a dress you already have? Then try the Internet. There are a quite a few web sites totally devote to hats for every occasion, and for all seasons. Dressing for spring and summer and choosing the right hat have never been easier or more stylish, oh so fashionable you.

All images courtesy of 1001shops.com

gifts are meant to touch someone's heart…

Christmas is behind us by now and you’ve spent a lot with your Christmas Gifts. However is an anniversary or a birthday coming up? Inspiration is needed for Valentine's Day?
Here are a few gift ideas so you know how to find your presents for whatever type of occasion that requires a gift.

If you are creative and want to give a personal gift, perhaps this may be a good idea for you. I'm talking about giving someone something you created.
Giving family and close friends personalized gifts is a great way to make them happy and feel important.

Electronics always make a great gift, no matter who it's for. Technology these days is so amazing that everyone could have a piece of it to make their lives easier.
Whether it is for family or friends, find something that they don't already have and use it as a present.
To fashion people who love to look their best you better prefer not to buy them clothes because they obviously already have their own style. Instead opt to gift jewellery. I'm not talking about a diamond ring or necklace. A charm bracelet would make the perfect gift in this situation. It's simple and not overdoing the fact that you are gifting jewellery.

For those who like the outdoors, you could always give something that will appeal to that. If they love mountain climbing, why not give them trip passes to a great mountain?
If all else fails, turn to food. Food always makes a great gift. It's one that can only be enjoyed once, which makes it so delightful.

All the gifts are meant to touch someone's heart. However, they won't be quite perfect unless you put some thought into it. Try to add a bit of your flair into the gift. That way, the present will feel that much more personal.

All images courtesy of the handpicked collection

now in my wish list…

the images are just representative, not meaning the exact piece

(Maxi skirt; Lace up ankle booties; Camel midi skirt; Beige/tan pumps; Knit pleated skirt; Leopard shoes; Velvet; Knits; Navy blue dress)

the school bag...

I’m not a celebrities follower.
I might like some outfits, but I don’t try to redo theirs styles.

However in this case when I saw this Alexa Chung picture and the bag she was carrying I just knew I had to have one similar.

The satchel, also known as school bag, brought me so many memories….good memories... even memories of Dad…

So here is mine, dark brown, not a Mulberry Alexa, but just bought in Saint Michael Island’s Stradivarius, something I don’t give a damn because in this case what really matters to me are the emotions...

(sorry for the bad picture)

( These pictures are for you to have a perception of the bag size)

purchasing rock shirts...

When buying rock shirts, you need to decide on the details you want for your shirt, visit different websites, take a look around specialty shops, shop within your budget, and look out for great deals.

Buying rock shirts sounds really simple and enjoyable, but shopping could be made easier if you consider the following tips:

Decide on the details you want for your shirt

Before you actually go shopping, think of the details you want for your shirt. Is it just any rock shirt you want or are you looking for a shirt of your favorite rock band? Do you have a particular shirt style and shirt color in mind? These things are quite important to predetermine in order to make shopping a lot easier for you considering there are a lot of rock shirts available on the market.

Visit different websites

Now that you have an idea what particular rock shirt to look for, you can surf the Net and visit different websites. If you have a specific rock band in mind, you can visit the official website or fan site of the band. You can also post classified ad describing the shirt you want on Craigslist. If you are shopping for just any rock shirt, you can visit online specialty shops, online retail stores, and even online auction websites like eBay. Just be cautious of scammers and consider reviewing feedback and seller reviews so you can be more confident that you will get the item you are paying for.

Take a look around specialty shops

To make sure you get the exact shirt you want and to really examine shirt details, take a stroll and visit specialty shops in your area. If you are having a difficult time looking for one, you can ask your friends for some recommendations. You can also search the Internet for shop listings or log in to rock band forums and solicit advise from members.

Shop within your budget

For every purchase you make, there has to be a budget. Especially if you are taking the amount from your allowance, you must make sure that you shop within your budget. When searching different websites, be sure to include your accepted price range in your search criteria to make your shopping faster and easier.

Look out for great deals

It is always good to shop great deals. Look for shops that offer you the best ones for the budget you have. eBay, for example, is particularly known for its more expensive items than other sources. However, some people are left with no other option than eBay, especially with hard-to-find items. If you can, look for discounts and shop when sale items are in season. Watch for clearance sales, Thanksgiving sales, and other holiday sales that can help you save a lot of money.

Shopping for rock shirts is as fun as listening to rock music. Just make sure you follow the tips mentioned so you can save time, effort, and even money shopping.

the power of blogosphere… interview with a Westrags’ client…

I never doubt about the power of blogosphere, the way it can be a great “mouth to mouth” form of communication, especially with fashion blogs.

So when I saw my co-worker looking stunning with a dress that was in my wish list I new I had to do a post about it with a little interview.

So here it goes…


-How did you get acquaintance of Westrags?

Trough my colleague at my work place, who is in fact the Seeker.

-What made you order from Westrags?

At first the way the company established contact with my colleague, very polite and professional, which created a sense of trust about shopping on line, something I have never done before. Then, obviously the beautiful clothes the company has to offer, the diversity in styles, the way the site is carefully presented, and, of course, the ratio quality/price!

-What do you think of the products and the service?

This is the second dress I buy from Westrags and I love them both. Both excellent ratio quality/price, easy and fast delivery, both fitted at first… I would like to make a suggestion though: to include the size length of clothes, specially dresses and skirts.

-Why did you agree to do this little interview with pictures?

Because you insisted, eheh… But specially to show that ‘non standard sized people’ can dress nicely as well, and this is also something positive about Westrags. Congratulations on your concept! And what about a new challenge: why not a Big and Beautiful section?

Thank you, Seeker, for the invitation!

It’s I that must thank you dear for your availability and contribution.

I know you’ll continue looking gorgeous as you are.

All the best!!!!

is your holiday shopping done yet? you can shop fashion on a budget…

Still struggling to find that last gift? Haven’t started your shopping yet?

Either way, in Westrags you can find some ideas for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list. They have such great things that anyone would love to see under the tree.
It's not just how you shop, but how much you spend?
Well, the economy has been tough for a lot of people around the world this year and that will be a factor in holiday spending.
It’s hard to please a fashion addict who’s always on the lookout for the hot new thing, if you’re on a budget, but it is possible.
Either you're planning on gifting to some lucky recipients, or you're coveting for yourself.
You can start searching on knitwear for a stylish, but warm piece.

Or a dress…

Accessories can make such a great gift or be that last piece which is missing to finish your look.

And what about your New Year's Eve look have you already chosen it? How great can this be…?

Well I just ordered a few things for me. I find the Ciji Tunic great to wear with my faux leather pants and be "cool" yet comfy. And the Idaho Bracelet is so nice to give an outfit that final touch.
I will post some pictures for you to see how I'll look :)

Well, now I can’t reveal more… I would be telling my gifts and the surprise would be lost…

Oh and keep in mind that Westrags ships the stuff to you the next day after your purchase, so you're still in time if you run.

Have fun shopping! On a budget…

alert to Portugal and Spain…. get some discount coupons…

Today I’m bringing you news that can really bright your day.

Westrags proposes you a Christmas activity with which you can win three discount coupons to spend on their store.

The amount of the coupons are 100 €, 50 € and 30 €. As you have seen, with Westrags’ prices these coupons may help to complete our entire wardrobe this winter.

The instructions to win these coupons are very simple.

If you live in Portugal check them here;

If you’re Spanish you must go there.

Good luck to all!!!!

featuring one of Westrags' fall wares…

Westrags is an on-line store with affordable outfits and accessories for every occasion. Plus Westrags delivers all over the world which is very important for some of us, like me.
And if you don’t feel comfortable with English you can choose other language from this front page.

Westrags is one of those sites where I can spend way too much time fantasy shopping. They always seem to have something that ends up on my wish list.

So when they contacted me to try out and feature one of their new fall wares I was understandably excited.

The chosen piece was the Nidi Dress and I was even more excited when I opened the bag and saw how perfect it was.

With some different vibes it can be a versatile piece, which you can style to be worn to a corporate work and also to a night out.

You can layer it with other pieces to go to work and feel warm and comfy, like this:

But you also can put it on to a night out, for instance as this:

However I’m sure you will see this dress styled in different ways as I’m planning to wear it often.




dress - Westrags' Nidi Dress (gift)



Westrags also has an interesting blog, the Westlog where you can know everything that may happen in Westrags and also see articles about fashion in general, about the styles on trend, bargains and discounts, and fashion tips: hairstyles, make-up, clothing, etc.

I noticed that Westrags is carrying a quantity of nice items from their fall line so I should be heading over that way right about now to see if I can get my hands on some.

Sponsered post with REAL OPINION.