Let's not have a shopping hangover!

Working in retail for the many years that I did, I have seen everything. I have had women ask me to throw away the boxes from a pair of shoes so their husband wouldn't see. I have heard the old excuse, "Oh no Honey, I have had this for years!" Don't think you are innocent, fellas! How many times did you get in trouble for buying that video game or new "toy"?! It doesn't have to leave you feeling guilty if you are a smart shopper. It is all about spending within your budget.

Some thing I live by is signing up for emails and rewards cards at my favorite stores. I know it is annoying sometimes when you get a million emails that you don't want, but it is so worth it! Everyone is cutting costs now with the economy the way that it is, and stores realize this. You can even "like" a company's page on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and get great deals. These practices along with the good old coupon section of your Sunday news paper and you can save A LOT of money!

For example, I have used a coupon for Covergirl from the Sunday newspaper, combined it with the CVS rewards coupon I had, and hit CVS up during a BOGO event and saved a bundle on my makeup!

For you gamer fellows out there--- Gamestop has one of the best rewards cards out there! It doubles as a gift card. Your wifey can walk into a store, give them your phone number, and instantly add $20 to your card! How sweet is that? Also, if you trade in games they will add the credit to the card and give you discounts on games you are buying.

Another great idea is something I teach all of my customers and do myself. Give yourself a spending allowance. If you budget for everything (bills, gas, food, etc) you can figure out how much "play" money you are allowed each week and the rest goes in savings. It is a great way to limit your spending without making you feel like you are giving up on life. You will also see your savings account go up. A great tip I got from Good Morning America was to try and have 2 to 3 months of your salary (take home) in savings just in case. That can seem daunting at first, but after a few months you will see it add up pretty quickly.

Alright, so you have your spending money and big plans for Friday night. You don't want to spend all of your allowance on a new outfit but you don't want to wear the same old thing either. This is easy! You are armed with your coupons, and you saw on Twitter that your favorite store is having a sale. Before you head off to the mall, you need to figure what you DON'T need to buy! Okay, so you have a great pair of jeans-- check that off your list. You have a favorite pair of earrings and necklace. Awesome. You have a couple of tank tops that could work, but they aren't that exciting and you have no shoes! (Sure you don't!) So this will help your search! You need something to layer over the tank and a great pair of shoes (that are on sale!) Now determine how much you want to spend on each. You have $50 to spend? Well, set aside $20 for a shirt/ jacket and $30 for the shoes. THIS IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE! Most stores carry everything you need for a great outfit-- and don't forget, you have those coupons!

The final tip I will leave you with is to not forget your fashionable friends! It could be as simple as having them go through your closet (or theirs) and see if you could come up with something different and cute without spending any money. Or, at your next girls' night in, everyone bring donations and have a fashion swap meet right there in the middle of the living room!

Good luck shoppers! I want pictures and success stories! Please post them or TWEET me @genadetour! I would love to know that my advice is helping. :) Also, post any questions you might want me to cover in the future. Happy shopping!

Thinking about your Fall style? My snapshot of PEOPLE STYLE WATCH!

I am getting antsy for fall fashion! Today, I checked out the August issue of People Style Watch and got a ton of great tips for you! The first thing I noticed was an ad for K-Mart's new line: GLO. When did K-Mart get so sexy??? Like I always say, don't assume anything when it comes to fashion. You can  seriously find some great deals if you take the time to pay attention. COYC tip: Do you have expensive taste? Check out flea markets or outlet stores to get those name brands for a lot cheaper. And who can forget TJ MAXX or Marshall's? I mean, every woman I know is a maxx-inista!

Next, Style Watch reminded me of some of my style icons! They really highlight Ms. Jennifer Lopez. As you know, ladies, J-Lo is a diva! She owns her style and her body. She is sexy because she is confident and chooses styles that compliment her body. Something any of you can do. My other favorite from the mag is Emma Watson! From someone who grew up watching her movies, she has grown into a beautiful woman. The great thing about Emma is she is classically beautiful with hints of edginess. These two ladies really know how to work it!

COYC tip: Please beware of the "one swipe" eyeshadow. I know it looks so easy and simple, but it might get really messy! Anyone can apply eyeshadow and create that look in 3 simple steps. Pick a neutral color and apply that your lid closest to your eyelashes. Use a darker shade (within the same color palette) to apply in the crease of your eyelid. Finish with a highlighting shade right under your eyebrow. Blend with your finger tip. To get a little more glowy, use the highlight in the inner-corner of your eye. The other thing I want you to beware of is "steals and deals" that aren't really in your budget. So many times you see "sale" and it still is over budget. Think about what you want to buy (sexy heels, handbag, earrings) and check out a couple of stores (either online or in store) before you buy. Or, bring your shopper-savvy friend with you to help you get the best deal!

Rachel Zoe taps in with your 5 best tips for fall:

1. Flirty, fun dress that can be dressed up or down!

2. An all-white suit (don't be afraid, white doesn't go away after Labor Day anymore)

3. A signature handbag. It doesn't need to match your shoes, or your outfit for that matter.

4. A light-weight tweed jacket. Don't be afraid to pair it with a sexy mini and boots.

5. Platform heels! Add that extra style and height with more comfort.

HOT THIS YEAR:

animal prints (in everything! accessories, clothing, tights, etc)

statement jewelery (chunky rings, hoops, bangled bracelets, feather earrings)

faux-leather (JACKETS! pants, skirts--- don't go all biker bar-- mix it with feminine materials like silk)

SCARVES! (for your hair, neck, belt, decorate your purse, your house, whatever!)

printed fabrics (be careful with this-- it can get tacky really quickly!)

lots of zippers

cords, colored jeans, and velvet are back! (And this is not the same outfit you wore to kindergarten- it is uber sexy!)

Masculine inspired shoes vs the ultra feminine look! (Platforms with either a buckle or a bow!)

Feeling inspired yet? What do you think your fall style will be? Here are 4 great suggestions from STYLE WATCH!              First, they go simply chic: solid colors, black and white, with bold makeup-- think Twiggy. Next is urban classic (this is my favorite) mixing feminine pieces with edgy materials-- silk blouse, leather jacket. Third, go totally girly with beautiful blush. This is pinks, champagnes, lace, silk, pearls. Last, is the modern metallic, really channeling your inner rock star. Pair a silver metallic dress with purple pumps and big earrings.

Well, ladies, I hope this helps inspire you as we finish up our summer vacations and think about those fall sales.

COYC tip: LAYER LAYER LAYER! Don't forget to mix your summer wardrobe with your new and old fall items. Take that flirty maxi dress and layer it over a neutral tee shirt or under a chunky knit sweater. Or, channel your inner- My So-Called Life and rock that dress with some hot tights and combat boots. Always make it your own. Take a little bit from each tip and make it work with your own look. Rock it!!!! Don't be afraid to try something new. Have to wear a suit to work? Rock a pair of leapord-print tights with your black pin skirt.



Want to buy the issue for yourself? Check out page 102 where they show you a great makeup look that you can get for either $209 or $40.47!

Our sexy and stylish trip to Atlantic City!

I have said it a million times before, you can be sexy and stylish at any price range and size. It is all about how you rock what you are wearing. My best friend and style muse is Shannon Rich! She has always taken the simplest outfits and turned them into rockin outfits! If it wasn't for her, Cleaning Out Your Closet couldn't have happened!

Ready for a sexy dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe!                                

 Leopard print cardigan: TJ Maxx 12.99                                                                 

 Black tank top: TJ Maxx 9.99                                                                            

Torn up capris: DOTS 9.00                                                                             

  Hair jewels: Claires 8.50                                                                                        

Skull necklace: FREE Shannon made it!

 Outfit for a day on the boardwalk!                                                                       
flowy white top: DOTS 9.00                                                                                
Same torn up capris (see how you can mix and match)                                       
Pooka shell necklace: Hampton Beach, NH 7.00                                                  
Pooka shell flip flops: Payless 7.99                                                                        
One of Shannon's trade marks would be her sunglasses! She picks them up all the time and has a pair for every outfit, but she usually only spends $5 to $10. You can buy sunglasses almost anywhere now! Also, she always uses accessories in different ways. She uses that Pooka shell necklace as a hair accessory!

Our fancy dinner at the casino! Fancy doesn't equal expensive! You can look like a million bucks without spending a million!                                                    
Little black dress: Savers 8.99                                                                        
Black lacy shrug: TORRID .99                                                                                 
Heart necklace: Hard Rock Cafe 15.00  (had to buy something to remember the trip!)                                                                                                   
Black rose hair clip: Claires 6.75 (remember, Claires usually has a BOGO event for their hair accessories!)            

Time to hit the clubs and go dancing!                                                        
 Party dress: DOTS 20.00                                                                            
 Black shrug: DOTS 12.00                                                                     
Tights: Express 8.00                                                                                   
Heart necklace: same as above                                                                              
 Red rose hair clip: Claires 6.75

Don't forget your shoes and makeup! They are going to finish your look and add that extra touch! Shoes to the left from Daniel Blaze 9.99!

Thank you Shannon for being the HOT SHOT OF THE WEEK! You are inspiring to women of all sizes that you can be stylish and beautiful without breaking the bank!

             





"This is the fashion police! You have the right to be stylish!"

So ladies, I just can't contain my disdain for white pants and tights being worn the WRONG way! I will say it again: TIGHTS ARE NOT PANTS!

Now that it is summer, we must discuss white pants. Do you wear them? Who can get away with it? The first rule is, just like everything else, what fits you right? Where are you wearing it? What are you wearing it with?

The right way: Classic looks paired with great tops that are still professional, and classy. Notice the shoes, the accessories, the right underwear!

This is OBVIOUSLY the wrong way! The pants are WAY too tight! Now, just because she isn't a size 2 doesn't mean she can't wear white pants. They just need to be the right style and size. Luckily, they aren't see-through... That would have been the icing the cake!

Next, I need to remind everyone about my biggest fashion rule ever! Tights are not pants! Ladies, it is just not sexy! The wrong way:

Now, coming from someone who likes to show off her booty, this is just rediculous! Unless you are wearing leg warmers and channeling your inner flash dance, I never want to see this look on anyone!

There are plenty of "right" ways to wear tights. Actually, they are so cute and a great way to personalize your outfit. Add colored tights to a black outfit. Wear tights that are covered in butterflies with your LBD and add some creativity to your work wardrobe.

Here are 2 great looks:

This a great look! It really works for anyone. Add boots for fall or winter with a great leather jacket. Can't wear heels? That is totally okay: this look looks great with ballet flats or sandals. Change the color of the tights to berry or teal and spice it up a little.

How chic is this look?! I love it! The bag, the military jacket, the whole thing! See how easy it is to be creative and sexy? Be bold, ladies! Add tights to your cut-off jean shorts and throw on a sexy tank and some great heels! SO HOT!

Thanks again for letting me rant! I know that my loyal followers would never end up on my "don't" page! You are all sexy and fashion go-getters! Let me see your favorite summer outfit! Email me your pic with a description of the outfit and how much you paid for it, and I will make you my "hot shot of the week!"

gena.detour.rowan@gmail.com

July GLAMOUR tips and HOT SHOT OF THE WEEK!

Thank you Glamour Magazine for always having great tips! The July issue takes you through your do's and don'ts of your summer! See some great photos of Blake Lively where she really channels her vintage style.

My favorite part is on page 46 "Your fashion questions, answered." They have a month-to-month breakdown of the best times to shop online.

January: shorts, dress shirts, t-shirts, and jewelry

February: suits and skirts

March: intimates, outerwear, and coats

April: dress pants

May: sunglasses

July: (I know, nothing in June, guess you will have to wait) sweaters

August: sleepwear, belts, and shoes

September: jeans and bags

October: swimwear

So, personally I don't usually shop online. I just use it as a resource for what my favorite stores are carrying and also ideas of what is HOT this coming season. A good tip while you are surfing the net is to check out high end designers to get ideas for what to look for in your cheaper stores (Goodwill, Forever 21, DOTS). If you do order merchandise online, just remember to cover your bum. Know the return policy, make sure the website you are on is safe, and read the details. I ordered baking supplies (cookie cutters, etc) without reading the fine print and they were SO SMALL!

Hot Shot of the week: ME :)

Hat: Target $7.49
Scarf: (random thrift store in Northampton, MA) $7
Shirt: DOTS $14 (came with a necklace)
Jeans: Walmart $19
Boots: PAYLESS $12.50 (Thank you BOGO)

I was going to a work party on a harber cruise. The hat and boots were a good choice because it was rainy! Everyone loved my outfit. Add a skirt and heels (minus the hat) and I would be ready for work. :) I have also worn the shirt with jean capris and flip flops. Always buy items for your closet that go with other outfits (unless it is SEXY all on its own!)

Love it ladies! Thanks for reading. Email me YOUR hot shot of the week and I will add you to my next blog!

gena.detour.rowan@gmail.com

Facing the mirror: bathing suit shopping

I do not know any women who likes to go bathing suit shopping. It is almost a miracle finding "the right" bathing suit without drowning your sorrows in a Venti Frapp from Starbucks!

It doesn't have to be that bad! And, no you don't need to starve yourself! REMEMBER LADIES: It is always about confidence and shopping smart. Now I embrace my curves, most of the time, so I don't want to hate myself by choosing the tini wini bikini. Not everyone is built for that. And don't forget: the girl who is built for that probably wishes she had a bigger butt.

What you want to remember is that it takes time to find the right bathing suit. First, make it easier on yourself. Dress yourself up. Shave your legs, do your hair and makeup-- hell, wear your sexiest heels. If you already feel frumpy, getting naked in a fitting room is not going to be a good experience.

As with all of your shopping, do your research! Check out magazines like "GLAMOUR" to get tips on what styles work with your body type. You can even surf your favorite stores to see what styles they are carrying and if they are on sale.

Next, hit the stores. Grab all styles: tankinis, bikinis, one pieces, etc. You won't know what looks best on you until you try it. Now, this can be frustrating if you have waited until now to start. Believe it or not, the best time to shop for a bathing suit is March or April. I know this makes absolutely no sense! What you might have to do is try the styles out and actually order the bathing suit you want online. If you have to do that, check out the store's return policy in case it doesn't look as good in person.

Another thing you want to think about is what are you doing in the bathing suit. If you are going swimming, stay away from skimpy suits that could fall off! If you are just strolling the board walk you have more possibilities. If that is the case, you might be able to get away with a maxi dress or a bikini top and a great skirt. You don't always have to be showing all of your skin.

Don't be afraid to check out the men's department either. My favorite bathing suit was a great bikini top and men's swim trunks. It was comfy, sporty, and sexy.

Good luck ladies! Don't be discouraged!

Great bathing suits for less: Walmart, Forever 21, Old Navy--- all 3 have plus sizes too!

A day in the life of a frustrated shopper!

So, I don't usually complain-- and today I was going to write about finding your perfect bathing suit, but I neeed a minute to vent.

I am planning a long weekend with my best friend and I realized I don't have any nice summer clothes. I went to the mall. Since when is it okay to sell a $4 bedazzled tank top for $40? Just because it has your label on it, doesn't mean it is all of sudden worth 400 times more than it cost to be made. I get that they have to make a profit and that some items are higher quality. For example, I know if I pay $10 for a pair sneakers, I am lucky if they last an entire season. Seriously though, why can one store sell a camisole for $4 and another for $29?

Well, I gave up on the mall! I went to my favorite store, DOTS! I love that store so much! I follow then on Facebook and Twitter and get their emails for coupons. Thanks to their great discount today, I bought: 1 shirt, 1 dress, 2 pairs of capris, and 1 pair of shorts for $69. I love their variety of styles and that they have a great clearance section. I know I talk about DOTS all the time, but if you haven't experienced it, you need to! They have all sizes and they have cute clothes for plus sizes too. No "mom" jeans and elastic waistbands.

Thanks DOTS for being there for me since I was 13 years old! I hope all of my followers can appreciate such great deals!

Tune in next time where I dig in to shopping for bathing suits, jeans, and other HATED purchases!