Friday Fix: Five Things You Should Try

This week has been a bit of a mosh pit of slow lazy unbearably hot days and super productive days when I am surprised that the sun is no longer in the sky. I did manage to carve out several moments of relaxation and pleasure and I thought I would share with you some of my favourite things you can check out for yourself.

1. Show

It isn't a full week until you've watched something on your computer or television. This week I fell in love with the movie 'All Good Things' starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. 

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If you enjoy thrillers/mysteries that are a tad psychological with a slower build and cool cinematography then you will enjoy this movie. I thought the acting was really good and I was moved by the main characters emotions. I enjoyed putting all the pieces together, and yes it did make me cry. If you're alone at home one night and you want an option that isn't a comedy but won't give you nightmares - it's a love story gone awry and I think you'll enjoy it. Shirtless Ryan Gosling doesn't hurt either ;)

2. Book

I am an avid reader and thanks to my Kindle I finish a book every couple days or so. This week, I enjoyed a light, funny read 'In the Stars' by Whitney Boyd.

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This is a quick light read, there are a few grammatical errors in there but nothing that will throw you off. I finished it in one afternoon - it's a story that's a little bit about coming of age, and follows a young woman as she goes on an embarrassing journey before being able to learn from her mistakes. It made me laugh and probably will do the same for you.

3. Beauty Pick

It was a low-key week so I barely wore makeup. Instead I found myself gravitating towards my nail polishes, specifically the cult classic from Essie - Mint Candy Apple :

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This really is a colour that looks great on all skin tones. It's a brighter pastel that has a cream finish with absolutely no streakiness. You can wear it on toes or fingers and on short or long nails.

4. Deals

I get sucked in by deals and coupon codes ad I thoroughly research a store online before I make any purchase. Independence Day is here and this means the deals will be aplenty. Here are links to some stores I adore:

What did you enjoy this week? Leave me a comment and let me know.

til later,

*Jane

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Quick Tips for Fashion's Night Out!

Hey all!

It's here again and I know we can all feel the buzz in the air - whether it's the excitement of those who are just dying to crawl the walls or the tension of those not looking forward to face the traffic going home, FNO will be a very busy night tonight.

If you're anything like me, shopping in a crowd means having a plan. Here are my quick tips to get in and out and survive what could be the craziest night of shopping in Jamaica for 2012.

1. Evaluate: Look through your closet and write down what's missing. Do you need basics, or do you need more trendy pieces to update your wardrobe?
2. Prioritize: You don't need to get everything all at once. Look at your calendar and buy the pieces you want to wear/have tonight. There will be time to get pieces for next year summer another time!
3. Budget: Look at how much money you actually have to spend currently and then how much you are willing to spend - and use whichever is the lesser amount. Keep a reserve of money on a card if you see a piece you have been eyeing for a long time for a really good price or if you think you'll run into something you need but forgot to write down
4. Small Change: You don't want to be that person holding up the line because the cashier has no change. Manageable bills, some $100s,$500s will be useful
5. Comfortable, closed toe-shoes: dirt, grime and people stepping on your toes is no fun. 
6. Tote it: carry your own shopping bag. Leave your handbag/purse at home so your hands are free and dump your items into one/two of your own shopping bags so it's easy to carry
7. Slip on, Slip off: sundresses or leggings and slouchy one shoulder shirts are easy to slip on and off in a changing room. If you're a pro a fitted tank top and fitted bottoms are ideal for trying on clothes right in the store w/o lining up for the changing rooms
8. Fuel: carry a snack that you can easily eat on the go so you don't get cranky
9. Map it out: Go online and find out which pieces sales will affect and map out where you are most likely to find the biggest discounts on the pieces you want. Then list according to priority, that way you don't get sidetracked
10. Buddy up: shop with a friend or two who is as intent on buying as you are but who respects your space. If you're heading out solo snap a pic of yourself in the piece you're buying and if you like what you see in the picture buy it. No need to ask a random stranger and draw attention to the fact that you're alone. 

Bonus tip: Arrange a haul party with your friends and swap items you may have 'buyers regret' over. Maybe that top isn't as flattering as you thought or those shoes are too high for you to walk in. Going over your purchases with your friends may also put some change in your pocket. If you have second thoughts about an item a friend may just buy it from you.

 (DIY Money Pocket : Divide your cash into equal portions and hide in different places on your body to make yourself less of a target for robberies using a simple do-it-yourself money pocket. Fold money and wrap in cling wrap/paper/ziplock and attach using a safety pin to the inside of your waistband/ bag where 

That's it!!
Till later,
Jane

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