Cost Cutting Cutie

 
Brand: Christian Dior

Product: Escale a Pondichery (fragrance)
Splurge Item

Every summer it seems like I smell D&G’s Light Blue on every other woman that passes me by. It bores me. I get it, I really do. It’s fresh and citrusy and as refreshing as a lemon Italian Ice on a 90 degree day. The problem is that it’s been around for a while now, it is sold everywhere, and it has spawned more than several knockoffs and smell-a-likes. I have tired of it.

Citrus is not generally my thing. Chalk it up to body chemistry, or, whatever. It just never worked for me at all. I have an extensive fragrance library, but up until recently you’d be hard pressed to find a citrus perfume. During the dog days of summer, I generally reach for tea scents.

Christian Dior’s Escale a Pondichery has become my “gateway” citrus fragrance. Named for the famous trading post in India, it’s refreshing citrus notes are tempered by black tea and cardamom. It is absolutely refreshing, in the way that floating lazily and aimlessly in the sea close to the coastline is refreshing. I don’t dislike Light Blue, but it’s vibe is more “let’s have a few drinks and chase each other through the back yard sprinkler, then, bang ourselves up on the Slip ‘n Slide”. Call me lazy. I’d rather be floating among the waves any day.

Escale a Pondichery retails for $66 for 2.5 ounces at Nordstrom.

Cut Costs Cuties!

Gemma

Brand: FLIRT!
Product: Peek-A-Blush Cheek Color in All Dolled Up

A few days ago Niko and I were sharing a mirror whilst getting ready for a party. I was obsessing about whether my new wide width cinch belt defined or emphasized my waist. Niko was wondering if she needed a different color foundation. We decided my belt was fierce and that Niko simply needed a brighter shade of blush. Niko has been favoring a bronzy shade of blush for a while now, but it occurred to me that she might look younger and fresher with a pop of color on her cheeks.

Niko is gorgeous. Think Courtney Cox. Fair skin, dark hair, and startling blue eyes. Not to mention cheekbones you could use to slice deli meat. Yeah, I’m jealous. Most girls would hate to stand next to Niko at a party. However, I can’t help but love her, and I knew she’d be smoking with just a touch of pink blush. So, I dusted some on the apples of her cheeks and along her cheekbones. I was right. She instantly looked fresher and more youthful. Lucky for me were were going to a family party with our respective spouses. It would have sucked for me if we were both single and heading for the club.

Flirt! blushes are richly pigmented and a little goes a long way. The color lasts all day. The best part about this All Dolled Up is that is has sheen , but no glitter particles, so the flush it imparts is completely natural, as if you just stepped in from the cold. At $14, the pan is a bit pricey, but if you use your Kohls Cash to purchase it, the pan then costs next to nothing. Flirt! cosmetics are available at Kohls department stores.

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

Brand: Victoria’s Secret
Product: Miracle Bra Swimsuits

Two weeks ago I decided to go swimsuit shopping. I came home empty handed. The problem? All of the swim merchandise at all of the stores was already picked over. Not yet June, and there was not a single swimsuit in my size to be had. That’s the way retail works these days. They’ll be setting up for Christmas on July 5th, I’m sure.

I decided shopping online was my best option, but was nervous about not having the opportunity to try anything on. Also, a perusal of online swimwear shops turned up plenty of swimsuits, but most cost in excess of $100. By chance I hit onto the Victoria’s Secret website, and I kicked myself for not having thought of them sooner! There were pages and pages of suits. Several designer suits were offered as well as suits by their own company from the Beach Sexy, Miracle Bra, and Pink lines. I became fascinated with the Miracle Bra line which allows you to “build” your perfect bikini by picking the style of top and bottom that bests suits you. Want a lot of coverage? They have you covered. What to flash some skin? No problem. In a variety of colors and prints, Vicky has a solution for you. On sale right now, many tops cost just $28.50 and bottoms just $21.00. Myself? I chose the “Red Poppies with Black Trim” bikini with the halter top and o-ring scoop bottom.

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

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