Long time no blog. Seriously. But this isn’t like my last blog where I’m filling the page with excuses. No, this is an honest-to-God blog. With a few excuses. My grandmother finally succumbed to her illness and passed away in early March. Then my Dad got sick. We thought it was a sinus infection and tried to treat it at home but a week later he was so bad that he couldn’t breathe. After a tense ride to the E.R. (I ran all stop signs and red lights… it was 4 in the morning and there were no cops in sight… so it was ok) they told him that he had pneumonia. Long story short, he did not have pneumonia and if it wasn’t for the amazing cardiologist that popped in to check on him, he would have died because he was actually going into heart failure. He’s doing fine, thank God, and they expect him to make a full recovery.
So, after all the drama that’s gone on, I decided that it was time to take myself shopping. Well, to take my fiancé and his wallet shopping (ha ha). Good news? I found some major bargains and you all know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE bargains. Bad news? I found out that stores occasionally CHANGE the size standards. Seriously.
Imagine my shock when I stepped into the dressing room to try on a pair of jeans… and they didn’t fit. I had a moment of panic. I hadn’t gained any weight back, at least, I thought I hadn’t. I’d actually been eating healthier since my dad got out of the hospital (doctors orders… for him, not me). Maybe I had gained weight. And suddenly I felt nauseated and I didn’t want to shop anymore.
Wait a second…
“I think these jeans aren’t sized right.”
Eye roll. “No, they’re right.”
Glare. “No, they’re not. I’m wearing these jeans. Same brand, style, size. These” shake jeans at her “are just a different color. Something isn’t right.”
Shrug. “Sometimes they change the sizes.”
WHAT?!
According to my friend’s mom, a fashion consultant, it’s true. Sometimes they change the sizes. So one year your size X might actually be a size Y and the next year it could actually be a size V. Trust me. I was thrown off and totally humiliated at the thought of having to get the next size up. So I didn’t. I went to Lane Bryant instead and got jeans in MY size.
Back to the first store. After the jean fiasco, I decided to raid the panty section and call it quits. Picked out the first cute one in my size and my jaw dropped. There was no way my ass was that large. Seriously, I could nearly wrap them around me. To find ones that fit I had to go down TWO sizes. I really wanted to tell them that their horribly tagged clothes belonged in a discount outlet instead of my favorite store. But I didn’t. As a side note, I’d like to point out that the salesclerk has NO control over prices/ product/ quality.
Lane Bryant didn’t let me down. They never do. So, now I want to talk about a really HUGE trend. Lace. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Always have, always will. Up until now, lace was mainly for your intimates but it’s mainstreaming in a big way. I love the new shirts with the little peaks of lace. I found a tank top with black lace straps and a quarter lace back. Don’t be afraid to show a peak of skin this summer! Especially when it’s with flirty lace.
Just a little common sense side note, letting your bra straps show? So not cute. If you're going to to wear a tank top that doesn't cover your bra straps, PLEASE invest in a strapless bra. Lane Bryant has a lot to choose from that includes removeable and clear straps.
So, have fun shopping!
And, as always, remember: I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Xoxo. AndaSuddenly it hit me that there was NO possible way that these jeans were labeled correct. Because I was wearing the same style, brand, and size of these jeans. I had even purchased them at the same store a few weeks prior. So I re-dressed and marched myself out to the sales clerk.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Look Fabulous For Less!
Being frugal doesn't mean looking frumpy.
You can look fabulous for less, you just have to know what to look for.
Finding complete outfits for under $100 is simple!
Mixing and matching outfits is an awesome (and cost-effective!) way to make your wardrobe go far.
Check out these outfits, then add your own personal flare.
Outfit One
This dress from eshatik.com is simple in gray and black, but you can spice it up with accessories or shoes from torrid.com, like I did.
Rosette pin mock two piece dress
$56.95
Iron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel
$39.00
Total: $95.95
Outfit Two
$28.00
$36.94
Total: 64.94
This outfit leaves plenty of play room to add accessories, and a great pair of shoes!
Outfit Three
The top in this picture is fabulous, I hate how they paired it with a long pair of leggins. It doesn't look very good, does it?
Neria in Fuchsia
$27.80
Denim Red Tabbed Cropped Jean$44.00
Pair this outfit with a pair of flats or go with a heel. And remember, accessorize to accent, not to steal the show!
Total: $71.80
These three outfits all came in under $100 and they all look fabulous. Don't be scared to invest in good clothes.
And always remember, be yourself when you dress. Fashion has many faces.
Questions, comments, concerns? Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Be fabulous Big Girls!
Pauline
PS: Don't forget to "like" The Big Girl Code on Facebook!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
What Are You Scared Of?
Personally, I am scared of heights, and spiders. Well more specifically bugs in general, especially if they jump.
Phobias aren't really the point of this blog though. Big Girls, I am going to ask you a question, and I really want you to think about the answer: What are you scared of?
Big Girls, being big ain't easy. Trust me, I'm a pro.
I see so many women who dress to be invisible. Just trying to blend into the background.
What are you scared of?
Someone might notice you? Some people might be offended because you have a little extra fluff? That people will laugh? That the hot guy on aisle 3 might ask for your number?
How you answer that question is very important.
I have noticed a lot of big girls (not Big Girl) lately that seem to have such an awful self image.
The whole thing with being a Big Girl, is the acceptance and knowledge of our bodies.
We know that we are bigger than some other people, but we accept ourselves and find beauty within that acceptance.
This is directly correlated with fashion. Big girls (not Big Girls) tend to dress to fade to the background. And I know that feeling. I struggled to accept myself for a very long time.
But acceptance breeds love for yourself. And when you love yourself, you want to look as good as you feel on the inside.
Fashion plays into this by being the first thing people see. If you don't feel beautiful on the inside, then you won't be able to show it on the outside.
Fashion represents your acceptance.
Take the time to get to know yourself. Accept yourself, and your body.
You only get one, so love it. Flaunt it. Be. Express your self.
You can show the world how amazing Big Girls are. And it isn't a hard thing to do.
Follow the basics. Be creative with it. But most importantly love yourself.
Don't drown yourself in too big clothes. Do find a fabulous fit. Don't feel like you aren't beautiful because you're not a size 2. Do embrace yourself, not matter what size you are.
Don't be scared because of your body. It is beautiful. You are beautiful.
*Try this tomorrow- Stand in front of a full length mirror, naked. And look at yourself. Think of positive thoughts of yourself. It doesn't matter if you have rolls. Or cellulite, or a big ass. Start loving yourself, and see the beautiful you.
I do that every single day. Yes, we are big, and damn it we are gorgeous. Start standing up for yourself, and your Big Girl sisters everywhere. Don't be scared anymore.
Be Fabulous,
Pauline
P.S. Like us on Facebook! And follow us on Twitter @thebiggirlcode
Contact us at prtali@yahoo.com
Phobias aren't really the point of this blog though. Big Girls, I am going to ask you a question, and I really want you to think about the answer: What are you scared of?
Big Girls, being big ain't easy. Trust me, I'm a pro.
I see so many women who dress to be invisible. Just trying to blend into the background.
What are you scared of?
Someone might notice you? Some people might be offended because you have a little extra fluff? That people will laugh? That the hot guy on aisle 3 might ask for your number?
How you answer that question is very important.
I have noticed a lot of big girls (not Big Girl) lately that seem to have such an awful self image.
The whole thing with being a Big Girl, is the acceptance and knowledge of our bodies.
We know that we are bigger than some other people, but we accept ourselves and find beauty within that acceptance.
This is directly correlated with fashion. Big girls (not Big Girls) tend to dress to fade to the background. And I know that feeling. I struggled to accept myself for a very long time.
But acceptance breeds love for yourself. And when you love yourself, you want to look as good as you feel on the inside.
Fashion plays into this by being the first thing people see. If you don't feel beautiful on the inside, then you won't be able to show it on the outside.
Fashion represents your acceptance.
Take the time to get to know yourself. Accept yourself, and your body.
You only get one, so love it. Flaunt it. Be. Express your self.
You can show the world how amazing Big Girls are. And it isn't a hard thing to do.
Follow the basics. Be creative with it. But most importantly love yourself.
Don't drown yourself in too big clothes. Do find a fabulous fit. Don't feel like you aren't beautiful because you're not a size 2. Do embrace yourself, not matter what size you are.
Don't be scared because of your body. It is beautiful. You are beautiful.
*Try this tomorrow- Stand in front of a full length mirror, naked. And look at yourself. Think of positive thoughts of yourself. It doesn't matter if you have rolls. Or cellulite, or a big ass. Start loving yourself, and see the beautiful you.
I do that every single day. Yes, we are big, and damn it we are gorgeous. Start standing up for yourself, and your Big Girl sisters everywhere. Don't be scared anymore.
Be Fabulous,
Pauline
P.S. Like us on Facebook! And follow us on Twitter @thebiggirlcode
Contact us at prtali@yahoo.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Are you ready?
For Spring, that is. It's coming and no one is going to stop it! Plus, I've seen waaaayyy too much snow this year and I am welcoming the coming sunshine!
The real question is, is your closet ready for Spring?
If you don't know the basics to Big Girl fashion, check out our archives, with what to, and what not to wear.
Now, on to the wardrobe! Spring is one my favorite times of year, because it's still cool enough to wear pants, but if you want to go shorter you can! This goes goes for everything, not just pants.
In Spring we see a return of the dress without leggins or hose, we start seeing short sleeves, and maybe even a peek of the summer flipflops!
So during the winter I have done some major looking, and I have found so many places to find cute clothes for us Big Girls. And as Spring gets closer and closer every day, we all need to look into it.
I have put together some of my favorite outfits for this 2011 Spring season.
Make sure to check out all of the websites.
Tips for a great Spring wardrobe:
1. Use color. Spring is when all of the color comes back to nature from the drab of Winter. Use it in your clothes too.
2. Go for a shorter dress. Maxi dresses tend to drag on for days. Look for dress lengths that are either a few inches above the knee (not too short, you don't want to get arrested for indecent exposure!!), At the knee, or just below the knee. Mid calf length dresses work, but try sticking to the knees.
3. It's not summer yet, so you can still work your cardigans!
4. If you go for a print, make sure it fits your body. Not too big, not too small.
*And remember, you can do your own thing, this is just a template*
Here are a few things from the websites that I talked about earlier.
This website is amazing! It's my favorite site that I found. If they don't have your size, or want a better fit, you can send them your measurements and they will custom make any of their clothes for you! They have some of everything, and they make dresses, shirts, jackets, and pants, all that go up to a size 26w that is in-stock and ready to be shipped out.
Eshakti
Chicstar has a lot of dresses, and most of them are retro 50's, but they are absolutely adorable. And they have some pretty cool accessories. Chicstar
You can plug in your size, what you're looking for, and even see if things are on sale at Alight! Alight
Plus Size Fix
Zaftique
Torrid
Size Appeal
Igigi
Those are just a few of the things that are out there to check out.
Don't forget in-store shopping too! Lane Bryant, Avenue, Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Target, Old Navy (they have up to a size 18 in-store and up to 30 online), Even department stores are carrying a selection of plus size clothes.
Warmer weather is on the way, take your closet on headfirst!
Be Fabulous, Big Girls!
-Pauline
Questions or comments? Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Don't forget to like The Big Girl Code on Facebook!
Monday, January 17, 2011
The "We Are So Sorry About The Lack Of Blogs" Blog
Well it all started when my computer got the blue screen of dealth. And Best Buy just recently gave me a new one. And to top it off my sister nhad a baby and then my dad had open heart surgery. So things have been going a million miles and hour for me. So accept my apologies for not writing anything. There will be plenty of blogs for 2011.
Be Fabulous
- Pauline
My exuses are more flamboyant because, let's be honest, that's my style. The first that sidetracked me was school. When they tell you, "Hey, grades up or finicial aid gone" believe me, you'll change your tune. Then my grandmother has been in the hospital for nearly two months (she's not doing well, so all positive thoughts would be appreciated). THEN... dun dun dun... I got ENGAGED! Yes, yes, thank you, thank you. So, sure, excuses. More blogs? Of course.
Remember: I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Anda
Be Fabulous
- Pauline
My exuses are more flamboyant because, let's be honest, that's my style. The first that sidetracked me was school. When they tell you, "Hey, grades up or finicial aid gone" believe me, you'll change your tune. Then my grandmother has been in the hospital for nearly two months (she's not doing well, so all positive thoughts would be appreciated). THEN... dun dun dun... I got ENGAGED! Yes, yes, thank you, thank you. So, sure, excuses. More blogs? Of course.
Remember: I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Anda
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Shape!
Happy Thanksgiving Big Girls (well at least for the Americans)! And happy Thursday for everyone else!
I know we have been slacking with the blogs lately, just bear with us, we're going to keep cranking them out, pinky promise.
On to today's topic: body shapers.
I know that we have all seen those infomercials for the Kymaro Body Shaper. The one that proclaims it makes you look 10-20 pounds slimmer. And we all contemplated picking up the phone right then.
A few weeks ago I was walking through the store and saw this product on the shelf. And for $30 bucks I decided to try it.
Now this wasn't the first body shaper that I have had. I've had one or two in the past, but they weren't like this one.
When I first slipped into this shaper, I was amazed. More than amazed. It slimmed me, it put things in the right place, it made my posture amazing, it hugged me, and to top it off it felt amazing on.
I expected it to be cheap and to not work at all. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, I am not shamelessly advertising this shaper, I wish I was because then they would pay me.
But, Big Girls, there are tons of shapers out there for us to try.
They have them at Lane Bryant, it's called Spanx. Avenue has them, called avenueBody. Catherine's has them too.
If you search online there are endless possibilities to find one that you like.
For example, you can go to barenecessities.com or herroom.com.
Ever tried a body shaper? Still a little confused about them?
I'll explain a bit more.
The function of a body shaper is to move your "extra" stuff around to give you more shape, and to smooth you out.
Most of them are made from spandex and/or other strechy polyester materials.
There are body shapers for just your upper half, and bottom half, and they can also come in a one piece to shape both your top and bottom.
They really do work very well. And they give you amazing shape. Even though we all do have shape already, shapers give your more definition and a totally smooth look. And nobody can argue with better posture.
Anda and I highly recommend investing in one. Wear it with your favorite outfit and see how much more fabulous you look!
We are always here for you at prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome all of your comments, or questions
Look lively Big Girls! The holiday season is here, don't forget to treat yourself!
Be fabulous, Pauline
I know we have been slacking with the blogs lately, just bear with us, we're going to keep cranking them out, pinky promise.
On to today's topic: body shapers.
I know that we have all seen those infomercials for the Kymaro Body Shaper. The one that proclaims it makes you look 10-20 pounds slimmer. And we all contemplated picking up the phone right then.
A few weeks ago I was walking through the store and saw this product on the shelf. And for $30 bucks I decided to try it.
Now this wasn't the first body shaper that I have had. I've had one or two in the past, but they weren't like this one.
When I first slipped into this shaper, I was amazed. More than amazed. It slimmed me, it put things in the right place, it made my posture amazing, it hugged me, and to top it off it felt amazing on.
I expected it to be cheap and to not work at all. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, I am not shamelessly advertising this shaper, I wish I was because then they would pay me.
But, Big Girls, there are tons of shapers out there for us to try.
They have them at Lane Bryant, it's called Spanx. Avenue has them, called avenueBody. Catherine's has them too.
If you search online there are endless possibilities to find one that you like.
For example, you can go to barenecessities.com or herroom.com.
Ever tried a body shaper? Still a little confused about them?
I'll explain a bit more.
The function of a body shaper is to move your "extra" stuff around to give you more shape, and to smooth you out.
Most of them are made from spandex and/or other strechy polyester materials.
There are body shapers for just your upper half, and bottom half, and they can also come in a one piece to shape both your top and bottom.
They really do work very well. And they give you amazing shape. Even though we all do have shape already, shapers give your more definition and a totally smooth look. And nobody can argue with better posture.
Anda and I highly recommend investing in one. Wear it with your favorite outfit and see how much more fabulous you look!
We are always here for you at prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome all of your comments, or questions
Look lively Big Girls! The holiday season is here, don't forget to treat yourself!
Be fabulous, Pauline
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What's In Your Wallet... er, Purse?
Do you carry a purse? I bet you do. Purses are great, they really are, and like Big Girls they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and textures.
So, what kind of bag do you carry? Do you carry a clutch or a gigantic bag? What about one of those chic, across the chest numbers? Do you carry just the basics or are you, as my Dad likes to say, carrying everything but the kitchen sink in your purse?
I have three main bags: a glitzy little number that wears like a messenger bag, a hobo bag that slings low across my body, and an Andy Warhol money bag that can hold a full change of clothes/makeup bag/pair of sneakers/ two books.
As I write this, i'm using my hobo bag. It's pretty much the most practical purse I own (think suede with brassy tones and purple inside). Since I have to lug this bag around campus and up stairs and down stairs and everywhere in between, I try not to carry too much stuff that isn't necessary. I fail a lot with that reasoning, though, because my belief is that I never know what I may need on any given day. Ok, so what I'm trying to say is that I have a whole lot of crap in my bag.
So, what's in my bag?
1) My wallet. I know the whole fad is geared towards those slender wallets, but after breaking my third one (my purse isn’t the only thing I pack full of junk), I decided that I needed something a little more practical but it also couldn’t be reminiscent of my Nanny’s wallet. Simple solution: Poketo. Don’t know it? Look it up at www.poketo.com Poketo is a design studio founded by a husband and wife team, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung (totally cute couple!) They showcase artists through everyday wares. I opted for multicolored check wallet because it holds so much stuff. And yeah, my wallet is full. We’ve got license, social security card, debit card, insurance car (both health and auto), two library print cards, student ID, an Office Depot card, Hot Topic card, Starbucks gift card, four receipts, and $9.81. Oh, and a check book.
2) A camera. You never know when you’re going to need one. If you’re going to carry your camera around, though, make sure you have a nice camera bag for it. I, again, chose a Poketo camera bag (it has owls on it!)
3) A wide variety of pens and one pencil.
4) A bottle of Cherry Blossom lotion from Bath and Body Works.
5) Nina Ricci perfume
6) Tampons.
7) Those really cute little bottles of Tylenol and Advil.
8) Bobby pins and some rubber bands.
9) Some spree and suckers.
10) 9 different kinds of lip gloss/balm. Is that a bit over the top? Sure. But it’s just how I do.
11) Mints.
12) A small bag that I put whatever makeup I’m wearing that day in for quick touchups. Currently: Hard Candy Sheer Envy primer, NP palette, eyeliner and mascara.
13) A mix cd and letter from my BFF, Pauline!
14) A nail file/ clippers.
15) My cell phone and a pair of white earbuds.
16) A spring loaded weighted baton. You know, in case, someone ever tries to attack me.
17) Various receipts that have somehow managed to escape my wallet.
18) A USB shaped like an orange lego.
19) A pair of gloves so that my little fingers don’t freeze off.
20) An extremely cute hat that has ear flaps. Seriously, I’m not one for those kind of hats usually, but this was knitted one and I had to have it.
21) A bottle of Yankee Candle Hand Sanitizer in apple.
Now, you may ask, what is Pauline lugging around?
1) Phone.
2) Wallet.
3) Perfume.
4) Random monetary notes
5) Change
6) At least two lighters that I could never find when I smoked and now I don’t, I pull them out every time.
7) Two kinds of mints
8) A pack of gum
9) Receipts.
10) At least two sets of keys.
11) Hand lotion
12) Gloves
13) Germ-X
14) Deck of cards for impromptu card games with strangers.
15) A phone charger
16) Tampons.
17) And when it starts to snow, I’ll be throwing a hat in there, too!
Ok, cluttered. Both of us, I know, but we’re female and that excuse enough. But what do you really need in your bag?
First, let’s start with the bag. It needs to be cute. It needs to compliment you. Have you ever seen those little tiny girls lugging around HUGE bags? Kind of silly looking, right? Or what about the Big Girl with the itty bitty purse? Looks like she stole her little sisters bag, right? You try on your clothes, so you should also try on your bag. That’s how it works.
Now, cut through your crap. What do you really need? What are your bare essentials? It’s hard, I know, I tried it. I dumped my bag out and decided that I would put in what I absolutely needed.
The wallet went back in, of course, but then I took it back out because there were things in my wallet that I really didn’t need. The receipts could be filed away, so those were the first to go. (Random insert: It’s getting to be that season again. I hope all of you feel generous in any way possible. Publix has a great Food For Sharing program going on and you can buy a bundle starting at right under $6. When you donate, save your receipts and you can write it off on your taxes!) One of the print cards was from two years ago and hadn’t seen any action in a loooong time,. Trash. Everything else I needed to keep. Ok. Wallet back in bag.
The gloves, hat, and hand sanitizer went back in next. It is that season. A pack of mints, two pens, Tylenol, and perfume. Lotion, too. The baton, just in case.
There. Bare essentials. That’s all I needed in my purse.
And then I panicked and put everything I had originally had in my bag back in it. Plus a scarf.
Good grief.
Can you do it, though? Are you stronger willed than I?
Even if the answer is no, I still hope you have a fabulous bag to put all your things and the kitchen sink in.
And remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you! prtali@yahoo.com
Ps- Be on the lookout for our Holiday Guide blog!
So, what kind of bag do you carry? Do you carry a clutch or a gigantic bag? What about one of those chic, across the chest numbers? Do you carry just the basics or are you, as my Dad likes to say, carrying everything but the kitchen sink in your purse?
I have three main bags: a glitzy little number that wears like a messenger bag, a hobo bag that slings low across my body, and an Andy Warhol money bag that can hold a full change of clothes/makeup bag/pair of sneakers/ two books.
As I write this, i'm using my hobo bag. It's pretty much the most practical purse I own (think suede with brassy tones and purple inside). Since I have to lug this bag around campus and up stairs and down stairs and everywhere in between, I try not to carry too much stuff that isn't necessary. I fail a lot with that reasoning, though, because my belief is that I never know what I may need on any given day. Ok, so what I'm trying to say is that I have a whole lot of crap in my bag.
So, what's in my bag?
1) My wallet. I know the whole fad is geared towards those slender wallets, but after breaking my third one (my purse isn’t the only thing I pack full of junk), I decided that I needed something a little more practical but it also couldn’t be reminiscent of my Nanny’s wallet. Simple solution: Poketo. Don’t know it? Look it up at www.poketo.com Poketo is a design studio founded by a husband and wife team, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung (totally cute couple!) They showcase artists through everyday wares. I opted for multicolored check wallet because it holds so much stuff. And yeah, my wallet is full. We’ve got license, social security card, debit card, insurance car (both health and auto), two library print cards, student ID, an Office Depot card, Hot Topic card, Starbucks gift card, four receipts, and $9.81. Oh, and a check book.
2) A camera. You never know when you’re going to need one. If you’re going to carry your camera around, though, make sure you have a nice camera bag for it. I, again, chose a Poketo camera bag (it has owls on it!)
3) A wide variety of pens and one pencil.
4) A bottle of Cherry Blossom lotion from Bath and Body Works.
5) Nina Ricci perfume
6) Tampons.
7) Those really cute little bottles of Tylenol and Advil.
8) Bobby pins and some rubber bands.
9) Some spree and suckers.
10) 9 different kinds of lip gloss/balm. Is that a bit over the top? Sure. But it’s just how I do.
11) Mints.
12) A small bag that I put whatever makeup I’m wearing that day in for quick touchups. Currently: Hard Candy Sheer Envy primer, NP palette, eyeliner and mascara.
13) A mix cd and letter from my BFF, Pauline!
14) A nail file/ clippers.
15) My cell phone and a pair of white earbuds.
16) A spring loaded weighted baton. You know, in case, someone ever tries to attack me.
17) Various receipts that have somehow managed to escape my wallet.
18) A USB shaped like an orange lego.
19) A pair of gloves so that my little fingers don’t freeze off.
20) An extremely cute hat that has ear flaps. Seriously, I’m not one for those kind of hats usually, but this was knitted one and I had to have it.
21) A bottle of Yankee Candle Hand Sanitizer in apple.
Now, you may ask, what is Pauline lugging around?
1) Phone.
2) Wallet.
3) Perfume.
4) Random monetary notes
5) Change
6) At least two lighters that I could never find when I smoked and now I don’t, I pull them out every time.
7) Two kinds of mints
8) A pack of gum
9) Receipts.
10) At least two sets of keys.
11) Hand lotion
12) Gloves
13) Germ-X
14) Deck of cards for impromptu card games with strangers.
15) A phone charger
16) Tampons.
17) And when it starts to snow, I’ll be throwing a hat in there, too!
Ok, cluttered. Both of us, I know, but we’re female and that excuse enough. But what do you really need in your bag?
First, let’s start with the bag. It needs to be cute. It needs to compliment you. Have you ever seen those little tiny girls lugging around HUGE bags? Kind of silly looking, right? Or what about the Big Girl with the itty bitty purse? Looks like she stole her little sisters bag, right? You try on your clothes, so you should also try on your bag. That’s how it works.
Now, cut through your crap. What do you really need? What are your bare essentials? It’s hard, I know, I tried it. I dumped my bag out and decided that I would put in what I absolutely needed.
The wallet went back in, of course, but then I took it back out because there were things in my wallet that I really didn’t need. The receipts could be filed away, so those were the first to go. (Random insert: It’s getting to be that season again. I hope all of you feel generous in any way possible. Publix has a great Food For Sharing program going on and you can buy a bundle starting at right under $6. When you donate, save your receipts and you can write it off on your taxes!) One of the print cards was from two years ago and hadn’t seen any action in a loooong time,. Trash. Everything else I needed to keep. Ok. Wallet back in bag.
The gloves, hat, and hand sanitizer went back in next. It is that season. A pack of mints, two pens, Tylenol, and perfume. Lotion, too. The baton, just in case.
There. Bare essentials. That’s all I needed in my purse.
And then I panicked and put everything I had originally had in my bag back in it. Plus a scarf.
Good grief.
Can you do it, though? Are you stronger willed than I?
Even if the answer is no, I still hope you have a fabulous bag to put all your things and the kitchen sink in.
And remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you! prtali@yahoo.com
Ps- Be on the lookout for our Holiday Guide blog!
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