BBC: No, not British Broadcasting Company

Valentino. Chanel. Yves Saint Laurent. Dior. Givenchy. Balenciaga. The list could on and on. The designer world is an elite one, and a fierce one at that. But not all of us are blessed with rich daddy’s and pocketbooks the size of Kanye’s ego that allow us to afford high end designer labels. For those of us common folk divas, like myself, we only dream of one day being able to slip into a classic Chanel blazer or a pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos (which we vicariously wear through Carrie Bradshaw). For now though, I have to settle with a pair of Michael Kors platform heels I snagged at TJ Maxx for $20 (which are beyond fabulous) or a pair of sandals Sam & Libby Edelman designed for Target. For the minute, I’m pretty okay with it. I think that not being gifted with all these designer labels has made me work for my fashion a little bit more. It’s simple to shop all one designer, but how much thought process does it take? Aren’t you just another cog in the machine? Anna Wintour, EIC of American Vogue, says is perfectly:

“Create your own individual style. I’m not interested in the girl who walks into my office in a head-to-toe label look that’s straight off the runway. I’m interested in a girl who puts herself together in an original, independent way.”

Fashion is about being an individual and having the confidence to express yourself in your own, unique way. Isn’t it so much easier to wear something just because everyone else is? Thank god I survived high school (barely) and made it through that awful phase of wearing American Eagle, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch just because all the popular girls were wearing it. I used to always want to wear things just because I saw someone else doing it, but now I find myself straying away from something if I see too many people doing it (#hipster). Over the past few years, I’ve really started to develop my own personal style that exemplifies so many different aspects of my personality. For those of you that know me, know that my style choices are as eclectic as the music I listen to. I don’t think I could actually pinpoint my style in one category, so I decided to make my own and call it “Broke Bitch Chic.” Pulling off Broke Bitch Chic requires equal parts effort, innovation, lack of money, carelessness, and patience. 

• Effort: Executing this style correctly requires time, awareness, and willingness to try to new things. I am constantly delving into fashion magazines, scanning sites such as Lookbook and attempting to recreate makeup looks I see on Instagram. I realize that I’m not going to be able to afford this seasons off the runway looks, so it definitely takes some effort to look around and find a way to make it suitable for you.
• Innovation: I NEVER shop looks off a mannequin nor copy an outfit head to toe. I like to put my own twist on things and that’s what BBC is all about. Also, I have this thing where I hold onto clothes for forever, so updating old clothes is always a great way to do so. In addition, you’re going to have to figure out ways to wear cheap clothing and mix it in with your more expensive clothing to complete a blended look. BE CREATIVE. 
• Lack of Money: Do you shop too much? Check here ____ But seriously though. This is the key to BBC. Lack of funds inspire me to find frugal ways to be fierce. Thrifting is key. I have found some beautiful pieces, from velvet gowns to fur shawls and pleated maxis. Plus, this style of shopping ensures that your pieces will be unique. (Holding myself back from making anymore Macklemore references via last post)
• Carelessness: Sometimes, homelessness is an after effect of executing BBC. I have many a time gone out in clothes that I think “honestly, I spent all of $2.99 on this outfit and my grungy beanie with my oversized tee and destroyed denim miiiiight me a little much.” BUT I DON’T CARE, I LOVE IT (Icona Pop Style). Executing any style requires an attitude that quite frankly, I don’t care what these people are going to think about what I’m wearing, I’m fierce and I know it. Embrace it, bitch.
• Patience: As I stated before, thrifting is a huge part is executing this style. We all know that walking into any VOA is no 20-minute-quick-shopping experience. Know that you may put in and hour of time and walk out empty handed, but do not be discouraged. There are more thrift stores and other sale racks to scour. I have put in some serious time scavenging through sale racks, local boutiques, and running to every VOA inside Columbus city limits. Be patient, fashionista, that perfect piece is waiting for you.

Here’s some of my favorite looks that have been a part of my constantly changing Broke Bitch Chic style:

Velvet Turtleneck Dress: thrifted, $.99

Rabbit Fur Shawl: thrifted, $5.99 

Sweater: thrifted & borrowed via Ori

Leather Jogging Pant: Express, $10

Skull Scarf: Nordstrom, $15

Oversized sweater: Gap, $7

Leather zip leggings: Milk Bar Boutique, $15

Men’s Denim Shirt: JcPenney, ?

Bar III Crop Top: $12

INC Floral Leggings: $9

MEOW Hat: Forever 21, $9

Men’s Plaid Shirt: JCPenney, ?

Leather Skirt: Macy’s, $14

Glasses: Rag O’Rama, $3

Necklace: ALDO, $8 

Hi-Lo Tank (aka a dress that I accidentally shrunk): Forever 21, $7

Skirt: Forever 21, $8

Metallic Gladiator Sandals: Prabal Gurung’s designer collab for Target, $7

Long Sweater Dress: TJ Maxx, $10

Heels: BCBG, TJ Maxx, $20

Necklace: Posh Boutique (borrowed for the day)

 

Hat: Pac Sun, it’s so old I don’t even remember but it was probably cheap

Tank: Poppy Boutique, $10

Mom Jeans: Thrifted, $.99

Bar III Cutout Dress: Macy’s, $15

Men’s Plaid Shirt: JCPenney

Vintage Cole Haan Sneakers: Thrifted, $2.99

Hooded Top: Thrifted, $3.99 (from Urban Outfitters)

Galaxy Leggings: Rag O’Rama, $14

Sandals: Sam & Libby Edelman collab for Target, $35

Gold Chain: Mom’s old jewelry box, priceless

Jersey: TJ Maxx, $3

Camo Skinnies: Urban Outfitters $13

GUYS LOOKING FIERCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BREAK YOUR BANK (although, I’ve let it before.) But seriously, you can have a rad, unique sense of style without spending a ton of money on each piece. Cookie cutter doesn’t make you fashionable but it does take practice, patience, and the willingness to dress outside the box. Are you up for it?

What’s your personal style like? If you had to name it, what would it be? Stay tuned, I have some cool posts featuring my art, #eotd and other fab things coming your way 🙂

xoxo,

sassy.

there is no “new” black.

“Fashion comes and goes, but style is eternal.” -YSL

Fashion is such a fleeting thing. It is used synonymous with so many things that are no where near the word. Fashion, in today’s standards, is easy to achieve. “I’m so fashionable” or “this is so trendy” are phrases that actually kind of bother me. Fashionable lives in a ten second bubble that unfortunately gets drug out for far too long (can we PLEASE stop wearing cargo shorts and bandage dresses?) Trendy hangs on by a thread waiting until the next trend kicks its ass into “that’s so last season.” Don’t get me wrong, there are some trend wagons that I totally jump on board with, from galaxy print leggings to studded collared shirts, but would you call a graphic tee timeless? No. At the end of the day, I always fall back to my classics; black, black, and a little more black. I once read,

What ever you do, always start out with black and white, then consider colors.

 

Here’s my top 5 favorite style concepts that I hope stay around until the end of time.

1. Androgyny

Androgyny is one of my most favorite styles of all time. It takes a rare, confident, and beautiful woman to comfortably embrace gender neutrality in her wardrobe. Pulling off androgyny requires thoughtful planning and a unique vision of style. It is important to have a few key feminine elements, like a bold lip or a sheer blouse. As women, we are so blessed to be able to wear menswear is quite possibly the sexiest way. We all can appreciate a man in a well tailored suit (don’t get me wrong, there is almost nothing better in this world) but how stellar is it for a woman to wear the same suit and somehow find a way to make it even sexier? Please, women of the world: continue to be fierce. Wear a men’s oxford shirt. Slick your hair back in a pompadour. Don’t be afraid of baggy boyfriend jeans or a cool bow tie. Make men jealous of how well we wear their clothes.

 

2. Hats

Big, round, small, tall, floppy, structured, wide brimmed, straw, felt, the list could go on and on. I love hats of all shapes and sizes. While hats take a lot of criticism (ie, the hipster hate for fedoras), hats can actually be the perfect top-off (no pun intended) to an outfit. I think my love of androgynous looks might have a little bit to do with this one, but I always grew up in a hat. I’d steal my little brother’s hats and try and wear it with my girl clothes. Nowadays, you’ll catch me in a hat on the regular, from a slouchy beanie to a snapback. Not all hats go with all outfits, so the key is picking the right shape for not only your outfit, but for your haircut as well. Also, they are the perfect solution to a bad hair day, so I obviously am in favor of this trend staying around for awhile

.  

 

3. Bold Beauty 

I have always had an interest in makeup. I can remember getting grounded in the 7th grade for trying to wear eyeliner to school; If only 13 year old me knew what I’d be getting myself into now. In the past year or so, I have been elbows deep in eyelash glue and have enrolled myself in Lipstick Addicts Anonymous (not really, but if it existed I’d be the first on the signup list.) I have been absolutely loving the boldness that the makeup world has been taking on lately. Dior sent lustrous gold eyebrows down the runway for their Winter 2013 show and the black lip is making a witchy comeback via American Horror Story: Coven. Whatever the future may hold, I sure do hope that we aren’t afraid to put on our #bitchbrows and face whatever is thrown our way.

4. Fur

Circa 1920, I think every woman should let out her inner bougie and drape herself in a great fur and a pair of black stilettos. For those of you that know me, know that I live in my bunnies in the winter (which I purchased at a thrift store prior to Macklemore making it the cool thing to do.) There is something about putting on a fur coat that makes you want to sip a martini with your pinky finger out and call for your driver, Alejandro, to pick you up at 12:00 promptly. All of PETA nonsense aside, even faux fur (when made correctly) adds such an classy edge to an outfit. It’s perfect over a cocktail dress and even with a pair of destroyed denim and Docs.

Bougie Tip #15: Leather driving gloves.

5. Structure

I love a flowy sundress as much as the next gal, and most days I am thankful for a great pair of palazzo pants. But, there is nothing better than a blazer with your mother’s shoulder pads or a pea coat with lapels the size of Texas. I guess I like the statement that bold structures make; like, “I’m here and I am not someone to mess with.” Structured pieces in the perfect fit are tough to find, and are usually more of a financial investment. But when you find a great trench with oversized lapels and long, tapered sides, you just can’t say no.

 

Originally, I was going to make the color black one of my top 5…but I decided that y’all could clearly tell that by the lack of any color in this post. Will black be any more timeless though? I have days where I have to force myself to wear color, which usually ends up on my face somewhere. What are some of your favorite fashion concepts? What styles do you always find yourself coming back to?

 

xoxo,

sassy

 

#justgirlythings

Life has been consisting of a lot of girly things lately, and I could not be happier; I have been putting in a lot of hours at Posh Boutique & Smart Bomb Beauty Lounge, spending time writing and planning future posts (which I know you’re all going to be excited about),and  I have started doing makeovers on a semi-regular basis, etc. It has been a total blast getting to do so many things that I love all at once! Since one of those things is doing makeup, I have got to keep my beauty game in check! I’ve been getting in the groove of putting myself together most days and I owe it all to some kick ass products I’ve been using.

Here’s 5 everyday beauty products that have been giving me serious life lately:

 

1. Ardell Lashes “Wispies”

These eyelashes impact me in a positive way on a daily basis (okay, that’s a little bit dramatic, but they kind of do). I have some issues with my eyelashes. They are blonde (opposite of my actual hair color), short, and they really don’t curl all too well either. Oh, and I ripped half of them out on my left eye with an eyelash curler while driving one time. Beauty is pain right? Anyways, these lashes really are the bomb.com. I get mine at Kroger for $2.87 and I usually try to buy multiple pairs to keep stocked up on.

 

2. Platinum Blonde Shampoo, Paul Mitchell

About 9 weeks ago, I decided to take the plunge into the blonde realm at the skilled hand of Kristina Shwann (I’m planning to feature her in a style post sometime down the road, she’s absolutely wonderful). Since the first dip, I’m on my way to being platinum, and this shampoo is helping me along beautifully. It is a vibrant purple shampoo to keep away the brassiness and send me packing to platinum planet. Eek, is the blonder the better really true? It costs about $20 at your local salon.

 

3. Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Rosey Nude, Sonia Kashuk

I found this fabulous lippy  the other day, and I couldn’t be happier with it! There is a pretty wide range of all different types of nudes, from Pinky Nude (which I got) to Poppy Nude. They go on super smooth and don’t have that overly dry matte feel like some do. The color is perfect for a lazy day, or even for a glam day with a smokey eye. And BONUS! It’s only $7.59 at Target.

 

4. Silicone Eyeliner Brush, Real Techniques

Achieving a Cat Eye Liner is no easy trick, and it takes quite an amount of practice. I am one of those that has put in some serious hours trying out countless eyeliner pencils, liquid eye liner sticks, and brush on gel liners. Finding this brush brought an end to that search. I now use the Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in black (I’m indifferent about it, any suggestions on a new smooth gel liner?) and a MAC Paint Pot in Rich Ground as my go-to gel liners, but this brush has made all of the difference. I can achieve the thinnest to the thickest cat eye depending on which part of the brush I apply pressure to. Overall, this brush has made my #cateyelinergamestrong. I owe it all to Kroger for $5.99, thanks!

 

5. Bombshell Elixir, Smart Bomb Cosmetics

I know that I just did a post about my Smart Bomb favorites, but I have to owe it to this elixir to made the top of two of my lists. I look forward to the morning when I get to lather up in my maple syrup smelling moisturizer and take on the day. I can’t believe how smooth my skin feels, and my oil production has really been balancing out lately. Stay tuned, I’m going to be posting a Promo Code for a FREE Limited Edition Eyeshadow Duo from SmartBombCosmetics.com with the purchase of either a Bombshell Elixir or SmartElixir ($32). You guys really need to try this stuff out, it will change your life!

 

With all this getting ready I’ve been doing, I spend a lot of time in the bathroom. And if I’m in the mirror primping, chances are I have some music blaring in the background. Here’s been my summer playlist for jamming out in the bathroom, by the pool, and with the windows down (CAUTION: This playlist can cause you to get a little too excited while doing your cat eye liner and end up with wings big enough to make you fly)

 

1. Ultraviolence – Lana Del Rey

2. Chandelier (Four Tet Remix) – Sia

3. Heartbreak Dream (MS MR Remix) – Betty Who

4. Double Bubble Trouble – M.I.A. & The Partysquad

5. Boss Ass Bitch (Remix) – Nicki Minaj feat. PTAF

6. Lady Killers – G-Eazy feat. Hoodie Allen

7. 0 to 100 – Drake

8. West Coast – Lana Del Rey

9. Pay For You – Skizzy Mars feat. G-Eazy

10. Are You That Somebody (Aaliyah Cover) – BANKS.

11. Canna Butter Kisses – Elli Ingram

12. XXX 88 – MO feat. Diplo

13. No Rest For The Wicked (Remix) – Lykke Li feat. A$AP Rocky

14. ***Flawless – Beyonce

15. Lady Patra – Iggy Azalea

16. Girls, Girls, Girls (Urban Noize Remix) – Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey

17. Rooftops – Luke Christopher feat. Asher Roth

 

xoxo,

 

sassy.

 

 

bombshell epidermis.

Products pictured from left to right: “Make Me Blush” in Golden Apricot, “Smart Attack” Acne Treatment, AHA Toner, “Secret Agent” Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium, BombShell Elixir, “Sweet Talk” Creme Lipstick in Sunset Beach and Posh, “Smart to Finish” HD Finishing Powder w/ SPF, Lipgloss/Stain in Radiant Orchid, and SmartBomb Blush Brush.  

I’m just going to give you guys a heads up about this post, it’s a total shameless plug and a fabulous one at that.   

I have been so excited to do a post about this (most of you probably couldn’t care less). Skincare is very important to me. It’s difficult to be a successful makeup artist and not be trained to take care of the skin underneath. I once upon time was a Clinique girl, but I have officially fallen in love with my skincare routine from SmartBomb Cosmetics. It has quickly made a change in not only my skin but also my mindset. I have become wary about the products I’m putting on my skin on a daily basis.  I have never been one to be concerned with the origination of so many products that I use, from foundation to frozen pizza (I REALLY love pizza). For those of you that know me outside the internet, or maybe those of you who keep up with me on my Instagram (@sassykassi11) know that I have a special place in my heart for leather shoes and fur coats. So when Miss Laura told me that all of her skincare products were formulated with all 100% organic ingredients, I was a little wary as the natural life is not typically the life for me. Her products are also completely vegan-friendly and animal-cruelty free.

While I have switched into almost the full line of skincare, here’s some of my favorites:

1. Bombshell Elixir This is one of the most unique products I have ever used. Never did I think that day would come when I would be using oil as a moisturizer, but I can’t go a day without it now! It has a unique formula of Emu Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Tamanu Oil that really helps to actually balance out my oil production through the day. I use it as my moisturizer just in the morning, then go on to alternate between the AHA Night Cream and the Vitamin C Night Cream.

2. Smart Attack Serum This stuff is the shit. Flat out. It has a combination of Emu Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosewood, Bergamot, and other essential oils. During the day, I use it as a spot treatment on areas that are already broke out or are breakout prone. At night, I use a thin layer over almost all of my face. I have noticed the biggest difference in my overall skin quality, as it not only works to rid breakouts faster, but they are not as severe. By far my favorite product!

3. “Get Out” Pore Scrub Coconut Oil to the rescue (yet again).  This Coconut Oil based scrub, used once a week, is a miracle worker. It works to get all that dead gunk deep down in the pores to bring it to a head over night. Just scrub on, wear it like a masque for 20-30 minutes, then use a sponge to wipe off and massage into the skin. Not only does it get rid of all the junk, it also works to nourish the skin overnight as well. Bravo, coconut oil!  

What’s super cool about this line, is that as much as you read about it, it won’t change your skin until you try it! It’s something truly amazing and my skin couldn’t be thanking me any more! Go visit Smartbombcosmetics.com and read about her products, and we’ll send you customized free samples so you can try it all out on your own! Also, this week, I got the be the lucky gal on the bomb squad who recorded our first Youtube Channel tutorial video! I give just an overall guide to our products and how to get the Smart Bomb glow. So go check it out! It’s a little rough and it’s made me realize how weird my voice sounds. Does anybody else hate how they sound on camera? Anybody have any tips for regulating your on-camera voice?   Go watch the video, and let me know what you think 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpOMG1690ug  

xoxo,

sassy.

XX

Since I invited you on this journey with me, I figured that I may as well start from the heart and be real with you.

I LOVE BEING A WOMAN.

I really do (okay, 97% of the time I do. The other 3% is reserved for when I can’t get my eyeliner exactly even or when I cry during a chick flick).

Being a woman is a very empowering thing, yet so many find it is as a barrier to hide behind. I love that our culture is starting to embrace women at the forefront; from Michelle Obama to Beyoncé to Jennifer Lawrence and Ellen DeGeneres. Women are becoming a booming voice in the cultural dialogue and it is something to keep our ears tuned to. The female presence is strong in almost all aspects of music, fashion, politics, etc. I really admire that. These women did not get to their coveted positions without first being confident in their own skin. We ought to wake up every morning and confidently tell ourselves, “I am a beautiful woman and I am a powerful force to be reckoned with.” We ought to look into the mirror and embrace every curve, stretch mark, and scar that is forever a part of our bodies. Being a woman is a beautiful gift to be given, not a curse to feel victimized by. We were granted these bodies and when we start to realize the beauty in that is when we start to embrace our potential.

I can finally say that at 21 years of age, I am on a daily journey to embrace that. I love all 160 pounds of my 5 foot, 8 inch frame.But I, like many women, couldn’t always say that was true. Don’t worry; I’m not going to drag you through my bout of self-esteem issues as a 17 year old high school girl, because we have all heard the stories a thousand times. I had to honestly take a good look in the mirror (by now, you have learned that I look in the mirror frequently, which I encourage everyone to do so often) and decide to accept myself for the curvy gal I am, and be proud. For me, being confident in my exterior shell gave me the freedom to feel like my interior self could be more accurately and openly expressed. Once I finally felt like I could express myself through my outward appearance, the journey began. I got to ditch my American Eagle filled wardrobe and embark into a closet filled with leather pants, velvet dresses, wacky prints and fur coats. Which, to be honest, makes getting dressed A LOT more fun.

ANYWAYS.

Here’s a few #transformation(almost)tuesday pictures circa 2006/2007.

My wardrobe choices nowadays are guided by risk, creativity, fearlessness and the color black. I never thought I would have the confidence to dress the way I do now, but boy, am I glad I had the courage to give it a try. What’s your driving force in your everyday wardrobe?

See what a little confidence can do? Keep reading, and I’ll let everybody in on some of my favorite fashion inspirations and what the hell goes through my head when I start getting ready for the day!

xoxo,

sassy.