Indulge me: Girly treats to survive winter

Tough life – as a TV personality and Co-Owner of SkorchStyle, an online resource for plus-size fashionistas, Carrie’s got to spend her days scoping out clothes, accessories and beauty products.

Any excuse to indulge in my girly splurges is a good one — especially winter. Winter is a perfect time to celebrate the absolute-inner-princess in every woman. Here are a few of my current, must-have feminine indulgences. Oh swoon! :)

1. Cashmere. Must have cashmere. It’s soft and beautiful.

2. Strawberry-based perfume. I know that we are right in the middle of winter, but these scents help to ease winter blues with a sexy and summery scent. Mmm. Delicious.

Estee Lauder’s pleasures delight is a floral confection blending notes of juicy Pomegranate, whipped Strawberry Meringue and tempting Caramel with a sprinkling of Sugared Rose Petals, dewy Freesia, White Peony and Fresh Greens. How can I resist? :)

Yummy! The Strawberries and Champagne collection from Victoria’s Secret! Items are sold separately, starting at about $10.

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Posted January 8, 2008 in Fashion, apparel

‘Tis the season: Gift ideas for sibs, ‘rents and friends

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Shopping for my friends and family around the holidays is super-stressful. Lately I’ve been putting off my Christmas shopping, saying, “Ahh, I’ll just do it tomorrow…or next weekend…”

That kind of denial only gets me into trouble. Instead of going to buy a gift for my mother, I’ll procrastinate and stay home, curled up in my warm bed reading a good book. My justification? “But it’s been such a long day!”

But, shopping online for gifts instead is a great alternative. I can stay in my PJ’s, and it’s basically killing two birds with one stone–shopping and wrapping done at once (most online retailers offer free gift wrapping near the holidays).

The Mark by Avon Little Black Box can be customized with whatever combinations of makeup you desire. There are some pre-selected options, but it’s more fun to create a unique combo, don’t you think? It’s a great deal (about $6) and perfect for stocking stuffers for friends/cousins/nieces/etc.

My best friend Lisa is a make-up fiend. She adores Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.), as do I, for their unbelievably inexpensive make-up. This “Ultimate Kit” is only–wait for it–$15. I know Lisa would just love this…and because she lives on the other side of the country, this kit would be easy to ship, as it isn’t perishable or a weird-shaped item.

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Posted December 7, 2007 in Fashion, People, apparel