I'm Back & Arrested Development

I realize I've been gone for what seems like forever, but guess what? I'm back! After being caught up and intertwined with something called life, I have much insight into tackling its challenges and obstacles, or I like to think so. I intend on using this little blog to share what I have encountered, learned and whatever else in the past year or so with my grand/non-existent audience.

To start things off on a good foot, here is an Arrested Development mish mash for you.

Is it hilarious? Hell yes.

Arrrgh, Boys!

I'll forever remember the very first poster I purchased my freshmen year of college at a poster and art fair on campus. It was this one:

I had just gotten out of a relationship and this was my way of flippin' the bird at the world that I was done with dating for a long time. I would never actually run around in rage with my middle fingers in the air (even though I wanted to) and revolt against the male species, so this had to do.

I bring this up today because I feel this same kind of grudge seven years later towards men, *ahem* I mean, boys.

Fun and Flirty

I just found this bargain buy from Ann Taylor Loft for $29.99. Did you hear me? $29.99! I absolutely love the style and shape of the dress. Since I'm a big fan of versatile outfits, I love it that much more. It would be perfect for picnics, summer shopping, poolside lounging, casual weekend adventures and even dates! It's fun and flirty, you'd definitely catch some eyes. Slip on a pair of sandals, grab your sunglasses and you're set.

To buy or not to buy?

No Texting At Work?

Today I got asked by the HR head about how I felt about texting at work. I was confused at first because I wasn't sure if this was a trick question, but she said it was because she wanted to know more about my generation. I guess it makes sense. I mean, I am one of the youngest, if not the youngest person at work and I would be able to provide honest feedback on what's acceptable in the work place.

Of course I explained to her that texting has become a social norm and it's common for us to exchange text messages with our parents, families, friends and even coworkers. So, as long as it wasn't affecting our work performance, it's something that shouldn't need monitoring or regulating at work. If there were rules about how often you could text or use your cell phone throughout the day, hiring younger generations would be difficult. It was an out of the blue topic of conversation, but an interesting one.

This One Is An Iffy

There have been plenty of times I've tried something on thinking that it was going to look great but turns out making me look like a whale. Come on, we've all done it. This is why I have such a hard time purchasing clothes and shoes online. You just NEVER know what it'll look like, unless you happen to be one of the fortunate ones with the perfect body that looks good even in a potato sack.

Take this Charlotte Russe dress for example. It's very romantic and soft with the detailing around the bust and neck area of the halter. The layers add an element of whispy-ness that makes the dress a bit flirty. However, just from looking at the dress, it looks like it could be super cute or make you prego, two very extremes. It's a bargain buy for $29.99, but I probably wouldn't purchase it online. Would you? What are your thoughts?

Gettin' Crafty

I take pictures. Lots of pictures. Whether it's visiting friends, going on a weekend adventure or just wandering around, I'm the one straggling behind barely keeping up with the group because I'm pointing my camera at all angles to make sure I'm getting all the good stuff. What can I say? I love looking back and remembering the good memories, so I want to make sure I've captured each and every joyous moment. Usually what happens next is I download all my pictures onto my laptop and store them on an external hard drive. They'll sit there for days, weeks and months and once a blue moon I'll decide to click through random dates to see which historic/epic moments I've forgotten about. Within a couple of seconds I'll chuckle to myself, "OH MAN...oh gosh!" "teehee hee, how embarassing!" "oh my gosh... I look horrible!" as I click through picture after picture. *click click...click-click-click*

Over the past few years, I've gotten quite fancy and purchased digital picture frames. They are really neat. If you don't have one yet, I highly, HIGHLY recommend looking into getting one or two or three for yourself. I love how I can give a quick glance at the frame each time I walk by and see a new picture. It's a *surprise* every time. However, although I'm a huge gadget queen and super pro-digital frames, there is something, just a little something that is unsatisfying about them. It took me awhile to figure it out, but I think it has something to do with the fact that the framed photo is fleeting. It probably is my fault though because I upload hundreds of photos for each frame. Regardless, the frame is more like a mini monitor to me. The essence of having a unique and special frame for a genuine moment is lost.

So, here was my solution: Paint and design your own frame! It's super simple and a lot of fun, especially on a Saturday afternoon.

I picked up some plain wooden picture frames, paint and paint brushes from the local craft store. Then, get this... I painted the wooden frames with the paint and paint brushes I bought!


Out of all the picture frames I own, these are my absolute favorite. And no, it's not because I made them, but because they're unique and it gives my room a very homey kind of feel. I love it. Do you?

Savvy Copy Cat #1

When I flip through magazines, I'll occasionally come across an outfit I absolutely adore. That is, until I see the glaring price tag for the gorgeous pieces. $278 for a solid button down? Heavens! That's a fashion heartbreaker. Fortunately, you can put together an almost identical masterpiece for a small fraction of the cost.

I've put together two adorable light peach ensemble. One with designer pieces and another with brands that settles with my wallet. Take a look and see if you can guess which one is which at initial glance. No cheating!

Well? Which is the Fabulously Savvy outfit and which is the designer? Got your answer?
If you guessed the top as the Fabulously Savvy, you're correct! The bottom one is the designer.

Compare the two here:
Miss Peachy CC by Miss FS
Miss Peachy by Miss FS

They're slightly different, but the overall look and concept is very similar.

Let's do some quick math:
Designer vs. Copy Cat
Dress: Chickdowntown.com $440 vs. Forever21 $24.80
Shoes: Christian Louboutin $797.94 vs. Topshop.com $85.22
Purse: Roberto Cavalli $482.50 vs. ArdenB $38.00
Necklace: Marnie Rocks $175 vs. Rue La La $29.00
Ring: Beladora2.com $295 vs. Buckle $10

Total: $2190.44 vs. $187.02 That's a whopping difference of $2003.42 Yowzas!

How's that for being a bargain shopper? =)

Contact

If you have a question or a request, feel free to email me at:

fabulouslysavvy [at] gmail [dot] com

I look forward to hearing from you!

What Is Fabulously Savvy?

Fabulously Savvy is a working girl's outlet of tips, tricks and useful FYI's on living the fab life by being savvy.

With the dipping economy, there's no better time to be extra conscious about our financial health. It's hard to gauge how safe and secure we are because things always seem to go sour last minute. Fortunately, being smart doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our addiction to shopping, scoping out new hot spots, cooking, eating right, and entertaining. Compromise maybe, but not give it up. Here, I'll be sharing my bargain deal discoveries and tips to living fabulously, without breaking the bank. All you need is a little bit if savviness.