[Anonymous]

Just started my new job and after looking around at what everyone was wearing, I feel I need to step up my business casual attire! Does anyone recommend any good places to get work clothes that won’t break the bank?

[Anonymous]

I can't believe I forgot to mention the most important fashion advice when I posted earlier…Jeff, I hope this isn't too inappropriate.

It does not matter what you wear if you do not have a good foundation to your outfit. Go get fitted for a bra by a professional at a high end department store (I prefer Nordstroms). Victoria's Secret sucks. I went to VS and got fitted for a bra. Then I immediately went to Nordstrom to get fitted. The Nordstrom associate said that I needed a bra that was FOUR sizes bigger. She couldn't believe what VS was trying to say I wore. Now that I have a bra that fits properly, I look thinner and my clothes fit better. Spend money on good bras!!

Skincare is another one of my obsessions. If you take care of your skin, your makeup will look better, you will be able to wear less, and I think it generally just makes you more confident. For skincare, I love Paula's Choice! It has seriously been life changing. My initial purchase was this: https://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Clear-Blemish-Control/_/CLEAR-Regular-Strength-Two-Week-Trial-Kit/ . At the end of the first week, my skin looked amazing. My acne was gone (even my painful cystic acne!!). My skintone looked more even. My pores were smaller. I had a healthy glow. Since then I have tried a lot of their samples and I don't think I have been disappointed in any of them. You can email the company to ask specific questions or to see what they recommend (sometimes they will even send free sample packets). They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so what is there to lose?

For makeup, I recommend going into Sephora or Ulta and finding the sales associate whose makeup you like the most. Ask them what they recommend.You can even ask for samples. The makeup that works for one person may not work for another person. I know that Sephora's makeup is more expensive than the department store brands, but it is worth it! If I buy the wrong color or I simply just don't like the product, I can return it. The foundation is a higher quality, so I use less of it–I may be spending twice as much, but the bottle lasts twice as long. There are lots of great tutorials on YouTube to help you with makeup (my favorite is MakeupByTiffanyD). You don't have to spend a ton of time on makeup to look good. I can do my work makeup in about 5 minutes. My going out makeup takes about 15 minutes.

Here is what I use:

Primer–Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel (this $6 product works just as well as my $50 Smashbox primer)

Foundation–Makeup Forever HD foundation (https://www.sephora.com/hd-invisible-cover-foundation-P217905?skuId=1096908)

Blush–NARS in Orgasm (I think this shade is flattering on most women) (https://www.sephora.com/blush-P2855?skuId=248930)

Setting Powder–BareMinerals Mineral Veil (https://www.sephora.com/mineral-veil-P61004?skuId=1073014)

Dark Circles–Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser (https://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3490149)

Concealer–Smashbox Camera Ready (https://www.sephora.com/camera-ready-full-coverage-concealer-P156212?skuId=942003)

Mascara–CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion (https://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2910041)

Eyeshadow–Urban Decay Naked Original (https://www.sephora.com/naked-palette-P267200?skuId=1324532)

Eyeliner–Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (https://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=VP10744)

If your eyebrows are thin, fill them in with powder.

Also, ditto the person that mentioned manicures and just generally trying to look well put together. You can DIY manicures. You don't even have to paint your nails. Just clean up the cuticles and hangnails, trim/file/buff your nails, and moisturize. If your polish chips, remove it.

[MintsRGood]

Amen BananaPancakes, you are 100% correct! An ill-fitting bra will cut in to your back and sides to create odd lumps and bumps, even if you are a size 0! Also keep in mind that bras you wear to the office should be ahem, ahem, ahem,”supportive” enough to keep the rest of us from realizing that you are cold. Nothing says to your boss, co-workers, and clients “stop listening and start creeping” quite like parading around the office with your high-beams on. A good bra will make you look 10 pounds lighter and will be way more comfortable throughout the day!

@Jennifer241 Nice haul!!!! Yesterday I was feeling pretty down in the dumps about my FAR 74 so I took myself out shopping to cheer up, ha! I had a feast at Panera and then I went to Marshalls and found a $200 Ralph Lauren long cable sweater for $50, a $170 Ralph Lauren carmel colored super soft leather tote for $70, and a $120 wool sweater for $30.

Here is a link to my favorite blog with a great post about DIY manicures, enjoy!

https://www.thecollegeprepster.com/2013/07/how-to-paint-your-own-nails.html

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[MintsRGood]

Amen BananaPancakes, you are 100% correct! An ill-fitting bra will cut in to your back and sides to create odd lumps and bumps, even if you are a size 0! Also keep in mind that bras you wear to the office should be ahem, ahem, ahem,”supportive” enough to keep the rest of us from realizing that you are cold. Nothing says to your boss, co-workers, and clients “stop listening and start creeping” quite like parading around the office with your high-beams on. A good bra will make you look 10 pounds lighter and will be way more comfortable throughout the day!

@Jennifer241 Nice haul!!!! Yesterday I was feeling pretty down in the dumps about my FAR 74 so I took myself out shopping to cheer up, ha! I had a feast at Panera and then I went to Marshalls and found a $200 Ralph Lauren long cable sweater for $50, a $170 Ralph Lauren carmel colored super soft leather tote for $70, and a $120 wool sweater for $30.

Here is a link to my favorite blog with a great post about DIY manicures, enjoy!

https://www.thecollegeprepster.com/2013/07/how-to-paint-your-own-nails.html

REG: 75 DONE 🙂
AUD: 61, 71, 68, 92 DONE 🙂
BEC: 76 DONE 🙂
FAR: 72, 74, 79 DONE 🙂
Licensed Michigan CPA 🙂
-Some people dream of success...others wake up and work hard for it!!!
-The cowards never start and the weak die along the way!
-You better work, b***h!
-Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.-JFK

[Jennifer241]

@Mints

Good haul as well! I love Marshalls too! I need a good handbag and am snooping around at the more expensive ones now, since the last one I bought looks horrible and isn't even a year old.

AUD - Jan 9,13 Pass
REG - Aug 30,13 Pass
BEC - Oct 26,13 Pass
FAR - Dec 4,13 Pass

Licensed CPA in the state of Oregon

[Jennifer241]

@Mints

Good haul as well! I love Marshalls too! I need a good handbag and am snooping around at the more expensive ones now, since the last one I bought looks horrible and isn't even a year old.

AUD - Jan 9,13 Pass
REG - Aug 30,13 Pass
BEC - Oct 26,13 Pass
FAR - Dec 4,13 Pass

Licensed CPA in the state of Oregon

[mmorf]

Another money saving tip: you can buy legitimate unused/unwanted gift cards for a lot of shops via websites like Raise.com, Cardpool.com, etc.

The % savings vary but it's just another way to save some more cash. I have purchased cards for Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Homegoods for as much as 19% the face value.

[mmorf]

Another money saving tip: you can buy legitimate unused/unwanted gift cards for a lot of shops via websites like Raise.com, Cardpool.com, etc.

The % savings vary but it's just another way to save some more cash. I have purchased cards for Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Homegoods for as much as 19% the face value.

[nbad311]

hahahahaa Mints re: ‘headlights' !

SERIOUS NAIL QUESTION: How do you ladies feel about gel nails? I got them for the first time earlier this year, then for my wedding, then once more since then, and gosh they are GREAT with how long they last and how when they “dry”, they're really dry and there's no smudging!

But I can't seem to get over how BADLY they DESTROY your nails when you get them “removed” a.k.a. knife-scraped off. My nails end up completely frayed and destroyed and weak until the entire thing can grow out. I think I'm going to save gel manicures for special occasions.

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[nbad311]

hahahahaa Mints re: ‘headlights' !

SERIOUS NAIL QUESTION: How do you ladies feel about gel nails? I got them for the first time earlier this year, then for my wedding, then once more since then, and gosh they are GREAT with how long they last and how when they “dry”, they're really dry and there's no smudging!

But I can't seem to get over how BADLY they DESTROY your nails when you get them “removed” a.k.a. knife-scraped off. My nails end up completely frayed and destroyed and weak until the entire thing can grow out. I think I'm going to save gel manicures for special occasions.

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[neika822]

@nbad – do you mean gel fake nails or the gel nail polish? Both butcher my nails, but the gel fake nails even more so.

I haven't had fake nails since my college graduation because of that. I do like the gel nail polish, but then came the news that the UV light isn't so great for your skin (probably fine in moderation, though). And the cost to get them done. With the polish, I like to get either a french or a very light pink, because when they grow out you can't really ‘notice'. Or I just paint over the polish until they mostly grow out or the polish starts to come off on its own.

My nails suck at growing (and I usually nervously bite them). IF I put any sort of polish on, it stops me from biting my nails and they grow a bit better. But that takes time, haha.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[neika822]

@nbad – do you mean gel fake nails or the gel nail polish? Both butcher my nails, but the gel fake nails even more so.

I haven't had fake nails since my college graduation because of that. I do like the gel nail polish, but then came the news that the UV light isn't so great for your skin (probably fine in moderation, though). And the cost to get them done. With the polish, I like to get either a french or a very light pink, because when they grow out you can't really ‘notice'. Or I just paint over the polish until they mostly grow out or the polish starts to come off on its own.

My nails suck at growing (and I usually nervously bite them). IF I put any sort of polish on, it stops me from biting my nails and they grow a bit better. But that takes time, haha.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Anonymous]

@Jennifer241 I”m glad you treated yourself! If you have a really good thrift/consignment store they can be a great source for handbags. We have one in town that is “high end.” Meaning they have expensive, gently used bags for 1/2 price or less than retail. I'm still kicking my self over a $100 black leather kate spade bag I saw awhile ago and didn't get.

I hit up Macy's this weekend in search of a dress for various Christmas parties. They have a really great selection there right now. A lot of their stuff is marked at 40-50% off in the store. Ended up with this one:

https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-lace-peplum-dress?ID=1105257&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26PRICE%3D100.0%7C249.99%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D247%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D7

It was on sale for $100, less my 20% off coupon put me at $80. Not the cheapest dress I ever bought, but I don't have a “little black dress” and this one fit the bill without being too “trampy.”

Also, ladies I recommend reading this book. I've gotten several ideas out of it. Its pretty short and good to use as a reference later:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Look-Expensive-Gorgeous-Breaking/dp/1592407234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385403206&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+look+expensive

[Anonymous]

@Jennifer241 I”m glad you treated yourself! If you have a really good thrift/consignment store they can be a great source for handbags. We have one in town that is “high end.” Meaning they have expensive, gently used bags for 1/2 price or less than retail. I'm still kicking my self over a $100 black leather kate spade bag I saw awhile ago and didn't get.

I hit up Macy's this weekend in search of a dress for various Christmas parties. They have a really great selection there right now. A lot of their stuff is marked at 40-50% off in the store. Ended up with this one:

https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-lace-peplum-dress?ID=1105257&CategoryID=5449&LinkType=#fn=COLOR%3DBlack%26PRICE%3D100.0%7C249.99%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D247%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D7

It was on sale for $100, less my 20% off coupon put me at $80. Not the cheapest dress I ever bought, but I don't have a “little black dress” and this one fit the bill without being too “trampy.”

Also, ladies I recommend reading this book. I've gotten several ideas out of it. Its pretty short and good to use as a reference later:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Look-Expensive-Gorgeous-Breaking/dp/1592407234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385403206&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+look+expensive

[nbad311]

@neika – the gel polish. I've never had the fake nails. Yeah, I hread the UV thing is terrible for your hands too but agree, in moderation I bet it's ok.

@bluegirl LOVE that dress! very cute for holiday parties!

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[nbad311]

@neika – the gel polish. I've never had the fake nails. Yeah, I hread the UV thing is terrible for your hands too but agree, in moderation I bet it's ok.

@bluegirl LOVE that dress! very cute for holiday parties!

REG - 65, 70, 80!
BEC - 35, 62, 79!
AUD - 73, 75!
FAR - 65, 73, 70, 75! DONE.

[Author]

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