Tag: Shopping Guide

FREDDY USA: The Best Jeans to ACCENTUATE YOUR WAIST

Published on by Lee5 Comments

When you take a photo, it’s all about knowing your angles—chin down, back arched, whatever works for you, right? The same mindset applies when you’re dressing for your body. Knowing the silhouettes that flatter your frame makes it that much easier when deciding what to wear. If you’re going for an outfit that accentuates your waist, it all starts with a great pair of high-rise jeans. Simple tip, we know, but part of feeling your best and loving your body starts with being confident and comfortable in your clothing—no matter your personal style or shape.

The beauty of high-rise jeans is the silhouette snatches at the smallest part of your waist and elongates your legs, lending the illusion of longer stems. Oldest trick in the book, but for good reason—because it works. Shop my picks for high-rise jeans this season below.

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What is Freddy: Freddy WR.UP is patented technology designed to lift, boost and support you in all the right places.

Originating in Italy, Freddy has been synonymous with sportswear and fashion for over 40 years with a passion focused on the art of movement.

Freddy combines Italian design, strategic stitching, stretchy fabrics and ultra-light silicone to shape, smooth and accentuate making Freddy a worldwide label that has since become an addiction for over 6 million women due to its extreme comfort and style.

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WR.UP® Denim

High Waisted 7/8 Length Black + Black Stitching $167: SHOP NOW

WR.UP® Denim

High Waisted 7/8 Length Light Blue + Yellow Stitching $167: SHOP NOW

WR.UP® Denim

High Waisted 7/8 Length Dark Blue + Yellow Stitching $167: SHOP NOW

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WR.UP® Denim

Dungaree 7/8 Length Dark Blue + Yellow Stitching $180: SHOP NOW

WR.UP® Denim

Dungaree 7/8 Length Black + Black Stitching $180: SHOP NOW

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HEALTHIER WAYS to Use Fragrance

Published on by Lee5 Comments

THIS BLOG POST WAS SPONSORED BY DOSSIER! HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE! I SAID WHAT I SAID!

By now it’s been made woefully clear that some of our old tried and true favorite beauty products might not be the very best for our bodies. Potentially harmful chemicals and synthetics can build up in our systems, cause imbalances, and are generally toxic. So what’s a girl to do when her signature scent isn’t squeaky clean?

We won’t make you throw out a fragrance that makes you feel special. You know what we mean—that nostalgic, warm and fuzzy smell that makes tears spring to your ex’s eyes because you’ve always smelled like that—it’s your special smell. Or, maybe you’ve fallen head over heels for a new fragrance and you just can’t get it out of your mind. Chances are, you’re not finding an exact replica that does the same magical mingling with your body chemistry in a non-toxic brand.

Dossier

Discover quality fragrances inspired by the iconic rich scents you love.

price depends, the fragrance is either $29 or $39. Use code: LEE10 for money off!

Here is the link: https://dossier.co/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=bloggers&utm_medium=BELLA%E2%80%99S%20BOUTIQUE10

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What you can do is try using your favorite (not-so-clean-beauty) scents in smarter, healthier ways. Instead of dousing your delicate endocrine system, aka spraying directly onto your lymph nodes at your throat, wrist, or other sensitive places, try somewhere else.

Give your hair a spritz after it’s styled. The scent will cling to your fibrous strands in a heavenly cloud around your face, and create a little breeze of your favorite aroma when you whip around town. It doesn’t need to land directly on your scalp or seep into your skin, and you don’t need a lot.

Or, try misting your clothes. You can spritz it on a scarf, a sweater, or your top, all before putting the piece on so your scent lingers without clinging to your sensitive areas all day, or requiring reapplication. You can spritz a cotton kerchief and tuck it into a drawer to have a subtle tinge of your scent last all day on all your foldables as well!

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Most people assume that applying fragrance is easy. One spritz on your neck and another on your wrist, and that’s pretty much it, right? Trust us, there’s so much more to it! And considering the average price point of designer perfume, we don’t want to waste a drop. The good news is, once you’ve read this post, you’ll be ready to make the most of every last gorgeous drop of your fragrance. Here are four common fragrance mistakes and what you should be doing instead.

Storing Fragrances Incorrectly

Storing fragrances incorrectly degrades the fragrance. Hot temperatures affect the chemical bonds in fragrance while if the temperature is too low, that can also alter the fragrance more quickly. Ideally, your perfumes need to be stored in a cool, dark place with a room temperature between 16 to 22 degrees. This means storing perfume in your bathroom or anywhere the temperature fluctuates is a big no-no. Similarly, direct sunlight will also break down fragrance so do not store them on a window or even shelves near a window. Look for bottles with dark or opaque glass packaging, which will help protect the perfume from sunlight.

Applying Fragrance to Dry Skin

Perfume doesn’t wear well on dry skin, which is just another reason to moisturizer daily. Ideally, you should use the accompanying body lotion that comes with your fragrance or an unscented moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This will also ensure that there’s no olfactory interference.

Our fave perfume hack: Perfume lasts longer when applied to oily, damp skin, so to lock in the scent, rub vaseline onto your pulse points before application.

Carrying Fragrance in Your Purse

If you carry your fragrance in your purse, you’re not only exposing it to different temperatures, but you’ll also cause the bottle to move around constantly. By shaking the bottle, you’ll expose the perfume to excess air, which will breakdown and disrupt the fragrance over time.

If you do want to carry a scent with you while you’re on the go, we’d recommend the travel scent Dossier gives you when you purchase a 50mL fragrance, $29. You can also buy these Portable Mini Refillable Perfume Spray Bottles, $10, that you can fill with your fave fragrances, which are perfect for when you travel or to keep in your handbag while your perfume is safely stored at home.

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Savoring your Fragrance

As much as we love to savor our beauty products, holding onto your favorite fragrance means that more often than not, by the time you reach the end of the bottle, the fragrance will have altered slightly. The more oxygen into the bottle (like when you’ve used 70% of your perfume), the more the fragrance molecules will break down and modify the fragrance.

This means investing in a large bottle is not always a good idea, in fact, it often better to purchase a smaller bottle to keep the fragrance fresh. If your go-to fragrance is only available in a large bottle, decant the liquid into small vials and store your half-empty bottles in the fridge.

For more fragrance inspo, check out FRAGRANCES TO GIFT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH, PURELY BASED ON PERSONALITY.

THIS BLOG POST WAS SPONSORED BY DOSSIER! HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE! I SAID WHAT I SAID!

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Fragrances to Gift Your Loved Ones With, Purely Based on Personality

Published on by Lee5 Comments

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to Dossier for gifting and sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own and is always honest. Also, be advised my videos and posts contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (pay) through links and codes that is provided. This does NOT change the quality of the product and this does NOT affect you in any way.

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A signature style, drink, or selfie face—everyone has a certain something that makes them unique, and that often includes a signature scent. But we all know that finding a perfume that reflects all our personality traits is hard, and finding one for others is even harder. Will my free-spirited friend like something youthful or fresh? Would my mother wear something mysterious or timeless? These are the questions that can be too hard to answer on our own, especially when out holiday shopping.

With that in mind, I was happy when Dossier reached out and asked if BeautyLeeBar wanted to do a collab…of course I said yes. What is Dossier? The dossier is a brand that offers affordable fragrances that has the same scents as a luxury brand like Chanel and Tom Ford. Dossier fragrances are also vegan, cruelty-free with 100% clean ingredients as well as a focus on sustainability. At $29 and $39, you can rest easy, knowing you made a smart choice for your skin, your health, and the environment.

grasse, a town on the french riviera

Dossier strives to design scents that exceed expectations. The dossier only sources their fragrances from Grasse, a town on the French Riviera long considered the world’s perfume capital. Using the same scent designers like many of the world’s most celebrated fragrance houses, Dossier strives to craft the best quality, cleanly made, products possible.

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My scents consists of White floral, Jasmine, Lavender and Citrus. With that being said, it can be sometimes difficult to find scents that isn’t overbearing, but still has that classic loving fresh scent. Dossier helps match you to the perfect fragrance(s) by having you answer ONLY 6 easy questions. At the end of the questionnaire, are the scents that best reflect you. Dossier is having up to 25% off and I was gifted a special present for you guys. Dossier and I came up with code: LEE10 so all my BEAUTIES can save more this holiday without emptying the bank. And gentlements, this is for you too! Dossier is for anyone that is looking to smell good. When you smell good you feel good!

Dossier is my new go-to destination for fragrance. With Dossier having all your favorite luxury scents at a affordable cost, it is kinda hard to not share this news with everyone like coworkers, crushes, family and customers….Am I right or am I right! Everyone is cover including yourself. The best part is each fragrance comes with its’ own travel scent as well and if the scent isn’t up to your liking, you have 30-days to send it back and get your money back ( Full refund ). Just consider it our holiday/birthday present to you.

Dossier

Discover quality fragrances inspired by the iconic rich scents you love.

price depends, the fragrance is either $29 or $39. Use code: LEE10 for money off!

Here is the link: https://dossier.co/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=bloggers&utm_medium=BELLA%E2%80%99S%20BOUTIQUE10

All I’m saying is, I have never had a complaint, ONLY COMPLIMENTS! Head over to Dossier now and purchase quality fragrances with iconic scents, the same scents that Armani and Chanel has just at a affordable price.

dossier.co

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WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO FRAGRANCE SCENT(S)? AND HAS IT CHANGED SINCE WE BEEN IN PADEMIC? COMMENT BELOW!

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to Dossier for gifting and sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own and is always honest. Also, be advised my videos and posts contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (pay) through links and codes that is provided. This does NOT change the quality of the product and this does NOT affect you in any way.

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RECOGNIZE YOUR SHOPPING TRIGGERS

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Today it’s time to take a look at some of the reasons why we overspend and impulse shop.

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You’re a smart, savvy, level headed person and so am I, yet, we’ve both been there. That moment when you look at your visa statement and feel your heart sink. What? No, it can’t be. But how? If you’re like me you’ve overspent on things you don’t need on more than one occasion (okay fine, on many!) and it’s not something you’re 100% proud of. Sometimes logic gives way to desire but nothing kills the new shoe buzz like realizing your visa bill is more than double your monthly bills.

Maybe you don’t get into too much overspending trouble but you’re inclined to pick things up on a whim. Then get home or get the parcel and realize it’s not you or it doesn’t go with anything or a long list of other undesirable options. Whatever it ended up in your closet for 6 months or more and, with the tags still on, eventually finds it’s way into a clothing donation bin. Not the epic journey you had in mind for it originally. That pesky fear of missing out gets the better of us all!

The good news is we’re ready to make a change for the better. So let’s take a look at some shopping triggers because knowledge is power and it’s time to get savvy!

Here’s my take on some common triggers for impulse shopping and overspending:

1. Being Human

So it turns out that just being human is reason enough to be inclined to overspend and impulse shop. Our brains have figured out that shopping is a fabulous way to trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Shopping connects the association between buying something new and feeling good. That emotional reward becomes ingrained and suddenly it’s a habit that won’t let up.

I don’t have any serious suggestions on how to avoid being human but it helps to know what your brain is up to sometimes. If you’re hankering for a dopamine release or itching to shop, try to acknowledge it and switch up your reward. This could be anything from treating yourself to a green tea latte to signing up for a class you’ve been meaning to try. You may discover that your brain is not as foolproof as you think.

2. Discount Dangle

We all know this one, yet it’s probably the most common reason we end up with an overstuffed closet and nothing to wear. Recently, I saw a Bottega Veneta sandal, and at $900 it was a little too much and just a little ‘meh’ but at 60% off I was suddenly telling myself it’s pretty great shoe. Retailers are counting on this internal change of heart to help us leap but if you wouldn’t buy it at full price do you really want it at all? Of course, there are exceptions but for the most part, it’s best not to succumb to marketing trickery.

Ways to avoid discount dangle:

  •  Shop with an explicit list of what you need and stick to it. Define each item as much as possible so your ‘must-haves’ are clear. If you’re tempted by something but it doesn’t meet the exact requirements of your list, then it’s not going to satisfy.
  • It’s not a deal if you don’t need it. I try to keep this in mind when I’m tempted by sales.

3. Browsing Badlands

Maybe you’re on your lunch break or you’re waiting on feedback from a client or maybe it’s a cold night and you’re curled up in with a corgi and the Zara app (I may or may not have just described all my go-to browsing times). Wherever you are, you’re browsing and you’re coming across some pretty tasty morsels that are ever so easily hopping into your virtual cart. I’ve been there so many times and just when I think I’m safe, I find myself hitting the checkout button instead of closing the Safari app. GAH!

Ways to avoid the browsing badlands:

  • Unsubscribe from newsletters. This is by far my most trusted technique to avoid online shopping trouble. What I don’t know about sales and new arrivals, can’t hurt me.
  • Get away from your desk at lunch or try to take a quick walk once an hour to get the blood flowing and put your mind on something else.
  • Can’t getaway? Try hiding your bookmarks bar and fully closing your browser application after each use, don’t just minimize the window.
  • Get a good book. At night when I’m inclined to give in to the hypnosis that is Pinterest, a good read will often save me from myself.
  • Refer back to your well-defined list to help stop your brain from getting attached to things you don’t need.

4. Credit Card Bliss

Loss aversion is a basic economic principle and refer’s to our general tendency to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains. In theory, if I lost $100 I’d have lost more emotional satisfaction than I would gain if I won $100. In reality, I see that gorgeous leather bag but I’m not ready to part with the cash it costs to get it. Credit cards, however, make us feel like we’re not paying for things. At least not yet. So we’re much more inclined to cough up the credit than we are the cash. Not to mention the added incentives to buy with credit and earn points or reward miles etc.

Use the theory of loss aversion to your advantage:

  • Try setting up your PayPal to draw directly from your bank account. I know I’m not so nonchalant about a new pair of jeans when that hard-earned cash is coming right out of my checking account.
  • When you go shopping only bring your budget with you. If it’s $1000 take that out in cash and leave the credit card at home or pick up a pre-paid one. It’s hard to overspend with empty pockets.

5. High/Low Reward

This is a trigger many can relate to I’m sure. You’ve had a great day at work and you’re ready to treat yourself. Or maybe your day wasn’t so great actually and you just need a little pick me up. Shopping is an emotional management technique. We shop to ‘feel’ better, ride the high, unwind or relax and take our minds off a crazy day but the fix is temporary. Plus, there’s a good chance at these moments we’re not thinking our clearest or most practically.

Ways to avoid high and low impulses:

  • Plan alternate activities during the times you’re most inclined to shop for a mood boost. Maybe it’s an epic at-home pamper session complete with wine, a new magazine, and a bubble bath. Maybe it’s a delicious meal you can make from scratch.
  • Do something good for you. Maybe it’s taking the dog for a long walk or calling a friend you don’t see often or maybe it’s planning out and preparing awesome breakfasts for a whole week.

6. For Fun

Let’s not get too much of a hate-on for shopping here ok? It’s a blast! It’s a great way to spend some time, invigorate your senses, and get your creative juices flowing. There’s a thrill in imagining new outfits and anticipating the first time you’ll get to wear a new piece. But when it starts getting the better of your emotions, time or money, not so much.

Ways to have fun with fashion, not shopping:

  • Shop your closet. Pull everything out and start trying things on. You’ll be surprised to find a few hidden gems and it’s a great way to purge the excess.
  • Try a clothing swap with friends.
  • Check out this awesome Into-Mind post on Ways To Break Out of a Style Rut and Feel Inspired Again.

7. To Fill A Void

I saved this one for last because I think it might be my worst trigger and it can disguise itself brilliantly. When we feel a lack of confidence or control in our lives we seek out ways to pacify those feelings. If there is something to do with our appearance that we don’t feel good about we might buy new clothes or beauty products to hide or help it but it doesn’t go away. If we lack a sense of self-worth we might try to compensate by buying the latest bag or shoes. When we feel like we have no control over events in life we might buy things to feel like we have some say in what goes on.

I won’t dive too deep into the more psychological issues at hand here but if you feel like this is your main trigger I’d maybe take a little breather from shopping and try to identify the real reasons behind wanting to buy more things.

  • Try shopping fast for a week or even a month. Keep a journal about how you’re feeling and make notes about the times when you are particularly inclined to shop. Watch some tips on successful fasting here.
  • Consider switching up your routine slightly. Get up a 1/2 hour earlier to meditate. Go to bed a bit earlier and write in a journal. The better we know ourselves the better choices we’ll make.
  • Try boosting your confidence with a new skill.
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So what do you think? Do any of these triggers ring true for you? Do you have any others or maybe some tips to add? I’d love to hear them! I hope this list will prove useful and I intend to keep it updated as I continue on this mission.