Lose 47 Pounds by Memorial Day

I was in the check-out lane at the grocery store and every magazine cover was screaming at me - lose weight! The very best one was "Lose 47 pounds by Memorial Day." All I thought was - good luck. Whatever that diet program recommended sure couldn't be concerned with overall health when we're done. Then, the cover of the Enquirer was jumping off the shelf to show pictures of bodies (mainly their butts) that shouldn't be on the beach let alone in a swimsuit. It's no wonder women are hung up on their weight and/or body image!

Every time I am in the store, I will have ladies trying on an outfit that they look great in. They look in the mirror and then pick out that one thing they don't like about themselves - my hips are too broad, my legs are too long, I don't like my neck, my back is funny, and the list goes on. Why? We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and say, "Oh my gosh, do I look great today!" "I love this outfit on me." "Boy, am I pretty!" And, that list should go on!

So the next time you are out shopping or you look in the mirror . . . listen to what message you are delivering to yourself. You deserve better from you!!

Shopping Trip

Today the Sassy Ladies are headed on another buying trip. I cannot begin to tell you how fun it is to see everything that will be new for the season. It is also enjoyable to spend some time with partners discussing the upcoming events and making the proper selections. One of the challenges is - not wanting all those things we see! It would be so easy to say, "Yes, yes, yes!" However, we have found out there is a limit to what the store will hold.

The other challenge is buying so far in advance. We will be seeing fall/holiday and probably some spring. And, spring 2009 is just here! Sometimes, after we have put a special selection on order, I can't wait until it gets in. And, I keep looking at the schedule only to see I have to wait for four more months . . . agonizing to say the least.

One of the other things we have "discovered" about retail is that you can have something on order that never shows up. The manufacturer decided (for whatever reason) not to make that style or grouping and we don't know until it doesn't show up! That is one I will never understand - why wouldn't they pick up the phone and tell you? Since we all own other businesses, we know we wouldn't do that; but, it is a common industry practice.

We have now been in business over 6 years and have adjusted to the challenges and practices that are out there. We are always on the look-out for just the exact things that our Sassy Ladies will like. We know that to look good and be comfortable are primary goals. So, today, we venture out to see what shopping has in store for the upcoming seasons!

Things are Changing

This is a wonderful time of the year as we see the seasons change and enjoy the great smells and beauty of spring. At Sassy Lady we love change . . . and we recently found two different products that allow for change with very little effort.

OneSoles - are a basic show bottom (either heel or slide) and you can change the top. There are so many different toppers it is hard to tell about all of them. They run the gamet from embellished with Swarovski crystal to fun patterns to Elvis and postage-stamp lookalikes. You can even have a favorite photo printed on them or get them embroidered with your initials. One of the best things is the ease with which you can pack shoes for a vacation. Just take your base and the toppers you will need (your shoes and 24 toppers will fit in one shoe box!) and you are set to coordinate with every outfit you pack.

The other changeable item is a purse. You buy either a brown or black purse "base" and then you have a selection of covers for your purse. You no longer have to change your purse contents from bag to bag. Simply change the outside of your purse. You can also have different "handles" for your bag. This makes it so easy to coordinate with your outfit and ends the agony and time spent on bag changes! Once again, it is great for vacation. The purse "shells" lay flat for packing so you can stack them in your suitcase. What a wonderful idea!

So, if you like change, come in and see how easy it can be!

Unforgettable Comments

Have you ever had someone say something that you NEVER forget? Well, when I was younger (longer ago than I want to admit), I was watching a show on looking your best. Anyway, the man that was giving tips was talking about mature women and stated, "When your body goes south, you need to head north!"

As I have "matured," I realize more and more what he was trying to get across. When we think about what we wear, how our hair frames our face (shape), the jewelry we choose to put on, etc., we want our look to draw attention to the face/shoulder area. Why? Because very few of us have the model figure. (There are exceptions - like "A" body-type women, but this is a good, general rule).

When you get dressed and look at yourself in the mirror. Think . . . how can I "pull" my look up? Maybe it's your hair - a new, fresh style that is shorter and more flattering. A large pin at your shoulder. Large earrings that draw focus to your face. A bright scarf, creatively tied that adds color to your outfit and enhances your skin tones. There are a lot of different options. Just remember, to think "north!"

Making Your Hand-Painted or Embellished Clothing Last Longer

Sassy Ladies absolutely love different kinds of clothing. Some of our favorites are hand-painted sweaters, etc or shirts and jeans embellished with Sworovski crystal. In order to keep this type of clothing looking brand new, the manner is which you wash it is critial.

I always turn my clothing inside-out. If I want to take extra care, I put it in a special laundry bag or put it in a pillow case and simply pin the end. This adds further protection. Handpainted items are usually lay flat to dry. The jeans and shirts embellished with crystal can be machine dried (or most of them can). However, I opt to hang or lay flat to dry. I am very picky about maintaining the original look.

Sassy Lady carries the Christine Alexander clothing line. All of her items carry a lifetime replacement guarantee if any of the crystals come off. With all the items from this line that I own, I have only had one crystal fall off and I sent the garment in and it was replaced.

Also, with the embellished NYDJ you can machine dry. However, I prefer to hang to dry. I feel, it keeps them nicer. In addition, if any of your clothing has spandex in it, you need to use a special fabric wash (never Woolite) so you don't destroy the spandex fibers.

If you have any questions, just call our store. We will be happy to help you so your clothing looks great for seasons to come!

It's Little Piggie Time

With warmer weather here, it is time to think about getting your "little piggies" in shape for sandals. If you don't want to go have a professional pedicure, you can easily do what needs to be done at home.

Soak your feet in warm water. Then use a good exfolliator on them. Next, make sure there is no rough skin that needs to be "sanded" off. Use a heavy-duty cuticle removed around your toenails and trim the excess cuticle that remains. Cut and shape your toenails.

If you want to polish at this point, go ahead. Or, better yet, put a special foot-softing creme on your feet, cover them with socks and keep on all night. Then clean your feet and polish those toes! In the summer, it is fun to wear bright colored polish - orange or a bright red. Some people now like a french manicure on their nails; however, your nails need to be kept a little longer for this process to look right.

Whatever you do . . . enjoy the time you spend pampering yourself.

Then, come into Sassy Lady, and pick out the OneSoles or Onex Sandals that you will need to make those spring and summer outfits shine.

Sassy Lady Website

We have had several requests from potential customers who would like to shop on our website. Although we would love to come to that point, we are not there yet. Sassy Lady works hard to be of service to anyone who wants to "shop" our store. If you see something on our website you would like, simply call the store at 309-688-5680. We will work hard to see that you get what you want. We have shipped to many states and our remote customers love us as much as if they had been into the store.

So if you are looking for comfortable clothing that looks nice and you will love, give us a try. We will work hard to make you happy!