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!

The Importance of Texture

Have you ever considered the texture of the clothing you are buying. It is important because it can either add bulk or make you look thinner. Texture is not only the feel of the fabric but the reflection of light and its weight.

Some important considerations:

To minimize - choose textures that are smooth, soft, matte and lightweight since they are not bulky or absorb light.

To maximize - choose rough, hard, shiny and thick fabrics as they add bulk and reflect the light.

As spring appropriates and we shed more clothing, remember gauze for very warm weather and sheer layering pieces over sleeveless (if you wish to cover your arms).

Easter Bonnets

Remember when we wore Easter bonnets - the bigger the hat, the better it was! Well, this year there is an Easter Bonnet Parade in Peoria Heights on Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. If you would like to be part of the parade and walk with other Sassy Ladies, simply make your bonnet and join our segment of this parade.

The Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce will be giving prizes for the most egg-ceptionally beautiful and the most egg-strordinarily goofy! Cost is $2, children under 12 are free. The EASTER BUNNY will lead the parade which assembles at Leaves and Beans and will go down Prospect to Kelley and back.

After the parade, we are going back to the store to award our own prize to the Sassiest of the Easter Bonnets. Let us know if you would like to be part by calling 688-5680.

Body Types

I was recently asked about Body Types. Please review my previous blog; however, I want to add an additional point to it. And, that is you can't change your body type. There is the common misperception that if I exercise or diet enough, I will lose the weight IN THE AREA where my problem is. However, if you are a "G" body type woman - this means you are one to two sizes smaller on top than bottom - you will remain a "G" body type. I know many ladies we are heavier in the rear and they do the stairmaster endlessly - but, guess what? - the rear is still there. It is your body type.

We need to come to acceptance with our unique body type, understand how to dress for it and be proud of who we are and what we have!

If you have any additional questions on body types, please let me know and we will answer them.

Requested Recipe

During our "I LOVE ME" event, we had prepared some chocolate goodies and received several requests for the chocolate/caramel "cookie" one. Here goes:

1 cup butter (don't substitute)
1 cup brown sugar
45 saltine crackers
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup nuts

Heat the brown sugar and butter on the stove to a rolling boil and boil for three minutes.

Place the cracker on a cookie sheet covered with tin foil. (Do this before you boil your brown sugar and butter). Spread the brown sugar mixture over the crackers.

Place in a 350 degree over for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.

Pour the milk chocolate chips over the crackers. Let melt and spread. Sprinkle with nuts (I prefer chopped pecans).

Let cool.

That was where my recipe ended. However, I have learned that you don't want to let them get too cool before you cut and take off the tin foil. I hope you enjoy them as much as our family has!

Back from Vegas

We just returned from a buying trip to Vegas. They have one of the largest shows around and we found some very exciting things that we believe our customers are going to truly enjoy.

How would you like to go on vacation and pack 24 different shoes into the space of one shoe box? Well, you are going to be able to do just that with the shoes we will be receiving in March. And, they cover sizes 5 through 13!!

We also found a purse that you can do the same thing with - one purse with over 40 different looks.

And, what is the piece de resistance? Clothing that YOU design. Pick the style YOU want, the color or colors YOU want, the placement of the colors YOU want, even put YOUR initials on it or pick the saying YOU want, if YOU want that, and the list goes on. YOU will love this line - not only is is fun and colorful, but it is comfortable and something that you can dress up or down! Watch for our announcement as these lines come in!

Yes - Chocolate Can Be a Health Food!

As Valentine's Day rapidly approaches one of my fondest wishes is to be so thin that someone - anyone - gives me a box of chocolate just to fattin' me up! So far, it has never happened.

Anyway, did you know that chocolate can actually be good for you? Even smelling chocolate can increase the theta brain waves and result in relaxation. Plus, chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.

Some other benefits (based on university and other scientific studies):
- Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in your blood.
- Serotonin levels in the brain are raised when you eat chocolate which results in a sense of well-being.
- The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
- Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate before a meal may actually diminish your appetite.
- The oleic acid in the cocoa butter is a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholestrol.

If you are a dark chocolate lover, you should know that dark chocolate contains more cacao and less sugar than milk chocolate. So it follows that any health benefits would be more pronounced in dark chocolate.

So, go ahead, enjoy your box of Valentine's chocolates! I only hope, this year, I get one!

What's in a Fabric?

Fabrics are either natural or man-made. There is a third group of fabric blends that, properly manufactured, can combine the rich look and comfort of the natural fiber with the easy-care properties of the man-made.

When wool is blended with polyester the color and the texture of the wool overpowers the polyester to give the cloth a rich look and feel; yet the polyester content prevents excessive wrinkling. Best blends have higher natural fiber content - say 55% natural with 45 man-made.

Natural fabrics absorb moisture and last longer. One good natural fiber choice for spring and summer is gauze. Sassy Lady carries a full line of Oh My Gauze which is a wonderful item. The fiber allows air to flow through the garment, which has a cooling effect in hot weather. All OMG is wash and wear.

So check out the fabric content when you are clothes shopping. It is important for the long-term wear of your garment.

Proportional Dressing

The "perfectly proportioned" body can be divided into four even parts. However, if a body is out of proportion in any area - and most of them are - clothing and accessories can be used to create the illusion of perfect proportion.

Remember that perfect proportion is something that usually happens in your eye, not with your measuring tape! You can creat the illusion of perfect proportion.

There are several things that go into this. The first one is line. Remember that vertical lines lead the eye up and down the body creating a lengthening, slimming effect.

Two vertical lines placed far apart will broaden and shorten your look.

Horizontal lines generally broaden and shorten the body. One would not want a horizontal line to stop at a problem area - this is especially true of jacket and skirt hemlines!

Diagonal lines are wonderful because they keep the eye moving across the body. They make you look thinner.

Asymmetrial lines also make you look thinner.

Curved lines follow the contours of the body and are most flattering.

We will continue to talk about proportional dressing in later blogs. If you have any questions or comments, you can respond here or call us at 309-688-5680. Better yet, come into the store and let us help you look your best!

Do You Know Your Fashion Personality?

Did you know that you have a fashion personality? You could be dramatic, romantic, natural or classic. It all depends on what your own personal "style" is.

Have you ever bought something on sale that you just knew you would wear only to have it hang in your closet forever? It could be that what you chose was inexpensive, but it wasn't "you." Maybe it had ruffles and you are not a ruffle person. Anyway, it is important to know your style before you go shopping - ultimately it will save you money even when you pay full price. Knowing your fashion personality is as important as knowing your body type and season colors.

Not sure, let us help you out. We not only welcome our customers into the store, but we work with them to ensure they will look their best when they leave. And, knowing all these things about you is part of that process.

Bring On the Bling

Everyone loves Christine Alexander and all the embellishment with Swarovski crystal. But, did you know, that she guarantees her clothes for life. The Sassies personally own a lot of Christine Alexander's merchandise and, in the years that we have had her clothing, we have experienced only one problem. A small pink crystal came off a shirt. We sent it in, and sure enough, it came back looking brand new again!

With her line you might pay slightly more, but the crystal work is beautiful, the shine lasts, and it's all guaranteed!

This is a great gift item, too, as everyone appreciates her caps and make-up bags.

Peace Sign

Did you know that this is the 50th anniversary of the peace sign? It is everywhere - on clothing, in jewelry design and much more. I am just wondering if anyone cares. Of course, I remember when the peace sign became a big deal. But, I don't care to celebrate its 50th anniversary. What about you?

Body Types

One day, when I was shopping with my sister, she said to me, "Why does everything look right on you and not me?" Well, the answer was simple - she has a different body type than I do.

My sister is the most common body type in the U.S. - she is one size smaller on top than the bottom. At Sassy Lady we refer to this as a "G" or, we are sure, you have heard it called a pear. Dressing for this body type requires something different than when you are a "T" - which is what I am and is one of the easier body types for selecting clothing.

At Sassy Lady, we work with all our customers to insure they are dressing right for their body type. If you don't know what body type you have and what are the things to look for when you shop, let us know. We schedule on-going classes and will gladly fit you into one.

I Just Know I Am Going to Lose Weight

How many times have we thought "I'm going to lose weight" only to put off buying clothing until we dropped 10 - 15 pounds or more. Those same pounds that just seem to hang around no matter what we do. Or reappear after we have lost them?

Anyway, what we need to do is concentrate on the here and now to make sure we are looking our best. Choose clothing that is right for your body type. Don't pay attention to the size label in the clothing - make sure the fit is right. Fit is critical. Avoid lots of ruffles, laces, horizontal stripes, etc. Make sure you are wearing flattering colors and patterns.

At Sassy Lady we carry tummy tuck jeans and slacks, teez-her slimming tops and other items to help smooth the body lines and help us look our best. Remember, that we work with your body type, season color and fashion personality. We never let you leave the store in with something at is unflattering.

So, don't wait, start looking your best everyday!

Color and Image

Have you ever had a day when everyone asked you if you were sick even though you felt fine? This may have happened because the colors you wore that day were wrong for you. Wearing colors that harmonize with your natural coloring will enhance your overall appearance. If you are not wearing make-up colors and clothing colors that harmonize with your natural coloring, you will look tired and washed out. Wearing the right colors will enhance your natural coloring and give you a vibrant, confident look.

And, did you know, that the older we get the more important it is to wear the right colors as the wrong ones actually make our lines and wrinkles appear more prominent?!

Winter Skin

As we age our skin continues to mature and change. It's just another thing that we have to be vigilent about taking care of. So often, during this time of year, our skin will look tired and dried out. The answer is not more moisturizer. What we need is a good exfolliator which will remove the dried out top layer of our skin and allow the moisturizer to do its job. Once you have exfolliated, you will notice that your skin has a more youthful glow. Exfolliating applies to your lips and the rest of your body, as well. If you have questions on what to use, we are here to help!

Image Workshop

Did you know that Sassy Lady teaches Image Workshops? We have hosted several in our store; however, we are now offering a special service where we come to your business. Does your staff need help with their professional image (not dressing properly for the job, too many body piercings,hair unkept, etc), we teach about body types, fashion personalities, and how to core wardrobe to make the most of your investment. We also will tailor our presentation to your specific areas of need.

Another issue is the manner in which they treat your clients/customers. An example of this happened just the other day when I was out shopping and made a sizeable purchase. A cashier handed me back my change along with the bills and my ticket all wadded from her hand to mine and said, "There you go." I repeated back to her, "There I go?" And, she said, "Yes, there you go." Needless to say, I went. But I also made a big mental note never to go to that store again. A simple thank you or thank you; we appreciate your business seems non-existent anymore. We must teach and train our customer service representatives on how to handle the public. They are the front line to get us more business or to cost us business.

If you want additional information on the seminars, please contact us.

I LOVE ME

Here's a heads up for a fun event that we will be hosting on February 10 from 5 - 8 p.m. We are celebrating YOU. Come and network with other Sassies and enjoy some time eating fine chocolates, drinking champagne or sparkling grape juice, relax with a mini-massage, hear about/experience accupunture and its healing affects and receive a mini-manicure. It's all free and happening at Sassy Lady.

Shoe Tip for Winter Weather

It was a treat to experience a shoe-shine from a real expert. Our boots were covered with winter salt and had those ugly white lines on them. Needless to say, they were in desperate need of a good shine. However, before our expert set to work he gave us one of the best tips. He mixed a little vinegar with water and it removed the salt stains from our leather boots! That paved the way for a great shine.

Since then, I have used this trick several times as the winter weather wreaks havoc on leather shoes and boots.

A Wonderful Trip

On Saturday the Sassies took a trip up to the Merchandise Mart to see what was new in gift items. Needless to say we found several things that will soon be hitting our store. However, our very favorite was CHOCOLATE! Now we know that, as a boutique, we are all about unique clothing and accessories; however, we srongly believe that chocolate is an accessory!

We think you will love the taste and the delightful packaging of the chocolate bars we selected. The first is a milk chocolate labeled EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE. The directions state that it is for the immediate relief of chocolate cravings, lovesickness, exam pressure, mild anxiety and extreme hunger. Just tear open the wrpper, break off desired dosage and consume. Altenatively massage into the affected area. Repeat dosage as required until finished. If symptoms persist consult your local confectioner.

Our dark chocolate pick was dechox - a mind detoxifying chocolate treat. Dechox is a chocolate delight to detoxify your mind of all that bad mood food. Combats negative vibes like cravings and provides all the energy your body needs for regeneration, liver cleansing and going on weird diets.

We know you will love our chocolate pick. We will have some special ones for Easter and intend to add "No Weight Gain Chocolate," "Bochox," "girthControl," and "The Ultimate Balanced Diet" soon.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Here in Central Illinois we are trying desperately to stay warm as it is the coldest it has been in decades. However, at Sassy Lady it is heating up with a NYD Tummy Tuck Jean Sale. These jeans actually make you look one size smaller. And, who doesn't need that after the Holidays?