Shopping
A Voyeur on a Budget’s Fancy
March 18th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: budget, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
When you’re on a budget, it’s way better to be a hip-voyeur than a broke-player.
So, we’re kind of obsessed with Fancy.
What is it? According to their site:
“Fancy is part store, blog, magazine and wishlist. It’s a place to discover great stuff, to curate a collection of things you love, to get updates on your favorite brands and stores and to share your discoveries.
Use it to build a collection of things you love. When you discover wonderful stuff on the web, Fancy it — save it to your collection to show people following you and share with the Fancy community.”
Trust us. We’re expert in obsessing–it keeps us from pulling the trigger. Click around. Keep your fingers busy and out of your pants…pockets.
Big Hearted? Be Smart. Give Wisely!
March 15th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: B's Give Back, budget, Shopping
In the wake of the catastrophe in Japan we’ve received dozens of questions about charitable giving and are reprinting a piece we wrote a few months ago about being smart girls when it comes to giving. To preface the piece we’re including this quick 5 rule tip from the folks at The Charity Navigator:
1. Avoid giving to newly formed charities.
2. Send help in the form of cash (credit card/check, really) not supplies
3. Beware of solicitations. (see below phone calls/email entreaties/man on the street)
4. Give through a verified website (many are false fronts)
5. Keep tabs on your money: give to organizations that track how their money is spent and accounts for it
Give Wisely
It’s that time of year when in addition to giving to friends and family we make contributions to those in need, so several recent news stories caught our attention:
-Outside of Boston a tractor trailer loaded with toys destined for needy kids was burglarized and $15,000 worth of gifts were stolen.
-The Massachusetts Attorney General reported that 43 percent of all funds raised by charities in the state go to the solicitors and not the organizations that hire them.
-In Oregon, the Attorney General released a list of the twenty ‘worst’ charities in America; among those listed were organizations to help Firefighters, Vietnam Vets, Missing Children.
Since our mission is editing what is worth your spending time and money on, and since we believe in giving back no matter what the state of your pocketbook, all of this has raised an alarm. We want to remind you to be careful and thoughtful in choosing the charities that are the recipient(s) of your hard earned dollars. (more…)
Believe in Fashion Free-dom
March 6th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: Shopping
Some things in life are sacred, so we usually make it a rule to avoid mixing religion, politics and fashion. Full burqas, nun habits and total hipster head to toe black uniforms are all equally colorless. We thank the fashion gods that the cold war is over and the grey Soviet bloc look and ubiquitous Mao jacket are relics of the past. In fact, is not Michelle Obama on Vanity Fair’s best-dressed list proof positive that we are not a socialist state?
So, all the talk lately about going on a ‘clothing diet’ and paring a wardrobe down to only a few flavorless items has gotten our juices flowing. Trust us, we’re first in line for buying sensibly. Hello! What woman in her right mind would ever pay full price for a pair of Louboutin or Prada shoes? 
While we’re all living on a smarter budget, this is not synonymous with a gal starving herself of fashionable clothing and accessories. Being fashionable is a privilege of living in a free society. It is an expression of individuality, curiosity, creativity and art. The question is, what does a lady really need and how does she get it without breaking the bank. That’s why we want to share our fashion philosophy:
We believe that fresh, sexy and serious are the building blocks of a modern closet. Whether you want to be the fresh-faced girl in blue blazer and khakis, the biker chick in leather jacket and motorcycle boots, or the power ranger in little black dress and black pumps, a good wardrobe allows you to play out all your fantasies.
Today’s woman knows that monogamy is dead — brand monogamy, that is. So shop around to get what you need. Invest in and hold on to hard pieces like suiting, outerwear and great jeans. Buy investment grade pieces on sale. Play around with soft pieces like underwear, workout clothes and tees. Head to discounters and mass retailers. And, have a little fun on the side with trendy seasonal looks and accessories — think Anthro, the street vendor guy at 71st and B’way, Etsy.
Finally, embrace the religion of the generation that fully understands the pleasures of going both ways: head to a consignment shop, buy and sell on e-bay, take it or leave it at the recycling center. After all, being a green goddess is one sure way to fashion heaven.
Bitches on a Budget Basic Building Blocks
• A great denim jacket.
• A leather motorcycle jacket.
• A navy blazer.
• An all-season trench.
• Blue jeans and black jeans with a perfect fit.
• Khaki trousers.
• Two white shirts: one button down, one ultra feminine.
• A white cashmere cardigan.
• A bright-colored cashmere cardigan.
• A little black dress.
• A sexy party dress.
• A black suit-skirt and trousers.
• Black high heels and flats.
• Metallic ballet flats.
• A great pair of black boots.
• Brown cowboy boots.
• A black hobo bag.
• A black clutch.
• A brown leather knapsack.
• Brown driving shoes.
• A set of X-rated lingerie.
• One hot chemise.
Brains+Cell Phones+Earpieces
February 22nd, 2011 | 1 Comment
Tags: Health & Fitness, Shopping
You’ve heard the buzz about cell phones and radiation and cancer, but have you been listening?
There were the studies from Sweden, or someplace icy and clear, warning of this link. But, then there were the other studies saying the cell/cancer link is inconclusive, letting you off the hook so you haven’t consistently used your earphones. Trust us, we know it’s a pain-in-th- a** to plug in an ear bud or head set. You lose them. They’re uncomfortable. They break.
We have a news flash. It’s time for you to find them, again.
The Journal of the American Medical Association just published a study showing that “50-minute cell phone exposure was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the antenna.” They went on to say “this finding is of unknown clinical significance.” But, in an article on this topic in today’s NY Times a medical expert suggests that long-term inflammation in a specific area can, indeed, lead to cancer.
We’ve decided not to wait for proof-scientific-positive that cell phones do nasty things. This new study proves radio waves are altering our brain chemistry and that’s enough to put us on high alert. Oh, we’re not getting hysterical and forsaking our cell-phone, we’re heading out the door for a new ear bud which we’ve promised not to lose and vow to use.
Right now.
February Contests: Grammy. Oscar. Westminster.
February 13th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: budget, Fashion, Shopping, Travel & Entertainment
February is the month of “Best in Show”.
Grammy. Oscar. Westminster. Everyone is out there preening, primping and strutting to win the prize.
With each passing year the pageantry and politics around these spectacles seem to escalate. While we have no issue with the entertainment value (does anyone else think that Kanye interrupting Taylor Swift rivals any scene in Shakespeare?) or small talk value (would you rather talk about a snowstorm or Colin Firth and Christian Bale?) or breed value (Hunting or Terrier?), we want to remind you to take it all with a grain of salt.
We read an article today about the re-introduction to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show of the Mexican Xolo and while the bald pooch is pretty darned cute, we got to thinking about fashion, beauty contests and following the pack. At one time the Xoloitzcuintli (we dare you to pronounce it) was on the stud books at Westminster, but fell out of fashion and was dropped from the competition roster. This year, they’re back as a registered breed. Unlike most dogs that are bred for their attributes, Xolos hairless coat and personality traits evolved in the wild. Soon, we’re sure they’ll be the new ‘in’ dog, not because they are hypo-allergenic, but because they’re a natural rarity.
Not that long ago a manic surge in Chihuahua buying, which some have attributed to Taco Bell ads and others to Paris Hilton schlepping her shivering pet around in a zillion dollar bag, led to an airlift rescue out of California of abandoned Chihuahuas. We kid you not. In either instance, think about it–why would anyone buy a pet because of a meatless taco or a meatless starlet?
Fashions come and go and a bitch on a budget needs to stay in control of herself and her purse. Just because Natalie Portman is preggo or Lady Gaga wears meat and hops out of an egg (did we just write that? ) or the hairless Mexican Xolo is back in –well, you get the point. Watch. Enjoy. Laugh. Gossip. Get a load of the new trends.
Just don’t bite.
Mustard Greens with Honey Orange Vinaigrette
February 7th, 2011 | 1 Comment
Tags: bargains, budget, Food & Spirits, Health & Fitness, recipes, Shopping
Easy on the budget, a snap to prepare, try this yummy mustard greens salad.
You’ll love the sweet and citrusy contrast of the honey orange
vinaigrette with the peppery flavor of the greens.
Ingredients
1 small bunch sparkling fresh mustard greens
1 orange peeled and segmented
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
2 teaspoons raw honey
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Wash and thoroughly dry greens. Tear off leafy parts into bite sized pieces. Add orange segments. Make vinaigrette. Toss. Serve.
Simple.
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Be a Micro-Community Organizer Connect the Dots and do Big Things.
February 6th, 2011 | 1 Comment
Tags: B's Give Back, budget, Shopping
All of us are looking for ways to make the world a better place. But how? You hear a lot about social good. Doing good. Social media doing good. And, it’s an abstract idea. Or you went on Jumo (the social network for doing good founded by the co-founder of Facebook) and you can’t figure out how it really impacts your life. 
We have an idea.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a community organizing type? Yeah. We know you’re not really interested in putting up placards, riling up passions, or running for President.
A fan wrote in today to tell us how in her neighborhood they have an online community board that connects neighbors in need. It got us to thinking. Everyone we know is on Facebook. (It’s true, even our 88 year old aunt is a stalker.) What if you were to get together a few neighbors and set up a neighborhood group or page and called it, ”The 800 Block on Orange Street in Jackson Township”. Let your neighbors know that it exists (just tell the biggest busy body on the street — we’re sure the word will spread).
Then when the next big snowstorm hits, or power fails, or heat wave strikes, those in need can post and those who are available can help.
Charity begins at home.
A Call to Reverse the Charges
February 1st, 2011 | 4 Comments
Tags: budget, Health & Fitness, Shopping
 Restaurants, doctors, hair salons and other service providers often ask for a credit card to hold your reservation and will bill you for a late or missed appointment. We appreciate the hazards ‘no-shows’ present to a business, but when a business or service provider attaches a penalty for tardiness or cancellation the charge should go both ways. If they are late or cancel they should be compensating you for your time.
If your physical therapist cancels an appointment due to illness without giving the same 24 hour ‘no-excuse’ notice they demand of you, then your next appointment should be gratis. In a recent snowstorm, a friend was stuck in horrible traffic and arrived fifteen minutes late to a dental appointment. Not only did they cancel her appointment, but they charged her for it. Often, though, this very same dentist runs late and our friend has spent thirty-forty minutes waiting.
Familiar? Yes. Outrageous? Yes. Should she get a new dentist? Yes.
What of the snooty restaurant that demands you show up within fifteen minutes of a reservation or you lose your table and trigger ‘no-show’ charges on your card, yet they think nothing of keeping you waiting for 45 minutes to an hour to seat you?
A special circle in hell, perhaps.
Ok, we know they can’t ask people to leave, but often we find they have overbooked or not allowed enough time between seatings. They should be bending over backward to be accommodating, at the very least, comping part of your meal for the inconvenience. And, if the wait has been outrageous, the entire meal.
Everyone has an emergency now and then, but equal rules should apply to you and the stylist, masseuse, psychiatrist, trainer, the airlines….
..
A Smart Reminder About Buying Remainders
January 30th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: bargains, Shopping
In our book, Bitches on a Budget, we advise a girl needs to be wise when it comes to buying items just because they are on sale. We love a bargain as much as the next gal, but we’ve been burned more than once buying something we really didn’t want. Worse, we’ve been burned buying ‘false’ bargains.
To save the impulse buy, walk away. Yes, it may be half-off, but if it’s not something you’ve been lusting over, or are in need of, walk away.
To save falling prey to a ‘false’ bargain, do your homework before you sign on the dotted line. A few weeks ago we warned you about post-Christmas ‘sales’ with this excerpt from our book:
There’s a difference between seasonal clearance and goods bought to be sold on promotion. When the latter happens, a big slug of goods are bought, marked too high, put on the floor to establish a ‘regular’ price (usually for 4-6 weeks, but this depends on laws state to state). Later they’re marked down to trick all you budget-minded b*tches into thinking you’re getting a bargain.
Be suspicious. If there’s a whole lot of one item on the floor, marked at, say, 20% off regular price, chances are it was jacked up and you’re not getting a bargain. Be wary of circulars and catalogs ‘promoting’ items—think about it, you’re a smart b, they bought and planned to promote these goods at ‘sale’ prices months in advance.
We want to caution you about buying from online ‘flash’ sales sites. First, make sure the merchandise is from a maker you know and love. Second, take the time to do online price comparisons. We’ve found pumped-up regular ‘retail’ price comparatives–making it seem these retailers are offering you a bigger bargain than they really are. Remember, a girl needs to be wise. Be suspicious. You’re already online, it’s easy to Google the item and confirm the price.
Nude: Our Color-Themed Advice for the State of the Union
January 25th, 2011 | Comments
Tags: Shopping
As members of Congress are hustling to line up dates from the opposite party for tonight’s State of the Union speech, we’ve been considering what advice to give them on color coordination. If you remember, at last year’s State of the Union address the House Chamber was afloat in a sea of conciliatory purple. The question is should this year’s class repeat a mix of mauve, lilac and lavender?
The answer. Absolutely not. No fashionista worth their front row seat would ever wear the same color two years in a row. (Remember black is not a color.) More importantly, as a symbol of peace and unity, those mixed shades of red and blue didn’t sell well the first time. It’s time for a new direction.
Fortunately, we need not fret over the costuming of the Supreme Court Justices and members of the military who will arrive in their respective uniforms of hipster-black and chic navy and olive-drab. We were a bit stumped, however, about the best advice for the politicians from opposite sides of the aisle who will be sitting side-by-side tonight.
First, we considered tossing out both party colors, red and blue, in favor of the third flag shade–white. It is clean. It is sanitized. It is symbolic of a fresh new start. But then we remembered, hey, these are politicians we are talking about. Could there be a virgin among them?
What if everyone trades colors for a day? Democrats arriving for the speech clad in red and Republicans attired in blue. Both sides would be signifying a willingness to live in someone else’s skin. (Just think, the new Speaker could have a clash free moment.) But, we got nervous. Too risky. What if someone organized a dirty tricks night and everyone showed up in red?
How about if everyone comes as they are? No party identified colors. No memos. No brokered back room deals. Individuals representing their constituents coming to hear the President, willing to listen and respond without lining up on one side or another. That is when we realized we were on the wrong track.
Instead of this being about Party politics and colors, what about a symbolic alignment with the interest of the people? Congress should be finding every opportunity they can to trumpet the work of the people: American creativity; American manufacturing; American business.
So, instead of worrying about a color scheme designed to pacify each political party, how about a show of unity with the American worker by wearing only garments designed by American designers and manufactured in this country by US owned companies? And, just like that, we had the answer.
The evening’s theme?
The only possible one: Nude.
A version of this piece first appeared in the Huffington Post.
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