{Living}

Fit To Be (Black) Tied

Where has summer gone? Didn’t we *just* get accustomed to easy sundresses and skin-baring glam? ::SIGH::

White House Invitation

Labor Day is upon us, but as we wave good-bye with BBQ salutes, it’s time to look ahead to autumn with excitement! Not only is September a fashion world explosion, but it’s also the start of fall “social season” in New York City! Charity dinners and auction invites and opera debuts – oh my! But…what does one wear to such events? Black tie? White tie? Cocktail attire? What’s a Budget Socialite to do?!

Not to worry – I’ve got you covered for every calligraphy laden invitation you’re about to get and ask me to attend with you. It’s not so tough afterall!

What’s it all mean?

Let’s start with some basic definitions.

  • White Tie: The most dressy and involved of the formal dress levels. You might hear it referred to as “tophat and tails” or simply, “tails”, referring to the long coat gentlemen wear that creates a…well…”tail” silhouette. Reserved for ULTRA formal occasions – think UN dinners, debutante balls, and super formal weddings. Ladies have only one option here: floor length formal gowns. Got a diamond tiara handy? This is the only time you might get away with wearing one outside your home. ::whispers:: So whip that bad boy out, sister! ***Shopping tip: Bloomingdales does an early fall clearance that is unbeatable for gowns. My favourite floor lengths silks danced their way from the sale rack to the Waldorf! Don’t miss this sale!***
  • Black-Tie: The most common formal dress code, though less intricate than White Tie. Gentlemen are required to be in tuxedos and ladies should don floor length gowns or cocktail length dresses. If you dare to do the Little Black Dress, it HAS to be your fanciest LBD ever…and I know you have one! The old stand-by won’t do here, Socialite. But…leave the tiara at home. Also, resist all urges to relive prom night: black cummerbunds on your escort are the preferred standard. (Did he choose plaid? Take your sister with you instead.)
  • Black-Tie Optional: For the gents, tuxedos are encouraged but not required, with a dark, well-tailored suit considered a perfectly acceptable alternative. You’ll see a mix of both choices on attendees. Ladies needn’t feel rooted to the floor length gown – you’ll see every length dress from floor to knee in the room. Your LBD still works, but can be less dressy, with your jewelry perhaps helping to make bold statements for you.
  • Cocktail Attire: Ladies hit their stride in this IDEAL Little Black Dress territory! It’s more fun than formal, and more sexy than stuffy, with elegance being the key. Nothing too formal or close to floor length, please. Gents, a dark suit and power tie are a MUST! Bright cufflinks all around!

FAQs

  • The invite says “Black Tie” – can’t I just wear a dressy knee length dress?
    Technically, yes. However, Black Tie is a formal occasion. You might be alone in a sea of elegant floor length gowns, so research your crowd/venue and make sure you’re choosing a formal dress, even at knee length. Still in doubt? Ask your host or someone close to the party planning. Better to ask than show up and be embarrassed.
  • A gown and a dress are the same thing basically, right?
    No! A dress may be any length, but once we hit the floor, sister you’re in a gown! A gown is always formal, whereas a dress isn’t necessarily so.  Ever hear of a “casual gown”? A “flirty sungown”? I thought not.
  • These are old rules and customs. Does anyone care if I get it wrong? I mean really – it’s 2013. Pfft.
    Yes. Yes, people DO care – namely, your host.  As an invited guest to anything, it’s important to show the simple respect of following an established dress code, if one has been requested.  Still think it’s all nonsense? There’s no shame in declining an invitation. But…why would you willingly miss all that champagne?

Obviously, fashion is subjective and people interpret the rules as they may – it’s fun to bend them sometimes! But you have to know the rules to break them. The rules of formal dress lean towards classic style over fashion. To get even MORE technical, Wiki has some great point-by-point specifics. These are a general standard, meant to help you plan as you wade through the piles and stacks of RSVP cards that I just know await us you, Socialite!

See you next month!

The season approaches – are you dressed and ready? Have some formal dress tips? Let us know in the comments! 

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Contributor | Eva Said It
Eva is a mother, writer, entertaining doyenne, and snark expert based in New York City. Money can’t buy happiness, but it buys her lots of wine and stinky cheese…which is close enough. Catch more of her stiletto clad sarcasm at www.evasaidit.com.

 

 

{Beauty}

Top Fall Beauty Trends

fall beauty pic

Summer is coming to an end and Fall is just around the corner. The season is changing and so should your beauty products. The following Fall beauty trends were seen all over the runways and to get the looks at home, here are the top trends and product suggestions:

1.    Slick Hair and Skin:  Chilly Fall temperatures can cause your hair and skin to become extremely dry. That’s why it’s important to use products that moisturize, protect and rejuvenate. To accomplish these goals and to stay on trend, you can try:  Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant ($19.50,  www.elizabetharden.com), Alterna Caviar CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction ($25, www.sephora.com), Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation ($48, www.sephora.com), or Nars Skin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer ($58, www.narscosmetics.com).

 2.   Matte Finish:  A porcelain, matte finish was all the rage on the runways and you can also have the look with any the following products:  Cover Girl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation ($7, at drugstores), Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder ($28, www.sephora.com),, Cover FX Matte Setting Powder ($32www.sephora.com), JINsoon Nail Polish in “Matte Maker” ($18,  http://www.jinsoon.com/shop/jinsoon-nail-polish.html). Paint nails with a regular polish, then lay down a quarter-inch stripe of “Matte Maker”, only on the tips.  Tip: For a twist on black nails, paint nine nails with Butter London Nail Lacquer in “The Black Knight” ($15, www.sephora.com) and then paint one red accent nail.

 3.  Red Eyeshadow:  Red is the in-demand Fall makeup color! Some favorites are:  Cover Girl Flamed Out Shadow Pots in “Red Hot Flame” ($5, www.ulta.com), Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow in “Pomegranate Punk” ($6, drugstores), M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Sushi Flower” ($15, www.maccosmetics.com) or Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes eyeliner in “Deep Burgandy Sheen” ($19www.sephora.com).

4.  Jewels and Glitter:  To add a touch of glitz and glamour, try the following:  Make Up For Ever Glitters in “Silver 2 – Metallic Silver” ($15, www.sephora.com),  Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in “148 Glinda – Silver Glitter” ($18, www.sephora.com or M.A.C Pro Glitter in “Reflects Transparent Pink” ($21, www.maccosmetics.com).

5.   Red Matte Lips (including darker berries):  For beautiful, textured lips, try:  Colour Crush Lipstick in “Red Siren” ($13,  www.thebodyshop.com),  M.A.C. Chromagraphic Pencil in “Process Magenta” ($16, www.maccosmetics.com), Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in “8 Matte Bright Red” ($20www.sephora.com), Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Scarlet Red” or “Dragon Girl Siren Red” ($25, www.sephora.com), or Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani lipstick in “409” ($30, http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/Giorgio-Armani/Beauty-and-Fragrance/For-Her/Makeup/Lips/shop/_/N-1z12vlwZ52fqs2/Ne-6lvnb5).

Tip:  Typically, light skin or olive skin tones look great wearing tomato red or orange-red lipstick. Typically, dark skin looks great wearing a true red (aka neutral red) or a blue-red (lipstick has a blue undertone). A true red can also be worn by all. Don’t forget the liner (fill in entire lips). It prevents the lipstick from bleeding and it lasts longer. It should match the lipstick. If you have discolored lips, you can apply a thin layer of concealer to create an even base, gently blot and then apply the liner and lipstick. 

6.    Big Hair:  Big, sexy hair is back and you can get the look with any of the following:  Living Proof Amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer ($24, www.sephora.com), Alterna Bamboo Volume 48-Hour Sustainable Volume Spray ($25, www.sephora.com) , or Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse ($29, www.sephora.com).

7.    Cropped hair:  Cropped hair is always in season and this Fall is no exception. To get the look, try:  Kevin Murphy Super.Goo ($22, www.exclusivebeautyboutique.com), Bumble and Bumble Sumotech ($27, www.sephora.com), or Bumble and Bumble BB Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Creme ($28, www.sephora.com).

What’s your favorite Fall beauty trend? We want to know!

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Contributor | Holly Miller
Holly Byrd Miller, owner of Makeup By Holly is a 15 year makeup artistry veteran. Located in Richmond, VA her services include Bridal, TV, Runway, Fashion shows and Photo shoots. Holly also freelances for Giorgio Armani and is a Certified Makeup Instructor

{Food & Entertaining}

9 Healthy BBQ sides

Healthy BBQ Sides

This has been the summer of gluttony. After a few months of healthy eating and juicing, I fell from grace hard. No cupcakes have been left behind. No burgers spared. Hot Dogs. Cheese. Bread. Pizza. Ice Cream. Milkshakes…. were all consumed without a lick of guilt or regard. And damn it was glorious, but now it’s time for me to buckle down; before I can longer buckle at all.

I’m sure YOU, my dear reader ate like the guru of health and self-resistance I know you are. I bow before thee and I offer up these 9 Healthy BBQs sides to bring to your next soiree, so that you may forgive my trespasses. I hope you and the buttons of my skinny jeans keep the faith and hold out a little longer because I’m getting back on track, I pinky swear!

Healthy BBQ Sides

  1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Chili-Walnut Layered Dip
  2. Carrot and Apple Slaw
  3. Arugula, Potato, and Green Bean Salad with Walnut Dressing
  4. Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
  5. Veggie Cakes Recipe With Chard, Ricotta And Saffron
  6. Lean, Mean Mac Salad
  7. Green Beans With Pistachio Pesto
  8. Grilled Corn Salad
  9. Quinoa Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Writer’s note: Week 2 of being back on my green juice and smoothie kick. My skin is starting to get back that magic glow and my jeans are less snug. Who woulda thunk it? Eating right is the best beauty secret there is.

(Image Sources: Fit Sugar | Martha Stewart | Skinny Taste | Real Simple | Food Republic | Self)

What are your favorite healthy BBQ sides? Have any tips for getting back on track after getting badly? Let us know in the comments.

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Co-founder | Trinidad Pena
Trinidad Pena is a blogger, foodie, and design superhero bent on helping others kick-ass online, world domination and convincing the world that wine belongs in the fruit food group since it’s made from grapes.

 

{Style}

Fall Essential Skirt

OneHey Socialites! Once again, we’re here with a new fashion find, and from Target, no less! (purchase similar here) We are head over heels with the amazing styles they have coming in this season. Check out this fall essential skirt we found! The beauty of a skirt is you can easily take it from Day to Night in a matter of added pieces and accessories. Check out two possibilities that will easily transform your inner Business Beauty, to Night Owl Trendsetter!

In the first look, we decided to make it all about the office. You can definitely show your trendy side with this neutral-colored collar blouse from Uniqlo (purchase here), which gives a nice “tuxedo” feel. Staying with the neutral colors, we added a sexy pair of nude platforms from Gojane.com (purchase here) which gives you that height factor. Add a gorgeous, H&M bag (purchase here) and a watch from Delias (purchase here) to bring it together. And of course we mus-ant forget jewels, like this cocktail ring by Trina Turk (purchase here) and this link necklace  from Topshop (purchase here).

Now, to take it to evening, we opted for a tee with a cut-out shoulder, like this one from Zara (purchase here). And because cut-outs are all the rage, we carried over that theme in the shoes, like the Vivienne cutout bootie from Shoedazzle (purchase here). Every evening outfit should have a bit of edge; which is why we added this open front cardi with faux leather detailing from Topshop (purchase similar here). Throw in a clutch from Mango Shops (purchase black version here) and a rockin necklace from Boohoo (purchase here) and you will be the Style Watch of the evening!

So loves, if you want to paint the town red after work, run out to your local Target and grab this awesome fall essential skirt!

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Contributor | Cadian Carter
As a lover of fashion, Blogger Cadian Carter got her first job working at indie fashion publication, V Magazine. Now she is a freelance writer helping women embrace their own personal style, one fashion find at a time.

{Living}

5 Simple Steps To The Financial Freedom

Cheers to another installment of your frugalous lifestyle transformation. Remember, You CAN blur the line between frugal and fabulous!  All it takes are the right money concepts to improve your financial relationship!

Financial Freedom Feels so Good

5 steps to Financial Freedom

Here’s the game plan to  detox yourself from bad financial habits and start living. oh so frugalously!

  1. Unsubscribe from mailing lists. This includes your favorite stores, living social, and groupon. Until you learn will power to say no even when you can afford to say yes, you need to remove the temptation. The latest and greatest sale of the season will not help you get a hold of your money! Out of sight out of mind.
  2. Identify unintended purchases by printing your last 3 months worth of bank & credit statements.Yes the latte, those cute shorts, impromptu drinks with friends, the extra massage this month. Ready for some sticker shock? Now add it all up. That’s the total options you purchased.  Compare to the amount you saved in the last 3 months. How did you do? Don’t even tell me, I know, that’s why you’re here.
  3. Check yourself, before you wreck yourself. If you spent more on options than you saved in the last 3 months then guess what… you’re grounded for 30 days! I know you’re going to go through social/sipping/shopping/ Starbucks withdrawal.. But trust me this will be worth it!! You need a system that will get you saving and fast!
  4. Figure out how much you can save by taking the amount you spent in options over the last 3 months..
  • Divide that number by 2
  • Then divide it again by three.
  • The answer you get is what you will commit to saving for the next 3 months.

Set it up as an automatic deposit straight from your paycheck to an online savings account…. This way its hard to access,withdraw and you can’t forget to do it!

Ex. if you spent 1000 in the 3 months divide by 2 would be 500, divided by 3 is $166 which you would commit to saving a month. And you still get to live, a little.

5.Time for a Budget Scrub! Sort of like going to spa except when you’re done your bank account will be saying ahhhhhhh!

Now the point here was to get you savings something systematically..since we did that in step 4 let’s just see if that number actually fits into your budget. (your 3 months statements will help you with this!)

  • Identify all your fixed expenses, rent, mortgage, utilities, student loans, credit card bills, insurance
  • Add your new savings commitment to your fixed expenses
  • Identify all sources of discretionary spending, this is where the lattes, hair appointments, brunches, lunches and other go!

If it all works and you still have a few pennies left over then great you’re done!

But, if doesn’t…look through your discretionary list and see what can be reduced or eliminated.  Premium cable that you don’t watch?  All access gym membership you never use? Cell phone bill discount you never activated?

You want to get your budget to work without eliminating your savings commitment, do all that you can to keep that automatic deposit intact! Reduce it if you must, but never, ever eliminate it.

Is Financial Freedom one of your goals? How do you keep your finances in check? Let us know in the comments.

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Contributor | Carrie Pink
A reformed shopaholic, money MIS-manager & Chief Mom. Her taste is still champagne & croissants with balanced saving, spending & investing. Follow her recipe to true financial happiness!

{Beauty}

How to get that glowing complexion.

Glowing Skin TheBudgetSocialite.comA radiant, glowing complexion is not restricted to young skin or from using expensive products or from spending tons of money on frequent trips to the dermatologist for cosmetic spa treatments. With the proper TLC and the right makeup products, you, too, can have a glowing complexion that will rival even J-Lo.

Here are some makeup tips and makeup favorites to help you meet your goal of having a radiant, glowing complexion:

• Exfoliate:  Exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week. It is important to exfoliate because it removes the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of your skin. Removing dead skin cells can make the skin appear younger and more luminous. While I prefer my homemade exfoliator containing Vitamin C, a few other popular brands are: Oil of Olay Pore Minimizing Cleanser + Scrub (Available at Walgreen’s, Target or Wal-Mart), Peter Thomas Roth anti-aging buffing beads scrub for face and body, and Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub (Available at Walgreen’s, Target or Wal-Mart).

• Moisturize:  There is a ton of great moisturizers. However, a staple within my makeup case is Laura Mercier radiance foundation primer. I wear it and love it and so do my clients! Laura Mercier tinted moisturizers have also proven to be amongst the best. It’s a pricey brand, but definitely worth the investment.

• Illuminate:  Illuminators refresh and enhance the complexion by creating a shimmering glow. They can be applied alone or mixed with your favorite foundation. Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer, Giorgio Armani fluid sheer (the secret to the Armani glow) and Victoria Secret radiant FX face Illuminator are a few that really deliver!

• Bronze: When done right, bronzer gives you that fresh from vacation tanned look. Be careful when choosing a bronzer, as you don’t want it to be too shimmery and cause you to look overdone. Bronzers can be used to slim and/or accentuate facial features. When using it for those reasons, choose a bronzer that is matte and darker than your skintone. To create slimming effects, you can add it to the sides of the nose, the sides and top of the forehead, the cheeks and along the jaw line. It is important to blend and diffuse the lines so they look natural. Sephora shimmering bronzer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish and Lancome Absolue Powder Radiant Smoothing Powder are bronzers that never disappoint. To achieve optimal results with these highlighting bronzers (they contain a slight shimmer), apply them on the high planes of the face i.e. the top of the cheekbones, the center of the nose, the center of the chin, the center of the forehead and the cupid’s bow (the indention above the top lip).

These products can be used alone or in conjunction with one another. They will give you a glow from within look that will get you noticed every time!

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Contributor | Holly Miller
Holly Byrd Miller, owner of Makeup By Holly is a 15 year makeup artistry veteran. Located in Richmond, VA her services include Bridal, TV, Runway, Fashion shows and Photo shoots. Holly also freelances for Giorgio Armani and is a Certified Makeup Instructor

{Style}

Fashion Find: Shopping Clearance

BS5Hey Socialites! Today is a confessional about a recent Target raid. *sigh* It was a rainy day last week in my hometown and I “happened” to stumble into my local Target store to wait until the rain let up. Then… I did it…I ended up shopping clearance in the women’s section. It was as though the finds were waiting for me. So of course, with no self-control whatsoever, I couldn’t resist the price tags, and figured I’d share my finds with you! Keep in mind the links that will be provided are not the same as in store, so start your engines!

First lets start off with these amazing, stand-out belted tapered pants (purchase here or in store). The fit is amazing and sizes range from 2-16. These are great because they are so versatile. They can be dressed up, or dressed down. I paid (get ready) $8.38. Steal right! I decided to do a dressy/casual look by adding this denim button up I found a few racks away (purchase here or in store) for $8.98. With price tags like these, you can definitely splurge a little! Enter these heel-ess shoes by Jeffrey Campbell (purchase here if you dare), which add an element of boldness to the look (you can also opt for a simple pair of pumps). Also paired with the look is this sleek chain necklace from Asos.com (or opt for this one). What’s a socialite without her bag? This one is from Zara (no longer available, but try this one.) Don’t forget to spice it up with makeup (MAC shade: Candy Yum-Yum and Sally Hensen Nail Decals).

So Fashionistas, get started on shopping clearance! Your wallet will thank you for saving your precious dollars for a rainy day at Target. Until then…happy findings!

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Contributor | Cadian Carter
As a lover of fashion, Blogger Cadian Carter got her first job working at indie fashion publication, V Magazine. Now she is a freelance writer helping women embrace their own personal style, one fashion find at a time.