Recently, I had a life altering moment at the mall. I was killing time at the mall while I waited for my car’s oil change and decided to go to Victoria’s Secret. This Budget Socialite almost never goes into Victoria’s Secret because the bras, while beautiful, are pricey. Having realized that my bras hadn’t been fitting me right, I naturally assumed that the culprit was because they were from Marshall’s and had to be irregular or mislabeled.

The life altering Moment

I gingerly walk into the store, and the nice sales woman asks me if I needed any help. I told her I was looking for bras in 32C. She hands a bunch of the new (and expensive) bras in my size and like a fairy godmother, sends me off to the fitting room. While in the fitting room, there is a ‘Bra Expert’. She has her measuring tape in hand and asks me when was my last fitting and if I’d like to be fitted. I shrugged, said “sure” because I already know my bra size and she’s just going to confirm what I already know. She puts the tape around my torso and says “32”, then wraps it around my chest and says “D”….record scratch “Come again?” 32D??? Me? Petite me is a 32D? Well, this explains a whole lot. All this time I was blaming the poor discount department stores and my boobs grew, despite the fact that my weight hasn’t really changed.

After a scientific survey of my Facebook friends, it had been determined that quite a few women haven’t been to the bra store for a proper fitting, and the few who had gone were equally as floored over the news as I was over my own.

Let me be a cautionary tale to all of you out there. Do not go around with the “4 boob” syndrome. Get thee to a bra store and have a fitting.

When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Let us know in the comments.

Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

The post Get thee a bra fitting! appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Happy June, Socialites!

It’s time for outdoor entertaining, barbecues, elegant picnics, and all around summertime fab! And what’s a key facet of any gathering? The cocktails, of course! But alcohol can be pricey when serving a crowd. Want to take your event to the next level without spending a fortune?

::trumpet blare::

Socialites, I give you, The Drink Station!

It’s a must for all my events! Select two to three signature punches or pre-made cocktails and set up a self-serve station. Not only does it keep the booze budget down, but it leaves my time free to socialize, rather than standing by the bar with a martini shaker in hand, as I try to keep up with thirsty revelers.

Here’s how to set up an amazing drink station, laden with refreshing cocktails that are sure to impress your guests while freeing up your time and budget!

Assemble the essentials:

1. You’ll need a table suitable to the space that you can cover with a tablecloth and trust to hold two to three bowls, pitchers, or servers full of liquid. No cheapie folding tables on this one! The last thing a busy socialite needs is a crashing drink station. Oy!

2. Serveware: I love this glass drink server I found on clearance, off season, for all of $8. I use it year round for everything from fresh lemonade to Christmas punch! Hunt one down – you won’t regret it. Can’t score one? Pop into a home store, head to the chef’s section and find the biggest glass mixing bowl you can – use it as a basic punch bowl. Pick up a long handled soup ladle, et voilà!  I’m also fond of colorful glass pitchers, often found at dollar stores and discount chains for super cheap! Get a few for an eclectic display!

3. Label your servers, pitchers, and punches. Give them event-related names: Pickled Picnic Punch, Saucy BBQ Sparkler, 4th of July Firecracker, etc… Add a couple loose flowers, candles, or other theme-related accents to the table. Make it fun!

4. Glassware: Set out a tray of pre-garnished glasses your guests will use to enjoy these libations. Tip: choose easy garnishes that will keep in your setting: sweet fruits may attract flies outside or shrivel and brown in indoor heat. I’m fond of gummy candies cut and hung on each glass, easy herbal garnishes like rosemary when they compliment, and muddled mint in the bottom of glasses.

5. Select varied recipes for your drinks. I like to serve one rum based cocktail, one vodka based cocktail, and one sparkling champagne based cocktail. Not everyone drinks everything, so plan according to your guestlist.

6. Choose your recipes wisely. Especially in summer, select refreshing and simple cocktails that you can make in batches without too much scaling headache. How many 2 oz shots of vodka are there in a pitcher? I haven’t a clue, darling, but do you really want to stand there with a jigger and find out? NO! A 750ml bottle of spirits starts my punch every time. Adjust and taste as you go.

7. Make everything in advance and put it in the refrigerator to get cold. You’ll see many recipes online that call for a block of ice in your server or punch bowl. NO NO NO! Know what ice becomes? Water. Who wants a watered down cocktail? Find space on the table for a covered ice bucket and tongs. If your guests want ice, they’ll add it.  If they want water, they’re at the wrong party they’ll find that elsewhere…

It’s that simple! Your guests will arrive to find a swanky, self-service drink station and you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself, having saved a few dollars in the process. Everyone wins!

Got some serve-a-crowd-cocktail ideas of your own? Leave a comment and share! I’m all ears for a fellow Budget Socialite.

See you next month!

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.

The post Summer Sparkle: The Drink Station! appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Summer, Summer, Summer Time! This weather makes for a great opportunity to shop for the perfect Summer Romper! Enter this amazing stand out piece of fashion history. This gorgeously floral Summer romper comes in at $50, but for a quality piece that no one else is going to own, she is definitely worth it!

Character Galore

The first thing I noticed about this Summer romper is the amount of character it has. And strangely enough I hear Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” playing in the back of my mind when I see it…but in a good way! That’s why we chose to pair it with a cute pair of nude color sunglasses from Asos as an ode to the song writing genius. Again, because the Summer romper has so much character, light accessories that are not over done is key, so a simple Navy sandal from UK based store, Pull and Bear and then topped with a  cute nude bag from one of my fave shops, Zara  completes the look. These uber chic earrings from Nordstrom , are a casual sophistication as well, which adds character in a subtle way, while providing a polished look along with this Anne Klein Watch.

A Summer romper can be worn so many different ways! Dressed up, dressed down, but it looks even better when you’re enjoying those summer nights. So Socialites, get out there and enjoy Summer! Until Next Time…Happy Findings!!!

How would you accessorize your Summer Romper? Let us know in the comments.

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.

The post Fashion Find: Summer Romper appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

It’s not always easy being a budget socialite. There are so many things to do, places to be, and shoes to buy that things can get a tad bit overwhelming. But have no fear, fellow socialites! To make life a little easier, we’ve come up with the Budget Socialite Commandments.  Use these guidelines to aid you on your fun, fabulous, and well-heeled journey. We wouldn’t steer you wrong. We have already covered important topics like seeking true love – when shopping and honoring quality over quantity. Now we bring you:

TBS Commandment #3: Thou shall be shameless

Long ago, in some far off land, it was decided that it was a sin to feel good about yourself, want nice things, treat yourself well, or simply buy a lot of shoes enjoy the hell out of yourself. These are things we have to earn or are proof that we are self-absorbed and not busy enough. We are supposed to be harried martyrs, rushing from one place to the other, forgetting the one person who will be there for you through thick and thin. Who is this person, you ask? You can find them in your nearest mirror (and they are looking amazing today, might I add). Now, before you say “Nah!”, and swat your hand at me. I’m going to tell you that it’s okay to be shameless (within reason). It’s even okay to be a little bit selfish (notice I said a little bit, there can be too much of good thing – unless it’s shoes or closet space). The reason I say this isn’t to quell my guilt about my shoe collection make you become a narcissist, but because if you don’t feel good about yourself and/or treat yourself well, no one else will. AND the better you treat yourself, the better you feel, the better you feel, the more you can do. The more you can do, the more you can do for others. See how what goes around comes around! Doing for you, ends up a truly altruistic affair, charitable even. How do you become more shameless? There are a few simple steps.

1. Accept a compliment, just by saying thank you. If you’re feeling a little saucy throw in an “I know” and a wink.
2. Own the things that you do and stop feeling guilty about them.
3. If you are good at something, toot your own horn, lest it remain untooted.
4. Change your mind? It’s your prerogative. Don’t be sorry but DO let those affected know within a reasonable of time.
5. Learn the elegance of slow and enjoy the simple moments of your life.

Whatcha waiting for?

While we are being shameless, we should also stop waiting to do the things that make us happy. Too often, I hear people waiting to live their lives. When I lose weight, I’ll _____. When I get a new job, I’ll _____.  When insert clause here, I’ll begin really living my life. Don’t put your happiness on hold or wait for the perfect time. More often than not it never arrives and you’ve wasted a lot of time. Regrets don’t fill scrapbooks ladies!

I’m a firm believer that it’s the little things in life that end up really making your life, and if you wait for events or special occasions, you are missing out on the majority of it. I am not a fan of the china that only comes out for company, or the “living” room that no one can sit in. You are your best company and you deserve all the fine things everyday, especially if they are already sitting in your cupboard. Use real plates when ordering Chinese making simple meals at home. Have a glass of wine with your meal on a Tuesday. Book that vacation today! Don’t wait. Your life begins now. Enjoy it!

What do you think of our 3rd commandment: Thou shall be shameless? Are you ready to get off the shame train?

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.

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Hi, my name is Scarlett, and I’m a Beauty Product Junkie.

Ever notice when you are walking through the drugstore aisles, you become sidetracked by all the pretty packaging? You want to touch it, smell it and rub it against your skin (I’m not the only person who does that). It’s no secret that marketers are all fighting for your dollars with promises of youth, shiny hair and tasty treats.

Simply, the definition of a beauty product junkie is ‘someone who is addicted to beauty products’.

1. Do you have 2 or more of the same exact product?
2. Do you buy several of the same product because it’s on sale/clearance?
3. Do you have 2 or more different brands of the same product all partially used?
4. Do you purchase one more of an item in a different colour?
5. Do you get easily distracted as you browse down the store’s aisles?

Did You Answer Yes?

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you can stand next to me, fellow beauty product junkie. Fret not, my lovely, you too can become a recovering BPJ by following a few simple steps and soon you will have freer cabinets and closets for the things that you really want and use.

1. Clean it out – going through your drawers, cabinets and closets for old items and partially used items you won’t use again. If throwing out products makes you cringe, give them to a friend who may benefit from them.
2. Stay out of stores unless you absolutely need something – this one is tough, especially when you see the sale signs in the store windows. You will be tempted but all junkies know that it is too hard to resist temptation – STAY OUT!
3. Create lists and stick to them – do not walk into a store without your list of needs and do not deviate from your list.
4. Get tunnel vision – this means, going only to the aisles where the items on your list are located. Just like staying out of stores, stay away from the other aisles.
5. Pay cash – You hear this one all the time and it’s the most important one. You can stick to your list and budget better when you pay for only what you can afford. No debit cards either. When you actually see the money go from your hands to the cashier’s, you can better gauge what you’re paying.

Are you a beauty product junkie? Or are you reformed? We’d love to hear your tips on becoming a recovering beauty product junkie. Let us know in the comments.

Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

The post Are you a Beauty Product Junkie? appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

I have all sorts of obsessions and one of them is with vintage french grain sack pillows. I love the worn look of the once ornate lettering and the earthy fabrics. But, if you know anything about authentic grain sacks, they are pricey – even reproduction can set you back $50 or more. As a DIYer and boaster of ‘Look at what I made’, I figured I need to make this myself. After scouring the Internet for stencils – even those can cost a lot – I found this super easy DIY transfer tutorial using a laserjet copy. For this project, I made a neck roll, but you can use this for anything.

What you’ll need to create your own DIY French grain sack pillow:

1. Fabric – the tighter the weave, the better your transfer will come out. I used these blue stripe tea towels for $3.99 that I picked up at World Market. You can even use painter’s drop cloth (just wash it first to remove chemicals and smell).
2. Laserjet copy – if you don’t have a laser printer, you can take it to your local library or office store to make photo copies, just make sure the designs are in reverse (you might have to try different machines as they don’t work on all).
3. Inner pillow or cotton filling
4. Paint brush
5. Clary Sage essential oil (the original DIY called for Citra-solv Natural Cleaner & Degreaser)
6. Masking or painter’s tape
7. Iron
8. Sewing machine or sew by hand
9. Your design – Graphic’s Fairy has tons to choose from and she even set ups the reverse pdf for you too! This is the one I chose.

How you do it

1. Print your design on copy paper – contact paper will be too thick.
2. Place your design face down and tape the edges to secure in place.
3. Dip your brush in the Clary Sage oil and brush directly onto the copy until you can read the letters clearly.
4. Using the end of your brush, begin rubbing the paper to transfer the design to your fabric. I like to go in different directions to make sure it’s all rubbed through. But, if you want a more worn look, you can do it more haphazardly.
5. Remove paper and love your transfer.
6. Iron on hot (no steam) to evaporate the oil and set the ink to your fabric.
7. I removed the hems before sewing the edges together.
8. Put your filler pillow in the pillowcase and tie the edges with string. I literally used whatever I had lying around and cut really close so you can’t see it.

That’s it! Are you ready to get your DIY French Grain Sack pillow on? Let us know in the comments.

Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

The post DIY French Grain Sack Pillow appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Hey Socialites! Floral dresses are my FAVE when it comes to warmer weather. You couldn’t find a happier print to wear when sauntering the runways of the Fashionista imagination. Ok, maybe I’m a bit dramatic, but you will agree with me when you take a glance at this recent Vintage Fashion Find. This stunning blue floral dress comes in at a whopping $25 (no joke! click here for purchase). And honestly, all I could think of was adding textures and tones to accentuate the ultimate peak of style and flare for this awesome dress.

I decided to add texture all around by using neutrals in my accessories. Since the dress has a summery feel to it, I thought this ultra chic straw bag from the Gap would be the perfect fit (click here for purchase). Playing off of the bag, I had a BCBG overload when I laid eyes on this cocktail ring (purchase here) and Belt (purchase here), which adds a flow and ease to the outfit, while making a subtle statement. Again, texture can be in your jewelry, as well, like this tassel necklace from BL Boutique (purchase here). And for the “Pièce de résistance”…we offset the subtle and bring in the POW factor of a rich and bold tone. Reds have always, in my book, gone EXCELLENT with blues. That’s why we chose this cutesy Red bow sandal by Paris Hilton (purchase here), because it brings an element of surprise to the table, while delivering a sexiness that will have you feeling like the supermodel you are.

Moral of the story: Florals are a girls best friend, but textures and tones can bring life to your personal style. Happy Findings!

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.

The post Fashion Find: Floral Dress appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Spring has officially sprung, and for me this marks the beginning of “Day Drinking Season”. Slamming down a martini mid-day might lead your nearest and dearest to stage an intervention but Sangria… yes, Sangria is perfectly respectable. Sun dress and drinking with your pinky up respectable. And lime-basil sangria is perfectly legit.

Almost a smoothie

Just so you know, sangria is practically a health drink. It’s full of fruit. That’s healthy, right? Wine has antioxidants, which helps your heart. Oxidents damage your cells! That’s right, they mess you up on a cellular level. How scary is that? Protect your cells by drinking sangria*. Bottoms up!

*No scientists were harmed in the making of this statement because none were used. It’s basis is pure conjecture based on the love of sangria and a quick wikipedia search.

This sangria recipe features basil, because well… I’m growing basil. It adds just that little special something. If you make this for a party, all your friends will be impressed because who puts basil in sangria? They might even erect a shrine in your honor. It’s that good. On to the  lime-basil sangria recipe!

The goods

• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• a handful of basil leaves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 package of blackberries
• 1 pear sliced
• 1 handful strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup rum
• ½ of a container of limeade from concentrate (can use lemonade)
• 1 cup of lemon/lime soda
• 1 bottle of white wine

How we do it

1. Make a basil simple syrup – In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over high heat. Let this boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture starts to get thick. Take it off the heat and add the basil leaves. Let this sit for about 20 minutes to cool.
2. While it cools, cut up your fruit. In a large pitcher, combine your fruit, limeade, and rum. Add the syrup when it’s cool. Stir and let this sit in your fridge overnight so let the fruit get sweet and chock full of liquor. If you can’t wait, then let it sit for only an hour.. Speed racer!
3. Now, combine your fruity goodness with your wine and soda. Serve and enjoy!

What’s your favorite warm weather drink?  Are you going to give our lime-basil sangria a try? Let us know in the comments.

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.

The post Lime-Basil Sangria appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Summer is around the corner – temps will rise, heat will swelter, sweat will pour. I’ve rounded out a list of my top 10 beauty picks for the warmer months and they’re all under $10!

{Working clockwise}

Tame that Mane – It’s unavoidable, hair frizzes in the heat. As moisture rises, it’s oh-so necessary to tame your tresses. These are my budget-friendly picks to help you out.

• TRESemme FreshStart NoFrizz Creme, $6
• Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Intensive Mask, $8

Les Corps – Keep your skin radiant, bronzed, and tight with my favorite body scrub and gradual glow. Note, I’ve confirmed that Jergens HAS changed their formula to leave you smelling less like a bag of  tortilla chips.

• St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Scrub, $3
• Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer, $8

Kissable – My go-to summer pout has to be hydrating, lightweight and completely kissable.

• Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm, $4

Contributor | Lauralai Clymer Lauralai is a beauty absorbed YouTuber and blogger. She strives to deliver tips, tricks and trends that are both practical and fabulous while being as honest and open as she is with her closest girlfriends.

The post Top 10 Beauty Products Under 10 Bucks – Summer Edition appeared first on The Budget Socialite.

Hello Socialites!

Spring has sprung, and summer is simmering on the burner!  Nice weather means tons of invitations to sift. Pour a glass of champagne and let’s talk entertaining!

There’s nothing I love more than hosting a good event. Ever been to an affair and notice something small and special: creative appetizers you’ve never thought of; perhaps an exotic signature cocktail that just HAS to be costly to make; floral accents that are too good to be homemade? Be it a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner, or my annual holiday soiree, the magic is all in the details!

Know what detail is absolutely free and yet often overlooked? Manners.

It starts with making others comfortable, which is ALWAYS elegant and budget friendly! You don’t need to spend a million to make others FEEL like a million.

Here’s a few quick tips to get you off on the right foot!

Gracious Guesting:

• RSVP. Literally, it stands for the French request, “Répondez s’il vous plait” – “Please respond.” You’ll see it at the end most invitations for a reason: your host needs to plan appropriately! There’s a big cost difference between dinner for 4 and dinner for 10. There’s also logistics that your host needs to consider: are there enough plates/glasses/ice/wine/bail money…wait…strike that last one. You get the picture.  Whether you can make it or not, please respond!
• Arrive on time to 15 minutes after the start time.  It is SO stressful when a guest arrives 30 minutes early. You might catch your host fresh out of the shower, coated in cake frosting, or just arriving home after a last minute ice run. The polite host will stumble through excuses and apologies and pause their prep to tend to you, but you’re not supposed to see the magic before it happens – arrive when the show starts and we’ll all have a better time.  Of course, if you’re close to your host, offer to come early and help if you’d like. Key word: offer. Don’t just show.
• Never arrive empty-handed. A host/hostess gift doesn’t have to be huge or expensive – you’re simply making a gesture that says “thank you for having me.” A bottle of wine, a set of coasters, a candle, creative spices for the kitchen – there’s many ideas out there, under $10, that are ideal to grab and go!

Heavenly Hosting:

• Don’t flip over those who can’t make it. When RSVPs are “with regrets” instead of “with pleasure”, never guilt or hold it against your invitee. For every event you throw, there will be some on the list who simply cannot make it. Be gracious, not petty! “It’s a shame we won’t see you – you’ll be missed!” That’s all the reply you need. Last minute no-shows and cancellations are another story though. You may hold it against them…in the form of limited invitations in the future. You’d be surprised how this fixes those issues
• As host, you set the tone of the night – plan your pre-event time well. If you answer the door in a tizzy, with half-done hair and a face that says “CRAP! You’re here!” it’s hardly a welcoming start to the evening. Plan your time out well so you’re relaxed and in party/dinner/cocktail mode when you open the door for the first guest. You should open the door, drink in hand, smile in place! You ARE the party, Socialite!

• Make introductions. Obviously, you know everyone at your own event. But do they know each other? As each guest arrives, welcome them to the room with a quick introduction. No need to be formal or complicated – a quick “this is my friend Jane Doe!” usually leads others in the group to embrace the newcomer with conversation… or the pressing business of getting them a cocktail!

I’m thrilled to be guesting, courtesy your fab web mistress, Trinidad!

::champagne glass >CLINK<::

We’ll chat monthly about how you can pull off feats of entertaining fab on a budget!  Being a good host doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. But you know that already, right? Afterall, you’re a Budget Socialite.

See you next month!
(Image Source: EvaSaidIt.com)

Socialite Savvy: now it’s your turn! Have any hosting (or guesting) tips to share? Have any entertaining horror stories? Let us know in the comments.

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.

The post Socialite Savvy 101 appeared first on The Budget Socialite.