Spring Into Facebook $50 PayPal Cash #Giveaway

Welcome to the Spring Into Facebook Cash Giveaway!33 blogs have gotten together to bring you the chance to win $50 CASH. Anyone in the world who is 18+ and has a paypal account is eligible to win.

Please take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions at the end of the Rafflecopter Widget before entering. Entering the giveaway means you accept them. We made it very easy for you, only THREE types of entries!

If you aren’t familiar with Rafflecopter, let the widget fully load and then sign in with facebook or your name and email. Click “DO IT” to find out more information on what you need to do. Once you’ve completed the task, add any extra information it asks for and click “ENTER” Only the facebook likes are mandatory, but the other two will give you more chances to win.  If you have any questions or issues with entering or liking the pages, please email the host Kathleen at callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca

Please note that I am currently using wordpress.com, which does not allow me to use Javascript  This means that I can’t post the Rafflecopter.  Boo!  I’m working on upgrading my site to make the experience better for you (and so I can offer more great giveaways like this one).  But in the meantime, hop on over to Callista’s Ramblings and enter the contest on the Rafflecopter on her page.  

Click here to enter the contest.

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FBFF: Fitness

Up until a couple months ago, I would have just skipped this week’s FBFF post and written about something else.  Fitness was not something I cared much about.  In high school I took dance class, was on gymnastics for 2 years, and was a cheerleader for a year and a half–I was forced to quit when it became apparent I was going to blow out my shoulder if I kept at it.  But that was all fun, not working out.

In college, I didn’t do much at all, spare walking to and from classes.  I didn’t enjoy going to the gym, so I didn’t.  After college, I just worked.  At one point, my husband and I joined a gym together, but eventually it became pretty inconvenient, so we cancelled our membership.

About a year ago my husband decided he wanted a personal trainer.  He figured that having a personal trainer to kick his ass on a regular basis would really get him into shape.  I joined up too, figuring I’d go and swim or do the elliptical or whatever while he trained.  Excuse after excuse and I ended up not going–again, I just didn’t find it enjoyable, so there wasn’t any motivation to go.

Eventually, he dragged me along got me to go with.  A few visits in and I finally met the trainer he really liked, Jim, who he was working on scheduling with twice a week.  Jim invited me to train with them and, after some coaxing from the 2 of them, I did.  And I had a blast!  Who’d have thought… especially since we started out with the bench press and only used weight machines the whole time.  Far less intimidating when there’s someone there showing you how to so and making sure you do it right, and that you have fun all along.

Now I train with them twice a week.  I’ve even gotten a few one-on-one sessions on the days my husband hasn’t been able to make it.  I’ve been going for about 2 months straight now.  We started out with a lot of form-perfecting and corrective stuff to help make sure that once I upped my weights, I was doing things right and wasn’t going to injure myself. The corrective stuff has helped balance out my muscle structure, which was a little off-kilter because of the training I had in dance and cheer.  Jim is conscious of my “hot spots” when we work out–mainly my left shoulder and my right foot, and has been working with me to strengthen those areas without hurting myself.

I’ve already seen some improvements.  I’ve lost 2″ on my hips (which were a surprising-to-others 39″ and are now down to 37″) since starting the regular training.  My core has gotten stronger and I’m seeing a little definition.  I’m seeing some definition in my arms, and some significant definition in my legs.  We’ve also worked on nutrition a little, and have set some specific goals I’d like to reach in time for my 30th birthday.

I realized last night that I’m confident with a lot of stuff there.  I stayed and worked out with a friend after the training session and did 30 minutes of cardio followed by some core on a ball and intense post-workout stretching with a foam roller.  Did I ever think I’d be confident enough to use a workout ball on my own, or even touch a foam roller?  No way!  But I went through the motions last night like they were second nature, and was able to do quite a bit.  And it felt good!

I actually look forward to working out now!  A combination of seeing results, feeling really good, and having fun doing it has made going to the gym less of a chore than it ever was.  And the extra confidence I have now that I know how to use machines (and can do so without injuring myself) makes it even more likely that I’ll go with my friend and not just bop around on the elliptical for an hour (that bores me, even with music).

I’ve also discovered that it’s important to be comfortable when working out.  When I started, I just threw on leggings I had, with a T-shirt and that was that.  My regular leggings weren’t staying up and I found myself having to adjust them here and there, and my old sports bras, while they fit, just weren’t comfortable.  So when I got serious, I went out and bought a couple pairs of workout-specific pants and a couple new sports bras.

My favorite pair of workout pants is actually from Old Navy, of all places.  They’re higher cut and don’t slip down, and fit me perfect.  I’ll be getting another pair or two soon–at $22.94, they’re certainly affordable.  My sports bra of choice is the C9 by Champion from Target, which is just $16.99.  Granted, I can’t talk much about how supportive they are, since I don’t have much to support, but they fit nicely and don’t shift around when I’m lifting or anything, which is key.  I plan on getting a couple more too–the bright colors are irresistible!

I still just toss on whatever black T I have, though I have been on the hunt for lower-priced moisture-wicking fitted black T’s (I’ll probably hit up the Champion outlet this summer).  I prefer to work out in black because it doesn’t really fade, doesn’t show sweat a ton, and doesn’t get stained after awhile.  Plus it looks good.

I’ve been thinking about getting a new pair of sneakers.  I have some older New Balance runners, but I’d like something a little narrower and lighter-weight.  If I had to choose right now, I’d go try on these 4 pairs and see how they felt:  adidas Women’s CC Oscillation Running Shoe, Reebok Women’s RealFlex Running Shoe, New Balance Women’s 630 Running Shoe, Puma Women’s Cell Turin Sneaker.  They’re brands I’ve had really good luck with in the past in terms of fit, comfort, and longevity, and they seem to be along the lines of what I’m looking for.

I’ll probably use birthday money for new shoes and some moisture-wicking T’s so I’m fully comfortable when I work out.  And believe me, I never thought I’d see myself say that in a million years!

Check out other what other FBFFers have to say about fitness here.

FolkArt Paint Review

Plaid Crafts was nice enough to send me some samples of some of their acrylic paints and brush on fabric paints for me to test out and review.  Here are my thoughts (so far) on what they sent me.

FolkArt Acrylic Paints
I’m pretty familiar with the standard FolkArt acrylic paints, having used them for various projects over the years.  Largely, what I’d used them on in the past has been wood pieces I was painting detailing on.  They always go on smoothly, mix and blend nicely, and the colors?  If you want it, they’ve got it (and if they don’t, you can easily mix it up without your colors clumping)!

I’d never used them on fabric though… at least not intentionally, haha!  And for my Painted Bobs project, that’s what I was going to be doing.

As expected, the acrylic paints went on smoothly and easily, and weren’t “soaked up” by the fabric causing lighter-than-expected coverage or (worse) bleeding past where I wanted the paints to be.  Granted, I’d dripped and smudged these paints on myself enough on the past to have a slight idea of what to expect, but it was nice to see my expectations met!

The sample of acrylic paints Plaid Crafts sent me.  I used both colors for my Bobs.

The only thing I am not huge on, but don’t really see being that big of a deal with this particular project is that the acrylic paints did dry a little “crusty”.  They have a distinct texture when you run your finger over them, and while on my Bobs they’re set on a stiff fabric that doesn’t move much, I imagine on a tee or lighter fabric this would be rather unpleasant and could affect wearing.  But that’s very likely the reason FolkArt designed special brush on paints for fabric.

FolkArt Fabric Paint - Brush On
Initially, I was wary of the brush-on fabric paints.  I figured they’d feel just like normal acrylic paints do on fabric–stiff and crusty–despite the fact that the bottles say “Feels Soft”.  I was also worried that mixing them with the normal acrylic paints would cause problems–either gloopiness or not drying right.  However, my expectations here were greatly exceeded, I’m happy to say!

The sample of brush on fabric paints Plaid Crafts sent me.  I only used the Magenta for my Bobs, and am reserving Licorice and Metallic Silver Sterling for other projects.

Not only did the paints go on smoothly, with no bleeding or seeping into my fabric, but I was able to mix them easily with the acrylic paints to achieve the highlighting effect I wanted in my flowers.  In fact, they even mixed with other brand acrylic paints that I already had, and did so easily and without any gloopiness or drying issues!

And like I mentioned, there was the texture issue–or rather, the fact that the paints left very little noticeable texture.  You can clearly feel the fabric through the brush on fabric paint and there’s no crusty effect goin’ on at all.  It’s really nice, and I’m looking forward to trying the brush on paints on things that are more flexible.  Next in line, I plan to paint a denim shirt and pair of jeans, followed by a dress as well.

Would I buy them again?
You bet!  I’d buy both the acrylic paints and the brush on fabric paints again in a heartbeat.

In fact, I’m going to make a point of looking for a few more colors of the fabric paints the next time I’m at the craft stores, because there are some projects I’ve got on my She’s Crafty board that the brush on fabric paints will be perfect for.  And if I can’t find them in stores, I plain on ordering them direct from Plaid.

Now it’s just a matter of finding the time to get back into doing some crafty stuff!

Want free stuff from Plaid?
Plaid Crafts has been kind enough of offer my 200th Facebook Fan free Mod Podge and FolkArt Extreme Glitter Paints!  For more info about what you get, go here.  Or just go like my Fanpage.  I’m really close to 200 right now, so the lucky winner could be you!

I was sent complimentary product for this post but was not compensated for my opinion of the product.  The review of the products above are my own honest opinions and were not influenced by Plaid Crafts in any way.

Make Stuff Monday: Painted Bobs

Back in December(ish), my husband bought a pair of shoes at the Sketchers store near us.  Fortunately, they had a “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” promo going on, and I was able to get a pair of Bobs (their version of Toms).  Honestly, not something I’d normally buy (either Bobs or Toms), but since they were free, and there wasn’t another pair of shoes either of us wanted, I got a pair of natural canvas ones, figuring they’d be a good “slip on and go” shoe for summer.

With the super-warm weather we had for a little here in the Chicagoland area, I had a chance to wear them already, and quickly decided that while they were comfortable, plain canvas just wasn’t for me.  Every time I looked at my shoes, I found myself compelled to grab a Sharpie and go to town.  But, I figured, they were what I’d chosen and I’d do my best to deal with it.

A couple days later I was sent a note by fellow blogger Style & Shades over on IFB, welcoming me to the site.  When I checked out her blog, I found this amazing DIY in which she’d painted beautiful flowers on a pair of white canvas sneakers.  I pinned it right away, knowing I’d put my own spin on it for my Bobs.  To top it off, just the day before I got a package from Plaid Crafts that included some paints they wanted me to review.  It couldn’t have been timed better!  So one Friday night, I prettied up my Bobs.

The Painting Process
I started out with a blank canvas, literally.

I decided only to paint the diagonal toe of each shoe, with a single flower on the rear outside of the shoe.  I felt that full painted shoes would be too overwhelming for me.  I lightly sketched my design out on my shoes.  I didn’t worry too much about them matching perfectly or being totally symmetrical… I just drew until I felt it worked, and intended to use the pencil lines as a general guide for what I was going to be painting.

Then I just started painting.  I more or less followed my lines, but ended up doing a fair amount of freehand work as well.  I did each color on its own and (carefully) worked my way around the toe of the shoe.  I alternated shoes with each color, which gave the paint a little time to dry.  I didn’t snap any “between colors” pics, because I got too involved in getting them done (as well as drinking wine, watching TV, and gabbing with girlfriends about what we were watching).  Sorry!  Anyway, here’s how they turned out!

I’m pretty happy with them, and look forward to wearing them over the summer… most likely on weekends at the beach, where I think they’ll be perfect!

More ideas!
What’s funny is that I noticed Plaid posted this DIY on their own blog a couple days after I did this project myself!  Had I waited a little to paint my Bobs I’d have most definitely taken Lauren’s advice and stuffed the shoes with newspaper before I started painting.  Oh well, I know for next time!  Meanwhile, you get some other ideas for painting your own pair of Bobs, Toms, or other canvas flat!

Stay tuned for an upcoming reivew on the Plaid Crafts paints I used for this project!

Love my painted Bobs? Pin it!

FBFF: Easter

So, I struggled with this Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday post, because today’s theme is (obviously) “Easter”.  Why the struggle?  I grew up Jewish, have been an Atheist for about 15 years now, and almost 3 years ago I married my love, who grew up Catholic (and is non-practicing now).

As a kid, Easter meant very little to me.  Spare the occasional time Mom would give in and buy egg dying kits to indulge my desire to dye eggs (which I mostly liked because it was fun and colorful) we didn’t do anything remotely Easter-related.   There were always poofy, pastel dresses in the little girls’ section of stores (which were worn only to church, always with white patent Mary Janes and white lace-cuff socks), and the Cadbury clucking bunny commercial would be on TV all the time.  The arrival of Easter always kinda signified the arrival of Spring… but other than that, Easter always came and went without much thought (and certainly without pretty dresses) in our house.

Easter took on a whole new meaning for me when I joined my husband’s family.  I got to eat ham (a very rare treat at home, even though the P’s don’t keep Kosher), my Mother-In-Law hid Easter baskets filled with goodies, our favorite candy, and scratch-off lotto tickets for us (though that’s changed since grandkids came along… now we just get them), and eventually, I became in charge of hiding plastic eggs for the kids’ Easter egg hunt.  We don’t dye eggs, but I was introduced to lamb cake, which kinda made it ok.

But fashion-wise, Easter still means very little to me.  It was only recently that I started really paying attention to what I wore on the holidays.  Now, instead of going with black pants (or nice jeans) and a simple sweater or top, I try to not only dress appropriately in general, but dress in a way that kind of reflects the season a little more.  Last year for Easter I wore a Jovovich-Hawk for Target dress, belted, with black gladiator heels.  It was a good fit, as the dress is white and floral, and very flowy.  It worked nicely, I think, though it was a little chilly.

This year, we have Passover tonight, Easter dinner Saturday night, and Easter lunch on Sunday.  The closeness of the first night of Passover and Easter like this doesn’t happen too often, thankfully.  It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend, needless to say.  In an effort to be well-prepared and not scramble to find something to wear, I’ve gone through my Pinterest boards to see what inspiration I could dig up for the weekend’s outfits.  Here’s what I’ve decided to use for my style inspiration this weekend.

Pins: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

We’ll see how it works out.  For tonight, I couldn’t decide what to wear last night, so I have brough the makings for about 15 different outfits.  I’m pretty sure my mom’s going to think I’m nuts when I get to the house this afternoon.  Oh well!

So… what are your Easter (or Passover) plans?  And, of course, what are you wearing?

Happy Passover and/or Easter
to you and your family!

Budget Fashion Fix: Floral Pants

I figured this was rather appropriate for today’s BFF post…

Haha! Anyway, I decided I wanted a pair of floral pants for spring and begun my hunt.  I found a fair amount of great options, but was disappointed in the amount of floral pants available for less than $50, as well as how long it took me to find them.   There was no shortage of higher-priced pants though, it seemed, with options going as high as $990!  Yikes!  Anyway, I put together some options for you, if you’re also thinking of incorporating this groundbreaking trend into your spring wardrobe.

Before I get to the goods, I’ll note that I only looked at more fitted options here.  There seem to be a fair amount of wide-leg options out there, however wide leg pants tend to make me look short(er) and heavier than I am, so I avoid them like it’s my job.  There’s no point in wearing something unflattering just to try and work a trend into your wardrobe!

Floral Pants Over $50
Here are my top 5 picks from the pricier (but still possibly attainable for those of us who didn’t win the Mega Millions) pieces I found.

1. Starting with the most expensive, this J Brand pair from Antropologie rings up to $202.  It’s a nice subtle, neutral print for those who aren’t willing to go big and bold.  But, at $202, this pair is a little cost-prohibitive.
2. Moving down the line is this Citizens of Humanity pair, also from Anthropologie.  They ring up at $185 and are a little more on the bold side.
3. Another subtle pair, this time from Urban Outfitters and ringing up an easier-to-stomach $88.  Shades of green and yellow make this pair stand out a little more, without being over-the-top bold.
4. The Moto Floral Printed Leigh jeans from Top Shop pop with bright blues, pinks, yellows and greens against a black background.  And for just $80, these are even more reasonable… sorta.
5. The cheapest of the bunch, the Asos Skinny Jeans in Floral Print ring up to just $64.04.  They’re white with bright flowers, which means you could even wear them over the summer if you wanted.

Floral Pants Under $50
And now, what you’ve been waiting for… the picks that are under $50.  The best thing about these options is that you can bring the floral trend into your wardrobe without spending too much money, which is great for a piece like this.  Floral pants are definitely wearable, but because they’re so obvious, it’s hard to wear them very often, which means spending less might be a better choice.

1. Another pant from Asos, the River Island Floral Print Pant rings up at $44.76.  Not quite a skinny jean like most of the others, and definitely a bold print, but not a bad price, and a great option for someone who’s not afraid to be more “out there”.
2. This Rose Printed Skinny Jean from Delia*s is just $39.50 (with BOGO 50% going on right now too!) and are a good mix of bright and light.  These may be easier to wear if you have a lot of black.  The main colors here are black, red, pink and yellow, all on a white jean.
3. Similar to the Urban Outfitters pair above, these Floral Print Skinny Jeans from Delia*s are subtle, with shades of yellow, pink and green, and also $39.50.  A good, nearly neutral, pair.
4. GoJane has a pair that leans toward blues for just $28.80.  The blue tones of this pair might be a good way to go subtle, provided you don’t mind the faux-wrinkle effect that’s hiding under the flower print.  Personally, I’m not a fan.
5. This floral print pant from H&M is by far the best deal of the bunch, and very likely why tons of fashion bloggers have been rocking them.  They’re a mere $14.95!  They’re bold, with a bright, oversize print, but grounded by the black background.  Good luck finding them though… they’re sold out in nearly every Chicagoland store (and you can’t buy online at H&M here in the states… which is silliness).

I was also going to link up a white floral pair from Forever21, but it seems they’re already out of stock.  Bummer… they were cute, and very similar to the white-based Asos pair (#5 in the over $50 bunch).  They were around $25 I believe.  No idea if they’ll restock, but if you’re near a store, it might be worth a wander in to see if they have them in stock there (if you don’t mind white-based pants).

My Choice
After much thought, I decided to hunt down the pair from H&M, and managed to find them in my size at a store that’s rather out of my way, but I don’t care… I’m making the drive anyway (because H&M also doesn’t ship to customers or do store-to-store transfers… more silliness!).  I liked the Forever21 pair that I can’t share with you, but don’t think white-based pants are a good choice for me, as I tend to not be able to keep whites clean very long… and I’m wider-hipped, and darks are more flattering on the bottom.  I am driving out to Geneva to pick my H&M pants up tomorrow and am hoping they fit! :fingers crossed:

Some Inspiration
Love the floral pant trend, but not sure how to wear them?  I stalked Chictopia for you and have gathered some inspiration you… ’cause I’m awesome like that

Links, L to R: Style By Isabela; Disarming Darling; Plenty of Hangers; Style Extraordinaire; Sarah Loves Drawing; Rainbows and Fairydust; RubiLove; Adventures in Fashion

Blogger All About The Style has compiled a fair amount of streetwear pics showing women in various styles of floral pants too.  Check her post out here!

The Devil Wears Prada image above is from here.

Wordless Wednesday: Obsessed

Links: Layers by Atlantic-Pacific, Revlon Whimsical nail polish, love this hair, a perfect shirt for me, bleach dress, started making it… gotta finish, plans to DIY something like this, need this lipcolor.

FBFF: The One-Time-Use Piece

This week’s FBFF post calls on us to address the “one-time-use” wardrobe piece, and talk about whether-or-not we have items like this in our closet.  Lots of fashion bloggers (or even women in general) are accused of having items they wear only once,* and this is our chance to address it and either dispel the rumor, or confirm it.  Chances are, my thoughts on this are a little different than the average person, largely because I do a lot of wardrobe buying for shoots.  But anyway, here we go…

Are you a one-time wearer?
I try not to be.  Frankly, it’s a bit unrealistic, I think.  Now, sure, there are items in my closet that I’ve worn once or never worn, but most of that is “specialty” stuff, like formal dresses or specialty pieces (like my Christian Siriano for Payless Shoes) that I can’t wear to work or on a daily basis.  Those kinds of items, I think, get a pass.  They’re luxury items.  I for sure don’t believe in buying something “regular” and just wearing it once (at least not intentionally).

In fact, even when it comes to buying stuff for photoshoots, though I don’t do that very often any more, I spend a significant amount of time considering if I can wear the item outside of a shoot.  Can I wear it to work?  What about on a non-workday?  To a special event?  If the answer is “no” to all of those questions, I’ll see about finding something else more practical instead.

Now, I can’t lie, there have been things I’ve bought that I’ve worn once and never worn again.  Often, it’s something I didn’t feel comfortable in, or didn’t like the fit of.  I’ve been trying really hard to re-introduce pieces like that into my wardrobe, but let’s face it, sometimes, that’s just impossible to do.  In cases like that, it’s better to just either try and resell the item, donate it, or swap it.

Do you feel the need to purchase something new for an evening out or a special event? 
Sometimes, yes.  But before I do, I’ll make sure I don’t have anything in my closet that works.  When I do buy something, I make sure I buy something versatile that I can wear again for a similar event.  At the very least, that makes me feel better about spending the money on something I can’t wear regularly.  I have no qualms when it comes to wearing the same dress or outfit to multiple events, even if the same people are going to be there.  In fact, in 2006 I wore the same black dress to 9 weddings (yes, we had nine weddings in one year)–I just changed up my shoes and accessories for each wedding.

That said, like I’ve mentioned, I have bought new wardrobe items for shoots.  In fact, I’ve bought entire new outfits (including shoes and accessories) for shoots before.  But, like I mentioned, I do what I can to make sure that when I buy is something that I can wear again.

Re-mixing is something a lot of bloggers are proud of being able to accomplish.  Are you a re-mixing pro or do you shy away from posting items frequently? Why?
I’m a huge fan of remixing, in case you couldn’t tell from my Random Outfit posts and my 21 Day Challenge.  I see remixing items as a challenge it itself, and that’s part of the fun of it!

Now, I don’t necessarily think I’m a pro at remixing.  However, I do feel like I’m getting better at it.  Remixing can be really tough, so mastering it is quite a long process I think.  Here are some outfits featuring some of the same pieces… see if you can spot ‘em all (click the pics to view bigger)!

 
 

Do you have a clothing budget or are you an impulse buyer?
Yes.

That is, both.  To some degree, I try to keep myself on a budget and not shop too often (though anyone who walks into my closet would beg to differ, I’m sure).  And at the same, I do occasionally impulse buy in the sense that I’ll buy something I don’t need, but purely want.  I do try to curb this by putting things on hold in stores, or pinning them to my wishlist and thinking about it, instead of just whipping out my credit card and going for it.  I find that this method leads to far less buyer’s remorse, and a higher “wear it” rate.

Do you find yourself bored when reading a blog in which clothing items are often remixed and appear frequently?
Not at all!  I love seeing how other bloggers remix items they have, because quite often, it leads to creative ways to wear something, and gives me inspiration for my own wardrobe.  In fact, there have been times where I’ve seen a piece I have on another blog (or something similar) and have sought out other outfits featuring that piece on the same blog, just to get ideas.

Thinking about it, I think I’d actually rather see remixing than not.  After all, remixing is far more realistic than wearing things once and getting rid of them.

*In my research on this, I was able to find one article that addresses this.  That’s here.  However, I can tell you from personal experience, that this does indeed happen.

New to You Clothing & Accessories Swap

Exciting news!  Suburban Style Challenge has partnered up with Phantom 42 Studios in Fox Lake to host our first ever clothing and accessories swap!  This is a great opportunity to build your wardrobe without spending a whole bunch of money.

How it Works:  You bring your gently used clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories* to Phantom 42 Studios (view map) during the drop off hours and pay just $10 to swap.  If you don’t have anything you want to get rid of, but want to come shop the swap, you can arrive when doors open to swap and pay $20.  During the swap, take as much as you want during swapping hours, but do try to leave something for others, of course.

What to Swap: Bring nearly anything you want to get rid of for women, men, and kids (though we do ask that you leave swimwear, lingerie/underwear, and hosiery at home, please).

Drop Off Hours: Friday, May 4, 5P to 9P, Saturday, May 5, 9A to 5P, & 9A to12P Sunday, May 6
Swapping Hours: 2P to 5P on Sunday, May 6

Proceeds and unswapped items go to Home of the Sparrow & the Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Stores. For more information on Home of the Sparrow click here.

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Local Focus: Kina’s Boutique

On Friday I had the pleasure of attending Ladies Night Out at Kina’s Boutique in Hoffman Estates.  Kina’s is tucked into a little strip mall not too far from where I live, though I’d have never found it if I hadn’t been passed along contact information for Luda, the owner, for a modeling gig last summer.  The first time I set foot in Kina’s I was overwhelmed by the amount of clothes, shoes, and accessories Luda managed to fit in the small storefront space.  And the variety?  Kina’s isn’t just a store for a certain age group–there’s something for nearly everyone, with every kind of taste (and budget), in the store!

Ladies Night Out is a semi-regular event that Luda hosts for new and regular customers alike.  It was the first Ladies Night Out that I’ve been able to attend, and I’m really glad I did.  Luda provides snacks and beverages for her guests, as well as lets us in on some exclusive peeks at new merchandise and opens up some awesome discounts!  Sometimes, she even has guests come in to offer special deals or show off products to customers.  It’s a fun time of meeting new people and shopping-while-snacking-or-sipping.

I hadn’t been in the store in quite awhile, and upon setting foot in the store, was, again, just blown away by how much variety Kina’s has.  And the Ladies Night Out deal?  A huge selection of $10 dresses, plus other great sale items!  Here are some pics I snapped while I was there… click each shot to view it bigger.

Above: As you can see, Kina’s Boutique is rather hidden in a small strip mall off Algonquin in Hoffman Estates.  If you’re not looking for it, it’s easy to just drive right by.  But if you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the Mobil station at the corner of Algonquin and Huntington–Kina’s is tucked behind there.  Pin this so you’ll remember what to look for (and the address)!

Above Left: When you walk into Kina’s, right away on the right is a table featuring a sign-up box to win a $50 giftcard.  It’s also really easy to miss, because there’s so much pretty stuff for your eyes to feast on when you set foot in Kina’s!  But sign up–$50 can be spent very wisely there!

Above Right: Just to the left of the door is a little seating area for shoppers to relax and socialize… or try on shoes (yes, because Kina’s carries shoes too!).  Friday night, this was set up with snacks and wine.  The couch overlooks the window display, which shows off some of the great stuff available at Kina’s, including giftbags Luda has put together for quick, budget-friendly gifts.

Above Left: Stepping just past the couch is a beautiful display of scarves, bags, and some great gift items, like candles.

Above Right: Straight ahead from the door is where the massive rack of $10 dresses was.  It makes things a little bit of a squeeze when the shop is packed with customers like on Ladies Night Out, but that’s all part of the fun!

Above Left/Right: As you head back towards the back of the store, you’ll pass tons of shoes and bags.  There’s everything from demure, low-heeled wedges to these hot mesh stiletto booties (Louboutin dupes) on her shoe display.  And bags?  You want it, chances are, Kina’s has it!  This polka dot, pony-hair, oversized coin purse caught my eye instantly.  What a fun bag for fall!

Above Left/Right: As you reach the back of the store, there’s more scarves and yes, more unique bags among the racks of dresses, tops, coats, and cardigans.  The eclectic selection at Kina’s means sometimes, you have to dig a little to find what you’re looking for.  And don’t be afraid to ask Luda to order something in your size if you don’t see it there, because she can do that, too!  Some items are even available to order in other colors.

Above: This is the view from the back of the store looking towards the front.  As you can see, it’s jam-packed with tons of great items in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and glorious textures.  Luda has an amazing ability to find unique prints and shapes to offer at Kina’s.

Above: There’s no shortage of baubles and accessories at Kina’s!  Luda has managed to dig up jewelry ranging from amazing statement necklaces and chunky bracelets to more delicate pieces.  There’s also a wide variety of clutches in a range of colors, and other unique accessories to browse.  If you’re looking for a gift, Kina’s has a ton of really unique options!

Above: As I mentioned, Luda has an eye for choosing unique patterns, some of which I’ve never seen anywhere else.  These 4 patterns caught my eye on the 50% off rack.  From left to right: A newspaper print dress that made me think of Carrie Bradshaw’s newspaper print dress from Sex and The City; At first glance, this pattern was random, but upon closer inspection, it was magazine covers and fashion images set into letters! Unfortunately, she didn’t have this in my size, but it spoke to the fashion-blogger-graphic-designer in me; Fashion sketches adorned this long sweater dress (also not in my size); And this dainty print was actually all various cat silhouettes!

Above Left: This unique oversized vest looked like a great piece for spring.  Unfortunately it wasn’t on sale and was out of my whopping $25 budget, but it was really cute, and a neat piece to dress up with a cute dress and heels, or down with flats and leggings.

Above Right: This sleeveless, studded top was nestled on the bottom rack along one of the walls.  Also out of my budget, but I piece I couldn’t pass up snapping a picture of.  I’d for sure rock this top with a floral skirt and knee-high boots this spring!

Above: I couldn’t resist trying on a whole bunch of stuff from the $10 racks (I actually made two trips into the fitting room).  I snagged the neat printed top you see on the right, at the top of my pile, as well as a super cute scribble-printed oversized tank.  Both were just $10 and are totally unlike anything in my closet!  There was a ton of other pieces I’d have loved to try on, but not in my size, unfortunately.

Would I go back?  You betcha!  In fact, I’m hoping one of these days my mom and some of her friends will come on out and browse the store with me, because there’s  definitely stuff they’ll just love there.  But I’m also hoping that some of my friends can make it out to the next Ladies Night Out.  There was a group of women there that went out to dinner after shopping, and it sounded like a great way to spend an evening–shopping, drinks, hors d’ourves, and dinner!  I’ve also decided that the next time I decide I need a new purse, I’m heading over to Kina’s first, because she has some of the cutest, most unique bags I’ve seen!

Check out Kina’s online at www.kinasboutique.com, or send Luda a friend request on Facebook.  

And don’t forget about my Facebook Giveaway!  I’m really close to lucky fan #200, who gets free Mod Podge and FolkArt Extreme Glitter paints courtesy of Plaid Crafts!  So go ahead, become a fan of Suburban Style Challenge on Facebook!  Maybe you’ll be the lucky one!