CupCase: A mini suitcase for your bras!

If you follow me on Instagram (@thebargainblonde), then you may have seen me post this picture last week with the caption, "My CupCase arrived today!"

Many of you were curious and asked what a CupCase was, so today I'm dishing because every cute, stylish bargainista needs one for when you globe-trot.  Or "state-trot" (I made that word up).  Mine arrived last week just in time for me to pack before heading off to Charleston, SC for the weekend and I'm sad it took me so long to discover this girly creation because my suitcase has been missing out.

First, let me show you the CupCase up close and personal.

via

So freaking cute, right?  Do you spy the diamond studded zipper pull?  DIE!

The aforementioned CupCase is exactly what the title of this post states: a mini suitcase for your bras!   And its purpose is to protect your delicate brassieres them from crimping, crushing and creasing in your suitcase. I mean, what will they think of next?

They come in several fun satin color shades (even leopard, rawrrr!) and you can order different sizes to fit your boobie size specifications: A/B or C/D. Pink is my favorite color, so naturally I went with the hot pink.

Here is my CupCase mid-pack:

You just unzip the CupCase, place your bra in with the straps hanging out, then place your second bra the opposite direction with straps hanging out too.  Once you've finished stacking, you tuck the straps in and zip up.

So I was packing and Reese (my precious 4-year-old nephew) came in my room after his bath to say good night.  He was VERY intrigued with the CupCase and insisted he help me pack.  He decided all off my swimsuit tops needed to go in the CupCase, so I let him pack away.  Be still my heart.

Now you ladies know if I'm loving it, then you know it's got to be a bargain.  They are only $24.95, holl-er!  And if you buy 5 or more, you get 20% off, so they are only $19.95.  I think a CupCase would be perfecto as Bridesmaid gifts or Christmas presents for your besties.  Here are some of the color options if pink isn't your thing.

Shop the collection!

There you have it! Now you all know what a CupCase is.  I love mine and I loved traveling with it.  I have to be super organized when I travel so this just made my life a lot easier. You can even put hair accessories, jewelry (Stella and Dot jewelry *wink wink*), thongs, etc. in your CupCase, so it's multi-functional.

If you're now dying to have your own, just go to the CupCase Web site, pick your color/size and it ships directly to you in a cute CupCase box. Now go get your CupCase on!

DIY Flat Iron Holder + $75 Visa Gift Card GIVEAWAY from TenList

Happy Hump Day!  I've got some exciting things for y'all today, but first i need to give you some background information.  Just stick with me because it's ALLLLL going to make sense in the end. I promise.

Tim own's TenList

Now, you might be wondering, "what is TenList and why do I care?" 

 Well friends, you know sites like apartmentlocators.com that help you locate an apartment?  Ten List is exactly like that but they put you in touch with contractors.  Maybe you're redoing your bathroom, or your kitchen, installing hardwood floors, etc and you need a reputable contractor .... bam, TenList to the rescue.  Or straight from the horse's mouth aka TenList's Web Site ....

"TenList was formed to provide one stop shopping for your local contractor needs. When you are looking for a fair and respected local contractor that you can trust, you can find it here. We spend a lot of time and energy (and money!) reviewing the advertisers that appear on the site so you don't have to."

.And now for the "why you should care part" ...

When I was working with TenList to come up with giveaway ideas, I explained that my readers LOVE a good DIY to help save money, so their DIY guru Daniel (homeboy in the video) put together this DIY Flat Iron Holder Tutorial just for you bargainistas!  

He's pretty hysterical and makes a lot of other DIY videos so I recommend checking them out.  He made me LOL IRL and that doesn't happen often. Here is Daniel's "DIY for the ladies" ....    

To thank you for watching and to spread the word about TenList, they are giving one of my readers a $75 Visa Gift Card to spend however you'd like!  

Perhaps you have a home improvement project you've wanted to get started but didn't have the funds or maybe now you want to make a wall hanger for your very own flat iron holder.  

Use the giveaway app below to enter!  You have until next Wednesday, June 20 at midnight EST to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TenList Social Media:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

DIY Blog

p.s.TenList is also giving away $500 in gift cards via their facebook page this week in honor of Father's Day. To be eligible, you must "like", share or comment on a TenList facebook post this week. 


Good Luck!

Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color Review + $100 Target Gift Card giveaway

If there is one thing you know about me, you know I love affordable, great-quality make-up, and more importantly, I love sharing my latest and greatest bargain beauty products with all of you bargainistas. When I recently received the new Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color from Target to test out in Classic Red and Pink Punch for free, I couldn't wait to share with you ladies.

However, if I'm being completely honest, I was slightly terrified thinking about how I was going pull this look off when I saw how vibrant the hues were. I typically stick to light pink glosses because of my fair skin, but I have to tell you, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to test these bold colors because wow, did they make me feel glamorous! If I can pull these colors off, I know they will flatter anyone with any skin shade. Hello red lips...

How playful is this hot pink lip with wavy hair for a fun summer look?

Now, let me dish on the deets.

Maybe you are feeling spicy and want to wear a hot pink or a classic red like me, but maybe you want something more low-key for the office. You're in luck, because the Satin Luxe Lip Color comes in 14 shades and is only $9.99! Ladies, that is a steal and you better believe I'm planning on adding more to my already out-of-control make-up collection. Yes, I am a make-up hoarder, and no, I don't care.

So not only does this lipstick soften and hydrate your lips, it will protect them from the sun with built-in SPF 16. Sun safety helps with anti-aging, and the nourishing ingredients plump up lips for added firmness.

Speaking of ingredients, any of you care to know what you are putting on your lips? This Satin Luxe Lip Color is paraben- and fragrance-free and contains Brown Seaweed Extract to preserve skin elasticity as well as Ceramide 2 and Palmitoyl Peptide to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Other than the incredibly pigmented color, which you can see in the pictures of me above, the best thing about Sonia’s line of lipsticks is the way they wear. When first applied, they are smooth with a silky glide, but within about an hour they change and behave more like a stain, but with a satin finish. After about 3 hours, I reapplied and my lips looked fantastic.

Oh, oh, oh! I almost forgot. I know this may seem silly, but packaging on products is important to me. I LOVED the new black packaging with its color button to make finding the right tube easier when digging through my stash.

How exciting is this? BlogHer is offering all of my readers an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win a $100 Target GiftCard to buy some of Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color for yourself! All you have to do is leave me a comment answering the following question:

Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 6/4 to 6/30.
Be sure to visit the sponsor's brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Five Friday Faves!

Oh, you fancy, huh?  Y'all like the new little logo I made for Friday Faves?  Would any one be interested in me making this series a link-up on Fridays?  Let this bargain blonde know and I'll make it happen.  We can spread our faves to all.

Bello Bangle /  Devi Bangles

Duh, I'm including Stella & Dot because guess what bargainistas?  I'm accepting outside orders on my trunk show until June 5 (just enter Lindsey Riggs as your hostess), which means there is still time to get your hands on some of our celeb-coveted jewels and be entered to win the serenity small stone drops for free.

I literally just ordered these bangles this morning and I cannot wait to get them on my wrists.  Is that Bello Bangle not to die?  Genuine leather, gold plated metal, Czech crystal and pyramid studs. I can't take it.  And I can't wait to pair those devi bangles with the renegade like so:

Gorge, right? 

e.l.f. studio blush brush and e.l.f. studio complexion brush

Last week I did a Lauren Conrad Look for Less for e.l.f.'s beauty blog (click here if you missed it).  To create the look, they sent me oodles of e.l.f. goodies and I have been using these two brushes every day since.  They are so freaking soft. If anyone uses anything but e.l.f. studio brushes, you're cray.  Since they are so cheap too, I cannot recommend them enough.

Right now e.l.f. has an amazing e.l.f. studio brush special online. On orders of $20 or more, you can get the 11-piece Studio Brush Set for only $3. Regularly $30, so you're saving 90%. NINETY PERCENT. Ridic.

Ariana Maxi Black (pictured) / Ariana Maxi Hot Pink

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen apparel from the boutique Kiki La' Rue all over our favorite blogs.  Rebecca, my friend and owner of the online boutique (based right here in Dallas) sent me this amazing Ariana Maxi to wear on the boat for Memorial Day.  I may have to wear it this weekend to a pool party, though, because I'm not sure I can wait.  I love it's sweetheart neckline and cinching detail under the boobs to slim your waist.  Yep, I'm pretty sure it's getting a trial run this weekend.

Old Navy Women's Sandals

Before I went to Hawaii, I picked up a few pair of sandals from Old Navy for the trip.  I had to list them in Friday Faves because they are so stylish and cheap and I've been wearing them every day.  I love pairing them with maxi's like the Ariana mentioned above and I am definitely getting some more to wear this summer because they are so CHEAP!  Most are around $15.  Style steal, y'all.

Pour one out for our Good Christian Bitches. Why ABC, WHY?  I almost shed a tear when I heard the devastating news that my new favorite comedy, GCB, was cancelled.  Say whhhhaaaaa???  I literally just blogged about GCB a few weeks ago in a Friday Fave post.   So many of you said you loved the show too, so I encourage you to go to www.savegcb.com to sign the petition to bring our favorite bitches back.  This is serious biz-nas.

What are you loving this week?  

Don't forget to let me know in the comments if you want me to make Friday Faves a link-up! TGIF.  

Friday Favorites! My "Style for a Steal" edition!

TGIF.  It's been a busy week for me and I have a feeling I won't be slowing down anytime soon.  To get this weekend kicked off right, I present to you my "Style for a Steal" edition of Friday Favorites.

Since my Stella and Dot Launch Online Trunk Show closes this Monday at midnight, which means your shopping window is closing, I thought I'd pick out some of my favorite Stella and Dot pieces that are all a steal for under $50 each.

Remember that for every $25 you spend shopping my current online trunk show, you will be entered for a chance to win a free pair of the serenity small stone drop earrings (you get to pick your color!)!  i.e. spend $50 = 2 entries / spend $100 = 4 entries, etc. Just be sure to select "Lindsey Riggs" at check out.


A little insider information: I've only had three purchases so far, so your chances of winning are high.

Pearl Ring / Goddess Teardrop Earrings / CoCo Pearl Necklace / Stackable Bracelets

Sprial Silver Bracelet / Silver Clover Chandeliers

Lindsay Bangles / Charlize Tear Drop Earrings / Callie Bracelet 

Deco Drop Earrings / Stackable Deco Rings

To view all items under $50, click here.  All orders arrive within a week and throughout the entire month of May, there is a $5.95 flat rate shipping special!

I know this week I've talked Stella and Dot a lot, so I thought I'd clarify that my blog is not going to turn into Stella & Dot central.  Nothing is going to change at all,  I just want to make sure y'all are a part of my launch with Stella and Dot!  After Monday, it's back to business as usual.

In other news, who is excited for The Bachelorette Premiere on Monday?  I can't wait for my viewing party! I have some fun stuff planned that I can't wait to blog about.  And more than anything, I absolutely cannot wait to see what Emily wears this season.  I would give up my first born for her body and style.  Other than Miranda Lambert, she is my #1 girl crush!   Do y'all love her as much as I do?  It doesn't hurt that she is a huge fan of Stella and Dot too!

via

Five minute, $5 make-up drawer organization

I may not work-out as much as I should, there may be entirely too much reality TV saved on my DVR(s) (BTW - the new season of Real Housewives New Jersey looks so good) and I may neglect my laundry for weeks a month at a time, but I do consider myself a fairly organized person.  In fact, when I opened my suitcase in front of my friends the last time we were in Vegas, they were appalled at how organized my packing was.  (Refer here for my travel organization tips.)

However, even the most organized girl will sometimes accumulate clutter.  Clutter I cannot deal with, which is why I could no longer function with the sad state of my "every day" make-up drawer any longer.  This particular drawer is full of products I rotate on the daily.

Thanks to all the traveling I've done in the past 6 months, which led to switching products back and forth between make-up bag and drawer several times over, I accumulated the hot mess you see on the left below.  I didn't even realize how much stress this drawer was causing me every day until I spent $5 and 5 minutes to fix it.

I bought the compartments from The Dollar Tree, which helped organize my make-up into 7 different sections: lips, eye shadow compacts, eye shadow pots, foundation/primer, powder, blush/bronzer and eyeliner/mascara.

The red circular tin and the red baskets were each $1 .  The clear and blue tubs were 2 for $1.  

I bought a glass votive for $1 and used wax beads (similar to these) that I already had on hand to organize my brushes:

It literally took me 5 minutes to dump out my drawer and put this together and it's already made a world of difference by cutting down on the time it takes me to get ready.  You wouldn't believe how long it took me to riffle through that hot mess of a drawer trying to find the particular foundation I wanted to wear for the day or the right eye shadow brush.   My only regret is I waited six months to spend the $5 and 5 minutes to do this.  Sigh.  Live and learn, right?

Five Friday Faves

Hidey Ho Neighbors (Home Improvement flashback anyone?)! Only a few more hours until we can bust out of our places of employment (unless you are a SAHM in which case your work never ends) and relish the freedom that only comes from the glory that is the weekend.  Amen.

Before I get into some Friday Faves, I want to thank every one who voted for Beth and Mandy to win the free trip to Europe that I posted about last Friday.  Unfortunately, they did not win, but they did come in third place, which isn't too shabby. Regardless, so many of my readers voted for them and they (and I) appreciate the time y'all took to support them!  I've said it before and I'll say it again, my readers are the BEST and thank you so much!

Moving right along ...

I have a random list of faves today, but nonetheless, I am sharing.

My favorite grocery store find of the week is cooking star Giada de Laurentiis' pasta sauce available at Target.

Giada de Laurentiis Pasta Sauce - prices vary by Target store

I bought the roasted garlic flavor and used it over pasta this week.  It was the best canned sauce I've ever used.  In fact, recently out of more than two-dozen A-lister food products (including products from of Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali), her Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce took home the prize for pasta sauce “Best Buy”.

My favorite nail polish of the week is e.l.f. essential nail polish in Lilac for only $2.

My favorite UPS delivery of the week? The Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Hot Rollers I ordered on Amazon for $29.97.  I can't wait to try these out this weekend and tell y'all what I think.  These are the same ones that hair goddess and Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi uses.   Tell me she doesn't have the best hair ever.

via

My newest favorite coffee creamer is  International Delight Cinnabon flavor.  Coffee that tastes like a warm cinnamon roll?  I mean ... yes.  Just yes.  

And last but not least, my favorite online deal are these Kendra Scott earrings from Gilt for only $28!  If you haven't signed up for Gilt, you need to.  Just go to their site by clicking here and sign-up for your free account. Once you sign up, you get instant insider access to today’s top designer labels at up to 60% off retail.  It really is that easy!  Today they have a wedding shop going on, so all you soon-to-be wed ladies should check it out.

The end.  Have a fabulous weekend!

Review: e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation and All Over Color Stick

It's been a while, but I'm happy to report that as a result of my latest Target trip, I have two new e.l.f. products to dish on: The e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation ($6) and Essential All Over Color Stick ($1).    

I wasn't sure what to expect because foundation is something you definitely don't want to skimp on in my opinion.  I mean, no one likes the girl with the orange jaw line, right? Plus, I already have a favorite foundation living happily in my make-up bag, (L'oreal Infallible) so why fix what isn't broken?  Well, for only $6, I just couldn't resist the urge to at least try it out.

Here are my thoughts ...

The packaging was pretty & I love a pump dispenser. Check and check.

Since I'm so pasty that I could easily be mistaken for Powder, I purchased the lightest shade: Porcelain. 

The coverage is medium to full, which is my preference when it comes to foundation coverage:

Product shown on my hand. 

And here is how my face looks with the foundation (no PhotoShop or editing of any kind).  Everything about this foundation reminds me of my fave foundation, but is half the price.  I'm sold.

Oh, what is that rosy hue on my cheeks you ask?  Why, it's the "All Over Color Stick" in the shade Pink Lemonade.

Product:

Here is a swatch of the product not blended and blended (using my fingers):

A little goes a LONG way with this color stick, which can be used to highlight your cheeks, brow bones and lips.  Personally I wouldn't put this particular color on my eyes, but that's me.  I've used it on my cheeks and lips and love the color.  Another tip - do not apply the stick directly to your skin. Use a light touch and a finger to apply and blend.

There you have it friends.  Two more slam dunks from e.l.f.  If you've tried these particular products, what did you think?  If not, will you try them?  Leave your thoughts in the comments.

p.s. Right now e.l.f. has a promo for $10 of a $30 online purchase using the code "TAXREFUND" by 4/16.   

Stripes for Spring all under $30

I can count on one hand how many times I've had to put a legit coat on this winter and it puts a frown on my face to know those Hunter wellies I was so excited about wearing are perched in my closet with the tags still attached.

For the longest I've kept hope alive that a mini snow storm or even a cold front was going to blow in so that my winter attire could come out to play this year, but alas, I've accepted that Spring is on the horizon and winter weather has boycotted Texas.  Although I'm not happy about this reality, I am happy about one Spring fashion trend in particular: stripes.  Below are some affordable stripes all under $30 from two of my favorite Bargain Blonde approved stores: Old Navy and H&M.

$14.95 - BUY

Tank: $16.00  / Sweetheart Skinny Jeans: $29.50

via Spring Lookbook

Shirt - $19.50 / The Flirt Wide Leg Trouser Jean - $15.97

Blue & White Shirt - $26. 50 / Khaki Shorts - $19.94
Side-toe top: $26.94 / Denim Shorts - $24.94

What do you think about stripes for Spring?  And more importantly, what's your favorite Spring trend so far?

The No Brainer Wardrobe

As I mentioned earlier this week in this gem of a post, I get pitched some pretty ridiculous products to review on this here blog of mine. Well, we're all in luck because for once, this wasn't one of them.  Y'all know I "keep it real" and I certainly would not be talking about this if I did not think this was perfect for you bargainistas. 

The "No Brainer Wardrobe" is an 80 page ebook writted by Hayley at the blog Tiny Twig and she had me at, "I noticed that my friends were spending a lot of money on clothes and never had anything to wear."

 .... uh, me.  

In Hayley's words, "The book was designed to to help women learn to love the clothes they have, lose the clothes they hate, and shop for items to fill the gaps."  

If 80 pages sounds daunting, don't worry your pretty little faces.  It was such an easy read and I'm not exactly what you'd call a book worm.  Reality TV addiction anyone?  You honestly don't feel like you're reading a book, but instead an article in Cosmo or on one of your favorite blogs (ahem ... mine?).  

The first thing The No Brainer Wardrobe tells you to do is discern your style suggesting the use of Pinterest as a tool.  Duh, why didn't I think of that?  Who isn't addicted to Pinterest these days?

Look at all of your fashion pins and look for patterns.  What do you consistently pin over and over again?   Below are 10 of my fashion pins and I've already noticed some patterns: cardigans, pink, layers, and ruffles.

The "tough" part comes after you figure out your style preference: purging your closet.  EEEP!  If you are like me, you hate to get rid of a single thing because you tell yourself, "what if I want to wear that one day?"

Listen up ladies.  At this same exact time last year I purged my closet and I can tell you that without a doubt that there is not ONE SINGLE THING that I gave to Goodwill that I have ever given a second thought to.  If you don't wear it, get rid of it.  It's just taking up space in your closet and cluttering your head when you try to get dressed.  The book gives you step-by-step instructions for "deleting" things you feel fat in, that don't fit, make you feel uncomfortable, etc.


After you purge, you get to the fun stuff.  Now you build your wardrobe with clothes you feel great in, look great in, will last you and are a great value.  She honestly covers it all by teaching you how-to:

• Group your wardrobe into 3 apparel sections. First is the "Essentials", then the "Additions" and finally the "Finishers",
• Shop at a value store (my specialty),
• Thrift,
• Figure out your body type and dress for it,
• Dress professionally,
• Make jeans and a t-shirt an outfit, 
• Dress your age, 
• Shop when you're preggers (she's a mom), etc. 

The book is regularly $7.99, but Hayley is offering all of of you bargainistas 50 percent off a copy of The No Brainer Wardrobe.   Just enter the code "blonde" at check-out and you, my friends, only pay $4.  Cheaper than a cup of Starbucks.  You can't beat that.   If you order it, I want to know what you think.

That's all folks.  Have a fabulous weekend!


Disclaimer: My copy of this ebook was provided to me free of cost, but I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.  As most of you know, the only other product I've ever promoted on my blog was e.l.f. because it is a product I believe very strongly in.   I have been contacted by countless companies to review products that I have turned down because I feel very strongly in only reviewing products I feel pertain to my readers and are in line with my bargain philosophy.  That will never, ever change!  

I believe! Christmas at the Bargain Blonde house

I have not spent a dime on Christmas decor this year (other than my $29.99 fresh from the farm tree) and it will probably stay that way.  As much as I'd love to get my craft on and whip up some fabulous ideas I've seen circling Pinterest, I just can't seem to find the time this year. 

Plus I think I may just have more than enough decor as it is.  After my brother saw all the boxes I pulled out to decorate  for Christmas he said and I quote, "I just don't understand how someone your age has so much holiday decor.  It's weird.  You're not 50." 

Weird? Maybe.  But I just love this time of year so much.  Momma can't help herself.  Here's what Christmas currently looks like at the Casa de Bargain Blonde.

Let's start this tour with the outside of the abode.  A little garland and a red bow to add a touch of festive cheer. Purchased from Michaels.  

 
The front door in the dark taken with the Blackberry = horrible pic quality. My apologies. 

Next up we have my second ever REAL tree and I'm never turning back. I ♥ it so much!  And to every one who thinks it is "so much work" to maintain: I am one of the laziest people you'll ever meet and if I can handle it, then I promise so can you. 

Don't you love the swirly ornament hooks? My aunt got them for us!

My Aunt also got us this magnetic advent calendar as a housewarming gift, which is currently hanging in our kitchen:

Oops ... I almost forgot the tree topper, which is a TJ Maxx find:

Some dollar store end table decor I purchased last year:

The dining room table. A mixture of dollar store and Michael's:

My Kirkland's glitter Santa resides in the kitchen next to a CVS tree. Ho, ho, ho!

A DIY pine cone and ornament display on the coffee table.  Glass holder and pine cones from Wal-Mart. Ornaments from Target dollar spot.

Sadly, we don't have a fireplace so all  of our stockings are hung on the staircase with care.  These are all handmade by family members:

And last but not least, I leave you with this final picture. My sad, pathetic, embarrassing display of holiday cards on my DIY card holder.  Raise your hand if you have no friends! 

I mean, really?