Well hello there! I am so so SO excited to be here today at Remington Ready, to chat with you about my top secret tips and tricks for making your thrift store shopping experience, the absolute best! Over at Thriftary, I often talk about my insane passion for finding something out of nothing. So needless to say, this is quite an honor.

I have broken the secret world of successful thrifting into a two part series. We will cover the ever-so-important preparation phase today, and then next time, we'll brain storm some amazing projects, all inspired by some really common thrift store finds.

Here is an awkward and embarrassing introduction to today's topic. This is also video proof that I am SO much better in writing.

I wasn't lying. There is one huge part of thrift store shopping that I think most people unfortunately forget. And that is what I am going to focus on today. The preparation.

If you are like me, preparation may not be your thing. I like to get inspired and then puruse a project all within the same 15 minute time period. I then love to execute a project as fast as I can, because I get SO PUMPED about seeing the final product. BUT. HOWEVER. In the world of thrift store shopping, preparation is KEY in order to have successful trips.

Here are a few practical ways that you can focus on prepping for your thrift store shopping days:

MAKE A LIST
Seriously. Not just in your head. Keep a list on the fridge. Keep a list in your planner. Write it on your hand for crying out loud! But please, right it down. As you walk around the house, as you clean up your kids room, as you brush your teeth in the bathroom. Any moment those thoughts hit you, like "Man, this  blank wall really could use a photo gallery" or "Gosh I wish I had a cuter dish to put this soap in" ... Write it down! This step will not only ensure that you don't forget the things you need when heading to the thrift store, but it will help you not leave with a buggy full of stuff that you will eventually give back to the thrift store, because you didn't even need it in the first place!

Here is an example of what my list looks like today:

 - Liquor Decanter (Maybe rocks glasses too?)
 - Mason Jars (bathroom, toothbrushes)
 - Fabric (curtains for office)
 - Luggage (good suitcase?)
 - Bike Basket
 - Mirror with orange frame? (acid wash)
 - desk for Burley?

So not only do I list out the items that I am looking for, I make sure that I note what I originally intended it for. Otherwise. I seriously... would just forget all of it. Not proud. Just telling the truth.

When you are specifically looking for clothes, it is most important to ensure that you check the hot spots of any thrift store. My list goes like this:

 - Accessories (Purses/Clutches), Scarves, belts
 - Shoes
 - Dresses (nothing current, usually only looking for vintage)
 - Coats/Vests
 - Skirts

Those are the areas that I find the most luck, in that order. It is important to look for pieces that will work well with OTHER items you already own. That's when you have the most success in the clothing arena of the thrift store. We will talk more about this next time as well.

KNOW THE DATES
Every thrift store (at least that I have ever frequented) has a specific day each week that they restock most of their product. They will also rotate out old product to keep frequenters like us, happy. KNOW THOSE DATES. If you hit your local thrift store on these dates, you will be more likely to have the pick of the litter. Just give them a call and ask when they normally restock.

MAKE IT FUN - BRING A DATE
So, not that I think that a thrift store shopping spree would be a great idea for a first date (unless you are dating a superhero... don't let that one out of your sight!), but you SHOULD commit to making your thrift strore trip a blast. I am not normally an "I love to shop with my friends" girl, but the thrift store is different. You have to be dedicated to shopping and searching a LOT. You have to be willing stay out for a while, taking time to search for treasures. This is SO much more fun when you have a buddy by your side. So plan ahead, invite your friend, grab an ice coffee to go, and enjoy your day. Trust me. It is so much better this way.

TAKE YOUR TIME
This is super important. I know I say that a lot. But it is a lot true! Thrift store shopping takes time. Don't give up. You have to pass by 1 million pieces of trash before you find your 1millionthand1 treasure. This takes planning ahead to have a good chunk of your day to browse, take a lunch break, browse again, take a coffee break, and browse again.

I hope you find this helpful. I PROMISE that if you follow these tips, you will not only leave the thrift store with EXACTLY what you need, but you will have a blast doing it, and you will get home a carload of things that you actually have intentions for. I promise. I promise.

Make sure you tune in for the next part of the series, where I will share some AMAZING transformation ideas for all of the goodies you find while you are out!

TTFN,

Ukranian bombshell and Hollywood Starlet Mila Kunis is a stunner, to say the least. With her flawless skin, impeccable bone structure, and naturally exotic beauty, her face is a canvas that takes any beauty look beautifully. During a recent premiere event for her new movie, “Ted”, Mila stepped out with one of the most flawless looks that I have seen to date, executing a perfect smoky eye and pale lip combo that any beauty girl can get behind. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve Mila’s classic smoky look, all on your own.

Smooth, even-looking skin is easy to achieve, if you know the proper tricks. Get a flawless, airbrushed-quality complexion, like Mila’s, by using a duo fiber foundation blending brush to apply natural (read: dewy) liquid foundation to the entire face. Paint the product on using short, rounded strokes, and always be sure to blend in the direction of your facial hair. To contour, simply grab a fluffy powder brush, dip it into a powdered foundation that is 1 to 2 shades darker than your own complexion, and apply along the cheekbones, temples, and below the jawline. Then, apply just a hint of rose blush to the apples of the cheeks, blending upward toward the temples, and a sprinkling of a soft, sheer highlight on the bridge of the nose and on the forehead.

To get Mila’s show-stopping smoky eyes, start first with an application of shadow primer on the eyelids. Next, apply a soft golden beige eye shadow from the lash line to the crease, focusing on the inner corner of the eye. Grab a pencil-shaped eye shadow brush, and dip it into a blackened-brown eye shadow (preferably matte). Starting at the outer corner of your eye, proceed to draw an angled line from outer corner to the inner. Adjust the shape to fit the natural curve of your eye, exaggerating the angle slightly at the outer corner of the eye, and underneath the lash line. Blend with a fluffy shadow brush, to diffuse harsh lines. Follow this up with black liner, smudged into the waterline and the lower lash line, and two coats of volumizing mascara, to complete the look.

Keep the lips simple, so as not to overwhelm. A soft, pink lipstick was Mila’s choice, and should be yours as well. The effect is soft femininity to the eye’s rockstar quality.

And there you have it, the quick and easy on how you can look like Mila Kunis. What do you think? Will you try the look?

by Adina Zilberman of Kraseybeauty.com

How often have you wished for a cute and sexy cover-up….something fitting for both poolside as well as grabbing a nice lunch, dining inside? At this time of year with all of us headed out for beach vacations, this “In an Instant” wrap style cover-up is just the thing. Inspired by a similar style at our fav lingerie boutique, our DIY version can be customized to match YOUR style and swimsuit.

Best of all, there are no complicated sewing skills involved, as there are only a couple of edges to turn under and stitch (straight stitch on a sewing machine or by hand). With the right knit fabric this drapey wrap has the front and hem edges left unfinished—knits do not ravel! Or, if you want to make a similar version from a beach towel (great for the littler girls) the towel edges are already pre-finished.

Supplies Needed:
¾ yard of soft polyester or rayon knit fabric, 60” wide
1 1/2 yard of 3/8” wide ribbon or cord for “straps”
Matching sewing thread

Instructions:

1. Measure the distance between your arms outstretched (get a friend to help with a tape measure). This is how wide you will cut your fabric. This is the part that will wrap around you. Trim off any excess fabric from the 60” width to match this measurement. Example: Allyce measured 58”” with her arms outstretched. So we trimmed 2” off of our 60” wide fabric to be 58” wide.

2. Measure the length from right above your bust (where a strapless dress or top would hit) to the length you want the wrap to be. We did ours so it hit about 6” above the knee. Trim off any excess from the 27” or ¾ yard length so that it is the desired finished length. Our trimmed fabric was 58” x 26”.

3. Grab a 7-8” saucer from the kitchen cabinet to use as the armhole template. On upper right and left corner, mark 5” in on top and 7” down on side. Place saucer over the upper right and upper left corner. Using about ¼ of the saucer edge, align the saucer with the top and side markings and trace an arc. Trim following the markings, creating the armhole area. (Photos 1 & 2)

4. Using the same saucer as template, place saucer over the lower right and left corners and use saucer to mark and round the bottom edges. Trim following the markings. Note: trim as neat as possible—this IS your finished hem edge! (Photos 3 & 4)

5. On armhole edges, turn under ¾” and pin in place, stretching fabric as needed to make a casing or tunnel for the straps to thread into. (Photo 5)

6. Using the straight stitch on your sewing machine stitch close to the unfinished edge, secure both ends with backstitching. If you do not have a sewing machine you can stitch this part by hand, taking small running stitches, and knot the threads at each end. (Photo 6)

7. Create the straps from ribbon, cable cord or other strap type trims and cord—use your creativity here! Cut the trim into two equal pieces. Using a safety pin, thread the trim thru the casing tunnels you just stitched for the arm holes. Tie the trim ends together in an overhand knot, trim the ends close to the knot. Turn the strap so that the knot is hidden back into the casing and adjust the gathers. Note: You can adjust the straps shorter if you need them after trying on, just knot again and trim. (Photo 7)

8. To wear, hold cover-up behind you, arms outstretched. Bring one side around to your front slipping arm into strap. Bring opposite side across front, slipping other arm into strap. Adjust gathers and draping, and Viola! Instant cover-up!

Cindy Cummins of DIYStyle.net has been designing, sewing, creating and crafting for what seems like forever! As the “Mother Hen” to the group of DIYStyle’s Creative Chicks, she leads the flock in whipping up easy, fun,  and on-trend fashion DIY projects. Check out DIYStyle on Facebook.

Your big day is just around the corner and you’re starting to hear those wedding bells chime. Next on your to-do list is a trip to the salon! Get ready for the mane event with a recap of this season’s wedding hair trends from Hair On The Avenue stylist Kelly Araujo.

Retro Glam: Old Hollywood hairstyles continue to dominate on both the runway and red carpet, all the way to the aisles of love. “Soft and sultry, retro ‘do’s truly epitomize femininity and glamour” notes hairstylist, Kelly Araujo. And dare we say they ooze a little sex appeal?

Boho Queen: Channel your inner flower child and adorn your principle part with a crown of nature’s blossoms. Paired with a loose curl, this understated look completes an outdoor wedding atmosphere and serves as a great alternative to jeweled accessories.

Textured Tresses: Give your soft, textured updo a braid boost. Woven strands are a summer cornerstone and can add a subtle hint of individuality to your I-do hairdo.

Ballerina Bun: For the fashion savvy bride who wants to incorporate her trendy tendencies, the high bun is a safe bet for the big day. “This twist on a traditional style maintains modernity without going overboard”.

Keep it Classic: Chignon’s have withstood the test of time as they provide a simple, streamlined look. However ladies, do not underestimate their reliability: “Chignon’s are incredibly versatile, suiting a wide array of bridal looks. While the front is typically polished, there is room to accessorize and modify the back of the style”.

Above all, stick to a style that best represents you. Trends may come and go, but the album is here to stay!

By Venessa (Hair styled by Kelly Araujo, Hair On The Avenue)

When I was in high school I was really hot. I mean it. I had over bleached hair, Guess jeans and a perfect tropical tan. (I should mention that I went to high school in Northern Canada where 9 months of the year we lived in a freezing cold, snowy wonderland.) I was extra hot because I spent 22 minutes everyday after school inside my local tanning  studio working on my perfect tropical tan.

You know how the saying goes... “If I only knew then, what I know now.”

Let’s face it, the suns rays make us age...and aging sucks. The sun causes your skin to do all kinds of ugly things like get wrinkles and sun spots, and can also lead to scary stuff like skin cancer. The worst part about it is that none of the damage is instant. You can be a sun worshiper for years, and then one day wake up with skin that looks like it belongs on a leather purse. The only way to stay looking young to is avoid the sun completely. Of course, this means skipping out on your own perfect tropical tan, or spending a ton of money to have a machine “spray tan” you with some orange paint that only lasts a few days.

I am a big believer in an at home self-tan. I wanted to share my secrets to a great in home tan because there are thousands of products out there and I have pretty much tried them all (I have the horrible photos to prove it). Remember, always wear sunscreen on your face. I wear SPF 70 everyday. Your older self will really thank you for it!

One final thought, unless you are a unicorn please do not use a self-tanning product that has chunks of glitter in it. Glitter is a sure fire way for everyone to figure out that you tanned at home and have not been vacationing in the south of France on your yacht! Say no to glitter tan-o-holics!!

A Few Tips Before You Start:

- Always shower and exfoliate before applying a self-tanner.

- Remember to WASH YOUR HANDS after you apply the tanner.

- Take your time when applying the tanner and make sure that the product is applied evenly.

- Run around your house naked for 20 minutes after you apply to tanner to make sure that it dries evenly and doesn’t ruin your clothing.

 - Apply tanner all the way into your hairline.

 - Never apply a self-tan the night before an important meeting or event. If something goes wrong you want a day to be able to fix it!

Four Products I Love:

1.  Kiehl’s Sun Free Tanning Formula

I love this product because it’s very natural, smells great and is a light consistency so it doesn't streak the way a thick cream does. It's natural color just gives your skin a healthy glow, and not a “hi, I just did a self-tan” look.

2. Adonia Bronzing Glow™ Self Tanner

I love this at home spray tanner because it’s really easy to get a streak free tan. You spray a small amount onto your skin and then rub it in. It’s a half oil and half serum mix and is super light on the skin. I know many of my friends that are dancers on Dancing With The Stars swear by this tanner.

3. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

I love that this product comes with an applicator mitt because it’s always a challenge for me to not end up with “tanner hands” after I self tan at home. St. Tropez is a beautiful color and is so lightweight you don’t feel it on your skin at all. I also think that St. Tropez is the longest lasting at home tan that you can get.

4. Lorac Tantalizer

You know when you see celebs on the red carpet and their leg skin is shimmery, tanned and seemingly perfect. Many times, it’s actually body make-up. My favorite is Lorac. This is not a self-tan but a cream that can be applied until your next shower that will give you a tan for the night, plus some shimmer. It’s perfect for a night out, when you are rocking a minidress. Just be careful because it will come off on your clothes when you sweat (ie. don’t wear white!)

By Keltie Colleen is a blogger/author. You can check out her blog on Buzznet and you can "Like" her Facebook page for a free chapter of her book Rockettes, Rockstars and Rockbottom

There was a time not so long ago when geeks had nothing to do with fashion (and a time even before that when they were mainly associated with carny acts, but we won't go back quite that far today!). Just a decade or so ago, the term identified an individual who was extremely intelligent, whose employment was likely associated with computers, and who was probably a touch socially awkward. Style in relationship to geeks was a non starter. No one cared much about what they wore, except to make fun of an errant zipper or tape holding together a pair of black-framed glasses.

Today, geeks have claimed an important place in our culture, and what they wear does not go unnoticed. But geeks approach style in a completely different way from the average fashionista. From Steve Jobs to Mark Zuckerberg, making a single sartorial statement is their fashion strategy. They make a choice and stick with it: black turtleneck and jeans, hoodie and  cargo shorts, respectively. It's about practicality, efficiency, and consistency. And as much as they might deny it, it's also about style.

The clothing you—or anyone else from your mom to Bill Gates—wears has an inherent style, because you chose it. You observed it, you summed up how you would feel in it and how people would perceive you in it, You decided weather you liked the color, if you needed maybe a smaller size, and if you identified with the logo or the label. For sure some folks--those who have more than two principal items of clothing in rotation--spend more time deciding such things. But in all cases, a style is communicated. Even the geeks of yore exhibited a style, even if it was one that most people considered to be generally bad.

Silicon Valley angel investor Chris Sacca is my favorite example of the singular geek fashion phenomenon. He wears a fancy cowboy shirt every day of the week. That way, he says, he saves time deciding what to wear. It's always a cowboy shirt! And he looks darn good in them. Efficiency might be his main goal, but you can be sure Mr. Sacca is making a fashion statement—an unwavering and consistent one—in his investor meetings.

by Kristen Philipkoski, Stylenik.com

From BBQs to pool parties, fireworks to—oh yeah, our nations independence--there is so much to celebrate this Fourth of July. 

Now, just to get it out of the way—can we all agree that the 4th of July being on a Wednesday is not the most ideal situation? That, of course, doesn’t take away all the fun. Even though we have to go to work the next day, it simply means we have to have THAT MUCH more fun looking fabulous so we can tell our friends about it at work the next day.

So whether you’re spending the day grilling at the BBQ or chilling by the pool, here are some fun ways to show your American spirit and celebrate the holiday in style
(and really, lets be honest—I love summer, and I love holidays—any excuse to dress in theme and I’m already there.)

While wearing the patriotic red, white and blue isn’t completely mandatory for 4th of July celebration, I definitely believe in throwing in a few small touches of all three colors into your ensemble.. because really—what other time of the year can you wear all three colors and not look like you’re wearing a costume?

To take the guesswork out of figuring out what to wear, I’ve put together three different style options that will work depending on what your plans are for the day. As always, feel free to mix and match elements of each to find your perfect outfit.

1) BBQ Champion -This outfit perfect for a hot summer BBQ. Pair a blue check or plaid top (farfetch.com) with some (all-American) denim shorts (hm.com) for a laid back chic. Pair it with some cute red accessories like these red converse (converse.com) and red shades (alexandchloe.com) and you’re ready for that watermelon, corn on the cob and owning the three-legged race.

2) Everybody in the pool - Ah, the pool party. If there were any place I’d want to be this 4th, it would definitely be by the pool. Be pool ready with a striped bikini paired with some red denim shorts (aritzia.com) and a chic beach tote (tommy.com) and a pair of cute wedge sandals. You could also opt for a chic cover-up, and of course don’t forget the hat and sunscreen.

3) Firework Fab – Be a firework in a cute simple navy dress (forever21.com) that’s perfect for a hot summer night of fun. Pair it with some simple t-strap sandals (editnewyork.com) and this adorable navy blue wrap bracelet with gold detailing (jcrew.com). Finish of the outfit with a pop of red, like this red chain strap clutch (stylebop.com).

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Congratulations to these lucky winners:

Lisa Mckenna
Sherry Butt
Carmen Gagnon
Amanda Throckmorton
Ellen Petersen
Luanne Lawler
June Foth
B Amendola
Coni Sage
Jennifer Mangan
April Collins
Melissa Bowers
LeeAnn Burton
Paula Dinsmore
Katie Dwoznik
Rachel Smarda
Ryan Lee
Julie Jenkins
Maria Cardoso
Jessica Balutowski
Elena Clemente
Alycia Damm Volette
April Woods
Brandy Cramer
Colleen Dooley
Audrey Gregor
Steve Hopkins
Bonnie Taylor
Chantal Croft
Dana Ayers
Johnny Woods
Tracey Ouzts
Tina Ort
Jessica Bates
Kelly Galpin
Michelle Brown
Shaunda Eppes
Tanya Hickey
Becky Stuart
Ronnie Marson
Dolores Gunn
Kimberly Stewart
Lisa Wollin
Nicole Horton
Sabah Alharhashi
Jackie Lewis
Rachael Gange
Zerlyn Chin
Heather Crump
Sarah Harrier

Summer is full of fun times, big events and high temperatures! It's the perfect time to try some updo hairstyles on your little girls. With two girls in my house, we can hardly turn around without tripping over a hair accessory. (How do rubber bands end up in such random places?) And to keep them cool and looking cute for every occasion, I have a few easy updos we use all the time.

Girly Summer Updo: Pool Day
Swimming can really take a toll on little girls’ hair.  On top of the drying effects of chlorine, the tangles can be ruthless! Tight french braids are the perfect solution.  They last through all sorts of hijinks, even meeting a dolphin!

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As Father’s day approaches, the same question comes up every year. What new and creative gift should I get? What can I get that will be better than the previous years? We all know how difficult it can be to buy a gift for our fathers. There’s the tech savvy dads, sports loving, hunters, outdoorsy, and the list goes on. We have created a list of hopefully some new and clever gifts ideas for this father’s day that can trump previous years, not hurt your wallet, and make this day a special one.

Handyman: Some dads spend all of their time in the garage working with tools and constantly trying to find something to fix. If your father is the fix everything himself, handy man type we found just the perfect simple gift, tool pens. We found these pens designed as different hammers, screws etc. This can be the perfect addition to a toolbox or workshop that is inexpensive and shows your father just how well you know him.

Outdoors/Family Man: There will always be a group of dads who love enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer and spending quality time with family and friends on camping trips. This year instead of just sitting around a campfire, we found a great outdoors board game. This camp board game is an easy way to bring fun anywhere you go. It is water proof and is designed with questions for all ages so everyone can participate and join in on the fun.

Sports Fanatic: If you’re dad is the type that loves a good Sunday afternoon at home with a sporting game on and a beer, we found just the right gift. This is one that you could say is definitely unique and will be a gift to remember. The universal “Remote + Bottle Opener”, it is a TV remote that will work for all TV’s and has the bottle opener built into the remote. Sounds dangerous but this could be the perfect gift for a man cave and could possibly be the only thing tool he will need on one of those Sunday afternoons.

Tech Savvy: It seems these days that technology is ever-changing and there are constantly new and different products every day. If you’re dad is the type that always wants the newest gadget we have found a great gift for this year. The “Smart Talk Solar Hands-Free Accessory”, this product mounts to the windshield of a vehicle so the solar panel can face the glass. This will keep the battery charged and will allow extended talk time. Phone calls can be answered by the press of a large button or by voice with smart phones. Keep your father safe on the roads and up to date with technology this father’s day.

Now, if your dad is a bit more traditional a new shaver or a groomer might do the trick.  Check out our Father's Day featured products on RemingtonProducts.com and take 25% OFF with the promo code: DAD25 (expires 6/17/2012).

Happy Father's Day!