A CHICK’S GUIDE TO PAMPERING HERSELF ON A TIGHT BUDGET

I worked close to 32 hours a week this summer. That was on top of having two online internships and babysitting two days a week. Needless to say, I was a busy chick. Pay day was always exciting until I thought about my expenses. There was gas, car insurance, the cell-phone bill, and pressure to pay back some of my student loan. Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about rent, utilities, and credit card bills. But this isn’t the case for many chicks. They’re on their own, working their butts off at jobs they may or may not love only to get a paycheck and watch it dwindle away once the mail rolls in. It’s life, but it’s not fair. Every chick deserves a good pampering once in a while so we’re here to make sure that happens. Make Yourself Dinner I’m not talking Mac and Cheese or grilling a burger. Subscribe to Stop and Shop’s circular, or another market near you, and keep your eyes out for deals. Don’t be fooled though, sales may look good but that’s not always true. [Read More]

published September 21, 2010 at 2:16pm CDT

AT HOME ALL NATURAL DIY FACIALS

The elements, stress, and our lifestyle all are worn on our skin. Our faces are usually the first thing someone sees, and if we want to make a good impression we need to take care of our skin. Every woman loves to be pampered; however, not all of us can afford this glorious luxury. There is a way you can afford to give your impression maker a treat without breaking the bank. All you really have to do is open your kitchen cabinets. The ingredients you will need for this at home facial are: Dry Oatmeal Granulated White Sugar Baking Soda Fresh Lemon to Juice Plain Yogurt Olive and Castor Oil Strawberries Witch Hazel Step One: the Cleanse Take about a handful of baking soda, some freshly squeezed lemon juice, and mix them in warm water. Splash this on your face to clear away oil and dirt. This mixture will open up your pores and prepare your face to be further pampered. Step Two: the Mask Strawberries are an excellent source of Ascorbic Acid which has anti-oxidant properties. [Read More]

published September 15, 2010 at 12:17pm CDT

AD’S A FAKE, BUT LET’S GET REAL ABOUT BUTTS. STRONG IS BIG (AND BEAUTIFUL).

By Sarah Odell I was an odd mix of girly girl and tomboy growing up. I only wore dresses that twirled, and a perfect Friday afternoon left me covered in dirt, running around a field hockey pitch in cleats and shin guards. There were no showers near the fields, so my parents took me out to dinner covered in sweat and grime. Yes, I played with Barbies and flipped through the pages of Vogue, just dreaming of a day when I would wear the outfits in that magazine. But one little thing separated me from the women I admired and the dolls I played with. Well, it actually isn’t little. It’s pretty big. That, of course, is my butt. I also have large thighs, which my grandmother referred to as “polkas” when I was an infant. Pants were always a battle—it seemed impossible to find a pair that fit, let alone that appeared flattering. I watched women on the street with their tiny bottoms and carved thighs — and I was envious. Envious, that is, until I started getting serious about my s [Read More]

published September 9, 2010 at 5:39pm CDT

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL CONTESTANT OVER 6 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS LESS THAN 100 LBS.

Wow. This isn't right: she's 6'2 , weighs less than 100 pounds, and shows up to audition for Tyra Banks' ANTM in a corset. Um...wat? Time for this show, which has tried so hard in recent season to break color and beauty norms in the fashion industry and#40;emphasis on triedand#41;, to hang it up. When you have women auditioning in a corset and websites joking about the new contestants putting fashion industry photo-shoppers out of work, its time to stop. There is nothing positive, empowering or fierce about this next clip- it is just sad . And not sad because she is so thin, for she is clearly naturally born that way. It is sad that her uncommon figure is fetishized, packaged and sold as the "extreme conditions" of next season's models. ANTM is using her to sell their show, which makes me sick. For not only is ANTM saying only skinny women need apply, now they want everyone to know these very "elite" skinny women are going to be subject to humiliation and scorn for being so skinny. [Read More]

published August 9, 2010 at 10:48am CDT

SPOTLIGHT ON SHOSHANNA: DESIGNER CELEBRATING A WOMAN’S LIFE THROUGH STYLE

There are not many items that are universal to every woman. Because we come in all different shapes, sizes and backgrounds, it’s difficult to pinpoint one distinct style or look to compliment every lady. However, some items are absolutely necessary for every woman’s wardrobe: the notorious LBD, a pair of extra-tall high heels, Jackie O-inspired sunglasses, a brightly colored pashima, and of course, the Shoshanna dress. Relaxed, simple to wear, easy to dress down or up, and inspired by a New York native whose love of fashion has grown and changed with her life, Shoshanna works to make her pieces great for every woman and the many transformations of her life. Her line is loved by Sophia Bush, Katherine Heigl, Kristin Davis, Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, and so many more classy ladies. The Girls at ChickSpeak also can’t get enough of Shoshanna, and we were lucky enough to have her take the time to discuss her inspirations, lines, and plans for the future: ChickSpeak: You ch [Read More]

published July 29, 2010 at 2:42pm CDT

WB, MAC TEAM ON WONDER WOMAN MAKEUP

In a nod to girl power, MAC Cosmetics announced that the company is partnering with DC Comics’ Wonder Woman to create a limited edition color cosmetics collection featuring the iconic superhero. Set for a spring 2011 launch at all MAC locations worldwide, the lineup is expected to include lipsticks, eye shadows, blush and nail polish ranging in price from $13 to $49.50. The announcement of the merchandising tie-in with MAC rides on the heels of Wonder Woman’s recently updated look in which she trades in her famous red bustier, hot pants and red knee-high boots for a costume closer to streetwear. The change coincides with a rewritten history for Wonder Woman’s alter ego Diana Prince, who now no longer grew up on a mythical Amazon island and#40;the story goes that mysterious forces smuggle her away when she’s a babyand#41;. The new look — with an understated “W” insignia, a midnight blue jacket and a fusion of black leggings and boots — is darker than the famed swimsuit-s [Read More]

published July 26, 2010 at 12:30pm CDT

CHIC QANDA WITH CADY: KEEPING IT SIMPLE

This past week, after a flurried rush of getting ready for an Independence Day party I was already late for, I realized that I had shoved through lace dresses, high-waisted satin shorts, and a seersucker sundress only to end up keeping it simple- a v-neck white t-shirt, cut-off jean shorts, and gold hued, beaded gladiator sandals. In the end, what’s more patriotic than jeans and a white tee? With the excess in fashions this summer, and coming up this fall, it’s easy to go a little bit too overboard with ‘looking the part’. In the end, most of the events we attend and happenings in our lives can be easily outlined by a simple yet classic look, highlighted with glitz and glamour, and a little bit of the latest trends to add the final icing on the cake. The key is making sure you’ve got enough understated sparkle to shine, and not just blend in with the crowd. This week, Chic QandA with Cady will help you to get through the rest of these hot summer months without sweating in the [Read More]

published July 13, 2010 at 2:35pm CDT

BACK IN BLACK TO BATTLE BREAST CANCER

When you think about southern California, Los Angeles is probably first in mind. Along with the city of Angels you may think of Disneyland, the Salton Sea in Imperial Valley, The Oceanside Pier, the summits of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Colorado and Mojave deserts, or earthquakes. One thing that is shaking things up in southern California comes from Giovanni organic cosmetics. This company was founded by Arthur Giovanni in southern California. Giovanni was a leading hair stylist, and the owner of “On Sunset.” His salon was the favorite of many Hollywood celebrities. After experiencing a breakout on his hands due to various hair products, Giovanni decided to find a way to create products with natural ingredients that would not include harsh chemicals. This was revolutionary. The products he created did not harm his hands and gave his clients brighter, healthier looking hair. “Beauty from the elements is chic on the street” reads the motto on the website. Giovanni has prod [Read More]

published July 12, 2010 at 6:56pm CDT