Thursday, February 26, 2015

Why you shouldn't go cheap with clothing

You want to look good but you're on a budget. Many people (myself included) at some point and time make the mistake of buying cheap clothes when all they have to do is go a bit higher in price. 

Why go higher in price?

Before I explain that, let me explain why you should try to avoid buying clothes from cheap stores like Walmart (sorry Walmart but we have an image to maintain). People judge you by your looks. I myself am not immune to this phenomenon. I am learning more and more everyday about the importance of aesthetics.

When purchasing poorly-made clothes made from cheap materials, people put themselves into boxes (they're cheap, they have poor taste, etc.). Unfortunately, people DO judge books by their covers, so to the best of our ability, we must avoid purchasing clothes from "big box stores".

I am in no way implying that everyone is afforded the luxury of buying expensive clothes. I understand the need to "do what you have to do". At the end of the day, you have to go with what your pockets can afford. I have purchased clothes from stores like Walmart in the past and I understand that we sometimes have to settle. BUT..humor me for a minute and let me explain why sometimes cheaper isn't always better.

If I purchase a pair of ten-dollar pants from Walmart that only lasts me three months, am I really saving? What if I purchased a better pair of pants at sixty-dollars that lasts me three years or more? In the long run, I am saving a whole lot more by purchasing something of higher quality as opposed to constantly having to buy more pants. As for other clothes..rinse and repeat. Try this model with all facets in life and more often than not, you will see that the more expensive choice is sometimes the best.

Ask yourself these questions; Is it better to have a wardrobe full of cheap pieces that will only last for a small amount of time OR; is it better to have a smaller wardrobe with high-quality pieces?

You may be thinking "I have more variety with more pieces.". The reality is, you do not. This is an illusion because you can obtain the same variety with a few items that are of better quality without sacrificing your image.

Well, let's get on to the Mix N' Match. Let me give you some examples of higher quality items where you can pair the items to create a more impressive look without having to buy as much.

Wardrobe idea:

2015 fashion trends
These are the items pictured:

Women's Cindy Jean in Stanton

Lock and Love Women's Kimono Boxy Tee

Luxury Divas Sensational Black Wide Brim Diva Style Floppy Hat

Rebecca Minkoff Women's Alex Boot

SilvancĂ© - Women's Pendant Necklaces 925 Sterling Silver Genuine Blue Sapphire,.925 

Sterling Silver Classic Thin Hammered Finish Open End Womens Cuff Bangle Bracelet .

This is a great ensemble and it is versatile. You can pair these items with different shirts, pants, hats, etc.

These ideas will help you style it up a bit more without looking cheap. I mixed up some higher and lower-priced items to give you an example. It also shows how you can mix higher-priced with lower-priced items if budget is a serious issue for you. While they are slightly more expensive then what you might find at stores like Walmart and Burlington, they won't break the bank and you'll still look fab!

Stay posted for more fashion tips and ensemble ideas. Be sure to join our email list and subscribe!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

SPOILER ALERT: This article may include some reveals about the new hit show 'Empire'!

Empire


Normally it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to shows. I have very specific taste. I'm pretty much over the reality show thing (except for a few choice shows like 'Braxton Family Values'). However, the new hit series 'Empire' was recently brought to my attention.

Despite my reservations and preconceived notions regarding the show, I decided to dip my foot in. I am so glad that I did..and why shouldn't I? 'Empire' boasts an awesome star-filled cast including Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard. Both actors are exquisite in their acting roles and one must know who does Taraji P. Henson's wardrobe..it is simply FABULOUS!

The gist of Empire is as follows:

The CEO of the record label Empire (Terrance Howard) is looking to pass the torch to one of his sons. This is because he is dying of ALS which he (SPOILER ALERT) only recently revealed to his family. The person who is names heir to the throne of Empire takes it all! It is for this reason that he pits his three sons (two are artists of Empire and one is an executive).

The stress of trying to prove themselves worthy causes turmoil within the label as well as the family. Taraji P. Henson ('Cookie'), was recently let out of prison after 17 years stirred up the drama since it was she who helped Empire get off the ground. Part of the reason why she was incarcerated was because of a bad drug deal which was Terrance Howard (Lucious Lyon's) fault. 'Cookie' (aptly nicknamed 'The Cookie Monster'), feels that she is owed her due not only for doing a bid for Lucious, but for her integral role in the success of Empire.

There is so much going on with regard to the show. While I will not divulge all pertinent information about the show (where's the fun in that?), I will tell you that you must give this show a try. Grab your favorite bottle of wine (don't forget your sexy glasses and charms) and a box of Godiva (for the gents, a nice Shiraz).

Don't be the only one left in the dark. Empire is a must-see. You will not be disappointed. Have you seen the show? What do you think?

Monday, January 5, 2015

We're Back!

Hi all,

I am sorry that I have been away for a while. I just had a little baby so I have been very busy. I am in the process of changing writers as well. Smackpress will be fully operational shortly. However, I will still be posting in the meantime.

Want to know how to blog? Check out my tutorial on starting a blog at:

Click here to start a blog within minutes!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Hi everyone,

My latest Kindle Ebook has been released and is now on sale at (click the picture):




Teach your child their ABC's while the vibrant illustrations keep their attention. Your little one will love this book and want you to read it with them every night!

This Ebook is available on Amazon for only $1.99.

Don't have a Kindle? Download it FREE for all of your devices at:

FREE Kindle Reader

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Samsung to Donate $3M to Charities Chosen By Ellen

Recently Twitter blew up thanks to selfie taken at the Oscars.  The selfie was seen all over the world, and it was retweeted 3million times. Ellen DeGeneres the host of the 86th Academy Awards took an opportunity and gathered the film industry’s biggest stars for a selfie that broke Twitter- and that helped to clarify which social media platform won the night.

Whether it was planned or not, Twitter was a constant presence throughout the entire Academy Awards. Degeneres promised she would be tweeting throughout the night.  Her tweets were retweeted between 26,000 to 170,000 times, which makes sense since there were about 1 billion people watching their televisions during the show. According to Twitter there were more than 14.7 million Oscar telecast-related tweets during the live show.

Ellen definitely knows how to work the system. Degeneres was constantly pulling out her Samsung Galaxy Note 3 during the Oscar telecast to take selfies. Some people cried out product placement foul, but I choose to think otherwise.

Today on her post-Oscar live episode of “The Ellen Degeneres Show”, Ellen shared that Samsung was, in fact, donating $3 million to charity since they’d gotten so much exposure at the Oscars. Ellen is going to divide up the money between St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Humane Society of the United States.


So folks, I guess the message is, a lot of retweets can equal to a lot of donated money. Stay classy Ellen.

By Marla Fong

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Guardians of the Galaxy teaser

Marvel’s first teaser for Guardians of the Galaxy’ on YouTube

Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel’s next franchise to make the jump to film, and now you can check out the movie teaser on YouTube. The 15- second spot doesn’t reveal much, but you can get a feeling for the new film’s look and feel. This film is based on the cult comic book and continues to explore the Marvel Universe in a different way. For all you Vin Diesel fans out there, you will get to see him play a mystical tree. The movie also stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Bradley Cooper voicing a genetically engineered raccoon.  This movie does not look as intense as the other Marvel movies we’ve seen, but it is due to hit theaters on August 1st.  It looks to me as if Guardians of the Galaxy will have a bit of drama, humor, and action in it.

The movie takes place in the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill (Pratt) finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan. In order to escape Ronan, Quill is forced into a truce with a group of misfits including Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), and Groot.  Later, once Quill discovers the true power of the Orb, he will have to have to battle his enemies-with the state of the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

The first trailer will be in the theaters Friday and premieres on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night (11:35ET/PT), with a special intro by Chris Pratt.


-by Marla Fong







Monday, February 10, 2014

Social Media Can Help Teens


Unnecessary moral panic starts at every turn these days and it takes nothing more than a random article or a flash of an edited out of context video clip on the 5 o'clock news to get viewers quickly jumping on the band wagon in a frantic frenzy to control the unknown. Frankly, its surprising how much can be exaggerated at every turn with little to no proof. The game of telephone between humans often called fatalists feed never ending cycles of madness that seem to increase as technology (and our lifestyle) changes to provide us with easier access to resources unavailable to the past generation.

The most prevalent target of these moral panics? Why, the "anti-social youth of america" and their "technological addiction" of course!
With the current 9% unemployment rate (worst than the great depression with 6%) and over 50% of young adults unable to afford college or get adequate student loan money. Families everywhere are having to deal with new problematical situations like "boomerang kids" and even their own bankruptcy as a result of a failed economy. Yet the older generation expect teenagers to put their value in the same level of education when they see a homeless man on the cold streets holding a sign that says "I have a doctorates degree, will work for food and shelter".

Those from under privileged or from low income and struggling families express a far greater concern for strong social connections, as not only a means for future survival in an uncertain world, but as a coping mechanism during the emotional turmoil that such a life inevitably presents.

This is not to say that all have turned a blind eye to the obvious plight of today's youth. But unfortunately too many are quick to create an easy scapegoat out of this generation's "obsession" with daily expression and communication, for every unrelated issue that they can stretch towards it.

Opposing popular belief, recent studies in publications like CNN and LA Times have shown social media and its constant IM's and "instagrams" to have had a positive influence rather than a negative. It has created up and coming adults who are actually better at socializing in person and have healthier mindset offline than those who do not tweet and text. The activities thought to create hermits and basement dwellers who shirk reality, instead transferred over into more extensive face to face conversational skills, helping teens connect and relate while grasping their own individuality, sense of self, and security in relationships.

The concern of privacy protection is becoming less of an issue as customized safety settings and privacy locks become more secure and commonly used, allowing only friends to view pages and posts.

Even aside from cyber bullies, let us not forget how many suicides have been prevented with increased human connection online. Researchers at Brigham Young University found that teens and adults normally afraid to come out with their depression, suicidal tendencies, and thoughts of self harm were able to reach out for help on facebook or twitter, receiving positive life saving responses of care and empathy in return. Simple posts asking users to "tag a friend you love" or "pass on to someone to you can't live without" give hope to those who would otherwise feel isolated.

As history has shown in its repetitive cycle, advances in human knowledge and ability have and will always be met with fear by those who do not understand it. At one time woman who practiced herbal medicine were burned at the stake for being witches, and scientists were imprisoned for having the audacity to believe the earth could orbit around the sun or be anything other than flat.

Today our world continues to face consequences of persecution for those who dare to go forward with a new way of thinking and living. But history repeats. And we always end up looking back, amazed at the ridiculous things we worried about in the past.


By Angelina Paige

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