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| Copyright SugarFreeSheila.com © 2002 - 2008 |
| Since my site visitors write in and ask about my favorite practical go-to's and standbys, I thought it would be nice to incorporate a laid-back page on: My Favorite Products & Things RIGHT NOW My only rules for it being listed here? It must not only be cute, but most importantly affordable! WORKOUT PANTS Old Navy Women's Yoga Pants - So flattering and comfortable! There are several different types of Yoga pants of varying fabrics at Old Navy; so, if you are looking for them, keep your eye out for 93% cotton and 7% spandex. Available in both black and charcoal shades. I'm short, so I have to have these taken up a bit at the tailor! Victoria's Secret Side-Stripe Yoga Pant - These come in 3 lengths & 5 different colors. Conway - If you live in NYC, please check this place out for cotton workout pants. Whenever I visit, I pick up at least 2 pairs. A lot of their t-shirts are great for the gym, too. SNEAKERS Nike Women's Shox TL IV Nike Women's Shox Respond * The Shox in particular provide a comfortable, springy step - and the slight platform of all 3 Nike sneakers doesn't hurt a girl of barely 5'3" either! JEANS I just love trying on jeans, and in fact make a point when shopping to stop in stores and boutiques just to try out brands I would not typically wear. I compare the fit of a ton of different jeans, remembering the size, model, and wash for future reference - and if that particular jean stays in my mind (which, in my opinion, is the true test of whether a purchase is worth it), I go back later and buy it! This not only saves time, but most importantly avoids the old "Oh, it's good enough" impulse purchases - which ultimately means quality-over-quantity clothes in my closet. The fit I personally tend to go for is Straight or Skinny (contrary to the name, these rarely seem to be tapered & tend to merely be a more close-fitting Straight); I avoid Bootcut and especially Flare. Straight & Skinny make my legs look as long as possible! Banana Republic Wide Leg Denim Trouser - gorgeous finish on this dark denim, yet not high-waisted. The high waist is trendy now, but that look isn't for me at all. Levi's Superlow Skinny - does taper at ankle, and is fantastic for tucking into high boots. No stuffing required! Abercrombie & Fitch Erin Low Rise Straight Jeans - These are close-fitting and look classic. Allen B. Schwartz Low Waist Straight Leg Jean Michael Kors White Denim Jeans Levi's Slouch Straight 504 - in the dark Blush (Stretch) wash, as well as the lighter Railer. Out of all the jeans I've worn in my adult life, my all-time favorite designer for denim is Levi's. High-quality while reasonably priced, and classic yet always with the times - but never overtly trendy. A million different washes, sizes, fits, cuts, and styles - altogether the perfect fashion purchase. Fit Tip: This isn't the coolest thing to admit, but I'll cover it here anyway because it might help some other women out there choosing the perfect denim. Up until recently, I avoided jeans that were sized according to the waist (i.e., 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and so on) because, frankly, I had no idea which would fit me. Since my waist measures 24 inches and size 24 jeans looked like a size for a child, I just opted out of taking the time out to try a ton of them on to find my size out altogether. Well. Apparently it is common knowledge that to determine the size for jeans sized according to the waist, simply add two inches to your own waist measurement and there you go. Phew! That's all! All that stress was for nothing. So, with all of the women reading this wondering how on earth I didn't already know about this, if the above little tidbit helps just a few other girls out there, then the slight embarrassment is entirely worth it! This website is really fun! Find the ultimate fit for your body type: Zafu.com PANTS & SHORTS Old Navy Linen Cargos - so cute with a fitted top With rare exception, all of my shorts are Old Navy ones. Every color, length, fit, fabric, size, and style imaginable, and at under $20 make these shorts a very smart purchase. Given my 5'2"-5'3" height, I keep my hem at about 3" to make the most of my legs - and I am never without a wedge or heel of some sort! SLEEPWEAR I almost exclusively wear underwire camisoles/chemises/babydolls at night - some come in sets with matching underthings. Burlington, Marshall's, & TJ Maxx carries adorable designer sets marked way down; I'll grab whatever is cute in my size, and they always work & provide valuable support as well. If I'm traveling and the temperatures are warm enough, a smocked terry cover-up does double duty for wearing after a shower, as well as for sleeping since they also offer support. TOPS If it's cute enough to return to the store to get more colors and even to buy for others as gifts, it qualifies as a favorite. Points are added for not being acrylic or wool - even the nicest cashmeres make me itch! Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Shirt - I love the look of a button-down with jeans. Old Navy Women's Waffle Knit Sweetheart Tees - loose, comfortable fit, with a great neckline to show of a pretty necklace. PERFUME Silver Rain by La Prairie - light and lovely ... my signature scent! Miso Pretty Body Mist by Blue Q - costs just a few dollars, but I always get compliments on it! Must de Cartier - a little musky, so I use it very sparingly and only at night. Chanel Chance LIP GLOSS MAC Plushglass - any color - and there's even a lip-plumping effect in there! Feels very cool & tingly. MAC Lipglass is the only sponge-applicator lip gloss I like, as I prefer a brush tip applicator (Lipglass Chromeglass has the latter, and I love it, too). This is very sticky, so I only wear it if my hair is in a bun or ponytail that day. BourjoisEffet 3D Lipgloss - Your hair won't stick to this! Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Gloss. My ultimate go-to lip gloss. Shimmery, beautiful colors, not sticky, and most importantly, no double-dipping required for good coverage. Jackpot! MASCARA Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lash Tint Mascara in Blackened Brown - I'm really big on using this one when I travel, because I just love that it lasts for several face washes. All you have to do to look "done" is curl your lashes and apply some lip gloss! Huge time-saver. L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara in Brown/Black - an all-time go-to. EYELINER/SHADOW Rimmel London Eye Twist Duo - a shadow and liner in one for no-nonsense eyes. BOOKS When it comes to books, I'm really finicky about Fiction (nothing from the "Chick Lit" genre, please!); I don't care for Self-Help, Romance, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy, and instead generally prefer Non-Fiction, Biographies, Historical, and even Reference books. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I read this one many years ago, and still, it is one of my favorite books. If you've read this and haven't read Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea, it's worth picking up! By Myself by Lauren Bacall - reading this now! Next is Kathleen Turner's Send Yourself Roses. I've always liked her. Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition by Peggy Post - I've loved these books since I was a little girl. European Customs & Manners by Nancy L. Braganti & Elizabeth Devine - I've had this one for 12 years & still refer to it! MOVIES Trading Places - I make a point to watch it every Christmas, and never laugh so hard than when I watch this movie - and I love Jamie Lee Curtis' character. Shirley Valentine - Finally available on Region 1 DVD; a very dear favorite. Here is a clip of the first 8½ minutes of the film. Here is one of the scenes that makes me laugh hardest, when Shirley's judgmental daughter, Milandra, questions her intentions of flying off to Greece for a fortnight. Love the Scouse accent! The Mirror Has Two Faces The Big Kahuna Mermaids - I love Cher anyway, but especially in this one. In the Name of the Father Terms of Endearment Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Love this one. Here is a 10-minute clip of the best scene in the movie. Last of the Mohicans Superman I MOVIES/PROGRAMS I'VE RECENTLY SEEN & RECOMMEND Mildred Pierce Mayor of Casterbridge (2003) Tsotsi - I loved this movie; it had such heart. Firelight Yesterday Jane Eyre Death Proof - one of the best movies I've seen in months. Here's the trailer. Tarantino always delivers! The Girl in the Café - I adored the very endearing Kelly McDonald in this movie. The Grey Zone - I love movies about the Holocaust. Weight of Water - I really love anything Sarah Polley is in. Her directorial debut, Away From Her, was so wonderful. Secrets and Lies "Rome" on HBO - probably the best series I've watched to date. "Ladette To Lady" on Sundance "Creature Comforts" on BBC (not the new U.S. version) "In Treatment" on HBO - Such a wonderful new show. I've been watching them all On Demand via DVR - almost caught up! My personal tastes do not tend toward sitcoms and non-cable TV dramas; however, I love independent and foreign films, biographical and historical films, and old movies. Can you believe it took me this long to finally join Netflix? I'm so excited that whatever I am looking for, no matter how obscure, is available to me! Please free to e-mail me and recommend your own favorites - I'd really love to hear them! Rabbit Proof Fence
BRAS (Okay, getting a bit personal here!)
SPORTS BRAS C9 by Champion Fashion Seamless Bra - I have every color! Get a size smaller for cardio, and you will pass the pencil test forever. Well, here's hoping. PRACTICAL BUYS World Food Programme Feed Bag - Eliminates the "paper or plastic" issue, which means less trash accumulated in your kitchen if you're like me & hit the supermarket almost daily. I especially love that this one isn't a reusable tote seen in all the celeb gossip magazines, and mimicked by the masses. Furthermore, the proceeds feed a child in Africa for one school year - and it's butch enough for your man to use, too. WEN Cleansing Conditioner - For years I've only used sulfate-free shampoos anyway, so the fact that this is sulfate-free is hardly revolutionary. What does it make it a great practical buy is the fact that it is the only sulfate-free 2-in-1 I have ever come across, & it is its own deep conditioner & detangler. This is an amazing product for busy working ladies and moms - not to mention making a no-nonsense shower for those who travel frequently. U.S. SUNSCREENS Because I avoid the sun & am adamant about getting the most protection, I exclusively use La Roche-Posay Anthélios, Avène, and Bioderma Photoderm sunscreens 99% of the time. However, not everyone prefers to order sunscreens from abroad, or to settle for the unimpressive Mexoryl sunscreens released in the U.S. Fall '06 (addressed more on this page). The following offer decent amounts of UVA protection, and since some are tinted & really work in a pinch if I'm in a mad rush! Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 - Provides a nice little sheen whenever I am not wearing pants/jeans. For the back & legs, stepping into the bathtub first to avoid a slippery mess later. Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 36 - VERY cosmetically elegant. Even with the decent level of zinc oxide, there is no stickiness, shininess, nor any white cast. MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 - a whopping 16.10% of zinc oxide and no shine or white cast whatsoever. GADGETS Franklin Speaking 11th Collegiate Dictionary - Perfect to have with you if you're a big reader. XM Pioneer Inno Portable Satellite Radio - I take this one with me to the gym. You can save songs you love on the radio - even if you catch them right in the middle - very convenient. I almost never buy CD's anymore! Smartphone - I finally got one. Feel free to text as a quick alternative to e-mail! (972) 999-5237 Additional content will be added to this page from time to time. As with any page of my website, links are provided strictly to demonstrate visuals - I do not recommend any specific sellers or vendors for any product. |
| February 2nd, 2007 - Dallas (Sassy, my almost-9 year-old Jack Russell) Might as well include my favorite dog, too - she's got Sass appeal. ;) |
| March 20th, 2007 On a cruise, sailing to Jamaica |
| April 26th, 2007 - Gazeebo Burger in Plano, Texas For my niece's Flat Stanley project, Flat Jordie is sharing my bunless Avocado Cheddar Burger with a House Salad with Ranch on the side to start. I even took her along to the salon & car wash earlier that day. I think only moms & teachers will get this!! |
| August 12th, 2007 At the Dallas post office, picking up SFS.com mail! |
| If foreign travel is your life's passion, there really is no map more humbling than this one. |
| October 29th, 2007 - Wiltshire, England At Stonehenge |
| November 2007 - Shopping in Funchal, Madeira This is the closest I have ever been to Africa! |
| November 28th, 2007 - NYC In front of Penn Station about to head downtown. |
| January 28th, 2008 At Chili's |
| Mother's Day 2008 Just had Mother's Day brunch at Sullivan's |
| July 21st, 2008 I forgot my World Food Programme Feed Bag, so I carried out groceries I got by hand! |
