A problem I have with using headbands is that many of them give me a headache. Any of the stiffer ones that hold on by gripping just behind my ears always result in a headache for me. So now I try to stick to using a rolled up scarf, or a fabric ribbon style band that goes all the way around my head. These ones will move around a little more than the stiff ones (I use a couple of bobby pins to keep the ribbons in place) but are kinder on my head.

This sample is for Australians only, but don’t be too sad international readers, lots of my free sample finds are available world-wide so check back regularly and there will be something for you. You can subscribe using the link at the top of the page if you never want to miss a post!

Since I switched to mineral makeup I hardly ever get a serious break-out, and it’s easy to wipe my makeup off in the evening with a wet wipe. (Baby wipes work great for this.) I use the Everyday Minerals brand which has a powder mineral foundation that you buff into your skin using a little fluffy “kabuki” makeup brush. I find it’s much quicker to put this on in the morning than a cream makeup, and I make less mess too. They also have some beautiful eyeshadow colors. I love my Carpool lilac shade.

I started out with their Free Sample Makeup Kit (you just pay postage) where you get 5 sample size products to try and find the right shade for you (3 foundations, 1 blush and 1 concealer). The samples were quite a large size, and I was able to find a shade of foundation that was just right. Now I order a custom kit when I need more foundation. That way for the price of the foundations I was going to buy I usually get a few new eye shadows for the same price.

If you’re handy with the crochet hook you could make your own too. Flower brooches are a good choice to practice on, because they’re small so you can get a project finished in one sitting. If you’re brand new to crochet, try a simpler pattern than this one and work up to the more complicated designs.

I didn’t know that you could buy frames online. I took a look at Zenni Optical’s site. They sell eyeglasses online, including frames for your prescription lenses and frames for the sunglass style prescription glasses. This link has lots of comments about shoppers experiences with Zenni Optical. They certainly had a huge range of options. My pick are these, they’re nice and thick and pretty fashionable too. Black is a good colour for glasses as it will tone with any outfit. Of course you could have different frames for each day of the week if you wanted to!

If you wear glasses full-time, having a pair of prescription sunglasses is a lifesaver in the fashion stakes. I’ve even seen some lenses that will change colour depending on the light level, so you don’t need an extra pair of glasses.

• Making a good first impression
• Quick style updates through alterations
• Tattoos as accessories
• How to get the most out of end of season sales
• Style on a shoestring

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She also has a GREAT article on closet organization at her website.  The before and after pictures are especially fun.  Who wouldn’t want to take a peak inside someone else’s unorganized wardrobe!  One tip that I’ve been using for a while now is to set out tomorrow’s outfit the night before.  This allows me more time to put together something fun, instead of rushing whatever comes to hand as we’re rushing out the door.  I find I end up wearing much more fashionable ensembles now, the extra time to mix and match has made all the difference.

*** This is a sponsored post ***

Hats are such a rare item to wear, that when faced with the necessity it’s almost always necessary to get a new one. And it’s so hard to find an individual hat that won’t be the same as what someone else is wearing. At only $25USD this hat is chic, individual and will leave you plenty of cash for your dress. The maker will also custom make one for your head size on request. She has a few other lovely styles too if you need to tone in with a dress you already have. (This one won’t work with a black dress, don’t mix navy and black, it doesn’t work.)

While you’re on Etsy, take a browse around. I always manage to find so many individual lovely things that make perfect gifts or special treats.

But some of us are stocking “challenged”. Problems you could be having with your stockings are:

• The gusset sagging, particularly after you do a bit of walking.
• Stay up stockings rolling over at the top.
• Stockings twisting around the waist.

And the solution? It’s all in the fit. The solution to all these problems is simple. You are buying a size too small! Just go up a size and away goes the problem. Stockings need to be long enough in the leg, otherwise with every step the integrated feet are pulling them down from your waist. Thigh high stockings will roll if they are not wide enough for your thigh.

If you’re a challenging fit and just can’t get the right size, you can switch to old fashioned stockings with suspenders as a last resort. These are not as warm but will probably be a big hit with your man!