Bargain Beauties love a sale!!! But just because something is on clearance doesn’t mean we need to buy it. Before filling our shopping cart, we make sure each item meets our criteria. It’s an easy approach that you can try too: Fit, Function & Fashion!

FIT: How many times have we bought those jeans that were just a bit snug, telling ourselves we’d lose a couple pounds to make it work? The only thing we lost…our hard earned money! If it fits, it sticks. If not, throw it out.

FUNCTION: The best items to purchase are those that can be worn many different ways, on mutiple occasions and through several seasons. Be honest with yourself when considering how much use you’ll get from a garment.

FASHION: Splurge on the classic items that will take you far, and throw in a few key trendy items each new season. And remember that fashion is supposed to be fun! So feel free to experiment with looks and find your unique personal style.

As bargain beauties, we obviously love all things that deal in glitz & glamour.  So how appropriate is it that our new fave lipgloss comes in a popping pink hue called Glitz??!!  We got this one from our friend Marinda Speelman who sells this fab brand Artistry.  It also happens to be the official makeup line for the Miss America Pageant.  What makes it so great?  It comes complete with a built in mirror and LED light, allowing you to perfectly paint your pout.  And all three shades have a minty fresh flavor…an added bonus!

Contact Marinda to order yours today: mspeelman@ltdkate.com

There are some great perks to being a pageant coach.  First, we get to help our clients reach success.  Second, we get to play dress up for a living.  And third, we get some really cool media opportunities as pageant & beauty experts.  One such perk was working with the team at Jimmy Kimmel Live.  The writers were struggling as they created a Toddlers & Tiaras spoof with Tom Hanks for their Oscar Special.  When we got the call, we were ecstatic and of course we were up for the challenge!!  We choreographed a dance for Tom’s “daughter”, we helped cast the other characters, and we gave the writers an inside look into the wonderfully crazy world of pageantry.  The skit turned out great!!  And we were there on set go make sure everything went smoothly.  Take a look at the video and let us know what you think!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPLWKBWkn3s

Last weekend we served as celebrity judges at the California Gold Coast Pageant in Costa Mesa.  The hit TLC reality show Toddlers and Tiaras was also there to take in all the glitz and glamour!  Watch for our episode coming up in January 2010.  Sashes and Crowns also had a booth at the event, and many contestants were eager to sign up for our upcoming workshops.  Be sure to reserve a spot now by emailing us at sashesandcrowns@gmail.com.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

November 15, Santa Monica, CA- Last Minute Miss CA USA and Miss Teen CA USA 2010 Bootcamp $200

December 12, Santa Monica, CA- Little Miss & Mister Pageantry Workshop $100 (12 and under)

February 6-7, Phoenix, AZ- The Hollywood Weekend Workshop- Breaking into the Business $500 (all ages)