Scarlett Rocourt, Author at The Budget Socialite - Page 2 of 3The Budget Socialite

06-18-13 {Living}

Get thee a bra fitting!

Recently, I had a life altering moment at the mall. I was killing time at the mall while I waited for my car’s oil change and decided to go to Victoria’s Secret. This Budget Socialite almost never goes into Victoria’s Secret because the bras, while beautiful, are pricey. Having realized that my bras hadn’t been fitting me right, I naturally assumed that the culprit was because they were from Marshall’s and had to be irregular or mislabeled.

The life altering Moment

I gingerly walk into the store, and the nice sales woman asks me if I needed any help. I told her I was looking for bras in 32C. She hands a bunch of the new (and expensive) bras in my size and like a fairy godmother, sends me off to the fitting room. While in the fitting room, there is a ‘Bra Expert’. She has her measuring tape in hand and asks me when was my last fitting and if I’d like to be fitted. I shrugged, said “sure” because I already know my bra size and she’s just going to confirm what I already know. She puts the tape around my torso and says “32”, then wraps it around my chest and says “D”….record scratch “Come again?” 32D??? Me? Petite me is a 32D? Well, this explains a whole lot. All this time I was blaming the poor discount department stores and my boobs grew, despite the fact that my weight hasn’t really changed.

After a scientific survey of my Facebook friends, it had been determined that quite a few women haven’t been to the bra store for a proper fitting, and the few who had gone were equally as floored over the news as I was over my own.

Let me be a cautionary tale to all of you out there. Do not go around with the “4 boob” syndrome. Get thee to a bra store and have a fitting.

When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Let us know in the comments.

Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt
Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

06-04-13 {Beauty}

Are you a Beauty Product Junkie?

Hi, my name is Scarlett, and I’m a Beauty Product Junkie.

Ever notice when you are walking through the drugstore aisles, you become sidetracked by all the pretty packaging? You want to touch it, smell it and rub it against your skin (I’m not the only person who does that). It’s no secret that marketers are all fighting for your dollars with promises of youth, shiny hair and tasty treats.

Simply, the definition of a beauty product junkie is ‘someone who is addicted to beauty products’.

Do you have 2 or more of the same exact product?
Do you buy several of the same product because it’s on sale/clearance?
Do you have 2 or more different brands of the same product all partially used?
Do you purchase one more of an item in a different colour?
Do you get easily distracted as you browse down the store’s aisles?

Did You Answer Yes?

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you can stand next to me, fellow beauty product junkie. Fret not, my lovely, you too can become a recovering BPJ by following a few simple steps and soon you will have freer cabinets and closets for the things that you really want and use.

Clean it out – going through your drawers, cabinets and closets for old items and partially used items you won’t use again. If throwing out products makes you cringe, give them to a friend who may benefit from them.
Stay out of stores unless you absolutely need something – this one is tough, especially when you see the sale signs in the store windows. You will be tempted but all junkies know that it is too hard to resist temptation – STAY OUT!
Create lists and stick to them – do not walk into a store without your list of needs and do not deviate from your list.
Get tunnel vision – this means, going only to the aisles where the items on your list are located. Just like staying out of stores, stay away from the other aisles.
Pay cash – You hear this one all the time and it’s the most important one. You can stick to your list and budget better when you pay for only what you can afford. No debit cards either. When you actually see the money go from your hands to the cashier’s, you can better gauge what you’re paying.

Are you a beauty product junkie? Or are you reformed? We’d love to hear your tips on becoming a recovering beauty product junkie. Let us know in the comments.

05-30-13 {Living}

DIY French Grain Sack Pillow

I have all sorts of obsessions and one of them is with vintage french grain sack pillows. I love the worn look of the once ornate lettering and the earthy fabrics. But, if you know anything about authentic grain sacks, they are pricey – even reproduction can set you back $50 or more. As a DIYer and boaster of ‘Look at what I made’, I figured I need to make this myself. After scouring the Internet for stencils – even those can cost a lot – I found this super easy DIY transfer tutorial using a laserjet copy. For this project, I made a neck roll, but you can use this for anything.

What you’ll need to create your own DIY French grain sack pillow:

Fabric – the tighter the weave, the better your transfer will come out. I used these blue stripe tea towels for $3.99 that I picked up at World Market. You can even use painter’s drop cloth (just wash it first to remove chemicals and smell).
Laserjet copy – if you don’t have a laser printer, you can take it to your local library or office store to make photo copies, just make sure the designs are in reverse (you might have to try different machines as they don’t work on all).
Inner pillow or cotton filling
Paint brush
Clary Sage essential oil (the original DIY called for Citra-solv Natural Cleaner & Degreaser)
Masking or painter’s tape
Iron
Sewing machine or sew by hand
Your design – Graphic’s Fairy has tons to choose from and she even set ups the reverse pdf for you too! This is the one I chose.

How you do it

Print your design on copy paper – contact paper will be too thick.
Place your design face down and tape the edges to secure in place.
Dip your brush in the Clary Sage oil and brush directly onto the copy until you can read the letters clearly.
Using the end of your brush, begin rubbing the paper to transfer the design to your fabric. I like to go in different directions to make sure it’s all rubbed through. But, if you want a more worn look, you can do it more haphazardly.
Remove paper and love your transfer.
Iron on hot (no steam) to evaporate the oil and set the ink to your fabric.
I removed the hems before sewing the edges together.
Put your filler pillow in the pillowcase and tie the edges with string. I literally used whatever I had lying around and cut really close so you can’t see it.

That’s it! Are you ready to get your DIY French Grain Sack pillow on? Let us know in the comments.

05-15-13 {Beauty}

Blue Eyeshadow

Whenever Spring rolls around, I like to put my the coats and sweaters away to make way for all the happy dresses and skirts I own. The same thing holds true for my makeup. And the warmer weather is all about being bright and cheerful, and what better way to show that than with using blue eyeshadow.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I will admit, my love affair with blue eyeshadow when I got the free makeup kit with my Lancome purchase. Her name was “Luring” and she was every bit as alluring as the name implied. It was a mix of blue and gold and brown and when applied, she created this amazing brightness around my eyes. I used this as eyeliner with a small brush and water, I’d apply to the crease of my eyes to create a modern smoky eye.

NOT YOUR REGULAR OLD BLUE

Blue eyeshadow might be associated with the 80s, (which has made another comeback) but done right, can bring new dimension to your look. All you have to do is find the right shade(s) for you and use as if it was your usual brown shadow.

Would you do blue? Let us know in the comments!

04-10-13 {Beauty}

ELF Mascara Review

Mascara for only one dollar??? I know right, it seems too good to be true.

ELF cosmetics is a steal!

If you are familiar with E.L.F. (Eyes Lip Face) cosmetics, you know that it’s a pretty stand up brand at a really good price – most of their products are $1. Some can set you back a whopping $3! ELF mascara is un dinero! Score!

The mascara has two sides, Waterproof & Regular, so you’re basically getting 2 mascaras in one…and what Budget Socialite doesn’t like that deal?

But, is it any good?

First, I tried the waterproof side. I like to think of myself an expert in mascara handling, however, I had a hard time with this wand. The rule of thumb is, how the wand looks is how it’s supposed to make your lashes look. I prefer the spikey wands because I like my lashes to be separated. I also like to get as close to the lash line as possible. I was a bit clumsy with this wand and got mascara on my eyelids. It really is waterproof, because only makeup remover got this stuff off. I also worked out with it on and can tell you that it’s also sweat proof.

Second side is regular mascara. I had the same issue with the wand, perhaps I need more practice??? But, I liked the way my lashes looks. Soft and fluffy.

Conclusion

It’s a decent mascara and at only $1, you really can’t complain. I’m usually a bit skeptical of cosmetics for dirt cheap, but ELF has a good reputation and you can’t go wrong. You can’t compare it to say Lancome’s Oscillating mascara or the like, it just wouldn’t be fair. Overall, if I were in a pinch and needed mascara, sparing a buck for this would be the perfect solution.

So that’s it! My ELF Mascara Review. What do you think? Will you be trying this one dollar wonder? Let us know in the comments

03-28-13 {Style}

Glitter Shoes using Mod Podge

I’m so excited for this DIY project! I wasn’t expecting it, but when I saw examples online, I knew my life just wouldn’t be complete until I tried it.

I picked up Martha Stewart glitter in hematite from Marshalls for only $1.49 and bought Mod Podge in glossy. I had never used Mod Podge before, but after reading about all the great things you can do with it, I now want to Mod Podge EVERYTHING!!!

The project…GLITTER SHOES!

These are a pair of my favorite shoes because the heels were this great silver. Much to my dismay, the heel got ruined. I have no idea how it happened, but the streets of NYC are brutal on shoes. I didn’t want to get rid of them, so they have been living in my closet unused for over a year. I knew this project was going to be perfect for my heels.

What you need:
1. Fine glitter
2. Mod Podge Glossy
3. Synthetic brush
4. Plastic bowl
5. Sandpaper or nail file
6. Optional – masking or painters tape

In a bowl, mix a little Mod Podge with the glitter. I got a huge glob out when I first poured, but you want the consistency to be like cottage cheese. You can use tape to protect the part of the shoes you don’t want glitter on. I like to live dangerously, so I went freehand.
Note: If you’re working with patent leather or a smooth surface, you should rub sandpaper first to give your glue better sticking power.

Brush the mixture directly to your shoes. You may need to a few coats to get the desired result. Let dry. You can also paint the glue over to further protect the glitter.

Boom, done!

03-11-13 {Style}

Tina Turner on Vogue Cover

She’s simply the best and at 73, she is STILL the best as she graces to cover of Vogue Germany. This is the star’s first time being on any Vogue cover….which makes us wonder what took Vogue so long.

03-05-13 {Living}

Shabby Chic Lighting Fixture DIY

The Good: I found a great new apartment. The bad and the ugly: it had this giant spaceship looking lighting fixture in the dining room. I thought it would beam up my dinner! This was not going to work with my new Shabby Chic design, so I got to work on how to change the look without switching the fixture or spending too much. This is a rental, after all

1. What you will need:

acrylic crystals – found at Dollar Tree around Christmas (came 3 in set for $1)
mosquito netting or a gauzy fabric – found curtains Ikea (2 for $4.99)
3 inch thick (or thicker) trim fabric – found at Joann’s for $3 per yard
hot glue gun
sewing machine or can sew by hand

2. What you will do:

Cut the fabric the diameter of your lighting fixture
Put two lengths of the trim together to sew and make thicker
Either hot glue or sew the acrylic crystals to one edge of the trim (on the inside)
Cut the mosquito netting/fabric/curtain) to size on your lighting fixture.
Sew a hem on one end, pull extra fabric through to gather at the top of the lighting fixture.
Drape the fabric and hot glue small sections to keep in place.
Hot glue the trim around your lighting fixture.

3. To decorate for the seasons, you can add faux butterflies to the netting for spring, leaves for fall or faux snowflakes for winter.

02-26-13 {Living}

shabby chic decor

Sometimes in our lives we get to decorate completely from scratch. For some, this may seem daunting, for others, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create your dream space. Imagine, not having to work with furniture you inherited or had to move with. This, my dear friends, is a clean slate to do whatever your heart desires, and for me, that’s decorating Shabby Chic Decor.
What is Shabby Chic?
According to Rachel Ashwell’s “Shabby Chic”, it is:
•   Comfort – the beauty of imperfections
•   the allure of time-worn objects
•   appeal of simple practical living
These are the cornerstones of what has come to be known as the Shabby Chic style. It’s flea market finds, chipped paint, mason jars, slip-covered sofas, fluffy pillows. And for me, Shabby Chic is warm, casual and unpretentious. It says, come in and relax.

The Shabby Chic look works beautifully in The Budget Socialite’s peripheral because it’s about being resourceful, thrifty and a DIYer.

I decided to do “Shabby Chic” with modern touches. This way, I was not trapped into one type of look. I wanted to create depth and surprises with every turn. That means, being able to marry thrift store finds with Ikea purchases and spending hours on Craigslist waiting for the perfect chair to come to light.

I will be sharing my DIY projects as well as decorating ideas to help you to create your dream space.

02-22-13 {Beauty}

Oil of Olay CC Cream Review

If you’ve heard of BB cream – blemish balm, blemish base, beauty balm or beblesh balm – then you can consider CC cream to be the next generation in beauty. CC creams are also known as Color Control cream.

Oil of Olay’s description:

This CC Cream provides instant coverage plus correction to fight 7 signs of aging, including uneven tone, age spots and dull skin.
This all-in-one triple stream formula combines a daily anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15 sunscreen and sheer tint for younger-looking skin.
Instant skin perfecting coverage + correction to fight 7 signs of aging + UV protection
Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uneven Tone: Balances and helps even out tone. Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots. Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover. Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturization. Moisture Barrier: Strengthens skin’s natural defense against moisture loss. Luminosity: Recaptures youthful luminosity

The DL on the CC
I’ve been using this cream as I would a tinted moisturizer every morning over my anti-wrinkle serum for a few months. I like that it dries weightless, as if I’m not wearing any makeup – as any good product should. I can’t say if my surface cell turnover has been improved, but my skin does look more radiant after I apply the CC cream. I have to believe their claim that it strengthens my skin’s natural defense against moisture loss because up here in the North East, it is cold and dry, but my skin isn’t.

I have used MAC and Peter Thomas Roth’s tinted moisturizers. When comparing this drugstore brand, I think it really stands up against the high end names very well.

Me with only Oil Olay CC Cream in natural light

Pros to Oil of Olay’s CC Cream:

SPF 15
Blends easily into my skin
Gives a nice finish without powder
Very moisturizing
Price – $17.99-23.99

Cons

If you’re used to more coverage from your foundation, then this might be too sheer for you.

Disclaimer: I was given this product from Klout Perk. I was not paid to do a review.

02-04-13 {Style}

Look Book inspiration – Beyonce

We were inspired by the tough leather with feminine lace details on Beyonce’s outfit at the Super Bowl that we decided to create a look book around Rubin Singer’s designs.

Ode to Bey by budget-s featuring diesel jacket