Motivated Monday - Don’t call it a comeback!

Hello lovies! I know you’ve missed your daily dose of the Bougie Budgetista because I know I’ve missed you too. In my writing sabbatical, I’ve come to experience many things and meet some AMAZING people. My vision has had a few revisions and now I’m back and better than ever! As some of my readers would say, I’m “down right motivated”!

So here’s the scoop – I met an amazing writer named Ashley Cisneros who has, for lack of a better phrase, lit a fire under my butt. She, like so many others I’ve come across, risked it all for her dreams, leaving a secure position in her field to explore new, more fruitful ventures. She’s now her own boss working on her own terms. A perfect portrait of a hustler, if you ask me. She has encouraged me to get back on my rock star status and write, write, write my way to my goal of working in my field while pursuing my passion in the fitness world. This project works in phases.

Phase one: Take your vision and make revisions

I had the opportunity to sit down with Ashley for brunch and just talk. Granted, we talked about everything from school to weddings to business ventures, successes and failures, and (most importantly) the lessons learned from it all. During our talk, I learned the importance of the “Everything but the kitchen sink” resume (officially known as a curriculum vitae, for you fancy folks) and tailor each resume to the position you’re applying for. Make your experience align with the job description to give yourself a leg up against the competition. Needless to say, I smacked my forehead and thought, “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” You know you can do it. You know you have the knowledge and skills to make that happen. Now think about all the qualifications you have to help you achieve your goal and put it on paper. Think about all the necessary steps you’ll need to take to get to finish line.

Phase two: You better (Net)Work, Honey!

I’ll admit, I’m not the best networker in the world. But I know people who are! And, believe you me, knowing is half the battle. Ashley, on the other hand, is a master at this art form. So, whether you’re a wall flower like me or a social butterfly like Ashley, the one thing we both recommend you do is get some business cards. You can make them yourself at home or have them professionally done. If you’re going to go the print route, I must recommend VistaPrint. They have amazing deals and wonderful customer service. Plus, what makes a bigger impression – ridges on your flimsy card and off center print, or 500 uniform, print quality cards that you only paid shipping for?

Phase three: Lights, Camera, and Plan of Action

Once you’ve figured out all the steps and possible side steps needed and met some key players in helping you achieve your goal, you now have to put your plan into action. Don’t have an action plan? Make one! Be it a vision board or a business plan or a mantra on a post-it on your bathroom mirror, you MUST have a visual representation of what you’re working towards. It’s a constant reminder that every single day, what you’re doing is getting you closer to where you want to be.

Through Ashley, I’ve met some wonderfully talented people. Where I lack, they have and vice versa. There is the potential for some seriously successful partnerships to flourish. But right now, I must focus on my writing. After all, that was step one in my master plan. If I am going to touch as many people as possible with my story and my passions, then I must write. 

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Time Out Tuesday - Reflecting On The Past Few Weeks And Revising My Vision

I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately, lovies. I haven’t even been in the mood to write, which is wretched, considering that it’s one of the few things that makes me feel fulfilled. I look around to other writers that I admire and I ask myself, how do they do it? They come up with original material every day, and often material that leaves me smacking my forehead wonder why I didn’t think of that. I’m not quite sure what happened. I was on a roll. The daily posts flowed from my mind through my fingers onto the computer screen effortlessly. I provided readers with everything they asked for (for those who asked, anyway). But then, I hit a wall and I couldn’t figure out how to get around it. This was the most intense writer’s block I’ve ever encountered. Nothing could pull me out of it. Not a single idea I came up with could manifest itself into a full, coherent article. I began to doubt my abilities as a writer. Seriously. I could no longer do the one thing I KNEW without a shadow of a doubt that I was good at. What on earth was wrong with me?

A new passion has been consuming my life. As much as I would love to make a living writing and styling, the fitness world has filled me with an intense joy that is incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced. Maybe it’s the endorphins, I don’t know, but it feels really, really good. As you all know, I got my Zumba certification and shortly after met a woman who has inspired me to push myself even further in the fitness world. Her name is Leslie Davila, co-founder of No Excuses Fitness and Dance, and when I tell you this chick is a hustler, it’s no joke. She is on her grind, teaching 10 classes per week and changing so many lives in the process. Her energy is addicting, her smile contagious. And her story touches you like none other. I feel blessed that she’s taken me under her wing and is showing me the ropes of what being a successful fitness instructor is all about. She’s also inspired me to pursue my Personal Training and Group Fitness Certifications. If you’re going to do something, do it right. Go balls to the wall and be a close to a subject matter expert as you can be. Like Leslie says, “No Excuses.”

So now, here I am, the Bougie Budgetista, lover of all things fashion and frugality related, obsessed with fitness. One day dedicated to the subject matter just isn’t enough! We’re going to have to re-evaluate the direction of the blog and make it fit my passions… Yes, passions, PLURAL. In the process, I hope to be able to inspire you to get up, dust yourself off, and make a plan of action to making your dreams come true. Anticipate posts by fellow fitness lovers, shoe addicts, foodies and more. I’ll be introducing you to some really special people who have fresh takes on the world around us. And I’ll be encouraging you to try new things, read new books, watch new films, and think outside the box. The goal is to live a fabulous life without breaking the bank, right? Well, my fabulosity doesn’t just stop where my closet begins. It’s time to rethink what a fulfilled, fantastic life looks like. And as much as Red Bottoms are a part of that vision, it’s not the only vision dancing through my head.

 

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Great Success!

Today, I got in front of a class for the first time. I went through my routines. I encouraged them. I left it all on the dance floor. And it paid off. My first trial run at Vixen Fitness was a great success. I got this!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Work It Out Wednesday - Preparing For My First Zumba Class!

When I went to Zumba Instructor Training, Beto (THE Zumba guy), told us there's no point in reinventing the wheel. The same basic moves are used over and over and over again in different combinations, directional variations, fitness variations and so much more. And I shouldn't be afraid to borrow bits and pieces of other people's choreography, then add my own flair. On Tuesday, I'll be leading a song in another instructor's class at Vixen. Though the routine is going to be a surprise, for the most part, here is an instructor out of Baltimore  that I admire. Don't be surprised if you see something similar to this in my first class.

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Work It Out Wednesday - My Love Affair with Vixen Fitness

Two weeks ago, I went to an open house for a women’s fitness studio in Orlando with a Groupon in hand and the determination to not spend a penny more on fitness classes. But when I walked in, met the members, the staff, and the owners, that plan went out the window. That night, I became a member of Vixen Fitness.

I started with a class called Foxy Boxing, and let me tell you, there was nothing foxy about it. I was sweating. My arms were burning. My legs felt like jell-o. The next day, I could barely move. But I didn’t give up. I signed up for Vixen Sexercise. And again, there was nothing sexy about this either. Yeah, there was some booty shaking and tracing and hip rolls which lasted for all of five minutes. The remaining 55 minutes were pure boot camp style torture. Pushups, wall sits, squats, planks. You name the form of torture, we did it. And it felt so good.

Then, there was the class everyone was dying to take, but would shy away from in fear of looking like a fool – Intro to Pole Dancing. There, a few members and I bonded over stripper shoes, fear of falling off the pole, and not knowing what on earth to expect. An hour, lots of bruises and many sore muscles later, we were giggling on the plush couches like a bunch of school girls about the reaction we’d get by showing a significant other the new moves we’d picked up.

The more I went, the more I felt like I was part of a little family. We bonded over the silliest things, but it felt good. Here I am, acting like a one woman wolf pack, and then I meet more she-wolves just like me. Honestly, Vixen Fitness makes me feel beautiful, sexy and strong like no other gym has. I may leave that place dripping sweat (which I nearly always do), but I walk out of there with a strut in my step and a sway in my hips, shoulders back and head high, because I am a Vixen!

Of course, you’re probably asking my how much it’s costing me to be a member, since I’m all about pinching a penny. When I signed up, it was $79 per month, unlimited classes. Now some of you are probably wide eyed and in shock right now. I know. It’s so not like me. Here I was with my Groupon for four classes and thought I’d be done with this studio. But it just wasn’t that simple. Vixen Fitness makes me happy. It makes me feel good. It’s the place that I go to take some much needed time for myself to take care of ME. It’s where I feel beautiful. It’s a no judgment zone and I love it.

I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had, the friendships I’ve made, or the inner strength and confidence I’ve gained for anything in the world. Who cares how much it costs? To me, what I’ve gained is priceless… And if I can somehow wiggle my way in there as their new Zumba instructor after my training class in 2 weeks, even better (just sayin’)!

♥ - The Bougie Budgetista

Pretty Boy (or Girl) Swag, FancyLo Style

They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover," but let's be real. When you're walking through Barnes & Noble, what makes you stop and browse through a novel you've never heard of before? The cover! The same same applies to people and their appearances. A well dressed person is more likely to spark the interest of those around them than someone who takes no pride in the way they look. "But it's the weekend... Why should I dress up on my day off?" Because you never know you're going to run in to.

Many of us have our normal nine to five, to which we give 110% Monday through Friday. But once it hits 5:01pm, our focus turns to our own pursuit of success. Since the world's down time is our grind time, we are constantly at work, but during those off hours, we get to be the boss. To those of you who morph into Super-CEO the minute you clock out, ask yourself "What does my weekend wardrobe say about me?"

I have a colleague who I love dearly. She has a vibrant spirit and a killer work ethic. But, up until recently, I would see her at the office looking like she had given up on herself. She's so exhausted by the daytime job, her MBA, and her own grind that she opts to hide from the world behind frumpy garb rather than take the time to unleash her inner diva. "I set out something fabulous the night before, but when I wake up in the morning, I just don't feel like making that effort anymore," she told me. With a closet full of Cole Haans, Stuart Weitzmans, and Michael Kors, she defaults to cheap flip flops and oversized sweaters that do nothing for her. She would swear up and down that she was what she likes to call FancyLo - low maintenance, but still put together. But unfortunately, her look was taking "Lo" to a whole new level. Borderline "Sloppy", actually. The more we got into our conversation, the more I realized that I wasn't seeing the half of it. If this is how she presented herself during the work week, then how on earth was she carrying herself on the weekends?

This got me thinking. How do you pull off "low maintenance" without looking like a hot mess? First, we have to start by putting your sweats where they belong - next to your gym bag and/or your cleaning supplies. Next work on your closet and make it easy to navigate. Section it off in three parts - Daytime (work), Evening (play) and Weekend (relax). Each section should make one cohesive statement about who you are, where you're going, and what you're going to do when you get there. Since weekends are normally a time to kick back and relax at your local coffee shop and work on your boss status (assuming you're like the rest of us), stock your closet with über comfortable basic pieces that say "I care about myself and my work and so should you." Skip the tailored shirts and slacks you wear all week and opt for well fitting tees in a natural material (both long and short sleeved), laid back oxford shirts, comfy sweaters, relaxed cargos, breathable leggings (for the ladies, of course), and a great pair of jeans. Stick to neutral colors to you can grab and go without having to put much thought into how things go together. The great thing is that a lot of these essential pieces are not expensive at all and you can stock up without breaking the bank. Ladies, finish off the look with a pair of adorable ballet flats, gladiator sandals or riding boots. Gentlemen, depending on your personal style, go for boat shoes, casual sneakers that show off your personal style (like Pumas or Nike SBs), or just stick with a classic and throw on a pair of Chuck Taylors. Bottom line, your weekend wear should be chic, simple, but always put together. Sometimes, less really is more.

In the great debate about the definition of FancyLo, my colleague argued that I was far to Fancy and I didn't have a Lo bone in my body. I couldn't disagree with her more. Just because I like the finer things in life doesn't mean I won't go grab brunch in a sweater and leggings (à la modern Flashdance) with little, if any, makeup. I just want my exterior to always reflect my interior. And until this conversation, she wasn't letting her amazing personality and talent shine through her wardrobe. The next day, when I saw her at the office, she looked adorably laid back - hair done in a chic pony tail, a simple but well fitting black sweater, and a printed A-line skirt. And now I know her weekend wear was equally as sophisticated. I couldn't have been more proud. She finally understood what I had been fussing with her about for weeks. If you look good on the outside, you'll feel good on the inside.

Everyone has a little FancyLo in them. I do it city style. She's all California girl. Midwesterners add their own flavor to it, etc. The point is that FancyLo should never be just Lo. There should always be some effort put into your effortless look.

So as we kick off the weekend think about what you're about to throw on to run your errands. If you were to meet who could become your best client, would you feel good about the impression you made when you handed him or her your business card? Marinate on it and have an awesome weekend!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

"Fabulosity" Just Fits

They say “if the shoe fits, wear it.” Well, what if it’s a gorgeous pair of Christian Louboutin black patent leather platformed stilettos that are just a hair too small? You could cover your foot in baby oil and force your foot in there, but seriously, chances are it won’t be all that that comfortable. Have you ever noticed the girls leaving the bar after dancing all night in their high heel shoes? You know that “my feet are killing me” waddle? Imagine walking like that the entire time you’ve got those Loubs on. So not sexy.

The simple fact of the matter is that fit is everything. If something doesn’t fit correctly, not only will you feel absolutely uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, but you most certainly won’t look your best. And folks, it’s time to face the truth – your outward appearance makes a huge impact on how the people you come in contact with perceive you. Some of you may be thinking to yourselves, “Oh, but I don’t care what people think about me. My clothes has nothing to do with the quality of my work. “ I can’t help by shake my head and laugh at these poor souls. Of course, honey, we all know that your clothes don’t make you more talented, but no one in your industry will ever take you seriously if you don’t place some importance on your appearance. For this very reason, it is imperative to put your best foot forward at all times. In order to do so successfully there are a few habits you should break and others you really must pick up straight away.

1. Drop the size denial. As we get older, our bodies change. Whether you had a baby, stopped playing football, got an office job, had a bad break up or whatever, more likely than not, you’re not the same size as you were when you were 18. Whether you’ve gotten bigger or smaller, you need to come to grips with what your body looks like right now and dress for that body.

Go to the store and stop looking at size tags. Besides, once you get home, you can rip that tag out and never look at the number again. Ignore the number and go with what fits you best. Remember, not all designers cut their clothes on the same scale. Some brands run small, others are a little larger. Bottom line, you will not be the same size in every single brand under the sun.

Also, just because it zips doesn’t mean it fits. Really look at how the article of clothing drapes your body. If you see parts of you protruding where it should look smooth, then go up a size. If the fabric is dropping where it should be fitted, then go down a size. Always fit your largest part and work down from there (we’ll get to this in a minute, so hang tight!). No one wants to look like a sausage or a tent, so really focus on wearing clothes that actually fit you and you’ll instantly look slimmer.

2. Embrace your age. There are certain styles of clothing (and fabrics, for that matter) that were perfectly acceptable with you were 21. But as we reach our mid- to late-twenties and thirties, and as we begin to blossom in our professional lives, we have to start letting go of wardrobes past. Baby tees with silly sayings or cartoons, skin-tight spandex sparkly tube dressed and halters, and super low rise hip-huggers on a thirty-something screams “has-been cougar.” I’m not saying you have to dress like a Golden Girl. But what I AM saying is that you should be taking your cues from  the leading ladies of Hollywood, both past and present.

Notice they almost always grace the pages of magazines in a fusion of timeless, truly classic pieces and silhouettes with trendy accents. Also note that they almost never look like they’re trying to keep up with the young bucks, but instead, carry themselves with an air of refinement and poise.  Again, you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’m no millionaire. I can’t afford to have the likes of Rachel Zoe dress me.” Honey, you don’t need her or anyone! Some things never change. A-line dresses, pencil skirts, oxford shirts and tailored suits have been in style since our grandmothers were our age. And have you ever looked at a picture of your grandma in her prime? I don’t know about yours, but mine was quite the hottie. Her dresses skimmed her curves, but always left something to the imagination. Use that same principle in your wardrobe.

Look for classic pieces in quality fabrics that can go from one season to the next. Pair these essentials with trendy accessories and you’ve got a classic yet relevant look! There will be times where you come across a piece that is so amazing it makes you want to die. The key is purchase it in a classic color (black, white, gray, camel) to get more wear out of it. Looking to get hip with a particular print or color scheme? The most sage thing you can do to indulge in the trend, but still have an item that will last you a while is to get it in a classic silhouette (cardigan, a-line skirt, trouser, etc). Get the picture? Now go rid yourself of anything you’ve ever purchased in the junior’s section! Welcome to the future!

3. Make it fit and make it last. So, I know this goes against the whole Louboutin deal I was talking about earlier, but stay with me, because it may very well be the most important piece of information to help you look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. You need two new BFFs – a tailor and the cobbler. No, not a peach cobbler! A cobbler is the guy (or lady) who fixes your shoes. Anyway, you must find both and they must come recommended. Check out a site like Yelp or ask your coworkers who they use.

It’s worth taking the time to find a good tailor because this is the person responsible for making your off-the-rack amazing finds you got on sale (you DID shop the sale right? If not, I’ll surely show you how) look like they were made for you and only you. As I mentioned before, each designer is different. They don’t all use the same scale, but they DO use the same proportions. They’re not taking into account your short torso or your best friend’s onion booty or your beau’s extra broad shoulders compared to his narrow waist. According to them, one proportion fits all. Since we all know this isn’t the case, your tailor will nip and tuck and doctor your clothes into your second skin.

Along with these fabulous duds, you’ll need some equally gorgeous shoes. If you’re anything like me, when you find a pair of pumps that are tall, sexy AND comfortable, nothing can get those bad boys off your feet. So after a while, the stoles start wearing out, the tips of the heels come off, there starts to be some wear and tear at the toes, etc. Your first thought may be to chuck the shoes and try to find another pair just like them. Why waste money when you don’t have to? Take your fab footwear to the cobbler. He’ll wave his magic wand and POOF! They’re like new again! Ok, so it’s not magic. And yes it’s going to cost you $10 or $15 to fix, but it’s so much more cost effective than hunting for the exact same pair and paying full price for them, I’ll tell you that. And THAT is being a budgetista, honey!

I once heard that the way you dress is very indicative of the type of person you are and how you want people to see you. People DO judge a book by its cover. If the cover isn’t appealing, no one is going to buy the book. So now that you have the tools, make your cover as interesting as possible. There is no excuse for you not to shine like the brilliant talented star that you are!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista