Thanks for dropping by!
TBS has moved to www.thebrokesocialite.com. Won’t you visit the new digs?
See you soon!
TBS
Going Off-Line For A Few Days
Hi, everyone!
Due to a change in servers for the “new” blog, I am going off line for the next couple of days. We thought www.thebrokesocialite.com would be accessible immediately. Alas, it will take a couple of days to settle on the new server.
Please pardon the delay. I’m a little bummed out about it but great things come to those who wait.
Come back by on Thursday; hopefully, all will be complete.
Until then,
TBS
The Broke Socialite Gets A Much-Needed Facade Lift This Week!
Some of you (OK…all 10 of you) may have noticed that the regularity of my posts have been spotty (at best) this week.
While I’ve not had time to offer much budgetary fodder over the past several days, do know that I have been toiling in the creative trenches with my fantabulous, beautiful, funny, sweet and PATIENT blog designer, Karen, to finalize the overhaul of the new and improved The Broke Socialite blog (insert sounds of a cheering crowd!…teeheehee).
When I was blessed with The Broke Socialite concept nearly two years ago, I never imagined that it would be so well received! I also did not think it would manifest into a blog that would be the conduit to you and you and you. My goal has always been this: to educate and to inspire!
Several years ago, y’all, I lost everything…yep, EV-ER-Y-THING and was literally homeless. Though it was a tumultuous time and not very comfortable(it was horrid, horrid, horrid), I—through prayer, family and friends— managed to hold my head high and continue carry myself with grace and dignity. I was broke, but not brokeN. It was my faith and commitment to fiscal responsibility that allowed for a fairly expeditious recovery. Since that time, I’ve wanted to find a way to be a resource to those who want to live a fun, fabulous life on a dime (especially in the current economic condition).
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- TBS Newsletters – chocked full of tips, tricks and ideas
- TBS Chat - if you’re looking for hard-to-find items, me or another reader might be able to assist
- TBS Twitter Shopping – if I’m out perfecting my craft and see an awesome item, I’ll shoot a message to everyone. Sign up now: my handle is ‘brokesocialite’! (Prime example: Yesterday I found three Hobo quilted black leather for $15 (regularly $95 each) in sizes medium and large. I couldn’t use them but maybe one of you could, right?)
- TBS e-Learning via teleconferences and webcasts – from how to maximize your eBay experience to the essentials of a prepared pantry, TBS will offer a forum for live interaction and discussion.
- TBS Personal Shopping – I’ll partner with you to develop or enhance your personal style on a dime
- TBS Live! – ‘How To’ videos and live excursions
For your convenience, the URL will remain the same (www.thebrokesocialite.com)!
In the spirit of hospitality and as an homage to my lovely friend, Monica, let’s have a virtual potluck brunch to celebrate our move!
I’m bringing Grand Marnier french toast and bellinis.
What will you bring?
See you on the other side in a couple of days and I hope you like it,
TBS
Breaking News: Harold’s Has Filed For Bankruptcy!
To all TBSs near and far:
The esteemed clothier, Harold’s, has sad news: they’ve filed for bankruptcy protection.
Though I hate to promote buzzard religion: their demise is our gain. Everything…even new inventory…is 30-50% off.
They’ve several locations; click here for a location near you!
Thanks for sharing, Shannon S!
Until next time,
TBS
Vote! I Did.
Did you vote today? No matter who your candidate is, our future depends on you, too!
Until tomorrow,
TBS
Exercise Your Right To Vote Plus Some Culinary Swag!
We’ve all seen the debates, watched the ads and probably become more familiar with Sean Hannity, Keith Olbermann and Chuck Todd than we’d like to admit, right?
What to do? What to do next? Hmmmm….Hmmmm….Hmmm….
Exercising Your Right To Vote seems in order. The grassroots brainchild of my dear friend and colleague(a one Ms Kelly Haywood—she’s absolutely darling, y’all), the “Exercise Your Right To Vote” concept centers around actually walking, running or biking to your polling place. That’s killing two birds with one stone if I ever heard it! Kelly says it best: “November 4 is such a significant day! It matters that we all get to the polls and I hope that you use that time to Exercise Your Right to Vote instead of just voting.” Also, reaping the benefits of a little cardio and enjoying a bit of fresh air surely will not harm any of us!
When you’ve walked back from the polls, check out a few establishments which are dishing out complimentary goodies with proof of voting. If you’re strategic, preparing supper on Election Night might not be necessary. Just remember to continue to, well, exercise on Wednesday.
Starbucks is offering a complimentary tall cup of coffee if you vote (BTW..love this message!):
Ben and Jerry’s is offering a complimentary scoop for voters between 5-8 PM:
Krispy Kreme is offering a complimentary star shaped donut with sprinkles to voters:
For safe measure, please be prepared to present the proof that you’ve voted (in most all cases the “I Voted” sticker should suffice)!
Please vote,
TBS
Note: TBS does not guarantee the availability of these complimentary offerings and participation may be limited.
Isaac Was As Fabulous As I Imagined!
Alicia, Carrie Neal, Katie T, Dee and I had a blast tonight, y’all.
First of all, can I say how much we all loved Carrie Neal. She is my friend from blogland and we’d never met until tonight. She is absolutely adorable and a ton of fun. After sips and tapas, we headed over to the bookstore.
I do have pics to share except that my USB cord is choosing NOW to malfunction…loser Kodak camera/cord. My handyman, Mr TBS, must take a pass at it in the AM.
I’m sure that you won’t be surprised to know that he DID give me a compliment on my scarf and wool walking coat.
I just wanted to let y’all know (in the event that you were worried that I left you to be Isaac’s “Brad—a la Rachel Zoe”) that he did worry me about being his assistant THIS time.
I couldn’t leave you if I tried 
Until next time,
TBS
From “Sylvia” At Divine Caroline: Recession-Proof Your Wardrobe
Photo courtesy: Divine Caroline
With gas and grocery prices soaring, many fashionistas have been forced to re-define their fashion strategies. If you’re worried about having to sacrifice your love for fashion with every gallon you pump, relax there are several things you can do to recession-proof your wardrobe and your sense of style.
Versatility
Shop for items you can wear several different ways. If you find a shirt you love, try to create different looks with it. Can you add a blouse under it? How would it look under a jacket? Can it be worn with both skirts and pants? Items that can adapt from one look to another will give you the most bang for your buck.
If You Don’t Love It, Don’t Buy It
This is probably the most intelligent bit of fashion advice I’ve ever heard. If you never want to utter the dreaded phrase “I don’t have anything to wear,” again remember those words. If you do happen to break this rule, be sure to keep the tags on and save the receipt so that if you don’t wear it you can return it.
Be a Savvy Shopper
Your high ticket items should be the staples of your wardrobe—which are your coat, your bag, and your shoes. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it. Your credit card is not even an option at this point. Shop the sale racks! Back rooms of department stores are busting at the seams with overstock from items that aren’t selling because people are pinching their pennies these days.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s much better to purchase one good quality item that is going to last a few years rather than three items that will be ready for garbage in six months. Plan a day once a month, or however often you can afford, to buy a nice outfit—but this means you do not buy anything any other time when you’re out.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Make sure you hang your clothes up rather than stuffing them in a drawer or throwing them in your closet. Another way to add longevity to your attire is by reading the care instructions. They’re there for a reason. Also be sure you’re only washing them when they need washed rather than every time you wear them. If they’re not dirty, smelly, or otherwise soiled, they don’t need a bath.
Locate a Good Consignment Shop
Don’t knock a good consignment shop. I have picked up some fabulous finds there. Search around for a shop that carries the type of clothing you wear and check there often. At consignment shops it’s usually hit or miss, it seems I’m always either leaving with a bag full or nothing at all. Most women who take the time to drop clothing off there almost certainly take good care of them. Don’t forget to ask how they work and keep them in mind the next time you clean out your closet.
Find Your Style
Don’t be a chameleon. Find your style and keep it. Women who continuously try to keep up with trends usually end up with a whole bunch of half done looks. Pick your favorite way of dressing and do it right. Remember the 70/30 rule- 70 percent of your wardrobe should be classic styles and 30 percent should be trends. Trends change like the weather and you want to make sure you’re spending your hard earned dollars on something you can wear for more than just a few months.
What’s In YOUR Bag?
Good day, lovelies.
Mmmmwah! Mama Loves You, Baby!
Those who know me best would certainly probably describe me as a bag-a-holic. ‘Tis true, indeed. Hit dog, will bark. Here’s one of the bags that I recently added to my collection (ain’t she grand?). And I must tell you that it was a S-T-E-A-L! Originally $325, I was taxed only a mere $130. And they all *gasped* at the same time. Paper bags for everyone..STAT! No hyperventilation here…
What we carry in our purses tell a lot about us; so I thought I’d share an inventory today.
- A pair of oversized square tortise Chloe sunglasses
- iPod with bling earbuds (gifted to me by my MIL, MiMi)
- A black quilted clutch-style wallet
- Black iPhone (of course)
- A stack of business cards from San Fran which I must follow up on
- Orbit gum in Maui Melon Mint (my absolute fave)
- A Deloitte lanyard from last week’s conference (let me toss that right now)
- Bobbi Brown Lip Tint (which I am sporting today)
Tell us…WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? Please..pretty please:-)
Until next time,
TBS
Back From San Francisco!
Katie T and I at the Pod. Notice how we snuck baubles into our tradeshow wardrobe
I am soooo glad to be back from San Francisco. We had a good time; met lots of people. I’d like to give shout outs to the following folk who made my trip more bearable!
- The Complainers’ Consortium, Katie T, ABM and Colleen. You can’t take a work trip without some good old fashioned ragging with colleagues, right?
- Oracle Corporation and the folks who helped us get our sessions and pod straight.
- Hotel Adagio – the fabulous boutique hotel that I called home for nearly a week. Heeeeyyyy, Joel and Jason.
- The Cravery. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: in chicken mushroom, beef, curry vegetable. Katie T and I are threatening to open a location in Atlanta.
- The Clift hotel bar. SOOOOO swanky…loved the Lychee Martini. The bar IS as fabulous as it looks in the pictures.
- When we weren’t working, we could usually be found in the food court at Westfield San Francisco Shopping Tower. Not your average food court, there were a bevy of choices. From a kabob stand to Melt, the offerings were mouth-watering.
- Melt. And boy, did I. My poison was Tropical gelato, a vanilla base with flecks of pineapple and coconut. Yummmmmmmmmm…
I did not have time to do much shopping but did buy a cute necklace of baubles with a unique clasp. Originally $60, I got it for $16. I’ll post it later this week.
I’ve posted a pic of the fabulous Katie T and me at our pod. As you’ll notice, I’ve dressed up my tradeshow “uniform” with my Lisa Garza baubles…they made the people swoon (or at least in my head they did).
I’ve missed writing and look forward to posting next week.
Until next time,
TBS
