facebook instagram twitter tumblr pinterest
  • Home
  • Shop My Boutique
    • Vintage Styles (Etsy)
    • Current Styles (Poshmark)
  • Contact
Powered by Blogger.

chocolate laced


It's the most wonderful time of the year! There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, much mistletoeing, and hearts will be glowing! Even chocolate laced is feeling the holiday spirit (the new themed banner)! And don't you just love giving gifts? It can be difficult sometimes, though...finding the best gift each year for that person you love. Hopefully this list makes things a little easier. Here are 25 gifts for $25 (and under) for 5 of your loved ones!


Some people may buy presents for just their mom, some for just their Dad. Some people buy a present for both of them or just one for them to share (treating them as a unit)! Well, I have something for each of you!

1) Caldera Vanilla Quince Santal Candle ($25) - My mom loves a good candle and with a burn time of up to 45 hours, this vanilla scented candle will deck the halls of your home in the sweetest way.
2) Homedics NMSQ-210 Neck and Shoulder Massager, Vibration Heated($18) - My mother works very hard and after work, it'd be wonderful to thank her for all she does for our family by giving her a heated massage!
3) Eye Glasses Holder ($18) - Everyone in my family wears glasses, including my dad. With this glasses holder resembling an African face mask sculpture, which my family used to own several years ago, it'd be a wonderful desk accessory for him even if he doesn't use it for his glasses!
4) Dad's Playbook ($13) - The book is full of quotes and insights culled from dozens of sports' greatest coaches, with advice on being a leader, scoring under pressure, and how to encourage team spirit.
5) Fondue For Two ($20) - If you want to kill two bird with one stone, give them a gift that they'll have to use together, like this fondue set!


I am the youngest of three girls (I have a younger brother, too!) and I imagined what gifts my sisters would want (or gifts I'd want from them)!

1) Glitter MINIMERGENCY® Kit ($15) - The MINIMERGENCY kit is literally a life saver. It fits right in the palm of your hand and includes 17 must-have items for any unfortunate mishap like hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, & earring backs (just to name a few)!
2) Sephora by O.P.I: Tinsel Town Four Piece Set ($12) - If she loves nail polish as much as one of my sisters does, get her these colors for the holiday season!
3) Aromatherapy Holiday Carrier (Lotion & Body Wash) Calm; Love ($20) - I used to work at Bath & Body Works and I can tell you from experience that these are beyond amazing, incredibly soothing and a wonderful gift! So give her the gift of calm or the gift of love. She'll be happy either way!
4) Microwave Heat Bag ($22.95) - This works as a hot pack when warmed in the microwave or a cold pack when chilled in the freezer. You know she'll thank you when that time of the month comes around!
5) Conair Grooming Kit, Ladies Wet and Dry ($20.19) -


Even though I am single, if I had a man in my life, I think he'd like these!

1) Love Tokens ($16) - With this set of 10 love tokens, you can really spice things up at any time! And if he ever uses all 10, well just start all over again!
2) Try Something New: 100 Fun & Creative Ways To Spend Time Together ($16.95) - The title says it all.
3) Ties! 1 ($14.07), 2 ($17.59), & 3 ($14.07) - Let him be as stylish as you are!
4) Conair 13-Piece All-In-One Grooming System ($19.99) - I love a bread just as much as the next woman, but this grooming system (at a WONDERFUL price) will let your man keep his beard, mustache, or whatever his (or your) poison is intact and looking sharp at all times!
5) Sensual Massage Oil ($18) - Something that you could both enjoy to alleviate stress and tension, and to spice things up! Who doesn't love a good massage? ;)



The *wink wink* says it all! Although none of these are on my Christmas list, I will be fully accepting of them! =D

1) Moleskine Passions Style Journal ($19.99) - This would be great for recording trends you want to try in the cutest planner! And even blog post ideas for the future! All at your fingertips.
2) Books For Her Fashion Blogging Library: left ($20); right ($16.95) - One for inspiration from the greatest and one for tips and tricks to better blogging!
3) Inspiration Cork Board Squares ($14.99) - It would even be super cute if you started it off for her!
4) Necklace Stand ($15) - Give her room a stylish feel with this accessory for her accessories!
5) Vogue Magazine Subscription for a Year ($14.99) - To help decorate that inspiration board of hers!


After all that gift shopping for others, how about a few little gifts to reward yourself?!

1) Portable Cell Phone Charger ($24.95) - For someone on the go who uses her phone a lot, my phone's battery drains quickly and it's usually a pain to try to locate an outlet. This would be a lifesaver (for anyone!) All you need is your USB plug, so it's compatible with all phones and your iPod & mp3 players, too!
2) One Good Deed A Day Journal ($14.95) - On your guide to fulfilling your New Year's resolution to become that person you've always known you could be, allow this journal to guide you!
3) Jessica Simpson 'Fancy' ($22.34) - This choice is a bit biased, but I received so many compliments from this scent...and who doesn't love compliments? I actually bought it as a gift to myself last Chirstmas and I think I just might do it again!
4) Bartenura Moscato ($12.99) - After all that shopping, release and relieve some stress (granted that you're of age) and have a few sips of this delicious dessert wine. It tastes amazing when chilled and accompanied with some chocolate and a warm room.
5) Some Rest ($Free.99) - Rest your achy bones! At no cost to you :) You did a wonderful job this holiday season!


follow me|facebook|twitter|bloglovin|chictopia
Saturday, December 08, 2012 No comments

Remember my last thriftaholic and shopaholic posts? Well, I've gotten just a little bit worse. (And by worse, I mean better.)

Last week, I went thrifting... twice. On Wednesday, I went with my friends and we found out that the thrift store in my not-so-immediate neighborhood was closing for good and, as an incentive to sell as much as possible, they marked everything down to 50% off. Yes. EVERYTHING. After learning of this, I just HAD to come back for a second trip. And I did. On the following Saturday. And here is what happened.

Wednesday first!







Okay. ALL THAT was from Wednesday's trip. And I spent $54 on all of it: 4 pants, 4 blazers, 2 sweaters, 2 skirts, 6 blouses and 3 purses. That's 21 things!

Now for Saturday's finds!






So, I went back and did some more wonderful damage. This time 5 pants, 7 blouses, 1 bomber jacket and 1 blazer. 14 things for $34!

I think thrifting in this way should be considered a gift, don't you? I can't wait create outfits with these pieces. I loved each and every last one of them. It looks like a whole new wardrobe!

Now, for the perfect closer...
This song is awesome. WARNING: It uses curse words! But, it captures the entire essence of why thrift shopping is so awesome! "I'll wear your grandad's clothes, I'll look incredible."



follow me|facebook|twitter|bloglovin|chictopia
Friday, October 05, 2012 No comments

It's been a while since I've shared the results of a shopping trip with you all! So to make up for time lost, I'm showing you my TWO most recent and favorite buys! Coincidentally enough, both were purchases from an H&M (the added employee discount is a life and wallet saver!)

Shopping Trip #1 (H&M: 5th Ave & 18th Street, Manhattan)


I bought these on Sunday, January 29. Why do I remember the date? Well, because that was the weekend I was in the city and the last day for H&M's promotional "Buy One, Get One Free" for sale items! Here's how I took advantage of such a great deal!

Navy Collarless Coat w/ Cape: Original - $69.95, Sale - $20, Paid - $0
Black Fur Collar: Original - $17.95, Sale - $3, Paid - $0
Black Dressy Coat: Original - $59.95, Sale - $29.97 (50% off), Paid - $22.48 (ED*)


Sweater Dress: Original - $29.95, Sale - $7, Paid - $5.25
Neon Blue Tank: Original - $17.95, Sale - $7, Paid - $0
Black & White Heart Sweater: Original - $29.95, Sale - $7, Paid - $5.25
Slate Blue High Waisted Midi-Skirt: Original - $49.95, Sale - $20, Paid - $15
Black Mini w/ Cutout: Original - $39.95, Sale - $10, Paid - $0
Black Pencil Skirt: Original - $24.95, (Not on sale), Paid - $18.71


2-Pack Tights: Original - $24.95, (Not on sale), Paid - $18.71

Grand Total: $87.06


Shopping Trip #2 (H&M: Crossgates Mall, Albany)


I went shopping after work on Saturday and found some treasures in the Girls section of H&M's Kids' sale section! Thank goodness for being able to fit into child sizes!

Plum Skinny Leg Pants: Original - $12.95, Sale - $5, Paid - $3.75
Shiny Black Cropped Pants: Original - $34.95, Sale - $5, Paid - $3.75
Gray Skinny Jeans (Girls): Original - $19.95, Sale - $5, Paid - $3.75
Gray Leggings (Girls): Original - $7.95, Sale - $3, Paid - $2.25
Denim Full Skirt (Girls): Original - $17.95, Sale - $3, Paid - $2.25
Creamy Chiffon Blouse w/ Gold Buttons: Original - $9.95, (Not on sale), Paid - $7.46
Rusty Brown Leather Trouser Leggings: Original - $24.95, Sale - $10, Paid - $7.50
Black Tailored Wool Shorts: Original - $24.95, Sale - $5, Paid - $3.75
Crushed Black Velvet Leggings (Girls): Original - $9.95, Sale - $5, Paid - $3.75

Grand Total: $38.21


And, that, my friends, is how you shop!


follow me|facebook|twitter|bloglovin|chictopia
Monday, February 13, 2012 No comments

This week has been the perfect definition and display of my thriftaholic ways. In the past six days, I went thrift shopping twice, Monday and today. I bought 22 items at about $6.05 each, making my grand total $133.19! I'm too excited for words, so here are pictures! I went to Goodwill on Monday and Plato's Closet and Clothes Mentor today. Best shopping trips ever!

So, first I did Goodwill on Monday. I arrived at the store 45 minutes before closing and I was worried that I wouldn't have enough time to find pieces that I loved. Boy, was I wrong (and glad)!

Here are my Goodwill finds:

loose fitting box top, H&M sweater, Calvin Klein dress,
Gap cardigan, wool skirt, striped tie


striped Xhilaration maxi dress, checkered sheath dress*, F21 wrap dress*

*I plan on getting the sheath dress tailored to hit right above my knee. The same for the wrap dress.

Total: $55.55

Here are my Plato's Closet & Clothes Mentor finds:

striped Gap cardigan, taupe F21 blouse, tan F21 military vest/dress
Poppie crossbody bag, black structured clutch, striped MinkPink top, buffalo plaid light jacket


plaid swing jacket, rust Worthington blouse, striped H&M dress, floral AE blouse, floral H&M blouse

Total: $77.64

The tan military jacket was the last item the lady rang up. It was originally labelled $12, but the label had a star on it, which initially meant nothing to me. When she told me that the star meant I got the item for a DOLLAR, I almost went back on the sales floor to buy another $11 worth of stuff that I just saved! I decided to tame my thriftaholism at that point. Haha.
Meet Virginia Design


Sunday, August 14, 2011 No comments

I misplaced the camera holding piece of my tripod, so I haven't been able to take any pictures lately and I've been busier than usual. I managed to take a cropped shot of what my outfit was yesterday as I went to a long time friend's apartment to hang out.

What I'm Wearing

Denim Jacket: Gap thrifted ($8)
Necklace: H&M (gift)
Dress: Forever 21 (eBay $6)
(Not shown)
Bow Earrings: Forever 21 ($4)
Pearl Bracelets: Forever 21 ($4)
Brown Moccasins: Minnetonka (my sister's closet)
Red Crossbody Bag: poppie from DSW ($10)
TOTAL: $32

In the time that I did have, I've been browsing many other bloggers' sites, writing up my closet inventory (which is quite extensive) and shopping. I love shopping, but it will be the death of me.

I am preparing my closet for the transition from summer to winter and her are a few of the things that I've bought in the past week:


If you have never shopped from ASOS, I recommend you break that habit now. The sales wonderful and their clothes and shoes are beautiful! Everything else I bought was from eBay. Four more things on my watch list and then I'll be done shopping for this month. I need a shopping budget. A strict one like the bloggers at cute & little and blue paper lanterns have. Do you shop on a budget or on impulse (like I do)?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 No comments


These are all the items that I would love to have in my closet for this summer/fall. They are ALL ON SALE right this instant and if I was a rich girl (briefly sings Gwen Stefani) I would be all over these in the blink of an eye! Yesterday when I made this, the chiffon skirt was $8. Today it's $5! *buys*

Hopefully I can get everything! And if not the exact thing on the list, then an item that's dangerously close!

Thank you so very much to all of my new followers! If you have blogs, please let me know so I can be a part of your everyday fashion sense!

P.S. An outfit post will come later tonight! I've had a long day and it's only 3! I kind have a developing headache, but I'm hoping that lots of water and maybe a few Tylenols will take care of it!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011 No comments
Older Posts

About me


Hi, my name is Stephanie Ngozi and exploring my creativity is my passion. On most days, I express it through fashion.

Follow Us

Subscribe

* indicates required

Where I Shop

Topshop  US
Shop Nasty Gal 125x125' ASOS.com USA'

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2020 (2)
    • ▼  January (2)
      • NYX Professional Makeup Haul (via Walmart Clearance)
      • Capsule Closet | January 2020
  • ►  2019 (12)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  August (3)
  • ►  2014 (18)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  August (6)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (6)
  • ►  2013 (54)
    • ►  December (4)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (6)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (5)
    • ►  May (7)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (8)
  • ►  2012 (87)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (13)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (11)
    • ►  May (8)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (6)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (9)
  • ►  2011 (64)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  October (6)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (19)
    • ►  July (9)
    • ►  June (15)

recent posts

FOLLOW ME @INSTAGRAM

Created with by ThemeXpose