A Single Splurge: You GUILTY Girl, You!

OMG!  What a week it's been!

You had to get up, go to work, deal with crazy people all day long, come home and watch the horror that they report on the evening news, go to bed and sleep for not nearly long enough, and then to top it all off, you had to wake up repeatedly and do it all over again!

Oh my darling super women, how ever do you manage??

How in the world does society expect us to maintain our fab while living under such harsh conditions?

I mean, let's be honest.  If you're like most of the world, you don't subject yourself to all of that occupational torture because you feel like it.  You do it because you have bills to pay, and if you spend like I spend, then you've got BIG bills to pay. 

Going to work affords you the luxury of earning an income that you can then have the privilege of handing over to someone else.

Working women of the world, how did we become so lucky?!?

Now before you order yet another make-it-all-disappear-margarita, I want you to know that I have great news for you!

The Singles' Salon hereby declares that you have the right to take some of your hard earned income and spend it on....

Wait for it....



YOU!!!!

Today, we want you to spoil yourself by purchasing something a little out of the ordinary (and in some cases, a little outside of your budget!). 

We've searched high and low to find the perfect splurge for you, and I think you'll be quite thrilled with what we've come up with.

Now as many of you know, the fashion bible that is the annual Vogue September issue weighs no less than the phone book of a major metropolitan city.  This year the fashion gods gave us 726 pages of singlelista style inspiration, which while uber-exciting, can also be a bit daunting for the modern woman.  

Between working, volunteering, pet mommying, child raising, love life maintaining, girlfriends gossiping, and all other fab -ings that occupy our lives, when do we have time to sit down and absorb 726 pages of unbridled fierceness?

Well after three weeks of incremental Vogue page turning, I am proud to announce that I've successfully matriculated from the first cover to the back cover,  and am now all the more fashionably astute!  It was quite the experience, I must admit, but the most exciting part came somewhere around page 397.

As I was making my way through the optical indulgence upon which my eyes were feasting, I began to sense a subtle treat for my olfactory system as well.

Hmm...what could that deliciousness possibly be?!?

I turned the page. 

The scent grew stronger, more inviting.

I sniffed.

It was intoxicating, truly. 

I HAD to know its origin.

I sniffed.

I turned the page and like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, there it was, summoning me.

This fragrance, so provocative, so alluring, so tempting, was none other than...

GUCCI GUILTY

"The New Fragrance For Her" 

the ad read.

I knew instantly that what they meant to write was

"The New Fragrance For Me."

Being the tech savvy singlelista that I am, I diverted my attention immediately (albeit briefly) from my Vogue to my laptop and got my Google on.

I discovered that GUILTY is the new fall fragrance by Gucci, which launched at the top of this month (thanks September!) and is comprised of notes of mandarin, pink pepper, peach, lilac, geranium, amber and patchouli.

*Bliss*

Now, we've discussed the pleasantries of pink pepper before, but never quite like this.

The website also stated that Guilty was "designed for the glamorous, daring, brave, and very sexy girls who like to party and enjoy themselves."

Sounds like it was made for singlelistas to me!

Then I saw this hard core trailer for the new fragrance and I thought, "Absolutely Yes!"

Scene from GUCCI GUILTY trailer.  Looks like this scent's for all the bad ass girls!

Now, I'll have to be honest with you, I considered not sharing the news of my new sinful pleasure because...well, I just wasn't that thrilled about having all you divas strutting around smelling like me.  But after purchasing my own bottle and basking in all its delectable fabness, I realized that this really was too amazing not to share.

Ohh...the sacrifices I make for you loves! Sigh...

At $75 for the 1.7 oz and $95 for the 2.5 oz, it may be a bit of a splurge, but you're absolutely worth it!

So singlelistas, for all that you do for everybody else, I demand that today you do something for yourself that will leave you with not one single regret.

Get Guilty. Today!

Love life...every SINGLE moment of it!
-xoxo

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A Single Piece of Mail

We LOVE getting mail here at the Salon, and this particular reader's letter made our hearts skip two beats!

Below, this fab darling details for us how she went from being stood up to having a stand out night, and she even offers us deets on new chick lit that sounds like a must-read for singlelistas everywhere! 

Grab your morning latte and have a peek at this letter. Get your week started with a little singlelista spirit...and pass it on!

Dear SS:
I haven’t been on a date in a minute and while I don’t really mind given my hectic schedule and recent lackluster encounters, I was in the mood to get dolled up and head out for a night on the town with a cute guy...no strings, pretense or drama attached.


I’m a proud Singlelista but I’m woman enough to admit that I sometimes need the companionship of the opposite sex – the type of up close and personal attention you get when you’re on a semi-date with a cool guy you know who shares your interests but not your bed.

You may or may not have dated but still keep in touch and hang out from time to time when you’re not seeing someone else. He probably still likes you so he’ll gladly play boyfriend-girlfriend for the night so you can get your man-fix (don’t judge me…you know you’ve done it before).


Coincidentally, my friend (and former flame) "Kevin" called and suggested we get together for dinner and a movie this weekend. Kevin is one of the most honest, hard -working people I know so I wasn’t shocked or even pissed when he got caught up at the office and postponed our plans.


Since I clearly wasn’t going to have a fabulous Singlelistas Night Out, I was determined to enjoy a phenomenal Singlelistas Night In. That’s right….One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show [a reference to your previous post---my personal fave]!

I changed into my favorite PJs, poured myself a glass of Moscato and dived right into a new book at the top of my reading list, “On Being a Bachelor: Thoughts on Dating, Mating and Relating,” by one very fabulous Singlelista at heart, Blane Bachelor (yes, Bachelor is her real last name).


I love to read but only a handful of relationship books have ever held my attention like this one.

Seriously, the book had me alternately sighing and laughing hysterically the ENTIRE NIGHT!!!!! Ms. Bachelor managed to strike the perfect balance between providing side-splitting, dead-on observations about the dating scene and offering words of wisdom and encouragement. It’s hard to pick my favorite one-liner or scenario but here’s a sampling of some memorable excerpts.


On deciphering the language of love:


“You’re going to make someone so happy one day.”


Translation: That someone will never be me.

The embarrassment of a lingering hickey:


“Of course, a hickey doesn’t look especially classy, but it’s not like you have pubic hair stuck in your teeth.”


On Valentine’s Day:


“When Valentine’s Day rolls around, I almost feel sorry for the guys, agonizing over how much to spend, where to make reservations and whether buying that red lace teddy will get them slapped or laid.”


On First Loves:


“…who can forget the first person they fell hard for – and who fell for them in return? Even if it ended, as it often does, in searing heartbreak, all the stuff up to the eventual break can make an indelible mark on our soul and our psyche.”


On finding out her ex-boyfriend was gay:


“My ex dropped the announcement into an email without much elaboration, and [my friend] S. broke the news to me as gently as possible. My first thought, however, was anything but gentle: Was he taking it up the ass while we were together?”


And my personal fave-


A Resolution to Live By:


“I will excuse myself from the pity party. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Being single is the equivalent to the ultimate American right: freedom! We can do what we want, with whom we want, without a soul to answer to but ourselves.”


As a self-proclaimed singlelista, I couldn’t have agreed more. Thanks to Blane's book, and all the tips I've gotten from the Singles' Salon, I had a perfectly memorable date night-- with me!

XOXO
-Ms. E
--------

Thanks so much E. for your letter! We'll treasure it forever.

In the meantime, we're on a personal mission to get our hands on Blane Bachelor's book.  Stay tuned, because if it's anything as fab as what our reader has described above, we'll def be talking about it again soon.   We've tracked down the web site for the book and if you'd like to get a copy for your own Singlelistas Night In, you can find "On Being a Bachelor,” at www.askabachelor.com.

Got more singlelista suggestions or a fab story of your own you'd like to share? Email us at singlelistas@gmail.com.  Remember, sharing is caring, ladies!

Love Life. Every SINGE moment,
~xoxo

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SNO: Life's a Picnic

It's the weekennnnnnnnd, baby! And you know what that means! It's time for another fab suggestion for a Singlelistas Night Out! 

Or...I guess in this case, a Singlelistas DAY Out!

How many times have you fantasized about spending a beautiful afternoon with that special someone, laying in the park, having a nice romantic picnic? Well singlelistas, this is the post for you! 

If you're a regular here at the Salon, then by now you've gotten the memo that Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves! (BTW, Don't Aretha and Annie look AMAZING in that video?! ) If today is your first visit, then you picked a great day to stop by because we've planned a haute day for you and your girls!

Ladies and Singlelistas, The Singles' Salon is pleased to present to you today (*drum roll please*)

The Chic-nic!

 The chic-nic is a fun, fashionable way to catch up with the girls (Yep, we know that between working the job, mommy-ing your pup, juggling your dates, volunteering at the shelter, and keeping your work-outs on track, it's easy to let your friendships fall through the cracks! We've got you covered!) and finally have that picnic you've been wanting to go on forever- but now with way more style!

Sounds delish right? It is! So call up your girlfriends and let's get this chic-nic started!

What you'll need:

- A stylish throw (or blanket if you must!)
- An uber-cute chic-nic basket
- Your fave delectable treats
- A bottle (or five!) of wine
- Wine glasses
- Plates, cutlery, and utensils
- A digital camera
- An i-Pod loaded with singlelista anthems*
- Games, Games, Games & Games
-An accurate, detailed account of all the juicy gossip that you've neglected to share with your friends since you all spoke last

OK, once you've collected all your essentials invite a couple of your girls to meet you at your place so that you can drive together to the cutest (please note that I didn't necessarily say the closest) park in your city.

It's important that you all ride together because when spending time with Mother Nature, you must show respect for her by carpooling to minimize your carbon footprint. If there is a question over whose car you all should take, I highly recommend that you opt to ride with whoever drives the convertible.  Remember that this is a chic-nic which means style is everything, so keep that in mind when planning all facets of this day.

Now in order to help you execute this flawlessly, I've pulled together a few suggestions for the types of items you should get for your chic-nic.

For your throw, I recommend you choose something that tells all of your park peers a little something about the kind of singlelista you are.  For example, Macy's has this beautiful ruffled throw for the stylish yet understated singlelista, and this cute Lacoste throw for the sporty spices among us. (P.S. You won't believe the price on the Lacoste throw. It's on clearance at at must buy markdown. Don't say I didn't tell you so!)  If you're feeling more daring, Target has this zebra striped throw, that will instantly turn the park into your very own lipstick jungle!

Martha Stewart Collection Ruffle Throw via Macys.com

Lacoste Cable Knit Throw via Macys.com

 

Xhilaration Zebra Throw via Target.com

Once you're ready to throw down (LOL!!! THROW DOWN!! GET IT? *blank stare?* OK, fine!) it's time to grab your chic-nic basket.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has some trendy toting options, like these colorful, insulated carriers from Metro Picnic Baskets. If you'd prefer to go the more classic route, then this Barrel Picnic Basket will offer the traditional rattan you love with just a hint of modern style that you'll absolutely die for. 

If you're really feeling fab, try eighty-sixing the basket all together and make a bold, sassy statement with an over-sized hat box.  That'll definitely have the park patrons singing "Who's that Lady?!" You can typically find hat boxes at just about any upscale apparel or gift boutique, but I usually grab mine from the gift section at Marshall's (Remember, we're still trying to save every SINGLE penny where we can!). 

Metro Picnic Baskets via Bed Bath & Beyond

Barrel Picnic Basket via Bed Bath & Beyond

Pack your snacks in an over-sized hat box for extra flair!

By now you should see where I'm going with this, so I won't go through the entire list of must-haves with you, but just remember that style is everything when it comes to chic-nics. 

Instead of choosing everyday, run of the mill, picnic items, use your creativity to incorporate elements that showcase and celebrate everything that is show-stopping about your girls and you!

Alright ladies, go get your chic-nic on, and as always be sure to send us pics! We'd love to post your Singlelistas Night Out photos on our site. Why? Because Sharing is Caring, of course!

Love life...every SINGLE moment of it!
-xoxo

*Hey singlelistas! We've given you our suggestions, now we'd like to hear some of yours. On Twitter today, we're looking for singlelista anthems, you know those songs that remind you of just how fierce you really are! Whether it's the song you blast in the bathroom when getting ready for a night on the town, or the song you play in the car to help get you mentally prepared to face the day, we want to add it to our play list. Tweet your favorite get 'em girl song with the hashtag #singlelistaanthems.

And if you're not following us on Twitter already, please join us now @ImaSinglelista. See you there Tweeties!

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Singlelista Approved: Body Mist

O-M-G!! Could it get any hotter? 

I know that all winter we moaned and groaned about how cold it was, but Mother Nature is seriously playing games with this heat wave that she's giving us.  If her point is to teach us not to complain, then

Note to M.N.: We got the memo!!

Now, I'm probably about to commit a crime against humanity by mentioning these two products in the same post, but I'm willing to put my neck on the line in my quest to bring singlelistas news about all things fab! (Now THAT's commitment!)

Okay, here goes...

My absolute fave fragrance is Creed Love in White (ahhh...even the names smells beautiful!) but in this sweltering weather we've been experiencing, I just can't bring myself to sweat off the aromatic hand-made blend, which has notes of orange zest, daffodils and magnolia, among others.  Retailing at $235 for the 2.5 oz, Love in White was simply not intended to be subjected to such unsavory conditions.

The problem, however, is that my propensity to perspire in this rain forest climate further exacerbates my need to be fragrant and fresh, because after all, smelling...ahem...un-fresh is not fab!

*Dear Creed gods, please forgive me for daring to even mention your name in association with the following low-priced fragrance line. I vow to give you your own post in the immediate future, as a humble attempt to make amends. -hangs head in shame-*

I've been seeing ads for both Degree and Dove body mists in fashion and beauty magazines for a while now, and while picking up a few toiletry essentials in the drug store today I figure I'd test them out.

The verdict, ladies? Not bad!  

No, they aren't a substitute for fine perfume by any stretch, but they do offer a crisp, cool, refreshing hint of fragrance which is perfect for these hot summer days. 

Now to clarify, I'm not recommending these as substitute aromas for date night with your crush or even for a night out with the girls, but if you're headed to the office, leaving the gym, or stepping out of a refreshing end-of-the-day shower, these mists might be just the the fab fairy ordered.

Retailing at around $3.95 you can afford to spritz them on and sweat them off as much as you'd like, a quality that has become quite necessary these days. 

From the Dove Body Mist collection, my faves are the go fresh Burst with nectarine and white ginger, and the go fresh Revive with pomegranate and lemon verbena (No, I don't know what verbena is either, but it smells really yummy!). 

Degree offers two lines of body fragrance: Degree Nature Effects and Degree Fine Fragrances (The name of the latter is a little bit of an overstatement, I have to say). 

The Nature Effects line was by far my favorite, and from it I chose the Energizing Olive Leaf and Pink Pepper fragrance.  It was pleasant, spicy, and made with PINK pepper!  How could I possibly say no to that?

From the Fine Fragrance collection (yeah...I'm really having a hard time even typing "fine fragrance" in reference to Degree.) I chose the Classic Romance.  With a floral blend of roses and peonies, it was soft, subtle, and well...romantic!

Recognizing that scent preferences are highly personal, I recommend that you test each fragrance for yourself to see what works best for you. At under $5 a bottle, you could really just buy and test them all (OK, maybe not). 

Whichever individual scent(s) you choose, feel free to spray and sweat in confidence, knowing that these products are Singlelista Approved!

(Oh...and stay tuned for my upcoming Creed post. You know it's going to be good...I've got to get back in the luxe gods' good graces!)

Love life...every SINGLE moment of it!
-xoxo

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