Would you wear these?

My quick and easy answer: Nope. Nada. No way.

It just blows my mind that these are $175 at Tory Burch. I'm sorry but these do nothing for me. Am I missing the boat? Tory is usually on top of fashion forward trends but these look like a shoe my grandpa would have worn.

How on earth would you describe these anyway? According to Tory -- "Topsider meets espadrille in the Metallic Blanton Espadrille, our witty, tomboy take on two summer staples. Wear it with jeans or a feminine dress for an unexpected twist."

Unexpected? Yeah - unexpected like, "wow, I expected her style to be better than that!" I do agree that the metallic shade can be fun, and a cute little boat shoe is super easy to slip on and pairs beautifully with dark jeans or a pair of cutoffs. But if you're set on a shimmery boat shoe, why not save a few bucks and get something alittle cuter like these slip on Sperrys for $90.00....

DOUBLE TAKE: A Fall Must Have

Fall is soon upon us. Tear. And yes, boots are back. But of course, the style is slightly different from last seasons. Shucks, looks like you'll have to buy yet another new pair. The Equestrian riding boot is a must have for Fall 2011. There are dozens of great options hitting stores now. As always some affordable and some so outrageously expensive that I wonder who really buys them.

I came across these riding boots the other day at Target and thought these would be fantastic for a DOUBLE TAKE post. So here ya have it; an expensive pair of Ugg's Australia "Channing" boots in Chestnut for $294.95 at Nordstrom vs. Merona's "Manette" tall boot in tan for just $39.99 at Target. Can you tell which one is which??

I don't know about you but I personally like the look of the Target boot (LEFT) better. And the $255 savings!

Splurge vs. Steal: DRY SHAMPOO

Touted as a water and timesaving way to stay quote-unquote gorgeous on the go, these wildly popular shampoo substitutes allow the busiest exec to head straight from the bedroom to the boardroom without a pesky shower in between.

Americans love to shampoo. We lather up an average of 4.59 times a week, twice as much as Italians and Spaniards, according to shampoo-maker Procter & Gamble. But that's way too often, say hair stylists and dermatologists. Daily washing, they say, strips the hair of beneficial oil (called sebum) and can damage our locks. An alternative between washes: Dry Shampoo, the convenient, quick fresher-uper for your hair! No water or blow dryer required. Although there are a wide variety of dry shampoos on the market - ranging from the very affordable to the very expensive - all spray-style dry shampoos are essentially a starchy mixture containing a basic set of ingredients used to clean the hair when it is not possible or practical to use water and traditional shampoos; on camping trips - after sports - when ill - any time you can't (or don't want to use) water. The idea behind dry shampoo is to absorb and remove excess oil from hair follicles to refresh, revive, and rejuvenate the hair in a matter of minutes. It thoroughly and effectively soaks up oil, removes product buildup, and boosts volume.

The market for dry shampoos, which are sold in both spray-on and powdered formulas, has exploded over the past few years. Name a high-end hair-care brand; Frederic Fekkai, Bumble and Bumble, Oscar Blandi, Rene Futerer; and the chances are good that a revolutionary new dry-shampoo product is one of the top-selling items in the company's inventory. Their average price hovers around $20 for about 3 ounces - not exactly a bargain. Two very recognizable dry shampoos are Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder and Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. Although the Bumble and Bumble offers a line specific for each hair color (black, brown, blonde and red), it will run you around $40. Allure magazine's favorite, Oscar Blandi, is a less expensive option but it will still set you back $11-19 per bottle. As an inexpensive alternative, people started using baby powder to achieve the same effect. Unfortunately baby powder does not give you the same volume as the actual dry shampoo. I also do not recommend it as it leaves the hair looking gray and you walk around smelling like a baby's bootay all day long.

So what do I recommend? In my opinion, no need to pay extra $$$ for brand recognition. You need to pick yourself up some Pssssst Dry Shampoo, a STEAL, costing you only $7.00 at most any drugstore. In the December 2010 issue of Lucky magazine, Psssssst Dry Shampoo was named one of the Top 10 Best Beauty products of the past decade. When Psssssst was relaunched, they claimed their hair got "1,000 times better looking - bigger, cleaner and with more texture." With a circa 1970's logo, you can't miss it on the shelf. I even saw a travel size of Psssssst at Bed Bath and Beyond last week.

How to use it: Shake can well. Hold can 6" to 8" from hair. Lift sections of hair and lightly but generously spray scalp and roots of each section. Fluff. Wait a few minutes, then brush hair well. Style hair as desired. Voila! Fabulosity achieved.

Splurge vs. Steal: ESPADRILLE

I apologize for all the shoe posts as of late but there is no better way to celebrate the great weather than by kicking off those clunky boots and uncomfortable heels and slipping into the hottest summer footwear trends. With that being said, it's time for another splurge vs. steal, where I take an inexpensive trendy item and pair it up with a lookalike designer piece. Usually with the hope that I can show you that you don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

If there's one shoe that screams summer, it's the espadrille; ie - a casual flat, but sometimes high heeled shoe that usually has a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille.

Here are two perfect examples: both in a sling-back, rope-wedge, peep-toe, flower-embellished style. Only one pair is from Andre Assous (at Neiman Marcus) and will set you back a whopping $155, whereas the other pair is from Xhilaration (at Target) and will only cost you $24.99. Wondering which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section.

To snag yourself a pair in Black (and Natural & Olive) click here. And while you're at it, treat yourself to a pair of these in brown or denim for only $19.99 (at Target).

Splurge vs. Steal: TORTILLAS

I've become a pretty religious Target grocery shopper as of late. The convenience of a one stop shop is pretty flippin' nice. I'm so stoked about this super steal I happen to fall upon this week, that I thought I would share with y'all.

A staple item on my grocery list is flour tortillas. Yes, flour. Not wheat. Shame on us, I know. Chase loves quesadillas for lunch, we eat tacos on a weekly basis and my husband eats them plain, straight out of the bag for a snack. We go through a lot of tortillas. And every time I reach for the "Mission" brand bag, I cringe. For a 10 pack of the Mission 'Carb Balance' Soft Taco tortillas at our local Vons/Safeway they are expensive at $6.19. Target's Mission price is a little better at $4.99 but it still doesn't sit well with me.

Bummed that Target was out of our Mission 'Carb Balance' favorites and knowing I couldn't go home empty-handed, I searched through the shelf of options. Dissecting the nutritional facts on the back of each, I stumbled upon "Romero's" Soft Taco flour tortillas.

Shockingly they were only $2.14 for a value pack of 16 tortillas. What a STEAL!!!

Initially hesitant that they wouldn't taste as good as the Mission brand, I was quickly proven wrong. No difference in taste or texture. AND 23 calories and 1.5 grams of fat less!

The moral of the story if you want some super steals: 1) grocery shop at Target and 2) buy Romero's tortillas!

Splurge vs. Steal: EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

A few months back I was getting ready with a girlfriend in Mexico who after a long day of lounging by the swimming pool, looked like a raccoon. She busted out a tissue paper and some Vaseline (yes, straight ol' Petroleum jelly) and wiped away her eye makeup within minutes. It was definitely a "you learn something new everyday" moment. She inspired me to do a follow up post on the best eye makeup remover.

I have never personally used the Vaseline trick but I witnessed first hand just how effective it was and for CHEAP. What I love about her is she loves frugal favorites - ie; inexpensive miracle workers - just as much as I do. If you want to go the uber inexpensive route, you can get a large 13 oz. generic "Up & Up" container of petroleum jelly at Target for a few bucks that will last you months. Anything with an oil-base will work really.

If the oily gig isn't for you, you must try my all-time favorite - Almays Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads. Hands down a STEAL. I've been using them for years and they work wonders. They do make a liquid remover but I'm a big fan of the pads. I found this study done by Good Housekeeping magazine's research team which makes me believe I might know a little more about beauty than I give myself credit for --

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested both waterproof mascaras and eye makeup removers and found a winning duo that will keep your beauty routine short and smudge free.

After testing 12 waterproof mascaras in their labs, and found the winner to be none other than my favorite MAYBELLINE'S GREAT LASH WATERPROOF MASCARA. Ahem, told ya so. By the way, if you didn't read the mascara post and aren't using the primer by now, shame on you.

But what's the best way to get it off??

After using the Maybelline Great Lash, Good Housekeeping tested nine eye makeup remover pads and wipes. In the lab, analysts measured how much mascara came off one eye in 30 seconds of wiping. Testers were then timed as they removed mascara from the other eye. The number of pads they used were tallied.

And the WINNER? Almay's Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($6.50; Drugstores). Panelists averaged 31 seconds for removal (the fastest time) at the second lowest cost - 15 cents per eye. Whether it's the 'moisturizing' pads or the 'oil-free' pads, the point is - Almay is the brand you should be using.

After the validation of this survey, I would hope that you wouldn't waste your money splurging on a 4.2 oz bottle of Christian Dior's Duo-Phase Eye Makeup Remover for $25.00. Might as well toss dollar bills down the toilet. Even Sephora's pads are a bit pricey. $9.00 doesn't seem like a lot at first grab but make sure to check the quantity. Sephora contains 30 pads compared to Almay's 120 pads.

And if you run out and are in a pinch, you can always mix 2 tablespoons of Canola Oil with 1 tablespoon of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil to remove eyeshadow or if you need to get stubborn mascara off, mix 2 tablespoons Olive Oil with 1 tablespoon of Baby Oil.

Slurge vs. Steal: Fake Eyelashes

If you're thinking of glammin' up your make-up for NYE, you can't go wrong with flirty, luscious fake lashes. They are the perfect special occasion accessory and they are now easier than ever to apply and remove. What I love about lashes is that even if you can't decide what you are going to wear - slap on some fake lashes and let your eyes do the talking. At that rate, no one will even notice if your socks match.

For the few hours that you're actually going to be wearing them, there is no need to splurge on a fake pair from MAC at Nordstrom priced at $14.00 (Glue sold separately for $8.00) when you can pick up a pair of Sonia Kashuk's Full Glam Eyelashes for $4.99 (Glue included) at Target. Hellooooo frugal find!!!

Tips & tricks to applying:

1: Before applying lash adhesive, make sure the length of the lash band will fit your eyes so that your false lashes will be comfortable. You don't want your lashes to start too close to your tear duct (inner), or go beyond your natural lash line. You may have to snip a small section off if your eyes are smaller.

2: Apply eyeshadow and mascara first. This way your lashes will be the same color as the fake fair and blend in better.

3: Apply a thin line of glue/adhesive to the lash band. It usually comes in white, which dries clear, and also a dark tone, which dries black. I highly recommend the white/clear for beginners.

4: Allow the adhesive to dry for about 30 seconds. This allows it to become slightly tacky and easy to apply.

5: Get close to the mirror and apply the fake lashes onto the eyelid as close to the lash line as possible. Keep eyes relaxed and adhesive will dry in no time.

Now it's time to strut your stuff!!

Splurge vs. Steal: TOOTHPASTE

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 50% of people say that a smile is the first feature they notice about someone. Sadly 80% of people are not happy with their smile. I however am part of the other 20%. I spent six long, embarrassing years in braces during my fragile junior high/early high school years so you better believe I like to show off my pearly whites. But I can't give the braces all the credit. Like most things in my life, I am anal about my brushing habits. I went to the Dentist on Tuesday and heard nothing but rave reviews about how white and clean my teeth were. What's my secret? ULTRABRITE ADVANCED WHITENING TOOTHPASTE. A major STEAL.

You've probably never noticed Ultrabrite on the shelf at the store. It's usually on the very bottom shelf next to the fire red Close-Up gel due to it's ridiculously low price. Naturally people would overlook a $.97 toothpaste but in Ultrabrite's defense, it's owned and manufactured by COLGATE. Go figure. Colgate's Total Advanced Whitening is Ultrabrite's expensive twin at $4.24. But we love Colgate because they spend millions on advertising which sucks us into believing they are better. Ugh - consumerism at it's finest.

In additon to my Ultrabrite testimony, Consumer Reports a few yeas ago rated Ultrabrite the top whitening toothpaste which gave it the recognition it deserves. Sooooo now that you know Consumer Reports gives it 2 thumbs up will you stop splurging on the high priced, overly marketed toothpastes? Maybe you will, maybe you won't but I'll leave you with this...You can buy 4 tubes of Ultrabrite to 1 tube of Colgate. That alone should make you smile. :)

*Note: Ultrabrite can be found at Target & Walmart.

Random dental facts:

- The average woman smiles about 62 times a day. A man? Only 8.

- Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15.

- People who smile in school yearbooks are more likely to have successful careers and marriages than poker faced peers.

- Americans buy 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year.

- Total annual consumer spending on toothpaste is $1.8 billion dollars.

- 38.5 total days an average American spends brushing their teeth over their lifetime.

- 94% of Americans say they brush nightly; 81% say they do it first thing in the morning.

- Change out your toothbrush when there are signs of showing wear, or every three (3) months.

- Dentists recommend that a toothbrush be kept at least six (6) feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

- Always brush your tongue to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath. Brushing the roof of your mouth may also help eliminate a bad breath problem.

- Even after you brush your teeth, some bacteria will remain. That bacteria can set up a colony and begin damaging your teeth within 24 hours - which is why dentists recommend brushing twice a day to consistently interrupt their growth.

- A correct brushing must have a duration of 2 to 3 minutes.

- Soft bristled brushes with a smaller head are preferred so they can better reach all areas of your mouth. Electric toothbrushes like a Sonicare are best.