Tip #75: Lengthen Legs with a Skin-Colored Shoe

Nothing elongates a leg like high-heeled footwear. 

The effect is even more pronounced if you select a pair that matches your skin tone.

Tip #74: Choosing the Right Belt for your Body Type

A belt can make you look fat and chunky—or create a waist and a sexy silhouette. It’s all about choosing the right style of belt for your body type, and knowing exactly where to put it.   


Why the belt is your best friend

Belts are a really cheap and easy way of adding a little drama to a simple outfit. It is also a very good slimming tool, because it can accentuate curves (or create a curve where there was none), while simultaneously drawing attention away from parts of the body that you want to play down.

The trick is in the proportion. Nobody has a perfect body, just learn and understand what works for your body type.

Short Torso

The great thing about being short waisted is you probably have fantastically long legs. You want to help add to that sense of length.  The first thing to do is to avoid really thick belts, which will totally overwhelm your already short waist. Pick thinner belts, and then position them a bit low on the hips. This makes your upper body look longer.

Long Torso

A wide version will provide balance between your top and bottom halves. You’re lucky enough to have the body type that can pull off a thicker belt. But your particular body challenge is to make your legs look longer. So, position your belt higher up the waistline (and add to the illusion by wearing high-waisted pants). Here’s another trick: picking a belt color that is very close to the color of your pants gives the sense of a long, unbroken line, which also helps you look taller.

Petite Figure

Larger belts will overwhelm your small frame, so avoid them at all costs. It’s also best to pick a belt color that is very close to the rest of your outfit—or even choose monochromatic scheme (different shades of the same color) from shirt to shoes. That’s because a belt in a completely different color will “cut” your body and make you look even smaller.

If you want to add color to your outfit, choose a contrasting bag or necklace or earrings (which will draw attention to the face). You can also play with different textures and fabrics—for example, a sequin trim or a touch of lace.

Fuller Figures

Choose belts in colors that closely match your outfits, and avoid big belt buckles that can draw even more attention to your waistline. Choose a simple belt in a dark color and a matte finish. 

Boyish Figure

If you have a very slim, boyish figure, try a skinny belt worn low on your hips to create the illusion of curves.

Tip #73: Cleaning Windows

Spring is here!!  Love the weather, but hate the cleaning that I feel HAS to be done (from societal pressure or childhood brainwashing - not sure)

• Begin by filling in small cracks or scratches with toothpaste.
• Wash your windows on a cloudy day. The heat from direct sunlight can dry the cleaning product before you have time to properly finish the job.
• For the larger glass surfaces, use a long-handle squeegee to prevent streaks, much like you would on car windows or glass shower doors. 
• Tackle those pesky corners with Q-tips. Their small surface area allows you to hit those hard-to-reach spots and they'll absorb the residue instead of spreading it around.
• For a blinding shine, polish your windows with clean cotton tee-shirts, cloth diapers or even a new blackboard eraser. Make sure that your windows have been dried before polishing.
• Always clean from top to bottom to prevent drips, and remember that cleaning solutions can often harm woodwork. Be careful not to let your products drip onto the windowsill.
• If you can't seem to ditch the streaks (or if you run out of paper towels) clean and polish your windows with newspaper. Not only is it absorbent and lint-free, it also leaves a film that is resistant to dirt.
• An easy alternative to cleaning solutions is to use a recipe of 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 cups water and 1/2 cup liquid cleaning soap.

Tip #72: Freepeats.org

I wish I knew about this website when my kids were babies!!!

Find gently used baby and maternity items at FREEPEATS.ORG.

WHO DOESN'T LIKE FREE!!!!!!

Tip #71: Print your Grocery List at www.SouthernSavers.com

There are SO MANY couponing websites out there, it is overwhelming.  I have not looked at every single one of them, but I do have my favorites.

www.southernsavers.com is free and has all the grocery stores AND drug store grocery lists.  The lists are customizable and printable.  She is always updating her posts with deals. There is even links to the on-line coupons if you do not like to cut them out of the paper.

www.GroceryGame.com is another good one, but it is not free.

What are your favorites?  Let me know at hipbargainchick@yahoo.com or contact me on my website at www.HipBargainChick.com.

Tip #70: Save 80% at Restaurant.com + 25%!!!

OK people... if you haven't clicked on the Shop At Home link on the right, then you need to do it right now!!!!

Restaurant.com coupons are 80% off for 4 more days (with the coupon code 'STEAK').  BUT, you can get 25% cash back on the total you spend at Restaurant.com!!!  Here is what you do:

1. Click on the Shop At Home Link
2. Sign-In
3. Search for Restaurant.com
4. Click on the coupon code link for Restaurant.com (this will open a Restaurant.com window)
5. Sign-in to Restaurant.com
6. Order and pay for your coupons (don't forget to enter the coupon code)
7. In a day or so, go back to Shop At Home and login to your account.  You will see your cash back amount.

I will be receiving a $89.00 check from ShopatHome.com in June (checks are mailed out every 3 months).  JUST FOR DOING MY NORMAL ON-LINE SHOPPING!!!

Tip #69: When your Hair Color result is TOO DARK....

Have you ever colored your hair and the end result was TOO DARK?

Here is a quick, cheap way to lighten the color:

• Mix 1 cup baby shampoo and 2 tbs. baking soda.
• Apply to hair for 5 minutes
• About 80% of color will rinse out.

Tip #68: Find the Perfect jacket for YOUR Body Type!

If you are PEAR-SHAPED...

Try the Boyfriend Jacket! It's structured shoulders balance wide hips!

Avoid cropped jackets! Look for a slimming just-below-the-hip length instead.

Stay away from embellishments like pleats, ruffles and large pockets that call attention to problem areas.

If your BUSTY....

Opt for smooth, lightweight fabrics that drape nicely over your curves or offer a bit of stretch.

Stick to single-breasted designed.  

High necklines and double-breasted or belted styles create volume on top.

Avoid wide-lapels. The extra layer over the chest adds bulk.

If you are PETITE AND PLUS-SIZE...

Try on single-breasted styles that reach to the fullest part of your hips; anything shorter or longer overaccentuates your lower body.

Princess seams will slim your waist and play up your feminine curves.

Soft shoulder padding (no 80's please!) will lift and balance your silhouette.

Head to the tailor. Sleeves that are too long will ruin the look.

If you are BOY-SHAPED....

Oversize pockets, big buttons and other embellishments on the bottom help fill out narrow hips.

To creat the illusion of an hourglass silhouette, cinch the waist with a belt or opt for styles with visible princess seams.

If you have long arms, go for 3-quarter length sleeves.

If you are BROAD SHOULDERed....

Balance out proportions with a single-breasted style that has narrow lapels and a thin collar.

Avoid anything too structured, such as boxy or double-breasted jackets; they echo the hard angles of your shoulders.

Steer away from broad collars and closed necklines to minimize wideness on top.