"You messed up, so now you have to make it up to me on Valentines day!"

"Liar, Liar, **** on FIRE!"

My post was gonna sound a little bit like this: 'I refuse to let this Hallmark holiday get to me and give this multi-million dollar industry one more penny. But with all the girls getting flowers delivered too, its kinda hard. So here are some budget friendly tips on Valentines day!'. <----HAHA!!!! Seriously! What was i thinking? I was going to sound like a litto budget friendly girl that was going to give my reader's broke budget tips on how to save on a cheesy holiday. But the truth is, that I'm a 'Broke LA Girl'... NOT YOU! So listen up Honey because this is what i want on Valentines day!

This arrangement can be found at Century City flower & market. Its $150-$200 bucks and they take all major credit cards, and yes you can even order it online.

This is Cristal. I want a bottle. So order it.

I aint no litto skinny girl. I'm a fat girl. And i love TO EAT! So dont buy me one box, buy me LOTS OF BOXES of Godiva chocolate. This retails for...$260.
So- you have exactly 13 days to order all this stuff. Get to work.

Happy Valentines Day! <3

Heels & kisses,
Nadia

"Stay Classy Ladies!"

Janea & I are complete opposites, but in a way sort of similar. She is Ms.-Know-it-all, super smart, Spelling bee champion, etc. You get the point. She keeps it classy, I keep it... well you know ;)

So in order to help you, when you're in need for a much classier word when you are stuck with a bad word or phrase... we have come up with a list for you!

image credit: anne taintor

Nadia would say.... Translated into Janea's vocabulary...

1. "I need to FART"
Will you excuse me please - I think I need to relieve some pressure in my stomach.

2. "OHMIGAWD! This slice of pizza just made me orgasm"
I can't stand how unbelievably good this pizza is!

3."I have a murf"
I think I need to take care of some business in the other room. I'll be right back.

4. "Chinga tu Madre!!"
I'm not sure I can look at you at this point, so I think it's best if you just leave.

5. "Shut the FAck up you stupid bitch!"
That's interesting.

6. "Are you retarded?"

I never thought of that in those terms. You bring up a very interesting point of view.

7. "Get a refund on your college education because you are STUPID!"
Again, you have a very interesting point and I am glad you feel strongly enough about it to explain it to me several times, but I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

8. "I need to change my tampon"
I actually use a Diva Cup so this is not something that I would ever say...lol

9. "I need to SHIT!"
I beg your pardon, but could you tell me where the powder room is please?

10. "I'm going to stab your eye and feed it to the dogs and sell your body parts for money!!!"
I'm not too happy with you right now.


Of course some of this list is a little facetious but it's just to prove a point...you have a lot of power in the words you choose and how you represent yourself, and this affects the perception people have of you by what you say and how you say it. Some people call me a nerd but I don't really care. Some people may call Nadia ghetto, but she doesn't care either. You choose the things in life that are best for you and that suit your situations and your needs.

Heels & Kisses,
XO,

Janea & Nadia

Cheap Travels

I remember the first time I traveled. I remember the feeling of going to an amazing place & being able to see sights that not many people will ever have the chance to see. It was the greatest feeling of self discovery. It was then that i realized my passion for traveling.

So far I have been to 9 major destinations. This year I plan to visit Anguilla, Scottsdale, & New York City. Next year, I will save every single penny & recycle every bottle and can so I can visit the Maldives & India. Although many of you think that traveling might be really expensive, its actually not as much as one would think. Here are a few tips that I recommend to people since I am in the hospitality industry.

1. Become a stalker: Research your trip far in advance (6-9 months out, at least). Find out when low season is, because hotels & airlines offer cheaper rates. Ask about prepaid rates that might be even lower than standard rates.

2. Compromise: Look, I love 5 star resorts too. But- if I'm not going to be having sex in my suite all day & relaxing, I'd rather pay the lowest possible rate for a 3 star hotel. (Example: NYC- total maximum time spent in hotel room might be 9 hours= pay the lowest rate!!). Sometimes, you have to compromise because it makes sense.

3. Stretch that dollar: If you are traveling in one area, hop around. Its cheaper! Here's why...

It is cheaper to fly to 2 destinations, than it is to do them separately. If I were to fly to India, the flight roundtrip would be $1400; if I were to fly to the Maldives, the flight roundtrip would be $1500. If I were to fly to both destinations in one trip, the flights would only be $1850.

You need to learn how to use your time, destination, & money wisely when traveling. Here are my favorite websites that offer so much travel information:

Kayak.com

Concierge.com

kiwicollection.com

I know sometimes you sit there and dream about going to amazing places, not just Cabo or Cancun, but sights that you only see on TV. Don't sit there and sulk. It can be done! Cut the grocery bill by 20 bucks, recycle cans... do you really need a new dress? Shoes? A pedi? These are just a few things you can cut corners on, that will help you save for an amazing, once in a lifetime trip. Hopefully you get to experience many travels in your lifetime :)

Heels & kisses,

Nadia

oh you fancy, huh?

I was flipping through the pages of Vogue magazine and a fancy pair of Louboutins caught my eye. Not because I coveted them (although, truth be told, I do fancy a pair of those turquoise glitter platform heels...just Google them), but they just reminded me of all of the internet ads I have seen over the last few years for different websites promising authentic Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and other luxury brands at ridiculously deep discounts. You would think that common sense would prevail, and people wouldn't trust these sites to deliver on these promises. I mean, get real...true luxury never goes on clearance!

luxury for sale by aenaj featuring canvas handbags

What's even more disturbing is that people actually do believe that these sites are real, and that what is being delivered to their doorstep is a super bargain find. The reality is that what they're getting is a fake box full of garbage that isn't worth the weight of the cardboard its delivered in. Just take a look at this blog entry from 2 YEARS AGO with photographic detail of the ridiculousness that the counterfeit world gets away with...the sh*t doesn't even LOOK real.

Forget the fact that the multi-million dollar FAKE industry undercuts the luxury brand integrity, but several investigative reports have also uncovered that the money from counterfeit goods support many illegal activities such as terrorism, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other serious crimes. NOT GOOD!! How would you feel knowing that fake purse you got in the alley is responsible for some young girl being brought into this country to pleasure some pervert? It's horrible to think about but it's a very TRUE reality.

image source: louis vuitton

These companies have fought forever to preserve their brand integrity. Recently, Christian Louboutin launched this site - Stop Fake - they're taking actions and putting all those websites on blast for selling fakes...not only those "discountlouboutin.com" type websites but also auction sites like eBay and street sellers (like those I witnessed a few days ago in NYC walking down Canal Street peddling fake Louis Vuitton wallets and passing out these catalog sheets displaying all the wonderful falsies they'd be willing to bring to you to buy).




image source: flickr

What is the obsession with possessing something one cannot simply afford?

I have received counterfeit bags and wallets as gifts and I would be so embarrassed to actually use them. Imagine if I didn't know they were fake, and needed to get something repaired...the shop clerk would confiscate the item and I could possibly risk getting arrested for something that I didn't even do. There is something so unsettling about someone who would willingly walk around proudly with a fake piece of art...that's like printing a Picasso or Warhol at Kinko's and pawning it off as the real deal. It ain't gonna fly with me homegirl.

I'm proud of my $35 100% authentic vintage Dooney & Bourke GOODWILL find! If you want an legit bag on the cheap, check out consignment shops and estate sales. Educate yourself on how to spot a fake. Don't become another victim of an eBay scam or counterfeit discount site. And if you really do need that bag or those shoes, that watch or those belts, don't fool yourself into thinking you can buy a pair of CL's for $89 or a LV for $100. Get real, save your money and wait it out until you can pay for the forreal deal.

Have a question or any stories about your fake finds? Let us know!

XO,
janea

Home, 'Fabulous', Home...

For the last year I have been remodeling my litto home.

It has taken lots of time and planning because I am very picky about everything. I have never felt at home. Not even when I was a kid living with my mom. It never felt mine. I’m 26 years old and I have been living on my own since I was 19. Up until now, nothing has felt like home. What I wanted was my home to sort of be my reminder of who I am. I didn’t want to follow patterns, colors, or rules that I had to obey in the interior design world. I just wanted items in my home to be pieces I LOVED!

I am just missing one more piece and that is the dining table. I don’t want just any dining table, I want a fabulous dining table. It has taken me a year to finally find chairs to match my taste. Unfortunately those chairs are going to cost me my grocery budget for a year. But that’s okay- because… who needs food anyway?

I want this dinning table, (which can be found at Z Gallerie $400) and also 2 striped chairs & 2 pink chairs (which can be found at roomservice.com $550 each) Isnt this FAB? This is sooo me! When I complete my home, I will post pictures!

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

Anti-wrinkle creme = Crack Cocaine

If you know me, you know I am addicted.... ADDICTED to Anti-wrinkle creme. Who are we kidding, I cannot afford La Prairie $200 creme anymore. So I have downgraded :/ (ugghhh)


So, I found this AAAAHHHHMAZING Philosophy creme. I just got it 2 days ago but all of the reviews on Sephora are great. And for $78 bucks, I'm willing to give it a try. I got the Value package which came with the oil serum, the eye firming creme, the face wash & the face moisturizer! I'm so excited to look 26, FOREVER! :) Hopefully it works.

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

Nadia

Decisions, decisions...

Sometimes you make a plan for your life but maybe God doesnt like your plan and decides to make his own plan for you. I am not the most religious person, nor do I go to church, but I believe in fate & following my heart. Your gut doesnt lie, and the only thing you can do is what is right for you and your family. Sometimes that includes sacrificing time with people you love so you can finish something important that will improve life later on.

I have been at a crossroad these last few weeks. Debating whether or not I should take more classes for school or stop attending. I went to visit my mom this weekend and I was talking to her and she said something to me that made me realize my answer.

I may not be Martha Stewart, or Super MOM but I'm trying to set an example for my son. I want him to know that just because I am a female doesnt mean I'm going to be a stay at home mom (There's nothing wrong with that btw). Thats not who I am, nor who I will ever be. My childhood traumatized my life: my views, my beliefs, my EVERYTHING! I fear depending on a man. I fear not graduating, I fear not doing something amazing, I fear not being able to take care of myself. Since I was 18 I think I have been doing okay. But thats not enough for me. I want more and I wont ever be satisfied, its who I am.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, follow your heart. Dont ever give up, keep trying even when it gets tough, keep believing in yourself even when you have nothing else. Things happen for a reason and everything has its time. The hardest thing in life is sacrificing time, time that could've been spent with your loved ones. I will never have this time back ever again. And that's the hardest part. So for now, I will follow my heart and hopefully accomplish something much more that will influence my son later on in life; and thats to follow your dreams & your heart.

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

Spring Break

If you're anything like me, you have more than a full plate on your hands... you would actually have two full plates on your hands. Which is why I'm already Spring break dreaming! I booked a room at the FABULOUS W in Scottsdale Arizona for my spring break trip. I actually have no idea what Scottsdale is like but if it's anything like Palm Springs, I'm sure I'll love it.

I was trying to figure out what to wear for my trip and so I put this little inspiration board to help think of awesome things to wear!

LA does Scottsdale by Nadiavp featuring brown sunglasses

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

DSQUARED - SILK GEORGETTE AND COTTON TWILL JUMPSUIT
754 EUR - luisaviaroma.com
Dsquared jumpsuits »

Lanvin Leopard-print swimsuit Browns Fashion
1,040 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Leopard bathing suits »

L.A.M.B. Crepe (Black Leather) - L.A.M.B. Shoes
$365 - zappos.com
Classic leather shoes »

H&M gladiator sandals
hm.com
H&m shoes »

ROGER VIVIER Bag
990 EUR - colette.fr
Velvet handbags »

H & M Shop Online
hm.com
H&M bracelets »

It's time!

The time has come where I must now say farewell to LA. I've been enjoying the beautiful mid-to-upper 70 degree weather for the last week or so but now I will be faced with the harsh reality of winter...see you next week!  Until then I'm sure Nadia will have lots to post in my absence lol

I get to leave this:

californiasun by aenaj featuring soft leather shoes

For this:

newyorkslate by aenaj on Polyvore.com

XO,
Janea

The Devil Wears...

If i had an amazing job and made 'bank' i would totally kill it with what i would wear to work. But for now... i can only keep trying to get there.

For now, this is what i would wear right now.

Devil Wears Marc J by Nadiavp featuring a christian louboutin pump

Easton Pearson Silk-crepe ruffle dress
$800 - net-a-porter.com
Easton Pearson dresses »

Christian Louboutin Lady Peep
$895 - barneys.com
Christian louboutin pump »

MARC JACOBS Bag
995 EUR - colette.fr
Marc jacobs shoulder bags »

Black strapless Corset with Matching Mini Skirt_Darling-lover Sexy...
darling-lover.com

Collection Gypsy and Regina Shareapic.net
shareapic.net
Pendants »

A Cool Breeze - Fashionable Hand Fans
ideco.com

Backgrounds or myspace backgrounds image by ohthenew on Photobucket
media.photobucket.com

bracelets
bethchurch.com

MOEUDS POUR VOS CREATIONS - Page 27
ymagequibrille.centerblog.net

Victorian Vignettes: Parasol with bird head
victorian-vignettes.blogspot.com

Liberty-cerise :: OH MY Doll : Le jeu des dolls (doll, dollz)...
ohmydollz.com

Skraps Shareapic.net
shareapic.net

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

wOrk, WoRk it!

Only in LA do we have 75 degree weather in January.

I love LOVE summer. And cant wait for it to come back, which is why i'm already shopping for bikinis!!! :) Now ladies, if you have it, flaunt it! And if you dont got it... STILL FLAUNT IT!

First of all, dont you dare feel insecure about your body when you wear a bikini. I know many of us are out of shape, we have cellulite, and we also have stretch marks. Dont let that kill your confidence.

My pet peeve is when women go to the beach and 'cover' themselves with a t-shirt or a wrap. Dont do that. Seriously. I know what cellulite looks like, i have it! I know what stretch marks look like, i have those too. So next time you go to the beach and feel insecure, i hope you get to hear my litto voice say; "GURL! You need to strut, because you got it!"

So here are my top picks for bathing suits ;)

(All can be found at Victoriasecret.com)

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

A Tampon story...

Yes, this time it was that time of the month.

A litto story for my readers...

I was pulling my tampon out of my drawer to go to the 'ladies room', and i hid it in my sweater. As i was doing that, something crazy snapped inside me, I said; "Why do girls do that? why do girls feel the need to hide their tampon? THIS IS STUPID! WE SHOULDN'T BE ASHAMED! Just because some guy looks at us funny because they see a tampon, we should not be embarrassed!!! EVERY GIRL HAS A PERIOD!''.

My co-workers started laughing because i looked at my manager,as i was saying this and smacked him with the tampon and i marched to the ladies room with my tampon in hand NOT ASHAMED!

It felt brilliant. I felt Free. I felt EMPOWERED!

What I'm saying is; 'girls lets not be discreet!' So what if someone sees our tampon in our hand. And if they dare look at you, just smack them in the forehead with it ;0)

Happy Period <3>

Heels & Kisses,

Nadia

Too broke to go to NYC with Janea

Since I am 50 pounds over the weight limit to squeeze into Janea's carry-on, I have resorted to just dreaming of NYC since I have never been there.

Sometimes I wonder why I wasn't born rich. I have impeccable taste (not trying to be vain, but honey, I DO!) but for the most part, everything i like is always a GAZILLION DOLLARS! ''Why? Why God? Why?!''

Ms. Queen of Google, Janea referred this website to me - shopstyle.com. OHHMIGAWD!!!... SUPER AMAZING. Its like Kayak.com, but for clothes! (So it pretty much consolidates all this awesome clothes into one website) This is what i would wear if I was rich and went to NYC!

These are my picks, right now!

LOVE IT!

Heels & Besos,

Nadia

let's hear it for new york (part 2)

I am a collector (or hoarder!) by nature, so when I am preparing for a trip I purchase items over a period of time...since 1 - I am not rich and can't afford to do massive shopping sprees, 2 - I pay cash for EVERYTHING so I need to space out what I can buy at any given time since I'm paying with real money and not on credit, and 3 - I over-prepare for almost every occasion in life and play Worst Case Scenario constantly and need to make sure I have something for every situation I will encounter.  No...I'm not crazy or anything!

Last week when I was stopping off at Marshall's to purchase a gift card for a friend's birthday, I decided to see if they still had any winter coats in their clearance section. I still had the $200-$300 North Face on my mind and it was seriously stressing me out. I was wondering how anyone can afford that price tag?!  Especially someone like me who freakin lives in LA and has no need for a coat like that on a regular basis. I mean, I know I was trying to be optimistic in my last post but I need to keep it real - that is way too pricy for my taste ;(

So anyway, I head to where the sales girl pointed to go look at the coats. They had only one style of coat left in 3 sizes, XS, S, and L - a long puffy black jacket with a faux fur-trimmed hood with double zipper and snap buttons. Very cute!! Luckily for me the L fit perfectly with a hoodie and a sweater underneath (it was a cold, cold night in So CAL!), and the sleeves were long enough to go past my wrists. Hooray! Sucess!!  AND THE PRICE TAG - $99!!  THIS JACKET IS STILL SELLING ON OVERSTOCK.COM FOR OVER $200!!! AND I GOT IT FOR $99 WITH TAX!



Laundry by Shelli Segal Coat



Next on my list was a real pair of adult winter gloves. No more of that Target $2 Magic Glove business...unfortunately :(  As I mentioned in my previous post, I am afraid of turning into a human popsicle, and that includes my little fingers (and I do mean little..everyone makes fun of my small hands...waaahh!).  I went to Macy's the other day and found a nice pair of thin, insulated, waterproof gloves. I found these quasi-stylish Isotoner gloves that were on sale, and since I had a store gift card, these actually did not cost me anything, except my time (and $14 off my gift card, I guess!!).



Isotoner Fleece Lined Glove



I'm very happy that I have a nice boyfriend who buys good gifts on Christmas and birthdays. This past Christmas he bought me these Uggs which are really cool. They look like motorcycle boots!  I sprayed them with the waterproof spray, and they did darken a little bit so instead of chocolate brown they are like a brown/black. They are so toasty and warm, and very sturdy. The shaft is a little stiff (clean minds, people) but they are easy enough to slide in and out of if you are putting them on in a seated position...standing, not so much.  About $200 from Nordstrom, mine were a gift.

Kensington Ugg Boot

These other boots were ones I purchased last year on Amazon.com for my trip to Snowmass, Colorado for work. They are very heavy duty snow boots, and look very cute with jeans. I got a lot of compliments on them which was awesome, and I got a lot of thumbs up from the snow-people, because they did not expect anyone from LA to know how to dress for the harsh winter conditions. THERE ARE SOME SMART ONES OUT HERE, YA KNOW?! Google is a girl's best friend ;) $80 - $100, depending on retailers.

Sorel Angel Lace Boot

So there's a partial packing list for my trip next week. I'll be gone 5 days, and hopefully won't need to even break out the snow boots. I keep checking the weather, and even though I'm a week out, I'm hoping it won't change too much!!  Outerwear has always been the hard part of packing for me, because I hate it :(

Questions, comments, or SUGGESTIONS??  Anyone got any tips for what to do in NY or what else I should pack?  Leave a comment or tweet us @2brokeLAgirls :) 

XO,

Janea