Rowenta Ultra Stream Handheld Fabric Steamer, F

I am remarkably lazy. But I like clean, pressed clothes because they make you look neat. So naturally, I found that my solution to the traditional iron and ironing board would be a handheld steamer, one that doesn't take up much space and one that's easily available whenever I need to press anything.

Buying this was like throwing away $20.

There is nothing good about it because it never accomplished what it promised to. I followed the directions perfectly; adding tap water, not filtered water etc etc. When I turn the machine on, steam does indeed come out, but it is released through the handle, not the nozzle. I burned my hand trying to operate it and eventually wound up wearing gardening gloves to protect myself, thinking maybe it's a one-time thing, maybe I did it wrong. Nope.

Nothing about this device is worth any amount of money. Maybe I just got a defective product, but I can assure you I followed every direction only to end up hurting myself and that's not a product I'd ever endorse.

Payless booties, B

There was a time I avoided Payless Shoes like the plague. I couldn't shake the image of the store being filled with cheap, tacky imitations until I bought these shoes the other day. For the most part, Payless was kind of a bummer. The shoes in the boxes never look as good as they do on the posters and I could see the shoes already start to fall apart. But there were some gems that were noticeably classier (and more expensive), like these shoes for $30. They're a Fioni brand and while I wouldn't say they're worth all of $30, I'll wear these enough to justify the cost. I also got lucky because there were only 2 pairs in the entire store and one happened to be my size

Pros:

• Surprisingly comfortable and substantial sole
• Sturdy zipper
• Not overly trendy (no superfluous buckles or rhinestones like so many other Payless options)

Cons:

• Heel quality questionable; doesn't seem as durable as I'd like it to be
• Narrow toe, but that could just be me
• A little tight when putting them on, but at least this means they don't fall off

The Fioni section of the Payless website offers more refreshingly classy options, but it's always tricky finding them in stores (probably because they're one of the best options)

My makeup edition

I've probably spent way more money on cosmetics and toiletries than I would feel comfortable admitting. I always think I need stuff I don't, or I need more of something I already have (I guess I can safely say the marketing departments of the make-up industry are doing their jobs). I've finally whittled down my routine and selected some of my favorite favorites of all time that I would recommend:

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara:

What I love about this is that unlike other mascaras, I don't have clumpy, goopy lashes. It's one of the more affordable mascaras and best mascaras, and trust me, having sparse, blonde lashes, I'm always always buying and trying mascara. This does not transform my lashes into super-long, thick dark romantic lashes, but I'm glad because that would be way unnatural for someone like me. It takes the few lashes I have, darkens them and makes them believably more voluminous. (As a side note: I always curl my lashes before hand. It only takes like 20 seconds and makes your lashes 1) more lash-like and curly 2) adhere to the mascara more easily)

Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin:

This wash is a real gem. It's super inexpensive, removes make-up easily, makes you feel clean but not dried-out and keeps my (sensitive) skin blemish-free. I actually switched to some face wash that's organic and triple the price and literally, the morning after I washed my face in the evening, a pimple appeared on my chin. Needless to say, I switched back and I doubt I'll ever change again. 

Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant and Antiperspirant:
 This is not a particularly lady-like thing for me to admit but I don't perspire. I sweat. It's gross blah blah blah but whatevs do you really expect me not to break a sweat on the treadmill? (Not to mention how red my skin turns... but that's another issue entirely). This isn't a cure-all deodorant. I still sweat a little, but I don't stink. It's the closest I can get to a sweat-free lifestyle so until I find a better replacement, this sucker is staying in my toiletry family.

Physician's Formula Talc-Free Mineral-Wear Loose Powder:
As I sort of mentioned before, I have some red-skin issues. I turn red really easily and my face isn't one nice, pretty color. Instead, I have faint red blotches. This loose powder evens-out my skin tone while maintaining my true color. It's like me, only a better version. I've tried liquids and tinted lotions but they all look (and feel) oppressive and fake, like a mask. I've since only used loose powder and this is definitely the best brand I've tried (I've used CoverGirl, Almay and Revlon versions). It's more expensive, but it is definitely worth it because I don't feel it when I'm wearing it, it doesn't irritate my skin, and makes a noticeable difference.

Jcrew leopard-print belt, B-

This belt I also got for 20something dollars at a JCrew outlet in Rehoboth (they honor student ID discounts and military discounts, so it's my type of place) and while I haven't used it as much as the other belt, I like the reassurance I get from it being in my closet. It's a classy, timeless way to add polish to a business outfit.

Pros:

• It's timeless. The elements (gold hardware, leopard print) are simple enough to transcend trends
• It was inexpensive

Cons:

• It's not a very flexible belt and it doesn't hold up my pants well. I know I wasn't really expecting that from a thin belt that's primary function is to be an accessory, but still, ya know. I don't want my pants to fall down. 

It's a much more affordable version of a current trend as shown here with this Gucci belt: