I wrote about how I spent less than $5,000 on my wedding last summer for the New York Daily News. Since then I’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response to my budget wedding story and have advised like-minded brides-to-be on how to plan and execute the wedding of their dreams for far less than the national average of $20,000.  
My motto is, “Don’t believe the wedding industry hype.”  You don’t have to spend a fortune, especially on your dress (see a photo of mine below), to look like you did.
 
 
Sonja Romnus also planned her wedding on a shoestring budget and …read more

Wanda Mann found a way to turn her passion for traveling in style into a career.  In 2008, the journalist launched “The Black Dress Traveler,” a travel website for women.   Hot Mama Daily caught up with the jet-setter  and learned more about her website and her top travel beauty tips.
Hot Mama Daily: How and when did you start the Black Dress Traveler?
Wanda Mann: I officially launched the Black Dress Traveler website in December 2008 but I’ve been living this way longer than I can remember. I never travel without a little black dress in my suitcase. One night while writing …read more

I’m an ’80s baby and a diehard new wave music fan.  So I was ready for my close up in this “No Pictures” t-shirt (isn’t that ironic?) replica of one that Debbie Harry wore in Amsterdam during Blondie’s first European tour in 1980.
Worn Free tees offer fully licensed and approved reproductions of famous rock star shirts.  Celebs including Naomi Campbell and Sienna Miller are fans of the hip and comfy tees made using a special printing process to give each t-shirt a vintage, worn-in look.  
Get yours today and rock on!
Image credit: Worn Free, John Carluccio

Life is better with a sexy twist.  That’s the philosophy behind JimmyJane, a high-end erotica company with plenty of playful products to spice up your Valentine’s Day.  Here are a few ways for Hot Mamas to be naughty-and-nice:
The fragrant EMBER ($55) candle can be burned as a scented candle or used as a massage oil. EMBER comes in six aphrodisiac scents.  I received the Truffle and Gardenia and it smells heavenly.  The candle is made with natural waxes and other plant extracts to nourish your skin and stimulate your imagination. 
 
Wink Silk and Suede Blindfolds ($75) come in four colors — black, …read more

In this economy, fashionistas have become recessionistas who must devise innovative ways to earn expendable income.  Here’s an idea. Most of us have a closet full of clothes and don’t wear half of them, so why not turn your unwanted clothing and accessories into cash?

(Me at Buffalo Exchange)
Consignment shops offer a percentage in cash or store credit/trade.  You’ll fill your wallet and recycle your wardrobe.  Here are a few of my favorite consignment shops in New York City (a web search will locate similar shops in your area).
Beacon’s Closet has two locations in Brooklyn (92 5th Avenue @ Warren Street …read more

Happy New Year to all! We all wish you a happy, healthy, successful and beautiful 2009.

As we usher in the new year, we take a look back at the Best and Worst of 2008, along with a look ahead to 2009. From all the Splendicity bloggers, here are some of our favorite (and not so favorite) things from the world of beauty and fashion.
Tracy at Hot Mama Daily tells you about the top5 Hot Mama moments of 2008 and her top 5 favorites beauty products too. She also clues you in on the worst hot messes of the year.
Dexie rounds out the …read more

African American women often have a hard time finding the right makeup.  Some brands that shall remain nameless give us a gray or orange finish.  So it’s important to find the perfect foundation, powder, blush and eye shadow to compliment your complexion. Often that means blending a couple different shades to customize your doll face.
A few of my go-to brands for quality foundation and press powder are Black Radiance and Black Opal, found in your local drugstore, and Clinique and Christian Dior, found in your local department store.
And when it comes to eye shadow and blush, I can always count on …read more

We all love a deal, right?  Well check out this new website RedTagCrazy.com, the first “One Deal at a Time” (ODAT) shopping site for women who enjoy high-end fashion apparel and accessories.

The ODAT model gives shoppers a unique and exciting shopping experience while creating buzz for and protecting the value of top fashion brands.
So get RedTagCrazy before the hot items are gone. Currently there’s a cute Amor vintage tee for sale for only $14 and only 9 are left.  
Let the bargain shopping frenzy begin!
Photo: RedTagCrazy.com   

All around b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel, the Splendicity bloggers have put together some amazing holiday gift guides. Everything from makeup and skincare products to little black dresses and accessories, we have it all.
Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.
SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.
Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.
Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.
Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.
Star shows us a selection …read more

 
If you want a dramatic, Beyonce-like look for your holiday office party or festive night on the town, do try this at home.  Thanks to this video I found on TotalBeauty.com, I finally know how to create the smoky eye effect.  So watch and learn.
But I want to hear from you.  Did you hot mamas find this makeup clip helpful?  
And is the final result fierce enough to rival Beyonce?