Friday, February 15, 2008
Ask Diva Bugs: Hairstylist Tipping Advice
What do I do about tipping at my hair salon? I went to the hair salon a few days ago and by the time I got to my hair stylist two different people worked on my hair. One shampooed me and the other set my hair. Now the service came up to $35. I usually just tip $5. I feel bad just giving each woman $1 and my stylist $3 but I don't think I should tip more. Also if I go to the salon every week do I still have to give her 20% each time?
Diva Bugs Says:
This is an age old question that comes up time and time again. I've even had a friend turn to me in shock when I tipped the owner of a salon who had just blown out my hair. She argued you never tip the person who owns the establishment. My motto has been to tip the person who works on your hair no matter. Well according to this Washingtonian article, I may have to rethink a few of these ideas. Who knew you did not have to tip the owner of the salon? Yikes. But darlings you still have to tip everyone 10% to %20 proportional to the service they provide. So, if its a $10 shampoo then $2 at least is required. In the end, I would say tip what you can. If you can only afford $5 one day and $3 the next don't worry about it especially if you visit your stylist every week. The percentages balance out and I would think the revenue from your visits is worth more to your stylist than an inadequate tip!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Minx Nails
Hi Diva Bugs. While watching the AMAs this year I was admiring Beyonce's nails and wondered how her stylist was able to get her nails to match her golden dress.
Diva Bugs says: Hi Claire. I was admiring her nails too! For awhile there I thought they were two-toned. But now I realize she used Minx Nail Coverings and at an angle the metal glowed from the reflection of the lightbulbs. Interesting.... These nail coverings are supposed to simplify and speed up the process of getting a manicure. However, the coverings are available in limited high-end salons.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Ask Diva Bugs - Drink Options for the "Others"
Diva Bugs says: Hon, picture this moment: Its Saturday and I am hanging out with friends. My hair pulled back in a ponytail, long black dress with plunging neckline, cute gold sandals and a Diva Bugs purse! Divine. Ummm... I digress. We order drinks I choose a shirley temple - all are amused. No Cosmo, no french martini ... my usual favs. Just a reg'lar ole shirley temple. No frills, no lemon twist. Nothing special. Having a diva divine moment, I am like whatevs! I look great, feel great .... Diva!
Believe it or not there are not many sophisticated options for dry/sober/non-drinking divas to remain and look en vogue and not naive. Here is a list I was able to compile from informative webpages and some I have made up ... :)
Shirley Temple: ginger ale or Sprite, grenadine and lemon juice, topped with a maraschino cherry. Ask for a martini glass. Don't forget to smile while doing this....:)
Safe Sex on the Beach: cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, peach nectar
Daiquiris or Margaritas (say "hold the alcohol please"). Saying Virgin is so passe!
I have also found that a sophisticated woman knows exactly what she wants and is direct in asking for it. One tip to note: ginger ale or sprite work well to brighten up any drink as well as a little garnish on the glass.
So try this ... ummm... lets call it the Diva Twist: "Bartender can you make my favorite drink. I wish I could tell you the name but I always remember what's in it. Ummm... lets see. I think it has 1 part ginger ale or sprite, one part (grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple or orange juice) a splash of lemon juice and a lemon twist in a martini glass. Do you think you can make that?" Say it with confidence... Cheers!
If you order this let me know...divabugs@gmail.comHugs.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ask Diva Bugs: Italian Dilemma
Diva Bugs says: ER what a fantastic dilemma!!! Too bad the shoes did not work out because they sound amazing....ummm you sure a shoe horn won't work out? I can always send you my address to hold them for you in the meantime...just a thought. :)
But just in case you still wanna go this route, the consignment store is an option if you want to make only half or less of what you know the shoes are worth. When you go to a consignment store they have to make a profit too so they may pay you 50% of the worth of the item . Afterall they need to make a profit too! The consigner may also give you a time limit that the item can sit on their shelf. Hopefully the sale can go through quickly. As for the price you should ask the consignment store or take a look online at Ebay or elsewhere to see what shoes similar to your brand and design are selling for.
Speaking of Ebay if you happen to have a digital camera, patience and an online account and you are set. On Ebay, you register, research, pick a price and keep majority of the profit sans shipping and 1.9-2.9% charge for using Paypal. Paypal gives an extra layer of protection in case the buyer flakes. You are responsible for describing the product but with these fabulous sounding shoes the picture should do the work for you. The biggest hassle would be mailing the item to the buyer and making sure you get paid but otherwise the entire process is simple.
But if you are looking for an easy sale without contracts and registration go to Craigslist or maybe even the classifieds of a small local paper (under a certain number of words they are usually free) Easy simple! You also need a digital camera for Craigslist but you can meet the person and accept cash.
Wonderful! Let me know how it works out.
Ciao bella,
Hugs
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Ask Diva Bugs: Bold Rings for Under $50
Diva Bugs Says: Hon I can only think of one place that has what you need for the price you seek...Overstock! Cocktail rings are the most divine accessory! They accentuate any outfit and add that extra sparkle. Even a plain white shirt and jeans are upgraded with a nice cocktail ring. In my humble opinion bigger rings look classier on the hands than smaller ones. When choosing a ring go with a thickness of 1/2 an inch or bigger band. A thinner band can work but only if the stone, gem or designed piece on top is about a inch or the size of your second and third knuckles. The bolder the color or more unique the design the better. You want a show piece! Something that will standout and MAKE any outfit. Easiest way to show off your ring is if you are wearing neutral colors or designs so the ring can be on display. Designs like the Pucci prints, for example are not always the best for rings, however since those designs are so bold a ring and a stud or hoop pair of earrings (think minimal jewelry) are probably the best balance combination for this vivacious fabric. But psychedelic prints often work with even more psychedelic rings. Overall always do you!
Sterling Silver Onyx ring - Over stock $26.99
Silver Peridot ring - $44.99
Marcasite Fashion Ring - $21.99
Happy shopping loves!
Hugs.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ask Diva Bugs - Summer Wear in the Fall
Diva Bugs Says: Hi KB - I have this problem every year! I am more of a sales girl myself so buying at retail is not always appealing. The Summer sales are in August and you are tempted to buying new clothing for less but Fall is around the corner and the prices on Fall clothes won't be on sale for awhile. The 2007 Summer trends definitely offer many options for Fall transitional wear. You have cropped jackets, baby doll dresses, jeans and t-shirts. The shorts trend might not work with Fall but if they are loose enough they can work with leggings.

Your key to surviving Fall with your Summer clothes is an investment in leggings, a good sweater and a fantastic lightweight coat.
The first plan of attack for you should be taking stock of what you already have in your closet. Jeans are perfect for any season. Check to see if you have leggings. If you don't Target has them for about $12. Leggings are the perfect item to transition Summer wear into the Fall wear. They go well with baby doll dresses, shorts, skirts and even jeans when it gets real cold.
Make sure you have a darling light weight jacket and great sweaters. If not, you can purchase the trenchcoat below from Old Navy for $39.50. Sweaters or the cropped jackets as well as the leggings warm up the baby doll and other dresses that were around this Summer.
A trenchcoat would go perfectly with the outfit below. Add a sweater, light (or Diva Bugs Scarf) or the trenchcoat and you are good to go!

Other simple changes allow you to use what you have in your closet and get more wear out of a great piece. The shirt below can be worn with longer pants. The same tactic would work if it were a baby doll dress.

Overall, Diva you may already have in your closet what you need to make your Summer clothes Fall safe! And if you must make a tiny investment of about $52 on a new lightweight coat and leggings if you need them. They will add the extra warmth and pinnache that will enable you to wear your clothes longer.
But for now lets enjoy the rest of Summer!
Hugs.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Ask Diva Bugs
Diva Bugs says: Hey Lovely as with anything at work you should definitely follow the culture at your job. If everyone else is more business like on casual days then that should be the trend you should follow. Sleeveless especially a tank top is not usually the way to go however you can try this Lyocell Ruched Crossover top from Ann Taylor is an example of design that's cool yet professional enough so you will be comfortable but won't stand out.
Good luck shopping hon!
Hugs.


