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By Karen A. DavisOkay, I admit it. Although I am typically quite optimistic, some days, this economy can really get me down. The building industry has taken a big hit in this recession we’re in. But, we know with time, this season of crisis will pass.So if projects in your office have slowed or if you’ve been laid-off, continue to work toward your goals, develop and review your personal and professional marketing objectives, and stay in top shape – physically, mentally and work-wise – so you’re ready for those new projects and deals coming your way.1. Stay on a regular work schedule. Wake up as if you have a number of clients to keep happy at the office. It’s easy to sleep in for a while and treat your first few days (or weeks) as a vacation, but you must remain on task: continuing to look for new projects or a new position.2. Don’t isolate yourself. Make regular appointments to meet with colleagues to discuss job and project possibilities. If you’re a designer, or if you specify products, make regular showroom visits to stay current.3. Boost your ego. Make a list of all of your skills and qualifications, even if they are not directly related to your profession or the services you currently offer. Next, develop a plan to articulate how these skill sets can benefit others. When you’re going after that next job or project, you don’t want to go in with the attitude, “How can you help me?” rather “How can I help you?”4. Learn new skills. Download free software such as Google SketchUp. Or locate live classes for other interests through Meetup.com or other social networking sites.5. Write about the things you know on a blog, whether it’s your profession or a hobby. Include a link to your site as part of your e-mail signature.6. Take advantage of free education. Many trade publication sites offer free webinars, training videos, and articles for continuing education units.7. Explore all the possibilities. What’s your passion? If you were not in your current profession what would you do? Determine how you can relate what you really love to what you do for a living.8. Volunteer. Nothing can make you forget about your temporary troubles quicker than helping someone else. Teaching a student math or a construction skill, or building a house with Habitat for Humanity can benefit your community as well as your resume.A recessive economy doesn’t have to mean idle time. Create a job for yourself and become the building industry professional you aspire to be.Karen A. Davis has over 20 years experience in the architecture, construction and facilities management fields. She is founder and president of Building Industry Resources, a company that provides business development and technical support services, and managing partner with KARMIS, LLC, a construction and facilities consulting firm. Ms. Davis is also a college instructor and author.
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Health Issues for African American Women

Its that time of year again to make pledges and resolutions to get in shape, lose weight and make some changes. Let us be proactive this year and start now, lets work out ways to develop the tools we need to avoid stress. There are always statistics that tell us over and over that African have higher incidences of health disparities compared to other ethnic groups. We can choose to not listen because we may not want to believe the reports that African Americans have more cases of disease, disability, and early death compared to Whites but it is still an issue that we must examine. We cannot afford to dismiss the statistics, we must take an assessment of our individual health status.Motivation is a constant struggle due to work pressures, financial concerns and the every day occurrences resulting from how we choose to live our lives. Ask yourself this question: “Do I want to be trapped in a body that I cannot control?” I know you are saying that is not my situation and that will not happen to me. I am able to walk, talk, bathe myself, feed myself and take care of myself relatively well. I have health care and I hardly get sick, so I am exempt from this question.Or I have no health care, I exercise regularly and take supplements, I even get acupuncture treatments and watch my diet. Whatever we are doing is good, we can all take stock of ourselves on a regular basis and make improvements. If none of this applies to you, that is great, so help someone else to get motivated and get moving.African American women experience multiple health issues because we neglect our health even when we think we are healthy. African American women are less likely to receive health care; when they do receive care, they are more likely to receive it late. Having no noticeable symptoms is not an indication of good health. Many skip breakfast and opt for something quick with coffee, juice or tea with way too much sugar.Read more
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Spring Charity Fashion Show

Spring Charity Fashion is scheduled for Spring 2009 in Memphis, TN. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity. In kind donations of wigs, scarves, hats and gas cards will also be accepted.This is planned to be a big event with local and national designers involved. A Model Call will be scheduled for this event as soon as the date and location is secured. If you have already submitted your information, thank you, we may contact you individually before the model call to meet you if you indicate interest in the Fashion Show. In order to participate in the show, you must make yourself available for rehearsals, meetings and any fittings. We will try to accommodate your schedules and limit the number of meetings. Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, and Nail Technician will be provided for the show. Models participating in the show will receive their images and a complimentary profile in the showbook as compensation. You will have the option to include your personal and/or Agency info in this ad.For consideration, please email 3 photos- a headshot, full body shot (no nudes), & non-professional photo (no makeup/airbrushing)-, along with your name, statistics and contact information to H2Tmodels@gmail.com. If you have participated in Fashion Shows in the past, please let us know. Feel free to include a resume. Makeup Artist, Nail Technicians and Hair Stylist will be provided for the show.We are also on the lookout for Photographers, Designers, Wardrobe Specialist, Nail Technicians & Hair Stylist as well. Drop us a line if you are interested. If you need Head 2 Models to promote your product or be involved in a show you are doing, please don't hesitate to contact us.We are looking for sponsors. If you would like to sponsor the Charity Fashion Show, please email h2tmodels@gmail.comWe will partner with other Modeling/Talent Agencies to make this event a successful one for the charity involved. Contact us by email if interested.Serious Inquiries Only!! No Nudes-- Swimsuit submissions will be accepted! All submissions from all individuals are welcome!!RegardsTajHead 2 Toe Models & Talent Marketing(a division of Relaxing Minds)H2Tmodels@gmail.com
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January 2009 Interview Opportunities on Strictly Business RadioShow Name: Strictly Business RadioHost Name: Anna Banks.Show is featured on: http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/StrictlyBusinessRadioGuest professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs are needed to share tips, techniques and ideas for following January 2009 weekly topics:January 5-9 Health - Tips for Healthy LivingJanuary 12-16 Get Organized – Tips for Entrepreneurs at Home and OfficeJanuary 19-23 New Technology for Small Businesses – What’s Hot and What’s NotJanuary 26-30 Winter Travel – Mixing Business with PleasureLink to show: http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/StrictlyBusinessRadioPlease Email: Host@StrictlyBusinessRadio.comLooking forward to hearing from you!Live Fearlessly,AnnaP.S. Visit our website www.StrictlyBusinessRadio.com
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Party Dresses...continued

Here are a few that I found at ChickDowntown that I love, love, love!! Chic!THIS IS MY FAVORITE PICK! It's SOLD OUT. LOOK AT HOW FABULOUS IT IS!!! YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT RUFFLES AND I THINK LACE IS GOING TO SOON BE ONE OF MY FAVES AS WELL. CHECK OUT THAT SLEEVE AND THE BACK. I'M DYING OVER HERELarok Patchwork Racerback Dress $181.50Only available in LargeAnna Leman Lace Zsa Zsa Dress $276Falls right in line with the lace trend.
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How Obama won The Presidential Election…

How Obama won The Presidential Election…Most of the newspaper in America has Obama advertising in it.And the ad’s always tells you everything you need to know about why he should win the election.He didn’t win because he’s the candidate of “change” or because he’s offering 95% of Americans a tax cut or because he’s an incredibly charismatic politician who’s mastered the art of soaring.The only reason he won is because HE IS A GOOD MARKETER.Well let me explain (Here is a truly fascinating MARKETING case study that you shouldn’t neglect studying, even if you don’t like politics).~~~~~~~~~~MARKETING CASE STUDY~~~~~~~~~~~~Obama’s team has created the most powerful marketing machine ever heard of.His message is everywhere and his PRIMARY objective is - LEAD GENERATION.When you click on any of Obama’s ad like the one that was on www.washingtonpost.com, you will be lead to a landing page where you are “squeezed” for your contact info before you can get any of the free “goodies.”Why?Well it’s because he want’s to build a list of supporters.Here is another excerpt from www.Salon.com about Obama’s marketing machine. Love this.~~~~~~~~~~Articles from Salon.com~~~~~~~~~~~Barack Obama’s super marketing machineHe knows your neighbourhood, your favourite products and even when you open your e-mail. How Obama is betting on vast, corporate-style voter outreach to win the White House.By Mike MaddenJuly 16, 2008 | WASHINGTON — About every week or so, you get an e-mail from Barack Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, or top deputy Steve Hildebrand, or maybe Obama himself. They’re breezy and informal, addressing you by first name at the outset (before they ask you to donate money at the end). But that’s just the beginning.You know, of course, that Obama has your e-mail address. You may not have realized that he probably also has your phone number and knows where you’re registered to vote — including whether that’s a house or an apartment building, and whether you rent or own. He’s got a decent estimate of your household income and whether you opened a credit card recently. He knows how many kids you’re likely to have and what you do for a living. He knows what magazines and catalogues you get and whether you’re more apt to get your news from cable TV, the local newspaper or online. And he knows what time of day you tend to get around to plowing through your in box and responding to messages.The 5 million people on Obama’s e-mail list are just the start of what political strategists say is one of the most sophisticated voter databases ever built. Using a combination of the information that supporters are volunteering, data the campaign is digging up on its own and powerful market research tools first developed for corporations, Obama’s staff has combined new online organizing with old-school methods of voter outreach to assemble a central database for hitting people with messages tailored as closely as possible to what they’re likely to want to hear. It’s an ambitious melding of corporate marketing and grassroots organizing that the Obama campaign sees as a key to winning this fall.~~~~~~~~~~~~END OF Article~~~~~~~I believe that by now Obama would have grown his list past 5 million because this articles was written in July this year.Because he had a list, he can email his supporters to vote with a click of a button. He can push more people, more quickly, easily and efficiently, to take action on his behalf, than any other politician, company or individual.So why did Obama won, it’s because HE was A GOOD MARKETER.So let learn from Obama, if you want to know what to create a cash surge in your business. You need to have your database in order. Compile ALL the information on your past and present clients, your prospects, PR contacts, strategic alliances, and entire sphere of influence and hub them in a common HUB, then use the information you’ve gathered to market your services.I use ACT to manage my database and it works fantastically.Excel is also another system but it has limited capabilities to maintain a database, It a basic tool for organizing basic info about your contacts.But it’s far better to start with that to stuff names and addresses into your desk drawer.Being a successful marketer requires identifying and leveraging your marketing assets.There is no better way of leveraging than leveraging your client database. These are a list of people who know, like and trust you…and could buy from you.So, if you want to win the game of marketing - if you want to dominate your local marketplace and quickly become the “obvious expert” in your area, you MUST start with building and utilizing an actionable database.Pay close attention to this quote from the article…“About every week or so, you get an e-mail from Barack Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, or top deputy Steve Hildebrand, or maybe Obama himself. They’re breezy and informal, addressing you by first name at the outset (before they ask you to donate money at the end).”This reveals three of the secrets to RELATIONSHIP building that are so crucial to effective marketing (and something the vast majority of business owners do incorrectly. Frequency is key.Big hugs to you...Online entrepreneur Joyce Oladipo, "Business Growth and Marketing Mentor," is creator of the winning Business Abundance E-zine to Immediately and Exponentially Growing Your Business offline and online. To Discover the 19 Secrets to Immediate and Exponential Business Growth, visit http://www.BeAWealthyEntrepreneur.com
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Chic Essentials-The Little Black Dress

A little black dress is a must-have staple. It should be classic and timeless. The LBD is a great way to showcase yourself. The simplicity of the LBD gives you the ability to stand out and make an effortlessly chic statement. In 1954, Christian Dior wrote "You can wear black at any hour day or night, at any age and for any occasion." Chic!
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Chic Essentials-Leather Handbag

As part of your Capsule Wardrobe a quality handbag can add to your overall look. Whether you have on jeans and a tank or a simple shift dress, your bag will stand out and add just the right amount of sass.When you think of a leather handbag, just dont think of basic black or brown. Leather comes is ALL colors and you can definitely make a statement with any one of the following bags. Good Luck Ladies!! Chic! Hype-green pleated leather 'Charbrol' tote $210 Furla-blush croc embossed leather 'Greta' tote $378Elliott Lucca "Runway" Satchel $368.00
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5 Wardrobe Essentials for Plus Size Women

A friend of mine came by my blog and she asked "What about the big girls?" So I have to admit that since I do not shop in the plus size department, I rarely include anything that is on sale or the latest trend for this category. Anyway, here are 5 wardrobe essentials for the Plus Size girls!


1. Boot Cut Jeans

Paige Premium Denim 'Lomita' Bootcut Stretch Jeans $209




Boot cut jeans are very flattering regardless of your body type. In particular, they look great on pear-shaped figures. Boot cut jeans are best worn with heeled shoes or platforms, and not with flat-soled shoes


Women's Plus Low Rise Boot-Cut - "The Diva" Rocker Jeans $10









2. Black Dress Pants

MICHAEL Michael Kors Woman Two-Pocket Stretch Grammercy Pant
$80


It's better to get a pair of pants that are tailored to fit your body, even if the cost winds up being a little higher. If you have a pair of black pants that are too baggy in the legs but perfect in the waist, don't throw them out! Bring them to your tailor for some alterations.


Black Sailor Pant $48









3. Little Black Dress

JS Collections One Shoulder Ottoman Knit Dress $230



Every woman - no matter what her size - should have a little black dress in her closet. Black is slimming, and it looks great on everyone. Find a dress that falls just an inch or two above your knees. If you have the confidence, go strapless and sleeveless!



Black Ruffle One-Shoulder Dress $58









4. Fitted Suit Jacket


Belted sateen jacket $50


A suit jacket that is not fitted to come in at the waist will make you look shapeless and mannish. When you buy a suit jacket, if it doesn't fit you the way you wish it did, bring it to a tailor for alterations.






Women's Plus Sateen Blazers $18









3. Three-Quarter Length Skirt


INC International Concepts® Woman Pleated Eyelet Skirt $50

If you are too self-conscious to rock a mini skirt at your current weight, that doesn't mean you have to settle for pants-only styles or floor-length skirts. Show some leg with a three-quarter length skirt.





Jones New York Signature Woman Pleated Printed Skirt $29








Source
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Chic Essentials- Crisp White Button-Front Shirt



The traditional white shirt never goes out of style. 2008 has seen it's popularity shoot throught the roof, due to it's timeless ability to be worn every season.

A crisp white button-front shirt has always been part of a woman's capsule wardrobe. This season the development of feminine detailing and embellishments have reinterpreted this essential with modern flavor.

For work, a classic style is safest. For evenings, collar detailing, pleats, and ruffles are definitely in.






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To Spend or Not To Spend



I know that sometimes when we shop we battle with ourselves over prices. What should we spend more on and what should we save on? Is this really an investment or a waste? The following is a list of some wardrobe essentials that you should either SAVE or SPEND on.




T-Shirts-SAVE your money. T-Shirts don't have a long shelf life and underarm stains are inevitable, especially when it comes to the white ones.




Trendy Items-SAVE your money. Try to stick with discount retailers when purchasing trendy items. They may not be around next season so you don't want waste a lot of money on them.




Evening Dresses-SAVE your money. Don't pay full price for something you'll have on for a couple of hours and may never wear again. Evening events only last for a couple of hours and don't happen all that often. Head to the sales racks in the department stores or check out TjMaxx or Marshalls for a good deal.

Now for the things you can splurge on.



Jeans-SPEND. Great fitting jeans are hard to come by. Cheaper jeans just don't have the right amount of stretch or length. Save up for a great pair of jeans that will stand the test of time.



Bras-SPEND. Bras are a good investment because they can affect your overall look. If you have a bigger bust its more important to have a good fit. If your bust is smaller, a quality bra can make the most of what you have.



Black Pants-SPEND. Black pants are timeless and a high quality pair of black pants can last for years.

Remember these things when you're out shopping this weekend, Chic!
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The Capsule Wardrobe


Today I want to discuss what a Capsule Wardrobe is, what it consists of and how you can achieve it.

Ultimately, a Capsule Wardrobe is a timeless collection of clothing that you can rely on to take you anywhere. There can be several factors that may cause variations to your Capsule Wardrobe or the need to have more than one capsule. A few of those things may be; budget, climate, and colors that compliment you.

Your Capsule Wardrobe can have anywhere from 8-16 pieces. Again, this depends on your budget. I will be offering a basic capsule for those of us who are budget conscious and a more extensive capsule for those who are able to afford additional pieces.

The Basic 8-piece Capsule includes the following key items:

Little Black Dress

Crisp white button-front shirt

Tailored jacket

Black Trousers

Leather Handbag

Perfect fitting jeans

A knee-length skirt

Perennial shoes (perennial meaning lasting a long time)


A more extensive Capsule might include the following items in addition to the those listed above:

Six blouses/tops
or
four blouses/tops and two sweaters(crew/v-neck)

Two dresses( a simple, great fitting shift or sheath and one wrap dress)

A classic trench coat

Basic t-shirts

Driving shoes or a classic flat

These pieces can be worn many different ways to create twenty or more outfits. Since you will be wearing these pieces in a variety of ways, you don't want anything to stand out too much. Neutral colors are classy, versatile, and easy to coordinate. Be sure to select neutrals that will look good on you; black, brown, navy, gray, etc.

Owning a Capsule Wardrobe doesn't mean you have to look like Plain Jane. These outfits can always be transformed by accessorizing. For example, a bright colored handbag or clutch, a vintage print scarf or necklace, or a funky waist belt.

Keep in mind that if your body type calls for a different style of dress or top, please substitute accordingly.

Capsules may even call for an update from time to time, but a Capsule Wardrobe of reliable basic fashion items will help simplify your life and in some ways your pockets. Dressing well does not have to cost a fortune. Although there will be some items that you may need to spend more on. Shoes, jeans, and a good quality handbag are just a few. But, you should remember to treat your wardrobe like the investment that it is.

I just want to leave you with a few buying tips as you set off in search of your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe.

1. Buy the best quality of clothes that you can afford. They will last longer, wear better, and ultimately save you more money than buying cheaper quality pieces.

2. Buy classic styles

3. Choose solids over patterns

4. Buy on sale whenever possible. Yes, quality pieces at affordable prices do exist.


Good Luck*

CHIC!



*If you are in need of a wardrobe consultation please feel free to contact me @ chicstylezllc@gmail.com





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Now that it’s December there is going to be loads of Christmas Networking meeting to go. You have PLENTY of time to finish your shopping (or start! if you’re like me). You also have plenty of time to get ready for these networking events, the one where everyone comes all dressed up and looking great. The one that you always rush into feeling frazzled and disappointed by your outfit and your hair and your lipstick. THAT party.Here’s a thought: if you start planning NOW you won’t catch you off guard.Here are 7 simple things to do now, before the rush starts, so that you can sit back and enjoy the parties in style.Get a Smashing Speech ReadyCreate a smashing elevation speech that clearly communicates what you are looking for in a client: You gotta have something to say that will make them:1. Want to work with you2. Want to refer clients to youA smashing elevation speech is a commercial speech you would use with an ideal prospect if you only had 20 seconds to get a message across. It’s meant to describe what you do in a very short amount of time, with the objective being that this person will not only want your card, but will also want to talk to you further.Use my smashing elevation speech formula and you are good to go.I work with (insert ideal client profile) who struggles with (insert client challenges) and would like to (insert result and benefits).What separate my business from other (insert competitors) is (insert your unique selling propositions) and because of this clients receive (insert motivator and your claim).I get a lot of attention with this formula.Have a Client Attractive Business CardYour business card should be a sales tool that gets you clients. Something that someone looks at and have a very good idea about what you can do for them. Put a compelling message that gives them a reason to call you. Or perhaps you want them to visit your site or sign up for your ezine. So the idea is to get prospects to take action just with your card.Get a business card created that has your name, business name and phone number and have some pull marketing questions on the back that invites readers to consider working with you. Use your tagline too.My business card has prompted several clients to refer potential clients to me. The information on the back of my card always prospect to self-qualify themselves as to whether they will be an ideal client of mine or not. It has an invitation to call saying “Call me to share your business struggles, ask key questions, and ask about solutions, free of charge”. I get a lot of calls because of this statement.The objective of your business card is to get the ideal prospect to say “Wow, I need you!” Vistaprint.com creates nice business cards and they get them delivered within a week.Use the Ultimate IcebreakerGoing up to someone you don’t know can be quite frightening. So try going up to someone or two people that are approachable. Have a big smile on your face and extend your hands to initiate a handshake. In an upbeat voice say “Hello, I don’t we’ve met yet” My name is ... What’s yours? Believe me; people will literally thank you for making the first move. Then ask them what they do for a living. Get them talking first so that it takes the pressure off you. After a short while, they’ll ask you.Wear Clothing with PocketsWhat will you wear to all these functions? Think, in particular, about when you will be getting business cards. Have you ever given someone else’s business card to someone instead of your own? I have in the early days. (It was a little embarrassing).So I figured out a trick. Wear a jacket with 2 pockets. One for your cards and one for the cards you receive. It’s as simple as that, it’s a no brainer.Pretend It’s Your PartyAnother tactic I love using when I’m feeling overwhelmed by a room full of people is I pretend it’s my party. I’m a pretty social person and love to entertain. So when I throw a party and I see a guest that I don’t know, I just walk up to that person and say. “Hi, I’m Joyce. We haven’t met yet. What’s your name? Who did you come here with tonight” with a smile. So when I get slightly shy in a large room, I shift my thinking about the event and pretend it’s my party, then I use the ultimate ice breaker I mentioned before.It always work and ‘am never nervous.Get a Haircut, and Maybe Some Colour too.Book your hair appointment before the event, because if you do not, I guarantee that you will wake up on the morning of the event and think ‘My hair looks horrible!’ Or, even worse, you’ll see the photos after the event and wonder why no one told you that your roots were a COMPLETELY different colour from the rest of your hair.Try one new makeup trick or strategy. Smoky eye, false lashes, berry red lips — go all out this season! A new dress might not be in the budget, but I’ll bet you can do something special with your makeup, possibly without buying anything new at all. But practice now, when you’re not rushing to get out the door. Keep in mind, though, that you only want to do ONE dramatic makeup thing at a time — if you have the smoky eye, keep cheeks and lips neutral. But don’t go too dramatic, you know what I mean.Have a Manicure.If you’re really in the mood to pamper yourself this holiday season, get a manicure; in most places, a French manicure is less than $20, including a generous tip. To make your manicure last longer, choose a sheer shade that won’t show chips or dings. And make an effort to maintain your pretty hands — wear gloves, both when you’re cleaning up in the kitchen and when you’re out in the cold air, and slather on the moisturizer. So you have soft hands, no one want to feel your shaft hands~ Joyce OladipoJoyce Oladipo, The Business Growth & Marketing Mentor, is creator of the Profit Building system, the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to grow your business fast without spending extra money on marketing. To Add $1,000's In Pure Profit To Your Business and receive her weekly marketing articles on dramatically increasing your income, visit www.BeAWealthyEntrepreneur.com.
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Chic Essentials-The Black Pump

Chic Essentials will be a new series of posts that will assist you in developing and/or creating a Capsule Wardrobe. This series will help those who are completely lost when it comes to shopping and piecing together garments, accessories, and footwear.



BCBG Katchen Pump $90



This pair of basic black pumps by BCBG is a great investment to add to your wardrobe. Although, they are a bit pricey, it's well worth it. These pumps have a 4 inch heel but they are comfortable, sleek, and chic. Purchasing them should be easy if you're doing so online. Finding them in a retail store might be a challenge if you wear a popular size. This is just an example of a great pair of pumps. There are plenty of other style alternatives if the Katchen pump isnt your style or if you are not in the position to make the pricey investment. Check out retailers such as Marshall's and TJ Maxx for name brand footwear at more affordable prices. Also, department store sales are the best time to catch a steal. Good Luck Ladies,Chic!
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