Cheapalicious Review: Hollywood Fashion Secrets Hip Hugger

We all have that one pair (or two, maybe three) of jeans that fits great everywhere BUT the waist. I don't know about you, but I hate waist gap, and I can't go a size down because then the jeans would be tight everywhere else. To deal with it, I just throw on a belt to tighten the waist and keep my pants up, but then, I have to deal with the belt bulging underneath my top. Le sigh.

Just recently, I was sent a box of goodies from Hollywood Fashion Secrets to try out, and a solution to my waist gap troubles just happened to be in the box- the Hip Hugger.

Hollywood Hip Hugger $8.99

click to enlarge

As you can see, it looks like a mini suspender.  All you have to do is clip one end to a belt loop (the second loop from the front of your jeans), loop it through the back, and clip to the other end.  It's adjustable, so you can loosen or tighten it to fit.  Very simple! 

 I wore it nearly all day with no problems- snug fit, no discomfort whatsoever. Not once did I have to keep pulling my jeans up, so it did its job. Even when I sat down, I didn't feel my jeans slip down. The Hip Hugger held them in place. I would only wear this with a longer top, though, because as you can see, it's quite noticeable.  If you're looking for an alternative to cinch those gaping waists other than a bulky belt, then I think the Hip Hugger is worth a try.


Have you tried the Hip Hugger?  What did you think of it?


A sample of this product was given to Cheapalicious for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on Cheapalicious are the honest opinions of its author(s) and editorial samples do not, in any way, influence the outcome of product reviews.

Freebie Friday 10-28-11

• Beyonce Pulse fragrance sample
• Visit Bare Escentuals boutique between now- November 1, and receive a full size Big and Bright eyeliner.
• Essensa Iris Infusecream sample
• Murad Sleep Reform serum sample
• Eucerin Daily Skin Balance lotion sample (via Facebook)

Designer Way vs. Cheapalicious Way

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Hopper tab waist dress retails for $258 at Neiman Marcus.  Love the look, but want it for MUCH cheaper?  Tar-jay has a similar version from Merona for only $29.99, also available in other colors (I love the mustard color).

Cheapalicious Deals 10-25-11

• Target:  $5 off $5 purchase.  Coupon code: TGT75HFN.  Expiration unknown.
• Old Navy:  25% off your purchase.  Expires 10-30-11
• Kenneth Cole:  30% off women's full price outerwear.  Expires 10-30-11
• Stein Mart:  30% off red dot clearance.  Expires 10-30-11
• Ulta:  15% off your purchase for non-rewards members (20% off for rewards members).  Expires 10-29-11
• Vince Camuto:  $20 off $100 or more orders.  Coupon code: VCOCT.  Expires 10-31-11
• Urban Outfitters:  $20 off $100 or more.  Coupon code: BOO.  Expires 10-31-11

Nifty under $50: 365Hangers.com

I've been hearing about sample sale website 365Hangers.com through the blog grapevine for sometime now, but never really got around to actually browsing the site until today.  365Hangers.com is a Los Angeles based company established in 2009, that offers 70% off women's designer labels everyday.  Not "up to" 70% off, but 70% off every single day.  You can find pieces from French Connection, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Aqua, and Elie Tahari just to name a few.

Another cool thing about the site is that they offer items for all shapes and sizes- with sizes ranging from 0/xs- 16/xl. The items are sorted by body type as well, so you can get a feel on how the garment would look on your specific body type, assuring you of your choice.  Not a bad idea if you ask me.  Enough of my rambling about the site, check out some of the pieces that I'm loving at the moment- all $50 and under!

          Patterson J. Kincaid silk tribal print top (size xs) $38

French Connection strapless dress (size 10) $50

Signature by Robbie Bee romper (size 14) $29

Calvin Klein skirt (size 14), $29

Charlotte cardigan (size xs) $38

Have you shopped 365Hangers.com?  What did you score?

Cybershopping: MIZ Outlet

As you all know, I am an accessory junkie.  They totally bring an outfit together, in my opinion.  A girl can never have too many, right?  I was recently contacted by new-to-me accessories website, MIZ Outlet, to check out their site and review some of their products.  To be honest, I've never heard of this store, but apparently, they've been around since 2008 and have a store in Irving, Texas (have any of you ever been to this store?).  After checking out the site, the dirt cheap prices and cute selection of fashion jewelry drew me in.

MIZ Outlet carries fashion jewelry, hair accessories, and cosmetics.  Prices range from $1 (majority of the jewelry on the site) to $6 (body jewelry), so everything is pretty affordable.  A lot of the items on the site are items that I've seen before at my local dollar accessory stores, but there are some cute, standout pieces.  If you ever shopped at a discount accessories store, then you'd know that the quality of some of the items can be hit or miss, but I like to keep an open mind about things like that.  If it breaks after a few wears, I look at the fact that I didn't pay a whole lot of money for it, but that's just MY opinion.


The shipping was pretty quick (it was shipped via USPS Priority Mail).  I placed my order on a Saturday, the order was shipped out on Monday, and the package arrived on my doorstep on Thursday.  At the time I placed my order, there was a promotion going on for free shipping on orders over $20,  but shipping prices start at $5.95 for orders $0.01- $15.  The more you order, the cheaper your shipping cost will be.

 Here are a few of the items from my order....

coin bangle $1

dangling butterfly earrings $1.  I've been obsessed with shoulder grazing earrings as of late, and this is the second pair I've bought so far this year.  Love these, and they're very lightweight.  

leopard earrings $1.  Still kinda afraid of the leopard print trend?  Just add a small hint of it to your wardrobe with an accessory, like these earrings.  I like that these are fabric covered rather than the plastic ones with the leopard print painted on that I've seen.

turquoise bead earring $1.50.  I have an extra pair of these earrings to giveaway pretty soon.  Stay tuned!

ring $1.  Although their ring selection is quite nice, I wish more were avaible with a stretch band.  I have fat fingers, and not too many rings fit.  This ring was one of the few that I liked with a stretch band. The rest are adjustable- which I don't really like, because if you're not careful, or adjust it too much, they may break at some point.

flower beaded necklace $2.  I love this necklace, but I wish the chain was a tad bit heavier.  

animal print bangles $1.50 each.  I like stacking fun bracelets like these together

To get updates on upcoming promotions and new merchandise, "Like" MIZ Outlet on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter!

Have you ever shopped MIZ Outlet?



Disclaimer:  Items featured in this blog post was purchased with a store credit given to me by MIZ Outlet.  Opinions are 100% mine.

Freebie Friday 10-21-11

• Perricone skincare samples
• Aveeno Living Color shampoo and conditioner sample
• Especially Escada fragrance sample
• Proactiv Refining Mask sample
• Hugo Boss Just Different fragrance sample

Cheapalicious Deals 10-18-11

• Forever 21:  BOGO free all markdown items.  Expires 10-23-11
• Three Birds Designs:  Free pair of earrings with any order $10 or more.  Coupon code: BLOG15.  Expiration unknown.
• Lord and Taylor:  25% off your purchase.  Expires 10-24-11
• JC Penney:  $10 off $25 or more MNG by Mango purchase.  Expires 10-29-11
• Ann Taylor:  40% off one full priced item.  Expires 10-31-11
• Gap:  BOGO 50% women and men's jeans.  Coupon code: BOGO50.  Expires 10-19-11
• Express:  15% off your purchase.  Expires 10-25-11
• Sears:  15% off shoes and fine jewelry.  Coupon code: SEARSOCT15.  Expires 10-29-11
• Infinity Shoes:  Free shipping on any order.  Coupon code: ISFREESHIP.  Expires 10-31-11

Giambattista Valli for Macy's

Beginning October 26, designer Giambattista Valli's capsule collection for Macy's Impulse department will be available for purchase at select stores and online.  The line will feature cocktail dresses, flirty skirts, feminine blouses, lightweight jackets, edgy pants and graphic tees. Prices will range from $50 to $150, and this will be the fourth and last capsule collection of the year for the fashion forward Impulse department.  Here are a few images from the collection.  There seems to be a lot of leopard print pieces, but hey, it's a hot trend.  To see more of the collection, click here.

Are you feeling the collection?

Photos via Macys

Jennifer Lopez for Kohls 2011 Holiday Collection

Here are a few images from Jennifer Lopez's Holiday Collection for Kohl's, which hits stores and online between now and December.  The collection includes many of this holiday season's trends such as metallics, glitter, faux fur, and 40's inspired fashion.  To view more of the Jennifer Lopez Holiday Collection, click here. I'm loving the white tuxedo jacket. I may have to snatch that one up!

"Jayne" boots, $119.99, available in October

"Marilyn" heels $74.99, available October

tuxedo jacket $84, available December

short sleeved sequined cardigan $84, available December

pleated bronze blouse $60, available November

faux fur collar jacket $150, available November

Photos via Kohls

Cheapalicious Beauty: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care collection

Dove Nourishing Oil Care shampoo (12 oz, about $5 at drugstores), and Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment conditioner (8 oz.,about $6 at drugstores)

I've always been a fan of Dove's products, but I've never tried any of their hair products except for the Daily Moisture Replenishing Mist.  I was recently given the opportunity to test out their Nourishing Oil Care line, a collection that takes care of rough, dry hair, and features their Weightless Nutri-Oil technology- a unique blend of almond, coconut, and mineral oils that penetrates hair to nourish without weighing the hair down.  The  collection consists of shampoo, conditioner (not pictured), a daily treatment conditioner, leave-in smoothing cream (not pictured), and an anti-frizz serum. I'm going to share with you my experience with the shampoo, the daily treatment conditioner, and the anti-frizz serum.

Shampoo ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Dimethiconal, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycerin, Carbomer, Gluconolactone, PPG 9, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, TEA Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Adipic Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Trehalose, Tetrasodium EDTA, TEA Sulfate, DMDM Hydantoin, PEG 45M, Prunus Amygdalus Oil (Sweet Almond), Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 (CI 19410), Red 33 (CI 17200) (CI 17200), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090) (CI 42090)

consistency of shampoo

What I thought:


The shampoo lathered up beautifully and cleansed my hair really well.  The consistency wasn't too watery either, which is what I like in a shampoo. When Dove said these "weightless" oils won't weight hair down, they were right on the money with that one.  My hair didn't feel heavy or coated after I rinsed.  The only thing that I didn't like about this shampoo is that it doesn't have much slip.  When I tried detangling my hair, it was a bit of a task.  




Daily Treatment conditioner ingredients:


Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glyerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose, Dipropylene Glycol, Amodimethicone, Polyurethane 39, Petrolatum, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PEG 7 Propylheptyl Ether, Cetrimonium Chloride, Prunus Amydalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet almond), PEG 180M, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Trehalose, Gluconolactone, Adipic Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Methychloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Iron Oxides (CI 77492)

consistency of Daily Treatment conditioner

What I thought:

As you can see in the above pic, the Daily Treatment conditioner has swirls of gold and white ribbons in it.  The gold stripe is the treatment and the white stripe is the conditioner.  The gold stripe "nourishes and replenishes essential nutrients without a greasy feel", and the white stripe "seals cuticles to lock in nutrients and smooth frizz."  

I didn't try out the regular conditioner because I was anxious to try this first.  I applied this on my hair and left it on for about ten minutes (doesn't specify in the instructions on how long you should leave it on).  I rinsed and then towel dried.  The results were amazing! My hair was oh so soft and not weighed down.  However, just like the shampoo, this product didn't have much slip.  I tried not to use other products for this review, but I had to pull out my Aphogee leave-in conditioner.  If I didn't, it would've been a struggle trying to detangle my hair.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Anti-frizz serum (3.3 oz, about $6)

Anti-frizz serum ingredients:

Cyclopentasiloxane , Isohexadecane , Dimethiconol , Phenyl Trimethicone , Amodimethicone , Fragrance (Parfum) , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond) , Hydrogenated Coconut Oil

After I detangled my hair, I applied the anti-frizz serum before I blow dried.  I like how light this serum is, and after I blow dried, my hair didn't feel or look greasy. It was smooth and frizz free.  All you need is a little bit of serum, but be careful.  One full pump will end up pumping out a little too much than you actually need.  Here's my results after I blow dried and flat ironed my hair.  Please excuse my ends. It's definitely time for me to get another trim (lol).

results after I blow dried

My hair flat ironed

I didn't review the leave-in smoothing cream because no matter what brand it is, creams don't work well with my hair, so I may save it for an upcoming giveaway. Overall, I think the Daily Treatment conditioner and the Anti-frizz serum are keepers. I may use the shampoo here and there, but as of now, it's not going to replace the shampoo that I'm currently using.  I give these products 4.5 stars, and the non-existent slip of the shampoo and daily treatment conditioner is what kept me from giving them 5 stars (smooth detangling is important to me).  Other than that, these products delivered on their promise of making hair smooth, frizz free and not weighing it down.

Have you tried any products from the Nourishing Oil Care collection?




Don't forget to enter Dove's "Make Friends With Your Hair" sweepstakes!


A sample of this product was given to Cheapalicious for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on Cheapalicious are the honest opinions of its author(s) and editorial samples do not, in any way, influence the outcome of product reviews.