How to Shop a Sale

Tomorrow is officially Black Friday, the biggest retail sale date for shoppers. There will be droves of shoppers in the stores, and many stores are opening early to accommodate them. So how can you be sure you don't miss out? Follow these steps:

Get there early. If the store opens at 5 a.m., get there at 4:15. Depending on the items you wish to purchase (electronics and toys usually go the fastest), you can still get in for the great deals. For the long wait, be sure to bring snacks and coffee to keep you warm if you have to wait outside.

Dress comfortably. Don't be bogged down with a lot of clothes if you can help it. You may have to move quickly and wearing a lot of clothes will prevent you from moving freely throughout the store. Keeping your style simple also helps when you have to try on clothes in the store.

Look for offers and bring in your coupons. Don't be fooled by my fabulous style, I am a bargain shopper. Nothing excites me like a good discount. If I can save a few bucks on something I really want, it makes my day. Check newspapers, and your email inbox for retailer coupons. You can't go wrong with a discount.

Buy in bulk. For items that are two for 1, it's better to go ahead and get both. Even if you don't need the other item, you can give it as a gift. Buying in bulk may not seem like it's saving you a lot of money but it does.

Know your limits. Don't overspend. No matter how good a deal is, if it's going to put you in the hole, pass on it. Make wise purchases and keep your receipts just in case you have to return something.

Read the fine print. It is important to know the store's return policy. Not all stores give merchandise refunds, many simply accept exchanges or give merchandise credits. Know the policy before you attempt to return an item, otherwise you'll just waste time and money.

How to be a Bond Girl

Sexy, smart, enchanting, adventurous. The Bond Girl's really know how to move. Whether you're as subtle as Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, or hot as Ursula in Dr. No, you can enhance your inner Bond Girl and give men something to drool over.

Look the part. Bond Girls are confident, sexy, and sophisticated. Turning heads is what Bond Girl's do. Dress according to what you like, but make your clothes flatter not overpower you. Playing up your features and your assets will captivate your admirers and leave them begging for more.

Own the room but don't take it over. When you enter a place, take it over. Confidence is more alluring than any pretty face. You've seen average looking women with a bevy of admirers. It's because they have that special "umph" that makes men want them and women envy them. Hold your head up high, smile, and keep your voice low. A little mystery goes a long way.

Use your skills. Are you a great cook? Good at interior design? Able to put outfits together at the blink of an eye? Good with your hands? Well, don't be ashamed to flaunt them. Bond Girls are talented, charming, and attractive. Make the most of your abilities.

Have a signature. Be it a drink, a certain brand of shoe, or special fragrance, make your mark. Let everyone know there is something special about you. Give people something to think about when you're gone.

Be flexible. I try not to plan to hard. I enjoy throwing caution to the wind sometimes. Variety is the spice of life, and we all know life does not have a script. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

Desiree Rogers Tapped to Plan White House Pary

Desiree Rogers to be party planner for White House social events
Chicago businesswoman is also an Obama family friend

By John McCormick

Tribune reporter

November 25, 2008

For those clamoring for invitations to future White House functions—everything from Christmas parties to state dinners—there will be few people more important than Desiree Rogers.

The Chicago businesswoman will have major clout for such events as the next White House social secretary, an appointment President-elect Barack Obama's transition office announced Monday.

"It will probably be overwhelming, initially, as people want to get into the White House and want to be a part of all this," Rogers said. "We're not going to be able to have everyone there in the first year. . . . People are going to have to be a little patient with us."

The White House's State Dining Room, for example, can seat only 130 to 140. Many—including close friends from Chicago—are going to be turned away for some of the hottest White House tickets.

Despite the limited access to many events, Rogers said she wants to help Barack and Michelle Obama make the White House a welcoming and inspirational place.

She said she hopes the future Obama home will be a place to showcase the best the nation has to offer for arts and culture, but also be a place that highlights "great minds, great Americans and everyday Americans."

Rogers, 49, will be the first African-American to serve in the full-time position, one responsible for organizing and overseeing all White House functions and ceremonies.

She is wrapping up her duties at Allstate Insurance Co., where she was creating a financial social networking program. But she is already studying the Kennedy White House, an administration renowned for its White House functions. "This is not just going to be about the culture and the arts," she said. "Part of this is reaching out to all Americans."

The Obamas seem highly disciplined. Rogers was coy when asked whether they can also party.

"We'll see, won't we," she said. "I think the one thing that is very obvious is that they enjoy life and each other and their friends."

Rogers is a longtime friend of the Obama family, worked on the campaign's fundraising team and is especially close to Valerie Jarrett, another Obama confidant and someone who will be a senior adviser at the White House.

The former president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas is also on the board of trustees for both the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry. She is part of Chicago's effort to woo the 2016 Olympics and is a former director of the Illinois Lottery.

Rogers has a Harvard MBA and was once married to millionaire Chicago financier John Rogers, the head of Ariel Capital Management and another close Obama friend and fundraiser. She has one daughter, Victoria, 18, a student at Yale University.

Rogers said she never imagined she would work in the White House.

"I am giddy with excitement. As I look at my career and the work I have done, this is the perfect combination of some of the skill sets that I have," she said. "I don't think it can get much better than this."

mccormickj@tribune.com

Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune

Back from Hiatus

Fiiiiiiiiinally, I'm back. I've had a busy November let me tell you. Alas, the Fighting Debutante has returned, reinvigorated, excited, and delighted. Look for new posts all this week!

FD

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Why You Should Dress Your Man

Let's face it, men are creatures of habit. If they're in a habit of dressing like a bum, unless you intervene, this habit will continue and yes, it will be a reflection of you. You can make your man a delectable piece of eye candy, and why wouldn't you? A well-dressed couple is the envy of everyone. Trust me I know. Your beau is a reflection of you. And if you he don't look good you, you don't look good, and no one will pay attention to you. Dressing well gets your freebies, a better table, and yeah, better treatment. People are intimidated by the well-dressed and coiffed. Just look at David and Victoria Beckham, the press loves them and though they slam Vikki for never smiling, she is still the talk of the town when it comes to style. And let's not forget she makes David look like a delectable sugar cookie we can't wait to devour. So yes, it's time for your man to step it up. Reactivate the swagger. Here's how to do it:

Do a wardrobe check. Throw out anything ripped, soiled, or torn. If he hasn't worn it since college, it is highly unlikely he'll wear it again. So bury it or burn it, but get it the hell outta here. Evaluate what he has and figure out what you can use and then make a list of what he needs.

Go Shopping. I tell every man I know, a great wardrobe doesn't have to be expensive. Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls have great clothes for men. In my opinion the men's sections are better than the womens clothes. You can find a great pair of jeans from anywhere from $19.99 to $34.99. DKNY, Phat Farm, Seven, Calvin Klein and other great brands are available at these stores. For those who don't mind dropping a few dimes on their 'drobe, try Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillards, Kenneth Cole, and Bloomingdale's men's departments. for suits I recommend the Men's Warehouse. You can a great suit there usually for around $200. For dress shirts, again I recommend Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Saks Fifth Avenue carries the pricier brands with a great selection of ties. Steer him away from the bright colored suits. Rainbow colors don't look good on most men.

Watch his feet. The wrong shoes can kill an outfit. Aldo has great shoes for men. I love browsing their styles. Every man should own dress shoes. I don't care if you never set foot in a church, a white collar job or on the red carpet, dress shoes are a requirement as far I'm concerned. The casual shoes and boots are also a necessity.

Accessorize him properly. Once you have a great outfit and shoes, you need belts, ties, a watch or two, and even a nice scarf or hat. I'm not big on men and jewelry. A ring is fine, but no bracelets, multiple rings, and hoops in his ears. Not sexy.

Find a good tailor. Not many men can wear a suit right off the rack which is why a good tailor is essential. Most local cleaners have tailors onsite, and Nordstrom will tailor your purchases for free. Even I can sew a button on, but I'll leave the hems up to the professionals. And please, please, please tell your man to cut the designer tags off the sleeve of his suit. They are NOT part of the ensemble.

All the groomed men. Should you be in doubt about how good grooming habits are essential. I do not date men who do not keep their cut. And while I don't expect him to have manicured hands, it would be nice if he kept his nails clean. Lotion, moisturizer, and cologne also go hand in hand with good grooming.

Remember ladies, men will only do what we let them. If your man looks bad, it makes you look bad. And that, it not pretty.

My Ode to the New First Lady of Style Michelle Obama!

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How to Get Promoted at Work

Tired of seeing people smarter than you move up the corporate ladder? Don't sit around and wait for the bosses to recognize. You are your own best cheerleader. Get yourself promoted now.

Assess your skills. Have you learned a new software? Figured out how to raise profits? Exceeded your sales quota? Promotions are often contingent on one acquiring more knowledge in their field, in other words resume boosters. Don't be shy about showcasing your talents.

Know what you want to do. Before you go and ask for a promotion, know the job description of the position you want. Research on the Internet and talk to people in your office. No one has to know what you're doing, just be creative so you'll be prepared.

Rewrite your resume. Look at the resume you got hired and make it better. Add bullet points, skill sets, more education (if you have it), and rework your objective. In other words step your game up. Make yourself look good on paper.

Dress for the job you want. If everyone else is dressing like they're fresh out of college in your department, try upgrading yourself to a new suit or two. Follow the lead of your manager (unless of course he/she can't dress), but don't dress better than your superior. Dress as good, but create your own unique style. You'll stand out in a good way.

Take on more responsibility. Volunteer to do something that needs to be done. Don't get caught up in the "I'm doing my 8 hours" and that's it syndrome. Sticking around to offer your help gets you that much closer to your promotion.

Give yourself credit. Believing in your ability is the first step to landing a better position. Your confidence and skills will take you a long way. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures.

OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!

While I am a firm believer that whatever is meant to be will be, I am ecstatic that Barak Obama is the president elect for the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who cast their vote, everyone who hustled and got people to the polls, I thank you. For those who want to say this is a great victory for black people, that may be true, but it is a victory for ALL people. President Obama is a genuine, intelligent, stand-up guy who can propel this country into greatness and get us back on our feet. I can't wait.

And for those of you who were ever in doubt, read Judges 4:4-6!!!

Remember tomorrow to.....