A box of 6 ran a belle around $20 for these fun beauties!

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It’s that time of the year that a belle loves, loves, LOVES to do a lot of outdoor shopping. The weather is perfect, we get in a little exercise & the fresh air is plentiful. We belles adore the fact that we can buy a lot of  fab products & items from small local businesses during festival/market time.

When shopping at various markets/fests it’s important to come prepared so that you can 1. enjoy yourself & 2. save money so you can  shop MORE. The sis & I have a few tips below to help you navigate outdoor shopping like a pro. We do it multuple times of the year & have a simple list for you!

Tips:

1. Bring your own water, soda, iced coffee, or juice– Always keep in mind that whereever we can save money, we do! Many fests will sell drinks at prices that shouldn’t be legal. Try using a reusable cup like the ones pictured above & fill it with your refreshment of choice. You may do a lot of walking, so this is a must-have. Shopping always makes these belles thirsty. Right?

2. Negotiate because you never know– Ask if the seller is willing to give you a discount if you buy more items. Just because an item has a price on it doesn’t always mean that the seller isn’t willing to give you a few dollars off. If you don’t feel comfy negotiating, have someone who is to do it for you. In my case, I don’t feel comfy doing so, but the sis LOVES it. She eats it up & gets a kick out of always saving extra money this way. I have plenty of cute cheap finds because of her!!

3. Walk past all booths, then purchase items that you can use over & over– This way you know what’s being sold by every vendor. Find items that will bring you enjoyment even after you see it for the 1st time. This may be a candle, a dish that you see/use everyday, etc. These will always remind you of the sweet little treasures you’ve worked so hard to find.

4. Bring a cute/stylish bag to carry your goodies in– When shopping outdoors it’s always a good idea to have a bag that has plenty of room. Besides that, we require that it’s cute, honey! If you rock a stylish reusable bag you are more inclined to wear it.  We adore the ones we have listed below & you can purchase one here from the sweetest local ATL artist. Prices start at $20. I know we’ve told you about him on air at Fox 6 & the blog. He creates the designs & even draws many of them by hand (he creates custom orders too). Also, keep the bag in your trunk so that it’s always waiting on your fab finds.

These handmade soaps are To. DIE. For. Period!! She’s local here in ATL & sale items that work fab on everything from your lips to your body. We’ve purchased  multiple items & can’t wait to blog about them. Check them out here!

Beautiful colors/scents!!

Mr. Owl was priced for $6, but I paid $4 after the sis negotiated.

Isn’t he cute? He’s placed on a table in my bedroom.

We adore these candles. The smells are out of this world. These hand-crafted soy candles are locally made by the sweetest lady we met recently at a fest here. These retail for $10 & you can check them out NOW!

The texture of these candles are unlike any I’ve seen.

Get a tote that’s sturdy & cute. You will NOT go wrong with the design you choose. We have two of the cutest designs that he’s still selling online. Take a look.

Extra large market tote fit for any belle. Go check out his many styles!

 Any great tips you’d like to share? Any cute finds!

Dress: Old Navy

Ring: Payless

Bangles: Macy’s

Shoes: Estate Sale

Marc by Marc Jacobs Shades: Neiman Marcus

Necklace/Earrings: Vintage Festival/ NY &Co

Vintage Dooney & Bourke Purse: Consignment Boutique

When a belle shops we shop. By now y’all that have been reading for a while know that we shop everywhere from Ross to Saks for fab frugal finds. To look good it takes a little bit of time & patience, which is a must when shopping with us! Check out some of the recent triple f’s the sis found.

Let’s get started with the breakdown of all her fab finds & prices. Shall we?

The locket necklace was handmade by a local artist here in Atlanta. Inside it says: She may be little, but she be fierce! Also, it has a photo on the left side in it. This is a classic example of having fun with a casual comfy look. Just because you want to be comfy doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. I think we all can drink to that. Maybe not now, but a lil later, huh? *sigh* I tried–it’s 5 p.m. somewhere (still taking meds for pneumonia & can’t drink)!!! Drink a glass of wine for me.

The sis wanted a splash of color by adding a blue belt & colorful bangles. Might I add that she didn’t’ want to buy them until I forced her. Cuteness, right? *pats self on back* Sweet sis I am!

Dress: $20

Ring: $4

Bangles: $10

Shoes: $5

Shades: $0 Gift!!

Necklace/Earrings: $15, $10

Purse: $30

You can’t beat the price for these cuties. They were barely worn and are in EXCELLENT condition.

The key to take away is to shop around & don’t be loyal to one brand, store, etc. Hit yard sales, thrift stores, boutiques, & MORE. Save money so that you can splurge on more expensive items such as designer bags/shoes/makeup if that’s your fancy. We LOVE many designer items & this is what we spend our savings on when we shop around. Stick with us & you’ll be a frugal fashionista in no time, no? These belles know so!!!

Follow us… We don’t bite, we shop! *In Mama Dee’s Voice* and in THAT order!

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Y’all know that a belle loves the south, local goods, and fantastic finds. If these things suit your fancy and you’re around the Birmingham area, check out this awesome trunk show. Tamika and I went last year and had a ball! We picked up a few goodies and shopped in style.

Southern Designer Collections is hosting a truck show and YOU are invited. Expect to find everything from homemade jams, stylish hats, purses, jewelry and more by southern designers. If you appreciate buying unique items from local artists, then you will love this trunk show.
 
The event is FREE and on Tuesday, May 14th from 10:30-6:30 p.m. at the beautiful Aldrige Gardens in the Hoover area. Expect to find great deals and be certain you enter the giveaways! Tell em a belle sent you!

Well friends, it seems like a belle has been gone forever & a day, huh? We took a much needed break from blogging & the moment we were starting to kick things back into high gear I got ill with pneumonia & the sis got ill from trying to care for me.  I am starting to feel better and can’t wait to dive back into things!

As Sweet Brown (if you don’t know who she is I suggest you head to YouTube ) would say “Oh Lawd, Jesus it’s a firrre!” that is finally dying down.

The sis & I can’t believe that our blog turned 2 on the 1st of this month. Thank each & everyone of you so very, very much for reading, emailing, tweeting, instagraming, facebooking, etc. We appreciate each & every soul that supports us, encourages us and prays (good prayers, honey) for us. Thank you, kindly.

Shermika & I have been doing a lot this past year and I must say time does fly. We’ve tasted fab eats, met/interviewed some really fascinating and interesting peeps such as the the talent behind the gorge Cirque du Soleil’s Totem show, Stacy London, the COO of Belk, Inc., Bobby Dean, & visited enchanting places such as beautiful Savannah, & our fave new arts center #1 & #2 too many times to count & MUCH, much more.

We hope that you’ll continue to spread the word, watch us LIVE on Fox 6 (or online),  & always think about your two fave ArtBelles. Blogging is hard work, but we have fun while doing it–sometimes even with masks.

Have a quick gander at a little of what we’ve been dabblin’ in over the past year why don’t you. Help us celebrate by sharing our facebook page with a friend or three. Thank you again from the bottom of our little hearts!!! Tweet a belle!

Too many fab shows in one year!

 Fun with friends, lights, dancing, shopping bus tours, & more is always on a belle’s agenda!

 Frugal fashion, traveling, & a bangin’ party are ALWAYS on our to-do list!

We are blessed & will never complain because life is too short for foolishness! We LOVE ya!!!

To say a belle had a great time last night is an understatement. The sis and I went to see Zorro at the Alliance Theatre. As y’all know by now, we always have a ball when we’re taking in culture at The Alliance. But lemme tell you–Zorro was something else. If you’ve read our tweets you saw my post. The musical was amazing and exceptionally fun.

Swashbuckling. Fencing. Dancing. You have it all here and more. Expect lots of mystery, comedy, intrigue and romance as you’re whirled to a place where Gypsy and heroes reign. At times, you’ll be taken to away by the theatrics–and maybe even a little shocked.

If you’ve come to enjoy an awesome time complete with sword fights, humor, and bravery, Zorro is the musical you’re seeking.

You will be mesmerized by the flamenco dancing, which was choreographed by Rafael Amargo. It is on point and a dance loving belle approves! Prepare to enjoy live music by the Gipsy Kings, and take in the uber talented cast. The action is fast paced, the story line captivating, and the masked fun is intriguing.

If there’s one thing you do in 2013, go see Zorro.

It’s a thrilling ride.

You can buy your tickets here.

Disclosure: We received tickets to attend this fab play. As always, a belles opinions are her own.