Cyber Monday Sale...

Hello All! Hope you had a fabulous holiday weekend! Today is the last day to take 25% off all jewelry in my etsy shop. See picture below for details. Go here to take advantage of this great sale! I put a lot of passion in my designs and work. Thank you all for supporting Sydney Austin Designs and other small business owners.


I am also pleased to be mentioned in Afrobella's list of Black-owned businesses to support. Go here to see this wonderful list of over 350 black owned businesses.

Birthday Sale...

Hello All!

In celebration of my birthday week, I'm having a sale in my etsy boutique. Take 25% off all jewels from now until 12/1/15. Use coupon code BDAY25  at checkout. Click here to purchase. New jewelry being added daily. Thank you for supporting independent artisans this holiday season!

Citrine and deer antler necklace. Only 1 available.

Brass hoops with wire wrapped pearls.

Kyanite and gunmetal chain chandelier earrings.

Hammered brass discs. Domed and super lightweight. Perfect for everyday.

Copper and cowrie shell earrings. 

October Essence Beauty Box Review...

Hey All!

Last month Essence debuted their Inaugural Essence Beautybox with women of color as their target audience. I received an email inviting me to join this subscription box program for $15 a month. I cancelled my Birchbox subscription over a year ago so I hopped on this. October's theme was "Finishing Touches for Fall." Take a look at the box contents.

Love the artwork on the box lid!

Pretty presentation which included a product guidebook.

The beauty products. Nice sizes. 

 Tarte Brow Architect. All in one brush, pencil and concealer for your brows. 

Calvin Klein Eternity Now perfume and L'occitane shea butter hand cream. Love them both! The perfume has grapefruit notes that I really like. The hand cream is awesome.
I highly recommend this brand. The best hand cream on the market!

Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Leave-in and Curls Creme Brule Curl Cream. Love Eden Bodyworks products. This leave-in is wonderful. Curls Creme Brule curl cream is nice too. Doesn't leave my hair dry or sticky like some curl creams. 

Overall I give this box a B. The reason is I can't figure out how to use the Tarte Brow Architect. If you received this box, let me know what you think. I'm excited to receive November's box!

Thrift Store Finds...

I love a great deal. I'm really into thrift and consignment shopping. Thrift shopping takes patience and you have to dig in the racks. A lot of trips to the thrift store are hit or miss. I'm a big fan of Goodwill. I look for jeans (to DIY), clutch bags, coats or jackets, and sweaters.

A few tips:

* If you want to DIY a pair of jeans:  shred, fray, distress, cut off the hem, etc. I highly recommend going to the thrift store to purchase a pair. Prices range from $3- $5 for denim jeans.

* Remember alterations are possible. Find something you love but it's too big, get it altered. Buttons missing, hem needs to be shorten or lengthen, no problem take it to your tailor.

* Ask about sale days. Goodwill has tag sales, where they attach color coded tags to items for a additional percentage off. Major score!

* Love a trend but don't want to pay a fortune for it to go out of style next season, thrift!  Fringe, plaid, high waists and skinny scarfs are all the rage this season. Visit your local thrift store to try out a trend for less.

Check out my latest thrift store finds below!

Great fitted black jacket for day or evening. Love the sequins on the collar and sleeves.
Cost $5. Excellent condition.

Vintage red silk cardigan Neiman Marcus. Great piece when your outfit needs a pop of color. Also perfect layering piece. Has shoulder pads that I will remove. Not trying to look like Alexis Carrington from Dynasty. Cost: $3. Condition: Good

Bad picture poor natural lighting (Ugh darn this rain). Anyway I was looking for a pair of straight denim jeans for a DIY project that I have in mind, instead came across these. Straight leg olive jeans. Will look great with riding boots and a chunky turtleneck sweater. Cost: $3.  Condition: excellent like new.

Are you a thrift store digger?