Be Savvy, Be Chic, Be YOU!

Have you ever watched a 3 year old girl marching around in a tutu, super hero cape, and rain boots, utterly convinced of her own POWER and BEAUTY?  Have you been lucky enough to meet an 83 year old woman who has thrown on a wide-brimmed hat, several chunky necklaces, and a bright red cardigan and knows without a doubt that she is FABULOUS?

What is it that happens to us between 3 and 83 that robs us of our self-confidence and innate sense of self-worth?

Part of the mission of Be Savvy Chic is to help us reclaim the knowledge that at every age, stage, size, and style, we are each SPECIAL and BEAUTIFUL just by being our perfectly imperfect selves.  Your only job in this life is to BE YOU.  You do not owe it to anyone to look a certain way, think certain things, or fit into a certain mold.

It's a great idea to enjoy this body during our limited time in it.  Go ahead, eat right, exercise, take care of your hair and skin, and have fun expressing yourself with fashion, makeup, and accessories!  But these choices should all come from a place of self LOVE , from a desire to be an authentic, healthy version of YOU.

Be Savvy Chic gives you the chance to be part of a counter-cultural community and alternative lifestyle.  This is a place where you simultaneously save money and give money, a place where the dollars you choose to spend on fashion and self-expression help orphans across the world join their forever family, a place where you join a sisterhood of Savvy Chicks who want to build up and empower one another, and a place where you are worth SO VERY MUCH MORE than the price tag on your jeans.

Please join us!  Be Savvy, Be Chic, Be YOU.

Be You Photo Series

It is in this spirit that photographer Elena Caron and I designed the Be You photo series, an artistic representation of two of the many authentic versions of each model.

Be You Photo Series

Whether simple or glam, any true version of yourself is beautiful!  Thank you so much to our Savvy Chicks who participated as models: Lera Cline, Libby Facchine, Alison Brady, Lily Duchesneau, Laura Jackson, Liz Pardue-Schultz, Jeanine Denning, Mackenzie Palladino, Danielle Palladino, Arionne Walker, and Montiah Tumbleson for sharing their genuine, lovely selves.

Time to Be You

In the interest of encouraging us to take time for ourselves this year, Be Savvy Chic is offering Time to Be You gatherings each month, a chance to visit with friends, enjoy refreshments, and unwind.  We can pamper ourselves with featured Mary Kay products, shop Be Savvy Chic clothing and accessories, or just enjoy a glass of wine!  Our first event Silk & Satin was so much fun, check out the pics!

Time to Be You:  Silk & Satin

The next gathering is Kisses & Winks on Saturday, February 22 at 7:00pm.  We will learn to do a red lip, try out some different Mary Kay mascaras, browse Be Savvy Chic bargains, but most of all we will just have fun catching up.  There will be wine and coffee plus Kiss Cookies by Libby Facchine.  We always take time to be mom, daughter, employee, wife, student, but don't forget to take time to just be YOU!

New Logo

As we describe what Be Savvy Chic is all about, it is my pleasure to reveal our new logo symbolizing our brand, designed by the wonderful Mark Caron.  Words cannot express my appreciation for him generously giving of his time and talent!

Look for this elegant logo as we update the blog, FaceBook page, Instagram, and soon-to-come new business cards and other be Savvy Chic products.  When you see this logo, let it be a reminder to be SAVVY enough to make your dollars count more for yourself and others, be CHIC enough to build up one another, and be confident enough to be YOU!   
Be Savvy, Be Chic, Be YOU!

Roach Family Adoption Update

Earlier this month I had the amazing opportunity to do Personal Shopping for coordinating outfits for the first-ever Roach Family of 5 Portrait by Jen Hoffman Photography. This family is in the process of adopting Lera and Vitalik (right and left of Colby), and 10% of all Be Savvy Chic proceeds are currently going towards their adoption. It is such a gift to feel like the dollars we normally spend on fashion and makeup can now become part of this beautiful family's story. Check out their fundraising link below (and the wonderful new family portrait!)

Lera and Vitalik returned to Ukraine after their holiday visit, and I know the many month waiting process for being reunited as a Forever Family is difficult on everyone. So please, let's all help bring these kids back home ASAP! 

Schedule an appointment to shop Be Savvy Chic any time or let me be your Personal Shopper and 10% will continue to help this family.  Our total adoption donations so far (to multiple families) are about $1600!  For more information on Be Savvy Chic, check out our commercial, generously done by Brian Lewis of New Frame, LLC.

Contact Tracy to schedule a time to shop or make personal shopping requests!

Tracy D. Birdwhistell

919.656.6260

tbirdwhi@mindspring.com

https://www.facebook.com/besavvychic

Holiday Open House

Holiday Open House

November 23, 2013

12:00pm - 5:00pm

8209 Netherlands Dr. Raleigh

Come, bring a friend, enjoy refreshments, and check out all the holiday gift options!  

Anyone spending over $25 gets to draw a coupon towards her next visit!

Click on the album links below to see a sampling of all the great Be Savvy Chic gifts available.

Wonderland Photoshoot

The Tea Party

The Queen and Her Cards

These are the pictures from our Wonderland-inspired photoshoot.  Thank you Elena Caron for photography (and modeling) and Liz Pardue-Schultz, Krystin Wingfield, and Zendi Hoots for modeling!  Just a small sampling of the HUNDREDS of great Fall and Winter clothing items and accessories available for UNDER $15!  What great gift ideas for yourself or someone else!

Mary Kay Gift Bundles

 So many great, customizable Mary Kay gift bundles are available!  These make great presents for teachers, babysitters, daughters, sisters, moms, in-laws, and grandparents.  Also, check out the Adopt-a-Grandparent gift option that allows you to spend $20 to donate a gift to a member of a local Retirement Community.  What a great way to give back this Holiday season!

Harry's Handmades

I finally got my talented husband to make a few more purses for $20-$35!  He promises me more $30 journals are coming soon.  These purses are made from recycled leather or cigar boxes, sometimes with recycled belts.  Every stitch is carefully hand-sewn, so they are entirely unique.

Gift Cards

 Selecting clothes and makeup for someone else can be challenging.  What better solution than a one-size-fits all gift card, hand-painted by my dear friend, the talented Elena Caron?  Buy a Be Savvy Chic or Mary Kay gift card in the amount of $30 and pay only $25, or buy one valued at $60 and pay only $50.  I will be promoting these gift cards with husbands too, so let them know you want one in your stocking!  What a great bargain!

If the Holiday Open House on November 23rd doesn't work out for you and your friends, just let me know and we will schedule your own private holiday party complete with sparkling wine and hor d'oeuvres!  Don't miss out on all these great gift ideas.  I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Fabulous Fall Finds!

The Be Savvy Chic One Year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Day was awesome!  Thanks so much to everyone who was able to attend, those who enjoyed FREE Mary Kay Mini-Makeovers, and those who got free gifts and prizes.  Did you remember to grab a coupon before you left?  The last two weeks of October would be a great time to redeem those coupons!

Make an APPOINTMENT to come shop any time October 21-31!

We were able to make our first $200 donation to the Roach Family.  Let's see how much more we can give by the end of the year!  Check out their fundraising page and video here:

Ukraine in the Membrane

We just completed our Be Savvy Chic photoshoot for Fall/Winter.  We went with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme which let us show off the trends of Romantic Lace, Luxe Leather, Fur, and Metallics, Menswear-inspired Plaids and Color Blocking, and Ethereal Grays, Pinks, and other surprising Pastels.  This was also the perfect opportunity to use the new Mary Kay at Play and Fairytales and Fantasy makeup collections!  Here are a few Sneak Peeks from the photoshoot!

Make an APPOINTMENT to come shop these and lots of other fabulous fall finds any time October 21-31! 

Alice in Wonderland:  Shoes size 6, $5. Shirt size S $10.

 

Mad Hatter: Vintage Hats $20, Free People Jumper $15, Shoes 8.5 $5

Attending the Tea Party:  Dress size M $15, Vintage Fur Vest $15

I'm Late! Shoes size 6 $5, Shirt size S $10

Charlotte Russe Tweed Dress, size S, $12

Attending the Tea Party:  Pink Blouse, size XL, $8. New Candies Gold Heels, size 6, $15.

The Queen:  Hooded Winter Coat, size 12, $20.
Feather Cuff Accessories $10.

Now that I've been a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for a month, I'm beginning to understand what the term really means.  There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fashion, skin care, or makeup, but I can help you design a custom solution for your specific needs.  And I love having the opportunity to do so!

Make an APPOINTMENT to come try out some of the following in-stock items any time October 21-31!  (and save yourself shipping!)

Click on the images below to see more about the products available.

Mary Kay at Play

Play with Bold, fun colors to let your artistic imagination run wild, for only $10 each!

Mary Kay Fairytales and Fantasy

Indulge in dreamy fairytale pastels, and enchanting fantasy bolds, for only $14-$16 each!

Join my Mascara Club!  Buy any 3 Mascaras or Eye Makeup Remover, get the 4th FREE!

Buy quarterly or all at once!

Schedule a Mary Kay party for you and your friends any time!

We can learn about great skin care products and tips, empowering you and your guests to pamper yourselves daily, and you as hostess can earn free product!  Contact me for more info.  I look forward to getting together soon!

One Year Anniversary!

THANK YOU          THANK YOU         THANK YOU

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY!

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

Drop In 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

8209 Netherlands Dr.

Raleigh, NC  27606

CAKE     MUSIC     FREE GIFTS     PRIZES

Click to sign up for your FREE Mary Kay Mini Makeover at 11:00, 1:00, or 3:00!

Shop Be Savvy Chic's Fabulous Fall Finds all day!

I have never fully understood the term "Customer Appreciation" until this year.  But after a year of Be Savvy Chic, now I truly get it!  I LOVE MY SAVVY CHICKS!  I truly want the opportunity to treat and pamper each and every one of you.  You ladies are the fulfillment of my dreams.  

I had a dream of providing a friendly, fun shopping environment where ladies could find fashionable clothes at great prices, while knowing they are part of something bigger.  I had a dream of offering personal shopping to people on a budget who want every dollar to count for them AND for someone else.  I had a dream of using my passion to create a sustainable method for generating ongoing donations to Ukrainian orphans.

Girls, we're doing it!

After only 3 months, Be Savvy Chic became profitable.  Since that time we have generated approximately $1000 in adoption donations as well as donating clothes and other items to the orphanages.  That's just in our first year, so I can't wait to see what future years bring!

The Wells Family is in Ukraine NOW, and plan to bring N&K home in October!

The Kaiser Family is HOME with their sweet daughter Alex (on the left).

Together we have had the privilege of participating in these journeys.  And now I'd like to introduce you to a new family, Shad and Noelle Roach, their son Colby, and their children-to-be Lera and Vitalik.  

What a coincidence that this family is adopting a sister and brother with the same names as my niece and nephew who were adopted from Ukraine two and a half years ago!  Just one of the many reasons I feel called for Be Savvy Chic to contribute to this wonderful family's adoption.  We will be donating at least 10% of our sales through the end of the year to them.  I will keep you all posted as we follow their adoption story.

Speaking of "following" ;-) Be Savvy Chic is now on Twitter and Instagram! You can Follow us there!

Thanks again, Savvy Chicks, for all of your LOVE and SUPPORT.  It's been a great first year.  I can't wait to see what the next year will bring!

Clearance, Mary Kay, Credit Cards, and Kids Coming Home!

SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE

Saturday, August 31, 2013
11:00am - 5:00pm (ish)
8209 Netherlands Dr.
Raleigh, NC  27606

Most items will be $5!

Click on the Album links below for a small sample of what will be available!

$5 Dresses and Shirts!

$5  Sunglasses!

$5 Shoes!

Bold Jeans for Fall $15-$30

All OTHER Jeans and Pants, $5!

Jewelry by Alice - Buy One Get One HALF OFF!

Plus, meet the artist, 12 year old Alice, in person at the sale!

Place custom orders with her for Christmas gifts!

MARY KAY!

I am now a MARY KAY Beauty Consultant! Let me know if you ever need anything. :)

I don't know why it sounds so ironic to me to say that, probably because in the last 15 years I have been in the habit of wearing make-up approximately twice a year ;) 

However, I am completely in favor of taking good care of ourselves and others, and it's not at all ironic for me to partner with a company that empowers women, seeks to be earth-friendly, and gives back to important causes.

CREDIT CARDS!

As a direct result of joining MARY KAY , Be Savvy Chic now accepts credit cards.  I hope this change will be helpful for both local and out-of-town customers. 

KIDS COMING HOME!

John and Allison Kaiser traveled to Ukraine this month!  That had a successful court date and are now officially the parents of sweet Alex.  John is now home, and as soon as Alex's new passport is ready, Allison will be bringing her home to become a family of 5.  What an exciting journey this has been, and now the real journey of their life as a family begins!

 Kelly and Archie Wells received their appointment date and will be traveling to Ukraine Sept 7...just a week away!  They cannot wait to see their sweet children again after a year of being apart.  Please keep them in your prayers as they embark on this amazing, intimidating, and exciting step.  They can't wait to bring N and K home!

A Picture is Worth...

What is a picture worth?  At Be Savvy Chic, the pictures I typically post straight from my iPhone aren't going to win any awards, but if they show enough about the garment for you Savvy Chicks to purchase it, then that picture has done its job.

Summer 2013 Clothes

 However, when my friend Elena Caron and I starting discussing the idea of a Be Savvy Chic photoshoot, I was super excited!  The main goal was just to get some quality pictures to show how fabulous a Savvy Chick can look at these great prices!  It also gave us an opportunity to feature some of the Jewelry by Alice and some of Harry's Handmades.  And oh, ok, it was mostly just an excuse to have a lot of FUN!

Check out these albums to see the fruits of our labor.  Thanks to Elena Caron for styling and photography, Alison Brady for providing Mary Kay make-up samples, Jewelry by Alice, and Harry's Handmades.  Also thanks to Lera Cline, Sophia Caron, Eleni Lobene, Timeka Hines, Tamara Lewis, and Elena Caron for modeling, and Aleshia Walker for being our lovely assistant!

Farmers Market

Girls Day Downtown

Girls Night Out

Nature Walk

But the best reward from these photoshoots was something I didn't plan on at all.  When I asked my niece Lera Cline and Lena's daughter Sophia Caron to model for Be Savvy Chic, I was just thinking that they're cute girls, it will be fun for them, they will be patient until we figure out what we're doing, and oh yeah, we can make them babysit on site!  I wasn't thinking that they represent everything about Be Savvy Chic.  I started this business to provide stylish clothes at good prices, yes, but also as a sustainable method to continually give towards Ukrainian adoptions by donating 10% of every purchase.  When I see the gorgeous shots of these two girls who grew up together in a remote orphanage in Ukraine, and now are just sparkling members of our family...well what is THAT picture worth??  Simply priceless.

THEN:  Lera and Sophie in Ukraine

NOW:  Lera and Sophie in North Carolina

PRICELESS

Summer Announcements

Hooray for Summer!  Time for swimming, picnics, and vacations, and you need just the right Be Savvy Chic clothes and accessories for the occasion. Luckily, we have them!   There's a great new selection, just make an appointment to come check them out!

Call or text 919-656-6260 ASAP, many of the clothes I've been buying are selling before I even get a chance to photograph and post them.  The early bird gets the deal!

We had a fantastic 3-day photoshoot to show off some of our great new summer styles, and the pictures are coming very soon.  For now, click on the link below to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of Day 1.

Day 1:  Behind the Scenes

Day 2 and 3:  Behind the Scenes

Day 2:  Silly Shots

The photoshoots also featured our new quirky sunglasses, one of the big trends for summer, only $8 each!

 Also, I'm so excited to announce that Be Savvy Chic will now be carrying Jewelry by Alice, a line of jewelry hand-made by a dear family friend, 12 year old Alice DelVecchio.  Click the link below to see a sampling of what is available for $5 - $15.  Make an appointment to come see the jewelry in person!

Jewelry by Alice:  Creative jewelry designed to give back

 Good news!  Our total donation to the N&K adoption is now almost $600.  Just look how these kids are growing!  The Wells family expects to travel to Ukraine soon to bring them home.  Their fund raising is almost done!

The Kaiser family is leaving for Ukraine in only a couple of weeks to bring home sweet Alex!  They are so excited, but also concerned as some new laws may require them to come home without Alex, and make a separate trip back to get her.  One way or another, they will get their little girl home!

Stay tuned!  I will continue to update you on the progress of these families we have been journeying with.  Also, expect a blog post soon to show you the awesome pictures from the photoshoots, and another blog post about how to utilize Be Savvy Chic as an adoption fundraiser. 

Call or text 919-656-6260 for your Be Savvy Chic appointment today!