Here’s some Friday fun… please set your DVR’s to catch me on Access Hollywood Live Friday, May 17th on NBC (check your local listings for air times). I’ll be the in-studio fashion expert chatting it up about Princess Kate’s maternity style. The mini-fashion show I’ve pulled together, complete with four beautiful pregnant women wearing maternity looks inspired by the lovely Royal, is not to be missed. A big thank you to my stunning models and their precious bumps: Athena, Charly and Shirin. Enjoy ya’ll!
Hats Off To This Hat
My search for an all-around everyday sun hat has ended. The Santa Cruz Reversible Hat by Coolibar has you covered (pun intended!). It’s comfortable, has a generous 4-inch brim that shades my face really well, it’s crushable (in other words, perfect for travel), it’s washable, it has UPF 50+ ( meaning the fabric blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays), it’s reversible (white/tan is my favorite since these colors stay cooler under those powerful rays), and it looks pretty darn good too. Even more happy news… the price is very fair at just $35. I wear it for walks, both in and out of the pool, at the beach, and nary a new freckle appears. Coolibar offers tons of other hats so you’re guaranteed to find something you like. I’m a big fan of their sun protection clothes and swimwear too. And, they even have a ton of gear for guys and kids – that means one stop summer shopping for the entire fam!
Photo courtesy of http://www.coolibar.com
Trick Out Your Tresses
For everyone who’s been waiting for a fun and easy way to bling that blowout, it’s time to check out Charmsies. Flat-iron them right onto your strands in the comfort of home in less than a minute and prepare for lots of oohs and aahs. They come attached to a piece of clear plastic and are a cinch to apply: place the sheet against your hair, using a low temperature flat-iron gently tap each Charmsies section for a few seconds to help them stick, then gently peel the sheet away from the charms and voila – your locks are now bedazzled! They’re simple to remove by brushing or shampooing them out. Available in a variety of styles, this is the perfect way to punch up any look for just $12.00. Check out this how-to video for a quick lesson. You can iron in a bunch of charms to make a statement or just a few for a subtle effect. Biggest challenge will be for the moms out there who want to get in on the action… kids love ‘em so much they may not want to share with you!
Photo Courtesy of Charmsies Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/HairCharmsies
Body Cream de la Creme
I happily discovered this amazing all over body cream/body oil at a pharmacy and immediately fell for it. It’s impossible to resist the list of all natural and exotic ingredients: Monoi Tiare, Mango Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Rose Hip Oil, Pumpkin Seed Butter, Cupuacu Butter, Kukui Nut Oil. When I tried this Goe Oil by Jao Brands on my hands it melted right into my skin. It appears a bit more like a cream when it’s first squeezed out of the silver tube but quickly turns into an oil when applied to the body. I even massaged some of it into the ends of my hair and voila – softer strands! The tropical scent is alluring too, and not too overpowering. A little goes a very long way, so you get your $40 worth. And, the simple packaging makes it easy for travel. This all-purpose beauty essential is definitely a keeper!
Flippin’ Over These Flip-Flops
It’s tough not to get swept up into this sunny yet breezy So Cal weather. Makes me dream of frolicking on the sand. So, of course I can’t help but think of flip-flops. And, now’s the time I start stocking up on these summer essentials for the warm months ahead. Nothing makes my tootsies happier than Womens Yoga Spree 2 by Sanuk. It’s a casual, ultra basic style that’s useful for running errands, walking the dog, a yoga class, strolling on the beach, etc. I always punch up my flip-flop wardrobe by mixing in a few fancier versions too. This pair by Sanuk is just easy-breezy and comes in a bunch of fun colors – I’m particularly fond of the silver. And, metallics go perfectly with summer. What makes them even more special is the sole of this $32.00 style is made from a Yoga mat. When I tell you they feel heavenly I truly mean it. Your feet just squish so comfortably right into them. I wear them all day long and they never bother me. Now I just need a pedicure…
Footwear and Frocks Worthy Of A Princess
Ever since I saw photos of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. Princess Kate to us simpletons), step out in those classic nude L.K. Bennett London pumps I flipped for this ultra modern and feminine brand of shoes, handbags and clothing. One of the most popular designer brands in Europe, L.K. Bennett London is quickly storming the United States to keep up with the insatiable demand of style-savvy American women. Their latest debut…a stunning new boutique at Beverly Center in Los Angeles (with a highly anticipated opening party that I’m excited to be hosting tonight) right near Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. At last, we can finally get our hands on this must-have line. I’m loving way too many of their shoes so let me focus on those for now (I’ll get to the handbags and shoes next time): The Palma Patent Leather Strappy Sandal in Clay (this color has “wow” written all over it), Dahlia Printed Criss-Cross Sandal (double whammy – flirty and feminine), Pacific Patent Leather Bow Slingback in Blush (make the Ladies Who Lunch jealous with these), Orchid Embroidered Leather Sandal designed by London-based style icon Caroline Issa (the removable pom-poms alone!), and of course the royal favorite – Sledge Patent Leather Heel (wear these with anything). What makes me smile even more is that these shoes are made well and they wear well, which means they’ll last. And, for a coveted luxury brand they’re priced right too (an average of $350 a pair)… now that’s what you call living happily ever after!
Lights Out, Baby
As any parent will attest, there’s nothing more cherished or priceless than some solid shut-eye for the little ones. Yes, a good nap is the holy grail of parenting and that’s why the SnoozeShade is a must. For only $39.99, your tot will rest in privacy (and, big bonus!) while being protected from 97% of UV rays. SnoozeShade claims to have a maximum sun protection of UPF 40+, is made from a breathable fabric of course, and fits all single strollers and joggers. The company even makes a version for infant carriers and portable cribs/playpens. SnoozeShade is also endorsed and supported by US and international baby sleep experts. What more could a parent ask for!?
Fallin’ For These Flats
It’s only in the last year or so that I’ve truly taken the plunge and dabbled with wearing flats. Have always been a heel or wedge kinda girl. Challenge was I couldn’t find any flats that were truly comfortable. The different styles I tried either dug a welt into the back of my heel (due to the popular elastic backing that clearly doesn’t work for me) or gave my toes quite a beating. Things changed when I slipped into these flats by Chloe. First of all, I fell hard for the flirty and feminine scalloped edge. And finally, at long last, these babies are comfortable! Must be the buttery soft leather (and fine craftsmanship, of course). Starting at $450.00 a pop they’re an investment, but after a several year hunt for cute, cozy, quality flats (and many battered piggys later), I’m completely at peace with it. Plus, I also found this eye-catching scalloped style by J. Crew for $158.00. They’re not quite as comfy-cozy as the Chloe but they’re comfy enough! And I’m smitten with the fresh color combo and mix of suede with a touch of patent leather on the trim. Smiles all around!
Photo credits from top to bottom: NeimanMarcus.com and JCrew.com
First-Class Frizz Fighter
It puts a smile on my face when I find a hard-working hair tamer for less than $10.00. And, Loreal’s EverSleek Humidity Defying Leave-In Creme is pure happiness in a bottle. My locks are very thick and wavy, and like most people I know, they have a mind of their own. In other words, my lid can easily take a beating. This stuff claims to “nourish and protect…for frizz-free, soft and shiny hair in any kind of weather.” Well, I can report it definitely helps. I smooth and massage a nice amount through my hair after shampooing and conditioning. It has a clean, pleasant scent too. My hair does feel softer and shinier after using it. And, it doesn’t get all puffy or unruly when I step outside, especially when it’s humid or raining. I’m a fan of this creme and it’s now the first thing I grab in my hair product beauty arsenal. Hope it works for you too. Please keep me posted!
Super Sunscreen
Daylight savings time is here which means warmer weather will soon be kicking in – well, at least in some parts of the country. Now, we all know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day no matter if the sun is shining or not. And, I’m a sucker for the more natural sunscreens, so Vanicream Sport SPF 35 is my new besty. This is a broad spectrum sunscreen (covers both UVA and UVB rays) that contains 8% zinc oxide, which is said to be a very effective ingredient for sun protection. Vanicream is ideal for all skin types especially sensitive (which I have), it’s unscented (which is a plus) and it doesn’t have any preservatives, dyes, or parabens (which I greatly appreciate). What’s extra nice is that it blends well into your skin (the cream is a bit thick so you have to use a decent amount), doesn’t feel greasy at all or leave that annoying white, chalky film. Even sweeter is the price – a 4 oz tube is $12.79 on Amazon. Considering some of the other 4 oz natural sunscreens I’ve tried are anywhere from $14.00 – $30.00 per tube, Vanicream offers a very fair price! By the way, this stuff is a must for kids. My family swears by it. Here’s to having safe fun in the sun!
