I’m guilty of playing favorites in my closet. There are just certain pieces that make me feel both comfortable and chic enough to conquer any event. But this also makes me feel very much stuck in a rut when I’m getting dressed for a night out. So, with the change in seasons, I’m hoping to overhaul my wardrobe with a few key pieces to spice things up a bit. Let’s start with these killer shoes from Jessica Simpson’s shoe collection and we’ll work our way up this week, shall we? Perfectly on trend with studded details and gladiator-inspired design, this platform heel can (and will!) spice up just about any outfit. Try pairing them with opaque black tights and an office-appropriate dress for daytime, then mix it up with a printed top and tailored trousers for nighttime. It’s rare I fall this quickly in love with a shoe, but with style like this, how could I not resist?
Archive for September, 2009
Best foot forward.
September 26th, 2009 by CatherineThe right price.
September 25th, 2009 by Ruth
If you don’t know about 8Coupons and haven’t visited the web site yet, please do.
Making it incredibly easy for you to save money, the site works with local businesses to bring you the latest deals and steals from around the NYC area.
Once you sign up, you’ll receive daily e-mails announcing the day’s coupons. For example, yesterday there was a free session at Hollywood Tans, a free Oreo Rounder from Carvel, 15 percent off your H&M purchase of $100 or more, and a 15 percent off pass at Macys. If something sparks your interest, forward the coupon to your mobile device and show it at check out to receive the discount.
The site is customizable and allows you to search for deals specific to your neighborhood and the top 8 NYC deals, restaurants, entertainment, beauty and spa services and shopping-related coupons with a nifty search function.
I can’t begin to tell you how much money I’ve saved and how many cool new places I’ve discovered because of this web site. Go ahead – enjoy and make the price right.
Daily Diamond: Lollia Shea Butter Hand Cream
September 25th, 2009 by Catherine
Beauty experts will agree that shea butter is one of the elite natural moisturizers available to us. Its list of benefits goes on to include everything from fading scars, diminishing dark spots, even softening wrinkles, making it an ideal additive for hand creams. The creative geniuses behind cult brand Lollia have these facts noted and have used it well in their Shea Butter Hand Creams. Delicatedly scented in five different fragrances and packaged sweetly in vintage-inspired wrapping, the whole product is just one irresistible treat for dry skin. It’s become my go-to nightstand cream for overnight relief from fall-induced dry, chapped skin and can be yours, too, for $24. My favorite scent is Imagine, a blend of warm coconut milk, jasmine and mandarin, but to be honest, every fragrance is as sweet as the next.
Ultimate Touchdown Recipe.
September 25th, 2009 by Catherine
My boyfriend is a total foodie – brought up to appreciate good, home-cooked meals, his passion for cuisine has made it tricky for me to impress him in the kitchen. I consider myself to be a great cook, but it’s rare I can knock his socks off with my meals…until recently, that is.
In an effort to be supportive of his football addiction, I’ve been watching more Jets games (and less Real Housewives – sob!). But to tell you the truth, I’m actually enjoying it! Especially since I now have an excuse to cook up good food and lounge about on a Sunday afternoon. Last week, I whipped up these great Fresh-Mex Corn Wontons from October’s Food Network Magazine. They were a huge hit and must have been a lucky charm – the Jets won, so all was well in my household that weekend! Check out the recipe below to impress your own hard-to-impress sports fanatic. (more…)
Cheap and Chic – The Perfect Work Tote
September 25th, 2009 by Catherine
Fashion experts will agree that accessories can make or break an otherwise awesome ensemble. It gets even trickier when you’re trying to pull together a look for work, fit all your belongings into said accessories, and make it out the door before 8AM. How about I make it a little easier for you all and introduce you to the perfectly stylish, perfectly roomy, perfectly priced Studded Tote Bag from Newport News? Precisely on point with current hardware trends, the bag is ideal for stashing everything you need to make it through the day (a list which, as I’ve mentioned before, seems to keep growing) without making you look like a bag lady. Better still, there’s a hidden zipper along the bottom and sides of the bag which allows for expansion, should you need a little extra wiggle room. At $39, this is one accessory you shouldn’t have to live without.
Rise and shine!
September 24th, 2009 by Catherine
One of my least favorite parts about the summer’s end is the darker mornings and nights. The mornings, in particular, make it much harder for me to jump out of bed and hit the gym before my day gets going. The unfortunate part of this whole seasonal change is my upcoming November marathon. Pounding the pavement before the sun rises is getting increasingly difficult, but with 26.2 miles ahead of me in just 58 days, I don’t have much of a choice than to just keep running!
Making my life just a little bit easier is this futuristic-looking SunRise Clock by BioBrite. Available at Amazon.com, the clock starts glowing a half hour before you’re set to get up and gradually gets brighter to mimic a natural sunrise, which in turn, makes it just a little easier for you to rise and shine. And in case the light isn’t enough, there’s a backup beeper to really get you moving.
And if the $119.95 price tag is a little much for you, there are plenty more affordable options out there to get your morning off on the right foot. Check out this option at Toys ‘R’ Us or this one from Hammacher Schlemmer. Fake sunrise clocks not your thing? What are your secrets for getting out of bed on cold, dark mornings?
In the PINK.
September 24th, 2009 by Ruth
The British invasion extends beyond music and models – Burberry and PINK reign supreme when it comes to fashion. As technology and pop culture constantly evolve, so do the designs of clothing and accessories.
Case in point, technology has transformed the modern commute and Thomas Pink has transformed the modern tie. Part of the Autumn Winter 2009/2010 main line, The Commuter Tie, made of 100% woven silk, touts a small pocket sewn into the back of the tie that houses the new iPod® Nano as well as other smaller music players. An extra fabric loop holds headphone wires out of sight and close to the body, leaving hands free.
Available for $100 online and in stores and in eight stylish colors, there is a tie for every special guy. I know it’s a huge splurge, but after my boyfriend landed his dream job, I thought he deserved something extra special.
The Great Organic Debate
September 24th, 2009 by Catherine
When it comes to choosing organic produce over other varieties, the jury usually remains out on what’s better for your body. While most people have the best intentions when it comes to their grub, it’s a tough financial call – spend significantly more money on organic produce or stash your cash for non-organic items?
The folks at the Environmental Working Group must have weighed the same concerns with the recent release of organic value. Based on 87,000 tests conducted by the USDA, foods were rated by the EWG on a scale of 1 (low pesticide levels) to 100 (high pesticide levels). So the next time you’re at your local market, keep these levels in mind when choosing when to spend the extra cash and when to opt out of organic produce.
Go Organic – Nectarines (97 – yikes!), Apples (93), Grapes (44), Pears (63), Cauliflower (39)
Opt Out – Winter Squash (34), Cranberries (33), Sweet Potatoes (29), Broccoli (28)
To learn more about this particular study, check out their website for a complete rundown on their findings.
Dear old friends.
September 24th, 2009 by Ruth
As the seasons change, bringing out some dear old friends, Louis and Long is a growing trend. Your favorite keepall luxury bags, the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 and Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ are this season’s latest must-haves. So go ahead, dig out your old favorites from the back of the closet and save money by not getting a new seasonal bag. Perfect for the woman who wants to carry everything, these roomy travel bags allow you to organize with fun smaller printed organizing bags. Don’t have these staples? Visit eBay or your closest vintage shop to snag one at a discounted rate.
Squeaky Clean.
September 23rd, 2009 by Ruth
Stirred by hand, poured into wooden molds, cured and aged into a mild PH balanced bar, Delores Harris of Daisy May Natural Soap has created pure luxury in her handcrafted 4 oz bars of soap.
Made with high quality pure lye, vegetable shortening, oils, water and natural scents, the soaps are available in fruity florals and soothing spicy herbals. Unlike commercial soaps, these soaps leave my skin incredibly soft and fresh with no film. Don’t believe me? Ask my boyfriend. He keeps asking why my skin is so soft and consistently comments on the pleasant scent.
While you may not have access to the J.J. Byrne weekend farmer’s market, you can find a local soap vendor at Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild Inc. or Etsy. Go ahead, get out there and support true artisans and local businesses.
