Photo of The Day: Aztec Print Jacket and Leggings

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to…myself! I decided to wear this aztec print jacket, with black leggings, and lace up booties.

Normally, I am a “solids” type of girl but today I wanted to wear this inexpensive jacket with a few fun accessories. I think it’s the perfect outfit when grabbing cocktails on a Friday night.

photo (4)

 

Part II: Jacket can also be worn with a stretch pencil skirt, wide belt, or jeans.

 

 

 

Winter Beauty Techniques: Detox Bath and Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask

In the video clip below, I am sharing two techniques to help us fight the battle of “winter beauty blues.” One technique is to take a nice long detox bath and the second technique is to use an at home face mask.

Your probably asking, “why is this topic so important?” Because the winter months can leave your skin very dry (a battle ground for wrinkles) but most importantly, because it’s flu season we should detox our bodies weekly to keep those nasty toxins away.

Honestly, when I first sampled the Montagne Jeunesse face mask I was scared (lol) but the mask turned out to be a great inexpensive product. For use, clean your face first, take the mask out of the pack and place it on your entire face for about 10 minutes, rinse off the residue, and moisturize your skin.

Simple enough process right! The moral of the story: if you take care of your body it will take care of you and you don’t have to spend your mortgage payment to have a consistent beauty regimen.

Price of Products:

Epsom Salt: $5.99

Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask: $1.99

 

Don’t judge me the name of our “favorite face mask” is hard to pronounce. {smile} Also we gave you an additional clip from our Beauty Box Five subscription!

Television Segment on ABC’s The List Baltimore: Watch Here

Yesterday, I hosted a lifestyle segment on ABC’s The List, Baltimore. I was very excited to have this opportunity because it was my first time on television.

One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I majored in Fashion Merchandising (in college) but I also had a theater scholarship for three years. I never imagined that I would have to put those skills to use other than teaching high school students.

Nevertheless, I hosted the segment; talking about how moms can keep themselves and baby safe during the cold winter months. Of course this was a topic that I could discuss because I have two boys.

The two products featured were really great and I hope the segment helps busy moms (such as myself) to live life a little easier.

Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Makeup: MAC | Belt: Shop.stylelifefashion.com

Click Here to view:  The List Baltimore

Valentine’s Day 2014: For Men Looking Dapper

Pharrelll Williams

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. Women have plenty of options to dress up for the occasion but men can find it challenging to choose the right outfit and style for the day of Cupid's arrow.

And it’s quite important to dress right because if you end up being a fashion disaster, it will become difficult to woo her and you can become a victim of low self-esteem. That’s the last thing you would want to happen on V-Day.

The following clothing tips will make sure that you appear dapper and full of confidence:

1. Outerwear

The cold isn’t going away anytime soon, so you will need a sweater. Go with the one that is thin in texture, yet warm at the same time. Mock neck is a classic that will look flattering on you and boost your appearance, regardless of whether you complement it with a pair of jeans or formal dress pants.

The other option is the classic V-neck sweater that will make you appear relaxed and fashionable at the same time. You can wear it over a polo and dress pants or over a pair of jeans and t-shirt. As for the colors, choose darker hues such as blue, purple and brown.

2. Accessories

You want to avoid too many accessories on this day. Possible options include wrist watches and mens canvas belts, which has a nice cotton canvas webbing. Both of these additions can redefine your style and highlight your formal or casual outfit.

Bill Rancic

If you are going to be dining at a restaurant, make sure you go with a fashionable wallet. Perhaps you can go with one made out of smooth or textured fur with contrasting prints inside, as it falls in the latest wallet trends for 2014.

 

3. Shoes

Avoid wearing square-toe shoes because they are out of fashion and select pointed shoes (black lace-ups work well) as they are trendy and work with both casual and formal outfits. But if you want to go with leather, select a couture, slim kind or lace-ups that feature a chunky sole. Both of them will complement trim-cut pants as well as a pair of skinny jeans.

You can also select loafers as they are a versatile option and have been going strong for the last few seasons. The latest designs include tassels and other elegant essentials and some of them include treaded soles in thick material.

4. Pants

Denim was said to appear in the 15th Century in the closing days of the Medieval Age, which falls in line with the origination of Valentine’s Day. So feel free to go with a faded vintage style or a classic straight cut if you are going to wear color-pop lace-up shoes.

You can even go with printed pants below formal upper attire and in case you do, keep it minimal and don’t compromise on the tailoring – you don’t want to appear as if you’re wearing PJs.

5. Hair

Last but not the least, take care of your hairstyle: a neat look is the most preferable but you can also try on wavy and side styles depending on your outfit. Remember that a dapper hairdo can be a turn-on for your date.

Jake Gyllenhaal

And if you have a hard time in deciding the style that would go with your outfit, feel free to book an appointment at a salon. This can turn out to be a good option as your hair might need some trimming to adapt to a certain style.

Contributed from Sam Peters

Photos are taken from Pinterest.com

 

Rihanna and Shakira: Photo of The Day

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to Rihanna and Shakira. This picture comes from the “bad gal” herself (on Instagram) where she shares clips from their new video.

 

DIY Beauty Tips from Elizabeth’s Secret Beauty Bar

Elizabeth’s Secret Beauty Bar, specializes in facials, waxing, and nails. Elizabeth Garcia brings her own secret beauty tips and tricks to the table and ensures the ultimate client experience. Based at The Soho Beach House in Miami, the Beauty Bar offers a variety of lavish treatments from deep-cleansing facials to back cleanse treatments. Complete wax services are also offered, including professional make-up artists who are available to perfect your face for special occasions.

Please see a few of Elizabeth’s best kept skin care secrets below:


  1. The best way to keep feet soft is by keeping a stepping stone foot scrub in the shower. Make sure to scrub both the heel and the ball of the foot to remove dryness.
  2. Always use a base coat on your nails to prevent a yellow stain from forming after the removal of polish.
  3. Frequent use of make-up may cause skin to age prematurely. It is important to wash your face twice a day with a face wash suitable for your skin type. Always use circular motion while washing your face upward motion. The three areas to target while washing your face (face, neck and chest area)


For additional information and tips, please visit www.secretbeautybar.com.



 

Tomima Edmark, founder of HerRoom.com Interview

What was your source of inspiration for helping women to find the right bra? So many sources. Seeing beautiful women with unsupported bustlines – knew I could make them look thinner and better. Reading many of our emails with women complaining how their bra fit and I knew with a little education they could solve their problem(s) and look better. My general nature to want to help people – when I know something I instantly want to share and help others

Can you name three (of the best) retailers in terms of purchasing new bras? And why? That’s a loaded question. You need to explain to me why I would do this? I think HerRoom is the best.

How was your experience when working with Oprah? Oprah had a very well-oiled operation when I was involved and on her show. Actually, did not meet her till just before the show was being taped. However, she was very gracious afterwards, and with bodyguards flanking her, she stayed and took questions from guests and audience members. Having been on several talk shows, this is extremely rare to have that kind of access.

Give us a few additional tips in terms of selecting the appropriate bra to wear (according to your breast type.). Women need to look very closely at the center panel of their bras and the placement of the straps and where they are attached. For example, if you have a high tummy, your center panel should have an arched center panel to help your bra rest on your sternum. If you have wide-set breasts, you need to look for a bra with a wider center panel because it will fit better. If you have really closely placed breasts, there should be almost no center panel. Strap placement. If your straps continually slip, look at how the straps are sewn on to the bra. Close to the underarm, and they will have a tendency to fall off. Sewn right above the apex of the cup (called a center pull strap) and you probably won’t have this problem. Sewn in the back where they are kicked in or sewn closer to the center and again, your straps will probably stay in place.

Tell us more about HerRoom.com. HerRoom is designed so that you have more information that if you went to a store to buy bras. First, there is a lot of patented features. We have the “see it under” set of images for every bra we sell. This way, you will know if any of our bras will work under a challenging neckline. Next, we have fitters comments within our details area. No site has the detail we have. We measure the thickness of the padding, the width of the straps, the height of the sides etc. We are the only site that does this. I personally work closely with the manufacturers to learn how their items are fitting. When I hear something unique, I put a Tomima Tip on the item. Again, not other site is giving you fit advice or calling out a unique feature or fit right on the product page. Our reviews are also unique. They are genuine and come from real women. We send all negative reviews to the manufacturer for comment. So, when you go through our product reviews you will see actual responses from them. No one else gives you this insight from the company that actually makes the product. I could go on and on here….

To read more: https://stylelifefashion.com/best-bra-breast-type/

 

Valentine’s Day Style Tips from Celebrity Stylist Gen Bell

Valentine’s Day is the day to show off your sexy side, remind your loved one what you are working with underneath your sweats and possibly baby food, or to catch the eye of a new admirer.

For some, personal style comes easy but not everyone is born a natural fashionista and may need a little help. Miami based celebrity stylist Gen Bell offers her best dressed tips for Valentine’s Day!

Known for dressing celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, and upcoming artists Jordan Fernandez and Tori Lynn Jones, Gen Bell advices to be confident in whatever you wear. Confidence is your sexiest asset. Pair confidence with these tips and you will sure impress your loved one or snag a new boyfriend.

Valentine’s Day Stylist Tips:

1) Make sure all your pieces fit your body type well. Muffin tops or saggy butts are not attractive.

2) Everyone wears red on Valentine’s Day. Avoid this cliché color. Instead a little black dress paired with red accents will go a long way.

3) If you must wear red…save it for lingerie.

4) Dress appropriately for the date activity. If going on a casual date such as bowling, put on your best fitting jeans with a sexy top. If you are going on a romantic date, heels are a must. Whether high heeled boots or stilettos. Heels elongate your legs and makes your silhouette sexy!

5) Pair your outfit with a fun trend such as an iridescent clutch, belt, or shoes! Or rock a full floral skirt with a form fitting top.

6) Lastly, don’t revealtoomuch because the best way to lure interest is to leave a little to the imagination.

Curvy Shape

For the curvy girl, wear something that compliments your curves. A wrap dress is sexy yet classy at the same time.

Short Shape

For the short girl, wear something that elongates your frame. A fitted sheath dress above the knee will do the trick.

Tummy Shape

For the girl with a little pouch, wear something that doesn’t emphasize your midsection. A vibrant shift dress will have you looking elegant and beautiful.

Boyish Shape

For the girl with slightly less curves, wear something that can add a little bit of curve. A beautiful flowing belted style dress will do just that.

Large Bust

For the girl that is full on top, wear something that will keep the detail to the top at a minimum. A nipped in waist dress with a flowing flare will look great!

Small Bust

For the girl that is smaller on top, wear something that can add definition to the bust line. A flattering A-line dress will help give you the look you want!

Gen-Bell

About Gen Bell:

Wardrobe stylist and creative director, Gen Bell is the true embodiment of a career girl in every aspect. Bell was born in Chicago and is currently styling key individuals in the South Florida community in film, fashion and music. Bell has worked one on one with designers, boutiques, production companies, models and more. In 2013, Bell wrote for Haute Living Magazine. Bell has worked on production sets with highly acclaimed recording artists including J-Lo and Pitbull as well as numerous other events in the industry.

With a portfolio centered on beauty, video, celebrity/music, and street-chic styling, Bell has a vast knowledge of creating an aesthetically pleasing composition. Working with color palettes, silhouettes, and design, Gen Bell pulls together elements and principles to create a final “product” which sets apart from the rest.

 
 
wpid-Photo-Jan-27-2014-921-AM.jpg

Mesh Blouse Purchased from The Wise Penny Thrift Shop

Yesterday I volunteered at The Wise Penny Thrift Shop located in Baltimore. While sorting through inventory and having a few laughs, I ran across this one of a kind mesh blouse with a corset style waist and gold buttons.

 At first sight, I wasn’t sure if the top was my size because it looked very small; but thankfully I could wear it. My girlfriend forced me to buy it and even gave me some style options: leather leggings, gold pumps, and chain bracelet.

Honestly, some of the best (and most authentic) pieces in my wardrobe are thrifted. Stay tuned for an updated photo of the final look…

Yesterday’s look wearing my thrifted leather hat and oversized sunglasses.

 

Ann Taylor: Style on Call Book A Date This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day weekend, whether you are single and looking for something fun to do with girlfriends, or need help finding an outfit for a date with that someone special, book a date with Ann Taylor for a special Style on Call in-store event weekend.

From Friday, February 14- Monday, February 17, Ann Taylor stores nationwide will be hosting“Style on Call” to offer clients a wardrobe remix. An appointment can be booked online with personal stylists, who will help clients build the modern closet and provide styling tips (walk-ins are also welcome!). Gorgeous gifts, treats and an in-store sweepstakes that includes a trip and more will be offered.


WHAT: Style On Call with Ann Taylor – Personal Stylists help you build your modern

closet, plus get styling tips, gorgeous gifts, treats and more

WHEN: Friday, February 14-Monday, February 17


WHERE: Ann Taylor stores nationwide