Shopping Tips: The Right Gifts for a Newborn Baby

The recent birth of the third in line to the throne has ignited excitement in people all over the world, with Will and Kate having a healthy baby boy to begin their family together. With the new baby being given the moniker George Alexander Louis, baby fever has already reached new heights, with social networks being swamped with the news.

Of course, the Royals aren’t the only people to have had a baby on the 22nd July and whether you’re a lucky parent or you’re close to someone who is, it’s an ideal time to treat the newborn to a couple of gifts to celebrate their arrival.

It’s easy to get carried away with shopping for a new baby; the cutesy items almost jumping off the rails and landing in your trolley, so an element of sense will be required unless you have plenty of money to splash. What does a newborn baby need? Most expectant parents will already be well stocked on many of the essentials and unless you’ve been proactive and asked about what they actually need you will be spoilt for choice once you get to the shops.

Baby blankets are a great gift for newborn. While the current heatwave means chances of needing one are pretty slim, we all know how quickly the weather can turn. George’s range of baby blankets will appeal to most tastes and with luxuriously soft cotton fabrics, baby will feel cosy, warm and most of all, content.

Bibs and Muslin Squares are a lifesaver with new babies, with muslins continuing to be useful way into toddlerhood in some cases. Bibs are a popular addition to any baby gift parcel but chances are, they will all come in use.

Nappy Cakes are a fun take on a typical baby gift that can be given during baby showers or following the baby’s birth. Nappies will always be needed and form the basics of the cake creating the shape while adding other goodies, such as toiletries, booties, bibs or comforters, before wrapping it up in one big, elaborate display.

Clothes will always be welcome but remember that newborns won’t require too many outfits before they grow out of them. If you do choose to buy an outfit or two, buy them in different sizes so that the new baby can grow into them, rather than it sitting in their wardrobe with its label still attached.

Starter Parks are a great way to buy a matching set for the little one, including bodysuit, top, sleepsuit, hat, bib and mittens – perfect if you’re a little overwhelmed and you’re not sure what to buy for them.

Shopping for babies is great fun, with so much to choose from at George at ASDA. Before you head for the checkout with your micro-purchases, pop by the flower aisle and pick up a bunch as well as a lovely box of chocolates – the new mum will certainly appreciate the thought, seeing as though she’s been through so much too!

Target’s Beauty Concierge Progam Launches in Baltimore: Contributing Post by Lydia Rochelle

Just in case you needed another reason to shop at Target, the store known for the “Expect More. Pay Less” brand promise has launched a Beauty Concierge program in 27 existing stores in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore.

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This program started in Chicago, and launched in the DMV on June 28, 2013. The Beauty Concierge is available at select times during the day, to answer all of your beauty and skincare needs with personalized and unbiased information.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Melody, the Beauty Concierge at the store in Towson. Her impressive background as a professional make-up artist and extensive training in skin care and hair care, guided me through my beauty journey. During my visit, we perused the vast amount of ethnic hair care products (the largest selection that I have seen at Target) and developed a regimen that would work best for my hair type. Melody provided personalized and unbiased information and we also had a great time!

Additionally, the program will launch in 96 stores in Los Angeles/Orange County, 36 stores in Minneapolis and expand to 41 stores in Chicago, with approximately 200 stores implementing the program in 2013. Check with your local Target for additional locations with the Beauty Concierge. Happy shopping!

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Summer Beauty Trick: How to Wear A Nude Lipstick

Wearing nude lipstick this summer is fun, sexy, and very sophisticated.  And I love wearing a nude lipstick because this color practically goes with any dress for any occassion.  But there’s a fine line between wearing a neutral lip color and appearing to have just “rolled” out of the bed.

When trying to achieve a neutral look this does not mean simply wearing clear lip gloss (and nothing else.)  This effortless look still requires make up application with the selection of the right products.  Lucky for us we have tips on how to wear a nude lipstick!

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 How To Wear a Nude Lipstick

  • Select a color that matches your skintone; the color should be at least two shades between your natural skin complexion.
  • Fair skintones should purchase lipsticks in a pink nude; Brown skintones should purchase lipsticks in a beige nude.
  • Use a neutral lip liner to help lipstick last longer.
  • Don’t forget to play up the eyes with dramatic eye shadow, mascara, and liquid liner.
  • Add bronzer to the cheeks for a beautiful summer glow! 

 

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Event Recap: Fashion Awards MD 2013

Photos from this year’s Fashion Awards MD event are posted below.  I was super excited to be a nominee, especially since this blog has only been active for one year (hooray!)  In addition, every nominee in the media category was very talented, so for me (personally) it was truly about the experience and being amongst those who share the same “love” which is fashion, art, and style.

The event production was also nice from nominees standing on the red carpet, to guest enjoying refreshments, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.  Lastly, to give this event the fashion flair that it deserved Lana Rae (the event founder and owner of the KIS Agency) was able to have Lianca and Johnny from Kimora: House of Fab serve as the awards show host.

I look forward to attending this event again next year.  For additional details click on the link: Fashion Awards MD.com  Photos below are taken from my Instagram account.

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Photo of Fashion Blogger Teena Leone from Fashion for Breakfast

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Dress: shop.stylelifefashion.com | Bracelet: Nordstrom | Platform Pumps: Bebe | Envelop Clutch: shop.stylelifefashion.com

LOFT COMES TO GAMBRILLS, MARYLAND on JUNE 28 AT WAUGH CHAPEL TOWNE CENTRE

WHAT:

LOFT, the fashionable women’s retailer, is bringing women in the Baltimore area a collection of clothing and accessories that are accessible, fun, and of great quality—all at sensational prices.

Opening weekend guests will receive a special tote as a gift with purchase (while supplies last), on purchases of $75 or more. Also guests will be able to enter for a chance to win a $250 LOFT shopping spree and personal styling session.

• LOFT will be stocked with the latest trends including tribal prints, striking stripes, and pops of bold color in must-have summer pieces like versatile tees, tank dresses, tailored shorts and beaded belts and bangles to complete every woman’s wardrobe.

• LOFT is a trusted personal stylist to its clients: Each one of the associates is a stylist who can give fashion advice, ideas and inspiration. Women can have fun putting together looks!

• The new concept store is complete with plush seating and open space, that encourages interaction among clients and features larger groupings of mannequins to show guests additional outfitting options.

WHEN:

Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 from 10 am to 9 pm

Sunday, June 30 from 11 am to 7 pm

WHERE:

Waugh Chapel Towne Centre

1417 South Main Chapel Way,

Gambrills, Maryland 21054

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How to Find Maternity Swimwear “That Suits” by Guest Contributor Sally Neal

Shopping for maternity clothes can be a nightmare. In fact, shopping for anything baby-related can be a pretty trying experience. From the day you find out you’re expecting, your house will gradually become full of scraps of paper on which you have listed the next ten things you need to buy. Your partner will watch in slow-mo horror as the balance in the joint bank account rapidly plummets from ‘acceptable’ to ‘getting slightly worried’. The spare room will be piled high with prams, Moses baskets, baby-grows donated by well-meaning friends and family and all sorts of other paraphernalia.

Not that I’m trying to put you off, rather I want to help you during such a busy time. Take a leaf out my book: don’t sweat the small stuff. For example, I spent a great deal of time trying on maternity swimming costumes and bikinis in the shops when I was expecting, only to realise that I could have found one on line. The Internet is a fantastic tool to use when you are pregnant, as there are loads of handy hints about what you need to do and lots of blogs which you can read.

I also felt under quite a lot of pressure to do a sufficient amount of exercise whilst pregnant. At first, I carried on with my normal light jogging routine, but after a while I found running was too much to contend with. Going for long walks sounded like an attractive option, but unfortunately I worked full time up until 8 months so I could not devote time to doing this. Then I found out that swimming was a viable alternative.

In terms of exercise, for example, swimming is one of the best ways a Mum-to-be can get the exercise she needs without overstretching. In terms of swimwear, fashion lines are much more au fait with flattering a pregnant wearer than a decade ago, hence there is a much wider choice of cossies to choose from. Comfort and flexibility make for a comfortable bikini or swim suit.

Here’s how to choose a swim suit to suit you:

-Pick a bikini or costume with adjustable straps to support your bust, should you need additional support in this area

– If you are feeling smaller on top, a halter neck bikini top will enhance your bust. Bright colours or ruffles will also help draw attention to the bust

-As many women are blessed with large hips, a heavily detailed swimsuit or a halter neck style works well to draw attention from this area. Should you opt for a bikini, wearing darker bottom halves will focus the eyes on the top

-If you have a boyish figure, choosing a low-leg swimsuit will make your body appear longer
So, grab a swimming costume and get rid of all that pregnancy stress by going for a swim. It can’t be that bad, as people do it again and again! In fact, I’m currently pregnant with baby number two! Better start writing some more lists…

Author Bio:

Sally Neal is busy trying to find a maternity bikini for her holiday this July!

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Tori Spelling looking great pregnant wearing a two piece swimsuit

Trend Alert: The Evolution of the Pencil Skirt Summer 2013 by Contributing Author Janita Smith

Many of us are excited about summer and can not wait to pull out our lace shorts and maxi dress!  But what I am seeing this season is the evolution of the pencil skirt; making its mark in the office but social scene as well.

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There are several ways that fashion girls are wearing pencil skirts; making this trend “sassy” but yet classy.

As a freelance stylist, I love the fact that this look (below) has transformed the everyday woman (who’s on the go) to the lady who wants to “own her style” by adding a little edge. And personally, I like to wear my pencil skirt with a graphic tee and pumps!

Ultimately, there are several options for how women can wear a pencil skirt.  Tell me, how do you like to wear your pencil skirt?

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Similar styles can be found at Nordstrom.com  

If you like this post, click on the link: The Coming of The Combat Boot: A Winter Must Have

SLF Giveaway {H&M} Bikini and Embroidered Dress

Ladies we have a treat for you! For everyone who’s a “Beyonce fan” and frequent shopper of H&M, we are offering (you) the opportunity to wear the hottest style.  In honor of our loyal readers, we are hosting a giveaway from the Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013.

One lucky winner will receive a bandeau bikini (top/bottom) and beaded embroidered dress for summer!  Details on how to enter the giveaway are below:

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GIVEAWAY REQUIRED ENTRY:

1. “Like” Style Life Fashion Facebook and Twitter Page.

2. Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite clothing item or accessory from H&M.

3. Share our Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013 giveaway on one of your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

Giveaway will end at midnight on June 18, 2013 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on June19, 2013.

Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign

Here’s our photo of the day!  She’s done it again, take a look at Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign.

According to the retailer, “The face of H&M’s summer campaign will be the global superstar Beyoncé. She will be wearing pieces from the H&M summer collection inspired by her style. It was shot on the beaches of the Bahamas and features both a print campaign and a commercial.”

Ladies, this is perfect motivation for summer!  Let’s strive to look great and feel great.  

Visit your local H&M  (click here) to grab a cute and sexy bikini…

 

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WATCH BEYONCE’S PROMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR H&M {HERE}