Uncategorized – Page 37 – Style [+] Life [+] Fashion by [@kwest1908]

Accessories / March 4, 2015

Ann Taylor’s Spring 2015 Trend Report

This year’s spring fashion shows had us hanging on the edge of our seats, but the wait is over – Ann Taylor’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection is bringing runway looks to you! Inspired by stylish women on the street, the collection features what will be spring’s hottest trends such as polka dots, refined stripes, florals, and mesh. Ann Taylor is also the destination for must-have accessories trends like bucket bags, cobalt pumps, and statement necklaces.

Polka Dots

What’s always fun, super-luxe, and never out of style? POLKA DOTS! Punctuate your look and go for polka dots — big or small or mixed together, this happy trend goes everywhere and with anything!

Refined Stripes

Seriously flattering and super refined – stripes never go out of style. Every woman should have a key transitional piece in her wardrobe with a timeless stripe print for a feminine and moderate update.

Florals

Winter florals were all the rage, and they are popping into spring. What better way to jump into spring than with a fresh floral print to bring either a subtle taste, or bold pop of color into your wardrobe!

Mesh

A daring-and easy-way to bring textured contrast to your outfit, whether with a hint for a “peek-a-boo” look perfect for layering, or go all-in with playful skirts and hemlines.

Accessories

Finishing touches make all the difference. Grab one of these functional accessories, and complete your head-to-toe elevated look with a pop of color or statement piece.

Accessories / February 17, 2015

Azazie Online Bridal Boutique – Reliable and Quality Shopping Experience

Azazie is an online Bridal Boutique with an array of dresses in all colors and sizes. The boutique carries wedding, bridesmaid, and mother of the bride dresses. Shoppers can purchase accessories such as wraps and sashes along with samples (and swatches.)

I was a bride many years ago and recognize the importance of purchasing wedding accessories from a reputable retailer. Azazie provides an easy online shopping experience: select the dress style, color, size and add to the shopping cart. The boutique also carries sizes 2 through 26 which is great for women of various sizes. The checkout experience was fairly easy with a log in and confirmation by the customer.

Quality starts with simple details. I received my dress in a well made garment bag on the hanger. The Azazie Katrina princess cut dress was beautiful in design; made with chiffon fabric and small pleats/tucks. The dress also had bra cups for the lady who wants to go braless.

I’m a versatile girl who likes to wear bridesmaid dresses as a cocktail dress for a night out. I also decided to add a touch of color with teal blue accessories (shoes, earrings, and bracelet) and fur coat for warmth in the winter season.

There’s a variety of options when shopping for bridal wear beyond attending a wedding. One can visit Azazie.com for pageanty, prom, hosting, and special night. I had a wonderful shopping experience with Azazie.com and would suggest the online retailer to anyone who’s searching for reliable, quality bridal dresses and accessories.

About Azazie:

Azazie is on a mission to reinvent the way you shop for special occasion dresses. We believe that everyone should own custom-made pieces that are of the highest quality and tailored for a perfect fit – all the while being affordable. Our unique platform matches your needs to the skilled craftsmanship of a small group of artisan tailors and ships that one-of-a-kind dress right to your door.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 13, 2015

Pevonia Botanica Dry Skin Cleanser and Lotion – Beauty Regimen

I try to keep a consistent beauty regimen because I’m no longer a lady in her twenties. I’m also a firm believer that beauty has very little to do with features but more about maintenance. My beauty regimen (which varies from day to night) includes facial cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, body mist, bb cream, coconut oil, and nail repair polish.

If you follow my site, you already know that I truly believe in good skin care products. This is the result of having eczema and always seeking moisturizing products for my dry skin. Luckily, Pevonia keeps me updated on the latest skin care products (as a blogger ambassador.) This month I received Pevonia Botanica’s Dry Skin Cleanser and Lotion. The Pevonia Botanica Dry Skin Cleanser removes makeup impurities and helps to counteract dryness; the Dry Skin Lotion removes tap water impurities and soften the skin.

I like to use my Pevonia Dry Skin products before bedtime to restore my skin and use the Stem Cell Intensive Cream before applying my makeup. The most significant point to remember about the Dry Skin Lotion is that it’s actually a spray lotion which eliminates wasting the product. Both products (the cleanser and lotion) go on easily and do not irritate the skin.

If you’re too busy to visit the local spa but need to include a product in your beauty regimen that gives the appearance of healthy skin, visit Pevonia.com I am happy to have been introduced to the product and will continue using to see more results.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 8, 2015

Homemade Soup and Recipe – Lifestyle Tip

I like to make homemade soup for my family during the winter months. It’s a fairly easy recipe and can be a hearty meal. As new generation women, we’re busy and need simple ideas to make our lives easier; one option is to make soup.

Eating soup can be a healthy meal substitute from our normal grilled caesar salad. Simply cook the recipe, store in ziplock bags, and put in the freezer. Also, depending on the amount that’s left over, one can store soup (in the freezer) for family sick days.

There’s two easy steps I like to incorporate that’s less time consuming when cooking the recipe. Number one, use a soup starter mix and number two, take pre cooked chicken breast (from last night’s dinner) and shred for your recipe. If you want to get “fancy” add vegetables to the recipe as well.

After you’re done don’t forget to serve in your soups mugs (I found a set at the thrift shop) with crackers or make a batch of crescent rolls on the side. You can sit back and watch your favorite reality show because dinner’s done!

Uncategorized / February 4, 2015

Grooming Tips For Men: How To Get The Best Shave

Proper shaving techniques, high-quality products and excellent post-shaving skin care, can help make you look your best. Plus, a good shaving technique and the right care, can also help to reduce your risk of razor burn and bumps, as well as other shaving irritations.

A clean, close shave, followed by a good facial wash and an excellent moisturiser, are necessary for achieving fantastic facial skin health.

To help you keep yourself looking good by achieving the best shave possible, we have put together some tips below:

Start off with a wet beard

Before shaving, it is essential that your beard is wet. One of the key factors for a good, clean shave without getting sore skin, is making sure that your beard is as wet as possible. As your hair gets wet, it will absorb around 30% of the water on it, making it weaker and easier to cut through.

To ensure that your beard is properly wet, it might be a good idea to take a shower before you shave. Or, if this is not possible, rinse your face with warm water and then apply a warm, wet flannel to it for a couple of minutes.

Don’t be tempted to shave with dry skin, as this can cause razor burn and sore, irritated skin.

Use a good shaving cream

If you are wet shaving, it is important to use a good shaving cream. Ideally, you want a shaving cream that is moisturising. The higher quality shaving creams will create a rich lather, and the beard to be as wet and soft as possible.

For a wet shave, a shaving brush is essential

If you are wet shaving, one of the most important tools is a shaving brush. A shaving brush helps to lift the hair upwards so that you can get a cut as close to the base of the hair as possible; it also helps to create a creamy lather from the shaving cream.

A shaving brush is also great for removing old skin cells, reducing the chances of blemishes, bumps or skin irritation.

Use a good quality razor

Ensure that you always use a quality shaver with sharp blades. You may not realise it, but when you shave you are not only cutting the hair, but also removing some of the top layers of skin at the same time. The blunter the razor is, the more damage it will do to the skin, so it is always a good idea to have a sharp razor.

Before you shave, rinse your blade under hot water and then rinse it again every few strokes. Hot water cleans the blade and gives you a closer shave.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 3, 2015

Valentine’s Day 2015 in DC – Specials and Gift Ideas

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s Day they won’t forget. Up the ante this year by indulging in specials from Mari Vanna DC, Shinola, Union Market, DCanter and The Still Point. Whether it’s a relaxing spa day at The Still Point, decadent Russian caviar at Mari Vanna, luxurious leather goods from Shinola, delicious wines at DCanter or a heart-opening yoga session at Union Market, there’s something for every loved one this season.

Mari Vanna (1141 Connecticut Ave., NW, www.marivanna.ru):
Spoil your sweetheart with an extravagant delicacy at Dupont hotspot Mari Vanna with their special Caviar Prix-Fixe Valentine’s DayMenu. On Saturday, February 14, guests of the Russian eatery will indulge in a menu of one cold appetizer, one hot appetizer and one hot entree for $125 or $150, depending on your caviar choice. Cold appetizer options include Olivier, Vinegret or Herring. Hot appetizers options include red caviar Blinis ($125) or black caviar Blinis ($150). Available entrees include Chicken Tabaka, Chicken Kiev, Sea Bass, Salmon, Beef Kebob or Beef Stroganoff. Diners will be treated to a bottle of champagne for two and a complimentary dessert.

Shinola (1534 14th St. NW, www.shinola.com):
Give a gift of timeless elegance with this Detroit-based luxury design brand, dedicated to producing handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, journals and pet accessories – all made in America. Adorn wrists with the Valentine’s Bracelet in Lollipop Red ($125). Explore the city with The Runwell bike ($2,950) or make sure your sweetie never misses a minute with the Triple Wrap Runwell watch ($825).

Union Market (1309 5th St. NW, www.unionmarketdcom):
Open your heart – and your chakras – with an invigorating free yoga practice on Sunday, February 15 at Union Market’s Dock 5 with yogi Nya Alemayhu. The 90 minute session will channel the flow of love and compassion, bringing harmonious balance to mind, body and spirit. Bring a mat and an open mind.

DCanter (545 8th St. SE, www.dcanterwines.com):
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without popping some bubbly, and what better way than with a champagne tasting? Make a toast with your sweetie on Saturday, February 14 from 6 – 7 p.m. ($65 per person). Sample 6 champagnes and nosh on artisanal cheeses. Take home a bottle of wine at a special discounted price. RSVP to reserve a spot.

The Still Point (1 Columbia Ave. Tacoma Park, MD | 12451 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD | 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD. www.thestillpointspa.com):
Pamper that special person all month long with luxurious treatments from the Maryland-based wellness spa, with three locations. Choose from two unique experiences, the Chocolate Sweetheart Facial ($55/30 minutes) and the Couples Massage ($218/50 minutes, $290/80 minutes Add on Cocoa Sugar Polish +$140/25 minutes. Price includes 2 guests). The facial includes cleansing and exfoliation treatments followed by a TOMA Skin Therapies #14 Hydrating Antioxidant Mask. The soothing facial is finished off with a blissful 10 minute massage over the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The couples massage offers a full body exfoliation in relaxing rooms with heated massage tables and heated floors.

Gift Ideas:

Shinola’s Valentine Envelope, Double Wrap Bracelet or Contrast Dog Leash

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / February 1, 2015

Brave Williams R&B Divas LA – Media Event

WPB Radio hosted a media event for music artist Brave Williams at The Creative Hub in Baltimore. Brave has joined the cast of R&B Divas: LA and wanted to share her music and show trailer with local media outlets. Invited guests were able to network, meet, and interview Brave during the event.

Brave Williams is a talented, down to earth artist and we’re looking forward to watching her this season on R&B Divas: LA

click here to watch a quick video clip: Brave Williams

Beauty / January 29, 2015

COCOTIQUE Beauty Review: January Subscription Box

COCOTIQUE is the latest subscription box for women of color and diverse ethnicities. Once you become a member, subscribers receive a monthly box with a variety of (sample) hair, skin, and nail products. The company also features brands such as Black Opal, Milani, Creme of Nature, OPI, Revlon, and Shea Moisture to name a few.

The theme of January’s box was to refresh and renew with a collection of products from every category such as cosmetics, bodycare, and fragrance. The products included were ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Shampoo, ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Conditioner, BEFINE Assorted Skincare Products, HARVEY Prince Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR SOAP Lemongrass Grapefruit Foaming Sugar Scrub, NICKLA K New York Quad Eyeshadow, NUBIAN HERITAGE Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

I was excited to receive my COCOTIQUE box and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful packaging. I can’t wait to fully indulge in every product but the one item I can’t live without is the Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

I’m in between manicures and seeking to restore moisture back into my hands and cuticles. This luxurious moisturizing treatment instantly restored my hands with a nice cooling effect. The hand cream’s also formulated with Black Seed Oil, Honey, and Apricot Oil. It’s the perfect size to carry in my handbag (and use) while wearing a pair of gloves.

I love beauty products that work and COCOTIQUE offers product samples that are infused with natural ingredients and gentle cleansers. To learn more about COCOTIQUE and become a subscriber click here.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / January 26, 2015

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake Spa Getaway – Media Event Recap and Photos

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake hosted a media event at their new location in Columbia, Maryland. Invited guests enjoyed mini spa treatments, artisan vinegars, and the opportunity to participate in their exclusive Yoga Wall or Bare Essence class.

Overlooking a beautiful lake connected to Whole Foods Market, The Still Point in Columbia’s considered to be a wellness spa. Members and Non Members can partake in a variety of services to renew, restore, and rejuvenate the mind and body. For example, the wellness spa offers nutrition services to design a health program for individual needs. Manicurist perform natural nail services using Deborah Lippmann products (infused with healing ingredients and non toxic chemicals) and provide a therapeutic massage. If you’re searching for assistance with fatigue, weight gain, detoxification, and hormone rebalancing, The Still Point at Haven On The Lake has doctors on staff for Naturopathic Medicine.

In addition, the wellness spa offers traditional services such as a hydrating sugar polish, warm salt glow, contouring wrap, healing wrap, detoxifying wrap, and sunless tanning. I had a wonderful experience visiting the new location and indulged in a theraputic hand massage with Toma Skin Therapies products and exfoliation with epsom/sea salt. The aromatherapy from Toma Essential Oils also provided a relaxing scent when entering the wellness spa.

Haven on The Lake has become my new favorite wellness spa in the Columbia area. I am planning another visit (in the near future) to endulge in a renew manicure and acupuncture service. To learn more about Haven On The Lake click here and follow them on twitter for updates.

If you like this post: The Still Point Girls Spa Night

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / January 23, 2015

Lifestyle Segment on Fox 45 Morning News: Health Benefits of Drinking Tea in Winter Months

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on Fox 45 Baltimore WBFF sharing the benefits of drinking tea in the winter months. Brewing a cup of tea can serve as an aid with weight loss, stress relief, and help give a boost of energy. Also, black tea is the equivalent of drinking coffee due to a stimulating substance call theophyllin.

Although there’s a social aspect to drinking tea, we have to remember the original health benefits. Personally, I like to drink tea as a preventative measure against colds and to boost my immune system. If I’m not feeling well or have an upset stomach, I brew a cup of tea and drink it in the afternoon (or before bedtime) to flush away the toxins. Below are additional health benefits:

1. Reduce the risk of heart attack

2. Fights free radicals

3. Helps diabetics better process sugar

4. Improve bone density

5. Helps with relaxation and concentration

I was super excited to share the following products and showcase my favorite tea cups. Don’t forget to purchase Carrington Organics Tea, Sparkling Ice Bottled Tea, Downtown Abbey Tea, or visit Caffe bene new tea house (nationwide) for a relaxing experience.

If you like this post, click here: National Wine Day Television Segment

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Category: Uncategorized