Cooling In The Shade In My Cool Momma Fedora…
$308 – matchesfashion.com
$21 – dorothyperkins.com
$13 – wetseal.com
$13 – forever21.com
$32 – swell.com
Soludos– the espadrille brand has collaborated with designer Mara Hoffmanon four exclusive styles for Summer 2012.
Each pair retails for $45, available today at Soludos.com. Soludos x Mara Hoffman will also be available later this week on MaraHoffman.com.
There is nothing like receiving a stylish surprise in the mail and the other day, that’s just what happened! Ok, maybe the fact that I had a package being shipped to me wasn’t a surprise, but it’s what was inside of the package that happened to be one.
The other week, I was invited to participate in a styling challenge on behalf of Style Pooh-Bahs for Iman Global Chic latest collection, which is sold on HSN (Home Shopping Network). Iman Global Chic is an affordable, fashion-forward accessory and clothing collection created by THE iconic supermodel Iman. Just like that last sentence begins and ends with the name ‘Iman’, such is the case with the runway – Iman is the model of models.
The challenge was to incorporate her new fabulous python embossed Arm Candy Satchel into my own personally styled look. Her satchel is one that works not just for the summer months, but one that will be coordinated with a number of my looks come the fall, just as well. My new bag has plenty of room for all of the necessities – which in my case – is always a good thing. I’m not going to say that I stuff my bags with alot of things (ok, maybe I do), but my Arm Candy Satchel gives me just enough room for a notepad, my camera and maybe a magazine.
With classic pieces within my wardrobe that range from classic to edgy – I was up to the challenge and pulled a look together that combined elements of both moods for a laid-back Saturday afternoon hanging out. If you happen to love my look, you can comment and vote for my look in the style challenge here on the Iman Global Chic Face Book page: http://www.facebook.com/IMANGlobalChic
My New Arm Candy Satchel by Iman Global Chic
My Outfit: Black Sheer top from Kenneth Cole (purchased years ago, but I have held on to it because sheer is always has and always will be chic,
regardless of it being “a current trend”); my denim vest a revamp from my closet per a previous post; black Bermuda shorts from Old Navy; in
the denim vest pocket is a leopard scarf that I used as a pocket square; my gold necklace has metallic and leopard charms.
Shoes: Donald J. Pliner…purchased about a year ago.
The Bag, The Bracelets, The Rings:
Bag: Arm Candy Satchel by Iman Global Chic (hsn.com) available starting Wednesday, May 23rd
On Wrist: Movado watch, Museum collection; cuff by Evocateur; thin ivory and gold bracelet by Kora (previous season)
On Hand: faux gold and pearl ring from Charming Charlie; silver ring with gold beading by Lagos (a gift from about 5 years ago)
Two things that I found out yesterday at the Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear launch was that….#1 – Bethenny Frankel believes that every woman should feel comfortable and confident..and #2..she is awfully generous because guess what…she wanted to make sure that one of my lucky readers could win a cami from her Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear collection.
I have one medium cami to give away and entering is easy! Simply comment below with your name and your e-mail and one lucky person will be selected. You must live in the U.S.
This cami top can be yours (not the boy shorts) :
Reality star and super-fabulous entrepreneur, Bethenny Frankel has added yet another notch under her belt – an exclusive Skinnygirl Solutions Shapewear deal with America’s favorite department store Macy’s.
Yesterday, I got a chance to attend the Skinnygirl Soultions event at the Renaissance Times Square Hotel in New York City.
Her new Skinnygirl Solutions collection is expected to launch in select Macy’s stores this month making it a shapewear collection that is accessible, aspirational and affordable for women to buy.
The sexy-lingerie inspired collection is functional enough to solve body challenges, yet versatile enough to be worn as outerwear as part of an outfit. All the basis are covered with a range of shapewear styles and retails under $65.
When asked about the perfect fit of a shapewear piece from the Skinnygirl Soultions collection, Bethenny Frankel explained, “The key is to have a smooth fit, in the proper size, that’s not too small. You know that a piece is too small when it rolls up or a certain area busts out that should appear smooth.”
4 Key Pieces From The Skinnygirl Solutions Line:
- A One-Piece Slip
- Cupped Cami
- Pair Of Briefs
- A One Piece Bodysuit
Style Pooh-Bah Q&A: Reality Star Gayle Giacomo of Jerseylicious Talks About Her GG Gatsby Hair Care Line
Now that we’ve heard all the rage about the new GG Gatsby hair care line, some of you may want to know more about the products within the line-up. Well, great news..Ms. Gayle Giacomo took time out of her very busy and demanding schedule (thank you so much Gayle) to answer a few questions giving all the deets (details) about the brands products!
Naima: The Gatsby girls of Jerseylicious have put full hair on the map! So for those women dying to know – how can they pump up the volume in their hair with the GG Gatsby hair care collection?
Gayle: I recommend our Ooh La La Volume Collection, starting with our Raise Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, then towel dry your hair and at your roots then all over apply & blow-dry our Over –the-Top Root Lift Spray for that REAL Jerseylicious Hair! Every Jersey style needs to finish with a fabulous hairspray, our is even Anti- Humidity for the hot, steamy summer nights, Against Gravity Hairspray will keep your hair up all night long!
Naima: Gayle, I was excited to learn that your new hair care collection doesn’t include harmful chemicals. With years of hair care and styling under your belt, what do you find are the benefits of using shampoo and conditioner made of natural ingredients vs. those that aren’t?
Gayle: The Ooh La La Volume Shampoo and Conditioner does NOT contain sulfates, parabens and phthalates, which in turn treats the hair in a more gentle manner. Especially if your hair is colored or has been keratin treated, this care line will truly do that, CARE for your hair!
Naima: Within the GG Gatsby hair care collection there is the Ultimate Lift Dry Shampoo powder, which seems ideal for scenarios such as freshening up the hair after a quick workout. But, what if a woman uses a lot of hair products to style her hair such as moisturizer or holding spray – is the Ultimate Lift Dry Shampoo powder as effective in cleaning with those products in the hair?
Gayle: Our Ultimate Lift Shampoo Powder is a very exciting formula! It’s made of Oatmeal Flour and Micro-Crystals which work together to help neutralize odors, rids hair and scalp of dirt, oil, odor and product build-up! Just make sure your brush your hair thoroughly after applying the product. And the best benefit of the powder is that it builds volume by adding texture and definition!
Naima: I don’t know of a woman who isn’t often in need of or in search of the perfect holding spray – and the search sounds like it can be over with your Against Gravity Hairspray! Gayle, your hairspray tames frizz, which makes it sound that much more amazing – but is it a stiff hold that hardens, or is hair still soft after using the hairspray?
Gayle: Every woman needs to finish their style with a fabulous hairspray, ours is even Anti- Humidity for the hot, steamy summer nights. Against Gravity Hairspray will keep your hair up all night long! The amazing benefit of this hairspray is that it is a “buildable” hold spray, meaning you can spray a little for a soft-touchable hold, add some more hairspray for a stiffer hold and continue until you have the stiff-this hair is going no-where hold!!
Naima: As a successful business woman, what advice would you give other women who have ambitions goals of starting their own business or brand of their dreams?
Gayle: Owning your own business is very demanding. It is challenging trying to balance career with personal life. You have to make time for yourself. Some of my greatest ideas come when I take a few days to regroup..then I come back refreshed and better than ever.
Thanks Gayle!!
A summer staple that’s been spotted everywhere and proving to be a sizzling trend are denim shorts. So why not wear the trend while being ethically responsible?
LA based denim line Standards & Practices is a brand worth having on your radar! The jeans are produced using Ozone Technology, a treatment that decreases the impact of the washing process, making the collection eco-friendly. The denim collection ranges from $70 – $100 and is sold at local boutiques, Nordstrom.com, Alloy.com, and Torrid.com.
Shopping for denim shorts can be just as much of a challenge as it is when shopping for jeans. So, I got a few tips from Marcus Lansden, VP of design & Merchandising for Standards & Practices, to bear in mind while on the denim short shopping journey.
1. The length of the short– Long legs make almost any short wearable, but people with shorter legs generally look more flattering in a shorter length. If short stay away from shorts that hit right above the knee! Also shorts should only be tight if they hit right above the knee or just below, short shorts should not be tight around your thighs!
2. Skin coloration– believe it or not your skin tone makes a difference in the way a short looks on. This may or may not be an issue in the day of spray tanning but generally fair skin people do better in something with a little color or a deep blue denim, the darker the skin the more flexibility!
3. Pocket shape and size– As with a jean this is important because it can either enhance or detract from the way your bum looks. On a short you want a pocket that is placed to end at top of thigh, not one that runs down the back of leg. If you have a small butt, it looks better with a flap back pocket or a pocket with some details t as it tends to add fullness. If you have a large butt a cleaner shape and a reasonably smaller size pocket will be more flattering. Also front pocket scoop and shape affects how the short looks on the hip. If you are more curvy or full in the hip area stay away from side entry pockets and opt for typical jean style or trouser style pocket entry.
Other tips to remember when shopping for denim– white generally makes things look bigger and dark colors make things look smaller! Shorts can actually be very versatile, add some wedges and pretty blouse to dress up a pair or a tee and sandals for a casual look.
Guess what Style Pooh-Bah readers…
On June 7th, the Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection – a limited-edition capsule designed by Banana Republic in partnership with Trina Turk – featuring chic summer essentials inspired by the southern California lifestyle – will make its debut.
The collaboration will include, 60 pieces of flirty prints and must-have summer styles for all parts of a fashionista’s lifestyle, from desk side to poolside and everywhere in-between. In addition to Banana Republic and Trina Turk lovers in the United States, being able to wear the collection – those outside of the country will be able to own the collection too, in Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Japan, Turkey, and Korea, as well as, online in 24 countries through www.bananarepublic.com, www.bananarepublic.ca, and www.bananarepublic.eu.
Some Key Pieces in the collection include:
Apparel: $49.50 (shorts) – $150 (printed dress)
o Breezy daytime silk tops, including tunic, tie-shoulder and cowl-neck styles
o Tie-waist, twist-strap, strapless and maxi dresses in bright, airy silks and cottons
o Chic sateen shorts in sharp solids and bright prints
Swimwear: $58 (bikini bottom) – $68 (bikini top)
o Desert floral patterned bikini separates in halter and bandeau style tops with coordinating bottoms.
Jewelry & Accessories: $34.50 (bracelet) – $120 (pinking tote)
o Floral and zebra print scarves, structured pinking sheer totes and summer clutches in bright colors
o Printed wide-brimmed sun hat
o Bright and bold enamel jewelry, including stackable bangles, statement necklaces and earrings in limited edition printed jewelry pouches.
Lifestyle Items: $34.50 (makeup case) – $59.50 (beach towel)
o Printed makeup bag, pencil case and plush beach towels
Selma Blair is in on the look before it hits the stores! She was spotted recently in Beverly Hills holding her baby, while wearing the White Crazy Botanical Printed Sateen Shorts ($55) from the Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection!
Unfortunately, there have been a number of people who we have lost this year who were icons in both the music and entertainment industries.
Just yesterday, we lost Donna Summer, who was the Mother of Disco. Her hits have graced the radio airwaves, commercials and movies. Even though the disco era was way before my time and I wasn’t able to dance and party to her hits, I’m familiar because her songs have remained prevalent through the years. But not only was her music an influence on pop culture and other musicians, but her style was rather iconic, too.
How you ask? Well, remember Marc Jacobs Summer 2011 collection where models were spotted with flowers in their hair? The inspiration was Ms. Donna Summer. And in 2010, Marc Jacobs enjoyed himself at a Louis Vuitton party in London singing on stage with Donna Summer as she sung one of her hits, On the Radio.
Donna Summer performing on stage with a flower in her hair during the 1970’s.
Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
And there so many other trends that Donna Summer wore way before us, if not years before us..and they were:
Leopard Print
And remember how darn near everyone rocked the Head Wraps? She wore them first…
Sheer? Donna Summer has been there and done that, too…
Floral Print and Bold Shoulders…she looked fab wearing the look before some of us were even born and while some were still toddlers!!
And while we’re just now loving Tangerine and Mint Green Hues for Spring/Summer 2012..she had already been loving the colors!
What great style!!
Guess what BaubleBar is launching…
….On-line Designer pop-ups! Launching today, jewelry e-commerce site BaubleBar will be introducing a unique designer pop-up shop every week on Thursdays.
With each designer being showcased, exclusive prices and products will be made available for one month…so be sure to check them out each week, especially if you’re looking to up the ante of your personal jewelry selection.
Kicking off the launch of the initiative today is jewelry designer, Helen Ficalora. Her collection includes adorable charms and more ranging from about $30 – $475 (shoppers will also receive a gift with purchase) and can be purchased, here.
Summer Essentials: Swim & Shorts On Sale
With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, and sizzling days ahead – it’s time to prepare your wardrobe and stock up…with the help of Old Navy! Starting today until June 6th, Old Navy shorts will be on-sale for the entire family – adults starting at $15, kids starting at $10.
And it gets better…because on Saturday, May 19th – for one day only– all Old Navy swim will be 40% off for the entire family.
Style Pooh-Bah Nicole Scherzinger Looks FABULOUS…
For the Men In Black premiere in Berlin, Germany, actress, singer and dancer, Nicole Scherzinger turned to Paris couture designer Herve L Leroux for her international red carpet appearance. The ultra-sexy dress was a purple halter gown with sheer bottom.
STYLE POOH-BAHS 