Category Archives: Fashion

Products to Kick-Start your New Year’s Resolution

12 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by in Au Naturale, Fashion, Fitness, Life[style], Product Reviews, Shopping, Snacks

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Happy New Year!  How’s everyone doing with their New Year’s resolutions?  I’m committed to feeling fit, healthy & energized this year and wanted to share a few products that are helping me along the way:

  • Breakfast with Back to the Roots cereals:  It’s a new year, start it clean. For this Cali-based organic food start-up, there is nothing more personal or important than what we eat and put in our bodies 3x a day. They’re’re passionate about “Undoing Food” and creating sustainable, delicious products to help kids and families reconnect with their food and how it’s grown. These organic cereals are found online or at Whole Foods and boast just 3-4 ingredients each…simple, natural & healthy way to start my day!cereal
  • Coffee with NextSugar:  There’s a new sugar alternative on the market that is finally delivering the solution that so many people (including health researchers & medical professionals) have been waiting for: NextSugar. NextSugar is the world’s first low glycemic, non-GMO and Kosher natural cane sugar that has a sweetness intensity and profile of conventional sugar, but with a groundbreaking advantage: its unique composition naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. AND it’s suitable for any traditional use of sugar, such as baking, cooking and sweetening.

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  • Organic deodorant & lip balm from Green Goo:  This new year, start fresh by making a few healthy swaps with your daily body care products! This organic skincare line provides pure, natural and healing ingredients to nourish skin. Green Goo believes in using only the highest-quality, natural, beneficial ingredients the earth has to offer… food for your skin!

green-goo

  • New black jeans from SlimSation:  Never underestimate the power of great fitting, ankle-cut black pants. The goal isn’t only to look on-trend, but to look fit at the same time. SlimSation is a women’s clothing brand offering the highest form of comfort. Their ankle pants, skirts, and jeans are all made with a flexible tummy control panel. These panels work to contour your waist, slim your tummy, and shape your hips, all while keeping you comfy. They move with you, keeping your figure looking great throughout the day, whether you’re working, playing, or running errands. Plus, the secret slimming panel can’t be seen, but the effects of it are unmissable. pants

Mom-to-mom life hacks from designer Rebecca Minkoff

11 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in ATX Events, Fashion, Interviews, Shopping

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Earlier this Fall, I received an invitation to interview Rebecca Minkoff before her meet & greet event at Neiman Marcus – Austin.  Rebecca Minkoff is an industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel.  Her playful and subtly edgy designs can be spotted around the world on young women and celebrities alike.

Guests enjoyed light bites, cocktails, and hip beats while shopping a well-curated selection of Minkoff’s Fall ’16 line across all categories.  The space was full of booties with embroidery and clutches with colorful tassels!  A local artist was on-hand customizing pieces with monogramming, plus the designer herself signed purses for fans.  At first I was a little embarrassed to bring in my ancient canvas & leather tote, but turns out  Minkoff loved seeing this little blast from the past (it’s like 9 years old & bears her old logo)…and she even snapped a pic of it to share with her team!rm-bag-pic

Meeting her up close & personal was such a fun opportunity!  She is everything you’d imagine an international fashion designer to be:  tall, slender, styled all fashion-forward, but totally funny & charming, too.  She runs a legit major fashion line with her brother and seemingly rocks her role of wife & mom, too.  Of course, I couldn’t help but ask her about being a mom:rm-interview-pic-2

–What’s one thing every mom should have in her M.A.B.? (the ‘Morning After Bag’ that propelled her brand into the limelight)

RM:  A paci and silver gel.

–Silver gel?  Never heard of it!  Is that like colloidal silver?

RM:  Yes, it’s like this (gestures to a bottle of Purell on our table) but it’s natural.  It’s great for kids because they’re always touching everything.  You can put it on their fingers and just under the nose.

{Awesome tip for keeping the little ones healthy, right?  Apparently it has powerful antimicrobial properties.  Check out some brands & types of silver gel here on Amazon.}

–So I read somewhere that asking a woman “How to you balance it all?” is the new “What are you wearing?”  …I still think it’s a very relevant question for moms, so I’ll go ahead and ask it anyway.

RM:  It’s relevant because we’re all hoping someone has the answer, hoping someone’s got it all figured out.

–That’s comforting to hear that maybe even someone a successful as you is still perhaps feeling the same way as the rest of us!  You totally seem to have it all together, though.  What’s a mom-to-mom life hack you can share?

RM:  Hmm, that’s a hard one!  I try to do a very conscious job of not fitting kids into a mold.  I let them be free as kids, rather than this force of boxing them in.  I try & stay calm…just be a sea of calm, because they feed off how you react.  Comfort is greater than sympathy.

Guest Post: Soft Surroundings Opening Event by Cassie LaMere

28 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Fashion, Holidays, Shopping

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Although temps outside may not scream hot cocoa, inevitably the months will sneak up on us and before you know it, you’ll be decorating your tree and wrapping the presents to go underneath. With the official start of fall now behind us, it’s time to begin thinking about holiday shopping lists to get those perfect gifts ready ahead of the eventful season! Now more than ever, busy schedules are the norm; we are all doing our best to find balance, which includes seeking ways to make more efficient use of what little time we have day-to-day. That’s why I love when I can find a thoughtfully curated shop that allows me to pick up a variety of items- only one parking spot and checkout transaction required.

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Editor’s Note:  Follow our guest blogger Cassie LaMere on Instagram @BonjourAmi for all kinds of inspirational Fashion & Event Planning goodness.

Imagine my delight to discover that dream destination exists in the new Arboretum boutique, Soft Surroundings! They’re new location, the first in Austin, truly is an ideal store for the multi-tasker in all of us. While browsing their items, I was excited to find pieces that would easily appeal to several of the very important people in my life. Soft Surroundings was created to be a multi-generational shopping experience where you and your mom, sister or daughter could each find something special that speak to your tastes and interests.

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The perfect game-day clutch that can easily go from the cheering section to cocktails.  $98.95

The diverse offerings of this boutique made it easy for me to select unique, personal gift options that I know will be well-received during gift exchanges this holiday season. But let’s be honest: if you’re like me, you can’t help but find something for yourself when out gift shopping for others. True to form, I found a new must-have accessory to add to my collection in between checking names off of my list. Although easy to sometimes forget, Soft Surroundings’ ethos about the importance of treating yourself is a welcomed reminder to pick up a new lipstick or travel-friendly hat in addition to tackling your task list.

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“Claire” packable felt & wool hat:  my personal new favorite item that makes accessorizing while traveling effortless!  $49.95

What’s even better is with the head start, I’ve avoided the stress of making last minute purchases, which always seem to be a compromise, and instead I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy glasses of festive bubbly and time with loves ones! Below are some of my picks that will be sure to bring tidings of comfort and joy:

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A selection of clever & insightful books for 9-to-5 and after 5 o’clock somewhere.  $14.95 — $20.

 

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Fabulous tartan plaid shirtdress perfect for holiday gatherings.  $129.95

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The absolute coziest jacket that you will literally want to live in.  $64.95

 

Mixing Pearls + Leather with designer Wendy Mignot

14 Thursday Jul 2016

Posted by in Au Naturale, Fashion, Product Reviews, Shopping

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I’ll admit, I haven’t always loved my birthstone.  As a June birthday girl, I used to think the pearl wasn’t as fancy or precious as say, the ruby (the stone for my mother’s July birthday).  But, as I’ve gotten older & wiser –and my tastes have refined!– I’ve come to love the pearl and delight in wearing it with my summer whites all season long.  I relish in the fact that each & every pearl is unique and are found in different colors and shapes around the world.  I was honored to receive a unique fine pearl and leather bracelet from designer Wendy Mignot for my birthday this year and wore it all during my recent weekend away in Vegas…

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No one takes the classic white freshwater pearl out of its shell and into fresh, trending jewelry settings better than designer Wendy Mignot.  For over a decade, she has been the leader in fashioning pearls found naturally in freshwater rivers and seas with naturally tanned and hand-rolled leathers.  I’m wearing the Coastal Single Freshwater Bracelet in White, size 6.5″ — the pearl is HUGE and the handmade quality is so good!

Pearl bracelet airport

What I like about her designs that that they are a fresh mix of materials that work well with various looks & locations.  My piece was just as fab with a dress at brunch as it was  poolside.  I’m rocking it in the pic above stacked with my watch for a casual but upscale airport look.  View all of Wendy Mignot’s artistically designed creations at www.wendymignot.com

pearl bracelet box

His & Hers: Valentine’s Day Gifts

31 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by in Dapper Dad, Fashion, Holidays, Shopping

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The perfect gift for HIM:  This year, I decided to get Ryan something functional yet fancy at the Boardroom Salon for Men.  He refuses to let me book him a massage and no way would he be down with joining me for a pedi, so this is about as close as he’ll comfortably get to a ‘day of pampering.’  Plus, he just started a new job and I know he’s focused right now on putting his best foot forward when it comes to looking polished & professional.  He’ll be getting their Benchmark signature service, which includes:

Personal consultation
Tailored Cut
Rejuvenating paraffin hand dip
Energizing shampoo and conditioning
Scalp massage
Pressure-point facial massage
Steamed towel
Stress relieving hand massage
Cleansing rinse
Finishing touch stylingBoardroom

The perfect gift for HER:  I was recently sent this necklace from Helen Ficalora:  a stunning sterling silver “love” disk charm on an 18″ fine chain.  The designer’s inspiration comes from her passion for her friends & family and this collection celebrates those we love and cherish.  Each piece is handcrafted to express an appreciation for beauty, love and peace.  –I adore this piece and the message behind it!  Helen Ficalora 1

Featured frequently in the media, Helen Ficalora pieces are a favorite among celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Tina Fey and Karlie Kloss, to name a few.  The Valentine’s Day collection is available in Yellow, Pink, and White 14k Gold with select pieces also available in Sterling Silver.  The prices range from $75-$1800, making them the ultimate gift for any budget.  And, how cute is this pink packaging?!?Helen Ficalora 2.JPG

Joie de Vivre on How to Survive an Austin Summer

01 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in Everyday Joie, Fashion, Shopping

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Thanks for the love, Luxe!

luxe apothetique

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We met up with Austin blogger Lindsey J. Wiese of Joie de Vivre and talked all things Summer. From style to sweets, we delved into this busy mom’s must-haves when it comes to surviving the Texas heat in style.

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Fashion Trends for Fall ’15: my favorite looks

21 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by in Fashion, Shopping

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Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting front-row for The Fall ’15 Trend Event at Neiman Marcus, Austin.  The evening centered around an intimate & comprehensive runway presentation where upcoming seasonal-appropriate looks were shown in addition outlining little details like earrings, tights, and even lipstick.  The main event was accentuated with sorbet cocktails by Frost 321 (think boozy ice cream!) and chic light bites.  Neiman Marcus has a way of not only cutting through the clutter by perfectly predicting next season’s big trends but also showing us ways to wear them.  Really, Fall is such a big season for both fashion in general as well as building a personal wardrobe so I always pay close attention to their annual fall forecast and plan ahead.  Here are shots of my favorite looks from their list of Fall 2015 fashion must-haves:

  • Folklorica:  A global array of embroidery, patchwork, lace, and fringeNeiman Marcus Fall '15 Trends: Folklorica
  • The Last Layer:  Dusters, ponchos, and capesNeiman Marcus Trends for Fall '15: The Last Layer
  • Full-bodied Reds:  Crimson, carmine, claret (and for lips, too)Neiman Marcus Fall '15 Trends: Full-bodied Reds
  • White Out:  We’re forecasting a wintry mixNeiman Marcus Trends for Fall '15: White Out (winter whites)
  • The Return of the Flare:  Jeans and pants with a leg-flattering kickNaiman Marcus Trends for Fall '15: flare legs

 

My finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

19 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in Fashion, Fitness, Shopping

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Have y’all checked out the this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet?  It’s my favorite sale of the year and we do a lot of our Fall shopping during this time.  My picks this year are just no-fail closet staples:  tees, workout wear, and classic cashmere.  It’s always a win when you can find high-end basics at a reduced price!  Slide1

Clockwise beginning from top left:

1.  Nike ‘Venom Tempo’ Dri-FIT Shorts & ‘Tempo’ Track Shorts:  Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to commit to a regular gym routine since my baby was born.  BUT, what we do love are our regular evening walks around the new ‘hood just before her bedtime.  These shorts will serve me well outdoors during our hot Texas summers.  I went with a fun print (hello, hot pink leopard!) and a classic black.

2.  Nike ‘Performance’ No-Show Socks (3-pack):  Quality no-show socks are hard to come by!  I’ve tried several cheaper brands and they usually slip off at the heel or the elastic wears out prematurely.  My other Nike socks are the best I’ve got — slow to wear out and quite breathable.  I don’t ever see them marked down, so this was a solid buy in my book.

3.  Nike ‘Free Flyknit 5.0 TR’ Training Shoe:  Because, new shoes.  And if I’m going to be doing the utilitarian mom look in public, I might as well have fresh clean kicks.  Grocery store runs deserve a dose of cute, too.

4.  Halogen Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee:  Another great Anniversary Sale staple!  I nabbed this classic white tee because of the nice lightweight cotton fabric and the super-flattering fit.  Trust me, the V-neck tees at Target aren’t cut as well or feel as soft — this one is on sale at a similar pricepoint so definitely check them out!

5.  Halogen Zip Back Cashmere Sweater:  A go-with-anything, dress-up or dress-down topper.  With temps in the 100s later this week, I won’t be able to wear this Fall find for awhile, but the cashmere material stretches it between seasons.  Love the longer length & all the prints & colors.

How to: festival style with a sophisticated spin

02 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by in Fashion, Shopping

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Living in Austin, a.k.a. the Live Music Capital of the World, concerts are a regular part of life.  Besides hosting widely acclaimed mega-festivals such as ACL Fest and SXSW, there are more live music venues per capita here than any other place on Earth.  You can even stumble upon free shows (GOOD ones, too!) at the local grocery store.  Safe to say, us Austin gals know our festival style.

Let me preface:  I’m not hipster or boho or rocker-chic or whatever-enough to pull of those badass outdoor festival looks a la Coachella.  I never go costume-y; I just dress like a more eclectic artsy version of myself.  Also, now that I’m in my 30s and have a tiny breastfeeding babe at home, gone are the days of raging for a 2-day outdoor live music scene. –That ish requires a more utilitarian/camper-girl uniform aimed at enduring the heat & other smelly sweaty conditions in order to survive until the headliner each night.  Nowadays, I beeline for a tent to stand under, map out exact stage times for my fave bands, and only stay for a set or two.

At the last couple of fashionable festival events I attended, I had the honor of my ‘street-style’ being captured by photographers from some of fashion’s most fabulous retailers.  First, let’s talk the biggest media/music gathering around and one of the first big festivals of the year, SX:  CUSP by Neiman Marcus was on the scene for #NMMakeSomeNoise and their stylists shared their top ensembles to forecast looks for the rest of festival season 2015.  –I was thrilled to find I was included in their list!

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Next, came the R29 Style Festival hosted this past weekend weekend at The Domain.  It was super innovative and quite interactive:  they had a DIY band tee styling station, braid bar, flash tats, and pop-up shops from indie designers.  All the fun was capped off by an intimate show by the band MAGIC!  If you live in any of the cities remaining on the tour –Miami, Philly, Boston-area, or D.C.– I highly recommend you make it out to this free event.  It was pretty cool to see that Simon Malls reposted my Insta from this fest on their web site:

Simon Mall

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Photo credit: Lauren Cevallos, Director of Photography, Luxe Apothetique

So, if you’re wanting to create a more sophisticated festival style look, I would steer clear of the overdone booty jorts, cut-off tees & combat boots.  I tend to gravitate to trousers in a lightweight fabric with a tank & vintage hat or a breezy printed dress topped off by milkmaid braids & sunnies.  Other stylish yet fest-functional pieces I love are:

  • Kimonos:  packs a beautiful sartorial punch & keeps those shoulders from burning
  • Booties: keeps those toes grass & mud-free; bonus if they’re faux (because shoes get stained & stepped on at these things)
  • Cross-body handbags:  Holds essentials so you can throw those hands up in the air
    • Recommended packing list:  driver’s license, medical insurance card, cash, lip balm, sunblock stick, and Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths (because you have no idea how handy wipes can be out there!  These are awesome & come lightly scented with a powder finish.)

Also, current trends that I think translate well onto the music festival scene are fringe (on boots, bags & more) and tassels (on long necklaces & at the ends of boho sleeves). Whatever festival look you’re going for, don’t leave home without a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes.  Drink lots of water and rock on, ladies!

Welcome to Miami: Sun-Protection Tips & Coolibar review

17 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by in Baby Girl A, Fashion, Shopping, Travel

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Our new little family of three went on our very first vacation together over Easter weekend.  Mama was craving some beach time & Dada had never been to Miami, so we booked a direct flight to spend a few days on South Beach!  Since we’d be traveling with a three-month-old, I was nervous about how the baby would take it…I was worried about her ears on the plane ride, about what baby gear to tote around, how she’d sleep in an unfamiliar hotel room, etc.  Aside from all these factors, another point of concern was sun protection.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles after five or more sunburns, making skin protection a priority for families preparing to hit sunny destinations this spring & summer.  It can be overwhelming getting everyone packed and ready, and bringing along sun protection is often overlooked.  Along with our organic baby-safe sunscreen, we were fully protected in Coolibar, makers of sun-protective clothing for the whole family that looks good, wears well and lasts a lifetime.

Here are some tips to make sure your family’s skin is protected and your vacation isn’t spent tending to painful sunburns:

  • Make sure to wear lightweight clothing that is tightly woven (t-shirts do NOT block UV rays!), and contains a UV protection factor of 50. At Coolibar, all clothing has a UPF of at least 50 and is guaranteed to never wash out or fade. Sun-protective clothing is the BEST way to ensure skin is protected from UV when out in the sun.

    Coolibar womens sun tunic dress

    Sun protective clothing can be really cute, too! Feeling great in this flattering tunic from Coolibar, perfect for anything from brunch to beach.

  • Pack your own sunscreen whenever possible to ensure it will be readily available, and to save some money. Popular vacation destinations often double or triple the price of sunscreen on-site.
  • Make sure to reapply sunscreen to areas not covered with clothing EVERY two hours, when done swimming, and after lots of sweating. You can minimize the amount of sunscreen needed (and avoid the chasing and tears when applying) by covering kids as much as possible with sun-protective clothing.
  • Make sun protection fun! Choose clothing that kids get excited about so they will love wearing it.  We chose this bright pink sun hat for our little one.

    Baby A is modeling the Baby Girl's Splashy All Sport Hat: http://www.coolibar.com/product/Baby/Sun-Hats-Accessories/Baby-Girls-Splashy-All-Sport-Hat/pc/2379/c/0/sc/2395/155855.uts

    Baby A is modeling the Baby Girl’s Splashy All Sport Hat!

  • Adults need protection too, and more coverage is better. Pack long-sleeve sun-protective shirts and wraps for long days in the sun, or for when it’s a chilly day.
  • Make sure the kids take regular breaks from the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest, and make sure they are drinking lots of water. Set your phone’s alarm for reminders to get your family in the shade, reapply sunscreen and get some water.  –One thing we did after taking our dip in the ocean was wrap baby up in this.

    Made in the shade! Relaxing post-swim in Coolibar's sun-protective baby blanket -- what a cool concept!

    Made in the shade! Relaxing post-swim in Coolibar’s sun-protective baby blanket — what a cool concept!

  • Hats are a huge defense against UV exposure! Longer brims add protection to the neck, shoulders and torso, as well as the face and top of the head. For every inch of brim, you reduce your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%.

    This lightweight & breathable Coolibar sun hat is PERFECT for traveling... completely packable, stylish sun-protection.

    This lightweight & breathable Coolibar sun hat is PERFECT for traveling… completely packable, stylish sun-protection.

  • Choose sun-protective clothing that folds easily and dries quickly, so you take up less room in your suitcase! Moisture-wicking clothing allows for a quick rinse at the end of the day and will often be dry and ready to wear the next morning.