Fashion Tips

Mango Tree Fitted Bangles

by christiem on May 6, 2012 · 15 comments

Ok so yeah, Earth Month is over but I won’t let that stop me on my quest for all that is Eco and Chic.

As I have said many times before eco-conscious fashions/accessories have come a long way in the past few years!  I get really excited when I find out that something I loved simply because it was beautiful is also a piece that is both sustainable and earth friendly.  Let’s face it folks, for me it has to be chic…I don’t see myself wearing anything that would be sold at a stand at a Grateful Dead or the back of a VW Bus at a Phish concert.

A few months ago while prepping for a swimwear shoot I was introduced to Mango Tree Fitted Bangles – beautiful eco-fab jewels inspired by the creators travels around the globe.

These exotic bangles are not only chic and perfect for wearing all summer, they incorporate two standout features that make them a fashion must- have!

First, the bangles are made from Organic Mango Trees in Thailand that can no longer bear fruit- hand made and hand painted each one is a unique piece of art.

PLUS

Never wear a baggy bangle again…how many times do you find a bangle that you love but its either too small or too large!  Mango Tree bangles actually come in different sizes!  (Small, medium. large and XL)  Hooray!

The bangles come in 3 different styles as well-slim, samba and bold- and in over 50 colors  retailing  for $21-$27 at www.mangotreebangles.com

So slip into your favorite  maxi-dress and stack on the Mango Tree Fitted  Bangles.. unique, sustainable, affordable and the perfect addition to your summer fashion repertoire.

Get ready folks, this is a good one!  

1 lucky winner will receive 2 fabulous Mango Tree Fitted Bangles in the style, color and size of their choice!

To ENTER:

First, if you haven’t already either “LIKE” us on facebook or subscribe VIA EMAIL- links to both are in the right side of the sidebar.

Next,  take a trip to the Mango Tree Fitted Bangle website www.mangotreebangles.com check out their bangles then leave a comment on this post between May 6 and May 12th telling me which is your favorite.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading.

Please leave comments.  I appreciate each and every one of them.

Last Weeks Lucky winner is Wendy!  Congrats!

Don’t forget to use the buttons below to SHARE this post of Facebook and Twitter!

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Getting Hitched the Royal Way

by christiem on March 18, 2012 · 26 comments

 

Spring is in the air and recently while perusing my favorite site (or should I say addiction) Pinterest I have noticed boards blooming and bursting with wedding ideas.  Tis the season for happily ever afters!

The Royal Wedding last year sent the wedding industry into a British trendsetting flurry which left women around the globe clamoring for one of Britain’s most fashionable wedding accessories: The Fascinator.

You may be curious yet nervous about Fascinators so I sat down with one of my favorite British imports Las Vegas Designer Claire Jane Vranian, creator and designer behind Inspired by Claire Jane, to get to the root of the Fascinator trend:

Q: What is a Fascinator?

CJ: A fascinator is a headpiece.  The word fascinator originally referred to a fine lacy head covering made from wool or lace but mostly feathers.  Today a Fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occations where hats are traditionally worn- such as weddings- or as an evening accessory. Ranging in size but always bigger than a Barrett most modern fascinators are made with feathers, flowers or beads. They are particularly popular at hose racing events such as the Kentucky derby and many brides choose to wear them as an alternative to a veil.

Q: Why do the British wear them?

CJ: For us Brits the tradition dates back to the time when the Anglican Church required ladies to keep their heads covered in Church, much like other religions still do to today. Hats and Fascinators have been a very important British fashion statement since the time of Henry VIII.  The media coverage of the Royal wedding brought this British tradition front and center to audiences around the world who have embraced it.

Q: How does one properly wear a Fascinator?  Where should it be placed on the head?

CJ: I think they look amazing with a big updo and smaller ones with the hair down, or hair pulled back right off the face to show the fashion piece, these are a fashion statements so if you’re going to wear one make it count!  I always like to show them leaning towards the front and to the right side of the head.

Q: What is the best way to secure them to ensure they stay in place?

CJ: For your big wedding day have your hair stylist place it in and have it reinforced with extra clips, especially if you’re having an updo they can work it into it. Otherwise pick a style that works with your hair. I create my fascinators either with a Headband or Clip, or both so they can be interchanged to suit the individual.

Q: What is the proper Fascinator ediquette?  Do you take them off indoors, take them off in church or leave them on the entire evening?

CJ: I think it’s up to the individual at their event. At the Royal Wedding they all stayed on in the Church and at Reception!

Q: What is a good rule of thumb when selecting a Fascinator?  How you get the the WOW factor rather than the WTF factor? Size, style, etc.

CJ: Buy one from ME!!  Hair fascinators need to be worn with confidence and pick one that is suited with your outfit and your headsize and hair type.  If you’re not sure but want to wear one, start off with a small to medium fascinator with your favorite colors.  I love to create custom orders so if you want something special for a wedding, cocktail party etc please email me at inspiredbyclairejane@gmail.com  with a photograph of your outfit.

Inspired by Claire Jane wants you to spend your next special occasion looking like a Royal.  

1 Lucky winner will receive a custom fascinator designed by Claire Jane in the size, color and specification YOU choose!  It could be for your wedding, a special event or just to add a bit of zest to an evening look!

TO ENTER:

First “like” Inspired by Claire Jane on Facebook OR Follow her on Twitter @Inspiredbycj

Then leave a comment on this post between March 18 and March 24th telling me where you would wear this stunning custom fascinator.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on Facebook and Twitter.

 Last week’s Lucky winner is Pamela Puppel!  Congrats!

WEDDING TIP:  Many couples approach the selection of their wedding photographer almost as an after-thought. They tend to get so caught up with all the really fun wedding details their guests will see – like the cake, the wedding decor, the gown, etc. – and they often don’t consider, until its too late, that selecting the right wedding photographer is just as important.

The photographer you choose to capture the moments of your wedding on film will play a very significant role in what is likely to be the single most important day of your life. Consider this: Long after the band stops playing, the guests have gone home, the flowers have wilted, all that will remain are memories and photographs.

McNulty Studios will capture the “moments” of your wedding through stunning editorial style photography. Visit www.mcnultystudios.com  to view their online portfolio and book them for your “affair to remember”.

 

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Smooth Operator- ResultWear

by christiem on February 19, 2012 · 7 comments

Sometimes the road to obtaining the perfect silhouette can be a rocky one filled with potholes, lumps and bumps that we would prefer to hide!

Smoothing things out can make all the difference in how your look comes across.

Enter THE celebrity secret smoothing weapon ResultWear by dMondaine.

ResultWear was created to meet the demand for shapewear that is not only beautiful but also lifts, shapes and creates a smooth silhouette.

Until my ResultWear discovery my dabbling into the world of shapewear had been a bit of a nightmare.  I had purchased shapewear from other brands, you know, the kind that look like biker shorts. Not only were they unattractive but it would take me an hour to shove myself into them like a sausage then I would head out to an event only to find them rolling down on me or pinching my thighs until I was in pain, embarrassingly squirming around trying to adjust them and then finally running to the restroom to take them off!

I sat down with Kiana Anvaripour the creator and designer behind ResultWear to get the “skinny” on her shapely solution.

Q: What inspired you create a shapewear line?

 K: After having been in luxury evening wear and intimates I began developing a classic LBD line. I designed RW whilst I was in search for a perfect accompaniment, that dipped low enough with out the use of an under-wire,  was just as sexy as the dresses so you had no apprehensions to take it off , and contour your body -actually giving it shape in all the best parts. I have always been inspired by old Hollywood glamour – hence the names in the collection such as the Marilyn and the Jane. Every piece has a modern yet vintage look – fashion and function.

Q: You call your line ResultWear instead of shapewear.  Why?

K: There is actually a funny story about the name. When I lived in London in my twenties every time I was preparing for a date I would alter parts of my form fitting dresses , a little here a little there. ( with Safety pins mind you.. ). And all my friends coined the phrase Kiana and her  ”ResultWear” – just going out to get some Results- and turn heads. A very tongue and cheek way of saying you get that extra boost of confidence which we gals need to look fabulous by accentuating the positive. I think we as woman should embrace our feminine silhouette and shape all the parts that make us women with out flattening them.

Q:  Some shapewear can be not only confining but down right uncomfortable with pinching, rolling and can basically take an army to get you into it. What makes ResultWear stand out from the rest?

K: What makes Result Wear different from other shapewear companies out there? ResultWear puts the shape back in shapewear. It smoothes and contours but puts everything in all the right places. The key piece the “Marilyn” is easy to get on and off due to its zipper, and once on  it is very comfortable and breathes. Many of our celebrity clients love the performance fabric aspect of the garments because it is so comfortable as well as our veteran buyers which say it withstands the hosiery test and stays put!  Most of all,  its sexy and sleek so you don’t have to be embarrassed when the clothes come off – We are women – lets celebrate our curves – and with the help of ResultWear make them sexier.

Q: Contrary to many people’s beliefs even celebs need shapewear.. give us the dish on who is wearing ResultWear!

K: We have a fabulous fan following. Even if you are a double zero, curves are feminine and the bands in the RW pieces achieve that. To name a few Sofia Vergara, Halle Barry, Ginnie Goodwin, Fergie etc. Michelle Williams –  It is also a fashion item meant to be shown off or worn under sheer which lends itself to another use as well.

Q: How should a woman choose which of the silhouettes to wear?

K: We have a wonderful how to wear guide on our website that shows you how to not only pick your size and silhouette but how to merchandise it. ResultWear can be shown off.. In fact the latest trend for sheer is perfect for any fashionista who needs a shaping slip to wear with her sheer blouse or dress. People will wonder it its even part of the dress as they often do when I merchandise it with my sheer items. (for ResultWear styling tips visit ResultWear.com )

No more hiding those ugly knickers like Bridget Jones, ResultWear‘s  stunning styles  look more like a chic evening dress than shapewear AND it  does exactly what it’s suppose to, shape your body!

ResultWear by dMondaine should be EVERY woman’s secret weapon.

Available at Neiman Marcus.

ResultWear wants to give you a smooth start!  1 lucky winner will receive a Marilyn Slip from ResultWear.

To ENTER:

First, if you haven’t already, “like” this blog on Facebook or Subscribe VIA email- both links can be found in the upper right side of sidebar.

Then leave a comment on this post between Feb 19th and Feb. 24th telling me why you need ResultWear to smooth you out.

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” this post on Facebook and Twitter.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

Last Weeks Lucky winner is Karen G.!  Congrats!

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Sports Chic

by christiem on January 29, 2012 · 7 comments

(above: Rachel Roy and Amar ‘e Stoudemire)

I know you ladies enjoy sports just as much as the guys but sports loving fashionistas are left in a stylish quandary. 

We want to support our teams but we don’t want to look ridiculous in oversized, unflattering, over-produced sports fan attire!  Bulky and Blah!  Why can’t  a gal show her love for sports in a fashionable way?

Fashion designer Rachel Roy saw that the fashion sports attire market  was dropping the ball on womens clothing and teamed up with NY Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire on a chic collection perfect for even the most fashion forward sports fan.  SCORE!

“The collection is for my girls who want to look great at a game or hanging out with their friends. Its casual, cool courtside chic.” -Rachel Roy.

The collection is based on looks for girls who attend sporting events and who want to look cute but sometimes don’t know what to reach for.  Whether your a New York, Miami, Boston, LA, or Chicago fan the Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudemire Collection available at Macy’s will have you cheering!

Support you team in Style!  1 lucky winner will receive 2 pieces from the collection in a 1 size fits all sizing.

To ENTER:

First, if you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog.  You can subscribe VIA EMAIL at the top right of sidebar.

Then, leave a comment on this post between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4th telling me your favorite Sport and Team.

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on Facebook and Twitter!

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!  Go Team!

Last Week’s lucky winner is Lisa!  Congrats!

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Buckle Up with Raina

January 15, 2012

The belt is the single most underestimated accessory. A belt can aid in flattering your figure, adding a chic touch to your look, and keeping things in place. Think of it as the cherry on the top of a sundae. Choosing a belt and knowing how to use it can be a little overwhelming, so [...]

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Cambodia Clutch

January 9, 2012

(above: Abi Ferrin Nikki 5-way dress in kelly green) Fashion designer Abi Ferrin strives not only to make women LOOK good but to make women FEEL good as well. She aims to empower women-by wearing  her sleek, sexy designs you are also giving back to to the global community through her Freedom Project. The Freedom [...]

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Downy + Bounce Team up on Wrinkles

December 24, 2011

As a stylist I keep several secret weapons on hand at all times. One of my biggest finds is a sweet smelling little friend that packs a big wrinkle free punch. On camera (and in daily life) its important to look your best, but maintaining it throughout the day can be a bit of a challenge. Many [...]

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Red Carpet Baby.

December 11, 2011

(above: CELEBRITY BABY TREND EXPERT, RACHEL FLORIO-URSO) Ever wonder how Suri, Kingston and Shiloh always look so hip?   Well, like any other celebrity they have a great stylist behind their look. I sat down with CELEBRITY BABY TREND EXPERT, RACHEL FLORIO-URSO to get to the milk and cookies on the top holiday gifts, fashion trends and splurges that will [...]

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CurrentlyObsessed.me

December 8, 2011

For all of you fashionistas out there who continuously ask me “Where did you find that” and “How can I get one?”   I am excited to annouce I have the answer to all of your questions! Now you can  follow my LATEST OBSESSIONS on the new site Currently Obsessed, where you can “stalk” you [...]

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Good Night Gilda true Hollywood Glamour

November 20, 2011

I am captivated by the chic classic lingerie and undies of silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Rita Hayworth.  Sexy, timeless, luxurious and alluring- true Hollywood Glamour. These days I walk into a lingerie store (two major retailers VS and FoH come to mind) and all I see are pieces that look alot more [...]

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