Sponsored Posts

Dec 28

Tips For Relaxing Before The New Year

Posted on: December 28, 2009 @ 12:07 pm No Comments »

Got through all your Christmas shopping with money to spare? Need a break to just relax and focus on you? With all the chaos of shopping malls, parties, and eating tons of food, sometimes all we need is just a little time to ourselves, and maybe reward ourselves for working so hard throughout 2009.

Who doesn’t enjoy getting their nails done? But with most salons probably booked until after the end of the year, it would probably be less frustrating – and less costly – to just do your nails yourself! Giving yourself a small spa treatment not only makes you feel and look beautiful, but it can help you relax. Find winter color nail polish to put on your nails or toes while you watch your favorite movie, and be sure to trim and file your nail in a rounded square shape, and round point nails are more likely to break and ruin your handiwork.

Continue your spa day with some nice cozy slippers! These can really brighten your day and keep your feet warm while you spend the day at home and away from the holiday hubbub. And now fuzzy slippers come in flip-flops, so you can paint your toes with ease!

Winter air is one of the most taxing elements to your hair, so why not look into a cute beret as a way to keep your head warm and your hair healthy. Because the air is so dry, you need to take extra steps to maintain the moisture and shine, so a beret is the perfect way to cover up! Knitted or felt, berets usually come very cheap, so you won’t hurt your wallet either.

Believe it or not, but New Year’s is only a few days away, and soon there will be parties all around to bid 2009 a farewell and open up to 2010. These parties always bring a lot of glitz and glam, so you need to dress appropriately! Sequin heels provide all the sparkle you need to your dress; find metallic colors like gold or silver or a glittery black, and then look for a chunky necklace or bracelet to match, and you’re good to go!

Remember, sometimes you just have to take care of you! Spoil yourself one last time before the year is over!

Post sponsored by Like.com

Holiday Travel Checklist for Fashionable Gals

Posted on: December 22, 2009 @ 1:18 pm No Comments »

‘Tis the season of family, giving thanks, and exchanging warmth and love to fight the chilly climate, but it is also the season of travel. It’s no news that airports are flooded with holiday travelers who are going to visit their loved ones, or returning home for familiar faces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be chic or look cool despite the stress of baggage claim and security check-points. Here are a few things you should really consider having with you when you’re traveling this season.

One of the things that often puts a damper on our holiday mood before we even get to our destination is the airport, but it’s easy to be comfortable and looking good if you keep one word in mind: footwear. Moccasins are soft and easy to put on and take off when you go through security, and fleece-lined pairs are especially good for keeping your feet warm on the plane without constricting your blood flow, which is very important to be aware of when flying. If you like fashion more than function, moccasins now come with very cute buckles and other details, so they’re like flats without the pain of pinching and blisters!

Unless you’re lucky enough to be in a place where the winters are mild, you should always bring not just one scarf, but two. One can be warm and snuggly like a pashmina scarf for sitting by the fire or going ice-skating, and the other can be a little more sophisticated like a silk scarf. Silk scarves with patterns and designs are particularly beautiful and add the perfect touch of class to an otherwise plain outfit, but other silk scarves are high sheen and have a great variety of colors, so it’s like wearing jewelry that keeps you warm!

And unless you have a very strict itinerary and you know exactly what you’re doing, you should always pack one party-appropriate dress with you. Chances are, you’ll be going to at least one party, and you never know who you might run into while you’re there, so you definitely want to look your best. Little black dresses are your best bet, but why not find a party dress in your favorite color? You’ll be the bell of the ball, and you can pre-pack several different accessories like belts, earrings, necklaces, and maybe two different pairs of shoes in case you get invited to multiple parties. Just be sure to pick a style that is flattering but still conservative; one night you may be out to dinner with old friends, and the next night you’re with parents and relatives.

Finally, if you’re only staying a few days, or are making an effort to pack light, the perfect carry-on luggage will see you through. Hard-shell suitcases are now more lightweight and more durable than ever, so you don’t have to worry about struggling to carry it around or the contents inside. Bright colors and patterns are great for expressing yourself and easily recognizing which suitcase is yours in the overhead compartment, but if you’d rather have a more plain and inconspicuous bag, be sure to tie a bright ribbon (not red or blue…everyone uses those colors!) around the handle so you know which one belongs to you.

Have safe, happy, and stylish travels!

Post sponsored by Like.com

Howdy Cowgirl! Leather Boots With Western Flair

Posted on: November 30, 2009 @ 12:48 pm 10 Comments »

These boots aren’t just meant for the herders on the dude ranch; cowgirl boots are galloping into urban fashion and adding a mid-western twist to fashion.

Leather cowgirl boots are basic and an easy match for those who are just looking for a pair to match with jeans and a t-shirt. Though rugged at first glance, most cowgirl boots come with very feminine detailed stitching that incorporate swirls, curves, and flowers. Pull these over dark wash jeans, match with a plain shirt, and grab your favorite leather bag for a casual style that also speaks of strength.

Want something a little more edgy? Snakeskin cowgirl boots add more texture and patterns than their all-leather sibling, but try to stay away from boots that are entirely reptile. Instead, snakeskin on the toe is a much more tasteful way for you to strut your stuff like the sheriff of this town. Long, thin chain necklaces would look great as another accessory to add to the outfit.

With fancier boots like the ones pictures right, you can even wear them dresses or tunics with leggings. You don’t have to have an entire western-themed outfit to wear cowgirl boots. Pair them with almost anything you would normally wear and stand amazed at how the boots really spice up your entire outfit!

colored boots These solid color boots were made for walkin’, and that’s just what you’ll do when you find your favorite pair. Red is sassy and vibrant, but you can also find subdued pinks, rich blues, pure whites, and almost any other shade you want! Be wary of wearing other colors in your outfit that match your boots, because you risk looking a little too “matchy matchy”.

A fresh approach to the cowgirl boots incorporates cutouts and scoring of the leather. My favorites are these hand-tooled Rose boots, which take the previously mentioned flower pattern to a whole new level. They’re strong yet romantic, and would be perfectly paired with faded jeans and jewelry that also uses rose symbols.

So pretty!

Cowgirl boots can be the perfect way to sneak in another one or two inches of height while still maintaining casual attire. So saddle up, and work it like you’re in an old Western film!

Article Sponsored by Like.com

Leather Weather – Perfect Boots For Fall

Posted on: November 25, 2009 @ 1:41 pm 1 Comment »

sofft booties When the weather gets cooler, you know it’s time for leather boots. There is the standard black leather pointed toe boot that many women find too strong a style – or too tall a heel – to feel comfortable in. Worry not, because there are several alternatives that will have heads turning and you feeling your absolute best in the winter months to come.

Ankle boots have made a fierce appearance this season, and it’s smart to have a pair stashed away for the night out on the town. These Victorian-inspired ankle boots would look edgy when tucked into your skinny jeans, but also look darling and sweet when matched with textured leggings and a feminine dress.

blk boots Slouchy boots like these are a casual twist that go well with jeans, long flowing bohemian skirts, and even cuffed shorts if it’s warm enough! Because they will come somewhere between mid- to lower-calf depending on how tall you are, these boots will help to lengthen your legs and bring less weight to your feet.

platform boots If you think black isn’t your color, why not opt for the many shades of brown? Taupe or tan knee-high boots are a softer, more natural style that go well with jeans and a warm cozy sweater, perhaps for a romantic date at that local coffee shop. If you find one with an adjustable cuff, the cuff can be flipped up for an over-the-knee look as well!

A popular favorite is the flat knee-high boot, much like riding boots but without the buckles and heaviness. These shoes provide all the drama of tall boots, without the aching feet. Look for the V-cut in the back, which makes it much more comfortable for the back of your knee, so you don’t get that tight constricting leather cutting off the circulation to your legs when you sit down.

These are a fashion item that everyone gal should have, unless she lives in a tropical region, but she must also know how to respect her leather boots. Be sure that once you’ve invested in a sturdy pair that you like (and can pull out of your closet time and time again) that you continue to care for them. Make sure to polish them regularly, and they’ll look as new as the first day you bought them!

Article Sponsored by Like.com

Sweet Suede Boots – Fur, Fringe, Buckles and More!

Posted on: November 24, 2009 @ 1:59 pm No Comments »

uggliv01 They aren’t the most practical footwear if you live in a place with a lot of rain and snow, but suede boots are a sweet breath of fresh air from serious leather. When the weather is dry but the air is chilly, suede boots are the perfect item.

One of the best feelings in the world is slipping into a pair of faux fur lined suede boots. They’re casual, cozy, and look great with your denim tucked in or out. Just be sure to avoid pairing them with a shorts or skirts that are a little far on the small side; boots meant for winter matched with bottoms meant for summer is the greatest fashion contradiction, and it’s not very flattering.

“Boots with the fur” don’t have to exist only in song. Suede boots with fur trim are irresistibly touchable, and often come with small details like pom-poms or color stitching. If the fur is faux or cruelty-free, then it’s even better!

Looking for something with a little more sass? Fringe can add movement and dance to every step when the rest of you is tightly bundled in jackets or sweaters.

From a fringed cuff to layers all the way to the ankle, you can crank up the bohemian look as high as you want. Don’t like too much fluttering around your feet? Opt for boots that have fringes just along the side seams like these from Michael Kors, so you can still have a little skip in your gait.

Buckled suede boots are a stylish balance of softness and tough attitude. There is something about these shoes that evokes the image of fairy tales, like the swift forest hunter or the bold pirate fashionista. With this combination you can be brave in suede! Just be mindful when you walk; if you have a tendency of rubbing your calves or ankles while you strut, you risk catching the suede on the buckle and possibly damaging your boots, so stride with pride and caution!

Suede is a delicate material that needs to be cared for, but with the proper attention, you can have your outfit take on a softer tone with boots like these!

Article Sponsored by Like.com