Favorite Fashionistas

Glamazons, if you enjoy following this blog, then you will LOVE LOVE LOVE checking out these amazing fashion bloggers. These women all have impeccable style, and I am repeatedly inspired by what they share. They truly are the best of the best, constantly being recognized at blogging conferences, mentioned in fashion magazines and spotted at the most fabulous social events.

1. Cupcakes and Cashmere: This is the first fashion blog that I fell in love with, and it is still my favorite by far. Emily Schuman lives in Las Angeles, California, and she blogs about outfits, recipes, home décor, DIY projects and so much more. I particularly love this blog because she mixes designer names with more inexpensive pieces to achieve a sophisticated and feminine look. My favorite outfits can be seen here, here and here.

2. Sea of Shoes: Jane Aldridge is a daring diva. From the state of Texas, this girl is the queen of all things vintage and quite the risk taker. Her clothing combinations are colorful, bold and extravagant – definitely not for the faint of heart. Also, as the name implies, she posts about some fabulous shoes. Don’t believe me? Check here, here and (my favorite of all) here.

3. The Glamourai: First off, Kelly Framel pulls of cropped hair like nobody’s business, although her loyal followers know that she has been growing it out recently. (I think it’s because of her doe-eyed peepers.) Her outfit choices reflect the same element of quirkiness, and she always takes photographs of her outfits at the most visually pleasing locations. Check out what I’m talking about here, here and here.

4. Fashiontoast: When it comes to blending art and fashion, Rumi Neely knows how to create a masterpiece. Her coats are large and luxurious and her stems are always on display in sophisticated shorts. She plays with fun accessories like mouse-ear headbands but manages to look anything but childish. Click here to see the overall concept of her blog in one massive catchall post. If you still want more, see here and here.

You Are How You Eat

Photo by Shawn Campbell.

You all have already heard that you are what you eat, but what you might not have thought of is this: you are also how you eat. The following tips are to help the glamazon on the go eat cute, quiet and healthy.

Eat cute. There is nothing attractive about a brown paper lunch bag. It is extremely wasteful not to mention ugly. Upgrade to a chic reusable lunch container like this.

Eat quiet. If you’re going to be eating in a quiet environment where Dorito crunching would disturb others, be polite and pack “quiet food.” Fresh fruit like bananas or oranges, string cheese, yogurt or hummus and pita bread are all good options. Or if you’re hungrier, a sandwich works, but leave off the crisp lettuce.

Eat healthy. Typically around lunchtime is when you need a pick me up. Let your food energize you for the rest of the day. Marie Claire shares the five healthy foods that you should eat every day here.

Riding Solo

Photo by Leo Fung.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the single gals might be feeling a little less fabulous without a lover to share it with. Well snap out of it right now! You can still have a glamorous evening with the company of your true soul mates – your girlfriends. (Anyone get the Sex and the City reference?)

1. Have the girls over for dinner. Because restaurants are going to be packed with couples, stay in and cook dinner with your girlfriends. You can make “Lonely Hearts Lasagna,” “Singles Spaghetti” or “Bachelorette Baked Ziti. Ok, clearly, I’m partial to Italian food. For dessert, try these tasty treats courtesy of no other than Paula Deen.

2.  Host a Bachelor viewing party. This idea is from yumsugar.com, and you can click here to find out how it’s done. And if you’re in need of a flirty cocktail recipe, try these. Personally, I think the X-rated sangria sounds especially delicious.

3. Throw a singles party. If you aren’t in the mood for a strictly ladies only night, why not assemble all of the sexy singles you know for the evening? After all, misery loves company. If you’re feeling crafty, Better Homes and Garden shared a number of cutesy DIY decorating projects here.

Fashion Feature: Layering

The transition from winter to spring may have you wondering what to pull from your closet. While it’s chilly when you leave in the morning, by afternoon you are hot in your heavy attire. The key dearest glamazons is to dress in layers.

Your layering technique will vary depending on where you live. For colder temperatures: Pair a knit wool cardigan and heavy scarf over a long-sleeve shirt. Or for nicer weather: Try a cashmere cardigan and lightweight scarf over a drapey short sleeve shirt. For my more daring fashionistas, a fur vest adds a chic touch.

You can also have fun with layering on the lower half of your body. If it’s not quite warm enough for bare legs, invest in tights. They come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can really change up your look. Over your tights, try wearing knit leg warmers with tall boots or over-the-knee stockings with oxford heels.

For inspiration, here are a few fashionable looks to get you started.

Alligator skin: For handbags only

If you are in the same position as me (which I expect many of you are), the winter weather is leaving your skin undesirably dry. To fix this beauty blunder, I have rounded up the best of the best moisturizers using the recommendations of beauty magazines and my own personal experience. All of the formulas are fairly inexpensive, so you can afford the attention that your skin needs!

LIP BALM

Burt’s Bees Beeswack Lip Balm: No other formula is as refreshing and rejuvenating as this peppermint flavored chapstick. I’ve been a loyal user for years!

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: I can tell you from personal experience that this stuff is absolutely amazing. You can use it to moisturize your lips but that’s not all. Try it as an all over body treatment, especially for cracked heels and elbows.

FACIAL MOISTURIZER

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30: This moisturizer made it on both Allure and InStyle’s lists as a best beauty buy. Can’t really argue with that.

Milk: Yes, you just read that correctly. If you are looking for a quick and easy DIY treatment, have a go at this trick that Cosmopolitan shared: “If your face is so dry and peely that all your moisturizers just aren’t helping, try this remedy from NYC dermatologist Lance Brown: Soak a washcloth in ice-cold whole milk, and lay it across your face for 10 minutes. The natural lipids in the milk will plump up and rehydrate your skin, while the cool temp and lactic acid will tone down redness and remove flecks.”

BODY LOTION

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Protecting Body Lotion SPF 15: My mom has used Vaseline lotion ever since I can remember, and there are usually two bottles in her bathroom at a time. This formula is lightweight, and it has a fresh scent that reminds me of the beach.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion: This lotion caught the attention of InStyle for two years in a row making the magazine’s best beauty buys list for 2009 and 2010. “It’s rich without being heavy or greasy and won’t clog pores,” says Derek Kenneaster, a dermatologist in Boynton Beach, Fla.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer: If your skin is dry and pale, this is the lotion for you. It smells considerably better than most gradual tanners, and never once have I been streaky.

HAND CREAM

Nivea Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream: Cosmopolitan’s website has a great read titled, “10 Embarrassing Winter Beauty Questions… Answered!” The article recommends that you thoroughly rub the hand cream into your cuticles, where the skin is fragile and can become especially raw and ragged. I must suggest that you click through the other nine questions that the article answers!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream: Another Allure best beauty buy for 2010, this cream is said to make “parched hands look ten years younger in about ten seconds.”