stealing from friends

Last month, I attended a health and beauty exchange with some of my favorite ladies.  For those unfamiliar with this type of event, it is like a Yankee Swap but far more fabulous.  Here's how it works: you set a price point for a favorite health or beauty item; buy enough for all who will be in attendance; and get together to exchange and dish on your health and beauty secrets.  So fun, right?! 

I picked up some helpful tricks of the trade, and a few particulars have already been implemented in my own personal regime:

All About Eyes, $30 for 0.5 oz.
by Clinique
Available at Sephora

The lovely Genevieve shared a beauty secret she learned during her time in France: under-eye cream is a MUST.  She swears by Clinique's All About Eyes, applied twice daily as part of her morning and evening routine.  Since my under-eyes haven't exactly received rave reviews since my adventures as a fashionista became the unheeled adventures of fashionista and baby, I had to try it for myself.  I have been using All About Eyes for only a couple of weeks now so I can't speak to the long-term results, but I already love the restorative, moisturizing lightness of this cream and the fact that a little goes a long way.  Hopefully I am also on my way towards looking as fresh-faced as Genevieve and the tres chic women of France.

 

Almond Supple Skin Oil, $40
by L'Occitane

The lovely Mary shared a very helpful beauty secret for expectant mamas, the Almond Supple Skin Oil from L'Occitane.  Having recently moved into my third-trimester, this seemed like a necessity.  Made of almond and Cameline oil, your skin is left feeling deeply moisturized and more toned.  It is safe to apply all over, and since I find the summer to be a very drying season, particularly as Harper and I frequent the pool, I've also been using it on my legs to combat dryness.  I had shied away from oils in the past for fear that I would feel greasy or sticky, but this oil is light and absorbs into the skin quickly.  Those who know me also know that I am olfactorily-challenged, but from what I have heard, the scent is delicious too!

Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50
by Fresh
Available at Sephora

 
The lovely Aimee introduced me to Fresh's Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, and I am a total convert.  In the past, I have used and loved their Sugar Advanced Therapy, and so I trust Fresh implicitly.  While it is difficult to compete with Sara Happ's Lip Slip, which has been my glossy go-to for what feels like forever, the Sugar Shine Lip Treatment brings the amazing powers of Fresh to a shiny new place.  This all-in-one lip remedy is neither heavy nor sticky, but it moisturizes while also adding gloss and a subtle sheen.   All of this has earned it a place in my handbag to be used for any and every occasion; I am completely obsessed.

I feel very fortunate to be in the mix with some totally dialed-in girlies and to have the opportunity to beg, borrow, and steal their secrets to health and beauty.  Hopefully this will be the first of many health and beauty exchanges to come!

I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends, Episodes 21-26: Things I Love

Dearest fashionista friends, I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving and were able to celebrate all the things in your life that you have to be thankful for!  Over the past 20 posts, I have shared some of the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle inspirations that I am grateful for.  However, nothing compares to the blessing that my husband and I received when we welcomed our little girl, Harper Livingston, one week ago today.  Born at just over 36 weeks, Harper has spent the first week of her life in the NICU at Beth Israel hospital in Boston to gather her strength before she can return home with us.  I am eternally thankful for the precious gift of our sweet baby girl, and for all the people that have supported, encouraged, and lifted us up over the past week.  There is nothing more fashionable than an outpouring of love.


So, while I was able to get a post in after Harper was born last Saturday, I have since neglected my pledge of 30 posts of gratitude throughout the month of November.  I know you understand.  But as my mother says, better late than never--so allow me to share a condensed version of the people and things I have been specifically thankful for (some huge and perhaps obvious, others small and simple) over these last few days...

Le Pavillion iPhone 4 Case
in white/black/pink, $40
by Kate Spade

#21: I am thankful for...my iPhone.  Seriously.  Dallin and I have observed several pay phones throughout the hospital corridors, and I have wondered if I could even figure out how to use a pay phone anymore?  I mean, I certainly don't know how much it costs to make a call these days; the last time I used a pay phone, my age ended in "teen," and the going rate was 35 cents.  Indeed, my iPhone has proved to be worth its weight in gold these days (and as a portfolio analyst, I can safely assure you that gold is all the rage).  It has kept us connected to family and friends, while also serving as a handy camera, an alarm clock, and the source of countless games.  I have to thank my awesome friend and coworker, Joe, who encouraged me to take the iPhone plunge when my beloved Blackberry finally died, for I am truly thankful for this little piece of absolutely crucial technology--in its irresistible Kate Spade polka dot case.


#22: I am thankful for...my fabulous friends and family.  Obvi!  Over these last days, Dallin, Harper, and I have received so much love from the amazing people that we are lucky enough to call family and friends.  From visits with friends bearing emergency cases of ginger ale; to quality time with family and an extremely eager new grandmother; to countless emails and texts; to Thanksgiving treats brought all the way to the hospital, the word "thankful" doesn't actually do justice to how I feel about the loving kindness we have received.  Thank you.

Golden Bronzer, $32
by Trish McEvoy
Available at Nordstrom

#23: I am thankful for...the healing powers of make up.  Truly, I don't mean this in a shallow or superficial way.  When I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, Dallin and I had to face the incredibly difficult obstacle of returning home--without our baby girl.  I'm not going to say that I handled this situation with poise and grace; rather, I spent most of Wednesday in tears of anticipation.  But on Thursday, as we gathered our things, I decided that I needed to ready myself to face the world--and that falling apart wasn't going to do me (or anyone else) any good.  In an effort to pull it together, I straightened my hair, brushed on some of my favorite Trish McEvoy bronzer, added a little Chanel eyeliner, and brought out the big guns with my waterproof tube of DiorShow mascara. I had to laugh when our nurse remarked on how much "better" I looked that day; clearly, I'm not a natural beauty.  But sometimes just putting in the effort can help, and I am grateful for these cosmetic staples for making me look--if not feel--like a normal human being again.  The rest will hopefully come with the healing powers of time.

Dallin and me on the Outer Banks this past summer

#24: I am thankful for...my amazing husband.  In the five plus years we have been married, Dallin has proved himself time and time again to be the best companion a self-proclaimed fashionista like me could have possibly asked for in life.  He just knows.  When he left the hospital briefly on Monday night to go home and grab some work clothes for the next day, he returned with (among other things) my cashmere socks and the newest issue of Us Weekly.  On Wednesday, when I was on the verge of falling apart, he helped me on a walk outside to get some air and try to clear my head, no matter that I was wearing my Juicy velour PJ pants and Ugg slippers.  These small acts of selflessness--not to mention every time I see him cuddling with or feeding our baby daughter--remind me of how thankful I am to be blessed with Dallin as an eternal companion.  I know Harper will be equally thankful for her daddy.

DTB Duffel in black, $78
by Lulu Lemon

#25: I am thankful for...my Lulu Lemon yoga bag.  Since I was discharged from the hospital, DallinDallin's iPad, and all the normal stuff into my Burberry tote was going to result in broken handbag straps (for the third time).  So we turned to the amazing Lulu Lemon yoga bag that my amazing sister, Annie, and her equally amazing boyfriend, Gil, got me for my birthday in August.  Its size is big enough to fit everything we need for a day at the hospital, and it comes equipped with dozens of handy pockets and zipped compartments to stay organized.  When life gets crazy, sometimes it is the simple things for which you can be thankful.  I may not be toting the bag to and from yoga for a while, but that doesn't mean I can't feel a sense of peace.


#26: I am thankful for...the joy of motherhood.  When we lost our baby boy, Rex Fish, last October, I had never felt such complete and utter devastation and feared that I would never have the opportunity to enjoy the blessing of a living child.  While Harper is currently facing the challenges of being born early, I am thankful for the gift of her life and for the opportunity I have to be a mother.  She is precious, sweet, and even a little bit feisty at times, and I look forward to watching her grow and mature with each passing day--and hope for the day that we can bring her home with us.


Dear fashionista friends, it's hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of November, and though my blog pledge (of 30 posts in the spirit of thanks) has been a tall order at times, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and things that have inspired my gratitude.  While today I have condensed the last six days into one post, believe me when I tell you that I could have written volumes about the love and support my little family has received during that time.  So thank you again to those who have made my burdens light--and to the little fashion tricks that have helped me make it with just a little bit of style too.

Harper Livingston Wilson
Born November 19, 2011
7 pounds 1 ounce

A Luxe New Way In Nail Care

You've all heard me rave about my favorite nail salon (Lauren's Nails on Charles Street) many times before, but sometimes a fashionista needs to venture into the unknown--you know, explore her options a bit? With that same adventurous spirit in mind, yesterday I made an appointment for a manicure at MiniLuxe in Lexington Center. I had been wanting to try this salon for a while, after reading about their special Minx manicure in Boston's Daily Candy a while back. While I opted for a classic French over the Minx this time around, I figured that any salon boasting such a swanky nail treatment had to have something going for it!

Marketing themselves as a nail and beauty salon, MiniLuxe's philosophy is that "me time" is critical to a balanced life. You never need an excuse to take care of you. This may go without saying, but their worldview definitely speaks to this particular fashionista! Without wanting to sound too much like Elle Woods, sometimes a mani/pedi is all I need to repair my body, mind, and spirit. Their nail care options include tempting treatments like the Organi Mani, an ode to mother Earth, using only organic skincare products; the Klean Pedi, where your feet are scrubbed and then intensely hydrated; and even a special Preggie Pedi, designed exclusively for mamas-to-be who need to put their feet up and enjoy a cooling and soothing leg, ankle, and foot treatment. Tempted yet? Wait, there's more! In addition to their list of mani/pedi options, their salon services--which they have aptly named MiniLuxuries--also include a range of waxing options, as well as the irresistible 10-minute neck and shoulder massage to help you unwind as you wait for your nails to dry.

All of that...and ambiance too? The salon itself boasts a clean, sleek, and modern design that speaks to their amazing hygiene policy. Understanding that "clean" doesn't necessarily mean sanitary, MiniLuxe raises the bar (really high) for themselves so that the salon clientele can enjoy their services in a sterile, worry-free, and über polished environment. Meaning: all of their tools are sterilized in an autoclave after each service, the same way that dentists and surgeons sterilize their tools. Through extreme heat and steam pressure, an autoclave completely sterilizes the instruments, leaving them 100% free from bacteria that can cause serious health problems. The tools are then sealed in individual sterilization packs for your protection, and your nail file and buffer are actually yours to keep after your service. Now, how's that for clean freaks?

So here's a little synopsis: I enjoyed a clean and pretty French manicure, as well as that irresistible neck and shoulder massage (!)--and was still in and out of the salon in 45 minutes. Fortunately for me, the Lexington Center location is on my way home from work too, so I was able to make it home in time for dinner with my husby. But if you don't live in my hood, worry not; MiniLuxe also has locations on Newbury Street and in Newton Centre--so you totally have options. I have to admit, I'm already thinking about what my next service might be, so if you're in the mood for some pampering, I'm soooo in.

All images thanks to MiniLuxe. To book an apointment online, or to learn more about MiniLuxe's amazing products and services, check out their website: www.miniluxe.com.

The Things We Do For Beauty

Given my penchant for sky-high heels, you may not be surprised to learn that I have uttered the words, "Beauty is pain" on numerous occasions through out my lifetime. However, even crazy masochistic fashionistas have to draw the line somewhere. More precisely, there needs to be a limit to the things we do for beauty. Let me explain...

Catching up on my Fashion & Style headlines from The New York Times earlier today, the words "long lashes" caught my attention. As a lover/coveter of looong, luscious lashes, I'm always in search of the latest and greatest mascara. That being said, I simply had to read this article, which as it turns out, discussed the truth about Latisse.

Now, I know you've seen the ad on TV--the one where Brooke Sheilds touts the benefits of the eyelash drug as the solution to inadequate lashes? Initially, I was curious about the product, but my personal code of beauty conduct simply does not include any measures that I deem remotely sketchy or utterly invasive (think: implants, Botox, and the like). For me, Latisse fell into this category. I mean, I can always have eyelashes applied at the Mac counter if I'm really craving dramatic lashes, but I'm not about to apply some mysterious serum to my lash line, especially when the possible side effects include the risk that my green eyes will turn brown--FOREVER.

Some might call me paranoid, but it seems that my doubts are not unfounded. Hello, remember the part when Brooke advises viewers to "ask a doctor if Latisse is right for them?!" Well, according to the Times article, Latisse is widely available without a doctor's prescription--often online, and with as little as a credit card number. For these individuals who fail to consult their physician, the unwanted side effects can be a rude awakening. One woman had a deep purple discoloration appear on her eyelids and beneath her eyes, making it look like she "hadn't slept in a month." Other side effects, in addition to the permanent brown iris pigmentation I mentioned earlier, include: redness; itchiness and irritation; reactivation of dormant eye inflamation; and even ingrown lashes, which is when lashes get so long they scratch the cornea (ouch!).

The real question is this: are long lashes really worth the risk? As Dr. Andrew G. Iwach, Executive Director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, states in the Times article, Let’s say you use the product once inappropriately, or outside the approved guidelines, you might get away with it, but this drug is being applied repeatedly over weeks, months and potentially years. The consequences, or risk of consequences, add up over time.

I, for one, will NOT be using Latisse. But for those of you lovely ladies who opt for the Brooke Sheilds approach to long lashes, please be sure to seek medical advice first. As Dr. Iwach concludes, When it’s something as personal, something so critical as vision, you don’t want to cut corners.

For more information, click here to read the full article, Long Lashes Without Prescription, But With Risks by Catherine Saint Louis, from the May 1, 2010 edition of The New York Times.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Fabulous fake lashes, photo thanks to Stylefrizz (www.stylefrizz.com); (2) Latisse advertisement featuring Brooke Sheilds, image thanks to Spoiled Pretty (http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/); (3) Saturday Night Live parody on Latisse, image thanks to Hollywire (www.hollywire.com).

Betsey Is For LUNGevity--and You Should Be Too!

In addition to my friend Annie Rose's birthday and the Thanksgiving holiday, another reason that I love the month of November is because it's the National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This national campaign is dedicated to increasing attention to lung cancer issues, including the awareness, research, support, and prevention of lung cancer. As a fashionista personally affected by this catastrophic disease, I can testify of the critical nature of these efforts--but I'm happy to say that I'm not the only fashionista who thinks so. Rather, Betsey Johnson is all about LUNGevity--and you should be too!

This month, Betsey has partnered with the LUNGevity Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to funding lung cancer research and providing support to those affected by lung cancer. She has created a limited edition tee to be sold exclusively at Everything But Water, both in stores and online. Every last penny of the proceeds (truly, 100%) will be donated to LUNGevity and their fight against lung cancer.

As I've mentioned before, the facts will take your breath away. Truth be told, lung cancer is responsible for more than 28% of all cancer-related deaths, accounting for more than 150,000 deaths in America every year. And timing is everything; according to the National Lung Cancer Partnership, only 16% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed before their disease has spread to other parts of their bodies. Such staggering statistics make the work of LUNGevity and similar organizations crucial. Since 2002, LUNGevity has funded over 50 research projects, making a immense contribution towards the clinical care knowledge of lung cancer.

Now, with the help of Betsey Johnson, the fight can be fashionable. So, dearest fashionista friends, in the name of LUNGevity: Join the fight--go shopping!

In memory of Daddy

Nicholas F. Warner

January 23, 1954-September 10, 2009

Thanks to Annie Rose for sharing the word about Betsey's partnership with LUNGevity! Images, in order of appearance: (1) Limited Edition Betsey Johnson tee for LUNGevity $48, available exclusively at Everything But Water (online at www.everythingbutwater.com); (2) Daddy and me.

Unheeled? Maybe Never...

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you, my lovely fashionista friends, to tell me your thoughts on heels. More specifically, to heel or not to heel?--that was my question. Given the name of this blog, it seems like an appropriate forum to discuss heels. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder when she/me will indeed "come unheeled?" Maybe never...

Last month, the New York Times' Room for Debate Blog addressed "Why We Love the Shoes That Hurt Us." Not surprisingly, that headline caught my eye immediately, as I ask myself that very question all the time. Why do I keep going back to my gorgeous black Christian Louboutin pumps when, after wearing them for a whole day, it feels as though my shoes are filling with blood? Is the fact that I constantly get paralyzing foot cramps any indication that maybe I should lay off the sky-high heels? Perhaps. Yet, I don't (or won't?). I like to consider myself an intelligent and fashion-forward individual, so what gives?

Some would suggest height as a motivation, but I can confidently reject that reason. I've been walking tall at 5'11" for as long as I can remember--yet, I still opt for death-defying footwear that places me around 6'3" on an almost daily basis. Plus, these days it seems that everyone is in heels. If we're all tacking on the inches, then the added height is essentially pointless. So if not height, then what?

We're so vain. The Times blog debate quoted Nancy Rexford, author of Women's Shoes In America: 1795 to 1930, who explained this seemingly inexplicable lust for heels: In an age of slovenliness and fat, simply being thin is a mark of status, and high heels emphasize the advantage by lengthening the leg. Add platform soles, and you rise superior to a wasteland of waddling sweatshirts and dumpy athletic shoes.

At least for me personally, it's difficult to deny Rexford's explanation. After all, I look much, much better in heels than I ever would in flats. If I'm wearing a skirt or a dress, my legs look longer and leaner with heels on. If I'm wearing pants, I prefer the way the fabric falls over heels. Though I might be more comfortable in a pair of flats or even low pumps, I am willing to pay quite a high premium for a confidence strictly available with a 4-inch boost.

So what do we heel-lovers sacrifice in the name of fashion? My sister is one of the few fashionistas I know who doesn't wear heels. When I asked her why, she quoted Agador from The Birdcage, saying with a smile, I do not wear the shoes... because... they make me fall down. Joking aside, I remember walking arm-in-arm with Daddy at my wedding, frantically whispering, "Don't let me fall, don't let me fall!" as we made our way across the sloping lawn. Wearing 4-inch wedges, I clutched his arm--delicately, of course--for dear life. But my shoes, like my wedding, were perfect. So it was worth it.

Yet, as far as health goes, Marlene Reid, the Naperville, Illinois podiatrist and spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association quoted in the Times blog piece, explains that many podiatric physicians are concerned about the future problems stemming from shoe choices. High-heels are an obvious target, causing pain in the ball of the foot and knees as early as one's 20's. More interesting is the fact that flats are not exempt. Rather, continuously wearing (unsupportive) flats can result in arch problems for both women and men. I'm no podiatrist, but it looks to me like we're damned if we do, damned if we don't--short of wearing running shoes all the time (gross).

The age-old expression, beauty is pain, seems appropriate for this footwear conundrum. Are sacrifices in the name of fashion simply inevitable? In a recent Washington Post article, shoe maestro Christian Louboutin confessed, I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, "Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!" That's not what I want to project. But I'm not a sadist. I don't believe suffering makes you beautiful. But comfort is not part of my creative process. The take-home message? Suffering, while not mandatory, may be unavoidable--at least as far as your L'Bouts go.

Reid, on the other hand, argues that healthy feet does not require sacrificing fashion. To keep your feet happy and healthy, she suggests dropping down half an inch in heel height for stability, selecting shoes with padding, and alternating your heel height daily. Never wear a shoe that doesn’t allow you to walk normally. Alternatively, if you're wedded to those gorgeous sky-high heels, you can cheat a bit. Remember that scene in The Devil Wears Prada when a faceless Runway employee quickly slips out of her clogs and into her pumps when word gets out that Miranda has entered the building? Similarly, I have a friend who keeps a pair of flats or flip-flops in her bag for commuting purposes. Another friend will only wear heels when there is no extensive walking involved.

We all have our reasons for loving heels: longer legs; better posture; feeling confident, powerful, sexy, etc.; that irresistible clicking sound they make against the floor. Or not: they hurt; they're bad for your feet/body; you can't walk properly; that annoying clicking sound they make against the floor. Heels or flats? Given the option, as Victoria Beckham once said, Heels! I just can't concentrate in flats. But that doesn't mean that a girl can't come unheeled every now and then. I mean, Chanel does make some darling ballet flats, and I lovelovelooove my Chucks with jeans when I'm bumming around! But at the end of the day, I'll side with Manolo Blahnik every time: You put high heels on and you change. End of story.

Sources: (1) "Why We Love the Shoes That Hurt Us" from the Editors of the The New York Times (click here to see the full text); (2) Christian Louboutin, quoted in The Washington Post (click here to see the full text); (3) Thanks also to all the fashionistas who shared their opinions on heels with me!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Girl in heels, photo from FabSugarUK (http://www.fabsugar.co.uk/); (2) Me! putting my shoes on, photographed by Ross Jacob Photographers (online at http://www.rossjacob.com/); (3) Christian Louboutin, image thanks to http://www.panachereport.com/; (4) Victoria Beckham, photo from SoftPedia (www.news.softpedia.com).

Fashionable Philanthropy

Fact: 33 million people now live with HIV/AIDS. Clearly, this isn't what I like to call a "fun fact." Fortunately, we are not helpless in the fight against AIDS--and now we can fight fashionably, thanks to Bloomingdale's. Beginning next week, from August 27 until August 30, Bloomingdale's is holding its Fashionable Fundraiser In Black and White, benefitting amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

As the staggering statistics about AIDS are black and white, so too is the theme of the Black and White fundraiser: an homage to classic films. A special movie lounge will be set up in stores, where attendees can watch black and white films and play fashion-themed games for equally fashionable prizes. Of course, fundraising is the real name of the game, as Bloomies has pledged $75,000 to support amfAR.

Don't worry, you can get your philanthropy on during the event too. Test your knowledge by completing a movie trivia card; for each card completed, $1 will be donated to amfAR--up to $10,000. Plus, knowing how much we fashionistas love the word "exclusive," amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole has designed a tee-shirt exclusively for this event. You can find yours at the "Good Deeds" wall (bet you've never seen one of those before!), and for every tee purchased, another $25 will go to amfAR.

It's all in the name of a good cause. Since 1985, amfAR has been committed to the fight against AIDS and has invested upwards of $290 million towards its mission. Through their research efforts, amfAR has contributed to major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

As if you needed another excuse to shop at Bloomingdale's, now you have one--and a very noble one at that. You can score 15% off a great selection in stores and make a difference while you're at it. Looking good and feeling good about it? I, for one, am sooo there. After all, philanthropy is always in fashion.

• Psst: For a VIP ticket entitling you to 15% in store and online, click here. For more information on amfAR, visit them online at www.amfar.org.

Credits: AIDS statistic and Bloomingdales fundraiser image from amfAR, online at www.amfar.org.

Lulu-love

Last night, for the first time ever, my sister and I ventured to the Baron Baptiste studio in Cambridge for 90 minutes of power vinyasa yoga. If you've never been, this means 90 minutes of yoga practice in a heated room--so we were a little intimidated but decided to be brave.

Despite the distraction of sharing a corner with a fellow practitioner whose breathing resembled that of Darth Vader and who sweat like she was made of water, we loved it--it was challenging, invigorating, and a great overall work out. Having felt a number of stresses in our lives recently, it was exactly what we needed.

Of course, in between downward facing dog and warrior pose, we couldn't help but observe our classmates. As Annie remarked afterwards, "It was Lululemon up the wazoo in there!" Truly, it was. While I'm historically a Nike girl, I couldn't resist investigating the athletic apparel hotspot currently known as Lululemon...

Originating in British Columbia, the store was founded by Chip Wilson, who fell in love with yoga after his first time practicing. Chip felt inspired to revamp yoga apparel, after noting the inappropriate use of cotton clothing for sweaty power yoga (true!--so I learned). Favoring the more technical athletic fabrics, the first Lululemon store opened in 1998 in Vancouver. Clearly, the frenzy has grown since, and now Lululemon has an undeniable hold on fashion-forward exercise apparel.

On that note, after perusing the online selection, my crystal ball tells me that it is likely I will become a Lulu-lovin' Lolly. At the top of my list are: the Dance Pulse Wrap, the Yogini Pants, and the 5-Year Tee:

• The pants are perfectly contoured for a comfortable fit, while remaining breathable during an intense practice.


• The elongated silhouette of the tee is ideal for stretchy poses, when (if you're long-torsoed like us Warner girls) you find your midriff showing--whether you want to or not.


• Then, at the completion of your practice, when normal room temperatures feel practically artic after the tropical highs of the yoga studio, you can cozy up into the Dance Pulse Wrap.

With just a few key items, you're well on your way towards becoming a yoga star--and looking mighty fine in the process (added bonus!). So between now and next Wednesday, don't be surprised to find me browsing the selection at Lululemon. I mean, I can just see myself in those pants! Until then, fashionistas, namaste and be well.

Images courtesy of Lululemon, online at www.lululemon.com. Apparel: (1) Dance Pulse Wrap in heathered charcoal, $98; (2) Yogini Pants in charcoal, $96; and (3) 5-Year Tee in caribe, $49--all available from Lululemon.

F is for Fedora

While shopping this weekend with fellow blogger royalty, Miss Talynhc, we came to the conclusion that women simply do not wear enough hats. Most guys, my husband included, have a serious collection of baseball hats. Sure, lovely ladies will wear a beanie here or there to stay warm in the winter, but hats as fashion statements are completely under-appreciated and lacking from far too many women's wardrobes. To fill the void, I have volunteered myself for a trend-setting experiment, which I plan to put into effect in the months to come. My secret weapon? The fedora.

I initially disregarded this style, shrugging it off to the Britneys and K-Feds of the world. Recently, however, I realized the error of my ways. In my view, the Fedora is the cowboy hat of the classy and fabulous. Not to say that a cowboy hat itself isn't classy and fabulous, but it's surely no coincidence that F is for fabulous--and also for Fedora.

In my online perusing, I have grown partial to Tory Burch's Panama Straw Fedora Hat, but there are a range of options out there. In fact, if you're not sure this style will work for you, you can score one at Target and take it for a test drive drive at only a fraction of the price. To add an extra element of fabulousity, make an outfit out of it--pair your new hat with cropped skinny pants, a classic cardi, and a string of pearls.

As an added bonus, the American Cancer Society recommends wearing a hat to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun in an effort to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Healthy and haute?--yes, please. If F is for Fedora, then G is for go get yours now!

Tory Burch Panama Straw Fedora Hat $75, available online at www.toryburch.com.