Pack Light With prAna

July 2, 2014 by 7 Comments

Thanks to prAna for adding a new dimension of style to my summer wardrobe and for inspiring this post.

I tend to get a little excited about the changing seasons, not only is a change in temperatures good for my soul, but the change in my wardrobe is good for my self esteem and overall happiness levels. Admit it, there is just something borderline magical about new clothes and busting out seasonal favorites is simply fun.

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All packed up for tw0 and a half weeks out with mom!

I can always count on prAna for cute clothes that are comfortable. I had the chance to try out 3 pieces from their collection that are ideal for summer looks and that are sure to become seasonal favorites.

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First the Dahlia Womens Skirt in Boysenberry. I loved the clean lines and versatility of this A Line skirt. I can wear it shopping, out to dinner or even just around the house. It is made with 100% organic cotton and is Fair Trade Certified. I love knowing that every skirt sold helps to end poverty in the community that produced the skirt. Retailing for about $55, the Dahlia Skirt is timeless and will be a great addition to your wardrobe.
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Have an Epiphanie! Camera bag, that is. Giveaway

June 20, 2014 by 68 Comments

Thanks to Epiphanie for inspiring this post and for protecting my camera in style.

I carry my camera almost everywhere I go. Capturing moments that will become memories is important to me, plus you never know when a perfect photo opportunity might arise. Do you know what I don’t love about being a shutterbug? Never having a pretty bag to protect my gear.

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Now, I know that not having a bag for my camera is silly. Really there are thousands of camera bags on the market, but have you ever seen them? They are rather masculine. I searched for years to find one I could cope with…. for years I ended up with the traditional grey and black, giant camera bags.  I’m sure you’ve all seen them in posts, really.  But there’s a lot to be said about having a stylish bag- you can put your wallet, keys, and misc into one of the pockets and then you don’t need to drag your purse along as well.  Plus you feel like a woman, which can’t be undersold.

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When I heard about Epiphanie Bags I did a little happy dance. Finally a camera bag made for women. These bags are stylish, feminine, and they keep my camera gear safe on my adventures. Women of the world rejoice; we no longer have to settle for a drab bag for our cameras.
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Ready for Summer With Fresh Produce

May 28, 2014 by 6 Comments

When I’m looking for something easy to wear, I head for my Fresh Produce Harbor Dress. It’s become a favorite of mine, because it’s easy to dress up or down, it’s really comfortable, machine washable, and has pockets. The pockets don’t bulge out or make me look bulky in all the wrong places, which is a bonus. I often pass up dresses and skirts with pockets for that reason, but this pleasantly surprised me.

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Fresh Produce makes some seriously soft clothes that wear well. I like to be comfortable, and am not one to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Why, when you can have both? Makes no sense to me. This dress is cute, fun, and feels nice- the material is smooth and supple, and didn’t pill after I put it in the washing machine. (I hung it to dry.)

A bit more about Fresh Produce-

Fresh Produce has delighted women, for nearly three decades,  as a lifestyle brand known for its original prints, vibrant color and stylish, comfortable clothing.Today, Fresh Produce designs, manufactures and markets a leading women’s and children’s lifestyle brand of clothing that is primarily made in the USA.

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IGIGI – Dress For Your Figure

May 23, 2014 by 4 Comments

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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I am forever looking for clothing that fits my body. I know that nearly every woman has her “problem area” that makes shopping a challenge, but for me, it’s a little different. I have dangerous curves. No matter what size I am, or what stage of my life I have been in, my chest gets in the way and my hips don’t lie- this girl is not made for many of the cuts put out by clothing designers. This means that many of the things I buy hang on me like drapes, and don’t show off the curves that I’d like to.

The biggest issue for me is my chest- which is (in a word) large. Shirts and dresses are tight, don’t button or zipper, or are pulled up higher then they should (or lower, showing off more then I’d like to) making them look odd. I usually have to go up a size or two, which can make me look heavier then I am, and I’ve never met the woman who wants to look larger then she is.

That’s the thing I love most about IGIGI- they make clothing for women with curves, bodies, and the average American woman. The “average” American woman is a size 14. So why can’t we find clothes when we go to the stores and malls? Not clothes that fit or flatter, anyway. Options are often limited, and many times what is offered makes you look like a couch you’d find in your grandmother’s living room. No thanks!

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Midnight Velvet – Dress To Impress

May 20, 2014 by 3 Comments

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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Thank you to Midnight Velvet for providing me with this gorgeous blouse to inspire this post.

When I am going to a special event or meeting someone for the first time, it is important to me to look my best. A great outfit gives me confidence and allows my personality to shine, instead of holding me back with a case of the how do I look? jitters.

Midnight Velvet has an impressive selection of clothes that are designed to make you look and feel beautiful, stylish and classy. To sweeten the deal on fabulous fashions, the prices can’t be beat for such lovely clothing, accessories and items for the home.
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Lulu Avenue – Spring Bling

May 20, 2014 by 2 Comments

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

I am always happy to see spring arrive. Sunshine, spring breezes, blooming flowers and the smell of freshly cut grass delight my senses and often give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Even better than the world around me in bloom, is the knowledge that warm weather brings special events in abundance. Weddings, parties and fundraisers fill my calendar. Shopping for the outfits to dazzle my social circle is fun, but finding the right accessories used to be a challenge. As we all know, accessories can make or break an outfit.

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Lucky for me I discovered Lulu Avenue. They have a terrific assortment of jewelry that is affordably priced, always trendy and Lulu Avenue features core pieces as well as dramatic indulgences to take any outfit from nice to head turning.
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Jump Into Spring with the New Reebok Skyscape

May 12, 2014 by 9 Comments

Disclosure- I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Reebok. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
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Spring has sprung, and many of us are taking the time to refresh our wardrobes (and having fun doing so).  It’s always fun to get new shoes as well- nothing to make me feel pretty like a cute pair of shoes.  That includes sneakers.  I have a pair that I wear to the gym, and a pair I use for daily use.  I love the new Reebok Skyscape for daily wear, they are very comfortable, lightweight, and even machine washable.  (Right?  How great is that.)

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Like many of you, I do a lot of running around in my daily life.  I also do a lot of walking in my traveling, and these shoes are both cute to wear and comfortable for the whole day.  I don’t usually wear them with socks, and so far, no issues with blisters or rubbing on the heels or toes or anything like that.  I got them in the bright pink color, because I have a “thing” with pink sneakers.  It started out with a pair my son bought me for a present, now pretty much all my sneakers are pink.  Strange how things happen, ay? But I love the color, and that the laces are the same color.  I also love the black and pink ones- if my store had carried those, I might have gotten them.
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Win $100 to Kohls and 1 Dress 3 Ways

April 19, 2014 by 98 Comments

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post from Mom Central.  I received a promotional item to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own and honest.

I will soon be leaving on a cruise, and I am loving the  Kohl’s Collection from Peter Som for Design Nation. The items will be perfect to take with me as I travel and visit several islands.  Inspired by St. Barths, the clothing will be right at home (and make me feel so as well).

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Peter Som’s clothing is simple and pretty. I love the mix of classic lines and feminine colors for a fun, fresh look. As you can guess, I did end up buying that black and white dress- I regretted not getting it that night, and ordered it online as soon as it was available.  (They are going to go fast, get yours soon.)
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