Innovation, Right at the Palm of Your Hands

Being a fashionista, and a blogger, it is my job to spend time flipping through magazines and pop television to scout out the hottest trends and styles. So last night I was watching one of my favorite shows The X Factor, and aside from the amazing talent on this show, I spotted a trend that I absolutely fell in love with! Nicole Scherzinger, from the infamous pop group The Pussycat Dolls was rocking a hand bracelet. Confused? I will explain.

The hand bracelet lies around the palm of your hand instead of on the wrist. I’m always a sucker for unique accessories that set their self apart from the rest. So thanks to Google, I searched high and low on where to find this hand bracelet. Jewelry brand Prive Jewellery is the master mind behind this design.

Established in 2009, two sisters set out to create a new, powerful brand that enhances a women’s natural beauty. From colorful stones, diamonds and unique shapes, the inspiration is stemmed from worldly cultures. The Prive Jewellery line creates breathe-taking pieces from rings to necklaces. But the real show stopper piece that made me do a double take was the Hand Bracelet. This is a first for the fine jewelers. It’s innovative and stands out in the crowd.

The hand bracelet really redefines the traditional bracelet. These magnificent pieces are sold in Paris, London, Los Angeles, Florence, Moscow, St. Barts, and Courchevel, in some of the best stores. The Prive line can also be found online at www.montaignemarket.com or www.caratime.com. Be sure to visit the Prive website at www.privejewellery.com.

So I may have spotted this look on Pussycat Doll superstar Nicole Scherzinger, but Prive Jewellery has styled many other celebrities including Lindsay Lohan. When it comes to accessories it’s all about making a statement and telling a story while doing so. And with a piece like a hand bracelet added to your look, it will be the fashion topic of the night. I know what I will be on the hunt for on my next shopping adventure!

The Scent of a Man!

There are many ways to seduce a woman and it’s not with a cheesy pick-up line. A well-dressed man will catch a girl’s eye. Nice hair will have her wondering. But the scent of a man will have her longing for more. A man can provoke a woman to do crazy things, like fall in love or even learn Kama Sutra. But there’s nothing like the cool, robust aroma of a man that will have her feeling like a school girl all over again.

It’s always important that a man be well dressed and looks like he didn’t just throw anything on. But whether he’s in a three-piece suit or jeans and some fresh clean sneakers, if he smells like a gym bag than it’s a deal breaker.

So gentleman, here are some delicious cologne options that will have your girl, or lady for the night, not being able to get enough of your sweet scent.

John Varvatos Vintage
Mmmmm! My #1 Favorite scent for a man. This Vintage scent is distinct and unique with a rugged edge. It is very masculine with a touch of spice, leaving a warm leathery aroma. Going out for a night on the town or a first date?, this is the recommended scent that will leave a statement.

Polo Blue
This is a more casual scent. Great for daywear or hanging out at a Sunday funday activity. It’s a mixture of amber and melon accents, letting off a warm sweet and inviting scent.

Axe
Great for casual wear as well. Although the commercials have women running after a man wearing Axe, a woman should never really do that but she will sure be thinking it in her mind. wink, wink!

When it comes to impressing a girl, it’s not always about what you say. It’s about how you present yourself. A man that takes that extra step to coordinate his outfit and most importantly smell mesmerizing will make an impression that is a lasting one.

OPI Shattered-Idea?

I stopped getting fake nails when I came to the realization that well -their fake. I could no longer justify paying for plastic nails when I can grow my real nails for free. Now I have the luxury of changing my nail color everyday if I want to, with no concerns of acrylic washing away. So I have become a bit of an OPI freak and probably own more than half of their collections. Depending on my outfit or mood I have a wide variety of colors ranging from Pink a Doodle to Lincoln Park After Dark. But the recent addition to my nail polish fancy is the new OPI Shatter!

I painted my nails gold and applied one coat of the black Shatter. I stared at my nails while the black dried and literally Shattered right before my eyes. It was amazing! Technology has officially taken over the world.

The idea of OPI Shatter is trendy but the aesthetics was -not so much. I have to say I was very disappointed. I jumped on the band-wagon from all the hype but wasn’t impressed with the final results. It looks like I took a sharp object and scrapped my nail polish off. I know it’s supposed to look Shattered but to me it looks like a hot mess.

I am not ruling out the Shatter, I still think it is pretty cool that a nail polish can do that and applaud the innovative minds that created this concept, but Shatter is definitely not an everyday color, unless you are Lady Gaga. The OPI Shatter collection is more of an “It’s my Birthday” color; very occasion specific.

But that is my opinion. I would love to her yours!!!

Is Traditional Fashion Lost?

There once was a time where women were forbidden to reveal any part of the body that was considered to be sexual. Over the years, fashion rebellions of the 60s and 70s reinvented the way a woman should look by breaking all the rules that started the fashion phenomenon. Women’s clothing went from layers of corsets, chemise and petticoats with leg of mutton sleeves to hot pants, mini-skirts and leotards. But has the revolt gone too far? Where did all the traditional women go!

When Mary Quant introduced the mini-skirt in the 60s, this changed fashion forever. Music influenced the punk rockers and the disco dancing queens to dress in a way that expressed the times. A woman’s body was no longer sacred and was pretty much available all over the dance floor.

With this thought in mind, I decided that instead of window shopping this weekend I did my second favorite past time, people watching. I had a list of places to go from bookstores to Wal-mart to cocktails with the girls and I have to say, the traditional women is lost in translation. I saw women wearing plunging necklines in a business suit. Women have a hard time as it is proving their worth in the corporate world, showing off your goods isn’t going to get your boss to take you seriously.

Cleavage + Corporate = INAPPRIORIATE!

The fashion disasters didn’t stop there. As I waited for a dressing room in Forever 21 to become available, I spoke to a shopper in line about her clothing selections. She was shopping for a date and had a few dresses to try on. One dress was shorter than the other and screamed “I’m helpless” or easy for that matter. I had to save this girl from humiliation. As nice as my New Yorker attitude could be, I put in plain words that her dress choices were a mess and she needed to reconsider, immediately!

Studies have shown that men actually prefer women to be more covered up when on a date. This makes the undressing part more exciting. That is if he said all the right things.

Whether you are on a date or at the office, think traditional when deciding what to wear. Showing off your beautiful curves is one thing but revealing your goods for all to see; not so much. If a poker player exposed his hand upfront he would never win the pot. So ante-up and cover up!

Summer Forecast!

Rain today?, Sunny tomorrow? I’ll leave that prediction up to The Weather Channel. When it comes to fashion, I have the forecast for the summer season! Thanks to my shopping addiction, I spend my weekends at places like Nordstorm and Forever 21. Lately, I have been doing a bit more window shopping but that doesn’t mean I’m not making my “shopping list”.

So I’ve spotted a few trends for the summer season that I had to share. This year is about relaxing and portraying a women’s natural features.

Long flowy dresses are a must wear for a night out to dinner. Soft colors are in almost ever designers summer collections but you will find pieces with paisley prints and even animal prints. Zebra print is a hot one right now. I have a zebra bathing suit for this years visits to the beach.

Linen shorts will be scattered with a chance of pairing it with a linen fedora hat. Oh and don’t forget your aviators in all kinds of colors. Remember adding that pop color with accessories is a great way to enhance your look.

So this summer whether your soaking up the sun or relaxing in the shade, be sure to let your natural curves flow free with loose clothing and soft colors.

Store recommendations to find some of these looks: Old Navy, Macys, Nordstrom.

Birthday Colors

It’s my birthday! So the usual indulgent ritual of shopping and eating fun stuff like chocolate covered strawberries has already begun. This is the one day each year where being “high-maintenance” is completely acceptable.

I always begin my birthday week with shopping. This is just the right therapy that will put you in a positive mood. Of course I’ll be wearing some fabulous dress in a daring color but it has been questioned –by a male- that certain colors may be too daring!

I beg to differ…

A birthday to a female is much more than just the day you were born, it is the one day where you should be spoiled and felt loved. Attention is demanded so instead of wearing a cheesy “It’s My Birthday” hat, wearing a bold color will help you stand out in the crowd. This is when wearing hot pink and glitter is encouraged.

Colors set the mood of every occasion, especially when it comes to fashion. Black is known for powerful and serious, white is more delicate, and hot pink, well now that’s “a blast in a glass” –curtsy of Jersey Shore.

So on your day, be bold, be daring and have a good time in whatever color you choose to wear.

Tuxes & Tails

On Saturday, May 14th, 2011, the 9th annual Tuxes & Tails presents Tails of the Heart, an event to benefit The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The black tie event will attract fashionable attendees from the Bay area to dress to the nines in little black dresses and dazzling accessories. However this year, adding that dazzle to your furry friend is a must!

As adorable animals- dogs and cats- strut down the runway, attendees will get the chance to participate in a charity auction to help raise funds to save the shelter animals. Local businesses will auction their products or services, but the spotlight shines on the highly anticipated item-designer dog collars. The designer dog collars have a value of $500.00. Selected dog collars will be featured in the auction but outside bids may be placed on the remaining collars by contacting Linda Reitz (813) 995-9333

Fashion designers such as Anna Sui and Nancy Bacich have created exclusive one-of-a-kind dog collars to be auctioned off at this year’s event. These collars are unlike any others. From rhinestones to chain links these collars are sure to turn heads.

Whether you understand fashion and the importance of accessorizing, or believe in protecting our animals turned into the shelters so they can be adopted to forever homes, come enjoy a night of fashion, cocktails, live music and shopping!

Tuxes & Tails
Sat. May 14th, 2011 6:00pm-11:00pm
Tampa Convention Center
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, Florida 33602

For more information, please call (813) 876-4150 or E-mail: specialevents@humanesocietytampa.org