Dressing Up With Joy

April 22, 2011

Celebrate Earth Day With Eco-Friendly Skin Care Products!

Every year on Earth Day we pledge to recycle more, to conserve, and to be more planet friendly in our every day actions! Its only 'natural' (pun intended) that our skin care regiment too should reflect our resolve to keep our planet green!  Here are some of the most popular natural-earth friendly products yo can add in your vanity!
Scrubs and Moisturizers-
Ole Henriksen Sugar GlowTM Face Scrub
Exfoliates and polishes your skin. Made with African red tea, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin, and sweet honey, this scrub is free of Paraben, Sulfate, Synthetic Fragrance and Synthetic Dyes! $38




Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer Skin Brightening Duo
This hydrating and skin-brightening moisturizer is formulated with Wild Rose Extract, a potent source of Vitamin C. Free of Parabens, Sulphates and Petrochemicals. $39.50




Brighter by NatureTM SPF 35
Natural moisturizer with skin-illuminating Japanese Basil Leaf, Cucumber, Peony and Vitamin C, works to help restore clarity and brightness to dull, uneven skin. With SPF 35 $42.50



Boots Botanics Cleansing Body scrub
Body Scrub made with Plant extracts to stimulate skin and to  draw out deep-rooted impurities. $8.99




Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil
Argan oil is known to have many treatment benefits, including hydrating and nourishing skin, as well as toning and firming. A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer and skin treatment. Grown organically in Morocco, it's gentle enough to use on all skin types. Free of Parabens, Sulphates, Synthetic Dye. This oil is housed in a recyclable glass bottle, and purchased from women's cooperatives in Morocco to support their social and economic welfare. $48



Anti-aging skin care -
Boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15
An advanced hydrating cream that delivers high levels of moisture and guards skin against UV damage. Free of harsh chemicals, parabens and sulphates. $48




Nude Skincare Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum

With bioactive peptides and Japanese sea kelp, thix serum stimulated cellular renewal and and reduces cellular damage .Its silicone free with 100% 
natural fragrance of white jasmine. 
$92




Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Oil-Control Treatment
This oil-controlling and age-reversing treatment reduces the presence of oil, minimizes pores, repairs wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity. Enriched with the powerful antioxidant ingredients Quercetin and free of parabens, sulphates and petrochemicals. $50



For Acne-prone skin-
Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub
This deep cleansing natural scrub has 

Salicylic acid, derived naturally from willow bark extract to reduce acne. It 
exfoliates dead skin cells and has Jojoba beads to sooths the skin. $9.99





Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub
Gently scrubs away impurities and dull, dead skin cells to improve complexion for fresh, clear skin. Suitable for even acne prone skin. Gentle enough for daily use. $6.99



Eco-Friendly Makeup - 
NVEY ECO Organic Lipstick
A certified organic lipstick with soothing safflower, beeswax, Vitamin E, and organic castor oil. Free of chemicals, sulphates and parabens. $14



Tarte Lash Hugger Eco-friendly Natural Mascara
Perfect for women with the most sensitive of eyes, Tarte's Lash Hugger Eco-Friendly Natural Mascara volumizes and lengthens lashes and is housed in a post-consumer recycled aluminum tube. $18

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush
Naturally derived pressed powder combines bronzer and blush evens skin tone and texture. Mirrored compact includes an organic, asymmetrical sculpting brush for precise application. Eco-friendly compact uses 93% less plastic than traditional compacts. $13.95




Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm with SPF 15
Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm has 52% Certified Organic Ingredients. This soothing lip balm contains no gluten, parabens, phthalates or artificial flavors and was not tested on animals. $3.49


So now you can look good, feel good and do it all with making the planet greener! 
Happy Earth Day!
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Little White Dress And 5 Ways To Wear It!

Move over LBD! Little white dress is here and seems like its everywhere!! I have been seeing the LWD in both the day time and night time looks ! Its fun, fresh and feminine - just the way we like it! If you have read my earlier blog posts, you may remember your blogger's spring look in the white dress. I wore it with a pop of color with bright red heels.
'Taken with auto mode' picture sometimes gets you deer in the headlight look!


Here are 5 more ways to wear the little white dress.

1. Wear as a structured sheath or shift dress
 Courtney Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow  and Megan fox look svelte in their streamlined white dresses!



2. Wear it in lace
Nothing can be prettier than a white lace dress, and no I am not talking about wedding gowns! Case in point - Erdem spring/summer 2011, Nicole Kidman and Diane Kruger!


3. Wear it with some black
Reese Witherspoon looks ravishing in this white Jason Wu frock with black embroidery, while modesl show off D&G and Gianfranco Ferre white dresses with touch of black.


3.Wear it with a tailored jacket
Blake Lively wore this little Dolce & Gabbana number with a white blazer while promoting her movie green lantern. Gabrielle union brings the casual chic style out with a supple leather jacket


4. Wear it with tights
If like me you live in Chicago or in any other Midwestern town, you know spring is still illusive for us, but fear not, you can wear the little white dress with tights like Alexa Chung and Kate Bosworth.


And always wear it with style and a smile:-)


Shop For White Dresses -

Do you love a simple white dress? How would you style yours this spring/summer?
Photobucket PhotobucketPhotobucket
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April 21, 2011

Just wanted to share this with you all....

My blog posts (yes, 2 of them) got the honor of being featured in the Independent Fashion Blogger weekly roundup of fashion blogs! Here is the feature from IFB!

Things Are Gonna Change... I Can Feel It!

Edited by Jessie Thorpe of Denimology

On Monday morning, my life will change. I am having my muffin top and all of my shiny silver stretch marks removed from my fleshy, live-giving form. I'm having plastic surgery, a tummy tuck to be exact, and yes I'm talking right out loud about it. This decision has had my head in a tizzy fashion wise, sending me searching for some fashion guidance to compliment my new figure. I've really been inspired by nostalgic what-comes-around-goes-around fashion trends, feel good fashion and a variety of "Top (insert number here)" lists. 90's trends seem to be popular in the fashion blogosphere; you kids are talking about sheer clothes, color blocking and threads ripped to shreds. I'm really appreciating the inspirational instruction given by all you clever e-journalists. We've been instructed on how and what to wear for the season, how to pamper little ol' you and feel good about it too!

Links à la Mode: April 21st


SPONSOR:
New at Shopbop: McQ, Dsquared2, Three Dots, Monrow, DVF, 7's, RLX, DKNY, Havaianas, Missoni, MAXAZRIA, IRO, & VPL
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April 20, 2011

Shoe Trend Spotlight - Brian Atwood Metallic Pumps

Brian Atwood Metallic Pumps


Past few weeks, these sparkling babies have been seen everywhere from red carpets to product launches to the parties! 
From Left - Kerry Washington, Anna Paquin, Katy Perry, Victoria Beckham


From Left - Emma Roberts, Ashley Tisdale

The elegant pumps made with metallic leather has a 4¾" heel, of which 1¼" is hidden platform, so it compares to a 3½" heel. Its glamorous and chic and can make your wallet lighter by $550-$600, depending upon which store you get it from. Although I have got you a perfect alternative, if you hate to part with more than five hundred bucks!


Splurge - Brian Atwood $595
Brian Atwood Metallic Pump @ Bergdorf Goodman


Steal - Metallic Pumps $30- Charlotte Russe












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April 19, 2011

Why I love Kate Middleton's Style!

As much as I cringe about paparazzi (or stalkarazzi as they are sometimes called, for obvious reasons) following Kate Middleton everywhere, I realize we all love to read about her and see her pictures. I look forward to see what she is wearing  and she never disappoints! She has a charm about herself, an unstated elegance and class that has taken the whole world (or at least the style enthusiasts) by a storm. From her gorgeous outfits to her ever smiling face, she is the real style-princess!  And here are the seven reasons I really love her -
1.She can rock any hat - and its no easy task! Whether its a super-sized wide brimmed hat or feathery whimsical creation - she looks beautiful in every one of them!


2. She looks so very mod in structured outfits -  Kate gives the face-lift to the age old skirt suit, and brings another level of sophistication to dresses with tailored jackets!


3. She looks ladylike - In the shimmery, silky gowns worthy of a Princess, Kate looks svelte  and beautiful!

Kate in  Alexander McQueen dress to the BAFTA dinner in LA during her US visit

4. And she looks Chic in jean and boots too - Kate looks so very put together and chic in casual outfits whether denim and flats, or riding boots and skirts! The sale of knee high "Kate-like" boots in England in 2011 shot up a whooping 663%!!

5. She brings class to the summer dresses -  Whether its a wrap dress or a pretty flower print midi, Kate looks at ease and oh-so-refreshing in it!

6. Always shining - her crowning glory!! - With soft waves and smooth curls, her silky tresses are always a sight to behold!

7. She has a warmth about her - Kate is not afraid of letting her hair down, and have some fun! She has been a crowd pleaser in any public event she has attended!

I think you can safely say she is truly Princess Diana's style-heir! 


I wish future Queen of England all the best!
For daily dose of style delights, connect with me on -


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April 18, 2011

Star Style For Less - Miranda Kerr In Striped Dress with Blazer

Last week, I had written a Style Trends blog Post about Stripes and had featured Miranad Kerr wearing a Striped Dres with a Tailored Jacket.  Her outfit was very trendy and oh-so-ready-for-vacation! I loved that look so much, that for today's Star Style For Less, I am recreating her look.


Image courtesy - People Magazine 

So here it is, the celebrity star style for less! The link to buy these pieces is below the collage!

a. Velvet Torch Stripe Boatneck Dress $48- Nordstrom
b. Velvet Boyfriend Jacket $59.99 - J.Jill
c. Beaded Bow Flats $19.80 - Forever 21



To Get this look - Shop Here!

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April 17, 2011

Numbing Cream for Bikini Waxing - Painless way to Smoothville!

Sexy Bikini - Check
SPF 'gazillion' sun screen - Check
Lounge chair next to pool - Check
Bikini Waxing - OUCH!!



Beauty has its own costs - pain should not be one of them. And bikini wax is such a pain in you know where! So if you are gritting your teeth just by thinking about it, relax! Bare Ease Numbing Cream developed by an anesthesiologist Edna Ma. This product numbs the 'area' and takes the edge away from the pain. It has lidocaine which is a safe topical anesthetic commonly used in tattoo parlors and in doctors' office for numbing the sensation during laser procedures.
The product needs to be on your skin for about 30 minutes to be effective and for that the plastic isolation underwear comes in handy! You can apply the cream 30 minutes prior to your waxing appointment, slip on the disposable underwear and be on your way! The kit costs $24.99.


Be warned though - every person has a different threshold of pain and while for some this is an 'ouch-less' procedure, for others its just a help to curb the screams into gasps!!! 


Disclaimer - *I neither work for, nor was approached by Bare Ease for the review. Opinions   expressed here are mine - without any incentive.
                   ** Make sure you are not allergic to lidocaine or other topical anesthetic


Just for the chuckle - Bikini Wax Waltz!


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April 15, 2011

How to lose weight- Tips to shed pounds the healthy way!

This is the question I am asked so often, and today I am sharing my very personal weight loss journey and weight loss tips on my blog. Hope this helps/inspires the ones who are trying to shed some pounds.
Full Disclaimer - My weight gain was due to pregnancy and I was never overweight before getting pregnant.

When you are a new mom - getting sleep, putting food on the table and making a reasonable schedule for your baby keep you so busy that every other need takes a back seat! And when your baby is nicely settled into a routine, you have time to read a full page in the book, and household is once again chaos-free, it suddenly hits you!!---- What happened to my pre-baby body??
I went through this phase right after the birth of my daughter and I decided to do something about it.
And since then I have lost all my pregnancy weight, maintained it, and all through this never starved or deprived myself of good food!
It took me almost one year to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight & shape

As i share my own story here, I would like to set the record straight for few things!
1. THERE IS NO PILL TO LOSE WEIGHT (at least in a healthy way)
2. Consistency is the key!
3. It will take TIME to shed those extra pounds, so be patient
4. Make your weight loss goal sensible and reasonable. Size zero on every bone structure is not sexy!

So when I started my 'operation get-back-to-pre-baby-shape", I made sure I stick to these basics!
Here are some suggestions based on my own experience -
1. Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight is dependent on diet and exercise. 80% of it is diet - when i say DIET, I mean healthy eating habits, not starving, and 20% is the exercise. So watch what you eat. Simple, common sense ideas - less fat, less processed food, less empty calories (chips/sodas/candies) more fruits, vegetables and fiber rich carbs. Substitute your whole milk dairy products with low fat dairy products. Trust me - 2% is a very good thing!
2. But that does not mean you can't have a little chocolate now and then. Moderation is the key - for everything you eat.
3. I had read it somewhere that our brain realizes the stomach is full - 20 minutes after the stomach is really full! So stop eating after a sensible portion size, even if you feel you could eat a little more. For portion size and servings see this Portion Control And Weight Loss article.
4. Never deprive yourself of anything, because once you totally remove a particular food group/food from your diet, your body craves it more and when you get a chance to eat it, you can't stop at just-a-taste. So keep your taste buds satisfied..
5. Exercise - I can't stress it enough. You don't need to go to the gym necessarily - just make sure you do cardivascular activity at least for 30 minutes every other day. It could be biking/running/jogging/brisk walk/taking a flight of stairs. Maintain a speed where your heart rate is up - If you are walking, and can keep talking comfortably - you are not getting your heart rate up, so do not stroll in the park, walk briskly! If you have time, you can do 20 minutes of strengthening exercises after the cardio ( In any form - Yoga, Pilates, simple lunges/squats/push-ups/crunches)
6. If you can, ask a friend to join you for the exercise - it helps you keep up the routine and makes it fun!
7. The simple math of weight loss is - calorie counting! A pound of body fat equates to approximately 3500 calories. So if you have a calorie deficit of 500 calories (meaning that you burn 500 calories more than you eat each day) you would lose approximately one pound per week (500 x 7 = 3,500) See, the math teacher's rapping your knuckles pays one day!!
8. And I say it again - Be consistent! You can not expect results if you do it for a week, and totally forget it the next!
9. Make lifestyle changes - no crash diet/extra hard workout. This way you will be able to LIVE with your routine. So if you can't abide skim milk, go for 2% or 3%  and stick with it. 
10. Please consult your physician before starting a heavy work out routine!

Some weight loss tips - not scientifically proven - but helped me nonetheless -
1. Brush your teeth if you feel like eating at a wrong hour. The feel of mint actually made me not think about food.
2. Drink water if you feel hungry even after a meal or snack!
3. Make up for that extra piece of cake after dinner by running 10 more minutes the next morning. Remember its like balancing the checkbook -  Credit should equal Debit!
4.Talk about your goal with your family and friends so that you have a support network, and people understand when you ask at lunch for "dressing on the side and not smothered over your salad"
5. Don't eat anything on the couch!! Seriously - This habit saw me through my weight loss journey. Eat when you are hungry, and not when your mind is busy elsewhere. We open the pack of chips while watching TV and finish it even before we realize- we didn't want it! No wonder it is called mindless munching!

So, there it is - my own experience, weight loss tips and suggestions! Hope it helps anyone looking to lose weight.
If you follow these steps, I can guarantee you will see results! 
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