Office parties are tricky.  You want to let loose with your coworkers, yet you must be careful not to dance on the bar top or reveal your feelings to that office crush after a few rounds of liquid courage.  Choosing the right outfit for an office soiree is also a head-scratcher.  You want to look festive, but not overdressed.  Feminine, but not too sexy.  And trendy, but not like you’re going to the club.
Here are 5 options selected from Banana Republic that will keep you dressed for success at your next office party:
 
1) You can’t go wrong in a little …read more

Last week I looked at my flabby thighs and widening hips in a Banana Republic changing room mirror and knew it was time to make a change.  Further incentive came from my scale, which registered a number higher than I’ve ever weighed.
Technically, I’m not overweight, but I’m pushing the boundaries of the body mass index (BMI) for my age and height.
Although I’d planned to start my “Hot Mama Daily Diva Diet and Fitness Challenge” at the beginning of June, it didn’t happen.  But now I’m ready. Last week, two products arrived that will assist me in my quest:  Thinberry 7-day cleanse kit and …read more

Much to my chagrin I’ve spent many a frantic moment tearing through my closet looking for a dress to wear to a wedding, fashion show, or some other dressy engagement requiring me to look like a grown-up.  To avoid those fashion panic attacks, I recently purchased several basic black frocks that can be dressed up or down.  The little black dress (LBD) never goes out of style and it’s perfect for any occasion.
 
 
But don’t just take my word for it.  Read fashion stylist Colin Megaro’s four reasons why every Hot Mama needs a LBD:
1.  Black is flattering for all sizes, …read more

This week I’m in a city sophisticate, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” mood — perhaps I’m thinking of how to dress to impress during my upcoming trip to Toronto. 
So here’s my weekly Hot Mama Daily roundup of “5 Things I Want Right Now”:

 
 
From top to bottom:

Banana Republic Pleated Sleeve V-Neck Dress in Red Coral
Forever 21’s Colorful Macrame Top
Target Merona “Eleora” Tortoise flat sandals
Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag
Rosena Sammi Indian Monsoon bangles (set of six)

 
Image credit: Forever 21, Banana Republic, Target, ShopBop, Rosena Sammi

Kick your spring style up a notch with some arm candy.  Chunky cuff bracelets are one of the hottest accessory trends of the season, and the perfect way to jazz up a casual or dressy outfit.

Celebs like Taraji P. Henson can afford bold, beautiful and most likely expensive cuff bracelets (see above photos), but we can get the look for less at retailers like Banana Republic and Forever 21.
Insider bargain shopper  tip: If you’re in New York City, you can find the latest jewelry trends at wholesale prices at  Earrings Plaza.
Style tip: Try doubling up your bracelets for a funky, bohemian …read more

Banana Republic’s Spring/Summer ad campaign, “City Stories,” celebrates the hipness of city life and features a multicultural cast of music artists including internationally-acclaimed acoustic soul singer Ayo and emerging  jazz bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding.   
I had the pleasure to interview Ayo in 2007 prior to the release of her debut disc, Joyful, and was taken by her striking beauty, genuine personality, and eclectic flair for fashion.  And the equally stunning Esperanza Spalding’s jazzy and Latin-tinged debut disc, Esperanza, was one of my favorite CDs of 2008.

Behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists are available on Banana Republic’s website, www.bananarepublic.com/citystories, along with unplugged …read more

Attention hot mamas.  In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in a recession. And even though retailers are practically giving merchandise away thanks to deeply discounted sales, I’ve discovered a way to shop without spending a dime. How, you ask? By swapping clothes I no longer need or can’t fit with friends and swap groups.
On average, I go to about one or two clothing swaps a month and have an eclectic wardrobe to show for it (see the above You Tube video I did on a clothing swap in New York City). Through Meetup.com, Freecycle and other social organizations, the clothing swap trend has …read more