Here are 5 options selected from Banana Republic that will keep you dressed for success at your next office party:

Banana Republic Origami Sheath, $142

1) You can’t go wrong in a little black dress like this origami sheath with flirty sleeves.

Banana Republic Silk Paisley Tunic, $70

2)  A pretty blouse like this silk tunic paired with wide legged trousers or your best pair of jeans.

Banana Republic Classic Pencil Skirt, $60

3) A classic pencil skirt can easily be dressed up or down.

Banana Republic Facetted Collar Necklace, $80

4) A bold collar necklace will jazz up a crisp, white shirt.

Banana Republic Drawstring Cuff Bootie, $198

5) Slip into these hip suede booties and get footloose at your office party.

Image credit: Banana Republic

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

C'mon scale, tell me something good.

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 Natren Healthy Tummy and Healthy Trinity probiotic supplements — all of which will help me with digestion and regularity.

Inside the Natren kit was a handy sheet on a low-carb diet that seems doable.  The diet is similar to low-carb diets I’ve attempted in the past such as Dr. Ian Smith’s “Fat Smash Diet,” however, the sheet is easier to reference than a book. So I plan to get my munchies on during the July 4 holiday weekend and start fresh on Monday, July 6 with the aforementioned supplements, and a modified diet full of fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains, plain organic yogurt, deep sea cold water fish such as salmon, and absent of refined sugar products (bye bye cupcakes), wine (that’s gonna be a tough), and simple carbohydrates.

I’ve also assembled a fitness plan that includes a month-long membership to YogaWorks (read more on the benefits of yoga in tomorrow’s post), personal trainer  Aja Davis, and nutritional counseling from Latham Thomas, founder of Tender Shoots Wellness — a holistic boutique holistic wellness practice catering to busy women.

My goal is to tone my hips, glutes, thighs and tummy and to drop 5 – 7 lbs in four to five weeks.  I’ll update you on my progress midway, and any and all words of encouragement are welcome.

Image credit:  AmericanWeigh.com

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Banana Republic faux-wrap dress, $98

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, shapes and skin tones.  No matter who you are there is a LBD out there for you!  Take the time to find one that makes you feel great and fits you properly.
 
2.  You can wear black any time, during any season and to most events.  The LBD is chic, classic and sexy all rolled into one.  It’s the perfect dress to be worn for a night out on the town or as a cover up at the beach.
 
3.  You can wear this dress a dozen different ways. Jazz it up for evening with a beautiful beaded bolero or tone it down with flats and a wrist full of bangles. If you would like to wear it to work layer a cardigan sweater or blazer for a more refined look.
 
4. Last but not least: one of these dresses is never enough.  Have a few versions on hand that can work with the rest of your wardrobe.  

Colin Megaro is a stylist and fashion expert and the founder of Planet Style Concierge, a personal styling service based out of NY and LA.  But lucky for all of us, he travels!  

Image credit: Banana Republic

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

So here’s my weekly Hot Mama Daily roundup of “5 Things I Want Right Now”:

Banana Republic Dark Coral dress, $64.99

Colorful Macrame Top from Forever 21, $12.64

Cute "Eleora" thong sandals from Target, $17.99

Marc Jacobs leather bag, $428

Rosena Sammi Indian Monsoon bangles, $49.95

 

 

From top to bottom:

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

 

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

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Taraji P. Henson wearing a jeweled tight cuff bracelet on the red carpet.

Taraji wearing an eye-catching gold wide cuff bracelet.

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 look.  For instance, pair a chunky cuff with a big bangle.

Banana Republic braided cuff, $34

Henna Studded Cuff, $5.80

Amrita Singh's colorful enamel cuffs, $20

Image credit: Bauer Griffin, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Amrita Singh

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Singer Ayo

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.

Singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding

 

Behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists are available on Banana Republic’s website, www.bananarepublic.com/citystories, along with unplugged performances, free music downloads, and streaming music samples.  

Photo credit: Banana Republic

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

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 taken off in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other major cities, but you can host a swap anywhere.

Here are a few basic swap rules:

1) Like the golden rule, don’t bring clothes you wouldn’t want to receive. That means no dirty, stained or torn items. If you wouldn’t wear it, chances are no one else wants it.

2) To avoid swapper’s remorse, don’t bring items you can’t stand to part with. Only bring items you’re ready to give a new home.

3) Don’t expect the swap to be an even trade. Sometimes you will bring a bag of clothes, shoes, and accessories and leave with only one or two items. Other times, you may bring a little and come home with a lot.

4) Be patient. Swapping is like mining for buried treasure. I’ve found brand new clothing from H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy, and Banana Republic with the tags still attached. But you have to be willing to hang out for a while and wait for new people bearing fresh swap items.

5) Have fun. Swapping is a great way to meet like-minded fashionistas, double your wardrobe,  and promotes recycling, which is good for the environment. 

Post from: Hot Mama Daily