Although this recession has been tough on a Hot Mama’s wallet, that’s no reason to skip holiday gift giving. Actually, it’s a fine time for more thoughtful and unique presents. So when I discovered Lagelle hand-knitted hats and scarves, I had to share.  Every Lagelle item is made by Tahisha Crawford with TLC.
The Pittsburgh-based designer and Brooklyn native has been knitting for seven years and launched her Lagelle accessories line in November 2007.
Tahisha’s inspiration? “Everything,” she says.  ”But I find myself being inspired by vintage fashions.”
The 35-year-old took her line’s name from her mother’s maiden name Laguer.  ”I credit my Mom for …read more

Every Hot Mama should have a side hustle or two.  Mine are freelance writing and operating two stores on Etsy.com.  Technically, Etsy is for handcrafted wares, but they also allow vintage clothing sellers.  My vintage store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop Too, is a companion to my thread/string earring store, Tracy’s Pop & Shop.

 
I love to shop, particularly at consignment shops, flea markets, clothing swaps (if you haven’t gotten in on this free trend yet, ladies, what are you waiting for?), thrift stores, and fashion-forward discount retailers like H&M, Target, and Forever 21.  And I launched my Etsy stores a couple years …read more

The inspiration for this weekly post, “5 Things I Want Right Now,” came from Lucky magazine, an endless resource for shopping trends.  I’m aware, however,  that Hot Mama Daily readers are fellow fashionistas, and I want to hear from you.  
What are five beauty and fashion items you are jonesing for right now?  Drop me a line and I’ll feature readers’ picks in an upcoming post.
Here are my picks for this week:
 

Girl Props Zodiac earrings, $6.99

I’m a Capricorn gal and I love these funky Zodiac earrings by Girl Props. Beyonce and Missy Elliott are also fans of the 2.5″ hoops.
 
If you’re …read more

Loella Medina is a self-taught designer who crafts beautiful jewelry from precious and semiprecious stones. Read Hot Mama Daily’s interview with the Dominican Republic native (see photo), who has great gifts for Mom on sale in her Etsy stores.  
Hot Mama Daily: What’s the inspiration for your jewelry?

Loella: Overall my jewelry collections are inspired by my Caribbean culture which is a colorful, flirty, and happy. I like to use bright colors for my designs and so even the smallest pairs of earrings will stand out.  
HMD: What are your favorite stones and materials to work with?
L: I use precious and semi precious gemstones; …read more

Yesterday I posted examples of how to copy Michelle Obama’s sophisticated style.  Here I break down another one of the First Lady’s memorable outfits — a sparkly champagne cardigan, pearls, a daring mint-green pencil skirt, and snakeskin kitten heels.
On paper it sounds like an odd combination of patterns and textures, but somehow the mix-and-match outfit works.  Here’s how to achieve this bold look for less:
 
 
This sleek “Dazzling Dots” pencil skirt by J. Crew is the exact skirt the First Lady wore to breakfast with the British Prime Minister and his wife.  I love that her style is so affordable and accessible. 
The glittery cardigan, …read more