One of the best things about writing Hot Mama Daily is all of the cool fashionistas and designers I have a chance to meet, like Seville Michelle Anastos. The New Yorker recently launched her own shoulder jewelry called babette epaulette.
Find out more about the crafty stylist:
Hot Mama Daily: How long have you been making the shoulder jewelry?
Seville: I came up with the concept in July 2009 and by October 2009 I designed the full line.
HMD: What’s your inspiration for starting the jewelry line?
Seville: I was working with a pop star, Nelly Furtado, and imagined all of the beautiful things I would …read more

During a weekend visit to my local Macy’s, I spotted a new style of Skechers Shape-Ups.  The shoes claim to tone your muscles and promote healthy weight loss, and based on all the success stories Hot Mama Daily readers have shared regarding the fitness shoes, I had to let you know about the latest color and style.
This “Women’s Work” style ($100 at Macy’s; $115 on Skechers.com) in black reminds me of old-school Reebok sneakers and is more ideal for the cold weather than the “Sleek Fit” Mary Jane style I tested over the summer.
Plus, they have slip-resistant soles, which make them …read more

Happy Halloween!  In celebration of the spooky holiday, here are a few of my favorite, scary celebrity fashion moments.  Are they Tricks or Treats? You be the judge:
I absolutely love Grace Jones.  She is a bold, beautiful avant garde fashion muse and music icon. But I can see how some folks would be more than a little scared of the 60-year-old glamazon.
Lil’ Kim has taken her tribute to Michael Jackson a little too far.  I can’t decide what’s scarier — her botched plastic surgery, crazy blue contacts, or this horrid, lime green stripper dress.
This mix-and-match outfit would be passable if …read more

How many Hot Mamas out there love shoes? Me too.  Well, meet fellow shoeholic (and Grace Jones fan) Tinu Naija.  The New York City model and singer’s latest music video, “Shoeholic,” from her sophomore album Addicted, is an ode to her enviable collection of  boots, pumps, sandals, platforms and everything in between. You can even enter to win a shoe bag designed by Tinu.
I chatted with the stunning Nigeria native via email.
Hot Mama Daily: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Tinu: (Laughs) Mum is the word here! I am so ashamed to say the number out loud for the …read more

Paraben-free is beauty’s new buzz word.  But what does it mean?  I didn’t know either, so I looked it up.  Parabens are chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.  They can be found in shampoos, shaving gels, deodarants, and toothpaste. 
 
 
While parabens are considered safe because of their “low toxicity profile,” they can cause skin irritation in people with paraben allergies.  And parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is linked the development of breast tumors and cancers. Yikes!  No wonder the industry is trending towards paraben-free products.
 
 
Here are a few products I’ve tried and give the Hot Mama …read more

I love it when Hot Mama Daily readers hip me to new products.  This great beauty product tip comes from Ferris in Manhattan:
“I’ve been using it for a few years now and it’s honestly the best eye cream I’ve ever tried. This is the only cream I’ve tried that quickly reduces puffiness (like I cried the night before and fell asleep on my face puffiness).
It also works on fine lines and dark circles. It’s by Reviva and contains, DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C Ester. These are the same ingredients in Dr. Perricone’s eye cream but at a fraction …read more

Y’all know how I feel about fabulous Fashion Week.  Now here’s your chance to win an exclusive package for two to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. The sweepstakes, sponsored by Rowenta (the brand’s irons and steamers have provided expert garment care for 100 years), is valued at $4,850!
Visit Rowenta’s website for your chance to win Rowenta’s Exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sweepstakes.
Here’s what you’ll win:

Entrance to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and tickets to select shows in February 2010.
Roundtrip coach airfare for two (continental U.S. only).
Airport transfers.
3 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in Manhattan and select meals between February …read more

Rakia Reynolds has eclectic personal style.  This trendsetter isn’t afraid to mix bold colors, vivid patterns, and designer pieces with vintage finds; she even showed up for a shoot with Lucky Magazine in a pink tutu. As Philadelphia’s 360 Fashion Ambassador, Rakia works with Philly’s tourism corporation (GPTMC) to promote the blossoming local shopping scene.
 
 
I love Philly and met the bubbly Temple graduate during a recent visit for the city’s first Fashion Week.  This busy hot mama — the 30 year-old is a mother of two girls with one on the way — is also fashion editor for the revamped …read more

Shopping and complimentary cocktails can be a tricky combination.  But it’s a winning combination for Shecky’s Girls Night Out shopping parties.  I’ve been to several over the years and the event is always a good time.  General Admission tickets are sold out for the upcoming NYC event — which runs Oct. 19-23 from 5 – 10 pm — however, Hot Mama Daily readers are an exclusive, lucky bunch!  Click here for free General Admission.
 
 
As an added bonus, if you would like one of Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bags stocked full of beauty freebies, click here and receive $10 off your Goodie Bag …read more

Some may still regard Epsom Salt as an old wives tale remedy, however, its the secret ingredient in many luxury bath products and an A-list celebrity beauty staple. Personally, I like to stock up on cartons of Epsom Salt at my local $1 store and keep a 3 lb. bag of Dr. Teal’s Soaking Solution on standby to soothe my aching joints in a warm detoxifying bath.
Apparently, I’m not alone in my affection for this affordable, medicinal bath and beauty product. Hot Mama Daily reader Sandhi Schimmel Gold, writes, “My favorite [bath product] is Kiehl’s Lavendar Soaking salt, but when I’m …read more