Hot Mama Daily » Hot Picks

Hot Mama Daily Is Ready for Black Friday!

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:00:22 +0000

The idea is appealing to me, but I’ve never been to a door buster at 4 or 5 am in the morning. I doubt I’ll be up that early, but my plan is to hit up my favorite stores before noon. Here are some of the deals I’m ready to pounce on:

Get ready for Black Friday deals!

At H&M, get 25% off the item of your choice from opening until 10 am.

Old Navy will open at 3 am and rumor has it the store’s will be giving away a LEGO Rock Band video game with your $20 purchase. Supplies, of course, are limited.

Target opens at 5 am on Friday and everything from electronics to toys and clothing will be on sale.

More than clothes, this Hot Mama also needs a new couch and desk. So if you hear of any furniture deals, let me know!

Image credit: JC Penney

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Hot or Not? The Boyfriend Blazer

Tracy Hopkins — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:47 +0000

The boyfriend blazer is a must-have fashion item for the fall/winter season. I’m about to show my age (again), but I remember the first time this trend was hot in the ’80s. Back then, the style was typified by a single button and huge shoulder pads.

The boyfriend blazer I sported in high school came from the Limited, and was grey with a plaid pattern, double-breasted, and had shoulder pads so big I felt like a linebacker.

Women's 3/4-Sleeve Sateen Blazers, $39.50

Women's Double-Breasted Boyfriend Blazers, $39.50

The new version of the boyfriend blazer seems less tomboyish and a little sleeker. I found these two great jackets on Old Navy’s website. Better yet, you get 30% Off any purchase if you use your Old Navy card!

What do you think — are boyfriend blazers Hot or Not?

Image credit: OldNavy.com

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HMD Reader Product Pick: Reviva Eye Serum

Tracy Hopkins — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:05:37 +0000

I love it when Hot Mama Daily readers hip me to new products. This great beauty product tip comes from Ferris in Manhattan:

Reviva Eye Serum, $17.99 (image from Vitamin Shoppe)

“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 of the cost. Years ago, after reading his book I tried a sample from Sephora and loved it, but couldn’t afford it ($95).

Shortly thereafter I found this Reviva cream at the Vitamin Shoppe ($18). I use it night & day. Over time you really notice a difference!”

Thanks for the tip Ferris!

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3 Things I Want Right Now!

Tracy Hopkins — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:00:42 +0000

This weekend I’ve been in lounge mode. My lack of activity hasn’t totally been by choice, but when it’s that time of the month sometimes the best thing you can do is surrender to the couch. And all of this chill time has me thinking about things I need to kick my respite up a notch.

Here are three things I want right now:

Victoria's Secret Tee-jama set, $45

This soft and simple Tee-jama set has a short sleeve tee, cotton sateen pants, and is the kind of comfy sleep wear I love to stretch out and watch a Lifetime movie marathon in.

EO Bath House bath salts, 3 pack for $27

Soaking in a warm, aromatherapy bath with bubbles and bath salts is one of my favorite ways to relax. These EO Bath House salts come in several fragrances including Hinoki and Ginger.

DesignerSnuggie, $19.95

Not even Oprah can resist the Snuggie. Now the must-have blanket with sleeves comes in three designer styles — leopard, zebra, and camel. Thanks to a buy one, get one free offer you can share the fleece goodness with a friend (just pay an additional $7.95 for shipping and handling).

Image credit: Amazon.com, Snuggie, Victoria’s Secret

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Hot Pick: Affinitas Intimates Erase VPL

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:32 +0000

Cue the “Thong Song” please. Whether you fancy basic cotton, sexy satin, smooth velvet, romantic lace, or sporty lycra, Affinitas Intimates have literally got you covered. So kiss visible panty line (VPL for those in the know) goodbye and say hello to frisky business. The panties are available at specialty, boutique and online stores in the U.S. and Canada and retail from $8-$16.

Image credit: Affinitas Intimates

Affinitas Intimates’ line also includes a seductive selection affordable, quality bras, camisoles, and bustiers.

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Hot Pick: Brookyn-Based Shopping Tote

Tracy Hopkins — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:00:16 +0000

A girl can never have too many bags, especially if you lug around as much assorted crap (CDs, magazines, and beauty swag) as I do. Brooklynites and Brooklyn wannabes alike will want this tote I found on the website, Brooklyn-Based. The “borough-proud” shopper is only $12 including shipping.

Image by Brooklyn-Based

The bag gives a nod to Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods including my current hipster hood, Cobble Hill, and my former, beautiful brownstone-lined hoods Fort Greene/Clinton Hill and Park Slope. Once you have the tote, here’s a place you can go to fill it:

The Brooklyn Flea: You’ll find everything from vintage clothing and jewelry to antiques and tasty tacos at this weekend flea market. Saturdays in Clinton Hill from 10-5 and Sundays in Dumbo from 11-6.

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Hot Pick: Grace Jones T-Shirt

Tracy Hopkins — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:00:54 +0000

Grace Jones is one of my favorite fashion icons. The legendary singer, actress, and disco/new wave queen will perform at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom later this month. Although the $70 -$100 ticket price is a bit steep for me in these penny-pinching times, I can still afford this bold t-shirt emblazoned with Ms. Jones’ androgynous image.

Grace Jones t-shirt on Ebay, $14.99

For several years, I’ve searched for a t-shirt with this fearless diva’s face on it and I think this is the right one, baby. Would anyone else wave her freak flag high in this groovy tee?

Image credit: Ebay

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3 Things I Want Right Now

Tracy Hopkins — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:32 +0000

Summer is in full swing and I’ve been taking many mini-vacations. So I need basic wardrobe staples and new travel music for my Ipod. I’ve scaled down my picks from five, and here are “3 Things I Want Right Now“:

Bird Print maxi dress full view

Bird Print maxi

This Bohemian peacock print maxi dress by Voom ($238) , available at Edressme.com, would be a perfect addition to my colorful summer wardrobe.

Maxwell album cover

I haven’t looked forward to a new CD in ages, and I can’t wait to get my copy of Maxwell’s long-awaited (what was this hottie doing for the last 8 years?) BLACKsummer’snight. The disc, which drops today, features the sexy single “Pretty Wings,” and I’m flattered that a random dude in a car serenaded me with the lyrics while I was walking during my lunch break.

Espadrille flats by Talbots

Espadrille in Orange Burst

I’m a sucker for flats and I love these leather espadrilles by Talbots. These easy to pack slip-ons come in a variety of colors including practical black and fun orange burst, and are on sale for only $44.99! Thanks for the tip Lucky magazine.

Image credit: Edressme.com, B&N.com, Talbots

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Hot Pick: Forever 21 Bubble Gal Tee

Tracy Hopkins — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:00:21 +0000

Forever 21 lives up to its name with a selection of styles that keep no-longer twenty-something fashionistas like myself looking and feeling young and hip. A few weeks ago, I popped in the Forever 21 near Herald Square in New York City and picked up this adorable “Bubble Gal” graphic tee. I was pretty psyched the junior fashion-leaning brand’s size L still fits me.

Forever 21 "Bubble Gal Tee," $15.80

Forever 21 is also offering free shipping on all swim wear that ends, tomorrow July 5.

Image credit: Forever 21

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4 Reasons You Need a Little Black Dress

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:15 +0000

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.

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

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