I know I’m late to the fashion critique party on this one, but it’s partially because I can’t believe this non-story became such a big deal.  Michelle Obama wore shorts while visiting the Grand Canyon with her daughters in one hundred degree heat (see photos).  Shocking!  The First Lady dared to bare her legs and thighs while de-boarding Air Force One.  Blasphemous!  
 
 
Really, everyone needs to get a grip.  As one pop culture commentator aptly put it, “She wasn’t wearing Daisy Dukes; she was wearing Mom shorts!”  I think Michelle is a great role model for all modern women.  She’s …read more

I’ve been stalking this pair of Nine West gladiator sandals for months now.  I debated ordering the Ruffian sandal (on sale for $39.99), online but didn’t want to pay for shipping and handling. Besides, there’s not tax on clothing and shoes under $110 in New York.
When I no longer saw the sandals on display at a local Nine West store, I asked if they still had the shoes in stock.  They didn’t, but the helpful staff did the next best thing.  They found a nearby store and mailed the shoes to me without tax or shipping.
My Ruffian sandals arrived this week …read more

It’s been a cruel, sticky summer in New York City.  Not just outside, where air quality alerts have become common.  Waiting for the subway train in humid, air-
condition-less stations has also diminished my “Raise your hand if you’re sure” confidence.
That’s where Boots Original Beauty Formula Lemon Body Wash comes in. This reviving wash infused with stimulating lemon oil and enriched with hydrating glycerin helps keep me feeling and hopefully smelling fresh when the heat is on.
 
Image credit: Boots.com

If I don’t say so myself, Hot Mama Daily has sponsored some great contests this summer.  The latest was the Sunglass Warehouse giveaway, and two randomly selected winners will each be awarded a $25 gift certificate for the shades of their choice.  And since all of the website’s designer-inspired sunglasses are less than $20, the winners can scoop up more than one pair. 
 
 
As part of the contest, I asked for your favorite beach getaway.  Here are the answers from the two lucky winners:
Jennifer King, 36,  of Bullard, Texas says, “Bahamas baby!”
Rosanne Morrison, 54, of Rockford, Illinois says, “I like Maui or …read more

A couple weeks ago I pondered the purchase of FitFlops, a stylish pair of flip flops that promise to improve muscle tone and posture and burn calories.  But this cheap  budget fashionista wouldn’t cough up the forty bucks.  And I’m glad I didn’t because here come TheraSandals — a far less expensive “fit flop” — to the rescue.
Apparently, TheraSandals can do anything FitFlops can do, all for the bargain price of $9.99.  I like the bronze pair (see photo) I picked up at Kmart.  My only complaint is the thong irritates my toes.
But heck, I saved $30, so that’s nothing a couple …read more

The sun hasn’t been consistent in New York City, however, as every Hot Mama knows, wearing sunscreen in the summer — rain or shine — is a must. 
 
 
Because of a few pesky breakouts, I’m giving my usual moisturizer with sunscreen a rest.  So I dipped into my “beauty closet” and found Porselene SPF 30 Ultimate Complexion Protection ($35), a facial moisturizer designed to hydrate, condition, and leave the skin with a radiant glow and youthful appearance.
The moisturizer is very light, and most importantly, the SPF 30 provides daily protection against the harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause sun damage.
Image credit: Porselene

Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Shampoo is one of my top pick shampoos.  I like how the mint makes my hair smell fresh and feel tingly and squeaky clean. Until this morning, however, I wasn’t aware Aveda also makes Rosemary Mint Body Lotion ($7-$21) and I plan to pick up a bottle during lunch.
The invigorating Rosemary Mint lotion has a time-release aroma of certified organic rosemary and peppermint.  It promised to cool and revitalize your skin with menthol; soften and soothe; and offers a mind-and-body energizing aroma.
 
 
 
Image credit: Aveda

J. Lo’s “Glow” is one of my favorite celebrity scents.  This summer Jennifer Lopez  introduces “Sunkissed Glow,” a floral, fruity, and sensual fragrance with tropical hints of  ruby red grapefruit, pineapple juice; lush orange flower, water lily, and passion flower; and sultry sheer amber, cashmere wood, and hot sand.
Yeah, I don’t totally get the hot sand part either.  But the whole shebang makes for a sexy Miami Beach-ready perfume.  Available at Macy’s and other major department stores, the shapely bottle comes with a personal touch from Jen – a wearable seashell charm bracelet.
 
 
 
Image credit:  Beauty Press

This week, I’m starting a two-week “Hot Mama Daily Diva Diet and Fitness Challenge” (I’ll post on the yoga classes I take and diet changes I make) and I’m planning to work any and all angles to shed some pounds before summer officially starts.
As my devoted readers already know (at least I hope I have some devoted readers), I test drove a pair of Skechers’ “Shape Ups” across the Brooklyn Bridge with mixed results. So in my search for a more fashionable, bum-toning fitness shoe I came across FitFlops.  Before I part with $40, however,  I want to know if they really:

Improve …read more

I cannot stress how much I love H&M.  The tres chic retailer supplies the latest fashions at recessionista prices.  Today I stopped by the H&M on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and scooped up a cute black top with metallic stripes for only $10. 
There were also plenty of trendy hanbags for $5-10; my closet overruneth with totes, purses, clutches, and hobos, so I had to resist the urge. 
I’m not sure when the sale ends, so hurry to an H&M near you.

Image credit: H&M