This afternoon I’ll be headed to a hotel for what feels like my ump-teenth conference. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with conferences…they can be such a good time and you can get so much out of it – provided that the organizers have done a good job putting a solid lineup together and any associated tradeshow floor is packed with a nice mix of people buying and people selling. Nothing is worse than a tradeshow where everyone is selling…
Of course, having done this just a few times before, I’ve picked up a few ways to ensure that …read more

Once relegated to our winter wardrobes, scarves are now appearing in spring and summer fashions.  Don’t put them in the drawer till next winter – look at everything you can do!
Here are 13 suggestions for using a scarf as a year-round fashion accessory:

Use as a muffler for warmth.  This is how many of us think of using a scarf anyway, and it’s still cold in many parts of the world.
Use as a cold weather fashion statement.  Wear a scarf tied prettily, but closely, around your neck and add a little warmth while looking good.
Use as a warm weather fashion statement.  …read more

Summer may just be a rumor as I sit writing this in the snow, but the calendar and store shelves say that it’s coming soon.
Most of us can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe each season, so we rely on a few accessories to extend what’s already in our closet.
Here are 5 must have accessories that will take you all the way through summer.
Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from harsh light and UV rays with a pair of fashionable glasses that offer 100% UV protection. If you participate in a lot of summer sports, you may need specialized glasses …read more

By and large I think that Forever 21 is great for gals in that 21 age bracket, but it always scares me to see mothers of those gals trying on the same clothes.  Sure, you may be able to fit into your daughter’s clothing, but it doesn’t mean that you should!
Still, there are lots of fashion choices that you can make at Forever 21, regardless of your age and size, and the prices are inexpensive enough that you can try a few trends that may not stick around very long.
Take a look at what you can buy for $100:

A straw …read more

You’ll be asking for a raw deal, with these 2 eco-friendly bags from Raw Bags.
Made of recycled Chinese newspaper, and woven into a creative design, you can rationalize getting both knowing that you’re helping the environment.  The newspaper is coated with laminate to protect the bag from water and you from newsprint stains.  To make you feel even better about parting with your cold hard cash, Raw Bags make regular donations to green organizations.
Choose from the fold over clutch, with two snap closures.  $70.
Or the tote, with a cutout handle.  $100.
A raw deal never looked so good!
Image credit: Raw Bags

If shopping was healthy, wouldn’t you do it every day?  That’s how I feel about shopping at Spoon Fed Art, the brainchild and creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.
Karin began making jewelry during treatment for an eating disorder, using spoons as the base upon which to build her beautiful designs.  Karin continues to support the recovery from eating disorders, and the business is a member of NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.  Which means that my shopping there helps make the lives of others healthier!  (How’s that for rationalization?)
I purchased a spoon titled “Purple Rose of Cairo” several …read more

Looking good and being fashionably on-time will be easy this spring and summer with bold colored fashion watches in every color of the rainbow – one for every day of the week.
Red – Michael Kors Chronograph Resin Band Watch.  It’s really pink, but that’s close to red so I’m counting it.  Besides, I LOVE THIS WATCH!  The large round face is surrounded by Swarovski crystals.  Modern looking with three chronographs and a date window.  LOVE IT!  Sale priced now at $134.90.
 
 
Orange – Zodiac Seadragon Rubber Band Watch – Sporty watch with scalloped edges around the case, and contrasting …read more

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said that we are shaped and fashioned by what we love.  So true that is when it comes to beauty and style trends!
Here are the Top 10 products and fashion trends that are shaping who I am as we head into Spring:

Clarisonic – I love the way this makes my skin feel clean and fresh, and I think it’s help out with some of my wrinkles, too.
MAC lipsticks and glosses – I have dozens of these in my makeup case, and now that I’ve been checking out spring fashions, I’m sure I’ll have to …read more

If Forever 21 is good for something, it’s inexpensive accessories that simply beg for one good night on the town. No need to feel bad about spending lots of money on fast moving trends – each of the following options is under $10.

From Left to Right: Tropicale Beaded Necklace $8.80, Abstract Shapes Ring $4.80, Beaded Wrap Necklace $6.80, Brighton Rhinestone Ring $3.80, Studded Plate Bracelet $8.80, Dual Colored Rose Ring $3.80, Gina Bead Necklace $5.80, Rainbow Jewels Elastic Bracelet $7.80, Exotic Jewel Earrings $4.80, Faux Stone Elastic Bracelet $5.80, Beaded Hoop Earrings $5.80, Retro Lacquered Ring $5.80

HOBO INTERNATIONAL Madelena in Saffron
List Price: $388.00
Current Sale Price: $271.60
HOBO bags have been around since the early ’90s and are constantly evolving to stay current with fashion trends. They’re extremely popular in Europe and can be seen on almost any celebrity photo you find these days. They’re roomy and comfortable to sling over a shoulder or hold by your side. Tie a pretty multi-colored scarf at the base of the strap on one side to really make a statement.

Tray 6 Travel Size Citrus Lemon Compact Umbrella
Price: $55.00
How adorable is this cute yellow umbrella!? Bring a little sunshine into your rainy days …read more