Happy Feet!

ACORN Footwear Review

Product:  ACORN footwear

Pitch:  “Comfort on Earth.  Acorn footwear offers unsurpassed comfort, indoor/outdoor soles, fresh styling and the bright colors that women want for spring and summer.”

The Real Deal:  ACORN offers a wide variety of remarkably stylish footwear that range from—$75 for their outdoor shoes to $35 slippers—that are certain to make your feet happy this summer.

The company sent me the  New Spa Thong  similar to the one seen here on the right.  This slipper came from their Vegan collection and is registered with the International Vegan Society.  Further, they are made without any animal by-products or animal testing.  They also came packaged in recyclable materials.

When I wore them, they were very soft and comfortable.  I had my 7 year-old son try them on and he said, “It’s like walking on a soft bed mom.”  The non-slip indoor/outdoor sole is an added bonus when you want to run out and get the morning paper too. 

Those of you who have a hard time finding your size in footwear, will be pleased to see that ACORN carries a wide variety of sizes including wide-width.  The only thing I don’t like about the thong’s is that they rub against my big toe.  This may just be my feet, or the incredibly thick foam cushion that they are made of.  I hope that after a few weeks, they loosen up a bit.

Bottom Line:  I would rate these slippers an 8.5 for comfort and give ACORN footwear a 9.5 style rating. 

 

To purchase the ACORN footwear seen in this post or to see more from this company please go to www.acorn.com

A special thank you to ACORN for supplying the product for this review.

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Your Miraclebody Has Finally Arrived!

Finding a pair of jeans that are flattering can be an arduous and demoralizing experience.  That is why I just have to tell you about these fantastic jeans that I was sporting around-town yesterday.

They are called Miraclebody® Jeans and they are from the makers of the Miraclesuit.  The jeans are made from a patent-pending material called Miratex and boast twice the spandex of ordinary jeans. 

In full disclosure, the company sent me a pair of jeans to review and I was very skeptical that they could really live up to the claim that they will make you look “10 lbs lighter in 10 seconds!”   But with the tummy-control panel in the front, the extra spandex to slim your thighs and lift your tushy, I agree with their proclamation.  I was really impressed.

The first thing that I noticed when I tried them on was how unbelievably comfortable they were!  I don’t think I have ever worn a pair of jeans that felt so good.  I am an apple shape, which means that there is no getting around my muffin-top.  The Miraclebody® Jeans are midrise so they hugged my muffin-top so that for once, I could actually wear a belt without looking lumpy.  Now that’s a miracle!

I chose the ebony bootcut style above, but they come in several colors, cuts and styles.

 

You may be wondering, where can I buy Miraclebody® Jeans?

Miraclebody® jeans, leggings, skirts and tops can be purchased at their site online www.miraclebody.com or you can go to: Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales.

Here’s the kicker though, they don’t come cheap.  With a price tag starting at $110 it is more than most of us spend on a pair of jeans.  However, I ask you to consider this: it’s significantly cheaper than lipo, easier than losing 10lbs. and I wouldn’t recommend them if I really didn’t think they were worth the money.  They really are a good investment piece.  Not to mention, Mother’s Day is coming up and these jeans would make a terrific present.

Speaking of Mother’s Day, Miraclebody® Jeans is looking for “Women Who Shape our Lives”.  They are looking for women to share their stories about how someone has made an impact on your life or something that you have done to make a significant difference.  You can enter at www.weshapewomen.com for a chance to be one of 10 Semi-finalists to win a denim wardrobe from Miraclebody® valued at over $300.  Four lucky winners will be flown into NYC to take part in a photo session with photographer James Macari for an advertisement showcasing your winning story in the August  issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch® magazine. You also will receive a consultation with celebrity stylist Robert Verdi and a makeover at the Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon.

Just for entering, you will be given a $20 coupon good towards the purchase of your Miraclebody® Jeans.  (Then you can give that coupon to your hubby as a little hint.)

I hope that you will take the opportunity to enter yourself in this contest.  As women we’re always reluctant to admit what we are doing well for fear that we are boasting.  Well I’m telling you right now, you deserve it!  You work hard all year long and it’s ok feel proud of what you do to contribute to your family, friends and your community.   I want you to brag up a storm and win yourself a new wardrobe and a little pampering.  Remember, you’ve EARNED it!

Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!!

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Please refer to the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Wardrobe Styling Services in the Metro Detroit area.

Trend Watch: Shorts

Consider swapping your skirt one day this week, and instead don a fashion-forward alternative that had the spring runways abuzz. 

Photo source: style.com

These three very distinct looks (pattern, clean lines and military inspired) are all paired with high-heeled shoes to give it a sophisticated look.  Notice this dressed-up version aren’t your garden-variety jean shorts or khaki’s. 

Here are a few looks I pulled from the web to consider on your next shopping trip.

Looks starting from Left:

Mixed Pattern: Anthropologie, Lemon Fizz shorts; Blacklight Blouse

Clean Lines: Bergdorf Goodman, Fendi shorts and top

Military Inspired: Bluefly.com, La ROK white short

Michael Kors shoes

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Ideeli & Gilt-free Pleasures

If your aren’t in on two of the best-kept online shopping secrets, you’re definitely going to want to read this post!

Gilt Group is an invitation-only site that gives members the opportunity to save  up to 70% off designer merchandise including: clothing, accessories and shoes for men women and children.  In addition, Gilt group offers discounts on gifts such as this cute Bellissima Knot Cuff along with items for your home such as glassware, and more.

The discounts only last for 36 hours, so you want to act fast.  Gilt currently is featuring Alexander McQueen and this dress is already sold out.

Another discount designer site is Ideeli which offers up to 80% off retail prices.  Like Gilt Group, this is an invitation-only site and sales last only 36 hours.  Also, when you become a member, Ideeli will alert you to their surprise giveaways that you can enter. 

If you like to be the first in line, you can upgrade to the “1st row” for either $6.99 or $7.99/mo (depending on your billing cycle).  As a 1st Row member, you have access to the sales one hour earlier than the free-membership, 2nd Row.  There are also 1st Row only sales.  If you miss out on too many great deals, you may want to consider the upgrade.

When comparing the two, I’ve found that Gilt Group offers more of the higher-end designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs and Ideeli’s presents more affordable designers. 

Both are well worth the free membership to gain access to products that are typically unaffordable.

Now you didn’t think I would get you all excited about these sites and not invite you, did you?

For your Gilt Group invitation, click here: Gilt Group.  And for Ideeli click here: Ideeli.

Enjoy and let me know if you get any great deals!!

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Fashion Sensei Says…

I’m Not Dead…

Hi Guys, sorry it has been so long since I last posted.  Life has sort of gotten in the way of regular updates.  I’ve been doing some wardrobe styling (my feature in Birmingham Magazine will be out soon) and personal shopping.

I also learned that my husband’s company is relocating to South Carolina.  Which sent me into a frenzy looking at everything that I could find on the area.  So those of you from S.C. leave me comment as to why we may want to move there.  I certainly wouldn’t mind a warm winter. 

Again, I apologize for the lack of communication.  My plan is to get together some posts this week.  If there is anything that you interested in, feel free to leave me a comment.

I’ll talk to you soon!

Tanya

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Cankle-Concealers, Cool, or Just Plain Crazy?

A pair of Wolford tights have been causing a stir in the blog-o-sphere.

These $425—yes your eyes do not deceive you, that is the price—tights can be found on NeimanMarcus.com. 

My question to you dear readers, is do these tights inspire happy feet or is this just one misguided attempt at fashion?  Let’s discuss…

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5 Wedding Trends for 2010

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love is in the air and proposals  may only be days away.  Recently, I was asked by Stacie Donaldson from the East Wichita News for a few wedding trends for the newly betrothed.  Here are my top 5:

1.  Be Bold- With your jewelry that is.  Taking from the spring runway, a bold necklace will both draw attention up to your face and make a fashion-forward statement.

Rivini.com

 

2. Toss the Veil- Unless you have a traditional attachment to wearing a veil, there are many alternatives to choose from including: Hair jewelry such as a crystal headband or beaded hair pins.   A large flower worn like a little hat, is another big trend on the bridal runways.

OscardelaRenta.com

3.  Go Consignment or Vintage-  If you are a bride-on-a-budget,  you may be surprised to discover just how many dresses are available for purchase at your local consignment shop; including several that have never been worn. 

Another option is to raid grandma’s hope-chest. The gown that she has been storing for decades may take your breath away.  If the fit isn’t exact, or you want to update it a little, an experienced dressmaker or tailor can customize it for a look all your own.

Once Again Bridal and After-Five Resale Shop

 

4.  Tie Him Up in a Bowtie- Don’t forget your dashing groom.  While you may not look like the traditional bride, the traditional bowtie is the number one fashion trend in men’s formal wear.

AfterSix.com

 

5.  Individualize your Bridesmaids- With so many choices for bridesmaids, it think it’s unconscionable to have your attendants wear the same style dress.  Each woman has a different figure and you want them to look and feel beautiful on your big day.  You can do this by choosing a color that compliments each bridesmaid by allowing her to select a dress style that fits her figure as illustrated below.

 

VeraWang.com

Likewise, you can allow the bridesmaid to choose from a color family (under your direction) and then incorporate those colors into the bridal bouquet.

Thanks again to Stacie for the mention in her column. Be sure to read her full article for more trends, along with tips on finding the perfect dress for your figure.  East Wichita News p.10

Good Luck!

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Support the Local Economy and Give the Gift that Gives Back

In 2000, Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, MI began raising money to support a village school in the impoverished village—Namtenga—in Burkina Faso, Africa; providing  school supplies, uniforms, a water well with pump and more. 

In 2005, the program expanded to providing more than 30 women with a trade in creating woven products such as scarves, blankets and wraps to help support their families.

With the holidays upon us, instead of buying that wrap from a major department store, why not give your loved-one one of these handmade scarves?  The products range from $45 – $200, and all the proceeds go to the Namtenga Project.

You can pick them up at Optik which specializes in vintage and contemporary eyewear and accessories, located in Birmingham at 245 West Maple. 

But I’ll warn you in advance, it will be very difficult to leave without finding something else there that you can’t live without.  Optik has some of the most incredible and unique pieces in the area, like this set by recent NY transplant, Joann Goldberg; who currently resides in Royal Oak.  

So there’s no need to harbor any shopper’s guilt—not only are you purchasing a beautiful gift—but you’re a benefactor to worthy cause and you can support the local economy.  How can you go wrong?  Happy Shopping!

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Shopping Spotlight: PB&J

Weekend-Casual Has Never Been Cooler

You know those days that you don’t really want to get dressed up, but you still want to look cute?  PB&J has something to offer whether you are a stay-at-home mom or just looking for something comfortable, yet stylish, for the weekend.

The Northern California company is named after three influential women in part-owner, Erica’s life; Paula, Barbara & Jill .  She along with partner Martin, have built a store based on principles of quality and exceptional customer satisfaction.  This includes free shipping and free returns with each purchase.

I took a spin through their site and found all sorts of fashion-forward tops just begging to be worn on my next trip to the grocery store and a really cute scarf to top it off.  Be sure to check out the site for their selection of vintage blouses too.

Here’s are some of my favorites:

As a thank you from the folks at PB&J for this write up, they sent me this warm and cozy cable knit shawl.

In an effort to pay it forward, I am sending this to my most dedicated blog-reader Diane.  Surprise!!  Thanks for being such a loyal reader!

To purchase any of the items that you have seen in this post, go to www.PBJ-Shop.com.

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Online Ordering Snafu’s

This afternoon—with the kids safely at school and my husband at the office—I decided to wrap some Christmas gifts.  I had the Christmas music going in the background, all the “Santa” wrapping paper ready, tags, etc—you get the idea.

After wrapping most of the kids gifts, I decided to wrap my husband’s presents.  I sat pondering whether I should keep the Detroit Piston’s sweatshirt I ordered from the NBA store, un-opened in its shipping box, or to put it in a shirt box that was smaller.  I decided to put it in the shirt box and then opened the shipping box.

What is this?!

Here’s what I ordered…

Here’s what I saw when I opened the box…

Apparently, the NBA store is somehow affiliated with the NHL store—mind you you have to go to a separate website to order the product above.  Not only is it the wrong sport, the wrong color and the wrong state, but it’s a women’s sweatshirt.

On top of everything, I had to call the NBA store twice because the first service rep gave me very inaccurate information and neglected to tell me that when I did return the product, I wouldn’t automatically get the correct item.

After speaking with a very nice service rep the second time, she got me straightened out, but what a hassle!!!

I’m hoping the right shirt will arrive by Christmas.

Has this happened to you before?  Tell me your best mail-order snafu.

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