Entries from December 14th, 2011

December 26, 2011

colored jeans: how to rock them like you’re roy g biv

I’ve yet to jump on the colored jeans trend, not for lack of confidence, but for lack of inspiration on how to wear them without looking like I’m screaming “look at my jeans!” when I walk in a room.

Rocking rainbow-colored jeans takes a bit of style know-how; pair too many colors together with the hopes of achieving a color-blocked look, and you may end up looking like Aquaman instead. Play it too safe (colored jeans and solid-colored tops with no accessories or accents), then…what’s the point?

Luckily, this is why we have Pinterest — get ready for some colors-of-the-rainbow inspiration from some stylish pins.

If you want to try colored jeans at a low-cost commitment, you can score some cheapies from Old Navy and Forever 21.

red jeans

{As bold as red is, you can treat it as a neutral, as demonstrated here, by pairing red jeans with structured, dark tops and killer heels.}

Photo via Pinterest

orange jeans

{These rusty orange jeans get a casual, cook look with a graphic floral print and a long, coal-colored cardi.}

Photo via Pinterest

yellow jeans

{Sunny yellow has its place in a winter wardrobe. Warm it up with thick knits, a textured scarf and cozy flats.}

Photo via Pinterest

green jeans

{I love this bold outfit! Remember, Diane von Furstenberg says that animal print is a neutral. Pull this look together with a sleek bag and belt to look ladylike.}

Photo via Pinterest

blue jeans

{These electric-blue jeans can stand up to the sass of a glittery top and leopard print bag.}

Photo via Pinterest

indigo jeans

{Indigo-wash jeans aren't too difficult to style, but I love the sailor look rocked here. The high-waisted jeans accentuate her tiny figure, and the slouchy striped top keeps the look refreshingly simple. The cardi adds some length, and the rolled-up sleeves are another nice, casual touch that helps this outfit say "I'm not trying too hard."}

Photo via Pinterest

violet jeans

{Plum and caramel look delicious together, while a sprinkle of polka dots tops off this sweet outfit.}

Photo via Pinterest

Have you added colored denim to your wardrobe? How do you style them? Link me to your photos or pins in the comments section, or just tell me what colors and fabrics you like to pair together.

December 26, 2011

beauty scoop | comfort zone sacred nature bio-certified lipstick

The latest lip balm I’ve been slicking on my kisser goes by the name of “lipstick” even though it’s pigment-free.

Comfort Zone’s Sacred Nature Bio-Certified Lipstick is actually a pre-color lip conditioner that is so thick and so ultra-moisturizing that it’s been my No. 1 pick from my lip balm bowl for the past few weeks.

comfort zone sacred nature bio-certified lipstick

{Comfort Zone's Sacred Nature Bio-Certified Lipstick is a colorless lip balm that delivers loads of moisture to dry, chapped lips.}

I’ve been drier and more chapped than usual, and this “lipstick” has been amazing at delivering moisture and sealing off my lips from the elements as the weather continues to go from warm to freezing cold in a matter of days. It provides a smooth base for color (though I’ve been sensitive about wearing any with the state of my lips) and keeps your lips lubricated for a decent span of time.

Though it’s definitely a luxury item — it costs $24 — Comfort Zone’s Sacred Nature Bio-Certified Lipstick stands out in a sea of gloss and balms.

First, it’s certified organic by Ecocert, which means both the company and the actual product ingredients meet high sustainability standards. Second, it’s also made with something of a miracle ingredient, buriti oil, that’s rarely used in conventional and mainstream natural and organic products. Buriti oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins A and C, which help nourish lips and soften them back into top kissing form.

comfort zone sacred nature bio-certified lipstick

{Comfort Zone products are available at spas nationwide, including the Plaza Beauty at the Plaza Hotel, and online.}

While those two bits of info give Comfort Zone’s Sacred Nature Bio-Certified Lipstick a high “feel-good factor,” the plain and simple fact that this product does a fabulous job hydrating your lips ’round the clock is enough to merit the $24 it takes to kiss chapped lips goodbye.

What do you think? How much is too much for a lip balm? Do certifications and exclusive ingredients influence your purchasing decisions? Tell me your thoughts in the comments section.

December 19, 2011

twinkle: sparitual break of dawn holiday 2011 nail polish

We’ve been celebrating the holidays every weekend this month. This past weekend, the teacher man’s family was in town for a mini-Christmas celebration, and I decided it was best to play it a bit safe — but still festive — with the nail polish.

I went from a bright, sparkly green for my company holiday party the weekend before to this subtle, shimmering red, SpaRitual’s “Break of Dawn,” from the holiday 2011 “Twinkle” collection,  for a weekend with the teacher man’s extended family.

sparitual twinkle holiday 2011 break of dawn

{SpaRitual's "Break of Dawn" from its holiday 2011 "Twinkle" collection has a hint of shimmer to it and lasts about a week before chipping.}

I love the subtle hints of shimmer in this vegan nail polish. When it catches the light, you can see hints of gold, orange, pink and red. It gives a nice bit of dimension to otherwise predictable holiday red nails.

Check out the detail in the shot below — the shimmer is from the natural mica in the polish.

sparitual twinkle holiday 2011 break of dawn

{This is such a gorgeous color and a great alternative to everyday red. Photo Courtesy SpaRitual}

The name of this polish cracks me up, mostly because within the holiday 2011 “Twinkle” collection, there’s also a “Twilight.” Coincidence? I think not.

Regardless of the Twilight influence, both shades — and the entire six-polish holiday collection, honestly — are gorgeous and capture the inspiration of the holiday season.

What are you wearing on your nails this week? Tweet me (I’m @kimberlyloc) a picture using the hashtag #holidaynails and show me! Or tell me/link me in the comments section.

December 16, 2011

recipe of the week | homemade holiday sangria

Every year at Christmas, I embrace the boozey-little-sister persona and bring home ingredients to make a delicious holiday drink.

My mother, who doesn’t drink, always raises her eyes at me as I’m mixing away and messing up her kitchen, but she always takes a sip of whatever I’m making and is usually pleasantly surprised. (Except for last year, when the teacher man and I made bloody marys, which she took one sip, made a funny face and declared that it was the worst thing she’d ever tasted. That was her first and last bloody mary experience.)

This year, I have no doubt that she will like the simple holiday sangria I’m planning to prepare. I’m bringing home the 1-liter carton of cabernet sauvignon that my friends at CalNaturale sent me and mixing up a pitcher of fruity yet not-too-sweet holiday sangria.

calnaturale chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon

{You can make a simple, budget-friendly red or white sangria with CalNaturale's 1-liter cartons of wine, which cost $12.99 a carton. Photo Courtesy CalNaturale}

The best part about this recipe? It serves 10 for less than $20 — and it’s organic! CalNaturale uses organically grown grapes for its wine. Combined with organic fruits and sweeteners, your holiday sangria is one mixed drink you can feel good about putting in your body (just keep some water and ibuprofen around for later).

homemade holiday sangria

{Want to warm up your sangria just a bit? Add a dash of cinnamon! Photo By colonnade/Courtesy Flickr}

Homemade Holiday Sangria
Serves 10

Ingredients

1 liter CalNaturale cabernet sauvignon
1/2 cup organic pomegranate seeds (or substitute splash of pomegranate juice)
1 organic navel orange, halved and slice
1 organic Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced into wedges
1 1/2 tablespoons pure organic maple syrup
3 cups seltzer, chilled
1 cup ginger ale, chilled
2 tablespoons organic sugar
Splash of organic orange juice
Ice

In a pitcher, combine the wine, orange juice, pomegranate seeds, orange, apple and maple syrup; refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. Stir in the seltzer and ginger ale. Serve over ice.

Do you drink with the family during the holidays? What are you planning on making this season? Tell me about your holiday traditions (booze or no booze) in the comments section.

December 14, 2011

gift guide | wine for non-wine drinkers

This holiday season, if I’m unable to peer pressure you into drinking a glass of goodness with me, then please allow me to share my love of wine with you in other ways. How about a few fun wine-inspired gifts that appeal to your sense of sight, smell and touch? Here’s my picks for giving the gift of the vine to non-wine and wine lovers alike.

illume mulled wine candle

{Illume's Mulled Wine Decorative Boxed Candle costs $33.50. Photo Courtesy Illume}

Notes of red wine, oak and spices make this Mulled Wine Decorative Boxed Candle from Illume the perfect scent for cozy nights in by the fire.

wine and rosettes modcloth dress

{Modcloth's "Wine and Rosettes" dress costs $48.99. Photo Courtesy Modcloth.}

This is the best way to wear wine on your dress. Modcloth’s “Wine and Rosettes” dress is a rich burgundy that is smooth and delicate from top to bottom. If you live anywhere other than the tropics, it might be wise to pair this slinky, sheer dress with some tights and a cute cardi.

wisteria boozehound

{The "Boozehound" from Wisteria costs $129. Photo Courtesy Wisteria}

If I can’t have a real dog for the holidays, can I have a dog made from French wine labels? This “Boozehound” from Wisteria will spark countless conversations and won’t shed all over your home.

sparitual days of wine and roses

{Sparitual's "Days of Wine and Roses" nail polish costs $10 on Amazon.com. Photo Courtesy Sparitual}

A bit of berry on your fingertips works well year-round, and Sparitual’s “Days of Wine and Roses” is a lovely, earthy mix of chocolate and maroon. Sparitual is one of my new favorite personal-care brands — the nail polish colors are spectacular, the polish lasts a long time and the polishes are formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl pthalate. Triple win!

bev shots rose coaster

{BevShots' Rose Coasters cost $11.99 each. Photo Courtesy BevShots}

Ever wondered what your favorite alcohol looks like under a microscope (OK maybe not, but it’s kind of cool)? So did the founders of BevShots, a company that takes your favorite drinks under the lens and captures interesting, colorful images of wine, beer and spirits and turns them into fun home items, such as these Rose Wine coasters.

uncommon goods wine bottle tealight holder

{Uncommon Goods' Wine Bottle Tealight Holder costs $60. Photo Courtesy Uncommon Goods}

Made from recycled wine bottles, these tealight holders from Uncommon Goods are made by artists who share their craft by teaching mentally challenged adults how to make beautiful, useful items, which empowers them to be a part of a community while learning a skill.

caudalie vine body butter and crushed cabernet scrub

{Caudalie's Vine Body Butter costs $28 and the Crushed Cabernet Scrub costs $29. Photos Courtesy Caudalie}

Lotions and potions from Caudalie have been a favorite of mine for a few years. Caudalie’s vinotherapie products are infused with skin-boosting antioxidants and polyphenols from grapes and other organically grown ingredients to reveal more vibrant, radiant skin that is smooth to the touch. Caudalie’s Crushed Cabernet Scrub invigorates the skin while the Vine Body Butter locks in moisture and soothes skin.

What’s your favorite non-wine drinker gift in this guide? What other wine-inspired gifts are out there that you love? Wine drinkers, what are you drinking this holiday season? Tell me what you think in the comments section.



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