Splurge vs. Steal :: Givenchy Fold-over Boots

One of the things on my wish list this year was a pair of knee high boots and I was in love with these Givenchy fold-over boots but definitely not for the price at $1,695. So I went on a search for alternative ones and found this beauty from Zara.com on sale for $99.

 I actually like the Zara Spat Heel ones much better. What do you ladies think? Do you prefer the splurge or the steal?

Sparkly New Year with Soieshop.com

I hope everyone had a sparkly Christmas and if it wasn't sparkling enough let's make it so for the New Years with a sequin dress from Soieshop.com. Soie Shop is a premier online retailer that specializes in fashion forward women’s clothing at affordable prices. They were kind enough to send me these two sequin dresses to review:

This sequins corset inspired peplum mini dress is so gorgeous! The two-tone champagne color combined with the sequins gives it such a romantic vibe, perfect to ring in the New Years with that special someone.

 

 Going for a look that will stop traffic look no further than the traffic jam sequins party dress! The bold colors paired with a zigzag sequin design will ensure that all eyes will be on you this New Years. 

 

Soie Shop carries numerous party dresses, cocktail dresses, and women’s blouses, you are sure to find a trendy, yet timelessly elegant look that is right for you. Right now enjoy 35% off all products with code gift35 from now until January 3rd and 40% off party dresses with code new40 from now until December 31st. Shipping is free on all orders over $50! What are you waiting for? The perfect New Years dress is waiting for you at Soieshop.com!

Exercise your way to perfect skin

We all know that regular exercise can help keep our bodies in top condition, as well as helping to keep us fitting into our favourite party dress, but few are aware that regular gym sessions are essential to top beauty skin care tips. Here are a few ways that your skin will benefit from a work out:

Achieve a healthy glow

Exercising increases your blood circulation [1], helping to bring oxygen and other essential nutrients to your skins surface quicker than usual. This leaves skin looking healthy and glowing whilst leaving you with a post-workout complexion to be proud of.

Banish wrinkles and fine lines

Whilst regular excising helps to keep your body in great shape and often helps you to feel younger and healthier, it can also help skin look and feel more youthful too.

Exercising helps to build up collagen tissue [2], which is vital to keep our skin looking smooth as well as maintaining the skins natural elasticity.  Wrinkles and fine lines are caused when the body loses collagen, therefore exercising on a regular basis can help to keep skin looking more youthful.

Clear your skin

Whilst it may be the least favourite bit about exercising for some, sweating your way through a work out is a great way to clear your skin. Sweating helps to unclog the skins pores, removing any traces of bacteria that could lead to a breakout [3]. Be sure to have a shower straight after your work out, otherwise the sweat will evaporate and leave salt on your skin which will clog your pores up again. It is also important to avoid wearing make-up whilst exercising as this too can clog your pores up when you break into a sweat.

---

[1] WebMD (No date). Exercise for healthy skin. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-care-11/exercise (Date accessed 23rd November 2012)

[2] Medicine Net (No date). Exercise your body and your skin. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50529 (Date accessed 23rd November 2012)

[3] Medicine Net (No date). Exercise your body and your skin. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50529 (Date accessed 23rd November 2012)

Earrings for Every Style

            How many times has JLo been spotted wearing her signature hoop earrings?  With all the rocks she’s got, she’s been seen wearing her hoops when lounging at the pool and at movie premieres, making it work for her every style.   

            Diamond studs and hoop earrings should be two essentials in any women’s jewelry repertoire.  However, these days there are countless types of hoops and studs.  Whether you are in the market for a pair for yourself or are gifting them, here are the top 4 styles of earrings to choose from.   

 

CLASSIC  

            The most popular style of earrings bought worldwide are diamond studs.  Classic diamond studs are the perfect addition to any wardrobe or occasion, whether you are pairing them with jeans for a date night or when donning them for an evening bash.  For the no frills gal, who likes clean lines and simplicity, these are just right.  They are understated enough so that they can be paired with other jewelry without appearing gaudy.   Studs are the perfect gift to illuminate any face and brighten anyone’s day.  The Classic Four Prong Diamond Set, for example, will never go out of style and will complement anyone.  

            The same applies for classic hoop earrings.  A clean style, like the Prong Set Diamond Lined Hoops, make a dazzling, well-appreciated gift.

 

DESIGNER 

            For those who want to feel like they are walking the red carpet, Designer Diamond Studs are your pick.  If classic is too modest, then designer studs offer you a more ornate and eclectic taste.  A flawless example is the Millgrain Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings.  These studs are so rich and glamorous that they will give any diamond ring a run for its money. 

 CONTEMPORARY  

            For style and sophistication look no further than hoop earrings.  If studs are the epitome of elegance, then hoops are the epitome of trendiness.  They add a certain sass and sexiness to any outfit.  Hoops take you from drab to fab when shooting for a casual look or for a girl’s night out.  When buying a gift, look for earrings that will flatter and showcase the recipient’s personality.  Large diamond hoop earrings make a bold statement, while small ones look more polished. 

 

VINTAGE

            If you appreciate antiques or heirlooms, then vintage is your destination.  Vintage lends an old Hollywood charm to any earrings.  Try out the Wavy Double Drop Diamond Earrings for a fanciful feel.

              Whether you like to keep up with the latest fashion trends or just dance to the beat of your own drum,  Anjolee will find the style that is just right for you.

Cellulite Solution

Are your jeans feeling uncomfortably tight after the Thanksgiving feast? Would you do pretty much anything to get rid of your cellulite? Unfortunately, when women pile on the pounds, it tends to sit stubbornly on our hips, bottom and thighs.  But the good news is that there is something you can do about those unwanted cellulite. You don’t need to eat exotic foods or even invest in a gym membership to see results. To get rid of cellulite you just need to strengthen and hydrate your body's cells and the connective tissue in your body. Cellulite may not disappear altogether, but it should diminish if you follow some of these steps.

Some simple lifestyle changes that can help get rid of Cellulite

• Avoid toxins like excessive alcohol and cigarettes, which put a burden on your body's lymphatic system. This is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, AND it helps get rid of cellulite.
• Improve your eating habits. This means eating lots of leafy greens and fruit. Organic food is better because it contains fewer toxins like pesticides.
• Avoid junk food, diet soda, processed foods, artificial colors and flavors, and saturated fats such as butter and animal fats. Limit sugar and salt, which aggravate fluid retention.
• Drink a lot of water to hydrate your body and flush out toxins. Eight to ten glasses a day are recommended.
• Maintain your healthiest weight. Yo-yo dieting can aggravate cellulite.

One of the main question remains: will creams help get rid of Cellulite?

Most anti-cellulite creams have caffeine, which dehydrates the skin. This tightens and firms the skin for a temporary improvement in appearance. So it's not actually getting rid of the cellulite, just changing the way your skin looks, which can be a plus during bathing suit season. Cellulite-fighting creams can be expensive, and there have been many disappointed consumers. But if you want to give it a try why not check out Guam Beauty Mud.  They offer a variety of treatments, creams, and scrubs to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and firm the skin using all natural products.

Right now Guam Beauty Mud is shipping for free until December 23^rd and for readers of Just Tututiny get an additional 15% off by using code “justtututiny” at checkout.

 

Let me know if any of you ladies have tried their products before and have gotten good results. I can’t wait until post pregnancy to give them a try!

Winter Essentials

Cold weather is kicking in and what better way to stay warm and stylish than with these winter essentials. Drooling over every single one of these items - what's your favorite piece?

 

Shop for similar intricate gold earrings Here.

Gift Ideas To Surprise Your Mum

If there’s one member of the family who works tirelessly to keep us healthy and happy, then it has to be Mum. Too often mums are the unsung heroes of the family, packing our lunches, driving us to football training and patching up our bloodied knees. Decades might have passed since she made your school sandwiches, but chances are you still rely on her more than you realize. If your mum is one of the unsung heroes of your family, why not get her a gift that lets her know just how much you appreciate her?

1. A getaway:

If your mum is looking a little run down, perhaps it’s time you whisked her off her feet for a surprise getaway. This could be for her and your dad, a group of friends, or even for just the pair of you.

 

It doesn’t need to be overseas, though you would be mad not to take advantage of the countless cheap getaways to places like the south of France. Somewhere as simple and elegant as a B&B in Cornwall for the weekend is the perfect way to show mum just how much you care.

 

2. Dinner and a show:

Why not use your mum’s birthday or Christmas as an excuse to surprise her with tickets to dinner and a show? There is such a fantastic range of performances on in most major cities, with cheap package deals that offer combined dinner and theatre packages.

 

From comedy to Shakespeare, tragedy to musicals, there is no shortage of variety to suit every mum’s personal preference.

 

3. Pyjamas:

If there’s one thing that most mums need, it’s a chance to sit back and relax a little. Why not encourage your mum to do just this by purchasing her a new set of beautiful pyjamas from Very.co.uk?

 

There’s a great range to suit your mum’s personal style, from slinky matching satin pyjama tops and bottoms to a warm and cozy flannel set. With the weather cooling down so much, a new set of pyjamas and a matching robe or slippers is just the sort of gift to encourage mum to put her feet up and watch some TV.

 

4. Taking a course: Why not encourage your mum to learn a new skill that she’s always shown an interest in. It might be learning French, taking a pastry cooking course or joining a classical music appreciation class. Whatever her interests, be sure to find out in secret and sign her up for a fun new learning experience.

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Pre-Black Friday Promo Codes/Sales

Happy Wednesday everyone! It's almost that time of year when retailers slash their prices in hopes of going from "in the red" to "in the black." Below are some pre-Black Friday promo codes/sales that can help you beat the rush! Enjoy!  

BOBBI BROWN
11/21-11/25 – Enjoy a beauty trio of your choice and a free specially-size lip gloss with every order, plus free standard shipping! No code needed. 

CLUB MONACO
11/21-11/26- 30% off already-reduced merchandise

CUSP
11/21-11/23 6PM CST- receive an extra 20% off sale merchandise, no code needed!

DVF
11/21-11/26 – additional 30% off sale items + free shipping with code HOLIDAYSALE

GAP
11/21-11/24- up to 60% off entire store

H&M
20% off one item of your choice with this coupon (at back of catalog) (thru 12/31).

J.CREW
11/21-11/25 – 25% off all orders + free shipping on orders over $150, when you use code COLOR25

LASTCALL.COM
11/21-11/22 - 40% off everything including clearance + free shipping on orders over $75, use code LOCNOV75

MADEWELL
11/21-11/25 – 25% off everything + free shipping with code TREAT

MAYA BRENNER DESIGNS
Coupon code for Just Tututiny readers! Enter WP20 at checkout for 20% off! Enjoy!

RALPH LAUREN
11/20-11/26- enjoy 25% off all sale items plus free shipping- no code required!

RUGBY
11/20-11/22- 30% off all styles + free shipping!

SHOPBOP
11/21-11/26 – Spend $250 save 20%, spend $500 save 25%, spend $1000 save 30%, spend $1500 save 35% when you enter code BIGEVENT12!

STEVE MADDDEN
25% off and free shipping with code GIVE25!

Happy Shopping!

Braids for the Holidays

This Holiday season I am loving everything with braids, pleats or plaits in them especially when it comes to hairdos! Below are some of the hottest braid trends to pair with your sparkly holiday outfits!

:: Ombre side-swept braids ::

I love the ombre tone in this braided style, it gives off such an easy and chic look and would be perfect for an office holiday party!   

:: Crowned braids ::

This crowned braid style recently exploded as the new "trend braid" of the season with or without the bangs. It gives off a princess-y almost romantic feel to it and can be worn outside on the ice skating rink or indoors at an elegant Christmas party!   

 

:: Structured swept-up braids::

Another ombre look but with a more structured up-do. I love this European Heidi-inspired braid that you can style into an updo or wear with your hair down, the possibilities are just endless.

:: Variation of a mussed-up fishtail ::

The fishtail braid continues to be a popular trend this year. I absolutely adore this sea-inspired style especially with these multiple braids variation.

Which one is your favorite?

Eyeglass Aficionada :: GlassesUSA.com Review

I've worn glasses since I was in high school and have always been a fan of them. These days you will usually see me in contacts as they are just more manageable, especially around kids but now and then I love putting on a trendy pair of frame that can really transform your face. 

 

 

Top 3 reasons I would buy from GlassesUSA.com

1. GlassesUSA.com is the leading online retailer to buy discount prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Many top brands include Coach, Jones New York, Guess and Reece Jakob, etc.
2. Finding a great pair of eyeglasses should not break the bank. That's where GlassesUSA.com comes in handy. They not only have stylish and high quality glasses frames and lenses, they also offer the lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
3. Single vision, bi-focals, prescription glasses or reading glasses, you name it and GlassesUSA.com has it.

One of my favorite things about GlassesUSA.com is the Virtual Mirror feature. It is user friendly and allows you to upload a photo of yourself and try on all the different glasses to see how you look before you buy. You can even send the photos to your friends to have them help you decide on the perfect pair! Try it out today!  

Give GlassesUSA.com a try today and take 15% off + Free Shipping on your entire Order (For Orders over $50) with code FS15.

 

Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses by using code Blog10

 

Let me know if you decide to give them a try!

 

 

Polka Dot Pants

 Sunnies :: Arden B (buy similar)

Vest :: Yesstyle.com (buy similar)

Top :: GAP (buy similar)

Pants :: H&M (buy similar)

Wedges :: Aldo (buy similar)

Bag :: Foley and Corinna Jet Set in Tan (buy here)

 

Polka dots have been a classic yet girly look for ages and we are seeing this famous pattern once again. This trend can be a bit intimidating at first but it's not complicated. Whether in jean or trouser form, polka dots give off a dainty, feminine feel. Try pairing them with solid blazers for work or with neutral peplum tops for a night out. Keep in mind, the more subtle the spots, the easier this look is to pull off. In trying to prove that anyone can pull off this look, I made sure that this one was tailored (but not tight) and paired with items that would help tone it down (in this case a neutral modern vest and tan bag).

 

What do you think about polka dot pants?

Weekend Cravings

Just a few things on my radar this weekend that I could absolutely make room in my closet for ... ;) I could easily justify any one of these items as a solid investment buy... and that's a major problem. In fact, I already placed an order for those Ziah frill booties by Betsey Johnson (buy here)  and can’t wait to try them on!

Shop similar jewelry at My Jewelry Box.

 

Fall Foliage :: Leopards and Camel

Sunnies :: Juicy Couture (buy similar)

Blouse :: H&M (buy similar)

Top :: GAP (buy similar)

Leggings :: Guess (buy similar)

Wedges :: Aldo Calcagni (buy similar)

Bag :: Givenchy Nightingale (buy here)

 

Just when we thought we had seen enough of the leopard print trend….it is still hanging on strong.  However, this time it is done in a different way. In season’s past, leopard prints have been shown mixed with other prints, styled in a feminine way. This season, they are used in a minimal approach keeping inline with Fall’s paired down dressing. This time around, pair with Fall’s  key color palette: camel, olive green, grey, navy and black. Leopard prints feel right at home with camel and I especially love it paired with my Givenchy nightingale! Give it a try today and see how you like it. The key to this look is that it MUST be combined with neutrals, rather than mixing prints.

 

Thanks for reading!

Oven-Baked Apple Donuts

 Ever since we went apple picking a couple of weeks back, I’ve been the only one eating the excessive amount of fruit therefore I had to quickly find a creative way to use them up so that my family can help me eat them and what better way than to try out this great recipe.  I've always loved apple cider donuts made fresh on the farm so it was finally time for me to tackle this scrumptious baked good at home. This was such an easy recipe and the kids had a great time helping me bake it. We used all varieties of apples and it turned out so well that between the four of us there was no leftovers!

 

If you end up trying the recipe let me know how it turns out :)

 

Thanks for reading!

Tropical Fruits of Toronto

During Labor Day weekend our family went on a road trip to Toronto. We typically head up there several times a year. Many have ask us why we drive to Toronto so much and our one and only answer is - FRUITS ;) Toronto has the freshest tropical fruits imported from Thailand. Most of them don't make it into the US. Some of our favorites are:

Dragon Fruits: are sweet and crunchy, with a flavor that's a cross between a kiwi and a pear. They are low in calories and offers numerous nutrients, including Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, plus fiber and antioxidants.

Durians: can best be described as having a succulent, creamy filling but smelling like stinky socks - don't let that dissuade you from trying it! Durian's brownish-green exterior belies a silky, custard-like flesh clinging to the giant seeds inside. Durian, if you can stand the smell, has a delectable, sweet flavour. For me, it's akin to vanilla pudding.

Langsats: are one of my favorite. Its peel is thin and brown and it has a sweet milky translucent flesh encasing its seed. I can eat about a kilo of this in one sitting! 

Mangosteen: is a dark purple fruit about 2 to 3 inches in diameter – the size of a small peach or apple. At the center is the soft opaque white fruit, which resembles a head of garlic but tastes slightly sweet and tart.  

Here's lil'C taking pictures with all her favorite fruits - Mangoes and Logan Berries

My kids love eating fruits too so Toronto is like fruit heaven for us! Have you ladies tried any of these fruits before? 

 

Thanks for reading!

The Maxi Skirt :: A Swaychic.com Review

As an individual who is faced with the dilemma of being vertically challenged on an ordinary day and now horizontally challenged due to pregnancy - I convinced myself to steer clear from the maxi skirt. However, when Swaychic.com reached out to me to do a review I hastily picked out this striped maxi skirt and I am so glad I did! 

This skirt is non-maternity but due to its ultra comfortable and stretchy material it can be worn by pregnant and non-pregnant woman alike - talk about versatility. I especially love the bohemian, hippie-esque vibe of this style.

There are so many ways to interpret this look to make it work for you. You can update it and give it an edge with a lace tee or cropped vest, go the boho-route with a floaty top or keep it simple with tank. Just have fun with it and make it work for you!

Fashion is all about taking risks so why not give the maxi skirt a try today. If you are looking for something more indie and vintage-inspired check out Swaychic.com for a variety of choices that will give you that effortlessly unfussy yet chic style. Swaychic.com also sent me this gorgeous Decor Bodycon Dress, but I will definitely have to wait until post-baby to showcase that beauty =)

[Outfit] 

Top :: Material Girls via Macy's

Tank :: Gap

Skirt :: c/o Swaychic.com [buy here]

Sandals :: Aldo  

 

Thanks for reading!

Artfully Inspired :: H&M 35% Coupon

Happy Friday everyone! Just wanted to quickly share with you ladies a coupon I found for H&M - 35% off any one item of choice (highest one I've seen so far). Click HERE to print. .

This comfy kimono-style top was purchased a couple months back from H&M. I was drawn to it initially because it reminded me of Monet's Water Lilies. Its such a fun and versatile piece, as it can be paired with a blazer for work but also sheer enough as a swimsuit cover up as well. I love it when I can find items that are not only fashionable but artful too! Have a great weekend everyone =)

[Outfit] 

Top, Shorts & Belt :: H&M 

 

Thanks for reading!