There comes a point in your life where you start to appreciate quality over price point. I’ve reached this point with sunglasses. After years of cheap plastic frames, scratched lenses and metal frames that leave green lines on your temples, I now appreciate a solidly made pair of sunglasses that can instantly upgrade your look and complement both your work wardrobe and your beach ensemble. (And protect your eyes from the sun, of course.) Right now I love Ray-Ban Aviators. They were originally developed to “banish rays” for US Army and Navy fighter pilots, and became extremely popular with the pilots because they made for less extreme tan lines than their goggles (pilots need to look good too, you know). Ray-Ban’s new releases tinker with the Aviators’ classic style but maintain all their sophistication, polish and sense of adventure. Sunglass Hut carries Aviators from $139–189, a bit of an investment in price but a surefire payoff in style and quality.

As I was indulging in a bit of retail therapy a couple of weeks ago, I was overwhelmed by ruffles. Since I’ve seen them on plenty of button-up shirts this spring and summer (I even have one or two in my closet), I guess it only makes sense that they’ve multiplied and latched onto cardigans as their host for the fall and winter. I’m a big fan of both ruffles and cardigans, so I’m tickled pink about this trend. Here are some options I find particularly lovely, from casual to business-appropriate.

Overt Ruffled Cardigan. A short-sleeved cardigan is the perfect segue from summer to fall. I think this color is super versatile (available in white and black as well), plus it looks all soft and comfy, like something I’d throw on after a yoga workout. If I practiced yoga. Ahem. (The Limited, $59.50)

Mixed Media Ruffle Sweater Jacket. The ruffles on this are CRAZY, right? Picture a shirt paired with a 70s-style powder blue tuxedo and you’ve stumbled onto the obvious inspiration behind the design. And that suits me just fine. (Banana Republic, $89.50)

Foxtail Orchid Cardigan. Yes, I realize flowers are not technically ruffles, but I had to include it because I love the detailing. It’s so incredibly delicate and elegant, and thinking about the juxtaposition of pairing it with a masculine-style pant makes my head spin with happiness. (J. Crew, $98)

Ruffle Trim Cardigan. If you’d prefer a “less is more” approach to a ruffle, this is the sweater for you. It even has a little ruffle on the cuff (a cuffle?), which is a sweet touch. (White House Black Market, $78)

Since our guest blogger Lisa enlightened us with how to ‘Look Hot While You Sweat,’ I thought I’d share how to stay fresh while you sweat. It’s  not as witty and fashionable as Lisa’s post, but I can guarantee that most of you who are reading this want to be ‘sure’ at any given time (sidebar– remember those Sure deodorant commercials?). If you’re going to look hot while you sweat, you better darn well smell good too.

Introducing DeoDry™ Dry Effect Deodorant from The Body Shop. I have tried a lot of different deodorants and this magic stick of freshness is pretty darn close to perfection. It goes on clear, something other deodorants only claim to do. It also keeps me pretty dry and smelling pretty pleasant, even after a long sweaty work out  at the gym (just being honest).

What really sold me was the fact that this deodorant doesn’t contain parabens or aluminum salts! Parabens are  preservatives used in products like shampoo, makeup, lotions, etc that have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Aluminum salts are mostly found in over-the counter deodorants and antiperspirants that basically help plug the sweat glands so you’re not drenching your favorite tops — definitely an unsure moment waiting to happen.  Both ingredients may be linked to breast cancer.

DeoDry™ contains natural ingredients like Community Trade aloe vera, Community Trade alcohol & volcanic minerals. It comes in three fabulous scents (my fav is Fresh Floral) and as a stick or roll on. So don’t sweat it, The Body Shop has your back (and underarms).

So… I’m pregnant! But don’t worry, I’m not letting a little thing like having a bun in the oven influence my fashion choices– just yet. (Talk to me in three months when a mumu is the only thing that will fit). I’m 18 weeks along and still, thanks to Jeggings and something called the Belly Band, able to fit into my pre-prego wardrobe.

Baby on board or not, I’ve always worked out. And lately, I’ve become somewhat of a yogi. I can hold my own in a downward dog. Or arch my back like the best of ‘em in class. But as much as I love to twist my torso and say ommm, I don’t love shopping for the outfits. Because, let’s face it, although we all want to look just as cute in the gym as we do out on the town, it’s not always easy to pull off. 

And then I was flipping through Us Magazine and I saw Whitney Port from The City wearing a cute yoga outfit with little ruffles on the backside (I know, I know, she’s all of about 21 so she can pull off extra fabric back there) and it inspired me to try again to find cute yoga and workout clothes. You know the kind that a 37 year old pregnant chick can wear. And naturally, I gravitated toward pants that flatter in all the right places and pullovers that pull right over all the right places.

Over at Nordy’s (don’t tell Bloomies I cheated) I found pants called Zella Fashion Skinny Booty Capris (pictured above, left) I was sold. They had me at Skinny Booty. At Bloomies, I discovered Juicy Couture Yoga Fleece pants and Juicy Couture Polka Dot Yoga Capri Pants that are adorable! And you can’t forget to throw a good hoodie to  into the mix. And of course Juicy came through again with the Juicy Couture Burnout Fleece Hooded Pullover.

 So pregnant or not, working out or not, I want to look hot. Even if I’m sweating while doing it. 

I’m back with an all new Style Playlist; showing off my athletic, urban chic side. Enjoy!

It’s not always easy being the new kid. I know from experience. Trying to make new friends and transition into an entirely new environment can be a daunting feat. However, for one new addition that joined the ranks of more than 500 stores at Mall of America, the shift was seamless.

Meet 77kids by American Eagle,  a brand-new, uber-adorable children’s retailer that just opened this past weekend at Mall of America. I don’t have any kids to dress, but I totally admired the stylish threads I saw at this expansive retailer. Furthermore, I learned 77kids VP of Design Sarah Hough, was formerly with Club Monaco and Marc Jacobs (totally explains the cuteness).

Don’t be mistaken. This is not a shrunken down version of American Eagle. 77kids has its own identity. The store carries clothing, shoes and accessories for babies and kids ages 0 — 14  and features a wide array of unique features that will ensure a shopping experience like no other. 

A “Denim Canyon” houses shelves upon shelves of their exclusive denim collection.  Kids definitely won’t have an issue finding the perfect pair of jeans.  

There are two 77kids interactive touch screens. Kids can use these screens to:

1. pose for photos, which can be customized with personal messages and graffiti, then printed at the checkout area to take home or post in the store.
2. select key 77kids outfits, which will appear virtually on the user like a digital paper doll.
3. play DJ and eventually select music to be played in the store.

Topping off the in-store experience is a Goodie Bar, which is chalk full of treats like Sweet Tarts, Sour Patch Kids and Blow Pops. I even spotted an Andy Warhol Fashion Mix and Match stationary set (love). Oh and another thing I absolutely love is the fact that they carry Steve Madden, Keds, Havianas & Minnetonka shoes!

From purple tutus to toddler jeggings (yes  I spotted a super cute mini pair of jeggings. But then again, mini-versions of anything are always cute!)  to classic tees and denim, there is no doubt kids  and babies will leave the store as fashion aficianados in training. 77kids is definitely one of the coolest ‘new kids’ to hit Mall of America. 

One of my roommates is getting married in early August, so needless to say, wedding fever has broken out at my house. I’m a bridesmaid, so I won’t have to worry about what I’m going to wear on my friend’s big day, but I have been searching for the perfect outfit for the rehearsal and groom’s dinner that will take place the night before. I want to look summery and fun but also dressed up and polished enough for such an important event. When in doubt, I usually end up in some version of a little black dress paired with bright accessories – it’s a never fail combination, and this $100 or under outfit is no exception.

This silky dress is on sale at American Eagle right now and is the perfect combination of flirty and classic. The ruffles and dainty tie add a fun touch, but the dress itself is still fairly simple. I’d add these basic black peep toe heels and a pair of eye-catching blue earrings to give the outfit some color. The best part is, I’ll be able to wear this dress over and over again by mixing and matching it with different accessories – and isn’t a rewearable dress every bridesmaid’s dream come true?

Dress: American Eagle: $49.95

Shoes: Forever 21: $22.80

Earrings: Forever 21: $3.80

I have a confession to make.  Late at night when I can’t sleep I like to watch QVC.  There’s something soothing about those crazy hosts who are desperately trying to convince you that ‘Today’s Special Value’ will change your life.  Of course, I especially love the beauty shows.  QVC sells some great product lines, including Philosophy, Smashbox and Bare Escentuals).  One night I found myself mesmerized by a hair stylish named Nick Chavez.  His products were turning flat, lifeless hair into these giant, beautiful, poufs right before my eyes.  I instantly knew that these products were for me.

As a child of the 80’s, when it comes to hair — the bigger the better.  I couldn’t resist; I ran to the QVC store at Mall of America the next day to pick up two products – Nick Chavez Volumizing Hair Flocker ($35 for two 8 oz cans) and Amazon Infinity Mist ($19).  I purchased the Hair Flocker based on what I saw on TV.  The way Nick was fluffing and ‘Flocking’ hair with this product was nothing short of miraculous.  It was like a work of art.  Unfortunately I was disappointed.  After using this in the morning, my ‘Flock’ turned to ‘Flat’ within an hour.  The Flocker was too heavy and sticky for my fine, delicate locks and this product was not for me. 

The Amazon Infinity Mist was much better. This comes in a spray bottle and claims to ‘add lift, dimension, volume and style to even the limpest locks’.  I found that this product provided great volume without weighing my hair down.  You are supposed to spray directly on to damp hair, but I didn’t feel like I was getting the right coverage with the spray bottle and ended up spraying on my hands and working through hair that way (which worked great).  This gave my hair a thicker texture with out the heavy feeling that other volumizing products sometimes leave.  A winner for flat hair; I will definitely repurchase.