Girl Scout Pride

Is your daughter in Girl Scouts? Then you're gonna love these! Girls Scouts has teamed up with Old Navy and created several tees just in time to wear for cookie season. Sure, the season is winding down, which is why you should hurry in and grab one of these cute tees for your Daisy, Brownie or Girl Scout. Because just like the cookies, these tees won't be around forever!

Boost Your Look with a Scarf

My clients and workshop attendees hear from me all the time how much I absolutely adore scarves! I mean, what's not to love? This simple accessory can transform your look from blah to Wow! in a split second, and is about as effortless as they come. But more than that, I love the ability of a scarf to surround the face with a vibrant color, especially when one is wearing black.

I just love this Turquoise Ikat Scarf from Subtle Luxury ($37) and think it's the perfect item to add to your wardrobe and give it a spark of contemporary chic. I should know - I own one and wear it all the time with everything from a trench coat to a tee.

Upscale Casual Looks for Everyday

One thing that I am asked about over and over in my image consulting business is how to look chic and pulled together while running errands, working from home or running around with the kids. This is a gray area where we don't want to look to "dressed up" but we don't want to look sloppy either. Also, our clothing has to be functional and allow us to move and perform various tasks, making comfort key. But comfort DOES NOT have to mean frumpy. What it does mean, however, is that with a little forethought and planning you can create what I like to call "upscale casual" outfits on a regular basis. This will make getting dressed a breeze and you'll walk out the door feeling effortlessly chic and ready to greet the day.

Here's my simple formula:

1/ Start with the proper undergarments. The biggest complaint I hear from moms is about their middle so instead of just wearing a bra go for some shapewear on top. This will help to provide support while smoothing out back fat and your muffin top and leave you looking sleek and chic. Wear panties, boy shorts or a thong that create a sleek silhouette.

2/ Ditch the boring tee and opt for a cute top instead. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get something that's fashionable and can elevate your look from boring to fabulous! Go for a vibrant color or interesting detailing.

3/ Add on another layer in the form of a jacket, sweater or sweater wrap. This gives you added warmth while the weather is still chilly, kicks your look up a notch and can hide a multitude of sins.

4/ Your bottom layer can be as simple as a great-fitting pair of dark wash jeans or khakis. But the key here is fit. You want them to flatter you as much as possible because the better the fit, the slimmer and more chic you'll appear. Too tight or too loose will only look sloppy and make you look heavier than you are.

5/ Shoes play an important role in tying your look together. Opt for a cute flat or a low heel or wedge. Don't stick with basic black, but mix it up and add in a print, a color or some texture.

6/ Accessories top it all off. Choose a couple that relate to each other and wear them with ease. A chunky cuff bracelet, a pretty scarf that makes your eyes light up or a statement necklace are all it takes to turn simple in to chic. Add on as you feel comfortable.

7/ Voila! Your look is complete and it couldn't have been much easier. Start with great pieces and it won't take a lot to have you looking pulled together in no time flat!

Carry On

With several upcoming trips planned I found myself recently looking for the perfect suitcase that could be carried on. See, my flights are not booked on Southwest Airlines so I will be charged up to $20 per checked bag (Southwest lets you check 2 bags free!). To avoid such nonsensical fees I plan to just take a carry-on filled to the brim with all my essentials. I have mastered the fine art of efficient packing, but by the time I stuff in all my beauty products, snacks and shoes, my bag is generally bursting at the seams.

Do you know what the limitations are on carry-on luggage? I didn't, and not wanting to risk being forced to check my bag I did my homework and wanted to share. Here are the guidelines for carry-on luggage:

Below 45 - Bags must be at or under the maximum size measurement of 45". What this means is that the total number of inches includes the total of the length, width and height of the piece. However, there are standard sets of dimensions that make up these totals (for example, 22 x 14 x 9 is the standard for 45") and if you have a bag that is an unusual shape but still within the total number of inches, you may find it being rejected.

Don't Take Their Word - Many suitcases may be described as 'carry-on', but in reality they are sometimes larger than the acceptable limit.

Check Yourself Twice - Measurements may be misleading because the numbers listed are often for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches).

Bon Voyage!

Dresses Fit for a MadHatter's Tea Party

Are you excited about the soon-to-be-released Alice in Wonderland? Tim Burton directs this theatrical epic that stars Johnny Depp, Ann Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter, so I know that visually it will be stunning. And, oh, the fashions! Tim has an eye for design so I am sure that each character will be clad in something amazing.

If you're inspired by this pic and want a little something of your own to make you feel as if you've been taking tea with the Mad Hatter then you're going to love these dresses from Sue Wong created for Walt Disney Signature and sold through eDressme.com. Featuring antique lace and colors inspired by the movie's characters including Alice, the Red Queen, the White Queen, the White Rabbit and the talking flower garden, you'll find baby-doll, empire waist and column dresses. Prices range from $329 to $609. You'll have to wait until March 5th for the movie, but you can get your dress right now!

How to Wear a Sweater Wrap

Editor's Note: For more information see OneChicMama.com. Video produced by OneStopWebVideo.com.

Wishing You a Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Smile

On Valentine's Day we think of those

Who make our lives worthwhile,

Those gracious, friendly people who

We think of with a smile.

I am fortunate to know you,

That's why I want to say,

To a rare and special person:

Happy Valentine's Day!

By Joanna Fuchs

* This image is a vintage collectible from CardCow.com and poem from PoemSource.com.

Tweet for a Cause and Celebrate Parenthood

Isn't Ron Howard awesome? I've been a fan since his days as "Richie" - ok, I'm dating myself - but he's just a lovable guy. And even more so now that he's putting his talents to good use. He has teamed up with NBC on the Parenthood initiative, and moms, there really isn't an easier way to generate much needed funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America that this. For those of you for whom tweeting is a regular activity, get a load of this! Go to Twitter and use the hashtag #parenthoodis. Tweet your personal definition or explanation of what parenthood is and you'll automatically send $20 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Seriously, could that be any easier?

If you're feeling really inspired and want to shoot a quick video, just go to NBC.com and upload a video that's 20 seconds or less, or send a photo or text in 10 words or less that shows what “Parenthood is...”

For more information, take a peek at the Parenthood Project Website or NBC’s Parenthood Website.

Look Gorgeous in Turquoise for Spring 2010

Video produced by OneStopWebVideo.com.

Off the Cuff

As spring season nears and we prepare to bare arms, bracelets come out into full focus. A wonderful addition to even the most simple tank, 3/4 sleeved jacket or short sleeved top, the bracelet is like the punctuation at the end of a sentence. But move over, bangles. Cuff bracelets are what I'm talking about.

Crafted in everything from leather to lace, from rhinestones to hammered metal, cuff bracelets are all the rage this season and the options are endless. This chic Hammered Metal Cuff with Agate packs a lot of punch for not a lot of price at just $27.

When wearing cuff bracelets, keep in mind that personal scale is what it's all about. If you're 5'2" and petite, opting for the 4" wide cuff bracelet is just not going to look right. Sure, you can look like a rock star, but go for something a little more proportional to you to look balanced and chic. Also, because cuff bracelets are a statement-making piece of jewelry, keep everything else in check. Opt for a pair of earrings that relate to your cuff but don't compete with it. Also, you should forego wearing a ring (except your wedding ring, of course) on the same hand as your cuff bracelet. It will visually cut your hand up and make you look choppy. Mad props if you give yourself the star treatment and have your nails done in a sexy hue - you'll feel just like a rock star!

The Book of Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about couples and romance. Make it a family affair by creating your own Book of Love. Buy an inexpensive blank book with a heart on it (or glue one on). Call it “The Book of (your last name) Love,” and each year have every member of the family write one loving thing about every other member (take dictation for younger kids). This will help make everyone feel special and create a family keepsake in the process. Adapted from The Book of New Family Traditions by Meg Cox.

Guilt-Free Chocolate

The scent of chocolate has been proven to increase theta brain waves, which in turn helps to relax you. Now you can treat yourself to the scent of chocolate without expanding your waistline. Chocolat Special is an indulgent line of hair care products from Brazilian company, nuNAAT, specifically designed to restore chemically treated hair. Enriched with the goodness of cocoa butter and Brazil nut oils, Chocolat Special products treat hair to maximum conditioning, regeneration and revitalization. The line includes Chocolat Creamy Shampoo, Chocolat Shake Conditioner, Chocolat Shake Conditioner, and Chocolat Anti-Frizz Therma Active to help your hair look shiny and glamorous. Indulge in nuNAAT’s Chocolat Special products for $6.49 - $7.49, or request a sample pack for just $1.

Win It!

One lucky winner will receive the entire Chocolat Special line of products from nuNAAT, including Chocolat Creamy Shampoo, Chocolat Shake Conditioner, Chocolat Shake Conditioner, and Chocolat Anti-Frizz Therma Active ($27.50 value). To enter simply leave us a comment and tell us what your favorite chocolate treat is. Deadline is Midnight, EST, February 10, 2010.

Three Ways to Wear a Dress

Editor's Note: For more information see OneChicMama.com. Video produced by OneStopWebVideo.com.

Heather Moore on Gilt.com

For those of you who are big fans of the lovely, handcrafted jewelry from Heather Moore get ready for a special sale! Starting tomorrow, February 4, Heather Moore is teaming up with Gilt Group for a special Valentine's Day promotion. She'll be offering her delightful charms at a special price so if you want one make sure you tell your sweetie - or just remind yourself. But hurry - the sale only lasts until Friday!

Eat For Your Heart

Eating healthfully doesn’t have to mean dining on bland, cardboard-like foods. Luckily there are many heart-healthy foods that are packed with nutrition as well as flavor. Add in these ‘superfoods’ to boost nutritional goodness and eat your way to a healthier heart:

1. Blueberries – Rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their dark blue color, blueberries top the list as one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods and are packed with fiber, vitamin C.

2. Soy Protein – This inexpensive, high-quality protein is filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, a diet rich in soy protein can lower triglycerides, which help prevent cardiovascular disease and keep your heart strong and healthy.

3. Salmon - A great source of protein, salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association advises eating salmon and other omega-3 rich foods twice a week for benefits that go beyond heart health.

4. Oatmeal - Oats are nourishing whole grains and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and cholesterol-lowering fiber. Research has shown that oats and oatmeal help to lower cholesterol levels, keep you regular, and may even help to prevent certain cancers.

5. Spinach - Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition. Its rich, dark color comes from the phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals (including folate and iron) that also fight disease, protect against heart disease, and preserve your eyesight. Popeye was on to something.

Eating a diet filled with a variety of foods is a great way to keep it interesting as well as ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.

The Perfect Fit for a Full Bust

In my work as an image consultant there are many dilemmas that I hear about over and over. It's my job to help clients come up with a strategy for dressing that fits and flatters their assets and this can sometimes pose a challenge. One of the most common dilemmas is 'what to wear if you have a large bust.' If you fit into this category you know all too well how many of the tops out in stores right now are cut more like maternity tops, with shirring and fullness around the bust (a great big NO-NO) and even a tie in back. Well, guess what happens when a fuller-busted gal puts one of these on - her bust is not flattered but rather amplified, and not in a good way. Plus, the fabric drapes straight from her bust to blouse out over hips and tummy to make her look, er, pregnant. The only time this look is acceptable is when she is actually expecting and well into her second trimester.

Thank goodness that designers such as Carissa Rose get what full-busted women really need - a good fit not only through the bust , but the waist too. Her shirts and dresses are sculpted to accentuate your figure and give it shape. Inspired by her well-endowed mother, Carrisa was inspired to create a line of clothing that was structured and streamlined, celebrating the female form and show off a woman's shape. Her Emma Shirt ($105) is a great wardrobe staple that will fit into just about any large busted woman's closet and help expand her clothing possibilities. Carissa’s philosophy is to "create wearable, positive styles that incorporate the best aspects of classic American sportswear." Carissa Rose empowers the "hard-to-fit, endowed woman with comfort and confidence to live each day to the fullest (pun intended)." Now that's refreshing!