Soludos: A Summer Solution!

A few weeks ago, my friend B, introduced me to a lovely summer shoe that I have officially fallen for! When your tootsies need a much needed break from the flip flop rub (ahhh, blisters at the beginning are rough), the solution will be clear: Soludos.

I've seen them in a variety of places, somewhat scoffing at them for looking so flimsy and in part like I am trying too hard to appear that I live along the beaches in the Mediterranean. But I thought the slightly nautical look to some of the styles was cute enough for a try.

B got hers in red (one of my favorites), but I opted for the light blue seersucker print. Here's a few things I learned about these little treasures from their website:

• They have a natural, eco-friendly espadrille bottom (rubber soled to protect against wetness) that are soft and flexible for easy movement. Although, they suggest to keep these in the dry summer sun, rainstorms may cause some damage!
• They have a terrific light, breathable fabric which stretches to fit your foot. The website recommends buying them to FIT, so as a size 7.5, I ordered the 7 (38), which was perfect.
• And as B commented, they are a terrific alternative to ballet flats for the summer!

And for you language lovers, I wanted to know where the name came from...
Combining the clink of a glass ‘Salud’ and the heat of the sun ‘sol’, Soludos was born.
What a summer solution!

Inspired by N

It is no secret my love for fashion is in the jeans (ahem, I mean genes). And in honor of Mother's Day 2011, I shall share 3 things my mom taught me about fashion that perhaps you, too, can appreciate:

1) Stick with what works: Mom is a classic dresser through and through. She uses elements of the latest trends, but rarely does she stray from what she knows looks good on her: color around her face (she favors olive green to pick up her eyes), skirts over pants (pants are hard on short legged ladies), and anything nautical (the woman simply can't get enough of it). Know your things that work, and STAY.

This is right up her alley from Boden

2) Always get dressed: From when I was a child, my mom always got dressed. And I mean, she wouldn't take care of her children, run errands, volunteer, etc. in sweatpants and a t-shirt. She made it a point as a homemaker to always get dressed in something she liked (again, the skirts). She would say that it made her feel better and ready for the day. To this day, a mom of three grown children, she's still holding strong.

I fancy this one for her.

3) Dress age appropriate: She's big on this. My mom is blessed with a good figure and strong fashion sense, but you won't find her trying to look like she's in her 30s. She embraces her age, and likewise is attentive to her clothing fitting appropriately, falling long enough, or highlighting her best assets (her arms are quite good). I have NEVER have walked in someplace embarrassed of something she's wearing- in fact, I'm usually quite proud :)

She would like these, but would want them slightly less high. GREAT color combo.

Happy Mother's Day, momma- you inspire me!

Royal Wedding Bells

I admit it, I tuned into Lifetime's "William and Kate" movie last week (a bit of a mistake)- but I was trying to gear up for the big wedding on April 29th! Over the course of this past week, I asked a variety of people if they remember the 1981 wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and each time I heard a story of families coming together to watch and experience the fairy tale.

I was a little too young to remember the big day for Diana, but I do vividly recall her death in 1997. It was an incredibly sad day, and probably unbearable for her sons.

But with the wedding of William and Kate (Catherine) later this week, I thought it would be appropriate to post a few things I'm curious about for the big event...fashion related, of course :)

The Dress: Everyone wants to know whether she'll go classy and figure flattering, or more princess-like...my bet is on a more form fitting dress with an eye toward detail. She's a woman of fashion, after all.

The Hairdo/Make-up: I'm actually curious to see if she wears her hair up or down. I tend to appreciate when brides look like the best version of themselves on their wedding, not an impostor with crazy hair and make-up. Kate is often shown with her classic blown out do, sleek and full of volume. (how great does she look below?!) I'd hate to see it too harsh or sleek.


The Shoes: I have to believe she's thinking about comfort (walking down the aisle of Westminster Abbey is something ridiculous like 100 feet?). But let's hope the princess is considering two pairs: one for the ceremony and one to dance in!

The Veil & Train: Princess Diana's were recorded at 25 feet long- wow! I would bargain that Kate will want to fill the aisle space similarly, but again, I'm thinking classy, not frumpy.

And if you're just itching to be there (if you're not among the 2,000 invited guests), I heard there's an Abbey 3D app so you can experience the walk down the aisle from the Great West Door....so cool! I know my sister (who shares her birthday with this royal experience) will be excited about that :)

May they have many beautiful years together.

Reveal A Better You

When it comes to pampering, I've always been more of a massage girl, than a facial. Maybe it comes with having super sensitive skin (thanks, Mom for the redhead genes), but until recently, I never really appreciated what a good exfoliation can do!

My sister discovered this little treasure: The Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. Sounds WAY more intense than it really is...this very cool little rotating brush and a lovely cleanser combo uncovered a new woman! I actually used my favorite Philosophy cleanser (Purity Made Simple) instead and let the little brush do its trick. There are two speed settings: and the higher one is quite nice (even for this sensitive gal), and the lower one is perfect to go over your eyes. You can even use it in the shower, and I am loving the reveal!


I wouldn't recommend using it daily-but once a week will be a lovely treat. And as we prep for that summer skin, I'm excited to wear little makeup and let my au natural shine!

Big Hair, Big Nails

Texas readers, listen up! Such a fun new product to share...OPI debuts this spring a new line of nail polish for us TEXANS...fantastic fun colors with names to snicker at:

Don't You Think I'm Tex-y? (I'm currently wearing this)
Big Hair, Big Nails (very fun coral/pink)
Totally Ft. Worth It (my sister currently owns this)
Suzi Loves Cowboys (fabulous chocolate brown)
and 8 more to choose from!

And until it decides to warm up here in Boston (we're getting closer!), I'll take a little comfort in things that remind me of warm Texas...plus, I'm a fan that the cowgirl in the advertisement is a redhead :)