Berry is my color pick for this month...

This month's color pick.....berry!  I love this color palette, and it's great for this time of year when we might be feeling a little blah after all the festivities of the holidays.  This purple-tinged hue is a powerful take on pink, and one of my all-time favorite colors to wear.  It's a great time of year to jazz up your wardrobe with this vibrant hue and take a break from the blacks & grays that seem to be the winter staples.

Why I love it...it's intense and surprisingly versatile.  Berry warms up every complexion - it works on anyone!

How to wear it - Emphasize the tone's sophistication by choosing pieces with smooth, clean lines, like Ralph Lauren's flowing satin column or try a structured sheath.  Not sure you want to be too bold with berry?  Just add a accent piece like a scarf, belt or purse.

Plays well with...berry is brilliant against dark, masculine neutrals like black & gray.  But for maximum impact, try color-blocking it with other trendy hues such as hot pink or royal blue.

Remember to adjust your makeup.  If you're wearing this bold shade, keep your makeup soft and subtle.  You want a natural effect that keeps the focus on the clothes, not the makeup!

Take a look at some of these great ways to wear this beautiful shade....

Spanx - Your Secret to a Slimmer You!

Christmas & New Year is over and after all the partying & eating, you can now let out a huge sigh of relief that you got through it in one piece!  At least I'm hoping you did!  I'm sure everyone enjoyed the over-indulgence, but I have to admit that I'm somewhat relieved it's all over so that life can return to normal and I can start getting some structure back into my life.  I'm afraid I'm one of those people who doesn't need much of an excuse to fall off the wagon and eat whatever I want, and sadly now I'm paying the ultimate price!

So like many others this new year, I have resolved to get back to the gym and start eating right again. But to help with those days before I start seeing a difference, I have a temporary cure for my 'fat' day's....and that, my friends is a little thing called....SPANX!!

That's right - I'm not ashamed to say it - I am happy to squeeze my butt into these very un-sexy undergarments in order to smooth out the lumps and bulges!  There are times when we just have to face facts - we need a little help to look better in that fitted dress or those body-skimming pants! So why worry about it when all we have to do is slip into some lycra to look a little better?  And before you start beating yourself up about it, don't forget that many celebrities wear Spanx too!  Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara (to name just a few!) need a little help at times too!  I'm working at getting back to my fitness routine, but for now - hello Spanx!!  :)

Don't be afraid....you could look better too if you want to!  It's only a temporary fix ladies, so bite the bullet and get your Spanx on!  Look at the difference wearing this undergarment can make in how you look.  Amazing!




And here are some of the different undergarments you can get to wear with whatever it is you need.  I promise you these undergarments are not uncomfortable and they are breathable too.

1. 

Chunky Knits for Everyone...

A sleek cashmere sweater has its place, but when the temperatures drop you know you wanna pull on your favorite nubbly knit.  At least I know that's what I love to do!  There's something very comforting about throwing on a big, chunky sweater before heading out to brave the cold.  Cozy knit looks from fisherman sweaters to woven shirts were featured on the runways, but remember ladies that chunky shouldn't mean frumpy when you wear your winter knits, and you should layer on the knits in unexpected polished ways!

Remember also that chunky knits aren't just for sweaters.  You can also rock a knit dress and stay just as cozy.  I love wearing a knit dress with knee length boots and one big statement piece accessory.

And don't forget the rule ladies.  If you're wearing an over-sized piece on top like a chunky sweater, wear something sleek on the bottom half like leggings or skinny jeans, otherwise you will make yourself look bigger than you are - and I know you don't want that!

Start 2015 with the right workout gear!

New Year, new start - isn't that what a lot of people are saying as we get into the year 2015?  Many of you have made new year's resolutions, and the number one resolution that people make is to get fit!  After enjoying the holiday season and eating & drinking ourselves into oblivion, we vow to get back on track and hit the gym and repair the damage done during the holiday's.  I know I make the same promise to myself every year, and some year's are easier than others, so again I am starting out my new year by vowing to get back into shape (again!) and losing those extra pounds I gained through the holiday season.  It's an on-going battle, and anyone who says it isn't is just in denial - it's that simple! Trying to fit in the time in our busy schedules of work, or motherhood, or both, is not easy - but we owe it to ourselves to make the time!  So many women spend their time taking care of others that they come last on the list, and I think it's time to change that once and for all.

Whether you're joining a gym, using the treadmill at home, or walking with a friend, it can be hard to get back into that workout mode.  But what might help is getting some nice workout clothes to wear that will make you feel better about yourself.  Throwing on a stained pair of sweats and t-shirt will not make you feel particularly attractive or give you much of an incentive, so think about getting something that will look attractive and be comfy.  I'm not saying you need to wear some skimpy little dolly-bird outfit, but something that will make you feel confident about hitting the gym.

Take a look at some of these looks and get active again this year!!  Now I'm off to the gym to start working off all the delicious food I consumed over the festive season!