The MOTHER of All Holidays!

Hi there folks. Blondefabulous here. I just wanted to make you all aware of a VERY important holiday coming up… MOTHER’S DAY!!! Yes it is time to celebrate those nurturing, loving, cupcake baking, school project day before it’s due assemblers in our lives! Oh sure, you can go the traditional route, flowers, spas, & breakfast in bed. Those are all great! I, myself…. I long for something a little different. So here’s a short list of gifts for the irreverent Mom in your life!

 

Coffee. I love coffee. It makes me human enough to be able to deal with the monumental amount of stupid we have to see on a daily basis. School drop off car line, extreme couponers in the 10 items or less lane, fracktastical drivers on the roads…. it’s like a game that never ends! This shirt expresses why I drink my giant cup of love juice in the AM.  Some days, I need a second cup to get to that +5 wisdom though. This great shirt is available from Snorg Tees for $19.95 and would bring a bit of humor to your mom, humor that will sustain her when she has one of “those” mornings!

 

 

 

Keeping with the caffeine theme, look at this beautiful necklace! This glittering bit of jewelry is from Think Geek and it is totally awesome! Made from sterling silver with a silver snake chain attached to it, this is one molecule I’d love to wear every day. From the Think Geek site… “Your favorite molecule shouldn’t be relegated to casual Fridays. Bring it with you every day with a sterling silver incarnation. Designed by a wayward Ph.D. post-grad in molecular biophysics, this sterling silver caffeine molecule pendant is about 1.5 inches wide. It hangs from a sterling silver snake chain that can be adjusted for length between 16 and 18 inches.”  You can keep caffeine close to your favorite Mom’s heart for just $84.99!

 

 

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a huge group of moms out there that I know personally… the Roller Derby Moms! Hey, there are quite a few of us!  Whether it’s skating our own bout, supporting our derby sisters as they skate theirs, or cheering on our little derby spawn at Junior bouts,  the empowerment of the roller derby movement can be felt all over the world and now your own Mom can be a part of it when you give her this shirt! This t-shirt from Wicked Skatewear is a retro throwback to derby  from the 40′s with it’s styling. At $23.99, this is a great gift for Mom. Also, Congrats to Strychnine, (One of Wicked’s co-owners) for becoming a Mom herself! That baby boy is gonna have a frickin’ AWESOME mom when he debuts!

 

 

Does your Mom like to wear makeup? I sure do! Ever since I discovered Sephora, I have expanded my makeup collection, but I also discovered I needed more brushes to apply said makeup! I found this set from Plasticland while browsing the site for shoes! (They have shoes to DIE for!) These six brushes are weighted, come with a velvet carrying case, and have antiqued silver handles shaped like Art Nouveau Goddesses! Talk about feeling like a goddess while putting on your make up! For $45.00 this is a gift mom can use all the time.

 

 

Does mom like flowers?  I really like these flowers and I’m a Mom! These are Cherry Blossom knee socks from Fast Girl Skates, but you don’t have to be a skater to love them! Beautiful reddish pink cherry blossoms wind down the sock along brown branches making a lovely tribute to one of Spring’s most fragrant flowers! These flowers will be with Mom long after the FTD bouquet she got fades from time. $8.00 will get you one pair of these, but really, one isn’t going to make a bouquet. Make sure to get a dozen!

 

 

I love to play video games with the kids! We play Mario Bros, Bombermanland, Frogger, you name it. I would be pleased as punch to get this flower bouquet by Think Geek from my kids. 8 Bit throwback is very popular right now and when you think about it, this is the ultimate flower gift for your Mom. They never need watering, they won’t wilt with time and they will make Mom harken back to when she started playing games as a kid! It’s a total win! Also, at $14.99, it won’t break your (piggy) bank either.

 

And finally, we all know our Moms need a drink every now and again. No matter if it’s a Mai Tai or just a club soda, Mom is gonna love putting her feet up and sipping out of these Tiki Mugs! Made from ceramic and shaped like 4 different Tiki idols, these little gems will make for a relaxing cocktail for your Mom as she watches you try to clean the house she so meticulously keeps immaculate with almost no effort! Oh who am I KIDDING? It takes a Herculean effort! The set goes for $22.00 and don’t forget to get a pack of those cute little umbrellas for her drink too! (And is it just me, or does the green one look like the Idol Bobby found in Hawaii when the Brady’s went on vacay??)

 

So there you have it! A short list that thinks outside of the gift box! Now get out there and make your Mama proud!!!!

 

A V-D List: No, Not That, Valentine’s Day!

OH NO! Lock the doors! Shut down your computers! Hide in your closets!! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching!!!

OK, now that that is over, let’s all act like normal people and start thinking about VD rationally.  Most people believe Valentine’s Day was invented by the fiends at Hallmark & the floral industry to bolster sales that began to ebb after the December holidays, while others believe that it was a day celebrating St. Valentine who married couples against the Roman  government’s edicts. Either or, Unless you live under a rock, you are probably going to go looking for a nice gift for your significant other or chance the possibility of ending up in the dog house. I’ve  got a few ideas that may or may not help.

Are you the kind of person who wears their heart on the outside? This might tempt your fancy. This is a lovely Steampunk Heart necklace found on Esty. The beauty of this piece isn’t simplicity, but the intricate design work covering it’s entire surface! It is so pretty and being an Esty piece, it is a handmade gift that says, “I totally wanted to get something that is one of a kind, just like you.” If that doesn’t score you points in the love bank for the paltry sum of $25, I don’t know what would.

Maybe your Valentine prefers to smell lovely? Look at this lovely gift set from Bath & Body Works. It’s from their Paris Amour scent collection and smells so Ooo La La you’d think you were in the City of Lights itself. The scent is a mixture of French Tulips, Apple Blossoms, & Pink Champagne and this set will allow your Valentine to wrap themselves in it’s luxury. Hopefully you can parlay this gift into a bubble bath built for two.  (I know I would if my bathtub wasn’t so woefully small!) A quick $30 and you are in business.

Is your Valentine a fitness buff? Maybe this will be the gift they adore. This is the FitBit and it will track your loves every move for around $99. (Does that sound creepy?) This little gem tracks your steps, sleep cycles, food intake, how fast you’re walking/running/moving and lets you check with free online software to track progress. Did your Valentine make a New Year’s Resolution to get healthier? This might be a big help, PLUS it’s tiny, sleek design doesn’t even look like a pedometer. It comes with an arm cuff for you to wear it at night so you can track your sleep cycles as well. Heh, heh…. I wonder what the Fitbit will classify those late night, amorous activities as……

Sweet sinful sauciness! Does your Valentine love Chocolate? Here’s the mother-lode baby! These little beauties are Godiva Chocolate cupcakes and they are some of the most amazing things on the planet. They come in packages of 6, with three being iced in chocolate buttercream and three in vanilla buttercream. All of them include the iconic Lady Godiva chocolate emblem on  top and they all have a secret: Inside each cuppie there is a delicious center of chocolate ganache. You and your Valentine will be drunk on chocolate bliss.

Maybe that much chocolate is a bit too much? No Problem! Check out the Edible Arrangements website and send a lovely bouquet of flower shaped fruit to your Valentine.  They have large arrangements, small arrangements, balloons, stuffed animals, etc…. everything you might need to make a lovely gift basket for your special someone. Bonus is you can both enjoy it together.

So there you have it! Five simple gift ideas that aren’t too far off the wall and will score major points with your loved one this VD. Good luck!

Featured Photo

 

About The Author:  Wife, Mom, Roller Derby Queen. She's not your typical Domestic Goddess! Living in Valrico Florida with her husband HHH and three kids, Blondefabulous, better known as Nicole, stays busy writing, cooking, baking, and playing Blocker for the Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby League. She also helps with training for the Bradenton Derby Brats and writes a blog called Blondefabulocity. She brings a radical view to beauty, shopping, & fashion when it's mixed with fishnets, tattoos, & roller skates! Blog: Blondefabulocity http://blondefabulocity.blogspot.com On Twitter: @blondefabulous https://twitter.com/#!/blondefabulous Roller Derby Fan Page: Blondefabulous of the SRG https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blondefabulous-of-the-SRG/112622162097711

Valentine’s Gifts For The Low-Maintenance Woman

While some ladies dream of a big, romantic gesture on Valentine’s Day, I am not one of them. Certainly if you had the means and wanted to fly me off to Paris for a romantic long weekend, I would be in heaven (I’d even settle for New York. Just sayin’.), but realistically, I prefer an acknowledgment of the day in a way that shows that my husband gets me. And that is the key, I think. I’m not into a lot of bling. I don’t care for roses, and although I like flowers, I am allergic to them.  Truth is, I don’t really want or need much. If your significant other is the same way, here are some ideas that may help you be the hero this Valentine’s Day. 

Four Low-Key Valentine’s Day Gifts

1. A Relaxing Bath. Light some candles, draw her a bath with a lovely, skin softening additive like The Body Shop’s Divine Calm Serenity Milk Bath Powder ($18), then leave her alone for 30 minutes. Then greet her with a warm towel and robe. It will be worth your while. Promise.

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries ($19.99). A little chocolate plus a berry packed with fiber and vitamin C. Great for your health-conscious sweetheart. A half dozen will do nicely; she might even share.

3. A Cool Leather Bracelet ($65).  This is a cool-looking, casual bracelet that you can make her own by getting it personalized for her.  Another idea that’s as unique and rare as she is.

4. A Personalized Ring ($109.98). If you’re looking for a more grand gesture, this demure ring, make personal with her initial and maybe a little love note from you. A gift that’s one of a kind. Like her.

If all else fails, clean the house. Without her asking. Make her dinner and do the dishes. It’s the little things that mean a lot—and get the biggest rewards. Wink-Wink.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Featured Photo Credit

About The Author:  Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

Friday Finds: Sinister Urge & Cannibal Crafts

In Roller Derby you meet all kinds of people, and these folks are, more often than not, amazing. I am on a derby team that boasts artists, musicians, writers, chefs, and crafters. These people are impressive! The stuff they do and make is astounding. The creativity that seems to explode out of  nowhere is amazing as well. I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to two of the awesome ladies I have had the pleasure to know and skate with.

Joannie Atkins, better known to the Derby world as Strawberry ShortSkate, runs an Esty shop called Sinister Urge. She specializes in re purposed and recycled clothing. Her shop is small right now, but she is adding new stuff every day. From her profile on Esty:

The whole refurbished and recycling idea came from the saying “Waste not want not” or “One man’s trash another man’s treasure. I read an article once upon a time on how clothing is the one of the largest amount of space taken up in land fill’s, I thought ” What could I do to help reverse some of the damage?” Plus, I grew up making my own clothing and just couldn’t bear to toss a shirt I loved so much because of holes, or bleach etc. got on it so I started figuring out ways to hand craft them into usable household items!

At the moment, she has several re purposed t-shirts that she has turned into aprons, and not just run-of-th- mill aprons, but really COOL aprons!

Look at the apron ($30.00) to the right!! Joannie made that out of a shirt she found in a thrift shop. All the ruffles and stitching is hand done and there are no two designs that are alike in her shop because everything she does is one of a kind.  If you’re looking for a gift for someone special and want something unique, look no further. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Joannie does custom work, too. Have a favorite concert T that you can’t really wear any more, but can’t bear to part with? Joannie will turn it into anything you can think of! A scarf, a hat, an apron, a table runner…. you name it! With prices ranging from $17 to $30, and custom work being negotiable, this is a great idea for affordable, unique gifts with flair!

Next, I’d like you to meet Jessie Schneider, AKA- PB Arlene. She has a shop on Esty called Cannibal Crafts. She has all kinds of kitschy baubles and beautiful fused glass jewelry that she makes by hand! Jessie’s shop is a little bigger, but the hand crafted feel is still in each of her offerings. Her fused glass jewelry is especially beautiful. As described by her:

I love fusing glass. Ever since I was able to wield scissors my brother took to calling me “Destructra” because anything I got my hands on ended up changed forever (for the better, in my opinion). The process of fusing, getting the glass red hot, perfecting the temperature and time for each piece, and the painfully slow cooling period give me just enough time and inspiration to come up with the next combination of glass bits. These pendants do not come from an assembly line, each one is planned out and created one at a time with consideration and time given to my own quirky creative process. To me, these pendants are like wearable art. Each one is different and unique.

Look at this beautiful pendant! ($24.00)This monster of a pendant came from mixing different scraps of shiny dichroic glass into what looks just like a blob from an oily lagoon. It actually kind of reminds me of how Stephen King described the lake monster in his short story, “The Raft”. With its multiple layers and strange mix of colors, it  is a one-of-a-kind.

Jessie also makes these stiff felt moustashes ($16.50)that she sells in this “‘Stash Pack,” which according to her, “Moustaches and masquerades combine in a fun game of dress up with facial hair. I made a batch of these for my friend’s Moustache Bash as party favors back in 2008. Now I’m sharing the fun with you.  They’re fun to try on, trade with friends, and aren’t as stuffy as masquerade masks. A quick and clever disguise for any PI, though not nearly as incognito as say, a ski mask. I’ve found that carrying a couple in my purse creates even better photo booth pictures when out on the town.” Imagine having these around at your next party. Just add a photo station and instant awesome memories, not to mention really cool swag to send home with your guests. And those are just two of the many awesome crafts she has for sale in her Esty shop!

I hope you’ll take a moment to go check out these two shops on Esty that are run by two totally awesome roller girls.  I’ve personally owned items from both these crafty girls and I love them! In this Occupied Economy where we are trying to support the small business owner, here are two entrepreneurs who have their finger on the uncommon and the unmatched.

Friday Find: Style Outside The Box

I love design of all types: fashion, decor, even Web and print design, so when I heard* about Style Outside The Box, I had to go take a look. I am glad I did. Style Outside The Box is a Web site devoted to giving independent designers a place to showcase their quality goods. Think of it as Etsy with the iffy stuff filtered out.

From their Web site:

Style Outside the Box is the first shopping site where an elite style council juries and selects every product to meet Style Outside the Box’s standards, so customers never have to worry about the quality as well as the uniqueness of every product. We are a website solely for exclusive independent designers who stand behind every one-of-a-kind product made and sold.

They sell everything: home decor; clothing and accessories for women, men and babies/kids; jewelry and gifts. My favorites are the home decor items, many of which are made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Prices run the gamut, from a selection of gifts under $30, to some pricier jewelry and dresses, although the prices aren’t unreasonable considering that each piece is one-of-a-kind.

It’s a wonderful feeling to get something beautiful that no one else has… it’s especially wonderful when you can give your BFF a great gift that’s as unique and gorgeous as she is. In fact, I have my eye on a nice item for a special someone who has a birthday coming up. I’m not telling who because she reads this blog (at least she better).

Beyond the great merchandise and the wonderful venue for up-and-coming independent artists and designers, Style Outside The Box is a woman-powered business, just like Buy-Her. I love the idea of being able to support companies run by women, especially when they’ve got stuff I actually want.

Go there now and see what they’ve got—through the month of December 2011 they’re offering 10% off your purchase when you use code lovesotb.

*I feel compelled to mention that I learned about this site from my mother because her BFF’s daughter works for Style Outside The Box. While that’s what got me to the site, I recommend it because I love their offerings and wanted to share them.

5 Gifts That Do Good

Sometimes I feel like ditching the whole idea of gift-giving for the holidays because it seems so commercial. You’re trying to get the best gift possible to avoid looking cheap or chintzy. There has to be something better. Never fear. There is. Here are a few simple ideas for gifts that are not only useful, they actually do good.

5 Gifts That Do Good

1. Prosperity Candle – Prosperity Candles looks to provide women displaced by war, political unrest or natural disasters with the opportunity, tools and resources to start a successful business producing candles and related accessories. A candle from Prosperity Candles can help a woman build a life for herself, and then share that light with others. Your gift will include the name of the woman who made it, and your recipient can go to Prosperity’s Engage page and send her a message. An empowering gift with a side of horizon expansion. How cool is that?

2. Artisan Items From Around The World – I’ve raved about this site before, and I still do. Novica features handcrafted gifts from around the world. Everything from clothing to jewelry to leather goods to home decor. It’s reasonably priced, and you’ll help an artist in another corner of the world make a living. And don’t forget to pick out something for yourself while you’re there.

3. A Cow – Or a goat or flock of geese or a water buffalo. Heifer International allows you do give gifts that will help impoverished people helps themselves. The animals can help provide milk for sustenance, manure for farming and income from their offspring. Instead of just a handout, livestock offer a way to a better life. You give the gift in the name of your intended and they get an Honor Card sent to them with a personalized message from you. A great gift for the girl who has everything, including a soft heart. If the options are too pricey, you can buy a share of the animal at a more affordable price.

4. A Fair Trade Gift – Seven Hopes United has some gorgeous items made by artisans all over the world. Fair trade products pay a decent wage, foster safe working conditions and protect the rights of children while being environmentally friendly and maintaining the artists’ cultural identity. You’re helping someone climb out of poverty by learning a skill and selling what they produce. And there is some gorgeous stuff on this site. Make some coffee or tea and plan to stay awhile.

5. A Direct Donation – This is the most obvious (and direct) route to take when thinking of someone who really doesn’t need or want anything and would appreciate the money for their gift going to a good cause. I recommend picking a cause close to your friend’s heart to add meaning to your gift.

Featured photo credit

Sheyna Jewelry

OK ladies (and spouses and significant others and so on), listen up because today we are talking about Sheyna jewelry.

Sheyna has been featured on Oprah’s blog (Oprah!) and even during a segment of Bobbie’s Style Buzz on NBC’s TODAY Show. Sheyna approached Buy-Her and asked if we would also review a pair of earrings, to which we replied of course!

Shortly thereafter?  A cute little blue box arrived in the mail.

I opened the box as my boys stood around excited to see what arrived and pulled out these pretty earrings from the pouch.

Aren’t they cute?  I have to say while I do not usually wear gold, I was still excited to put these on.  Blue is one of my favorite colors.  Adorable!  I wore them on a few occasions and while sometimes I seem to have a sensitivity to certain earrings, these did not bother my ears at all.  Which is always a plus in my book.

I am totally in love with the concept of Sheyna jewelry.  From the website, you can design your own necklaces, bracelets and earrings from a collection of about 10,000 items (from over 4,000 designers)! There is a spot on the website where you can create your own looks.  I had such a blast playing with it.

From the drop down box you plug in what you want – like a bracelet for example.  Not only do you choose what you want the band to look like, but then you can customize it with various charms, beads and more.  At the top of the design you are making, a running tally of the price is kept so you can make sure that what you are creating is in line with what you want to spend.  No surprises at the end.

Each item is handmade around the world and shipped - for free - about 28 days after the order is placed.  Free shipping!  Christmas is coming sooner than you think my friends!  Sheyna has so many stones, beads and charms to choose from.  The best part? You can go as big – or as little – as you want with prices ranging from $5 – $5,000.  Just thinking about being able to design a piece of jewelry for as little as $5 totally makes my day.  Affordable for everyone!

Did I mention they have a 30 day money back guarantee?  If you are not satisfied with what you receive, it can be returned for a full refund!  Oh, and they even have a deal of the day featured – something that has already been created.  Like what you see?  Snap it up quick!  If you will excuse me I’m going to hop back onto the website and get creative with another design.  The possibilities are practically endless!

Style Week Providence – Night Two

Night Two of Style Week Providence!

I for one am still having a blast!

It is, however, obvious when you look around how Hurricane Irene has sadly affected the shows so far.  Night two had a good gathering but I would guess there were less people attending than at opening night.  I am crossing my fingers and hoping each day from here on out picks up because the shows are amazing, and the best part is that all the designers are local.

The Savory Grape sponsored cocktail hour and the drinks were sooo good!  I was able to take it right up on the stage with me where this time I got directed to a seat – in the front row again – only this time with my name on it.  So exciting!  Upon arriving at my seat I found a copy of Providence Monthly and a swag bag from Redken waiting for me.  Unfortunately my camera was not working properly so I was only able to snap a few photos during the night.

Katie Imswiler had the 1st runway show of the night.  According to her website, her line of swimwear is fully reversible.  Which I am in love with.  Who doesn’t like two looks in one!  During the show I could not tell if  the new looks were also reversible.  She featured a lot of grays with a mix of bright colors – many neon yellow, sometimes pink.  Lots of crisscrossing of straps and different color tops vs bottoms.  I would have to say my favorite were the long pants that folded over a bit at the waist and cover-ups she paired with her swimsuits.  I could see skinny me on the beach on a cooler day rocking the pants with a bikini top.  (Next summer maybe?)  Her show is where my camera did not work at all sadly.

Jennifer Griffith‘s ‘Playdates’ runway show was inspired by ‘women’s new found involvement in sports at the turn of the 20th century’.  She uses mostly vintage and reclaimed fabrics, vintage buttons included.  The buttons brought me right back to playing in my grandmother’s button box as a child.  While the looks were interesting, it was just not my style.

From her whole collection there was only one piece I fell in love with.  The beige eyelet dress with vintage ribbon trim was beautiful.  I did find it hard to imagine who would be wearing such outfits as the over sized bright navy eyelet dress which was not at all flattering to the model.  Seeing the collection again on The Rhode Show this morning made me look at some of the pieces differently.  I hadn’t thought I liked the piece below last night, but seeing it again this morning I ended up falling in love with it.  The blue jersey dress with the stripey inset in the front of the photo.

Jessica Abernethy found her style influenced by her education in Germany and is noted for her custom designs for clients.  Let me tell you ladies, if Jessica’s line is an indication of things to come headbands are back along with high waistlines.  Jumpsuits and overalls… and the part I found most fascinating is how she mixed it all up.  Some pieces had a mix of horizontal and vertical stripes along with a print.  Her style seemed older to me, a throwback to the 20′s in some respects.  I could not help but notice the jewelry, which was from House of Cach.  There was a beautiful long silver necklace knotted in the middle.  Definitely a line I will be checking out in the future.

Avni Trivedi was the last runway show, yet my favorite of the night I would have to say.  Avni is from India and uses handmade Indian fabrics she selects in her pieces.  She had so many beautiful pieces that I wish my camera had been working better so I could show you photos.  The line is from her ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ collection and all of the pieces have names like Tiger Lily – a silk side draped top and silk skirt or Iris – silk strapless dress with silk ruffled shoulder detail.  Beautiful.  My favorite in the collection is Rosebush – an organic cotton butterfly sleeve one shoulder top in light pink and white with organic cotton capri with satin detail.

It went perfect with the pair of Mallory Musante shoes the model wore with it.  I have to say I really got a sense for just how versatile Mallory’s shoes are during the show.  While I have seen them a few times now and thought they are beautiful, I never did know what I would wear them with.  The Avni show made me realize the shoes can be paired with so many things.  (And suddenly had me wanting a pair!)

Check out the straps on the back of this Avni dress.  Loving them!

This wraps up Style Week Providence Night 2!  Stay tuned for Night 3 and remember I will be live tweeting through the shows, which you can follow @buyher or @Liza_Rae.

Style Week Providence – Opening Night

Monday, August 29th was the opening night of Style Week Providence at the Providence Performing Arts Center (which was pushed from starting Sunday August 28th due to Hurricane Irene).  Roughly half the state of Rhode Island is currently without power due to storm damage so it was a welcome distraction to get back in gear with Style Week.  While I unfortunately had to miss Maria del Carmen Mercado‘s runway show, I was able to make it in time to attend the next three shows.

Not only was I lucky enough to just attend, I had front row stage seating.  I could actually place my feet on the edge of the raised white runway.  Such a difference from January’s Style Week where I could only attend the last night, standing room only in the back of the Providence Biltmore.  It was amazing to be so close to the models, the lights, the cameras.  It really made me look at each piece of clothing so differently.  And this time around I could also focus in on the shoes and accessories as well!

We all know how much I love my shoes and accessories!

Denise Hajjar was my first show of the night.  Her line is described on her website as a “classic modern look.”  There were times I really felt like I was staring back into some 1970′s fashion but yet it didn’t seem really dated either.  It had an edge to it making it look like something I would want to wear now.  She had some really nice styles for the fall and I was in love with all of the brown tones, as well as some adorable dresses.

Kara Wickman‘s website describes her line as a “mix of ready-to-wear separates and old Hollywood glamorous gowns for the effortlessly chic,” she aimed to design a line to transform from day to evening with the change of an accessory’.  While varied in colors, it was the teals that I found especially striking.  I couldn’t help but also notice the jewelry paired with her styles was none other than Modern Shades of Gray.  As a girl on always on the go myself I like being able to change up a look without having to do much.  LOVE that this line transforms so easily!

Samuel Vartan‘s runway show was filled with what I would describe as classy beachy looks for men and women.  Like that term?  I made it up on the side of the runway.  Going yachting?  Perfect! Linen was featured in several styles.  The Optix eye wear the models were sporting helped to complete the looks.

And…then there were some that looked like this.  No words.  Hold my hand.  I don’t know what to tell you.

I do know what to tell you.  All I could think in my head was Hey!  Aladdin called and he wants his magic carpet back.  Or something like that.

I digress.

So not all of this line was quite my taste.  Humor aside I could still appreciate all the work and time that went into each piece and I found it super sweet when Samuel walked the runway at the end with his little boy.

Opening night of Style Week Providence?  Huge success!  My sister-in-law Ana and I had a wonderful time and she helped me take some of the photos I used in this post.  Also… holy swag!  We missed out on the first bag since we were late but ended up leaving with two more!  Lots of goodies, including hair extensions from Indique, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, a gift certificate from Optix eye wear and the list goes on.  Have no fear, they will be covered in future Buy-Her posts ladies!

In the meantime this week, make sure you are following Buy-Her and me on Twitter for live tweets during the runway shows each night.

Till tomorrow, when I post again!

Haute Tags: My New Obsession

I have a new obsession.

Have you heard of Haute Tags?

Maybe not.  But that’s why I’m here.  To let you know about this totally hot  new accessory so you can say you heard about it here first at Buy-Her.  From me.  Before all of your friends find out about it and are scrambling to get their hands on them too.   (Trust me, they will.)

I am excited to say that I was the first official client.  I had been following fellow Rhode Islander (can I just say I am so proud to be from Rhode Island these days?!) Becky DiStefano on Twitter and met her in person for the first time at Styleweek Providence.

Since then she has launched her own business called Haute Tags – which she calls an ‘accessory line born of a love for social media and the connections made on sites like Twitter’.  Haute Tags (where “Haute” is pronounced “oat” in true French style) are high-end nickel plated tags with Swarovski crystals that can currently be worn on a necklace or put on a key chain.

My favorite line of hers?  ‘Let’s play tag, because in this world, you are it!’

Love it!

I wear my Haute Tag as a necklace.   Becky will eventually be adding other accessories including charms, belt buckles, cuff links, money clips and more, but for now you have your choice of the necklace or key chain.  What can you put on your Haute Tag?  Anything you want.  A favorite hashtag, your twitter handle…  Mine is my twitter handle @Liza_Rae.

Have I told you I have been wearing mine…like everywhere?  I really have.  Lots of compliments.  My boys are obsessed with it too.  Right now you can find Becky on Facebook or Twitter.  She has a website in the works for viewing shortly.  Haute Tags retail for $24.95 plus shipping and handling for a tag without crystals and $29.95 plus shipping and handling for a tag with crystals.

I recommend adding the bling.

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