The other day I was talking fashion with a friend and they made a comment about suspenders.  That reminded me of how often I actually see women wearing suspenders in a very fashionable manner whether it be on the runway, on TV, or in a magazine.  But when you first hear the word suspenders you always think of something goofy and nerdy right?  Well here are a few different ensembles where women show you how to correctly and fashionably wear suspenders.

I'm definitely not saying I could pull this look off, but they certainly can!

What other items can you think of that people don't always think of as fashionable, yet they can be proven wrong?

Melie Bianco Denise Contrast Satchel Bag at Silvia's Handbags

I am in love with the Melie Bianco Denise Contrast Satchel Bag over at Silvia's Handbags! It's so gorgeous and versatile! If you like bright neon colors this is perfect for you!  It's not only a handbag but can also be worn as a cross body bag!  It comes in orange, blue, or yellow.  This bag has a top zip closure, the regular champagne colored lining, and interior side zip pockets, and a cell phone pocket!  It measures 14" wide, 12" high, and 5" deep and has a 16" double handle with a 6" drop! What a beautiful bag!

Squeem Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/29

I am so so so excited to tell you about Squeem! Squeem offers comfortable shapewear that gives you instant results and their products are of the highest quality! I have tried shapewear before and I can tell you that Squeem is one of my favorites!!! Sometimes I have an outfit that doesn’t look right on me, maybe I don’t like the way it lays on my body or how it fits too tight, which is where Squeem comes into play. When you wear Squeem products, you give your body a tighter look, and your clothes fit better!

I received the Perfect Waist from Squeem. I started wearing it for an hour or two each night just to get used to it. I was seriously amazed at the difference I saw. It was like I had a whole new body, or waistline atleast. It was very comfortable to wear once I got used to it after about a week. And I also didn’t have to worry about anyone noticing. It was very discreet and even when someone touched me or hugged me, they didn’t notice I had something on underneath. It was amazing how much better it made my silhouette look and it really helped me fit into some outfits that normally would have showed every imperfection! I am so happy with my Perfect Waist! It was very very very easy to snap together and to take off!

My Advice: This is a must have!! It’s a great investment and you will be happy with the look you see after you wear a Squeem product!

One lucky winner will receive a Perfect Waist of their own!

My Dog's Bakery Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/25

My Dog’s Bakery is an awesome website where you can purchase healthy personalized dog treats. This is great for special occasions and gifts for both humans and dogs! Because these treats are baked, they are fresher and healthier than what you can buy at the store.

I received several goodies from My Dog’s Bakery. First of all, I was so ecstatic when I received a treat with the Ask Away logo on it!! This is great for businesses! Say you get your dog groomed quite often and want a great way to thank the groomer. Well, why not order some customized treats with the logo on them!? Or, if you have some sort of pet service, you can do this and hand out the treats to all of your customers!

I also received a photo treat and name treat, and even a paw print treat! My dogs literally yanked them out of my hands and ran away to devour them! The photo treat was awesome! It was such great quality! I was so excited, I had to take pictures because I knew these wouldn’t last. The name treat was so cute, I loved the font and I loved how easy it was to break into smaller pieces for my pup’s tiny mouths! And the paw print, so adorable!! These treats would be great gifts!!

My Advice: Spoil your dogs with fresh healthy treats rather than treats that are packed with artificial flavors and preservatives!

One lucky winner will receive 2 medium Name Treats ( same name or different) in red holiday writing OR
Traditional carob writing.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Combat Boots!!

I love combat boots! I wear them all the time, with leggings, with jeans, with whatever I can!  Here are some celebs that wear them!

What do you think of the combat boot look? Do you have any? If not, try some on and see how you like them! They are actually more versatile than you think! Not only are they comfortable but they give you a casual look without looking too laid back. 

Planet Flops Review & *Giveaway* - Ends 12/21

Planet Flops is a line of environmentally-friendly and stylish flip-flops. They were reated by a Beverly Hills podiatrist. Planet Flops aren’t made from synthetic rubber but instead from natural rubber. The trees in Brazil that are used for this rubber are not harmed or chopped down. Instead, they extract it from the tree. Natural rubber is great because it’s more comfortable and gives you more cushion and flexibility.

I have a lot of foot issues so I rarely wear flip flops. Well, I received a pair of Planet Flops and I love them! They are actually very cushiony and comfortable! They seem way more durable than regular flip flops and they wear down less easily. They also aren’t super flimsy in that they bend and cause you to trip like some flip flops do. The fact that these are environmentally friendly meant a lot to me and I know this pair will last me for a while!

Planet Flops are carried in many of the trendiest boutiques, hotels and spas around the country. For instance, Planet Flops can be found at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Hyatt Resort in Huntington Beach, Hands on Spa in Beverly Hills, to name just a few.

My Advice: Invest in a pair of these and your feet will thank you later!

One lucky winner will receive a pair of their choice!

BEARPAW Shoes Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/21

BEARPAW Shoes has a great selection of boots and shoes that come in all different styles! BEARPAW Shoes came to be in 2001 when it’s founder Tom Romeo decided to create some casual footwear that would be comfortable and stylish. He used sheepskin since it naturally regulates the body temperature and keeps your feet drier and cooler in the heat, and warmer in the cold. BEARPAW Shoes carry casual footwear, slippers, and boots. There are so many gorgeous styles to choose from whether it's for a casual day of running errands, or you want to head out on the town and stay warm and fashionable.

I received the Boetis Boot. They are funky and fashionable, but most importantly, these boots were super comfortable. It was to the point that I wanted to lounge around in them and not take them off AT ALL! They have a great tread on the bottom, and kept my feet and my ankles very warm.  These were 100% real as well which made them even better and much higher quality than your average boot!

My Advice: Invest in a pair of BEARPAW Shoes. They are high quality, and comfortable, which is very important for your feet!

One winner will receive a pair of BEARPAW Shoes of their own!

Verilux Light Review

As an advice blogger, I get a lot of emails around this time of year about how to beat the winter blues.  I’ve noticed people have a lot more work problems, relationship problems, and just life in general problems now that it’s dark, cold, and depressing outside! This is where Verilux comes into play.  Verilux provides healthy lamps and lighting to brighten your spirits for whatever reasons they may need brightening!

I currently suffer from SAD – or Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Because I spend less time in the sunlight in the winter (I work in an office building) I tend to feel more lethargic and often times wonder why I feel so bummed out.  I also struggle to wake up in the morning, which leads to me feeling tired all day and irritable.   Tanning is not healthy, so I’ve pretty much cut that out of my life so I can’t really say that it can help me.  So when I discovered Verilux I was so happy!

Verilux sent me a HappyLight 6000 Energy Lamp.   First of all, this lamp was so easy to set up! I pulled it out of the box, snapped a piece or two together, and plugged it in. The cord is just the right length and I can plug it in almost anywhere that I can sit near!  So how does the HappyLight work anyways?  Well, I had to read the manual to find out, and it was very very easy to read so I fell in love with this lamp already, before I even used it.  To use the Happylight, you just sit in front of it (6-24 inches) and slightly offset from the center. *You don’t need to look directly into it.* There’s a high setting for morning and a low setting for the afternoon.  Your eyes do have to be open for the full benefits to be achieved. You can sit in front of it for 30 minutes to an hour.

Since I am SO groggy in the mornings, especially in winter, I sat the Verilux at my breakfast nook.  When I wake up I grab coffee, feed my dogs, and start working on my blog on my laptop while I eat my morning bagel.  So now, I flip the HappyLight on, and I put it next to my laptop.  I’m centered in front of my laptop and slightly off center from the HappyLight. By the time I leave for work, I’m full of energy and I must say, I’m more alert and optimistic.  Sometimes in the evening if I feel like I just want to sleep right after work, I’ll sit in front of the HappyLight again.

My Advice: After several weeks of solid use, I really can see a change in my mood versus previous years.  The HappyLight is a great investment.  I **HIGHLY** recommend this to anyone who struggles with the winter blues.  I have been telling people about this product left and right!

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Neater Feeder Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/16

The Neater Feeder is a pet feeder for food and water that comes in several different sizes. It helps your pet eat in a cleaner way that creates much less mess, especially for you! Spilled food is contained and spilled water is contained separately so it won’t mix. The spilled water drains down to the bottom so you can easily dump it out once your pet is done eating.

I received a Neater Feeder and it really helped out in my household. I have 3 Chihuahuas and Grace is the one that tends to pick through her food. She will pull out certain pieces and set them aside and then Pixie runs over to try to eat them. Dinner time is full of growls at my place! Well, once I began using this, Pixie couldn’t grab the dropped pieces so it made it much more quiet, plus I had less to clean up after Grace was done. It was really a great relief and the size for Grace was just right!

My Advice: This is great if you have multiple pets. My dogs try to eat each other’s food so this gives them their own personal space and if they are messy eaters, no one else can try to steal the dropped food. 

One lucky winner will receive a Neater Feeder in the size and color of their choice!

Fashion Icon: Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson is so gorgeous. Not only does she have great hair and seemingly perfect skin, but she looks cute in all her different looks. 

She is great at layering and accessorizing.  Look at how the scarf makes this outfit pop!

And her toned legs look simply stunning in these shorts. 


                                        

And once again a casual look with a scarf looks great on her.  I'm honestly jealous.  She's not only a great actress, but a great fashionista!

Coppins Gifts Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/15

Coppins Gifts is a great place to go for a gift for practically anyone. They have a great selection of gift items, but I especially love their jewelry options. Their Davinici Beads are adorable and they have such a great variety to choose from.

I received a Toggle bracelet and 3 charms of my choice. I chose my birthstone, a purse, and paws. The paws represent my 3 Chihuahuas and how big a part of my life they are. My birthstone is obviously there because it’s my birthstone and I love the color of peridot. And the purse…well, I love handbags of course so my bracelet wouldn’t be complete without it. Now let me tell you, I love this bracelet.

It’s so easy to get on and off but it hasn’t slipped off once when I didn’t want it to so it’s very reassuring for me. It also isn’t overly clunky and it doesn’t get in the way when I’m active or typing or at work. I get a lot of compliments on it and it’s fun explaining what each bead means. I plan to add on to it every so often as well!

My Advice: Charm Bracelets are a great way to keep memories and if you get one for someone as a gift, you can get them charms as gifts for years to come!

One winner will receive a toggle bracelet and 3 beads of their choice!

Losing pounds and inches is easier with the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently, I have noticed an extra few inches on my belly that I would love to get rid of. I've been working on this for months by eating healthier foods, smaller portions, and exercising regularly. 

I recently purchased the Slim-Fast Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Meal Bars. They are so good and are great in the morning. I am usually in a rush so I don't have time to make breakfast so these give me a quick fix and lots of energy in the morning so I'm not dragging all the way to lunch!

 

I am really trying to lose weight and inches with the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan. It's very flexible which is great for me since I'm so busy and hectic all of the time. The 3 from 3-2-1 is for 3 snacks that you get each day, such as fruits, nuts, or veggies. The 2 is for the 2 Slim-Fast Shakes or Meal Bars per day. They provide good nutrition just as a meal would. The 1 is for 1 balanced meal because you get to enjoy 1 500 calore meal per day. So it's super easy to understand and easy to follow!

This whole 3-2-1 plan is perfect for the holidays.  You don't have to skip your family meal at all.  Instead, make your Holiday meal your one 500 calorie meal per day.  That way you don't have to lose out, and you don't have to explain to everyone why you can't eat with them, because you can!

 

I liked  Slim-Fast on Facebook and you should too!

BEARPAW Footwear Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway every Friday in December!

BEARPAW Footwear is currently holding a “Share the Love, Spread the Comfort” campaign. They will chose two nominated families every Friday until the end of December to receive a holiday gift basket including: BEARPAW boots for the entire family, 2 $250 gift cards and more.

If you know anyone who deserves to win it be sure to go to the below link and mention them!

http://bearpawstyle.com/2011/11/spread-the-love-share-the-comfort-campaign/

Share the Love and Spread the Comfort!!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - My Favorites

I think it's safe to say last night's VS Fashion Show was a success, but when isn't it?

Well I especially loved the "dark angel" because ofcourse I like things much different.

There were some great wings, especially the super hero themed ones, and awesome performances by Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.  The models did great and they looked amazing in their outfits.

Which was your favorite look?

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 30}} - Dress For Your Skin Tone

Dress for your skin tone.

If you are very pale naturally, don't wear white.  If you are very very tan or dark skinned, stay away from browns that run together with your entire look.  Find a color that compliments your skin tone (one that people always say You look so good in that) and wear it, make that your primary color.

My Own Pet Balloon Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/7

My Own Pet balloons are so awesome! They are balloons that come in the form of 27 different animals which includes dogs, horses, elephants, ducks, and dinosaurs to name just a few! When filled with helium, these pets have weighted feet that keeps them grounded so they can walk with the attached leash. It looks like the ducks waddle, the dogs walk behind you, and the ponies trot! These balloons have welded seams and inflation valves to minimize helium loss, and let them last a long time. They can be inflated at most florists, party and gift stores and many supermarkets and, in the event they become soft, they can even be refilled.

I received a pony balloon. It’s so cute! I always wanted my own horse! It seriously looked like it was trotting when I filled it with helium and walked it. I gave it to a friend’s daughter and she was ecstatic. She toted this thing around with her all over the house. I have never seen someone get so happy over a balloon!
You can purchase one for $14.95 on their website or you can win one here!!!

Jessica Simpson LOVES Leopard

I guess it's a pretty good idea that Jessica Simpson's own line has a lot of leopard in it, because she certainly looks good in it.  When I see her in it, I always think to myself "Hm, I need more leopard, I should check out her line!"   Whether it's handbags, shoes, or clothing, she really knows how to rock it! Here are just a few photos of Jessica showing off her wild side!

Grrrr!

And check this out.. I literally SCREAMED when I saw this.... I know I'll never have this bag but a girl can dream right? It's like the perfect mix of Louis and leopard! AHHHH!

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 29}} - Select A Style Icon

Choose a style icon

Is there a celeb whose wardrobe you adore?  Why not try to dress more like her.  Try to get comparable versions of pieces that your favorite celeb wears and add them to your wardrobe so your outfits are not all over the place, and instead more put together. 

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 28}} - Winter Fashion Staple

Winter  Fashion Staple.  Boots!  Whatever kind of boots you like, get them in brown, black, and gray!    Boots are great - whether they are high heel boots, flats, combat boots, fur boots, just get boots because they keep you warm and they look great with all those bulky winter outfits and coats.

ChristmasOrnaments.com Review

Do you have your tree up yet? I do! But I'm always looking to add to it so when I got the chance to choose an ornament from ChristmasOrnaments.com I was thrilled.  ChristmasOrnaments.com has a huge selection of Christmas Ornaments to choose from.  They have all different categories like hobbies, animals, and even music!

I chose the Equestrian Rider Ornament because I love riding horses. It is gorgeous and the perfect size for my tree. The ornaments are all fairly priced and this one was only $11.99.  If you have a loved one or family member that has a specific hobby, an ornament related to that is a great gift!

My Advice: Make your tree full of things that relate to you, your life, and your hobbies. It's more fun that way!

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 27}} - Layer Your Clothing Correctly

Layer your clothing correctly - Here's a great tip.  Don't you hate when you wear a cami underneath a regular shirt, and it bunches up in the middle? well, make sure that the cami is longer than the regular shirt.  Then make sure to spray some static guard on, and voila - they won't stick, and you'll have a nicely layered look.  Also, try not to wear too clunky of a belt or else it will be hard to get a great layered look.

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 26}} - Successfully Wear Leopard Print Shoes

Successfully wear leopard print shoes.
You see them all the time, but I'm sure you tell yourself "No way can I rock those!".  Do you have a black shirt and dark blue skinny jeans? Well..then yes you can!

Check out yesterday's tip about washing your jeans to have them last longer.

A Fashion Tip A Day {{Day 25}}- Wash Your Jeans Correctly

Make your jeans last longer
 You don't have to wash them everyday. Especially if you are like me and you only wear them a few days a week for only a few hours at a time.  And when you do wash them, turn them inside out.  And hang them to dry.  Jeans are so expensive now a days, so make it worth it by helping them last as long as possible.

And check out yesterday's tip on how to understand the different types of jeans.