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Fashion

Fashion

Nothing Says Holidays like Matching Pajamas & Visa Checkout

by Deborah Cruz 2014/11/29

written by Deborah Cruz

This is a sponsored post. I received compensation from Visa/Gymboree to buy my products and

use its Visa Checkout online payment service, but all thoughts reflected here are my own.

We had our first snow this week, Tchaikovsky’s been playing on a continuous loop and the first

fire of the season has been stoked in our fireplace. Tis the season of twinkling lights, cozy

pajamas and cuddling with those you love the most. It’s also a reminder that the holidays are

right around the corner.

This year it seems like everyone has decided to skip Thanksgiving and go directly to Christmas.

At first, I wasn’t really onboard with early Christmasing but suddenly I am all about Christmas.

I’m ready to put up the tree and deck the halls and falalalalala all over the place. Bring on the

shopping.

I’m planning ahead for breakfast with Santa and family Christmas card photos. Usually at this

point my head is consumed with thoughts of sugarplums dancing in my head and all things

Nutcracker. That’s what happens when you’re the mom of ballerinas. Your entire holiday season

is broken down into two categories; Nutcracker season and the hurried rush of the two weeks

until Christmas.

When most people are carefully planning their holidays, I am busy hurrying from one

performance to the next. I’m sure all the ballet moms reading this are shaking their heads in

agreement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s totally worth it and I love every minute of being a part of

this part of my daughters’ lives but it doesn’t leave a lot of leisurely time for things like baking

cookies, ice-skating and taking fun, family photos in matching Christmas PJs. I decided this year

things are changing, we’re doing the Christmas cards like everyone else (and not the week of

Christmas like I’ve been doing for the past 5 years.)

In fact, I got on the Internet a couple weeks ago and visited Gymboree and found the cutest

holiday pajamas for the entire family, yes, even my 6’5” husband. Not just coordinating pajamas

but real, honest to goodness, matching pajamas in all of our sizes; from newborn to Men’s 2XL. I

thought it was too easy. I love everything that makes my life easier. Streamlining is my happy

place.

When I went to checkout, I was pretty excited to see the Visa Checkout button. What’s Visa

Checkout? It’s a simple, easy ways to pay with any major credit or debit card online at the sites

you love. Simply create an account once and speed through all of your future purchases without

having to search for the wallet, get it out and re-enter payment and shipping information every

single time. I don’t know about you, but this is a super time saver during the busiest shopping

season of the year.

After the initial account is set up with your major credit or debit card, all that is required is your

username and password. It’s secure with Visa’s advanced security tools that leave customers

with zero liability in case of fraud and it allows shoppers to earn great rewards. Offering a

consistent, simple experience across desktop, mobile web and apps. Voila, who said the holidays

had to be hard?

Visa Checkout is already an option at many big retailers, and thanks to Visa’s vast network it’s

growing all the time and I know, for a fact, that it’s available at Gymboree.com. What are you

waiting for? Go make your life easier and spend that time actually enjoying your holidays.

2014/11/29 0 comment

Brian James Footwear, Brian James, women's shoes, Gabrielle Noir

Fashion

Hot Damn!Mama Got some New Brian James Shoes & I’m Giving Away a Pair

by Deborah Cruz 2014/08/05

written by Deborah Cruz

Shoes! God, do I love shoes and I am not just saying that because I’ve partnered with Brian James Footwear to check out their summer line. No matter how fat or skinny you are, your shoes (usually) always fit. I love that about shoes, they don’t betray you like a pair of bitchy jeans. Shoes and bags are by far the most forgiving of the clothing and accessories.

As I’ve gotten older (and wiser) I’ve realized that I don’t mind paying a little more for quality. I almost die of shame every time I think of the unlined dresses, see-thru tops and tight Gap jeans that I lived in in my 20’s and the shoes? I lived in Wild Pair platforms and Payless trendy boots. Thank God when you’re in your twenties you are pretty and too naïve to know how terribly skewed your fashion sense is.

Older and wiser, more money and a bigger caboose have made me realize that you get what you pay for and if you buy cheap, expect cheap. I used to shop BOGO sales like my life depended on it. I also owned 150 pairs of shoes one summer. These days, I prefer to spend $100 on a pair of nice shoes that fit well and don’t make me feel like I want to punch myself in the face.

This is why I adore Brain James Footwear. They are made by the same people who make PediPeds for your children and they are so comfortable but with a grown up fashion sense for the most discriminating taste.

I tried the Gabrielle in noir and the Monique in Black and Snakeskin. They are cute, chic and comfortable which is great news for this mama’s feet.

The Gabrielle Noir by Brian James

3.5 inch stacked wedge with a contemporary feel. This sandal wedge is styled with stone embellishments and unique cutouts, along with a Velcro closure for adjustability and raw edges for buttery comfort. Perfect for summer date nights with a cute little dress.

– Available in Noir and Taupe Kid Suede
– Features a cushioned footbed
– Velcro closure for adjustability
– Leather lining
– 3.5 inch stacked wedge
– Includes dust bag

The Monique in Black and snakeskin by Brian James Footwear

Minimally sleek. We reincarnated the classic ankle strap style with tonal color block and snake embossed leather. Silky cow leather, cushioned footbed and flexible rubber outsole create a lux feel without the fuss. I rock these everywhere and they are awesome because they work with capris, shorts or dresses. They are very versatile.

– Available in Nude, Noir & Noir, Snake
– Features silky, sheep leather & cushioned footbed
– Leather lining
– Velcro ankle strap for adjustability
– Includes dust bag

These are both perfect for this summer and into the fall, depending on where you live. Also, there are lots of great styles for this fall at Brian James. I’ve been a huge fan of this brand since my first pair. They are stylish, comfortable, well-made and super cute and who doesn’t love cute shoes? Speaking of cute shoes, Brian James is letting me give away one pair of shoes to a reader. To enter, simply go to the Brian James website and leave me a comment HERE telling me what your favorite pair is. I will randomly select a winner a week from today. Contest ends August 12 at midnight! Good luck.

So, what is your favorite pair of shoes from Brain James footwear?

2014/08/05 5 comments

Fashion

Ecōths Giveaway for Father’s Day

by Deborah Cruz 2014/06/04

written by Deborah Cruz

I told you all that I am an Aventura Ambassador but did I tell you that they also have a men’s line called Ecōths? They do and the Big Guy loves it.

Ecōths is the harmonious blend of Eco and Ethos, two words that are the epicenter of the brand. The foundation of Ecōths is combining natural fabrics with style, comfort, and personality while accentuating and shaping one’s character and guiding beliefs and ideals towards community and creating a better place to live.

Ecōths is 100% natural. Ecōths combines urban fashion elements with rugged outdoor influence to create one cohesive brand that unites style, community, and goodness. As part of their GOOD SAM program, Ecōths supports regional food banks around the country. For every Ecōths garment purchased in the United States, three meals will be provided to someone in need through their regional food bank. Ecōths mission is simple – bring together the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Product.

So aside from the clothes that are high quality and eco-friendly, Ecōths gives back to the community. I don’t know about you but I love supporting a company whose mission is to provide me with a quality product while feeding the hungry. It’s definitely a win; win situation.

As you can see from the photos, the Big Guy received the McCall Shirt in Flint, the Talon Polo in Glacier Blue and the Humboldt shorts in Dune. He loves the way all 3 pieces fit. My husband is 6’5″ and broad shouldered and these pieces fit him perfectly without making him look like a box or the clothes being too baggy. I love the way the blues in the shirts make his eyes pop but he really loves the feel of the organic cotton, especially on these warm afternoons. Check out the catalog for the full selection of the Ecōths collection.

Just to make it fun, Ecōths is offering a McCall shirt for me to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here telling me what your favorite piece from the Ecōths collection is for the special guy in your life. One winner will be chosen at random. Contest is open to U.S and Canadian residents and ends at midnight EST on Sunday June 8th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am an Aventura Ambassador and Ecoths clothing was provided for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

2014/06/04 1 comment

Tacey Fedora, Juliette Sweater, Aventura Clothing, #AventuraLife, Fashion, Travel, Sponsored, Aventura, Eco-friendly clothing, green fashion

Fashion Latina Travel

Living the Aventura Life

by Deborah Cruz 2014/06/01

written by Deborah Cruz

I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had the chance to share some very important news. No, exhale, I am NOT pregnant. We’re not having that announcement ever again. My uterus has gone on holiday. I will just live vicariously through all my friends and family who keep having their own sweet, baby smell bundles that keep making my ovaries twitch. My announcement is that I am a brand, spanking new addition to the Aventura Clothing ambassador family and I am thrilled.

Aventura Clothing is an awesome family owned brand that’s been around since 1965 with a focus on environmental sustainability and high quality fashion for the modern woman on the move. Aventura Clothing is a socially conscious and each piece is carefully crafted to be comfortable with a focus on an active lifestyle using materials like organic cotton, bamboo blends and recycled polyester. The eco-friendly styles prevent synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals from polluting the soil. Aventura Clothing is the perfect marriage between comfort and style plus you can feel good about wearing it because no earth was harmed in the making of your fashion.

I received my first order right before we went on spring break and you better believe I took all of it to Disney World with me. Everything I ordered was lightweight and in bright, summery colors so it was perfect for the Florida heat and professional enough to wear to a conference. Bonus, it all traveled easily and most without wrinkling. Aventura is a traveler’s perfect choice in fashion.

I chose three different outfits with a few simple, classic pieces that could be easily swapped in and out to create several different outfits. I will highlight them individually as the summer goes on but today, I would like to highlight three of my favorite pieces.

The Tacey Fedora

The paper straw fedora has a unique geometric pattern and stylish black hat band. It fits like a glove and looks adorable with just about anything you wear it with. Bonus: It hides my bad hair days easily and no one’s the wiser. This may be my new favorite piece for all seasons.

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Tacey Fedora, Juliette Sweater, Aventura Clothing, #AventuraLife, Fashion, Travel, Sponsored, Aventura, Eco-friendly clothing, green fashion, Latina

Taken on a beautiful day, May 31, 2014.

The Juliette Sweater in Silver Sconce

The Juliette is the perfect lightweight sweater for spring, summer or fall. With a name like Juliette, how can your mind not conjure up images of feminine perfection.It’s comfortable and stylish looking with just the right amount of sass. I love the feminine cut and drape. It hugs my Latina girl curves but hangs in a way that doesn’t look like it’s too small. I’m embarrassed to admit it but since it’s arrival, it’s been worn more times than it probably should have been. I just love it.

The Mayfield Dress

It’s perfect for every occasion that calls for classic elegance from an afternoon networking at a conference to an evening spent enjoying drinks over casual conversation with your favorite guy, this dress is ready for all your summertime soirees. The rayon from bamboo and modal blend drapes beautifully and is as soft as silk without all the fuss. The Mayfield dress traveled for 18 hours in my suitcase on the road trip from ndiana to Florida and didn’t wrinkle, at all. I just pulled it out of my suitcase, hung it up, paired with a pair of cute sandals, the Redford jacket in white and the Presley scarf in sea blue and out the door I went; business cards in hand, dressed to impress.

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Mayfield Dress, Presley Scarf, Redford Jacket, Aventura Clothing, #AventuraLife, Fashion, Travel, Sponsored, Aventura, Eco-friendly clothing, green fashion

Taken March 28th, REALLY, REALLY early in the morning after a late night and 18 hours traveling in the car with my children:)

If you would like to try Aventura clothing for yourself, I have some discount codes to share with you. The codes are good for a one-time use up to $250 for 60% off retail pricing. That’s an awesome deal. Believe me I know because I am about to use one for myself to order the Waverly maxi dress which normally retails for $87 and with the discount code, I can get it for $34.80. Oh yes, it will be mine. I will give out 10 discount codes to the first 10 requests I receive.

If you had the 60% discount, what would you spend it on from Aventura Clothing?

Disclosure: I am a 2014 Aventura Clothing Ambassador and was provided product for review but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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2014/06/01 3 comments

Fashion

Is Green Fashion the Future?

by Deborah Cruz 2014/05/29

written by Deborah Cruz

Have you ever considered green fashion? We’re used to hearing about how we can contribute towards a greener world by cutting down on our energy usage in the home, taking the bike to work and choosing local produce where possible but there are other ways to make the world a better place and it just might start in your closet. New energy providers are taking on the larger utility companies to give us cheaper deals, and a variety of green energy plans allow us to choose whether we want our electricity sourced wholly or partially from renewable sources, while supermarkets are increasingly embracing organic products and workplaces continue to set up schemes to motivate employees out of their cars.

But what about when it comes to fashion? We women love our fashion. Believe me, when I was a vegetarian for those 10 years, I was sad by my lack of cute shoes available to me that were animal friendly.This is an arena in which we are less used to hearing the benefits of going green. Yet there are some very real concerns when it comes to sustainability and eco-credentials in the fashion world. From the pesticides used in growing the raw materials to the chemicals used in manufacturing our garments, fashion is not always as natural and ethically conscious as we might be led to believe. There is a reason that they say you should wash all of the clothes you buy before wearing them. The chemicals that some clothing is treated with can cause very real skin reactions. Then there are the livelihoods of the individuals producing our clothes to consider and the wider communities and environments in which they live. We take a look at the top green fashion trends which are starting to change the status quo.

Green Fashion is Becoming Mainstream

Environmentally conscious fashion is no longer the preserve of niche designers and hippie outlets. As designers become more aware of the power of going green and build ecological principles into their brand image, eco-credentials are becoming the norm. From sourcing materials locally to committing to zero waste, a growing number of designers are taking steps to combine the worlds of high end fashion and sustainability.

Green Fashion brings with it a Transparent Supply Chain

It used to be that consumers had no idea where their clothes came from, other than the country, or in what conditions they were produced. But in recent years there have been a spate of protests surrounding foreign factories and working conditions, not to mention shocking findings about carbon dioxide emissions, water pollution and waste disposal. The result? A growing number of consumers are swapping cheap products bought with a blind eye to their environmental cost to ethically produced garments that come with a clear supply chain. It is now far easier for consumers to find information on all aspects of clothing manufacture and many are choosing to do their research first.

Designers are Innovating

Along with the quest for environmentally-friendly raw materials and manufacturing processes is a desire to innovate and excel in design. This applies as much today, if not more, as it ever has. Technological wizardry when it comes to fabric manufacture doesn’t have to come at the expense of green credentials, however. On the contrary, it often goes hand in hand – for example, in the quest for carbon-neutral thread or high-yield organic cotton production.

Green Fashion is Upcycling at it’s Finest

Upcycling has been a buzzword for some years now and it shows no signs of dissipating. Mainstream designers are latching on to our desire to re-use, repurpose and recycle with increasing awareness. Expect vintage gowns, shabby chic and pre-loved fabrics, but with less grunge and more edge. All this goes alongside a desire to rediscover traditional crafts and skills, with the use of traditional crafting machinery like a Floor Loom. Myself, I have always loved vintage clothing. Aside from the fact that it is better for the environment to reuse materials, there is something really cool about wearing clothing that has a story to tell.

What are your thoughts on the Green Fashion Movement?

This is a sponsored post on Green Fashion but all opinions are my own.

2014/05/29 3 comments

Fashion

Swimsuit Shopping Makes me Cry, Shoes Make Me Happy

by Deborah Cruz 2014/04/25

written by Deborah Cruz

The following post is sponsored by Mamavation on behalf of Earth Footwear. #EarthFootwear

It is almost May, so you know what that means? Cute Sandal and cry inducing bathing suit season are in full swing, right now! Honestly, I have been crying in dressing rooms since about mid-February. So to balance out the sheer horror of bathing suit shopping, I reward myself every year with leisurely strolls through the shoe stores perusing sandals. I linger through the aisles, gingerly slipping a variety of sandals on and off ; one by one; loving each pair more than the last. Shoe shopping for me is the complete opposite of bathing suit shopping. It always has been. Swimsuit shopping makes me sob like I lost my best friend ( my abs) and shoes just make me happy.

Feeling down, no problem, head to your nearest shoe store and spend an hour or two trying on shoes. I’m not kidding a cute pair of shoes makes the world feel more beautiful. In my twenties, I even took a job managing a shoe store, just for the discount. Shhh, don’t tell me husband. At one point, I had 300 pairs of shoes. Who was I? Imelda Marcos? It was sort of like letting a crackhead be a drug dealer. I absorbed a great deal of my own product. In the end, I had to quit but my love for shoes remains; as does my hatred for bathing suits.

I am an equal opportunity shoe lover. I love everything from flip-flops to Louboutins. If I can put it on my foot and wear it, I can find an outfit and occasion to make it work. Well, with the exception of those new trendy Minotaur hoof heels. I’d prefer to pass on those. I was a vegetarian for 10 years and the idea of sticking an animal’s “actual” hoof on my foot for fashion, is just too distasteful to imagine. The point is shoes have never made me cry, unless you count that one pair of 5-inch-heels I wore all over downtown Chicago fro my birthday. Bad idea.

The point is shoes soothe my soul, like chocolate and good wine or a really good bag. So when I was asked to review a pair of Earth Footwear’s Camarra sandals, I have to admit, I was pretty excited to be trying new shoes. You see, Earth Footwear is known for being comfortable. Which, let’s face it, if you are going to be on spring break walking around Disney World all day is a definite plus.

The comfort is all in the contoured arch-support that works to keep you comfortable all day long. Have you ever tried walking long distances in those super flat Grecian style sandals? I have. They are gorgeous and I own a couple pair, but they are terrible for long walks. By the time you finish your walk, it feels like someone to a baseball bat to the bottoms of your feet but don’t hurt at all if you only wear them for shorts amounts of time. Keep the flat sandals for day trips to the mall.

The Camarras, however, are very comfortable and stylish. Contrasting textures and pops of shimmer combine with gracefully arching lines to create a strappy sandal that feels great all day. So often it feels like you have to sacrifice one for the other. I mean. Come one, you don’ see ant collaborations between Dr. Scholl’s and Louboutin, do you? I really like my Camarras because they are made of quality leather so they look nice and contemporary and the wedge is only an inch and a half, so you can wear it with shorts and jeans or with a cute dress at nighttime. I got the platinum because I feel it’s versatile with my wardrobe but the Camarra also comes in Slate, if you prefer a darker sandal. I love these sandals because they are contemporary sandals made for real women who live in the real world. When’s a pair of 5-inch heels ever done that for you? I need cute and comfortable and I don’t want to sacrifice one for the other. Do you? We shouldn’t have to, right?

The Spring and Summer 2014 Earth collection starts at just $85 and most of the collection is under $100 and each show features a cushioned footbed for all day comfort with a padded heal area to displace shock, a reinforced arch support to stabilize the foot, and multi-density latex cushioning layer for extra support. Which any mom who has ever spent any amount of time in line at Disney World waiting in line to see a princess can tell you that comfort is everything.

If you’d like to be automatically entered into a monthly shoe giveaway, you can sign up for the Earth eNewsletter here.

You can also connect with Earth Footwear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see all their Earth Day Pins; filled with loads of ways to make your family more earth friendly.

What’s your favorite Earth Friendly tip?

2014/04/25 2 comments

Fashion

$100 Shabby Apple Gift Certificate Giveaway

by Deborah Cruz 2013/12/19

written by Deborah Cruz

Christmas is in a week and you know what that means? New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Where did the year go? It sped by so quickly that I can barely remember it happening. I think today’s a great day to giveaway some more goodies. You’ve been buying for everyone else, I want to give you something just for you!

I’m sure you’ve all gotten your Christmas shopping done but what about a little something nice for yourself? Maybe even a little black dress for your New Year’s Eve celebration? Here’s your chance.

You all know how much I love Shabby Apple. Recently, I received the Capulet skirt and Holiday Soiree top from Shabby Apple and I love it so much I can’t stand it.

The Capulet skirt, as in Juliet Capulet, is just as romantic and feminine as you might think in iridescent pink. It’s tea length and billowy, yet fitted at the waist to give you that feminine hourglass shape. Sure you have to dry clean it but that is a small price to pay to be the belle of the New Year’s eve ball. Why not start off 2014 in a bold and fun way? Set the tone from the first moment.

Features:

Calf Length Skirt

Fully Lined, Center Front Bow, Center Back Zipper, Pleated Waist

Taffeta, 100% polyester

Dry clean

The Holiday Soiree Top goes perfectly with the Capulet skirt or the Under the Mistletoe skirt. It’s dark navy but truly looks closer to black. I like the dramatic color contrast between the skirt and top. It gives it a very polished, sophisticated look.

Features:

Poly Satin

89% poly 11% spandex

Short sleeves

Drape neck

Fitted with stretch

Machine wash cold, line dry

There are many great dresses to choose from this holiday season at Shabby Apple and I am giving away a gift certificate for $100 to Shabby Apple to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite Shabby Apple piece and enter via rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2013/12/19 20 comments

Fashion

Brian James Giveaway; Just in Time for Christmas!

by Deborah Cruz 2013/12/17

written by Deborah Cruz

Holy Smokes Christmas is only a week away! It’s time for me to give away some more goodies! It’s been crazy busy here, as it always is during the holidays, and I am still wrapping up some last minute gifts. I hate buying things just for the sake of buying so I am trying to get everyone on my list either a very thoughtful homemade gift (at least one for my girls because I want them to learn the value of the thought and effort behind gifts) or something I think they would love but might not take the time or money to buy for themselves.

Today, I am giving away something I love and I know most moms would love to have but might not spend the money on for themselves; hot shoes! You ladies deserve it. I am talking about Brian James shoes! They are so freaking comfortable but fashionable and cute. Before I had kids, I was a bonafide shoeaholic. No joke, I had well over a hundred pair of shoes. I still love shoes and bags but I just don’t have the extra cash laying around to indulge my habit like I did before kids.

I had the pleasure of experiencing Brian James shoes for the first time this past summer at BlogHer and I fell in love with them because these shoes seriously are where comfort and sexy come together. This time, I chose the 2.5-inch wedge bootie in noir leather and I am in love with them. They look adorable with skirts and dresses as well as tapered jeans and leggings. The best part about Brian James is that they are well made and comfortable. I don’t know about you but since having kids, I don’t spend a lot of time wearing high heels just and once you get out of the habit, it’s hard to go back to high heels pinching your toes and the ball of your foot begging for mercy when you’ve been used to rocking Saucony running shoes. You know what I mean?

Anyways, Brian James footwear is made by the creator of the Pedipeds that you love so much for your children. In fact, she took the technology and comfort of Pediped shoes and applied it to women’s shoes. It is genius.

Speaking of Pediped shoes, I also reviewed a pair of the Flex books in black leather for my 6-year-old and she LOVES them. They are gorgeous, comfortable and right now all the boots are on sale for 25- 55% off!

Speaking of sales all of the Brian James shoes are currently on sale buy one, get one FREE! Just use the code BOGOFree when ordering or you can enter to win one of two pairs of gorgeous Brian James shoes that I will be giving away this week to two lucky winners available to readers in the United States or Canada. Just enter via rafflecopter and winners will be notified Friday, December 20, 2013. Good Luck & Merry Christmas!

Mandatory entry: What’s at the top of your Christmas list this year, for yourself?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2013/12/17 16 comments

Fashion

EverPurse ~The Must Have Gift for the Tech-Minded Fashionista

by Deborah Cruz 2013/11/15

written by Deborah Cruz

Over the summer, I was in Chicago and had the opportunity to experience a revolutionary new product called EverPurse.

Never heard of them? I hadn’t either until this summer. But believe me when I say that every woman, everywhere needs a purse, especially if it something as fashionable like the ones from hermes birkin.

The Everpurse is great if you work in social media or any business in which you need constant access to a working cellphone, you need an Everpurse. I love this product so much that I sound like a damn rep and I am not one. Let’s just say the Topaz Croc-pattern leather clutch and I fell in love at first sight. Well, maybe it was a little one-sided but I was smitten. I fell so deeply for the Everpurse that it’s at the top of my personal Christmas wish list.

The purse was stylish, sleek and looked like it was made for a night on the city. Oh, I wanted that purse badly. It was gorgeous and would have completely camouflaged the fact that I am a working nerd by disguising the clutch and myself as cool with city chicness. But oh no, Everpurse is not just another pretty face, it’s smart and functional too. Think of it as a pair of Louboutins that fit and feel like sneakers. Finally, fashionable tech!

You see, the sexy secret about the Everpurse is that it has a special charging pocket into which you place your smartphone. Is your mind blown? That’s right, their patent-pending docking system guides your phone smoothly onto a dock connector at the bottom and click you are charging! It charges the phone twice over. No more endlessly fishing for a cord because nothing is more unsexy than rummaging through your bag, while your phone flat lines. Can you imagine? A purse that charges your phone! I mean is this not the best invention since sliced bread? I am pretty sure that it is. It is for me because carbs are bad, people.

To charge Everpurse itself, you can simply place Everpurse on its charging mat. It uses inductive charging to send energy wirelessly from the mat to the purse, so you never have to plug the purse in, not ever! You can leave a charging mat plugged in wherever it’s convenient for you, at work, at home, wherever, and just drop Everpurse onto the charging mat when it needs charging. If you leave Everpurse on its charging mat overnight, it will have a full charge the next morning. How simple is that?

I can’t believe that I just heard about the Everpurse. It’s crazy. I want one and I need one. Clutches range in price from $189 to $329, which I understand, is fairly pricey for a non-name brand purse but I have two things to respond to that. One, for what it does, I think that $189-$329 is totally worth the price if you can afford it. Two, a little insider information, you may just start seeing Everpurse partner with some of your more exclusive brands; fingers crossed. But honestly, I am not a label whore and the bags are beautiful and functional. I’ve paid upwards of $300 for plenty of bags and NONE of them charged my phone, all they did was hold my junk. I feel so jipped now.

Everpurse from Everpurse on Vimeo.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend you check out the Everpurse because it will blow your mind and it is sure to be a favorite of all tech-minded fashionistas.

What is the number one gift on your wish list this year?

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post or given an Everpurse to review. I did however play with one extensively this summer at an EverPurse function. I just love the Everpurse so much that I had to tell you about it before Christmas so you could add it to your list.

2013/11/15 0 comment

Fashion

$100 Shabby Apple GC Giveaway for this Holiday Season

by Deborah Cruz 2013/11/08

written by Deborah Cruz

One of my favorite things to receive as a Christmas gift and a staple on my holiday gift guide, aside from tech toys, is shoes and clothes and that is why Shabby Apple is top on my list of holiday must haves. To me, almost nothing beats the feminine silhouettes, simple charm and sophistication of vintage fashion. This is why I have several vintage inspired pieces from Shabby Apple. The quality is high and the price is reasonable.

Recently, I received two beautiful new dresses from Shabby Apple. The Mrs. Robinson and the Truman. I love their simple lines and the fact that they both can be dressed up for brisk autumn nights on the town and dressed down for casual days apple picking or shopping with your little ones.

Mrs. Robinson is grey with white cuffs and collar. It looks very demure but the name suggests anything but. Mrs. Robinson makes me think of subtle sexiness, class and sophistication and that made it my number one choice this holiday season. It is loose yet clings to your body in all the right places.

DESCRIPTION:

Fitted Bodice with A-line Skirt
On Seam Pockets with Elbow Length Sleeves
Key Hole Opening at Front Neck a
Ponte De Roma
97% Polyester 3%Spandex
Machine Wash Cold, Line Dry, Iron Low Heat
Made in the USA

My other pick was the Truman. It is soft and lovely and, who am I kidding, the Truman makes me think of Truman Capote and all that amazing stories he wrote and that appeals to the writer in me. The Truman will transport you to a bygone era, where an author sits sipping coffee, leaving behind red lipstick like a memory while working on the next great novel. When I wear the Truman, I feel sexy, smart and interesting. Let’s be honest, I’m a mom to two little girls, I can use all the sexy, smart and interesting that I can get these days.

DESCRIPTION:

Cowl neck dress with elbow length sleeves and self tie waist
Available in black
Sleeve hits above elbow and skirt hits just above knee
Thick Poly/Rayon blend
Machine wash cold and hang to dry

These were my two choices but the choice was almost impossible to make; there are so many amazing pieces available at Shabby Apple this holiday season. I’m sure there is something that you will love for yourself.

Good thing too because I am giving away a $100 GC for Shabby Apple so you can get something pretty for yourself or someone special on your holiday list. You can enter using the rafflecopter widget below. Contest will run until Friday November 15, 2013 11:59 pm. Good Luck. Mandatory entry leave a comment below telling me your favorite item from Shabby Apple and Subscribe to The TRUTH about Motherhood.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In all the excitement, I almost forgot to tell you all that my FIRST EVER post is live at Mamalode. I am honored and humbled to be there. I hope you will stop by and read about how I handled my daughter’s request for another baby.

Disclosure: I was provided product from Shabby Apple for review but all opinions are my own. I love Shabby Apple.

2013/11/08 28 comments

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