Glowing Your Garden by ModCloth. I love the bodice and this pattern is feminine, but not over the top girly.

I know I’m mentioned this dress before. But it is just so so so lovely!!

Oh! And this one!! Oh, my colorblocking!!

This is gorgeous!! If only I could wear orange….

Oh, my STRIPES!! Love this!!

Maximize Your Haircut

According to Gocha, saving money on a haircut is, sometimes, as easy as asking the right questions. “There are many tips and tricks that salons don’t always share with their customers, but they should,” says Gocha. “It’s worth asking whether or not your salon hosts training nights or offers loyalty programs; you’d be surprised how many do and don’t advertise it to everyone who walks through the door.”

• Get haircut on a salon’s training night. Search out local salons that offer discount days or training nights, where experienced stylists oversee stylists-in-training so there is no risk of a bad cut.
• Have bangs cut for free. Most stylists will trim bangs between cuts for free, which ensures a more lasting style.
• Skip the blow-dry. If it’s just the standard trim, leaving with wet hair can save up to 40% off the bill.
• Ask about loyalty programs. Many salons and spas offer loyalty programs, so be sure to ask and sign up; some offer special deals for certain times of the year or credit where one can eventually receive a free haircut.

Maintain Your Style for Longer

With certain products and treatments, women can significantly decrease the amount of trips to the salon over a period of time. As Gocha explains, “It is all about knowing which products work best for your hair, which can be a bit of a trial and error process, but it’s worth it.”

• Retain hair color. Use specially designed shampoos, conditioners and styling products at home to extend the life of hair color. Gocha’s favorite is Rene Furterer Okara Shampoo & Restructuring and Protective Mask ($51.00 for set).
• Deep conditioning treatments for hair health. Deep condition hair once a week to stop breakage for a longer period of time, preventing the inevitable visit for a trim to eliminate split ends. Gocha recommends Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment ($26.00).

Splurge vs. Save

While there are definitely areas where we can save on our beauty routines, we can’t cut back on everything. As Gocha points out, “I like to remind women that purchasing beauty products or tools is like an investment. As long as you know what’s worth a little bit more of a splurge, you can keep your budget under control without allowing your beauty regimen to suffer.”

• Save on the cut, splurge on the color. Get cuts done at a discount salon and spend more on color by a high-end stylist.
• Save on shampoos and conditioners, splurge on tools. Find a blow dryer that doesn’t completely dry out hair, like the T3 Evolution Tourlmaine Blow Dryer ($129.50). Follow this rule for flat irons: the higher the quality, the less damage to hair; Gocha suggests the Farouk CHI ($69.72). Also, cheap hair brushes can cause breakage. Find one that works for you, like the Mason Pearson Brush ($125.00), which will last a lifetime.
• Save on styling products, splurge on masques for healthy hair. Hydrating hair between visits to the salon can only extend the health and life of a cut or color. Try Oribe Signature Moisture Masque ($59.00).

For more information about Gocha Hawkins and Gocha Salon, please follow @GochaSalon on Twitter, “Like” Gocha Salon on Facebook, and visit www.GochaSalon.com.

Don’t I look rugged and outdoorsey?

It was amazing. One of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had at Disney – and we’ve done some really cool things at Disney!! Check it out:

QUICK FACTS

• cost is about $200/person, depending on when you go.
• 3-hour VIP tour through Pangani Forest on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species, followed by a VIP safari through African savanna, including a visit to an exclusive safari camp with incredible views of everything from towering giraffe to powerful rhinos.
• light African-inspired refreshments are served. And by ‘light refreshments’ they mean WOW. Curry-chicken salad, roasted pepper hummus, grilled shrimp, fresh food, pita bread… SO delicious.
  
• And while you’re on the tour, you have two guides with you who are taking tons of pictures – and you get a photo cd to bring home. So, while you will be taking tons of pictures – because its really amazing – you don’t have to worry about missing something. And you can put the camera down and enjoy the view!

QUICK TIPS

1. Only guests eight years old and up can go on the trek. There are medical restrictions as well, such as a minimum weight.
2. You cannot bring a camera without a strap and cell phones must be left back at base camp. Lockers are provided for all other belongings, but they aren’t huge, so leave the big backpack at the hotel.
3. You will not be near a bathroom for at least two hours, so plan accordingly.
4. You will be required to wear long shorts or pants and close-toed shoes. Trust me, you will be glad you did. This is off the beaten path.
5. Consider the weather and time of year when booking your trip. It was about 80 degrees the day we went, and I wouldn’t want it to be any hotter. I’m glad we were there during the morning hours, when it’s cooler and the animals were more active.

This was truly an experience I will never forget. I’m so glad I got to go with a few friends – I am dying to take my family as soon as my kids are all old enough!

disclosure: i experienced the wild africa trek as part of the disney social media moms conference. while i did pay to attend the conference, we were given a terrific deal by disney!

Her take on fashion is so inspiring: “Outfits are like my art work.. I can not paint, draw or do any crafts, so for me, putting outfits together is like creating miniature masterpieces.” Love it.

What Jenny Wore: Betsey Johnson slip dress (ON SALE for $96 here) and Tiffany & Co clutch (included with purchase of reversible tote bag) here. Where: Cocktail hour baby shower.

I’m a little excited. Sorry. But when one of our favorite designers  – the Queen of Colorful Chic – decides to branch out into one of our favorite things… we get giddy.

What do you think? We say YUM!!

Included are “Yellow Cockatoos,” “Orange Solar,” “Watermelon Fingers” and “Seafoam Swirls.”

In addition to nail polish, Kate Spade’s selection of beauty products includes her fragrance Twirl and four shades of Supercalifragilipstick!. All three are available in Kate Spade stores and online.

Products featured:
Eyeshadow
HD Elixir
HD Microperfecting Primer
HD Microfinish Powder
Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick

As a mom of two girls, I was ready to sign up right away!  I want my girls to be confident in her bodies and know that a huge part of that is my setting an example for them.  I want them to have realistic expectations – not thinking they have to look like what the media says they should look like – and I want them to be comfortable in the skin they were given. Everyone has flaws. Everyone. So we can choose to focus on that, or choose to flatter what we are proud of!

And brands like Lands’ End makes it easy to focus on our stylish bathing suit instead of our bodies.

Lands’ End bathing suits are perfect because frankly – with a swimsuit in particular – FIT is everything. You need to have the right fit if you are going to feel and look your best. With Lands’ End, you are able to shop for individual pieces to match your body type. Really, is anyone the same size on the top and the bottom? Hardly. And especially us moms need that mix & match option on our poor post-baby bodies. And I love that Lands’ End offers so many options for coverage – everything from skirts for those who want bottom coverage, shaping for those who want some extra help, padding when you need it and minimizing when you don’t.

Lands’ End lets you shop according to bra size too – something I really appreciate! I have a smaller chest and sizes like ‘small’ or ‘medium’ often don’t cut it. With Lands’ End, you truly get your size to get the exact fit that you need. I can have confidence that my suit fits perfectly and is super cute – with no tugging and pulling and yanking things in place as I chase after a toddler at the baby pool!

Every day on Twitter this week we’ll be chatting Swim Suit Confidence from 1-2 PM EST too with the hashtag #Confidence. Join me on WEDNESDAY to chat about SIZING UP SWIMWEAR, win fabulous Lands’ End prizes and talk about bringing your confidence to the beach! Each day Lands’ End will give away 6 – $50 Lands’ End gift cards!!! Join us!!

Date:       Each Day – May 21 – 25, 2012 (Join me, @AllThingsChic, co-hosting on Wednesday!)

Time:      12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST

Location: #confidence

Follow:    @LandsEndPR, @SELFMagazine, @LEprMichele, @LEprMariella, @LEprMolly

I have Swimsuit Confidence! – Get the Badge - Go to http://on.fb.me/MhaQwh and display the “I have swimsuit confidence!” Badge on your Twitter profile photo. Send a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming “I have swimsuit confidence!” #confidence for a chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands’ End gift card. Send now through May 25 – winner announced at 5:00 p.m. CDST May 25, 2012.

Disclosure: Thanks to Lands’ End for asking me to co-host a chat for National Swimsuit Confidence Week. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Even a plus size woman needs to keep her plus size basics up to date and fresh. If you have not done so already, it is time to take a look through your closet and drawers and see what items you have worn out or do not wear and clear them out to make room for the new. Here is a quick guide of summer basics to check on and suggestions on where to shop for updates.

Bathing Suit

Your go-to swimsuit that is wearable to any pool party should be black or navy — they are guaranteed to go with any cover up or towel you take with you. Dress them up with some great accessories. My go to place for affordable swimwear is Swimsuits for All. For a little pricier plus design, check out Always for Me. If you still cannot find what you want, here is a listing of retailers offering plus size swimwear.

Solids Twist Bandeau Swimsuit from Always for Me

Convertible Strapless Bra

Gone are the days when only small breasted girls were able to wear strapless bras. With all the different necklines for summer, a convertible bra is a must for the plus size woman. The Cacique line has had one for a few years, and Addition-Elle came out with one this year, and it is gorgeous. Six ways for big breasted women to wear one bra — a summer necessity.

Wicking Pajamas

It is hot. You cannot get comfortable in your cotton PJs and sleeping naked is uncomfortable too. Cool-Jams offer wicking sleepwear for plus size women up to size 3x. At the moment they have about twelve modest styles to choose from. They are comfortable every day, but especially for summer traveling with their general breathability during warm weather.

Wicking Pyjamas from Cool-jams

Body Hugging Tank

With all the sheer tops and dresses to deal with this season, we need an excellent shell that does not add bulk. Penningtons has the Form Fit Fashion Tank in 11 colors. $15 each or 2 for $20. I picked up four of them that will meet all my color coordinating needs this summer. The great thing about these is that they will easily transition into fall layering too. Make sure you get your basic white and black as well as some fun colors. Check your wardrobe — what shirt have you been avoiding because it is too sheer?

Form Fit Fashion Tank from Addition-Elle

The White Cotton Shirt

If you do not have one of these already, you do not know what you are missing. The white shirt can be worn formally tucked into a pair of dress pants. Worn open like a jacket (or belted) with sleeves rolled and a short skirt. Or over a cami and tied under the breasts with a pair of jean shorts. So many options make it a great travel or go-to shirt for the summer whether you are going away for the week or just to cottage for the weekend. Eddie Bauer has a Wrinkle-Resistant Long-Sleeve Tunic.

Wrinkle-Resistant Long-Sleeve Tunic from Eddie Bauer

The Cropped Cardigan

For those who do not like bare arms 24/7, there is the cropped cardigan which goes with equally well with tanks for dresses. Lane Bryant’s Elbow Sleeve Shrug comes in a bunch of colors to make any woman happy, and they would work well with the basic camis I have already mentioned.

Elbow Length Shrug from Lane Bryant

The Maxi Dress

It looks like the maxi dress will be staple for another summer. The flowing fabric is a great way to keep cool and sexy. Swak Designs has their version of the convertible dress, the Anastasia, but my favorite is the Evangaline Maxi dress with its subdued pattern (make sure you check out the pretty cami while you are there too). You can change up the look of your maxi dress this summer with simple accessories like a long necklace, a shrug, a blazer, a jean jacket, or a wrap.

Evangaline Maxi Dress from SwakDesigns

White Jeans

While brightly colored jeans are a huge trend right now, white denim never ever goes out of style when it comes to summer. Always have a white pair of jeans (or capris if you prefer) on hand — and make sure you actually wear them — as they can easily be dressed up or down. Ashley Stewart is celebrating the beauty of white with an assortment of pants, denim, and carpis to choose from. They also have some great brights if you have not found yours yet.

5 Pocket White Skinny Jean from Ashley Stewart

Comfortable Sandals

No, I am not talking about your flip flops. I mean real sandals that look like you actually care. They go with everything in your wardrobe: shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, and of course all the sundresses. Go with a neutral pair of glads or something with a low heel; you know, in case you actually have to walk somewhere.

Just because we call them basics does not mean they are not important or that we cannot have fun with them.