Spotlight on BaubleBar

In the fashion world, more times than not it feels like we develop new obsessions on a daily basis. That obsession can take the form of shoes, watches, designer handbags or diamonds it really depends on a girl's mood.

But can you blame us for these crazy and costly obsessions? We live in a world where every day we are introduced to the latest must have trend.

This month it seems I'm obsessed with baubles from baublebar.com.

And this is why:

• Baublebar releases new jewelry collections twice a week.
• They have amazing one-of-a kind collaborations with designers from all over the country.
• The more baubles you buy the more points you get and the more money you can save on future purchases.
• They have a huge selection of all kinds of jewelry that ranges from sweet to bold.
• They offer personalized pieces like my twitter handle necklace which I love and everyone compliments. And I mean isn't our investments great when we are complimented?
• They have cool stuff for all different types of budgets.
• And you can even get cuffs for the special fella in your life.

I feel that Bauble Bar is great for anyone and everyone who loves accessories, but especially jewelry.

Here's a look at some of my recent purchases:

Personalized Twitter Necklace

This has to be my favorite purchase up to date because it's personalized. It took 5 weeks to get to me, but it was worth the wait. You can also have one personalized with your name or a monogram of your initials.



Noir Industry Cuff (no longer on the website.)



Arm candy or arm swag is probably one of the biggest trends right now. I've always loved bracelets and cuffs and prefer them as statement pieces to necklaces. And I think this noir cuff is the perfect center piece to any arm party.

Gypsy Green Drop Earrings

I love the color green. I have actually been lusting for a pair of emerald green shade earrings since I saw Kyle Richards (RHBH) wear a pair of fabulous drop earrings on the reality show. 

Let's face it, I'm not a housewife yet and I can't afford real emeralds. These are stunning but they're more of a bright green than they are an emerald green.

So I guess I have to keep searching for the perfect emerald green color ones!



 Igneous Chandelier Earrings

What I most love about these chandelier earrings is the volcanic ash-like details trimmed with gold accents. So classy and elegant.

So far I have been very happy with my Bauble Bar purchases and their customer service is kick ass!

If you're interested in joining Bauble Bar here's my personal link. Help me get free baubles!

And don't forget you get $10 off your first purchase.

Until next time gals!

xoxo

GTG

"A woman wears her tears like jewelry."- Unknown. 

 



Let's Fight for Our Rights!

Dear ladies,
I always use my blog to keep you informed of the latest fashion and beauty trends, but today's post is completely different. Today's topic is serious and deserves our call of action. And although it's an issue that has been happening since women started working, it's an issue that needs to be put in the limelight, so that it can be resolved immediately.

And not because we live in the U.S.

Not even because it's 2012 almost 2013.

But because it's plain wrong!  
Did you know?  In 2011, a typical 25-year-old woman working full time all year earned $5,000 less than a typical 25-year-old man. Women and men don't receive equal pay.
The problem greater than the issue: The GOP blocked the Democrats' Equal Pay bill.


I'm urging all my readers to take a moment from your hectic schedules and write a letter to your local representatives. And please do your homework this upcoming election and vote wisely!

I'm including a copy of a letter that my dear friend and journalist Nicole Rodriguez drafted for our use. Feel free to copy and paste it or change it around to make it yours, but please do send it out.

Get Involved: Help women everywhere by writing this simple letter (or your own) and mailing it your local reps.

Sample Letter:

Dear President Obama, the United States Senate, and the United States House of Representatives,

I urge you to support fair pay and take immediate action on pay equity by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2011, (S.797, H.R.1519), sponsored by Senator Barbara Milkuski (D-MD) and Representative Rosa DeLaura (D-CT 3). The Paycheck Fairness Act would deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and barring retaliation against workers who disclose their wages to coworkers.

In this tough economy, more and more families are counting on women's earnings. Unfair pay practices make things even harder, especially for those families who rely solely on female earnings. Now is the time for Congress, the Senate and our President to take the steps necessary to effectively address wage discrimination and eliminate loopholes that have undermined the Equal Pay Act's effectiveness.

Census Bureau data shows that women made 77 cents on the male dollar in 2008, a disparity that reflects an unmitigated discrimination against women.

Women are not “worth less.”

I ask that the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate please vote yes, and co-sponsor this legislation. I also ask that President Obama sign it into law.

Get More Involved: Spread the message and get your friends and family members to write these letters too! Remember that men can and should also be involved. This is an issue that affects everyone.

Together we can make a difference.

Always remember:

United we stand, divided we fall.

PC Yours,

GTG

Get Familiar with Diamantina

Last month I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Argentine accessory designer for Diamantina, Claudia Diamante.

We talked about life and aspirations. I was so impressed by her demeanor and her brand that I felt compelled to share her story with you.

And if you haven't heard about Diamantina yet, you will.

Diamantina is the brainchild of Claudia Diamante, whose passion for fashion has led her on a journey outside of her successful corporate America career.

Aside from providing women with unique, one-of-a-kind designs, Diamante has provided job opportunities to skilled artisans from her home country. All of her brand's leather goods are crafted in Argentina and are genuine leather. Her showroom is based in D.C.and you can also find her designs on Flechada, which is the number one online shopping destination to buy designs from Latin American designers.

So here's a little one on one with the woman behind the Diamantina brand.

Why leather accessories?

CD: I love art in all its forms. I also love accessories, especially handbags and before establishing my line, I always thought of how I could improve the functionality and look of bags that I particularly liked.

Many designers these days try to impose a particular style and make it all about their brand. Diamantina has a different proposition. We make bags that promote each customer’s sense of style.  Diamantina is a compliment to YOUR style and who YOU are. 

What inspires your designs?

CD: Diamantina is inspired by women on the go.The women who are open-minded, relaxed, confident and creative. I get inspired by all things urban: women on their way to work, on the metro, walking down the street, sitting at a bar and carrying their favorite clutch.

Diamantina bags and accessories are designed for evolving women who appreciate innovation, uniqueness and high-quality.

What is your must have accessory? 

CD: A very cool looking oversized bag for everyday use, either in a bright color or made with an unusual leather embossing. That one that people are going to stop you in the street to ask you where you got that bag! It’s happened to me in the past and it feels so good.

Describe your personal style.

CD: I would describe my personal style as a mix of urban, vintage and sophisticated. My style absolutely influences my designs, I don’t think I could sell anything I don’t like or I don’t feel represented by.

What piece of advice would you give to people who want to go out and start designing their own handbags?

CD:Write a business plan! Don’t underestimate. Things normally take longer than you predict. Be patient.

Share your idea with as many people as you can to get feedback. These people could become your customer base, their feedback is invaluable.

What are your hopes for Diamantina in the next 5 years? 10 years?

CD: I would like to see the company grow, but not become too big. I like to meet my customers face to face if at all possible. I don’t want Diamantina to become too mainstream and just be a symbol of status. I want my customers to have that “one of a kind” feeling.

For example, people don’t stop you in the street to ask where you got a Coach bag. Diamantina’s uniqueness is something I don’t want to lose. That being said we do want to sell our products in other regions of the world and continue to grow our customer base. It’s a delicate balance.

In the future, I would also like to develop a line of men’s bags, specifically Urban-style bags that could double as laptop bags, or even gig bags for DJs. I think there is some real potential there.


You can usually buy Diamantina handbags online , but on July 18th, 2012 you will have the opp to buy handbags directly from Claudia, where she will be a vendors at the Ready, Set Swim event being held at the emena Spa in the Design District in Miami, which will kick-off  Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013.

To learn more about Diamantina handbags visit the Facebook page.

Friday Favorites (Summer Edition)

Today we're celebrating the first day of June and summer is right around the corner, of course you wouldn't think that with all the rain that keeps falling in Miami.

But I'm not going to let any of this rain or gloominess keep me from thinking about the glorious time that's up ahead: summer!

What's there not to love about summer? If I could rule the universe and control the weather, it would be summertime all year round.

Today's Friday faves section is dedicated to all things summer!

Fave One Piece Swimsuit:

Front

Back

This boho glam fringe bikini will transport you back to the '70s! There's a teal version of it and it's ah-mazing!

Favorite Sunnies:

Protect your eyes from harmful rays with this pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunnies in gold and clear. Talk about looking luxe!

Favorite Summer Dress:

Summer temperatures will rise, so make sure you have a dress that will help you stay cool, while looking fabulous. This open back maxi dress does the trick!

Favorite Summer Jams:

It's not summer unless you have the perfect playlist on your iPod. These are my must-play summer songs:

• Steal My Sunshine by Len
• Summertime by Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff 
• Call Me Maybe- Carly Rae Jepsen
• Beautiful by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell
• All Summer Long- Kid Rock

Favorite Summer Colors:

Coral

Turquoise Blue

Hot Pink

Favorite Summer Accessories:

Mystique Thong Sandals

Amrita Singh Bangles

 

La Plage Tote from Henri Bendel

Favorite Summer Protection Must-Haves:

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer

Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Lotion

 

Loccitane Summer Protection Sun Hair Mist

 

Nivea's A Kiss of Shine Natural Glossy Lip

I have a feeling it's going to be a great summer!

Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking tons of water and protect yourself from the harmful sunrays.

xo

GTG

"Every summer has a story." - Unknown Author