UJENA is the only reason to cover-up in August…

By Christabelle…@CBellesCloset (*Pure Editorial, Non-Paid Post*sample)

Swimwear Company UJENA has a wonderful collection of all things swim, from various styles of beautiful swimsuits (such as Bikinis, Tankinis and 1-pieces) to gorgeous cover-ups that fabulize and sassify your hot swim look. A cover-up offers protection from the sun to and from your tanning destination while adding sex appeal and a sense of luxury to your attire; chic for not only at the water’s edge, but in a  hotel lobby, nearby restaurant or bar, or perhaps the apres beach BBQ or pool party. UJENA offers a bevy of styles, cuts, lengths and colors, all made from a very lightweight onionskin fabric that feels good on skin and looks good to all eyes that meet it.

OUR TOP PICKS FROM UJENA:
White Cabo San Lucas – Honeymoon Collection
Since it is Wedding and Honeymoon season, this beautiful handmade Cover Up would be a wonderful pressie for a bride who plans of catching some rays during her tropical honeymoon. White tends to be a color associated with both brides and luxury, so she will be feeling like a million bucks travelling with her new hubby and this lux hot style to adorn her outdoors causing heads to turn. Heading to Diddy’s “white” party in the Hampton’s? The Cabo San Lucas cover-up is the perfect accoutrement to your tan body and sizzling bikini; SRP $72.00

Sexy in Soho Cover Up in Black Silky
If you happen to find yourself invited to a rooftop party this summer in Soho (or hosting one) then this Cover Up and you were destined for each other. Flattering on all body types, it’s made with a poly-spandex fabric that feel sleek and won’t wrinkle (aka perfect for your overnight LV!). It has a strapless top with optional padding for an extra boobie boost if needed, an open front and a sexy long flow in the back.  Throw on a pair of strappy heels and this cover up carries you at sunset and beyond; SRP $96.00

La Salina Resort Robe
Inspired by the Luxury Resort Collection, this Cover Up shouts louder than your fashion forward personality. Your girlfriends will immediately be asking where you got it, and you are sure to stand out in the best way while wearing it due to the combination of bright colors , wild pattern and oh-so unique design.  It’s sheer, lightweight and ties around the neck and in the front. You will want to book a lovely tropical vacation ( Hello Hawaii?) just to be able to bust this beauty out and show it off! And we love any piece of clothing that makes us want to do that; SRP $92.49

 

WHY WE LOVE UJENA: Aside from having a vast assortment of chic and fabulous cover ups, We love Ujena because they make their clothing domestically in the U.S.A, making them a part of the American Brand Project. The project supports and promotes businesses, brands and companies in the U.S that manufacture and create their products here domestically, and want to spread the word that by doing this, these brands are helping to create jobs in America. When people shop at local businesses, they are helping to increase small businesses revenue, which can increase the need for jobs within these regional areas, thus supporting people right here in the USA.

American Brand Project is helping to make  consumers aware of the power they hold where they make purchases, and how they can truly make a difference. We think that is pretty awesome. Learn more at AmericanBrandProject.com and support the brands that are proudly made in the USA.

 

 

8 Tips for Picking Foot Friendly Stilettos…No More OUCH

(*Pure Editorial, Non-Paid Post)
Christabelle is #Obsessed with this…@CBellesCloset

Few relationships in a woman’s life are as love-hate as the one she has with her high heels. We love them because they look great and make legs appear longer and leaner, helping petite women appear taller and tall women statuesque. The hate, however, comes when the pain begins.

High heels are the No. 1 culprit of foot pain for women, according to an American Podiatric Medical Association survey. Nearly half of all women wear heels, and 71 percent of heel-wearers say those shoes hurt their feet, the APMA reports.

“With many types of heels, like very high stilettos, foot pain is hard to avoid,” says Dr. Matthew G. Garoufalis, a podiatrist and immediate past president of the APMA. “But it is possible for women to find a happy mid-point between great looks and great pain.”

The APMA offers some basic guidelines for choosing better-for-you heels:

1. Nearly half of heel-owners admit to wearing heels 3 inches or higher. That height, however, shifts body weight forward and puts great pressure on the ball of the foot and the toes. Avoid heels higher than 2 inches.
2. A high stiletto with a pointy, closed toe is the worst type of shoe for your feet. Instead, choose heels with a generous toe box area and extra cushioning at the front of the shoe. A slight heel or wedge encourages your arch to lift.
3. Consider wearing supportive shoes during your commute and changing into high heels after you arrive at the office. This will help minimize the time your feet spend in heels.
4. Kitten heels are a good-looking, foot-friendly option for heel wearers. With a heel height typically less than 1 inch, kitten heels deliver a bit of height without the pressure that higher heels can cause.
5. Be extra careful when wearing platforms or wedges, as these styles can compromise your balance and stability. Very high shoes may lead to ankle rolls and falls. Choose lower platforms and wedges that secure with ankle straps.
6.  During warm weather, peep toes tempt women to show off pretty pedicures. Be aware, however, that peep toes can cause toes to slip forward or overlap, and may even push nail edges into skin, causing an ingrown toenail.
7. Visit the APMA’s website, www.apma.org, to review a list of podiatrist-approved women’s footwear that has earned the organization’s Seal of Acceptance.
8. If you experience persistent foot pain, see a podiatrist. Feet shouldn’t hurt all the time, and if they do it may indicate injury, irritation or illness. You can search for a podiatrist in your area by visiting the APMA website.

Finally, even if you’re like the average American woman and own nine pairs of high heels, don’t wear them every day. Daily heel-wearing can cause the Achilles tendon (the strong tendon at the back of your ankle) to shrink, increasing your risk of an injury while doing activities in flat shoes, including exercise.

“Treat heels like dessert,” Garoufalis says. “Don’t wear them all the time, just on special occasions.”

– (BPT)

4 Sparkle Shoes that Will Make Even Dorothy Jealous

By Christabelle… @CBellesCloset (*Pure Editorial, Non-Paid Post) 

Click your heels three times and make your wish.  Looking for a little glitz and glam for your gams? Look no further…and you don’t have to drop a house on a witch to get them (but you might have to elbow one on line paying for them).

Sparkle your way into the new year – brighter than the ball in Times Square and the Chrysler building!

4 Sparkling Stilettos to Sex Up Your New Year

1.  Christian Louboutin Fifi Strass Red-Sole Pump, $3,395.00
As if the signature “Fifi” weren’t beautiful enough already, now Christian cloaked her in crystals et voilà! Say hello to “Fifi Strass,” who’s nothing short of spectacular. C’est magnifique!. SANTA – YES PLEASE!!

2. Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Coated Platform Pumps, $1695.00 
Cross luxurious Swarovski crystals with a sky-high heel and platform for a head-turning pair. Self-covered heel, 6″. Hidden platform, 2½”. Compares to a 3½” heel. Swarovski crystal-coated suede upper. Peep toe-fabulous.

3. Manolo Blahnik Swan Embellished Satin Pump,$1295.00
Shoes are never too good to be true. The Manolo Blahnik Swan pump steps out of the silver screen. Satin pump features crystal-beaded vine applique angled across vamp and outer side. 4 1/4″ covered heel. Also come in black and navy!

4.  Steve Madden Dyvinal Rhinestone Platform Pumps, $149.95
Stay classy and elegant in Steve Madden’s DYVINAL. This lustrous platform pump boasts a glittering exterior on a classic silhouette so you can wear her time after time. Her hidden platform provides plenty of height, while her rounded toe adds an air of sophistication.  6.5 inch heel; 2 inch platform; Rhinestone upper.

Glitter on, girls! Glitter on…

3 Super Sexy Simple Holiday Hair Styles YOU Can Do

By Christabelle… @CBellesCloset (*Pure Editorial, Non-Paid Post)

Am I the only one who finds irony in the fact her last name is Balding and she is one of the hottest hair stylists in the country? I think not – and fortunately, for me, Jenny still shared some hot, simple and sexy hair styles for the holidays…even with my annoying opening sentence to this blog post.

I know I am in a whirlwind of holiday parties this season – so these tips have already come in handy for this social blogger butterfly…Jenny Balding, Senior Stylist and Grooming & Styling Expert at NYC’s Cutler/Redken Salon, shares three 15-minute festive do’s for holiday soirees that can easily be created on the go, even in the office powder room!

You’re pressed for time before a party and need a chic, modern look—fast! A fixture on the runway this season, the high ponytail is ideal for long hair, and even better for when hair is greasy as it looks sleek instead of unkempt. Use a straightening iron to smooth hair from mid length to the ends and then gather up into a ponytail right above the nape of your neck, which will enhance your cheekbones. To finish, brush from top to tail and mist all over with a strong hold hairspray like Redken Control Addict 28. Voilà! An instant facelift!

If you want to vamp up your look before a night on the town, sweep your hair into a faux bob. This style works best for wavy hair, jaw-length or longer and is a great alternative to a basic blow out. Tie your hair into a low, slightly loose ponytail and then fold the tail up and tuck underneath at the nape of your neck. Pin using a few large bobby pins. Gently loosen a few strands around your hairline and in minutes you have an elegant, new look for the evening.

Hair feeling flat and limp after a long day at work? Give it some life with Redken Powder Refresh 01. Spray all over starting at the roots and massage lightly with your fingers throughout. Backcomb a few small sections at the crown and hairline to create a little extra volume. Finally, mist all over with a light hairspray like Redken Fashion Work 12. This will give your hair a quick, all-over volume boost before you head out to a holiday bash.

Happy Holiday Hair Do! I am feeling #RedkenReady and seasonally sassy…are you?

6 DIY Beauty Recipes: From Fridge to Face

By Christabelle… @CBellesCloset (*Pure Editorial, Non-Paid Post)

While you are busy shopping and spending copious amount of money on gifts for family and friends this holiday season – don’t forget to take care of yourself!

If you are looking for beauty secrets on a budget to stay looking fresh amongst the stress that the holidays bring – Veria.com, an online extension of the national health and wellness TV network Veria Living has you covered.  Take your kitchen apron off for an hour, slip on your terry cloth robe and make some homemade beauty products  that include ingredients found right at home in your refrigerator or pantry.

6 DIY Beauty Recipes: From Fridge to Face…

Carrot and Coconut Body Glow

INGREDIENTS

1 small coconut, freshly grated
1 small piece of fresh turmeric root, grated
1 cup grated carrots

Directions

In a bowl, mix the coconut, turmeric and carrots.  Gently rub mixture all over your body in a circular motion.

Leave on for about 5 minutes. Wipe off with a wet warm towel.

Clove Perfume

INGREDIENTS

8 to 10 cloves

DIRECTIONS

Put the cloves in an incense burner (one with a long handle or stem that won’t get hot as the cloves burn). Ignite the cloves — a long-handled butane lighter works well — and let them burn for a minute or so. Blow them out and very carefully wave the clove scented smoke near your hair to perfume it.

Poppy Seed Body Polish

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup poppy seeds, lightly crushed
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
1/4 cup honey

DIRECTIONS

First, do a dry scrub. Start with the feet and loofah (or brush) in small circular motions, working your way up. Then take a warm shower to open your pores and soften your skin. Combine all the ingredients in a small container and mix well. Apply the scrub with your hands, again working in a small circular motion from your feet upwards.

Rinse off and pat body dry with a soft towel.

Salt Body Polish

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon ground Indian long pepper
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped lavender flower

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. This body polish will wane away rough or dull skin and leave you smelling like a tropical rainforest — a little bit spicy, a little bit nutty, and a whole lot sweeter.

Relaxing Belly Wrap for New Moms

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unflavored vodka
1 cup mineral water
8 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
One 2-inch cinnamon stick, broken in half
1 teaspoon Tasmanian Peppercorn (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a clean glass jar with lid, add vodka and spices cover and let steep for about 2 weeks. Strain the liquid and dilute with mineral water.

For men, splash this on your face after shaving. The alcohol acts as a toner, astringent, and antiseptic, and a subtle scent will linger on your skin.

For women, transfer into a spray bottle and apply liberally as an after shower body splash.