Archives for February 2013

28 Feb 2013

Shop Now: Sui Generis Boutique @sgbvintage #MySmarterCommerce

If you aren’t following me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram you are missing out on some good stuff! Not everything that I post to social media makes it to the blog, but I had to blog about Sui Generis Boutique.

I first learned about Sui Generis Boutique when I was featured on their blog by owner Halimah in 2010 (click here ). She was also one of the sponsors for the FABulously Chic event held in NYC last July.

She has amazing style, especially when it comes to finding the hottest vintage pieces. Yesterday I was going mad on Facebook and Twitter posting some of my favorite vintage pieces. Kerri from A Diva State of Mind lucked out and purchased the awesome leather jogging pants that I posted about here for $85! I ended up buying this Tri-Color Silk Mini Dress for $7 and guess what? It is DVF!

Check out some other great finds at Sui Generis Boutique. Be sure to grab the items you want fast because they are one of a kind!

Categories: Fashion, What to Wear Tags: #mysmartercommerce, halimah suad, leather jogging pants, sgb vintage, sgb vintage boutique, Shopping, sui generis boutique, Vintage, vintage dvf

27 Feb 2013

Workout Wednesday: 5-10-20-Minute Cardio Routines Plus Heart Soul Footwear

By Jai 8 Comments

Happy and Healthy Wednesday my loves!

Last week we focused on just getting started. So hopefully you have made the commitment, assessed your fitness level, set specific goals, created a workout log, and now it is time begin so we can hit our last point which is being consistent.

One of the most important things that we need to do when it comes to an exercise program is establishing a cardio workout routine. Cardio is important for the following reasons:

Weight loss
Stronger heart and lungs
Increased bone density
Reduced stress
Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
More confidence about how you feel and how you look
Better sleep
More energy

We should begin with cardio at least three times a week for about 20 minutes per day. If you can commit to about 10-15 minutes per day for about 5 days a week that is great as well.

I found these exercises from a website that I am always on now FitnessMagazine.Com (my other favorite besides Prevention.com). There are three work outs for different levels of fitness that can fit in to almost anyone’s schedule and you don’t need a gym. Check them out! (Source: Fitness Magazine by Jenna Autuori-Dedic)

Split up your workouts. Instead of working out for 40-minutes straight try four 10-minute workout sessions or two 20-minutes sessions. Try working out when you first wake up in the morning for 20-minutes and another 20-minutes when you come home.

The Plan: Got only 5 minutes?

Time	Activity
0:00-0:30	High knees
0:30-1:30	Squat jumps for 20 seconds; then march in place for 10 seconds. Repeat.
1:30-2:30	Mountain climbers for 20 seconds; then march in place for 10 seconds. Repeat.
2:30-3:30	Burpees for 20 seconds (squat, place palms on floor and jump feet back into full plank; do a push-up, then jump feet back in and jump up with arms overhead); then march in place for 10 seconds. Repeat.
3:30-4:30	Alternating jump lunges (lunge back with right leg and jump, switching legs to land in lunge with right foot forward) for 20 seconds; then march in place for 10 seconds. Repeat.
4:30-5:00	March in place.

The Plan: Got 10-minutes?

Time	Activity
0:00-1:00	Step-ups (Step up and down on bottom step of a staircase.)
1:00-2:00	Side-step squats (Stand with right side facing stairs, place right foot on bottom step and lower into squat; return to start. Do for 30 seconds; switch sides and repeat.)
2:00-3:00	Knee tucks (Facing stairs, place right foot on bottom step, right knee slightly bent. Lift left knee toward chest as you bend elbows by sides; lower to start. Do for 30 seconds; switch sides and repeat.)
3:00-4:00	Step hops (Facing stairs, place right foot on bottom step and jump up, extending arms overhead and lifting left knee toward chest. Return to start. Do for 30 seconds; switch sides and repeat.)
4:00-5:00	Liftoffs (Facing stairs with hands on hips, place right foot on bottom step; lunge back with left leg, then stand up on right leg, raising left leg behind you. Return to lunge. Do for 30 seconds; switch sides and repeat.)

The Plan: Got 20-Minutes?

Time	Activity
0:00-2:00	Walk at a slow-to-moderate pace.
2:00-5:00	Jog.
5:00-17:00	Sprint for 1 minute, then walk or jog for 2 minutes. Repeat combo 4 times total.
17:00-20:00	Walk at a slow-to-moderate pace.

Because cardio is great for the heart I decided to feature HeartSoul Footwear. Here are just a few options that are great for the spring and under $150. Check them out

More Farah…

Categories: Beauty Bubble, Fashion, Health and Wellness Tags: #mysmartercommerce, cardio, fashion and fitness, healthy heart, heart soul footwear, workout routines

27 Feb 2013

Arm Candy: Spring Handbags Under $150 #MySmarterCommerce

By Jai Leave a Comment

We have been having some early spring like temperatures here in New York. It has been wonderful, but of course good things like 50 degree weather in February do not last forever. So in anticipation for spring and to get the #MySmarterCommerce conversation going today’s Arm Candy features handbags from brands such as American Apparel, Guess, Poppie Jones, Nine West, Elliott Lucca and Tignanello. All bags are under $100! Now that is smart shopping.

For the spring you want a variety of color. You want the bright and the bold, but a great pastel can take your all-white outfit to new heights. Don’t limit yourself to satchels either, check out the totes, clutches, crossSo check out the list below and happy shopping!

More Steve Madden…

What handbags do you have your eye on for the spring season? Let us know!

Categories: Arm Candy, Fashion Tags: #mysmartercommerce, american apparel handbags, guess handbags, Handbags, nine west handbags, Spring, spring 2013

22 Feb 2013

Style Files: June Ambrose for HSN #MySmarterCommerce

By Jai Leave a Comment

Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose can add another title to her already fabulous resume. Besides having her own line of turbans, and sunglasses, she can now add shoe designer to her list. June Ambrose has teamed up with the Home Shopping Network for her affordable shoe line which debuts on March 22nd. All of the shoes range from $59-$120 and with these price tags, I’m sure her shoes will fly sell out quickly.

June Ambrose is not only always on trend, but she also dictates trends. Her shoes are trendy and practical, like peacock sandal with the thick heel. I can see myself in those shoes a lot during the spring and summer. Some of the other designs include lucite heels, leopard print, and blue fringe. She also has a series of flat sandals that are perfect for running errands on the weekend or if you are headed to the beach. There is something for the bold and daring and also for the feminine and conservative. She has everyone covered with this collection!

Are you all loving June’s new business venture or should she just stick to styling other people?

Click here for more images via Clutch Magazine

Categories: Fashion, Style Files Tags: #mysmartercommerce, Celebrity style, celebrity stylist, Home Shopping Network, June Ambrose, june ambrose shoe collection, Shoes

22 Feb 2013

Spring Wish List: Lace Shorts for Under $50 #MySmarterCommerce

By Jai Leave a Comment

How many more weeks until spring? The winter season cannot be over fast enough. As I wait for these frigid temperatures to rise I will just swoon over these amazing lace shorts that I found for under $50. Lace is so feminine and versatile. It can be paired with leather for soft yet edgy look, or it can be paired with lighter fabrics like chiffon for a romantic feel.