- Inc. Online
- ABC's The View From the Bay
Clever Parents.com
NO-Impact Urban Apparel Line Offers Environmental Salvation One Flirty Blouse at a Time
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MC reviewed this super-chic line and we’re proud to tell you about Tenfold Organic Textiles- a modern day pioneer in chemical-free fibers and textiles – proudly introduces Truly Organic Apparel, the industry’s first truly organic and chemical-free contemporary fashion line.
A cure for the common color, the entire Truly Organic line features NO-impact, plant-based dyes derived from some of nature’s most restorative flora as well as 100% certified organic cotton and fair trade practices from farm to garment. The smart line shipped stores in March 2008, adding an herb-an to the spring/summer ‘08 season. |
“We are thrilled to pioneer a line that will not only compete with any other better apparel line in terms of hand, look and style, but that is actually good for the planet all the way around,” said Paul Weinstein, president of Tenfold Organic Textiles, the parent company for Truly Organic Apparel. He explained, “We utilize a natural method for dying fabric that has NO negative impact on the planet or its people – very, very few apparel manufacturers, organic or not, can make this claim.”
A lesson in finely woven organic cotton (and a far cry from the nubbly oatmeal sacks of yesteryear), the subtly urban Truly Organic collection kicks off with nine items for women in 48 skus and five pieces for men in 11 skus, with retail prices ranging from $39-$79 for women’s tops; $79-$119 for women’s bottoms; and $39-$92 for men’s shirts.
Women’s separates include the cleverly named Baby Doll, Petal and Mandarin Blouses, the Think Tank, the Cap Sleeve Herbal T, and the Aura Tunic – all available in sizes XS-XL – along with the Scooter Capri, the Smarty Pant and the Solar Short in sizes 4-14. Men’s offerings range in size from S-XL and include the Better Button Up in both short and long-sleeved versions, as well as the button-up Bicycle Cowboy Shirt and the Men’s Herbal T.
We reviewed the Think Tank in Sun White, an off-white soft everyday tank in a size M, which rings true to size. MSRP $39. Chief Mom Officer, Laura, also loves the baby doll in light indigo (a robin’s egg blue), featured below on the left, “it’s comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I love the softness and the No environmental compromise” MSRP $69.00
Chief Dad, Kent, reports “enjoying the cut of the long sleeve Better Button Up indigo shirt, it’s easy to wear and looks great both dressed up or casual Friday. “
| An assortment of all-natural hues warm up the crisp debut collection, with colors ranging from Madder Red, Indigo, Henna Green and Soot Black to Sun White, Light Indigo, Bark Brown and Olive Green – and even an Indigo/Brown Stripe for sophisticated whimsy.
All colors are derived completely from plant-based sources such as turmeric, onion, indigo and pomegranate* using a process that— unlike any other apparel company on the market today – uses no chemicals and produces NO environmentally compromising effluent. In fact, the dye effluent from the method used by Truly Organic’s fabric manufacturer, Aura Herbal Wear out of India, can even be used to irrigate agriculture, including food crops. |
*The edible pomegranate fruit yields an ochre yellow dye and the skins are rich in tannin, which improves colorfastness. | 
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This is just the beginning of where we’d like to go with the application of these incredible chemical-free dyes, organic fibers and fair trade practices,” added Weinstein. “We do it all because we love our beautiful planet and the people who live on it, and we want to make sure it stays around for a long time.”
Headquartered in Seattle, WA, Tenfold Organic Textiles was founded in 2004 by textile artist Leah Weinstein in her quest to find naturally dyed fabrics for her quilted art. Leah and her brother, Paul Weinstein, formed Truly Organic Apparel in 2007 to bring naturally beautiful and chemical-free fair trade apparel to the market through the use of 100% organic cotton and a proprietary assortment of no-impact dyes. Retailers or consumers may contact Truly Organic Apparel at 4112 NE 103rd Place; Seattle, 98125; PH: (206) 930-6713 or go to www.truly-organic.com.
Yes. Yes. It’s true. Elisabeth Hasselbeck said she loves Mabel’s Labels on national television. As if having our Sticky Labels featured on The View as one of Elisabeth’s favourite baby products wasn’t enough, in 2007, Mabel got some serious love from the rest of the world too!
Mabel’s co-founders won Canada’s Savvymom Mompreneurs of the Year Award. Toronto families voted Mabel Best Label Company in the City Parent Reader’s Selection Awards. And Canada’s favourite morning show Canada AM, had a big shout-out to Mabel. The list could go on, but oh golly, we’ll leave it at that. It was a bumper year for Mabel. Look out 2008!
Summer camp is one of the great North American traditions: the sleep-outs, the great outdoors and the sing-a-longs around the campfire. With the 2008 camping season just around the corner we’re sure you’re already thinking about getting labels for all the stuff your kids bring to camp, but have you considered adding a “Write On!” Stationery Kit to the list of items to pack? Our stationery kits make it easy for your kids to keep you posted on all of the adventurous activities they will be up to this summer.
MABEL TIP: Pre-stamp and pre-address stationery envelopes and send them with your kids to camp. That way, it’s easier for homesick or just plain happy campers to send a letter home to mom, dad and grandma!
Mabel’s Labels was very excited about the launch of our “Write On!” Stationery Kit and we are delighted with the warm welcome it has received. It seems that parents everywhere are trying to revive the lost art of letter writing. Thank you for the wonderful feedback on this product! It’s great to know that you think the pretty packaging and personalized stationery make a great gift for kids and grownups alike.
Most of us rely on written communication to get our message across, at least to some degree. Though we now have the benefits of tools like spell-check, there are plenty of punctuation typos that can slip in under the radar and sabotage our writing.
Avoiding these common punctuation blunders will help your prose become cleaner and more professional, which, in turn, reflects on you and your business:
Misplaced apostrophes – Sometimes we get a little bit “apostrophe happy,” tossing a few in just in case we might need them. However, this little punctuation mark is often abused and misplaced. Keep in mind that you don’t need an apostrophe for a word that is plural, like when you change the word “boy” to “boys.” The only exception is when it’s the possessive form, meaning the boy or boys own something. This gets tricky two, depending on how many boys we’re talking about. If you’re talking about one boy’s ball, the apostrophe goes before the “s,” but if a number of boys share the ball, it becomes the “boys’ ball.”
A final point of confusion about this deals with words that already and in an “s,” like the name “James.” Though it may be tempting to write something like “James’s ball,” that extra “s” is not necessary. “James’ ball” is appropriate.
Quit the “its” – Along these same lines, the words “it’s” and “its” get mangled quite a bit. This one can be confusing, since, like we noted above, you usually use an apostrophe to indicate ownership. However, “its” is a unique animal, only requiring an apostrophe when used as a contraction for “it is.” If used as a possessive, we can just simply use “its.” With no extra punctuation. So if you want to say that a marble is in the bag where you left it, you would write, “It’s in its bag.”
“You’re” or “your?” – This may be the most common typo we see, though distinguishing when to use “you’re” instead of “your” is straightforward. The only time - and I mean the only time – you ever use the word “you’re” is as a contraction for “you are.” Otherwise, you always use “your.”
Colon vs. Semicolon – Some folks seem to enjoy using colons (:) and semicolons (;) as nice decorative items to make their writing look fancy. However, there are specific guidelines about when to use each one. You use a colon to separate two related thoughts, one of which cannot stand on its own as a sentence. A semicolon, however, separates what would be two separate sentences, but the content is so closely related that we don’t want them to stand completely alone.
Here is an example of the appropriate use of a colon:
“Cedric is a superstar in track: the best of the best.”
The first part of the phrase is an independent sentence, but the send half, “the best of the best,” is not a sentence, so it needs to hang on to the first have of the phrase to borrow its subject and verb.
Here we have a semicolon in action:
“I am not a fan of asparagus; I am far too picky of an eater to enjoy such things.”
In this case, both phrases can stand alone, but the second phrase does borrow an idea from the first. The words “such things” refers back to “asparagus” in the first phrase, so they’re closely related. So the second half is a continuation of the thought begun in the first half, borrowing on the subject, but it could also grammatically stand up as a sentence by itself.
Do you find these tips useful? Let me know. Big Daddy’s here to help!
Got a question for big daddy? Email me, at: BigDaddy@mommyscompany.com
Christian Piatt is an author, columnist, and owner of http://www.mywordtree.com/ , a professional writing, editing and marketing service company. Their flagship service, Branching Out, is a custom weekly drip campaign service for only $129 a year. He is the father of four-year-old Mattias, and husband of Rev. Amy Piatt, pastor of a new church in Pueblo, Colorado, where he leads music. For more information about Christian’s books, and to read his personal blogs, please visit http://www.christianpiatt.com/
Summer is here, YIPEE! This time of the year give many of us the chance to do many of the activities we love and bring us joy and excitement. Gardening, biking, roller blading, camping, fishing, races, walks, no matter what the summer activity we all get excited about our passions. What is it that you are excited and passionate about for your summer?
Finding love for our favorite activities is the easy part. Finding that same love and passion for ourselves is the challenge. When we become pre-occupied with our looks, weight loss and the scales the more discontent we become. What is it about “me” that leads to this discontent?
I know it is a lot easier to answer questions about what you love to do in the summer than the whys or what’s about your personal discontent within yourself.
Lack of self-love and acceptance is at the root of our weight loss and our happiness with ”me” issues. This is exactly what keeps us from moving forward and realizing our goals.
Think about the last time you felt really great about yourself. Had you stepped on the scale and number dropped? How did you feel that day? How did you interact with others, work, food, and your environment through out your day? Did you reward yourself?
Now, think about the last time you stepped on the scale and the number went up. How did you feel that day?
This is the emotional roller coaster that keeps us stuck. When I ask people why they continue to ride this roller coaster I often hear “because it’s just there…in the bathroom” or “I am looking for validation for what I am doing or not doing.” Each of us has our own reasons but when you come across a reason that is out side ourselves to validate our efforts do we love ourselves any more or less?
Love is the deepest root and the most meaningful tool in regulating how we interact with ourselves and in this world. If we don’t love ourselves first not matter where we are in our fitness and weight loss goals we end up viewing the world through our own skewed lenses.
When we learn to accept and love ourselves first, and really become aware of how we are standing in our way, the magic begins. Are you ready? I encourage and challenge you to the most exciting and joy filled summer yet!
“Happiness is not what we strive to be it is by BEING happy.”
Here are the Aim For It Action Steps I have created for you this first month of summer:
- Check in with your feelings when you weigh yourself, become aware of how you interact in your daily activities with family and friends and during your daily routine, also the choices you make around food.
- Ask yourself if you are willing to release the hold the number on the scale has on you and still love yourself for all you were created to be.“Constantly comparing yourself to others is debilitating; its denying God’s creative power in your life” Anita Renthroe
- Are you willing to let yourself tune into your own wisdom to guide you back to love; back to being what you know is the true you inside and let it flourish for yourself and others to see. During a clients recent coaching session she shared she wanted to become the person she new she was inside, how about you?
In addition to these action steps and to help each of you meet your challenge I have created a special offer on the Aim For Fitness Ask The Expert audio program for busy moms. The regular price for this program is $15.00 but for this month only, I have reduced the price to just $4.50. You will receive the full audio version of this amazingly Q &A program that will get you started with the knowledge and insight you need to succeed, no matter how large or small your weight loss goals. Click here to order
Through this program I answer top questions busy moms like you have asked:
- How can I keep stubborn unwanted weight off forever?
- Can working out 30 minutes per day really make a difference in my weight?
- How do I balance exercise and time for family?
- How can a working mom stay on a diet while still trying to provide balanced meals for the entire family?
- How do I increase my metabolism?
- PLUS LOTS MORE!!!
Click here to order and get started now with the keys that will unlock your first steps in self love, self-acceptance and ultimately lead you to your very best self-goals.
Love yourself first then the steps to loosing weight will come to you by tuning in to your inner wisdom.
Amy Lundberg owner of Aim For It – Fitness Coaching LLC helps women build an inner foundation to find balance and to bring about a healthier fit body and lifestyle. She has developed Self Care Before Sit-ups E-book and 10-week course. Amy is a certified Intuitive Eating Coach, Personal Fitness Trainer and Lifestyle Fitness Coach. Go to www.aimforfitness.com for more information and receive a free 45-minute consult to gain clarity on what is best for you in reaching and maintaining your goals.
Amy Lang, MA Birds + Bees + Kids®
Sadly, it’s us – the United States. We have the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world.
We’re #1!
find this to be embarrassing, shameful – and tragic. Our girls are getting pregnant when they don’t need or want to be.
And you know what else is sad? Our teen pregnancy rate has been steadily dropping since the early 1990’s – but it’s still the highest. Ugh.
Here are the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease control –
- In 2004, the pregnancy rate for teenagers age 15-17 was 42 per 1000.
- The pregnancy rate for teenagers ages 18-19 was 119 per 1000 - more than one in ten 18-19 year old women experienced a pregnancy in 2004.
- About 1 in 5 black or Hispanic 18-19 year old women experienced pregnancy, compared to 1 in 12 white 18-19 year olds. In addition, the pregnancy rate for Hispanic teens ages 18-19 rose slightly in 2004 - the only racial/ethnic group whose pregnancy rate rose in that period.
- Teen abortion rates and pregnancy rates have both declined steadily since 1990. The teen birth rate had been declining, but showed a rise in 2006 in all racial/ethnic groups for the first time in over a decade. Since pregnancy data is not yet available for 2006, this change can’t yet be explained - but almost certainly indicates that the teen pregnancy rate has risen since 2004.
- There was a decline in rate specifically among sexually active teenagers - suggesting an increase in contraceptive use, a decrease in frequency of sex, or both.
- Our teen birth rate is nine times that of the Netherlands, five times that of France, and nearly three times that of Canada.
Not surprisingly, we also have an alarming rate of STDS in girls age 14 to 19. One in four girls has an STD in our country.
I believe we have a public health crisis on our hands and because our government is unable and unwilling to do what every other country in the world has done, it’s up to us – parents - to change these numbers.
Don’t let your kid become a statistic. Start talking now.
You might feel uncomfortable or think it’s too soon, but if the pay off for feeling uncomfortable is your daughter making great decisions about her sexual self, I think it’s worth it.
birdsandbeesandkids.com ©2008 Birds + Bees + Kids® LLC 206-661-2245
About the Author: Through her business, Birds + Bees + Kids, Amy Lang teaches parents how to talk to their children of any age about sex, love and relationships. She has a 16-year history as a Sexual Health Educator, a Masters in Applied Behavioral Science and loves to help people learn about this vital part of parenting.
Back in the ‘80s Tavares sang a song called, “It Only Takes a Minute, Girl.” (I’m dating myself here, but somebody’s gotta do it.)Accustomed as we are to the speed and convenience of the Web, that seems to be the theme song for the vast majority of entrepreneurs these days when it comes to acquiring new clients.
Fast food, high speed internet, purchase decisions - We want it all to happen right now, in a minute.
When clients come to me for help with their Irresistible Free Taste (you know, the freebie I keep telling you to have on your website so you can collect visitors’ contact information), I always ask them what their top two goals are for the project.
Invariably I hear some version of “I want them to download the article (or audio) and then hire me.”
As Master Po told Caine in the 1970s TV series Kung Fu (my goodness, there she goes with the ancient history again!), “Patience, Grasshopper.”
I’d like to share a bit of wisdom with you today - Remember that leads often aren’t “sales ready” right at that moment.
That’s why we call them “potential” clients.
Your job at this point is to be welcoming, helpful, and patient. You need to create a sense of rapport so they feel connected to you. To do that it’s important to be both curious (about their situation and the challenges they’re facing) and informative (about how they can solve those problems, possibly with your help).
The other unpleasant aspect of wanting clients to hire us right now is that it often springs from a sense of lack. The resulting anxiety is not especially attractive. Clients can smell desperation a mile away – and they tend to steer clear of it.
If you stop expecting that one exposure to your brilliance is going to turn every prospect into a raving (and paying) fan, you’ll take the pressure off both of you. Embrace the mantra, “Everything in its own good time.”
In my experience, education is the foundation of quality marketing. And most learning happens over time, not in one sitting. Don’t worry that you’ll run out of things to share. You have a lot to offer. And they have a lot to learn!
You don’t need a big budget, but you do need to be willing to learn as much as you can about your clients and your field of expertise. And you need a desire to share what you’ve learned with others.
©2008 Helen Graves
Helen Graves, Grand Poohbah of Crackerjack Marketing & Website Strategy, is an expert at showing independent entrepreneurs how to get more clients with less stress. Besides writing captivating website copy that prompts visitors into action, she also teaches you how to create a genuine connection with your marketing so you can consistently turn potential prospects into paying clients.
To find out more or to sign up for her free mini audio seminar, “7 Quick & Simple Ways to Get Your Website Working Hard — So You Don’t Have To,” visit Helen at www.CrackerjackWebsites.com.
Mommy’s Sex in the City Moment
http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/
By Melissa Ackerman
Fan or not, every woman deserves a Sex in the City moment, week, or whatever span of time can wrenched from all the other obligations on the list. Looking at the Sex in the City Movie website, trailers and fashion overview, I got a feeling in my stomach that bubbled up into giggles much like a glass of truly wonderful champagne dancing on my tongue. First, everyone needs to watch the trailers and experience a belly laugh to set the mood. It’s a giddy feeling planning a gathering of the girls, and with the release of Sex in the City Movie this week, ideas were popping.
As Health Mama, underlying all my messages of good health practices is the deep seeded belief that we must take care of ourselves first in order to fulfill that super mom status we strive for effectively. Money or no money, moments of self pampering can be successfully achieved with style. Stress is my constant shadow right now and headaches a regular companion. So I am aware of the repercussions of self neglect. Carrie Bradshaw and her cohorts offer a great opportunity for a fun night out with the girls or remind us it’s been too long between visits and a little indulgence in laughter and friendship is the antidote.
Need facts to justify a play time extravaganzas? The same drive we have as adolescents to be a part of a group exists in us as adults as well if, thankfully, in moderation. Friendship provides that feeling of belonging and ability to tackle the hurdles life throws at us. Invariably friends give us that much needed laughter which also provides a huge health benefit. (http://behavioural-psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/best_friends_forever)
Although laughter can come from watching comedy on television or at the movies, the most beneficial is shared laughter. Laughter produces those good endorphins that assist the body with feeling better while also increasing our immunities (Cardiovascular exercise creates the same result with even greater benefits but that‘s another article). One aspect about laughter I’ve learned from experience is the feeling of control I get when I laugh at an out of control situation. Laughter comes to me when I am in pain, physically or emotionally. It provides a feeling of wellbeing in the midst of potential catastrophe. If I can laugh, the circumstances simply cannot be so bad and the situation will get better. (http://www.lifescript.com/channels/healthy_living/Life_Tips/laughter_benefits_the_three_cs.asp?page=1&trans=1)
Sharing a laugh with a close friend or family adds to the closeness of the relationship. Trying to tell my husband why I was laughing so hard at a Sex in the City Movie clip that tears were streaming down my face just fell flat. He wasn’t there and couldn’t relate to the experience. One of my dearest memories of my aunt, mom, and grandmother is when the four of us sat on the bed together at our cabin and told stories about the family laughing until our sides ached. For once we were all equal and shared only what we as a family would know or understand.
My dream Girls Night Out would be a weekend in Manhattan, shopping, eating, drinking champagne and seeing a Broadway show or two. I’ll save that event for when I win the lottery. Until then, let’s get busy setting the stage for a just as effective gathering of friends:
- Call your friends and spread the word - get everyone involved!
- Find out who has movies already in their possession or rent a movie - perhaps Sex in the City television show finale (Plan gathering number two when the movie is released for rent giving you a two for one event planning!)
- Collect decorations from inside the home. Make the goal to not spend any money and find the items to stage the gathering from your own homes. Pool all the food already in the refrigerator and cupboards. Shop only if it’s essential.
- Choose the Theme. If you’re a Sex in the City fan, create a night out on the town complete with Cosmo glasses and the good china. Or plan a pajama and spa night with makeup, foot soaks, “manis,” “ pedis,” and lots of chocolate! Imagination reigns supreme - go for whatever is your pleasure.
- Check out http://www.evite.com/app/cms/ideas/girls-night - for more ideas and free invitations.
Sex in the City was my catalyst to making time for myself amidst all my obligations and stress but use whatever time period, movies, music, reminds you of fun and frolic. Hmm…Medieval Nights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Pre- next party.
Melissa is the mother of a six year old little girl, Madeline, and the wife of a former ship captain. She and her family just moved to Maine a year ago from Monterey, CA to experience a change in lifestyle and become middle aged entrepreneurs. After 22 years of teaching, Mel (Melissa) needed more time with her family and so she and a friend started Dancestones.org; the business of giving comfort through Maine’s rolled stones. Reading and Writing are her deepest passions- when she’s not collecting stones in remote areas of Maine!
This past weekend, I worked my first swim meet at the new Meet Director In Training. I was so nervous, I barely slept the night before, and I’m ONLY in training! Whatever will I do when the baton is permanently passed on to me? Anyway, I was sitting in the hospitality room taking a little break when I heard some coaches from another team commenting about our hospitality room. They were talking about how they love coming to our meets. Of course my ears perked right up and I had to listen on. They talked about how great the food is. They stated that our “spread” shows them just how much we must care. They raved about the breakfast casserole and the jumbo gourmet bagels. These women had no idea who I was and I’m not even sure they paid much attention to me at all. I just sat there and took in their conversation with a smile on my face.
When we host a meet, we take pride in every aspect of the meet. We have a large team of volunteers that help out in many different areas. We work hard to make sure that swimmers, coaches and spectators have a great experience from the music we play during warm-ups, to buying gourmet bagels, not the cheap store-bought kind. We don’t do the cheap and easy way out. We order custom medals for the swimmers and we bring in good vendors. We also do our best to make sure the meet stays on schedule.
I’ve heard several times that other teams really enjoy coming to our swim meets. After spending my weekend working in the back-end as well as on the front lines of the meet, I really see why our meets are considered by some to be their favorite. While some might not think it matters if all we provide are orange slices and Costco muffins, as long as the kids get some kind of recognition for their efforts, I think going the extra mile really does make a difference in the overall experience.
I’ve always believed in the saying it’s the thought that counts, but isn’t it a stronger statement when those thoughts of good will get put into action? Go the extra mile and make someone’s day today! ?
Swim on friends!
Ruthie Palmatier
ruthie@swimmama.com
If you’re like me, you always have too much going on! I have 2 businesses – Freelance website design/graphic design RM Design and Nico & Zoe Toys online toy store. I have a 5 year-old, I have job interviews, doctor appointments, husbands’ stuff, parties and more! Phew! Makes me tired just thinking about it.
But, I do have a savior. I LOVE my Google Calendar <http://www.google.com/calendar>. Not only is it easy to use, but I can also access it from any computer, my husband can view it from his computer/iPhone and we both can add to it as well.
Here are a few things I like:
- Multiple categories. I have one for myself, one for my daughter, one for my husband, one for my design business and one for the toy store. You can also turn these off and on with a simple click.
- Add items from other calendars. You can easily add items from other calendar systems to your calendar. I can add YMCA workout classes that I hope to attend or meetup.com activities. These are the two big ones for me. You can also add weather for your area, game schedules, concert schedules and more. It will even find your appointment if you add the address.
- Schedule Reminders. You have multiple options for reminders. It can text message your phone, web browser pop-up or email. Or all three just to make sure you don’t forget!
- Share your calendar with others. You can have your own account and your spouse can have his or hers. Then, you just share your calendar categories with each other. You don’t have to share everything. You can decide what the other can see, though this has its pros and cons too! This way, you have your own login, but can see what is on each other’s calendar.
- Add links to it on your computer. You can add a link to the calendar (even a mini version) on your iGoogle home page. There is a widget you can add to your Mac dashboard, and if you have an iPhone, you can even create a bookmark that shows up on your home page.
I have told many of my friends about this, even my parents. Some have implemented it, while others have tried, but not followed through. It is important that everyone involved keeps up and actually uses the calendar. And, if you get into the habit, it is very valuable! Then no one can say, ‘I didn’t know about that!’ or ‘What doctor appointment?’ It doesn’t solve all conflicts, but it definitely makes it easier! No more post-it notes, multiple calendars or forgotten ‘in my head’ appointments.
So, get organized and try something new. Once you get it started, it is really easy to keep track of everything! Then, it is up to you to actually go to the appointment!
Pamela lives in Seattle, WA, with her husband and daughter. Pamela is a Freelance Website/UI Designer and Co-Owner of Nico & Zoe Toys (http://www.nicoandzoe.com/)
By Erin Nowak, 2008
Sleek, sizzling, and sexy are just three of the many “S” words that could be used to describe 2008’s summer styles. From sassy sarongs, to swingy sundresses, the choices are limitless. In an effort to fit an entire season’s worth of info into one month’s column, I’m sticking solely to looks inspired by the 19th letter of the alphabet. Let’s get started!
Shorts
Rising temperatures usually illicit groans from this style mama. During warm months I cling to capris for their effortless simplicity. And while I don’t mind wearing shorts, finding the right pair has often been tougher than it seems. Luckily, my shorts shopping has been made easier this year with the wide variety of styles and shapes being offered this season.
Knee lengths paired with heels or ballet flats and topped off with a blouse or cropped jacket could bring a breath of fresh air to your work wardrobe. Switch to a tank and some sandals, and those long shorts are ready for the weekend. Shorter hemlines are ideal for petites looking to elongate their frame. I’m always sure to try on two different cuts, an a-line and a straight slim cut for example, with a few different lengths to find the right pair.
Sun, Sand, and Sea
Brights are back for summer. Ocean colored turquoise can be seen lighting up makeup counters, closets and home décor. Sunshine yellow is still hot and looks nautical with navy, or chic with charcoal. Wake up white pants or a skirt with a citrus colored top and contrasting bright wedge sandals in fuchsia or green. Mixing and matching never looked so good! And even if you’re not anywhere near golden sands, you can still glitter with jewelry, accessories, bronzers and clothing this summer. From super-shiny foiled gold styles, to soft, sandy, antiqued gold looks, this metallic shade is definitely making a comeback.
Scarves
No longer limited to serving as just a winter warmer, long scarves are turning trans-seasonal. On a recent trip to Manhattan I was surprised to see a great many women stylishly sporting scarves on a balmy spring day. Casually wrapped as a headband, or draped over your shoulders as a defense against artic air-conditioning, a scarf is this summer’s unexpected accessory!
Shades
Sunglasses offer more than just protection. They’re the perfect finish to any summer outfit. Get fabulous with an oversized pair, or go classic with a pair of aviators. Feeling retro? How about a pair of ray-ban wayfarers? Whatever you choose, look for a pair that boasts high protection ratings for both UVA and UVB rays. Your eyes will thank you.
After reading the above, it’s obvious that “S” isn’t just for summer. It also stands for style! Have fun sampling summer’s most sensational looks Mamas. I know I will!
About the Author: Erin McKenna Nowak, is an entrepreneur, wife and the mother of two stylish little girls. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and printmaking, she worked in New York City, Chicago and Providence, RI. Having been everything from a children’s book designer to the art director of several magazines, in 2004 Erin struck out on her own and started Bride Design. http://bridedesign.com features Erin’s fashion-forward, custom wedding and event stationery and accessories. Erin is also the pen and paper portion of http://sweettalkboutique.com, home of the Invitastion™—edible cookie invitations and greetings that are the tastiest trend in stationery! When she’s not busy designing or chasing after her kids, she can be found chasing after the latest styles in beauty, fashion, home interiors, music and more!
http://www.sweettalkboutique.com