My Fall 2014 Picks

Autumn is finally here, and with it my personal picks for Fall 2014. 


For this Estilo Mum, this fall/winter season is all about accentuating your wardrobe and look. 

A mere 3 purchases, my list is practical and short. 

Let's start from the bottom up.









1.  The Bootie 

        The Alfie Wedge Bootie by A.S. 98 is a strapped up, hidden wedge, leather ankle

        boot made in Italy. The leather is so soft and luxurious, not to mention badass. It

        is the perfect fit for my 'take no prisoners' personality!

A.S. 98  'Alfie'

2. Flash Tattoos (click on link for more) and Flash Nail Art
      THE TREND (sported during New York fashion week), it's effortless glam and flash. 
      What's not to love? Think holiday season, parties, date night or simply the ice breaker
      to making new friends. I guarantee you'll get some compliments.

Image: Pop Sugar

Image: Pop Sugar,

      
        
      

Lightinthebox.com

Stylefrizz, Flash tattoo rings

3. Liquid Gold Liner with Liquid Black Liner

Source: ImaxTree
New York Fashion Week, Fall 2014

     I saw this picture and thought, "I can't wait to try it and show it to the girls!"

      I'll be honest, I only wear makeup when I'm going out on a date with my husband or

      for 'girls night out'. That's why I love this gold eyeliner because if you are going to wear 

      makeup, the eyes make a great statement. Be bold, go for the Gold.

Top Accessory Trend: Flash Tattoos

Flash me! No, not like that. The hottest accessory trend on the streets is not a handbag, shoe or piece of jewelry. It's (believe it or not)....flash tattoos.

Flash tattoos are not new to the scene, but celebrity interest from the likes of Beyonce and Katy Holmes has placed it front in center in magazines like In Touch and Vogue. 

Flash tattoos on wrists and below the knee.

Vogue India magazine

But if you live in a cave like I do, sometimes these things escape you. What's a flash tattoo? It's body art that is jewelry inspired and temporary, quick and easy to apply and lasts about 4-6 days depending on where it's applied (and how often you shower); non toxic and applied with water like most.

 I personally think they're very stylish and hip. You don't necessarily need to be in your 20's to sport them. Like anything else, it depends on how you incorporate it into your outfit. Treat it like any accessory item.

Tastefully worn, flash tattoos will definitely inspire a double take from those around you. 

Would I wear it to the office? Absolutely! Necklaces, rings and bracelets are a part of our everyday wear. Stacking and blending flash tattoos into your accessory mix will give your outfit that extra pop you've been looking for. 

Interested? You can pick some up at Boutique to You.  

Enjoy!

Buying New Vs. Used

I, like most Moms, are in charge of doing the bulk of the shopping for the family. Food, clothing, shoes, home goods, etc. 

CHANEL
previously used shoes for sale
email - tiene.estilo@gmail.com

And like most Moms, I want to save money. I started wondering if clipping coupons and waiting for the sales is the best way to save on items I need: like clothing, or a computer for a new school year, or business attire and accessories for the upcoming cooler seasons? Does new equate to 'better' than used, or is it just overrated?

Sites like SNOBSWAP make it easy to swap, sell, shop and save on pre-owned luxury goods without ever leaving our home. Their advertised savings of up to 80% off for fall trends leaves me wondering if I've been doing it wrong all along. A little more ebay and swapping for goods may just be what this Estilo Mum needs to pile on more savings. 

One quick tip, whether you buy new or used, consider the resale value. "What's the return on this? Am I going to be able to resell?" If you do, that's just adding to your bottom line. 

My Bum, Bums Happy Ending

NOT THAT kind of a story! LOL

Luli Fama image
luli fama verano/ rumba strappy brazilian ruched back

I have searched for years for the perfect swimsuit bottom but it wasn't until my first, and then second C-section to be more precise, that it really became a must have. 

If like me, you have:

1. A little pouch above the C-line that doesn't flatten no matter how many crunches or calories you burn off.
2. A scar you want to hide without anyone knowing your hiding it.
3. A 'rectangle' body shape with little to no waist.
4. A decent bum, but would like to accentuate it more.

Then search no more. I've done that for you. I have tried many, many, different bikini bottom styles and found the perfect one. 

Ladies, don't settle. The Luli Fama Verano/Rumba Strappy Brazilian Ruched Back is a smashing fit! I love, love, love it.

Luli Fama CALLEJERA - Strappy Brazilian Ruched Back Bottom - M/Multicolor

Find it on Amazon

The multiple straps have a nice stretch to them and fit comfortably. They do not cut into the skin and give that muffin top effect. Also, you can place them as high or as low as you want. You control the fit that best suits your body.

The triangle patch at front lies firmly and perfectly over that C-section line, not giving the slightest hint of one.


The back. This is the best part. If you want more SEXY and less coverage like me, then order the Brazilian Ruched Back. 

Luli Fama image
Luli Fama | Strappy Brazilian Ruched Back - Muchachita Linda

If you want more coverage for your bum, Luli Fama also has a full coverage bottom (see image below).

Luli Fama image
Luli Babe in Miami

Pricey? Yes. We all know the perfect fit costs, and at $88/bottom, it's not cheap. Rarely on sale, for just $62 at Zappos, I'd snatch one up if I were you. They're super hard to find as they're always sold out. I wonder why?

The Juice Cleanse

Image by moi
http://www.juicecrafters.com
$6.95 per 160z as shown

In search of a more toned mid-section and skinnier summer me, I decided to try a juice cleanse. 

This is not something I've previously considered simply because I love eating. Starving or said sensation is never my idea of a good time.

BUT, I am a juicer. On average, I have a minimum of 3 raw juices per week. Typically the raw and unpasteurized type you see in this picture made of spinach, kale, romaine, cucumber, parsley, celery, apple, ginger. I also love rooty juices with beets and greens. So, I figured why not.

I bought a one day cleanse pack, $49.95, that includes 8 (16oz) bottled juices that you drink every two hours. I chose the Vitamin Guru, composed of fruits, greens and roots.

The first four hours were no problem. I went number two twice. Nothing crazy. Six hours into my cleanse, I started getting hungry, but still ok. I noticed the juices were filling my stomach, but I was still getting hungrier by the hour.

Eight hours in, I started to get cranky and angry at my kids, but I reminded myself I only had three more drinks to go. I went number two again and imagined how toned my stomach would look the next morning. 

Tenth hour, I started to walk to the fridge and stared at the food about every 10 minutes. Luckily, it was about 10pm so I decided to force myself to sleep and finish the cleanse the next morning. I woke up famished the next day, feeling a little faint but leaner (probably from peeing about 20x the day before and going #2 again that morning). 

I wondered if it was a good idea to go for my morning run. I was about to cancel my run when I imagined myself getting even skinnier from lack of food and burning all those calories. 

I drank one bottle 1 hour before and I had a great run. There were no feelings of faintness but I was ravenously hungry afterwards. I immediately took my 2nd to last juice and almost threw it up. I'm not sure if it was the taste or the fact that I couldn't fit any more liquids in my body, but it was a clear sign to me that I did not wish to continue. Instead, I wanted a healthy breakfast and to STOP feeling HUNGRY.

BUT, I will not discourage the juice cleanse. It is an effective way to help your body eliminate toxic buildup, shed excess weight and re balance your system. Although not for me, there are many who are able to withstand and enjoy the benefits of the cleanse. 

NOT for you, that's ok.  If you enjoy a healthy, organic, unpasteurized drink, I whole heartedly recommend Juice Crafters. I love their juices. I am a regular customer.

Hot Trend Alert!

Spring / Summer 2014 - SHOE Trend Alert

Christian Louboutin, PVC & Patent leather

Rupert Sanderson, Suede & PVC

Fendi Iridia PVC Sandal

Fendi, PVC & Metal

Sexy and Oh so HOT! Designer's have taken the stripper out of PVC and given it beautiful lines, pops of color and mixed luxurious materials and hardware for a seriously sophisticated look.

Givenchy, Albertina PVC Sandals

I am truly excited to find a pair to call my own. This season designers gave us a wide range of styles for every taste and lifestyle. High heal, no heal, from sexy playful numbers to the more conservative. Choose a pair to call your own.

Rupert Sanderson

Silver Ballerina Flats

Rupert Sanderson, Gold - Flat Sandal

Leather Contrast Ballet Flats

Who Wore it Best?

I think I killed it, don't you?

Free People, Flag Sweater

Willow & Clay, Lace Maxi Dress

               

Launched into January 2014

A Day at the Airport Wallpaper

Launched? More like catapulted into 2014. 
I arrived jet lagged, but just in time to greet the 1st of January in CA, followed by two weeks of sick kids and party planning for two February birthdays.

If you haven't figured out your new year's resolution for 2014, it's not too late.
This Estilo Mum is making sure her goals take flight this year with quantifiable measures.
Make that list...we all make them, but add set, measurable goals. You'll get there.

1.  Exercise 3x a week. Check! I'm off to a good start.

Running on a horse trail

Nature inspires me to keep going

2.  Make a new friend! Check! Women empower each other to achieve.

I've brought a friend back to the gym. She's making her way back to a healthier life style, the Estilo Mum way! And I found a new friend to go trail running. It's an amazing way to start the year.

3.  Try something new. As daunting as it may seem, I'm going to try and bake a Sonic the Hedgehog bi-level cake for my son's birthday. I'm scared and excited to meet the challenge. I'll share those pictures in February. Here's an idea of what I plan on attempting.

Image: Sweet Treats by Angie

Estilo Mum's new year resolution....Blog more of course!