If you're a college football fan, you need to learn more about Gameday Boots, the Austin-based company that is KILLING IT when it comes to gameday style.
Their boots are simply fabulous, offering them for women, men, boys and girls in both tall and short styles.
October 10, 2014 marks the second straight year celebrating the accessory that millions of women (and some men) can't leave home without. PurseBlog.com created the genius marketing gimmick unofficial holiday but it has taken flight as retailers like Bloomingdale's will be celebrating.
When you think about it, the handbag is worth celebrating. It's a wonderful expression of personal style yet incredibly functional. What else can hold your makeup, work essentials, money, cell phone, wet wipes and more while adding the finishing touch to any wardrobe?
I'm a believer in investing in handbags because they can truly last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. I love my grandmother's bags and can't wait to share them with my daughter, along with some of my own collectible pieces.
Click on any item to learn more about it.
There are certain handbags every women needs in her wardrobe, what I like to call The Essentials. I couldn't live without my Gucci Swing Leather Tote or Sophie Hulme Tote. They're both outstanding bags for work and errands. While my Bottega Veneta Clutch is something that will remain stylish forever.
Click on any item to learn more about it.
While The Essentials are important, The Icons are revered. From the white glove treatment, literally and figuratively, people give the Hermès Birkin to the lasting timelessness of the Chanel 2.55, these bags become a part of their owner. Not as something that defines them but as an heirloom that remains in a family for generations.
Shopping at outlet malls is a passion of mine. It's truly a treasure hunt. A day at an outlet mall can yield a booty full of designer goods for less while other days it can produce a big fat bag of nothing.
Gucci bracelet and scarf purchased at the Gucci outlet in San Marcos
You don't have to slog to outlet stores in remote locations to score designer finds. Although if you do get the chance to visit the Prada or Gucci outlets (whether they're the ones in Florence, Italy or San Marcos, TX) go!
Thing is, a lot of these outlets have an online presence. In general, the offerings aren't as "boutique-y" as in the stores but you can still score some good merchandise for less.
Coach Factory - You can't swing a Coach bag without finding a Coach Factory in an outlet mall shopping center. The handbag maker offers its discount wares online, too, BUT it's a members-only flash sale site. Meaning, you must share your email address and wait for them to email sale details.
J. Crew Factory - The clothes here are made specifically for the outlet. They even have a clearance section. Worth your time if you're a J.Crew lover.
Under Armour- A discount site for the high-performance apparent. Bonus? Active military members and their families along with first responders get a 10% discount (can't be combined with other promo codes).
Tommy Hilfiger- Cute stuff from the one of the original prepsters.
I was standing in front of the Arc de Triomphe on one of those magical Paris November days: cool but not bone-chillingly cold. While crouched on the ground and angling for the perfect shot of the famous monument, I heard a man say "Pardon, madame."
"Oui, monseiur" I said, standing up to fix my eyes on one of the most beautiful human beings I'd ever seen. I'm talking Michael Hutchence at Wembley Stadium hot.
"Would you take my picture?" he asked, obviously noting I was some random tourist.
"Pas problem," I responded, trying to impress this Frenchman with my high school English and wishing this experience was happening to me about five years ago.
I snapped the shot. He asked for my phone number while I was in Paris, jolting me back to reality. That jolt was apparent.
"You are here on holiday?" he asked with a sly smile. "Or with the airlines?" he said assuming I was a flight attendant. This wasn't Mr. Michael Hutchence look-a-like's first rodeo.
"Um, actually," I stammered and looked my left. "I'm here with my husband and daughter", pointing to Jim and Jordan.
Yes, it was. On my fifth trip to Paris, my first with my family, I finally had the stereotypical "flirt with a Frenchman" experience. Oh, what could have been.
On The Bright Side
Thing is, it wasn't a tragedy. It was further proof of the city's allure. In Paris, you never know where the day will take you or who you will meet. The struggle of getting there, dealing with potential language barriers and the dollar's weakness in relation to the euro are ALWAYS forgotten when met with the beauty of a city that inspires romance and a sense of adventure.
At the Parc du Forum des Halles, November 2012
I have visited Paris and met neighbors from Dallas, oil barons from Dubai, new friends from Portugal and moguls from Austin. The city is one that breaks down those walls that we construct around us going through our daily existence.
Then there was the Michael Hutchence look-a-like. Damn....
Why Bring This Up Now?
The husb, the kid and I are heading back to the City of Light this November (a great time to go). It will be the third straight year we've made the trip with Jordan.
It's gotten to the point where I am constantly asked about my favorite Paris stops. Those who take my recommendations are rarely disappointed.
Paris with Jordan & a new friend at the Trocadero, 2012
I believe that traveling well is a sport. In the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some of my favorite Parisian adventures with you. From where to eat and sleep to secret shops and brocantes, I'll be spilling all my Parisian beans. Pardon, haricots. I'll even tell you how to get to Normandy and Champagne, the latter being a monumentally more difficult affair than it should be.
Whether it's aerobic exercise, yoga or weight lifting workouts, exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day will change your life. Weight loss aside, exercise makes you feel better, look better and improves your health. You could consider is medicinal.
I promise.
All it takes is 30 minutes most days of the week. That's it. Really. In the time it takes you to watch half of "The Bachelor" or an old episode of "Sex and The City" you can squeeze in a workout and save your life.
If you're a relatively healthy adult, there is no excuse.
You can greatly improve your health with the 30-minutes a day mantra. Gretchen Reynolds reiterated this in the New York Times Magazine in a Q & A titled Double the Workout, Double the Benefits?
In a notable study from 2011,
people of all ages who exercised very moderately, for about 15 minutes a
day, or approximately half of your current regimen, reduced their risk
of dying prematurely by about 14 percent, or the equivalent of three
additional years of life. Those whose workouts were twice as long — like
yours, 30 minutes per day — saw an additional drop in the risk of
premature death, but only by 4 percent. Using that data, other
scientists have estimated that people who go really big with their
workouts, increasing their exercise time from 50 minutes per day to 120
minutes per day — a 140 percent increase — achieve only about a 5
percent added decrease in their risk of dying too young. Exercise beyond a certain level may even be counterproductive. When
researchers tracked 52,000 adults for 15 years, those who ran 5 to 20
miles a week at a fairly pokey pace of about 9 to 10 minutes a mile
received the optimal mortality benefits, the study authors write. The
fastest runners and those who completed the most miles every week did
not live significantly longer, on average, than people who didn’t run at
all.
Yes, You HAVE the Time to Exercise 30 Minutes a Day!
Every day, I meet women and men every who ask me how I squeeze in my workouts. I have made it clear that exercise is my "non-negotiable". I don't give those up. I get at least five workouts in a week.
But here's the thing: they aren't always ball-busting, go-all-out-affairs. Some days it's a brisk walk, a treadmill run, yoga, pilates, hula hooping or a quick weight workout.
Recently, I was in a time crunch, so I walked 10 minutes to the park with my daughter and the dog. While she was playing, I jumped rope for about 20 minutes, on and off, and walked back home. That was a quick workout that also allowed me to spend time with the kid. She had fun watching me jump rope, as well.
The majority of us aren't professional athletes, models or actors. We don't need to "look a certain way" for the cameras or be able to dunk a basketball. But we DO need our bodies to work for us in every day life: lifting the kids, moving furniture, running up stairs, even getting in and out of chairs.
A simple 30-minute session of exercise will get the blood flowing, stretch and strengthen your muscles and make you feel better mentally, too.
Want more diet and fitness news? Click HERE to sign up for my weekly newsletter or just fill in the information in the box below. You will get an email, generally on Wednesday, full of simple diet and fitness tips like this one.
Protein powders are a quick and convenient source of quality, complete protein. If you're a growing teenager it's a good way to fuel workouts. If you're just starting a workout program and trying to build new muscle, you'll need more protein than normal. If you're amping up your workouts, recovering from an injury or going vegan, a protein powder is a good option to consider.
But there are so many options out there! Still trying to figure out your whey from your casein? And what about egg white, rice and pea (really!) protein? I make my green smoothies with ARIA protein powder but everyone has a unique preference.
Here's a simple cheat sheet to help you navigate the overwhelming minefield that can be the protein powder aisle.
Share it, Pin it, Tweet it, Facebook it. This is an outstanding cheat sheet from Health Perch to help you determine the right protein powder for you.
Have you seen Gucci's fall collection? It is full of all sorts of 60's-inspired looks that are beyond fabulous. I love everything about it...except the price.
While I am a believer in investing in quality pieces that last a lifetime, I can't afford to spend $3200 on a dress. So I set out to recreate one of my favorite looks with a more wallet-friendly approach.
As a recovering recovering gym slob, I am always on the lookout for stylish workout gear that can withstand a beating and multiple washings. There are some outstanding pieces you can find to update your fall workout wardrobe which will force you to retire that ratty tank top (you know which one I'm talking about).
It's also a good time to update your shoes. I typically buy a new pair once a year. I bought these Reebok ZigKick Alphas last year. My eye is on these new Nike cross-trainers.
Fall Workout Goals
Do you have any fall workout goals? I need to get back on the yoga routine. I think I took only one yoga class the entire summer. My Om was definitely OFF. I like to get at least one class a week, typically on Sundays.
What new workouts or classes are you looking forward to trying in the next few months?
After being skinny, gaining weight, losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight, having a kid, losing the baby weight and more, I feel like I'm a diet expert simply through practice.
After years of trying everything: Atkins, the Zone, the grapefruit diet, Cabbage Soup diet, I could go on. There are principles that I know work: eat well, eat real food, don't overindulge, exercise most days of the week.
Fitsugar has a few more diet secrets that are truly effective:
Eat clean - no white food, refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, etc.
Don't diet - think of adopting an overall, longterm approach to eating, not a temporary "diet"
Do more cardio - ramp up the intensity to get that afterburn.
Drink more water - hydration is huge. Drink green tea, water with lemon or fruit added, any water-based drink without extra sweetener or calories added to it.
Make calories in less than calories out - if you eat more than you burn, you will gain weight. I gained weight while training for marathons. Even though I was burning hundreds, sometimes thousands, of calories it didn't make up for the extra cookies I ate at lunch.
Eliminate extras - all the little nibbles, sips and snacks add up.
This is such a practical approach to maintaining your weight (notice I didn't say "diet). If you're looking for a particular dietary approach to follow, try the Mediterranean diet. It's simple, easy, delicious and calls for wine and chocolate. Win!
Napa Valley with kids is a lot easier than you might think. Here's the thing: you need a good attitude about the trip. There will be pivots and, likely, cancellations. Flexibility is key to surviving Napa Valley with kids.
After an indulgent trip to California, I am all about trying to burn some extra heft. While no amount of exercise will make up for a terrible diet, you can maximize your workouts so that you burn fat faster most fat possible in the time you have allotted to exercise.
What's interesting is that you don't have to kill yourself. Turns out, exercising at a perceived exertion rate of 5-7, on a scale of 1-10, is the prime fat burning zone. (Tweet this).
It might be hip to be "all in" in the NFL but former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells was a trendsetter when it comes to poker analogies in the NFL.
The Wall Street Journal notes that the Ravens, Raiders and Seahawks are "all in", an unofficial slogan to signify that every member of the team and coaching staff is completely committed to winning.
Anyone who covered the Cowboys when Bill Parcells coached the team knows that in 2006 the head coach had players wearing t-shirts with the phrase "Who's All In?" featuring a set of hands pushing a pile of pokers chips on the chest. Blasts from the past like Terrell Owens, Mike Vanderjagt and Drew Bledsoe all sported the catchy T's.
Of course, these were the pre-Twitter & Instagram days so, natch, there's not a pic of the t-shirts to be found.
I rarely buy luxury designer goods brand new and at their full retail price, except when it's an item I will likely sell in the future such as my Louis Vuitton Neverfull (you can read all about that here). I am a consignment-shopping queen because it's a great way to purchase investment-quality designer pieces at a lower price.
In fact, I scout consignment stores when I travel which led to my discovery of an amazing vintage store in Paris, as well as the better-known Didier Ludot. In Montecito recently, I fell in love with Mattie and Me consignment store (and a Pucci coat that was out of my price range).
Authentic Luxury Consignment Retailers
For those times when we're homebound, there is a treasure trove of online luxury consignment shops that sell guaranteed authentic items for less. The "guaranteed authentic" thing is a big deal. These resellers stake their reputation on authenticity and will refund your money if an item is not genuine.
Each of the following reseller's offer an authenticity guarantee. Many times the pieces are brand new.
Fashionphile - probably my favorite. They also have a retail locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. It's a designer-lover's dream. I recently bought a Louis Vuitton Insolite walletfrom them, replacing the one I had stolen. I have consigned a few items on their site, too.
Heritage Auction House - the Dallas-based auction house has a Tuesday night luxury accessories auction with some great stuff. You will pay a hefty 25% buyer's premium.
The sites are constantly updated so there is always something new to browse. I like to call it virtual window-shopping. If you see something you adore, you should hop on it because once it's gone...it could be gone. I recently missed out on a Hermes scarf(I REALLY wanted this one, too...it was a Paris rooftop scarf) I was coveting on Fashionphile.
A word on ebay. You can always scout the online auction site. I have even sold some items on there. At the end of the day, especially when it comes to designer accessories, it's a beating. There is a ton of fake merchandise on there.
If you're in the mood to pick up that investment piece for a bit less, buying on consignment from a retailer that guarantees authenticity is the way to go, in my book. These pieces generally last for decades and, if you buy at the right price, you can sometimes make money on them if you decide to consign or resell them.
Scroll Through For Some Of My Favorite Luxe For Less Finds
The PGA Championship is this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY. As one of golf's major championships, it's a chance to dress up just a bit more than most tournaments.
To that end, it's still a golf tournament. It's not the Kentucky Derby or a night out. I think "Athletic Chic" is the perfect aesthetic to keep in mind if you're heading to a tournament. That's not a limiting concept. You can still wear stylish dresses, cute shorts and tank tops or even something more traditionally considered "golf attire".
Golf Tournament Do's
Bring a small bag. PGA Tour events have a restrictive purse policy. Bags must be smaller than 6"x 6".
Wear a hat, if you're so inclined. Not only does it shield your face from the sun, it's also a homage to the Kentucky Derby, the home of fabulous millinery.
Golf Tournament Don'ts
LOVE these Gucci sandals, just not for a golf tournament.
Don't wear hoochie shoes, stilettos or strappy platform sandals with a pointy heel. They'll sink into the grass and make you look like an amateur. Go with wedge heels or a nice espadrille.
Don't wear a fanny pack. Seriously. I don't know why I have to reiterate this but I see them repeatedly at golf tournaments.
Don't sport crazy, patterned shirts or things with wild logos on it. The HP Byron Nelson Championship is known for having ladies from local strip clubs walk the course with their clubs' logo emblazoned across the front. That's fine. For them. For you, go a little classier. Save the logo swag for another event.
It bears repeating: DON'T forget about the purse policy. I have friends who have had their bags confiscated. TIP: you can squeeze a malleable bag to get it within the 6-inch rule (about the length of a dollar bill). I have done this a few times to squeeze my Chanel Wallet-on-a-Chain into events.
That brutal August heat is here. If you're heading to a Rangers game, keeping your makeup from melting is a legitimate concern (even for some guys I know). Earlier this summer, I shared my secrets for sweatproofing your makeup for Rangers games.
Emily interviewing Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish/Image via Twitter.com/Rangers
Rangers dugout reporter, Posh Play co-founder and mom to adorable Hattie and Henry, Emily Jones McCoy is a true expert. She sits in the dugout, during 100+ degree day games and manages to look camera-ready during every TV hit for Rangers games on Fox Sports Southwest. She recently shared her makeup and beauty secrets that sports-loving girl can adopt.
If you're looking to build your fall wardrobe for college football season, NOW is the time to do it. From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to Tory Burch and Shopbop, there are so many crazy good sales right now. You can score some killer finds that will help you score a fashion touchdown.
When it comes to dressing for a fall football game, I like wearing branded gear but I also love building my wardrobe with team colors. That way, you can wear looks not only to a tailgate and the game but you can also wear them throughout the week at work or school.
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