Style Epiphany — Fashion Blog

Braza, the company that has been “supporting fashion in all the right places” for nearly 25 years, is happy to introduce Braza Swim Shapers.  The foam pad inserts and silicone inserts in this collection add fullness, support and lift when added to women’s bathing suit tops.

I received the Braza Swim Shaper Triangle, $9.00, to review.  The pads are designed to replace the flimsy foam inserts found in most women’s swimwear.  Braza’s pads are smartly designed with a nylon fabric, which prevents the pads from becoming saturated with water.  Though they are advertised to work in bikinis, I find that the triangles work as well in my low-cut one-piece bathing suit as they do in my bikini.  For girls like me who can use a little extra oomph on top, this product works like a charm.  The triangles are easy to insert, and add a fuller, shapelier appearance when compared to the thin inserts that came with my swimsuits.

Visit the Braza website to shop their unique collection of items.  From bra strap keepers to waist bandits, this company is dedicated to helping you dress more confidently.

Monday evening, actress Teri Hatcher did something that many of us consider daring these days.  In a sea of women with eyebrows up to there–women twice our age that look half our age–Hatcher said “Oy with the Botox,” posting an album on Facebook featuring candid shots of herself fresh out of the shower.  Proving that she is Botox-free, Hatcher scowls, scrunches up her eyebrows and shows her fine lines and wrinkles with pride.

Hatcher may have even one-upped gutsy Julia Roberts, who says, “I want to have some idea of what I’ll look like before I start cleaning the slates. I want my kids to know when I’m pissed, when I’m happy, and when I’m confounded. Your face tells a story…” in an anti-Botox statement in September’s issue of Elle.

As a 35-year-old-woman, I feel relieved and excited about any celeb anti-plastic surgery/anti-injection proclamation I can get my hands on.  Admittedly, I’ve fretted over my grays, fine lines, and the start of wrinkles.  I’ve even thought about Botox.  Thanks to Hollywood’s smoke and mirrors, I really bought the fact that I was aging at a freakish rate for awhile.  Noticing similar signs of aging in my circle of friends, the fact that a slew of women in Hollywood who were older than us looked unnaturally younger than us bothered me. Ah the curse of majoring in Sociology and knowing way too much about the -isms!

Consciously I know the reason that celebrities and models don’t look their age, but for a woman, sometimes that isn’t good enough.  Sometimes we want to see evidence that aging is accepted beyond our group of friends or small town.  Whether we are too fat, too dark, too short or too old, most women feel (and see proof) that we are something that we shouldn’t be.

Teri Hatcher reminded me, so I am reminding you that there is beauty in strength. Having the power to say “to hell with those standards” really does something for your confidence. Try it. I dare you!

Looking to freshen up your makeup?  Reviva Labs has been producing professional quality, all natural skin care products since 1973.  With many credits to its name, like the first to introduce exfoliation to America, it is no surprise that Reviva Labs has created an amazing makeup primer.

I received a bottle of Reviva Labs New Makeup Primer, $19.50, to review.  The clear product has a light gel ointment consistency.  This scent-free primer massages smoothly into skin, leaving it feeling unbelievably soft.  Applied before makeup, it helps your makeup stay on longer, which is welcomed during the sticky summer months.  The New Makeup Primer acts as a filler, promoting a smooth skin surface, which helps with makeup application.  It controls oil while creating a healthy glow.  The 1 Fl. Oz. bottle is a great value.

Visit the Reviva Labs website to learn more about the company and select your favorite products.  Enjoy owning the respected brand found in American salons and health food stores.

We’ve barely worn our summer clothes, but the fall collections are entering our favorite stores. Vacations are ending and school is beginning again.  We anxiously await summer, then it’s over in an instant.  If you have the midsummer blues, break out of your funk by introducing a new lipstick to your makeup case.

Reds, pinks and nudes are the colors of the moment.  This is great news for us budget-minded girls.  These colors are classic and are perfect no matter what the season or occasion.

Anti-Summer Funk Lipstick Shades:

• Lipstick Queen Lipstick In Red Sinner $18.00
• Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor In Red Premiere $29.00
• CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick In Really Red $5.49
• Mac Lipstick In Chili $14.50
• Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick In Rouge $30.00
• Clarins Joli Rouge In Cedar Red $24.00
• Dior Addict Lipcolor In Beige Dandy $26.00
• Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lipcolor In French Pastry $15.00
• Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Tint In ThelmaDora (Rosy Nude) $23.00
• Sephora Collection Lip Attitude – Glamour In Innocent Beige $12.00
• Urban Decay Lipstick In Naked $22.00
• Jane Iredale PureMoist LipColour In Erin $19.00
• Too Faced Lip Of Luxury Lipstick In Free Love $20.00
• Origins Rain And Shine Liptint In Sparkling Punch $14.50
• Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick In Pink Whisper $28.00
• Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick In Cream – Do Tell (Pink Blossom) $18.00

This feature contains some affiliate links. Read the disclosures for more information.

Elizabeth Grant soothed us with her nourishing Eye Pads and refreshed us with The Socializer.  This skin care leader is back, dazzling us with more products to nourish our pretty faces.

I received two Elizabeth Grant skin care products to review.  The Total Regeneration Eye Fill Concentrate 15 mL, $48.00, smooths the fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area.  Tapping a bit of this rich cream into trouble areas provides both short term and long term benefits.  Skin appears slightly smoother and younger on the spot.  With the added moisture, skin is well nourished, which is important in the long run.  The Collagen Face Pads (4 Pack), $40.00, instantly smooth and refresh skin.  After cleansing your face at night, let the product set for about 30 minutes, then enjoy the rejuvenated feeling it leaves behind.

Whether you are looking to prolong your youthful appearance or correct the damage that has already been done, Elizabeth Grant is the gal to turn to.  Visit the Elizabeth Grant website to pick up your favorite health and beauty solutions.

Q: Could you help me find some stylish workout gear?

A: Luckily, being active doesn’t mean sacrificing too much style. You can personalize your exercise time by incorporating a favorite color or brand into your ensemble.

A few staples are necessary to get started. A great sports bra, sneakers to suit your sport, comfortable socks, music, a sports watch, long-lasting makeup and a roomy bag will prepare you for your outfit.

Invest in some great separates which can be mixed and matched.  Look for things like graphic tees, sporty tops flaunting your favorite brand’s logo, tanks, short sleeve and long sleeve tops, track suits, running jackets, hooded sweatshirts, yoga pants and lightweight shorts.  Be sure to select items for each season that will keep you comfortable during your workouts.

Stylish Workout Finds:

• Athleta Bra Cup Cutout Cami $34.00
• Athleta Reversible Flipside Pant $24.99
• Juicy Couture Charm Hair Elastics (Set Of 3) $25.00
• Apple iPod
• Nike Dart VII Women’s Running Shoe $39.99
• Nike Dedication Sports Bra $23.97
• Michele Watch With Hot Pink Jelly Bean Strap $295.00
• Sephora Shine Hydrating Care Lipgloss SPF 8 $12.00
• RLX Ralph Lauren “Katsu” Running Jacket $148.00
• Adidas Sport Socks (Set Of 6) $16.00
• Clinique Gentle Waterproof Mascara $14.00
• Anna Tote by Nikita Lynn $74.99
• Neiman Marcus Ruffle Front Track Suit $198.00

Do you have a style question? Ask Krista!

This feature contains some affiliate links. Read the disclosures for more information.

Completely Bare, the hi-tech NYC spa, offers amazing at-home results with its line of skin care products.  Not enough time?  Not in the city?  No problem!  The Completely Bare “spatologists” bottled up their goodies so you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.

I received three Completely Bare products to try.  The Completely Smooth For Body, $42.00, thins and diminishes hair growth anywhere on your body, while moisturizing the area with shea butter and aloe.  It’s gentle and really works.  The Completely Buff, $32.00, offers customized exfoliation.  Mix the fine crystals with your favorite cleanser and massage into skin for a healthy glow.  I like using this product prior to makeup application, as it provides a smooth base.  The Razor Bump Blaster cleansing pads, $32.00, clarify skin, ridding it of bumps and ingrown hairs associated with frequent shaving.  I let hubby try this since the Air Force requires him to shave often, and he gave it two thumbs up.  Three great products from the spa experts at Completely Bare.

Visit the Completely Bare website to learn more about this company.  Pick up your favorite skin care treats to indulge at home!  Oh, and don’t forget about their world famous Vajazzle.

Developed by a Beverly Hills dermatologist, kaplanMD offers skincare products for men and women who want to improve their skin.  Each solution in this medically proven skincare line offers 10 active ingredients, which prevent and treat all three types of skin aging.  Time, elemental damage and hormonal progression are targeted by kaplanMD products to help improve the look and feel of your skin.

I received the following seven samples from kaplanMD to review:

• Cleansing Lotion – A facial cleanser that gently removes dirt, makeup and dead skin, leaving skin soft and radiant.
• Revitalizing Toner – A spray mist that revives skin, promoting a healthy glow.
• Day Cream SPF 15 – A light cream that moisturizes and fights the signs of aging.
• Replenishing Night Cream – A luxurious cream that moisturizes, strengthens and repairs skin while you sleep.
• Perfecting Serum – A treatment designed to lift and firm skin up to 60% in as little as two weeks.
• Intensive Eye Cream – A formula dedicated to improving the sensitive eye area.
• Cell Renewing Microfoliant – A polish that helps renew, clarify and nourish skin, promoting a healthy complexion.

After testing each, I enjoyed the overall smooth feel and healthy glow that the kaplanMD products offered. While I did not test the products for the recommended two weeks in order to notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, I did like the clean, moisturized feel that each of the products provided. Priced from $40.00 to $185.00, each product has something to offer to the person who likes quality skincare products.

Justice Bodan infuses elegant, timeless beauty with a modern edge.  The collection offers accessories that bring fine art to everyday life.  With stories as beautiful as the items themselves, Justice Bodan is a state of mind as much as it is a line of usable, wearable art.

Carried by Jennifer Aniston and featured in WWD, this is a brand for fashion and art enthusiasts to watch and collect.  The exotic combination of materials such as handcrafted bronze and the finest Italian leather gives the Justice Bodan customer the experience of true luxury.

I hope you enjoy this exclusive Style Epiphany interview, which delves into the creative mind of Justice Bodan’s David Grieco.

When did you discover that you were an artist?

I discovered I was an artist when I was really young, but never knew it was okay to pursue.  I kept much of my work from anyone for many years.

It was when I was playing football at Alabama University that I realized I was born to do something, and it was not football.  I would look around at these amazing athletes, and I wanted to be that good at something in my life.  I was so afraid to tell my dad that I wanted to stop playing football.  When I finally did, he told me that all he wanted for me was to be happy, and that’s what made him happy.

With that, I embarked on a wonderful journey.  Every day it fuels me to live for who I am and with full love.  I have been sculpting for over 17 years, but created Justice Bodan as a celebration of us all as one just five years ago.

What life experiences led to the creation of Justice Bodan?

Real life, travel, friends, an amazing wife and child, and wanting to share my work with more people.

I have been successful with fine art and I have wonderful collectors, but I love people and sharing life with them all.  Traveling with JB gets me out of the studio to fill my heart with life.  I want to connect people with my brand from all over the world and celebrate our commonalities and differences.  I just think people are awesome.

Which part of the process of creating items for your collection do you enjoy most?

All of it.  I love the stories and where they take me.  I love working with my hands and speaking with them–being able to create what I see in my head.  It is a lot of fun.

Which comes first, the story or the piece?

The story first because that begins to create the work and brings images to me.  Then I get to create the thought into clay.

What do you think draws people to Justice Bodan?

I think Justice Bodan is in all of us.  I created him as a character that does nothing but love, learn and celebrate.  There is no ego attached to him/her.  Justice Bodan is the heroic character that is in us all, and hopefully he is showing us that it is okay to believe in ourselves and celebrate who we are, and know that we all rock!

What is going on now at Justice Bodan, and what can we look forward to in the future?

Justice Bodan and Walt Disney Signature is going to be huge for the brand.  Walt Disney Signature has never done anything like this before.  I met the team in Japan (I was there having meetings with Isetan for JB) through my amazing cousin, Louis, who made the introduction.  The Walt Disney Signature team saw a wonderful fit with the JB stories and art, and let me create whatever I wanted–gave me full freedom.  We are launching soon.  The pieces are…very cool.

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Women’s Wear Daily, also known as WWD and the fashion bible, celebrates its 100th birthday today!  Whatever you choose to call the authority for news and trends in the worlds of fashion, beauty and retail, there is no argument that it continues to be the most respected and reliable source in the industry after all these years.

What started out as a paper insert in the Daily Trade Record has evolved into a world famous publication. Visit the WWD website to get a look at its evolution straight from the source. If you are a beauty and fashion lover, you’ll want to take a look at the WWD subscription options, too.

Today, Women’s Wear Daily reminds us that even if we start little, we can dream big and accomplish much. Happy Birthday, WWD.