Breaking Down Old Fashion Standards: Wearing White After Labor Day

The suit scene continues to be about the cross-over. From the firm adoption of the oversized “boyfriend” blazer to the vintage vibe of a three-piece suite to the street style version with a track pant and baseball cap. As our culture becomes more gender agnostic and work, play, evening and day styles merge, the blurred lines between masculine and feminine and a mash-up of business-like tailoring with sexy undergarments and street gear continues to evolve and has hit the suit scene hard in 2022, with autumn as no exception.

Let’s face it – the suit is not a new concept. Versions of suiting have been around since the 1800s and the term “suit” was derived from the French term Suivre which means “to follow”. So the jacket follows the pant or vice versa – a matching set in both color and fabric composition.

So what’s so hot in 2022?

The Waistcoat (aka Vest)

With the popularity of the American TV series Bridgerton, it was just a matter of time before suit styles adopted this posh addition to the already popular two-piece suit. This 4-5 button sleeveless layer with its waist-length notched hem, is in full flourish. This piece is sexy and badass at the same time. Wear it without a blouse to expose those still summer-tanned arms or leave the bottom buttons undone for a mid-riff revealing look that says “I may be #eithersideof50 but am still confident in my own skin”.

Keep the jewelry light and layered and understated to preserve that subtly sexy yet sophisticated vibe. The addition of a bow blouse and colorful accents are for those who aren’t afraid to stand out. Play with accessories like a brooch or tie, for a look that will have them calling you “boss”. A baggy or pleated matching trouser is the ideal complement to what could be your next, most versatile piece in your wardrobe.

Almost 1.3 million women in the US alone approach menopause and most of the time your skin is already showing the signs. While the average age is 51, your skin can start reacting as early as your mid-thirties.

The intrinsic part of aging skin is losing elasticity and collagen. Combine that with extrinsic damage, i.e. UV rays from the sun, and your skin is in big trouble. 

Women’s skin thins out and becomes dehydrated with gravity pulling and no collagen reinforcements. In order to rebuild our skin barriers, one needs good product choices that will hydrate and bring back moisture to the skin for a more healthy, youthful appearance. 

My recommendation is a product by Sonia Roselli, her best seller, Water Balm. Here is an example of what happens with no hydration:

Clearly, you can do the obvious recommended steps like

• Drink tons of water
• No excessive behaviors like smoking or drinking alcohol
• Keep your body active (i.e. exercise)
• Get some sleep (8 hours is preferred). Good luck with that one!

These all help, however, to get the results you deserve be proactive and get this product now! 

Here are the benefits:

1. Plumps up skin
2. Full hydrates and radiates skin
3. Works like a “real life” filter
4. Evens out skin tones
5. Diminishes fine lines
6. Feels good on the skin

You have to try this game-changing product! We are happy to offer a 20% off opportunity so that you can start looking and feeling younger right now. Use WORTH20 at checkout for 20% off.

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As a creative artist in all things life, there is not anything that I “can’t not touch.” Seriously, I have to fluff up even a can of tomato soup in some ingenious fashion before serving!

It’s all about presentation. Whether food, design or gifting, it’s what you’re serving – be on point. I literally take great pride in my gift bestowal! My favorite thing to do is to give someone an unexpected gift – and you know at this age that is hard to accomplish. So let this show a little personal effort and heartfelt touch. It truly means so much to the gift receiver. 

For the holidays, I go for two different styles, depending on the recipient of course. 

The Natural Moment

I always love working with natural flowers and branches, but in the winter season, you are limited. The Natural is so easy and always a crowd-pleaser! Use eucalyptus or a pine branch as a centerpiece base and add on some dried flowers. I always save roses from bouquets just for that reason. They lay flat easily on the package. Of course, the key is the wraphia, which comes in several shades. Try and keep a roll handy in the kitchen drawer to have for last-minute “surprise” gifting. Craft paper is also a good staple to keep on hand and to create a clean canvas to place any of your holiday design ideas.

Gold and Bold

To go for a more glam look, go Gold and Bold! Not only does this scream “holiday,” it’s bright and cheery while setting the mood. You can’t help but smile!

Any metallic works, I’m just into gold right now but silver is a perfect option too. Take any of your extra little shiny beads or ornaments that you have leftover from the holiday and attach to a vibrant colored large ribbon. I love to add a little keepsake medallion or anything to make it personal.

I hope this gets your creative juices flowing for some amazing gift wraps! Please send us your best DIY Holiday ideas! Happy Holidays!

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Retinol has been the gold standard for a more youthful appearance for years! But is it safe or the best option for you? 

The first time I used an aggressive Retinol product, I didn’t have a clue. I put it under my eyes and woke up looking like I was severely sunburned. It took almost a week to recover. I learned my lesson and always sought professional advice from there on.

“Retinol is effective, but it can take you to a bad place if you are not careful.”

–Dr. Mona Gohara MD

What exactly is Retinol? 

It’s a form of Vitamin A under the umbrella of Retinoids (there are different versions; like Retin-A/Tretinoin) that you need a prescription for but you can purchase most Retinol products over the counter or at your dermatologist’s office.

What does it exactly do for your skin?

• Attacks fine lines and wrinkles
• Events out skin tone
• Brightens skins texture
• Firms and tightens skin
• Refines and reduces pore size

Women are spending up to $10,000 annually on Retinol products. My advice is to tread lightly and consider the more organic, natural approach – Vitamin A!

French women, dating back to Josephine Baker, have always used vitamin oils and serums – they claim that is why french women have such beautiful skin! When it comes to glowing skin, Vitamin A is your superhero! You get all the benefits in a more natural, organic approach. 

Benefits of Vitamin A for skin: 

• Generates radiant glow
• Smooths out hyperpigmentation (sun damage)
• Helps tighten and firm skin
• Heals breakouts
• Normalizes cell functions

With all of these benefits it does for your skin topically, the vitamin itself is essential for a healthy life balance.

Some of the foods enriched with Vitamin A are:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes 
• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli

So simple and healthy to apply to your meals!

So whether it’s internal or external, you simply can’t go wrong with Vitamin A! Always, of course, consult with a professional.

Here are some of my top picks for Vitamin A skincare products. These are brands that truly do what they say they will with immediate results.

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Did you know that it is a compliment to chefs in the south to sweat underneath your eyes after a meal? Well, it’s true! With both sides of my family born in New Orleans, I was naturally introduced to “heat” and hot spices at an early age. Around the age of 12, I stopped using additional salt in food – it’s always been hot sauce for me. Maybe 30 years ago I was at a holiday event in Louisiana that was hosted by a member of the McIlheney family, the family who introduced a little brand named Tabasco in 1868😉 This was the first time I had ever seen a large culinary syringe. They injected it into the meats before grilling for even distribution of the marinade. Who knew?

Flash forward to now and there are millions of hot sauces to choose from anywhere you go. Some of my friends actually their own red pepper flakes in a small jar with them. These days, I prefer to grow my own peppers with the obvious choices of jalapeno and serrano. I currently love a banana pepper that provides the benefit without the heat. Growing my own peppers also helps me avoid additional salts from processed sauces. There are many health benefits to eating hot peppers. Here are 10…

1. Great for digestions
   
2. Promotes a healthy heart
   
3. Mitigates migraines
   
4. Relieves joint pain
   
5. Improves metabolism and burns calories
   
6. Quells psoriasis
   
7. Reduces risk of cancer
   
8. Fights the flu and colds
   
9. Prevents bad breath
   
10. Prevents allergies

Next time you are cooking your favorite meal, think about how you can spice up the recipe with hot peppers! Then enjoy the taste and all the benefits.

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