There’s Something About Hanes

“I meant to.”

My family says this is my lifelong motto.  To be blunt (and slightly morbid), they say that on my tombstone, it will be written “I meant to.”

Because I did.  Truly I did.  I’m a good intentioned soul.  I meant to.

Which brings me to this:  Back in February I was given the most amazing opportunity I’ve yet to have as a blogger.  I was extended the opportunity to join the Hanes Comfort Crew – which as you might be able to guess is a natural fit with my brand.  Bonus?  They offered us the chance to go to Walt Disney World on a VIP experience to discover Hanes’ role as the official apparel brand of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Take a gander at the looks of delight on Audrey Grace’s face as she experienced Walt Disney World, the Hanes way.

Today as Audrey and I prepared for our trip back to Walt Disney World in September (85 days, but who is counting?!), we looked back through pictures from our time in February and I was re-inspired by the memories and found myself nostalgic for our Hanes friends.

It was the experience of a lifetime, and I got the most incredible education on Hanes and their role in the apparel world.  Plus, I made some of the closest, most amazing friends from the Comfort Crew and the brand team. More than that?  Hanes unwittingly turned me into a brand ambassador and believer.  (And for the record, they more than converted my mom too!)

So what is it about Hanes?

First of all, they’re a brand that cares.  If you’ve ever visited the Hanes Green site, you know about their commitment to sustainability.  It’s everything from their EcoSmart^® polyester fiber (which is made from recycled plastic bottles), to cutting water use per product by 18% since 2007, to becoming a 2010 EPA Energy Star Partner Of The Year. They are also a major partner with Susan G. Komen – be on the lookout for a second post this week encouraging you to “Think Pink” this summer (as well as a $100 Hanes Gift Card Giveaway).

Second of all, their products are amazing.  I personally am a lingerie fanatic, and I now live in my Hanes bras and panties.  Also, the word on the street is that the men’s boxer briefs with the ComfortSoft® Waistband are pretty much the most comfortable thing on the planet – but being as I’m not a guy, I can’t personally back that one up.  Let’s just say I have it on good authority.

Lastly, and it has to be said, Hanes products are just great basics for any wardrobe.  One of my favorite products are the long sleeve t-shirts that are sold in little rolled up packages.  Tell me that you can’t make a t-shirt fashionable, and I’ll tell you you’re crazy.  A pair of jeans, a long sleeved tee, a long necklace or a scarf around your neck and you’ll look like a million bucks.  Fashion doesn’t have to be complicated, and it most certainly doesn’t have to be painful!

It’s all about being comfortable.  Hence my role in the Comfort Crew and self-declared ambassador role for such an awesome brand.  You can buy a lot of things, but most of them aren’t all that comfortable.  Not so with Hanes – comfort is their number one priority!

Stay tuned this week for an awesome giveaway thanks to Hanes!

Elegant Looks for Evening Weddings

Wedding season is here and this time we are addressing dressing for evening weddings. In the last post we covered daytime appropriate wedding attire. I personally love evening weddings. There’s something about the candlelight and evening setting that just screams romance.  Besides, who doesn’t love to get dressed up?

A black dress is very appropriate for an evening wedding and one that comes to mind instantly, but I love this Acne Lou Lou wrap-front satin dress {$300}. This beautiful wrap dress is an elegant way to wear a bright color instead of your classic black dress. The black belt gives this dress a chic evening look. With such a bold colored dress keep the accessories simple. Check out Christian Louboutin’s Anna Strass Sandals {$895} to add a bit of sparkle to the outfit. Erickson Beamon’s Crystal Snowflake earrings {$255} compliment the shoes and add a bit of fun to the overall look. For a simple yet elegant clutch check out this one from  Sondra Roberts black {$88}.

Long dresses are always appropriate for evening weddings. Printed dresses are especaily beautiful such as this  Zac Posen’s Rosson printed silk gown {$868}. Since the print is so bold pair with simple gold sandals like these  Jimmy Choo’s Suave mirrored-leather sandals {$595} for a chic touch. Complete the look with this beautiful  Soft Bow Wristlet clutch from BCBG Max Azria {$98}.

Evening weddings are fun to dress for, as you can channel you inner movie-star. Have fun creating your own evening wedding look. For more ideas check out my video series where we talk about current runway accessory trends and how to apply them to your wedding day attire. For more styling tips and fashion news come visit me at Red Sole Diary .

Quick Memory Book Maker at Walmart.com

I’m a scrapbooker and photography nut from way back, so when Walmart offered me the chance to check out their Quick Memory Book Maker to make a memory book of my own, I was ecstatic.  I was so impressed with the low price – $15 bucks gets you the cut out front cover and 20 pages of photos that you can arrange any way that you want.  Not to mention, 97 cent shipping to your home!

Ok, I may have gone over my 20 pages.  I ended up at 36.  Thankfully, they let me pay to add some on.

I did a video review of my experience below – but basically it was smooth sailing and so easy to use – and the finished product is simply stunning!  Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself!

Disclosure:  I did receive the memory book for free in order to help Walmart work the bugs out of the new quick memory book maker system (and true to form, I managed to break something – go me!) BUT the opinions expressed here are mine and are in no way, shape, or form influenced by this free product.  If I don’t like it, I don’t talk about it and I certainly won’t recommend it – that’s my promise to you.  For more info, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Wool: Re-Imagined by Rambler’s Way

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

Wool.

Just the word makes me think of the itchy, scratchy, uncomfortable bulky sweaters that I was forced to wear as a child.  I won’t even mention the horrific patterns that they came in.  It’s just that I wonder – why was wool always so uncomfortable?  It always seemed too hot, too scratchy – never the cozy feel that one hopes for in the winter.

Now, imagine a wool that can keep you cool as well as warm.  A wool so soft that it feels amazing next to your skin.  That’s Rambler’s Way wool – wool “re-imagined”.  Check out this Next-to-Skin scoop neck tee – it looks amazing, soft, and so comfortable (I’m actually drooling over it over here – what a perfect basic tee that I would wear all of the time.  Seriously.  ALL. OF. THE. TIME.)

If you want to try it for yourself, you can request a fabric sample on their website.  In the meantime, let me tell you what I learned about Rambler’s Way – and why their wool is the bomb dot com!

• Wool doesn’t wrinkle that easily, or soil easily. It’s naturally resistant to those things, which means you get extra wear out of your Rambler’s Way products.
• Wool is a renewable fiber – means it’s good for the earth and for us too!
• The wool is enzyme treated to resist shrinking when you do toss it in the wash!
• Natural, non-synthetic – no chemicals on this wool, baby!
• Made from American Rambouillet wool, the backbone of the American sheep industry – means it’s USA made – good for the economy.
• Rambouillet wool is superfine – best for garments like the ones that Rambler’s Way makes.

So what do you think?  Does this make you reconsider your perception of wool?

I know it made me reconsider mine!

Our Favorite New Beauty and Fashion Lines for Summer

Greetings from the fabulous though rainy NYC! Two weeks ago, I attended Lara Spencer’s Product-n-Press Summertime Baby in Chelsea and had such a blast previewing new products that included everything from makeup, accessories, and clothing to petwear and a new line of espresso and iced coffee drinks. After totally agonizing over my favorites, I’ve come up with three that are essential to any Chic Shopper Chick—sexy (and slimming!) makeup, a vintage-inspired fashion line full of sophisticated and tailored looks for both day and night, and bold, edgy accessories.

Purple Labs NYC

One of the first tables I visited featured Karen Robinovitz’s Purple Lab NYC makeup line. Purple Lab bills itself as “a fresh, fun innovative brand all about double-duty beauty, a mix of science forward technology and a dose of chic glam into your,” and, let me tell you, their products do not disappoint! I was able to grab a sample of their featured “Huge Lips, Skinny Lips” lipgloss–a lip plumper that comes in a variety of fun and flirty shades that’s infused with orange peel extract (a natural metabolism enhancer) and hoodia (an all-natural plant extract that acts as an appetite-suppressant). And it’s paraben-free! The lip gloss goes on so smoothly and stays on, giving your lips that sexy, tingling sensation of a lip plumper and fantastic color. Plus, who can say no to a makeup that gives you an extra bit of support in getting ready for bikini season? Other fantastic products include “Cheek Implants,” a long-lasting cream blush that’s full of active ingredients that plumps up cheeks and “Lashionista Modelista,” a mascara with a hint of diamond dust. Purple Lab NYC products can be bought online or in-store at Kitson and Scoop.

Yeojin Bae

Yeojin Bae, an extremely talented fashion designer from Melbourne, Australia, was on hand to showcase several gorgeous summer pieces from her self-titled label. Sold in Barneys New York as well as other upscale stores and boutiques world-wide, her line combines detailed tailoring with feminine hues, producing chic daywear and seriously lust-worthy evening wear. The dress that caught my eye—and one that would totally turn every head on 5^th Avenue—was her Maggie Petal cocktail dress in Mint, which Bae expertly pairs with a skinny cantaloupe-colored belt in her summer 2010 lookbook. The color is refreshing, the flower detail is flawless, and the look overall is so unique a summer-y. Perfect for wedding season! For a more casual look that showcases Bae’s vintage inspiration, I absolutely loved her Ruby hand-beaded wrap dress in Sky Blue–also a part of her Summer 2010 collection.

Adha Zelma Jewelry

Created by two long-time best friends, Sheanan Bond and Cherise TrahanMiller, Adha Zelma jewelry is a handcrafted jewelry line that draws its inspiration from natural elements and possesses a distinctly spiritual aesthetic. These embellished tear-drop earrings and cascading necklaces adorned with one-of-a-kind beads, feathers, and stones can dress up any day outfit or add some spice to a simple LBD. A favorite of mine on display were the Sly earrings from the Rock & Bone collection. Described on their website as “4 strands of 24k gold-plated Czech beads accented with duck and goose feathers, bugle beads, onyx, abalone, citrine, howlite, goat teeth, and red chalcedony,” I would pair these earrings with a simple racerback tank, a pair of distressed jean shorts, and some studded gladiator sandals for a rocker-chic day look and a slinky black dress for an elegant but edgy going-out outfit. Adha Zelma jewelry can be bought online on their website or at ShopFlick, as well as in store at several boutiques in Brooklyn, NY.

Stylish Summer Outfits

I was on vacation with my family this past week, and before we left for dinner one night, my two sisters looked so stylish that I ran inside to grab my camera so that I could share it with you.  Both of them pulled off a perfect summer look that was unique and individual to each of them. 

Dawn chose a high-waisted black skirt paired with a blousy striped tank and a fun octopus necklace.

Danielle chose skinny jeans, a smart grey tank, and a bright blue cardigan and a playful scarf in colorful beach tones.

Both of them looked uber chic, but I loved that they had chosen two completely different looks.

What’s your ideal summer look?  Have you created an outfit that you are especially proud of? Send it to us and you just might see yourself gracing the pages of Chic Shopper Chick!

VTech’s MobiGo: Almost As Cool As Mommy’s iPhone {A Giveaway!}

Thanks for reading Chic Shopper Chick!  Sadly, this giveaway has now closed, and a winner has been chosen via Random.org.  Thanks for reading, and check back often for more great giveaways!

My daughter is an iPhone master.  As a matter of fact, when I get my new iPhone 4 I think I’ll just give her my 3G.  She knows more about how to work it than I do, anyway.

Recently VTech contacted me and offered us the chance to review the new MobiGo – a handheld gaming system for ages 3-8.  With a touch screen interface and a full QWERTY keyboard, I knew that Audrey would go crazy for it.  I was right.

The MobiGo comes with a Touch and Learn game cartridge (thank you for not making us buy the game in addition to the unit!), which has 6 different games that allow Audrey to play musical instruments, continue to identify numbers and letters (and find them on a traditional keyboard!), use simple math, and just generally slide, flick, and poke her way to learning something new.  I was really impressed with how much thought had gone into the games, and how much she learned in such a short time span!

Did I mention that the way the screen flips up to reveal the keyboard reminds me of my old TMobile Sidekick?  I feel very retro.

There are also other game cartridges available, including Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Disney Fairies, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and others.  Personally, I know that we will have to go buy the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Fairies game sets ASAP, and now that I’ve seen how much the system has to offer, I am eager to try some different games for it – I think it is a worthwhile investment.

Audrey loves it so much that she actually won’t put it down, so I’ve had to force her to take breaks from it.  This is the child who’s attention is held by virtually nothing for longer than 5 minutes, so the amount of engagement that she gets from this is really awesome.  Plus, she sits in my lap and we work through some of the tougher games and levels together, which is nice bonding time for the two of us, and presents me with an opportunity to teach her things that I may not have previously thought of.

The MobiGo retails exclusively online and at Toys R Us for $59.99.  Frankly, I’m surprised that the price is as low as it is, I would have probably paid close to $100 for it, especially now that I’ve had the chance to demo it.  However, when you factor in the cost of other games ($19.99 each) and a carrying case ($14.99) I guess we’ll call it a draw. Oh, and it comes in pink and purple too, for the girly set!

Win It! Though I’ve stopped doing as much kid stuff here on CSC, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give away one of the MobiGo units!

To enter to win, check out the MobiGo and then leave a comment telling me what your favorite feature is, or what you like the most about it!  After your initial comment, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other new posts from now through June 21st will count as an extra entry each.  You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/IP address.   As usual, the following extra entries are also available:  blogging about this giveaway with a link back to this post, subscribing to my YouTube Channel, subscribing to my site, and tweeting about this contest (click the link above). That’s a ton of ways to win, so good luck!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are emailed directly please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on June 21st, 2010.

Find The Perfect Swimsuit At Land’s End {Giveaway CLOSED}

Thanks so much for reading Chic Shopper Chick! Sadly, this giveaway is now closed, and a winner has been chosen via Random.org – congrats to Sarah!

I know.  You’re reading the title going “there is no such thing as a perfect swimsuit, Erika!” and well, I’m mostly inclined to agree.  Mostly. Last year, Land’s End approached me and offered to let me try one of their swimsuits.  You can read last year’s post about the horrors of swimsuit shopping, and how a Land’s End Swimsuit changed that all for me.  They approached me again this year, and I thought, ok, beginners luck the first time – let’s see if the second swimsuit is just as awesome.  Well, it is.  Since then, I have become a die-hard, Land’s End swimsuit loyalist and enthusiast.  I own a grand total of three swimsuits now, all of them Land’s End.

Here I am last summer with the munchkin – enjoying our beach time in my Land’s End suit.

Here are the top reasons that I love my Land’s End Swimsuits:

1.  Coverage.  I’m tall and curvy, and most suits that I try on make it look like I forgot that a bathing suit should actually provide some amount of coverage.  Not so with Land’s End.  Plenty of coverage, without making me look like a maw-maw (with all due respect to any of the maw maws reading this!)

2.  Durable.  These swimsuits are fully lined and very well made.  2 of the suits that I have, I’ve had for over a year now, and the still look like new.  I couldn’t believe how thick the material was, and how, even in a white suit (of which I have 2!) I felt fully *ahem* covered.

3.  Sexy.  Let’s just be honest.  No one puts on a swimsuit with the hope of looking dumpy.  I feel sexy and confident in all three of my Land’s End suits, which is a much better average than almost every other suit I’ve tried.  I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve only owned maybe one other suit in my entire life that I feel this good in.  I feel fortunate to have 3!

4.  Modern.  Whomever is designing the suits for Land’s End not only understands the curves of a woman’s body, but they understand how to translate that into modern looks and cuts.  All 3 of my suits have hardware in them, like my Island Morada Ring swimsuit.  There are lots of other fun, modern cuts, while still providing the things I mentioned above.

Update: We just got back from a week at the beach with my family, and I, of course, rocked my Land’s End Swimsuit the entire time!  You can see all of our pictures on Flickr, but here are three of my faves!

Win it! So, here’s the scoop!  I want you to see for yourself why I love Land’s End swimwear so much, so Land’s End has graciously agreed to give one VERY lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader her very own Land’s End Swimsuit!

To enter to win, visit Land’s End and then leave a comment telling me what swimsuit you would choose!  After your initial comment, every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other new posts from now through June 18nd will count as an extra entry each.  You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/IP address.   As usual, the following extra entries are also available:  blogging about this giveaway with a link back to this post, subscribing to my YouTube Channel, subscribing to my site, and tweeting about this contest (click the link above). That’s a ton of ways to win, so good luck!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are emailed directly please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on June 18nd, 2010.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: For The Cool, The Geek, The Superdad

You know, when I started thinking about writing a post for Father’s Day gift suggestions, I realized that (as a non-Father) I would be better off asking an expert.  With that, we have the first ever post on Chic Shopper Chick to be written by a MAN.  Be still my heart.  In my defense, I picked the coolest man I know, who also happens to be wicked smart and a great father.  If you don’t already know Morgan Brown, well, you most definitely should.  So, without further ado, check out his recommendations for Father’s Day!

* * *

With Father’s Day right around the corner it’s always fun to dream of those ideal gifts that you’d love to get as a Dad. Us dads love to think of all the gadgets and toys we’d rather get than the inevitable new tie – that safety blanket for loved ones who think that “Dad is impossible to shop for.”  Well, I’m here to speak for all dads when I say we’re not that hard to shop for.  Especially the geeky kind, like me.  And to prove it I’ve listed the top five gifts on my wishlist for this Father’s Day.  Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration for your gift to Dad here.  If I can save just one dad from getting another tie, my work here will be done.  So with that, let’s get started!

The iPad (varies $499 – $729)
This is the priciest item on the list, but let’s face it, it’s the coolest gadget out there at the moment. If you’ve got a dad that travels for work consider the 3G version which gives him Internet access no matter where he is.  It’ll be a gift for the whole family too, with games, books and video, there is something for everyone on this thing.  Now that I think about it, you might need to pick up two.

SuperDad T-Shirt ($9)
We love to feel loved. And nothing says love like this SuperDad t-shirt in the original Superman font.  It makes us feel super-cool, and at $9 you can’t go wrong.  We don’t want to pat ourselves on the back, but it sure feels good to know that the people that we love think the world of us.  (Note: Tee Fury t-shirts are only available for a day at a time. So, if you miss out on the SuperDad shirt you can always give dad this awesome 1-Up shirt and pay homage to his childhood superheros, Mario and Luigi.)

Geek Dad Book ($8.80)
Let’s face it, we all spend too much time in front of the TV, computer or video game system.  Geek Dad is a book filled with fun ideas that dads can do with kids.  They’re fun and educational and create some great bonding moments between father and son or daughter.  Some of the activities include building the best slip ‘n slide ever and how to transform any room into a spaceship.  Good times!

MAKE Magazine Subscription ($34.95)
If you’ve got a dad that’s the handy type consider getting him a subscription to MAKE magazine.  Filled with tons of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, this magazine will keep even the biggest tinkerer occupied year round.  And the projects are cool too, like building a cat toy that updates Twitter when the cat pounces.  It’s really the gift that gives year round.

National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There Pledge (FREE)
The NWF’s new Be Out There pledge is a pledge that families can take to spend more time outside with their kids.  Plus they have great activity suggestions for the outdoors and a free newsletter you can sign up for to receive tips and ideas throughout the year.  Take the pledge together and pair it with a season pass to your local parks and you’ll have a year’s worth of adventures awaiting you on any given weekend.

Bonus – Star Wars Cookie Cutter and Pancake Molds ($19.95)
Here’s a bonus idea that you can buy and use on Father’s Day.  Grab these cool Star Wars cookie and pancake molds and surprise Dad with breakfast in bed.  Nothing says love like Darth Vader and Yoda pancakes.  Plus they’ll make for cool cookies and pancakes for the rest of the Star Wars fans in your family year round.

So there you have it, 6 ideas for dads that go above and beyond the traditional (and tired) tie. I hope these give you some inspiration for this Father’s Day and make your SuperDad’s day.

Fabulous Daytime Wedding Looks

The invitation comes in the mail, you open it and see that it’s begun…wedding season is here. After the initial excitement wears off then comes the all important question, what to wear?  There are so many factors to consider such as time of day, location and weather before choosing the perfect outfit.  Daytime wedding attire is what we will focus on in this post.  We’ll address evening looks next week, so you’ll have to come back.

Yellow is such a fresh and cheerful color, which makes it a perfect choice for your wedding day outfit. I love ASOS’ one shoulder cut-out dress {$48}. The one shoulder gives this classic A-line dress a chic, modern look.  Add a touch of flair to your outfit with Jimmy Choo’s Quiet Patent Leather Pump {$665}.  There is nothing “quiet” about these sassy shoes, but when paired with this dress it’s a perfect combination. A great clutch is a must to complete your outfit. Check out Lauren Merkin’s Louise Rainbow Serpent clutch {$200}.  Since the shoes are the statement piece of this outfit, keep the jewelry understated.  Isharya’s 18-K gold lapis bracelets {$90} and Blu Bijoux crystal and gold chandelier earrings {$40} add the perfect amount of sparkle.

Nothing says a summer daytime wedding more than a floral printed dress. Check out ASOS’ Rainbow Maxi Dress {$102}.  It’s such a romantic yet modern dress, and one can never have too much romance at a wedding! Christian Louboutin’s Zigounette Peep Toes {$995} are a gorgeous pairing with this dress. For a bit of sparkle, check out Isharya’s Moon Ball 18-K gold amethyst earrings {$290}.  Hype’s Cary jeweled clutch {$150} is the perfect finishing touch.

You will for sure be the most fabulous dressed guest this wedding season. Next week we will create looks for an evening wedding so be sure to come back.  Until next week, you can always come visit me at my site, Red Sole Diary.