Every summer I grapple with the same sunglass conundrum. Going from outdoors to indoors, I’m constantly taking my shades on and off and placing them back in their case. Wearing them on my head doesn’t work because the arms get warped and I get a throbbing headache. Hanging them from my blouse inevitably results in scratched or broken frames from bending over. The only feasible alternative to protecting my specs has been Croakies, those fluorescent, neoprene contraptions geared for the extreme sports crowd. But that “look” doesn’t exactly complement my summer supply of flirty halter dresses. To make matters worse, with over-sized Jackie-O shades becoming the norm, I’m forced to forsake my clutch in favor of a bulky carryall just to accommodate my cumbersome eyeglass case.
That was before I laid my eyes on La Loop, a fashionable and functional accoutrement for eyewear that defies the laws of gravity. Finally, I can dangle my specs hands-free right beneath my bosom without fear. Founded by Debbie Zoullas, who was tired of rummaging through her bag in search of her sunglasses, La Loop was designed with a rotating hinge attached to the base of a necklace, ensuring your shades stay still no matter which way you move. Perfect for adding pizzazz to any outfit, La Loop is constructed from a variety of luxe materials including leather, sterling silver chains, freshwater pearls, vintage brass beads, coral, gold hoops, gemstones and even pave diamonds. These functional jewels have been spotted hanging around slews of famous necks such as Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. Heidi Klum even prefers to layer hers with other necklaces, creating a chain reaction. In fact, La Loop is so luxurious you don’t even need sunglasses to sport ‘em.
My 5-year old niece happens to be blessed not only with blonde locks to die for and a beautiful face, but most importantly, brains. But since every adult shuns her smarts in favor of her appearance, odds are she’ll inevitably start expanding the contents of her closet rather than her cerebral cortex. Because I refuse to let her be influenced by the likes of Bratz and Britney Spears, I’m sending her dozens of Define Tease – a new line of couture tanks and t-shirts with a conscience. An extension of the “Smart Is Cool” (SIC) movement that began as a backlash against the widespread “stupid girl” phenomenon (think Pink), Define Tease was developed to reinforce the message that intelligence and moxie are what matter most… not T&A.
The masterminds behind Define Tease are New Yorkers Erin Darby, a former schoolteacher and dictionary addict, and Ana Henao, a fashion designer, who have made it their mission to instill the positive SIC message upon women all over the world. The quickest way to spread the word (literally) has been through their witty roster of hip handmade dresses, tanks and tees plastered with thought-provoking words and definitions, discretely woven into eye-catching designs, including butterfly and dragon motifs. Ready to spruce up your style and vocabulary? Simply slip into a buttery-soft, fitted cotton shirt that says sui generis (one of a kind and unique), resplendent (shining brightly), nefarious (incredibly wicked), virago (a fierce woman) or pervious (open to ideas). You’ll also be please to know that your purchase has a higher purpose. A portion of each t-shirt sale is being donated to fund female youth organizations like Heads Up! Children Reach Out and Read, Verizon Hopeline and Girls Take Charge. Their mantra is clearly catching on, as even celebs have been spotted sporting their sexy chemises around Tinseltown. If only Paris Hilton had been given a Define Tease growing up, she might not have felt the pressure to act so dumb.
According to the latest numerology reports I’ve read, 2007 is supposed to be my happiest year yet. But with my luck, those psychic predictions will probably backfire, so I’ll need something tangible (aside from Prozac) to keep my spirits on an even keel. Call is kismet, because I’ve found just the ticket: Laurel Denise Jewelry Design, a delicate line of hanging hoops and necklaces inscribed with inspirational images and sayings.
Similar to a chocolate buzz, Laurel Denise glass pendants can instantly elevate your mood sans the sugar crash. These wearable works of art are the brainchild of Laurel Pipkin, a Virginia-born artist who came up with the brilliant idea one night in a dream. Each one-of-a-kind design is hand-etched by Pipkin herself, who happens to have the most meticulous handwriting I’ve ever seen. She begins the labor-intensive process by cutting, smoothing and drilling each piece of glass, then places the tip of her pen against tiny sheets of paper and scribbles serene sentiments that say “She lived in her own little fairytale, “Life whispers, listen closely,” and “Sing the song of your heart.” Each image, some of which include pretty birds and flowers, is then melted onto the glass and strung onto sterling silver and gold chains for an utterly stylish and striking effect. And with four fabulous collections to choose from including “Simply Stated,” “Art & Soul,” “10 Million Wishes,” and “Color Me Happy,” there’s a Laurel Denise phrase to perk-up every personality. In case you can’t find a saying that suits your fancy, just ask Pipkin and she’ll custom-design any style with your favorite quote. Get strung out on Laurel Denise and you’ll no longer need to read your daily horoscope.
Call me a tad prudish, but I still giggle every time my gyno fondles my “girls” during a check-up. I’m even uncomfortable examining my boobs myself, but the fact remains, 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer according to a study by the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. Plus, 6% of women diagnosed with the life-threatening disease every year are under the age of 40, further stressing the importance of self-examination. What’s even scarier is the fact that most doctors don’t recommend annual mammograms until women turn 40.
With those startling statistics in mind, Leigh Hurst, a 36 year-old breast cancer survivor who saved her own life by “feeling her boobies,” created a t-shirt emblazoned with the same sexy catchphrase for friends to don during a breast cancer walk during her recovery in 2004. Hurst’s head-turning “Feel Your Boobies” (FYB) tees were so successful that she’s since set up a foundation with the same brash slogan along with an expanded clothing collection of fitted baby doll tees, wife-beater tanks, bandanas, belt buckles and other pastel-hued paraphernalia to raise funds and awareness of the disease. There’s even a limited-edition Boobies Couture line in the fall, which features one-of-a-kind creations from A-List artists and designers. And since every purchase comes with a handy “How To Feel ’Em” tip card, you can now start squeezing your boobies on a regular basis… without shame. Thanks to the choice selection, a cross-section of women from around the globe have become walking billboards in the crusade against breast cancer. Even celebs like Sheryl Crow, also a survivor, have been spotted sporting a stylish FYB tank. Bust out one of these pretty pink tops and you might even save someone’s life.
To say I take care of my stuff is an understatement. Peek into my cramped New York closet and you’ll discover a whole world of obsession you wish you never knew existed. Each of my beloved soles (113 pairs at last count) are individually wrapped in its own plastic bin to distinguish my Michael Kors from my Marc Jacobs. In fact, even after multiple moves, every pair still looks brand-spanking-new thanks to Shoebby, the practical and affordable alternative to pricey, custom-made shoe racks.
No more snapping Polaroids or rummaging through flimsy cardboard boxes, Shoebby saves me time and tantrums. A savior for shoe addicts who lack closet space, this space-age shoebox keeps floors clutter-free, while safely storing your prized pumps from dust, dirt and other damaging debris. With Shoebby, you can say goodbye to misplaced, scuffed, dog-chewed designer soles or unnecessary trips to the shoemaker. Constructed from recycled plastic with open-air vents (a must for mold-free footwear), this clear, coffin-like container lets you instantly grab your stilettos and go. Thanks to the sturdy handle, transporting your shoes (just as you would your precious Trixie) is a small feat. And with a range of pastel containers coming soon, color-coding your inventory and separating your slingbacks from your sandals will be a cinch. Now, if only I could find a Shoebby to organize life’s other little details.
Every summer I grapple with the same sunglass conundrum. Going from outdoors to indoors, I’m constantly taking my shades on and off and placing them back in their case. Wearing them on my head doesn’t work because the arms get warped and I get a throbbing headache. Hanging them from my blouse inevitably results in scratched or broken frames from bending over. The only feasible alternative to protecting my specs has been Croakies, those fluorescent, neoprene contraptions geared for the extreme sports crowd. But that “look” doesn’t exactly complement my summer supply of flirty halter dresses. To make matters worse, with over-sized Jackie-O shades becoming the norm, I’m forced to forsake my clutch in favor of a bulky carryall just to accommodate my cumbersome eyeglass case. 
