Stear clear of the winter blues: Yoga and Sunlight
Winter is not my favorite season, that is for sure! So, after two cold months in Paris, one freezing week in Nyc followed by a crazy snow storm in Seattle, I was super happy to fly out to sunny California for a few days of work. I quickly noticed a positive change in my mood. Clearly the sun does the mind and body good. I mean how can I not smile and feel centered through out my day, when I start it off with private yoga session on the beach. I asked Dr. Karuna what are 3 simple things I can do to keep up this feeling when I return to a freezing, bustling Nyc.
These are her words of wisdom:
1) Get Light: Get outside for 5 minutes, even if it's cloudy. Invest in full spectrum light bulbs and larger 'sunlight' lamps. Sit in front of the lamp for 5 minutes first thing in the morning and put it on your desk and work in front of it during the day. This works like the real sun.
First thing in the morning, if its sunny, sit in the window of your heated apartment to catch the sunlight. Sunlight first thing in the morning is always ideal and will do wonders for your mood and immune system.
2) Vitamin D: Supplementation with Vitamin D is important to lift winter melancholy and boost overall strength and health. Look into liquid emulsion which is the best and most easily absorbed by the body.
3) Move Your Body: Create a daily yoga practice, do an indoor workout routine, dance, take the stairs... move your body even if its just for 15 minutes first thing in the morning.
posted monday, january 30, 2012 by trinity
tagged as: yoga, sunlight, winter, dr.karuna
Understanding Emotions
One of our Illumé specialists Suzy Daren is giving a lecture later this month on Understanding Emotions through Ayurveda Psychology! If you are in the Nyc area, I highly recommend attending. Details are below.
Understanding Emotions through Ayurveda and Tantrik Psychology – January 26, 2012 (6:30-8:30pm)
Emotions are a naturally arising and authentic expression of human experience. In their unobstructed form they arise, abide and resolve. However, oftentimes we get in the way of one or more of these stages and emotions become toxic and problematic, by becoming either repressed or grossly expressed. In this short workshop, Suzy will give a deeper explanation of the Ayurvedic and Tantrik view of emotions and how to liberate their negative effects from wreaking havoc on one’s life.
Thanks to Bae Acupuncture for hosting:
190 N. 10th Street Suite 204, Brooklyn NY 11211
Registration required: (201) 600-4473 or jameshbae@yahoo.com
$20
posted tuesday, january 10, 2012 by illumé
tagged as: Suzy Daren, Emotional Health, Ayurveda Psychology
Take a "Staycation"
Strategies for the perfect "Staycation"
**Think Ahead: Clean your apartment/house and organize ahead of time so not to be distracted by chores when you should be relaxing! Stock up on nourishing food and a few favorite treats. Indulge in something that brings you happiness.
1) Unplug #1 Turn off your Phone: Yes, this means 'off' versus 'silent'. Get off the grid and leave a vacation voice message if you need to. If this seems virtually impossible for your mind to digest, check your messages only in the evening or turn your phone of for an allotted amount of hours of your Staycation.
2) Unplug #2 Turn off your Computer: Yes, this may seem jaw dropping, but is also possible. Life used to exist without computers. Set your email to automatic response and get off line! Engage in real-life-activities for at least one day. The level of rejuvenation with this tip is amazing.
3) Unplug #3 Ignore the Clock: Let your natural clock be 'reset'. Rest when you need to. Eat when you are hungry. Don't set any schedule for your Staycation. Do what you feel and just 'be'. If for nothing else, do it as a fun experiment and see how your day goes...
4) Be Creative and Have Fun: Write that poem or those song lyrics. Pull out that dusty novel. Do something enjoyable that you don't usually take the time to do. Pull out your rolled up canvas or recipe book. Expressing yourself in different ways does wonders for your health and immunity. Do nothing.... you know what people 'used' to do for fun. There really is entertainment outside of Google Search.
5) Silence: If you feel daring or wise, do your entire Staycation or Daycation in complete silence. The health rejuvenation is unparalleled. If this seems worse than a horrific nightmare, at least practice talking less.
6) Move Slowly: There is no schedule. There is no clock. Move like molasses or a dead snail. Breathe deeply. Remind yourself to slow down. Watch how quickly you get in touch with your body and feel the spread of relaxation.
7) Rest and Sleep: Take breaks during the day to lay down. Lying down on the floor and 'let go'. If you are exhausted, take naps. Go to bed early; before you feel tired.
8) Burn Beeswax Candles: Burn candles! Being in soft candle light at night automatically is soothing to the eyes and mind. Beeswax candles are especially beneficial to use as they provide natural air purification. Beeswax candles contain negative ions which help our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen which enhance our well being.
9) Nature Breaks: If you are choosing to leave your abode at all, take a slow walk in nature and literally stop to smell the roses. Make sure to get sunlight, especially in the morning hours.
10) Movies: If television is not on your 'unplug' list, choose a movie from your 'wish' list ahead of time. Choose something funny, beautiful or inspiring to reap more benefit.
11) Legs on the Wall Pose: This pose is great to relax, especially if you spend long hours on your feet. Lie on the floor or your bed and walk your buttocks all the way up against the wall. Your legs will extend straight up the wall. If you have very tight hamstrings, then you may walk your hips about 6 inches away from the wall, or you can have a bend in the knee. With consistent practice over time, you will have your legs straight.
Arms can be out to your sides, palms face up. Arms can also be extended straight out of the shoulder having a 90 degree bend in the elbow, palms facing up. Once in place lift your head gently off the floor and tuck the chin to the chest then extend the back of the neck as you replace the head on the floor . Soften your eyes and be very heavy in the floor. Stay in the pose from 1 to 15 minutes.
To come out of the pose, slowly bend your knees and roll over on to your right side, curling up into a fetal position. Linger for a few breaths and then press up until seated.
posted friday, december 30, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: cold, flu's, winter, health
Violette & Léonie
Violette & Léonie is absolutely my favorite consignment shop in Paris. Not only are the prices reasonable, the service is unusually friendly, and the selection is worth the weeding through of used clothes to find a true bargain of designer goodness. They have two locations in the Marias, and I highly suggestion visiting both.
posted thursday, december 22, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: consignment, Paris, Violette
Stop Colds before they stop you
1) Wash Your Hands Often: Choose soap that has tea tree oil or lavender in it for natural antibacterial properties. Don't forget to reach under your fingernails!
If you are not able to wash your hands, use a natural hand sanitizer. EO brand has a lavender one that serves a dual purpose of sanitization and aromatherapy. The smell of lavender is relaxing which will also help boost your immunity.
2) Get a Humidifier: Indoor heaters will dry out your lips, skin, eyes, sinuses and respiratory tract. Moisture deficient air can increase dust and allergens in the air affecting sleep and breathing. There is a self-cleaning function of the your wind pipe that is affected by dry air; this can increase respiratory infections. Humidifiers make a huge difference in creating a comfortable environment. I recommend these units: Air-O-Swiss or Germguardian Ultrasonic.
3) Stay Warm: The most important thing is to protect your neck from drafts indoors and outdoors. Wearing a scarf, shawl or neck warmer throughout the cold temperatures will go a long way in preventing you from getting sick. Wear warm socks, shoes, gloves and a hat when outdoors. If your house is not heated well, sleep with your feet and neck covered.
4) Hydration: Drink plenty of warm and hot water to flush out toxins from your body. Change your drink choices from cooling summer picks to: ginger tea, herbal teas, soup and hot ciders. At the very first sign of cold symptoms, bundle up and drink a few cups of ginger tea.
5) Eat Cooked Food and Avoid Dairy: With the Summer months gone, so should be the raw diet. Eat well cooked vegetables, stewed fruit and small portions of meat if you are not vegetarian. Avoid dairy products as they increase congestion and mucus production. As always, Choose organic and locally grown foods and remove processed foods and sugars.
6) Rest and Relax: Many people get full blown flus and colds because they don't stop and rest at the first signs of being sick. Make sure to get proper amounts of sleep, rest and relaxation especially if you feel that you are about to get 'sick'. Take time to reduce stressors and do nothing. Taking extra rest for a few days when you feel run down can prevent you from being forced to rest for a longer
duration with a full blown cold or flu.
7) Move Your Body: Fight the urge to stay nested all winter as it will bring stagnation to your body as well as added weight! Exercise will bring fresh blood flow to your body and improve your mood, both of which will ward off infections.
8) Vitamins: Look into proper immune boosting supplements from a professional. A good start is Vitamin C and Zinc-Elderberry lozenges. Know what works for you at the first signs of a cold. Keep these things on hand and use them when you feel a cold coming on.
9) Light: Get sunlight everyday. The sun is behind the clouds even on gloomy days. If this is hard to do in your area or with your lifestyle, invest in full spectrum bulbs and lighting and look into Vitamin D supplementation.
10) Air: Avoid second hand smoke (or first hand smoke), pollutants, chemicals, harsh detergents and other toxins. If you live in a city or can't prevent exposure, invest in a high quality air purifier.
11) Tissues: Seems so simple to be so important, yet carrying tissues with you is key to preventing you from getting a full blown cold. Avoid touching your eyes, face, covering your face with your hands if you sneeze. Rather, use a tissue as a barrier between you anything that could be a possible source of infection.
12) Attitude: Stay positive and surround yourself with people, places and things that make you feel happy and nourished. Happiness and Love do wonders for your immunity and your Life!
posted sunday, december 11, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: cold, flu's, winter, health
Marais Boutiques J'adore!
Koshka Mashka 21 Rue de Poitou 75003 Paris, France
miki mialy 12 Rue Froissart 75003 Paris, France
Bless 14 Rue Portefoin, Paris, France.
oxyde 4 Rue de Poitou 75003 Paris, France
Ekjo 32 Rue Poitou, 75003 Paris, France
ab33 33 Rue Charlot, Paris 75003
posted saturday, november 26, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: paris, Marais, shopping, Boutiques, abe33, ekjo, oxyde, bless, miki mialy, koshamashka
Lustrous Locks
Everyone desires to have a full, healthy, head of hair. Not only do ‘shiny lustrous locks’ add a lot to your beauty profile, they also reflect a lot about your overall health.
Many people mistakenly think that hair-health only involves their topical and outer routine. In actuality, having lovely hair mainly involves having a balanced lifestyle, healthy diet, and general good health.
There are many facets to consider when addressing your hair health. Assess your individual lifestyle and see which areas you might need to enhance to create changes. Treatment is very specific to the cause. General hair-care-tips outlined below should be followed by everyone.
Below are some basic guidelines to get you started:
HAIR LOSS CAUSES:
1) Hormones: Male pattern baldness is associated with testosterone and heredity. Women who experience unusual baldness can also have a problem with testosterone. Women can also experience hormonal changes during pregnancy that cause hair loss and changes during and after the birth. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism is a big cause of hair loss, especially in women. Have your hormones checked if you suspect that the above are the cause of your hair loss.
2) Sudden Weight Loss
3) Anemia: Iron deficiency is more common than most people think. If you are a menstruating woman and have long periods, consider getting additional iron in your diet and supplementation if necessary. This is one cause of hair loss that is more common than others.
4) Lack of Sleep and Chronic or Severe Stress
5) Skin allergies: Some skin problems effect the scalp and can cause general or patchy hair loss.
6) Chemical allergies: Many commercial shampoos have toxic ingredients and detergents that many people react to in the form of hair loss. These also can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils. This also applies to hair colors and dyes.
7) Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition, Malabsorption: Infection with parasites can cause malnutrition since the micro-organisms are eating from your food source. Malnutrition and malabsorption in general can come from many causes. A few are: side effect of medications, consuming too much processed foods, over eating spicy foods, not eating enough food, anorexia, and other intestinal and digestive disorders.
8) Side-Effect of Medication or Chemotherapy
9) Over exposure to chlorine or other environmental pollutants
10) Poor Circulation
11) Severe illness or recent surgery
12) Heredity
***Thinning hair and sudden hair loss can be symptoms of a serious disease. If this applies to you, visit your doctor for more thorough analysis and specific treatment.
GENERAL HAIR-CARE TIPS:
1) Circulation: Increase circulation to your scalp. Many yoga postures can assist in this. You can also use a slant board or massage your scalp daily with your finger tips while washing your hair or during the day. There are many essential oils that can be put into your shampoo or as an occasional treatment to help to increase circulation. Rosemary essential oil is one of the best choices.
2) Brushes and Combs: Use natural bristled brushes and wide toothed combs. Stay away from nylon bristles. Be gentle when combing/brushing your hair, especially when it is wet. If you have tangles, use a wide toothed comb and detangle from the bottom up.
3) Hot and Cold: Do not ever put hot water on the crown of your head. Try to avoid this area if you blow-dry your hair or use a cooler setting. Protect your hair and scalp from the elements. Severe cold weather or hot sunshine can dry your hair out. Use extra conditioner, do intense conditioning, and occasional oil treatment to keep moisture in. Make sure to massage your scalp after lengthy ‘hat-wearing’ as the scalp. Hats protect the scalp from the elements but also can create reduced oxygen to the scalp which can produce itchy scalp and other problems.
4) Diet and Digestion: Avoid soda, over consumption of alcohol, processed foods, spicy foods, meat with hormones, and overeating. Make sure you are getting a balanced diet of whole foods and vegetables that you can digest. More is not better! Don’t overeat! Make sure that you are having healthy elimination of what you eat and that you get checked for nutritional deficiencies if you believe there is cause for concern. If you are vegetarian, take extra care to get enough protein in your diet.
5) Nutrients: All nutrients need to be in balance for healthy hair. The most important ones are: Zinc, IRON, Biotin, B-Vitamins, Essential Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Primrose, Etc..) and Silica. Make sure you are getting proper amounts of these from your diet. If not, consult an appropriate source about the right supplementation for you.
6) Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Products:
-Use natural hair products as often as possible. Alternate shampoos and conditioners to prevent build up. Even natural shampoos can be stripping so try to not wash your hair everyday and do nourishing scalp treatments with oil or intense conditioner at least 2x month and more often if your scalp is dry or flaky.
-Use natural leave in conditioners if you blow dry your hair to maintain moisture balance and protect your hair from heat damage. There are many different types to try. A spray leave in is better if your hair is thicker and a lotion leave in is better to create volume if you have thinner hair. One trick is to put the leave in conditioner in your hair and let your hair dry naturally, this will allow the hair to absorb the moisture. My current favorite leave-in-conditioner is: Giovanni: Vitapro Fusion Protective Moisture Leave-In-Hair-Treatment.
- Make sure to change your hair care routine with the seasons and according to different destinations you travel to. Indoor heating in the winter can dry out hair and requires very different hair products than a vacation in a humid climate.
7) Relaxation and Sleep: I can’t emphasize enough how important getting proper sleep and relaxation is for your overall beauty including your hair! Often times it’s enough to just realize you are tense and remind yourself to ‘relax’ your scalp, and your scalp will ‘relax’. Sleep allows your entire body to rejuvenate and regulate. Since hair is a reflection of your overall health, the more adequate rest you are getting the more likely your entire system will reflect this. Take 5-10 minutes minimum during a busy day to lay down flat and relax. Rest is important for skin health too, and remember that your scalp is part of your skincare routine!
posted tuesday, november 8, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: beauty
Haute Marais
In the Marais, wearing boots by Heschung: most well known for their work boots for men, but they also have an amazing collection for woman as well.
posted monday, october 31, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: Paris, Marias, Heschung
Paris!
No matter which way you look in Paris its truly beautiful. Inspiration is everywhere. Below are some of my favorite spots so far.
La Perle Where John Gallianio was when he threw his famous anti-cynicism fit that got him fired from Christian Dior. Possibly a bit over rated, but its excellent for people watching, and I randomly ran into a long lost friend of mine there.
Pink Flamingo Pizza We ate an amazing duck a blue cheese pizza, but the best part was the van parked outside with extra seating.
Pierre Herme Absolutely hands down the best Macaron I have ever had, and I love Macarons.
La fidelite Super slow service, super hot servers. Beautiful atmosphere, yummy food.
Silencio Designed by David Lynch, it opened up last month, inspired by the club Silencio in Mullholland Drive. Good music, gorgeous crowd, lovely times.
posted saturday, october 22, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: John Galliano, Macrons, Paris, La Perle, Silencio, David Lynch
Dr. Karuna's Guide to Eating Out:
Having someone cook for you should be like going to your Mother's house without having to go to Mother's house. So, it's no wonder that many of us in the city and suburbs look for a way to 'perfect' our dining experiences.
It's important to know how to eat out, so that you come home feeling lithe and lean instead of stuffed like a barnyard pig.
Living by the list below has been my saving grace. Also, as always, choose organic, local and free-range foods as much as possible and remember to eat slowly!
SIDE DISHES: Start by looking at the side dishes that are offered. Most good restaurants offer at least two non-starch vegetable sides that can be substituted or added to an entrée. You can also create your own meal by choosing only two sides, or an appetizer and one side.
SHARING: Most restaurants serve large portions in their main course. If you are trying to 'keep it light', it is wise to share your main course with others at your table. If you are eating alone, take half your meal home to eat later. Remind yourself that it is not worth it to over stuff yourself because you feel obligated to finish a large portion.
SKIP THE STARCH: Pass on the bread bowl, the chips bowl and french fries. This tip alone will have you feeling leaner, more alert and more hungry for the nutritious part of your meal. Just pass, and feel pious! Don't wait until you are starving to eat a meal, which makes it more difficult to resist the 'pre-meal' carbohydrates.
SAY 'NO' TO: fried food, fatty meats, breaded food, rich dairy sauces, salad dressings, soda and beer. If in doubt about a food, ask the waiter specifics ("Would you call this a 'rich' dish?"), and ask for modifications if needed.
SAY 'YES' TO: Grilled, baked, broiled and roasted options: meats such as pork, lean beef, venison, buffalo or rabbit, steamed vegetables, sautéed vegetables and dairy free soups.
DESSERT: It's better to plan an outing to have dessert by itself rather than adding sugar, dairy and fat to your body after eating a full meal. This will lessen the burden on the digestion. If you want dessert after a meal, share the love and have only a few bites.
THINK AHEAD: There are many resources online that allow you to look at a restaurant menu ahead of time to make sure it fits your needs. You will make better choices if you have an idea of what you want to order. A few such sites are: www.eatwellguide.com, and www.yelp.com.
DRINKING WISDOM: Keep water drinking for 1 hour before your meals. Drinking water right before your meals will slow down digestion and create a bloated feeling. With meals, have hot tea or broth in between bites. If you want to drink alcohol, sip on wine or bitters.
posted saturday, october 1, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: menu choices, healthy food, weight loss
Mother knows best
This weekend while perusing Jumelle with a friend of mine, we came across a fantastic pair of Jeans. Now normally when I think of Mom jeans its not a good, but these Mom jeans as in Mother; the new denim line by Lela Tillem, formerly of Citizens of Humanity, and Tim Kaeding, formerly of Seven for All Mankind is something quite different.
Jumelle carried a couple different cuts one skinny, one wide leg, both made of super soft denim, and both looked amazing on. I'm really picky about jean washes, and its been a long time since I have been excited about a denim line, and I don't always think designer denim is worth the cost, but I would say in this instance, Mother really does know best, and is worth every penny.
posted sunday, september 18, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: Mother knows best, Mother Denim
6 Quick Tips to Reduce Environmental Toxicity (that will help keep the weight off! )
Toxins are stored in fat cells. Most people don't realize this. It's important to clean up your diet and home to lose those extra pounds.
Environmental toxicity is a big issue in congested city locations and can cause different types of health issues such as: fatigue, breathing problems, allergies, low mood, joint pain, flu like feeling and brain fog.
Here are 6 easy Tips to reduce the toxicity in your environment and body:
1) Increase the percentage of organic fruits and vegetables you eat.
2) Get a good quality air purifier for your bedroom.
3) Take your shoes off before entering your home.
4) Use beeswax candles with cotton natural wicks instead of metal wicks which can emit lead. Beeswax candles emit negative ions which purify the air versus most candles which have additives that pollute the air.
5) Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
6) Use a natural organic dry cleaner when needed.
posted sunday, september 11, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: toxins, weight loss, health
Opening Ceremony Jumper
Spotted outside the Standard in the MPD in Nyc, she's wearing an Opening Ceremony jumper. Stylish and comfortable, my favorite combination!
posted thursday, august 25, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: opening ceremony, nyc, jumper
Beach Bag Essentials
Here's the buzz on beach bag essentials that will take you from relaxing all day to sunset cocktails; you won't want to forget these this summer!
•Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a light spray that boasts UVA/UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, plus a blend of antioxidants such as green tea extract to protect hair even more
•Kiss Me Lip Balm has a hint of color and sun protection. The SPF will help prevent chapped lips, the hint of peppermint will be refreshing in the heat of the day.
• Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense prevents up to 90 percent of skin aging for lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and age spots.
•Makeup after the beach will boost your day glo into high gear. Waterproof formulas are a must in this heat. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner has an amazing array of colors to throw on which may be all you'll need to head into the evening..
•If there was ever a hairstyle made for the beach and cocktails it's beachy waves, spritz hair with a spray bottle of salt water and scrunch with your fingers.
•Soothe the day away with Alba Botanica Hawaiian Kona Coffee After-Sun Lotion. The lotion is infused with Kona coffee, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radical damage from over-exposure to the sun.
But most of all throw in a book, your shades, and a peaceful pace and don't let these summer days pass you by.
posted tuesday, july 12, 2011 by nina luz picon
tagged as: beach bag essentials, summer hair tips, summer makeup tips
6 Tips On Staying Thin This Summer
Keep it light before 10am: Start your day with a glass or two of hot water to increase the natural cleansing process. Stay away from heavy meals during this time. If your weight loss goals are more than 20 pounds, stick to only liquids: green tea, hot water or broth. Wait to eat your first meal right after 10 am or at lunchtime.
Eat your last meal 3 hours before bedtime: This habit will not only keep you lean but will also improve your sleep, digestion and allow your body to cleanse. Your are more likely to burn off the food you eat earlier in the day than that which you eat 'late night'.
Increase Green Vegetables and Reduce Starch: From the Royal Family to celebrities, people are catching the drift that a key to health and staying thin is taking the grains out of your diet and reducing their role as a staple in your diet.
Now, this can certainly lead to a feeling of depravity when the bread bowl comes around...The way to avoid the "poor me" feeling is to focus on what you CAN eat. Start every meal with a dark green leafy salad or sauteed greens. Eat lean meat. Lean meat, lean you.
Ask that the bread bowl, chip bowl, side of crackers, etc.. be removed from your table. Ask for extra vegetables in the place of rice. Use vegetables in the place of crackers. If you want to lose weight, take pasta out of your diet completely!
The 2 P's -Pausing and Portions: Place your fork down in between bites. Pause. Be mindful during your meals. This will allow you to recognize when you are full and not overeat. Pare your portions: practice eating less at each meal. This will give you more options. Believe it or not, eating a small amount of your favorite food will give more satisfaction than subtly forcing yourself to eat more of something you don't want.
Drink Water and Cold Drinks Away from Meals: Water has its own digestive process. When you drink cold liquids and water with meals, you have more of a chance of getting bloated and diluting the enzymes that you need to digest your meal. Drink the bulk of your fluids at room temperature and in between meals as much as possible.
When consuming liquid with food, it's beneficial to take small 'sips' of hot water, broth or tea throughout your meal.
Sip Wine with Your Meals Rather than Beforehand: 'If' you are going to consume alcohol, and it's around your meals, sip wine during your meal or after, rather than having a drink before you eat.
Drinking before meals can impair your judgement about your appetite, and you may eat more than you actually need. This makes a big difference.
posted tuesday, july 5, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: weightloss, summer thin tips
For The Boys: My top summer shoe picks.
• Terry Sperry suede boat shoes
• John Varvatos Side Gore Hester shoe
• Classic driving mocs, in a light summer material
• Converse or Vans for a simple staple
• Toms: Trendy, but comfy!
• Brown or black leather dress sandals
• Flip Flops: You cant go wrong with Havaiana's
posted thursday, june 23, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: mens summer shoes, Terry Sperry, Toms, John Varvatos
Summertime office outfitting tips:
(Hanneli Mustaparta from net-a-porters-blogger-issue-2011)
Use bright colors to add pop to your outfit. Color blocking is in trend, but be careful not to over do it by layering on too many bright pieces.
A light summer bag is a must. I love Miu Miu's: Olive Tone Denim Opic Tote, Chloes Marcie Leather Tote, and Marc Jacobs Abby Bowler Satchel.
When showing skin be du jour: arms and a bit of leg are a yes, but skip the cleavage, strapless pieces and bare backs.
Choose pieces that skim the body made of breathable materials like cotton, modal, linen, or silk. Solid or small even patterns are generally the most flattering.
Nude shoes are a must, the nude is flattering and goes easily with all. Flip flops should only be used as transitional shoes to get you to and from the office.
posted saturday, june 11, 2011 by trinity
tagged as: summer office outfitting tips
Men In Suits!
posted saturday, june 11, 2011 by illumé
tagged as: nice suits
5 SIMPLE HEALTH GEMS THAT GIVE BIG RESULTS
Photo by Tracy Morford from the Suzanne Rae 2011 S/S collection
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's important to remember that it's the things we do daily that make a big difference in the way we look and feel. There are many simple habits that when implemented help keep the body healthy, lean, energetic and clear.
1) Keep food that is on your 'avoid' list out of your house. It's much more tempting to reach for an unhealthy food choice if it is in your cupboards than if you have to travel to get it.
2) Keep a NO SHOE rule in your house: Most toxins are brought into our homes from outside. Toxins are held in fat cells. The less toxic your body, the easier it is to have a lean body.
3) Eat your last meal 3 hours before bedtime: This habit will improve your sleep, digestion and allow your body to cleanse. You will wake up feeling brighter and fresher in the morning.
4) Start your morning of with a glass of hot water: The body gets dehydrated at night. Drinking hot water in the morning will help with elimination and replenish you while your stomach is empty.
5) Give yourself at least 5 minutes of silence daily: Being centered in yourself brings relaxation and reduces effects of stress. Turn the cell phone, ipod and computer off and sit or lay down in a quiet space.
posted monday, may 23, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: diet, health, stress, silence
Seagrass
Straw Accessories are on of my favorite summer trends, and I adore this Avalon Shoulder Bag (available at Erica Tanov: 204 Elizabeth Street in Soho, Nyc) made of handwoven sea-grass, raffia and jute, complete with an inside pocket and cotton drawstring closure.
I am also big on the floppy summer straw hat, like Eugenia Kim's Honey Straw Hat.
Summers almost here, whoot whoot whee!
