Review: Laura Ashley® "Stargazer" Flat Sandals

I am a kid at heart. I love to run around outside barefoot in the grass, it makes me feel carefree, alive and young! But as an adult I have the wisdom to know that it can be dangerous running around outside without any shoes on, and I have experienced on many occasions over the years stepping on OH THINGS LIKE bees, glass and nails, OUCH! Or how about those "SHOES REQUIRED" signs you see outside all the restaurants and establishments in the summer, yup, uh huh, you gotta wear shoes, even when your heart and soul feels differently! So how about a pair of darling, really comfortable sandals that are going to provide you with those same carefree, fun, flirty moments outside in the summer! Sandals that are not only delightful to feel on your feet, but are super darn cute too! The answer my friends are these glorious Laura Ashley® "Stargazer" Flat Sandals. They don't get any better than this! Style, comfort and the cute factor is off the charts, real perfectionism at its best! Laura Ashley fashions and accessories can really add some style, elegance, and sheer joy to your summer wardrobe this season and I am pleased to be able to include this brand in my Sizzling Summer 2010 Guide! Did you know that Laura Ashley also offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories for not only Women, but Children too and fabulous items for your Home!



You can visit the Laura Ashley USA Website to check out the wide range of spectacular products offered by CLICKING HERE




MY REVIEW

I was very fortunate to be sent a fabulous pair of Laura Ashley® "Stargazer" Flat Sandals to review. Not only are they adorable in design, but they are super comfortable to wear. Typically I veer away from "thong" style sandals because I don't always find them all that natural feeling on my feet and inbetween my toes, but these sandals are different, they are very comfortable to wear and don't seem to give me any twinges and pain inbetween my toes as other thong styles have. Here is what the Bon Ton Website has to say about this breathtaking pair of sandals:

Laura Ashley® "Stargazer" Flat Sandal
Price: $59.99



Look down on the stars with this beaded thong sandal featuring a bright, fun-to-wear starfish design.

- Featured in Blue and White
- Manmade upper
- Bead-encrusted starfish on vamp
- Heel height: ½"



They are also available in this glamorous GOLD color:





MY THOUGHTS:

To purchase these delightful sandals you may visit many fine retail stores including Bon Ton by CLICKING HERE

These sandals had captured my heart and soul. The large bead encrusted starfish is just magnificent, a masterpiece of beadwork to cast your eyes upon! There are hundreds of tiny turquoise, white and clear beads that make up the design highlighted with hundreds of small silver sequins for the light and colors to reflect off of. These sandals look stunning outside in the sunshine, very classy with a resort feeling to them. Why not look like you are on a fancy vacation everyday and wear these ultra comfortable, divine sandals with all kinds of summer outfits. Today I am wearing them with a pair of capris style jeans and a tank top. Tomorrow I may wear them with a cute little floral sundress. You can wear these with the most casual of outfits to the more dressier outfits, they will work for you in both directions.

I have to say these sandals are also expertly crafted. My first impression was that of quality and upon closer inspection I had a chance to really see that they are made of the highest standards. Although the materials are manmade, they are durable, sturdy and not flimsy by any means. There is extra "cushioning" around the toe "thong" to keep the thong from cutting into your skin. So attention to details have been made in their design.

I also love that although the "title" of this sandal says "Flat", they do have a nice stable little 1/2 inch heel which gives you just a little extra height to flatter your legs and outfit. I always like to wear some type of heel, it just makes me feel a touch glamorous, even if I am not leaving the house.

I have had a chance to review several sandals this season and this pair is at the top of my favorite list. They are unique and stand out and will not only keep catching your eye, but those around you will notice them too! A very special pair of exceptional sandals~

You may purchase Laura Ashley Women's Clothing and Accessories at these fine retailers:

Bon-Ton - www.bonton.com
Boston Store - www.bostonstore.com
Bergner's - www.bergners.com
Carson Pirie Scott - www.carsons.com
Elder-Beerman - www.elder-beerman.com
Herberger's - www.herbergers.com
Younkers - www.younkers.com

Beall's - Find a store near you: www.beallstx.com
Belk - Find a store near you: www.belk.com
Peebles - Find a store near you: www.peebles.com

A very special thank you to Laura Ashley USA for providing me with Sandals to use for this review.

Disclosure: I received the Laura Ashley Stargazer Sandals from Laura Ashley for the purposes of this Review . This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ.

Review: Alternative Apparel

Alternative Apparel is more than being just about clothes, it's about being your own unique self, not being afraid to be an individual and show others who you are, and being confident in your own skin. Alternative Apparel is about having your clothes fit perfectly, so you can be carefree and enjoy life and live out your passions, in ultra cool clothes that are versatile, comfortable and affordable. Alternative Apparel offers such a wide variety of styles and colors that you can mix and match together to create endless looks for yourself that will keep you looking super hip, and feeling your personal best. You can be a glamour girl, street chic edgy girl, plain Jane, or the fitness freak, no matter what your own sense of personal style is, Alternative Apparel easily fits into your lifestyle. That is why I have included Alternative Apparel in my New Year, New You 2010 Guide. Let me introduce this very special company to you:

{From the Alternative Apparel Website}

ABOUT US

Alternative has been challenging the concepts of fashion since 1995, when Founder and Chief Creative Officer Greg Alterman set out to create the perfect t-shirt—one designed for fashion, made for comfort, and tailored for a flawless fit. Today, Alternative has elevated the tee from casual basic to fashion-forward staple, simultaneously broadening its horizons to offer a complete collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, including an eco-friendly line of sustainable apparel, Alternative Earth.

As a lifestyle apparel brand at the forefront of the fashion industry, Alternative exists to inspire authenticity and comfort—both inside and out. Our mission is about more than just designing clothes that look and feel great: we want our unique community of wearers and supporters to feel comfortable in their own skin, laying the groundwork to inspire others and make a difference with how you live—and what you wear.



Alternative creates apparel and accessories for men, women, babies and toddlers across the United States and abroad, including Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with showrooms in Los Angeles and New York.


ABOUT THE DESIGNER



When 19-year-old college student Greg Alterman began selling t-shirts from the trunk of his car, few bought into the young entrepreneur’s passionate prophecy that one day t-shirts would rule the fashion landscape. Greg turned that passion and vision into what is now Alternative, a fusion of classic comfort with modern sophistication and style. Alternative was officially launched in 1996 and, with Greg’s creative direction, has grown into an apparel company which celebrates the t-shirt as the centerpiece of fashion, to be worn wherever, whenever.

At Alternative, Greg manages product development, directs the company’s design team, oversees distribution and marketing strategy, and shapes the organization’s long-term goals. From developing unique dye processes and innovative wash treatments, to designing the perfectly worn tee and the best fitting silhouettes, Greg’s vision for Alternative can now be seen just about everywhere.

Social Responsibility

Alternative is dedicated to providing premium merchandise and services to our clients. As an integral part of our corporate culture, we place a great deal of importance on the quality of people behind those products. To ensure that all of our manufacturing partners produce superior product, and also create the best working conditions and quality of life for their employees, we have adopted guidelines and principles for use with our vendors.

We are committed to requiring and upholding labor standards and to only align ourselves with vendors that share this same commitment. While we recognize that there are different legal and cultural environments in which our vendors operate throughout the world, our vendor principles and guidelines set forth the minimum requirements that all vendors must meet in order to work with us.


Now that you have learned about the Company and the Designer behind this ultra cool line of clothes, let's move on to my review:

MY REVIEW

The folks at Alternative Apparel are super kind and so very generous. My Alternative Apparel experience has been totally positive and most memorable, that I can't wait to share with you my thoughts about the five exceptional pieces of clothing that they sent me to review. Each one in and of itself is desirable, and I am finding that I can wear them together in different combinations to create a number of different outfits to keep my wardrobe looking fresh and new. The colors that they sent me are so versatile that I am only limited with how I can work them together by my own imagination. So, ready, set go, let me share with you a little about each item:


aa4807 The Palm Springs Slub Throw-Over
Price: $48



NEW STYLE! Women’s regular fit long-sleeve slub throw-over wrap. Draped neckline flows down front of garment to add a little movement to any outfit. Made with Slub, a stretchy, striated fabric knitted with unrefined cotton yarns to give this item a timelessly edgy appeal.

• 40’s 100% cotton slub jersey
• Piece dyed, satin garment washed for a super soft hand
• Resilient fabric
• Wash in cold water, tumble dry low



What is Slub?

Our Slub fabric is made with 100% cotton threads of varying width, which are loosely knitted together to create a super soft jersey that’s got the worn-in texture of Burnout and the streaky look of our Eco-Heather.

MY THOUGHTS: Is it possible to have a favorite piece from Alternative Apparel, probably not. But this is one article of clothing I am finding that I am constantly gravitating towards. The gorgeous rich Sea Blue color looks terrific with all my jeans, but also looks equally fab with black jeans and leggings. And, with winter being here, I am always wearing long sleeved tops with layers underneath to keep warm, so this is the perfect separate to wear for so many different types of occasions. I can easily see myself wearing it throughout all 4 seasons as that favorite "go to" fashion item that will be versatile with everything to jeans and slacks to mini skirts and tank dresses. You name it, you can work this in with it.

Whenever I get brand new cotton tops the first thing I do is wash them. This is always a great test to see if the quality of the garment is going to stand up, and provides me with an idea of how it is going to perform for me in subsequent washings. I have to say I washed this in cold water, gentle cycle and I line dried it, so I wouldn't risk shrinking it and I always think not hot drying them makes the material last longer and the color stays more robust. This item washed wonderfully and is in excellent like new condition, Yay! It passed my test.

This item comes in 9, that's right nine, different really sleek colors and you can purchase this in Sizes Small - XLarge by CLICKING HERE


aa4042 The Sam Concave Hem Tee
Price: $42



Women’s regular-fit cotton jersey 3/4-sleeve concave trapeze top. Fits close at chest with a drape-away, asymmetrical bottom for a sophisticated, feminine silhouette.

• 40’s 100% Cotton Jersey
• Piece dyed and garment washed for a super-soft hand
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low



MY THOUGHTS: Oh this is one flirty and sassy top that is for sure! I received this darling top in the bright and lively Tomato color. Any colors in the "coral" family look really good on me, so this is another top that I am going to be wearing all the time. When you put it on it is light and airy feeling, and it makes you feel young, alive, and really cute if I must say so myself! We all want to feel great about ourselves and this top has that special magic!

I washed this top before I wore it in cold water, gentle cycle and lined dried it. It didn't fade, which I was so glad, because the color is robust I didn't want to lose it's intensity. Yay! This one too passed my test, like I knew it would. I wore a little white tank top underneath this top and paired it with my black skinny jeans. I also added 2 really long link chain necklaces with it and I felt like I wanted to hit the town in this outfit. The color and style of this top can make you feel happy and optimistic about anything, even if it is a grey dreary cold winter day outside. I adore this top for the way it makes me feel in it.

This top is available in 5 different colors and in Sizes Small - XLarge. You can purchase it by CLICKING HERE


aa2662 The Diane Burnout V-Neck Tunic
Price: $45



Women’s regular-fit short-sleeve burnout v-neck tunic with 1x1 rib in neck. Burnout fabric undergoes an extensive process to reveal years of authentic wearing and a vintage-soft, worn-in feel, so no two items are exactly the same.

• 30’s Burnout: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
• Piece dyed and garment washed for a super-soft hand
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low



MY THOUGHTS: I received this top in the color Violet, but there was not a picture of it available so let me describe the color as an alluring magenta like color that is so very pretty and most definitely sexy color. It features the burnout fabric that is so decadent, and feels so slinky and smooth on your skin. I wore this with a cute little black corduroy short jacket over it with a pair of jeans and it was the perfect little tee to wear under my favorite little black jacket. The color is the right amount of "pop" to give my outfit that sleep polished look and make me feel really chic and stylish. I can't wait to wear it alone when the weather get warmer with all my favorite shorts and little skirts. It is going to be the perfect tee to get me through all the balmy summer days because it is so feather light in weight and the fabric is so breathable. Bring on the heat!

I washed this tee in cold water in the delicate cycle before wearing it and dried it on the clothesline. It fabric didn't pill or fade in any way and I love the way it washed, it will definitely stand the test of time.

This tee is available in 7 different beautiful colors and comes in Sizes Small - XLarge. You can purchase it by CLICKING HERE



aa6220 The Teka Scoop Tee
Price: $42



Women’s regular-fit cotton jersey scoop-neck tee. Cotton poplin chest pocket on wearer’s left side and cotton poplin trim detailing at the neck give this garment a unique texture with an amazingly soft finish.

• 40’s 100% Cotton Jersey, 100% Cotton Poplin Trims
• Piece dyed and garment washed for a super-soft hand
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low



MY THOUGHTS: For the past 4 years or so I have been passionate about doing my daily Yoga routine. I get up super early in the morning, before anyone else is awake, and I sit in out year round sun room and go through my daily Yoga poses. I find it helps to keep me grounded, spiritually in sync with myself and not to mention helps me to maintain a sense of well being and keep in great shape! My reason for mentioning this is because this tee is the softest, coziest, tee that is just perfect for me to wear while I am doing my Yoga. Believe me, this tee is worthy of being worn with jeans, slacks, skirts, shorts, just about anything, but I personally enjoy wearing cute super comfy tops when I do my Yoga, and that is what this one is now reserved for. When I feel good, and I feel at peace and am comfortable, is when I find I get the most out of my Yoga routine.

I was sent this tee in the soft and pretty Aged Mint color. It is a subtle mint green that is so sweet and calming and the style very innocent but sexy! It has the cutest little pocket discretely placed on the front left chest of the tee that adds that little element of surprise to this very cute style. It washed perfectly, in the same manner as the other items I washed. Another indication of a tee that will last me a very long time.

This tee is available in 7 different classic colors and comes in Sizes Small - XLarge. You can purchase this item by CLICKING HERE



aa1990 The Slouchy Eco-Heather Pullover
Price: $38



Women’s regular-fit long-sleeve slouchy pullover with raglan sleeves. 1x1 eco-rib bands at neck, cuffs, and bottom hem. Made with eco-heather, our uniquely imperfect blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon.

• 20’s Eco-Heather: 38% Cotton (6.25% organic), 50% Polyester (6.25% recycled), 12% Naturally Occurring Rayon
• Low-impact yarn dyed and fabric washed for a super-soft hand
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low



MY THOUGHTS: I love heathered fabrics, they look so classy and natural! And this top is one of my favorites from the Alternative Earth Section of the online shop. This top is so very soft, so very cozy and feels very luxurious and gentle against your skin. This is the newest style in the Eco-Heather line and the material is rendered in organic cotton, recycled polyester and natural rayon polymers to form the Eco-Heather, an evolved fabric with classic vintage roots. Now how cool is that?!

I found that the size Medium fit me perfectly, not a relaxed fit, but more of a against the skin with no loose fabric hanging kind of fit. I prefer clothes that are more fitted because I like to show off my body, what can I say?! I like the way this top fits against me, like a glove, but it isn't! I received the Eco-Oatmeal color which literally matches anything and everything, and that is exactly what I plan to wear it with. Jeans, slacks of all colors, shorts and skirts of every color, just the neatest top that is so eco-chic!!

This top was washed before I wore it in the same manner as everything else I washed and it came out like new. I am so relieved because I want this top in my wardrobe for the longest time, and I would love to own it in every color it comes in! I love to take a classic style top like this and add a couple of my favorite necklaces to it and dress it up. Of course if I am just hanging out at home, then I may opt for no jewelry and just pair it with some jeans for a more relaxed look, so versatility is one huge plus for this one!

You can get this top in 5 different lovely heathered colors and it is available in Sizes Small - XLarge. You can purchase it by CLICKING HERE

And folks, that does it with this amazing review about Alternative Apparel. Please check them out by CLICKING HERE You can take advantage and Enjoy FREE GROUND SHIPPING on any order placed through Valentines Day!!



A very special THANK YOU to Alternative Apparel for providing me with the 5 items for this review.

Disclosure: I received from ALTERNATIVE APPAREL the 5 items listed above for the purposes of this Review . This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ.

Review: BoutiqueToYou.com Tolani Leopard Scarf

Okay, if you are anything at all like me, you enjoy browsing through all the most popular fashion magazines having fun learning about all the latest and greatest fashion trends and styles, and also enjoying seeing what some of your favorite celebrities are wearing. How many times have you seen something a famous star was wearing, it caught your eye immediately, and you spent countless hours in every store you can think of trying to find that very item you saw in the magazine on that star that you just have to have!! Well, you probably found something similar to it, maybe not exactly the same, but after spending more time than you would have liked to, ended up with something that satisfied your desire, right?! Well, do I have the best insider place to shop to tell you about. It is your one stop shopping place to find not only the hottest, coolest, most stylish clothing and accessories you can imagine, but also find the very same items all the Hollywood celebs are wearing all at one place, and even better news, at prices that work with your budget, prices that won't break your wallet, prices that will enable you to purchase over and over again all the most alluring, gorgeous styles that you dream of having! Well, dream no more, make your wildest fantasies about clothes, and the stunning looks you always wanted to create for yourself, and have some fun shopping at BoutiqueForYou.com. Here is just a very tiny sampling of what the folks at BoutiqueForYou.com say are hot picks for this Spring and coming Summer:







TUNICS:

Tunics are being worn by many of the celebrities because they are chic, comfortable, sexy and so versatile. Here are just a few of the darling styles you can purchase right now at BoutiqueToYou.com

Tolani Collection Nisha Tunic
Price: $100.00

Nicky Hilton wears the Tolani Collection Nisha Tunic with gladiators and aviators for a chic, pulled-together look. This gorgeous tunic is made of 100% silk for a luxe feel. Long length with a v-neck.
Available in black, as seen on Nicky.

Tolani Collection Camilla Tunic in Orange Paisley
Price: $98.00



Lindsay Lohan wears the Tolani Collection Camilla Tunic out on a sunny afternoon. This sunny orange print tunic has just the right amount of boho chic style with its loose, flowy fit and funky paisley print. Made of silk.

Tolani Collection Mosaic Tunic
Price: $105.00

Nicky Hilton and Joanna Krupa go Grecian in her Tolani Collection Mosaic Tunic. This gorgeous tunic has European flavor with its mosaic print and beautiful tunic shape. Wear belted to get Hilton's look.


SCARVES:

Scarves are being adorned by so many women this Spring and Summer Season because they are such a fun and flirty way to jazz up your outfit and give yourself that really feminine, ultra chic, resort type look! Check out the gorgeous selection of ANU by Natural Scarves available at BoutiqueToYou.com that are quickly selling out!

Anu By Natural Green Nubby Lurex Scarf
Price: $42.00


As seen on Nichole Richie, the Anu By Natural Nubby Lurex Scarf is a gorgeous addition to any neckline. Available in green.

Anu By Natural Orchid Nubby Lurex Scarf
Price: $42.00




As worn by Giselle, the Anu By Natural Nubby Lurex Scarf is a gorgeous addition to any neckline. Available in orchid.

BoutiqueToYou.com carries the HOTTEST designer clothes worn by celebrities!! Some of their best selling Designers are Siwy, Lauren Moshi, Wildfox, Gypsy 05, Jet, LnA, J Brand, Black Orchid, Genetic Denim, Devine Rights of Denim, Tolani, Dylan George, Fluxus, JJ Winters and our HOTTEST NEW line: Winter Kate. CLICK HERE TO GO SHOPPING!!

MY REVIEW

The fantastic people over at Boutique To You want to introduce their dynamic Animal Print Tolani Scarves to you. They are ultra stylish, very sexy and super chic to wear and they are sure to add some spice and pizzazz to your Spring and Summer wardrobe. There are so many different ways you can wear them to revamp your look and reinvent your own unique sense of style, like wearing them as a sarong over your bathing suit, wrapping them around your upper body as an exotic halter, or adding some elegance and grace to a cute little black sundress for an evening out. These are just a few ideas of how you can make this the most versatile fashion accessory in your wardrobe and add a striking element to your spring and summer outfits!

TOLANI COLLECTION
Tolani Leopard Scarf
Price: $95.00


Worn by Kim Kardashian and Shenae Grimes! Safari prints are in this season. Add a little of the wild to your outfit with Tolani's Leopard Scarf. Wear as a scarf or even as a sarong on the beach.





MY THOUGHTS: I absolutely love this spectacular scarf! It is made of exceptional quality, the fine gauge of the material is divine, and the weight of the scarf is perfect for all 4 seasons. It is not too thin or flimsy, and at the same time it is not too thick and heavy that you can't wear it in the warm weather, so this is a versatile fashion accessory that is going to work with all your outfits year round! I also love that in spite of the fact that this is a dynamic, bold, scarf, it is both timeless and ageless! It is not an overly trendy piece nor is it something only young woman can wear. Anyone of any age can benefit from spicing up their wardrobe with this splendid scarf and believe me when I say it is just so sophisticated and distinctive and will truly spruce up all your existing favorite outfits.

I love that it is wide and long so I can wear it in so many different styles. You can actually search on google to learn about all the different ways you can tie, wrap and wear scarves and this particular scarf is the ultimate length and width for working so many of the different options you will find.

Animal Print Scarves are so exotic and sexy and take a cue from all your favorite Celebs they are a very Euro-Chic way to accessorize your outfits to give that that exotic hip "look" so consider a few other splendid TOLANI Scarves available at BoutiqueToYou.com:

TOLANI COLLECTION
Tolani Zebra Scarf
Price: $95.00



Nicole Richie pulls her outfit together with the Tolani Zebra Scarf. An animal print accessory is a must-have for any fashionista!
Each scarf is a unique creation and may vary in color, as most designer pieces do.



TOLANI COLLECTION
Tolani Cheetah Scarf
Price: $95.00



Sienna Miller knows that her Tolani Cheetah Scarf is a versatile piece...she wears it as a scarf around town or as a sarong on the beach. Also spotted on Rachael Taylor!





A very special thank you to BoutiqueToYou.com for providing me with Tolani Scarf to use for this review.

Disclosure: I received Tolani Leopard Scarf from BoutiqueToYou.com for the purposes of this Review . This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ.