V-Style

Product Review - Nude Audio Move L

I love easy. I love quality. And I love style. And most of all, I love being introduced to a solid product, like MOVE by NudeAudio. The introduction came to me via e-mail. They sent me their press release, and I asked for a sample. I was not disappointed. NudeAudio is a speaker that plays music from up to 30 feet away from your smart phone, tablet or computer via bluetooth 3.0 technology. The battery life is about 8 hours and your product comes with four different country specific plugs for when that battery needs recharging. A fantastic perk for how much time I spend in London and Europe. Beyond the product facts, it is extremely easy to use, simple, subtle, stylish, and, most importantly, the music sounds great. It weighs about five pounds and measures nine inches wide, so although far lighter and smaller than a 1992 boombox, I won't be throwing it my purse. I plan to use it as my main room's music source, and bringing it to the beach when need be. Although to be honest, I don't think I have ever taken music to the beach, or to a picnic. I think it's a bit rude to other beach and park patrons. What if they don't want to hear my Hans Zimmerman jams, and MS MR?

The one thing I am not loving is that if you want to send a text message while your NudeAudio is playing music from your iphone, you hear the phone "pressing" the buttons through the speaker. That clicking with the music is not attractive. 

A little background on the company... NudeAudio is a new-generation audio brand that came to be this past summer. Their operations are in Hong Kong, but their design team is in San Fransisco with all the other  powerhouse tech creatives. Their products come in small ($29.99 - $49.99) medium ($69.99), and large ($99). I have the large one.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Best Running Shoes For Street Running

blazer: ZARA, tank: BAR 111, jeans: GAP, shoes: Nike

I've searched extensively for glorious ballet flats and boots that embody stylish comfort in walking heavy cities like New York and London. It is amazing the collection of beautiful yet comfortable footwear I have acquired, but it turns out stylish footwear deteriorates quickly when you try to, basically, use them like athletic shoes. My AGL's were not made to lasts numerous hikes across Manhattan and London. Needless to say, it is not cost effective to keep purchasing fashionable flats to use as walking shoes. I have finally accepted that some days do call for an authentic athletic shoe. My shoe search started anew for a cute sneaker. After ten try-on's I selected Nike's 'Free 3.0 v5' running shoe. The comfort and fit was spot on, but it was the lean shape and bold color that sold me.

When styling my new running shoes, it was important to create an outfit that worked with the tone of the shoes without creating a gym outfit. Inspired by Amid Privelege's post, I paired them with rolled up jeans. For the first time in my entire life, I feel stylish in sneakers. This look is perfect for a day of exploring a new city on foot, or working on set. I planned on wearing this on Monday when I dayplayed for the new series, The Last Ship, but ended up going with a warmer outfit as the 5am call time was quite brisk. 

This post could end here, but it doesn't. I packed these cute shoes for my trip to London intending to use them only for stylish purposes, but in my packing frenzy, I forgot to pack my actual running shoes intended for running. When I realized this, I simply threw on the new purple Nike's and proceeded on my run. It turns out these actually are running shoes. Not only that, the best running shoes I have ever had. 

A little background, I have been running for 16 years. The only break I took was when I was thrown from a horse and couldn't walk, let alone run. Otherwise I run around 3 miles four to six times a week. Throughout my running career, I have tried a lot of different shoes. At one point I was running in shoes from Target and wondered why my feet were hurting. It turns out your shoes matter. And now I really get it. These shoes are incredibly thin and light weight, yet I can't feel any hard impact from the street. I feel like I am running on air. Another contradiction, you'd think the thinness would be a bad idea in London's cold, but my feet felt amazingly protected from the chill. The shoes seem to keep your feet at the perfect temperature because when I then switched to San Diego's unexpected hot weather last week, my feet were still  at the perfect temperature. I am wildly impressed. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. This shoe was not gifted, it was purchased at full price. 

Flattering Lighting

Left: Before GE Reveal, Right: AFter GE Reveal

In early 2007, Congress addressed the problem with inefficient light bulbs in the Energy Independence and Security Act. They passed measures to phase out traditional incandescent light bulbs for alternatives that use at least 30 percent less electricity. I'm sure you have heard about it. Maybe you even watched traditional incandescent light bulbs fly off the shelves, not to be restocked. Taking their place has mostly been the compact fluorescent light bulbs. Being environment minded, I have always been interested in the energy efficient bulbs, but I have been really unhappy with their lack of brightness, and weird orange or blue glows. It has seriously bummed me out. It is especially irritating because the bulbs last so damn long. If you select bad lighting you're stuck with it for ages if you don't return it to the store. I finally ended up with the least offensive dull bulbs. You can imagine my delight when GE approached me about reviewing their energy efficient Reveal lightbulbs with Halogen technology. Is lighting fashion oriented? Well, you can't put it on like a pair of pants, but you certainly wear it. When you are covered in bad lighting it can mess with the color and angles of you and your outfit. But more importantly, it affects our mood and nothing is less stylish than a dull spirit.

Pictured is the result: a bright clean white light that most definitely lifts my mood. I'm very pleased. If you want to try, here is a coupon. 

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Stylish Camera Bags

Pictured with Joel Mesina

Before leaving for New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I finally went in search of fashionable camera bags. It has been on my to-do list for quite some time to upgrade my camera bag. I use a beautiful Canon Rebel to shoot my V-Style worthy subjects, but my camera case has not been beautiful or worthy. I have found myself hesitating to bring my camera to events with it enclosed in such a utilitarian piece of crap. Yes, the black Opteka keeps my Canon fantastically safe, but it rates a zero on my chic meter. After extensive searching, I found two utterly fabulous and perfect camera bags to accompany me to New York Fashion Week Events. 

Jo Totes is the absolute go-to for stylish camera bags. I was sent the Abby bag in mint. The mint color is delicious, the size is perfect and I love the movable velcro sectionals inside. I also adore the light weight and the many zippers, especially the outside zipper. I only wish it was real leather, but at $89, I won't complain too much. This will be my main bag for New York as it is well suited for a busy, walk around all day, carry everything with you kind of bag. 

My other discovery is the Camera Purse by LeatherFinerWork on Etsy. Made to order, this vintage cowboy look is my go to in San Diego. Where as New York fashion week means leaving your house at noon to walk, subway, and cab to various destinations all day, not to return home until 3am, I drive a car in San Diego and live in the middle of all the happenings. I simply stick my phone, ID and money into the bag's side pockets and I'm off. This is even more light weight and I love the compact size. I would barely notice I had my camera if it weren't for people constantly complimenting me on the bag. 

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep or purchased at a special discount. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Sexy Tummy Tamer by Leonisa

Leonisa's Vintage Lace Tummy Control Bodysuit ($52) is beautiful. It is intricately sexy. I opened the package that contained it while a friend was over. As I revealed the loot within the package, she gasped and stared. Wide eyed she said, if it made sense, all she would own and wear is lingerie. She held that bodysuit in her hands, eyeing all its details for about 15 minutes before I was forced to pull it out of her hands and put it out of sight. I wanted to get back to our popcorn eating. 

Like most shapewear, this pretty specimen does the trick, slimming your waist and flattening your belly. What makes this one special is the bum. So few full bottom shapewear and even standard underwear, flatter the behind. It usually creates a crease across the cheeks. Not this one. The bum portion is made of lace that lays gently on the bum. It is extremely sexy and wonderful to the eye.  

As for actual sex appeal, although tummy taming shapewear creates the appearance of a lovely and smooth torso, there is nothing less sexy then getting into or out of shape wear. This piece is no exception and may be one of the most difficult contraptions I have ever faced. Mother of god, it is like riding a raging bull getting into this item and only slightly less interesting to get out of it. When you finally accomplish the feat, you are standing there heaving, sweating, cursing, hair a mess and pleasure beaten out of you. I would never attempt removing this from my body in front of a man I wanted to attract. If you did wear this on a date, it is because you are working on staying at second base. In fact, this is the best way for a lady with little discipline with sex, to stop getting naked with men. It's not a fool proof plan, as the crotch opens for easy access, but it certainly stops nudity. In fact, this is a great piece for a woman who likes sex, but feels self-conscious about their mid section. You can expose everything else and still cover your stomach. If the man insists on wanting you naked, simply say, "Hey buddy, if you can get me out of it, you deserve to see me naked, not to mention the Congressional Medal of Honor." Unless he wields a knife, he will be defenseless against this tummy tamer, no matter how much valor he shows beyond the call of duty.

Still, if you are dedicated to shapewear, date or no date, the only thing less sexy then clawing out of pretty shape wear, is grappling with ugly shape wear. I vote for the pretty one.

Do you wear shapewear? Share in a comment below.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Kate Bosworth's JewelMint.com Review

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

There is nothing I am more passionate about then protecting my clients from victimization. I see it everyday during the closet purge, women that were convinced by a sales associate that they just had to have some overpriced, wrong colored, ill fitting garment. Is making that few dollars commission worth a lie? Not to me. I worked retail for two weeks when I was 15-years-old. I quit because they wanted me to push and sell people things they don't need. They were so confused by my need to please the customer, not the corporation. I am not here to sell, I am here to help. I am not interested in deceit.

On that note, I recently checked out JewelMint.com made popular by Kate Bosworth. I did my usual pop over and evaluated the website. Fresh and clean layout, clear pictures of cute items, good prices (if the quality is there), and free shipping. With my tight schedule, I am zipping through clothing and websites. An online retailer has little time to make an impression and I never give a second glance to fashion websites that charge shipping (that's how Gilt lost me). Jewel Mint passed my speedy once over. I pick two items worth wearing. I received them timely in cute boxes. They are stylish enough and the rings I bought even make it into two of my photo shoots.

This week I return from London and look at my American Express account to check out how much damage the pound sterling has done to me. As I browse my purchases, I see Jewel Mint has charged me $29.99. I call in to correct the mistake. The purchase I made was in April. It turns out when I made that purchase in April I was enrolled into a monthly subscription, and this is the second month I have been charged. I felt stupid and the Jewel Mint's customer service made sure I felt stupid. They explain it is written everywhere. I believe her and assume the French wine I favor has taken it's toll on me. I explain how stupid I feel, and request a refund as I don't have any foreseeable plans to use Jewel Mint again. I am trying not to react to her already biting tone. When she informs me that the charges are non-refundable, I explain how quickly I shop and did not understand that I had signed up for a subscription. She gets snide and offers me a $9.99 credit which affords me nothing on the site. Just another ploy for me to spend more money with them. I decline the credit.

I tell her to inform Jewel Mint's PR team that a negative review will be written. She seemed pleased with this information and asked if there was anything else I would like. I said, no. We parted the proverbial ways. Although angered by her treating me like an absolute fool, I assume I was one. I did just yesterday leave my groceries in the back of my car for three hours. The goat cheese didn't make it.

I go back to jewelmint.com and start fresh. I type in the url and wait for "Jewelry Subscription" to blast across the homepage. Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman did tell me it was written everywhere, yet absolutely nothing of the subscription is stated on the home page. I sign up and take the little fashion quiz - nothing is written about a subscription. I receive an e-mail about the great pieces they get monthly, but again, mention nothing of a subscription or that I will be charged monthly. Ok. So, I pick the first cute pair of earrings I see and head to checkout and look for what Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman was talking about. Nothing of the subscription is noted. And then I scroll to the bottom of the page... in the finest light grey print it says that if I purchase this pair of earrings I will have signed up for a subscription and will be charged $29.99 every month. I no longer feel stupid. Well, the whole grocery fiasco makes me feel like a royal idiot, but Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman is wrong. Even when deserved, I look down on rudeness, but when it is unwarranted, I become incensed. There is no need to make me feel like a fool when anyone could make this kind of mistake. I realize now she must get calls like this every minute. Hence the crankiness.

I am horrified by this incident for a few reasons. First, I expect and almost welcome a rip-off in a foreign country's street markets. They need the money more than I. I do not expect Kate Bosworth's jewelry company to deceive me. When you first sign up for Jewel Mint they send you e-mails to get you to buy. Once you buy and discreetly sign up for a monthly subscription, they no longer send you anything. Perhaps to let those monthly charges go by quietly. I have zero tolerance for such non-sense. It is not the money, it is the disrespect. Jewel Mint and its sister companies is what gives online shopping a bad name. This is why I stick to the same online stops over and over again. They have my trust. Trust is invaluable. Trust is why my business is successful. I believe in my services and I am more than open. I charge by the hour and often give free time. I wish more businesses would as honest and generous.

What companies do you trust? Please, share in a comment below.

Pitusa Product Review

When Pitusa expressed interest in a product review on V-Style, I was immediately intrigued by the line's verve and it's Peruvian production in accordance with fair working standards set forth by the international labor organization. I accepted their request and decided to check out the Kookara tank, the maxi dress with silver edging and Tribal Palazzo pants.

It often feels like Christmas day in my office when a package comes from a brand like Pitusa. I tore open the box and smiled gleefully at the items waiting for me. And just like Christmas, it's easy to identify your favorite present of the day. The tribal print palazzo pants take first place for a couple of reasons. First reason being anticipation. I've had a hankering for fabulously printed palazzo pants for some time, an urge that grew after interviewing Celeste Byers. This is not a self imposed wait.Usually when I want something, I find it and get it, but this general period of fashion does not give you many palazzo options, until now. Between the wait and hard to find quality these pants are sacred. 

Adding to its glory is the sexy fit. I love how the waist band folds over low on your belly, and cups your hips and bum before expanding into the pool of print around your legs. To ensure this perfect cupping, buy a size up to avoid a too tight fit. I am able to wear a size large comfortably.

Lastly, I thought the pants were going to be super soft, but with a blend of cotton, polyester and lycra, it feels like a proper pant versus blanket soft fabric. Although I needed to adjust to the lack of pajama feel, this combination of materials will ensure the garment lasts longer and won't pill. 

Right now, I am using the pant as lounge wear, as it is longer than my legs reach and I need to get them hemmed before showing them to the world. Once I take these to my tailor, I will be paring them with sandals and open toe wedges and avoid clunky or close toe shoes, as they will shorten this type of silhouette. Shorter tanks and blouses in black, white, yellow, or purple will complete this casual boho chic look.

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the product to keep. If I am sent something unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Soma Intimates Full Coverage Bra That Covers Back Fat

A bra should not gap. It should cup the breasts fully and shouldn't squeeze armpit or back fat. These two requests are often overlooked by my clients and ignored by sales associates. Too often, women settle for less in the bra department. A catastrophe I try to prevent with my clients and myself with diligent evaluations of any bra that crosses my path.

The Sensuous Sides Full Coverage bra from Soma Intimates ($48) is the most recent bra to come under my scrutiny. From the available sizes (32C-DD, 34-38B-DD, 40C-D), I requested 36B. At first glance, I am immediately impressed by the structure and elegance. This is a no-nonsense bra that retains the sensuality we want in our undergarments.

Once I adjusted the straps, I slipped it on and seriously said, "Wow." I love this bra. My breasts have never been higher in its contoured cups, my armpit fat was hidden and my back looked great. Oh, how I was looking forward to doing this review.  Like many of my clients, my armpits and back have become my number one body concern. I don't even know what else to write about it. Have I mentioned that I love it? Adding to my love is its overall comfort and the seamlessness of the cup. This bra is perfect for thin Tees and tops. You will not be able to see the impression of your nipples or even the bra when wearing this bra. This is a staple bra. I recommend getting it in nude. 

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the service for free. If the service is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Firmoo Online Glasses Store

Photo Credits: Robin Dayley

In college, I "borrowed" my boyfriend's dad's aviator sunglasses and sported them for a year. The glasses were far too large for me - my fella's dad was a monster of a man, probably still is - but I cared not. Despite the over-sized appearance, I felt incredibly cool. To this day, I adore the aviator shape, perhaps too much. Although aviator sunglasses are sexy, aviator spectacles are not the most fabulous look, but that does not stop me. I love them too. They make me feel like a hot old man.

When Firmoo.com asked me to review their website and select a pair of glasses of my choosing, I doubt they expected me to order men's aviator eyeglasses, but I couldn't help myself. I almost requested their fabulous round sunglasses, but the aviator grabbed a hold of me and I couldn't shake it off.  

When deciding on my eyeglass choice, I was immediately impressed by Firmoo's search tools and viewing possibilities. To buy something as intimate as eye glasses online requires a lot of detail and assistance that many online optical stores skimp on, but Firmoo gives you that and then some. On Firmoo.com, each pair of glasses has complete descriptive details and measurements as well as numerous photos of the glasses on and off people with customer reviews to aid you in your purchase - a purchase that won't break the bank, yet retains quality. My pair of old man glasses are light-weight, sturdy and came with that nifty tool, cleaner and a cloth. This rdiculous shape also allows me to see more of the world. This is why everyone in the 80's had huge eyeglasses. You have less blind spots.

The complaint one might have with Firmoo is a small slection. There are not hundreds of choices for each category.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Spa Review: Bellus Academy

To celebrate San Diego's Spa Week, Bellus Academy invited me to review a massage with student, Michael Lim. Bellus Academy provides training and multiple license programs to prepare its students for a career in the beauty and wellness industry. Obviously, Michael is training to be a masseuse. Upon entering the Poway building, I love the expansive space and high ceilings. My recent visits to independent masseuses in teeny tiny rooms, has made me more appreciative of roomy spas. After checking in, Michael took me aside to discuss my goals for the massage. I told him the top of my legs are always sore from my daily running. I told him I just started Pilates again, ergo my upper back and hips are sore. Finally, I told him my forearms are sore from the batting cages and my biceps are sore from holding a baby. Who knew holding a baby for fifteen minutes was a workout. 

Michael then escorted me into a giant room full of beds sectioned off by curtains. I felt like I was in a military's hospital barracks, but better decorated and smelling of lavender. Once in my curtained area, I undressed and waited for Michael to return. Laying there on the bed, the room's sound system played soothing music, but I could still hear the whispers of neighboring massages. I found the noises distracting, but didn't notice it much when my own massage began. Michael used some great techniques I have never experienced or rarely get to enjoy, which is saying something. I average two to three massages a month and rarely use the same masseuse. I know what people are doing out there. 

My only complaints would be the document you have to sign at the beginning that explains a student is rubbing you, not a professional, therefore they may hurt you. Also, the lack of attention on the areas I had pointed out as sore. I felt like he gave those areas the same time as everywhere else. Granted, I had a ridiculous amount of messed up body parts, but they still felt a bit neglected. I also like my masseuse to touch my scalp at some point and he didn't do that. Overall, it was a good massage that ended with a delightful spray of something pretty smelling and only cost $30. For the budget conscience, the Bellus Academy is a fabulous way to tend to your massage needs.

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the service for free. If the service is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.