by Renae Virata

Usually, we pick out what to wear to please ourselves and (admit it!) others.  But today is one of those days where what you wear makes a statement.  In support of National Wear Red Day from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to bring awareness of heart disease, we have some red looks that are sure to look great and support a great cause.Mango dress, $59.99; Mango jacket, $179.99; Mango convertible purse, $34.99; Mango platforms, $109.99.

Fergie Beatnik platform heels, $89.99.

ModCloth Heart tee, $27.99 (and perfect for some Valentine’s Day cheer)

There is nothing more relaxing than a vacation spent lounging on the beach… except for a trip to the spa on said vacation.  Can we say heaven?  The hubs and I just spent 5 glorious days in Cancun, and I was lucky enough to spend some time at the Spa at the JW Marriot Cancun Resort and Spa.

The Spa is 35,000 square feet of luxury, with three levels featuring an indoor pool and jacuzzi, full gym and spin center, sauna, steam room, and full salon.  Cancun has some of the most beautiful turquoise waters I have ever seen, and at the Spa you won’t miss any of it with the spectacular ocean and lagoon views.

The indoor pool with breathtaking ocean views

The Spa features a long list of treatments inspired by ancient Mayan rituals.  The Mayans believed in first healing the spirit, and then healing the body.  Many of their treatments begin with a recitation of traditional Mayan prayers and a lighting of incense to cleanse and heal the spirit before work begins on the body.

The treatments include traditional Mayan remedies, like Achiote to hydrate and soothe, Nance to firm and stimulate healing, Balche to cleanse and relax, and chocolate (a Mayan invention!) to smooth and hydrate skin.  Some of the treatments even feature minerals from the local Chicxulub crater to nurture skin.

My treatment began in the relaxation room, where guests can wait for their treatments to begin while sipping on tea, water, and fresh squeezed juices.  I was then lead to the third floor for my treatment, where there are 17 private rooms in a calm, quiet setting. I experienced a 50 minute signature massage, which uses a combination of techniques from Lomi Lomi massage, Thai, Swedish, and Deep tissue, as well as lymph drainage and Shiatsu pressure techniques.  So, in other words it was perfection.  My masseuse, Enrique, used a signature blend of essential oils of Mayan herbs and perfectly pin-pointed any tense muscles, leaving me in a complete state of relaxation.  It was seriously one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

The shop carries an exclusive assortment of products for face and body featuring traditional Mayan and oceanic ingredients like chocolate, achiote, and sea salts that will leave you soft and glowing from head to toe.  You’ll of course also find spa favorite products from natural brands like Eminence, Guinot, and Surcuit Skin to name a few.

So the next time you’re in Cancun, be sure to visit this spa for the best in beauty (and ask for Enrique – he’s got magic hands).  With the perfect combination of science and ancient Mayan secrets, they’ll have you in tip-top shape and ready to enjoy all that Cancun has to offer… but if you never decided to leave the resort, who could blame you with views like this:

Photo | Sports Then and Now

Are you ready for some football?!  It’s that time of year, once again, to gather ’round the tube with your favorite sports fans to watch the Giants versus the Pats.  But even if your team isn’t battling it out on the field, you can still look your best wherever you watch the game.

Tips for Super Bowl Style

• Don’t be afraid to rock a team jersey like the guys.  These days they make fabulously slim-fitting, ladies jerseys.  Try Touch by Alyssa Milano or go to NFL.com and shop their selection of Pats and Giants gear.

Touch by Alyssa Milano Patriots slim-fitting tee, $29.99

• Maybe you don’t want to spend money on an actual team look but want to let everyone know who you’re backing?  Sport their colors!  Tru Colors, started by two Southern sorority girls where football is BIG, has a great line of team color-based silhouettes that you can wear anytime.

Tru Colors apparel, Stafford dress in Giants colors, $78

Outfit Ideas

• Leggings/skinny jeans, jersey (if it covers your you-know-what), casual boots, flats, wedges
• Simple dress in team color, scarf in other team color, tights, boots
• Jeans, jersey, chic street sneakers
• Thick denim shorts, team tee, long-sleeve tee underneath, casual boots if it’s cold, wedges if it’s warmer with no tights

Is there a better day than Valentine’s Day to wear a beautiful red lip?  We think not.  So this year, go full out girly with these tips for the perfect red lip that will last all night, and even through a few smooches!

Bold and Beautiful Red Lip

Getting the perfectly saturated red lip is as easy as following these steps:

1. Choose the right color.  For cooler or pinker undertones, choose a red with blue undertones.  For warmer, more yellow undertones, choose a red with orange undertones.  Or, try this great lipstick from DuWop that does the work for you:

DuWop Private Red Lipstick

With color adjusting technology, this color will adjust to your individual coloring to create a hue that’s just right for you.

2.  Nobody wants a flaky red lip!  Start with well moisturized lips by gently exfoliating with a washcloth or toothbrush in the shower, when lips are warm and soft.  Then, follow with a light layer of lip balm to lock in moisture and soothe any dryness.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Conditioning Lip Balm

This balm from Origins contains anti-inflammatory turmeric and shea butter to keep lips soft and smooth all day long.

3.  Starting with a waxy lip liner in the same hue as your lip color, draw a clean outline along the edge of lips, ensuring there are no crooked or uneven edges.  Then, fill in the entire lip with liner, and blot off any excess product.  This will act as a stain and will help lipstick adhere for a longer period of time.

Maybelline Color Sensational Liner in Red.

4.  Using a lip brush, sweep a small amount of lipstick over the lips, starting at the center, and working out to the corner.  Remember that less is more here to avoid color bleeding and getting on teeth.

Urban Decay Good Karma Brushes Lip Brush

Use the flat side of the brush to deposit color at the center and gently spread throughout lips, and the sharp edge to create clean lines at the edges.  Finish by blotting and repeating if necessary.

5.  Set lip color by placing a thin tissue over lips and sweeping translucent powder over lips through the tissue.  This will help to ensure that lip color doesn’t travel and stays put, while locking pigment and moisture in place.

You can of course also use this powder to keep shine at bay on the rest of your face too, for the perfect compliment to your classic red lips.

6.  Finally, finish that perfect pout with a little sheen.  Pat a shimmery powder or cream into cupid’s bow (how appropriate!) and touch some gloss into the center of lips to create a pouty, flirty look.  This will make lips look more full and soft, perfect for a Valentine’s Day smooch!

Elizabeth Arden Crystal Clear Lip Gloss, Clear

Use your ring finger to gently pat gloss into the center of upper and lower lips, keeping gloss away from the edges.

Jemma Kidd Makeup Dual Illuminator Creme Highlighter & Shimmer Dust, Champagne

Tap highlighter into cupid’s bow to highlight.  To finish your face and give an ethereal glow, also sweep liner down the bridge of your nose, across cheekbones, and into inner corners of eyes.

And you’re done!  Don’t feel like red is your color?  Follow the same steps above using a flirty pink or magenta hue for a flirty and feminine alternative to the classic red lip.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2012/01/the-perfect-red-lips-for-valentines-day/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2012/01/7-pieces-25-looks-chick-on-the-go/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2012/01/7-pieces-25-looks-chick-on-the-go/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:35:12 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=6229 by Renae Virata

It seems from the questions we’ve been getting that you guys are ready to pick up your travel schedules once again, which we love!  Versatility, of course, is a benchmark of a good trip wardrobe, so we checked out a line called Chick on the Go, a travel-ready collection of FIVE pieces that can create 25 different looks!

At first, I was a bit skeptical. Really – that many looks with so few pieces?  But this collection, started by uber-Travelista and fashion industry veteran Silvia Allegrini, can truly be a savior for an easy spring/summer travel wardrobe.

“What we’ve created is an all-in-one wardrobe with just five basic pieces and two accessories. By switching around and combining the garments, women can create 25 different outfits! The pieces fit all body-types and have no buttons or zippers, for ultimate comfort.”

All of the pieces come in a lightweight travel case, come in a basic palette of black and white, and are made of rayon and spandex.  We have yet to try the set, which sells for $289, but here are the WeareverTheWeather.com tenants it follows (read: why we love it already!):

• Sticks to a specific color palette.
• Lightweight and minimal packing.
• Versatility for different types of occasions/events (they have multiple looks for three different types of occasions: professional, flirty, casual, night out – like our Fashion Forecast occasions!).
  
• Basic silhouettes that can go together or with other pieces easily.

The pieces included in the kit:

1. A black wide leg pant.
2. A black slip dress.
3. A white long-sleeve shirt.
4. A white tank top.
5. A black poncho that can be worn as a skirt and a shirt.
6. Two sashes (one black, one white) that can be worn as a belt, a scarf or a headband.

‘Course, you don’t HAVE to stick with just this clothing for a trip, but you can certainly carry it on easily and incorporate it into other outfits in your suitcase.  In fact, that may be the smart thing to do so that you add dashes of yourself and pops of color, pattern and texture.  Just think how many MORE outfits you will have for your trip!

You can buy it exclusively at http://www.thechickonthego.com and see the entire group of items and a how-to-wear-’em video.

Has anyone ever tried Chick on the Go?  Let us know, we’d love to hear from you or see pics of you in your outfits!

by Renae Virata

I got a question from a Travelista about finding a bag that would go with any outfit bar-hopping but would also be appropriate for a semi-formal event.  Check out the bags we recommend!

Her question:

I need help finding the perfect accessory, and I am turning to you for some options.  I am looking for a satchel that I can use when I go out.  I want to be able to use it when I go bar hopping, or if I go to a semi-nice event. Also, the most important thing: It has to be able to hold my iPhone, small lip gloss, contacts case, small container of eye drops, bank card, and ID (I know, I’m weird, but I’m so anal about what I have on me).  I’m hoping to spend $30 or less, but am willing to pay more if it is the perfect one  Can you recommend some that fit this criteria?  I have searched high and low and have not been impressed with what I have found.

First, gals, you have to let go of the notion that a good bag for evening has to be metallic, sateen, or beaded.  Also, you can be a tad fancy when you bar hop, so you don’t have to carry around that beat up, giant bag that you use for work when you go out for a casual outting either.

A good bag that meets our dear friend’s criteria is tough but chic – not only able to withstand being thrown around in a casual setting (ugh – dontcha just hate those mysterious sticky spots on the bar?) but also look fabulous for a more formal event.  Here are some tips when looking for just such a bag:

• Texture – Snakeskin or some sort of stamped leather texture add enough whimsy for the bars but looks purposefully chic and dramatic for a nicer event.  Leather is preferable to cloth because it provides structure and captures prints, color and texture better.  Smooth leather with a slight crinkle looks funky but has enough shine for any occasion.
• Color – Select something neutral but don’t be afraid of doing something other than black or a metallic.  Taupe or snakeskin are great with touches of metallic.  A deep mulberry, aubergine, or even royal blue will go with most anything and be appropriate for both a casual or formal setting.
• Shape – You want to be able to fit bigger stuff when you go to the bars, right?  That doesn’t mean you can’t bring the same larger bag to a wedding or night bash.  Instead of a mini clutch where you end up asking your date to hold that tube of lipstick that just wouldn’t fit with all your other stuff, opt for more drama with an envelope clutch that also doubles as an easy-to-carry crossbody.  Convertibility is key when it comes to that go-with-it-all bag.

Remember, you can always dress up a casual outfit with something fancier and make a formal outfit more modern by picking just the kind of bags we recommend below – and they’re all mostly under $75!

Big Buddha Mina $52 – Wear this THREE different ways – a clutch, a shoulder bag, and a cross-body.  Metallic snakeskin looks great with everything and so roomy!

The Sak Iris demi clutch $47.20 – Comes in three colors, but we LOVE the multi-colored geometric stripes.  Smooth texture leather and a convertible strap!

Hobo International Zara $128 -The crackle look is perfect for a cool night out but adds dimension to a casual outfit.  Convertible strap, too!

Elliott Luca 3-Way Demi Bag $59.99 – We chose the black pintuck in this bag that comes in many textures and colors because the texture is so cool and modern in addition to the blingy shine of the leather.  Use it as a crossbody or a clutch!

by Renae Virata

Here’s a fun way to transition between winter and spring: layered scarves.  Mixing textures, colors, and weights is an effortless way to up your scarf look a notch for easy, casual chic.

I was walking around town on this unusually warm winter day when I spotted two girls walking together.  One had a regular, pashmina-like scarf, and the other rocked a beautiful floral silk scarf.  Somehow, my fashion senses got ahold of me at just that moment, and I visually meshed the two looks together.  So, as soon as I got home, I decided to see for myself how layering a silk scarf over a warmer scarf would look – and love it!

How to Do It

1. Wrap your longer, knit scarf (a medium-weight, pashmina style is best) around your neck so that the ends hang on your chest.
2. Tie the lighter, woven scarf into a loose kerchief around your neck.
3. Position the lighter scarf so that it bunches slightly on the top and rests loosely on the wrapped part of the longer scarf.

Travelistas - do you have a do-it-yourself look that either helps you transition between seasons or maximizes this season’s wardobe?  Send them in, and we’ll share it: renae@wearevertheweather.com.

Babs Bibb maxi gown at ShopBop.com (click to shop!)

by Sinta Jimenez

I have been attending winter galas since I was a little girl due to my parents’ involvement in various professional and alumni organizations which have annual New Year’s Eve and Christmas celebrations. Later, when I grew up and worked in finance, I attended my own slew of galas in the frigid cold of winter. Just because it’s January doesn’t mean high society can’t party – in fact, it’s their favorite time to! If you’re ever invited to attend, obligated to attend, or whole-heartedly choose to attend a formal winter gala, don’t let the cold weather inhibit your style by following these tips!

Eliza J. Faux Fur Stole at Nordstrom.

• Faux or real, a fur stole is a great way to keep you toasty in a large ballroom that may take the whole evening to warm up. A fur stole lends an old-world elegance to your ensemble as well.
• Consider a white or cream dress with lace accents. Heat-keeping lace makes sure that your light colored dress is strictly snowy, not a seasonal mistake.
• If the gala is marking a certain holiday such as Christmas, keep some tasteful seasonal accessories in mind. A bold hunter green satin dress with gold heels and a tartan bow in your hair would make you pretty as a present.
• A mid-knee to maxi-length gown is perfect to keep you warmer in the cold while at the same time keeping in step with the formality called for in a winter gala.

Sergio Rossi crystal shoes at Barney’s

• If you wear open-toed heels make sure the detailing is winter appropriate. Don’t let your shoes scream July while the chestnuts are toasting!

• Formal gloves — keep your Isotoners and cutesy Urban Outfitters retro-style mittens at home. Leather driving gloves, cashmere, or elbow gloves only!
• A fur stole
• Some sparkle be it in quality diamonds jewelry, sequins on your shoes, or a glittery purse. Galas call for formality AND festivity; this is the time, if there was one, to go all out.

Shoshanna lace dress at ShopBop.com

Tibi lace dress at ShopBop.com

Marchesa Notte at ShopBop.com

Tibi gold dress at ShopBop.com

About Sinta

Sinta Jimenez’s previous incarnations: rolling stone, financial analyst, law student, herbal specialist, waitress, model, wild child, ballet dancer, student, surfer, world traveller. Current incarnation: mother, lotus amidst fierce flames. From birth to death: artist, writer, poet. A lifelong student of the arts, she received her Masters in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. Born in Manila,  she was raised and lives in DC. Check out her fabulous blog Hail to the Chic.

Photo taken in Los Angeles.  Read Sinta’s posts.

Photo | New Mandala

by Renae Virata

I can hardly believe it’s mid-January already – only one and a half months until my big trips to Thailand and India!  Serendipitously, I came across an article touting the amazing stores and features of a new mall in Bangkok called Terminal 21 that I will be sure to check out and review for you guys via video, tweets, and posts.

Terminal 21 boasts more than 600 (yes, 600!) new stores on nine floors, each of which represents a different world region or capital city and decorated to match.  For example, the Caribbean is on the bottom floor while you can explore Rome, Paris, Tokyo, and Instanbul as you make your way up.  Imagine, two of our favorite things at WeareverTheWeather.com in one place – travel and shopping!

Photo | New Mandala

You can check out the deets at the Terminal 21 website.  Have you ever visited this mega-mall or plan to?  Leave a comment and let us know what you thought or what you’re excited about!

If you are attending a wedding in the near future and are unsure of what to wear, there are some big trends coming up for 2012 that might help in making the right decision, as there are a variety of wedding outfits to choose from. (Click image to shop this dress.)It is important to mention that there is a very fine line that wedding guests have to obey when deciding upon their outfits, as you do not want to be at the centre of attention with the outfit you are wearing (you may upset the bride!). So your wedding outfit should be chosen wisely.

Pencil skirts

Pencil skirts are ideal for women who prefer a bit of formality and neutral colours. Pencil skirts are becoming trendier and should not only be associated with offices. You can combine this outfit with a pearl necklace for your outfit to become a bit more elegant and glamorous. When buying a pencil skirt, make sure you buy the right size. Pencil skirts are known for their fitting and should be comfortable, as weddings are special but also long days.

Click on the image above to shop this look and others at Jacques Vert online.

Floral patterns

You may have noticed that floral patterns are this year’s new trend in fashion and have also been incorporated into wedding outfits. Floral patterns are great for those women who love a bit of colour and want to keep up with the latest trends. These patterns are very pretty and are therefore an excellent choice for a feminine woman. When buying a floral dress, ensure that you use the right accessories. Because floral patterns are the first thing you look at, make sure not to overdress your outfit by adding a colourful scarf to it. It is best to style your floral dress with a neutral coloured jacket or scarf.

Make-up

Colour is something that will pick up in 2012. If you decide to wear a neutrally-coloured pencil skirt, you could add some glamour by going for red lips. If you are not keen on red lips, you can also use a light-coloured gloss. In terms of the eyes, it is all about colours and definition so no more smoky eyes. When applying eye shadow, make sure you use two different colours that are coordinating and apply the lighter shade closer to the eye with the darker shade around. Don’t be afraid to use some blush as well, as it will contour your cheeks and emphasize your cheekbones. When using blush, be careful to not overdo it because, often, less is more.