Eye Do

I love weddings. Maybe it is because I love romance - there wasn't an episode of the Office I didn't root for Jim and Pam and time and time again I cry when watching Father of the Bride - but I also love to have a reason to get all dressed up and have a great time with friends.


So far this year we have already celebrated the marriage of several of our close friends and are now gearing up for two big weddings in October. I have the honor of being a part of the wedding
party for both weddings - one being my younger sister's destination wedding to Arizona and the

Photo - A scene from the movie, Father of the Bride

other is my husband's cousin (who is more like a friend than family) who is celebrating locally. Along with the responsibilities of helping with the shower, parties, and other formalities, there is also the wedding day attire to take care of. These can include the dress, shoes, accessories and more. With all of this on my mind, and the planning to make sure I have everything in order for the big days (including traveling to Arizona!), I tend to get myself way more stressed out then I should. Instead of just going with the flow and realizing that I am organized enough that everything will be wonderful, I obsessively make list, after list, after list of everything from what to remember to bring to what needs to be done prior to the big event. Ultimately, I exhaust myself!



With that said, all the celebrating, worrying and then celebrating some more (throw some alcohol in there and whew!) can lead to some major dark circles under my eyes. Since I need to be able to combat the effects of all this and still look refreshed for photos, there isn't anything that I find works better than BORBA Fiber-Knit Orbital Eye Rejuvenator. Having previously worked with the brains behind the brand, Scott Vincent Borba, Scott Vincent got me hooked on his innovative line of skincare back when I was preparing for my own wedding. One of the first brands to create vitamin-infused waters, the BORBA product line uses cutting edge technology to create what I think are some of the best skin care products out there. The Orbital Eye Rejuvenator - while sounds like some sci-fi product, actually is a miracle worker for the appearance of puffy eyes and also, over time, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For me, its a can't do without item and staple during busy wedding season.


The new Ulta (watch for an upcoming blog about my trip there) at the Airport Center in Allentown (940 Airport Center Drive, 610-264-1065) currently carries the BORBA skincare line. They have the basics from the line including the Orbital Eye Rejuvenator which is priced at $38.00 for a .5oz container. It might seem like a splurge for some, but trust me, its so creamy that it lasts long and the results...well lets just say I will be looking pretty bright eyed and bushy tailed in those photos!

You can also purchase this item at www.Ulta.com.

Go Faux

One accessory I am pretty excited to see re-appear for the fall is the leather motorcycle jacket. A must have accessory being sported on the fashion elites and celebs everywhere, the moto-jacket or bomber styles can be worn in several different ways this season. My favorites are paired with a feminine dress or worn over a flowing long tunic with skinny jeans. The leather outerwear gives a slightly edgy contrast and an easy way carry a summer tank or dress into Fall.

With black being the go-to shade for the jacket, I was delighted to find an adorable selection of faux leather motorcycle jackets, not only in black but also in grey, at none other than Target! Grey-tones are without a doubt my favorite hues for Fall fashions this year and so since I already had a black motorcycle jacket, and the price of this jacket was unbeatable at $29.95, the grey fab-find called to me! The small size fit perfect - go for whatever shirt size you normally wear not jacket size since you will wear over lighter items - and I especially liked the sleeve length since it hit right where it should (ends at the base of my thumb when holding arms down).

Photo: Ugly Betty's Becki Newton sports a black motorcycle jacket over a Brian Reyes dress while out in New York City for Fashion Week. Source: WireImage

Photo: Target's Xhilaration® Moto Jacket, approximately $29.95

They had the jacket in both grey and black on my trip to Target, however I find that popular sizes there go fast so you might want to call ahead to make sure they have what you are looking for. I visited the new Quakertown location (610 N West End Blvd., Quakertown, PA, 215-529-2720), but you can also order online at http://www.target.com/ if you are desperate!

The SWEET Smell of Victory

Starting in July, I begin looking forward to football season - particularly Sunday afternoons. As a life-long Pittsburgh Steeler fan, brought up in a house devoted to Pittsburgh sports teams, there are certain traditions we adhere to and superstitions that become law on game day. One of the biggest rules as a Steeler fan is the "change it up" philosophy. Essentially, you pick your game day outfit in pre-season and that's what you wear for every game - and there is no washing it, no excuses. However, if the Steelers are not doing well, someone needs to "change something up" to get the mojo back in order. This could be something as small as switching seats with someone or as big as switching to a different jersey. As crazy as it sounds, it works for us and if there is a loss for the Steelers - well, someone must not have been doing something right and should have changed it up.

For me, this can be challenging due to the fact that I hate feeling dirty. Towels are used once and washed, jeans are worn and then washed before wearing again and dresses are always dry cleaned following an event. Laundry piles up like crazy because of this, however I just feel better. That said, not washing my jersey an entire season can be a scary thought! So with that in mind, I have been looking for a way to keep my jersey smelling and feeling fresh without having to be accused of ruining the season due to washing it. On a recent trip to Victoria's Secret in the Lehigh Valley Mall, I found exactly what I was looking for.

Victoria's Secret has created a line of scented body mists to match their popular line of fragrances. My favorite is Sexy Little Things Noir for its fresh yet warm notes of apple, nectarine, vanilla and golden amber. The mist leaves behind just a hint a fragrance, perfect for the times when you want to smell nice but not smell like your wearing perfume! I purchased two of the 2.5 fl oz plastic bottles (one for my gym bag and one for home) at $15.00 a piece. For my jersey, following the game, I simply place it back on a hanger and lightly spray with the mist. This ensures that it will be ready to go when I need it the next week and will be even more of a subtle scent... because really all I want to smell is the sweet smell of victory!

Sexy Little Things Noir and other body mist scents can be found at Victoria's Secret in the Lehigh Valley Mall in Allentown.

UGG....winters right around the corner!

Now, I know that there are certain fashion statements that people love to hate - one at the top of the list has to be UGG's. Some go as far as to call them "Ugg-ly," however personally I love them! They are warm, comfortable and an easy go-to-shoe for me. One thing I will say is that there is a time and place for sporting UGG's. Wear them around the house, wear them out shopping, wear them to a sporting event or even a weekend in the Poconos, but please do not wear them out at night to a bar, restaurant or club. They are not evening wear!! So many times I see girls wearing an adorable "going out" outfit and then see a big, clunky pair of UGG's topping off the look and honestly, it ruins it. Don't wear them with shorts, don't wear them with short skirts and please don't wear them with a dress! Its just not attractive.

With that warning established, if you wear them right you can keep your feet happy throughout the fall, winter and early spring months. If you are thinking of purchasing UGG's this year, one thing I have learned is that you need to act fast and plenty early to get the latest styles. UGG's can sell out quickly - particularly as the holiday shopping season begins - so if you need a new pair, I suggest shopping now. I needed to get a new pair of Classic Tall Boots (mine had an unfortunate run-in with a glass of celebratory champagne at a Super Bowl party) as well as the fact that I wanted to check out the new Bailey Button and Classic Argyle Knit Boot styles, so this afternoon I headed over to Sage in the Promenade Shops.

Photo: The UGG selection at Sage located in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

It was obvious upon walking into the shoe area that Sage has the best selection of UGG's in the Lehigh Valley. Featuring a wide selection of the new and classic styles for women, there was also a selection for men and children (even an adorable little pink toddler pair)! They had both of the new styles that I was looking for and decided the Classic Argyle Knit was exactly what I was looking for. For those who have not yet purchased UGG's please remember that the sizing is very different. Go DOWN at least one size. I wear a 9.5 and wear a size 8 UGG perfectly! I would suggest checking out the selection at Sage and the staff there can help select the best fit for your foot. Call ahead to make sure they have the shoe you are looking for at 610-798-7900.

Bring on the chill - my feet are ready!

Fall-ing for a Matte Finish!

There is nothing I love more than the first days of Fall.

The crisp smell of the air and the delight of being able to switch into new trends, colors and accessories for the season! My latest obsession: the look of un-glossy, matte finish for nails. Showing up on runways and on the tips of celebs everywhere, the matte look provides an updated and posh way to embrace fall trends - even if you aren't ready to ditch the flip flops yet!

While we are sure to soon find matte polishes appearing everywhere, catch the trend now with Essie's Matte About You ($10) nail polish. Apply one coat onto polished nails and voila gloss-be-gone! Pair with another current favorite of mine, Essie's Mink Muffs ($8) nail polish color for a look that mimics ultra-trendy smokey taupe suede. Want to try it out? Check out the Essie selection at Trade Secret in the Lehigh Valley Mall (610-266-6566) where you can get both polishes.

**Deal Alert - until September 30, Trade Secret is offering buy one, get one free on Essie polishes! Pick up Matte About You and get Mink Muffs for FREE - too good to pass up!

Valley Girl

Having moved back to the town I grew up in, life in the "valley" is very different as an adult!

With a love for fashion and beauty that has formed my professional career (without me even noticing), as well as a passion for all things stylish that fuels my personal life, I have made it my hobby to track down the best places for trendy products, unique finds and hot hangouts. More for personal survival going from city to small town, the hunt began with the biggest questions being where to go and how to find the necessities I'm craving. What's the outcome? An amazing amount of hidden gems and fashionable finds can be found even in the smallest of towns when you do a little searching!

Through these posts you will find a selection of my favorite picks for trends, tips and more for Lehigh Valley, PA and the surrounding areas - as well as cutting edge fashion and beauty products and trends that can be found nationwide.

Style is everywhere - you just need to know where to look! Let the fun begin...