Hot summer days may be great for floral frocks, hours on the beach and dining out on the patio, but they’ll also leave you hot and bothered if you’re not properly prepared.

Antiperspirants help to block the sweat glands under your arms, preventing the secretion of fats and proteins which generally cause the odor associated with sweat. The problem with antiperspirants is they contain chemical ingredients that have are potentially bad for you. Aluminum compounds, for example, are used to clog the skin’s pores.

These compounds have received a bad wrap over the last few years as they’ve been tied to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. While the jury is still out on whether antiperspirants are harmful to your body, there are a growing number of natural alternatives that do the job just as well. Here are three products guaranteed to keep the sweat at bay.

The Bar
Aromaco Solid Deodorant – $6.95
This bar contains astringent witch hazel and absorbent sodium bicarbonate (otherwise known as baking soda) to soak up excess moisture and smells. On top of that chamomile vinegar tightens the pores, acts as an antibacterial agent, and soothes the skin. Fragrant patchouli oil provides a fresh, natural scent.

To use, simply smooth the bar directly on your clean, dry underarm and use your index finger to melt it in thoroughly. Make sure to wrap after every use to prevent it drying out.

The Stick
Hugo Naturals Dual-Action Deodorant – $6.99
Made from 100% natural ingredients, this deodorant stick contains a vegetable-derived extract that fights odor-causing bacteria. Pure rice silk powder is added to absorb moisture, while Vitamin E and Aloe Vera soothe delicate skin. Natural tea tree oil and witch hazel extract provide anti-bacterial and astringent properties.

This product is available in Mexican Lime & Bergamot, Sea Fennel & Passionflower or unscented.

The Roll-On
L’Occitan Roll-on Deodorant – $16
The alcohol-free gel in this roll-on dries quickly which means clothes can slip on without risk of staining. The roll-on is also lightly scented with L’Occitan fragrance, a scent inspired by Provence, France.

While this product is the most expensive of the three, it does double duty as a luxury fragrance and heavy-duty antiperspirant.

Wedding season is just hotting up and many a bride and bridesmaid will be fine-tuning the last of the wedding plans. With all the hullabaloo of selecting linens, crockery and music, there isn’t much time for lengthy decision-making.

Bridesmaid dress shopping is one of the most contested wedding decisions. But when it comes to bridesmaids’ dresses, 57Grand is your fairy godmother in disguise. Not only do they offer a plethora of modern dresses to pick from, styles that you can actually wear again, but each can be made in your chosen swatch. With a little guidance through 57Grand’s Discussion List, a bride can steer her bridal party in the right direction while still allowing each bridesmaid to have a hand in their dress selection.

The result? A coordinated bridal party, each in a style that they like the most.

And best of all, 57Grand knows the importance of the right shade of peach. To ensure all dresses are perfectly matched, each wedding party order is made together from the same batch of fabric. 57Grand also provides a great selection of wedding accessories, from satin button earrings to sashes, in coordinating shades to match their dresses.

To see the full range of bridesmaids dresses, wedding gowns and accessories, visit 57grand.com.

Images: Source

The wildly popular science fiction film The Hunger Games cast the worldwide spotlight on lead actress Jennifer Lawrence, making her the highest grossing heroine of all time.

While Lawrence’s portrayal of the Katniss Everdeen earned her critical acclaim, her character’s famous curved braid has earned her a place amongst some of film’s most famous hairstyles.

Everdeen’s braid is a variant of the traditional Dutch braid, swooping from left to right before ending in a long braided tail.

Here’s how to do it:

• Separate a lock of hair from the rest of the hair about 2 inches above your left ear.
• Put the lock of hair in your left hand.
• Insert the index and middle finger of your right hand through the lock, going from underneath to the surface, separating the lock into three strands.
• Begin the braid as you would for a French braid, but instead of crossing the pieces over, cross them under. This makes the braid pop out instead of lie hidden under your hair in a French braid i.e. A reverse French braid.
• Add sections of hair as you would in a French braid, but continuing to cross then under instead of over.
• Keeping the sections tight, angle the braid towards the nape of your neck before continuing the braid to the right.
• Finish the braid in a traditional basic braid and secure the end with an elastic.

If you buy anything new this summer, make it a pair of sunglasses. Few items in a summer closet are needed more than a classic pair of shades. However, while sunglasses have their fair share of trends, not every style will suit your face shape.

Check out these stylish shades and the face shapes to match them…

Heart-Shaped (wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin)
Complement the gentle curve of your face’s shape with a pair of trendy cat’s-eye glasses.
Steal: Target $16.99; Splurge: Linda Farrow Luxe $575

Oblong (long face; narrow chin and cheeks)
Channel Jackie-O with retro-styled oversized glasses.
Steal: Jeepers Peepers $25.45; Splurge: Yves Saint Lauren $325

Oval (balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw)
If you’re face is oval then lucky you! Your face shape suits most styles. I’d recommend taking the opportunity to invest in a pair that’s a little more unusual. Try this season’s rounded frame.
Steal: ASOS $21.81; Splurge: Linda Farrow Luxe $740

Square (broad forehead; square jawline)
Off-set a strong angular face with fluid gentle shapes.
Steal: Target $16.99; Splurge: Oliver Peoples $365

Round (full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw)
Balance the roundness of your face with slightly squared or pointed shapes.
Steal: Target $16.99; Splurge: Cutler and Gross $475

Finally, while bold colors and prints make for striking accessories, neutrals like browns and blacks are more versatile. Stick to cheap sunglasses for trends and fork out for classic hues and shapes instead.

Suede and animal print loafers may be all the rage right now, but iomoi’s range of embroidered linen loafer’s are this trend’s cooler cousin. Made in Italy, each pair uses 100% linen on the outside and soft supple leather in contrasting pops of color inside and on the soles.

The pièce de résistance however are the loafer’s fabulous fine embroidery. A choice of three delightful African animals, including an elephant, monkey and zebra, are portrayed in chic detailed dress on each of the loafers.

The loafers embody oimoi’s brand aesthetic completely. “A luxury, lifestyle brand, iomoi is defined by a timeless aesthetic with a modern twist and a wink.” With strong classic lines and a bold graphic twist, I couldn’t think of a more iconic product for the brand.

These hot-hued beauties will look great with skinny jeans, tailored shorts and casual slacks. They’re the ideal injection of color and character a neutral wardrobe needs.

While normally priced at $395 per pair, they’re currently on sale for $325. And if you head on over to Refinery29, you can score $100 dollars towards your purchase if you spend $60 dollars at oimoi.com with Refinery29′s online reserve. Click here to find out more about the Refinery29 deal, or here to see oimoi’s full range of embroidered loafers.

Images: Source

H&M’s Fashion Against Aids collection will not only knock your socks off with bold prints and technicolor hues, but it will also help you do your part in raising awareness for HIV/Aids. 25% of the purchase price of every item you buy will be donated to HIV/Aids prevention.

The collection is filled with tribal graphics, cropped tops and fringing, perfect additions to any festival-goer’s wardrobe. There’s even a chic printed rain poncho with carry pouch, an essential item for surprise summer showers. The collection also boasts a great mix and match aesthetic, with tops, shorts and accessories all easily interchangeable. My top pick from the collection is the the die-effect satin jacket (pictured above), an ideal lightweight warm-weather coverup.

Launched in 2008, Fashion Against Aids debuted a collection aimed towards raising awareness of HIV/Aids among the youth. The project has raised more than $6.5 million towards HIV/Aids prevention.

The funds from the project currently go to four different organizations: the United Nations Population Fund, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, YouthAIDS and Designers Against Aids. These organizations promote HIV/Aids prevention and education for young people across the globe.

In addition to supporting the project through an H&M purchase, you can also “make out for a cause”. Just upload a picture of your kiss to the H&M Fashion Against Aids gallery to show your support. They’ll donate $1 for every entry.

For more information about the initiative and the collection, click here.

Images: Source

Handbag hooks may have revolutionized how we store our handbags while dining out, but the FUMI Bracelet PurseHook has made it a fashion statement.

Available in over 20 different colors and patterns, the FUMI PurseHook can be added to any ensemble as a stylish bangle. When opened, the bangle is transformed into a handbag hook, perfect for securing your precious tote off the ground and in your sight while you dine.

While the FUMI PurseHook may come in trendy animal prints and luxe metal shades, it’s still built for purpose. The FUMI Pursehook is made from recycled materials with a 100% recycled rubber pad to grip any surface. The FUMI PurseHook can hold up to 25lbs and has a specially designed bypass to ensure it will stay on your handbag straps.

The FUMI Pursehook is not just for eating out however. This innovative accessory is also great for use in public restrooms, grocery shopping, movie theatres and anywhere else that requires your hands free and handbag off the ground.

My personal favorites from the collection are the Glamourous, Radiant and Egypt Snake bangles (pictured above). Prices are between $19.95 and $24.95. Click here to see the full collection.

Images: Source

Created in London by Ciaté, this one-of-a-kind nail art innovation brings avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips. Featuring pearlescent beads almost good enough to eat, this easy to use kit transforms nails into a professional-looking luxury fashion statement.

According to Charlotte Knight, founder and Creative Director of Ciaté, the inspiration behind the Caviar Manicure came about when she was looking to create 3-dimensional nails for a front cover magazine shoot. According to the Ciaté website, she wanted to develop something “feminine, indulgent yet delicately extravagant”.

The Caviar Manicure is a two-step process and lasts approximately 48 hours. The manicure can be extended if a top coat is applied to the free edge of each nail.

The Caviar Manicure is currently available from Sephora in three drool-worthy shades: Strawberry Milkshake with Caviar Pearls in Rainbow, Snow Virgin with Caviar Pearls in Mother Of Pearl and Ghetto Fabulous with Caviar Pearls in Black Pearls. Each kit is $25 and includes the base coat, Caviar Pearls, funnel and tray.

Click here to buy from Sephora directly or here to see how the Caviar Manicure is applied.

Images: Source

A little while ago I rounded up some chic and versatile book bags for those still determined to hit the library for a literary fix. But let’s face it, we’re all still reading blogs on our favorite devices anyway!

There are few things a girl can get away with wearing everyday, but a well-dressed phone, tablet and laptop are some of them. With an increasing market of the trendy tech savvy, designer’s continue to attempt to outdo one-another with new technology cases, covers and bags. Here are a few of the best-looking new products for the chic geek.

Bright Eyes
Tangerine, citrus and hot pink are all summer closet staples. If you’re like me and tend to carry your tech with you all day, nothing makes more of a fashion statement than a bold accessory. Try this clutch-looking laptop sleeve by ASOS, this funky numbered iPhone case by Kate Spade or this delightful iPad sleeve by Jimmy Choo.

Print Pretty
Diane Von Furstenburg, Tory Burch and Kate Spade have all released floral printed tech accessories which are perfect for spring. Make sure you add a pop of pretty print to your tech wardrobe.

Wild Thing
With animal prints here to stay through the next season, you can’t go wrong with a little cheetah, leopard or feather print for your favorite piece of tech. Try Rebecca Minkoff’s New Virginia Laptop Bag or iPhone case, or Dolce&Gabbana’s zip around iPad case.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Spoil your mother or grandmother by winning a personalized mother’s ring from Jewlr’s new range of gemstone rings, released just in time for Mother’s Day.

To win all you need to do is become a Jewlr fan by liking the Jewlr Facebook page, head over to the competition tab and personalize one of Jewlr’s best sellers, the Double Heart Gemstone Ring with Accents. Simply select your choice of metal and two dazzling gemstones from the drop down list. Finish it up with a sentimental engraving by typing the names of your loved ones in the fields provided. And there you have it, a one-of-a-kind mother’s ring customized by you!

Enter your submission and you could win $500 towards your very own custom Double Heart Gemstone Ring with Accents, or any one of Jewlr’s range of personalized rings and pendants. Click here to get customizing, the competition closes on Mother’s Day!

Read more about Jewlr’s mother’s rings in this post or head on over to see the full collection right here.

Remember if you’re ordering something for that special woman in your life, be sure to do so soon to ensure delivery by May 13^th!