Don’t Look Twice…!

I don't know about you, but growing up Clueless was one of my favorite movies and Cher Horrowitz was my style icon.

You might think a movie about a Beverly Hills teenager from 1996 wouldn't stand the test of time but it's still as iconic and timely as ever. In fact, it was ahead of its time!

Take, for example, Cher's amazing computer that was hooked up to her closet! How many of us still pine for such software? It may have taken a few years but thanks to some super stylish computer know-it-alls we have something incredibly close to Cher's Closet!

It's called LookFlix and it will change how you shop online.


(Bloggers trying out LookFlix during StyleFixx 2012)

Log in, scroll through a selection of hundreds of tops, bottoms, and shoes to create a perfect look ala Cher. With dozens of online retailers already on board (and more sure to follow) LookFlix is crazy fun even though its still only in BETA!

Online shopping has always been about convience but it lacked the social fun of an afternoon on Newbury St with the girls. With LookFlix, online shopping is social and you can easily connect with friends, bloggers, and girls you admire to pick up their style! Looks you create are automatically shared so your friends can give you opinions and advice immediately. Plus,  if you or your friends create a look you love you can click it and buy the pieces directly from the retailer. 


(Testing Out LookFlix)

Want to try LookFlix before anyone else? Of course you do! Just enter code, "StyleFixx", on their mainpage to join now! Happy styling!

 

StyleFixx Boston 2012 October 24th and 25th!

 

Finally! It's time for Boston's biggest shopping event of the year- StyleFixx 2012! Over the next two nights 3,000 of Boston's most stylish women will be shopping independent designers, established brands and discovering the latest in fashion, beauty, and style at Boston's Center for the Arts!

Our famous Swag Bag is better than ever this year with products from Tei Spa Essentials, Out of Africa, Suave, and many more! To be guaranteed a Swag Bag you need to buy your tickets in advance but don't worry! Tickets are going fast but there are still some left! Get your tickets for tonight or tomorrow night now! 

 

JewelFixx: Hand Crafted Jewelry

In this age of "fast fashion" it's easy to find an inexpensive, on trend outfit for every day of the week. The problem? Every girl in your office can find them too! There is nothing worse than walking into a meeting only to find that your "confident" outfit is also the intern's "power" look!

One of the best ways to avoid these awkward, matching moments is to personalize your look with unique jewelry. Often, designers ensure that their pieces are made by hand so no two pieces are ever truly the same. Even if you're buying a "fun" piece rather than fine jewelry, the love and care behind it's creation gives it something extra special.

A huge trend for necklaces and earrings this fall are geometric shapes. Embrace this art-deco inspired trend with pieces from designer Stacy Dill of LoveObsessed. Stacy takes vintage, costume pieces and paints them neon to create something that is entirely new and usually one-of-a-kind. These earrings from the 1950s add a colorful shape to even the most corporate of looks. Another big trend this year is jewelry made with opaque resin and enamel, like The Ellie Bracelet from Spike The Punch!


(LoveObsessed Vintage 1950s Pink & Orange Earrings, Spike The Punch Ellie Bracelet, Yania Creations' Mini Lotus White Pearl Necklace)

If neon is too bright for your day job, embrace your spiritual side instead with charm pieces. Yania Creations' Mini Lotus White Pearl necklace represents purity of heart and rebirth while being simple enough to wear every day. Arm yourself with a Hamsa charm, believed to bring luck, happiness and good fortune to it's wearer. Incorporating natural stones like black spinel gems with the  protective Hamsa, Cimber Designs Eye In Hand bracelet can be layered with lots of other bracelets.

With all this new jewelry you'll probably need a place to store it! Keep the handmade theme going by creating your own jewelry rack!  Find an old wooden frame and fill it with a cork board instead a picture! For extra style, staple gun your favorite fabric around the board. Add fancy push pins to hang your jewelry from and viola! Instant organization!


(Via Curbly)  

(Featured photo via The Pursuit Aesthetic)

BeautyFixx: Iris Moreau Precious Rose Serum

At StyleFixx, we're always on the lookout for the latest ways to make our skin glow, so we were giddy to receive a box of Iris Moreau's Precious Rose Serum to try! 

Iris handcrafts her serum with rose damescana essential oils, bioactive fatty acids, natural peptides, and antioxidents for a powerful moisturizer that stimulates collagen growth and fights free radicals. Her Precious Rose serum is not only great for fighting signs of aging but also imparts a subtle, pretty glow. 

You'll love massaging this serum on because you can immediately feel it soaking into dry skin and working. The rose scent can be a little overhwelming at first but once absorped it leaves just a hint of rose on your skin. We saw an instant glow, and after a few days our skin was softer and less red! Precious Rose Serum doesn't look or feel greasy so it works well under makeup or by itself. 

If you fight breakouts, it may not be the best product for your face since it contains oils. However, Precious Rose Serum can be used on any part of the body and is moisutirzing enough for even problem areas like elbows and knees while calming irritation. One particularly frantic day we even used it to tame our frizzy hair!

We're officially fans of Iris Moreau's Precious Rose Serum and can't wait to see if she expands her line with more natural luxuries! 

 

Jewelry Fixx: Armored Love

At StyleFixx we love the juxtaposition of a girlie outfit with tough accessories.
One way to feel invincible in the urban enviornment is to pile on armor-inspired jewelry.

Prepare for battle with some of our favorite armor jewelry pieces.
(Triple Threat Two-Fer Dress at The Fashion Truck, Copper Tone Snake Upper Armlet Cuff by Jagged Thorn Imports, Trapeze Necklace by Samantha House, Modern Armour Cuff by ASOS, Giza Ring by JewelMint, Reef Cuff by Cimber Designs, Silver Toned Armour Ring by Project Pinup)

50 Shades of…Style

(Photo via StyleStalker)
 
Unless you've been living under a rock the past three months you've probably heard all about the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon. We'll admit it: we've devoured these books. While they aren't literary masterpieces they do inspire a sexier frame of mind.
If French film is more your intellectual speed just look to the classic, Belle Du Jour, for sexy style inspiration.
Catherine Deneuve's adventurous Belle captured our darkest fantasies long before Anastasia Steele embraced hers.
 
 
So go ahead, indulge your fantasies. We promise not to tell.
(Catherine Deneuve in Belle Du Jour, 1967)
 
Dress like a lady during the day and no one will ever suspect what you're planning for the night…
 
Slip into something a little less subtle for a hot date night.
 

Woman in the Spotlight: Ali Bane

 

This week, StyleFixx's Woman in the Spotlight is none other than Ali Bane, founder of Confabulous Cases!
If you're anything like us you love to be able to change the style of your iPhone case to match your mood and outfit but new cases are so expensive!
Enter Ali Bane with Confab! Her amazing, inexpensive inserts fit right into the back of a clear case so you can easily slip them in and out as the mood strikes you! After all, you don't wear the same thing every day so why should your iPhone?

We love Ali's entrepreneurial spirit and know you'll be as inspired by her as we are!

StyleFixx:
How did Confabulous Cases come about?:

Ali Bane:
Confabulous Cases started by pure accident. I was home wrapping presents during the holidays, and it occurred to me that I could cut the fun, colorful wrapping paper I was using to show through the back of my clear iPhone case. I sported this Christmas-y insert for a few weeks, and then it was January. When I took the paper out, my phone looked pretty drab compared to it's festive holiday attire, so I replaced the holiday insert with a more multi-seasonal paper that I could sport year round.  When family, friends, and strangers started complimenting my case like crazy, I knew I was onto something!

SF:
So, do you design and create the inserts yourself?

AB:
Currently, I purchase most of the designs or images and cut them all with the help of a digital die-cutter. Recently, I've started doing a lot of customized inserts with photos, company logos and other kinds of special requests. They are pretty fun for one-time events like bachelorette parties, weddings, birthdays, and tournaments.

 

(A Sampling of Confabulous Inserts)

SF:
Have you always been interested in design and art?

AB:
When I was young, I used to play clothing designer by drawing shirts, pants, dresses, etc. on pieces of paper, and then decorating them with a unifying theme… flowers. Or stars. How 90s of me. They were awful!
So although I've always been interested in design and art, I am not a traditional artist by training or trade. Recently, I've been getting very into photography, and (I) look forward to incorporating it into Confabulous Cases in a significant way in the future.

SF:
What have you found most challenging about starting your own business?

AB:
Honestly, there is little I have not found challenging about starting my own business! From production issues to website development to simply finding the time to do all I need and want for Confabulous Cases before 9 AM, after 5 PM, and on weekends. I still have another, completely unrelated full-time job that I adore, so it's been busy. Fortunately, I have some amazing entrepreneurial friends in my life who have been able to provide me with some much-needed encouragement and guidance.

SF:
What advice would you give to women aspiring to start their own company?

AB:
A good friend of mine from Boston College who has enjoyed much success in the performing arts gave me some fantastic advice when I started Confabulous Cases. From one entrepreneur to another, he told me, "Make everything your business." Everywhere you go, everyone you talk to needs to know what you're doing. You never know who or how many people they'll tell about it. When you're starting out, the power of word of mouth is huge. You have to rely on your social network to help you promote your brand. So, that would be my advice: make everything your business!

SF:
How would you describe your personal style? Do you find it reflected in Confabulous Cases?

AB:
I would categorize my style as casual chic. I'm all about comfort and color. Ultimately, my style changes daily.  Some days I'm preppy to boot, others I'm sporty, and some days I want to look and feel like I'm on the cast of Mad Men. I like getting glamed up for special occasions just as much as I love rolling out of bed and into a beach cover up and flip flops. My changing style is reflected in Confabulous Cases as our mission is to provide customers with a case that is flexible enough to always fit the occasion or season, an outfit or personality…without breaking the bank. As we say at CC, you don't wear the same thing every day, why should your iPhone?

SF:
Where do you see yourself and CC in five years?

AB:
I see myself happy.
And I see Confabulous flourishing, having moved beyond just iPhone cases. Hopefully I won't be cutting the inserts at home anymore!

(Bridesmaids Enjoying Their Customized Confabulous Cases)

Thanks to Ali for taking the time out to speak with us!
We hope to see her and the Confabulous crew back at StyleFixx Boston in October!

TrendFixx: Fall’s In The Bag

Looking for a chic upgrade to your wardrobe? You'll have Fall in the bag if you take notice of these three handbag trends!

The Statement Bag:

From logo heavy and fur to oversized shapes and prints this season your bag needs to make a statement. Fall 2012 is less about an "It" bag or style and more about using your tote to communicate who you think you are…LOUDLY!

Show the world that you walk on the wild side with Jacki Easlick's Python Tote. This leather carryall comes with a detachable mini so you can keep your edge while moving from day to night.  If you're more Audrey Hepburn than Taylor Momsen, then Beijo Handbag's BFF will impress upon the world your ladylike status.

The Daytime Clutch:
In the past, clutches for day have seemed impractical. How can you possibly fit every thing you need to get through the day in a clutch? Well, ladies, it's time to pare down your daytime "essentials" and appear as the sleek, confident woman that you are with an envelope clutch at the office. 

Rebecca Minkoff's Blair clutch is perfect for day. It's large enough to fit your phone, keys, wallet, and lipstick and securely latches so you never need to worry about spilling your secrets. Plus, navy is a being touted as a neutral for fall so you'll be able to carry the Blair with any outfit! For a little extra color, just pop the chain off of Beijo Bag's "The Envelope Please" in fuchsia and you'll have a bright daytime clutch to keep you stylish. For an extra dose of rock and roll, GoJane's "Snake Ring Clutch" isn't as practical but it does look cool as hell. 

Bright Colors:
You may have already noticed that many of our picks for fall come in bright colors. This fall, designers are ignoring the old adage of dark colors for cold weather with shocking punches of color. Jacki Easlick's "African Cobra Satchel" in red will bring you from October to the holidays and all the way into spring. When it starts to snow, Sarah Oliver's citron "Bentley" tote will remind you of sunny, green days. We're also loving Kooba's "Luke Crossbody" in dark sky for leisurely weekend strolls. 

StyleFixx Wants to Know: What are you planning on toting this fall? 

HealthFixx: Sweet Treats

It's almost 3 PM, and if you're anything like us, it's time for a sweet pick-me-up to get through the rest of the work day! 
Of course, some days, it's might be more like the third treat. But don't fret!

We've rounded up some of the best recipes that use Greek yogurt in place of more fattening or sugary ingredients! They're delicious, and have the added bonus of a boost of protein. These treats are guilt-free so you can snack away all day! We recommend trying Muller Greek yogurt (brought to the US by Quaker), a long-time European favorite, for it's yummy flavors!

If you don't have time to spend preparing meals, let alone snacks, then this recipe from Glamour is perfect for you!

 
Frozen fruit is our favorite way to cool down in the summer. Take a handful of strawberries (or any berry that you love) and halve them. Stick a toothpick into the fruit (so that your hands don't get messy) and dip into Muller Greek yogurt.  Cover a cookie sheet or plate in tin foil and then carefully lay the dipped berries onto it. Place in freezer and let freeze over night. In the morning you'll have a sweet frozen treat that its wonderfully good for you!


If you want something a little more filling that you can share with your neighbor, Ingredients, Inc. has a recipe for a simple banana bread! 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine two cups flour, one cup sugar, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, 3 mashed bananas, 1 teaspoon vanilla and six-ounces of Muller Greek yogurt in a large bowl. Mix well. Coat a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan with cooking spray and pour in the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Enjoy!

By far the most decadent of today's recipes, your sweet tooth will fall in love with DAMY Health's Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bites.

Mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of low fat cream cheese (try Horizons' Organic Cream Cheese) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a large bowl. Next, pour in 6 packets of stevia, 1 tablespoon of agave or honey, and 1/4 cup of frozen berries. Blend until completely smooth. Pour even amounts of the mixture into Phyllo pastry cups and refrigerate for four hours before serving. Top each cup with a fresh raspberry! Delicious! 

 

We hope you enjoy our healthy pick-me-ups!
StyleFixx Wants To Know: How do you beat the 3 PM blues? 

(Featured photo via FitSugar)

JewelFixx: Engaging Thoughts

Admit it: You've been dating this guy for a few years, you're in love, you live together and things are great. But something is missing…namely, a certain ring on your finger.

The Jeweler's Exchange Building has been a Boston institution since 1922, providing a space for skilled craftsmen, retailers, watchmakers, designers and wholesalers of fine jewelry. With over 125 jewelers housed in the historic, art-deco building at 333 Washington St, even the pickiest of jewelry shoppers are sure to find the perfect piece at the right price. 

Not that we'd ever encourage you to pressure anyone but we're excited for Boston's oldest diamond institution, The Jeweler's Exchange Building, to host a lounge at StyleFixx Boston Fall 2012. Guests will be able to design and try on engagement rings with their girlfriends while at the event. Take a snapshot of the ring with a magnetic frame for you fridge…a "subtle" hint to your man that the time is right!

If you're on the hunt for a different kind of sparkle during StyleFixx Boston Fall 2012, the Jewelers Exchange Building will have a variety of CZ earrings at a budget price point so you can add some bling without a man!