By Mandi Pimental
Luke Bryan – Luke Bryan has become every girl’s favorite country boy. Extremely hot, and talented to boot, Bryan began his musical career as a songwriter. Catching the attention of Capitol Records in Nashville, he soon started gaining his own fan base when he signed and released his debut studio album, I’ll Stay Me. Fast-forwarding to 2014 this cute crooner is promoting his fourth album to date, Crash My Party, which includes his number one single, and tribute to his late siblings, “Drink a Beer”, proving Bryan is a smooth talker with a heart of gold. Justin Timberlake – Last year was a very successful one for pop music’s sexiest man. Releasing two albums in the same year, The 20/20 Experience and The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, and gaining a production and writing credit on Beyoncé’s latest surprise album release, Timberlake showed he still has plenty of solid material to bring to the table. Having recently snagged three Grammy Awards for “Best R&B song”, “Best Music Video” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”, it seems as though Mr. Timberlake is not slowing down anytime soon and, as long as he keeps wearing those suits, we are just fine with that. Drake – Canadian rapper and recording artist, Drake, makes our top twelve for not only his catchy music and infectious smile, but for his drive. Having grown up in front of the world on the teen hit Degrassi: The Next Generation, Drake saw his opportunity in the spotlight and released several mix tapes that caught the attention of Lil Wayne, giving him his big break in music. Now, with 5 million albums sold worldwide, Drake continues to break down walls and look for new opportunities to display his songwriting, acting and musical talents. Having just come of his “Would You Like A Tour” national tour, he made his debut hosting appearance on Saturday Night Live in January to rave reviews. I guess when you coin the phrase, “YOLO” (you only live once), you take it seriously. Adam Lambert – Singer-songwriter and actor Adam Lambert is making serious waves in the industry. After his stint ended on American Idol, Lambert went on to sign with RCA Records and release his first studio album, For Your Entertainment, which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200. Since 2009, his successes have ranged from critically acclaimed live performances on his Glam Nation tour, to a 2011 Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal. Not only does Lambert possess an impeccable style all his own, the technically skilled tenor has also proved his acting chops by recently guest starring on the hit musical show Glee in 2013. Lambert closed out the year strong, landing at number three on Forbes annual list of top earning American Idols. The coming year looks quite bright for this hot young star. Enrique Iglesias – The sexy Spanish-American singer-songwriter on our top twelve Hottest Men Who Rock list is none other than Enrique Iglesias. Having sold over 100 million units worldwide since his career took off with Universal Music at the turn of the millennium, Iglesias has been labeled one of the best-selling Spanish artists in history. An impressive feat in itself, he is also an accomplished producer and actor, securing his triple-threat status. Having recently released the title of his tenth studio album, Sex + Love, the 2014 album is set to follow the successful January 2014 release of his single “I’m A Freak” featuring Pitbull. Brendon Urie – Lead vocalist of rock band Panic! At The Disco, Brendon Urie, is not only sexy but also extremely multi-talented. Unknown to most fans, Urie is not just a talented vocalist and witty songwriter. He can play a multitude of instruments including; the trumpet, violin, cello, organ, accordion, bass, drums and guitar. Take that in, ladies. With their new album, Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!, climbing the charts, they have embarked on a tour in support of the new release alongside Fall Out Boy. Max George (The Wanted) – The stunningly sexy English-Irish singer of The Wanted recently announced he has made the decision to take his career solo. While the band takes a break over “creative differences”, George has been making strides to find success on his own, having recently made the move to Hollywood. Though The Wanted plans to finish their world tour together, we are thankful for his first solo endeavor as a new model for Buffalo Jeans underwear line. The campaign shows the rugged singer in various states of undress in the woods, which we won’t question, just enjoy. Aside from his new modeling gig, George has been in the studio recently with hip-hop phenom Flo Rider and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder. Adam Levine – Everyone’s favorite member of Maroon 5 continues to scorch the pages of every magazine worldwide. Having recently been crowned Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine, we cannot say we would argue with their choice. Not only does Levine have a powerhouse voice that keeps his singles at the top of the charts, his drive for success is intoxicating. The three-time Grammy Award winner has helped two artists receive the winning title on The Voice, made his acting debut in the chilling horror series American Horror Story: Asylum, and most recently debuted his own self-titled fragrance line. Keith Urban – Australian-raised country singer Keith Urban could teach an American cowboy a thing or two about sex appeal. As a musician, songwriter and American Idol Judge, Urban has had his fair share of success as of late. Having recorded and released nine studio albums, Urban has charted on the U.S. country charts with over 25 of his singles, with 15 going to number one. Our final vote, Nicole Kidman is one lucky woman. Blake Shelton – Country music star, and The Voice coach, Blake Shelton is simply adorable. Sexy for his down-to-earth approachability and pure talent, Shelton is a guy you would just like to grab a beer with. That is, if he has a moment to relax. Having charted over 24 country singles, including 15 number ones, he does not seem to stop. Five-time Grammy nominee, Shelton is currently coaching on NBC’s The Voice where he has brought three of his singers to winning victory, more than any other coach on the series. Nick Jonas – Nick Jonas skyrocketed to fame as part of the successful pop-rock boy band trio, The Jonas’ brothers, alongside his brothers Joe and Kevin. Jonas, now 21, is making moves on his own in music and on the big screen. As a veteran star of Disney films such as Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, Jonas has ventured into bigger roles since going solo such as his recurring guest spots on Hawaii 5-0 as well as on the late NBC show Smash. Currently starring in “Married to Jonas” alongside his beautiful wife Danielle, Nick can be seen Sunday nights on E! Pitbull – Strong and sexy Cuban American recording artist Armando Perez, better known as Pitbull, has had quite a year. The Latin Grammy winner has released seven albums to date, with his latest hit single “Timber” ft. Ke$ha currently gaining momentum and reaching #1 in twenty positions worldwide. As the recent host of the American Music Awards, not only did America get to see Pitbull’s electric stage presence, but his impeccable style. Next on the agenda, Pitbull will join Jennifer Lopez in performing at the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup. As Pitbull would say, dale!
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by Mandi Pimental
Sometimes finding motivation for the gym can be hard, and we can sympathize. When you are seeking a boost of energy, its decadent things like a piping hot latte or an afternoon nap that sound more enticing than putting in a sweat session. The solution? Being able to rock extremely fashionable workout attire and gear that you’ll be excited to use. Let’s face it, kicking back on the couch watching the latest reality TV drama in our new bright sneakers would make us feel incredibly guilty. We’ve compiled a list of who we think are the five hottest fitness designers, and our top choices from their lines, so that you not only look good while getting fit, but that you also gain benefits from your workout attire. Juicy Couture is not just about matching velour and hot handbags anymore. They infuse youth and fun into their workout gear by pairing fun colors with youthful prints (hello hot pink and leopard!). With a wide selection ranging from yoga gear to hoodies, the clothes are designed to protect you from the elements. Juicy Couture offers something for everyone. The materials are also high quality, which means good support and fabrics, like their jersey knit compression sports bras, that will be comfortable during your stretching sessions. Visit www.juicycouture.com to see the full line. Pictured: Juicy Couture Racerback Sports Bra - $32.00 Reflective Leopard Short - $48.00 Slim Drawstring Leopard Pant - $98.00 Nike shoes may be cute and colorful, which is certainly an attribute that makes it fun when coordinating your workout ensemble, but Nike is a brand that truly knows how to make an amazing workout shoe. No matter your exercise preference, whether you are a runner, a climber, or tennis pro, Nike has a shoe for you. Comprised of breathable fabric, lasting materials and a shape that actually enhances your posture as well as your workouts, Nike is a definite pick on our top five list. With their wide array of shoes, clothing, athletic attire and workout accessories, this brand is a great place to start if you are going to make an investment in your workout gear. Without a good supportive shoe, running and certain exercises could potentially be harmful to your feet, knees, ankles, and hips. By investing in a good shoe now, you can save yourself money, and pain, later. Visit www.nike.com to shop or visit a Nike retailer near you. Lululemon is a favorite line for female athletes worldwide. Not only are their workout clothes fashionable, they offer a full line of options for female runners and yogis alike, while designing attire that is made to last. Whatever your workout routine consists of, Lululemon has a style of clothing and fabric designed just for you. With five specifically designed categories and performance enhancing fabrics, they stand by their name of being a quality brand, utilizing quality fabrics that work and stretch with your body and its movements. Using a signature fabric called Luon, the pieces are designed to wick away sweat from even the hardest workout session. To check out all of the lines and styles that Lululemon has to offer, visit www.Lululemon.com to shop or find a store near you. Pictured: Tracker Stretch Short in white - $54.00 No Limits Tank in grey - $64.00 Luxtreme cropped running pant - $86.00 For the California girl at heart, Roxy is the top choice. For you fitness fashionistas that like to play in the surf, run along the shoreline and spend endless summer days playing sports on the sand, Roxy offers an extensive line of high quality workout attire. By incorporating fun prints and bright colors, like lime green, hot pink and melon, Roxy inspires energy before you ever put your foot to the pavement. Using an Italian-made, nylon-spandex fabric to create their pieces, the fabric stretches easily and won’t lose its shape. It is also quick drying and extremely breathable, making this line a perfect choice for sand volleyball under the sun or your hot yoga classes. Visit www.roxy.com/fitness for more styles and colors. Pictured: Spike short in pink - $44.00 Roxy Neoprene Enhanced Capris -$34.00 Australian based fashion line, Mix, is now offering laid-back and affordable active wear and we couldn’t be happier. Known for simplistic design and quality clothes, their pieces are comfortable and cute. While not high-performance, their lounge style casual separates are perfect for light days in the gym, jogging and dance class. Offering sports bra and hoodies, cropped pants and a vast array of leggings in various styles and colors, the line offers a diverse selection for the girl seeking ultimate comfort. For more, visit www.mixapparel.com. Pictured: Racerback runner tank $12.00 Drawstring lounge pant in pink - $20.00 By Mandi Pimental
Dating back to 1885, the time of its creation, the bicycle has been the main type of transportation in many regions of the world and still is today. Not only is a bicycle a greener mode of transportation it is also great exercise. Like any of life’s accessories, if you know how to shop, your bicycle can be your most fabulous accouterment and your greatest tool outside of your gym bag. With many varieties to explore, I will take you on a tour of some of the options when it comes to finding the right bicycle for not only your personal style type, but your regions terrain as well. For The Commuter: The Road Bike The most popular type of bike when shopping for the general casual biker, the perfect fit would be the road bike. The road bike, built for traveling at medium to high speeds on paved roads, are built less for fast bursts of speed and more for endurance and long distances when using them to commute or use for exercise. The road bike typically has more gear combinations, similar to a mountain bike and less high tech features making them user-friendly. Tires are usually narrower and high-pressure, rocky or uneven terrain is usually unadvised. For The Adventurer: The Mountain Bike Another popular type of bike is the mountain bike. While many consumers will purchase a mountain bike as their day-to-day transport bike, the mountain bike was designed for off-road cycling. Much like how the Jeep was made to standout against other SUV’s in the automobile world. Generally, mountain bikes can be classified into four categories based on suspension: Rigid, hard tail, soft tail and full. This is important to inquire about when shopping because it will give the consumer insight on how the suspension handles, and how the wheels move. The mountain bike is made for the unpaved environment and therefor used mostly for sport and exercise over general transportation. Mountain bikes differ from road bikes in many ways. First being the larger tires made for gripping rocks and gravel. Second, their brakes are made to be more powerful than a general street bike, and possess lower gear ratios for steeper pathways that have poor traction. For The Athlete: The Racing Bike The racing bike is the standout star athlete in the group. Sleek, lightweight and lightning fast these beautiful bikes are built for speed. Competitive bike racing is a widely popular sport, athletes look for the best of the best when purchasing their bicycles. Unlike the bells and whistles of the mountain and road bikes, these bikes have minimal accessories, drop handlebars and narrow tires. The handlebar design allows for a riding position that is aerodynamic and the gear range is minimal. This allows the bike to operate at optimum efficiency. Carbon fiber is used in the higher end models of the racing category and makes for a very lightweight model. For The Casual Rider: The Beach Cruiser The beach cruiser is built for style, and my personal favorite. Unlike their lightweight counterparts, the beach cruiser is built with a heavy frame and designed for comfort over performance. Padded seats and curved back handlebars allow the rider to sit comfortably and ride with ease. The cruiser model was the bike standard throughout America in the 40’s and 50’s. Traditionally, beach cruisers operate on a single speed and have easy brakes. Today you are able to find models with up to seven speeds, and the introduction of the use of aluminum to design them have made them lighter weight than what they once were. Most popularly seen near the beaches, riding along the boardwalks, beach cruisers are available worldwide. For The Happy Couple: The Tandem The tandem bicycle, introduced in 1898, was developed to allow multiple riders to use one bicycle together as transportation. Now used in not only casual biking but racing as well, the tandem bicycle is still popular and relevant today. A popular vacation rental, you can sit two (or more) individuals, one in front of the other, and cruise. In comparison to a traditional one-seat bicycle, the tandem bike has double the pedaling power, as two individuals work together. It does however possess the same wind resistance and weighs less than twice as much as a single weighs. With those factors taken into consideration, a tandem cycle can reach higher speeds faster than a single rider bike making it a good choice for someone who wants to get around quicker, and who loves company. by Mandi Pimental
Summer is peak time for outdoor fitness and activities. From the sky to the surf and all the land stretched out in between, your options for adventure are endless. If you are looking to get your feet wet, and seek an adrenaline rush, parasailing is something to look into this season. Many resort destinations offer it at the local marina, starting around $65 for a standard 600 ft. flight. For those new to this exhilarating excursion, you will be taken to a dock to meet your boat and driver, and safely be secured into a harness before being lifted to get a birds-eye view of the land and sea. You can expect to see amazing views of the islands below, whether you opt to take off from the waters in the Bahamas, the Florida Keys or Catalina Island in California. You can opt for a dry flight, or you can request to have your feet dipped in the water for an extra thrill. For a good leg and core workout, opt for stand up board. A little easier than jumping into a surf lesson, stand up board, or SUB, allows you to stand and paddle a board through ocean or lake waters. On a board slightly larger than a surfboard, you will use balance to stay upright and navigate yourself through the water with a single oar. The beauty of this sport is that you can adjust its difficulty to your level. Start on your knees, rowing slowly and work your way up to standing and cutting through the water at higher speeds. Certain cities, like Manhattan and Hoboken, offer stand up board water tours. For fans of full water immersion, snorkeling and diving are the top choice. Enjoying the beauty and color of underwater life, your experience can vary greatly from coast to coast. Recommended are the waters of Hawaii, Australia and the Western Caribbean where you will find the clearest and warmest waters. You can opt to take a snorkeling tour on an organized excursion or you can pick up your own gear and head to a local lagoon or reef to explore on your own. Safety is important, so make sure you check out locations ahead of time to make sure that it is safe to swim, and that you don’t disturb reef or wildlife that isn’t meant to mingle with humankind. You can generally rent gear if you snorkel or dive through a company, however, if you are going to opt to venture out on your own, buying your gear in a bundle will save you money and time searching for each individual piece. Look for bundles that include a quality silicone mask, a comfortable mouthpiece, durable fins, and a carrying bag. For land lovers, summer specific sports allow you to a break from the norm when it comes to fitness and how we spend our outdoor time with friends and family. Heading to the local beach or park for a game of sand volleyball gives us a great sweat session without feeling like work. You can also opt to get a team together to play throughout the summer. Make sure to wear supportive workout gear that will allow you to stretch and jump, and don’t forget a powerful SPF to protect yourself from the suns harsh rays. Tennis is also a great option for heart-pumping cardio. It is also another sport that allows you to be social. You can join a long-term league, play at a local court with friends or sign up for lessons if you are new to the sport and are looking to try something that will challenge you. Wilson’s Pro Staff 95S and Head’s Graphene Prestige Pro tennis racquets were named two of the top racquets for 2014. Priced at $199 and $189 respectively, they are on the professional end. If you are looking for a good racquet to get you started, the Wilson OS500 is a good place to start, priced modestly at just $39.99. Though not strictly a summer activity, hiking ranks high on the favorites list. Minimal gear is needed, and you can do it almost anywhere. Hiking allows you to feel a sense of adventure, whether you are exploring your own city or blazing mountain trails thousands of miles from home. Make sure you wear a good hiking shoe to protect your ankles and your feet from the elements, like the Adidas Terrex Swift hiking shoe, and bring plenty of water. It is a good rule of thumb to bring more water than you think you will need in case you are out longer than planned or if it’s warmer than anticipated. Also, pack a light snack and apply sunscreen and bug spray to exposed skin. Remember that summer is a time for adventure, making memories and letting go of stress. Whatever sports or activities you choose to partake in this summer, make it something you enjoy. Try something new. Get outside, and more importantly, get outside your comfort zone. by Mandi Pimental You spend countless hours (maybe even days, weeks…) finding the right bathing suit to fit your body type. Did you know it’s equally as important to find one that complements your skin tone too? Just as a one-size-fits-all bikini only exists in a dream world, (or a Sisterhood of the Traveling pants sequel), a bathing suit in the right color will compliment one person far better than it would another. If you’re fair: Porcelain skin on the beach can be classically beautiful when you find the right bathing suit. The goal is to find colors that will make your skin appear warmer, instead of washed out. The favorite hue this season, for the fairest of them all, is bright apple red. Vintage cuts inspired by the 30’s and 40’s are also making waves this year. Designer Norma Kamali makes a 40’s inspired ruched bandeau swimsuit reminicient of Marilyn herself. This bold color works well if you are fair or have pink undertones. Pair this look with a large hat and glasses to further protect your delicate skin while adding an heir of mystery and elegance to your ensemble in true Miss Monroe fashion. Other colors that work well on fair skin: Lime or apple green and warm browns, such as chestnut. Colors to avoid: White, black, orange and yellow. If you have olive skin: The most versatile of skin tones, olive. Brozed and glowing naturally, olive skin-tones have the greatest selection when it comes to playing with color. Because so many colors will compliment your skin, try playing around with fun summery hues that compliment one another. Our favorites this season: coral and turquoise. Pair a ruffled coral bikini by River Island with a gorgeous turquoise Cole Haan tote to pack all of your lazy-day beach reads. Other great color picks: Mint, yellow, baby blue, and chocolate. Colors to avoid: Mustard, grey, and hues that are close to your skintone or hair color. If you’re dark: Dark skin is accented best with summers gorgeous jewel tones. A bright color such as emerald really pops when accented with muted tan accessories such as a dramatic straw hat or strappy sandals. Metallic accents also work very well. Try pairing the emerald green one-piece from J.Crew with classic logo cuff by Vince Camuto for a classy and trendsetting look while you lounge by the pool with your favorite cocktail in hand. Other tones that make the cut: amethyst, fushia and yellow. Colors to avoid: Beige and olive. If you’re medium skin toned: Caucasian and asian women with beige or yellow undertones, who tend to tan and not burn, wear muted naturals and pretty pastels well. The under-stated colors, such as lavender or soft peaches, compliment tanned skin.Try pairing the J.Crew lavender bandeau bikini top with cute denim cut-offs from H&M and tie the look together with the Alexander McQueen Skull & Shell scarf for a look that can take you from the barbeque to the beach. More options include: mint, a bright white suit or classic black. Colors to avoid: yellow, orange, or colors that clash with your hair color. Always keep in mind that the color is just as important as the cut. This is true in diamonds, and this is true in fashion. Summer is a great time to have fun with color, to experiment and accessorize. For color is such a thing of beauty. You are the canvas, find your palette and paint away. ---------------------------------------------- Pictured: Fair Skin Tones: Norma Kamali ruched bandeau bathing suit. £295.00 Forever 21 Spiral floppy mesh hat. $14.00 Mango aviator sunglasses. £18.00 Chanel nailpolish in “Dragon” Pictured: Olive Skin Tones: River Island bathing suit. £15.00 Stella and Dot bracelet. $34.00 Cole Haan tote. $328.00 Max Factor nailpolish in “diva coral” Pictured: Medium Skin Tones: Pink H&M bandeau bikini top. £9.99 Lavender tulle twist bikini top by J.Crew. $58.00 Alexander McQueen Skulls and Shells scarf. $575.00 Jean shorts H&M. £20.00 Essie nail varnish in “A Crewed Interest” Pictured: Dark Skin Tones: Forever 21 Spiral floppy straw hat. $12.00 Emerald green bathing suit by J.Crew. $68.00 Vince Camuto classic logo cuff $88.00 Minnetonka strappy sandals. Organizing 101
By: Mandi Pimental As women, we all have many things we are constantly juggling. Our careers, our families, our social calendars, charity obligations and, if we are lucky, time to shop to keep a wardrobe fresh. With all of these tasks one might wonder, when do we have time to organize such things, let alone do them all? Any girl with a fabulous collection of clothes, shoes and accessories deserves an organized home to keep it all in and I’m here to help you find a simple way to put your closet together nicely. First, you need to take inventory. Choose a day to sort through what is currently in your closet. Everything, every single thing. It may get worse before it gets better but I promise you it’s worth it. You will be making three piles: keep, donate and throw away. I know as a woman I get sentimental when going through this process, and I can tell you it’s taken me a few of these sit-down sessions in front of my closet to make myself purge the unnecessary items. For instance, I had a hard time parting with maxi-dress that I purchased while in the Caribbean. It no longer fit since my slim down, and I knew I never wanted to wear this dress again but I was determined to keep it because I felt it held memories of my trip. I finally compromised by pinning the postcard from the tropical locale to my office corkboard, said farewell to the dress and moved on. Once you’ve done this task, and I will you tell you it’s probably one of the most time consuming tasks of all, you can celebrate that the hardest part is behind you and now we will work on the closet interior itself. Making the space. This is your space, so make it uniquely yours. Unless you cohabitate with a spouse or roommate in which case you should get permission before making any permanent changes. A great place to start is with storage and shelving. If you have a traditional walk-in closet or sliding door closet, rods and shelves should already be installed. When deciding to add additional modular storage cubes or shelves take inventory of what you mainly use your closet space for. If you have a lot of shoes and handbags but not many dresses you could use more of your space installing shoe racks and upper shelving than long open spaces. If your collection is mainly long dresses, or work suits, use the higher storage for shoes and let the longer items hang freely without interference from beneath them. Once your storage set-up is in place, add color! Paint the back walls, or even just a coat of paint on an accent wall will make the space pop. Add a small mirror, a chandelier, or use a nice shelving paper to line your shelves. This doesn’t just help protect your shelves it also looks pretty. A word of advice: simpler is better in such a small space, so use a lighter palette. Your clothes are the main attraction, this just gives them a nice backdrop. Neat and tidy. One of the easiest ways to keep your closet looking organized and clean is to keep the floor clear. Resist the urge to use the closet as storage or drop shoes inside the closet on the floor. Pair shoes together on a rack or in boxes on higher shelving. It will protect the shoes as well as keep your space clear. Having a space for folded shirts, or jeans, is a great addition as well and gives it a clean retail feel. Who doesn’t love feeling that they are shopping every time they get dressed in the morning? Save the hangers for your dresses, suits, pants, wrinkle prone items and delicate pieces. I would advise investing in some nice hangers, a wood, satin or at the very least matching colors in plastic to help bring unity to the arrangement. Resist bunching clothes close together, as you want the fabrics to be able to breathe. This will also decrease the chance for wrinkling. Another added touch that is esthetically pleasing is displaying your items by color. It is pleasing to the eye and will make it easier to locate items when putting together your ensembles. Make sure you clean your closet regularly as well. When I am tidying my room I do a light dusting of my closet and run the vacuum throughout to keep it nice and clean so dust cannot collect around my clothing. Adding special touches. If you have a walk-in with space in the back as I do, you can add a simple vanity. It makes additional space to keep make-up and perfumes and allows you to have a mirror and small stool in the closet, which is convenient for seeing outfit pieces together or putting on shoes. If you have a walk-in that opens to the bedroom or bathroom, hanging a lace camisole, or feminine gown adds a luxurious touch to the overall look. Jewelry. If you are like me, you may have an abundance of accessories. Scarf, jewelry, and sunglass collecting seems to be my favorite hobby. As I mentioned earlier, I have a small vanity set up in the back of my closet, which is home to a nice jewelry dresser. I have my necklaces hung on decorative hooks to add a vintage feel to the overall look of the space as most of my necklaces are antique. Decorate hooks can be purchased at any craft store. You can alternatively use a beautiful wood frame with the glass removed. Insert chicken wire, or string thin metal wire behind and secure to the back of frame. This makes for a great earring or sunglasses holder. Scarves hang nicely on hangers or can be kept in small boxes. Remember: clean, efficient, and beautiful makes for the best space. This is a great rule for your closet or any room in your home. The closet is where you start your day to feel the best about you! Make it a place you are happy to be. By Mandi Pimental
Serves 8-10 Summer brings to mind vacations, extra hours of sunlight and the delicious ripe, juicy strawberries that are in season this time of year. By incorporating the star of the berry family into your desserts, get a nutritious dose of potassium, vitamin K and magnesium. Strawberries also pack biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. A dessert that can make us even more beautiful? Maybe we’ll go back for seconds. Ingredients: For the pastry 1 ½ cups plain flour ¼ cup organic sugar ½ c. + 1 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cubed pinch of sea salt 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp. cold water For the strawberry filling 4 cups strawberries 1 cup organic sugar 3 tbsp. tapioca flour 2 tbsp. cornstarch pinch of sea salt For the crumble topping 1 ½ cups plain flour ½ c. + 1 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cubed 3 tbsp. brown sugar pinch of sea salt Directions: To prepare the dough, start by adding the flour, sugar, butter and sea salt into a food processor or an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until it resembles a coarse crumble mixture. Next, add the egg yolk and cold water. Continue to mix on low until a dough forms. Gather the dough together and form it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Remove the strawberries stems and, depending on their size, cut them into two or three pieces. In a large bowl, mix the strawberries with the sugar, tapioca flour, cornstarch and sea salt. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a cast iron frying pan with butter. Remove your dough from the fridge and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper, until it is large enough to line your frying pan. Gently edge the pastry into the frying pan. Press it into the corners, trim the edges and return to the fridge. Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the flour, butter, sugar and salt together on a low speed. Mix for 4-5 minutes, until a butter crumble forms. Spoon the strawberry mixture into the pastry shell. Pinching the crumble with your fingers, sprinkle it over the strawberries. Bake for about an hour, until the crumble is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling. Allow to cool for 2-3 hours, cut, serve and enjoy! A Summer Short Story
by Mandi Pimental In the dog days of summer we need to not only look stylish, we need to feel cool and comfortable. Jeans, the star of the casual wardrobe, are no longer the go- to option when you need to chill out or perfect your summer tan. Cut-offs, both bought and handmade, can be the perfect solution. As a fix to recycling worn-out jeans or a weekend project with a great thrift store or vintage find, do-it-yourself cut-offs can be the best part of a versatile summer wardrobe. To create your one-of-a-kind piece you will need a few tools of the fashion trade along with your chosen pair of jeans. The tools you will need are a marking tool, scissors, and an Exacto knife. An Exacto knife is used to create additional “cuts” in the denim to give it a more distressed feel, while optional, this really helps to mix it up and creates an edgier, more current, look and feel. Step one, if you have purchased a new pair of jeans for your project, is washing the jeans in hot water, and then drying them on your hottest dryer setting. This ensures that the denim is pre-shrunk and your leg lengths will remain true and equal. If you bought a worn-in vintage find, or are using an old pair of jeans you may disregard this step. Next, you will put the pants on and lightly mark the length you are wanting for your shorts. Always mark a little on the longer side just in case, and make sure to mark the front and back. A 1-2″ inseam works well. You can always cut more later. Remove the jeans once marked. You will then want to iron the jeans one leg at a time so you can have a smooth pair of pants that will allow you to cut evenly. Once you have ironed you are ready to cut! Using a ruler, mark the lines at your desired cut point so that your cut is straight. Fold the jeans in half and cut. This will help ensure that both sides are cut evenly. Try on the pants once again to see if you need to cut off more length, and to check that both sides were cut evenly. After you have cut your new shorts, you can play with distressing and adding embellishments. Using an Exacto knife on a cutting mat, you may slit horizontal lines in the denim. This will create frayed “cuts” upon your next washing. Make sure you wash them in a load of their own so the new frays do not get caught up on other pieces, creating unwanted tears. If you have simple sewing experience, the options are endless. First being, you can give them a finished look with a cuff. Once you have created your cut-offs, fold the bottom of each leg to create your cuff. Press with a hot iron using the steam setting. Turn the shorts inside out and repeat with the legs still cuffed. You may add a small amount of fabric glue to the inner cuff to secure. Allow to dry and they are ready to wear. Another popular trend this season is adding lace to shorts. One that is easy to accomplish without having to pay a high price for this popular look. All you need is two feet of white lace or crochet trim of choice, pins, white thread, fabric scissors and a needle. Lay your shorts out flat, right side out. Cut a triangle on each leg in the front about the size you will want the lace insert. It is important that it is centered on each leg and using a measuring tape may come in handy. Next, you will cut the lace or crochet to the desired size. Pin the lace in place over your triangle. Once you have threaded your needle with white thread, sew the lace (both the inner and outer edges) to the denim, tying a few knots where you finish to secure. It is an easy way to make your summer shorts really standout while adding a touch of femininity. Lastly, a trend that is popular for summer is colored denim. There are so many options when it comes to colored denim and adding texture. Do not feel tied to your tried and true blue jeans. Express yourself this season with colors. Add metal embellishments, lace, or experiment with bleach to create “paint” stains and tie-dye. The possibilities are endless. Be creative and let your style show the world who you are. by Mandi Pimental
When Runway decided to highlight five of the hottest salons in the U.S., we looked far and wide to find salons that were not just a hot spot that catered to celebrities or were large-scale in size and grandeur. We looked for character, a reputation for exquisite service and a great story behind these well-known hair artisans. And well, yes, most of these great picks do cater to celebrities and a few of our picks are beautiful and grand in size, they all had that extra definitive sparkle that everyone should look for when choosing the right place to look their best. Shin Santa Monica, CA Reigning at the top of Runway's list of the season’s five hottest salons comes Shin. Located in a modest, cottage-sized, 1,600 square foot building on Montana Street in Santa Monica, Shin is anything but your traditional salon. This small sanctuary's facade is warm and inviting, framed in a wood exterior with fiery red accents. Its outer shell hints at the admirable design that envelops you once you walk inside. Shin's owner, Shin An, is a Korean Wisconsin native and her Korean heritage's story is told with sculptures and paintings. Dragons and cherry blossoms are beautifully handcrafted throughout the space. The true beauty of Shin, however, is what takes place once you are in the chair. Shin, known for her “dry-cutting” technique has been artfully transforming client's hair for over 14 years. Being known early on in her career in New York City by Vogue as “the one to watch” before she opened her location in California. An's earned her clients trust in knowing what will look best for them before they even speak a request. Clients become works of art as she skillfully uses her renowned dry-cutting technique to add dimension and volume without product coming into play. Like any true artist, she makes something better and beautiful with the talents and tools she has been given. Cuts and colors both start around $90 respectively. www.shinhair.com/ Ginger Bay Salon and Spa Town and Country, MO Located in Town and Country, Missouri you may think this would be your average small town boutique salon. On the contrary, it is everything but. Ginger Bay Salon and Spa is a modern, gorgeous 2,800 square foot space filled with every delicious amenity to make you feel as pampered as possible. An Aveda salon, this spaces neutral backdrop gives a beautiful canvas to the bright colors that pop throughout and the ingenious set up of the flooring colorations and over-all design make the expansive space easy to navigate. This flagship location stands out, not only for their talented styling team, but for their philanthropic endeavors as well. Each team member commits eight hours of personal time to charity work outside of their work schedule and Ginger Bay, as a company, donates over $15,000 a year to local charities. With a staff this large and skilled, clients can be matched to receive the exact cut, color and look they desire. Ginger Bay also set's their stylists on level systems based on expertise to accommodate anyone’s budget. Cuts start at $65 with a master stylist, color starts at $55. www.gingerbay.com Dolly Rockers Salon & Boutique Anthem, AZ Placing third on our list is Dolly Rockers Salon and Boutique. Dolly Rockers shares a home with Runway Magazine headquarters in the Valley of the Sun and tells a story of one girl's dream come true: “To bring out a little dolly, and a little rocker in everyone.” Located in Anthem, AZ, Dolly Rockers Salon is a fun and funky take on an industry that is usually more esthetically neutral in design. Vibrant shades of purple, pink and gold’s, along with exotic prints welcome you as you enter this glam space where punk-inspired stylists, or “dollies”, warmly greet you before they create the look you desire. Owner Michelle Zeller's main goal is to recreate your inner beauty on the outside and she has just the team to do so in what she deems her “hair fortress”. Their cutting-edge approach can help clients step outside their boundaries, take risks, and embrace their inner “doll”. Another element that makes Dolly Rockers standout is their commitment to high quality hair products all of which are paraben- and sulfate-free. Now that's something to rock out about. Haircuts start at just $45.00 and color starting at just $55.00. www.dollhouseempire.com. Roca Salon and Spa Kansas City, MO Two salons from the “Show Me State” have landed on our top five and it is because of their raved-about attention to detail, top rated stylists, and beautiful salon spaces. Roca Salon and Spa in Kansas City, MO was created by two Vidal Sassoon trained stylists, husband and wife team Rod and Rhonda Carver. Their vision was to operate a full service salon using fresh, exotic products after being inspired on a trip to Hawaii. The inspiration can be seen throughout the largest salon on our list. At an impressive 8,300 square feet, you will see the Hawaiian features in the bamboo floor and specialty spa services that are featured. Like Ginger Bay, we give props to this salon for being so charitable. At their grand opening party, they raised over $3,500.00 for a local animal shelter and continue to give generously. Rhonda's vision was to bring a truly decadent salon experience to Kansas City and we believe she has done just that. Haircuts start at a modest $35, with color starting at $75. www.rocasalon.com. Corte Salon Washington, D.C Rounding out our top five picks is in the most talked about state this season, Washington D.C. In the heart of D.C. lies one of the most elegant and beautiful on our list, the regal Corte Salon. Politicos and civilians alike visit Corte to luxuriate in cream leather chairs that sit in front of stations beautifully decorated with Italian charm. White ornate sculptured framing hugs each mirror and sterling silver and glass touches are placed throughout with fresh purple tulips adding color. Sophistication plays a part in not only the setting but in the artistic works of the stylist at well. Founded and run by Carlos Perina, Corte is a one-person studio and his is a reputation for attention to detail. This attention to customer satisfaction in getting the perfect cut, color and style is what solidified Corte's final spot on our list. Cuts start at $85 with color starting at $100. www.cortesalon.com. by Mandi Pimental
When you walk into Craftsteak, a steakhouse recently named one of the top 10 newest hot spots in Las Vegas situated inside the MGM Grand Hotel, your senses are immediately awestruck. You’ve entered a beautiful place that is grand in size without being pretentious. The same can be said for the expansive menu. “Top Chef’s” Tom Colicchio opened Craftsteak this year with the mindset of simplicity and purity. Colicchio created his menus incorporating items from local family farms and fresh food is hard to come by on the strip. Colicchio, residing as head chef on every season of Top Chef since 2006, has been the recipient of five James Beard Foundation Medals for cooking accomplishments. He also was a volunteer serving food to the rescue workers outside of Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks in New York City. After a successful run opening restaurants in Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Connecticut and South Carolina under the Colicchio & Sons umbrella, Craftsteak is the latest to join the family and gives Las Vegas a taste of excellence. The ambience of Craftsteak is alluring and dark, wood panels cover most of the 250-seat interior while exposed Edison bulbs hang from wood planks casting a warm yellow glow throughout the space. Decorated with rich tones in leather, metal and wood, a relaxed masculinity is felt throughout. Bare wood tables and branches in large, dark vases hint at the overall purity Colicchio is trying to articulate through the craftsmanship of his latest culinary endeavor. Contemporary, yet casual, one doesn’t need to be fancy to dine at Craftsteak. Upscale, it may be but you can leave your gown and tuxedos home. Business casual is recommended for this chic eatery, so leave the flip-flops by the pool. As for the food, once a sliver of the Kobe skirt steak hits your taste buds your attention will no longer be on the look of the room, instead your senses will shift to taste and smell. The purest ingredients are used in dishes such as the bacon and gruyere cheese grits, thyme and mustard seed turnips, or the garlic oil baby spinach. And those are just a few members of the entourage to the main stars of the menu. Craftsteak is known for its beef, it is after all in the name, and you may order it however you wish. Not one to over-shadow his stars with fancy sauces that may take away from the true flavor, the choices are still extensive. You have the options of grilled, braised or roasted. You may choose where your meat has traveled from, New York, Idaho or from way down-under in Australia. Sizes range from six to a whopping thirty-two ounces and the signature selection in keeping true to the pure message Craftsteak is trying to put forth, you may choose if your beef was corn-fed or grass-fed. With that many options fifty-six dollars no longer sounds steep for a nearly handpicked filet mignon. If you are not a meat lover, fear not. Craftsteak offers delicious seafood choices including lobster bisque, shaved fennel sea scallops or a two and half pound lobster entrée. Vegetarians can enjoy the wide array of salads, the port wine and pear Market spinach salad is especially wonderful with its farm fresh ingredients. The mushroom assortment is also a great option. Not forgetting dessert, the must-try item is Craftsteaks chocolate soufflé topped with espresso ice cream & creamy caramel sauce. A decadent ending to a meal in sin city. And while you are splurging, during your meal you can sip on a rare wine that usually doesn’t make its way far from its California wine. The Ghost Horse label is available at the eatery and can fetch up to $5,000 for a bottle of this elusive wine. Visit www.mgmgrand.com for more information or to make a reservation. |