Stuff I Love

Come watch me live today, throughout the day - http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/pages/home - just click on WATCH US LIVE!

And don’t forget to visit http://www.getsuper.com for all of Dr. Perricone’s fantastic new Super Food-derived products!

Loafers have been synonymous with country club attire, prep school uniforms and freshman mixers with the likes of Muffy and Babs. But now these tassled and coin slotted versions are stepping out of boardrooms and giving us gals a leg up and fast becoming our new footed friends.

Even the Bass Weejun (notably the most famous of the loafer bunch) is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary and offering a few fun metallic versions.

Keep in mind that even with a stiletto heel, loafers are still tried and true preppy so keep your clothing choices to simple patterns or solids. Skip anything that is bohemian, flowy or too romantic in vibe. This is your chance to pull on those cropped ankle length trousers in a bold blue, a polka dot shift dress or a traditional tan trench.

Alexander Wang Anais Metallic High Heeled Loafer
Saks.com, $650

Belle by Sigerson Morrison Patent Leather Ankle Boot Loafer
Saks.com, $350

Biela Satin High Heeled Loafers
JCrew.com, $295

ASOS Scholar Mid Heel Crinkle Patent Loafer
ASOS.com, $77.58

So those are the shoes and here are suggestions of what to wear with your new height.

Class for many of us has been long out of session, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fitted jacket that looks like you went to pricey private school and just add dark jeans. I love a bigger size of the boy’s blazers. Just add a striped Gucci belt.

BrooksBrothers.com, $228

Jcrew.com, $118

Reese Witherspoon, star of Legally Blonde, Walk the Line and Water for Elephants, has good fashion sense AND smart advice when she tells Hollywood gals to avoid the sex tape career bump.

You can re-create Reese’s look for under $200. Get her look for less.

Navy belted dress, $45 from Tulle4Us.com
Cork wedge sandals, $24.99 from AMIClubwear.com

Paul Frank “Speedboat to Heaven” sunglasses, $104 from EyeSocietyonline.com

Ladies, get “the girls” the best bra support

Last week I had the opportunity to meet eight fabulous women in NYC who were lacking support, and by that I mean that their breasts were drooping. Those girls and their “girls” needed a lift. They were among the many thousands who entered a contest - announced on ABC’s The View - to be flown to NYC for three days, receive an on-camera makeover from me and star in their very own webisode that would air throughout the year as part of the PlaytexBraMakeover series. This year, I insisted that we kick it up a notch, and besides giving our ladies a well-needed lift in the boob department with new bras, I wanted to give the ladies a stylish new head-to-toe look.

Let’s face it, once your breasts are in the right place, your clothes will instantly fit better and look better on your body.

I fell for these ladies hook, line and sinker. They came as duos - mother/daughter, sisters and best friends. In less than 72 hours we gals shared laughter and swapped plenty of stories of boobydom, boyfriends, husbands and our best gal pals. Whether we call them girls, puppies, melons, kiddies, boobies, too big or barely there, it’s true… we all have a story to share.

Thank you all for sharing your breast stories with me and letting me reshape your look with some bra and girlfriend support, along with new outfits to help you proudly stand tall and at attention.

And to cap off a return back to LA, I received these lovely thank you notes from two of the gals, Tuesday & Toniann.

Alison,

Since I have been back in Virginia all I can do is think about where I was this time last week.

It was in wonderful New York City enjoying time on the set with people like yourself, and the rest of the gang who worked on the Playtex Bra Makeover!

I can’t tell you how it has changed me. I wish I could’ve put it in words when I was there but I froze up. Anyway here is what I should have said when they asked me “What do you think about Alison”:

I think the world of Alison because she has changed my world. It is a wonderful feeling to look down and see my breasts standing up at attention versus sagging below my belt line! I am so happy with the way my new Playtex 18 hr bra feels. I would have to say for a woman who is beautiful outside she is also beautiful inside.

My experience in New York is one that I will forever remember and be proud of. I just hope the pictures reflect what I was feeling - like a queen!! Thank you Alison and if you are ever in Virginia Beach - please look me up!

Have a blessed week!

Tuesday
Aka “Boobsday”

Alison,

It was so wonderful meeting you last week! Thank you so much for the fabulous time we had and all the great fashion tips you gave us! We will never forget our time in NYC with you and the wonderful people involved with our makeover! We cannot wait to see the finished project! Thanks again!

Toniann

You know that old saying, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Well that kind of good has come to women with the nonprofit organization, Hands Up Not Handouts. The organization aims to improve the lives of female artisans in developing nations by helping them to produce and sell on-trend bracelets and earrings.

Their belief is that when women make money they have say in their family and their community. More kids go to school and families eat better. Sounds like good for everybody.

So why not empower a gal in Rwanda or Palestine and wear a one-of-a-kind accessory.

HandsUpNotHandouts.org

Cuffs, $50

Urukundo means “love” earring collection, $30

I love finding a leather bag that has character and looks like I’ll have it for years and years to come. One that comes less shiny and brand spanking new and instead is more undefined by a brand. I want a go-to bag that is as comfortable to carry on a plane as it is to walk into a meeting or wander along city streets.

I found that bag in Will Leather Goods. Shoulder meet Will.

WillLeatherGoods.com

Dylan, $450

McQueen, $540

When I was a kid, my main mode of transportation in the summer was my bike. It got me to the Dairy Queen with Franny and Cathy after dinner, to Beacon Hill Road to play soccer with the boys and have water fights and allowed me the freedom to get around my town without having to ask my parents for a ride.

Nowadays, kids have plenty of options from bikes to scooters to “surfing on land” and I showed off several options on KTLA in Los Angeles.

Ben (10 yrs old) and Bryce (9 yrs old) have already been surfing for several years. Yeah you heard right, several years. Now no matter the time of year they can get the feeling of surfing in the water and now on land with Hamboards. It’s a family that came up with the idea of producing these boards and has turned into an international phenomenon. They’re the perfect surf trainer, a cool way to get from point A to B and they also sell paddle sticks to allow to paddle surf on land. I may have only photographed the kids, but there were several adults riding the boards as well. Hamboards $375-$435, Paddle sticks, $159 Hamboards.com

Naomi (6 yrs old) is ready to create her work of art. She liked her scooter so much she went through the first sticks of chalk in less than an hour.

Now, kids can make the sidewalk their canvas and leave their mark with the new Razor Graffiti chalk scooter. Razor took their iconic kick scooter design and added a three-pronged Chalk Bar to the back. With the press of their foot, riders can lay down a trail of color.
For riders ages 6 and up, Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter $59.99 Razor.com

Sebastian (almost 3 yrs old) was already successful with the three wheels we figured he’d be ready for two soon. The Wishbone Bike starts out as a three wheel bike (for age 1) and then converts to a two-wheel balance bike. With its sustainable design and innovative 3-bikes-in-1 feature, it’s the ultimate pre-bike. Balance bikes teach children how to ride a bike better at a younger age. Start with the trike then switch to the bike. A balance bike is a two-wheel bicycle designed for children 2 - 5 years of age that does not have pedals. Why no pedals? The concept is simple. Learning balance is the most critical element to learning how to ride a bicycle.
Ages 1 – 5, Retail: $229, www.tykerider.com

Most of the kids were wearing the coolest helmets. No boring ones in the bunch, but instead a character or animal creation from dinosaurs to sharks to bunnies to even a red mohawk. A statement maker to stay safe.
Raskullz helmets, $25.99 are sold at Target and Raskullz.com

Evan ( 8yrs old) is creating sparks as he rides. Literally! The electric-powered scooter just got hotter with the new eSpark. Step on the Spark Bar and watch real sparks fly. You can reach speeds of 10mph, get up to 40 minutes of continuous electric-powered use which for kids is great since they’ll probably move onto the next toy soon enough,twist-grip acceleration control and hand operated front brake.
Ages 8 & up, $179.99, Razor® eSpark™ electric-powered scooter, Razor.com

Matthew (8 yrs old) is riding Razor’s souped-up reinventions of classic go kart. Riders can do burn-outs and fast 360-degree spins, thanks to a high-torque motor and super slick rear wheels. With speeds up to 12 mph, riders will be crowned the neighborhood drift king – or queen. Plus it’s multiple toy awards.
Ages 8 & up, $299, Razor® Ground Force® Drifter, Razor.com

Watch the KTLA Los Angeles segment:

http://www.ktla.com

My favorite flowers, Peonies, are abundant at Trader Joe’s. For $21 bucks I was able to create gorgeous, simple arrangements. Just snip, snip and voila! Don’t hesitate to add flowers to your home. They may only last a week, but you’ll notice them everyday they’re with you. And they signify wealth, luck and happiness. I should be so lucky to get them every week.

When I’m vacation bound it means packing bikinis, coverups and sandals for sun drenched days and beauty products to protect and keep my glow going day, night and for when I return to “the real world”. Once at my destination you’ll likely find me in the water or on a lounge chair with a big hat on and book in hand. (May I recommend, Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants.)

In the Sun

Sunscreen for face and body with high SPF that avoided the burn, gave me great protection and didn’t cause any skin outbreaks.
Laroche-posay.us, $29

I adore this product, particularly when I know I’ll be spending more time outdoors. It gives me more protection that a tinted moisturizer and my skin has a lovely glow.
Perriconemd.com, $50

Sun Relief

A no-rinse mask that is lightweight and smooth.
Kohgendocosmetics.com, $90

After Sun

A soothing chamomile mist that both my husband and I enjoyed after a day of sunshine and swimming. Cool and refreshing.
Jurlique.com, $21

I turned to this after I washed my face with a gentle cleanser. A nighttime treatment to help resurface and regenerate your skin and repair sun damage while you sleep.
Arcona.com, $42