Equipped with my favorite new maxi piece of the season, the Mara Hoffman Basket Weave Dress, I decided to completely exploit its versatility with a selection of GREAT shoes that I have hardly gotten a chance to wear yet this season! From the ultra-comfy to the super sexy and back again to casual, this dress will fit into a variety of occasions thanks to savvy footwear choices. With about a month left until Labor Day, see what I plan to wear this dress with on a weekly basis!

Let’s cut right to the chase; these Rebecca Minkoff Barista High Heel Sandals (courtesy of ShopBop), are AMAZING! I’ve only worn this once this summer (I know, what is WRONG with me?!?), but will certainly break them in when I pair them with the maxi dress for a little height and sultry factor boost!

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August 5, 2013
Late Bloomers
August 2, 2013
Preview Betsey Johnson’s Latest Pinup-Inspired Swimwear Collection
From our friends at thefind.com:
I remember lusting after Betsey Johnson’s frilly sequined prom dresses back in the day – back when we still had Betsey Johnson retail stores in my area and I was still in high school with a tight prom dress budget. Now that I actually have enough wiggle room in my bank account to splurge on such a sheath when the occasion calls for it, sadly I no longer really have a need for any of her frilly frocks (unless I want to completely upstage the bride at my cousin’s wedding this fall). However, Betsey is still injecting plenty of her feminine flair and cartwheel-worthy enthusiasm into the rest of her pieces, including her latest swimwear collection. Retro-cute bikinis with girly prints like lips and hearts and trendy maillots with fun nautical details, they’re undeniably Betsey with plenty of pin-up swag.
The bad news is, Betsey’s newest offerings won’t be available for purchase until October, but if you’re looking to beat the heat now, download TheFind’s brand-new iPad app to browse the latest online swimwear sales!
– Alexandra Gambardella
August 1, 2013
Natural Deodorant by Osmia Organics
![[The Osmia Deodorant Cream, with a Osmia Vetiver Grey Soap, beautifully packaged, for my new husband!]](http://fashionpulsedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/osmia-vetiver-soap.jpg)
[The Osmia Deodorant Cream, with a Osmia Vetiver Grey Soap, beautifully packaged, for my new husband!]
Before our honeymoon, I had tried out some wonderful, handmade organic soaps from Osmia, and completely fell head over heels for them. Upon closer inspection of their products, I discovered that the brand makes a natural deodorant. Intrigued, as I am STILL on the quest for the perfect natural deodorant, I requested some so that I could give it a good testaroo. If you are like me when it comes to natural deodorants, most seem to not be strong enough, and/or their scent is just not appealing. I want a natural product, but I don’t want to smell like I just came from a Phish concert, you know?
Osmia’s take on the category is actually a “deodorant cream” in the sense that it is a whipped, malleable product that you don’t click up and apply; instead you use your fingers (or a qtip or sponge if that grosses you out) as an applicator. The lil tub of deodorant cream ($12), fights armpit unpleasantness three ways: it uses absorptive powders like organic tapioca starch, baking soda, and fuller’s earth clay to control moisture and odor without blocking sweat glands, then it soothes and calms the skin with the organic oils of shea, jojoba, and tamanu, and last it keeps you smelling fresh and kills bacteria with a mix of essential oils.
It was unusual to touch my armpits, but after I showered was the perfect time to apply the cream, which doesn’t get messy or greasy, as only a pea-sized dab will do you. The metal tub is also perfectly purse-size, so you can reapply later in the day if need be.
Osmia Organics Organic Deodorant Cream is available at OsmiaOrganics.com and retails for $12.
July 31, 2013
Sonia Rykiel Pre-Spring 2014
Signature striping, according pleats, amazing knits, and attention to detail — all Rykiel signatures, are certainly present in the brand’s pre-spring 2014 collection! I know that 2014 seems so far off at the moment, however you can be rest assured that these pieces feel fresh for now, and will continue to do so well beyond 2014! Gain color mix and match inspiration (and courage) via the pairings that Sonia Rykiel shows for the season, and make note of the hemlines — there’s a very mod flare going on with dresses and skirts, while pants remain cropped at the ankle. Which piece is your favorite? I can’t decide – I love them all!










