Giving Back Made Simple Thanks to TOMS #OneforOne Movement

I am bringing this post to you through my partnership with TOMS, the TOMS U.S. Giving program and sharing the news about their #OneForOne movement.

You know it's kind of ironic how as soon as a new school year is about to commence, most of us (myself included) tend to get so wrapped up in the activity of going "back to school" shopping, that we tend to forget that there are so many children, right here in the US, that do not have the same luxury that we do.

When you really take a minute to think about it, this is a very unfortunate reality. But, with every unfortunate reality, there is always a silver lining.

In this case, the silver lining is in the form of TOMS.

Blake and a TOMS team return to Argentina in the Summer of 2010 to celebrate the 1 millionth pair of new shoes given.

A few weeks ago, Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, made an announcement stating that "the company has made a major commitment to children in the United States and through its Giving Partners will give at least one million pairs of new shoes to children in need by the end of 2014.."

That's right.

One of the most coveted shoe brands here in the states has made a promise to give back by helping those who are in need in our very own backyard. Not over seas - here in the US.

How are they going to make this possible?  Easy. TOMS will continue to match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need of shoes - this is what the One for One® movement is all about.

By now, you may wondering where the donated shoes are going and what these shoes may look like.

1,000,000+ Shoes will be given to 35+ states by the end of 2014

Not every child has the same goal, which is why there are three different types of shoes that will be given through the One for One movement. (I would like to make note that these specific shoes are NOT for sale).

Retail companies like TOMS are a great source of inspiration. A brand that strives in making the act of giving back such a high priority, is certainly a brand that I would happily purchase from more than once.

Knowing that I am helping a child in need by buying a pair of TOMS shoes for my own child (as well as a few pairs for me, of course) really does make a difference in the way my family can help others that do not have the same resources that we do. Wouldn't you agree?

Now it's YOUR turn: To find out even more ways, you can participate in the TOMS #OneforOne movement, please visit thier GETTING INVOLVED tab on their main website. 

Sexy Shoes and Where to Get Them

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world"... These are mighty strong words coming from one of the most iconic beauties of all times..Marilyn Monroe. In my humble opinion I honestly believe Marilyn was on to something when she said these words.

Wearing a pair of shoes that you absolutely love really can give you that boost of self confidence that sometimes is needed. I for one, love shoes! I can never have enough pairs of shoes to wear. I like having a wide variety to choose from. And it is because of that I tend do shoe shop at least once every few weeks.

The past few days have been rather depressing, so in hopes of motivating myself I decided to take a few minutes for myself and shoe shop. Where did I go? Instead of leaving the house (it's too cold outside!) I went online to one of my favorite online shoe boutiques, Shoe Dazzle.

Shoe Dazzle has a great selection in shoes; there is absolutely a style that fits everyone. For example, I love all shoes - my only guideline when looking for a new pair of shoes is that it has to have a heel. The higher the heel, the better!

Standing at only 4ft 9in you can understand why stilettos, wedges and platform shoes are the style I gravitate to most.

While searching through the online shoe section, I came across a simply styled bootie that I had heard about a few weeks ago but never got the chance to take a closer look at it. Which shoe am I referring to?

Allow me to introduce you to: Nethia

Nethia  is the creation of one of the most talked about Real Housewives of the Bravo network, Nene Leakes. A few weeks ago, Shoe Dazzle posted the news via Facebook however I was not able to look into it until today, when listening to a commercial announcing the series premier of the Real Housewives of Atlanta airing Sunday, I immediately remembered! 

The Nethia is a chic bootie with gold metallic platform and heel and with lace cutouts going across the front. This bootie is only available in black, the height of the heel is 5.25", the front platform is 1.25" in height and the bootie is faux-suede with an exposed zipper.

My favorite aspect of Nethia is not only the height of the heel, but the simple style of the bootie itself. I can certainly see the appeal of wanting (or should I say, needing) a pair - these can easily be paired with skinny jeans or leggings for daytime wear or with a A-Line dress and blazer for an evening out.

So, for the price of $39.95, these booties would certainly make up for their cost.  Best of all, according to Shoe Dazzle, "100% of the profits (from this shoe) will benefit Saving Our Daughters, an organization that provides teen girls with the tools to combat all forms of abuse against women". 

Now that is definitely a good reason why I need to get my hands on a pair of  Nethia  and soon! 


Now it's your turn: What do think about Nethia - would you wear her?  What are your favorite style of shoes?    Please share your ideas with us - we love hearing from you! 

Six Must Have Fall Fashion Pieces

Six Must Have Fall Fashion Pieces by latinflavadesigns featuring retro inspired dresses

Happy Friday Beauties!

Today's Fashion feature post is a collection of Six Must Have Fall Fashion Pieces. The season is changing which means it's time to change-up or add certain pieces to your wardrobe that can be worn effortlessly.

From Left to Right as seen in the Fall Fashion Collage:

1.Great Score Jacket - A relaxed fitted jacket in silky fabric with a silver-tone zipper. It's the perfect style jacket that can be worn with any type of outfit.

2. Retro Right Dress - Tribal prints, relaxed silhouette, has an attached sash that ties defining the waist. The dress is eye catching and figure flattering!

3. Alpine Style Sweater - Double duty sweater can be worn paired with jeans or worn over a dress. Can be worn open or tied at the waist.

4. Tanks for Everything - These come as a set: a black with silver sparkle and a solid fuchsia. These can be worn either separately or layered together. Simple design that will add some instant color and texture paired with jeans, leggings or even a skirt.

5. High Drama Pumps - Color-blocking in neutrals: black, brown and camel. In faux suede with a 3/4" platform and 4 1/2" heel.

6. Great Details Pants - Slim fit, cropped length with a small slit at the ankle these elegant cigarette pants in black are essential this fall. These slim pants can be paired with almost any fashion piece imaginable!


The more I look at this Fashion collage, the more I realize that these are must haves for this Fall simply because not only are the pieces trendy but they really make styling outfits that much easier - In my opinion that's definitely worth their cost! 


Please stay tuned for more fashion posts similar to this one as we are working on getting more essential fashion pieces, jewelry, accessories and much, much more!  If you have a few seconds, subscribe to the blog this way you can make sure you don't miss a thing!

For detailed information as in sizes, pricing, and availability please just use the links or go to the "Boutique" page to be directed straight to the online store.

Now it's your turn: Of these Six Must Have Fall Fashion Pieces, which ones can you see yourself wearing this season?   Let us know in the comments!

Trend Alert: 70's Chic

70's Chic Casual Spring Trend

Today's Trend Alert is all about the 70's Chic Casual Look. I can definitely see why this outfit could be worn to any casual event or worn as an everyday outfit. These pieces are versatile, making them MUST haves in any fashion-istas closet! 

Let's look at it piece by piece:

Where To Buy

This Spring Blazer can be worn with a blouse and jeans, over a simple tank top, even over a colored T-Shirt.

Where To Buy

These are cute Spring Sandals

Where To Buy

A Bohemian inspired bag in soft leather gives you a relaxed yet stylish vibe to your outfit

Where To Buy

Unique Feather Earrings are a classy pair. Every single Feather earring is "unique" because each earring is a leaf - there are NO two leaves alike!

These Spring fashion pieces have made their way on my shopping list.  Cant wait for these to arrive at my doorstep! 

Now it's Your Turn: How are you liking this 70's inspired look? Which items can you see yourself rocking this Spring?

Hottest Trend for Spring: NEON

Being a child of "........" years, I can vividly remember when wearing neon colors was considered to be "oh so trendy". Well, as in sometimes tends to happen in the world of fashion, some trends come and leave for good, while other trends come back and with a vengeance!

The fashionistas at beautyriot.com have conveniently put together a list of ways this Neon Trend can be worn. So let's see some of the ideas they came up with:

#1 - Pink Neon Lips

#2 - Louboutin Inspired Neon Stilettos  (Hell yea!)

#3 - A Neon Clutch

#4 - Neon Nail Art - Yes, a MUST Do!

#5 - Another Neon Weave Inspired (NOT HAIR) Clutch

#6 - Infinity Neon Scarf - This is a definite BUY!

#7 - A Neon Painted Bangle - Lovely

#8 - Not a Clutch Babe? No worries - Get a Neon Messenger Bag instead!

#9 - A Neon Felted Necklace - Use cautiously, please!

#10 - A Simple yet Bright Neon Orange & Pink Outfit

There are just a few of the suggestions in beautyriot.com slideshow. If you are intrigued and would like to see the entire fashion article: please click here.

Now My Fashion Mavens, it's Your Turn: Out of these 10 Neon item suggestions, which do you see yourself wearing this Season?

JCP: Fair and Square

As if we didn't love spending some of our hard earned money at JCPenny, they have revamped their marketing. Now we don't have to worry about missing a sale, expiring coupons, or being hassled when we have to return an item.

I am, of course, super excited about this change. I was never much of a fan of JCPenny as a young adult, however, now as a wife, mother, and a wiser shopper, JCPenny has become on of my favorites. I can always shop there for my daughter, my husband, or anything for the home,always sure that I will find great savings.

How about you? Are you excited about the NEW changes to JCPenny? Do you plan to go shopping today, or are you waiting for the masses to "die down" before going?

Gallery: Walking on Fire

Yes, I am a shoe whore. I can not get enough shoes. If it were up to me, I would live in a custom made closet filled with wedges, stilettos, platform, booties, pumps and anything else representing a shoe.  A little to drastic? Perhaps.

If you have not seen the January 2012 New Style Collection from Fahrenheit, you are missing out my dear shoe maven!


Take a look at what you have been missing: 


                                   


Wondering how you can get your feet in these in beauties?  Click on the link title above to go directly to endless.com where you can purchase your very own Fahrenheit shoe.

As an added bonus, did you know that endless.com they offer FREE two (2) day shipping in the US? Live outside the US? No worries, FREE International shipping is offered on orders $100 or more.

Enjoy your shoe shopping! Please come back to share your favorite shoes!