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FitBeauty: Tips you need to know from those in the know

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Natural Beauty, Fit Beauty

We all have our talents, don't we? Some of us have perfected the art of looking fresh and flirty after only a few hours of sleep, others of us can pack a gym bag complete with out-to-dinner-date outfit in minutes flat. Some of us (I'm not naming names) have fooled many people who've kindly commented on her great skin with her near-magical blemish concealing abilities. Some of you are whizzes at recreating celeb hairstyles, painting on the ubiquitous smoky eye or finding ways to show off your killer biceps in every outfit you own.

While I hope you go on and on with your bad selves, I also hope you will take some pointers from some of the best blogging beauties in the biz. Here are six pointers timed just right as we straddle two seasons, jet off on last-minute trips, prep for Labor Day parties and stretch out the dog days:


  • Holding on to your perfect sunless tan - As summer slips into fall, you can still keep that gorgeous faux glow. Andy from Cents of Style (love her!) says that the key to creating the perfect blotch-free sunless tan is using Vaseline on all the spots that don't naturally get sun. Simply dab a little Vaseline on elbows, feet and ankles, which she says will prevent the sunless tanner from being absorbed in those areas. Andy advises you use Vaseline because it prevents dark patches at "our bend-y points" and works much better than lotion. Merci, Andy!

  • Showing off your beautiful body on the beach (from mid-shin on down) - File this under "Oh hell naw." I'm not judging, I'm just saying that it is really feel connected to your temple when you're swathed in a head-to-toe swimsuit. Obviously, this is not a tip as much as it is a reminder that we look pretty smokin' in those one-pieces and skirted tankinis after all.


  • Picking out clothes that fit you not clothes you have to wiggle into - The Fashionable Housewife offers up tips on choosing clothes for your own body type (as opposed to trying to make a teeny tiny denim skirt from Forever 21 fit your womanly curves or relying on droopy jeans to make your slim-hipped self look curvy). Just click on the link for your body type and you'll find a handy list of must-haves from swimsuits to skirts (a-ha! those crucial investment pieces strike again!) that you can even print and stick in your wallet for your next shopping trip.

  • Packing cute and comfy clothes to take on the road - Susan's fashion and shopping posts over at BlogHer are always right on. And I've seen this mama up close and trust me, you want to trust her advice on what to wear. Here she gives some great tips on packing for a trip and how to look put together when you're living out of a suitcase for a few days. To this, I'd add yoga or dance pants for lounging over room service, to throw on over your swimsuit on the way to the pool and to wear to the (gulp...just do it!) fitness room for a quick walk on the treadmill before hitting the continental breakfast buffet.

  • Getting your beauty sleep for reals - Darlings, we all know that summer colds, poolside parties and all those foolishly fabulous things you do to eek out the last bits of summer can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. And somewhere in our brains beyond our wild and uninhibited impulses, we know that sleep is key for feeling and looking wonderful long-term. Here's a recipe for some wind-down tea to finally get the sleep you need. It's from one of my favorite new websites, GreenIsSexy (how could you not love it up with a name like that?!).

HEY! One last thing: Are you a FitBeauty? Are you an active woman, a curvy chica, a mama on a mission to get back to your sexy self? FItBeauty will be featuring real women who embody (or are on their way to) healthy, lovely living. Let us know if you or a woman you know is a FitBeauty by commenting on this post or sending us your info by clicking Contact Us (to the right, please put FitBeauty in the subject line). We can't wait to meet you!

 

FitBeauty: Nip/tuck or No/thanks?

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Emotional Health, Healthy Aging, Natural Beauty, Fit Beauty, Cellulite

I'm caught in one of those crazy pockets of the universe where the same subject keeps coming up in conversation, causing me to give serious thought to something not so close to my everyday thoughts. No, this time it's not about The Secret. This time, it's about cosmetic surgery. More specifically, it is about body love (woohoo), body disgust (boo) and cosmetic surgery (hmmmm).

It all began with a conversation I had some grrrlfriends about being honest about how we feel about our bodies and if there is a benefit or backlash in saying you feel fat or using self-deprecating (but sometimes funny, admit it ) language about your body like lard ass or maybe how your thighs got pregnant but your boobs didn't. What I loved most about this conversation was that one of my friends said it had never occurred to her to bash her own body. It just wasn't on her mind. I was momentarily stunned and delighted. How powerful is that? I think I've bitched about my boobs or booty with every single woman friend I have, so it was so right on to hear this one ask why it all matters.

The next day, Kelly and I attended a lunch with Jillian Michaels, one of The Biggest Loser's trainers (and who I got to interview -- eee! -- and will share with you very soon, I swear), who referred to self-mutilation surgery (gastric bypass? cosmetic surgery? maybe both?). She's right there on the front lines of fitness and sees how her brand of hard work and very real lifelong commitments can earn you an amazing body without anesthesia. Without spilling too many quotes and details, I will tell you that I left my time with her with the message that being healthy and active will help you feel powerful and strong and that it is valid to be selfish and vain enough to want to look and feel great.

Fast forward a week to poolside in Vegas. I was sitting there in my MiracleSuit (which is a great little investment, by the way) with two more grrrlfriends, both of whom have naturally gorgeous and thin bodies that show virtually no signs of birthing babies. One of these women told me that a friend of hers just had breast augmentation, which led us into an hour-long conversation about everything up top. She talked about enhancements and I talked about reductions as we watched women of all ages with balloony boobs walk by on the way to take a dip in the water. What my friend and I realized is that her flat-chested and my big-old-breasted issues are nearly identical and that the idea of cutting back (or in, as it may be) is both tempting and terrifying.

After all these conversations, my position is that I really don't have a position on cosmetic surgery. On one hand, I think that it might really make some people feel better about their bodies and if they can afford it financially and physically and emotionally, it can't be all that bad. Hell, if I had a giant eraser, I would be ecstatic to get rid of stretch marks and cellulite!

On the other hand, I do agree with (gulp) Dr. Phil that body image and self-esteem are two different things and a rhinoplasty or eye lift alone does not a happy woman make. I also shudder to see Datelines and Primetimes and other shows about teenagers asking (and getting) boob jobs as grad gifts and people addicted to plastic surgery. I also hate that there are so many nipped and tucked celebs that we have very few examples of what a real aging woman's beauty looks like (thank you, Helen Mirren, for being the icon of sexy sixties). In fact, on the big screen, I think we have more examples of what cringey, bad cosmetic surgery looks like than what supposed "upkeep" looks like.

I'm not sure there is one answer because each of our bodies and each of our situations is unique. If you ever sobbed along to an Extreme Make-Over, you no doubt agree that the lady who suffered years of torment because of her horrible overbite should skip anymore judgment when she gets it surgically corrected, or that the guy who lost 400 pounds and still can't move easily because of excess skin deserves some intervention. But if you've ever seen the lady on Oprah who can no longer blow her nose because she's endured so much cosmetic surgery or looked too long at a trash mag photo of Michael Jackson, Joan Rivers, Kenny Rogers, the list goes on and on and freakishly on...then you can easily step over to the other side of the surgical table.

Now that this subject has come into so many of my own conversations, I wonder what you FitBeauties think about all of this. True confession time, lovelies! Chime in:

Is cosmetic surgery all good or all bad in your book?

If you're working hard to get fit and fabulous the natural way, does it ever irritate you to see women lob off their bellies in one fell swoop? Or is the decision as personal as your choice of exercise?

What are celebs telling the rest of us when they nip and tuck throughout their career?

Would you? Have you? Will you?

Tags: cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery. celebrities, body love, fitbe, CosmeticSurgery,PlasticSurgery.Celebrities,BodyLove,Fitbeauty,Bo

 

FitBeauty: Can you skip cheap and go global? Challenge on, ladies!

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Natural Beauty, Natural Products, Organic, Fit Beauty

I am frantically getting ready to travel three whole miles to a conference that I hope will rejuvenate and inspire me me, where I will get to meet many of the fabulous women I work with and where I will finally have a face-to-face with my online colleagues who I only know by their witty IMs or blog handles. Of course, that means, I am scouring my closet, reevaluating my wardrobe and digging through the hamper for perfect pieces to place in the merciful hands of the one-day dry cleaner.

What I've realized (other than how much I need my roots and nails done) is that, no matter how much I preach investing in clothes that feel delicious and fit as perfectly as possible, I have a lot of cheap shit in my closet. For some reason, I get all bugged out on bargains from Old Navy, Gap Outlet, Target and sometimes (shhhh) Meijer. It's not that I think these clothes are bad or that you (or I) shouldn't shop there at all. In fact, I just scored an adorable Isaac Mizrahi dress straight off of the clearance rack for half its regular price.

It's just that I had this a-ha moment when I saw how many stretched out, shrunken, faded and hanging-by-a-thread t-shirts and capris and exercise gear I have. My saving grace from totally cheapskatedness are jeans. Because of my shape and many experiences with jeans that are tight in all the (ahem) wrong places, I have a deal with myself that I must buy the good brand. Period.

So why don't I extend this to the stuff I wear everyday? And can I get a better balance of bargain and better-made into my dresser drawers?

Here's my challenge for myself: Toss, donate or sell the clothing that doesn't look good anymore, has seen much better days or I feel ehhh about putting on. Then, really put my preaching into better practice by investing in more pieces, perhaps not every single thing I own, but the stuff I wear regularly.

And if I'm investing, I want those clothes to last a while, to be stylish and to be a pleasure (not a pincher) to put on.

The first stop on my challenge is going to be to Global Girlfriend, a fair trade boutique that "offers a line of trend-setting, women-made, fair trade products including stylish apparel, accessories and gifts with one purpose ~ helping women in need help themselves."

I fell in love with this site before all the images were completely loaded up. How cool is it that they offer eco-friendly and fashion-forward clothing that fuel economic justice for women (and not just lining the hemp cloth pockets of a mass market retailer)? Each product comes with information on the women who made and where it comes from. And while the prices are steeper than the price tags on big box sale items, they are certainly more accessible than many organic online stores.

Here, I've shared five faves I've spied. Remember, investing in pieces isn't the same as splurging. It means shopping wisely and using your hard-earned cash to support businesses you believe in, not just those places with the most $2 tees.

Go Deeper Wrap Dress - This would have been a perfect pick for my conference and would suit any traveler well. Simply roll and stow and when you're ready for that dinner with the in-laws or class reunion or to take your "after" photo, just slip on, add some sassy sandals and an accessory or two and you're set. $42.

Yoga Wear - You know I can't get enough of this stuff. But really, what mom/comfort-demanding diva/eco gal/fit beauty can't? $26 - $28.

Summer Cardigan and Pintuck Skirt - Pair these two together or split them up to add some sweet eco-friendliness to your everyday outfits. The cardigan would be a pretty touch to a dreary tank and capris and the skirt could be worn more with a nice t-shirt and comfy, cute flips. $42 and $28.

Scoop Tee - Do you have tons of these tees like I do? Now I want some good ones that don't make me feel schlumpadinka on a daily basis. And because I'm stretching (myself, not the top), I will go for any color other than black or white. $24.

Jewelry - How to choose? Let's make a pact to skip the turn-your-neck green cheapies. Maybe those necklaces can be replaced by a Bead Ball Lariat or Beaded Glass Pendant or a stunning Kenyan Recycled Glass Necklace. The Full Circle Wooden earrings are oh-so hip and the Blossom Bangles are oh-so adorable. $6 - $22.

I could go on and on. There are great finds on this site for your home, for a hostess gift and to get your own girlfriends on board with the Skip the Cheap Challenge.

Now that you've seen Global Girlfriend, now that you've mentally flipped through your own laundry basket, what do you say? Are you game?




ps. I stumbled upon Global Girlfriend in my mom's Woman's Day magazine. Go on, Woman's Day!

Tags: Fitbeauty,GlobalGirlfriend,Organic,SkipTheCheapChallenge, fitbeauty, global girlfriend, organic, skip the cheap challenge

FitBeauty: Flex your strength, grrrl!

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Spirituality and Inspiration, Fit Beauty

I say if you've been working hard to feel good, look great and be strong, then you deserve to revel in all your glory. You deserve to show up to Cardio Kick in a t-shirt that says, "Hey, sistahs, get out of my way! I'm strong as hell!" You should have an avatar that tells every single person you forward those chain letter crapmails to that you are strong woman, hear you roar (especially over putting plastic in the microwave and the Mrs. Fields cookie recipe). You should be adorned in all the strength gear you can find to remind yourself that you've got it going on and on and on (or at least are trying your derndest to get there).

We all know that the kind of strength you have is muscular and mental, endurance and emotional. So in honor of you, ye of powerhouse amazement, here are five ways to emblazon yourself with a message of strength (and all of it Etsy goodness):

1. You've gotta love a t-shirt that says it like it is. From the Etsy shop Strong Girl Inc, you can walk proudly from school to spin, run from yoga to brunch or just hang out at home and meditate in style and comfort. They also make a great gift for babies to your BFF ($15-20).

2. Hang it up. Fill your apartment, Zen room, gym locker or office with images depicting other women of strength. Artwork that inspires is not only a great tool to focus on in meditation, just seeing it everyday helps restore balance to a world filled with images of bodies that are unattainable, unhealthy and not worth our energy. Paintings and prints like these from the Strong Women of the World series celebrate your brand of strength. This original card-sized water color print is titled Determination ($9). The Strong Woman giclee print is just one of many from the Tasty Media Etsy shop that celebrate dignity and strength ($50) and The Way She Moves by StudioAK is an engraving that is sure to inspire from your wall ($35).

3. Write it out. Send yourself a card listing all the ways you are changing, all the good habits you're forming, all the inspiration you're finding, chronicling the evolution of you. This will be a good reminder for the not-so-inspired days and it will feel so good to write a love letter to yourself for once! If that doesn't feel right, send thank you notes to the strong women who've inspired you along the way. This handmade, embellished card is called Strong as Oak ($3).

4. Embrace your inner superhero. My favorite is Wonder Woman and if it was cool to wear Underoos as an adult, I'd still have mine from the early 80s. Make yourself very visible with Wonder Woman gear of your own. I absolutely adore these many fabulous, kitschy necklaces and charms ($6-21). You can also choose a bitty pin, carry a WW token with you or just carry WW as a tote ($3-24). And for goodness sake, don't forget the wrist bands, woman ($10 and worth every penny)! If you're more of a Supergirl, not to worry. She's looking right back at you with this compact ($7) or get your own custom-made cape to show off your own personal powers ($30).


Of course, you don't need to buy anything to celebrate yourself. It's just that sometimes, whether we shop for it or DIY it or just exude it with the way we walk, it feels really good to say it loud and say it proud. Whatever you choose, however you decide to do it, don't shy away from your strength. After all, you've earned, grrrl.

Tags: etsy, fashion, fitbeauty, art, inspiration, motivation, style, s, Etsy,Fashion,Fitbeauty,Art,Inspiration,Motivation,Style,StrongGi

FitBeauty: Tune in to tunics

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Natural Beauty, Fit Beauty

You can't open a catalog or fashion blog or shop door this season without seeing racks of tunics. You'll easily find them bedazzled with sequins and embroidery or in simply-styled linen, to be worn as a top, a dress, a jacket or over swimsuits. They're probably on racks alongside their sisters -- the baby doll dresses, kimono tops and empire waist everything. Sure, they look breezy and beautiful on the hanger, but are they right for your style, your body type and the occasion?

First, give some thought to what kind of tunic would fit best with your spring and summer lifestyle. Will you spend most of your days in the office (bummer) or on the beach (better)? Is your style crisp and clean or loose and flowy? Does your body look radiant in form-fitting attire or with a bit of blousing up?

Next, read up a bit about how to wear a tunic well. There's no reason to spend your money on a piece of clothing that just looks silly. For all you women out there over 14 who are wearing tunics over leggings, I am speaking directly to you. As my friend CityMama points out, adorable on the 92-pound teenage babysitter. On everyone else, not so much.

There's also no reason to buy something you have to fuss with and get frustrated over, so it is a good idea to get some good advice first and then head to the fitting room. And no, the clerk at Old Navy is not the person from whom you should seek advice. Her job is to sell you on the clothes not tell you that you like a popsicle.

There are some great tips online for finding a tunic (or sister-top) that works for every body style, from busty to slim to tall to petite. I'm an advocate of taking those tips and writing them down on a little sticky that you can put up on the fitting room mirror to help you choose the right top. My personal sticky note says something like, "If it makes you look pregnant and you're not, DON'T BUY IT! If you wonder if it makes you look pregnant and you're not, DON'T BUY IT!"

Once you know you do want to go tunic what will fit well and look best on your body, consider where you'll be wearing it. Here is just a sampling of some of the tunics you can slip on and into your active life:

FOR YOGA
Whether you choose a tunic top or dress to practice yoga, be sure it will stay in place during your poses and will be comfortable enough for final relaxation. Pair with your favorite yoga pants and ballet flats or flip-flops that are easy to slip on and off. I personally love longer, sporty-styled tunic tops for yoga because they don't bare my belly every time I lift up my arms. I also love tunic dresses for their versatility -- just pull off your pants and tuck them into your bag, add some accessories and you're ready for a lunch date after class.



AT THE BEACH
...or pool or the boat or between the locker room and aqua aerobics. Tunics can comfy, cute cover-ups for your swimsuit. Some are made of finely-woven terry that feel cozy while others are much dressier.




FOR BBQs, OUTDOOR FESTS AND DINNERS AFTER A LONG DAY OF HIKING, BIKING OR DAY SPA-ING
Tunics tied up a bit with a sash, snazzy print or dangly accessories can work well for an event that's calls for something nicer than a t-shirt but more relaxed than your club gear. No need to overdo it too much with the bangles and beads, but do enjoy the flirty styles for fun occasions.






OVER JEANS
I wasn't kidding about the research. Before you make this fashion leap, read this. And then this. And also a bit of this. f you're confident you can pull it off, then go on with yer bad self and head out on a bike ride, walk downtown or over to the farmer's market for some fresh produce. The whole dress over jeans thing is hotly debated as a good or oh-so painful fashion trend, but it does score points for taking you from your casual/cubicle workday right on into school pick-up/playground evening.

Xhilaration & Mossimo at Target - $7.49 - $16.99



Vintage Lace Tunic at JJill - $49



Satin Striped Tunic at Lane Bryant - $39.50
Finally, enjoy tailoring the trend just for you. And don't just wear that tunic, work it!

FitBeauty: Every girl needs some good ass jeans!

by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Natural Beauty, Diet and Weight Loss, Healthy Celebrities, Fit Beauty

I don't weigh myself. At all. In fact, at this very moment, I can tell you exactly what size I am, how many shoes are on my closet floor, how many minutes of yoga I can do before I'm begging for final relaxation but there is one number I have no clue about -- my weight.

And for me, that's a good thing. It's a healthy thing. I threw my scale away years ago and I haven't looked back (or down) since. Stepping off the scale for good doesn't mean I'm not aware of my body or my size or how and where the calmness or chaos of my life is showing up. Instead, my best barometers are my favorite jeans.

Sure, we can all hide inside a pair of deliciously comfy yoga pants until we catch site of ourselves in a dressing room mirror or they're hanging off our hips so much it becomes a bit of free show in the aisles of Target. But jeans, they don't lie.

Even if we work really hard to convince ourselves that the dryer or the stretch material is rebelling against us, deep down we know the skinny when the buttons dig in or you can't fit your own hand in to fetch the key from your front pocket.

Sometimes, a too-tight pair of jeans is worse than a screaming reprimand from Jillian on The Biggest Loser. And sometimes, sliding on a perfectly-formed pair of good ass jeans is the best feeling in the whole world.

I really believe that a great-fitting, fabulous feeling pair of jeans can transform a yoga pant-addicted in-denial mama into Elizabeth Hurley breezing through Notting Hill in a one quick zip. OK, that's a bit much. But really, don't you feel like an amped up version of yourself (and if that's Elizabeth Hurley, more power to you) when you're working your denim rather than pliers-zipping them or constantly yanking them up?

Of course.

First of all, find jeans that fit your body now. Not your fantasy body and not the body you had five years ago. Your body now. Stop here for what I think are the best take-away tips on finding and buying jeans that give you a boost (and not just in spirit). The advice from Stacy London on Oprah (don't laugh because she makes mamas and curvy grrrls and skinny thangs all look smokin' in their slacks) helped me find four pairs of jeans that are in heavy rotation in my wardrobe and put my old pairs to shame.

If you are losing weight or your body is changing because you've committed to strength training or other ways to get healthier, then embrace your transforming body. You might need a new pair of jeans in a few months, but is that the worst thing in the world? Don't hold off. Don't spend a ton of cash but do buy a pair of jeans that look and feel good on the body you've got today.

Second of all, find jeans that fit your life, not just your body. Do I wish I had obliques like Pink and could wear pants with a two-inch zipper? Oh hell yes. Do I? Oh no. Would I feel very good duck-walking while singing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" in incredi-lowrise jeans? Not so much.

Some questions that might get you started are:
Will these jeans give everyone on the bus a confident idea of what I do or do not wear under my jeans?

Is it too risky for a cocktail server to wear a boot cut that causes one to stumble awkwardly if not wearing four-inch heels? Would it be wiser for a bike messenger to wear a skinny jean than tempt the spokes with a Three's Company Janet jean?

Is my little corner of the world ready for a revival of the Vidal Sassoons I've been saving in my hope chest all these years?

Do these faded outlines of my keys, wallet, gym membership card, lip gloss, Jackie O. sunglasses, teeth whitening strips and felafel sandwich on my jeans pockets mean that a cargo pant might better suit me?

Third, don't be afraid of getting help. And I don't mean from the fitting room attendant. I mean from what I once heard called "industrial strength underwear," which now actually no longer looks like you ganked it from your granny. If Hillary Swank and Jennifer Garner aren't afraid to admit they suck it up and wear Spanx and other garments to pull in the wobbly bits, then why should we?

Another terrific option? Pants with the slimming panel built right in to the right spots, from waist to inner though. Tummy tuck jeans are the balance to the scads of size zeros always filling up the clearance racks, now made by specialty companies and many more popular brands. The price, control and reviews for slimming jeans are as varied as the brands. You can trim your midsection with new Riders Ultra Fit Collection jeans for less than twenty bucks at WalMart or you can shell out nearly a hundred bucks for Tummy Tuck Jeans by Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ) with petite, plus-size and petite plus size pants styles that have a near cult-like following on eBay and elsewhere.

No need to spend a fortune and too much time in the fitting room on slimming jeans. The research on the many brands and styles has been done in this very helpful top ten list of road-tested tummy control jeans.

Last, grab a sharpie and your shopping bag. Write DONATE in big fat letters across one side of the bag and proclaim this new (and permanent, right?) change in your clothes. Then force yourself to fill it with every single pair of jeans that are ill-fitting or are outdated for the calendar year or your body or that don't make you feel like the gorgeous woman you are. If you aren't excited to go to brunch or the library or a poetry slam or to playgroup or on a second date or to see your therapist or to walk the dog in your jeans, put them in the bag. And then put that bag in the trunk of your car until you have time to drop them off so you are not tempted to dip into when you can't find any laundry quarters.

Do jeans make the woman? Of course not. But just like scales, I don't think we should let our denim weigh us down.

And now that you've tossed all the depression-inducing denim that you can barely sit down in, now that you don't look in the mirror and see yourself in the same droopy-bottom pants you wore to keggers in college, now that you've got some wiggle room to really do some wiggling, don't you feel good?

Here's to embracing change -- in our bodies, in our selves and honey, in our jeans!



No more buttoning up! What are your tips are for finding and fitting jeans? Have shapers or slimming jeans given you a little boost? And how are you working the denim in your active life?

FitBeauty: Bling up your beautiful belly

 by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Natural Beauty, Healthy Celebrities, Fit Beauty

Spring has officially arrived and summer will soon be upon us. This means sandals (finally) and sunscreen (still), swimsuits (ack) and sarongs (ahhh). If you've been working hard on those abs all winter long, you're probably anxious to show your stuff during the upcoming warm-weather months. Whether you're sporting a totally flat tummy or are graced with lovely soft curves, accentuate your positives with some beautiful belly bling.



From tummy to tresses, these Convertibles by Bazner Studios can be worn loose or wrapped tight. Create a headband one day and let the beads hang at your hips the next. Designer Shaune Bazner's sense of simplicity and serenity is apparent in all of her jewelry, especially in her beadwork. These double (maybe even triple)-duty chains are beaded in beautiful hues and have alluring names like Sunglow, Hot Pepper and Mountain Mist.

If you're crafty or thrifty, make a beaded belly chain, custom fit for your own style and curves. Use a toggle to fasten your creation just under your navel, at the hip or simply slide through your belt loops.



If you're a hipster, check out these low-slung belts from the Margaret Cho Hip Wear line. Now that the comedian's big into belly dancing, her products celebrate women's shakeable curves. The belts are adorned with brocade fabrics, intricate fringed beading, silk ties, fancy flower-work, buckles and other attentive details.

Although her Hip Wear is bellydance-minded, think about adding it to a simple all-black ensemble or classic low-rise-jeans-and-fitted-shirt outfit during this belt-crazy season. Since Margaret designs and hand makes all of the belts herself, just pretend she gave you a funky, fabulous girlfriend gift.



Mix bad-ass and baubles as you decorate your belly with a shiny rhinestone pirate buckle and belt set. The skull and crossbones buckle is substantial size and will be a perfect accessory for your favorite drop-dead-but-not-overdressed outfit. I bet you'll naturally hook your thumbs comfortably at your hips while you're wearing this killer belt, calling even more attention to hard-earned midsection of yours.






If you're headed to see Supernova or just want to rocker it up a notch, try out a temporary tattoo centered over your navel. Just for fun, try out a hot little heart , go groovy or gecko-geeky. They may not be completely chic, but they're sure to be a bit of cheap thrill (especially at under two bucks a pop).

P.S. And if you do have tix to Supernova this summer, you can at least rest assured that your belly tat's much cooler than Dana's silly little attempt.


If you feel like embracing your inner stripper (and sister, there's no shame in that every now and again), check out the many rhinestone belts that will have you lacing up your acrylic platform heels and swinging from the poles (or at least knowing you could if you really wanted to). Choose a sex-kittenish belt style, star , something simple or something a bit more blatant, just try to ignore the slightly creepy sites you order your merchandise from. As you close your eyes and hit "make purchase," consider how you'll look with some of this bling underneath your clubbing clothes, tucked away as a little insider secret or for a nice surprise for your after-party companion. Shhhh....


You don't have to be Paris Hilton to have a piercing. Trust me. I have ample belly and adore my belly ring! My simple silver and onyx ring has helped me learn to love my middle parts. If you're up for ornamentation that's as permanent as a piercing, there are gazillions of styles to choose from. Just be sure that first you pick a reputable place of business, a technician you feel comfortable letting see you wince and good quality body jewelry.

If you're feeling daring and baring, check out a few belly ring-belly chain combos. Chains are linked to dangling charm or gem and make, well...a gutsy statement.




Whether you go bare or embellished, be sure to give your belly the love it deserves. And if you're midsection's not as flat, round, smooth or taut as you'd like right now, not to worry. Take a moment to embrace what it is and where you are right now. With a little positive attention (and maybe something saucy and sparkly), you'll be ab-happy in no time.

FitBeauty: Here comes the bride...all dressed in green

 by Jessica Ashley
Filed under: Healthy Home, Natural Beauty, Natural Products, Fit Beauty

Yesterday, to the tune of screams, cheers, tears and stunned silence,The Question was popped and for many, the answer was a yes. Today, the celebrations will take the inevitable turn as many of those brides to be get down to business.

Some couples are ready to make a commitment, and not just to each other. A growing number of the betrothed are also committed to creating an eco-friendly wedding.

Getting married the green way is getting more accessible, and is getting a good deal of press. Last weekend's New York Times featured the fairytale wedding plans of a young, adorable and eco-conscious couple -- seemingly, the poster children for conscious commitment ceremony consumers. Whether you're a hippie chick or classic couture, being a green bride is fabulously chic. FitBeauty lays it out in a few friendly steps:


First, you've gotta get a plan. Put away the label-maker and fresh binder and instead, cruise through an eco-centric wedding planning site. While none of these sites are as comprehensive as the big mama of wedding and marriage sites, The Knot, they are lovely stops on your way down the aisle. You'll get a great start by visiting Green Elegance Weddings, Organic Weddings and Portovert, where you can calculate emissions and find out how to make your event carbon neutral, ideas for creating your own environmentalist favors and ceremony inspiration, among other resources.

You'll also find pages and pages (in the web variety, that is) of How-Tos, including these quick tips
and this one that adds a financial perspective to earth-friendliness.


Then, get out the word. The market is flooded with papermakers who create beautiful invitations out of handmade, natural fibers and materials, like these striking invitations by Oblation Papers & Press. I fell in lust with the stylish des