Summer Travel ~ What's in My Bag?

Don't forget to pack these fun, chic finds when traveling this summer ~

Whether you're at the pool, traveling, or standing at the water cooler, everyone will be wondering where you found this chic water bottle. Made of lightweight aluminum, Sigg's eco-friendly water bottle holds .6 liters. In the Leo design, it has a highly resistant lining which makes it virtually unbreakable. Available at MySigg.com for $21.99.

Two looks in one, these Solize Cancun Sunglasses by Del☼Sol change from pearl to purple in sunlight. Lightweight, they offer 100% UVA/UVA protection and are polarized to prevent glare. A cool feature on the website shows both colors. Additional colors and T-shirts also available. Del☼Sol offers an unprecedented lifetime replacement guarantee against loss, theft or damage. $45 at DelSol.com.

Oh WoW! Lip Balms are all-natural and vegan friendly. In flavors like Coconut, Peach and Island Delight, they are perfect for the beach or by the pool. Available individually or in pillow packs of 2 or 3. The pack of 3 retails for $12. Available at OhWowForLips.com.

A white tee is a fashion staple I can't live without no matter the season. This Bamboo Scoop Tee from Cariloha is perfect for the warmer weather because it is light enough to layer and the anti-bacterial fabric is 3 degrees cooler than cotton and wicks moisture away from the body. Incredibly soft and the wrinkle-resistant fabric packs well. Available in White, Coral, Plum, Green or Teal in sizes XS-2XL for $34 at Cariloha.com.

I just spotted this statement necklace on Avon Dreamers Facebook page this morning and HAVE to have it! From the mark. line, I will definitely be packing the turquoise necklace in my travel bag this summer. Available from AvonDreamers the All Decked Out Necklace retails for $28. 

Gracious Style Review and Giveaway

We had the pleasure of being contacted for a feature by Gracious Style, an online boutique for the well-appointed home. Gracious Style has been specializing in the luxury segment of the home furnishings industry since 1999. They graciously sent us two items from the elizabethW Collection ~


elizabethW Drawer Liner ~ 

Filled with rose petals and petite rosebuds, this is a small luxury that goes very far. It is a large pink linen liner and the center is see-thru linen panel which reveals the exquisitely-scented roses. I'm super particular about scented potpourri or dried flowers. This contains only rosebuds and petals ~ no fillers, and the light, fresh scent is reminiscent of walking through a rose garden. This would make a lovely gift for any woman and will leave a lasting memory of your thoughtfulness. Made in the USA, the linen drawer liner measures 16x22. Retails for $32.

elizabethW Hanger Sachet ~

French lavender fills this purple linen hanger sachet. This is an indulgence every home should have. Fill your closet with this heavenly scent or place on your nightstand or among your pillows, the calming lavandar fragrance will help you relax. The sachet can be looped around a hanger, placed on a shelf in a linen closet, in a storage chest, memory box, or even put in with your favorite stationery. It measures 4.5 x 6.5". Retails for $18. Both items are available in four colors (lavender, pink, ivory and natural linen}. In addition to lavender and rose, a cedar scent is also available. Available at GraciousStyle.com. Receive FREE shipping with a $125 purchase and code FREE0512.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Gracious Style is generously gifting one Chic Luxuries' reader a $50 gift certificate so the winner can choose his/her favorite item(s).

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit GraciousStyle.com and let us know your fav product in the comments below.

• Follow @GraciousStyle on Twitter

• Like Gracious Style on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a $50 gift card to @GraciousStyle on http://ChicLuxuries.com #Free #Contest #Giveaway #sweeps @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 19, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to the Gracious Style team for gifting us these lovely luxuries and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Gracious Style.

Planet Zak Review and Giveaway

Zak Designs was kind enough to put a customized pack of their on-the-go mealtime products together for us to try. Each piece of the Planet Zak line is well-designed, coordinated, and perfect for a busy New Yorker. I fell into a bad habit of picking up both breakfast and lunch every day at work. That is tough on both the wallet and the waistline! The Planet Zak pack helped me get back on track. We received ~

Stainless Steel Thermal Food Container ~

The thermal is perfect for oatmeal, soup, or any hot item for breakfast or lunch. The double-wall vacuum insulation also keeps cold items at just the right temperature. The size is just right and the top stores both a foldaway spoon and can hold condiments. Stainless Steel with a Black twist lid. Retails for $24.99

Tritan Waterbottle Geo ~

After recycling my fair share of water bottles, I was thrilled to find the Planet Zak Tritan Waterbottle. This light-weight, 24-oz. bottle, keeps cold or warm beverages at the desired temperature. The patent-pending spill-proof top fits a variety of Planet Zak bottles. Retails for $15.99.


Insulated Lunch Bag Geo in Rio Style ~

The light-as-a-feather Planet Zak carry bag will hold the thermal, water bottle, napkins, utensils, snacks, and a sandwich. The insulated lining keeps food cold. Perfect for the beach, camping, or a day at the park. Retails for $25.99.


The unisex design makes these attractive products for either a man or woman. Hmmm, with three men in my house, now I just have to try to keep these cool products for myself! Find these and many more eco-friendly products and designs at Planet-Zak.com.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Planet Zak! is generously gifting one Chic Luxuries' reader the Lunch Bag, Water Bottle and Thermal Container featured in this article.

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit Planet-Zak.com and let us know your fav product in the comments below.

• Follow @Planet_Zak on Twitter

• Like Planet Zak on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win three chic and eco-friendly products from @Planet_Zak on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $67 #Free #Contest #Giveaway @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 17, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.


Many thanks to Planet Zak for sending us these fab products and sponsoring this giveaway.


Photos courtesy of Planet Zak.

Custom Decorating with Gallery Direct

We were so excited when Gallery Direct asked us to showcase their art work and we heard from many of you after our Gallery Direct spotlight on My Carolina Today. Lucky for us, Gallery Direct not only sponsored a giveaway but asked us to demonstrate what a beautiful piece of artwork can do for a small living space. Our studio apartment in New York City is the perfect small space to dress up with artwork from Gallery Direct. We chose a 24" x 24" canvas print of Sunroom with Narcissus by artist Cecile Broz. 

I love my little studio and have decorated it one step at a time as I see pieces I really like. The bedroom area didn't yet have that "finished" look. My Gallery Direct art took care of that. It adds a pop of color to a bare wall and picks up some of my favorite colors which I have used throughout the small space. The window view in the print opens up the space while adding warmth to the room. We chose to have it gallery wrapped although framing is available. The 24x24 {medium} size regularly retails for $196 and is on sale now for $157.

I love this artwork so much I'm going to order a complementary piece to add the finishing touch to this space.


If you're a regular follower here, you know Gallery Direct always has an amazing offer or two going on. Right now you can save 81% on a custom photo printed on an 18x27 birchwood panel. A $250 value, it is now $49.99 shipping included! You'll have to hurry though, only a few days remain for this special. Find it HERE.


The second offer is a Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Custom Photo Canvas with choice of size and framing, shipping is FREE. Details HERE.


Many thanks to Gallery Direct for gifting us the beautiful canvas art for this article and for providing these fabulous offers.

Frederick's of Hollywood Review and Giveaway

The kind folks at Frederick's of Hollywood reached out to us asking if we would partner with them on a promotion. They invited me to select my favorite item and as soon as I saw the beautiful Katherine Satin Chemise and matching Kimono Robe, I knew this was it!

Although this set is sold as two separate pieces, Frederick's generously sent both. The chemise has spaghetti straps that criss-cross in the back and lovely ecru lace edging which is more of an antique ivory than white as shown in the pic. The matching robe has an inner tie closure, lace on the sleeves and a satin belt. There's nothing like pretty lingerie to make you feel feminine and sexy. The satin chemise and robe are luxuriously silky. I love that Frederick's caters to women of all sizes; so often pretty lingerie is only available in itsy bitsy sizes. There are eleven color options to choose from, but you will have to hurry as some have limited quantities. The chemise is available in sizes Extra Small to Extra Extra Large for $24 and 1X-3X for $26. The Robe is available in size Extra Small to Extra Large for $34 on Fredericks.com. A few colors are on sale right now with savings up to 40% off! Free shipping on purchases of $75 or more.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Frederick's is generously gifting one Chic Luxuries' reader the Katherine Chemise and Robe in the winner's choice of in-stock color and size.

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit Fredericks and let us know which color you would choose if you win.

• Follow @Love_Fredericks on Twitter

• Like Frederick's on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a satin chemise and robe from @Love_Fredericks and @ChicLuxuries on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $60 #Free #Contest #Giveaway #fashion

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 15, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Thanks to Frederick's for gifting us the beautiful Katherine chemise and robe and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photo courtesy of Frederick's.

Chic Summer Accessories ~

How chic are these? ~

If you love wearing flats, summer's must-have accessory is the Alexandra Sandals by OKA-b. Who said you can't be comfortable and stylish? I wear OKA-b's nearly year-round. I've got a "bling thing" going on with sandals and the colorful jewel tones on these add just the right amount of sparkle. They will match nearly everything in your summer wardrobe. Every pair of OKA-b's come with a two-year warranty. Made in the USA and available in Pearl {shown} or Dirty Martini for $40 ShoesThatLoveYou.com. 

Summer Soiree? Don't forget your earrings! 

Shabby Apple's light as a feather Dakota Earrings are the ideal summer accessory when you want to need a little something to dress up an outfit but still want to stay cool. Sterling silver with french earwires, they will take you from the office to cocktail parties by the pool. And if you need a cute dress to wear to that party, Shabby Apple can hook you up! Of course you can wear these all year, but wouldn't they look darling with the sandals above? $34 at ShabbyApple.com.

The bold bright colors of Jilzara's Large Bead Antique Bracelet will make it a summer fashion staple. Handcrafted using 15mm polymer beads separated by spacers with an antique finish. Lightweight, the beads remain cool even in the heat. A durable elastic cord makes it easy to put on and take off. Complimentary gift box. $27.99 at Jilzara.com.

Wear your passion with a novel and fun t-shirt from What'sYour Ista? There's an Ista shirt for just about everyone's favorite pastime or passion in a range of eye-pleasing colors. Shirts are made of pre-shrunk soft cotton and make a great conversation piece. If you prefer a loose shirt for the beach, order a size larger than normal. Ista t's retail for $24.99 at WhatsYourIsta.com. Free shipping on all orders!

Many thanks to Oka-B, Jilzara, What's Your Ista, and Shabby Apple for providing the items and images for this article. 

Aventura Clothing Review and Giveaway

Have you heard of Aventura Clothing? The majority of their clothing is made from eco-friendly fabrics including the Dharma Tank which the company allowed us to select for this review ~

This tank has two of my favorite features...a surplice-wrap neckline and an empire waist. I find empire waists are slimming drawing the eye up and away from the belly area which so many of us would like to minimize. I selected the color cadet and although it's not in my palette, I've never worn this color before and it's not easily found, so I thought I'd give it a try. The fabric is made of 48% rayon from bamboo and 47% modal and 2% spandex. I had to look up modal ~ it's made from reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. The fabric is incredibly soft. Take a peek at the back ~

How fancy! You will catch everyone's eye whether you are coming or going! I have a feeling I'll be wearing my hair up when I have this top on, the back is too pretty to hide. The Dharma Tank is a slim fit so if you fall between two sizes, you may want to order up as I did. I received the large and it fits perfectly. It's also a nice length, not too short or too long. It is available in XS-XL in cadet {shown here}, white, black or tempest {sort of a slate blue}. Retails for $49 on AventuraClothing.com. Receive FREE shipping on purchases of $125 ore more. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ Our new friends at Aventura Clothing are gifting one Chic Luxuries' reader the Dharma Tank in the winner's choice of in-stock color and size.

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit AventuraClothing.com and let us know in the comments below which item, aside from the Dharma Tank, is on your wish list.

• Follow @AventuraClothing on Twitter

• Like Aventura Clothing on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a chic top from @AventuraClothing and @ChicLuxuries on http://ChicLuxuries.com RV: $50 #Free #Contest #Giveaway #fashion

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 13, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to the team at Aventura Clothing for sending us their beautiful Dharma tank and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Aventura Clothing.

Brands That Give Back

In addition to connecting our favorite brands with potential customers while hopefully making the day of a few lucky readers in the process, one of our goals at Chic Luxuries is to use our platform to spread positivity. To that end, from time-to-time we will be featuring brands and products that give back. 


Our first is Laura Geller's I-Care Waterproof Eye Liner Duo

A portion of the sales of this eye liner duo is donated to Cancer and Careers, a resource that helps women with cancer and their employers. The eyeliner is available in 5 colors, we tried Navy and Ocean. It is smudgeproof, long-wearing and has a neat little smudger and sharpener on the reverse side of the pencil. Another fabulous plus is that it is a retractable pencil. ♥ $25 for a set of two of the same color, available at LauraGeller.com. 

One of our favorite PR gals asked us to feature IKEA's Soft Toys and although children's toys are not one of our core categories, we wanted to help spread the word about IKEA's Soft Toy Campaign.  For every Soft Toy sold, the IKEA Foundation will donate approximately $1.35 to IKEA global partners UNICEF and Save the Children to extend and start new children's educational programs in 22 countries. Included in the collection are the adorable and cuddly Broccoli and Carrot ~ 

Something tells me children would be more willing to eat their veggies after playing with these cuties. IKEA Soft Toys range in price from $.49 to $19.99, Broccoli and Carrot retail for $7.99 and are available in IKEA stores and online. 

Walkers Shortbread is donating 10 cents for every package of their Scottie Dogs that are sold this year with a minimum donation of $25,000 to the ASPCA. These melt-in-your mouth buttery creations are as cute as they are delicious. Makes a very sweet gift for every dog-lover. Available at your favorite grocer's. 

Thanks to IKEA, Laura Geller and Walkers Shortbread for providing the products and photos for this article. 

Volatile Sandals Review and Giveaway

Put a little bling in your step with Volatile Footwear! Introducing Glitzerland ~

How's this for pretty and chic footwear? The neutral pewter color is a beautiful backdrop for the sparkling multi-colored rhinestones which will match almost any color outfit. The sandals have a suede-covered cushioned footbed, leather upper and a 2" heel with 1" platform. 


I had never heard of Volatile Footwear until their fabulous PR Rep, Heather, reached out to us. Volatile has so many gorgeous styles to choose from it was very hard to single it down to one to feature. Their shoes are also priced well considering the quality materials used. These sandals are ultra confortable. The curved front seems to redistribute the weight of each step cushioning it...that's my scientific analysis anyway! 


Glitzerland retails for $65 and is available in full sizes 6 thru 10 at VolatileUSA.com. Sign up for their newsletter and save 10% off your next order. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ Volatile is gifting one Chic Luxuries' reader their fab Glitzerland Sandals. 


Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit VolatileUSA.com and let us know in the comments below which is your favorite style besides Glitzerland

• Follow @VolatileShoes on Twitter

• Friend VolatileFootwear on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win chic sandals from @VolatileShoes and @ChicLuxuries on http://ChicLuxuries.com RV: $65 #Free #Contest #Giveaway 

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 11, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Thanks to the Volatile team for gifting us these pretty sandals and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photo courtesy of Volatile

Cool Finds

Minerals Mate is just what every girl who loves mineral makeup needs....no more mess, waste or double dipping. I don't know about you but my vanity makeup drawer is covered in mineral foundation. This is ingenious! Three large wells, four smaller wells, seven caps and a red satin pouch are included. You'll be playing makeup artist in no time! $19.95 at MineralsMate.com.

Another innovative product ~ Bendable and lightweight flip flops that fit in your bag. How many times have you been dying to take your shoes off because your feet were aching? Keep a pair in your handbag, glove compartment, desk drawer at work and don't forget to pack a pair when traveling. Available in Pink, White, Silver, Black or Gold, pouch included. $15 at usadawgs.com. 

I know you're wondering what this is, meet the Toweligator! Clip this cute lil' fella's tail around your beach chair's frame and your chair towel into his mouth to hold it in place. Or, stick his tail in the sand and the corner of your beach blanket into his mouth to keep it from blowing away. Many uses for this neat invention. A pack of two retails for $14.95 or just $9.95 for two packages of two at Toweligator.com.

A favorite find, The Go Caddy is a very cool invention. Holds your water bottle in a separate pouch and keeps your hands free. Perfect for hiking, travel, shopping, sporting and outdoor events. Two outer pockets are roomy enough to hold cell phone, camera, and small wallet. Attach keys to the outer metal clip. The strap can be worn over-the-shoulder or as a crossbody. A water bottle cooler sleeve is also included. Made of microfiber, easily wipes clean. Made by BVT Products, retails for $19.95.

Marie Bruns Gifting Event

It's no secret I love handcrafted art and jewelry is definitely included in that category. Marie Bruns designs edgy, runway-worthy jewelry for the modern woman. Her PR Representative, Heather, introduced us to Marie's fabulous line and sent us her Turquoise Wrap ~

This is a single strand of turquoise accented with silver beads and finished with brown trim which wraps around the wrist to create a chic, fashion-forward triple-strand bracelet. I was surprised how pliable the strand is. This bracelet is so unique and would dress up a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. It also looks great with white pants a turquoise top and makes an all-brown outfit pop. It is also available in Red and retails for $85 on MarieBruns.com.


Looking to start your own jewelry business? Marie Bruns' Stylist Program makes it simple to do so. Stylists earn 25-30% of monthly sales and have an opportunity to earn a bonus on their downline's sales. Stylists hold trunk shows, friends gather for a night out of shopping. For more info, visit the Be A Stylist page.


Giving back is important to Marie and the company donates a percentage of sales of several of their items to Justice for Children and Children at Risk.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Marie Bruns is gifting one Chic Luxuries' winner the Turquoise Wrap! 


Please read carefully ~ Enter to win by completing one, or all, of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry, scroll to bottom to leave comments}. Be sure to leave your name and/or twitter id.

• Visit MarieBruns.com and leave a comment below letting us know which design, other than the Turquoise Wrap, is your fav

• Like Marie Bruns on Facebook and include your username in the comments section

• Follow @MarieBruns on Twitter and include your username in the comments section

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook

• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter

• Tweet about this event, sample tweet ~ #Win a chic bracelet from @MarieBruns and @ChicLuxuries on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $85 #contest #giveaway

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET June 9, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to the Marie Bruns team for gifting us their chic Turquoise Wrap and sponsoring this giveaway.