Spring It On!

Spring has sprung here in North Carolina and it's just around the corner for our Northern friends. Our latest Gotta Get It! includes a few must-try products to help make an effortless transition from Winter to Spring. And, there's a shiny new giveaway too! 

Spring on the bling! One of the things I like most about having this platform is being exposed to so many fab brands I never knew existed. Such is the case with Sterling Forever. They specialize in celebrity look-a-like sterling silver jewelry for less $$. We love how these Sterling Silver 1-1/4" Inside Out Full CZ Hoop Earrings glisten in sunlight, moonlight and candlelight and add sparkly chicness to the classic hoop earrings. Made of .925 sterling silver and cubic zirconia. $95 at sterlingforever.com.

Before you know it, you'll be relaxing on a sunny beach ~ aaah! Protect your skin from damaging rays while swimming with Lime Ricki's Rash Guard Black Dot Swim Shirt and Board Shorts Cream Dot. We love the fun polka dot design on these light and breathable fabrics. Both provide UV 50+ protection. The shirt is available in sizes XS-L for $40.50 and the shorts in sizes XS-XL for $35.50 at LimeRicki.com.

I'm in awe at the results my sister has had with glycolic peels, but they can be costly so I was delighted to receive Vie Collection's Night Peel Progressive Resurfacing Cream. This ultra light cream is actually a time-released peel enriched with two types of glycolic acids to deliver a gentle and progressive exfoliation. It also has the most beautiful delicate scent. Used nightly it evens skin tone for a brighter more luminous complexion. $187 at lespausa.com.

Protect baby from the sun and bugs with the Sun & Bug Cover from Cozy Cover. A self-supporting canopy creates a well-ventilated enclosure of nylon mesh to keep bugs away while a breathable fold-over flap protects baby from sun, wind and rain. Backless to fit over infant carriers and carseats. Folds to fit in diaper bag or stroller. Available in Green, Pink, Orange and Blue for $13.95 at cozy-cover.com.

How precious is this Pink Giraffe Modern Day Romper from Wee Urban? Handmade in Canada using custom organic cotton blends, the soft fabric is light enough to wear in the warmer months. Long sleeves protect your wee one's skin from sun, wind and mosquitoes. Also available in green with an owl motif in sizes 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 months. $34 at weeurban.com.

Beauty Addicts Face2Face Creme to Powder Foundation is formulated with Vitamins A, E, and Green Tea to soothe skin while providing flawless coverage that lasts through the day. Advanced Microsphere Technology smooths fine lines for a more youthful appearance. Available in 7 shades for $45 at beautyaddicts.com.

My mission to try every sugar scrub on the planet continues! Up today is Sugar Mamas Super Blend Oil Sugar Scrub in Roasted Nuts. This all-natural sugar scrub strays from my usual "bakery" scents, but it is a delightful combination of roasted chestnuts, spiced berry, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and vanilla. A warm, earthy sensual scent for sure! Even our male readers would like this one. I love the ratio of oil to sugar in this scrub too. Made in the USA, a 16-oz. jar retails for $39. Sugar Mamas also makes Sugar Scrub Bars, check them out at sugarmamasskin.com. 

Curl lashes without pulling them out or poking your eyes out! Leave it to Panasonic to invent a Heated Eye Lash Curler. I love Panasonic's beauty gadgets. I never travel without my battery-operated Panasonic Toothbrush and it looks like I'll be adding their Eye Lash Curler to my makeup bag. It heats lashes to make curling easy, just heat and curl lashes with the reversible rotating comb. Also great for removing mascara clumps, washes clean. Requires one AA-battery. $26.99 at shop.panasonic.com.  

And speaking of mascara, Merle Norman Wicked Lash Mascara is wicked good! An extra large brush {love} evenly coats lashes for fluttery results. The formula is rich in Peptides and Vitamin E to condition lashes while Arch Fibers add volume, length and curl. The formula allows for buildable coverage for a dramatic impact. Available at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios for $16. For a location near you, visit merlenorman.com. 

After a day of hiking, shopping, or standing on your feet, soothe your tired tootsies with the Bed Buddy Foot Warmers. Scented with a delicate lavender rose fragrance, the foot warmers can be warmed in the microwave for soothing moist heat or placed in the freezer to use as a cooling compress. Also available in Lavender or Lavender and Mint. $17.99 at carex.com. 

If you're an in-between size or find your new clothes always need to be altered, checkout eShakti. They offer complimentary custom alterations as well as design changes and they have a pretty selection of dresses and women's clothes. Want sleeves on the Sweetheart Surplice Cotton Knit Top or a longer hemline? eShakti is happy to accommodate. This top is form fitted with a beautiful neckline and a side hidden zipper. Looks pretty with white skinny jeans and strappy sandals. Add a shimmering necklace in turquoise and you'll be ready to hit the town. $44.95 at eshakti.com. 

If your hair is curly or frizzy, you probably use more hair products as the humidity rises which can lead to product build-up and cause dry hair and scalp irritation. Ouidad's Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo gently removes hard water minerals, residue and product build up while instantly infusing moisture. The sulfate-free cream shampoo is safe for color-treated hair and although ideal for curly hair, it can be used on all textures experiencing a loss of vibrancy and shine. An 8.5-oz bottle retails for $18 at ouidad.com. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ One lucky reader will win the prize of their choice from our gift closet.

To Enter: email chicgiveaway@gmail.com and include the following:

• "Spring It On" in the subject line
• your first and last name
• complete mailing address
• twitter id 
• facebook name 

If you wish to tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet below. Tweet as often as you wish, but please limit email entry to one per giveaway.

*Spring It On* #Giveaway ~ #Win the prize of your choice from @ChicLuxuries gift closet. ow.ly/uZpxQ  

If you're entering our giveaways, we ask that you like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest 

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET May 21, 2014. Limit one entry per person and email address. Winner will be notified by email and announced on our Winner's page. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize. Open to US Residents 18 years of age and older.

Many thanks to each of the brands featured for providing products and/or photos for this editorial. 

Escama Studio Review and Giveaway

Calling all handbag and artisan lovers! Ya'll are gonna flip over this! Checkout this clutch bag from Escama Studio ~

This isn't your average clutch. It is hand crocheted using over 200 post consumer recycled pop tops! That's right, soda can pop tops! Isn't that amazing? The Chica Rosa Pop Top Mini Clutch is a stunning conversation piece that will leave everyone asking "Where did you find that?". 

The oh-so-chic Chica Clutch is available in an array of colors to suit every outfit. The beautiful lined clutch is lightweight and at 8 x 3-1/2 x 1", it's just the right size to hold keys, cash, credit card, id and lip gloss.

We received it in silver which is perfect for a night out or special event. The workmanship is exquisite and each bag is signed by the artist. The Chica Rosa Clutch retails for $46. Love it? Gotta have it? Find it and many other beautiful designs at escamastudio.com. Follow Escama Studio on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for design inspiration, new product launches and fun surprises. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ Our friends at Escama Studio are gifting a lucky reader the Chica Rosa Pop Top Mini Clutch in silver!!!! YAY! 

EASY Express Entry: Email chicgiveaway@gmail.com and include the following:

• "Escama Studio" in the subject line
• your first and last name
• Mailing address
• twitter id 
• facebook name 

If you wish to tweet about this giveaway, here's a sample tweet:

#WinIt You've got to see this clutch from @EscamaStudio made from pop tops! ARV: $50 cc: @ChicLuxuries #giveaway ow.ly/v9dim

If you're entering our giveaways, we ask that you like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest as well as our generous sponsors. Thank you!

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET May 3, 2014. Limit one entry per person and email address. Winner will be notified by email and announced on our Winner's page. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize. Open to US Residents 18 years of age and older.

Many thanks to Escama Studio for gifting us their gorgeous Chica Rosa Pop Top Mini Clutch and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Escama Studio.

Chic Luxuries' Mother's Day Gift Guide 2014

Welcome to our Mother's Day Gift Guide 2014. We've gathered some of our favorite finds for Mother's Day gifting and, of course, we've included another fabulous giveaway we think you will ♥ as much as these chic luxuries. The winner will once again choose their favorite prize from our gift closet found HERE. 

Want to give Mom a little pampering everyday? Give her the gift of glowing skin with L'Occitane's Ultimate Divine Collection. The anti-aging properties of everlasting Immortelle flowers are combined with 7 plant-derived active ingredients to give skin a youthful, radiant glow. The luxurious gift set includes a full size Divine Cream, Divine Eyes and Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam all delicately scented and packaged in an exquisitely feminine gift box. The set retails for $182 with free shipping. For Moms that deserve only the best visit usa.Loccitane.com.

Moms and Nanas will enjoy reading their favorite blog while relaxing in this comfortable Resin Folding Lounger from Brylane Home. The crisp white lounger adjusts to lay flat so Mom can get in a few winks or take in the sun. Wheels make moving the lounger a snap and it folds for easy storage. The lounger wipes clean and is rust and chip resistant. Better plan on getting a matching one for Dad for his special day! Holds up to 250 lbs. $199 at brylanehome.com. 

Circles represent eternity, they have no beginning and no end, and this Sterling Silver Circles Bracelet by designer Mari Tome is extra-ordinary. Circles in varying sizes, textures and thickness are accented with 14KT yellow gold bezel-set precious and semi-precious stones in your choice of warm or cool colors. Measures 7" long and retails for $370. Mari's fine jewelry designs are handcrafted in the USA and so unique, they can easily be described as sculptured art. For a gift that says "I'll love you forever", visit maritome.com.

Moms and Nanas will love these gorgeous Eve Toe Post Sandals from Vionic with Orthaheel Technology. She won't have to sacrifice comfort to wear chic-looking shoes thanks to Vionic {formerly Orthaheel}. It's hard to believe they are orthodics! Orthaheel Technology provides realignment, stability and support and has been recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Available in White, Coral, Bronze Metallic and Black Patent in full sizes 5-11, medium and wide widths. $74.95 at vionicshoes.com.

Send Mom or Grandma a gift everyone will be talking about...and want to indulge in. Cookies by Design cookie bouquets are works of art. So pretty, she won't want to eat them, but everyone will! Adorable designs for Mother's Day and every occasion. We Love LoVe LOVE the uniqueness and cheery colors of the Life's a Beach Cookie Bouquet. A 7-cookie bouquet retails for $55.99, other sizes are available. Send some sweet happiness from CookiesbyDesign.com.

For the Mom who works outside the home, the Nanette Exotic Satchel Tote from Handbag Heaven holds all her essentials as she heads to the office or meeting. Roomy enough to accommodate an iPad, files, makeup bag, lunch, even a pair of shoes. Features include an outer zippered pocket, five interior pockets, floral lining, and chain and leatherette shoulder strap. Made of faux leather embossed in a croc design. In Black, Red, or Beige. Regularly $58.95, on sale as of this writing for $50.11 at handbagheaven.com.

This Silver-Tone Petite Crystal Watch has just the right amount of sparkly crystal accents to take Mom from the office to dinner out. Nana will love it too! The dainty water resistant watch has easy-to-read Roman numerals, an adjustable crystal bracelet and is water resistant. Classic and simply elegant. Comes with a 10-year limited warranty. $85 at guess.com.

This gorgeous Aqua Marine Ombre Sweater from P.J. Salvage will look beautiful on Moms of almost any age. It's lightweight and sheer and is perfect paired with the Aqua Marine Cami. The all-over lace cami is silky soft and fully lined with adjustable straps. Both are available in sizes Small-XL. The sweater retails for $84 and the cami for $48. pjsalvage.com.

Weeeeeeee!! How cool is this? Moms who love a bit of adventure will have hours of fun relaxing and feeling carefree floating in air in the Lounger Chair from Eagles Nest Outfitters. Whether in the backyard, camping or glamping, everyone in the family will want a turn swinging in the breeze. The lounger has an attached drink holder, foot and headrest, pockets to hold a book and snacks, and it even reclines! Available in 6 neutral shades, it holds 250 lbs. and includes a stuff sack. Use with the Slap Strap for easy hanging. The Lounger Chair is $119.95 and the Slap Strap is $19.95 at EaglesNestOutfittersInc.com.

You don't have to be a Mom to adore everything about the Life Lines Escape Miraclesuit One-Piece Swimsuit, but she will! Mom will be ready to hit the beach looking extra beautiful in stunning shades of blue with a dusting of shimmery foil. Intense side shirring creates a slender silhouette. A scalloped neckline conceals an underwire molded cup. Available in sizes 8-16 for $152 with FREE shipping and returns at miraclesuit.com.

I actually jumped up and down like a kid in a candy store when I opened the box and found Three Whishes Body Wash in Almond inside. What can I say?.. I'm in love with this scent! First off, it's a huge 13-oz. pump bottle that won't fall over in the shower. Made with organic aloe, organic shea butter and organic raspberry butter, it moisturizes skin as it cleanses. Did I mention the scent is incredibly addictive? Mom, Nana, and EVERYONE else will ♥ it! $18 at whishbody.com.

For the chic and stylish Mom, these hammered sterling silver hoops are from Calico Juno Designs' Nouveau Collection. They are handcrafted in NY and can also be made in 14KT gold filled or with inner hoops of gold and outer silver, or outer silver and inner gold. They are lightweight, fun and breezy...very eye-catching for a Spring day and a pretty enhancement to any outfit. They are Nouveau 001 and retail for $88 at calicojunodesigns.com. 

The Sage Lifestyle's Coral Candle is a captivating blend of coconut, orange blossom, mimosa, vanilla, musk, sandalwood. A wonderful way to help Mom to relax after a long day. Crafted with the highest quality fragrance and essential oils. The 8-oz candle is poured in a reuseable tumbler and packaged in a gorgeous cylinder textured box. $56 at thesagelifestyle.com.

Slip a photo of Mom's little princess {or prince} in this adorably chic Baby Crown Frame from the Beatriz Ball Collection. Exquisite craftsmanship as we have come to expect from Beatriz Ball. It is sure to become a treasured family heirloom for future generations. Holds a 4x6" photo. Gift boxed with grosgrain ribbon included. $76 at BeatrizBall.com.

The Dinner of the Month Club from Amazing Clubs is a gift Moms and Nanas will appreciate over and over again. This is one of our fave clubs and this month's included La Pastabella Lemon Garlic Fettuccine, Mama Granata's Original Old World Italian Sauce, and Gourmet Creations Garlic, Herb Dipping Oil and Chocolate Mousse Mix, and recipes. A perfectly delicious meal! Make it extra special for Mom or Nana and slip a note inside saying you will prepare it for her on the day of her choice. Seasonal, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month subscriptions available beginning at $21.95 per month. AmazingClubs.com.

For Moms or Nanas who journal, blog, work in the corporate world, or love sending handwritten notes, a luxury writing instrument from Faber Castell will be a special treat. The Ambition Rollerball Pen in Lilac glides across paper or card stock. The slender barrel design is made of precious resin with polished chrome-plated ends. Also available in Mint or Pink. $75 at Pen Boutique.

Chic Giveaway! ~ One lucky reader will win the prize of their choice from our gift closet.

To Enter: email chicgiveaway@gmail.com and include the following:

• "Mother's Day" in the subject line
• your first and last name
• complete mailing address
• twitter id 
• facebook name 

If you wish to tweet about this giveaway, below is a sample tweet. Tweet as often as you wish, but please limit email entries to one per giveaway please.

#Win the prize of your choice in @ChicLuxuries' Mother's Day Gift Guide #Giveaway ow.ly/uWdof

If you're entering our giveaways, we ask that you like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest 

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET May 11, 2014. Limit one entry per person and email address. Winner will be notified by email and announced on our Winner's page. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize. Open to US Residents 18 years of age and older.

Many thanks to each of the brands featured for providing products and/or photos for this editorial.