It's Magic!

The world of fashion is kind of like a magic show; both are full of tricks, secrets, and illusions, and those out of the loop are always wondering “How do they do that?” Lucky for us, many of the fashion world’s secrets are secrets no more. Below are a few items the pros use to make every outfit look outstanding.

Spanx brand products are the best inventions ever. Period. They smooth, shape, and control whatever problem areas you might have, and they eliminate panty lines! Try the Higher Power panty for shaping from the midriff to the lower thigh, or the Tight End tights to smooth your legs and tummy, while boosting the hips, thighs, and rear. For the upper body try the Hide & Sleek cami for coverage and tummy-tightening, or the strapless cami for coverage alone.

Hollywood Fashion Tape is used by celebrity stylists and everyday folks alike to fix all kinds of problems. Stick a piece in the gap between buttons on a button-down shirt, and never again show the world your bra. Use a few strips to hold a strapless top or plunging neckline in place, or even hold a fallen hem until you have a chance to stitch it up. The clear tape leaves no residue and is hypoallergenic.

Take Outs and Cleavage Cupcakes are two amazing products for boosting your bust. The soft silicone or gel inserts fit inside your bra or bathing suit to add a full cup size. Use them whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Yaya’s also carries many other tanks and camis for layering. Check them out and find the full line of Spanx products here.

Green Up Your Wardrobe

We’ve all heard the buzz lately about “going green” and doing our parts to help counteract some of the damage we’ve done to the planet: Drive less, walk more. Reduce your waste. Reuse what you can. Recycle, recyle, recyle. Honorable ideas, yes, but not always the most fun. Unless, of course, clothes shopping is involved! Many designers are hitching a ride on the green train and using recyled materials or organically-grown ones in their products, while others are donating money or planting trees for every item of clothing sold. Below is an overview of a few of the Yaya’s designers who are doing their part to help the environment.

Eco-Centric- Eco-Centric tees are made from 100% organic cotton and sport pretty prints of nature. The company will plant a tree for every tee sold. Shop Eco-Centric
Haley K- Haley K tees are made from 100% organic cotton and their eco-friendly messages help you show off your earth-friendly side. Shop Haley K
Billy Blues- While not “green” in the most obvious way, all Billy Blues clothes are made right here in the US, eliminating cross-continent travel and saving tons of diesel fuel along the way. Shop Billy Blues
Panda Snack- Panda Snack clothing is made from environmentally-friendly bamboo, one of the most resilient plants in the world. Not only does the fabric provide a pesticide-free alternative to cotton, the fabric is silky soft and antibacterial. Panda Snack will also donate part of their proceeds to panda preservation. Shop Panda Snack
Pure & Co.- Pure and Co. is ahead of the curve when it comes to being environmentally friendly. The company is working to find a way to reduce carbon emissions, rely on solar power, and recycle scraps whenever possible.
Armand & Alba- Armand & Alba garments are partially recycled, with scraps of old sweaters woven in.

Check out the links to the environmentally-conscious designers above and ease your conscience while improving your wardrobe!

Sale Time!

If you’re anything like me, you love a great deal. Sale, clearance, discount….you zero in on those words like a sniper to his target. So, to appease all you bargain-hunters out there, here are a rundown of a few hot sales items from Yaya’s. They’re sure to keep you in-style and on-trend for less!

First, try Billy Blues’ straight jean. They are a classic-fitting, extremely versatile style, sure to become a staple in your wardrobe. Try them with a loose-fitting tunic or a fitted tee, dressed-up with heels, or -down with flats. Or, layer them under a shorter casual dress for a unique way to keep warm this fall.

Eco-Centric’s butterfly tee is a great piece for this time of year. The pretty butterfly print feels light and summery, while the longer sleeves make it wearable into cooler fall weather. Try it with khaki pants, a short denim skirt, or black capris. Add a few bangle or cuff bracelets (still hot for summer and into fall) and you’ll look polished and put-together. Even better, the tee is 100% organic cotton and Eco-Centric will plant a tree for each tee sold.

Wanting to dress up and still find a bargain? Try Lan Vie’s paneled sleeveless dress. It has a deep V-neckline, empire waist, and slimming diagonal panels on the skirt. Wear it with metallic sandals and a long chain necklace, and add a black or silver metallic cardigan to make it work-appropriate.

Now is the time to stock up on great basic items, too. You’ll find tons of great layering pieces and body helpers under the “body basics” link in the “clothing” section above. Check out tons more great deals on all kinds of items under the “sale” link above.

Denim for All!

Time for another reader question! This week’s quandary: What jeans should I be wearing this season? Skinny, wide-leg, high-rise, low-rise? The fabulous answer: wear whatever flatters you!

Sure, that sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t.

This season’s newest, most on-trend style is the wide-leg jean. With a mid- to high-rise and in dark coloration, it looks great with a fitted top or cropped jacket. Though you may be tempted to wear a really wide pair, steer clear of anything too loose or you risk looking shapeless.

Skinny-jean lovers out there, don’t fret. You can still wear your painted-on jeans all season long, just be sure to mix them with a top that has some extra volume. A loose tunic, a babydoll top, or a chunky sweater once the weather is cooler, will provide a nice contrast to the tightness of your pants.

For those of us afraid to commit to either of these trends, we still have two great solutions: first, try a pair of flared or boot-cut jeans for a classic flatters-everyone look. Fitted in the waist and thighs and looser from the knee to the ankle, these jeans do double duty, working well with both fitted tops or looser ones. Or, if you prefer a slimmer look without going too tight, try straight-leg jeans. These will also go well with either slim or voluminous tops, and they will never go out of style!

Below are a few styles Yaya's currently carries, but be sure to check out the "denim" link above for additional styles. Check back often because we'll be getting in new styles all season long!
1. Level 99 "Dorothy" Flare
2. Christopher Blue ""Lexington" Bootcut
3. Level 99 "Laguna" Wideleg

And if you'd like to send me a question of your own, click here.