Friday, November 30, 2012

MOMMY'S CLOSET: MUST-HAVES FOR THE BREASTFEEDING MAMA


It's no secret that breast milk is the absolute best for your baby. Some women know before their baby is born that they don't want to breastfeed. Those that do decide to breastfeed are not without challenges such as a delay in breast milk coming in and maintaining an abundant supply. For me one of the biggest challenges has been producing enough and in order to do so I've tried every trick in the book from herbal tea, to eating bars and even drinking beer. Ultimately however, sticking it out and getting the results you want depends on you and your lifestyle because there are so many factors that can play a role in the amount of milk that you produce such as stress levels and the amount of fluids you consume (you can't produce enough fluid if you're not taking in enough fluid). Check out some of my must-haves for breastfeeding mama below...


1. Traditional Medicinal's Organic Mother's Milk Tea, $10 (2pk) soap.comOrganic Mother's Milk promotes healthy lactation* and is traditionally used to increase breastmilk production.* This traditional combination of anise, fennel and coriander has been used for centuries by European women, often recommended by lactation counselors and medical herbalists. Organic Mother's Milk is a pleasantly aromatic balance of sweet, spicy and slightly bitter.

2. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, $24 (3pk) diapers.com: These storage bags are compact and take up very little space in the freezer. Each has been pre-sterilized for preservation of milk quality and has an easy-to-carry design for comfortable portability. Place these bags under warm tap water to defrost the milk.

3. Divine Mama Bars, $30 (12 bars) divine-mama.comDivine Mama Bars are a delicious, delightful way for breastfeeding moms to maintain an abundant milk supply. Divine Mama Bars are 100% all-natural and made with lactogenic (milk-producing) ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, no processed starches, and no new food technology.

4. Simplisse Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes, $9 drugstore.comFor quick cleaning of Breastfeeding parts that's safe for mom and baby. Cleans effectively with a water-based formula that's safe and non-toxic. The easy pop-up case makes cleaning fast and easy.

5. Non-Alcoholic Beer, walmart.com: There is several research that links the ingredient 'barley'(found in beer) to an increase in prolactin levels and breastmilk production. Consuming alcoholic beverages while breastfeeding can actually cause babies to take in less milk so opt for non-alcoholic.


6. Medela Tender Care Lanolin, $10 target.comEase nipple pain while breastfeeding with the Tender Care lanolin cream by Medela. This cream glides on smoothly and gently for comfort, and is safe for both mom and baby. Available in a convenient travel size, you can easily keep it in your diaper bag.

7. Medela Calma Breastmilk Feeding Set, $18 amazon.com: The Medela Calma is the only scientific based feeding device that helps to support the similar sucking behavior of the baby that breast feeds. Calma requires a similar sucking behavior to breastfeeding using the tongue to create a vacuum making it easier for babies to switch between breast and Calma. Breastfeeding should be well established before introducing Calma, Calma is recommended for breastfed babies and not those who are currently bottle fed as they may find it difficult to feed.

8. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump, $300 babiesrus.com
Designed for moms who pump several times a day, this daily-use breast pump features 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics the two distinct phases of how babies breast-feed and offers portable convenience for quiet, discreet pumping anywhere.

Stay Stylish Mamas,
@Vintagedee
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

PRODUCT REVIEW: SMILE SCIENCES TEETH WHITENING PEN


PRODUCT INFO(from the source): The Smile Science pen is a cosmetic solution for people who want just that. A way to whiten their teeth without the expensive, invasive, or time consuming process associated with traditional teeth whitening methods. Developed by dentists, using smile sciences twice daily you can whiten your teeth by several shades within one week. 


IN REVIEW: 
First thing's first, check out my before and after pic...

I tested the Smile Sciences Teeth Whitening Pen for about two weeks. Now of course with anything else, other products used play a role in the final results as well. My routine consisted of brushing, flossing, and rinsing my mouth with Listerine and then applying the Smile Science Teeth Whitening Pen twice  a day. I did this for about two weeks and got the results you see above. The best thing about this teeth whitening pen is that it's painless. I remember using Crest White Strips in high school when I prepped for my beauty pageants and one thing I do remember is the sharp pains I would feel through my teeth and gums. This whitening pen delivers fast results with zero sensitivity. 

One possible downside about this product is its price. The Smile Sciences Teeth Whitening Pen costs $78 via their Smile Sciences website (www.smilesciences.com) and DermStore (www.dermstore.com). BUT I've got good news for you, head over to the Smile Sciences website and enter our exclusive promo code "SCSMILE" and get 50% off! 

So.... what are you waiting for? Your winter whites are right around the corner :)

Stay Stylish,
VintageDee


Friday, November 23, 2012

WEEKLY STYLE LUST: IT'S ECLECTIC!


This week I'm lusting over some eclectic pieces, literally...

WHO: ECLECTIC ADONIS | 1 ECLECTIC CHICK
WHAT: PRINTED CREW NECKS | EAGLE FREEDOM NECKLACE
WHERE: ECLECTICADONIS.BIGCARTEL.COM | ETSY.COM/SHOP/1ECLECTICCHICK
WHEN: ALL CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
WHY: This season the crew neck sweatshirt is making a comback like never before. They're not just for men and women are finding cute & sassy ways to dress them up. I love the printed designs on these Eclectic Adonis crew neck sweatshirts. Also making a comeback are big chain neck pieces like these Eagle Freedom Necklaces by 1Eclectic Chick.
HOW MUCH: $35 - $42 | $27

How are you guys digging these eclectic items?

Stay Stylish,
VintageDee

Sunday, November 11, 2012

OCTOBER 2012 FAVORITES



1. Royal Apothic Hand Creme: Recently I have had to become sort of OCD about washing my hands and with frequent washing comes intense dryness. So, to battle the dry cracked skin that comes with the frequent washing not to mention the cold weather I've been using Royal Apothic's Hand Creme in Venetian Grove. Venetian Grove in particular smells great but I am more of a foody girl, I love fragrances that smell like sweet treats ESPECIALLY vanilla (yum)! Venetian Grove is more in the Jasmine/Lavendar family but the formula is great at relieving dry skin. It's very hydrating and doesn't leave a greasy residue. $22 royalapothic.com

2. Chic Sheets Hair Refreshing Towelletes: In a nutshell Chic Sheets are dryer sheets for your hair. They help combat static and frizz. $12 aveyou.com. Check out what Chic Sheets did for my hair...
 
3. Butter London Fall Collection:  I LOVE Butter London's Fall 2012 Collection. This was actually my first time trying any Butter London products. I ordered All Hail the Queen (taupe), Wallis (black/gold shimmery mix), West End Wonderland (gold glitter) and a Matte topcoat from Coterie.com (a new beauty shopping events site similar to Guilt). The Butter London shopping event on Coterie.com is of course over now but you can still purchase these polishes at Nordstrom.com or straight from their website, ButterLondon.com ($14ea). Check out my nails with All Hail the Queen and West End Wonderland...
 
 
 
4. L'oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: I'm sure you've all seen the recent BB Cream craze, all of the major beauty brands have released one (or two). I initially set out to try Maybelline's BB Cream but my Target was sold out so I found L'oreal's BB Cream. Before I tried it I was expecting it to be along the lines of a tinted moisturizer but it's actually sort of irridescent and feels slightly like an exfoliator. Immediately after applying the BB Cream I noticed a difference in my skin. My skin tone appeared more even and it had a natural glow. $8 target.com

5. Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Cyber: I don't have much to say about this lipstick. The color is amazing. I did initially set out to purchase their lipstick in 'Smoked Purple' which is a matte lipstick, but of course they were sold out. So, I purchased Cyber which is pretty much the same color as 'Smoked Purple' it just has more of a satin finish. Dark lips are always in this time of year but everyone usually goes with a deep burghundy color - Cyber is such a dark purple it almost looks black. Try something different this time ladies. $15 maccosmetics.com

 
6. Poshmark iPhone App: I recently downloaded a new app on my phone - think of it as if Instagram & eBay came together and had a baby - that baby would be Poshmark. This app allows you to sell your gently used clothing items straight from your phone. Upload your picture, add effects to it, set your price and promote your items. Currently in my Poshmark I am selling my Style Closet Boutique items (the same items that are on my website). Even if you don't want to sell anything through this app you can still download it to purchase items. Check it out and search for me :) @vintagedee!
 
 
 
 
7. Pretty Polly Suspender Tights: I know you guys have seen these tights before. I have been crushing on them for the longest time but just hadn't gotten around to purchasing them. I just so happened to mention the tights to my VP and she tells me she has a pair she just bought that she can't fit (SCORE!!). I couldn't wait to wear them... $25 nordstrom.com
 
 
8. Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki Brush: For a few months now I've been using a few Everyday Minerals brushes in rotation. Most recently though I've been using the Longhandled Kabuki Brush the most. The bristles are very soft and it picks up product very well. The best part about this brush is that it is 100% Cruelty Free & Vegan. Typically products that are vegan, organic or natural are more on the expensive side but Everyday Minerals prices are very reasonable. $13 everydayminerals.com
 
9.Refresh Dakota Sneaker Bootie: I do not wear sneakers. I don't even think I own a pair - sneakers just aren't my style. My feet are too wide for flats which is why since the 8th grade I've mostly worn heels. BUT being the store manager of a shoe store where you're not allowed to wear heels presents its challenges until we got these sneaker booties in. They are so comfortable and the taupe color allows me to wear them with a bunch of different outfits. I bought them from my store Traffic Shoes and they retail for $35. The companies website does not currently allow online shopping but you can search for a store near you with the store locator. I've also found them online at overstock.com and amazon.com BUT they are running for $45 on those sites.
 
What products have been your fave this month?
 
Stay Stylish,
VintageDee

Thursday, November 8, 2012

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH: CYBER BULLY

Hi Everyone! So a few days ago I came across a picture on @Instagram of @Fashionista804. She was rocking this killer dark lip....

I immediately started crushing on this vampy lip look. The actual product she used to get the look is MACs lip pencil in Nightmoth and lipstick in Smoked Purple...
 
 
So of course when I went on the search to find the exact products she used Smoked Purple was sold out but there is a lipstick that is very similar which is called Cyber....
 
 
If you decide to go sans lip liner underneath you will definitely be able to see the difference...
 
 
Here's my final look....
 
 
WHO: MAC COSMETICS
WHEN: AVAILABLE NOW
WHY: TO BE ON TOP OF THE DARK LIP TREND OF THE SEASON
HOW MUCH: $15EA
 
So what do you guys think? Would you wear a deep purple lip look like this?
 
Stay Stylish,
VintageDee





Thursday, November 1, 2012

WEEKLY STYLE LUST: SUITED

Hey loves,
 
So recently Jessica Stroup was seen on set in this pant suit that I just DIED over! The print, the pops of yellow, the detail (check out the sleeves). Deets below...
 
WHO: SAM & LAVI
WHAT: RERE JACKET & CARLY PANT
WHEN: AVAILABLE NOW
WHY: SIMPLY BECAUSE IT LOOKS AMAZING :)
HOW MUCH: $348/$210
 



Stay Stylish,
VintageDee