Website to Check Out: Abe’s Market

Abe’s Market is a new web marketplace featuring all sorts of eco-friendly products…obviously we are most interested in the beauty section but the site really does have a lot to offer elsewhere.  Fun fact – if you share a product you like with 3 friends, you get a coupon for 10% off your purchase, and your friends do too.  Here are some fun goodies we found while cyber-shopping:

All The Better To Kiss You With:  This 3-pack of all-natural lip balms comes in a recycled box, and with flavors like lavendar vanilla, mandarin chai, and pepperminty, we’re not sure which one we’d use first!  Perfect for stashing one in the nightstand, in your purse, and at your desk.

She Essential Beauty:  It’s winter, it’s cold and dry, and your cuticles are paying for it.  Keep them nourished and happy with this all natural cuticle butter that contains essential oils and Chinese herbs.

Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover in Lavender:  Tired of using smelly chemicals to remove your nail polish?  Use this option, featured in O Magazine.   It’s an organic soy nail polish remover that is Kosher, Vegan, and Halal.

Karma Organic Nail Polish in Oh, Tiff!:  And speaking of nail polish, I thought I’d list this fabulous color.  Oh, Tiff! is clearly named for that famous and recognizable Tiffany Blue… and while I’m not sure how it would really look on the nails, I am sure that you can rock anything with confidence and well…it has my name in the title.  :)  I do enjoy the fact that it is an organic and natural option – there are lots of other colors from which to choose as well.

xoxo.

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Eminence Organics = Lustworthy

I was flipping through one of my mags and had to hit the brakes when I spied the Eminence Organic Skincare Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque.  I knew I needed to find more information on this delicious sounding skin treat.  As it turns out, I want pretty much everything this line produces – by the way, it’s all organically based.  But let’s get back to the chocolate mousse.

This masque takes advantage of the antioxidants in cocoa (as well as the delicious smell), and combines it with macadamia nut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, ginseng, and vitamins E and C, making this masque highly nourishing to dry skin as well as a great anti-aging treatment.  This masque sounds so decadent, and perfect for my parched winter skin.

Another masque that sounds fantastic, especially for those who suffer from rosacea or generally irritated skin, is the Quince & Ice Wine Masque .  As with the chocolate masque, this one contains antioxidants and loads of soothing and toning ingredients.

The Coconut Cream Masque is a good choice if your skin is super dehydrated and dry – and it just sounds amazing with ingredients like coconut oil, coconut milk, and an antioxidant booster blend (which contains a plethora of anti-aging superstars).

I’m pretty sure there are at least 30 more items I’d like to possess by this line, so do yourself a favor and look through the products.  So many of them sound amazing – and I love that they are all organically based with natural ingredients, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.  I’d also love to know if any of you have tried this line!

xoxo.

Local Favorite: Ambre Blends

I’m a little ashamed of myself for not featuring this local fave sooner, as I think I find myself pushing this product on at least 5 people a week.  Better late than never, as they say.   People who know me well know that I am a perfume fanatic, and own an insane amount of scents – I love to mix them and change them frequently – but one thing is for sure.  I have never, ever received more compliments on any fragrance I own as I have when I wear Ambre oils.  I’ve been stopped mid-walk by complete strangers who have to know what scent I’m wearing.  I’ve been sniffed by Cheesecake Factory servers (true story), and have walked into Starbucks to be greeted by, “Are you wearing Ambre?”  Oh, and side note – it’s pronounced Am-ber.

Utterly addictive and highly recognizable to those who wear it, Ambre blends have successfully earned a permanent position in my favorite scent rotation.  There are 3 different Ambre blends, and I wish I could tell you that one was more amazing over the others…but hello, I already admitted I’m a scent addict so I love all 3, of course.

In all seriousness, you cannot go wrong with any blend.  If you prefer a light scent ideal for everyday purposes, choose the original Ambre Essence (clean, warm, and sensual) or Invoke Essence (contains the Ambre base plus a combinations of jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, and rose).  I absolutely love the Solace Essence, but many people feel that it is the heaviest scent – therefore, it is perfect for cooler months.  Solace Essence is a blend of the Ambre base with a sensuous vanilla.  Bonus: because they are natural oils, they last…and last…and last – and may even get better throughout the day.

All products are unisex, and because they react with your own body chemistry, smell unique on everyone.  We also love Ambre products because of their dedication to providing consumers with completely natural products, free from chemicals and other things that don’t love your skin.

We think Ambre Blends make a perfect holiday gift – unique, local, and sure to become a favorite.

xoxo.

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Give Them Some Lip.

As we make the transition from hot weather to cooler temps, we often experience drier skin.  Chapped lips fall under that category, but thankfully there are a plethora of scrubs and balms to choose from to keep your lips in tip-top shape.  Here are some of our favorites:

1.  Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments and Sugar Lip Polish:  These lip balms have a cult following, and it’s no wonder – the balms literally feel as though they melt onto your lips, leaving them soft, supple, and healthy looking.  Available in three shades (clear, rose, and plum – a fave for fall), there is sure to be a shade for you to love.  Just added to the mix is the lip polish, a new spin on their uber-popular brown sugar body polish.  No one will be able to resist your lips with this 1-2 punch.  Both treatment and scrub are $22.50.

2.  Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Lip Slip:  With choices like Creme Brulee, Peppermint, and Cocoa, it’s hard to resist actually ingesting these yummy lip scrubs.  We love the packaging too – it makes these little treats a great little gift or stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays.  Sara’s Lip Slip provides excellent hydration and gloss – wear it alone or over lip color for some extra oomph.  We like the fact that it’s paraben-free as well.  Both are $24.

3.  Korres Organic Lip Scrub and Lip Butter:  This lip scrub is the least messy of the bunch since it is applied like a lipstick and doesn’t require any finger scooping.  It smells lemony and amazing, and has a gentle yet effective scrub that leaves your lips super smooth.  The lip butters have long been a favorite of mine, and come in 7 sheer colors (some double as a cheek tint!).  Lip Scrub, $19; Lip Butter, $10.

xoxo and PS – don’t forget to become a fan of Apricot Lane on FB and tell them we sent you to win your own Sara Happ duo!

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Ask Courtney: The LBD

Dear Courtney,

I have a classic “little black dress” I wear about twice a year just hanging there in my closet.  I bought it to wear out for evenings, but now that I am a mom I rarely get a chance to go out for fun dates with my husband!  Even then, I would always wear it with the same necklace!!  I work full-time in an office environment but want to stay modern and up on trends, while still being appropriate.  Can you give me some ideas of ways to style the dress so I can put it to use again?

Thanks in advance,

Tara G.

Tara,

The little black dress is a fashion staple and almost every woman has one.  The dress is actually called a sheath in the fashion world.  Sheaths are somewhat fitted, simple dresses that are appropriate for cocktail parties and the like.  They can be short or just past the knee, and may or may not have sleeves.  They have been around since 1900, when women would wear them as undergarments (or underdresses)!  In the 20′s, some gutsy flappers wore sheaths and were shunned for being “too naked.”  In today’s culture, I don’t know a man alive who would use those two words together.

The sheath is a magical piece because EVERY WOMAN can rock it.  You might be thinking, if it’s fitted how can I wear it if I’m a bit curvier?  Let me assure you, curvy women look just as hot as our beloved skinnies in the sheath.  A figure-fitting dress is a great choice for curvy women because it accentuates the female lines, promoting a feminine silhouette.

So, Tara, break out that LBD and I’m going to give you a few ideas for unconventional uses for a sheath.

1.  Add a belt and a bit of color!

Adding a colored skinny belt to a classic sheath makes it appropriate for day or evening.  The belt makes the look mimic a pencil skirt, the most classic office silhouette. The colored belt also softens the look, making it appropriate for work.  Any color would look awesome and should be mimicked with the necklace you chose. Add a black blazer and you have a sleek suit.  Black heels would complete the look, or colored ones if you want to make a statement!

2.  Outta my way, boys!

Black on black is always CHIC.  By adding black tights, or leggings and a black boot, you will look chic and polished like a Vogue staff writer.  I am a clutch girl, but an oversized bag would be awesome here as well.  Just keep it all black!!  No feminine, girly accessories here.  This look is a sleek homage to the severe leg and military influence we keep seeing on the runways.  Again, this look can be rocked by ANYONE!

3.  Who, me?

Don’t be a sucker and think that just ’cause it’s a dress, it can’t also be jumper! I love to layer a white oxford (or a colored one for that matter) under the dress.  The look is very playful and ironically still professional.  I would keep jewelry non-existant to minimal for this look.  If you have any Mary Janes, this would be a fun chance to rock those!  Otherwise, wear your favorite black heels.

4.  Naturally chic

By adding earth tones, we have taken the sheath to places it never goes.  I added a brown leather belt, tan fishnets with tan boots, and a wooden necklace.  This would be perfect for a day out on the town with friends!  Super chic, but naturally so. ;)

5.  Yes, sir!

This look is so easy and makes a statement with minimal effort!  Just choose a few red accessories and throw a red tie on with a white oxford.  Good look for work or play!

6.  If it ain’t broke…

This is my interpretation of a classic use for a sheath.  Great for dinner or a night out.  I added a black polka dot silk scarf as a belt and a couple ultra-girly accessories.  I went for a slight flapper-inspired feel.  I am a sucker for cameos and this is the perfect excuse.  One of my favorite possessions is that black cameo headband I bought at Fred Segal two years ago.  Pearls, cameos, beads…they all work for this look.  Whatever feminine stuff you have, layer it on!  Must keep the color story black and white.  Boots and tights or heels would look great with this look.

7.  Granny chic

I saw this eyeglass necklace and had to have it.  It was super cheap at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe.  It served as inspiration for this fun, oddly sexy look. Pair a plain black cardigan and gold accessories.  Simple, fun, and chic.  This could be used in the workplace as well, depending where you work of course.

Hope that gives you a few ideas, Miss Tara!  I am confident you will be getting a bit more use out of that dress.  I created all these looks from accessories in my own closet, instead of hitting the stores. You will be amazed what you already have in your closet too if you look at each piece with an open mind!  Accessories really are the key to a versatile wardrobe – you don’t have to drop much dough to create interesting looks. Thanks so much for writing me and thanks to Travis at Faith Boutique for the dress form.  Any readers with a piece of clothing that they want a few ideas for, hit me up on the LUXE page or visit my website.  I’d love to create some looks for you!  You may be in my next column!  Or, I am always available for a closet purge where I create up to 100 looks with the clothes you already have!  ‘Til next time…

XOXO,

Courtney from LUXE

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Coo-coo for Coconut.

Every summer, it never fails that the heat, humidity and other summer elements leave my hair and scalp feeling extremely dry. My hair’s natural oils seem to disappear, leaving it lifeless and dull. So, each summer I head on out to the drugstore to find the perfect product that will bring my uber-dry summer mane back to life, giving it an extra silkiness, bounce and shine. Come in, Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Collection.

Admittedly, I first was attracted to these products because of the idea it would smell like coconut heaven. (Okay, the gorgeous gold and white packaging didn’t turn me away either.) I also just knew that anything with the words “coconut milk” on the bottle would take my senses away to a beach vacation to the tropics. But then I did some research and found out about the benefits of coconut milk and oils and the wonders it can do for your hair. There are many amazing (and award-winning) products in this collection, but I want to highlight my top three:

Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum: My new obsession! This light serum repairs damaged hair and cuticles, mends split ends and tames frizziness. Made with organic weightless coconut oil, silk, and keratin proteins that promote longer hair and elasticity.

Nourishing Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment: This conditioning treatment prevents extreme  dryness, damage, loss of radiance, and uneven texture. The organic coconut oil, silk and keratin proteins are formulated to repair and prevent the effects of damage do to biological, environmental and mechanical aging. Leaves your hair feeling soft, younger and completely repaired.

Nourishing Coconut Milk Styling Mousse: I love this mousse – and I don’t even use mousse! This extra light weight formula of coconut oils and whipped egg white proteins add moisture, strength and bounce to your hair. It’s refreshingly light!

In addition to these products smelling like summer vacation and working like magic, they are all organic, easily accessible, and very reasonably priced! You can’t beat that, right?

- Kelly

Lush-ious Treatments

Every time I go to Chicago, Lush is a place that I simply must stop.  I originally discovered the brand while studying in New Zealand and have been an addict ever since.  Lush is even more prevalent overseas, but not to worry Indy girls, they’ll ship it to you (although, it’s a great stop on any Chicago or NYC trip!).  The store prides itself on all natural and organic ingredients that are handmade and lives their creed with container recycling programs in store and a sticker on each product with exactly WHO made that batch for you – pretty cool!

I originally was drawn in by their wide selection of bath bombs along with the Big Shampoo (which once you get used to the idea of a gritty shampoo can give even the limpest locks incredible volume).  However, recently after feeling like I needed to moisturize after the cold winter months, I branched out and tried a couple of their deep treatments: Volcano Foot Mask & Marilyn Hair Treatment Hair Moisturizer .

While I’d recommend both, the Volcano Foot Mask is the new favorite – the directions say to wrap your feet in plastic bags after plastering the mask all over your feet and I’d recommend you do just this as it is a bit “messy” and the plastic seems to “seal in” the mask as it’s working.  My feet are still recovering to some degree from the Indianapolis Mini Marathon, but I feel like they are in better condition than this time last year thanks to Volcano Foot Mask.

Bonus: It’s a relatively neutral smelling product that you may just be able to talk your boy into using to avoid those scratchy feet while cuddling…

-Jenni Edwards, Guest Writer from IndySpectator.com

WIN IT! Friday Giveaway

WIN IT! Tell us where you’d wear this fun, colorful eco bangle from locally owned CeleryStreet.com and you’ll be entered to win! Simply throw on a white t-shirt with this bracelet and you’ll be making a stylish, and green statement.

These well-made, handcrafted magazine bracelets (retail, $30) are created from re-purposed materials and support Brazilian artisans in underdeveloped communities. They also help initiate social economic change and adhere to fair trade standards.

Don’t forget to become a fan of Celery Street on Facebook, too! Good Luck and Happy Friday!

- Pretty Indy Team

Ooh La Lavera!

We recently did a spot on FOX 59 about the best sunless tanners…and I must say, the brand I got to try, Lavera, was simply amazing! I’ll admit it, I didn’t even use self tanners before this task! I have always been weary of their orange staining on my skin, uncomfortable stickiness when applying and horrid smells. But that being said…I am now hooked on this brand!

The great thing about Lavera’s Sunless Tanner is that not only does it give you a natural, steak-free glow, but it’s eco-friendly! It’s made without the chemicals and synthetic dyes that other sunless tanners often use. Lavera Sunless Tanner is made with organic jojoba oil, lavender, aloe vera and rose water – so it’s moisturizing and smells really nice, too. I am now using it twice a week and it leaves my skin looking sun-kissed and meanwhile, me feeling confident and sexy! Lavera, $24 – $26. Available at Target, Ulta and online at Lavera.com.

*All Lavera products, including the self tanners are certified natural by the BDIH, contain organic ingredients and are free of parabens and other synthetic ingredients.

An Eco Wrinkle Creme that Works? Yes, please!

On a recent trip to Whole Foods, I wandered into the beauty aisle and began poking around in search of an effective eco-friendly, paraben-free wrinkle treatment facial creme (say that 20 times fast!). After 15 minutes of picking up numerous eye and facial cremes, I was convinced I had no idea what I was really doing. Seeing I was completely lost, I was soon approached by an employee who lead who asked if she could help me. When I told her the type of face creme I was looking for – something not to heavy, but not too light – she swore she knew exactly what I needed. She quickly grabbed and began raving about Derma E  Vitamin A Wrinkle Treatment Creme . Of course, I just had to buy it.

So…I’ve now been using derma e for over a month now and the results are in! I am obsessed! I put this creme on after washing my face and it instantly makes me feel younger and look younger! The high potency of Vitamin A encourages cell renewal and the Vitamin E gives your skin extra moisture. I swear by this stuff and I recommend this to anyone looking to try a new wrinkle treatment creme that’s eco-friendly and that works. Did I mention that it smells is amazing, too? I can’t wait to try more products from their award-winning line.

A+ for derma e!

- Kelly

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