It’s been feeling a lot like Spring lately. Celebs have been stepping out in spring like colors too – Solange and Kristen in yellow, Jamie with a floral print skirt, Jessica color-blocking in pastel shades and Mary Kate blends an all black look with a hint of orange clutch and sandals. These outfits are all great examples of what we should be doing to prepare for spring. Start gathering floral dresses or bright blazers and pair them with winter clothes so then you’ll be spring-ready! When the warm months are finally here, the transition will seem effortless.

1. Eat more greens and colorful foods – Buy organic at a farmer’s market or locally

2. Use organic oils on your body – sesame and coconut oil are great! Coconut helps with inflammation and is especially good for hair. Sesame oil is rich in vitamin E and helps soothe the body of stress and tension. Buy both coconut and sesame oils here.

3. Consistency is key with any “good” habits you adopt. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time everyday can truly change your life and your happiness.

4. Exercise daily. It doesn’t have to be intense workouts, as long as you’re on the move, your body will forever thank you. Yoga, Pilates and walking are all great examples.

5. Drink once a week – This may be hard for some but drinking leads to many diseases so maintaining a balance of how much you’re drinking is key!

Photo co. ilovewildfox.com
Source. Balance your Hormones, Balance your Life

It’s cold out and this is the best time to dress your lips in dark colors. Revlon has a remarkable line of soft lipsticks in pretty warm colors that’ll compliment your skin tone and make them winter ready. From 90s Angelina Jolie to bloggers and Gucci’s fall 2011 runway models, here are the some of the best, inexpensive shades of dark lipsticks to try right now: Krystal Johnson of TGWTLS recommends the Brucci lipstick (available at most dollar stores) in “dark purple” and Keiko Lynn (middle right) suggests using a MAC Burgundy lip pencil to line and fill in the lips, blending it with a lip brush. She then applied NARS Scarlett Empress with a lip brush, blotted, and applied again. LA based blogger Jazzi McG swears by Kat Von D’s Painted Love Lipstick. Topshop also has pretty dark colors too like Rooney’s. Take a risk and go dark! Try the shade on your wrist before you buy.

Photos c/o Jazzi McG, google images, Keiko Lynn, The Girl with the Leopard Scarf

At first glance you notice how radiant Joy McCarthy is. After speaking to her over a week ago, she confirmed why she’s stunning from the inside, out. As a holistic nutritionist, Joy’s approach to being healthy is treating the root of a person’s trouble, whether it be a hormonal imbalance, troublesome skin or bad digestion. She believes eating whole “real” foods and becoming educated about what we’re eating, how we’re exercising and what products we are using, can be the gateway to a joyous life. Here are some helpful tips she shared with us that all of you can benefit from this winter and beyond:

1. drink lemon water every morning (before eating anything)
2. eat more colorful foods = more veggies!
3. juice the right amount of veggies/fruits so you don’t over consume or spike your insulin levels
4. for those of you with PCOS or a hormonal imbalance, follow a low-glycemic diet and gluten-free foods
5. avoid sugar and caffeine as much as possible
6. use natural products on your face (recommends pure+simple)
7. read labels before you buy anything (make sure it actually is organic and filled with “good” ingredients)
8. eat healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, Vitamin C and iron for healthy hair
9. avoid dairy for acne prone skin
10. use natural oils like coconut oil instead of perfume filled with chemicals that are bad for us.
11. make delicious, healthy meals from Joy’s recipes online like this kale pesto pizza!

Eat well, feel well, be well ::: to schedule a phone or skype chat with Joy, go here!
She’s simply phenomenal and will change your outlook on your health and beauty for the better!

You can also find Joy on many social networking sites: Joyous Health Youtube Channel /
Joyous Health on Twitter / Joyous Health on Facebook / Joyous Health on TV

(Grey vintage tank, H&M high-waisted jeans, vintage combat boots, Cabo Verde Bag)

As you may have guessed from this October post, we are getting ready to launch Shop Minina, where we’ll be selling an array of African print bags that will not only flatter every outfit in your closet but also inspire you to create more patterns and pops of color in your wardrobe. We are collaborating with our model (above) Miss Sara Lopes who is an up and coming Cape Verdean stylist, working for Badgley Mischka! She also happens to be our BFF, so stay tuned for our funky designed satchels and more fun photo shoots. xxxxxo

Kate Beckinsale :: Roberto Cavalli 
Helen Miren :: Badgley Mischka
Paula Patton ::  Monique Lhuillier
Angelina Jolie :: Atelier Versace 

Rooney Mara is the modern day Audrey Hepburn. We’re loving all her style choices leading up to the Golden Globes! She looked absolutely classic and bad ass in a black Nina Ricci number along with a deep-parted sleek ponytail, dramatic lashes, semi-smoky eye, and subtle blush to finish off her flawless ensemble. Rooney says, ”I’m not the woman who’s a doll who will be dressed up by someone else. I like what I like, and I want it to represent who I really am.” We wonder if she’ll keep the black color trend at the Oscars!?

Let’s face it – lace is here to stay! Incorporated in many fabrics now, frocks look even more awesome with it. Paula, Demi, Mila and Keira stepped out this week in their lace inspired get-ups, looking fashionable as usual. Paula’s outfit is a fave since it’s a unique twist on a modern leather dress. What do you think?

[1] Carrie Bradshaw is a classic model of what every girl dreams of being – fashionable, foxy, smart and someone you’d have several cocktails with. Sure SATC is over but it lives in all our apartments  - often when we are relaxing after a long work week with marathons after marathons of laughter, sex and yes, incredible fashion. [2] In case you’re wondering, ilovewildfox is an inspirational style and art blog created by the ladies behind the funky LA vintage brand, Wildfox. [3] Spending time with girlfriends is so crucial and makes you happy of course, so call up a pal this weekend and go shopping or a stroll around the city. [4] Rooney Mara is the girl to look out for this year. She’s incredible in the Dragon Tattoo and we’re guessing she’ll win an Oscar. [5] Are you a fan of the Oracle Fox Blog? If not, you must become acquainted with her site… great visuals and she has just collaborated with Online retailer Billabong (which is hot!)

We all know Rihanna changes her hair like she does her outfits but this one is by far our favorite, wouldn’t you agree? It suits her face shape (although she has the unique ability to work anything) and serves as great inspiration for all the curly haired beauties out there. So watch and learn, bangs can be done on curls especially if they are long, since you can add multiple layers leading up to the bangs for extra volume. Add some red lipstick and you’ve got a sexy new look! Owwww….

Her blog Pearls, Lace and Ruffles is also very cutesy, with pastel colors embellishing every post, written with love and including Dee’s knowledgeable sense of style – pairing ruffles, lace or pearls into each of her outfit posts. She’s also very crafty, showing us her cool mash-ups, etsy buys and vintage darlings.

Follow her blog on twitter @pearlaceruffles (she follows back) and add her to your blogroll to stay updated on all her sweet looks.