Silver Lining Prom Dress Recycle Program In Fairfield

The annual "Silver Lining" Prom Dress Recycle Program is seeking donations of up-to-date formal dresses; clean & ready to wear. Jewelry, purses & shoes in new condition are also wanted to benefit teens with financial need. There will be an ongoing collection site at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am-8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Donations must be received by March 27, 2010. For those who cannot make the drive to Fairfield, I am also collecting donations and dropping off to a friend involved with the program. Please contact me as soon as possible to make arrangements. I know we all enjoy playing dress up in our old prom gown, but just think about the good cause it's going to!!!

Planning An Escape To Paradise?

For those of us that must endure the harsh winter months, thoughts of sunshine and fresh pina coladas are dancing in our heads! Whether you are heading to the islands with your sweetie, cruising with your gal pals or taking the family on an adventure, make sure you have these must haves items in your suitcase!

BEAUTY

Just in time for your trip are these TSA approved travel size products for body, face and hair, as seen onDaily Candy. Check out all the available brands and products online at 3floz.com. Going for a pre-trip pedicure? Be sure to check out Party In My Cabana Pink, from OPI.

STYLE

First, a stylish cover up for the beach or pool scene is a must! Featured below, a Cyclades Cover-Up from Anthropologie gorgeous in green and blue hues. Even better, it's cotton and machine washable! Also from Anthropologie, this amazing one piece plunging halter bathing suit, Ebbing Tide Maillot. Next, a great dress from JCrew - the Saturday Twist Dress featured in Moroccan Spice. Perfect for strolling around town after a day at the beach and can wear right into the night with great pair of chandelier earrings. A fabulous printed shift dress from BCBG, also very versatile and easy to pack! Don't forget an outfit for the plane and taxi ride. From Forever 21, a thick knit wrap cardigan featured below in grey or a Ponte Pant and Jacket from Jana Kos are sure to keep you comfy and cozy on the plane, but still stylish! Throw on a colorful scarf to brighten up the look. A great printed beach bag in bright colors paired with a white dress is the ultimate look for the tropics. Palmetto Pacific Beach Bag and white Ain't Missbehavin Dress both from Trina Turk. Floppy hat featured below is from Forever 21 and scarf is from Banana Republic. You're sure to be chic in the tropics!

PACK LIKE A PRO

*Try to pack wrinkle free fabrics. The last thing you want to do is iron on vacation!

*Pack a neutral palette that allows you to mix and match. Bring a pashmina to use as a stylish wrap at night, and can also double as your blanket on the plane!

*Plan outfits around only one or two pairs of shoes. Remember, style is key, but so is comfort! These two pairs, plus your workout sneakers and beach flip flops will already take up a chunk of space in your suitcase.

*Pack one small ziplock or mesh bag for your carry on filled with your prescriptions and key medicines like Motrin, Bandaids, Benedryl and Tums.

*Layer a couple of plastic bags at the bottom and top of your suitcase to keep clothes protected and help prevent wrinkles. On your return home, you can use one of the bags to separate items for laundry.

Need help packing for your trip? Let Chica Guapa plan your perfect wardrobe capsule and advise on the best styles and fabrics for your destination of choice! Call today to book your appointment!

Valentine's day...share the love!

This Valentine's Day, share the LOVE! There are plenty of different ways to celebrate and show others that you care. Be creative and add your own personal touch. And of course, have the right outfits for wherever the day takes you!

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Invite some friends over for brunch. Have each person bring their favorite dish along with printed copies of the recipe. Serve up a delicious Cava Cocktail while you set up the food. Ask each friend to bring the movie, game or music they love. Spend time on each and make everyone happy! If the group wants to go out, check out a local museum or movie. For those in search of cupid's arrow, check out a local singles party! If your in New Haven, stop in Stella Blues Bar.

What To Wear: A romantic blouse or sweater paired up with a comfortable jean. A look that will be alluring but not over done! Perfect for the soiree at home and then for the night out. Check out some ideas from Anthropologie.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER...

Start the day with a fun and flirty activity. Ice skating if your feeling active or check out a museum exhibit or matinee. Take a culinary adventure in your own city or town. Stroll into gourmet food and cheese shops, exotic spice markets and local bakeries. Each of you picking out a few new things to try. Bring all your ingredients back home, uncork a great bottle of wine, light some candles and prepare your romantic dinner together! For a thoughtful gift, make your sweetie a cd with a mix of some of your favorite love songs to play while you cook. Barry White is a given!

What to wear- DAY: A romantic outfit from Ann Taylor.

Night:

For a romantic evening look, try this ruffled dress from Anthropologie and layer with a blazer. How you finish the night is up to you! Just know that there's still time to stop off and get some amazing lingerie from Beneath The Gown in Clinton, featured above. And forget about the heart shaped box of chocolates from the grocery store! Instead treat each other to fresh strawberries and dipping chocolate and serve with some prosecco for a romantic dessert.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR FAMILY

Plan a day of fun! First, scratch the store bought greeting cards this year and create a special valentine for your kids, siblings or parents. Upload pictures into Picasa and create a collage of your favorite photos. Print your collage and either fold into a card or roll up and tie with a pretty pink or red ribbon. Next, let the family get involved with dinner. Serve up some homemade heart shaped pizzas. Buy some store made dough, pizza sauce and chop up a variety of toppings. Throw all your family names into a bag and each will pull a name to prepare a pizza for. Now that's amore! Spend the rest of the day looking at old family photos, playing board games or a group game on the Wii! For dessert, homemade white hot chocolate, graham crackers and fruit.

What to wear: You'll be cozy at home for the day, but you can still look and feel great! This is a comfortable and chic layered look from BCBG. The pink and red striped top under your basic black wrap or cardigan adds a perfect pop of color. Pair with leggings or a comfortable ponte pant and your ready for the day ahead!

Need help with your Valentine's Day outfit? Email or call me for a last minute consultation! Need a great gift idea...consider a Chica Guapa gift certificate!

Much love,

Alicia

A GREAT EVENT AT CHAMARD VINEYARDS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH!

Enjoy chocolates, cigar rolling, wine by Chamard Vineyards, makeup by Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and an amazing fashion show compliments of Beneath The Gown and The White Dress By The Shore in Clinton!

RSVP to True Events is required.

Happy Valentines Day!

National Wear Red Day- This Friday Feb. 5th- Join The Fight Against Heart Disease In Women!

Join the fight against heart disease in women and wear red this Friday, February 5th!

If you want to spread awareness of this cause, you can go to the website and download a tool kit to help organize an event for your office.

The site also has a "Better U" program to help encourage a healthy lifestyle that will improve your heart's health.

Let's get involved and get healthy!!

A Fun Night Of Shopping In New Haven!

Don't have plans this Friday night? Spend a fun night in New Haven shopping and sampling some wine!

Hope to see you there!