2012 Spring Fashion Trends for Him & Her
February 20, 2012 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

By Shontel Horne — There aren’t enough words to describe our admiration for spring and summer fashion and style. The lightweight fabrics, bright colors and carefree appeal makes the chilly days leading up to March 20th (the official first day of spring) somewhat bearable. Even though Punxsutawney Phil doomed us to a few more weeks […]
V-Day Gift Ideas for Him and Her
February 9, 2012 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

By Alicia Olivares — The legend of St. Valentine’s Day varies over time and culture. Some say the tradition of celebrating love began during the Middle Ages when women were courted by men in hopes to marry. Others suggest the tradition began during the 1800s with the publication of The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, a […]
Shopping Tips: Where to Find the Best Deals Online
November 28, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

Chances are, you can get a discount for almost anything—yes, even Apple goods that usually never budge in price. The good thing is that you don’t have to wait every year for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to roll around or linger for the next big Groupon deal to arrive in your inbox to get […]
Thinking Outside the Box with Unique Home Furnishings
October 3, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

Whether you’re a furniture designer, teacher, lawyer, doctor, actor, executive assistant or restaurant hostess, we all know that creativity isn’t limited to just the artist-types. It means going above the norm and challenging the obvious. Check out the following home goods that inspire us to think outside the box on a daily basis. Lila Jang […]
Sock’em Good: Fashion Tips on Wearing Socks
August 22, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

Rule number one: If your socks are holey, tattered, worn out or runs on the sides or bottom, it’s time to get rid of them. The socks you put on during a frenzied morning could be the day your boss decides to try out a new team-building activity involving feet. And what an impression you’ll […]
What to Take on Your Carry-On
June 27, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

By Alicia Olivares — Long lines: check. Security screening: check. Flight delays: check. You finally board, reach into your carry-on for your eye mask, book, or iPod and realize it’s not there: check. The process of leaving for that summer vacation is full of excitement and stress, so much so that packing everything you need, […]
How to Dress for Work–and Play
June 2, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

Step inside a room and say nothing, but you’ve already made a statement about who you are with your hair, clothes and shoes. Work is work, but after work is another story–time to relax, unwind, play and, while you’re at it, network. To make it easy to transition from work to play with a little […]
Your Summer Bucket List
May 16, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

{The Monastery monument: Petra, Jordan} Summer’s almost here, which means one thing: travel season. If you’re planning to fly out, it’s best to get your tickets now before prices skyrocket. The optimal time to look for fares is usually after the New Year and before mid-May (not including spring break and holidays) or between Labor […]
TOMS: Buy a Shoe, Give a Shoe
March 28, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

By Alicia Olivares — I love my TOMS (olive green and glitter gold). You may have seen them on the feet of many Angelinos—and for good reason. They’re comfy, versatile and make an understated-cool fashion statement. But that’s not all. TOMS shoes change the lives of impoverished children all over the world. When founder Blake […]
A Weekend Staycation: What to Do in Palm Springs
March 7, 2011 Collaj
Filed under Smart & Savvy

By Alicia Olivares — {Ace Hotel photos by D.L. Thompson; Jon Johnson} Since I was a child, Palm Springs was a second home to me. Today, it’s one of my favorite places to escape to when the congestion and smog of LA becomes a bit overwhelming. The tranquility and stillness of the Mojave Desert makes […]