Fashion:
Getting Into Oxfords
By Bonny Osterhage

You may remember them as “saddle shoes,” but this school girl staple is all grown up and ready to ditch your school uniform faster than you used to ditch classes. The simple lace up is a big fall trend and, while not overt, there is something sexy about this funky little flat. Pair it with all fall’s menswear-inspired eco friendly fashion, from structured trousers to rolled-up boyfriend jeans. It’s a look that’s a little “quirky librarian,” but very, very hip!

Neuaura Cedar in Washed Blue Grey

We love the juxtaposition of the feminine satin fabric on this masculine shoe. Even though it may appear delicate, this oxford is built for durability, comfort and style. $120 at www.neuaurashoes.com.

Bamboo Tuxedo 02 Tan & Beige Spectator

This vegan lace-up represents the oxford in all its traditional glory. Two-tone and too cute, just add a trendy fedora and you are ready to go! A steal at only $28 at www.lulus.com.

 
SERIOUSLY?!
Jacque (Russell) Cousteau

Dog paddling is so yesterday! Deep sea doggy diving is what all the cool canines are doing, and now they can be properly outfitted to resemble a little Jacque (Russell) Cousteau. For the dog that has everything (except maybe an owner with common sense), this Neoprene Turtleneck Wetsuit from Wagwear is what every pampered pooch needs to stay warm in the waves. SERIOUSLY?!

We have long suspected that dressing up dogs has gone a little “overboard,” but here is the proof. Unless your dog has plans to dive for CAT fish or “Hang 20,” this seems more than a little unnecessary. What’s next? A little snorkel, mask and fins? Plus, we can’t help but wonder if the silver reflective strips could be mistaken as the silvery glint of a fish to a hungry predator. We think this idea is all wet. $82-$92 at www.wagwear.com.

 
Beauty:
Boost Your Beauty Sleep

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for looking your best — why else would they call it “beauty sleep?” However, getting that coveted six-to-eight hours is only a dream for many of us. As a result, we wake up with skin that looks puffy, saggy, blotchy and wrinkled. However, it is possible to wake up looking refreshed, regardless of how many of those elusive 40 winks you were able to catch.

Aromatherapy Associates’ award-winning Overnight Repair Mask may not be able to make you add hours to your sleep, but it sure can make you look like you did! Applied before going to bed, this intense treatment, filled with botanical extracts and nourishing oils, tightens and smoothes skin while you sleep. You can actually feel it going to work and, in the morning, you will see the results in the form of firmer, radiant, rested-looking skin. It’s the stuff dreams are made of! $78 at www.aromatherapyassociates.com.

 
Lifestyle:
Scents for Sensibilities

We don’t know about you, but when the seasons start to change, we like to throw open the windows and air things out a bit. Once we have cleared out the cobwebs (so to speak), we like to follow up by filling the air with subtle fragrances.

Two of our current favorite scents are the Lemon Grass Room Freshener by Foreue (pronounced For You) (near right/$10) that leaves behind a fresh, just cleaned scent, and Inspiration Room and Body Spray Misters from Dropwise Essentials (far right/$12.50), a feel-good blend of sweet orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit, and ginger essential oils. Economically priced, you should grab a few and stash them at home, in your desk, car or purse for anytime you need a breath of fresh air. See both the collections with the full array of scents at www.foreue.com and www.dropwise.com.

Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off of Foreue Products with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes The Room Freshener $8!

Deals & Sales:
A Transitional Piece to Pick Up Now

This wonderfully soft, bamboo blend, slouchy knit vest from Echo Verde is a wardrobe workhorse for this time of year. Wear it alone or layered over a long sleeved tee. Use it to balance structured pants or go casual with jeans or leggings. Suitable through spring, it’s a lot of bang for only $64 bucks! Available in black (shown) and charcoal at www.nancysgonegreen.com.