Well I already thought Alex Quintaba was a Cincinnista genius with her amazing children’s clothing store, The Spotted Goose, she was part of in Oakley. Then I saw her new luxury handbag and belt line! Married to a native Italian, Alex grew to love and appreciate the craftsman ship of the Marche region in Italy when traveling with her husband back to his homeland. Over a year ago, she collaborated with Italian craftsmen to bring a high quality, functional, yet beautiful line of handbags and belts to the U.S. market. Every handbag and belt is exclusively made in Italy, of only Italian materials. All hardware, buckles, leather and exotic skins come from small Italian companies. The belts and handbags are a limited edition, so each client knows she is one of a few women who will have that exact bag or belt.
Yes, I realize I’ve become a “fringaholic” but these bags are 70’s hip yet classic in shape and practical. Not to mention a fraction of the cost of your Louis Vuitton!Love that winter white and so chic. Perfect for higher wasted flair jeans!
I have personally seen and felt CQ Luxe’s products in person and they are amazing. You can check out the line at CQLuxe.com. How amazing to have this product line based in Cincinnati. Watch out Prada and Gucci!
Whether it be a chiffon style top or dress, the fit of flowing, lightweight fabrics are perfect for both summer and winter. While I feel I’ve focused my winter wardrobe on chill warding sweaters, it’s good to vary things up. I mean, who wants to go out on that big “date night” wearing a thick, wool turtleneck? Not that it’s not practical for the day…just spice it up for nighttime. Not to mention, once you get out at a warm restaurant or bar, the atmosphere is always warmer! Still worried about being cold? Layer your top or dress with a cashmere wrap or cropped fur/faux fur jacket. The other upside to a flowing outfit? Us Cincinnista’s can mask those perhaps “not so forgiving” areas that I tight knit outfit may not!
So we’ve finally done it! Cincinnista brought together the best in ladies fashion, jewelry, beauty, art and home accessories for one great evening at Amy Youngblood Interiors. Join us Wednesday, December 9th, from 6-9 at our Mount Lookout design studio to shop, mingle, and enjoy great food and libations. Local vendor’s such as Bling, Jill Haney Shoes, Beauty Counter, Erin Wachs Jewelry, and Black and Brindle will be displaying and selling their incredible products. And in the spirit of giving back, 10% of all proceeds will go to the Karen Wellington Foundation. Still not sure about that perfect gift? How about a gift certificate for interior design from Amy Youngblood Interiors? For more information or to register, contact pam@amyyoungblood.com. I look forward to seeing you there! Cheers!
Nestled in the heart of quaint downtown Mariemont, Sara Benjamin’s has always been a staple of sophisticated, yet hip fashion that appeals to both the young…and yes, us Cincinnista’s!
Well it gets even better…Sara Benjamin’s has a new owner, Emily Jackson, whom I fortuitously met my last visit in to one of my favorite Cincinnati stores. Emily recently took ownership of the premiere women’s boutique about 1 month ago. With both a strong business background and love for fashion, Emily plans to maintain the strong brands (such as their amazing jeans selection!) while integrating some new lines in a range of styles and prices.
A native of the the midwest and recent Chicago resident (I can totally relate!), Emily has always been the go-to-girl for fashion expertise with friends and family, coordinating outfits for various events and weddings, or even just dinner out on the town.
Emily Jackson at home in her beautiful, inviting store.Emily Jackson modeling just one of Sara Benjamin’s many hip fall fashions.
Well, I’m certainly grateful that this Cincinnista has another source for great fashion and style! Sara Benamin’s is located at 6810 Wooster Pike in Mariemont. Hours: M-F 10-6, Saturday 10-5 and now in December Noon-5!
While certainly not a licensed aesthetician, ever since my last dissasterous visit to the tanning booth at 29, I’d like to consider myself somewhat of a skincare connoisseur. I started in my early 30’s getting chemical peels simply to reduce fine lines and create a more even skin tone. However, I’ve after talking to experts working on my fair and hopeful skin….these are a few tips tried and true:
-Vitaman C: I swear by using a vitamin C serum every morning to stimulate cell production to the skin cells. Especially in the am when you may be dragging, vitamin C instantly brightens the skin. The antioxidant production shields skin form damaging free radicals…yes, those pesky rogue molecules we can’t escape….sun damage, pollution and oxygen.
-Retin A: Initially an acne drug, retin-A’s strong resurfacing abilities came to be known as an agent in resurfacing the skin. Retain-A prompts surface skin to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. Retin A is available through many manufacturers: what works for you is the strength and amount you use it. I’ve found that everyday use for me causes just too much peeling and irritation, but every other day or bi-weekly use seems to be ideal for most people. Your aesthetician or dermatology/plastic surgery group can best advise on what’s right for you.
-Sunscreen and hats: Need I say more? Even on an overcast Winter day, it’s a fact that those UV rays are getting to you. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 (more than 30 is considered ineffective) during the day is a must.
Finally, I never trust my skin care to an over priced cosmetics counter. None of their products are of medical grade and the strength that you can find with a doctot or medical skin consultant. I personally trust my needs to Pelle Medical Skin Care conveniently located on Red Bank Road!
Chris Klueh and Heather Woods of Pelle Medical Skincare. These ladies know skincare!
So I admit it, despite being a creative person, the most I can handle in terms of costumes is those for my kids. I guess you could say this Cincinnista isn’t the first pick for the big Halloween Party. However, for those of us at home handing out candy with a cocktail in hand…the fashion code is way different. While orange and black are definitely the Halloween standards, you can still look “Halloweeny” without looking like the Great Pumpkin. I mean, don’t we all have tons of black? Pair that simple great black top with a pop orange like this classic logo scarf from Gucci…stylish AND warm. Or check out this nature inspired burnt orange flowing top from Free People: Sophisticated with a bit of hippie. Still cold? Just throw on that fringy black cardigan with studded biker boots and you are good to go!
Call it oatmeal, swan or ecru: that off-white color or reeaallly light tan is classic in fashion and design. Paired with a stronger graphic pattern or your favorite black pants, a solid winter white top, sweater, or jacket add both contrast and style to an otherwise dark wardrobe for the winter. While I’ll always be a “black” fan, the use of winter white lightens your look during these upcoming drab days!
This “oatmeal” fringe sweater by Haute Hippe is warm and looks great with patterned pants.Black and cream are a classic combination! My “ecru” top is the simple background to this damask style skirt I just bought from Rachel Hamilton of Bling. Notice the ecru booties:)Another amazing piece by Haute Hippe! I couldn’t resist the bohemian chic look of this sweater jacket. Again, looks great with black and color….not to mention, funky, bold jewelry!
So why winter white vs. “white white?” Well I have many philosophies on this, but the first is that in the winter our brighter complexions fade (and no-Cincinnistas do not sun bathe in the summer, just get a healthy glow!) hence that crisp white shirt just isn’t as contrasting and flattering. Not that a great white shirt won’t work, it just looks better layered under cardigan for example. The softness of winter white is simply more seasonal. In addition, winter white works better with the darker, richer colors of fall. Think about it. What looks better paired with your jewel toned skinny jeans? “White white” or cream? The answer is obvious. I mean who wants to match that big embankment of snow we have coming in a month or so?
After a fairly stressful work week, it’s amazing what an hour of pilates can do for your mind, let alone for the body. Are we talking pure meditation here? Why no, but a combination of breathing, strength and athleticism wrapped up in one class. While I prefer the reformer versus mat version, both have incredible benefits.
As a very athletic teenager, I played all the traditional sports: swimming, track, basketball and yes, even softball. Being a total “jock” (yes, Cincinnistas can be jocks, just don’t look it:) I was un open to the idea of a “non-traditional” work-out. However, about a year and a half ago, I decided that the typical long elliptical workout accompanied by sit-ups and weights weren’t cutting it. The tone in my body and waist line were simply getting soft. Don’t get me wrong: I’m still 47 and no longer have my 26″ waist from my thirties, but baby if I can fight gravity I will!
