May 2012 - Style and Fashion Blog

Better With Age: Rugged Jeans, Belts, Hats, and Leather Jewelry

May 302012

Better With Age: Rugged Jeans, Belts, Hats, and Leather Jewelry

Rugged Jeans; Image source: instyle.com

Here at Sivani, we truly believe that investing in high-quality fashion and jewelry items is not always a smart idea. It’s ultimately better for your bank account, the planet, and oftentimes even for your look itself. What follows is our list of the top 4 clothing and accessory items that look sexier the longer they’re in your fashion rotation.

1. Jeans. The classic American staple is always at its finest when broken in. Made to be durable and an icon of the Old West, you can put these pants through the ringer and they won’t break a sweat for a good, long time. Once they do, though, don’t toss them: wear them with pride. Faded (or fading) jeans look excellent with everything from a white t-shirt and suit jacket to a plaid button-down and boots. Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl by settling in with a great pair of rugged jeans in a partnership that can last for years.

2. Belts. Once you’ve got those jeans tamed and worn down (and possibly ripped a bit for good measure), you will want to enhance the look with your favorite old leather belt. As leather ages, it wrinkles to a state of weathered perfection that no amount of money can buy: you simply have to earn it over the years.

3. Baseball hats. The more you take these out to the ball game, the better. Among true fans of the sport, there is little badge of honor greater than a cap that reflects the blood, sweat, and tears its wearer has endured (not to mention the sun or rain) in the pursuit of victory.

4. Leather jewelry. Leather jewelry is incredibly versatile, and can be worn in a variety of different ways. While you should always take care to protect your leather bracelets and necklaces from sun and water damage, leather jewelry does look sexier as you wear it. There is something sensual about the fine lines and slickness leather acquires as it ages which suggests a rugged maturity and wisdom in the wearer. If this sounds appealing to you, we welcome you to have a look at our Sivani Designs site for inspiration!

Top 3 Underwear Brands for Women

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May 262012

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the vast array of styles, colors, and fabrics available to women these days when it comes to underwear options. Even walking past the intimates section in Nordstrom’s can give me a headache on a stressful day – let alone a trip inside. So sit back, relax, and let us simplify the long list of choices to the top 3 underwear brands for women that will keep you coming back for more.

1. Calvin Klein. Made to last, Calvin Klein products are classic in shape and cut. While the brand’s famous campaign in the 90s has died down, it’s still known for its American-chic and simple styles. Best buy? The Sugar and Spice cotton panty, which comes in four colors and features lace around the edges to get rid of panty lines. Wasn’t that thoughtful of them?

2. Victoria’s Secret. As long as you don’t attempt to brave this store on the weekend, you’re sure to have a pleasant shopping experience (always a plus). The best buy here is certainly the 5 for $25 promotion they usually have in the Pink section. Be sure to head straight for the cotton and lace thong, which features lace around your lower hips for a seamless line in trousers or a skirt!

La Perla Underwear; Image source: newemotion.com

3. La Perla. If you’re looking to indulge yourself, it’s hard to do better than La Perla. This high-end brand runs basic underwear at a price of anywhere from $40-$100 per pair, but there’s an argument to be made for self esteem, comfort, and quality! You’ll be surprised at the wide array of fabrics and cuts on display here for every day wear or for special occasions.

As a general rule, you should always be thinking about what you are going to be wearing, well, over your undies! It’s always good to keep stock of what you’ve got in your top drawer in order to know what you’re looking for at the store. Happy shopping!

Organic Food Trends – It’s the Ripe Time for Organics

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May 242012

In all likelihood, you pass the organic food aisle with a sense of either excitement or curiosity–or perhaps even baffled distaste. However, if you haven’t taken an intrepid journey into the world of organic food, there’s no time like the present. Lots of other people apparently think so too: the organic food trends are making this sector the fastest-growing sector in the US food marketplace.

Requirements for which foods can be labeled organic are pretty strict, ensuring that the items you’re buying are naturally manufactured. In America, the United States Department of Agriculture is the body that approves and maintains standards for the production of organic food. This is because the word’organic’ refers to the farming processes that lead to the carrot or steak in front of you.

Organic Food Trends Its the Ripe Time for Organics

Organic Food; Image source: sendmethemanager.com

So what’s so different about the way these foods are manufactured, and what are the benefits of purchasing them over traditional foods? For one thing, there’s an argument to be made that organic farming is better for the environment and your body. Non-organic farming uses pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can seep into your food, and eventually into your system. Not what you want, is it? Another plus: organic farms don’t use as much energy as traditional farms, and it’s requirement that organic meat sources come from farms where the animals have access to the outdoors. So you also get points for being ethical when you choose to buy organic!

You can make the switch to organic gradually by swapping a few produce or meat items out each time you’re in the store. Most large grocers have a setion devoted exclusively to organic items. Or you can make the plunge and shop at a farmer’s market in your area (remember to look for the organic label) or at Whole Foods. Happy healthy eating!

Top 5 World’s Best Beaches – Sivani Style

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May 222012

Sometimes, the daily grind needs escaping. Papers have a way of stacking up, in both the literal and figurative sense, and you need a vacation. What could be better (at any time of year) than heading out to the beach? Think about yourself as you are at this moment. Then ask yourself if this moment could be improved with a tropical drink in one hand, your favorite novel or magazine in the other, and a magnificent stretch of blue sea and white sand laid out before you.

Here are our top picks for the world’s best beaches:

Sun Island Beach - Maldives; Image source: free-digital-photography-tips.com

1. Sun Island Beach – Maldives. Our first beach is actually best enjoyed while staying in a hut over the crystal-clear water and beautiful reef filled with tropical fish. If the hut-over-the-water isn’t your scene, relax on the actual beach–the water is so transparent you can see the reef even from here!

2. Moterrico Beach – Guatemala. This beach of black volcanic sand borders deep blue Pacific waters. This is not a beach for the faint of heart: its rocking waves are for experienced swimmers only.

3. Crane Beach – Barbados. You can’t go wrong with this postcard destination. With its gently-swaying palm trees and gentle, turqouise waters, you’re sure to get a heavy dose of natural dopamine.

4. Mission Beach – San Diego. There’s tons to do here in San Diego, a wonderful destination for a summer holiday. Round up some of your favorite friends and head out to enjoy the beach bodies and surf shops in between rounds of sunbathing and beer-drinking on the sand.

5. Amalfi Coast – Italy. For a beach holiday with a cultural touch, head to the region in Italy just South of Naples. Gorgeous villages such as Positano and Sorrento are assembled here atop dizzying cliffs. The beaches below offer clear, warm Mediterranean waters and views of Mount Vesuvius.

We hope we’ve lowered your blood pressure just a little simply by getting your mind off ‘real life’ and onto the beach. But nothing can replace the real thing–so get going!

Swing Into Golf Season – Best Golf Clubs in America

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May 182012

Golf season is in full swing (pun intended). While you may be dreaming of playing the Old Course or somewhere similarly illustrious, remember that there are several prestigious, storied, and breath-taking spots for golf right here in the United States. We’ve put together profiles of some of the best golf clubs in America.

1. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, CA. This has some of the most spectacular views in the game, especially along the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes that line the Pacific Ocean. Near Monterrey, this is also a great place to come for a beach holiday.

Swing Into Golf Season Best Golf Clubs in America

Augusta Golf Club; Image source: sbnation.com

2. Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, GA. The yearly home of the Master’s Tournament, the course is known for its architecture as well as the amusing names of its holes. Each hole is named after the plant with which it is associated (something you can mention to your colleagues when you’re waiting to tee off).

3. Crystal Downs Country Club – Frankfort, MI. Crystal Downs is hands-down the best golf course in the Midwest. And it’s definitely worth the trip. The course itself is challenging and beautiful, and in Michigan–the under-appreciated tourist state! Those in the know, however, realize that it’s a great place to golf and to take part in outdoor activities of all kinds.

4. Pine Valley Golf Club – Pine Valley, NJ. Thanks to its deigner, George Arthur Crump (who was obsessed with the course’s layout), this is one of the most complex and rewarding courses to play in the world. Its understated clubhouse is the stuff golf lore is made of!

Try one or two, and remember: it’s not about winning or losing, but having bragging rights that you played one of these courses at all.

Three Tips for a Business Trip – Making the Most of 48-Hour Trips

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May 162012

Three Tips for a Business Trip Making the Most of 48 Hour Trips

Business Travel; Image source: actonaccountingandbookkeeping.com

The two-day business trip. Typically seen as a necessary evil of the professional world. Don’t fret if your summer calendar is full of these. We at Sivani are here to try to help you get through the 48-hour travel grind, and, dare we say, to help you enjoy yourself. The three tips for a business trip below come from seasoned business travelers on the international and national level. Try them next time you’re out of town for 2 days.

1. Keep track of where you’ve stayed. It’s really handy to have a journal where you can jot down the hotels and restaurants you’ve been to on one of these trips. The internet is a great tool, but nothing will aide your memory like writing your thoughts down briefly for instant reference. This way, you’ll know what hotels have the most comfortable beds and which eateries cater to which kinds of clients.

2. Separate your liquids and electronics before you reach the airport. Nothing can get your trip off to a less-than-breezy start quite like the frustration of trying to get your stuff sorted while stripping out of your belt, sweater, and shoes in front of 200 complete strangers. Save yourself the hassle: get a good bag with external pockets and do the work before you get to security.

3. Make time to do one new thing. Even if it’s the local museum or a walk on the beach, try to take an hour or two for yourself. You only live once and the fact is you’re away from home. So make the most of it!

Remember that travel websites like Lonely Planet and Frommers are awesome resources for finding places to stay and things to do. Happy travels from Sivani!

Wine and Cheese Pairings? Yes, Please.

Food + Drink No Responses »

May 142012

Wine and Cheese Pairings; Image Source: blog.officelinks.com

Wine and cheese pairings might seem kind of fussy, but don’t go knocking it until you try it. With the help of your taste buds, you’ll soon find how sublime a great pairing can be. Here is Sivani’s crash course in putting together complementary pairs of wine and cheese:

1. Salty cheese? Choose a crisp or sweet wine. For instance, we suggest pairing a platter of olives and divine feta cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc, and you can’t do better for a Roquefort than to give it a glass of Port!

2. Sweet cheese? Your wine should be somewhat edgy. If you want to serve a Wensleydale cheese with embedded cranberry, reach for a Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Also keep in mind that you want your wine and cheese to both be at the proper temperature for serving. This will ensure that you get the best possible result where taste is concerned. If you’re purchasing your delights in a deli or wine shop, ask at the counter for information on what the best way to serve is.

4. Try to pair wines and cheeses from the same country, and from the same region, if possible. This is the best shortcut to wonderful pairings, since natives have likely been pairing the wine and cheese you select for centuries.

Don’t be afraid to try combinations until you get it just right. If you have a luxury delicatessan in your area, chances are good that they’ll let you try out some sample. Feel free to experiment. There are no hard-and-fast rules. And after all, what could be so bad about testing delicious cheeses and luxurious wines? Absolutely nothing.

World’s Top 3 Surfing Spots

Travel + Adventure 1 Response »

May 112012

Surfing is one of the best ways to improve your health–and to have a great time doing it. It’s a fact that the sport works muscle groups throughout the entire body (if you don’t believe us, spend some time paddling out to where the big tuna waves are), improves cardiovascular health, and can even contribute to the relief of high blood pressure and reduce stress when practiced regularly. The Zen-like vibes you get from being out on the ocean and riding waves? They aren’t just in your head.

If you could do with some relaxation this summer (or any time of the year) why not try one of these top 3 surfing spots where you can not only enjoy catching some waves but also some of the most beautiful sceneries? This list includes selections especially tailored to intermediate and beginning surfers, since you would probably have already quit your day job and know about all the hot spots otherwise. Here we go:

Surfing at Kuta Bali Beach; Image source: diepoort.net

1. Kuta, Bali
For those with some extra cash they’d like to burn off, there’s almost nowhere we could think of that’s more beautiful than Bali. The beach at Kuta is the best place to start off; try the Odyssey Bali Surf School for a personalized or group lesson. Make sure to stick around after to enjoy the sandy strip of beach, restaurants, and palm-tree-laden views in the area.

2. Waikiki, Hawaii
This Sivani employee is incredibly biased toward Hawaii, but for good reason. It’s domestic, which means low hassle in terms of passport nonsense and currency exchanges, but is also simply one of the most enchanting places in the world. Honolulu’s downtown is a special place (think Chicago’s Gold Coast plucked from beside Lake Michigan and deposited next to the Pacific), and so is its signature beach. While you’re riding a wave in, try to stay up long enough to enjoy the views of the city.

3. Lagos, Portugal
For those looking to head to Europe, you couldn’t find a better place to surf than Lagos. It’s a mostly-undiscovered gem of the surfing world. Surf Experience Lagos is an excellent place to take lessons as a beginner. Part of the fun of surfing here is getting worn out so you can enjoy a heaping plate of delicious Portuguese food after in the town center.

And remember to please take your Sivani leather jewelry off before you get in the water!

Coolest Warm Weather Suits

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May 092012

Summer Suits; Image source: 9tailors.blogspot.com

As a woman, I can concede that getting dressed in the summertime is a breeze. Literally. Dresses and skirts are easy to wear because, let’s face it, they are structurally designed to allow for some airflow. And while we can wear open-toed shoes to the office, guys often don’t have the choice. So, without further ado: here are some suggestions on the best materials and places to buy great men’s warm weather suits.

While suffocating and/or sweating to death in the suits you wear during the rest of the year might help you lose some weight (we doubt it), it also probably doesn’t make you look any sharper in front of bosses, colleagues, potential clients, potential lady friends, or your existing lady friend. Not all fabrics are created equal, especially not in terms of how wearable or breathable they are in the summer. Investing in a summer suit will give people the (true) impression that you have money to spend on such things as a summer suit, but will also give you the cool confidence you need in the office, in a client meeting, or out on the town.

Linen, seersucker, tropical wools. Do yourself a favor and enter those three terms into your iPhone or Blackberry right now. They are your key to summer suiting success! Before you head out in search of the perfect suit, have a look at J. Crew’s offerings on their website. Remember that lighter colors are great for summer—besides, do you really need another navy jacket or black pair of trousers? Probably not. Also check out Esquire’s excellent feature page on summer suiting! If you follow their handy tips, you’ll be looking as smooth as Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby before you know it.

Lightin’ Up the BBQ – Barbecue Ideas for Party

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May 072012

Lightin’ Up the BBQ Barbecue Ideas for Party

Barbecue Chicken; Image Source: marthastewart.com

Those summer beers that we discussed in last week’s post will no doubt go down easy with what we’re about to chat about this week — barbecue ideas for party. So once you’re sure you’ve got enough gas, coal, and brews, why don’t you invite some friends over for a backyard soiree? Here are some recipes and party ideas to start the summer off in style.

If it’s a laidback get-together of family and/or friends, hotdogs, brats, and burgers are always a good bet. Going to a good butcher makes all the difference in the world where taste is concerned, but if not, Archer Farms (at Target) and Trader Joe’s brand meats are superior to what else is hanging out in the meat aisle. Feel free to go cheap on things like pickles, sauerkraut, and ketchup, but heaven help you if you’re cheap on the tomatoes, onions, or cheese! For recipes of this type, we suggest consulting with Martha Stewart’s website. While you may not think of her as a grizzly grill master, she does know how to please a crowd.

For a more upscale gathering, fish or steaks might be the order of the evening. Make sure you stock up on red wine (Cabernet is especially nice) for red meet, and a white if it’s fish. If you’re not sure exactly what wine to choose, foodandwinepairing.org is a great food and wine pairing website, and very simple to use. As for the food, we again refer you to the local butcher or fishmonger—though No Name steaks are a delicious alternative to more expensive options.

If you’re in the mood to brush up on your grilling skills, we’d recommend ordering a copy of Weber’s Big Book of Grilling. And to those disenfranchised vegans out there, fear not: you too can enjoy this summer tradition, and Veganomican: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook can help.

If you’re not too burned out (pun intended), the barbecue lovers among you will adore chef Anthony Bourdain’s Kansas City episode – watch it on travelchannel.com!

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