I've been following all the cool designs from Sita Thompson, founder of Sita Coutre for awhile. Low and behold, we had the chance to meet at the Organic Spa Media Event at the Beverly Hilton which was so much fun.

Sita is one cool, hip and happy chick. A daughter of an organic farmer, Sita's family roots are based on family, earth and sustainable living. (This is so awesome and resonates so strongly with me and my defintinion of wellness travel.)

Her clothing line is created to make you feel connected, comfortable, fashionable and beautiful.  What I love about Sita Couture is the way she connects her life to her passion, to her past and to her vision of a healthy world. 

The cloths drape beautifully. Really goregous. I was so impressed when Rona Berg, Editor of Organic Spa Magazine donned on a white, hooded floor length cape and how incredible she looked in it. Wow!  (You can catch glimpses in the video below. Sita gives out such a great vibe and I had so much fun hanging out with her for awhile - you can catch me in the clip below too!) 

Sita invited me to try on the Lori Women's Wrap Cardigan at the media event in mocha. Oh what a great color for olive toned skin. This is a versatle piece that is both functional and fashionalble and is great paired with leggings, skinny jeans and dresses. It can be worn loose, draped over the shoulder (my favorite look), belted and in other ways. The oversized loose hood is perfect for flying - especially on red-eyes so block any light and give you a bit of privacy. What's also nice is that the Lori comes in 5 sizes (XS, S, M, L & XL). You can check out how the Lori drapes and looks in every color here. The Lori Wrap Cardigan retails for $149. (For product information: Lor Wrap)

For more information: sitacouture.com​
#sitacouture #outterwear #sustainablefashion #LoriWrap #OrganicSpaMagazine #yogistyle #resortwear 

When I saw these boots, I thought: "I need to have those!" 

First, let me explain, I LOVE boots and I'd take boots over heels, flats, wedges, flip-flops or sneakers any day. Boots have a vibe of  -- cool, edgyness - of fall and -- of an easy-breezy attitude. Well, not all boots - but these do!

I wasn't familiar with the brand, OTBT (Off the Beaten Track) that is inspired by travel, culture and music (all things I really like!).  Fortunately for me,  I was invited to try out a pair from their Fall Collection. Hurray - a wardrobe update that I can write about!  The Fall Collection is actually quite large and I had to go back to their website two or three times to decide.

The OTBT website is pretty cool itself and I like the names of their Collections: Street Beat, Globe Trotter, Travel Lite, Off Road, Vintage and Explorer. It actually made me wish I could pick a shoe from each collection! (And if I did - it would be from the Off Road Collection which reminds me that learning to ride a motorcycle is on my bucket list! )  I digress...back to the shoe review...it's to see a retail website is so well-designed that you want to explore online because their shoes designs are fun and fresh with lots of interesting twists on simplicity and details. 

I like the way my boots are constructed, with a low heel and a sturdiness that makes you feel like its a quality shoe (albeit a little stiff at first). The color is pretty sweet - not black, not blue, not grey - but all mixed to give it a cool  hipster hue. Thankfully I made a good choice and am very happy with my boots. The first time I wore them was at a Toastmaster's meeting held at the Honda campus in Torrance. That little bit of "different" and fashion non-comformity can be a boost (or a bust) when you are walking into a new situation. For me, I felt like a kid showing off a new pair of shoes. 

If you are wondering, mine are "Trek" ankle boots in black from the Street Beat Collection. You've got to love the description - here it is....makes you want to pick up a guitar and jump into a pick-up truck and drive into the sunset singing your heart out....

Trek is made for those who wanderlust, a western inspired ankle boot for those who dream of endless fields and rays of sunshine. Artisan stitching graces the toe and shaft making it the ideal low-rise western boot, with an outside zipper pull with burnished metal hardware for easy wear. The petroleum mineral suede finish gives the black a distinct, edgy look.

ABOUT OTBT
Constructed with only the highest quality leathers and materials, authentic colors and a tough sole designed for maximum durability, Off The Beaten Track offers the ultimate travel shoes with both fashion and function as a priority. Made for walking the road less traveled, OTBT is not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. Go Off The Beaten Track with the comfortable shoe of choice for restless wanderers.

Good to know: Shipping is Free | Gift Cards Available | Wholesale | Store Locator

As a fellow curvy girl on a mission to live healthy and looks and feel great when I work out, I was happy to try out 3 products from Lola Getts. The yoga pants I found to flattering and had quite a bit of compression to them which makes for a more flattering figure. The material is thick so there is no need to worry.  The tank that I tried I liked because it had a bit of flair and didn't stick to the tummy trouble spots and out of all, I think my favorite is the zippered jacket because it is truly very very flattering. All in all, I highly recommend Lola Getts and while I was given these items to review, my impressions are my own and I don't write about products I don't like or believe in.

The holidays are upon us! With that comes the hustle and bustle of parties, traveling, trying to get work done before the end of the year and celebrating with friends and family. Here are some of my favorite skincare and products that will make looking great easier this holiday season so you can sit back, glow and bask in the holiday season. PS - our round up make great gifts too!

What I like about SPARITUAL: 100% Vegan (no animal testing), Fair Trade Practice, green packaging, energy efficient operations, use Certified Organic sourced ingredients & positive messaging.

​Products I like: Their nail polish, SPARITUAL GOLD, doesn't have toxic chemicals like formaldahyde, is 100% vegan, lasts long and quickly dries with a high-shine finish.The two step process is easy with color and topcoat after a dry manicure and the brush has 600 bristles to make application easier and more precise.  The colors are sumptuous with fun names like Dreamsicle, Delight, Beloved and other inspiring monikers.

Treat yourself to INFINITELY LOVING SOAK TONIC with aromatic plant extracts like chamomile, hibiscus, and ginger for overworked hands, feet and body with a soothing soak in aromatic plant extracts. Primrose and kukui oil condition skin. Perfect before a manicure or pedicure. Retails for $30.

Solemate Foot Balm, (don't you just love the name?) is formulated with Fair Trade Certified organic shea butter to hydrate dry, flakey skin and is said to also help soothe sore joints. (Perfect for those that are on their feet all day, for travelers, for skiers, skater and just about everyone!  Retails for $20.

Body scrubs are great fo_r removing flaking skin, improving circulation and hydrating and that's why I like the  INSTINCTUAL SCRUB MASQUE. It's got avocado oil, shea butter and Indonesian ginger essential oil so your entire body will feel cleaner, more polished and look lustrous. Retails for $32.
​www.sparitual.com

What I like about Kimberly Parry: All of their products are USDA certified organic, 100% vegan (never tested on animals during any phase of development) AND  are proudly made locally in the USA, in San Clemente, CA. If you are a person who likes to learn about plant-based skincare products, check out Kimberly Parry's Ingredient Glossary and the also products from Kimberly Parry have received some of the highest safety ratings from the non-profit, non-partisan Environmental Working Group which researches and reports on the hazards of food and personal care products.

To receive a handwritten note from Kimberly really was a lovely touch and made trying her products all the more personal. I was interested in reviewing products specific to traveling well and self-care over the holidays. Here are some of my favorites:

Neroli & Fig Facial Mist: How I love the smell of Neroli - a relaxing and calming scent. Neroli is an anti-inflammatory with anti-bacterial properties. This 1.7 oz facial mist is TSA compliant and is especially beneficial to combat the bad air on planes and affects of winter weather. Also - if you're on a long haul - the scent alone will make you feel better. Retails for $48

Sage & Rosemary Cleansing Oil: is antibacterial, anti inflammatory, antiseptic and is a natural astringent that cleans clogged pores for  balanced, hydrated skin. One of the main ingredients is jojoba oil, used by Native Americans  for centuries, jojoba oil in treating skin infections of the skin making this product an effective way to treat for acne. Retails for $52

Herbal Liniment is a must-have when traveling, at work and for the medicine cabinet at home.  Use it to cleanse minor scrapes, cuts and blisters and protect from infections. Also good for bug bits and poison oak/ivy rashes. Retails for $26

Ginger Mint Foot Scrub invigorates the skin and stimulates lymph fluids and exfoliates dry rough skin without using salt.Extremely healing for people who suffer from psoriasis and eczema and is good for everyone! Retails for $26 (Suggestion: Pair with the Ginger Mint Foot Balm to help perk up tired feet and legs.)
www.kimberlyparry.com

What I like about Pevonia: A preferred skincare brand and trusted among professional aestheticians.
Product I like:  
The Holiday SOS Kit delivers a slew of products in a well-packed white pouch including a full-size YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30, 1 oz, Tension Relief Gel 1.7 oz, plus their best-selling Phyto-Gel Cleanser and Rejuvenating Dry Skin. Retails for $59 and makes a good gift.
 www.pevonia.com

Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream is Pevonia's #1 Best Seller in 2015 and reading the 60+ reviews, it is easy to see why. 

Rehydrates,  plump fine lines and protect against UV damage.
Great for those with early signs of aging, especially fine lines and dry or dehydrated skin.  

​Note: Product is out of stock at the time of this writing.

While I was invited to try many skincare and beauty products (and did) for this holiday skincare round-up, this article represents the best of the best. Many thanks to all of the brands and lines that provided products to trial and review.  Happy Holidays and best wishes to all.