Let your shoes give your hot weather style a touch of glam! Summer style should be fun, cool and stylish. Here are 8 Summer-Worthy Shoe Favorites from ShoeDazzle:

1. These funky geometric pattern shoes provide the fun and comfort your casual outfit needs when your are hanging out with your kids!
2. Orange is the IT color of summer. Vibrant, cheery and a great pop or color!  I like the hardward detail, which adds just enough edge to make your sweet summer dress a little more fun.
3. Silver sneakers! SO MUCH FUN!  Pair with an above knee dress for an unexpected laid-back vibe.
4. The faux python detail and gold sheen give these sandals a mega-glam style. Pair with practically anything for an extra dose of luxe!
5. Music-festival inspired beaded sandals give your summer style a boho-chic feel.  Cut-offs, maxi skirts and mini dresses alike will look great with these sandals!
6. A simple black wedge, with a touch of hardware, is classic and effortlessly goes from day to night.
7. From work to weekend, these trendy flats have a fun texture and silhouette.
8. There is room for red heels in every season’s wardrobe!  With a bright cherry hue and low profile heel, these sophisticated kitten heels are a gorgeous choice for dinner on the town. They are the perfect compliment to the black and white trend that is so hot this summer!

Which pair is your favorite style? Remember, shoe variety is the spice of a wardrobe!

About ShoeDazzle:

ShoeDazzle is the original online personal-styling innovator treating millions of women to a monthly showroom filled with on-trend, personalized shoe and accessory recommendations.

By building an intimate, customized experience through creative innovation, social engagement and world-class service, ShoeDazzle aspires to make women feel pampered and beautiful.

Fashion icon, designer, and world-renowned stylist Rachel Zoe serves as the company’s Chief Stylist.

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Take the ShoeDazzle quiz to gain access to your showroom with personalized picks just for you. Make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz and get 25% off your first item ordered.

Get Started Now so you can order some of these fabulous shoes for summer!

This post is sponsored by ShoeDazzle, all opinions are my own.

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But what does it take to get there?  In most cases, chemical services are used to transform your hair into this more glamorous version of itself.  Color, bleach, perms and other products have come a long way since your Mom had her hair yanked through a highlighting cap or permed into poodle-dom (hopefully not both).  Still, these services involve fumes that aren’t good for you, or your stylist.  We hear a lot on this topic with regard to Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatments, which actually prescribe the use of source capture ventilation in their Safety Data Sheets, but the truth is that salon air filtration is important for many reasons, and is often neglected.

Aerovex Systems President Jeff Cardarella holds a degree in Occupational Safety, and has spent his life advancing the cause of clean air in the workplace.  His research efforts have included consultations with hundreds of cosmetologists, an aerospace design engineer with experience in air purification, and a leading source capture ventilation manufacturing expert.  Most recently, Jeff has partnered with Dr. Karim Zahedi, PhD, to introduce “Healthy Air’” technology, developed by Dr. Zahedi at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  The heart of the Healthy Air™ systems is based on eHEPA™ technology, which incorporates an energized field with a traditional HEPA filter.  Healthy Air™ technology is being introduced by Aerovex Systems in its new generation salon source capture ventilation systems for both hair & nail salon applications.

“Joining forces with Healthy Air™ technologies, we have created the most powerful and advanced Chemical Source Capture System designed for salon chemical fume extraction,” says Cardarella.  “Healthy Air™ technology eliminates formaldehyde fumes in keratin hair smoothing treatments, as well as vapors, dusts and mists found in the full range of salon chemical services.”

eHEPA vs. HEPA: Know the Difference: http://www.healthyair.net/Pages/EHepaVsHepa.aspx

Aerovex Systems' Source Capture Units for hair salons (left) and nail salons (right)

The new SCS with Healthy Air™ technology also boasts new features. Unlike other developing technologies, this new system is actually lower in price than its predecessor.  At $1395, the SCS is worth every penny to protect clients and staff from the risks associated with the service we provide.

With regard to keratin treatments specifically, it is very important you see a stylist who is well-trained and -educated in this area.  (Click here for tips on choosing a stylist.) Says Cardarella in a press release for the Professional Keratin Smoothing Council (PKSC), of which Aerovex is a founding member, “Keratin hair smoothing products can create irritating levels of formaldehyde during performance of smoothing services. It is important for stylists to understand and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for safe use and proper handling [of these products].”

The PKSC goes on to say, “Clients should seek out salons that are equipped to provide keratin smoothing services in an appropriately ventilated environment that will eliminate the potential for sensory irritation to occur.”  Aerovex Systems and PKSC emblems show a salon is equipped!

There are three zones that need to be protected: the immediate breathing zone, the work station, and the overall salon/building air.  Aerovex Systems has been working for 20 years to cleanse the air and protect clients and workers in hair and nail salons.  I will focus on the hair salon system, since that is my profession, but you can learn more about what Aerovex does for nail salons, here.  Aerovex has a comprehensive plan to protect clients and salon staff at all three points:

Breathing Zone Aerovex Systems’ source capture system (SCS) is placed right above the salon chair and hovers 6-12” above the client’s head.  It vacuums in fumes as they are produced, and runs them through a triple-filtration system to remove harmful fumes from the immediate breathing zone of the client and the stylist.

Work Station Aerovex Systems’ room air purifier is set up between stations to catch any stray fumes to prevent them from wandering into neighboring work stations or other areas of the salon.

Salon/Building Air Air conditioning is the only current form of ventilation for many salons.  But what does it really do?  Aside from cooling the air, it circulates it after running it through a simple filter.  Aerovex provides Dust Plus HVAC filters, in a variety of sizes to help reinforce the AC system’s efficacy in the case of salon chemical fumes.

This may seem overwhelming to you, as the client.  What can you do?  Talk to your stylist and let him or her know your concerns.  Ask what measures are in place to protect you, and them.  Your stylist or salon owner may not even know about this technology.  Tell them!  Send them this blog post

I’ve been using the Aerovex Systems’ hair salon package since 2009 and many of my clients have come to me after leaving salons where they have had Brazilian Blowouts or keratin treatments done without proper ventilation.  Over-application of product, improper execution of the treatment, using too much heat during the blowdry portion (new research shows that this is the step that releases the most formladehyde!) and failing to filter and ventilate the salon environment…these are all common missteps than can lead to clients experiencing discomfort, burning of the eyes and throat, and other symptoms.  Remember that the stylist is experiencing this on a far more frequent basis; he or she will be grateful to learn how easy it is to protect themselves and you.

To make it even easier, Aerovex offers split payments with no interest, and they are offering a special $100 discount to readers of A Mom in Red High Heels!

Contributed by:

Jordana Lorraine
Santa Monica, CA
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Looking for a shortcut to awesome summer hair? Look no further than the Brazilian Blowout. Frizz-free and easy to style! The pictures do the talking, I have nothing more to say.

P.S. This is rough dry, no brush, no flat iron!!! WOW!

Brazilian Blowout performed by Angela Mupo of Evans & CO Salon
(909) 793-1991

Read more about Brazilian Blowout and other keratin hair treatments here: The Most Comprehensive Guide To Formaldehyde-Free Brazilian Blowout and Keratin Treatment Alternatives

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Buying your perfect swim suit is always a daunting task, isn’t it? A few weeks ago, I headed to the fabulous Victoria Gardens to shop for a new summer suit. After trying on several suits and a variety of stores, I found a suit that both my husband and I really like.While my body is not quite in swimsuit shape the way I’d like but it’s not going to prevent me from enjoying the beautiful, cool pool water this summer.

After my experience, I have some really great tips to share with you that will help you find your perfect suit!

Before shopping, I had my list of features my new suit needed to have:

1. 2-piece
2. make my bottom look small(er)
3. make my top look big(ger)
4. priced under $150
5. be available in-store to try on
6. not too skimpy, appropriate to wear around kids

Many of the stores I like at Victoria Gardens, like White House/ Black Market and Anthropologie offer their swim wear exclusively online. My first stop was Victoria’s Secret.  I was measured for a bra to help me get the best size on my top piece.  After trying several on, I found a few I liked but wasn’t ready to commit.  I moved on to Macy’s where I tried on many, many suits.

I found shopping for suits at a department store to be easy.  There were so many choices!  The selection included itty-bitty, super trendy, sporty, and sizes for every body shape.

I was down to 2 options. My husband liked one, I liked the other.  Ultimately, this is the suit I chose:

Here’s why I chose this suit:

1. The ruffle on the top gives extra volume to my chest
2. The tie top allows me to adjust the width since I have a small back.  Plus, the criss-cross back is a super cute detail!
3. The bottom has tie sides so I can adjust to prevent squeezed side fat.
4. The vibrant color is fun and perfect for summer.
5. There is enough coverage to feel comfortable.
6. Priced at $62 for the top and $54 for the bottoms, it fit my budget.

With my left over budget, I went to Sephora to purchase the best self-tanner available: St. Tropez Bronzing Tanning Mousse.   If you need a little help with your skin color this summer, go faux with St. Tropez!

The unofficial start to summer is almost here!  With Memorial Day literally around the corner, it’s time to find your perfect swimsuit!

Suit Your Shape:  Tips for buying your perfect swimsuit

• Get measured across your bust.  80% of women wear the wrong sized bra so your swimsuit top could very well be the incorrect size as well.
• If your top is smaller than your bottom, look for a suit with extra padding, molded cups, ruffles or graphic design to create the illusion of a fuller top.
• To minimize your bottom, get a bottom piece that ties at the sides to minimize binding on your sides.  Also, look for a high cut to show more leg and take focus away from your thighs or hips.
• If you have a large bust, be sure to wear a top with lots of support with an underwire and cross-back straps.  Tankinis and one piece suits help balance body proportions.
• If you want to hide your tummy (new moms, listen up!), camouflage with a fold-over waistline or an extra long ruched top.  There are several swim wear designers that create suits like shapewear, pulling in at all the right places.  Also, consider small patterns life floral or dots that work as camouflage.
• Shop major department stores with a wide variety of styles
• Only shop online if you know your size in the particular brand.
• As a mom, a certain degree of modesty is important.  Save the skimpy suits for time alone with your husband!  With that, don’t be afraid of a 2-piece!  Readers agree, if you can rock it, wear it! Read: Should Moms Wear Bikinis?

Wishing you tons of luck in finding your perfect swimsuit.  When you do, be sure to share with me in the comments or on Facebook.

Thanks to Victoria Gardens for providing a gift card for my shopping experience! If you live in the area, be sure to check out their calendar of events because there are many cool happenings this summer including summer concerts, movies in the part and yoga on the green! Plus, of course, fabulous shopping and dining!

Get Connected:

Facebook.com/VictoriaGardensIE
Twitter: VictoriaGardens, hashtag #Victoriously

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The hottest bags of the summer are in pastel hues. Pairing perfectly with flowing summer dresses and strappy sandals, pastel handbags are the most fashionable bag to wear!

Wear a structured pastel handbag for the office or business meetings.  If you love the softer shaped bags like hobos, save them for your weekend casual looks.  Handbags with studs are great for a date night or girl’s night out.

Here are some of our favorite looks using pastel handbags that can be found on Pinterest:

Shop today and receive a 20% discount with code redheels20 when you order any full priced item on ShopSueyBoutique.com

About Shop Suey Boutique:

Small and ever changing collections of designer-inspired handbags, jewelry and small fashion accessories at budget-friendly prices to help you keep your look fresh and on-trend.  Visit our blog for outfit inspiration, celebrity looks for less and new trend alerts.

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