Summer Style in Puerto Vallarta Featuring NOMA and Oka-B

After enjoying some pool time at Vela Vallarta's swim up bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it was time to hit the beach for a style shoot. I have a few NOMA scarves, and this was the first time I got to use one as a sarong for my resort trip. What's great is that there are several different ways you can wear it or tie it, and it's easy to adjust the length. Cobalt Blue happens to be my favorite color, so I decided to bring my NOMA Cobalt Riverstone Gauze Scarf. It's the perfect travel piece since you can wear it as a sarong or wrap for the beach or pool, and also wear it as a scarf or as a light blanket on the plane. 

As for footwear, all I needed were some sturdy, flat sandals for the beach and pool, so the Oka-B Lucky Sandals were a great choice since you can wear them all day and at night for dinner. These sandals have a sparkly, crystal encrusted medallion detail, are comfortable for walking around and fit perfectly in XS (4-5). 

There are so many other details about Oka-B shoes I wasn't aware of until I started wearing them. Oka-B shoes are eco-friendly & recyclable, and have an ergonomic footbed with soothing massage beads, arch support and a sculpted heel cup. They are also slip resistant, waterproof & machine washable, colorfast and anti-microbial material.

It was definitely nice to be on location for a style shoot for a change! For my complete review on my visit to Velas Vallarta, click here.

Scarf/Sarong: NOMA Cobalt Riverstone Gauze

Swimwear:

Victoria's Secret Lattice Push-Up Bandeau

Victoria's Secret Lattice High-Waist Bottom

Sunglasses: GUESS by Marciano in Rose Gold

Sandals: Oka-B

Photos by Allison Bruno

- Kim Weling

Scarf Picks for Mother's Day

Still searching for a Mother's Day gift? Here's a look at some of my favorite scarves this season, from Theodora & Callum, Nepali by TDM and La Fiorentina. Theodora & Callum tie all scarves, like the Turquoise Multi Lynx Tie All Scarf ($175) are extremely versatile and great for travel! They can be worn as scarves, shawls, pareos, skirts and strapless dresses. The Theodora & Callum Black Multi Sierra Wearable Art Gauze Scarf is hand-printed and one-of-a-kind ($155). 

I love the signature print and unique merino ruching on the hand-dyed Masino Due Starry Night Scarf by Nepali by TDM ($145). The merino ruching adds texture to this lightweight, silk chiffon scarf. 

La Fiorentina Blue Tie Dye Scarf ($99) adds a bold pop of color to any outfit. 

- Kim Weling

Cyber Monday Jewelry and Accessory Sales!

I recently went to a press preview showcasing these jewelry and accessory brands. Their Cyber Monday sales are definitely worth checking out! You never know when deals are just going to get even better. I just went to NOMA's website and saw that for today you can get 70% off your purchase with code HOLIDAY70 at checkout, plus free shipping! I'm a big fan of their scarves so I just bought the Cobalt Watermark Pashmina Gauze for $37.50, originally $125!

Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

Top: What Love Means 14Kt Gold Plate Pendant, $285

Bottom left: Panthera Leather Necklace with Nickel Pendant, $15

Bottom right: HELP Jewelry Magazine Necklaces/Wrap Bracelets, $10, HELP Chifundo African Trade Bead Bracelets, $40 and Panthera Gold Plated Ring, $125

Valentine's Day is already next week! In case you are still shopping around, I have a few gift ideas for you, from jewelry, to accessories or slippers.

Who says jewelry has to cost a fortune, and why not support a cause at the same time? When you shop helpchildren.org, you are supporting H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization spreading Hope, Education, Love and Protection to children, beginning in Malawi (where over one million children are without a parent, home, or education). H.E.L.P.'s mission is to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty by improving education in rural Africa.

Left: Nana's Sterling Silver Ring for HELP, $55

Right: Nana's Gold Plated Ring for HELP, $65

Agabhumi the Best of Bali carries Bali fashion accessories, jewelry, scarves/knits, clutches/handbags and sandals. Their flagship store is located in Stamford, CT, with other stores in Santa Monica, CA and Barbados. You can also shop online at agabhumi.com.

Left: Myriam Cross Body Bag, $124

Santana Clutch, $88, Jersey Sure Necklace, $26, Jersey Sure Bracelet, $18

Left: Here's Foldo, $64

Right: Crochet Zelda, $144

After walking around in 4" heels all night, who wouldn't want to go home and put a pair of comfortable Dearfoams on? There are many fashionable colors and styles to choose from, what I love even more about Dearfoams is that they start at size 5! Look out for new styles coming this Spring, as Dearfoams introduces the microfiber terry thong, microfiber terry open toe scuff with flower and microfiber terry peep toe ballerina with blossom. You can shop online at dearfoams.com.

- Kim Weling

2nd Annual Afghan Hands and Orlane Fundraiser

Cynthia Nixon and Claire Danes

Orlane Crème Royale

The shawls and scarves for sale are beautifully handcrafted and embroidered by Afghan master embroiderers

Photos by fashionablypetite.com

On September 30th, I attended the 2nd Annual Afghan Hands and Orlane Fundraiser, hosted by Longchamp at their Soho store. Click here to read about last year's Afghan Hands Fundraiser.

Attendees included Cynthia Nixon, Claire Danes, Kelly Bensimon, Jessica Seinfeld, Ryan McGinness, Lara Meiland-Shaw and Emma Snowdon-Jones.

The event was a huge success, raising $45,000 for Afghan Hands with over 250 guests in attendance. The event was sponsored by Orlane, Paris in memory of Nazaneen Toloui, a former VP of Orlane and the first board member of Afghan Hands.

This year there was an auction including a two-night package at L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills valued at $2,000 and a two-night package at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur valued at $3253.45. There were also pledges taken for different levels of support for the women of Afghan Hands.

Afghan Hands is a non-profit organization that teaches skills to help Afghan widows gain independence, literacy and livable wages. You can learn more about Afghan Hands at www.afghanhands.org.

- Kim Weling

Here are some more photos taken by Neil Rasmus / BFA

Left: Matin Maulawizada

Right: Jessica Seinfeld

Left: Kelly Bensimon

Right: Emma Snowdon-Jones

Jack Sandbach

Orlane Cocktail Party to Benefit Afghan Hands

Orlane held a benefit on June 2nd to benefit Afghan Hands at the Spring Street Longchamp store. Unique hand-embroidered shawls, scarves and throws made of cashmere, wool, pure cotton and pure silk were available for purchase, designed by master embroiderers and artisans. Shawls ranged from $125 to $400, scarves from $100 to $175 and throws from $250 to $800. 100% of the profits from each purchase support education and expansion of Afghan Hands workshops. The program allows widows in Afghanistan to learn how to read and write, work toward obtaining a high school degree and livable wage job. “Our goal is to teach Afghan women their legal, human and religious rights so NO ONE can ever imprison them again in the name of law, honor or religion.”

Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Convivium Catering. Orlane gift bags included deluxe samples of repairing night cream, abdomen firm and reshape body care and anti-fatigue recovery serum, masque and cleansing serum for the eyes.

You can still make purchases online or learn more about Afghan Hands at www.afghanhands.org.