Mother's Stackable Rings

Check out this great idea for a Mother's Day gift from A Trio Jewelry!

Give your mom a set of these "Mother's Stackable Rings" with birthstones representing each of her children.

The rings can be done in sterling silver, gold or platinum and set with whatever combination of stones stacks to create a "family" on her finger.

Call (414) 431-7112 or email: atrio@atriojewelry.com to order.

Victoria Beckham Aviators

Combing two of my favorite things - Victoria Beckham and Rose Gold, these aviator sunglasses are my fantasy item right now!

Available on Net-a-porter.com in18K rose gold, these Victoria Beckham designed shades are a little out of my price range, but a girl can dream!

Check 'em out and the rest of Victoria Beckham's collection here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/111606

(image from net-a-porter.com)

RuPaul's Drag Race

Monday Night Guilty Pleasure: RuPaul's Drag Race on the Logo Network.

I'm not sure if there is any show out there right now that is more about looking and feeling Damn Good, then the Drag Race.

The hour long reality show searches to find the "next drag superstar" with the most clever, witty challenges. The writing and unscripted banter is clearly where "Glee" gets most of it's inspiration.

RuPaul's show may be filled with camp, glitter, glitz and glamour, but at the heart is a message.

At the end of every episode, Ru reminds the Queens and the viewers, "If you don't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an Amen?"

Amen, RuPaul!

Loving yourself and making the best of what you've got is what looking damn good is all about. Self acceptance is the key to happiness and successful relationships. And damn, that sure feels good!

(image from: logotv.com)

Week in Review Jan 31 to Feb 4, 2010

It's great to be back! Here's what you missed this week!

A skin care product that delivers: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence.html

Start the day with quinoa: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/yummo-huevos-rancheros.html

Blingtastic ideas for Valentine's Day: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/trio-jewelry.html

A dose of inner beauty for the weekend in the new On the Inside Friday: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/Look Damn Good - On the Inside Friday


(image from: atriojewelry.com)

A Trio Jewelry

Need a great gift idea for Valentine's Day?

Look no further than A Trio Jewelry Design Studio in Milwaukee, WI. (Disclaimer - this is my brother, soon-to-be sister in law and her father's business, so I am a bit biased, but everyone seems to agree with me that A Trio Jewelry ROCKS!)

The heart and soul of this Historic Third Ward studio with an onsite manufacturing shop, is custom made jewelry created by the client in collaboration with designer, Amy Shallow.

Amy uses computer aided design to make any jewelry dream a reality.

Custom design consults are available online or over the phone ... but, if you are in a pinch, be sure to check out the A Trio "Ready to Wear - Valentine's Collection."

Pictures of the pieces are available on their web site (http://atriojewelry.com or Facebook page (http://facebook.com/atriojewelrydesignstudio). Be sure to check out the gallery of custom jewelry they've created as well!

Pictured here is the very fabulous "LOVE" ring in Sterling Silver, but is also customizable in gold or platinum and very precious stones set in the flowers!

Blingtastic!!

Find out more, set up a design consult or order: atrio@atriojewelry.com

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence is the product that made me miss writing "Look Damn Good." I couldn't wait to share my experience using this product with you!

Completely lured by the SK-II ads featuring the luminous Cate Blanchett, I buckled and purchased a bottle of the "Holy Water" that so many rave about.

Keep in mind as you read this, that I started using SK-II while I was in the Midwest, "enjoying" the effects of one of the harshest winters I've ever experienced.

The very first evening I used this liquid, as instructed - by placing a small amount directly into the hands and pressing onto the face - I noticed an immediate effect. My skin felt instantly tighter, but not in a "Sea Breeze" way, almost in muscular way. It looked and felt as if my skin had actually been made snugger.

The next morning, my skin looked more clear and pores less noticeable.

After a week - others started noticing. When you start hearing unsolicited "You've got great skin" comments, you know something must be working.

A month, my visage, is dare I say ... more radiant and even toned? I am confident enough to go out without make up now - not saying that I ever would - I love a full beat down too much. Plus, make up looks even better on my new, smoother canvas! This product is an aesthetician/make up artist's dream.

The bottom line is that SK-II Facial Treatment Essence totally works for me.

It is the only new product I have added into my skincare regiment and the results are stunning enough to make me a believer.

The secret? Pitera, an ingredient discovered in Japan in a Sake Factory. According to the SK-II website, "Pitera, the seemingly magical ingredient found in all SK-II products, helps restore vital balance by promoting the skin's natural 28-day surface renewal process. This single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids produces a seemingly miraculous rebirth of appearance."

Be sure to hydrate your skin while using this product, as it does exfoliate quite aggressively.

Learn more and purchase SK-II here: http://www.sk-ii.com

(image from: sk-ii.com)

The Blog is Back!

Start looking damn good again, cuz the blog with a polished finger on the pulse of beauty, fashion, fitness and nutrition trends is back!

Please note the new URL:: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com

Say YES

A couple of weeks ago, I finally saw the Jim Carrey movie, "Yes Man."

In the flick, Jim Carrey's character is a man stuck in his own cycle of negativity; a dead end job, no desire to socialize and no girlfriend.

He runs into an old buddy who introduces him to a self help program that entails saying "yes" to every opportunity.

Hysterics ensue as saying "yes" leads to a bevvy of absurdities and ultimately, positive changes in his life.

Why not try incorporating a little "Yes Man" into your life?

Maybe when your group exercise instructor demonstrates a new body weight exercise, instead of thinking to yourself that you can't possibly do it, just say, "Yes!" And give it a go!

Perhaps you are out to dinner with friends at an Ethiopian restaurant and a strange dish is placed in the middle of the table fro everyone to eat with their hands. Say, "OK! I'm down to try it!"

That new fashion trend?? Just wear it!

Don't limit yourself with self inflicted boundaries. Instead open yourself up to a whole new world of saying, "YES!"

Within reason of course ...

(image from: bigstockphoto.com)

Week in Review June 28 to July 2, 2010

A DVD that personal trains you: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lalofit.html

A taste of LA street food: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frutas.html

Self Tanner that smells great AND contains NO parabens: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/hempz-touch-of-summer.html

More great workout wear: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/hardtail-forever.html

Breakfast with spuds: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/sweet-potato-pancake.html

HardTail Forever

On my last trip to Los Angeles, I stopped into the HardTail store on the Santa Monica Promenade.

Completely in heaven, I dug into their sale section. I'd never tried on their line before and let me tell you, I now know why they have a cult following.

I picked up two pairs of fold over shorts and two criss-cross in the back sports bras.

The fabric is amazingly soft, the cuts incredibly flattering and most importantly the garments are completely functional.

The shorts don't ride up or slip down, whether I am running or practicing yoga. The sports bras shape by goodies and display some lovely, non-offensive cleavage.

If you haven't already been wooed by the HardTail ads in Yoga Journal magazine, let my testimonial guide you to their clothing.

Learn more here: http://hardtailforever.com

Week in Review June 21 to 25, 2010

Crystalized citrus, who knew? http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/true-lemon.html

Organic street fruit in LA : http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-heart-fruit-cart_22.html

Think yourself into looking and feeling damn good: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/confidence.html

Add some weight to your walk: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/walking-with-hand-weights.html

Post workout fashionista bargains: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-apocolypse.html

American Apocolypse

Calling all post-workout fashionistas.

Maybe you could care less what you wear during your fitness foray, but afterwards you rock the most stylin' frocks.

If you love deals, vintage and high fashion then check out:
http://americanapocolypse415.com

My gorgeous and always fashionable friend Brandi, discovered this amazing site that has really unique items and carries brands like Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Cynthia Rowley.

I personally am dying over the "To wong "Career Girl" minidress" pictured above.

Be prepared to open your wallet and take advantage of their great prices.
Shop here: http://americanapocolypse415.com

Week in Review June 14 to 18, 2010

Be macro like Madonna: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/mayumis-kitchen-madonna-macrobiotic.html

Popped Fuji Chips: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/yogavive-chips.html

Get clean for a cause: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/peace-soap.html

Frozen Yogurt truths: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frozen-yogurt.html

Add to your home gym: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/ultimate-body-press.html

Week in Review June 7 to 11, 2010

A Team Fitness inspiration: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/a-team-movie.html

Cocktails that won't result in beer belly: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/cocktails.html

Tend to your digits: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/manicures.html

Ways to cope when you get sidelined: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/handling-injury.html

Feel damn good by giving blood: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/world-blood-donor-day.html

Manicures

In praise of girly-ness, beauty maintence and self indulgence, this post will focus on a weekly beauty ritual I have recently re-embraced - the manicure.

Tidy, well groomed hands say a lot about a person - male or female.

Manicured hands increase self confidence and project the message that you care about details.

Schedule a standing appointment for a weekly manicure with your favorite nail professional and observe your digits not only look damn good, but see how this beauty ritual can make you feel damn good as well.

My current finger and toe obsession? OPI Shorts Story, a bright, blue based pink perfect for transitioning from Spring to Summer.

(image from: twitter.com/opi_products)

May 31 to June 4, 2010

Roll out for self massage: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/foam-roller_31.html

Egg Protein: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/optimum-nutrition-egg-protein.html

Run cute: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lucy-sprinter-sister-skirt-and-contest.html

You SHOULD be doing these exercises: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/exercises-you-should-be-doing.html

Eat like a hungry girl: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/hungry-girl.html

Lucy Sprinter Sister Skirt and Contest

If you aren't a Lucy Activewear convert/addict yet, I implore you to get thee to http://lucy.com or to a store near you, try on ANY of their garments, see and feel the Lucy difference!

Their latest triumph in merging style, functionality, comfort and cuteness is the Sprinter Sister Skirt.

I had gotten an email touting the release of the Lucy Summer Collection and was intrigued by this unique take on the running skirt. I had dismissed the running skirt trend as just that - a trend and secretly wished it would just go away. But, there was something about the cut of the Sprinter Sister Skirt that opened my mind a bit.

Engineered from a combination of stretchy lucy flex fabric and moisture wicking lucy tech material, the skirt has a super flattering, totally wearable, pleated silhouette and majorly functional features like a reflective zip pocket in the back, an mp3 player pocket and a mesh ball pocket. You can be the MacGuyver of fitness wearing this adorable piece with a place for all your gadgets!

I requested to test the skirt and Lucy generously obliged, also sending me the matching Propel Tank.

Both items were love at first try on. Never did I imagine I would be a running skirt girl, but there is something about the way this garment makes you feel that is undeniable. Upon donning the skirt and tank I was more motivated to work out and show off my new fitness style!

I was super impressed with the functionality of the shorts under the skirt. No pinching, riding or rolling up - plus they totally enhance the athletic shape of my thighs, instead of squeezing my curves in an unsightly way.

My run was cool, dry, chafe free and totally uninhibited by the skirt. Same goes for the tank - no armpits were harmed in the use of this moisture wicking, quick drying, well cut top.

I have also taken the Sprinter Sister and Propel Tank to the gym. Squats and lunges have never looked so good.

Be sure to add the Sprinter Sister Skirt and Propel Tank to your workout wardrobe by shopping Lucy here: http://lucy.com

And ... as a Lucy bonus ...

If you are lucky enough to live near a Lucy store check out this amazing offer:

To kick-start summer training lucy is launching a new compete and win promotion with two ways to win! From now through the end of August customers who present a race bib get 20% off any full-priced lucy® item at any one of the brand’s 65 US locations. In addition racers who come in first, second or third dressed in head-to-toe lucy get a lucy Training Tank and Propel Bottom. Says Kira Karmazin, VP, Merchandising and Marketing, “lucy is all about inspiring performance—and in this case, we wanted to let racers know how inspired we are by them.”

lucy.com/competeandwin

(image from: lucy.com)

Oldie Sunday - beachy hair

Even if you didn't escape for a warm weather getaway this holiday weekend ...

Achieve beachy texture with Sidlab Pacifica Sea Salt Spray:

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/sidlab-pacifica-salt-water-spray_08.html

Week in Review May 24 to 28

Are you really the size you think you are?
http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/deceptive-sizing.html

Gorgeous brows from Japonesque: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/japonesque-brow-kit.html

Drink Green! http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/trader-joes-essential-greens-veggie.html

What's your favorite workout track? You only get one! http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-workout-song.html

Natural Sun Protection: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/05/kiss-my-face-sun-protection.html

Deceptive Sizing

Is it just me, or has sizing changed in the last year or so??

Have manufacturers tweaked the way sizes run in favor of consumers to make us feel better??

Maybe it's all the stretch lycra and denim, but I feel like sizes run much bigger than they used to - to my ego's delight of course.

I mean, who wouldn't rather be able to squeeze into a smaller size, even if the size does not run true?

But, what are the ramifications of this?

We are a nation that just keeps getting bigger and at the same time retailers are playing into this by making us feel smaller. Wierd. Isn't there anyone to regulate this?

In the meantime, I guess I'll embrace my new "size."

(image from: istockphoto.com)