Nathan Menashe, the designer of Freedom of Choice (FOC) Jeans knows how important it is to “go green.” With a pair of my own dark denim FOC jeans, and an appreciation of their colored denim look (but with never enough guts — nor the shape — to pull them off!) , I am so excited to learn how Menashe has incoporated eco-friendly awareness to fashion.

From a company that creates more than just denim bottoms (think jackets and skirts as also part of the FOC collection), and the type of styles that easily allow you to transition from a jean day at work to an evening out with the girls, you gotta love their “Earth Friendly Jean.”

This new bootcut denim pant avoids the use of toxins or synthetic fertilizers. The Earth Friendly Jean uses organic cotton and a non-chemical wash process, which protects the integrity of the jean fibers. Basically, these jeans are expected to have a long life span. From what I understand, organic cotton is more expensive and makes the wash process slower and a bit more time-consuming. Yet according to Menashe, protecting the environment and human health by incorporating this earth friendly process is extremely important.

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If you are like me, the harsh winter takes a huge toll on your skin. You may think that because I live in Southern California, I wouldn’t have this problem. But the Santa Ana winds suck any – and all – moisture right out of me. On top of dealing with these drying winds, it is also flu season; the constant washing of my hands has only added to my need in finding something that will replenish the moisture of my skin and help it look better!

I know, there are plenty of skin care products out there for dry skin, but I have tried every over-the-counter lotion out there and have been nothing but disappointed. They are either too greasy, too thin in consistency, or have over-powering fragrances.

So I figured I need to look beyond the local Target and CVS pharmacy. So I hopped on the Internet and started my search. I stumbled upon Smooth Heals, which quickly caught my attention! Its owner and creator, Tennie Smith, has been hands-on in creating and testing her product. More »

If you are seeking a fashionable way to send a message with substance, Girl On Top Clothing (GOT) is the way to go! From everyday women to celebrities, such as Kendra from “The Girls Next Door,” the masses are really starting to take notice of all that this clothing line has to offer. Thanks to Beauty Chat’s blogging buddy Nikki over at Fashion Frenzy, I was introduced to the styles of this up-and-coming line – and now I’m hooked.

I recently interviewed Jon Paul, the fabulous creator of GOT, and here’s what he had to say:

Leeann: Please explain the name Girl On Top…

Jon Paul: Its GIRL POWER baby! Our name says it all. Girl On Top Clothing exists so that women have a brand that empowers their existence. We make ready-to-wear apparel and custom couture designs for today’s empowered women. Since we believe that life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself; Girl On Top Clothing creates trend-setting looks that contribute to female leaders defining themselves. More »

Andrea: So Stephanie (of “Steph’s Beauty Buzz“)…Being the makeup junkie that I am and the cosmetics expert that you are — I have an important makeup question!

I always look for what’s new at my favorite cosmetic boutiques — Ulta and Sephora. But when it comes to finding the best “long-wear foundation,” I wonder how many of our Beauty Chat readers know the best method to finding the right match for their skin tone. Also, I can’t help but wonder if I’m going about finding the right foundation correctly! After all, it’s difficult to test it in the store…

Stephanie: Step one in choosing a foundation is not color, but skin type. Learn the makeup artist lingo to define you personal skin type: Dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. More »

My son is now 13 weeks old (that’s me carrying Jonas at 8 months prego), and because I am no longer nursing; I am embarking on my journey back to a healthy body. The plan is that I am going to focus on how I feel and how my clothes fit versus the number on the scale.

Along with my PlasticSurgery.com co-workers and Beauty Chat contributors, we are all challenging each other to an in-office “Biggest Loser” contest. The winner gets a pot of money, which is inspiring me to lose my baby weight.

I have 30 pounds to lose and three to four dress sizes to go down to. My goal is to continue tracking my calories and fat on TheDailyPlate.com, walk on my lunches with Jennifer, and do some Pilates at home when the kids are in bed (I also have a 3 year-old daughter).

I would love to hear your weight loss suggestions, and of course your support is appreciated.

Track along with me and personal story on Beauty Chat!

‘Til next time…

Photo Credit: A Beauty Chat exclusive, taken at our recent Bejeweled photo shoot!