Save 15% off super stylish Smartdogs Comfort Slipper Shoes by Grandoe!

Uplift Thong Smartdogs Slipper Shoes in preppy navy blue and green are perfect for summer!

Ahhh…. June 1. It’s summertime and the living is easy in my new Uplift Thong, Smartdogs Comfort Slipper Shoes by Grandoe!

These new slipper shoes are part of the Synergy line of antibacterial slippers for Summer 2012 and (as the name implies!) they are deliciously comfortable! The Uplift Thong perfectly combines the need for both flexibility and support, plus they have a patented 4-Zone HoneyComb comfort footbed. The flexible air-cushioned footbed absorbs and returns energy to soothe and invigorate feet. Bliss!

Of course for me, even the most deliriously comfy slipper shoe also needs to be very, very stylish. And, the Smartdogs Comfort Slippers don’t disappoint! The Uplift Thong comes in four cheery color combinations including navy/Kelly green, black/hot pink, cherry red/orange, and (my personal favorite) turquoise/white.

The neo mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable during the warm summer months. But, best of all, the antibacterial properties keep them clean, so you can wear them indoors or out.

Uplift Thong, Smartdogs Comfort Slipper Shoes retail at department and specialty stores for $45 and are available in women’s size 6-10.

Or, purchase online at Smartdogs Comfort. Now through July 31, 2012 Readers of Susan Said What?! can now receive 15% off the purchase price. Use coupon code: SUMMER12 

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!Success Won’t Wait! and The Best Christmas Ever! 

Photos: Used with permission by Smartdogs by Grandow.

No payment was received in exchange for this post, however, I received a pair of Uplift Thong, Smartdogs by Grandoe in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Share
Posted in Personal Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Here’s your chance to own a pair of stunning earrings from Dana Renee Style!

Flora earrings by Dana Renee Style. Retail $20

I like the way your sparkling earrings lay gainst your skin so brown…

Just like the classic Eagles’ song, I find that I reach for dangly earrings again and again once the temperature rises. Somehow, dangly earrings paired with summer’s casual ensembles just seem to fit with my laid back attitude once the calendar turns to June. And at last, I’ve found a fabulous source for earrings with that relaxed feel.

Earrings from Dana Renee Style are perfect paired with everything from shorts to sundresses on the weekend. But they are also chic with dressier outfits for the office. Their slightly whimsical attitude and gentle jingle remind me during the workday that Friday isn’t too far off!

Jewelry, like fashion, is such a personal decision that Dana Renee Style offers earrings to fit every style. Whether you consistently choose understated elegance, bold look-at-me pieces, or (like me) are a chameleon and have a jewelry box brimming with unique pieces – I haven’t met a women yet that doesn’t covet a new bauble (or two!).

Dolly Earrings by Dana Renee Style. Retail $19

Earrings from Dana Renee Style are handcrafted from a variety of high-end materials. These include glass lampwork beads, semi-precious stones like jade and jasper, natural shell, fired ceramics, and much more.

The full line of earrings is available at the Dana Renee Style shop, but I’ve pictured two of my favorite pairs here. First are the Flora earrings. These elegant drop earrings feature a carved cinnabar round paired with a ceramic bead. Retail $20.

Next are the Dolly Earrings, which I adore. These stunning drop earrings have carved melon bone beads and lovely flower patterned glass beads. Retail $19.

Dana Renee Style has graciously offered one lucky Susan Said What?! reader the choice of a pair of striking earrings from her full line! It’s simple to enter using our Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is available for readers 18+ in the USA only. Odds are determined by the number of entries received. Contest ends 6-21-2012. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!Success Won’t Wait! and The Best Christmas Ever! 

Photos: Used with permission by Dana Renee Style.

No payment was received in exchange for this post, however, I received a pair of earrings handcrafted by Dana Renee Style in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Share
Posted in Personal Style | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cartier-inspired stunners for under $100!

Fabulous fakes for under $100!


Dannijo rhinestone jewelry
$92 - stylebop.com

Kate Spade slip ring
$98 - katespade.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors pave ring
$95 - bloomingdales.com

When I was fresh out of college, I worked with a vibrant, older woman who was a real inspiration to me. She has a fabulous sense of style – classic, with a touch of irreverence – that I tried my best to emulate.

One day she arrived to work sporting an enormous, emerald-cut sapphire ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds. She told me that her husband had simply surprised her with it the night before. And, agog at the size, I mentally calculated that the ring must have cost at least as much as my car!

After begging to try it on myself, she chuckled and confided to me – it was a FAKE! I’ve never looked at costume jewelry the same way again.

Yesterday, when the June issue of Town and Country arrived, I was reminded of that stunning ring as I leafed through the alluring jewelry advertisements. The magazine’s pages were simply filled with oversized cocktail rings sporting vibrantly colored gems and acres of icy diamonds. Cartier, in particular showcased rings that literally made my heart beat a little faster.

A check of the price tags quickly dampened my enthusiasm, however, since prices started at about $12,000! But, taking inspiration from my former mentor, I sought out some reasonably priced alternatives.

Above are a few examples of well designed, well-crafted Cartier-inspired rings that more than hit the mark style wise, and won’t bankrupt you. Just don’t tell anyone they’re not the real thing… we’ll keep that between us!

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!Success Won’t Wait! and The Best Christmas Ever! 

Share
Posted in Personal Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At last! Chic one-piece swimsuits designed for real women’s bodies!

Swimsuits for real women!


Gottex one piece bathing suit
£170 - harrods.com

Lanvin bikini swimwear
£319 - farfetch.com

Memorial Day is next weekend! Along with family barbeques, festive parades and theme park adventures, for many of us the Memorial Day weekend also means the dreaded unveiling of… the swimsuit.

Have you had children? Are you over 40? Neglected your workout regimen during the hectic winter months? Or, maybe — like me — all three?

Fear not! This summer, there are realistic options for those of us searching for a modest, but stylish swimsuit that will make us feel confident and beautiful.

The three key things to look for in a great swimsuit? Detail, color and fit.

For example, the three one-piece swimsuits I’ve showcased above all offer interest at the neckline, which draws attention away from the midriff, thighs, and hips.

And, forget boring black! Instead, opt for your favorite color. Whether it’s a feminine pastel or a bolder choice, color is a guaranteed mood-booster!

Finally, fit is crucial. Short-waisted? Large bust? Sloped shoulders? The proper fit can correct all these issues – and more! It’s important to try not to get hung up on size; instead choose the swimsuit that is the most flattering (and simply cut out the size tag!).

If these three selections don’t inspire you, I also found a vast number of beautiful suits at Talbots and (believe it or not!) Victoria’s Secret.

Add a sassy sarong and some fabulous new sandals and you’re ready for a day of fun in the sun. Enjoy!

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!Success Won’t Wait! and The Best Christmas Ever! 

Share
Posted in Personal Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vintage or simply vintage-inspired. Can you tell the difference?

Beautiful brooches!


Cameo crystal brooch
$39 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Blue jewelry
$25 - amazon.com

1928 jewelry
$18 - 1928.com

Crystal jewelry
bluevelvetvintage.com

I love vintage brooches and I have a large collection – pieces that both my mother and grandmother had saved over the years. In addition to adorning the traditional lapel, I also like to use the brooches in unexpected places – as a scarf clip, on a handbag, and even just above the knee of a short skirt!

You may not have inherited you’re a relative’s jewelry box, but you can still get the same vintage look. Above are a few brooches that I adore – some are vintage and some are not…

Can you tell the difference?

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!Success Won’t Wait! and The Best Christmas Ever! 

Share
Posted in Personal Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment