fffabulous

who's your daddy?

If you are still looking for the perfect gift for Father's Day, here are a few gift ideas the dad in your life will be happy to receive for Father's day:

• Jack Spade messenger bag—this is one classic messenger bag (pictured here) that will come handy to carry laptop, notebook, etc. around.
• Montblanc pen—this is not something a guy would buy for himself, yet it is one great gift that will look *tight* in the boardroom.
• fffancy tees—get a couple of these cool tees and you'll totally make his day!
• Inhabit cashmere sweater—yeah, it's summertime, but a cashmere sweater of this quality will always come handy and be appreciated by Dad.
• Tiffany 'Dad' money clip—it may be the 5th money clip he's lost, but that's also a good reason to get him another one. And he'll be reminded how great of a dad he is every time he pulls it out to make a purchase. Awwwww!
• Lululemon jacket and pants—working out in style is no longer just an 'option'. Plus, your kids' dad will just look yummier to you, too. What's not to like?

And check out our fffabulous guy week posts for more ideas for daddy. Happy happy shopping!

gotta love the cute booty pants

Don't you love it when celebrities wear just about the same clothes as you do? Especially after you've worn them for an entire season LAST YEAR? Well, I was browsing popsugar.com the other day and even before recognizing the celebrity in their 'Guess Who?' section, I recognized Kelly Nishimoto Cute Booty pants from her Lounge Collection right away. And Desperate Housewife Nicolette Sheridan was the celebrity wearing them. Yay!

I love it even more when Paris Hilton herself is checking out the Cute Bootie pants in pink at Harmony Lane in Beverly Hills (pictured here). Those are the exact same ones I wore this summer. Double yay!

And to add to the great news, Kelly Nishimoto Cute Booty pants are now available for purchase online. So we can all order them in our favorite colors, and we will all be fffabulous twins. Triple yay!

If you still need some convincing, check out our fffabulous review of the Cute Booty pants back in May 2008 and the Kelly Nishimoto Cute Booty collection. The shots are simply gorgeous!

speedo hot lava swimsuit

I have three criteria for the swimsuits I buy for swim practice: 1. Limited coverage for minimal tan lines 2. Nice colors and patterns and 3. Resistance to wear and tear. While #1 is a prerequisite and #2 quite important for the fffashionista that I am (my swimsuits have to be blue to be in harmony with the pool environment/water), I am quite flexible on #3, because it means I will have to go swimsuit shopping more often if the swimsuits deteriorate more quickly. Well, I am lucky that my latest find meets all my criteria.

The Hot Lava Axcel Back Endurance+ swimsuit looks fffabulous with its fancy lava burst pattern; I just love its luminous blue color, and it is made of 50% Poly/50% PBT, which means serious competition for my almost 1-year old camo swimsuit...or I may have to retire it sooner than I thought I'd have to. Oh, and if you throw in a pair of goggles or a swim cap (we always need back-up ones just in case) to your order, you will get 20% off your entire purchase of $90 or more by entering coupon code SPDPROMO at checkout (offer valid through March 4th, 2009, 11:59pm ET.)

Happy swimming!

fffabulous sale: lauren moshi hoodie

Don't you love it when sales pop up left and right? I have to admit that I enjoy it very very much, and more so when it's for one of my favorite brands, Lauren Moshi. I own two of her sweatpants, the  Lauren Moshi Bell-Leg Zebra pants and the Lauren Moshi Knight Sweats, and I have been meaning to buy one of her hoodies for almost a year now. And guess what? I was happy to see that this Lauren Moshi Leopard Hoodie in White is on sale for $90 (that's half off!). And all sizes are still available too—so hurry up and get yours before they run out; it's calling your name!

This hoodie is made of heavy cotton, the designs are drawn by hand, and I *love* the big rope threading throughout hood. All of this makes for a very unique hoodie! It is the perfect sweater to wear on weekends, to the gym, or after swim practice; and it doesn't hurt that Fergie wears Lauren Moshi, too!

fffabulous sale: zooey top

This Zooey black bamboo-cotton dolman sleeve top is super cute, extremely comfy, and on sale for $45 (instead of $75). Yay! It is made of a bamboo/cotton blend that feels ultra nice and gives it a nice stretchy feeling. It also has a nice wide scoopneck, rib knit banded cuff and hem, and long dolman sleeve; I can already see myself wearing it over and over with sweatpants, at a yoga class, or with a pair of designer jeans and my Louis Vuitton leopard shawl. And it exists in purple and white, too. Super cute!

Note that if they don't have your size, come and check back later as they often replenish their inventory.

fabiola molina workout bikinis

If you've been watching the Beijing Olympics as much as I have, you must be dreaming of swimming, swimming, and more swimming; in addition to fantasizing about sleeping, sleeping, and even more sleeping (Personally, I am totally sleep deprived. Argh!). You might also consider getting a fancy swimsuit that is made for swimming, while looking fashionable and sexy. Now, no one wants maxi tan lines while getting in great shape, because that would totally defeat the purpose of being extra fffabulous! Well, since the day I met Miss Erica, she's been raving about the Fabiola Molina swimsuits, and I may just have to get one already! Here is why:

"We all know that the best bikinis come from Brazilian brands, right? Well, make sure you add Fabiola Molina to the list, too. What I love about Fabiolina Molina is the range of versatility this brand has to offer. I used to train for hours on end when I was a competitive swimmer, and the last thing you want is an unsightly swimsuit tan. But of course, I would never train in something that I fear would fall off every time I flip turned or pushed off the wall. So that's why the Sunkini line was so popular among my teammates and I; they minimized tan lines yet magically stayed on us, even at sprinting speeds or off the diving blocks! Plus, they are super cute, too. I prefer the Polyamide Sunkini suits for training because they are highly chlorine resistant, therefore they don't fade easily or go thin.

However, for those who don't spend hours in the pool each day and who just want a hot and sexy suit, Fabiola Molina also offers a bikini line, which features countless combinations of different swim suit styles, colors, and patterns. The possibilities are endless! Oh, and it doesn't hurt that these suits are super affordable...about 50 bucks or less for a bikini!"

fffabulous sale: lauren moshi sweats

I've been wearing my Lauren Moshi black zebra sweatpants all winter and, well, let's just say that the guys like them more than I do sometimes. Ha! But now it's summertime, and white is officially the hot color to wear this season. So what's hotter than a gorgeous pair of sweatpants from Lauren Moshi herself but in white? Wait...it does get hotter, because they are on sale! So get these hot pure white Lauren Moshi Knight Sweats while they last, and you won't regret it. They feature an extra-long, flared cut, with knight and dagger emblems in black and silver on each leg. Love it!!!

icebreaker sweater

Mr. Dude has been wearing the Icebreaker Insulation / Sport320 Ltd Coronet sweater all winter, and I think it is great sweater. It's sporty, yet classy and I really like the high ribbed collar and textured racing stripe. And in my opinion, the grey/orange coloring is the best color combination of all. This sweater also has thumb loops that give it a nifty little touch. This sweater is also made of 100% merino, which is a material that can conveniently replace a fleece jacket (plus, it's so much more stylish). Although merino is not always necessary during the summertime, I am positive this sweater will come handy during those cold summer nights. For those of you who live in Northern California (or anywhere else more North, for that matter), you know what I am talking about!

I give this sweater my two thumbs -in loops- up! Ha!

cute booty pants

If you have me figured out, you should already know that if I'm not wearing my weekend capris, I am probably wearing fancy sweatpants. And that's why I bought yet another pair to add to my collection! Yay! After owning a pair of sweats in blue, black, and white, I found a new pair of totally adorable sweatpants at the Bella Rosa boutique the other day. This time I got them in pink, because it is a nice change from the neutral color sweatpants I already own; plus, pink is a super cute and feminine color for the spring and summertime...and do I need to add that it makes a nice statement?

These sweatpants from Imasu by Kelly Nishimoto are absolutely amazing. They are comfy and soft, and they are unlike any other pair of sweatpants I have seen around. I love the satin belt and the back pockets: so unique, and it makes for the perfect touch. All my girlfriends loved these sweats when I wore them, and now they all want a pair! No wonder, Kelly named them the "Cute Booty" pants, and that they surely are!

Check out the stores that sell this line and go get a pair of your very own Cute Booty pants. And keep an eye on Kelly Nishimoto and her Imasu collection (Imasu is Japanese for the phrase 'to be' for living things...awwww!). I absolutely love everything she does!

sexy back

I hate shopping for swimsuits in general and even more so when it comes to workout swimsuits. Although most brands offer a large range of suits with cute patterns, I have never seen a swimsuit at swim practice that has blown me away with a 'wow, I HAVE to buy this suit!'. Okay, I know the point is to get a good workout and not to look like a pin-up at swim practice, but still, I like to look fffabulous wherever I go and at whatever I do.

I recently came across this really cute Speedo swimsuit, the Camo Axcel Back Endurance+ swimsuit. I love the camo inspired design (it's my next favorite print after any animal print), and I especially love the open back with the thin straps. One of my male friends mentioned to me the other day that a woman's back is one of her sexiest features—especially at the pool in a swimsuit—so anything that makes my back look sexier while minimizing tan lines is a win-win situation. In terms of sizing, I always get confused by the swimsuit charts, so I recommend you go to a sports store and try on a few swimsuits to figure out your size (tip: if you can easily bring the straps to your ears, the size is good). Note that this swimsuit is 50% Poly/50% PBT, which makes it 20 times more fade resistant and chlorine resistant than other lycra swimsuits, therefore it won't be as stretchy as you are used to. Oh, and I bought this suit in blue because it's like water!

And keep in mind that you can also get a 15% off on this swimsuit with coupon code SP177SUM at checkout (offer valid through June 4, 2008, 11:59pm ET). And for more fantastic coupon codes on your favorite brands, check out CouponCowGirl.com.

the spandex effect

The lululemon athletica Groove Pants are probably lululemon's most popular pants, and they are the coolest ones too. Every single one of my girlfriends owns at least one pair -- and so do celebrities, such as Elle MacPherson. Miss Erica got her first pair last summer and is still raving about them, and for very good reasons, too:

"lululemon is the best! Their jackets are super flattering and universal, but even more so are the pants. Those who know me call me the 'spandex queen', yet despite the millions of pairs I own, I can truthfully say that my lululemon athletica Groove Pants are my absolute favorite. Even though they may be a bit pricey, keep in mind that they are reversible. So that's basically 2 pairs for 1 price in my mind. I love the fact that on one day, I can sport an all-black, never-fails-to-match side, and the next day I can flip them to show off a cute color stripe or pattern design (and no one would ever know it was the same pair). And did I fail to mention that you will never look so good in spandex? They make my legs look longer and hold in my waist and thighs, making me look 5 lbs lighter automatically! They are magical!"

spring resolutions

Miss Erica is back to her New Year's resolutions (or should I say Spring resolutions?) and bought a pair of Nike shoes to get her running going. I personally love that they are pink (I love pink!), and that she bought two pairs at once in different colors (which justifies why I should own more than one pair of my favorite Dior pumps); and here is why:

"I've never been a big fan of running, but recently I committed myself to completing a half marathon in July. Knowing that, I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, getting my body back into shape as quickly as possible. Of course, the first time I tried to run again, my calves started to tighten up, and I could feel the onset of shin splints and knee pain. Immediately, I knew I had to invest in a new pair of good running shoes. All I had were a two-year-old pair of beaten-up Asics that offered me no support. After going to a few running stores, I tried on a pair of the new Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2+. Now let me tell you, I didn't choose these shoes...they chose me! The moment I put them on, I felt like I was floating on air! They offer so much support, and when I run in them, I am no longer aggravated by my shins or knees. And it doesn't hurt that they are super cute, too! I love them--so much that I ordered a second pair online in a different color within a day of buying my first pair!"

cute poncho hoodie

I discovered Nightcap Clothing last Fall. I got the coolest and softest sweatpants then, and I am since a fan of this casual wear brand. This year, Nightcap Clothing released a ‘lace’ collection, and I love this Nightcap Clothing Montague Poncho Hoodie. It’s fancy without being over the top (the lace detail is super cute and not as prominent as it looked on the picture), the long sleeves are kimono style, which is super cute, and it makes a nice silhouette overall. It is absolutely perfect with sweatpants on your way to the gym or those Lauren Moshi Zebra Pants (I know, I keep mentioning them, but they are just so perfect). And I wouldn’t wear this hoodie the way the lady wears it in the picture (it’s not a dress). The fabric is 'thermal-like', and it's 100% cotton, which translates into 100% comfyness. Last but not least, don’t get a size bigger than you usually wear --you may even want to consider getting smaller size even, because those hoodies stretch; in other words, if it is tight at the beginning, it won’t last long.

You may also like the shorter version of this hoodie, a.k.a. the Nightcap Clothing Lace Hoodie, but I don't think it's as cute; but that's just me!

you've got to have faith

It’s almost summer and I am beginning to transition my usual winter-ish all-black outfits to wearing a few splash of colors here and there, and even wearing white. Woohoo! So, a couple of weeks ago, I purchased a white hoodie. It’s not all white, because that would just be boring. My Faith Connexion Hoodie Love Prayer with Studs in White is far from plain, and I'd even say that it is super fancy and fashionable. It’s white with a black vinyl ‘FAITH’ written all over it on the front – you have to have faith you know – and the back sports a set of prayers (i.e. "Love Prayer", 2 inspiring credos bejeweled with onyx rhinestones, and "Faith & Hope".) I love it! I also like the great attention to detail with the pewter pyramid studs along the pocket seams and hood (this is super trendy this summer). I’d agree that this hoodie is on the pricey side, but I’ve been wearing it so much already that it’s been worth every penny. Plus, it's so comfy that I’ve even been wearing it when I travel as well. Keep in mind that it sizes big, so get a size smaller than you usually do – I got the XS and it is not tight at all. For more sizes, you can check the Kitson Boutique.

And you can get the Faith Connexion Studded Black Hoodie with Leather for your sweetie if you have the irresistible envy to match!

the total look

The lululemon extravaganza is not over! Now that I have convinced you to get the lululemon Player Jacket (I have, right?), I think you should get the Player Pants too. Then, you'll be able to reach your full lululemon potential, trust me on that one. Those pants are low rise <wink><wink>, straight leg, and made of a super thin, yet stretchy fabric with quick dry capability; all of that is perfect for Spring and Summertime. It'll look super elegant with the matching Player Jacket, whether you go to the gym or swim practice, or just plan to hang out on a lazy Sunday. For the record, one of my friends got the outfit in black, and he loves it!

Note that this picture doesn't give the product justice, so stop by one of the lululemon athletica store near you to try those pants out. And then, don't get scared by the length of these pants: lululemon athletica offers free heming if need be. And you'll get your brand new fancy pants in less than a week. Wooza!

Are you ready to graduate to lululemon?