The 5 Accessories You Need This Spring

Switching up your wardrobe this spring will be a head-to-toe transition. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money on new clothes. Update your look using accessories with bright colors, fun embellishments and interesting textures to take your look from bundled-up-boring to fun and flirty just in time for spring.

Joyas

Now that you’re no longer covered up in bulky sweaters, long sleeves and turtlenecks, make the switch to unique, larger bib and choker necklaces, and colorful geometric bangle bracelets like those seen on the Chanel runways. For still-cool days, necklaces and bracelets can be layered over jackets and cuffs. While the desire to pile on the accessories may be tempting, try to stick to one statement piece per look.

Zapatos

Whether you prefer heels or flats, spring shoes are prettying up los pies. Have fun with fringe, feathers and floral footwear designs that work well with a neutral dress, like those seen at Narciso Rodriguez and Candela. For the early days of spring, cutout sandals are a great option for keeping feet semi-covered.

Bolsos

Clutches are a big trend this season, in styles from the envelope clutch to the snap clutch. Look for bright colors or color blocking, as well as prints such as plaid and floral, like those seen at Christian Louboutin. For women in need of a carryall (calling all madres!), soft and squishy oversized bags are a great option for holding everything without feeling weighed down.

Gafas de Sol

The great sunglasses rule: always keep a classic black pair and mix it up with colorful, oversized shades like those seen on the runways of Rachel Zoe and Jeremy Scott. Mirror-like lenses are also definitely trending (and perfect for hiding those late-night circles in a flash).

Scarves

Ditch the heavy wool neck scarves and pick up light headscarves in silk or chiffon. Brightly colored print scarves are a trendy way to update an ordinary hairstyle, as they’re being wrapped in a bun, braided, or worn functionally in a turban -- perfect for shielding hair from el sol.

Buena Comida to Combat Everyday Stress and Anxiety

A whopping one-third of Americans say they are living with extreme stress, according to the American Psychological Association and the American Institute of Stress. The good news? Nutrients found in certain foods boost the “happiness hormone” serotonin and reduce “stress hormones” cortisol and adrenaline. Here’s the skinny on energy-boosting, stress- and anxiety-busting nutrientes you can use:

Fiber

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, beans and starchy vegetables, contain this nutrient that keeps you full for longer, so you have energy throughout the day and avoid afternoon crashes. Complex carbs have been associated with an increase in serotonin, while fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can increase under extreme stress.

Vitamin B and C

B vitamins, found in complex carbs and proteins such as low-fat queso, help to improve mood, increase energy and ease stress levels. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and dark leafy greens, will help boost your immune system, which can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety. So now you can relax knowing you’re taking steps to keep your body in germ-fighting shape, even if you’re feeling a bit worn down from work and the kids.

Magnesium

This nutrient, found in halibut, almonds and bananas, has been proven to relax and calm the body, relieve headaches and fatigue, and relax the muscles. So stash a bag of almonds at your desk for munching if your work situation is more stressful than usual, and add a dinner dish with halibut once a week to keep nerves at bay.

Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids, plentiful in foods such as salmon, sardines and walnuts, contain anti-inflammatory properties. Why is this important? Stress and anxiety affect the body and brain’s ability to regulate inflammation, which can promote the development of disease. Studies have shown omega-3s also relieve symptoms of distress and depression.

Evitar

Caffeine, sugar and sugar substitutes, like corn syrup, provide a short energy boost now, leaving you more lethargic later. Healthy nutrients plus ejercicio -- another natural serotonin booster -- will leave you happy and reenergized to take on the most challenging of play dates, tight deadlines and those early morning traffic jams we all know too well! 

Hispanicize: Ground Zero for Latina Networking

At Hispanicize 2014, held April 1st through 4th, Latino trendsetters came together to share the latest trends in media and beyond. Las Fabulosas spoke with two of the event’s advisory board members about how Latinas are advancing their industries and the lives of other American Latinas.

Claudia Gioia, EVP, Miami Market Leader and Latino Leader at Burson-Marsteller PR firm: “Marketing and public relations are services that grew exponentially as the markets became more sophisticated. Micro-targeting proved a successful formula for connecting with the general public, but is significantly more so among minority groups like Latinas. New generations of Latinas are finding opportunities to grow their careers by supporting brands.”

On how Latinas are changing America:Many Latinas grew up in multigenerational homes, where there was a need to listen and understand family members’ needs. Employers are very interested in these attributes. After the last presidential election, it became apparent that the Hispanic population is so relevant that every general marketing and communications program needs to include them. Latinas added a great deal of authenticity to the whole ballgame in the U.S. by being excellent communicators and engagers, with an open and inclusive spirit.”

Pili Montilla, TV Host, Actress, Producer, Blogger and Social Media Expert: “There’s a beautiful need to go back to our cultural roots. In music we see a resurgence of Latin beats and sounds such as Cumbia. Lyrically, we hear a constant pride in being Latinos. We’re also seeing support for more independent, alternative acts.”

On how Latinas are changing America:Latinas in the industry are strong, ambitious, creative mujeres. We are branching out into other careers within the entertainment industry such as production, script supervising, directing and many more. Jennifer Lopez, for example, is an actress, singer, designer and more. This is inspiring to anybody, regardless of nationality, and will lead to more jobs for Latinas. While having a handful of Latinas in the public eye does not portray the full diversity of Latina women, we are heading in the right direction.”

Siete Primavera Must-Have Beauty Products

Felicitaciones! You made it through the harsh winter that wreaked havoc on your hair and skin. It’s time to toss those heavy beauty products and welcome beauty bounty that will leave you looking -- and feeling -- radiant.

Color control cream

“A light base is essential for spring,” says María José Ovalle, blogger at Very Busy Mama. “Liquid makeup can get heavy, so look for a CC cream that feels like you’re not wearing much.”

Try: Olay CC Cream – Total Effects Daily Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation

Crème makeup: blush and eye shadow

Crème makeup for eyes and cheeks is a must for busy moms, says Ovalle. These on-the-go products are available in a stick or tube, and leave skin glowing -- a big makeup trend this spring.

Try: CoverGirl Bombshell Shineshadow in popular spring color Ooh La Lilac

Dry shampoo

“As the weather warms, this product will help freshen hair, reduce oil and give texture to finer locks,” says Ovalle. Plus, it will save time normally spent styling just-washed hair.

Try: Pantene Original Fresh Dry Shampoo

Argan oil

To keep warm-weather frizz at bay, look for products containing Moroccan argan oil, which will leave hair soft and shiny. “The oil also helps retain moisture,” says Ovalle.

Try: Pantene Pro-V Smooth Argan Serum -- which boasts 24-hour humidity control

Teeth whitener

More socialization and less hibernation make spring the perfect season to brighten la dentadura. New at-home formulas are customizable for your teeth.

Try: Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips -- which compares to laser treatment at a fraction of the cost!

Tampons

Since spring and summer bring a more active lifestyle, look for hassle-free feminine products, which will allow you to get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Try: Tampax Radiant -- they come with a re-sealable wrapper that makes toilet paper waste a thing of the past.

Five Ways to Spruce Up Your Home This Season

Knee-deep in spring-cleaning? This may be the right time to not only tidy up, but makeover your home too with some spring style. Color changes and unique accessories can make a facelift easy and inexpensive.

Reuse, recycle and rearrange

The most simple and low-cost way to update a room in your home is to rearrange the furniture. Move sofas closer to the windows or place sitting chairs at an angle to give a room new life. Switch up pillows and throws throughout the house by changing what room you use them in and update photo frames with new family pictures from the year. The best part: It’s all free!

Accessorize with pops of color

Swap neutrals and dark tones for lively robin-egg blue, bright yellow or bold red. “One pop of these colors in artwork or a lamp always brightens a room,” says Vanessa De Vargas, owner of the interior design firm Turquoise. Make an old piece new again, such as a side table, with spray-paint. “These personal items become conversation pieces that tell a special story.”

Bring in patterns

Instantly update multiple rooms by swapping heavy, dark linens for light fabrics. “Brighten a sofa with colorful patterned throw pillows; place a patterned blanket over the arm of your sofa or end of the bed; and use colorful striped towels in the bathroom for a clean resort look,” says De Vargas. Lastly, trade dark drapes for bright shades, which will add luz and warmth to a room.

Paint an accent wall

Painting an accent wall in a main room of your home is the perfect statement-making, yet inexpensive update. “If you want to think a little outside the box, stencil a design against the back wall of your dining room.”