BuzzSugar

Fashion to Interiors: Caramel Leather, Animal Prints, and Metallic Accessories

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:00:20 PST

I'm constantly finding similarities between the pieces I'm coveting for my closet and the items I'm looking to incorporate in my home. I've pulled together an outfit and a home decor look that combines texture, bold prints, metallic hues, and yummy leather. See how I translate fashion to interiors with these two looks!

Even with a secretary blouse and heels, this Romantic Leather Skirt ($1,400) feels effortlessly cool. One of my favorite ways to achieve this look at home is by adding a piece of '70s-style furniture in buttery, caramel-colored leather. This Leather Butterfly Chair ($200) achieves the same earthy but slightly polished look at a great price point.

A metallic hybrid of sorts, this Sloan Lizard-Effect Metallic Leather Clutch ($220) works equally well with silver and gold accessories. I'm applying the same philosophy to this Armand Riviera Pendant ($375). A gold interior casts a warm glow against the hammered silver exterior - perfect for mixing up metallic decor!

I love incorporating animal prints into my wardrobe and decor, because they add a graphic punch but are classic prints. This Animal-Print Cotton and Silk-Blend Blouse ($1,100) feels especially polished with a tie-neck detail. I always gravitate toward a great animal-print layering piece for a room, like this Leather Zebra Cowhide Rug ($2,360).

Click the pieces above to shop both looks!

3 Must-Do Yoga Poses For Tight Hips

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:06:42 PDT

Whether you suffer from tight hips because you run, sit at a desk all day, are pregnant, or were just born with oh-so-tight hips, here are three yoga poses you can do every day to increase flexibility and reduce tension in this commonly stiff area. Mix up the sequence each time you do it to keep your muscles guessing.

One of my favorite stretches after a run, Lizard will target your hips and hip flexors.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Step your right foot forward between your palms keeping your hands on the floor. Lower your left knee to the mat, and release your elbows to the floor as well. Either rest your hands on the ground or bring your hands together in prayer position.
Continue to squeeze your right knee toward your body and gaze forward to encourage your hips to lower toward the floor. After five breaths come back onto your hands. Tuck your left toes and step your right leg back. Take a vinyasa (exhale as you lower to Four-Limbed Staff, inhale to Upward Dog, then exhale to Down Dog), step your left foot forward, and repeat this pose on the left side.

I'm just getting started so keep reading for two more effective hip opening yoga poses.

Beyond the Basics: Inner Thigh Stretches

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:15:43 PDT

After a weekend spent doing Pilates and ballet-inspired workouts, I experienced a type of muscle soreness that was entirely new to me - my inner thighs (aka adductors) were on fire. While I have a series of stretches that I do after every workout, I now realize that none of them really target this often overlooked area. If you've also been neglecting your inner thighs the way I have, here are a few stretches to get you started!

Basic Inner Thigh Stretch - Here's a favorite stretch of ours, especially for after a run since you can do it anywhere. This basic stretch will lengthen tight inner thighs safely and effectively.
Butterfly Pose - Also referred to as Baddha Konasana or Bound Angle pose, Butterly pose is one of my favorite ways to end a challenging yoga class. Not only does it get into the upper thigh area, but it's also a great hip-opener that stretches out the lower back, too.
Wide-Legged Forward Bend E - In ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes an instructor throws in a fifth, Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This deep pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.
Frogger - Imagine how you'd look sprawled out like a frog, and you basically have the gist of this stretch. What's great about Frogger is that you can hang out in the pose for as long as you want to really give your inner thighs a good, deep stretch.
Wall Straddle - The wall is a great prop to use when stretching because it can either support the weight of your body or add resistance. Wall straddle is a great stretch that you can do at home, and it's easy to make the stretch as easy or intense as your body can handle. Just make sure to take your shoes off!
Side Lunge For Inner Thigh - It's always best to stretch warm muscles, but you can't always be in a place where it's easy to stretch on the ground. That's why this inner thigh stretch is awesome - you can stand up and do it anywhere.

Suffer from tight adductors? What's your favorite stretch?

Madonna Goes Ladylike and Gorgeous at Venice Film Festival

Noria Morales — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:26:06 PDT

Madonna strode the red carpet in a beautiful dress by Vionnet at the Venice Film Festival, where she is debuting her film W.E. Her dress choice has extra special meaning: costumes for her film were reproduced from the original Madeleine Vionnet archive. Madonna looks ultra elegant, even with the bright red sunglasses. Her blue silk satin dress is beaded with red butterflies, making for a dreamy effect. For all the angles on Madonna's glamorous outing, click the slideshow.