Nip It in the Bud: Zip's Natural Sport Nip Stick

Of all your many injuries, those nipple-related have been the most painful.
There was the Chafing Incident during the Boston Marathon. The European Sunbathing Fiasco of 2000. The worst? The infamous Pete Rose Third-Base Dive that nearly cost you your left one forever.
For moments like these, Zip’s Natural Sport Nip Stick is a must. Only one of the many skin-saving products for athletes made by tree huggers Indigo Wild, the Nip Stick treats your burned and chapped tenderonies with all-natural, aromatherapeutic ingredients, soothing the pain and softening the skin. Other products to love are Muscle Rub, Sole Spray, and the indispensable Scab Dab, for those nasty scrapes you can’t seem to avoid.
So whether you’re running on empty, running against the wind, or — oops! — running into the ground, Zip’s has a remedy.

Available online at indigowild.com.

Style Wins has 300 Zip's Natural Sport Nip Sticks to giveaway to 300 lucky readers. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com by October 31, 2009 for your chance to win!

Feeling Forward: Belen Echandia Bags

Dance with me. Take me anywhere. Stroke me. Racy requests made by the Scary Larry sitting next you?
Um. No.
Try the names of bags from Belen Echandia, the British line that’ll give you just what you want.
Created by lawyer-turned-designer Jackie Cawthra, the collection comprises handmade leather bags crafted in limited runs. Her inspiration comes from actual customers, which is also how she originally came up with all the, er, unusual names.
Faves include Indulge Me, a just-the-right-size shoulder bag with two handles, stitched detailing, and a center compartment lined in waterproof fabric so you can carry wet umbrellas or gym clothes; the Kiss Me
clutch, a semicircle with zipper top and slender wrist strap in textured silver or black; and Take Me Away, an ample-size weekender with removable shoulder strap, subtle gold hardware, and multiple inside pockets.
Each has an attention-getting, silky fuchsia lining, so the bags look just as good inside as out.
And that says it all.

Available online at belenechandia.com.

Style Wins has two bags from Belen Echandia to giveaway to two lucky readers. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com by October 30, 2009 for your chance to win!

Put a Lid on It: Effie’s Heart Tulip Hats

On your morning-after-binge-drinking to-do list, you’ve got it all covered. Visine? Check.
Advil? Double check.
Miracle concealer? You bet.
Hair of the dog? Desperate times …
Your own hair? Eek!
Rather than letting that rat’s nest give it all away, cover your tresses with a charming tulip hat by Effie’s Heart.
The toppers are inspired by the 1920s, when, according to the designer, busy Prohibition Era women threw on cute chapeaux to conceal the effects of a night of hard partying.
The styles are pretty and practical: Each one has a large scalloped edge, is reversible, and can be adjusted to accommodate even large noggins. Available patterns include a summery navy stripe/blue and white floral print, an ornate black velvet/dark chocolate toile, a classic red gingham/solid red, and an adventurous patchwork/soft yellow.
All four looks are lighthearted and utterly ladylike.
Which is exactly what people will say about you.
Assuming, of course, they didn’t see you dancing on a banquette twelve hours ago.

Available online at effiesheart.com.

Style Wins has five Effie's Heart hats to giveaway to five lucky readers. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com by October 30, 2009 for your chance to win!

Straighten Up: Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment

Sung to the tune of “Straight Up.”
Lost in a dream,
You don’t know which way to go.
A-let us say, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment is all that it seems.
Then, frizzy-haired diva, you’re movin’ way too slow.
You’ve been fooled before.
Wouldn’t you want sleek, smooth shine without products galore?
How about some information, please?
(Uh, please, please.)
Straight up now tell me,
Is it really gonna work for me forever?
No, no, no.
You’re gonna be set for three to six months.
Straight up now tell me,
Head straight to Roche, get it together,
Oh, oh, oh.
No more hair always in a bun.
Your hair’s standing still,
As you wait four days to wash.
A-let me tell you now, no harsh chemicals to kill.
You gotta know the solution is posh.
You’ve been fooled before.
Wouldn’t want the hair of a sleazy two-bit whore.
That’s all the information, jeez!

Roche Salon, 3000 K Street NW, between 30th and 31st Streets (202-775-0775 or rochesalon.com).

Style Wins has one $300 gift certificate to giveaway to one lucky reader. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com by October 30, 2009 for your chance to win!

Holy Sheet: Blissliving Home

You often hear a lot about what happens between the sheets (um, mitin). But it’s pretty rare that you hear anything about the sheets themselves.
Though that’s about to change, thanks to Blissliving Home’s new line of bed linens.
The locally based collection includes duvets, shams, sheets, and quilts featuring oversize graphics, botanical silhouettes, and geometric patterns.
You’ll be tempted to run home for a nooner with the Amanda duvet and sham set, decked in a leaf and branch print in soothing brown and green or purple on cream. Anis, a crisp black and white flower design punctuated with pink and green birds, will inspire your animal instincts. Or go totally crazy under Mallory, a silky smooth sateen decorated in pinstripes alternating with abstract blossoms in aqua or cobalt.
Add some of the mix-and-match pillows and cozy throws to create a totally inviting boudoir.
Thank heavens the walls can’t talk.

Available online at blisslivinghome.com.

Style Wins has ten sets of Blissliving Home bed linens to giveaway to ten lucky readers. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com for your chance to win!

Parking Spot: Sabores Restaurant Opens

Garages are good for a number of things — oil changes, sales, bands. But food?
You bet. (We’re not talking about a random can of Spam.)
Step inside the newly opened Sabores, an at-ease restaurant designed with large wood and glass garage doors that open right onto the street.
Grab a seat at one of the marble-top tables and order from chef Daniel Amaya’s spicy but simple Latin menu, filled with hot numbers like avocados stuffed with local crabmeat and lemon vinaigrette; seafood paella with clams, muscles, shrimp, calamari, saffron rice, red peppers, and green peas; and white bean stew with sausage, plum tomatoes, fresh thyme, and cumin.
Wash it down with homemade red or white sangria — and get ready for a perfect buzz.
Which is totally fine: You’ve found a great new place to park it.

Sabores, 3435b Connecticut Avenue NW, at Ordway Street (202-244-7196).

Style Wins has two $150 gift certificates to giveaway to two lucky readers. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by October 20, 2009 for your chance to win!

Daddy Macaron: Michel Patisserie Macarons

Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates.
And, heaven, she said, was a box of macarons from Michel Patisserie.
Local pastry chef Michel Giaon, who spent more than ten years in Paris learning the art of macaron, makes his treats fresh daily with premium ingredients like California almonds and European butter. The result: a colorful and delicious array of the French favorite, reminiscent of those from legendary bakery Ladurée.
Flavors range from traditional (vanilla, chocolate, raspberry) to imaginative (matcha green tea, lime with basil, rose). Craving something special? Giaon gladly accepts requests for custom flavors. Plus, if you live in the D.C. area, you can pick them up the day after you order.
In other words, you’ll always know exactly what you’re going to get.

Available online at michelpatisserie.com.

Style Wins has one $100 Michel Patisserie gift certificate to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by October 15, 2009 for your chance to win!

The Girl from Z. Paneva: Z. Paneva Necklaces

Your nemesis, Muffy, has gotten away with a lot lately. She’s taken control of the tennis whites, the perky ponytails, and the monograms.
Well, she can troll the club for a politician hubby all she wants. She’s not getting your pearls.
Especially not the new ones from Z. Paneva. Made by Bulgarian ceramic tile designer Zlatka Pirin Paneva and her daughter Vera Neykov (a Parsons student), these are ivory strands with a twist.
Asymmetrical motifs include large resin ovals, leather ties, and Japanese freshwater pearls in unabashed color combinations from peach and black to fire engine red. Even nonpearl pieces — like simple, organically shaped resin pendants in conch shell and green tea shades with gold floral detailing — are edgy-pretty.
Just try and take that, Muffy.
And hands off the Arnold Palmers, too.

Available at Andana, 1045 Swarthmore Avenue, between Sunset Boulevard and Albright Street, Pacific Palisades (310-454-6515 or andanashoes.com).

Style Wins has five Z. Paneva necklaces to giveaway to five lucky readers. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by August 15, 2009 for your chance to win!

Elevated Status: Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge

Love lift us up where we belong. Where the eagles cry, on a mountain high.
Or, at the very least, on the 21st floor.
Take the elevator to Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge, where indoor/outdoor 360-degree views let you spy on The Standard, Pegasus Lofts, and the rest of Downtown.
The Takami side (taking reservations for Saturday and beyond) gives you kimono-covered walls, an orange leather sushi bar, a peek-a-boo wine and sake room, and Katsu-Ya and SHU vet chef Kenny Yamada’s innovative bites like Pop Art Crab and shishito peppers.
For Lotus Blossom and Lychee Mojito cocktails, cross the hall to Elevate Lounge (open now). If the mosaic bars are packed, duck into the VIP lounges (with individual mini dance floors) or hit the patio.
The sky-high duo is sure to stick in your memory for a long time to come.
Not unlike a certain Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes duet we know.

Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge, 811 Wilshire Boulevard, between Flower and Figueroa Streets, 21st floor, Downtown (213-236-9600 or takamisushi.com).

Style Wins has one $200 Takami Sushi gift certificate to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by August 1, 2009 for your chance to win!

A Budding Operation: Juliet Flores Flowers

Everyone always knew little Suzy Needleman would grow up to be a doctor, just as David Payne’s future in pro wrestling seemed favorable from birth.
So guess what Juliet Flores is up to? Yep, the young designer’s bespoke floral business has just gotten off the ground.
After starting out as a teen selling flowers in a hut in Santa Monica, Flores spent years apprenticing for designers throughout L.A. — so when it comes to style, she has quite a range. Taking cues from the location, occasion, and, of course, clients’ preferences, she offers weekly deliveries to home or work, as well as intimate weddings and special events.
Pretty a dinner party with sweet and old-fashioned buds. Find a fresh conversation starter in something contemporary and architectural. Or request fragrant blooms to brighten your day.
Doesn’t it all sound good, Miss Adoresanicebouquet?

Juliet Flores (323-719-1835 or julietsflores@gmail.com).

Style Wins has one $100 to Juliet Flores to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com before August 1, 2009 for your chance to win!

The Whole Story: Hela Spa Opens

When's the last time you felt whole, entire, and complete?

Aside from that incident at the all-you-can-eat buffet at Sizzler, we mean?

Chances are, its been awhile. So stop by the new Hela Spa in Georgetown and get your fill of relaxation and contentment.

Named for the Swedish word meaning "whole", the spa has applied the idea to body and soul, creating a multi-faceted approach to wellness and beauty. With a full range of customized treatments and medical-grade services, they'll tailor everything to your needs and wants, including purifying and renewing facials, firming masques, glycolic peels, photo rejuvenation, and laser hair removal. Massage options include deep tissue, reflexology, and of course, Swedish.

The Scandinavian-influenced space is done up in calming whites and serene greens - and the result is a wholly satisfying experience.

Or as the Swedish might say, Hela good.

Hela Spa, 3209 M Street, Washington, DC

Style Wins has 1 $250 Hela Spa gift certificate to giveaway to 1 lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com before July 15, 2009 for your chance to win!

Chick Lit: “Going for the Bronze,” by Sloane Tanen

Pretty and clever. Charming and witty. Vain and self-effacing.

But enough about you. Let's talk about the chickens.

Sloane Tanen's chickens, to be precise. The charming diorama dwellers we first fell for (read: identified shamelessly with) in Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same are back in all their fluffy splendor. Only this time, they're Going for the Bronze, with their usual mix of bravura, wit, and lunacy.

No matter how you look at it, it's tough to be a modern young chicken. And Tanen, an astute social critic whose medium happens to be fuzzy yellow chicks, spares no punches as she takes on diets and divas, botox and boyfriends, slackers and starlets, annoying new mommies and Boris the boy genius.

Which is to say you'll recognize yourself and your whacked-out friends in the meticulously composed and hilariously detailed scenes. The book, which consists of photos of the dioramas and witty captions, feels like eavesdropping and window shopping on very crazy (yet utterly typical) lives.

Or, put another way, peering into the madhouse that is your henhouse.

Available at Amazon.com.

Style Wins has 20 copies of Going for the Bronze to giveaway to 20 lucky readers. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com for your chance to win!

Gracias De Nada: Denada Design Bags

Remember the foreign language feud of 1989? You wanted to take French (visions of chocolate, fashion, a semester in Paris). The 'rents insisted on Spanish (visions of practicality).

As a result, the necessary basics have stuck: Donde esta el bano? Necesito mas cerveza. And, of course, de nada.

So you'll appreciate Denada Design, creators of some of the prettiest little bolsas (purses, silly) in town. Created by D.C. artist Virginia Arrisueno, the bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes - hobos, city totes, wristlets - and are made with standout fabrics patterned with bold, graphic designs like deco-y flowers, cool camo, and even a psychedelic toile.

Our fave has to be the mini amber floral striped tote with a magenta lining.

The best part? The bags cost only $30 to $50.

Which means you'll have much dinero left over for those French lessons.

Available at Denada Design.

Style Wins has 1 Denada Design bag to giveaway to 1 lucky reader. Send an email to stylewins@yahoo.com by July 1, 2009 for your chance to win!

A Fitting Reward: Jalda Handbags and Accessories

Handbags and wallets are a lot like Goldilocks would describe the bears.

Papa's too big. Mama's too small. And Baby's perfect. But only with your light blue dress with the green embroidery. (Damn that one dimensional family.)

So hail the versatility of Jalda Handbags, which has accessories for just about any occasion. Each is made with crocodile-embossed leather and comes in an array of colors. There's the turquoise card case for when you want to go out with just an ID and credit card, the pumpkin-colored passport cover for when you need to get on the plane, the fuchsia PDA case for meetings, and the metallic purple clutch for for when you need to carry a whole slew of things.

You can use them separately, of course, but put them all together and they look very polished.

Or juuuuust right, as our aforementioned golden-haired lass might have put it.

Available online at Shopbop.

Style Wins has 1 Jalda Handbag to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by July 1, 2009 for you chance to win!

Vinyl Fantasy: Pixie Fashions Accessories

Pixie stix will rot your teeth. Pixie haircuts are tough to pull off (unless you're Mia Farrow circa Rosemary's Baby). And the Pixies reunion is old news.

Before you decide the magic is gone check out Pixie Fashions, a trove of fun, quirky accessories. Each creation - hair accessories and jewelry - is handmade from PVC (that's vinyl, people) and there's nothing fairy-like about them.

Bring the classic arcade chase to your head with a Pac-Man-inspired hair clip (paired with the tormenting ghost). Bracelets range from mini pink pistols and tattoo hearts to martini glasses and corset charms.

Pixie Fashions come in itty-bitty prices too ($15-$30), and will even custom design items. Just tell them your idea, and they'll make it a reality.

Sort of a real-life fairy-tale ending.

Available online at Pixie Fashions.

Style Wins has 5 amazing pieces to giveaway to 5 lucky winners. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by July 1, 2009 for your chance to win!