Fingerless Gloves - Another Diabetic Must Have

Yes, I am a little late with this since it's almost Spring but it just snowed here in New York so I figured it's still ok to post...

During the winter, it's hard to test your blood sugar when wearing gloves. That's where fingerless gloves come into the picture. Your hands can still be warm while you prick your finger tips. Many diabetics/people might not see the perks of fingerless gloves so I am giving this accessory a big shout out today. They're so much better than regular gloves; also ideal for texting!

The gloves I'm wearing in this image are perfect because they can be mittens or fingerless gloves; you get to choose. And who doesn't like being given options?

If you want to get similar gloves, check out Sears (where I bought these.) Other stores that I have seen carry this item include TJ Maxx, Target, or any major department store in your area.

Booty-licious

At this point of my life, I really don't have the option of sacrificing comfort for the sake of looking fashionable.  First of all, a day at school is like competing in the Iron Man competition.  My locker is in the basement, my first period is on the fifth floor and after that it's back and forth all day long.

Second of all, as a diabetic, I also have to try to make the extra effort to stay fit so I try to walk as much as I can during the day - including home from school instead of taking the bus.

Because I'm always on the move, the thought of wearing anything less comfortable than a sneaker usually doesn't even cross my mind.

Luckily there's Aerosoles so I don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  These have to be the most comfortable, stylish shoes I have ever tried on.

From their website: Aerosoles offers a full range of styles that are made from quality materials and unique constructions. The comfort once only found in casual shoes can now be found in everything from dress pumps to boots to sandals. We understand our customer and her needs; comfort that she can count on, through a range of styles that cover all the areas of her busy lifestyle. 

For this review, I selected a Fall fashion necessity - the booty.  The Soterday Night ankle boot by Aerosoles is constructed in faux suede. I picked Taupe but it is also available in Brown or Black.

Shirt: Alternative (available at Lord & Taylor) 
Maxi Skirt: Free People

These shoes are totally on-trend and totally comfy.  Also, I should mention that at $89.00, these shoes will not break the bank.  Note: the Soterday Night ankle boots are now on sale for $69.99 on Aerosoles.com.

I highly recommend Aeorsoles for anyone like me that lives an active, on-the-go lifestyle but doesn't want to be stuck wearing sneakers or flats all the time.

Living The Glamourous Life With Avon Jewelry

Avon is a leading global beauty company that has been around forever. Many people associate Avon with cosmetics but they offer an amazing jewelry line as well. I was lucky enough to get these two necklaces from Avon Jewelry (available online at shop.avon.com.)

Because sometimes I have to make some special considerations when it comes to my wardrobe due to diabetes, I've come to find that accessories really extend your wardrobe options and looks.  Necklaces are always an easy way to turn an outfit from drab to fab quickly.  Here are two must-haves when it comes to shopping for necklaces.

The Statement Piece

This first piece is Avon's Dramatic Embellished Statement Necklace (Retails for $29.99. Seen here in green; also available in black.)

Dress: Max Studio Leather jacket: Free People

This necklace is definitely a show stopper so I pair it with simple, neutral items like this gray maxi dress  and a sleek black leather jacket.  The scoop neckline of both the dress and the jacket really works well to highlight the bold color of the necklace.

The Subtle Piece

Even on a day where I want to wear leggings and something casual, it's nice to accent a more relaxed look with a subtle piece that can complete the outfit. I love this multi-strand necklace from Avon (Retails for $19.99.) The simple teardrop bead design creates a layered effect on this comfy, neutral sweater. It also has a bit of a vintage feel to it, which I like.

Sweater: Silence & Noise, Available at Urban Outfitters

2013 Fall Trends

Straight from the runways! Here are some of my favorite 2013 fall fashion trends:

Trend 1: Beanie Hat
Trend 2: Classic Patterns (like Plaid)

Trend 3: Military Inspired Pieces

Trend 4: Over the Knee Boots

Trend 5: Chunky Knits

Trend 6: Slouchy Pants

Trend 7: Leather

Trend 8: Winter Whites

Five Diabetic Fashion And Beauty Must Haves

I have found that using some simple guidelines for my fashion and beauty choices can make getting ready every day a lot easier.  It also makes shopping trips a lot more productive. (And, yes, I heart shopping!)

Here are my 5 must-haves for any diabetic's wardrobe and cosmetic bag:

1. Easy access separates: these are a must, especially if you're using the insulin pen.  Wear pieces of clothing that allow you to easily get to your arms and legs for your insulin shots.  I find that short sleeves with a cardigan, skirts or dresses and shorts work well for this.  It's easier to do this in the summer, when you tend to wear clothes that expose more skin.  In the chillier months, just layer.

Cardigan: Painted Threads from Nordstrom

Shirt: Mossimo for Target Stores

Skirt: Forever21

2. Cute accessories: stylish accessories - specifically bags - are a total must and you can read my past post on different styles I've used, as well as my post on the Katie folding cosmetic clutch by Stephanie Johnson.  I highly recommend something that keeps you organized so that you can separate your personal items from your diabetes stuff. Interior pockets are a lifesaver, especially if they zip.

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

3. Attitude: yes, having diabetes stinks but until there's a cure, it's something I have to deal with.  I realized that a lot of it is in the attitude.  I suggest that you just come to terms with it or "own" it.  In my case, I didn't want to wear form fitting dresses when I first got a pump since it was visible on my torso.  Then I said, "To heck with it!" and decided to wear whatever I want, when I want.  

Striped Dress: Forever21

4. Versatile outerwear: my #1 guideline of easy access separates applies to outerwear too.  If you're going to be outside, make sure that you don't have to jump through hoops to get to your arms.  Ponchos or capelets have been on-trend for the past few years. If that's not your style, just make sure that your name doesn't need to be Houdini to give yourself your insulin.

Poncho: Burberry 

5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: many diabetics (like myself) suffer from dry skin.  I like to exfoliate regularly but I also highly recommend getting yourself a good all-over moisturizer. I use Aveeno because it's natural and really does the job.

A Trip to DreamDry

Let's face it - being a teenager or a "tween" girl can be tough.  Sometimes it can feel like there's a lot of pressure to fit in.  Add this pressure on top of feeling different because you were diagnosed with a disease that forces you to constantly prick yourself and watch what you eat, and it can really feel overwhelming sometimes.

I find that my interest in fashion is a great way to focus my energy and even "escape" a little bit. I was fortunate enough this summer to attend fashion camp at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.   I also think that, as a diabetic teen, it's important to try to always look and feel your best.  Sometimes dedicating a little bit of time to some "beauty self-indulgence" is a good thing. Simple things like getting a manicure/pedicure in a fun color or experimenting with a new hairstyle can lift my spirits.

On that note...

One of my idols in the fashion world is Rachel Zoe. I watched The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo religiously, love her style and her clothing line.

Recently I had the opportunity to go to Rachel Zoe's new blowdry salon DreamDry. What is DreamDry?

From their website: "At DreamDry, we believe that every day should be glamorous—and it all begins with your hair...From our proprietary training program to our personalized customer experience, DreamDry is committed to bringing you a better blowout."


Before I went, I visited their Pinterest page and took a look at their Style Menu. The Juliette Waterfall Braid spoke to me. I thought it was, to use one of Rachel's favorite adjectives, "MAJ".

Photo credit: DreamDry

To book an appointment, all you have to do is go online to their website and request a date and time.  Once you book, you receive a confirmation email and/or text that says, "Thank you for booking an appointment at DreamDry NYC.  Our team is ready to give you the absolute best blowout of your life!"

I was so excited.

When I walked into the salon, the design totally reminded me of Rachel Zoe's style. Very clean and modern.  My stylist, Ariele, greeted me, sat me down in the {very comfy} salon chairs and gave me my initial consult - asking me what side I parted my hair on, did I want waves or straight styling, etc.

Then he brought me in for a shampoo and I was totally blown away by the scalp massage.  This is such a nice touch to the entire experience.

After the shampoo, it was time for the blowout and braid masterpiece.  I chilled out and read a few magazines on the salon's iPad.

Ariele blow dried my hair pretty straight first, then carefully braided my hair to create the Juliette Waterfall look and, lastly, added some waves to complete the style.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what I call hair heaven.

After the experience, it was time to do a DreamDry Look Book photo shoot of my own.  I only wish that I could have had this hairstyle for the first day of school.

Even if there isn't a DreamDry near you, a blowout can give your look that extra special touch and make you feel great. Just like a manicure.

DreamDry is located in NYC's Flatiron district (with a new location opening in Columbus Circle on September 6, 2013)

Visit DreamDry Flatiron at:
35 West 21st Street
(between 5th & 6th Ave.)
New York, NY 10010

DreamDry's blow dry services vary in price.  A basic blow-out is $40. The Juliette Waterfall blow-out and braid is priced at $50.

Stephanie Johnson Katie Cosmetic

One of the many benefits that I have found from switching over to the OmniPod insulin pump is that I can carry around less stuff.  I have more room in my bag to fit MY personal products - like makeup, keys, phone, etc. - and can also carry around cuter purses.

Stephanie Johnson makes stylish bags for organizing cosmetics, toiletries and travel. A perfect fit for my diabetes "stuff".  Stephanie Johnson sent me the Katie folding cosmetic clutch in Everglades Coral and I absolutely love it.

One of the best features of all Stephanie Johnson bags is that the bags are very compartmentalized; making it super easy to organize my stuff.  Look at all the stuff that it can carry.

And they're also compact and not bulky so it doesn't look like you're carrying around as much stuff as you are.  

 This is the bag folded up with all my stuff in it. Look at how thin it looks:

Stephanie Johnson bags are available in all different colors and shapes but all of them help you to organize your diabetes gear and accessories in a fashionable way. I highly recommend buying one whether it's for your diabetes stuff, cosmetics, toiletries or whatever. These bags are great for keeping everything neatly placed.

Shirt from Forever 21. Skirt from Urban Outfitters. Coach Watch.  Stella & Dot Soar necklace in bronze.

Organizing Diabetes Supplies Stylishly

Being a diabetic can be very difficult when going out with friends or going to a nice restaurant with my family. When I was on the pen I had to carry around lancets and needles that would often fall out due to lack of space or adequate compartments in the bag I was carrying.

My family got me cute bags that helped me be organized and fashionable. Cute accessories for the insulin pen that I have used include cross body, satchels or mini backpacks. When I was first diagnosed my mom gave me a LeSportsac Kasey Cross body bag (available at Macy's). It has many compartments for me to put pen needles, lancets, meter, etc.

I was really grateful for all the hidden zippers or little compartments in the bags because it made it so much easier to carry all my diabetes accessories around.

Now for mini backpacks, I don’t mean the Dora the Explorer type of mini backpack. For example, my Grandma and Grandpa went on vacation to Germany and got me the cutest leather mini backpack. Do not fly off to Germany just to buy a leather mini backpack just yet - you can go to Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters and get one very similar (one seen here is from Urban Outfitters).

My Step mom got me a Vera Bradley cosmetic case, however instead of using it for makeup, I put needles and lancets together on one side, alcohol swabs on the other side, and put my insulin pens in the middle.

Being a fashionable diabetic is hard when carrying around all these supplies, I hope my advice comes in handy!

My Favorite Brands

About Dia-beauty Style

Hi, I’m Emma! I love to pair outfits together. I could do it forever; I basically want to be Rachel Zoe.

This blog is about my personal style but with a twist...

I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 2 ½ years. I was diagnosed on February 15, 2011 and it was so depressing but something I knew I just had to deal with. I was on the Pen for about two years and I absolutely hated having bruises all over my body due to the injections. I switched over to the OmniPod in May 2013. I was very unsure about getting the OmniPod because I didn’t want people to see it on my body so I started to come up with new style approaches to make it less noticeable to others. I also threw some of those generic medical accessories to the curb in favor of cuter, more stylish ways to carry all my "diabetes stuff" - from meters to sharps to healthy snacks.

Diabeauty Style is mostly about fashion, but I also hope to help my fellow diabetics with styling their outfits and generally just feeling and looking great.