It’s a well known fact that luscious locks can transform anyone’s looks from a Plain Jane to a Sassy Samantha. Check out some of our favorite DIY hair styles that will help you achieve A-Lister beauty… on a budget.

A long, mangled mane need not be a source of annoyance. Style it away from your face with a pair of sexy pigtails:

First, add height to limp locks by teasing the hair in front. Lightly mist each section as you back comb. We like the Fructis brand of hairsprays since you can choose the strength of the hold from Flexible all the way to Extreme. At around $4 per bottle, this spray is a sure steal.

Second, split your hair down the back of your head. Then, take each section and separate into it two pieces.

Third, twist and tie hair in knots like you would with shoelaces. Repeat this until you get to the end. Or, simply do a regular braid for a more put together look. Use a heavy shot of hairspray at the ends to hold the style and you’re ready for school… or a hot night on the town.

Pixie cuts are not for the faint of heart. This particular ‘do is as sweet and simple as it is sophisticated.

Halle Berry: Image from InStyle Magazine

Michelle Williams: Image from InStyle Magazine

While you may need a trim every four to six weeks to keep it at a flattering length, the maintenance of a short mane is minimal. Try Got2Be’s Shine and Define pomade ($6 at Walgreens) – it adds a hint of luster without weighing down delicate strands.

And, we can’t do an exposé on hot hair styles without showing you how to execute our favorite bodacious bun. Taken from the Rodarte fashion show, this stylish little updo takes the cake for being uber-beautiful on a budget:

Images from Glamour Magazine

First off, use Marc Anthony’s Simply Straight Instant Straightening Cream ($7-$8) to gently moisturize strands and prevent flyaways. Then, grab your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band.

Secondly, use some elastic twine (preferably something that sparkles) from a craft store like Michael’s and tie it around your elastic. Then, criss-cross it down and around your ponytail. Secure the twine at the bass.

Finally, wrap everything up it up into a bun and secure the at sides with bobby pins.

Electrify your limp locks with these simple and sophisticated DIY hairstyles, which promise a whole lot of glamour… at just a slice of the price.

Join us next week for more fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

Let’s take a break from our Beauty on a Budget theme to pay homage to an event that encourages the complete opposite of saving: the extravagant fashions at this year’s 84th Annual Academy Awards.

The little gold statue might glow but, who really sparkled on the red carpet? FUMI has the scoop on the best and worst dressed:

Say Yes to the Dress

Mad Men hottie January Jones looked stunning in a green and brown Wes Gordon creation paired with retro Hollywood waves and red lipstick. The entire outfit scored big points with us thanks to the intricate silk detailing up top, banded waistline, and gorgeous drape of the skirt.

January Jones at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

While caped crusaders are best left to Marvel Comic movies, this particular outfit took our breath away:

Gwenyth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Mom-shell Gwenyth Paltrow glowed in a silhouette-skimming, oyster-colored Tom Ford dress with a draping cape that added extra sophistication. A wide, jeweled cuff, sky-high platform stiletto’s, and a sleek, low ponytail were the perfect complements to a simple ensemble that was both unique and chic. According to Gwenyth, this was her “Jackie O moment.”

Fashion Flop

We love gold. There’s no denying it. But, what we didn’t love was former wrestling star Stacy Kiebler’s gold lamé Marchesa dress with a gigantic rosette at the hip. The verdict? Her best accessory of the night was George Clooney.

Stacy Kiebler in Marchesa

Melissa Leo got slammed by fashion critics for her cream Marc Bouwer gown at last year’s Awards show. We actually didn’t mind it too much. It was decently structured, had a sparkly inner lining, and she pulled the look together with low key bling and a loose bun.

This year, however, we weren’t sure where she was going with this black-and-gold sequined Reem Acra gown.

In Reem Accra: 2012 Academy Awards

In Marc Bouwer: 2011 Academy Awards

Best Dressed Couple

Two is always better than one and these divine duos effortlessly lit up the red carpet: Brangelina and TomKat.

An elegantly, mind-boggling thigh high slit versus a simple, yet stunning midnight blue, beaded bodice. Who was your favorite dynamically-dressed duo?

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace and Brad Pitt

Katie Holmes in Elie Saab and Tom Cruise

Join us next week for more fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

Happy New Year, Everyone! (A bit late, but hopefully not too late!)

It’s only been a few of weeks since visions of sugar plums were dancing in your head and those cups of Uncle Bob’s spiked eggnog were swimming through your system. Unfortunately, all those sweet and creamy creations took a dive and crash landed on your love handles. So, when the ball dropped on the big 1-2, you made a resolution to shape up – or ship out.

Before you dig out your decades-old neon spandex onesie and dust off your Richard Simmons Disco Sweat workout video, we suggest you take a look at some of these FUMI-recommended, eco-friendly, multi-functional fitness goodies:

Get fit fast with these sustainable running shoes from Brooks. They’re code named Green Silence and we can’t keep quiet about how amazing they are.

The Green Silence from Brooks

75% of the shoe’s materials are post-consumer recycled, all the dyes and colorants are non-toxic, the insole is 100% biodegradable, and all the adhesives are water-based. We could go on and on and on, but just remember one key thing: no carbon footprint means plenty of peace of mind. One point to Mother Earth.

We also love what Natural Fitness is doing with their Eco-Yoga Mats. Not only is each mat fully recyclable and free of PVC’s, cadmium, and lead, for every mat sold they will also fund the planting of one tree! Did you know that one tree can remove up to 2,000 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere? Ditch those dumbbells and strike that downward dog with pride! Two points to Mother Earth.

Natural Fitness Eco-Yoga Mat

Looking cute after a lunch hour spin class is a must just in case you bump into your office crush. This is why we love this lightweight jacket from Nau.

Stylus Wrap Jacket from Nau

Made from 100% organic cotton, this wrap-around jacket is soft, breathable, and features an adjustable belt for a customizable fit. What’s the kicker, you ask? No pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers were used in the production of this stylish item. Three points to Mother Earth.

The road to a gorgeous physique need not be paved in synthetic fabrics, hot pink leotards, and overly enthusiastic fitness instructors with a paunch rather than a six-pack. Keep it simple and stylish when you sprint your way towards great health.

Join us next week for more fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

Now that the festive season is drawing to a close (and your credit cards have blissfully wheezed to full stop), it’s time for Team FUMI to prep for a little retail therapy of our own.

2012 marks a special year of exciting tradeshows and dare we say…a fabulous new product line? Stay tuned, my friends.

Join us as we take a bite out of the Big Apple at Accessories The Show in New York City from January 8-10, 2012 at the Javits Center. As the world’s largest juried accessories show, this sold out event boasts a stunning array of baubles, bling, and fashionable trimmings. Buyers from all over the world will peruse a brightly-lit show floor filled with spot-on trends, lively vendors, and gorgeous Spring/Summer must-haves that won’t disappoint their customers.

Next stop is AmericasMart in Atlanta from January 13-17 for the International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and then up to Orlando for the Gift Show from January 21-22. Connecting buyers and exhibitors from around the world, both these shows will expose you to best-selling designs, new products, and key vendors.

And, if you thought that wasn’t enough, we’re going back to New York for the International Gift Fair from January 29 – February 2 and then down to Las Vegas’ Accessories The Show from February 14-16.

It is our hope that by going to these high profile shows and connecting with buyers, that we can bring you as many amazing FUMI products as possible to change the way you run your world. Come visit us at the FUMI booth and say hello to the brains and brawn behind the whole operation: Nichole, Natascha, and Rich. This father and daughters trio would love to meet you all.

Hope you had a safe and happy New Year!

Sparkling styles and sequined silhouettes are making this season’s fashion scene extra merry. Hemlines head to the North Pole while holi-divas are decking out their feet in silver and gold.

Metallic merry making may sound like an expensive endeavor but, our FUMI fashion experts have uncovered a few affordably dazzling ideas that will fit nicely into your wardrobe.

Trim your stockings black and pair it with a Gold Sequined Sweetheart Dress from Forever 21. With a light-weight mesh overlay and soft inner lining, this dress will let you dance the night away without a single worry about comfort.

Forever 21

Or get decked out in Silver Belle style with ShopNastyGal’s Icy Sequin Dress. Keep your lips red, let your hair down, and make sure your jewelry is minimal for a stunning look that simply screams holi-dazzle.

ShopNastyGal

And, no outfit would be complete with a fabulous pair of shoes that make you look and feel like you belong on the red carpet. Grace your gams with a sky high pair of pink champagne stilettos with crystal appliqués or black velvet platform pumps with a metallic heel, tiny feathers, and a touch of sparkle. Dress them up or down with leggings and skinny jeans or go uber glam with a short skirt and smokey eyes.

Aldo Holiday Style: Bouch

Aldo Holiday Style: Durling

Clothes may make the women but nothing says beautiful better than glowing skin. The Body Shop’s Coconut Shimmer Body Lotion not only smells heavenly, it also contains organic, fair trade coconut oils to nourish and condition your skin naturally. How’s that for a sweet (smelling) deal?

The Body Shop: Coconut Shimmer Body Lotion

And, for those of us that prefer delicate hints of sparkle and shine, we suggest you ask Santa to pop a few of these FUMI baubles into his sleigh for you.

Cheetah Glamorous

Not only are these Bracelet Pursehooks easy to pair with any outfit, they’re also the perfect stocking stuffer for the practical fashionista in your life. Available in a variety of colors, metals, and styles, this affordable, multi-functional accessory is a must-have holiday item. To learn more about becoming a distributor or to meet the business minds behind FUMI, check out our LinkedIn page.

Join us next week for more fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

See you soon!

You could give out fruit cakes. Or socks. Or maybe even re-gift that box of holiday hedgehogs you won at last year’s office party. But, if you really want to get on someone’s Nice List, why not give them the gift that keeps on giving?

Treat your besties to a Bracelet PurseHook and make their lives infinitely more fashionable and functional. With so many different styles and uses, this tiny companion will make you look good while protecting your most prized possession: your purse.

Wear it as a chic piece of jewelry, use it to hang your purse, or slip it onto your handbag as a tasteful accessory.

FUMI Bracelet PurseHook in Cheetah Glamorous

Whether you want a crystal-studded, plain pewter, or silver snakeskin PurseHook, we’ve made sure this multi-functional fashion item comes in a variety of colors, metals, and designs to suit every personality and purpose.

And it gets better – forget fighting line ups at the local mall and find the perfect present with FUMI’s special holiday prize pack! Simply Like us on Facebook and tell us the name and model of your favorite Bracelet PurseHook for one of three chances to win our much-coveted contest goodies:

• 3 Bracelet PurseHooks of your choice PLUS
• 3 Scarletts of your choice – a chic lens cleaner, cell phone buffer, and purse accessory PLUS
• 3 KeepSafes of your choice – a sturdy, heart-shaped pendant and necklace that protectively holds your precious rings

FUMI Scarlett

FUMI KeepSafe

Let’s start this episode with a little math:

Liquid foundation
+ Cover up
+ Loose powder
+ Blush
+ Bronzer
+ Eye Liner
+ Mascara
+ Lipstick and Gloss
= A makeup routine that uses way too many products and takes up way too much of our time.

Beautiful does not equal high maintenance so let’s pretty-fy by

• paring down a few items in our makeup kit and
• multi-tasking with some of our favorite, all-natural products

For full coverage with a light and airy feel, we love the mineral powder foundation from Afterglow Cosmetics. Not only does it contain organic botanicals and skin-nourishing vitamins, it’s also an all-natural sun block offering an SPF of 20.

Organic Mineral Foundation from Afterglow

Swirl on as much or as little on as you want. Depending on your personal needs, you can go for sheer or build-able coverage in a variety of face-flattering shades. And, because it’s always important for us FUMI-fashionistas to kills as many beauty birds with one stone, Afterglow’s products are free of irritating parabens, dyes, and fillers making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Check, Check, and Check! Now that we’ve eliminated time-consuming, pimple-producing liquid foundation, loose powder, and cover up from our morning makeup routine, let’s girl talk about another all-natural, yet still classy cosmetic combo from Tarte: LipSurgence for gorgeous lip-smacking colors that are also perfect on cheeks!

Limited-edition LipSurgence™ collection

Pucker up with the juicy, fuchsia-toned Ashy stick before you gently blend in a smudge of color on your cheeks for a flushed and flirty look.

And, we all know our eyes are the windows to our soul so it stands to reason that we have to adorn our peepers with only the best mascara…which also happens to be budget-friendly. Duh.

Behold! Volume Million Lashes by L’Oreal. Featuring tons of fine bristles and a silky, lightweight formula, this mascara is our pick for delivering lusciously-defined and uber-lengthened lashes. If it’s good enough for Eva Longoria, it’s good enough for us.

Volume Million Lashes by L’Oreal

Stay gorgeous, my friends, and join us next week for more fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

See you soon!

At FUMI, we’re all about fashion with purpose. Versatility in our everyday wear is the key to living a stylish life – without breaking the bank. And, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s the perfect time to let the world know that you’re thinking Pink with thoughtful wardrobe choices. Look good while supporting an even greater cause without saying a single word thanks to these gorgeous must-haves:

Outfit the whole family with Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony line featuring fitted polo’s, soft sweatshirts, form-fitting tank tops, and long-sleeve T’s. 10% of all proceeds go to the Pink Pony Fund for Cancer Care and Prevention, so customize your very own polo today.

The road-running guru’s at New Balance also give you the option of personalizing your own fight with breast cancer with a customized pair of New Balance runners:

Pick your own battle cry and proudly let the whole world know that you’re a survivor, running in honor of a loved one, or walking for the same reason the rest of us are – to end breast cancer once and for all. 5% of your purchase goes to New Balance’s Lace Up for the Cure which guarantees a minimum donation of at least $500,000 each year. That’s what we call a step in the right direction.

Or, if you’re looking for an everyday way to wear your support, take a look at these uber-comfy Pink Ribbon UGGs available in Chestnut and Raspberry:

Featuring a delicate pink ribbon on the ankle, you and The Walking Company can give cancer the boot as 5% of every UGG purchase goes to Walking for Hope.

And, straight from the presses, this knockout t-shirt takes the cake in being feminine and fierce:

Café Press offers a fabulous selection of shirts, baby onesies, and swag with hilariously sobering quotes designed to inspire everyone to give breast cancer the count:

Wearing pink is a wonderful way to help spread the word at home, school, work, and even at mom and tot get-togethers. But, whether you wear a pink dashiki, Dockers, or pair of dickies, the best thing you can do to show your support is to donate to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Join us next week for more international fashion news, tips, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

See you soon!

With Fall following closely on our peep-toed feet, we’d like to welcome you to FUMI’s very own fashion blog dedicated to bringing you the inside scoop on new trends, functional style, and smart buys!

The holidays are fast approaching and the pressure for perfection in the home and office is bearing down on all of us – women that is. It’s no secret that those blessed with a double-X chromosome are expected to be multi-talented. You know what I mean Ms. Gourmet Cook, Loving Mother, and Trophy Wife. And, let’s face it, Super Heroines need to have equally versatile, well-rounded side kicks and secret weapons to save the day.

Image from Pop on the Top

We all keep our secret weapons in the same place you do – our purses. Look into your bag right now and you’ll see that your whole life is in there. Our purses need to be treated with respect because, not only do they serve a functional purpose, they’re also aesthetically appealing and one of our most important accessories. Would you place your expensive leather Louis on the floor next to two-week old chewing gum? Do you really want your favorite handbag dangling precariously from a splinter-ridden chair?

All that aside, the real question here is, “Shouldn’t our sidekicks be watching over our secret weapons?”

So, if you sift through this website, you’ll see that it’s not a bird and it’s not a plane – it’s FUMI’s multifunctional PurseHook – and it’s the best fashion friend you’ll ever have. Always tough, reliable, and undeniably stylish, our PurseHooks have multiple uses and are always there to protect your satchels from unsavory attacks from dirty floors, dusty seats, and enemies on the hunt for the goodies housed within your handbags.

As seen on the Today Show, the FUMI PurseHook is a chic, 3-in-1 bracelet, a glamorous piece of handbag hardware, and a sturdy, yet stylish hook that can be hung from any table to hold a bag up to a weight of 25lbs. Made of recycled rubber and metal, the FUMI PurseHook is an eco-friendly fashion tool that is so much more than just a pretty accessory. See the basic ways you can use your PurseHook from Nicole.

Trends come and go but real style with substance sticks around for the long haul. Protect your best accessories and secret weapons with our tiny multi-tool that packs a huge fashion punch – with purpose.

Join us next week for more fashion tips, tricks, and FUMI tools that will change the way you run your world.

See you soon!