Seeing Red at the Marketplace

by Carlina Harris

As you know, last week I went to Seattle, WA to visit a friend for a long weekend. While we were at Pike Place, a marketplace, a photographer came up to me, and asked to take my picture for her street-style look-book. I was thrilled to, since I frequent these sites often! Check out what she said about my outfit, or click on the link here.

"I spotted Carlina at Pike Place today and had to fight my way through a crowd of tourists so I could get a shot of her great coat! It's so easy to forget about color once the weather turns cold and grey, but she did a great job of pairing a beautiful red coat with a silvery blue scarf. Bright and cute and still keeps the cold out!"

So I decided I wanted to showcase great outfit post from the readers--you! I am always inspired by others' imaginations and ability to style, so show me what you got. Send the pictures to my email at carlina@brandhabit.com. My favorite outfit post will get a cool giveaway!!!

THREAD’s Two-Day Holiday Event

by Carlina Harris

Shopping season is upon us! Lovely presents for good little girls and boys, trinkets, tinsel and toys. Who doesn't love to shop? Well except maybe straight boys. This weekend you can get your shop on at THREAD’s Two-Day Holiday Event, and cross off everyone on your nice list- there will be items for girls, boys, old and young!

The event will take place at Fort Mason, November 20 and 21st, from 11 to PM.

Enjoy a photo booth, style lounge, live art, art and fashion shows from Art Now SF, drink specials, as well as remarkable steals and deals on clothing, jewelry, and one of a kind finds from local artisans and emerging artists! And check out the giant clothes swap happening, so come and recycle your slightly used stylish clothes and upgrade for different ones.

Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 if you RSVP online before the show. Entrance includes shopping tote and free cocktails for the first 250 guests each day.

See you at THREAD!

Bonjour Chanel, Bienvenue!

by Carlina Harris

Who doesn't love a little black dress? A strand of elegant pearls? A short tweed jacket? An always forever classic set of "c's" interlocking? Ah Chanel- my one true yet very expensive love! You're back from hiatus, vacation, fashion week? Who knows, all I heard is that you left me months ago, leaving me and our spot at Maiden Lane all alone to be sad, depressed and fashion-less.

Whats that? You're back, and you're opening those pristine doors once again to an even better, and more extravagant boutique in San Francisco. Glory be, music to my ears, how I waited for this day. We shall be reunited once again! But I am not a jealous gal, I know I can't keep you all to myself.

So here's the deets: November 20, and 21 from 10am-6pm, the official re-opening of the renovated boutique. Enjoy the festivities with complimentary makeup sessions, and discover the Cruise Collection exclusives.

Au revoir mademoiselle!

Belle of the Ball

What is more becoming at a holiday party than a pair of decadent strappy sandals paired with your favorite little black dress? The shoes can make or break your look. Yes your ballet flats may be more comfy than your sky-high pumps, but it’s time to celebrate – why not break out your most daring look and allow your feet to suffer for a few hours. The looks you get will be worth your pain and suffering! Remember moleskin, more moleskin and Band Aid Blister Block!

First up is the sweetly sexy rose embellished Rene Caovilla Rose Sandal (upper left, $1,095.00 at Neiman Marcus) in black satin. This high-heeled tower of a shoe is delicately crafted in Italy of satin with an ankle strap and rose detail on the t-strap and toe. This 5-inch high heel has silver hardware. Pair these beauties with your favorite LBD and accent with a sparkly sequin silver clutch and over the top crystal earrings. You’ll be the belle of the ball with this can’t miss Spotlight Sequined Pump (upper right, $795 at Bergdorf Goodman). The sequin embellished pump will add a sparkle to your step; they are adorned with Grigio sequins and a pretty bouquet of pearls on the vamp. These peep toe sequined pumps have a hidden platform and a 4 3/4″ covered heel. Tory Burch’s Iona Pump with Stones (bottom right, $450 at Tory Burch) is a dramatic way to add a fun and fearless look to your holiday dressing. The black satin caged sandal is embellished with chunky stones and closes with a Tory Burch logo zipper up the back. Lanvin’s fabulous Metallic leather sandal, (bottom left, $1,040 at Net-a-Porter) is the perfect finishing touch to your fiercest holiday look. The 1-inch platform touts a dramatic shape and gold gilded cutout detailing, black piping, a sling back and a silver tone angled heel.

Save at Neiman Marcus with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

From our friends at thefind.

Leopard Prints Charming

by Carlina Harris

I am so excited! I am going to Seattle tonight to visit a very good friend of mine, and spending the weekend with her at her country home just outside of the big city. Since its going to be raining all weekend, we will try to keep warm by staying indoors (hopefully)-- we'll bake cookies, drink champagne, go shopping, and have all sorts of girlfriend fun times!

Now the only problem here is, I don't really know what to pack. Last time we hung out in California, I wore a vintage sequin top with shoulder pads--and I think she thought it was a little much! Should I tone it down for the low key life in Washington, or should I bring the seksi to Seattle? Well if you have been reading "Links We Love" for the past two years, I am not really one to tone it down, hence this. So of course, I will bring the fierceness, and by fierce I mean leopard!

Who doesn't love this gaudy, abrasive print, in its many forms (fur, cashmere, cotton) and shades? Its a trend that always seems to pop up around this time of year--holiday season. It is perfect for all those parties, festivities, and definitely a conversation starter! What's that, you say this is one trend you can't do? Sure you can, just take baby steps, not ready for the full on leopard dress (not really appropriate for my weekend festivities), try a sassy leopard flat, or a cashmere scarf, to incorporate some of this trend, and as to not go overkill.

Check out some of my suggestions below for how to tone down all these pieces, what I'm bringing with me on my trip, and what I am saving for SF, NY, Paris!

Seattle bound:
 

Trying to remain true towards my feelings for fashion, yet not to avant-garde for the rest for the state, these were my top three for Seattle. I love how on the leopard pump, the color gradually fades to black, understated elegance at its best. The cashmere wrap is obvi for the plane, and everywhere else, its just too fabulous not to wear! And the cardi is fun, and cashmere, perfect for a chilly day, rain gear not included. From left to right: CARLOS by Carlos Santana Leopard Pump, Zappos, $110; Leopard Cashmere Travel Wrap, Madison LA, $345; Cashmere Leopard Cardigan, Bergorf Goodman, $265

Saving for the SF, NY, Paris:

 

Now these three are bold leopard, they don't just say look at me, they demand the attention of the entire building! I had to throw in the Louboutin's of course, sexy meets of the moment fierceness, and that red sole is so beautiful! The cap sleeved dress is very elegant, and a simple look to do: only accessories, shoes, and red lips required. Now the last item- the oh so fabulous coat, the one that caught my eye (at JC Penny's none the less) and is now hanging in my already over packed closed, well there really are no words. Except, I got it for under $50 in store, when online it says $84!!!!

Left to right: Christian Louboutin, Saks Fifth Avenue, $1,095; Satin Leopard Print dress, Tadashi Shoji, Neiman Marcus, $290; Leopard coat, Oxford & Regent, JC Penny, $83.99

Au revoir mon cheri!

Indulge Your Inner Celebutante

Find your inner “celebutante” this holiday season. For celebrating the season festive dressing is all about sparkle, shine and glittery glam! I know that Thanksgiving hasn’t yet arrived, but it’s not too early to prepare for holiday merry making, mischief and mirth! I’ve rounded up a few accessories to get you in the mood and inspired for fabulous fetes ahead…

A ginormous cocktail ring is essential, the bigger and more sparkly the better. Kenneth Jay Lane is the master of statement making costume jewelry. You can’t get more giant or sparkly than these Emerald Cut Cocktail Rings by Kenneth Jay Lane, ($100 each at Vivre.com). Instead of your go-to LBD how a dazzling sequined number like this Marc Jacobs Sequined zebra-stripe dress ($2,800 from Net-a-Porter). On your feet some glistening patent leather strappy sandals, something like these Lanvin Bow-embellished patent sandals ($1,095 also from Net-a-Porter). Under your arm a crystal embellished clutch will do just the trick. I love this brightly hued silk satin PRADA Stones Clutch Pink ($1,295.00 at Barneys.com). On your ears some pave pyramid stud earrings (Juicy Couture, $48).

To add the finishing touch to your prettiest  look to Benefit’s Celebutante value kit ($34 at ULTA). The kit includes Set includes: High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer, Benetint, Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain, Dallas, the Outdoor glow for the indoor gal face powder, Lip gloss in I’m with the band, Full-finish lipstick in lady’s choice, Full-finish lipstick in no competition, Velvet eyeshadow in leggy, Velvet eyeshadow in dandy brandy, Fluff shadow/talent brush & a step-by-step lesson.

To jumpstart your debut as a Celebutante, our friends at ULTA,  will award one $50 gift card to a lucky winner of this week’s contest from TheFind. The contest begins Wednesday November 11, 11:59 p.m. PST and ends Wednesday November 18th, 2009 11:59 p.m. PST.

To enter:
1. Become a fan of TheFind.com on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/thefind
2. Leave a comment about your fave product from ULTA on TheFind’s Facebook giveaway post.
3. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway post to your Facebook profile.

If you are already a fan of TheFind on Facebook, simply:
1.  Leave a comment about your favorite ULTA product on the the Facebook post.
2. Share the ULTA GiftCard Giveaway #2 and post to your Facebook profile.

Good luck!

From our friends at thefind.

Fall Flat Wishlist

by Carlina Harris

Heels have been getting taller and taller lately- eight inches anyone?  My feet really can't handle it (being Lady Gaga for Halloween definitely took a toll on my poor tootsies- but it was sooo much fun being her)! (gaga on left, geisha on right)

Hence, I am pretty excited that flats are so back, in a big way. No longer do you have to be tall to be chic. Flats can be fabulous too. Winter is just around the corner, give your toes some sass, and sparkle with some of my favorite flat picks.

Sparkle and Shine:

Sequins and rhinestones are big hits during the holiday season, why not bring the bling to your feet? Sassy flats can be as statement making as any old pair of platforms. Tone down the rest of your outfit, as to not appear a walking talking Christmas display. Go ahead and turn up the bright on your feet and watch heads turn!

   
Studded Styles:

These stunner's are just too hot to trot (in). Fashion folks round the world have professed their undying love for this hardware, seen on purses and clothes. Obvious shoes were getting a bit jealous! 

   

Menswear:

Another huge trend. It has been creeping up on us in form of button downs, slacks, fedora's, and now shoes. I already own a fabulous pair of taupe oxfords, but may have to get another- the price on the F21 ones are great!

  

(Rhinestone Leopard Toe Flats, F21, $19.80; D&G Dolce and Gabana Ballet Flats Studded, $945; Bronze Glittered Point Toe Flats, F21, $10.80; Christian Louboutin Rollerball, $995; Dorthy, Boutique 9, Nine West, $110; Wing Tip Oxfords, F21, $19.80; Maloles Studded Oxford, $455)

Cozy Up in a Fur Collar Cardigan

Fall 2009 is all wrapped up in cozy luxe dressing. Fur is a major trend this season. Add just a touch of vintage appeal to your look with a fur collared cardigan. These cozy cardis can be dressed up or down. You can create a look that is sweet and demure or infused with a downtown urban edge. Fur collared cardigans are available in long and belted to short and cropped styles. Many of the collars are detachable, but be sure to remove the fur before washing or dry cleaning.

Distinctly vintage and feminine, Bryan Bradley’s Cropped Cardigan, (upper left, $178 at NeimanMarcus.com) is pretty in pink with a brown natural rabbit collar. The pink cardigan is knit of a silk/cashmere blend and three-quarter sleeves. Juicy Couture’s Faux-fur Trimmed Wool Cardigan, (right, $280 at Net-a-Porter) is a long belted cardigan. I especially love the puff shoulders which adds a modern twist to this self-belted style. Knit of 100% grey lambswool the sweater fastens with a concealed press-stud fastener at the front. Perfect for stylish recessionistas is a fantastic buy from Target. The Merona Fur-Collar Cardigan (middle left, $18.74) is a cotton/rayon blend with a faux fur collar. This button down style has a tie waist and the collar can be removed. Lastly, from Urban Outfitters is a cropped style featuring a curved single button front and a v-neck faux fur collar. The “Ecote” Cardigan (bottom left, $68 at Urban Outfitters) is a cotton acrylic blend and would pair nicely with a pair of your favorite jeans for a weekend casual look.

Save at Juicy Couture with coupons from TheFind.com’s coupon site.

From our friends at thefind.

Litter SF: Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

By Carlina Harris

When I saw this jewelry collection, Lady Gaga's " Beautiful Dirty Rich" song bust in my head. Appropriate since I could see the Lady herself rockin' any of the pieces. Stunning jewelry, with a grimy lived in feel, expensive looking = beautiful dirty rich.

 These beautiful and dirty rich pieces, are none other than Litter SF. Litter SF have the dopest selection of chain jewelry designed by sisters Rachael and Mackenzie, a "fashionably-forward girl duo"- affectionately described by the ubiquitous Rachel Zoe. Their collection currently only available by website, is composed of body harnesses, head pieces, thigh garters, shoe jewelry and much more! All of which are bananas! I died the first time I saw a chain harness, but the Litter pieces are out of control cool. Lets just say your bad-ass factor will go up tenfold after rocking the shoulder piece!

I just couldn't pick a favorite piece, so I narrowed it down to my top six. Check them out:

Stunning from top left, clockwise: Leafy Headpiece, $145;  Belly Dancer Shoulder Piece, $325; Sterling Silver Cougar Claw, $48;  Bullets and Chains Knee Strap, $115; Beetle Hand Jewelry, $125; Chain Garter 2, $220

Need me some cougar claws asap, hell who am I kidding--need them all!

xoxo, your fave fashion editor

Punch It Up with the Perfect Poncho

Ponchos are making an appearance again this fall in the form of chunky knits. Think handmade, warm and cozy. Many are a fusion of sweater and poncho that button up the front, making them easier to layer. You’ll see hoods, pockets and zippers as added features as well. Look for all wool styles made with thick yarns and lots of texture in the knitted design. Or try a lighter poncho on for size; it is more like a wrap and much more fluid than chunkier styles. Go for a neutral like gray or brown that can be paired with a variety of items in your wardrobe.

On the chunkier side, from Haute Hippie is the Chunky Wool Poncho (top left, $495.00 at Nordstrom.com) with classic overtones and a cable-knit design. It has a full zip-front closure, pockets to keep your hands warm and a slouchy hood at the back. From Stella McCartney is a pricey and luxe Zip-Front Boucle Poncho (top right, $1,685 at Neiman Marcus) with oversized buttons button as an accent on the cape sleeves. The poncho is an Alpaca/linen/polyamide/wool blend and made in Italy. Helmut Lang has also done a version, all in a minimalist style of course! Helmut Lang Knit Poncho (bottom right, $260 at Saks.com) is an alpaca/merino/polyamide blend and is super soft as well as warm. This poncho also features a generous hood.  From Elizabeth and James is the Olivia Poncho, (bottom left, $545 at Shopbop.com) made of moleskin this is the perfect piece for layering. Pair with a cozy cashmere turtleneck and jeans for a luxe weekend casual look.

Save with Coupon Codes from Shopbop from TheFind.com’s new coupon site

From our friends at thefind.