BrandHabit

Landing in Paris

$57 dollars in mags.

Sky is the limit.

I plan on being famous for something before I leave gay Paris.

Lodging: Hotel Pont Royal. I'm kinda scared it's for fancy OLD people.

Oh, I forgot to say that my shoes are Donald J Pliner. So yesterday and butch. Anyway, I will throw them away as soon as I find something hot on the streets.

My traveling partner Lolita Marvelous is on a different flight. She lands 6 hours before I do and has a larger splurge budget. I will be sure to itemize all her purchases. She just might show up in those duds in the Nob Hill Gazette.

Questions I hope to answer:

What the heck is fashion week?
Do we really see into the future of what we will be wearing?
Will we be able to get into some amazing private parties?
Will we sleep?
Will we fit in?
Will the women in Paris look incredible as usual or have the Bay Area woman passed them up in health and style?
How many designers will hear about Brandhabit for the first time?
How many already know about it?
Will these runway clothes translate and have some meaning to my every day dressing and that of our Brandhabit audience?
What will be more exciting the show or the crowd?
Will Gwen P be there?
How many famous people will I get my photo with?
How many will end up flying to California for a visit?
Will I actually leave Paris?

Umm.... I know the answer to the last question. But we all have our fantasys.

We taxi now out on the runway. Next stop Paris

Oh #*&+@ just realized I left my $150 silver hoop earrings from Taloolah at security. That was a key part of my feeble look. A true fashion emergency is at hand.

Wishwrap.com

By The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs

Now that the economy has plummeted to a depth most undesirable, fashion journalists are reporting the sales of clothing are down, but the sale of home goods have gone up. The good news is a little birdie told me about Wishwrap.com, where you can get luxe home goods and much more! This site's mantra is "Every gift is thoughtful. Every gift is luxurious. Every gift is personal." That being said I am going here to get most of my Christmas shopping out of the way.  Wishwrap has every kind of present you will ever need to give someone from: wedding, bridal shower, graduation, birthday, and every kind of holiday to housewarming gifts too.

Speaking of wedding gifts, I have not yet purchased one for the upcoming wedding--in two weeks-- for which I am a bridesmaid! But I think I found the perfect one, a unique idea, that definitely says welcome home for a newly wed couple.  The "Slumber Party for Two" is a set of luxurious 420 count pillowcases and two gourmet breakfast in bed trays. This really is fabulous idea to gift for any couple looking to live the good life in or out of bed! Then I thought, well they are going to need some decor for their new home, that's when this beautiful lacquered wooden tray, with genuine mother of pearl trim caught my eye .  The "Tray of Opulence" as it is called would make any coffee table shine, and it doubles as a serving tray for entertaining! I may have to get this for myself!

But what I really want is to de-puff the bags under my eyes, but it doesn't help that I am still wired when it is time to sleep. Never fear "Sweet Dreams" are here! This combo contains a silk eye mask to soothe tired muscles with the warmth of lavender seeds, and a luxe fabric covered heating pad. Every girl or metro guy could do with a gift like this. Ahh I feel like I'm at a spa, wait I need some mood music and some scented candles...   speaking of scented candles, this "Fruit Fragrance Soi Candle" is made of pure kosher soy oil, and smells good enough to eat.  Since it is made from soy oil is also doubles as a moisturizer, this definitely is a two in one treat!

Start shopping people Christmas is only 86 days away!

Four Starr Boutique Bellingham, WA

I’m moving into Center City Philadelphia in the coming weeks. There are so many great things about Philadelphia, one of them being Stephen Starr, a genius restaurateur. He boasts over ten restaurants in Philadelphia and a handful of others in the tri-state area. He’s kind of a big deal.                  

 

But he’s not the only shining Starr whetting my appetite currently. Danielle Starr, no relation to the man who introduced me to cheesesteak egg rolls and wasabi mashed potatoes, has a boutique on the other side of the country that shines just as brightly as the restaurateur’s culinary centers. Four Starr Boutique is the 2 year old boutique located in the burgeoning style center of Bellingham,Washington.

Bellingham may be an unfamiliar city to many, but it’s with the emergence of luxurious boutiques like Four Starr, this Seattle suburb is slowly making a name for itself. Just like Starr’s boutique.

 

Noticing the difficulty of finding premium denim, quality designer labels and fun cosmetics in the area Danielle Starr decided to do something about it. Starr has added red carpet glamor to Bellingham without Hollywood pretense.

 

One of my favorite lines Starr carries is Dianne Brill. Diamonds in your ears and pearls in your make up! The fresh water pearls used in her make up contain minerals, calcium and amino acids. The foundation is subtle and never looks caked on and smells heavenly! 

Besides a fabulous beauty bar reminiscent of the help-yourself store model of Sephora Starr has a bevy of jean selections. Kasil Jeans, like the Lolas, in a bootcut and fog wash, would look dreamy with a plum colored top and some fabulous heeled booties.

 

If you’ve never heard of Kasil Jeans, you definitely need to check them out. But I’d be surprised if you have never heard of Esprit de Corps. The hard to find favorite of yesteryear is here to stay, as evident at Four Starr Boutique. 

 

And if your hiding your neck with that fabulous turtleneck dress by Esprit makes you feel like you’re covering up, why don’t you try a little Lip Fusion. It’ll add shine to your lips and plump, plump, plump em up. 

When you're in Philadelphia, be sure to check out Stephen Starr, but when you're in Bellingham be sure to reach for the stars at Four Starr Boutique which will satisfy your cravings without adding any calories. 

24 Hours in Paris

by Betty BrandHabit

Brandhabit Ambassador; Betty here.

Just sat down in my British Airways seat. Wired on coffee wearing my True Religion chocolate brown cords, Prada wallet, Prada biz card holder, brown Marc Jacobs purse, Tag watch with diamonds, gold ring by Laurie MacAdam, Tiffany bracelet.

Ok I know you are thinking, "why does Betty get to go to Fashion Week? She's clueless!"

Well I admit there are many others that would look better at Fashion Week BUT I have the grit and the creativity to get the word out about Brandhabit. I also plan to do my homework on my flight.

I don't watch TV and I work way too hard in my day job but at one time as a teenager I did have 8 pairs of Guess jeans.

In flight reading: Bazaar, Elle, Vogue, InStyle, Shape, The Wall Street Journal, US, Cosmo Girl, Travel and Leisure, Glamour, Real Simple.

Put on your seat belts, this will only get better! Paris: Here I come!

Last Waltz Seattle, WA

If you haven’t been to Seattle lately you might be wondering where the boxing studio on 18^th avenue went.  My apologies if you are a Mo Cuishle in training a la Swank, but eclectic fashion has recently given the old venue a one two punch of style. 

Last Waltz’s owner Cybele Phillips has taken whimsy to edgy heights in her boutique filled with vintage jewelry and clothing, housewares, and apparel by independent artists and also designers dedicated to sustainability.  The well edited collection of items Last Waltz carries is thanks to Phillips who proclaims she “can look at something- a room, a painting, and outfit- and tell you right away whether it’s working or not.” 

And clearly her knowledge of aesthetics and fashion is working.  She carries high quality labels like Humanoid and Suzabelle, the maker of this fabulous Krona dress  . 

Her sustainable lines include the very young but very talented Emily Katz and Prarie Underground.  Whether sustainable, organic or fantastical like this Zeto-Clothing gown   the stock at Last Waltz is a place you want to hustle on over to. 

Adorn Portland, OR

Gwen Stefani is one of my fashion idols.  To me, she always looks polished and sophisticated with a funky twist.  When she launched her L.A.M.B line it was reflective of her runway and tour style, except it was made for the real woman, a woman who isn’t married to a sexy international rock star, but has the potential to be. 

Not only has she built an empire on rock n’ roll infused clothing, there’s a perfume, handbags and my newest “must have”. . .a watch.  Along with a great pair of denim, the perfect little black dress, and a crisp white button down, I feel every woman’s wardrobe should be equipped with a watch.  The L.A.M.B Pharoah watch is my current sought after item to adorn my usually accessory-less wrist.

And while adornments aren’t usually my thing,  Adorn, the recently opened boutique in Portland, carries fun and interesting pieces, like L.A.M.B, and also local designers too, like All Kindza Krazy and Cyclical Design, making me want to accessorize myself like a Christmas tree.   

Besides fun accessories, like “big menswear watches for women. The kind that look like you won them in a poker tournament in Reno” (described to me by Claire Smith, the boutique’s buyer), Adorn also carries apparel.  Obey makes great hoodies and tee-shirts that are perfect for fall weather .  The brand also makes fabulous canvas bags to bring to the farmer’s market or the library.   

If you need more sweatshirt lovin’ Devotion Takes a Trip makes hoodies devoted to your favorite bands, like The Beatles or The Doors.  And if you’re in need for a little bling they make some great crystal encrusted skulls on a necklace of pearls . 

And when your devotion towards bands and skull wane then channel your dedication into checking out Adorn, a brand new boutique with great accessories you’ll definitely adore.  

Eco Citizen San Francisco, CA

After a couple of years on the west coast I packed my bags and moved back to the east coast. It was a last minute decision and I can’t quite remember what spurred the move. I have no regrets about returning home. Still, despite being near family and having both Philadelphia andNew York Cit in close proximity, there are so many things about the Bay Area I miss. And it hasn’t even been a full week since my return home!

Like a typical Jerseyteen I spent much time driving from one mall to the other. The Bay Area doesn’t really breed teased hair mall walkers, instead there are boutiques nestled between organic bakeries and vegan cafes. There are three cars in my driveway and they’re all SUVs. No Priuses and hardly an effort to car pool, though like many east coast families living in a fairly metropolitan area we all work 12 hour days and hardly have time to shop for organic food, let alone drop someone off and pick them up in an effort to save gas.

It’s a frazzled lifestyle I have been absent from for two years. I had to separate the trash the other day because no one around here received the memo about cardboard being recyclable. It’s quite unnerving to return to an area I’m so familiar with yet feel so disconnected from.

The Green movement has taken the west coast by storm, while it seems the north east corridor I call home, a notoriously fast paced arena, is slow to keep up with the Joneses.

Joslin Arsdale is one of those Joneses. Arsd ale has an impressive resume traversing different facets of fashion and art, her most recent post before opening Eco Citizen was as a Gallery Director in New   Mexicowhere she promoted emerging photographers. Arsdale left her position in order to start creating a boutique inSan Francisco, an area that is known for its dedication to maintaining a green lifestyle.

In October of 2007 Arsdale opened a shop of clothes hung on bamboo hangers and folded onto bamboo tables. The merchandise hanging and folded is not only fair-trade and sweatshop free but mostly organic. In an SF Chronicle interview Arsdale mused, "It's thinking about the real cost of things - how much was that person who made that jacket paid, and how did it get here?"

Let’s be real though. . .anyone can open an eco-friendly boutique. The proof has to be in that vegan pudding, right? It sure is! Though the success of the boutique is based largely on its social and environmental consciousness, the crux of the business is the fashion.

Designers like  Kelly B use 100% organic cotton, meaning no pesticides or other toxic chemicals. Kelly B also uses other organic and natural fibers like bamboo .

Del Forte Denim is another fabulous eco-conscious label. Their denim is luxurious and sleek .  Their company “interprets luxury as a combination of distinctive design and ethical production” which is why they use only organic fibers.

One of the coolest and most innovative designs Eco-Citizen carries is Noon Solar Bags.  Besides using natural dyes on their bags made of materials that can be buried in the backyard and deteriorate without harming the environment, there are solar panels built into the bags. Keep your bag in a window while you’re not using it and the panels will collect enough light to charge your iPod or cell phone! If you’re ready to dispose of the bag in your garden just take out the panels and recycle or reuse them. WOW!

If you’re weary of going green because you fear you’ll turn into one of those tree dwelling hippies from Berkeley, believe me, an east coaster, someone close to the epi-center of fashion, Eco Citizen will change your mind about what means to go green.

BrynaNicole.com

By The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs

A few weeks ago at the Blue Dot Sale in SF, this week taking over my email inbox, and last night in my dreams I could not stop thinking about Bryna Nicole Handbags. The designer, Bryna Nicole an SF native, now living in the Marina has quite the cult following since her buttery soft leather bags are seen everywhere from episodes of Gossip Girl to all sorts of fashion rags. The Fall 2008 collection is making a big splash, colors of the totes and clutches range from an elephant gray, a vivacious red patent, a rich chocolate laced with orange accents, a barney-esque violet (my personal favorite, as seen on Blake Lively, above), including the never fail black and always dependable cream.

The Loyola Satchel is my pick for fall in of course the violet, but this tote in chocolate with a gorgeous orange alligator accent would also do it for me.  The Prentiss Tote, a bucket shaped bag with adjustable straps to fit on the shoulder or tied short to be hand carried, would be perfect for the upcoming fashion season with a gorgeous plaid dress and some tall riding boots....ahh heaven! Now for Bryna's clutches, I'm gonna have to go with the Hallam Clutch, in cream with a copper python panel, it is an absolutely breathtaking piece that you can wear to ultra lounge's year round--who says you can't wear white after labor day?

In the market for a new handbag or clutch? Get get 10% off any item on the brynanicole.com website with the code: bnFallMailer

Shoe "Problem"

by Carla Morton

Hi,
My name is Carla
and I think I have a....
I think I have a... Um.. shoe "problem".

I don't think I'm a full blown "Shoe Addict" yet but I noticed some behavior the other day that made me realize I might have a problem.

I was walking by Heidi Says on Fillmore and I stopped dead in my tracks when I spotted a pair of tortoise patent leather studded and buckled Guiseppi Zanotti Shoes. Price $720. They were turning, on a carosel shoe display, taunting me as I walked by. My knees went weak.

" I WANT those" I thought to myself. What troubled me was that the feeling inside was impulsive. Not at all rational. It was pure want. It had nothing to do with "need". It was kind of like the feeling I get when I see Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall or Geoge Clooney in,,,, well, in anything.
No, not a feeling of wanting the shoes in a biblical sense. I might have a problem but I' m not Kinky.

It didn't use to be this way. Shoes were just Shoes. Things you put on your feet. Things that get scuffed. Things that most people don't look at
I think I made a turn for the worse when about 3 years ago I got the experience of "the good stuff". While in New York, and feeling really full of myself, I bought 3 pair of Italian heels. I went on a total bender. Two of the three pairs of shoes I don't even wear. But you know what? I don't care.
I find myself just getting satisfaction out of just looking at them... alone, in my closet. When no one else is around.

I'm out of control! What's happening to me??

So, luckily when I found myself in this state again the other day, I was able to talk myself out of it.
I knew I would regret it the next day
and the next month when my visa statement arrived.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change: I have a "shoe problem"
The courage to change the things I can: I can choose to not buy shoes I don't really need. I will not become an addict.
And the Wisdom to know the difference: Want, Need, Have to Have... (no, wait the difference isn't clear to me yet!)

An Epiphany

I saw Dave Matthews Band last weekend at the Greek Theater in Berkeley.

It's crazy because Dave Matthews has been one of my all time favorite band for years and this was the first time I saw him live.

It was awesome.  What else can I say?  This isn't going to be a Dave Matthews Band review.
But I will say that I had an epiphany while watching Dave Matthews.

You see, Music is my church.
I have a lot of "ah-ha" moments while dancing and listening to good music.

I was watching how much fun Dave was having with his boys on stage.. jammin, dancing, getting into the music and I thought about how much men love to hang out with other guys and do stuff together.

I realized that men do this in so many ways and really.. most men don't really want women doing the stuff with them.  I don't mean that men don't want women watching them do what they do.. but most men, like to do their thing with the guys and the guys alone: whether it's mountain biking, playing in a band, sailing, drinking, surfing... No women around: Just the guys.

I've heard several of my friend's  husbands and boyfriends tell me lately:  "You know, I don't really want my girlfriend/wife to (fill in the blank) Surf, Bike, Sail with me.  I like to do my thing and have her there when I come home".

Interesting.

I think so many women try to insert themselves into their man's space.. where he really just wants to do his thing. Alone or with the guys..
and I realize that it's probably not a smart thing to do.

In essence women get together and do the same thing.. but we do it by talking. We don't want a man to hear our chittery chattery discussions.. we enter into our own little world and work it all out. 
Men on the other hand, they just want to play.

Let em do their thing, I say!