BrandHabit

Blame it on the ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-al-cohol

By Carlina Harris

My birthday countdown has officially begun, in a few short hours I will turn a fabulous twenty seven! I am sooooo excited, I always look forward to this day week. Tomorrow I will celebrating with my beau in sunny Napa, sipping on some exquisite wines, and enjoying the beautiful rolling hills!  Love me some wine!

But after all the low key, romantical stuff, I really just wanna get my inner nineteen year old out and party like its 2001--with all my friends of course! That is why I am hosting a festive poolside bash complete with very adult beverages. This party is all about showcasing the fantastic cocktails my "grown-up" palate has taken a liking to, while still keeping it fun and fresh.

For example, instead of a regular cran and vodka, I'll make a Cape Cod: cran juice, premium vodka, and Midori Melon Liqueur. Or for even more fun, a Midori snow cone....

Midori Sno-Cone
Pour 1 1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur over a ball of ice   

Midori Melon Ball
1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz of SKYY Infusions Pineapple

Splash of OJ
Pour over one ball of ice

Midori Margarita Sno-Ball
1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz tequila
Splash of sweet and sour
Pour over one ball of ice

The sno-cone's sound tricky but are so easy to make, sno-cone + pool party = perfection!

For the cooler, more refined bunch of the group, I will make a Zen green tea sangria of sorts...

1 part green tea liquor, 3 parts sauvignon blanc, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Since its a large party, I will mix larger portions into a pitcher and serve over ice and lemon slices!

The Zen is super sweet, it is best paired with a tonic or club soda. Next night out on the town, give me a gin Zen and tonic!

It's gonna be a great weekend lovelies, I hope you enjoy your last weekend in August as much as I will! Always remember to be a responsible drinker.

Stand Tall with Military Inspired Coats for Fall

Military coats are lined up at attention, as one of fall’s hottest must haves. As soon as the weather cools down you’ll be coveting a warm coat accented with brass buttons, trim at the waist and perhaps a couple of epaulets at the shoulders. The military style coat is the perfect for daytime as it goes well with office wardrobes as it does with jeans or leggings for weekend jaunts about town.

Some of my picks include the Bird by Juicy Couture wool-blend military pea coat ($700 at Net-a-Porter) with its ribbed inner wool sleeve trim, brass buttoned epaulets and adorable button detailing along the half-sleeves. It will surely be a classic for many seasons. The Marc By Marc Jacobs cotton moleskin coat ($528 at Bloomingdales.com) is soft and at the same time heavy enough to keep you warm during the chilliest of days. I have a Marc Jacobs full-length cotton moleskin military coat from a few seasons back and I must say it has got to be one of the warmest I own. The fabulous thing about military coats is that most of them have high buttoned up collars for keeping out the wind’s chill. The Sonia by Sonia Rykiel double-breasted military coat sports a dose of colorful whimsy with a purple lining ($755 at Net-a-Porter). This particular coat is guaranteed to bring on a cheery mood each time you wear it. For the British take on a military coat, Vivienne Westwood does it with true dramatic style. The waist-coat styled Anglomania military coat in gray ($385.00 at Revolve.com) looks like it jumped straight out of a 16th century novel. I love the over-sized collar, large pocket flaps and striped ribbon detail trim. From Miss Sixty we spotted a military-style wool coat priced reasonably for $99.99 at Overstock.com. With the double-breasted front, epaulets and high collar it will pair perfectly with jeans and boots at an extremely reasonable price.

Speaking of boots I found a couple of military-inspired boots with strap detailing to pair with a military coat. Wear tall knee-high boots with shorter length military coats. The Dana knee high leather boots, in style “Dahlia”, $230.00 at Bebe.com in (gray or black) would look great with any of the coats featured here. Tuck leggings or skinny jeans into the knee-high boots for a long streamlined look. The shorter boot such as these fierce Marc Jacobs suede boots (Marc Jacobs tassel-detail suede boots, $1,045 at Net-a-Porter) can work with both short and long military style coats as well. Have fun and forward march with this trend for fall!

from our friends at thefind.com

Easy Makeup -- From Office to Happy Hour in 5 Steps

By makeupchica

It’s Friday, and if you live in a cubicle, no doubt you may be headed to your lovely or not-so-lovely watering hole after work to wind down after a long work week to enjoy gossip and a cocktail with your friends.  Make mine a Belevedere martini with a twist.  MMMMMM……

But who wants to look like the girl they were when they came into the office at happy hour?  Or worse yet, the girl who has toiled for hours behind her computer or for her cranky boss?  Try these few quick steps to give your makeup some punch (not like you have been punched) and get you noticed!

1.  Clean up!

I keep a couple q-tips in my makeup bag.  Dip a q-tip into foundation, concealer or moisturizer and remove all traces of the day’s makeup around your eyes. 

2.  Re-apply concealer or foundation around eye area.

This give you a fresh clean canvas around the eye area. My favorite concealer these days is Lorac Double Feature, concealer and highlighter in one.  It’s a 5 bling product!

3.  Give your eyes a lift.

I keep a couple liners in my makeup kit.  Re-line your eyes with your liner of choice.  Then smudge a bit of shadow into the line to set it.  For a little more drama line under eyes too and remember to smudge with your shadow.  The bond of powder to the wax in your liner makes it last a bit longer.  Touch up mascara.  Add a sheer highlight to browbone. My Lorac concealer highlighter works for this step as well.

4.  Give cheeks some glow.

Add a touch of color to your cheeks.  Nothing says “My blood is rushing through my veins” like a cheery cheek.  You can’t go wrong with NARS or Laura Geller blushes.  NARS Orgasm and Lovejoy work for everyone as does Laura Geller’s Sunswept and Golden Apricot.  They are pigment potent, deposit color and give the most subtle glow.  I sometimes layer these -- Lovejoy and Sunswept.  Yes, I’m a blush freak.

5.  Gloss up lips.

Unless you are doing a dramatic red lip, gloss up your lips with your favorite.  I love Stila lipglaze.  They are shiny yet tacky enough to last awhile. Try Brown Sugar a shimmery gold nude or Banana, a shimmery gold.

Toss your hair around for that carefree look and order up your Cosmo!  Your look is 100% blinging.

Orignially posted at Blinging Beauty

Prettiest Ribbon Tie Necklaces from Luxe to Less

One of the most exciting looks for jewelry is the ribbon tie necklace. The ultra feminine and romantic look of a ribbon tied necklace adds the perfect touch of gorgeous pearls, crystals, gemstones, flowers, beading, and chain links for your prettiest look. Intricate weaving of crystals and beads are embroidered onto fabric backings into a delicate couture worthy design. These be-ribboned beauties are best worn with dresses or blouses bearing a simple neckline that is purposefully devoid of any extraneous detail. The ultra luxe ribbon necklaces such as those from Lanvin and Vera Wang will run upwards of $1200 because of the intensive labor and glass pearls intertwined into a work of art. The Lanvin glass pearl necklace (upper left) is $1,220 at Net-a-Porter and is covered in mesh with two silk pompoms. It has an intentionally frayed ribbon, which is tied at the neck. A gorgeous look for when you want to look your best at a black-tie affair or pair with a white t-shirt and skinny black jeans for an edgy luxe downtown look. Also of ultra luxe appeal is the Vera Wang lamé & crystal necklace (bottom center) that goes for $650 at Saks. The bronze hued lamé flowers and crystals embellish the gorgeous design, which ties with a ribbon tie. This ribbon tie necklace is a pretty alternative and we love the bronze, crystal and gray color palette. Vera Wang’s ribbon tied necklaces in fact come in many shapes and sizes to choose from.

For the more budget-minded among us the Felted Beaded Plate necklace (top center) is an amazing deal for  $16.80 at Forever21. This pretty ribbon tie necklace would make your favorite LBD into something special, indeed. The Bop Bijoux Ribbon Link Necklace (bottom right) , $120 at Shopbop is simply a chain link intertwined with a double layer of contrasting ribbons. A unique look to dress up or down. At Anthropologie the mercurial crochet necklace (top right)  is a stunner and reasonably priced for the look at $128. Find coupon codes and deals from Anthropologie here.

from our friends at thefind

Late Summer Fun

By Carlina Harris aka The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs

Hello dolls, it seems we haven't spoken in forever! I have been frolicking in the summer sun: slathering on the spf, soaking up that vitamin D, and sipping new and inventive cocktails poolside! What a fabulous summer life you say? It's really not that hard to achieve. Head to your nearest bf's apartment complex, pull up a pool lounge chair, and follow these simple steps to a fantastic late summer drink....

Tullamore Summer Smash
1 oz. Tullamore Irish whiskey
1 juice from fresh squeezed lemon/lime
1 teas. agave nectar
6 mint leaves

Muddle mint leaves, and lime juice in shaker. Add agave, whiskey, and ice, shake vigorously. Strain into tumbler over ice, and garnish with mint leaves for the pretty!

I have made this tasty treat for many friends, and each time I intro them to this fantastic drink, they can't get enough. I wanna say its the rich flavors of the Tullamore combined with the refreshing mint and sweetness of the  agave that give this drink a savory flavor not to be forgotten!

Make it now, make it year round, just make it with Tullamore. So pull on those sunnies, put your feet up and enjoy the rest of your summer!


****best when prepared with ice stars******

How to Control Oily Skin -- 5 Easy Steps

Posted by Makeupchica

Is your face a grease slick? By mid-morning do you feel like you have just sprayed a can of PAM on your face?  Fear not!  5 simple steps based on your skin care can keep oil in control.  Ladies if you are reading these tips, they are perfect for the guy in your life as well. 

 1.  Cleanse

 Oft times oily skins over-compensate in the cleansing category by stripping their skin.  In search of that “squeaky-clean” feel, the skin is left with no natural moisture on the surface, causing the sebaceous glands (oil producers) to step into overtime.  Avoid that catch 22 by using a cleanser that cleans without stripping.  I love Ole Henricksen Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser. $30 for 12 long-lasting ounces.

 This powerful cleanser goes to work on excessively oily skin with breakout problems.  Fabulously invigorating with  foaming action and loaded with aloe vera, chamomile and vitamins.  Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser proves that you can have ultra-clean skin without stripping and dehydrating. Oily skin will become addicted to this cleanser

 

 

  2.  Treatment

Bliss is well known for their smart products that treat skin problems with efficacious  ingredients.  Blissworld Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads are the perfect  mattifying, moisturizing toner pads for oily and combination skin.  Besides the “feel good” factor, these pads decongest pores and reduce inflammation, gently exfoliate to prevent breakouts, hydrate the skin to restore moisture balance and control oil where needed without drying.  With salicylic acid, smartsponge technology (self activating oil-control spheres), and dead cell digesting enzymes. Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads are the ideal touch-up post work out, so throw a jar in your gym bag.  Give your guy a jar to keep in his desk drawer for mid-day touch-ups as well.  $38 for 50 pads.

 

 3.  Control

 Keep oil at bay all day with a spot treatment for your oily areas.  Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control is the answer.   This multi-tasking oil-free gel controls oil and shine all day. Mattes the T-zone area, minimizes the look of pores. Leaves a velvety-soft natural finish, under or over makeup. For maximum oil-controlling benefits, apply before makeup.  Apply throughout the day over makeup to help prevent oil breakthrough.  Priced at only $14.50 you can afford to keep one in your purse, one in your desk and give one to a friend!

4.  Hydrate

 A common misconception is that oily skin does not need moisture because it’s oily.  Not true.  It doesn’t need added oil, but moisture is a necessity.  In fact, well-nourished skin needs a  proper balance of water and oil.  I am such a fan of products that have multi-benefits, and Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 is a lightweight, oil-free, hydrator that diffuses excess oil while delivering potent, broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection. Contains Murad’s powerful Energizing Pomegranate Complex with artemia to stimulate healthy cell function and pomegranate antioxidants to guard against environmental damage so skin stays healthy. 

  5.  Makeup

Choose either a light-weight oil-free liquid or a powder that has oil control properties.  Prescriptives has both options in a wide range of colors.  Virtual Matte Oil-Control Makeup SPF 15 offers medium to full coverage.  Oil-control complex with bontanical extracts absorbs surface shine and when used daily, actually helps reduce oil production over time.  Natural exfoliants smooth skin while anti-oxidants and SPF 15 protect from enviromental damage.  1 oz $32.50.  If you need to powder over your foundation, try Prescriptives Virtual Matte Oil-Conotrol Pressed Powder. $28  Only apply sparingly in the T-Zone or oily areas of your face.  Do not make the mistake of adding more powder as the day goes on.  That is just one mistake that makes your skin look like you just stepped out of the Sahara.  Instead for touch-up, try oil blotting sheets or a super sheer oil absorbing translucent powder like Laura Geller Matte Maker.  Matte Maker looks scary becuse it’s pure white, but it goes on translucent and sheer.  Apply as often as needed throughout the day for break-out oil control.  Best application is with a fan brush. 

Hope these tips help you cut the fat oil!

This information was originally posted at Blinging Beauty where you can find many more skin care and makeup tips!

Marvelous Motorcycle Inspired Dressing

Explore your inner moto girl this fall with motorcycle inspired style. With all of the amazing leather jackets and leather vests, studded ankle booties and zippered Alexander Wang handbags there is plenty to choose from. Even if your style is more Upper East Side than Easy Rider I’m sure you’ll be tempted with these irresistible options.

Yes, you’ve been seeing all of the leather motorcycle jackets complete with requisite zippers, asymmetric zipper detailing, chrome studs and buckles. The ultimate daddy of all the biker jackets this season is the Balmain leather motorcycle jacket that is cut to a fitted silhouette with peaked shoulders, epaulets and chain swags.

In addition to the trendsetting Alexander Wang hip belt and McQueen stud textured resin cuff, other motorcycle inspired accessories include the chunky heel Juicy Couture motorcycle boot. This Juicy boot has just the right shape on the toe and the brass studded strapping completes the look. I’ve been wearing my traditional Hunter Wellies for years, but these limited edition Festival Hunter Wellies are giving me an urge to hop on this customized Chanel bike (used by Karl Lagerfeld in a recent photo shoot). I can imagine myself zooming down the Champs-Élysées on this motorcycle wearing the ultimate leather moto jacket from Balmain. Vroom vroom!

Get the look from upper right clockwise:

Hunter Festival Limited Edition lace-up Wellington boots $225 at Net-a-Porter
Alexander Wang Max Fanny Pack, $790 at Shopbop
Juicy Couture ‘Chief’ Bootie, $475 at Nordstrom.com
Alexander McQueen Stud-Textured Bracelet, $330 at Saks.com
Mike & Chris Double-Breasted Leather Vest, $495.00 at Saks.com
Balmain Leather motorcycle jacket $12,050 at Net-a-Porter

Photo source motorcycle: WWD

From our friends at thefind.

Denim Leggings from Luxe to Less

The must-have pant of the summer is definitely the skinny denim legging also known as  ‘jeggings’.  Team the leggings with oversized slouchy tees, tunics and tanks. They are perfectly paired with black platforms, caged sandals or ankle booties. There are a wide variety of styles in many finishes and price points. From the luxe denim lines, which feature super skinny jeans, are infused with spandex to hug your body to lesser priced versions. Pick and choose according to your budget.

Brands such as Current/Elliott rise above the $200 price tag. Other luxe denim labels such as Vince, Rock & Republic, Rich & Skinny and many more offer their versions of the skinny denim legging. If you already have a favorite denim brand that fits your body to a tee, it’s a pretty sure thing that their particular skinny denim legging will fit perfectly.

The lesser-priced skinny denim legging of course does not offer the perfect fit the luxe versions do. Also these are not actual denim but “denim-like” spandex fabrics without any pockets, zippers, or detailing of any kind. The waistband is elastic and be sure to cover it up with a long tee, tunic or tank. These styles are also not as forgiving, so be sure to do a double take in your mirror before heading out the door. The lesser priced styles although lacking any serious detailing do the job in the silhouette department and when paired with fabulous shoes, only you will know how much you’ve spent on your skinny denim leggings!

LUXE $$$ (shown above from left to right)

Current/Elliott The Legging stretch jeans $230 at Net-a-Porter

Vince Scrunched Denim Leggings, $195 at Shopbop

Rich & Skinny ‘Legacy’ Stretch Denim Leggings, $145 at Nordstrom.com

LESS $ (above from left to right)

Forever 21 H81  Denim Look Leggings II, $19.90 at Forever 21

Romeo & Juliet Couture denim blue stretch cotton leggings, $35 at Bluefly.com

Daddy Long Legs Denim Leggings, $38.00 at Bloomingdales.com

From our friends at thefind.

freefreefree!!

By The Devil Wears Marc Jacobs

Are you fun, fabulous, enjoy hanging out with your girlfriends, love sipping on cocktails while shopping sale racks of discounted specialty merchandise, luxuriating in complimentary beauty treatments, and live in San Francisco or near it? Well if you answering yes to any, or all of these you are not alone and in luck! I am giving away free tickets to San Francisco's very own Appel & Frank 'Chic Summer Soiree', to all my fantastic readers!

This upscale fashion event brings together 65 talented emerging designers selling clothing, jewelry, accessories and more, some even at special discounted prices!
  
Tickets are FREE by entering the discount code BRANDHABIT on the Tickets page at www.appelandfrank.com. 

The event takes place on August 13, 2009 from 5-9pm at the Regency Center on Van Ness. Hope you get to enjoy the event as much as I always do. Bring all your girls, and see you there!

p.s. get there early for the free gift bag and comp glass of wine!