BrandHabit

Allergic to Vanilla

by Carlina Harris

As a fashion gal, I have always dreamed of starting up my own  fashion/lifestyle blog. Well early this week, that dream became a goal, and that goal finally became a reality! Allergic to Vanilla is here ladies and gentlemen. The blog will be written mainly by myself, with my enviably stylish sister as my co-editor. We always do our best to one up each other in the style department, whether we are headed to a soiree, or a show, we always turn it out! Watch out world, when we get together there might be an overload of sequins, frills, and shockingly bright nail polish colors, but that's what makes the fashion world go round! Please check it the blog here, and make sure to tell all your friends too!!!

               

Just to add the excitement of it all, we are doing our first giveaway for Allergic to Vanilla! We are giving away a full sized set of three new limited edition DKNY fragrances! There is a Sweet Caramel Candy Apple, Ripe Raspberry Candy Apple, and Juicy Berry Candy Apple. I have tried them all, and they smell great, DKNY always does fragrance right!  One lucky winner will get all three full sized fragrances, just sign up to follow Allergic to Vanilla here. Get extra entries by posting this contest, and intro to our new blog, on your blog, and include a link in the comments section. Sharing this contest on your twitter, or any social networking site, can also make you eligible for extra entries! Good luck!

xo Carlina and Christina

  

 

A Neutral State for Spring

Go nude this spring. Pinky shades of beige are all the rage this season and make for the perfect warm weather wardrobe. Neutral shades of beige complement either an all nude shaded ensemble or a black and white combination. Add a nude-toned handbag, statement necklace or strappy tied sky high sandals to add a feminine touch of romance to your look.

For a glam grecian look, this Stella McCartney one-shouldered belted jersey dress ($845 at Net-a-Porter) whispers effortless style. Perfect for a night out on the town or a daytime wedding. The design can be slipped on easily and features a tulip hem with dramatic draping effect on the back. Draw some attention to your neckline with a pretty bejeweled necklace that oozes sweetness. This vintage inspired Sequin Crystal & Enamel Floral Necklace ($188 at Nordstrom.com) features muted pastel colors on a goldtone chain. The embellished flowers are made of crystal, glass, enamel and mother of pearl. Nude has gone glimmery with this Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Metallic Leather Bow Tote, ($1,250.00 at Net-a-Porter). A feminine metallic leather tote that simply oozes charm. This bow embellished tote is roomy enough for all of your everyday essentials, the perfect daytime bag for this spring’s neutral trend. For girls who love sky-high heels, Proenza Schouler’s Perforated leather platform sandals, ($1,035 at Shop Bop) will kick your style factor up a notch. The perforated nude leather platform Proenza Shouler sandals make an ideal pairing with your modern daytime look. If you are adverse to towering platforms try these lovely Lanvin flats on for size. Below these Lanvin Patent leather ballerina flats ($515 at Net-a-Porter), you’ll find a 1 inch heel hidden inside for a subtle lift. The elasticized trim on these classic flats that work perfectly with everything from skinny jeans to a summer shirt dress.

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Rondon Part Deux

by Carlina Harris

         
           

  I have had my eye on NYC designer Deibe Rondon since 2009 when I first wrote about him here. His penchant for style, and knowing how to dress the overtly feminine woman keeps him on the fashion radar. His newest look book--Spring Summer 2010, is once again full of frilly, girly confections, but this time around Rondon adds some spice. Quite the departure from his notorious feminine style, Rondon creates a nude bodysuit with a black panel corset, worthy of the likes of Gaga. While a bold violet layered silk de chine sheath pairs magnificently well with a background as eclectic as the models' New York City background.

Spice is good, but for the pretty, pretty princess out there, waiting to attend a tea party, have I got a dress-or two- for you! The Flared Satin Bow Dress is so divine, and so Blair Waldorf. The grandiose-ness of the full layered skirt is offset by a simple nude color, that would work well with a gorgeous set of blood red lips. The Ruffle Tux Dress, in its elegant ivory tone, is perfect for a spring stroll in the garden, and a dead ringer for 'upper east side' chic. 

To see the above mentioned dresses and the rest of Deibe Rondon's impressive Spring Summer Look book, click here.

Gossip Girl Designer Lorick Flaunts Flirty Frocks at NYFW

This past Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending designer Abigail Lorick’s New York Fashion Week presentation for Fall 2010. You may have seen past Lorick collections which  gained noteriety as Eleanor Waldorf’s label on Gossip Girl.

Housed in downstairs in the Union Ballroom, the descent down the stairs led to a dimly lit room where editors and press gathered to view Lorick’s confections inspired by angels in cocoons. The key to this collection is layering, layering and more layering. The pairing of lighter sheer fabrics layered underneath heavier fabrics (raw silk) gave a youthful feel to the dresses and separates making up the collection. The palette was definitely neutral, but still dramatic – taupes, black, and gold metallics accented with flashes of gray and green played throughout.

Overall the collection was very well executed with a youthful, creative and uptown energy. The styling consisted of eclectic accessories  which added an additional layer of interest. Think modern day flapper chic – long brightly colored gloves in orange, green, and black. Ginormous feather headpieces, bows and hats graced the model’s wild untamed hair. Ankle booties and wedge platform sandals were worn over glittery metallic semi-sheer tights, and black opaque tights giving gravity to the whimsical designs. Statement necklaces appeared as beaded collars and layered strands of baubles, pearls and gold chains. Embellishment was added with accessories to the otherwise very clean cut silhouettes of the clothing. Hemlines were thigh high and exuded the charming youthful appeal.

Photos by Robert Mitra for WWD

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A Day to Love

by Carlina Harris

What is so great about the 14th of every February? Is it the overly popularized heart shaped confections, the oh so pricey requisite V-day dinner for two, or the obligatory dozen of long stemmed flora? What really sets this day apart from all others--besides all the extra money we fork over! Thinking about it makes me reevaluate what makes Valentines, Valentines Day?

 **Insert cheesy music here** It's all about spending time with those you love, whether it is one special someone, your family, or your dog. Taking the time to tell someone they are loved and appreciated and knowing that you yourself are as well make this an incredible day!

**Back to reality**But I would be lying if I said I didn't want all the extra's that came with this girlfriend holiday. I am pretty sure I once cried because the bf didn't bring home the bacon any sort of plant life, and my overly emotional reaction came in form of waterworks! We have both since learned from this, him: next time get flowers, me: relax, its just flowers. Its an oxymoron only lovers can understand.

So this year, there may or may not be flowers, but we are definitely spending time in a city we love, with the one person we couldn't image not getting up next to each morning. With that, happy Valentine's Day to all, especially to the one person who can always make me smile no matter what my mood.

 

(Hawaii 2007, F & me)

A Fashionista’s Valentine’s Day Wishlist

If you were to ask me what I want for Valentine’s Day. I would be able to give you a definitive wish list. My tastes are very simple and few. Chocolate, jewelry, and handbags. Not necessarily in that order, but there you have it.

Nothing makes me happier than a steaming sweet hot cup of cocoa, except maybe a new pair of Louboutins! A sip of decadent chocolate on a dreary winter’s day can work miracles. My favorites are Bianca and Parisienne, both from Vosges. Bianca is a white chocolate tinged with lavender and Parisienne is an essence of dark chocolate with a touch of vanilla. In the shoe department, I’ve got my eye on these Lanvin Pom-pom thong sandals ($585 at Net-a-Porter). A flat espadrille with Lanvin’s now signature pom-pom for the season. What fun these will be for spring with matching coral toe polish! Love love love. To collect coins for parking meters a Marc Jacobs python-effect leather wallet, ($375 at Net-a-Porter) is perfectly pretty in pink with this season’s requisite pyramid studs. The bright pink shade will make finding this wallet in the depths of my black handbag a snap! A favorite scent of mine is Lolita Lempicka $44 at Sephora, it is sweet with anise and vanilla while smoky with sandalwood at the same time. Pairs perfectly with the scent of the Vosges hot cocoa. Yum! An extra special Valentine’s treat would be an Hermès Extra wide enamel bracelet ($660.00 at Hermes.com). I’d layer this with assorted gold toned bangles. Perhaps someone will surprise me with this bracelet on February 14th? Fingers crossed!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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You're So Stubborn

by Carlina Harris

You know how everyone loves IKEA? Good prices, great designs, simple yet statement making pieces. Well I think I found the equivalent of IKEA in the accessories department. Think clean, minimalist, contemporary chic jewelry and bags. Think Stubborn. Stubborn was founded by former architect Melissa Stiles, her inspiration may have stemmed from a jewelry making course taken by the designer, or maybe having once lived in beautiful San Francisco! Either way her collection is impressive to say the least. Stiles creates her jewelry by filling industrial metals with opaque colored resin for a "lightweight, bold statement".

Perfectly described I would say. Upon trying on my first Stubborn piece, I felt very organic, and I liked it. I am usually the big jewelry type of girl, huge baubles upon baubles until my neck can't really take it. But after trying on a beautifully uncomplicated necklace, I wanted to showcase this special piece on a background of--shock-- nothing. It was just too pretty to share the spotlight with other necklaces! I love that the clasp is actually magnetic, and so easy to put on, or take off!

              

When first laying eyes on Stiles Stubborn collection I feel in love with her Square Post earrings. These stud like earrings have a certain je ne sais quoi about them. Unapologetically large for stud earrings, these gems standout on their own, not to mention large stud earrings are so this season- think Whitney from The City! But if I could categorize one celeb to be a spokesmodel for Stubborn, I would elect Alicia Silverstone. Not only does she know about style--hello she was Cher Horowitz from Clueless, she is also extremely environmentally friendly. I could def see Alicia digging this line with its earth friendly reclaimed (recycled) metals!

            

Now onto even more important matters....shoes bags! Stiles manages to not only make stunning jewelry, but she also has a knack for making great looking arm candy! She currently makes three different sizes of her signature Hand Felt carryall bag. After seeing the bag online, and in person, I wanted to run to the nearest Farmer's Market, and fill that bag with sustainable fruits/veggies, cage free eggs, and budding roses! 

                                         

You can find Melissa Stiles wares on her website, a variety of retail stores, or several museums nationwide.

Other standout's from the collection....

 

from left to right: Cluster necklace, Portland ring, Trax necklace

Gilty Pleasures-- Black and Gold for Spring

Take a modern approach to basic black dressing this spring. Since black is such a dominant color this Spring, pair it with accents of gold for a dramatic effect.

Why not pair your favorite black jeggings, like these JBrand jeggings in black ($39 at Singer22) with an a standout leather jacket? To wear over your basic black tee, this standout Temperley London Ava studded leather jacket ($2,150 at Net-a-Porter) will get their attention. The gold pyramid studs add a bit of rocker flair to this sumptuous ruffled cropped leather jacket. Your feet will look lovely shrouded in black boots – a pair of CHLOÉ – Wedge heel boots ($425 at FarFetch,com).

Gold jewelry accents will perfectly unify this look. The House of Harlow’s starburst collection pairs perfectly with black. Check out the House of Harlow 1960 14KT Gold Starburst Cocktail Ring with black leather, and Leather Stations Necklace in black. The geometric shape of the pyramid studs mirrors the angular shapes on the Stations Necklace. You’ve seen Nicole Richie wearing the Leather Stations geometric shaped necklace everywhere, she often layers it with other necklaces from her line.

You have seen Nicole herself wearing these fab pieces in the magazines and in your favorite celebrity blogs. Now is your chance add these pieces to your own jewelry collection!

Enter TheFind’s House of Harlow Valentine’s Giveaway valued at $250 from our friends at The Trend Boutique.

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