BrandHabit

Shecky's Girls Night Out Around the Country!

by Carlina Harris

Every year, for twice a year, Shecky's has their infamous "Girls Night Out", and I am always there. A fun filled evening with totally free cocktails, a goodie bag full to the brim with fab necessaries, and an indulgent shopping mecca.

For all my fashion fiends in Boston and Chicago, the time has come for you, my very special ladies (and gents!) Boston's fab event is being held this week (March 24- 26th) in the Boston Center for the Arts - Cyclorama 539 Tremont St. (Clarendon & Berkeley Sts.). And the Chicago Sheckys Girls Night Out will be held in the following two weeks (April 7th-8th) at The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station
210 S. Canal St. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.) For my local lovelies, the San Francisco event is on June 10, 2010, check out their other event dates here. Don't forget you must by 21 to attend these events!

These events are so much fun...enjoy the pictures, it really is this fun--and then some!

{my sis and me, hamming it up for the staged goodie bag photo op}

{open bar, included in price}

{killer DJ beats}

{shopping galore}

 

In the Spotlight – Red Cocktail Dress Minus the Malfunction

Katherine Heigl’s news of dress malfunction spread across the web faster than you can say Gray’s Anatomy. Along with news of the unattached strap is Heigl’s news that she will be leaving the show to spend more time with her daughter, Naleigh. With news of this latest fashion mishap the little red dress is in the spotlight again. We love how the bright color looks just right on a sleeveless dress. Whether it is tones of blue-red or a deep coral red we are loving all shades of rouge in cocktail dresses for spring.

Katherine Heigl graciously finishes her acceptance speech for Female Star Of The Year Award at the ShoWest convention after the strap on her red dress breaks. Also striking and red-carpet worthy is the Lotusgrace Pleated Taffeta Cocktail Dress (upper right, $460 at Saks.com). A perfectly pretty party dress featuring a full skirt and taffeta bow belt. This classic dress would be appropriate for a springtime wedding or even the prom! The full skirt has just the right fullness without looking like you’re trying too hard. From Oscar de la Renta the Angled-Pocket Dress with black belt (bottom right, $1990 at Bergdorf Goodman) is classic with a Mandarin collar and slit neckline that will look simply marvelous at the office or for the chic-est of dinner parties. I could even imagine this for a first date. It is polished and sexy at the same time showing off just a little bit of leg thru the slit skirt. Very vintage chic with a wide patent leather black belt. For the budget conscious recessonista is a noteworthy deal of the week. The Perfect Pleated Sheen Dress (bottom left, $27.80 at Forever 21) is the most star-worthy of red dresses. Glamourous in it’s appeal the pleated bust line and angled front seams combine for a hourglass figure fit. There is flexible boning embedded into the seam to add support and shape to the dress. Be sure to use some Bristol’s 6 Stylin’ tape to hold this dress up, unless of course you’d like to re-inact Katherine Heigl’s dress malfunction! On your toes try some black Burberry platform sandals.

Save on your purchases at Forever 21 from TheFind.com’s coupon site

Round the Corner

by Carlina Harris

One more day until Spring is officially here! I am thrilled, the sun has finally come back to grace us with its presence. The temperature is up, the weekend is here, its pay day; things are looking up!  And my wallet is itching to rack up some mileage points. It seems like just yesterday I was looking forward to all things, luxe, cashmere, and sequin-like.  But now when I open up the glossies, all I see are: sun, floppy hats, florals, pastels, and gorgeous tan chicas.  Obviously I am going to want the latest and greatest in seasonal items, it was inevitably bound to happen. I happens every year, every fashion season, I should have already prepared myself for the credit card crunch!

And so this week, it hit. Spring/Summer purchases so far 3: floral jumper, tan oxfords, and off the shoulder sweatshirt, am I crazy or just CFI (certified fashionably insane)?!

Tell me, do I need these babies in both colors?

(SM Melin Cognac Oxfords)

(SM Melin Oxfords, purchased in tan, but NEED in pink as well)

(Dakota Dress with crochet racer-back)

(Kid Dangerous Janet Pullover)

Utility Chic Metallic Sandals

One of this season’s hottest trends is utility chic. Think slim cargo pants, fitted work shirts, and leather messenger bags in shades of olive, khaki and gray. On your feet metallic sandals are the perfect complement to a utility chic ensemble. Whether you are a high-heeled girl or prefer to wear pretty flats, there are many options for metallic shoes this spring. We’ve rounded up our favorite for you to browse. It’s time to “forward march” into springtime dressing!

A gladiator is the perfect complement to this season’s skinny cargo pant.  A flat sandal like Vince Camuto’s Bach (upper left, $119.95 – this and all shoes from Shoebuy.com). This fashion forward style has a covered ankle and oval gunmetal grey buckle detail. A statement making sandal, the Jessica Simpson Koolia (upper right, $88.95) features a stacked platform heel with wide gold metallic straps. Up the front is a zip closure with stud detail, peep toe and tapered heel. A gladiator is on this season’s must-buy list. The BCBGirls “Peter” (bottom left, $55.45) is an affordable and stylish gold metallic gladiator sandal. It is  accented with coins and has an adjustable ankle strap. Another style from Jessica Simpson is the “Scilla” which features a high heel and pewter distressed suede metallic finish (right, $73.95). This ankle strap design includes a tie lace at front and wide banded straps.

Enter to win a $75 gift card from Shoebuy. Go the official TheFind Spring Fling Shoe Giveaway contest page here to ENTER!

SAVE on springs cutest shoes with an exclusive Shoebuy coupon code for fans of TheFind. Coupon expires 3/29/10.

From our friends at the find.

Get Your Skin in Shape for Spring: Try Youth Corridor Antioxidant Skin Serum

By Tracey Brown

Beauty Editor

aka Beauty Guru

As an esthetician I know the value of using great products on my skin.  I look for   ingredients that can improve my skin tone and firm at the same time. And recently I found a product with the perfect blend of ingredients to do just that. I tried Youth Corridor Antioxidant Boost Skin Serum for 60 days, my skin's tone is revitalized and felt much smoother. 

I love the fact that this serum combines the best ingredients to improve not only my skin tone, but to pump up that collagen layer that I am so concerned about in this 53rd year of my life.  Now, Youth Corridor is offering you the chance to try out this phenomenal product for a limited time at a discounted price.

Youth Corridor Antioxidant Boost™ Skin Serum with 10% Vitamin C, E and Melatonin

Most people this month (March 14th) will be moving their clocks forward, but if you’re noticing fine lines and wrinkles and/or dull, lackluster skin, it’s time to use the latest weapon against anti-aging and rewind the hands of time instead.  This serum, seen in W, Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, People, Shape and more, is the newest ‘must have’ beauty treatment to get smoother and more radiant skin. 

 Developed by Dr. Gerald Imber, an internationally recognized plastic surgeon and best-selling author, this serum delivers a powerful, concentrated dose of antioxidants directly into the deeper layers of the skin where they can have the most impact.  Melatonin is one of the key ingredients this serum, and when combined with Vitamins C and E, reduces past sun damage and increases collagen synthesis leading to significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, firmer and tighter skin.  Research shows that the combination of Vitamins C and E with Melatonin act synergistically and offer greater protection from sunburn-related inflammation than any of the ingredients alone! Just apply 3 drops to your face and neck before bedtime, and the skin-rejuvenating effects will be obvious within a few days.

 The rules:

The promotion is for ONE WEEK, STARTING MARCH 14.  As you prepare for Daylight Saving Time on March 14th, simply visit www.YouthCorridor.com and save 25% on your purchase of the Antioxidant Boost Skin Serum by using the promo code “BOOST”.  Online visitors will have one week to participate, so set your clocks to sign up for your discount on the most powerful age-drying serum that will transform the health, firmness and overall beauty of your skin within one week.

Wang Bang Thank you Ma'am

by Carlina Harris

There is not enough room on this page, to fit all the amahzing items spotted at Alexander Wang Spring 2010 RTW Collection. Besides the now ubiquitous side braid Wang made famous by having his models frolick down the runway Hanzel and Gretal style in, the clothes were to die for. The tough chic look is so million dollar baby meets ring girl! This sporty look is gaining speed in the fashion world, and Wang has definitely got this one in the (gym) bag!  The cutouts in all the right places, the missing sleeves, luxurious leather camera bags, knee high socks with booties--oh my!

You can try out out this gym class look by donning the Asymmetrical Long Sleeve Sweatshirt dress, cutout included! This black number has white piping running down the left and back side of the dress, accentuating all the right places! Another one to watch out for is the Oxford Combo Dress with cutout sides, it takes on the color block, and denim shirt trend to another level, while tying in Wang's cutout theme--tre chic!

Sure, a really great outfit can be totally spot on, but to make something really special, add a few key accessories, and you'll be the talk of the town. A new favorite of mine is the Brenda mini camera bag, hobo's are huge, and clutches can leave you one-armed, but this cross body camera bag is perfect, no hands required, and it has an old school feel to it! These glasses are killer, they are razor sharp almost; you must be prepared to get stares, and hear jealous whispers when you rock these Cat sunglasses- caution, not for the faint of heart. Last but not least, the clog trend is sweeping the nation (which I am totally shocked about), but Wang does them up more like Victoria Beckham, than the danish kids on "Its a Small World". These Edita Platform Sandals are fierce, and got me to rethink my footwear!

            

                                

Inspiration for the Modern Bride

The wedding season is fast approaching and brides to-be are on the search for the perfect dress, shoes and accessories. Some brides-to-be spend months searching for the perfect dress. Carrie Bradshaw’s entire wedding plan was thrown into a tailspin because of her over-the-top Vivienne Westwood dress. I was lucky – the second dress I tried on I chose and purchased on the spot. It was a “Saketini” gown made famous by San Francisco couturier, Colleen Quen. Today there are many options whether you are having a grand vineyard estate wedding in Napa Valley or a simple civil ceremony at City Hall. There are styles to suit everyone from the classic bride to the bohemian and fashionista alike.

Perfectly suited for a civil ceremony or glamourous penthouse affair, this fitted ivory ribbed-crepe dress is classic with a twist detail at the shoulder. The short sleeve RM by Roland Mouret Aphrodite twist-detail dress ($1,545 at Net-a-Porter) features a low back, a slim fitting skirt and split at the back. Most women either love or hate veils. If you are the type to wear a veil, Lanvin makes an exquisite glass pearl-embellished tulle veil ($1,070  at Net-a-Porter). Pricey, yes, but you can save it as a family heirloom for your daughters. The Blanche veil attaches with a silver-tone hair comb and is embellished with 100% Swarovski glass beads. Exquisite! With a the fitted and short skirt on the Mouret dress you’ll want to have a pair of very special shoes on your feet. How about these satin Christian Louboutin Miss ChaCha satin platform sling backs? They are available for $945.00 at Barneys New York. As you glide around the dance floor or pose for photos, wouldn’t it be lovely to have this Lanvin Silk-satin Drawstring Pochette ($770 at Net-a-Porter) on your arm? Grace your ears with a pair of Ben-Amun Crystal Framed Pearl Drop Earrings ($188 at Max and Chloe). These shimmering drop pearl earrings feature two lustrous pearls and are surrounded by Austrian crystals. Before you walk down the aisle spritz on Christian Dior’s Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet ($88.00 at YesStyle). Containing the essence of the original Miss Dior fragrance is has notes of mandarin orange, peony and musk, you will start life with your new husband smelling sublime.

Save on your purchases at Max and Chloe from TheFind.com’s coupon site

From our friends at thefind.

Sun, Surf, Sand and Bikini Ready!

Whether you are headed for Palm Beach, Laguna Beach or Waikiki, your fun in the sun will need some advanced planning. For one – do you have a bikini that fits?  Perhaps it is time to go bikini shopping! Try on a blue-hued bikini that will catch their attention and coordinate with the rest of your sun-worshiping attire. We love Diane von Furstenberg’s string bikini top and briefs ($95 and $90 at Net-a-Porter). DVF is the queen of glam, get your best bikini on with this abstract blue hued animal-print bikini and matching briefs. Cover up with a  teal-tone Lotta Stensson “Best Dress” draped jersey dress ($135 at Net-a-Porter) to wear post-poolside or at evening cocktails. And how adorable is the Diane von Furstenberg Tropical Leopard Beach Tote ($75.00 at Shopbop)? Yes, there is a definite theme here, it will pull you look together in a snap! The leopard-print coated-canvas tote is embellished with a ‘Diane’ signature across the front. Don’t forget to shade your self from the sun in Chloé’s eye-catching Blue Tamaris aviator sunglasses ($295 at Net-a-Porter). The silver toned aviators are a classic shape with gray lenses and blue leather accents on the arms and bridge. Wrap your perfectly pedicured toes in a pair of classic Tapeet Chain T-bar sandals ($375 at Net-a-Porter). These chain link sandals are flat and perfect for a night with in town when paired with the Lotta Stensson jersey dress. Or wear with sun dresses and shorts when you feel like playing tourist.

Are in need of a pre-bikini body toning and shape up? Enter TheFind’s Gaiam Celebrity Fitness Giveaway here. The prize includes a Gaiam Celebrity Fitness Kit (at a value of $49). Includes a Valerie Bertinelli: Losing it and Keeping Fit DVD, Trudie Styler’s Warrior Yoga DVD, Bob Greene: Total Body Makeover DVD, and a Yoga Essentials Mat.

From our friends at thefind.