BrandHabit

Goodbyes are Hard

by Carlina Harris

Dearest Stylista's, Fashionista's, and Friends,

I started out working for BrandHabit three years ago. They were looking for a fashion intern, and I was freshly annoyed with my collegiate selected career path- Aviation. I wanted to dress pretty, and run to and from work in polished trendy separates, not work hands on with aircraft and file flight plans. Don't get me wrong Aviation/the Travel industry will forever be a part of me, but fashion was always itfor me. Stacks of VOGUE, putting together mood boards, meticulously picking out outfits for the day, playing with my coveted jewelry/skincare/clothing samples- this will forever be what I want to do for the rest of my life (until I change my mind again-right?), and some of the great things I got to enjoy with BrandHabit, but for me, it's time to move on in another fashion direction.

I will forever be grateful to the beautiful inside and out Carla Morton- founder and CEO of BrandHabit- for taking a chance on me when I hardly had any fashion expertise, and allowing me to blossom from an intern to one of her main Fashion Writers, and finally to Fashion Editor. You have no idea how much you and your dream have influenced mine; you will always be someone I look up to.

To my readers- thank you for sticking by me, reading and commenting on my posts, and keeping the BrandHabit community active. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here, so spread the word, BrandHabit needs more fun, fashionable people like you to enjoy our content!

And so without anymore beating around the bush I will miss you all terribly, if you ever feel like checking in on me and my new job (Associate Fashion Editor for a Fashion Tech start-up!) just look me up on my blog AllergictoVanilla.com. Stay Fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,

Carlina Harris

Online Boutique Spotlight: PeaceImages Jewelry

 by Carlina Harris

I am always on the hunt for unique, beautiful specialty jewelry and accessories- can you say shopaholic? It doesn't necessarily have to be real, in fact my favorite pieces are costume jewelry, the larger and more dramatic the better! So it was no surprise that when I happened to stumble upon PeaceImages Jewelry my affinity for beautiful over the top jewelry didn't falter, and I just happened to want everything on the site (by the way, my boyfriend, and my wallet thank me for not making any dramatic purchases- just yet anyways!)

Los Angeles brainchild behind the brand, simply known as Camille, makes all the pieces herself, and has a pretty large following from what I gather from her loyal and enthusiastic fans on twitter, facebook, and her personal blog. All items are moderately priced for the high fashion fashionista on a budget- in other words grab her gorgeous items now before sense takes over and Camille realizes these pieces are worth way more than what she's asking for!

So far PeaceImages presence is mostly in LA and online- this weekend the designer will be at the THREAD show in Los Angeles selling her wares at specialty prices (I heard). Here's hoping she brings her awesome jewelry to SF so we can get in on the PeaceImages love in person too! But for now escape to blissful jewelry heaven, and sneak away from work for a few minutes to scope out her rad offerings here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Celebrity Style: Eugenia Kim Fedoras and Sunhats

So what cool and creative style creation comes out of the candid desperation to cover up an extremely bad hair cut? None other than the Soho-based millinery line of coveted head wear designs by award-winning, Eugenia Kim. Known for her innovative woven shapes, rich productions and imaginative, idiosyncratic felts and straws trimmed with traditional decorations and feathers, her collection was first spotted by local boutiques, where it immediately traveled into the closets of fashionable women and celebrities everywhere. There is no doubt that, beginning on the streets of the East Coast, Eugenia Kim instantly made headwear famous again and the entire world was then seduced into a revolution of hats. After all, hats are the most stylish way to cover up bad hair days, add a new attitude to an old outfit, and a practical form of instant protection from the sun. They are fashionable accessories that are ready and available for every season, reason, and occasion. This season, invest in a fabulous design by Eugenia Kim. Wear it with pride like her list of A-list clientele which include Beyonce, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Chloe Sevigny. Take a gander at these amazing picks, which also so happen to be fashion crowd-favorites: Eugenia Kim’s Max 7 Raffia Fedora, Eugenia Kim’s Max Toyo Fedora, and the Eugenia Kim Honey Sunhat.

-Mira Torres

From our friends at thefind.com

Jac Vanek Takes the T-Shirt to New Heights

 

 

There is no doubt that Jac Vanek t-shirt designs make a lasting impression. I have experienced it firsthand. I recently got ahold of Jac's another world tee and not only did people comment on it, but they kind of couldn't stop looking. Mission accomplished, Jac Vanek. IF you don't know Jac Vanek is a clothing and accessories designer that has partnered with several design companies, musicians and celebrities to create shirts that make a memorable impression. She had collaborated with many charities in order to promote and raise awareness of their causes. Her skills have been utilized to help important charity organizations like Haiti Relief, the Make-A-Wish foundation, PETA and the NOH8 campaign. Most popular with today's youth,she is defined by more than her good-doings. Jac's typical designs come in a majority of clean cotton tee's and rubber bracelets. Definitely possessing that rocker, concert vibe which inspired her to start creating her line  from a "world fueled soley by mucic."  Jac Vanek is as much of a "scene" in her own right with an appreciation for entertaining, witty, and ironic slogans. See more on Jac Vanek on her website at www.jacvanek.com. Shown above Where World Fails, Music Speaks tee, Believe in Something tee, Love Exists tee, and Love Harmony Bracelets.

- Mia Torres

From our friends at thefind.com

Philosophy Pool Party Set: Smell Like your Favorite Summer Cocktails

 While the kids splash away the adults will play! Don't worry though these summer cocktails won't cost you the calories, or the money for the babysitter to make sure the kids behave themselves while you kick back. This collection of guilt-free takes on summer refreshments, Philosophy's the Pool Party Set, contains a trio of fruity cocktail scented multi purpose bath products that let you pamper, indulge and stay clean despite the sweltering weather....without feeling like a total lush! Kiwi Martini, Blue Hawaiian, and Papaya Passion Punch --the scents are all uniquely refreshing and festive on thier own without being overly sweet or sugary like some themed scents can be. Trade off depending on your mood, or mix and match your own shower cocktail depending on how you like to unwind! At only $25 for the set The Pool Party makes a great summer gift for a hostess, friend or even a summer treat to help yourself beat the heat!

- Alex Gambardella

From our friends at thefind.com

Animalistic Ballistic

by Sara Caspi

There are so many trends on at the moment it can leave you wondering, "how can I extend these trends into my lingerie wardrobe?". Animal print is HUGE right now, with everything from cheetah to zebra making a comeback. Diverse animal and ethnic-inspired prints seem to dominate fashion, so you definitely don't want to forget about your inner tigress in or out of the bedroom!

 

Macy's seem to be carrying a lot of animal variety, with brands such as Jockey, Olga, Lilyette and Wacoal. Nordstrom with Elomi, Hanky Panky and Calvin Klein, Victoria's Secret and even Topshop offering up some delights.

Whether you need some new lingerie, want to spice up your basics, or just in the mood to spend, this trend is an easy one to integrate in your current lingerie wardrobe - and if you're just starting out in building up your lingerie style, animal print never goes out of style in the bedroom :)

 

<3 enjoy

 

Santana Row Poolside Fashion Show

by Carlina Harris

Every year I look forward to one of the most fun fashion events in the South Bay- Santana Row's Annual Fashion Show. Showcasing spring/summer trends on fresh faced models prancing around a pristine pool, with a gorgeous backdrop of million dollar lofts, beautiful people, paparazzi and free flowing champagne! Now that sounds like enviable Saturday plans, and that is exactly where you'll find me- hopefully sitting front row! Word on the street is Taylor Armstrong from 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' will be there enjoying the event too, and supporting her cause Family Violence Protection Fund- of which 20% of all ticket sales go to!

There is still time to get your tickets, hopefully I'll see you there!

 
{Taylor Armstrong, photo courtesy of Santana Row}

Donald J. Pliner at Santana Row

by Carlina Harris

 With the boho-hippie movement in full trend effect, I was pleasantly surprised at the Pliner shoe offerings a few weeks ago at a party celebrating the celeb appearances of Donald and Lisa Pliner in their the Santana Row boutique. The Donald himself was flurry-ing back and forth between shoppers, a windmill of excitement and Euro-chic presence in head to toe white, not to mention he was rocking the hell out of a bedazzled pair of his puppy print loafers! Amidst a sea of black card Am-Ex shoppers, trays of haute sushi bites, and full to the brim wine glasses, the atmosphere was eclectic, and fun! I got in on the excitement by trying on a pair of beaded heels I was eyeing all afternoon- after half a glass of my never-ending wine goblet, I was more than thrilled to take off boots and socks in front of strangers, be helped by a lovely man urging me to try on the $400+ pair of shoes, and prance around like Cinderella in shoes that were worth more than my entire outfit. The shoes were beautiful and one of a kind, but ultimately did not end up of going home with me (oh the pain!). While I may not have made a purchase, the boutique's register never ceased ringing for moment, whether it was the coveted signature of Pliner on the sole of all shoes purchased, or the one of a kind hand beaded job found only on Pliners very exquisite European shoes- it was never doubted why these two have made a fortune making and selling shoes. Check them out here, and tell me which your favorite Pliner shoe is!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1. summer beaded options, 2.  Donald in white, 3-5. amazing men options (the red and blue ones are fantastic!), 6. a ladylike leopard print crossbody, 7. My favorite pair, 8. Peace shoes, 9. Puppy print shoes Donald was wearing, 10. Me in my beaded shoes!

Spring Beauty Essentials by MADARA

by Carlina Harris

Skin is probably the most important thing your ever going to wear, so I prefer to protect mine, and pamper it as much as I can- no $2.99 drug store spf for me! When I was first introduced to MADARA here, I fell in love immediately, the wholesome, organic brand not only had beautiful packaging, and a interesting story behind it, but the global brand hailing from Latvia smelled of fresh flowers, fields, and nature in springtime! I was hooked from the start!

I know it's finally springtime, but it was a long drawn out winter in California. To ease the uncomfortable-ness of unpleasant weather this winter I pampered my super dry hands with MADARA's luxe Deep Moisture Hand Cream, moisturized my lips with the softening lip balm, lathered up at the end of the day with an invigorating but subtle on the bubbles Mint Shower Soap and moisturized again with an amazing firming body oil! I actually made it through the harsh winter conditions thanks to MADARA, and my skin feels better than ever and fully ready for the spring sun!

 

Now in Spring, MADARA has a whole new crop of body goodies, I was lucky enough to try out a few of these organic, all natural wonders. The Eye Repair Cream- a favorite- because a girl can never say no to a good eye cream! I have inherited my father's under eye bags (I know, not fair) and this miracle cream seems to help alleviate puffy-ness and smooths out this hard to cover up area, I will forever be in debt to whoever created eye cream!

Another huge beauty must have for Spring has got to be the Flower Dust Shimmering Lotion- its name just sounds like a good time! This chamomile and rose-hip scented moisturizer has a supremely subtle sparkle factor, and it is going to totally rock when the sun decides to fully come out! I will be wearing this everyday, over my (very important!) spf, The creamy sparkle lotion promises to enchance an existing tan and bring out a golden radiance in the skin tone- it sure sounds like my kind of lotion, and a nice welcome to spring!

 
 
 

Free tickets to Appel & Frank Shopping event!

by Carlina Harris

Calling all shopaholics- Appel & Frank's legendary girl's night out shopping party is back in San Francisco, and I have got free tickets for you! 10 bucks normally getyou a free glass of wine, a fully loaded goodie bag, beauty services and major discounts on local designs- but you can have it all for free! The event is located at the historic Regency Center this Thursday from 5-9pm, plenty of time to get your pamper on! First five people who email me by Wednesday March 30th will each get a set of tickets to the event! Shoot me an email at [email protected]. Happy shopping!

Didn't win the free tickets or prefer to buy your own? Score extra discounted priced tickets at $8 (instead of $10) with code APPELANDFRANK20!