All posts by Alicia

ban.do iPhone Case

February 21, 2012Shopping & Dealsban.do, iphone case, online shopping, shoppingAlicia

Here’s a quickie post between loads of laundry as I fear I’ve been possessed by the ghost of Cuban Abuelas Past. While I cannot sit still for more than two minutes due to the insistent state of dissatisfaction it seems I’ll be feeling until everything’s been given a good scrub with Mistolin, I’ve taken a break to bring you something that made me audibly squeal: the ban.do iPhone case.

Known for its signature hearts and sparkly accessories, ban.do has now added this covet-able phone case to its already too-friggin-cute-for-words-type inventory.

The white plastic case runs for $25 and is designed to fit iPhone 4. You can also receive 15% off your next order by joining their mailing list.

Handbag Happy Hour

February 17, 2012Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Dealsasos, cambridge, friday, friday happy hour, handbags, happy hour, proenza schouler, ps1, shoppingAlicia

It’s Friday, people! And while I realize it’s hardly even lunch time, I’m of the philosophy that it’s five o’clock somewhere. You’ve worked hard, you’ve survived the week, and now you’ve earned the right to treat yourself to a little happy hour therapy. And while I’m not necessarily encouraging drinking at your desk out of your coffee mug (except if you’re in catering, in which case, by all means, pop that bottle and pour!), I do support the idea of a little well-deserved indulgence. Without further ado, I bring you Friday Happy Hour. Every Friday, I will post something easy on the eyes (and the wallet) to celebrate the end of the week.

Today, let us delight in Handbags. Here are a few of my recent favorites, all brightly making way for spring:

In this post:

1) PS1 Neon Leather Tote

2) Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Neon Pink

3) ASOS Slot Through Portfolio Clutch

4) Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Neon Orange 15″

5) Cambridge Satchel Company Exclusive to Asos 15″ Mink Patent Batchel

6) ASOS Frosted Bowler Bag

L.A.M.B. Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

February 16, 2012Fashion & Beautyfall/winter 2012, Gwen Stefani, l.a.m.b., mercedes benz fashion week, new york fashion week, nyfwAlicia

Do a girl a solid and indulge me in my obsession with all things L.A.M.B. Now in its eighth year, L.A.M.B. has evolved from a simple project Gwen started in her kitchen to the extensive collection it is today. Check out Gwen Stefani’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection as it showed at New York Fashion Week on February 11th. And as Fashion Week draws to a close today, you can relive the greatest moments via Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Images via mbfashionweek.com

The Business of Fashion: IFB Con in NYC

February 15, 2012Events, Fashion & Beauty, Travel & Miamibloggers, fashion, fashion bloggers, ifb con, new york fashion week, nyc, nyfwAlicia

There’s a palpable energy that courses through New York City on any given day. It’s the kind of energy that makes you want to leap around town and just get things done. Being from Miami, I always feel the need to be productive. But I’m always just a little more inspired the minute my plane begins to make its descent over Manhattan, no matter the season.

That feeling was amplified on the eve of New York Fashion Week as hundreds of bloggers gathered in the spirit of fashion PR, ready to make a name for themselves and the brands they love. This was my first conference experience as an official blogger, a position I chose to take on seriously at the end of 2011. And while I never doubted its validity, attending IFB Con drove home one glimmering point: Fashion is a serious business.

Serious enough to gather the likes of Glamour (@susancernek), DKNY (@dkny), Refinery 29 (@refinery29), Bryan Boy (@bryanboy), and Bauble Bar (@baublebar), industry favorites that were all present to discuss and explore with bloggers the direction of this fledgling industry that’s changing the way business is run. Blogging is no longer the awkward distant cousin of direct marketing but rather the polished celebrity influencer you want in the front row – and we’re all thrilled to be a part of it.

The ladies (and gents) who attended were poised, chic, and ready to do business. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to keep doing what I do, and for that I’m utterly grateful.

Pics are included below, along with some shots of a few of my favorite outfits. You can keep up with these lovely ladies at their blogs:

By the way, check out the live runway shows here on YouTube.

What did you think of IFB Con? How did you fare from at the conference? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Dealsdesigners, fashion, Gifts & Pretty Things, mondo trasho, online shopping, project runway, valentinesAlicia

Hey, loves. Happy Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re spending it with your better half or celebrating with friends (or maybe even boycotting the whole thing), I wish you a day filled with love and beauty.

I’m feeling the love this fine day, so I’m sharing an item from one of my favorite Project Runway designers, Mondo Guerra. Though this limited edition tee will likely be gone in a blink, there are still tons of other awesome items on the site and you can get them for 20% less today by using Facebook code fb20 at checkout.

XOXO,

Alicia

Gypsy Warrior: Boho Chic with an Edge

February 1, 2012Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Dealsboho, edge, fashion, gypsy warrior, rocker chic, shoppingAlicia

It’s good to be home. Argentina was warm, beautiful, delicious, and half a world away. I stumbled upon some great little shops and restaurants that felt like something out of a developing romantic comedy abroad. But there really is no place like home, where ordering a burger medium-rare won’t get you weird looks from the waiter at a sidewalk cafe.

I actually happened to stumble upon this little American gem on Instagram while craving some US culture in Buenos Aires (Yes, I admit it – I missed home). Gypsy Warrior (@gypsywarrior on Instagram) had posted a pic of the studded iPhone case to the left and I knew I needed to immediately give my phone some street cred.

The new shop, a collaboration of founders Nicla DiCosmo and Michel Bezoza, is an unlikely balance of boho chic and rocker edge – and it all somehow works. Aside from some instantly covet-able items like their skull cardigan or these black studded ballet flats (both currently on my wish list), Gypsy Warrior also offers up a vintage section of not-so-ironically-inclined pieces (I need a bunny faux fur jacket in my life).

These lovely ladies are currently offering free shipping in the US and 15% off with code PARTY12 so snatch up some goodies before they’re gone (and maybe grab something for a blogger on a tiny budget?). You can also follow Gypsy Warrior on Facebook and keep up with their latest finds. Happy shopping!

Pixics Giveaway

January 20, 2012Shopping & Dealscontests, freebies, geek, giveaways, indie, pixics, retro, shopping, vintageAlicia

Happy Friday, everyone. I’m gearing up for the weekend and looking forward to heading out to Argentina for a business conference. It will be my first time in South America, so I’m pretty stoked.

Since I’ll be gone for a week, I leave you with freebies and a new place to shop. I found the little guy on the left on Pixics.com, a new online shop for all things “indie, retro, vintage, and geek.” They’ve got some really great out-of-the-ordinary apparel, accessories, and gifts (like the Fuluto figurine in this post) for very reasonable prices with FREE SHIPPING to all orders in the United States and Canada, so it’s worth a trip to the site.

Also, check out their Giveaway page for details on how to win your very own Twitter Bird figurine (he’s adorable, promise). The contest is going on now through February, so don’t miss out.

You can also follow Pixics on Facebook and have even more chances to win. Just “like” the Pixics Facebook page, tell a friend about the giveaway, and share the giveaway on your Facebook page. You will qualify for the giveaway once your friend submits their own entry.

The Pixics giveaway officially ends on February 29th, so get on it! Best of luck to you all and happy shopping! See ya when I get back from Buenos Aires!!

Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday (We guess…)

January 19, 2012Art & CultureAlicia

It seems that today marks the date of the best guess for the birthday of famed poet Edgar Allan Poe, acclaimed for such works as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Pit and the Pendulum, and, of course, The Raven.

Even as a child, I remember being strangely drawn to the dark beauty of Poe’s works. I heard the thumping of that tell-tale heart and the squawking of that persistent raven and knew I wanted to create experiences with my words.

Today, I grow more fascinated still and continue to marvel at the poetry that lives on in glorious infamy. In his honor, I’ll proudly wear my Raven tee and brush up on some favorites. If you’d like to learn more about Poe’s works, check out this great, free online collection of stories and poetry.

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore…” – The Raven

Jason Wu for Target: February 5, 2012

January 18, 2012Fashion & Beautyfashion, Jason Wu for Target, TargetAlicia

Target does it again; the retailer has partnered with young, talented designer Jason Wu – best known as a favorite to first lady Michelle Obama – to create beautiful and affordable fashion for all kinds of budgets. Wu designed the first lady’s gown for the Inaugural Ball in 2009, which helped propel him to international acclaim. His new collection for Target is anticipated to be as well-received as Missoni was back in September 2011.

Below, a look at some of Wu’s collection for Target. The collaboration, “inspired by the vision of an American girl in Paris,” will include apparel, handbags, and scarves and is set to debut on February 5th.

The Man Repeller at the Webster Miami

January 17, 2012Art & Culture, Fashion & Beautybloggers, fashion, leandra medine, Miami Beach, the man repeller, the webster miamiAlicia

Leandra Medine’s double-fisting arm party took Miami over the weekend and I was somehow able to stumble upon the action and say, “hey,” for a couple minutes before the glammy staff at the Webster started eyeing me and my $7 Target jeans, probably wondering how I’d slipped past the proverbial velvet rope. No matter. The store was exquisitely curated and made for some fun wish-list building (read: Chanel-lusting).

Thanks to the Man Repeller for being so gracious and hanging out with a couple of aspiring fashionistas between styling sessions. And thanks to the Webster for letting us frolick among the racks of couture we hope to someday afford. You can keep up with the Man Repeller here and shop the Webster’s newly redesigned online shop here.