Category Archives: Fashion & Beauty

Handbag Happy Hour

Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Deals, , , , , , , ,

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

Fashion & Beauty, , , , ,

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

Events, Fashion & Beauty, Travel & Miami, , , , , ,

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

Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Deals, , , , , ,

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

Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Deals, , , , ,

Silver Studded Black iPhone Case via GypsyWarrior.comIt’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!

Jason Wu for Target: February 5, 2012

Fashion & Beauty, ,

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

Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, , , , ,

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.

   

   

Special thanks to Yve for trailing me with a camera and documenting the experience. 

The Man Repeller is Coming to Miami

Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, , ,

Fashion lovers rejoice! The Man Repeller herself is coming to Miami. Join the Webster Miami and The Man Repeller for the launch of their new online store. Meet Leandra Medine as she offers styling tips.

When: Friday, January 13, 2012, 5:50 PM to 7:30 PM

Where: The Webster Miami, 1220 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Why: Get free swag and soak in a rare fashion opportunity.

Tickets: $100 each, including a fab goodie bag and free cocktails

RSVP: Call 305-673-5548

OR email customercare@thewebstermiami.com

DIY: Home, Self, and Fashion

Fashion & Beauty, Home & Decor, , ,

I can’t get enough of the DIY projects lately. Maybe it’s the new year prompting me to get everything in order. Whatever the case, I’m riding the wave and seeing what these little hands can create.

If you’re having the same creative cravings, these sites should whet your appetite. If you have any other DIY sites, I’d love to hear about them. Leave me your favorites in the comments!

1) HOME: Blik Wall Decals – Because I tend to switch things around every few months, I love working with Blik’s decals; most of them are reusable and all are safely removable. They will send you your graphics in separate pieces to allow you to arrange as you see fit. Blik also works with companies like Threadless to bring you lots of great pop culture items (read: Pac Man on your wall) and countless designs from up-and-coming artists.

2) SELF: DIY Cosmetics – I could probably do this all day. There’s nothing like the freedom to create the exact color and product you want. DIY Cosmetics, “a green company”, has everything you need to customize that exact shade of lipstick you just can’t seem to find anywhere else.

And if you need the moisturizer and lip balm to go underneath that new makeup, Made On: Skincare Products sells a kit to make your own. Their site offers recipes and instructional videos to guide you through the process.

3) FASHION: Fashion, at it’s very basic, relies on the right print and fabric. And if the right print isn’t out there, just make it! Spoonflower actually allows you to design your own print on premium natural fabrics with no minimum requirement and an easy $5 swatch option to be sure you’ve got it just right.

If you want something done right, do it yourself. So go ahead – now you can. 🙂

Geek Chic: Superhero Headbands

Art & Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Shopping & Deals, , , ,

Happy Friday, everyone. If this new year is all about you taking over the world, find inspiration with this collection of superhero headbands by Janine Basil on Etsy. Janine’s shop features everything you love about geek culture, but covered in glitter and rhinestones and turned into fashionable head gear. Check out one of my favorites below.