http://www.brandhabit.com/feeds/whats_new /images/vendors/thumbnails/kikanecklace.jpg Tue Jul 15 09:30:25 -0700 2008 Erika Peña Designs : I am a designer, an entrepreneur and, above all, a dreamer. I was born in Puerto Rico, after my parents, Juan Isidro Peña and Maritza Milagros Peña, had emigrated from the Dominican Republic. On my 18th birthday, I moved to New York to study at Parsons School of Design. That is where my adventure began. In New York, my focus was fashion design and I worked with many designers, most notably Donna Karen and Josie Natori. Following my work with these talented women, I was inspired to launch a clothing line called “epe”. It was during this period, when I was collaborating with a number of different designers on various projects, that I started looking not only to the future from my inspiration and this led me on the path to launching the Erika Peña line. The inspiration of my jewelry line comes from my move from Manhattan to Puerto Rico. I wanted to convey this experience through my jewelry, which is a bit rough and edgy like New York, and a bit light and airy like the Caribbean. In 2006, I joined forces with my sister Bielka Peña-Bevillard with her financial background, and my designer background we are building our clientele and expanding the Erika Peña Empire! http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/6110-Erika-Pe-a-Designs Wed Jul 16 14:04:40 -0700 2008 Lori Leavitt http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/6145-Lori-Leavitt /images/vendors/thumbnails/feature_page_2.jpg Fri Jul 18 07:51:09 -0700 2008 Roberta Chiarella : I simply adore sparkle! I have been in love with crystals since I was a little girl I would collect sequins, beads and crystals in a little box I kept in my room-my own treasure chest.. http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/5096-Roberta-Chiarella /images/vendors/thumbnails/Sophie_050.jpg Mon Jun 30 11:03:43 -0700 2008 Sophie, LLC : We are actually the only shoe boutique in Joplin but we try to make sure that we have things you don't find everywhere else. We also carry limited quantities and rarely reoder, so that uniqueness is really important.. http://www.brandhabit.com/boutique/28994-Sophie-LLC /images/vendors/thumbnails/untitled.jpg Wed Jul 16 11:42:50 -0700 2008 Pierce and Parker : Personal Relationships. http://www.brandhabit.com/boutique/27748-Pierce-and-Parker /images/vendors/thumbnails/download-1_8.jpg Wed Jul 16 18:37:19 -0700 2008 Sway And Cake : we are urband and forward thinking. http://www.brandhabit.com/boutique/85-Sway-And-Cake Erika Peña Designs 18K Gold fill coin beads linked together with Rose shaped Closienne charm in long length http://www.brandhabit.com/product/950-Uma-Necklace-Long-Red- Tangled Up In Threads Neutral Color Fiber Necklace - Peach, Teal and Brown; Wear loose, twisted or with a soft knot! http://www.brandhabit.com/product/942-Neutral-17A Pretty Little Thing NYC Two winged Phoenix adorn this intricate and delicate piece. Gold vermeil pendant. Gold filled chain. 15” long. http://www.brandhabit.com/product/929-Twin-Phoenix-Necklace Erika Peña Designs Mon Jul 14 11:50:35 -0700 2008 In their June/July issue Latina covered how flower trends featuring the blomma necklace from Erika's Simone line. Available upon special request from erikapenaeboutique.com http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/6110-Erika-Pe-a-Designs Erika Peña Designs Mon Jul 14 11:20:14 -0700 2008 Erika's Diana headband was featured in the magazines edgy elegance section. Available from erikapenaeboutique.com http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/6110-Erika-Pe-a-Designs Erika Peña Designs Mon Jul 14 11:10:57 -0700 2008 In the July issue of Haper's Bazaar en Espanol Erika's Onassis necklace was featured. Available from erikapenaeboutique.com http://www.brandhabit.com/designer/6110-Erika-Pe-a-Designs Thu Jul 17 11:36:12 -0700 2008 we are a gold member of made-in-china.com.we manufacture and distribute all types of footwear and apparel across United States and Worldwide, we have a wide range of styles and sizes are always available and we are adding more styles on regular basis. We seek out the best quality with the best price for an absolute great deal. The special orders will receive the attention they deserve. We are looking for the distributors and wholesalers in and around worldwide. In addition, our team is trying all the time to become the first-class foreign trade company, believing that we can do better, walk farther. We hoped sincerely that we can cooperate hand in hand with you, thanks. Company: Cxd trading Co., Ltd Address: Fujian, China Tel: 86-594-2785681 Fax: 86-594-2785688 website: www.cxdtrade.com MSN: cxdtrade@hotmail.com Contact: James http://www.brandhabit.com/member/cjy2893 Mon Jul 14 17:37:49 -0700 2008 Carla, Carla, Carla.... I read this post thinking to myself that if I ever saw these photos I'd be agreeing with you. You painted a very good (albeit wildly inaccurate) image of a woman who isn't as hot as she once thought she was. Imagine my shock when I scrolled far enough to see you - gorgeous you! hello, fabulous! Where do I begin? Love that dress Simple. Classic. And lets talk about that cranberry patent handbag... who makes that bag? It's gorgeous! You, my dear, look amazing. I know we are all our own worst critics, but I hope you feel terrific about the results. You are a stunning woman! ciao, bella! franki durbin http://lifeinaventicup.com http://www.brandhabit.com/member/frankidurbin Mon Jul 14 12:55:51 -0700 2008 One of my hobbies or methods to unwind is to check out new restaurants and enjoy their happy hour. So last week I found Horizons on San Francisco's famed Broadway Street, wedged between strip joints and nightclubs was the locale I was so looking forward to commencing my Thursday evening at. I have read the reviews on yelp, with what to order, how the bartenders are major flirts, but to my guest and my surprise no one mentioned that we would be one of two parties in the entire lounge/restaurant, for the hour and half we were there. The attention they paid us was nice since we got our order fairly quick: the truffle and parmesan fries...delish, from now on everything I order must have truffles or at least be doused in truffle oil. The cocktails were really strong, sadly one of my fav drinks Lychee-tini was a bust, it had scent of a dirty martini, and I might swear that it had some olive juice in it- ewwww! Next time, if there is a next time, I will stick to truffled fries (maybe even the truffle popcorn) and a good ol' beer. Next up Harlot on Minna, well I couldn't just end the night on a sour or olive-y note! Here I ordered a French martini, has anyone ever had one? It has Chambord in it, and was noticeably strong--geez am I getting old or it my tolerance going down, oh how I miss my college days where I actually wanted a cheap STRONG drink! Those days are long gone, I just want something that tastes good, and isn’t below bottom shelf— I know I’m picky! Mission: Happy Hour complete! There's two I can cross off my list, stay tuned for more fun times! http://www.brandhabit.com/member/The-Devil-wears-Marc-Jacobs carla Sat Jul 12 08:50:25 -0700 2008 I did a Photo Shoot this week with a professional photographer. I’ve only done about 5 of these in my life. Once when I was 5, when I was 16 and getting into acting, when I was 20, when I was married, and when I was pregnant. This time, it was for business. When I arrived at Kathleen Harrison’s studio I had done my hair and make-up and I was armed with a bunch of outfits (all black and white-classic). I had geared myself up to boldly say: “I want you to make me look like a super-model who is being shot for a lifestyle magazine” Hell, if I am going to be shy about what I want, I won’t get it. Right? Kathleen shows me a few black and white photos of professionals. “No. No, no, no. I don’t want the corporate headshot stuff. It’s not me. I want these shots to be fun and flirty and casual and not too posed. This is fashion. I tried to fit into the corporate image and it just doesn’t work. I have to be me” Kathleen is probably thinking to herself, “Oh boy. I have a live one on my hands.” Realize that I make all of these demands with a big smile on my face while I am running around, digging though bags of clothes and accessories. I am a FUN, demanding bitch. We start the shoot on a white backdrop. I pretend I am a model moving to new poses between clicks. Kathleen encourages me for a while but I soon run out of moves to make. We take a quick look at a few shots on her camera and I my heart sinks. Where are my eyelids? My hair looks frizzy. Ugh, my mouth looks so tight when I try not to smile. Gosh. I am really not the person I think I am when I look in the mirror. Oh well. I look pretty good, FOR MY AGE. What a friggen show stopper that is, isn’t it? FOR MY AGE. What the hell happened to my eyelids? They are hidden beneath the upper brow. God, this is a reality check. So, we take a million more shots. I am having fun with some of them… it’s getting better. Clearly, I have no training in this because when Kathleen tells me to kick my leg up, I turn my ankle in a way that makes me look like I have a fat calf and no foot. We go outside where I can ham it up in natural light. I am embarrassed by the cars, bikes and people going by thinking, “Who does she think SHE is? A Super Model? NOT!” God forbid , I run into someone I know. A young man (boy of 20 something) walks by and then turns around to ask what we are up to. It’s perfect timing because we are having a hard time getting the reflector to stay still. He offers to help. Oh god, now I have an audience. Funny thing is, NOW I am really having fun. There is something about a young man standing there appreciating you that makes you feel… fun and flirty and sexy. These are the best shots of the day. I look at a few and recognize me for who I think I look like. Phew! Kathleen is brilliant. Here is her site http://www.kathleenharrison.com And here are a few shots. <a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii141/brandhabit/shot1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii141/brandhabit/shot2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii141/brandhabit/shot7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> http://www.brandhabit.com/blog_entry/339-My-Photo-Shoot- carla Fri Jun 27 07:57:50 -0700 2008 Every time I go out mountain biking with my friend Patty she pushes me beyond my comfort zone. Last Saturday was the first time in a loooong time that I even went out on my bike with someone else. I like to exercise at my own pace; neither waiting for someone slower than I am or anxiously trying to catch up with someone who is stronger than me. Patty and I were at the peak of my normal mountain biking loop and I already felt like I wanted to puke. While it was only 8’oclock in the morning, the weather has been in the 100’s lately and I was probably dehydrated. “Okay, ready to circle back down?” I said “No, we have another climb,” Patty answered. “We need to climb White’s Hill and then hook up on the B-17 near Tamarancho” (we’re so damn cool, aren’t we?) “Shit Patty… I’m scared. (She laughed) Okay.. Let’s go!” Patty takes me to a peak of a mountain where I can then see all of Marin. It’s a spectacular day with funny puffy clouds and it’s clear as a bell. I wish I brought my camera. These shots could be amazing! We start heading down on the crest of a mountain with the trail falling away on both sides. I feel like I am on a carnival ride because like an infinity pool, the trail is so steep, I can’t see it over the edge. Even with my ass totally hanging off the back to combat the bike from pitch poling, my rear tire is skidding out. I know I should let off the breaks to prevent skidding but the trail is so steep my fear inspired iron grip won’t loosen. If I lose control I’ll fall off either side of the mountain and probably won’t stop. We get to the bottom of this mountain and I am silent.. almost in tears and pretty pissed at Patty. I suddenly remember this primitive feeling from when my father used to put me in situations where I was terrified and had no choice but to push through. He would take me to the top of KT 22 (a black diamond ski run) at Squaw Valley when I was just a kid. I’d cry and skid down the mountain, hating him for putting me through such terror. From an early age, my father never pushed me in team sports but he was an outdoorsman and he would take me backpacking in the Sierras. When I was 14, we went backpacking with a group of 11 friends; some of the kids were my age. My father and I split off for a few days on “solo cross country” trip. “Okay, let’s go off the trail here” My Dad said. I was filled with fear and dread right away. “Where are we going Dad?” “I don’t know.. Let’s just check it out and see where we end up!” I hate this shit. We first climb a mountain made of shale. We take one step forward and slide two steps back. God Dammit. We finally make it to the peak (we are above tree line: 13,000 feet), look down the other side and discover that the only way down is a slope of ice. I start to cry. “How are we going to get down this mountain Dad???” We can’t walk down. We decide to take off our backpacks and throw them ahead of ourselves so we can literally slide down the ice mountain. Needless to say, we survived. I have some good stories to tell but this feeling of being out of control and someone putting me in a scary situation causes me great anxiety. Patty and I aren’t done with our ride. Next she takes me on my first single track trail. It’s a beautiful trail that winds through a forest of oaks and redwoods but she instructs me not to look down. “Just keep your eyes on the trail in front of you.” The trail is about 12 inches wide and again, the mountain falls away steeply on one side. If I fall, I won’t stop. Nothing is more Zen than single track riding. You can’t think about anything else. A tree root or rock juts out of the trail, you get your tires stuck and you are a goner. If I don’t finesse my way under and around a low hanging branch or trunk I’ll be sure to dislocate my shoulder or snap my neck. Another mountain biker comes up behind us, expertly maneuvers between Patty and I on the 6 inches of trail we leave him and while he says, “You guys good? Need anything?” he skirts off into the woods. “All the cute guys are on B-17” Patty says. I look like shit when I am mountain biking.. My head is tall from my helmet. My legs feel like sausages in my shorts and that lovely Pad they put in your shorts to “protect” your underlings.. well, it is not a flattering site. Plus, I am dirty, sweaty and smelly. What would a gal like me say to a cute guy riding by on B-17? “Yeah, I do need something… I’m scared!” Patty is in hysterics. In the end, when we meet up with a trail I am familiar with, I let go of my terror and anger. I don’t need to be afraid of situations like this. If Patty can do it, I can do it. And you know what? I might just go do it again. http://www.brandhabit.com/blog_entry/328-Mountain-Biking-with-Patty- carla Wed Jul 09 16:11:27 -0700 2008 I just received an invitation to a 70's Summer Party / Fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion in LA. Of course there is a fee to get in for the fundraiser. My niece's friend is working for the company in Events. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This part is the best: "Ladies may apply at the website above for complimentary admission!" What do you think I might have to do for this? HA! I don't think so. Not really my style... http://www.brandhabit.com/blog_entry/336-Playboy-Mansion &copy; 2007 BrandHabit, Inc. All rights reserved.