Where are you located Mrs Brian Reyes Fan?

We SHOULD do a BrandHabit bonding trip!
That would be soooo fun! Let's go treking in Nepal and then go to an ashram in India. Then,let's skip over to India Fashion Week for the runway shows!

OMG, the Billion Dollar Babes sales is THE SALE OF THE YEAR! For those of you that don't know about it, you HAVE to keep your eyes open for it next year.

I saw the jewelry you bought Seema... gorgeous stuff! I am so critical about jewelry and these items were totally unique and special.

For myself, I treat this annual shopping excursion like a business meeting. One of our interns saw me there and wanted to chat but I was seriously working the racks... methodically. No time to chat.

It is the one time of year that I try on things I might never wear... but I ended up with only two items from one of my favorite designers: Black Halo.

I picked up a super sexy, figure hugging pewter power dress.. very Jackie-O. I also found a tuxedo vest... something I could wear during the day for business and then out at night with nothing under it...

Yeah! I can't wait until next year!

OMG, I am such a loser! It's "RYAN" not "BRIAN"!
What planet am I on???? helooooo, wake up Carla!

Welcome to BrandHabit Miss Devil Wears Marc Jacobs!

I actually knew Marc when I lived in the Big Apple. This was way back in 1988. I met him when I was working in a showroom and representing Tracy Reese's first collection. He was good friends with Tracy and came into the showroom quite a bit. Then we found out that we lived on the same street on the Upper West Side and I would run into him all the time while he was walking his dog... a cute little Dalmation. Marc was a total sweety..

This woman is too skinny and that ankle bracelet looks silly, doesn't it??

Hi There,

I would buy some cool grey tights to wear with this outfit. You might want to wear a bright white or mother of pearl necklace on top of your sweater to balance out the white skirt.

Have fun, wherever you are going!

Carla

Joanna,

You have some DARLING pics! Now, while you have the credit card and the time, (Assuming you won't have to work, while your closet gay boyfriend is OOT) I want YOU to be my personal shopper!
I love your whole grey accessory look!

BTW: I think the 5 inch gap between that gals' legs is scary too! Didn't they outlaw models that are too skinny?

I had to laugh out loud reading this Joanna!
I read about these jeans in Apparel News and had them on my mind to try on when I saw them. Just for the hell of it.

I will be nice here: They didn't work for me.
I will continue to cut carbs, and do my cardio before succumbing to jeans that say, "don't even try to look like your daughter"

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for your blog! I agree, platforms are the best way to "get in shape" In fact, that's precisely why I personally don't like the ballet flats that are so hot these days... they just make me feel.... well, matronly and squat. I am so addicted to height these days that the Micheal Kors shoes you show here look tame compared to the shoes I have been buying lately!

Take a look at these Michael Kors shoes I picked up on Sale at Macy's! http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/19765168.html
I bought them in black patent leather... and while they are HOT, they also KILL my feet. I have worn them once! You are smart to buy shoes that give you the height you want but are also comfortable.

Thanks again for sharing!

Hi Anne01,

I am excited that you have found BrandHabit! A friend of mine just pointed out this benefit of BrandHabit... no more magazine collections!

Indeed, when you land in a new city and don't know where the cool shopping areas are, just type in some of your favorite designers and you will get a list of the best stores in town. Thanks for commenting on this!

Carla

These are fantastic tips Jess. I just bought the spray on panty hose stuff for this friday... my legs need some help... I'll let you know how it works.

Jessie, my dear sister...
What can I say? Don't drink and drive, don't drink and have unprotected sex, and don't drink and tatoo...

I'll try to think of something to cover that up with..
and something fun for your birthday.

I love you!

Carla

Eva,

Thank you so much for covering the Oscars! You wrote a fabulous fashion re-cap! I was unfortunately working on an excel spreadsheet and was not paying as much attention to the awards as I would have liked to.

However, I did notice how gorgeous Cate Blanchett looked and decided that I would have worn that dress had I been at the Oscars!

Thanks Again Eva, We'd love to hear more from you!

Carla, CEO BrandHabit

These are the most rippin cool shoes!
Want to stand out in a funky, rocker, hip, chic way? Find a pair of his brushed, distressed silver boots...
SO HOT!

Sharon, I LOVE NARS too! I was introduced to NARS by a friend who was cleaning out her make-up drawer.
One item that I fell in love with was the NARS shimmer stick in Copacabana. Unfortunatley the next day after aquiring such a hot hand-me-down, my friend called to say she made a mistake by giving it away. :-(
Needless to say, I returned her NARS stick and promptly went out to by one for myself. Tami uses this too. It's great on the cheek bones and under the eyebrow to give a soft shimmery highlight. I gives the skin a glow like the 21 year olds have naturally.

For low cut dresses and revealing blouses, it never hurts to put a bit of Copacabana on the collar bone or even in the cleavage to attract a bit of
"ooooh... what's that?" response from passers by.

Joanna, you are hysterical! Have you ever heard of Passport Panties? They are a featured designer on BrandHabit and they have this cute little packaging with an extra pair of panties just for these types of emergencies that you describe here.

Have you ever read research on the "samples" that have been collected from hotel rooms/cruise liners? You can only imagine....and let me just say this: Aside from the bedspread, which is not laundered as often as the sheets, don't touch the walls or the sides of the mini-bar. People have fun in the most unusual places that housekeeping doesn't think to clean. Bleck!

HONEY, you'd look great in a paper bag!

So TRUE! I went to the Billion Dollar Babes Sale and bought a truck load of items I might have never bought had they not been priced at a deep discount. The drag with these types of sales is that sometimes you buy things that just sit in your closet. This time however I really made out on a Wendy Hill Coat that I would have never bought since the look is not really "ME"... Surprisingly, I have worn it a TON!

The best cocktail rings and faboo necklaces...!

Dara is one of my Hippy Couture Sisters! Love her stuff! Great collectibles!

I have a great black wrap dress by black halo...Cleavage
City!

Some of you may have noticed that we have a new blog format.

When you click on “blog” at the top of the page, you will see a chronological display of all of our featured posts, by all of our featured editors.

If you want to read my posts, click on “CEO Blog” under “categories” on the right hand side of the page.

Also check out our hysterical editor, “Boutique Peek” who highlights some of the best boutiques in the country.

Finally, we have a new writer who focuses specifically on great fashion websites. This is under “Links we love”.

There are more categories to come! Stay tuned!

POSTED BY carla ON 07/31/08 05:07 AM

comments [0]

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.

POSTED BY carla ON 07/12/08 08:07 AM

comments [1]

On my most recent trip to drop off clothes at the consignment shop, I stumbled upon a medium brown leather bomber jacket by Vince. Okay, so “stumbled upon” is really too passive of a word, because the truth is that as soon as I spotted this jacket, I frantically dove on it, as if the only other person in the store would see it at the exactly same time and tackle me for it.

I have been jones-ing for a little bomber jacket but have been a bit hesitant to buy one, fearing it might be a passing trend. Honestly, I only got rid of my red Michael Jackson jacket from 1985 in 2000! Not that I had worn the jacket since 1986 but I simply thought short leather jackets could never really be back in fashion for the long haul. Seriously, once you have done the 80’s trend once, it’s really, really hard to go back. In fact, it’s even embarrassing now to admit that I wore a Red Michael Jackson Leather Jacket at one time. How humiliating!

So, back to the jacket.
• Perfect condition
• Barely worn.
• No weird smells.
• Original price: $700.
• Price now: $250!
• Size: Small.

I am not a Small. But who cares? It’s super fitted and looks hot. Who cares that I can only wear it with a tank top? I’ll wear it on those coldish summer days in San Francisco. For that price, I have to have it.

“This is darling! Why did the person give it up?” I asked the sales person.

“She lost too much weight and it was too big for her.”

Ah-ha! One of those poor small gals who loses too much weight. Too bad I don’t have that problem. Ah well; her loss is my gain I guess.

Back at home, I put the jacket on.

“Where did you get that?” my husband asks.

“I’ve had this in my closet for a long time… (lie). What do you think of it? Isn’t it hot?”

“You look like David Hasselhoff”

Argh! I looked like a pirate when I tucked my jeans into my boots and now I look like David Hasselhoff. I’ll never wear this jacket in front of my husband. What does he know about fashion?

“It’s The Look” I say to him

“Yeah, that’s what you always say but you still look like David Hasselhoff”

Here is a picture of a jacket that looks a lot like mine but this one is by Mike and Chris (Fabulous line). You can find this one at Intermix!

POSTED BY carla ON 07/09/08 16:07 PM

comments [1]

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...

POSTED BY carla ON 07/09/08 16:07 PM

comments [0]

“Moooommm? Can I have a WebKinz?” my nine year old asks me often when we are at random places. These places could be grocery stores or gas stations because I am seriously not paying attention.

“No” I answer automatically.

“Why Mom?”

“Because I am not spending $15 dollars on a little stuffed animal that encourages you to spend more time on the web. Plus you don’t even play with stuffed animals.” It rolls off my tongue like an old song that plays automatically.

The conversation ends quickly because it’s the same every time.

“Can we buy a Webkinz for my friend Allie’s Birthday?” my daughter says when we are out shopping for presents.

“No, because I am not spending $15 dollars on a little stuffed animal that encourages kids to spend more time on the web. Let’s get her something she can do artistically, like rubber stamps.”

Now it’s my daughter’s Birthday and suddenly the tables turn.

My daughter want’s a WebKinz, Lil’Kinz “Google”.



Google? I think to myself. Boy that company is really getting their brand infiltrated into everything. Now they are branding toys!

“What’s Google look like?”

“It’s a little white duck with four legs” my daughter answers. “They have them at DoodleBug,” a nearby pottery painting and gifts store.

I assume I’ll skip into DoddleBug on the day of her party and have “Google” checked off my list of things to buy.

“Nope, we don’t have Google. Haven’t had Google in four months” the salesgirl says.

“Okay, where can I find it? Will ToysRUS have it?”

“No, only smaller boutique stores have Webkinz. They don’t sell to the chains”

Are you kidding me? Suddenly I am a crazed beast on a mission to find the exact right Lil’Kinz, my daughter has requested for her birthday. I ask the concierge at the Westfield Mall if there are any boutique kid’s stores in the building. No luck. I get on the Webkinz online store locator and start calling boutiques all over the county.

I’ve now been sucked into a cult unknowingly.

Wow, this company is genius. Why didn’t I think of WebKinz?
I decide to break the news to my daughter that I can’t find Google. I am out shopping for groceries only an hour before the party starts and I get a call from her.

“I also like the Lil’Kinz Cow, Mom. Are you going to get me the Cow?”



I stop by Doodlebug again. No Cow. Curses. I have to get her something. I choose a really cute Elephant and find out that it is “pet of the month”. Hopefully this will fly.

I run into a mother and daughter I know and tell them about my search for Google and the Cow.

“You know what?” my friend’s daughter tells me, “I saw one little cow left down the street at Vigazzi”.

“Where is that place?” I am now like junkie ready to go to the ends of the earth for the right stuff.

My daughter’s birthday is a huge success, mainly because she has an awesome group of friends and they are at that blissful age between pouty kids and hormonal teenagers. We have dinner, cake and open presents. All of the girls squeal with delight when they see the Elephant. “It’s the Pet of the Month!!!!!!”



Phew. I got out alive.

We turn on the disco ball in our living room when the sun sets; we dance like crazy on the fireplace hearth, set up an outdoor movie (surfer girl movie) on a giant canvas. Right before we all retire to tents set out on the lawn my daughter comes up to me, gives me a big long hug and says” I love you soooo much Mom! Thank you so much for my presents. Look at Elephant! Isn’t he cuuute? Thank you Mom!!!”
I am in heaven. The hug is all worth it.

You can only imagine what hero I looked like when I surprised her with the Cow at breakfast.

POSTED BY carla ON 06/30/08 18:06 PM

comments [6]

I posted a discussion about the recent Billion Dollar Babes sale in San Francisco a few weeks ago but I need to wax poetic about my “finds” once again.

I just wore my new Black Halo Jackie-O dress today and I just LOOOOVE it!
Just for kicks I did a search on the dress and found that I got a pretty smokin’ deal on it. Get this: I paid $199 at the Billion Dollar Babes Sale and it retails on the web for $378. My dress is in a dark pewter. The fabric is a black with pewter silver thread stretchy herringbone..



Frankly, I think this gal looks too skinny in this shot. I think it's much sexier with curves.

But let me say this: I would pay twice the retail price on this dress. It is a timeless classic. Granted, the shiny fabric may be out next year but the cut alone is just amazing.
I would have bought an additional dress in black but I already have something similar in my closet. I actually saw a few women trying this dress on at the Billion Dollar Babes event and everyone looked fantastic in it.


I also picked up this fitted vest. You are going to die: I bought it for $69! It’s $278 on the web!
I think I’ll wear this with a little tank top and a pair of Jeans…
Can’t wait.

POSTED BY carla ON 06/27/08 09:06 AM

comments [5]

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.

POSTED BY carla ON 06/27/08 07:06 AM

comments [2]

Last night, one of my advisors emailed to alert me about a woman who is suing Victoria Secret for an injury caused by a thong.

Without time to get on the web to research this article, my mind wandered about "thong injuries" and what I might write in response to this occurrence.

"Hmmm... have I ever been injured by a thong?" I thought to myself. Okay, so some thongs do cause abrasion... in which case, I tend to switch brands. But I can't imagine an injury so severe that I would sue.

Indeed, I switched to thongs loooong ago when frankly I decided I'd rather have LESS fabric crawling up my behind than would normally occur with bikini underwear. Plus, I hate panty lines.

In the early days, when G-Strings were the only thong-like product on the market and they were mostly thought of for strippers or products found in porn shops ... I had to endure the discomfort of too much material wedging up my butt. I had my high school boyfriend trained to pull it out for me (while dressed).. so I didn't have to do it myself. Ahh... now that was a well trained man!

Anyway, after my own analysis of thong experiences I came to find that the "Thong Lawsuit" is due to a small decorative piece of metal that flew off the thong and flew into this poor woman's eye, scratching her cornea.

This is definitely not a fun situation but I can think of a million things that have flown into my eyes and I certainly haven't found a way to sue anyone over it. Good Luck Lady.

Mike, this blog is for you... I know you will relish in this discussion!

Here is a link to the article for those of you that care to read:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,368206,00.html

POSTED BY carla ON 06/19/08 14:06 PM

comments [1]

"Family Camp?"
"What’s Family Camp?" , people often ask, after a pregnant pause, fearing I might break out in a long sermon about a place where our family sits in circles to unite with THE LORD.

I just ran into a friend who still wonders if we get chips implanted in our brains at Family Camp.

Ha. Family Camp is exactly what you might expect from any summer camp, think high Sierras, Sugar Pines, Tent Cabins, a Mess Hall, Camp Activities, lanyard making, tye dying, camp counselors, camp fires and camp fire songs and extreme Paddle Boat racing on a nearby lake.

Lair of the Bear, the camp affiliated with UC Berkeley is probably the crème-de-la-crème of family camps. It’s like Summer Camp for kids but with better facilities: Instead of spitting cold showers, the communal bathrooms have blasting hot water and instead of bad food I remember from sleep away camp, the 3 meals a day (prepared, served and cleaned up by college aged staffers) are good enough to gain weight on. Did I mention that the male staffers on dishwashing duty work bare-chested while blasting rock and roll? Helooo Mrs Robinson!

The staff is what makes the camp. Really, just when you think there is no hope for youth these days, when you think all college kids seem entitled and spoiled and don’t know what it means to work for a living, your hope for the future is restored by meeting this group of young men and women at Lair of the Bear.

They are some of the hardest working kids I have ever met. I don’t think they make more than a pittance but they do it for the love of the camp and the kids. Honestly these staffers are so much fun, half the time I wish I were working and hanging out with them rather than just being a parent/camper.

Go Bears!

POSTED BY carla ON 06/18/08 11:06 AM

comments [0]

After 2.5 years of working almost 24/7 on the computer researching and writing the BrandHabit business plan, building the site (with the engineers), recruiting and managing a team, raising money, planning, thinking, obsessing, laughing, crying, screaming ( all on the computer and about BrandHabit); I think I have hit a wall with computers in general.

My exercise routine went out the window in September 2006, my ass is getting a flat spot on it (from my chair), I have a permanent furrow between my brows (might need to "take care" of that) , and I think I am growing a pocket protector on my boob. (i.e., true nerd)

So finally, FINALLY, I am trying to get a little balance in my life and I am picking up some of my old hobbies. I just planted a vegetable and cutting flower garden. My first actually. I have always been "in charge" of the gardens at our house and while I fail miserably at keeping non-irrigated potted plants alive, I have done okay with perennial gardens. Here is a picture of a garden I planted about 4-5 years ago..


And here is a shot of my baby beans, peppers, herbs, and tomatoes... I'll post another photo when the garden looks full! Wish me luck!

POSTED BY carla ON 06/17/08 11:06 AM

comments [0]

I have decided that I kind of hate it.

I actually didn’t send my blackberry in to get fixed until mid April… that was 2 full weeks after it broke!

What does that tell you? I think the honest truth is that being with out my blackberry was somewhat of a relief!

For a few weeks I didn’t even have a cell phone. That was a bit rough. Finally I asked a friend at a big corporation to loan me a phone for a few weeks. But I couldn’t figure out how to get the ringer loud enough to hear it so I barely answered it. Here again: I guess if I really WANTED to hear my phone I would have figured out how to make it louder.

Now that my blackberry is back I notice I am reading email messages but I don’t feel like replying. I now hear my phone ringing but since I am usually in a meeting when it rings I don’t answer.

Really: Are most things SO urgent that I have to answer right away? Nope.

I have to say it’s liberating.

Ahhh… . I’m hooked in but not really hooked.

POSTED BY carla ON 05/22/08 23:05 PM

comments [0]

I have to admit that I’ve had a MAJOR writers block about this post.

For several weeks, I have wanted to blog about the American Red Cross Paint the Town Red Gala event that occurred on March 29th but I have come up empty handed. I have started half a dozen posts, only to abandon them for another angle.

The titles of my posts may give you some insight to my writers block.

THE Gala
NOT the Gala Gal
Getting ready for the Gala

Here is the deal. I am not really a “gala gal” and I felt pressure to somehow spill over with excitement about the event itself. Don’t get me wrong: The venue at city hall was dramatic and spectacular, the food was lovely etc etc… but formal events in general don’t really float my boat. If you want to ask me about this, I would be happy to get into more detail. In general, all of the build-up and pressure to have the perfect shoes and handbag and “up-do” along with the fear of having food in my teeth, spilling wine on a dress I will never wear again or posing with a perfect smile for a photographer just sends me… running back home to crawl up on the sofa in sweats and yearning for intimate conversation. This might seem somewhat shocking for those that know me as an outgoing personality who loves to be in the limelight but … what can I say? I’m a complicated gal.

Finally, the meaning of this post came to me and here it is:

I am so proud that BrandHabit could be a part of the fundraising efforts for disaster preparedness in the Bay Area and that we had the opportunity work closely with such a fantastic organization as the Red Cross. What makes me excited is that with BrandHabit as a media vehicle, we can support philanthropic activities in the fashion industry.

Let’s face it. Fashion is fabulous. But there is more to life than “fabulous”. I feel strongly that a business that is focused on making people feel beautiful on the outside can also do its part to make our planet more beautiful. I am glad that BrandHabit can be a part of that.

By the way, here is a photo of Me, Gloria, Stephanie and Seema from the Gala.

POSTED BY carla ON 04/18/08 19:04 PM

comments [3]

The other day the teeny tiny charger plug inside my f&*^$%en blackberry broke. It was 2PM in the afternoon, I was going to be in back-to-back meetings and a dinner until 10PM that night, I needed to call a person I was meeting to set a meeting place, I needed to access Google Maps, my battery died and now I was suck without access.

I felt like a floating planet, suspended in outer space without a line back to planet earth.

What a strange, slightly desperate feeling I was experiencing. And yet, I was able to objectively look at my feelings and recognize how ridiculous it all was.

We all know there was life before cell phones and blackberries right? Business happened, people found each other; no one was lost or misplaced.
No one floated into a galaxy far far away.

Breathe.

Luckily my next meeting was at a fantastic place I discovered on 18th and Sanchez in San Francisco called Samovar Tea Lounge. All I need to say is "tea lounge" and you can imagine that I couldn't hold on to my anxiety for long.

Once I arrived I kindly asked to borrow the phone. Then I sat and waited for my associate to arrive.

No blackberry to keep me busy while waiting. No idea if my associate heard my location clearly. No way for her to call me if she got lost.

Breathe.

Ahhh. She arrived.

After that meeting, there was no way for my next meeting to call me if she was late or visa versa.
No way for me to remind my husband that I would be home late.

I borrowed a phone again, made a few calls and "let go".

It all sounds good but I neglected to mention the level of anxiety about the company. I couldn't read and respond to email on the fly. I'd be out until 10 PM.

No contact from 2PM till 10PM?

What if?
What if WHAT?

Breathe.

Yesterday I was in the office all day.
Today I went to my service provider, AT&T to see if they could replace my broken blackberry.

No warranty on phones with physical damage. See if Blackberry can help.

Another full day of meetings. No Phone. No email.

Guess what?

Nothing happened.
The world didn't fall apart.
I was 10 minutes late to a meeting but they waited.
My daughter was picked up from school.

It's ALL OKAY.....

Inhale. Exhale.

POSTED BY carla ON 03/28/08 04:03 AM

comments [0]

Each morning, my daughter and I have about 20 minutes of time to chat as I drive her to school. Our morning consists of some routines which I hope I will never forget:
We listen to music for part of the way and then we turn it down for one of 2 games:
1) Questions and Answers
2) A game called “Would you rather…”

The way we each play “Would you Rather?” has two distinct styles.
If the question comes from me, it is usually centered on life preferences like:

“Would you rather marry a really ugly guy who is SUPER funny, OR a really hot guy that is totally boring?”

Or, “Would you rather be poor and blissfully happy OR rich and bored to tears?”

Or, “Would you rather be pretty and dumb OR smart and average looking?”

Usually I am totally pleased with her answers:
1) Supper Funny, Ugly Guy
2) Blissfully Happy and Poor
3) Smart and average looking
(ahh…she is a chip off the old block)

My daughter’s questions however tend to either turn my stomach or force me to choose the “lesser of 2 evils”:

"Would you rather jump into a pit of slithering snakes or rats?"
"Would you rather eat cockroaches or a tarantula?"

Here is the best:

"Would you rather lick the back of an obese guy with a really hairy back and it has pimples all over it or would you rather lick a public telephone?"

You won’t believe my answer: I picked the licking of the guy.

There is something about public telephones that totally wig me out.
Imagine some drunken bums on the street with drooling, puke breath on those phones, calling their drug dealers to get a fix! Yuck.

POSTED BY carla ON 03/26/08 22:03 PM

comments [2]

I am so excited to see all of the hippie, tribal looks going on this spring!


Those who know me, even in the professional world soon come to discover that, I am a hippie at heart. I am a complete product of my upbringing. Think: Marin County, 1965, hot tubs, peacock feathers, daughter of a Psychiatrist…My parents brought me to the first “Human Be In”; I spent time at the Escalen Institute in Big Sur when they were still holding “encounter groups; and yes, I was into the Grateful Dead too… in fact, jam band music is still where my heart lies and I spend summers at music festivals.

So when I see all of this ethnic, batik, tribal, patchwork and tye-dye in high fashion, I am totally in my element. The only trouble remains that in my day-to-day professional meetings, a full blast of this look won’t work. But per my usual thing, I always add a bit of funk with accessories. I have fabulous ethnic jewelry that I wear with even the simplest outfits. Great handbags or shoes with ethnic details add that bit of ethnicity when I need to look polished otherwise.

Let’s face it, the best place to fully wear this tribal look (unless you are on the runways) is at the beach. St Tropez maybe?

I am determined to find a fabulous but tailored tribal print dress that I can wear for business meetings. If you run across anything, let me know! I’ll post a picture, when I find one!

POSTED BY carla ON 03/02/08 05:03 AM

comments [2]

This may be old news but: On Oscar night, did you hear Brian Seacrest ask Jessica Alba whether or not she was planning on breastfeeding once her baby arrives?

AWKWARD!

Poor Jessica just replied, "Uh.. I think that's a bit personal."

POSTED BY carla ON 02/29/08 14:02 PM

comments [1]

Am I crazy or is Everyday Italian with
Giada De Laurentiis like soft porn?

Admittedly, I never watch food shows.. but I just so happened to be trolling through the channels this morning while folding laundry and thought I would watch a few minutes of this show.

Gee... it’s really quite sensual the way Giada handles those ripe tomatoes. Then, they have her sit in soft light while she slowly tells you how she is going to show you step-by-step how to make a luscious appetizer.

Have I been missing something?

POSTED BY carla ON 02/23/08 20:02 PM

comments [2]

Each season there is a hot fashion trend that I think is hideous. Most of the time I sit quietly with my mouth shut, fearing that expressing my negative opinions will make me sound ... well... old and fuddy duddy.

I can't stand it anymore! Last year, I hated the puffy sleeved cropped jackets. They look cute on little 18 year olds but when I saw that look on women I honestly laughed inside.

This season, I am going to come right out and say it. The gladiator sandal is ridiculous. Just silly. I mean the only place in the US that people won't look over the top is in Hollywood. The only person who I can see wearing this look is Cher.

First of all, unless you have legs like Giselle they will make you look like Brad Pitt in Troy. Granted, Brad is hot but looking like a man when you are a woman is not a good thing.

Secondly, I can only imagine how sweaty they feel in the summer.

Last: Can you imagine the ugly lines you will get on your calves from wearing all those straps?

Let me say it here... If I catch any of you wearing gladiator sandals this summer know that I will be laughing inside...

POSTED BY carla ON 02/19/08 07:02 AM

comments [3]

I totally forgot that the SAG awards were on tonight. I was flipping through the channels while reconciling my checking account on a lap-top and stumbled across the end of the Red Carpet Event.

First glimpse: a very RIPE looking Angelina Jolie.. Ripe as in pregnant. A quick search on Google resulted in multiple listings of rumors suggesting that indeed she is pregnant with twins! I don't think it's confirmed but... Wow..

Next: Vanessa Williams looking stunning in a fitted bright yellow Escada number.
You know, I was just thinking about writing a piece about how I don't think Yellow looks good on anyone but my gosh.. I take it back. Vanessa looks perfect in anything so actually she doesn't really count.

Kira Sedgwick looked divine in a Cerulean Blue L'Wren Scott. I happened to then catch her hot show, The Closer.
Great show. She is awesome.

Debra Messing looked HHHHHOOOTTTT in a jeweled Grecian, gold, shimmer Oscar de la Renta Dress..Wow.. smokin!

POSTED BY carla ON 01/28/08 07:01 AM

comments [1]

I, like many, don't really believe in New Years Resolutions. Most are centered around diets, exercise programs, or health programs in general and most don't stick with these resolutions.

This year, right before Christmas, my 3 resolutions came to me. They are more like a mantra and so far they are feeling do-able.

First one: B-R-E-A-T-H-E

Number 2: Tell my friends and family how much I love them. (I made a handful of calls to my friends before Christmas. For some, I left messages on their voice mail and told them how much I appreciate having them in my life. This last year has beeen such a whirlwind, I haven't had time to be in the present moment. I have been running too fast and working too hard. While some of my closest friends feel appreciated, it is my close neighbors and those whose lives run in different circles that I have neglected... and yet, I still love them dearly. So, this year, I will remember to check in and tell them so.

My last New Year's Resolution is to read less email and more News and Books. Here again, I am running too fast and there are always more people to respond to by email. But, I have neglected to take the time to read, both for pleasure and for education/personal growth. The first book I am reading is THE ALCHEMIST. Ahhh... just what I need. The next book I plan to read is: GOOD TO GREAT.

I'll let you know how it all goes...

Oh yeah: Breathe....I forgot already!!!

POSTED BY carla ON 01/03/08 16:01 PM

comments [1]

BrandHabit covered the Global Green Event in San Francisco on Tuesday night. The 3rd annual “Gorgeous and Green” event which took place at the Bently Reserve Building in Downtown SF supports the efforts to rebuild a sustainable New Orleans and advance green affordable housing, solar and high performance schools across the country.

Someone mentioned earlier in the day that Brad Pitt and George Clooney would be there and you can ONLY imagine what a tizzy I was in leading up to the event. I spent the day in business meetings imaging the flirt-a-thon I would have with George.. but alas they were a no-show.

Seema (our Project Manager) and I however had the opportunity to chat with a few celeb supporters of the event. We first talked to KaDee Strickland and her husband, Jason Behr. What a darling couple they are! Both are passionate about making a difference in the green movement and feel by taking small steps, and by educating our children that there is a chance for our planet.

We also chatted with Jennifer Siebel who I believe showed up in place of her boyfriend, Gavin Newsom. Let me just say this: That girl is a doll. Very well spoken, gorgeous and clearly has been steeped in the green and conservation movement since high school. Gavin, this girl is a good catch. Take good care of her.

We almost chatted with hottie, Jason Lewis from Sex in the City but Us Weekly trumped our interview.. Humph!

All in all, it is clear that the crowd was passionate about our planet. I loved hearing that everyone is driving hybrid cars. When is there going to be a Law about hybrid cars.??? Every new car bought should absolutely be a Hybrid.. come on! I have to admit, I don’t’ have one yet but I hear that it’s worse on the environment to buy a new car when you don’t need one than to wait until your old car is dead first.

The Gorgeous and Green Event’s highlight was the fashion show that included sustainable fabrics in the collections of: Bahar, Kelly B, Margaret O’Leary and a few others…

Also: A performance artist of sorts, Anastasia was there in all of her splendor:
Her message as quoted by Marie Antoinette’s personal dressmaker, Rose Bertin,
“There is nothing new except what is forgotten”… As with fashion, so it is with war.

Check her out. I love this stuff!
http://www.brandhabit.com/mockup/newsletter/anastasia.jpg

POSTED BY carla ON 12/21/07 19:12 PM

comments [0]

Ugh, I obviously got back to work after our short weekend in NYC and got sucked up into the day to day, forgetting to update my blog on the remainder of my trip.

Lucky for you readers, this post will now be much more succinct.

Overall, NYC was a great 2 day, 3 night getaway.
We had a few mishaps:
• I ate bad food at lunch on Friday, and had the feeling of knives carving the inside of my stomach for the remainder of the trip (nothing debilitating though)
• Dragged my husband uptown to a fantastic Tapas restaurant which we found is now closed
• Went to the Plaza Hotel for a quick touristy drink and found it was closed for renovations
Saturday we had a fantastic breakfast at Vesuvio Bakery in Soho, then went to the Chelsea Flea Market where I found a gorgeous boiled wool, a-line, mixed mink collared and cuffed coat for… get this: $50!!!!!! The vendor was clearing out some inventory and had total steals. This coat is in MINT condition. It is so damn fun.

In the afternoon we ran up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then walked across Central Park. We had a very, very, very late lunch at Il Foccacia (darling café) in the Village and then dragged ourselves out for some drinks at a bar in our neighborhood (knives in stomach were getting the best of me).

I would have written a WHOLE lot more but it’s too late.
Here is my fashion observation of NY these days.
EVERYONE is wearing the same thing:
Jeans tucked into Black or Dark Brown Boots with a low heel (one inch at most). A lot of these boots have a buckle (riding type). All the NY gals are also wearing Pea Coats. The Pea Coats are black and are worn in a variety of lengths: Cropped, to the waist, below the hips, ¾ length and full length. If you want to look like a New Yorker (in her 20’s and 30’s) this is what you need to wear. Wrap a pashmina a few times around your neck and you will be all set.

POSTED BY carla ON 11/18/07 01:11 AM

comments [1]

I just have to say one thing. I am catching a few random minutes of VH1's 100 Best Bodies.

THANK YOU J.Lo and Beyonce for making big butts fashionable!

Okay, so mine is a bit flatter and flabby-er than I would like these days (due to my lovely job of sitting on my bum at the computer all the time)...
but because of them, I am acutally PROUD of my um... bigger butt.

:-)

Yea!

POSTED BY carla ON 11/16/07 05:11 AM

comments [1]

I am back in New York but doing it a completely different way this time.
My husband and I are here for a much needed weekend alone. This is his third time here and since he is a city- phobe, we are doing it real casual…

We are staying at a relative’s empty apartment (that she keeps for out of town guests. Can you IMAGINE?), on 6th and Prince, in the heart of SoHo. What could be better?

My goal is to show my husband the heart and soul of New York, the funky places where original culture exists. He is NOT into the swanky upscale restaurants or glossy boutiques so I will not torture him with that scene at all. Frankly, I am relieved to be in my jeans and walking shoes, and I am ready to get lost by aimlessly strolling around little side streets of NY.

We arrived Thursday night and after dumping our bags off at the apartment we wove our way through Soho, to the edges of China Town and into Little Italy. Upon walking into our chosen random restaurant, I swore two characters right out of the “Soprano’s” were on their way out. Except these guys were the real deal, I am sure.

All around us, in the restaurant and on the streets was a cacophony of different languages… English seems to be the exception to the rule in NY these days.

On our way back up to SoHo, I was reminded how much has changed since I lived here 20 years ago. SoHo used to be a place where artists lived: where the up and coming fashion designers displayed their collections. Now, only the chains can afford to rent here. Coach, Apple, Wolford, even Victoria Secret! It’s terrible…. really sad.

Friday morning we meandered our way up to the West Village and got lost on little side streets while we fantasized about buying an old brownstone for a satellite BrandHabit office, equipped with a crash pad for long weekends. Thank god, many of the small boutique owners still exist here. But it does seem that the chains will soon eat away at the original charm of the village. On Bleeker, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Marc Jacobs inhabit the store fronts as you get towards 8th Ave. Someone has to STOP this! I mean, I have nothing against these designers (Marc and I lived on the same street back in the 80’s and we would often stop to chat… that was a long time ago, when Marc was just starting out) … but seriously; what originality is left in this world if everything becomes a chain?

Where originality seems to have bloomed in NYC is in the little café/bakery world. Tiny little places, stuffed with locals seem to be everywhere. We stopped into a bakery in the village called Amy’s Bakery and I had an AMAZING Oat scone with banana’s and pecans. It’s was so crispy crunchy, not to sweet… perfect. Anyway, if I could taste the creations in each bakery café all day long, I would! Luckily my vanity and my stomach size stop me. Tomorrow, I’ll get to try something new…

Anyway, after breakfast, we walked up to the Meat Packing District and … I have to admit I dragged my husband into Jeffrey, the swanky boutique I am sure most of you have heard of. You know how these places are: A lot of stiff bodied young people sizing you up and down to be sure you are rich enough to even set foot in the store and watching every move you make. I don’t think my husband has EVER set foot in a place like this… I could tell he felt like a fish out of water. I on the other hand can play the game and in fact soon recognized a salesperson, Doug who I chatted with last time I was in the store. Doug is great... he will find the right item that’s perfect for you. He has a nose for it. The only catch: you have to be able to afford a $4000 zipper dress that you know will be out of style before you pay off your credit card.

Next, we walked into Hogs and Heifers. It was 11AM and we were the only people there. “Wanna drink?” my husband meekly asked me. “Why not? We are on vacation!”
Soon we were deep in conversation with Kathy, a whooping and hollerin, cussin and dancing 30 year old gal from Jersey who ended up managing the bar after her parents picked up and moved to the middle of the country. She had been managing a dental office and teaching Sunday school when without the comfort of her parent’s pad, realized she had to make some REAL money.

Within a few minutes, construction workers (who are building the new Ian Schrager Standard Hotel) poured in for their lunch beers and eye candy entertainment by Kathy and her new, impossibly stacked and nearly naked bar maid. “God”, I whispered to my husband… “I used to dress like that!” Ahhhh youth. Enjoy it while you can is all I can say. The entire scene was just classic: big construction workers, 2 barely dressed bartenders, and a giant metal cow with hundreds upon hundreds of bras strewn about it…

3 (three!) drinks later we saunter back out into the sunlight of the afternoon and find a place to eat lunch. Now, after a nap and some internet research to plan our “off the beaten path” day tomorrow… I think we will head out of a latte…More later.

POSTED BY carla ON 11/04/07 02:11 AM

comments [0]

OMG: I just picked up the most DARLING sweater for a screaming, scary, almost-feels-free price. It’s a chocolate brown, long and fitted cardigan with a faux fur collar and cuffs. It is SO, SO Cute! I found it at this little boutique in North Beach called Cose Bella. I have been dying to stop in this place for a long time as I drive by it almost weekly. Walking in, feeling the vibe of the store and looking at the selection, I would have expected the prices to be upscale expensive, (everything between $250 and $600 dollars). But NO! Everything in the store was under $100. Most of the darling, fashionable tops I looked at were between $56 and $72, summer dresses were marked down 40% from $72. Everything in the store felt well made, lovingly selected and beautifully merchandised. I almost flew into frenzy; combing through the racks as if the dream of fashionable, wearable clothes would disappear into a reality of another zero on the end of the price tag. But it’s REAL and this store is SO worth a stop on a regular basis. I hear Cose Bella is bringing in an entire new inventory next month! I can’t wait! Get this: my sweater (it was the last one and the perfect size) was $42. Okay, so it’s acrylic and not cashmere but at that price I can wear it one season and throw it away if it looks shotty next season. The $600 cashmere sweater I bought last season feels out of date this season anyway.

POSTED BY carla ON 10/21/07 15:10 PM

comments [0]

So I finally got a PILE... I mean, a HUGE Pile of clothes I don't wear together for the consignment store. I washed, cleaned, pressed, and hung these clothes to make them all the more enticing, and took of to the consignment store. I had dollar signs in my eyes when I thought about the amount of clothes I would unload and turn into cash which I would then use for purchases of NEW clothes.

Ha. No such luck. The store owner politely suggested that I "make myself comfortable" as she perused my collection.

In the end she took only 5 pieces. 5??? But what about the HOT Roxy sweater I barely wore?
Nope. What floored me was how random her choices were.

I decided to bring the balance of clothes into yet ANOTHER consignment store. I mean, after all of that work getting these items ready to sell, I'd be damned if I was going to drag them back into my house.

The next store only took 2 pieces! I swear though, they took pieces that I would never consider and passed on the hot items I had a hard time parting with!

I don't get it. I wonder if I'd be able to get my clothes past the "test" if I went back to the same places on different days, when another person was doing the selection? Do I dare?
Can you imagine? Maybe a buzzer will go off with an announcement,"Get those clothes OUT of the Store! They have been checked and deemed inappropriate for our current taste and collection!"

I am determined to get these things consigned somewhere... I'll keep you posted on my progress...

POSTED BY carla ON 10/15/07 03:10 AM

comments [0]

I know there is an "art" to getting rid of old clothes, or clothes that you no longer wear.

This has always been SO hard for me!
Really. I am known for holding on to clothes for 20 years and FINALLY getting rid of them, JUST as they are coming BACK into fashion. I mean, it was only a few years ago that I gave away a butter soft BLUE leather skirt that I had from the 80's. But let's be honest: I can't wear a skirt like that anymore. Blue and above the knee? Forget it!

I know, I know, the experts say, "if you haven't worn it in a year, get rid if it" blah blah blah....I totally disagree with that. Sometimes clothes do have a revival in your closet.. with a year or two in between.

For me it's especially hard since I tend to wear something to DEATH one season. The next year when the season comes around again, I can barely look at that item. But get rid of something I loved SO MUCH? How could I?

My sister said, "You have to be in the mood to let go of clothes."

Last week I realized that getting rid of clothes I don't wear would be like an exchange of sorts. If I can get rid of some good pieces that are still in excellent condition and stylish, I can sell them to one of the many well-edited second hand clothing boutiques. With the sale of these clothes, I will then EARN the right to buy new ones! Yeah!

So, last weekend I got in the "mood".
I went through everything and forced myself to get rid of even my "favorite items" of yester-year. I cleaned, pressed and readied the clothes for exit and I am on my way to "Stella's", a great second hand place in San Anselmo, Ca.

Okay, so as I was hanging some sweaters that I haven't worn for a few years, I decided to give them one more try this season and I hung them back in my closet.

Wish me luck getting the rest of my things to "Stella's" today and on their way to a new appreciative closet!

POSTED BY carla ON 10/03/07 21:10 PM

comments [0]

Uh Oh.... I have been perusing the web tonight and I got lost on the site VIVRE: https:\\www.vivre.com.
Wow, that woman Eva has incredible style. Some of it is over the top for my life but I SO appreciate her aesthetic.

Her selection of jewelry particularly inspires me. It's BIG and BOLD and eclectic...totally my style.

I have to say however, that I look at some of the cool stuff that costs hundreds, sometime thousands of dollars and I think to myself, "I can make that!"

As some of you may remember, I was a jewelry designer for 10 years and I still have tubs and tubs and TUBS of 30 gallon containers that show for it. Beads for day’s baby!

Trouble is: once I have an idea in mind there will always be something else I have to go out and buy to fully execute my creation. This is where the trouble begins.

So I won't go there. I have an internet company to run anyway... and there is plenty to keep me busy here.

New, fabulous jewelry? .. You will have to WAIT.

POSTED BY carla ON 09/23/07 06:09 AM

comments [0]

I have never studied Feng Shui but I am beginning to think I should. I am feeling bogged down by the masses of stuff I have collected over the years.
Don’t get me wrong.. it’s not like I am a hoarder… but I have a hard time letting go of things that I think I MIGHT need in the future.

A few months ago, one of the most liberating things happened to me. One of my computers crashed and I lost thousands of emails that I had been saving for one reason or another. What amazed me was the fact that while I couldn’t let go of them at the time, there has been only one or two things that I needed once they were gone forever.

Today my inbox is once again filled with thousands of emails. I TRY to delete them but end up keeping them as a record of one thing or another. Just in case I need it someday. Sometimes I wish that they would just go away... and I would be free to start again from scratch. Old Emails aren’t the only thing I keep but don’t need. As I have mentioned before, I only wear 10% of my clothes. I have dishes in my kitchen that are never used and yet I keep them “just in case I need the perfect casserole dish to bring to a pot-luck” …

I just came across a very well organized box of papers; Lined notebooks, stationary… everything in perfectly good condition and yet hasn’t been used for 10 years. “I can’t let it go,” I tell myself! “I might need these cards… my daughter can use them! I certainly can’t dump this stuff in the garbage can… everything is in perfect condition! And yet, what Salvation Army will take a few random pieces of un-matched stationary?”
Here again, these thing pile up. And while neat and organized, they take up space in my house, my mind, my life.

How wonderful it would be to only have the things in our life that we absolutely love, use, or need!

I often think that someday I will book a vacation from work and simply stay home to go through everything and get rid of “the extra”. That will never happen!

If someone would just walk into my life, take it all away with out my knowing… I wouldn’t miss these things. I may not even know they were gone.
Is there such thing as a Feng Shui-er? Someone I can hire to take away all “the extra”?

Let me know if you know of such a person!

POSTED BY carla ON 08/25/07 20:08 PM

comments [1]

I had to catch a plane to LA yesterday for a few meetings down here.

At the Airport in Oakland, I spotted this chic looking woman in the book store with a FABULOUS large distressed leather satchel on wheels. Upon closer look I also noticed that she had on a fantastic handbag with a real horn (as in bull) shoulder strap. Instantly I started to think about how she had put the items together in such a way that I would have never thought of and yet was so ME. She must be from LA, I thought….Why couldn’t I think of that outfit? She was wearing a beige/white prairie skirt that came just below the knee, distressed boots, a simple brown long sleeved t-shirt and a fitted jean jacket. Then, her hair was messy curly (like mine often is)… she had a very Sheryl Crow look… LA, Rocker, Urban Cowgirl Chic… you KNOW! Anyway, here again, I have all of these items in MY closet and yet somehow I thought my white prairie skirt was so “last summer” and my jean jacket was so “3 summers ago…”
Honestly, I get stuck on how to update old items sometimes. It’s not like the way this gal was wearing her outfit was brain science or cutting edge fashion. I guess my fashion insecurities come out here.

Okay, so here is the clincher: When I went to the gate the Chic Gal was sitting there. I had to take a second, third and forth look at her because she was wearing a pair of prada (probably) sunglasses indoors. I don’t get this whole wear your sunglasses indoors thing... Really: it makes people look at you 2, 3, 4 times as they wonder who you are or what you are hiding. Sure enough, upon closer scrutiny, I realized I was looking at Minnie Driver. I am sure she thought I was stalking HER but I was really just stalking her leather bag on wheels and her handbag. So, as I would with ANY woman, I said, “I love your bags, who are they by?” She graciously thanked me for the compliments and said, “The bag on wheels is from Italy and the handbag is YSL.”

Back to this sunglass look indoors. I am in Malibu now, working at a Starbucks. A lot of people are walking in this morning with sunglasses on… it’s foggy out! Take off the friggen sunglasses. On the flip side, most people didn’t recognize Minnie…. Her sunglasses probably saved her some privacy.

POSTED BY carla ON 08/07/07 17:08 PM

comments [3]

I am back from my travels and I am ready to report on my packing.
This was one of the WORST examples of smart traveling.
Really, it was HUMILIATING to drag this huge, heavy L.L. Bean duffle from
San Francisco, to St Thomas to Maine (via Boston) and back again. Plus, I had to suffer the comments and looks of incredulousness I received from my husband and brother-in-law, who from time to time so sweetly offered to help in heaving the duffle off the baggage claim carrousels!

So, here is where I TOTALLY messed up:

Without giving you an exact tally of what I wore and didn’t wear, here is a general statement: Of ALL those “go to lunch” or “shopping” outfits I packed, I only wore 1 top and 2 dresses. I didn’t wear any of the slacks or fancier skirts etc.

Here is the shocker: As I was leaving St Thomas and before leaving for the airport, I got on the scale with my bag of stuff that I wore. It was 12 lbs. Then, I finished packing the stuff that I didn’t wear and got on the scale again. Get this: The additional stuff I DIDN’T wear weighted an additional, 25lbs!!!!!

The clothes I brought for Maine were almost less appropriate. The weather in Maine ranged from cool on the water to hot and sticky. I didn’t bring any salt-water-worthy long pants or long sleeved shirts.

Really, as much as I fight it, the best clothes for Maine in the summer are plain tanks, loose twill or khaki pants and long cotton t-shirts with a fleece. In other words: LL BEAN. I am SO NOT L.L. Bean. In fact I fight peppiness with a vengeance.

15 years ago when I was firmly planted in my hippy California style, I was determined to wear my long gypsy skirts, tiny cleavage baring tops and lots of jewelry. Now that I am “more mature” and “more practical” I have to admit.. a few pairs of loose cotton twill pants and plain long sleeved t-shirts might not kill me. Next time, I promise I will pack better!

POSTED BY carla ON 08/02/07 20:08 PM

comments [0]

Every time I travel I wonder if I have over or under packed. For years, I have vowed to take notes on what I actually wear on a trip as I seem to forget what the “right amount” is to pack” by the time the next trip rolls around.

My husband, daughter and I are in St. Thomas for 2 weeks and Maine for a week. My husband and I will be working remotely while my daughter goes to sailing camp in St. Thomas (nice!).

This time, judging from the weight of my duffle bag I KNOW I over-packed. But this time, I am taking notes for sure. So, here are my criteria for deciding what to wear:
The location, the weather, (of course), the activities we will do, and whether or not we will go out to dinner. In St Thomas, we will be working from home, sailing on the weekend and we might go out to a dinner once or twice but nothing fancy. In other words, we don’t need anything more than shorts and t-shirts. In Maine it will be much of the same, although it can get a bit chilly there at night (my husband disagrees... but I will report it here for sure... so I don’t forget next time)
Here is what I brought, oh god, I am embarrassed to record it here but here goes!

•6 Long Pants (won’t wear these AT ALL in St Thomas, too hot)
•2 Yoga Pants (same as above, too hot)
•5 Sweaters/Outerwear (same as above)
•4 Dresses (casual-ish for going out to dinner)
•5 Dressier Tops (I might wear to go shopping downtown or to lunch, which is unlikely)
•4 Long sleeved t-Shirts
•2 Kutras (après sun!)
•6 kick around, casual skirts (I like skirts better than shorts)
•2 Shorts
•2 Pareo’s/Bathingsuit wraps
•3 work-out tops
•13 Tank Tops (Whoa!)
•3 Flip Flops
•2 wedges/heels
•1 pair Sneakers

Upon my arrival in St Thomas I put all of the: pants, sweaters/outerwear, dressier tops, 2 of the skirts, and all of the dresses in another room (I doubt I will touch these for 2 weeks)… This easily opened up half of the room in my duffle bag and took off about 20 lbs of weight. Now, let's see what I actually wear of the balance... stand by!

POSTED BY carla ON 07/08/07 20:07 PM

comments [0]

Oh boy, trouble is on the way!
Have you heard about Billion Dollar Babes? If you haven't, let me fill you in: Billion Dollar babes is a sample sale of some of the best designers around. It is a 2 day event where you can get 50-80% off retail prices. They have amazing things! Last Fall I scored a pile of loot! My favorite find was a gorgeous Wendy Hil coat that I wear constantly!
The S.F Event is June 1-2nd.

log in to www.billiondollarbabes.com to find out more!

POSTED BY carla ON 05/31/07 04:05 AM

comments [3]

Oh No! I am in BIG trouble!
Goldenbleu is having a sample sale event at the W Hotel in San Francisco this coming Monday night. Gosh, like I NEED another handbag! Okay, so I guess I DO need a bright yellow or green one for summer, right?

This event should be a blast. You are ALL invited! BrandHabit will be there too. Here are the details:

POSTED BY carla ON 05/12/07 00:05 AM

comments [1]

My husband just got back from Valencia Spain where he was visiting our dear friend Peter Holmberg, one of the skippers for Alinghi; the defender for the America's Cup.

Aside from having a total VIP rock star experience he came home with a pile of Alinghi "gear". Along with the Alinghi duffle bag, he had Alinghi sunglasses, Alinghi t-shirts (short and long sleeved), Alinghi shorts, an Alinghi Sweatshirt and a mini Alinghi Sweatshirt for my daughter.

While I normally scoff at blatant displays of branding on clothing, I have to admit my husband looks like a rock star himself wearing this stuff.

However, I was floored at the cost of these things. The short sleeved t-shirts cost $50 each! The sweatshirt cost $200! What???!!!! You spent how much on athletic gear???

Oh wait... I spent $115 on a Language Los Angeles T-Shirt recently. I guess I don't have a leg to stand on, huh?

Want to look like a rock star too?
Here is where you can order Alinghi wear: http://shop.alinghi.com/customer/

Remember that things run small in Europe... you may want to order a size bigger than you normally wear.

POSTED BY carla ON 05/06/07 01:05 AM

comments [0]

Hey Gals,
I had the opportunity to go to a trunk show at Honey Ryder Boutique on Hayes Street in S.F the other night. The show was featuring designer, Michele Jonas. Michele does gorgeous goddess dresses in yummy drapey stretch rayon. Imagine the typical Greek goddess dress with ribbons that wrap around all over your bodice. Sexy stuff! These dresses are perfect to dress up or down.. for a day of shopping or a cocktail party.

I noticed that Honey Ryder also carries a BUNCH of BrandHabit featured designers as well: Cynthia Vincent, Black Halo, Christopher Deane, Twinkle by Wenlan, Kooba Handbags.. the list goes on!

What a fantastic little store with wonderful spring "finds"!

POSTED BY carla ON 05/06/07 01:05 AM

comments [0]

These days it is pretty P.C. to do fake tans. All the celebs are doing it so I am not embarrassed to say I do fake tans too, on occasion.

I have semi-olive skin and frankly I look green without some color. While I usually find a way to get some healthy sun over the winter months, this year I have been working so hard I have barely been outside.

So, I have been experimenting with fake tans. I have tried "Magic Tans" in the salons where you strip down, step into a booth and hold your breath while a cold spray of god-knows-what blasts your body. These work just fine but they cost a bit ($25) and fade after a few days. Additionally, I hate the cold blast and I hate holding my breath as I am certain that breathing in that stuff is toxic.

I have also tried a plethora of off-the- shelf products... which I now realize I prefer to the Magic Tans.

Here is what I have tried so far:
I tried "Jergen's Natural Glow,Daily Moisturizer" which slowly gives you color over a week or so. Not fast enough for me.

I also tried "Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning" which Claudia Ross swears by. I used the medium shade and didn't find that much of a difference. Claudia said she uses the Miami Beach shade.. (I need to track that one down) The nice thing about this product is that it is a witch hazel based mist and it dries fast. In other words, you don't need to wait to put your clothes on. I find this product is great to fill in missed areas from another tanning product.

The product I love the most; one that gives a nice color instantly is "Coppertone's Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Lotion". They warn you not to get dressed for 30 minutes after putting the product on but I tend to use this product on exposed areas that will not hit fabric: My legs, sometimes my chest and face if desperate.

The bummer thing about all of these products is the smell. Apparently, there is there is no way around this. The smell is a result of the way the product interacts with the proteins in your skin that create the tan. I will be overjoyed the day that they come out with a product that doesn't smell. Don't you agree?

POSTED BY carla ON 04/30/07 02:04 AM

comments [3]

Lesley Jane Seymour is putting together a piece for MORE Magazine about what women should wear (or not wear)when they are over 40. She asked a pile of friends for their stories. While I couldn't give her specifics on anyone telling me to "dress my age", because I am pretty sensitive about what NOT to wear, I offered Lesley my thoughts on this subject. I thought I would share them with you as well.

Let me start with the positive first: If you have a nice body part, whether it is your legs, your shoulders, your arms or even your stomach, I'd say, "Show it!" On the other hand, certain things just look silly on a woman over 40 and my rule of thumb is this: Don't do too much of ANYTHING; too much skin, too much jewelry, too many layers, too big of hair, too much perfume, too much make-up, too trendy, too conservative, too much cleavage (especially if it's too saggy or too fake).. the whole wonderful thing about being 40 is that we don't need to try too hard to prove anything. Subtle with a touch of surprise is my motto.

POSTED BY carla ON 04/30/07 01:04 AM

comments [1]

So last night I went to the Neiman Marcus runway show for Emanuel Ungaro. I was invited to go with Claudia Ross as she was somehow involved with the PR around Peter Dundas, Ungaro's creative director who was visiting in S.F.

First let me just say it here: I am not a fashion critic. I am much more interested in writing about the slew of characters I meet on my journey through life and making observations from a high level view on my experiences. Also, you need to realize that while I was in the fashion business for 10 years, I was in the accessory business as a designer.. and while I am very comfortable doing the runway/model show thing….I haven’t spent a lot of my time going to such events. I have always been a business woman, working my butt off and running a small business, whether it was in jewelry or executive search. For the last 10 years I have been holed up in Marin County (across the SF bay) working in high tech, raising my daughter… so here again, I haven’t been doing the social fashion runway scene in San Francisco.

So, last night: Let me first say that I did not know ANYONE at the event. (Okay, I recognized a few from peripheral crowds I hang out in) But there was NO ONE I could walk up to and shoot the shit with, even on a superficial level. While uncomfortable, this experience alone makes writing about it much more fun because I have a more objective point of view on my observations. So first of all, I could tell that the crowd was filled with the WHO's WHO in the SF social scene.

First observation: What I love about San Francisco is that people come in all ages, shapes, sizes styles etc etc. The people in San Francisco are MUCH more varied in their look than in Los Angeles. In LA, everyone is teeny-tiny with big boobs and everyone is model gorgeous. All the men in LA wear their hair the same way… really, it’s just so much more homogonous down there. I really love the variety in SF. Everything goes and it’s easy to feel comfortable because of this.

Okay, second observation: it was quite obvious to me who the WHO were… because their faces were held in a perpetual state of: “Someone is ABOUT to take my picture… Keep a permanent smile on at all times, look around the room at everyone as if they are about to take my picture and don’t really talk to anyone unless I can talk between my teeth with my smile pasted on my face”…. That was interesting.

The other observation with the WHO’s WHO was that many women were clearly in various stages of: bright eyes, very bright wide eyes, very very wide bright eyes with a big full smile, full lips and a permanent look of SOMEONE is about to take my picture.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle about all of this.

Here is the other thing I will admit here. I REALLY wish I brought someone with me to this event, because being in a room of WHO's WHO who I don’t know is incredibly awkward. In the Silicon Valley Venture Capital community (of which I have been socializing in for the last year) it is cultural standard to run around a room, introduce yourself, state what you do for a living and quickly assess whether there is a worthwhile networking opportunity between individuals. This practice wasn’t necessarily easy to get used to either but it’s what is done. In the SF social scene, this is definitely not the case… you are supposed to KNOW who everyone is. Remember? They are a WHO's WHO! And you aren’t supposed to ASK what anyone does because you are supposed to KNOW that they are a SOMEONE. Anyway, I did manage to meet 2 women who I found very nice and interesting. We quickly found common ground by talking about raising daughters. Being a parent is the great equalizer isn’t it? Next time I go to one of these events.. I will know two people.

Before bowing out I thanked Claudia Ross (who is such a cutie, I love her!) and admitted that my quick exit was due to the awkwardness of not knowing anyone. She reminded me that I need to get out to these things more often and that I need to know these people… “I do, I do”, I responded… “But I need to do it incrementally” (and next time I definitely need to bring one of my “peeps” to make the getting to know people process more comfortable.)

Oh, on a side note: The designs for Ungaro were GORGEOUS! I especially loved his Chiffon dresses which had the perfect balance of flow in the skirt and fitted, sexy exposed wrapping in the bodice. There was a lime green number that was just to die for.

POSTED BY carla ON 03/30/07 15:03 PM

comments [1]

Oh Gosh, I have blog backlog... I am so behind on my FashionWeekLive Report!

Okay, so basically FashionWeekLive, the Mercedes-Benz tour of New York Fashion week, came to San Francisco last Thursday, March 15. Five of us from BrandHabit were in attendance: Peggy, Tori, Kelly, Joanna, and me.

It was truly a world class event. While it took place at the Fort Mason Center in SF, it could have been anywhere in the world (New York, Paris...). The promoters IGM and Claudia Ross did a fantastic job! The venue was gorgeous and chic, Moet Champagne was flowing, beautiful h'ordeurves were passed around at the pre-party event, and the crowd was packed with the "Who's Who" of San Francisco society (just don’t ask me who the “Who” were as I don’t really follow that stuff).

We had 3rd row center seats just off the runway. The entire event was just fantastic! I have to say however, that it was hard to get a sense of each designer’s vision for the season. In this venue, most of the designers were mixed in by "trend," and while each model on the runway was also shown on a big screen with the designer name posted, I didn’t pay much attention to the screen. I spent most of my time just taking in the spectacle: the music, the famous models, and the looks on the faces of the attendees sitting in the front row.

A few things stood out for me: I couldn’t help but notice Claudia Ross (BrandHabit’s Local Icon) who looked DIVINE in Vintage Tuleh polka dots, and Vanessa Getty, who looked just …what can I say, she is luminous. The highlight of the evening was when model Tyson Beckford got to strut his stuff on the catwalk. The crowd’s reaction was something akin to Brad Pitt entering a room: primal unrestrained lustful adoration. Tyson couldn’t help but smile at the sound that went through the crowd: a wave of “ahhhhhh” with a bit of squeal in it. It was beyond unsubtle and it sent me into a fit of laughter at how women can respond to a man’s beauty with such reverence. The poor guy…really it HAS to be embarrassing. Let’s face it; with Tyson’s deeply slanted bedroom eyes he has a permanent look of “I’ve got a sexy little secret just for you…” And you know every woman in that audience fantasized about that look being for her and her alone.

Okay, so back to the event. After the runway show the party continued with a slew of some of SF’s more colorful characters. I met an ambassador and his wife from Columbia, a young man who I swore was putting me on when he said he worked for the CIA in Chemical Engineering, (I love a brainy guy who doesn’t tell me he is an investment banker. I would have taken him for a trust fund kid, he was just too cute and well kept). I also met Merkley, the out-of-this-world talented photographer and artist. I had seen his work online before and it turns out he’s pretty hard to miss with his crazy mess of hair, beard, and mirrored silver glasses…I just had to say “hello.” I also ran into Emily from the radio show, "Sex with Emily" whom I had met at a party earlier this month. (I love her already... anyone who likes to talk about sex is my type of gal).

What else can I say? It was a great event. And yet for those of you that didn’t get to go, don’t worry… these things always sound better than they are… it may seem glamorous but glamour can be overrated and sometimes boring.

Our next big event is coming up this Friday, March 30th: The BrandHabit Launch Party and Sample Sale will be an event not to be missed! It’s at 111 Minna in San Francisco from 6-9PM. Come on down!

POSTED BY carla ON 03/29/07 05:03 AM

comments [0]

Have you had a chance to see MORE Magazine this month? BrandHabit launched our partnership with MORE for the March issue, on newsstands now.

What this means is: If a reader of MORE magazine sees an item that she wants, she can now find more than one store that carries the item by coming to www.brandhabit.com/more.

Our partnership with MORE is a manifestation of the vision I had for BrandHabit when I started the company and I am overjoyed!

How often do you find yourself reading a magazine, finding something you love, only to go to the shopping guide in the back to find ONE store that carries the item, and that store is not near you?

Then, you spend time trying to track down a phone number for the company, getting on the phone with a salesrep and begging them to find out where the item was shipped... Honestly, I hate to say this: They don't care to help one customer at a time... their job is to sell to stores. The salesreps for these designers are THRILLED about BrandHabit because we make their job easier!

For MORE magazine, BrandHabit is an added benefit that they can offer their readers!

Now, let me take a moment to talk about MORE Magazine. MORE Magazine is the magazine for women that are 40 and over. It's the "40 is the new 30" magazine. Although sometimes I personally think 40 is the new
20-something... don't you? (you probably do if you are 40 something)

MORE magazine won Advertising Age's "Magazine of the Year" award and they were voted in the Top 5 of AdWeeks Hot List of Magazines. It's a fantastic magazine.. I love their articles that illustrate the strength women possess at this age and I also love that they only use models that are 40 and over. The magazine addresses real life issues that women face at this age and in general makes us all proud to be a part of this generation!

We will be continuing our service with MORE in the months to come... pick up an issue and check it out! Or, feel free to peruse the fashion pages of MORE on our site and find items you love in a store near you!

POSTED BY carla ON 03/14/07 18:03 PM

comments [0]

As we all know, big gold jewelry has been hot for some time now. When combing through the monotonous and somewhat repetitive rows of jewelry designers at a recent fashion trade show, I discovered Marcia Moran. Honestly, her designs stand bright among the masses.

I can’t get enough of my Marcia Moran necklace. I wear it with everything from a basic sweater for day or a plunging neck-lined dress for evening This necklace has 4 chains of different lengths that resemble spun gold. Each chain has flat brushed little “O”s haphazardly attached and the result is nothing less than spectacular! Marcia also does fabulous cocktail rings that are a must have item for spring. I have noticed her things in darling boutiques around San Francisco and I imagine she has quite a following across the U.S. Check out her feature page to find her designs near you!

POSTED BY carla ON 03/13/07 21:03 PM

comments [0]

Hey BrandHabit-ers,

I apologize that I haven't been blogging lately. To be honest, I have been so immersed in this start-up that I have not had time to comment on the recent Oscars, or think about what fashion items I am lusting after for spring. If you think being the CEO of a fashion company is glamorous, think again! I have been sitting at a computer for weeks, in baggy clothes, working my little tail off! Actually, my tail isn't so little these days since I have been sitting so much!
(let's not go there).

The good news is that I do have something glamorous to look forward to soon! On March 15th, the producers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion week are coming to San Francisco with FashionWeekLive, and BrandHabit will be there!

This event is a full fledged fashion runway show featuring designers like:
Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Chaiken, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Nanette Lepore and Michael Kors to name just a few. Naomi Campbell and Gemma Ward will be strutting on the cat-walk.

Apparently, the plan is to hold FashionWeekLive every year in several cities. This is a fantastic idea for those of us who don't want to fight the crowds in New York or Paris; or get on a plane in the winter!

If you want to go to this event, click the FashionWeekLive banner on our home page. You can purchase tickets by calling the number listed.

I'd love to see you there. I'll blog about the event, you can be sure!

All my Best,
Carla

POSTED BY carla ON 03/04/07 01:03 AM

comments [0]

One of our questions on the BrandHabit profile member page is “What do you buy in bulk?

So I have been thinking: Most people buy things in bulk that aren’t that expensive and yet they are things they get A LOT of wear out of.

Things we buy in bulk are necessities that we don’t expect our friends to ogle over.
I mean, lets face it, unless you are Cher and can afford to buy 9 pairs of the same style of Manolo’s in 9 different colors, not EVERY item of clothing in your closet needs to be a spectacular designer item from a secret boutique.. right?
In fact, it’s those no-brainer (bulk) items that we have in our closet that are the easiest things to wear.

So, here are the things I buy in bulk:

Let me warn you, this is gong to be a major plug for the GAP because my first three items I buy in bulk are from the GAP.

Panties: First of all, I usually find a pair of underwear that I love and then buy at least 6 pair of (in different colors). This season it was a great thong from the GAP. This is great underwear that is comfortable and sexy when low rise jeans ride…well, you know… too low.

Bras: I also buy multiples of what I call my “Boob-Job Bra” from the GAP, or better know as the Low cut T-Shirt bra. The reason I call it my “Boob-Job Bra” is because it makes my boobs look perfect. No lacy bumps or seam ridges, perfect cleavage, smooth finish, fresh shape….What else can you ask for?

Tanks: Finally, I buy GAP Essential Cami’s in white. I have four of them and I wear these with everything! Especially with all of the very low cut styles that have been out for the last few seasons, I just can’t get away without putting something on underneath. It just isn’t appropriate for me to hang out all over the place and adding these little tanks underneath are a big help. Plus, the added benefit is that they smoosh in everything and create good cleavage even though I am covering up the bulk of the exposure! (God, it’s all about the boobs, isn’t it?)

POSTED BY carla ON 02/03/07 22:02 PM

comments [1]

We all know about Soul Food, right? You know, food that touches the soul, comfort food… food that just makes you melt? Well, Love Heals Jewelry does that to me.

The first time I saw a Love Heals necklace, I nearly tackled the gal who was wearing it. Then, when I went to see Love Heals Jewelry at one of the trade shows, the booth was full of women having the same primitive response I had. Buyers were frantically digging through the designers prolific collection, each piece unique unto itself!

The designer, Adriana is an exquisite woman who exudes the same spirit as her collection. Her pieces are collectibles, talismans and treasures to covet.

And, her Adonis, Greek-god like, drop dead gorgeous son, Gunnar? Well, let's just say that I wish I were .. umm. 20 something again!

POSTED BY carla ON 01/21/07 05:01 AM

comments [1]

Someone asked me whether or not I was blogging about designers or retailers that PAID to be blogged about.

I want to be very clear: NO ONE is paying me to blog about them. I only blog about stuff I want to blog about.

POSTED BY carla ON 01/21/07 05:01 AM

comments [0]

Okay, that’s it: Commit me now, I am a complete Goldenbleu Handbag JUNKIE!
It’s becoming unhealthy!

Two years ago I was carrying a fake Prada handbag (only because a friend gave me one) and now, I am buying handbags like they are going out of style! Wait, the term “going out of style” doesn’t make sense at all! Why would anyone say that? Especially if they are “into” style? Okay, how is this: “I am buying handbags like my life depends upon it.”? Better.

Okay so anyway.. It was before Christmas, and I spied this Blood Red Patent Leather Goldenbleu handbag…I was experiencing the proverbial sense of being broke pre-Christmas. But, when I heard that this color was not going to be cut anymore, I CAVED!

So, this bag, pictured here is coming out in Audrey Hepburn-esque white with black trim (I’ll find out where it is being shipped) and in stunning colors for spring!

It’s a bit more conservative and “put together” than I like to think of myself but I just love it. I wore it to dinner the other night and the waitress said she got “chills” looking at it. It’s one of those bags that makes you feel like you are worth a million bucks. Even if you aren’t.

POSTED BY carla ON 01/18/07 03:01 AM

comments [0]

After living in New York City for 4 1/2 years, I now remember why in 1990 I left the concrete jungle for the Caribbean paradise. There is something to be said about stripping yourself of materialistic need and just sinking into a therapeutic island breeze and crystal clear blue waters. When I first landed in St. Thomas I picked up windsurfing and also got involved in racing Hobie Cats at the St Thomas Yacht Club. I had completely forgotten what it was like to be so connected to nature and it was an amazing time in my life.

I lived on St. Thomas for 3 1/2 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to start an off-shoot of my costume jewelry business called Carla Caribbean Designs. Between sailing and traveling for business, I had the opportunity to visit many islands in the area, including St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Antigua, Anguilla, St. Barts, Nevis, The Dominican Republic, Bonaire and Curacao…

St. Thomas is not necessarily the best, most beautiful place to live in the Caribbean but it provides more of the “stateside” conveniences that the other islands lack. If I were to pick a place to visit for an island experience, I would not suggest St. Thomas, but it is a great jumping off point for sailing around the US and British Virgin Islands, which I have to say are some of the most beautiful places in the world to sail. The reason this group of islands is so beautiful for sailing is that they are very close together. The aqua blue water that you see in photos is REAL and occurs because of the shallow sandy shores near the islands. So, while St. Barts, for example, is chic and French (and has better style and shopping) the beaches and sailing just don’t compare to St. John or Tortola, as there are no islands close by.

Nothing is more glamorous than sailing on a boat in the Caribbean. As I mentioned in my earlier blog, the islands do not provide a fashion experience. However, a celebrity sighting or two is not unheard of. We sailed by Eric Clapton having breakfast on his classic motor yacht “Blue Guitar.” Brad and Angie were on one of the islands (but I won’t disclose where for their privacy). I was at a party with one of Ralph Lauren’s new, young, and gorgeous models, and I spent time with a dear friend, Peter Holmberg, helmsman for the Alinghi Syndicate, the current owner of the America’s Cup.

I have to say, it’s nice being able to call St. Thomas a second home!

POSTED BY carla ON 01/06/07 00:01 AM

comments [1]

Before I left for my in-law’s family reunion in the Virgin Islands this holiday, several BrandHabit-ers said that they would be waiting for my blog about Island Fashion.

Here is the scoop: There is no island fashion…At least there isn’t in the US Virgin or British Virgin Islands.

Bottom line: If you are doing what you should be doing in the islands which is either lying on a beach or sailing in a sailboat, you won’t need anything other than a few bathing suits, a sarong, a pair of basic khaki shorts, and flip flops. Anything more than that and you’ll look out of place, like you’re trying too hard. Even if you go out for dinner the look is very, very casual. Keep in mind that everything you wear should be salt-water-worthy, because it all ends up drenched or sweaty or both.

Leave behind your designer clothes, handbags, and shoes…because it just doesn’t matter there. There is no need for make-up because it just washes off in the salt water, and the natural flush you get from the sunshine is so much prettier anyway. Also, don’t worry about highlighting your hair because the sun will give you those naturally perfect, face-framing highlights that some people pay $300 for. Jewelry can even feel extraneous.

Fashion shopping on St. Thomas is fairly limited. The island is known for duty free shops where one can buy liquor, cosmetics, jewelry and watches without paying taxes. The rest of the stores are ticky-tacky tourist t-shirt shops. Don’t come to St. Thomas expecting a Beverly Hills shopping experience. Although I avoid downtown St. Thomas as much as possible, I did notice a store in town called Larianna Boutique that carries Red Engine Jeans, Custo Barcelona and Language Los Angeles… so I had to stop by. It’s a cute store with a fashionable selection… but nothing to write home about (so to speak). Go there if you want to buy these items tax free.

Here is the one thing I need to say in this blog that must be announced to ANYONE with ANY sense of self-respect: If you come to St. Thomas, or ANY OTHER TROPICAL PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE, DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT GET BRAIDS!!!!!!!

A few braids, one braid in the beard, or a full head of braids a la Bo Derick--any braids at all with bright plastic beads on the end are tacky and hideous. Tourists think they look totally cool, like they’ve been in “De-islands, Mon.” But they don’t… they look foolish and tacky. Please, please take my advice and don’t do braids. If your kids beg you for them, JUST SAY “NO”! They’ll thank you someday, I promise.

Ahhh, I’ve said my peace.

POSTED BY carla ON 01/04/07 23:01 PM

comments [1]

Tucked-in Jeans are THE biggest fashion phenomenon in New York this season. Everyone is sporting the look there—narrow stovepipes tucked into boots with bulky sweaters and an abundance of oversized accessories. Thankfully, in San Francisco the look is not so prevalent… but I’ve been resistant to the idea of tucking even my narrowest jeans into a pair of boots for the following reason:

I did this whole 80’s look back in the 80’s and still laugh at photographs of myself from back then. I know if I succumb to tucked-in jeans and long cowl neck sweaters I’ll probably look at pictures of myself one day and think, “What a sucker, I did it again and looked like a fool!”

But the truth is, if you are as attuned to fashion as I am, you simply end up feeling fuddy-duddy if you don’t adapt to at least some of the latest trends.

And even I have to admit, when executed correctly, it can be a great look. A girlfriend of mine was wearing a silver cowl-necked long sweater with leggings the other night and she looked divine!

So I finally got over my traumatic memories of the 80’s and succumbed. I was with Peggy the other day and I needed to find a new bikini for my upcoming trip to the Caribbean. Peggy, by the way, is BrandHabit’s Production Coordinator, i.e., she is the Glue that holds the BrandHabit operation together! Getting dressed again after trying on a stunning, must-buy Calvin Klein bikini, Peggy insisted that I tuck my jeans into my boots.

“Gack! I can’t do that Peg!”
“Just do it Carla, you look like a dork if you DON’T.”

Okay, so it’s not too bad.

Then, last night, I went all the way. I was getting ready for my family’s Christmas gathering, and I knew Peggy (she is also my step brother’s girlfriend) and my oh-so hip 21-year old sister, Jessica would be there. So I put on a new cashmere Laurie B long black sweater with blouson sleeves, a new wide belt, and tucked my jeans into my boots.

Of course, all dolled up, feeling chic and ready to go, I walked out of my bedroom to find my husband who promptly said, “You look like a Pirate.”
“But it’s THE LOOK!” I replied.
“Yeah, that’s what you always say. You still look like a pirate”.

My 7-year old daughter also said, “Mommy, you look weird”.

Taking one last look in the mirror I thought, “Okay, embarrassing photo memories, here I come,” But I knew Peggy and Jess would appreciate my effort and think, hey, this fashion CEO is FINALLY catching on.

POSTED BY carla ON 12/22/06 06:12 AM

comments [5]

Search Engines Help Shoppers To Buy Locally

By JAMES COVERT
Wall Street Journal
December 21, 2006; Page B1

"It's been especially hard to collect information about designer clothes. In January, a site called BrandHabit.com plans to launch such a service. The hitch: It will focus on small designers and boutiques that are willing to participate because they need the exposure."

Read the article here.

POSTED BY carla ON 12/21/06 18:12 PM

comments [2]

I just knew we’d end up talking about beauty products on our site… it was only a matter of time, right?

So, I have another problem: make-up doesn’t stay on my face.

I mean it. My skin sucks up eye shadow within about an hour after I put it on… the rest just falls off under my eyes and I look like a raccoon. I thought it was because I was buying cheap products. So, I took an inventory of Tami’s (BH Customer Relations Manager) beauty products and stocked up on all of the same expensive stuff (we have similar enough coloring). Then we did an experiment: Wake up before the trade show in New York, apply make-up (for natural beauty of course!)
3 hours later… Tami is as fresh as she was in the morning… Me: In horrible need of make-up remover for the raccoon eyes and a full re-apply. It’s really an awful thing.

Tami and I dress up to go out for some faboo dinner in New York, it’s 9 PM at Butter (NY hotspot).. I’m thinking I look hot. But hours later I go to the bathroom and I am horrified by the tired looking tramp I see in the mirror… so without the time or energy to re-apply, I remove what is under my eyes and resign myself to a true natural look. It’s either that or re-apply entirely and come out of the bathroom at midnight looking like I am going to the Opera.

Okay so here is the good news. Just last week I discovered a new mascara that stays on ALL DAY!!!!!!!!! For Real! It’s shocking to me, actually, but it’s true! It’s Physicians Formula, ExercEyes® Mascara 2-in-1 Lash-Building and Magnifying. I grabbed it because it has 2 parts to it: The color and a SEALER coat! (And it was on sale). I swear, it’s crazy… now every time I go to the bathroom and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I am so overjoyed! (Gosh, it’s the little things in life, isn’t it?) Okay, so when I blink, it feels a tiny bit sticky... but not so much that it’s annoying... and when I first went to remove my make-up before I went to bed I was a bit afraid that the mascara wouldn’t come off….. my eyelashes felt akin to hard twigs… Hey, Twig, Schmig, at least I don’t have Raccoon Eyes! Now, if I could only find other make-up (natural looking, of course) that stays on all day… I’d love to know about it!

Physicians Formula, ExercEyes® Mascara 2-in-1 Lash-Building and Magnifying

Oh and by the way... it’s easy to find: Longs, Walgreens, Target... and it’s about 7 bucks.
Hello? What could be better? Throw your smudging, flakey stuff away! My mascara has been on for 12 hours today… what about yours?

POSTED BY carla ON 12/12/06 06:12 AM

comments [2]

So, here is my fashion problem: I have a fair amount of clothes in my closet (there is NEVER enough….right?) but each season I only wear about 3 or 4 outfits (or items) that I love, over and over and over again. It’s really pathetic. I get to the point of calling things my “everyday” dress… or my “everyday” jeans…



This summer, I went to about 3 or 4 trade shows with BrandHabit’s Customer Relations Manager, Tami. We would call each other the night before flying out of town and say to each other (as all girls do): “What are you packing to wear?” Sadly, it got to the point where I would say, “Oh you know: my 2 everyday dresses… the brown one and the Notice one.. and the other clothes you see me wear every time we travel together!”

It’s a sad thing. Don’t you wish your closet was filled every season with everything that was new, hot, and looked perfect on you? Something to aspire to.

Okay, so my point was this: My Everyday Sweater Coat is this Ya-Ya one I bought at
Her in San Francisco. Great store! I bought it in black and it looks fantastic with evening clothes as well as jeans. Trouble is, I wear it around the house, with sweats… I wear it to DEATH! It needs to be de-pilled and dry cleaned but I can’t give it up for a day to 2 to do it.

Here is the down side of my “wearing habits”… by the time a full year passes.. I am so OVER my “everyday” items from the season before…
I think I’ll love this sweater coat for years to come.
Oh, for you Bay Area BrandHabit groupies: I saw the sweater in Grey at Brown Eyed Girl in Corte Madera last night too. It costs close to $400. Not cheap.. but if I calculate the price per wear, I have it down to about $1.00!

POSTED BY carla ON 12/08/06 18:12 PM

comments [0]

The easiest way to feel like you have a new outfit on is new, gorgeous jewelry. These days, costume jewelry is hot and inexpensive. Since I was a jewelry designer for 10 years, there was about 15-20 years where I didn’t buy any new jewelry. If I wanted something, I would make it.

When jewelry got really really tiny in the mid 90’s, I boycotted the business.. which in my case meant, I got out of the business and stopped designing professionally. I couldn’t STAND designing the proverbial “Y” necklace and one little tiny bead hanging on the end of a wire for an earring. Plus, ANYONE and EVERYONE became a jewelry designer… I have to admit that it kind of bugged me that people stringing beads together called themselves jewelry designers.

Okay, so here is my point: Jewelry has been back for a few years and I have been in HEAVEN! Now that I have access to see so many talented designers at the trade shows, I am in total support of those whose craft stands above the masses in unique design and individuality. There are a few that I have fallen in love with this season and I am sure there will be more!


Presh Jewelry: Nicole, the designer of Presh happens to be a local girl here in Northern California. But that’s not the reason I love her things. When I first saw a Presh necklace, I was with my daughter at her swimming lessons and I nearly tackled another mother wearing “Presh” at the poolside. When I saw Presh’s full collection at the shows, I became a true groupie. I purchased this gorgeous tear drop pendant (pictured here) which is a piece of art into itself. Each pendant holds a part of a piece of cloth that is stitched with silver thread (so there are no 2 alike) and the fabric sits behind a window of glass. I have been stopped so many times from people commenting on my necklace. It’s really a “statement” piece and I wear it with everything!

Click here
to see where you can find Presh in your town!

POSTED BY carla ON 12/03/06 22:12 PM

comments [0]

While I would love to fill my wardrobe with only casual chic clothing, by the very nature of my title (CEO) I have to get “buttoned up” for professional meetings with investors etc. Here is a list of designers that have great, classically cut pants and jackets that are professional and yet very fashionable. Plus they all have darling tops and other pieces that really make a pant suit “pop”.

Click on the links to these designers to view their feature pages on BrandHabit and see where you can get their stuff locally:

Alvin Valley

Robert Rodriguez

Black Halo

POSTED BY carla ON 12/03/06 22:12 PM

comments [0]

Goldenbleu is one of the first designers that “got” what BrandHabit is all about and one of the first that wanted to be featured on our site. Because they were one of the first, I will love and support Goldenbleu forever! However, it helps tremendously that I think the designer Rene is a DOLL, and I love her designs! Rene is a true soul. I sat down with her at one of the shows and we talked about starting businesses. Rene was in her first or second season of her own collection and I can’t describe how lovely and empowering and supportive she was of my new endeavor. We shared in the excitement of launching something.

Goldenbleu’s collection has grown and evolved in the last few seasons and I am so proud of Rene. Plus, she is a San Francisco designer… so, I am especially supportive! Needless to say, I bought 2 Goldenbleu handbags this fall. The first is a yummy banana colored, soft as buttah, fringed tote. Two (yes, 2!) of my girlfriends fell in love with my “Banana Bijoux” and bought the same purse. It was tough to get over the idea of being the only gal carrying this handbag in my circle but once I got over the hump I was happy to share the “buttah love”. People pet this handbag.. It’s that yummy. While I hate to say this, since BrandHabit is about finding designs in local stores, you can probably find it on-sale online. Just do a google search for “Goldenbleu Bijoix”

Now, the other handbag I bought is pictured here. Although I bought it in Chocolate Brown. A true Classic! Again, we are late in the season, so you may be able to find it on-sale online.. but Goldenbleu is doing a very similar bag this spring in brightly colored patent leather for spring and I PROMISE I will tell you where to get it locally! If you can’t find it, drop me a line and I’ll see what I can dig up for you.

Click here to find stores in your area that carry Goldenbleu.

POSTED BY carla ON 12/03/06 22:12 PM

comments [0]

At one time, I thought wrap dresses were hideous….

Simply hideous!

I thought they looked like “house coats”.. which is a term that many 20 or 30 year olds may not recognize…I think I once said that I would never wear a wrap dress…I just couldn’t imagine all of that pattern on my body.


Well, never say never.. this year, I caved. I found some gorgeous dresses by NOTICE .. and .. well… I stocked up for the season. I bought 3 dresses and a skirt by NOTICE (one grey dress for work, one red dress for evening, a black and white tiger printed wrap skirt (you know, so I could do a bit of animal print this year.. which I also used to hate) and the exact wrap dress I bought is pictured here…but I have to wear a shell tank under it because otherwise my boobs fall out).

Okay let me say this: Randa of NOTICE knows how to make dresses for woman’s bodies. I just LOVE her dresses! Her fabrics drape and fall easily over the curves.. and they always have a beautiful waist… I wore a summer NOTICE dress this year to DEATH! Plus, Randa is darling! I love her. She is so cool and so real. Oh and by the way, NOTICE dresses are priced reasonably.. I think they run between $200-$250.

Check the Notice Feature Page to find Notice dresses in your city!

POSTED BY carla ON 12/01/06 22:12 PM

comments [0]

Latest Search Engines Boost Local Stores

Published: Friday, December 01, 2006

By Cate T. Corcoran

"BrandHabit is working directly with brands and retailers rather than mall operators, particularly contemporary designers and small boutiques. The service is intended to be especially helpful to consumers who might see a hot item in a magazine and want to know where to buy it. BrandHabit will liaison with brands' press relations departments to feature items that have been mentioned in magazines, ceo Carla Morton said. Brands and retailers can also supply BrandHabit with inventory information, which will show up in product searches. Participating companies can go into a password-protected area on the Web site to update their listings. In the future, they will be able to send out e-mail blasts and list events such as sample sales."

Full article (login required): http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/111034

POSTED BY carla ON 12/01/06 16:12 PM

comments [0]

Okay, this is it: I am starting a blog.

I am Carla Morton the CEO of a new online fashion company called BrandHabit and for the purpose of this blog, I am going to write about:

1. My personal experience in the fashion industry. (I spent 10 years as a fashion jewelry designer. I worked for a fashion house at the tender age of 19 in New York, in the mid 80’s… gosh that dates me a bit, doesn’t it?)


2. My observations about what is happening in the fashion industry: What I see coming down the pike for next season and what trends are capturing a wide audience (for better or for worse)


3. Items I love or lust after for the season and collections I love etc.


4. People I love in the fashion industry… just because I think it is so nice to meet real people in this business and talking about wonderful people feels good.


5. Finally, I might write about my experiences of becoming a CEO for an internet start-up… (we’ll see).

1. Don’t look good on me


2. Don’t look good on anyone


3. Are too youthful for my age (40)


4. Make me look like I am trying too hard

POSTED BY carla ON 11/30/06 17:11 PM

comments [4]