Happy Memorial Day

I hope you're all enjoying this extra day off, while keeping our troops in your hearts. <3

Today I'm picnicking with my family, and soaking up the last day of our Annual Reunion weekend. It's always an amazing time spent with the people I love, but goes by way too fast! Tomorrow, I'll be jetting home, heading straight to a job, and then hopefully catching up on all of your lovely blogs! Bare with me, as I'm sure there will be tons to read and comment on. It could take a while. :)

Have a relaxing Memorial Day!

xoxo,

Bren

Happy { Family Reunion} Weekend

Memorial Weekend is one I look forward to all year long, and for me, it's all about family and reconnecting. My Mom's paternal side of the family, gathers for our Annual Family Reunion/Picnic each year during this long weekend. This year I'm missing some fun activities at home like the opening of Sex and the City 2, and Purple Rain at Hollywood Forever, but I still wouldn't miss the chance to spend more time with my cousins, near and far.

Right now I'm in a little town in Nevada visiting my Aunt, before heading to Northern California for the big family event. I'm so remote that I'm on dial-up! This "city girl" is totally out of her element as there's nothing but wide open spaces, cattle, and dirt roads! Eeeek! Just to give you some perspective, the nearest Target is 50 miles away! So...I'm going to take a break from blogging this weekend. I won't be able to read all of your amazing blogs, or comment back. It's not that I'm ignoring you, it's just kind of impossible. As soon as I'm back to civilization, I'll be catching up with all of you, and commenting away. :)

I hope you all have a fabulous SATC weekend, and... don't forget to enter my Bobbi Brown giveaway!

Carrie-ing On

With Sex and the City 2 opening today, the entire blogosphere has been getting ready to "Carrie on." The anticipation is always so exciting, though I'm anxious to see if the movie lives up to it's hype. To get us all in the SATC spirit,  Katie of Fashion's Maven has been breaking down the series by season, with a detailed synopsis of each episode. It's been so much fun reading her posts, and reliving some of my favorite SATC moments. Great for us busy people that want to re-watch the complete series and first movie, but don't have the time. Thanks Katie! I feel totally up to speed now, and ready to see SATC2! Unfortunately, I'm going to be on a plane today, so I'll probably have to wait to see it tomorrow or Saturday. It's going to kill me to wait!

Are you going to see Sex And The City 2 today? Any special SATC plans? Do tell! :)

p.s. Don't forget to enter my Bobbi Brown  giveaway!

100th Post

Remember that little announcement thing, that I mentioned last week? Well, here it is!

To celebrate my 100th post, I'm doing my very first giveaway!!!

I'm sure by now you've noticed how much I adore Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.  So, I thought it was only fitting that my first giveaway would be some Bobbi!  Back in April, I blogged about the new Cabana Corals from BB's Spring collection, and I've been obsessed ever since! I'm so excited that one lucky reader will be the recipient of my two favorite products from the collection!

 

Bobbi Brown Nectar Shimmer Brick and Calypso Coral Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks

Here are the rules:

Open to U.S. readers only (sorry non-residents). The entry period runs through Friday, June 4th and closes at midnight on June 5th. The winner will be announced Monday, June 7th.

For One Entry:

Leave a comment below, including your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you're the winner.

For Additional Entries:

(Leave a separate comment for each of the following)

• Follow Chasing Beauty Blog (leave a comment saying you "follow")
• Follow Chasing Beauty's Twitter - www.twitter.com/byBren (leave a comment saying you follow my tweets)
• Blog about this giveaway (please provide link)
• Tweet about this giveaway (please provide link)

 Good Luck!

*** Entries Closed. Thanks for Participating!***

Virtual Vacay: An American Girl In Paris

I can hardly contain my excitement for the new Sex And The City 2 movie, (which opens Thurs!) that I've been taking a trip down memory lane, and re-watching some of my favorite SATC episodes. At the top of the list has to be the two-part series finale. Oh, how I would love to have my own "American Girl In Paris" moment someday! Remember when Carrie first arrived in Paris? She was full of wonder, and awe to finally be in the "The City of Light" and the fashion capitol of the world! 

.

Carrie arrived at the Hotel Plaza Athénée , with a New Yorker turned Parisian wardrobe, carefully packed into her pink and white, Vivian Westwood luggage. What girl doesn't dream of an arrival like that? At the center of Paris fashion, the Hotel Plaza Athénée is surrounded by Paris's most exclusive designer shops on avenue Montaigne that include Christian Dior, Chanel, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Céline, Valentino, Calvin Klein and Hermès.  Can you just imagine? My first view of Paris and this gorgeous hotel would match Carrie's... sheer joy! Flowers would be everywhere, as well as the predominant accent color of red (including window awnings and table umbrellas). Looking up from the street is the wrought iron balcony where Carrie jumped up and down in glee at her first site of the Eiffel Tower.

I would jump in glee too! Seriously, how could you not?!

Check out the interior of the Hotel Plaza Athénée :

 

the lobby

The Penthouse Suite

I love the dusty amethyst and rose tones of this classic French decor. Tres chic!

 

Who could forget this scene, when Carrie gets stuck having lunch with Alexandr Patrovsky's ex-wife?! The real restaurant, Kong,  is situated on the top floor of the Kenzo boutique overlooking the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine. Kong is intensely decorated by star designer Philippe Starck who always pushes the envelope. With a modern geisha theme, and a key feature in the SATC finale, there is no doubt that this place becomes one of the hottest tourist attractions during the day, that only gets more fabulous as the city lights dance across the Seine.

 

 

After wandering the streets of Paris, site-seeing and shopping..

I would not be waiting for the Russian! Because I never liked him anyway. (Mikhail the dancer, yes! Aleksandr with the weird artist, NO!)

Instead, I would be admiring my new souvenir!

The classic Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag. Perfect way to remember Paris, no? :)

One of my favorite lines from the entire series was in the last episode, where Carrie tells Aleks exactly the kind of love she's after. I feel her words as if I'd said them myself...

"I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love. And I don't think that love is here in this expensive suite in this lovely hotel in Paris."

Ok, maybe not the hotel/Paris part. :) 

We all know how the story unfolds for our girl Carrie...

Me, on the other hand,  I'm still waiting for my dream trip to Paris, and that "Big" love.

*Sorry for the long post, but I just HAD to! :)

Frivolous or Frugal: Bronzing Powders

It seems that lately, every time someone asks me for a product recommendation, it's always for bronzers.  The requests are always the same too... "I'm looking for something that looks natural," "I don't want to look orange," and "nothing too shimmery." Seems simple enough, and yet a lot of women still have trouble finding the right tone and texture. Most brands carry a range of colors to suit different complexions, but I always suggest trying the lightest shade first. Throughout the day, your bronzer can deepen in color, caused by the oil production in  your skin. By using a lighter shade than you think you'll need, you will avoid that "dirty" bronzer look. Just remember, you're trying to create the look of being sun-kissed, not an overall tan.

Here are some of the best bronzing powders that have made it into my makeup kit, with great options for every budget.

1. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder $47

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder $33

3. Nars Bronzing Powder $32

4. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer $29

1. Benefit Hoola $28

2. MAC Bronzing Powder $22

3. Bare Escentuals bareMinerals All-Over Face Color - Faux Tan $18

4. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi Colored Pressed Powder - Bronzer $12

What's your favorite bronzer?

Another Blog Loving Weekend

Last Friday, the lovely Vivian of Diamonds and Tulle gave me another blog award! Thank you so much Vivian!!! If you don't know her blog,  click on over and check out this girly-girl and all of her fabulous-ness!

So, I'm passing the Over the Top Award to:

A.Co. Est. 1984

Cornflake

Glammed if you do, Glammed if don't

Lemons and Laundry

The Zhush

They all have amazing blogs, so show them some love and pay them a visit.

Also, stay tuned for a very exciting announcement next week! You won't want to miss it! :)

Have a great weekend!

Forever In Blue Jeans

After spending the Winter living in leggings and boots, I seriously had neglected my denim wardrobe. Now that the boots have been put away it was time to start looking for jeans.

The Criteria:

• Dark wash (because it makes you look skinnier)
• Lots of Stretch (because after wearing leggings, I'm not going back to stiff denim)
• Doesn't show butt crack (self explanatory)
• Doesn't cost $200 (because I'm sick of spending that much on jeans)

After trying on lots, and I mean LOTS of denim, I finally found what I think are the perfect jeans. Thank you Urban Outfitters, for making BDG Cigarette Jeans! The fit is amazing! They're a super-skinny cut, but so soft and stretchy that they feel like you’re wearing leggings! And, they come in so many washes and several variations on the same cut, that there's something for everyone. Here are my favorites:

  BDG Super-Stretchy Ankle Cigarette $54

I'm 5'1 and these are not ankle length at all on me. They actually have a nice little scrunch at the bottom, which I like, but I did notice that the length varies from jean to jean. I definitely recommend trying these on! Even in the same size it can change a bit.

Now this next pair may not be for everyone, and honestly I didn't think they were for me until I tried them on!

BDG High-Rise Cigarette Jeans $58

I always wear a longer shirt with my jeans, so you never see how high my rise is anyway. But, it was so nice to put on this pair and not worry about whether or not my shirt was long enough! And, another bonus for those of us without a flat stomach, these suckers pull you in! Love that!

I'm totally obsessed with these right now, and loving the price point! Makes it so much easier to stock up! :)

Two of My New Obsessions

First of all, you have to click on over and visit Jamie of Glam Latte. In her post today, she's got an exclusive, behind the scenes look, of a shoot that we did for her upcoming Glam Latte TV. It was SO much fun, that I can't wait to do the next one! Thanks Jamie! (and Patty, who took all of the photos!)

When I saw the pictures, I noticed that a couple of my new favorite things had made it into the shoot! Since I'm typically a "behind the camera" kind of girl, I was so glad that I thought to get a manicure beforehand! I can't imagine the horror, if I would've spaced on this little detail! The color I'm wearing in the photo is none other than Essie's Bachelorette Bash.

 

Essie - Bachelorette Bash ($8)

As described on the website: A creamy, juicy fuchsia.

I actually found out about this color in a funny way. I was watching demos by Bobbi Brown on QVC, not because I was planning on buying anything, I just like to watch her work. She's always been an inspiration to me, so if I happen to catch her, I watch. Anyway, she was wearing the most gorgeous nail polish and I just HAD to know what it was! So I tweeted her and asked! LOL! And guess what...she tweeted back! Bachelorette bash really is that perfect bright pink for Spring, and will look equally amazing with a tan as we move into Summer! Sorry Mademoiselle...you've been replaced!

My other new obsession is my cheapo, $5 H&M turquoise ring.

 

Many of you know that I've been looking for a turquoise ring, and blogged about my "dream ring" here. While it's not the fancy YSL that I love, this little bargain has more than satisfied my urge for a bit of turquoise. I literally wear it with everything! I'd love to provide a direct link to purchase, but sadly H&M still has NO online shopping! I mean honestly...it's 2010! Everyone has an online store! How can a retailer be SO on trend when it comes to fashion, and be stuck in the 90's when it comes to their website?! Come on H&M, time to get with the times.

Also noted in the photos...I seriously need a tan!

Fashion Bloggers Design for Coach

Who would've ever thought that bloggers would have so much influence? Coach has just commissioned four prominent fashion bloggers, Emily Shuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, Karla Deras of Karla's Closet, Kelly Framel of The Glamourai and Krystal Simpson of What is Reality Anyway?, to design limited edition handbags. Each bag represents the individual blogger's personality and style, combined with Coach's buttery leather, and solid construction.

The collection will be available for pre-order on May 19 and sold exclusively on Coach.com. Prices range from $398 - $498.

Here's a peek at their gorgeous designs:

I love this ballet pink satchel that Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere designed. The long strap makes it easily converted to a cross body style, and the chain gives it a little edge. ($498)

Karla of Karla's Closet has designed the perfect black clutch, which also converts to a shoulder bag. ($398)

Kelly of The Glamouri designed this dove grey, embossed drawstring pouch. ($398) A great bag to go with all of your Spring/Summer neutrals.

Krystal of What is Reality Anyway? created this fringed shoulder bag, with heart and feather charms. ($498)

Yesterday, Coach tweeted a couple of the inspiration boards for these handbags. Coincidentally, they happen to be my favorites.

What do you think of their designs? Will you be ordering?

Lazy Monday

Sorry about the very late post today. I think I may just get it in under the wire. ;) I got swept away by this early June gloom weather, which didn't help me get motivated. Yes, today was one of those days that I hardly got out of bed, ordered pay-preview, and got caught up on Gossip Girl.

A lazy Monday is exactly what I needed, and anyway...tomorrow is a new day, and a new blog post.

Hope you all had a great Monday!

Song of the Day: Raymond Gregory - Matrimony (Happily Married)

I've been obsessed with this song for months now, and just love the sweet sentiment of the lyrics. Since Valerie of Red Vines for Breakfast, and her husband Gabe are off celebrating their 2 year anniversary, I thought I would dedicate this song to them.  And, if you're lucky enough to have found "the one that you're meant to be with," I dedicate this song to you too. :)

 {  Have a Great Weekend! }

The Right Tint

As the weather starts to heat up, we all look for ways to pare down our makeup routine. One of the products that makes our "beauty lives" so much easier, is tinted moisturizer. This all-in-one Summer staple, tackles the job of moisturizing, evening out skin tone, and protecting the skin in a single application. With so many options out there, you're bound to find one that works for your skin type, but here are my favorites:

1.  Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - $40

  2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - $42 

 3. Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - $36

 4. Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 - $28

 5. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 - $38

 6. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - $10

 

What's your favorite, go-to tinted moisturizer?

Undateable

Have you ever been on a date, where the guy said, did or wore something awful and internally you thought, date over?! Well I have (more than once), and apparently the authors of  the new book, Undateable: 311 Things Guys Do That Guarantee They Won't Be Dating or Having Sex,  have as well. Ellen Rakieten and Anne Coyle have written a hilarious guide on the "common mistakes" men make, that guarantee there will be no second date.

About the book (via the website):

Did your date show up wearing socks with sandals? Are tighty-whities a deal-breaker for you? Do fanny packs make you want to run for the door? Now, for the very first time, we’re revealing the secret list of things that so many perfectly eligible guys manage to wear, say, or do to make themselves completely undateable. With an essential rating system that ranges from minor red-flag offenses all the way to the irreversible kiss of death, this hilarious handbook exposes the many common mistakes that can turn an otherwise acceptable man from a “maybe” into a “no way.” From pleated shorts and soul patches to ordering girly drinks and owning more than one cat, the evidence is painfully funny to behold. No more double denim, corporate swag, or exclaiming “Booya!” No more jogging in place at stoplights, and definitely no more “going dutch” on the first date. This book is for every woman who’s ever wondered where to draw the line, and every guy who’s ever asked, “What did I do wrong?”  Here’s what you did.

VH1 obviously saw the entertainment value in this "laugh out loud" book, that they've turned it into a tv show! Undateable, is a new five hour special airing all week on VH1. (for airtimes check your local listing)

Buy Undateable the book and catch Undateable the tv show all week on VH1!

***Removed video from post because auto-start was annoying. You can still view the clip at vh1.com

D-Land Day

I'm taking advantage of this gorgeous day, and getting in a little Dland before Summer blackout dates start. I'll be tweeting all afternoon, so If want to come along follow me at www.twitter.com/ByBren

-- Post From My iPhone

First...the Good News

So....it wasn't the transmission. Phew! Turns out, it was a little clip that holds the cable in place, connecting  the shifter to the transmission. Should be simple, right? Wrong. :(   Of course they don't just sell the clip. You have to buy a whole new cable! The price of the cable isn't that bad ($200) but the labor to install it is $400! I'm grateful that it's only $600, but that could've been some really fun shopping money!

I guess these will have to wait.

Christian Louboutin Hyper Prive - Peep Toe  $865

After dealing with all of this car stuff I desperately needed to laugh, and SNL came to my rescue!  Betty White was incredible! Did you all watch? I can't believe that woman is 88?! I loved that some of my old favorites came back (Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Anna Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch), making this probably the funniest SNL I've seen in a long time!

If you missed it, click on over to youtube, or nbc.com

I hope everyone had a good weekend, and a great Mother's Day!