My Favorite Things from Christmas 2010

Even though Christmas seems like a distant memory, I'm still loving some of the gifts that I received.   Here are my favorite new obsessions from Christmas 2010:

Apple TV

Apple TV is in one word,  AMAZING! With a very small footprint, it provides the ability to stream movie rentals from iTunes and Netflix, directly to your tv! Previously, I'd have to watch on my laptop or iphone. But now, I'm streaming HD movies directly to my nice, big flat screen! You can also access YouTube, Podcasts, MobileMe, Flickr, as well your entire iTunes music library. The best part was how easy it was to set up! Seriously, in 5 minutes flat I was up and running!

Le Mer Collections Watch

Although I put this watch prominently on my list, I sort of knew that my family wouldn't go to the trouble to order it. So, this was actually a Christmas present to myself. :) Valerie of  Red Vines for Breakfast owns this watch, and ever since drooling over her's in person, I knew that I had to have one . Now I do!

Sabon NYC - Rose Tea

Everytime I travel to NYC, I always make a point to stop in Sabon. Upon entering the boutique, you're always asked, "have you been here before?" I usually play dumb say no, and then I'm escorted to a round sink where I can try out their various scrubs, lotions and potions.  I'm always amazed at how moisturized my skin feels afterward, and how long that moisturization lasts! But each trip I come home empty handed, due to the lack of space in my luggage. I leave the store telling myself that I'll just order it, but I never do...until now! (Yes, another present to myself) I'm completely obsessed with the Rose Tea scent of the scrub and body lotion, and this combo came just in time to treat my dry Winter skin!

Steven by Steve Madden Sequin Box Clutch

This was a present from my Dad. Even though this glitzy number was on my Christmas list, apparently I had forgotten to note which color I'd like, and there were several to choose from! My Dad took a guess, and he guessed right! This was exactly the bag that I had been wanting, to complete my NYE ensemble! It was perfect!

Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Small Bracelet

Speaking of NYE, this bracelet alone made my outfit feel much more fancy! It's so sparkly, yet I can easily pair it with my Michael Kors watch to make it more casual. This picture doesn't do it justice!

American Eagle Solid Leggings

These are my new favorite leggings! After throwing out several pairs of Massimo's that were falling apart at the seams, I was in desperate need of some replacements! One day I was in a hurry and American Eagle was close, so I ran in an grabbed a pair of their black leggings.  So far, I've been really impressed by the quality as they seem to hold up really well. I was so happy that my Mom bought me two more pairs! I have them in black, but they're no longer available online (only Army Green). If you're lucky enough, you might find them in stores. Sadly, my local stores are all out of my size. :(

Cookie Dough Scoop

This was suppose to be in my stocking, but I asked Santa to make an exception and bring it a little early. ;) (Especially since I was to be in full baking mode the week of Christmas)  A cookie dough scoop is the trick to maintaining that uniform size, resulting in a professional looking cookie. This really came in handy for my chocolate crinkle cookies that I make every year!

What were some of your favorite gifts of Christmas 2010?

Ten Month Anniversary

Chasing Beauty is Ten Months old today!

I almost forgot that today was my ten month blogiversary! I know I'm suppose to be in NY on a work trip, but I'm seriously having the most amazing time! I can't think of any city I'd rather be in right now to celebrate this little milestone, and kick off my birthday month! 

Packing for NYC is never easy for me. I always want to take tons of outfits, with plenty of accessorizing options, and then I end up wearing the same four things everyday. It's ridiculous! So this trip, I decided to be honest with myself and just bring essentials. I'm proud to say that I brought everything I needed for a week, including makeup supplies for my client, in one carry on suitcase! (Well, one carry-on suitcase and an additional large tote bag) 

 

With the addition of two pairs of boots (one of which I wore on the plane), a trench coat (also worn on the plane), and a leather jacket, I managed to pack perfectly for once! The only thing I didn't need to bring, but couldn't possibly leave at home, were my new Miu Miu's! I know I had talked about them  being  in the running for the big b-day purchase, but I've decided to hunt down those Louboutin's. 

Let's call the Miu Miu's my Ten Month blogiversary shoes! ;)  (Anyway I can justify two extravagant shoe purchases!)

xoxo,

Bren 

Stocking Up

As much as I love outfits like the one I posted yesterday, I don't get to wear them all that often. The truth is, as many of you know, I work a lot! There's just no way I can deal with outfit planning or accessorizing, especially when I'm getting reading before the sun is up. Therefore, I rely heavily on basics.

Most days, you will find me in a t-shirt, leggings, a boyfriend cardi, and havaianas. You know, comfy stuff that I can get makeup on, and it doesn't matter. Sometimes, I get crazy and wear a t-shirty dress, or a pair of skinny jeans, and in the Winter, I might wear some boots instead of my usual flip flops. Exciting, right? As Katie from Fashion's Maven says, this is REAL life.

So, last weekend I did a little shopping for the staples in my wardrobe.  I bought t-shirts in every shape and neutral color possible. Along with the Alexander Wang Tee that I recieved from Gilt, I picked up some great (comparable to A.Wang) American Apparel T's from their Viscose line.

 I also found a couple at H & M and Forever 21.

I even bought a lace Tee, for the days when I need to look a little more pulled together.

Now that I'm good in the t-shirt department, I need to stock up on leggings.  I currently have some AA's and Massimo's from Target. Not loving them. Any recommendations?

Girl's Night Out-fit

This weekend, one of my bff's is putting another candle on her birthday cake. We're planning a fab girl's night out, which requires a Girl's Night Out-fit!  Here's what I'm thinking...

Tee - Alexander Wang

Skirt - Anthropologie

Clutch - L.A.M.B.

Shoes - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever 21

Midnight Ring - Banana Republic

Lion's Head Ring - Banana Republic

Link Bracelet - Ralph Lauren

Watch - Michael Kors

Crystal Bracelet - Banana Republic

I just love my new lion ring! 

  These F21 platform mary janes are the exact shape of the Miu Miu Sparrow shoes that I was lusting over in the Spring, and yes they're missing the sparrows, but they were $25!

I still like my MK watch, but I'm starting to feel like it's the Tiffany heart bracelet of '09-'10. Everyone has it! Maybe it's time to shake things up with a new tank watch, or one with a classic leather band?

And here's the big question...What color should I paint my nails?! Right now I'm wearing a bright pink. If I leave them, then I'll probably do my makeup like this...

(good makeup day, but horrible hair day)

What do you think? I'm totally open to suggestions.

The September Issues

I live for this time of year, and for the telephone book thickness of American Vogue! Each year it seems that they get bigger and bigger, and this year did not disappoint! I felt like I needed a shopping cart when I was at Border's, buying my $30 dollars (and 30 lbs.) worth of research! I devour every last page, from editorials to advertisements,  and have even been known to clip images to create my own Fall (insert year) story board. (I'm a geek, I know) :)

Here's my stack of reading for the week:

The only ones missing are French and Italian Vogue, and Zink. Hopefully, I can find a newsstand that still has them.

What are your "must read" September issues?

Any excuse

My cousin is getting married in just a few weeks, and you know what that means...dress shopping! I've been eyeing a couple of Alice + Olivia dresses over at Shopbop, and just remembered that there's an A+O store on Robertson! I'm going to head over there today to see if I can try on these two:

Option #1

Marie Tulip Dress with Bow $495

Here's the close up

and the back. Love the bow!

Option #2

Polly Sleeveless Dress $368

Here's the close up

and the back

Which do you prefer? 

The wedding is at a winery in Malibu, and the wedding colors are Fall tones. I thought these would be good choices since there's probably going to be family photos happening.

Fall 2010: Zara

These gorgeous images are from Zara's 2010 Fall Campaign, and with the launch of their Fall line comes some very exciting news!

Zara is finally taking the leap into E-commerce! about time!

If you go to Zara.com, a banner flashes "Shop Online starting September 2nd" before it automatically directs you to the regular site. There aren't any details, but the following countries are listed: France, Germany, Italy, UK, Portugal and Spain.  The US is conspicuously missing, so hopefully it's either an oversight or the US will be added soon after the online shop is up and running. In the meantime, check out this sneak peak of what's to come...

I love this casual weekend outfit, with jeans, a chunky nude sweater and leopard clutch! I think I need that bag! ;)

{via}

The sweater dresses look so comfy-cozy! Either long or short, this is definitely on my Fall shopping list!

And, I love how the nude and gray palette has translated to the makeup, without using shimmer. This is an almost matte finish, with just a hint of glow around the eyes. I'm looking forward to working with subdued tones, and moving toward a more modern and polished face, like this one.

So, are you excited about Zara's online shopping announcement?

Hopefully H & M will be next!

Inspiration: Caroline Blomst

Like many of my favorite fashion bloggers, Caroline Blomst has made style her occupation. She works as the fashion editor of the Swedish website Feber.se, and runs the blog StockholmStreetStyle. She also maintains her own style blog, CarolinesMode, where she posts her fashion inspiration, her own "Wearing Today" pics,  and newly acquired shopping conquests. In addition to blogging, Caroline regularly posts images of her outfits to Chictopia and Lookbook.nu.

It's hard to ignore how pretty Caroline is. She looks like a model straight off of the runway, with barely there makeup, and tousled wavy hair.  Caroline's style is simple, and casual, yet she knows how to make a statement with anything from a pink Balenciaga motorcycle bag to a pair of studded Chuck Taylor's. Her accessories closet alone, would make any fashionista green with envy, myself included. But with Caroline, it's not just about high end designer pieces. She typically pairs items from stores like H&M, Zara, and Asos, with luxury brand bags and shoes. Her innate talent for mixing pieces and setting trends is evident throughout her blog.

When giving out style advice, she says it's best not to read too many fashion blogs, or you'll risk losing your sense of yourself.  In this day and age of global fashion via the internet,  I think she's got a point.  While influenced by some of the season's best designs, Caroline's style is undeniably her own. Below are some of my favorite Summer outfits that she's posted recently:

 

All images via CarolinesMode