Posted in Fashion, GAL Find of the Week, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, tagged celebrity sunglasses, GAL find of the week, rayban wayfarer sunglasses for less, style expert kara birkenstock, sunglass warehouse on September 14, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Wayfarer sunglasses have been a fashion favorite ever since Tom Cruise rocked them in Risky Business! These days, stars from Katy Perry to Taylor Lautner are loving the laid back and relaxed feel of these classic shades. While the original label that makes these charge over $100, Sunglass Warehouse has an equally hip and cool pair for just $12.71! Available in black or tortoise, you can stock up on a few and it won’t hurt your wallet when you lose a pair in your car or at the store!
Posted in A Day in the Life, Fashion, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Shoes, tagged dsw new york city, dsw shoes, dsw union square, fashion's night out at dsw union square, fashion's night out nyc, style expert kara birkenstock, win free shoes at dsw, win free shoes for a year on September 6, 2010| Leave a Comment »
I’m hosting the Fashion’s Night Out event at the DSW Union Square store in New York City, this Friday September 10th at 6pm! If you’re in the NYC area, stop by for a fab night of shoe shopping as everyone will receive 10% off their entire purchase. Also, enter for a chance to win great prizes, one being FREE SHOES FOR A YEAR! If that’s not a reason to join us, I don’t know what is! Hope to see you there : )
Posted in Fashion, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Shoes, Style Tips, tagged ankle booties, best fall shoes, dsw shoes, fall shoe trends 2010, fall trend alert 2010, hardware, menswear, military fashion, must have shoes, oxfords, pete and brenda, platform pumps, shoes for fall 2010, style expert kara birkenstock, trouser flats, wardrobe staples on September 3, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Fall Shoe Trends 2010
The biggest shoe trends for Fall are funky and functional, from booties with statement hardware to platforms that can be worn from day to night. Shoe designers are mixing it up this season, by adding cool accents and details to our favorite looks. And with the following styles all under $100, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg when stocking up on all the hottest Fall shoe trends!
Ankle Booties
This 80s inspired trend hit the scene a few years ago, but this season, they’re a lot more grown up. For Fall, the look will be more fashion forward with daring and dramatic details, such as sexy peep toes, geometric cut outs, and bold cage straps. These sexy ankle booties would compliment everything from denim to a great dress!
Jones New York Perdy Bootie $69.95 (DSW)
SM Luxe Raptor Sandals $69.95 (DSW)
DKNY Antonia Bootie $99.95 (DSW)
Hardware
Inspired by the rugged yet sexy, military looks that graced the Fall runways, shoes with statement hardware are going to be everywhere this Fall. From buckles and grommets, to buttons and studs, plan to see boots, heels, and flats rockin’ these bold accessories.
Coconuts Raskin Clog $59.95 (DSW)
Blowfish Himble Bootie $54.95 (DSW)
White Mountain Grandstand Boot $59.95 (DSW)
Menswear
Thanks to the popularity of the boyfriend jean and blazer, shoes with a masculine appeal are going to be a casual and sophisticated trend for Fall. Everything from oxfords, trouser flats, and booties with chunkier heels are going to be all the rage amongst the bohemian set.
Envy Tango Oxford $59.95 (DSW)
MIA Girl Trainee Bootie $49.95 (DSW)
Jones New York Venessa Bootie $79.95 (DSW)
Platform Pumps
With all this menswear inspiration, it’s time to bring the sexy back with ultra feminine platform pumps! As THE go to shoe for Hollywood celebrities, platform pumps are simple and elegant with a twist. The added boost from the platform gives the shoe an edge that you wouldn’t get from a traditional stiletto. Like classic black heels and nude pumps, this must have style is a staple for every woman’s wardrobe!
Michael Antonio Kiley Pump $39.95 (DSW)
BCBG Paris Marlay Pump $59.95 (DSW)
Zigi Soho Peep Slingback Pump $69.95 (DSW)
Posted in Fashion, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, tagged armani prive, claire danes at the emmys, emily deschanel at the emmys, emmys 2010, emmys 2010 best dressed, emmys 2010 fashion preview, lea michele at the emmys, max azria atelier, oscar de la renta, pete and brenda, style expert kara birkenstock on August 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The Emmys red carpet was full of glitz, glamour, and of course, fabulous fashion! It was a great night for televisions leading ladies, with most hitting the mark (oh la la, Heidi Klum), and only a few falling flat (oh no, January Jones). The following ladies are Your Gal Kara’s top three best dressed covering all the trends, from glimmering metallics to romantic ruffles!
Posted in Fashion, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Shoes, Style Tips, tagged armani prive, christina hendricks, color, dior, emmy red carpet trends, emmys 2010 fashion preview, emmys fashion, feminine details, glee, january jones, lea michele, mad men, marchesa, metallics, modern family, pete and brenda, red carpet trends, sofia vergera, style expert kara birkenstock, valentino on August 27, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Emmys 2010 Fashion Preview
With the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday, we kick off another fabulous and fashionable award season in Hollywood! The hottest television stars of the moment will definitely be walking the red carpet in style. Will the ladies of Mad Men be the belles of the ball? Will funny gal Tina Fey take home another golden statue? While we can probably assume both, here’s a fashion preview of what we can absolutely expect to see on the Emmy red carpet!
Red Carpet Trend #1- Metallics
Metallics are always a go to trend for the red carpet, and at the Emmys, expect the look from head to toe. Dazzling metallic gowns came down the Fall runways from designers like Armani Prive & Marchesa. This sexy and sophisticated gown would be beautiful on Modern Family star, Sofia Vergera. Metallic heels will also be popular this Sunday, from classic strappy heels to bold cage strap sandals.
Red Carpet Trend #2– Feminine Details
Soft, sweet and feminine looks dominated the Spring and Summer runways, from Valentino to Dior. Consider the Emmy red carpet to be an extension of these runways, because romantic inspired gowns and accessories are going to be everywhere! This plum colored gown with cascading ruffles would look beautiful on Mad Men star January Jones. These peep toe pumps with a dainty rosette would complete the look in one simple step.
Red Carpet Trend #3– Color
While black is always a red carpet staple, expect to see Emmy’s leading ladies going bold with color! Jewel tones will take center stage, from elegant purples to bright blues. And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic red! This vivid cobalt dress with embellished shoulder details would look amazing on Glee star, Lea Michelle. For those who prefer to go bold in statement shoes, these platform pumps would add drama to any outfit!
Posted in Family, GAL Find of the Week, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, tagged back to school issues, cyber bullying, danielle tiano, don't hit send just to fit in, karen child ogden, sexting, style expert kara birkenstock, temptation series on August 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Back to School Must Read – The Temptation Series ($9.99)
With kids all over the country starting school this Fall, parents need to find the time to talk about Cyber Bullying, one of the biggest issues facing today’s tech savvy youth. We can continue to assume that our kids will not be the ones involved or affected, but open your eyes parents because Cyber Bullying, Sexting, and other scary tech issues are everywhere! A great way to get the conversation started is the Temptation Series, a series of books that discusses the potential dangers of cell phones, social networking, and the Internet. Creators Karen Child Ogden and Danielle Tiano have put together some great tips to help parents talk about these issues with their kids. So, if it’s too late to take the cell phone away from your first grader, do yourself a favor and educate them about the risks before it’s too late! For more information, click here.
Posted in Food, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Restaurants, Spas, Travel, tagged affordable vacations in mexico, all inclusive resort, cenotes, endless luxury, fall travel specials, glam affordable luxurious travel, hacienda tres rios, last minute fall 2010 vacations, mayan riviera, mexico, pete and brenda, riviera maya, romantic mexican vacations, style expert kara birkenstock, temazcal bath, tres rios nature park, ya'ax che spa on August 20, 2010| 2 Comments »
GAL Travel – Hacienda Tres Rios (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
When you dream of a Mexican vacation, you might imagine beautiful beaches, Mariachi bands and tropical cocktails. At Hacienda Tres Rios in the heart of the Riviera Maya, you will experience all that and more. Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is an exclusive eco-friendly resort located forty five minutes south of Cancun, amongst a 326 acre nature park. Enjoy the natural beauty of the lush jungle, mangrove forest, and coastal dunes. The three freshwater rivers, or tres rios, that run throughout the property and the ten cenotes (cave like sinkholes with natural wells), end where the immaculate white sand beach meets the Caribbean Sea. Hacienda Tres Rios offers travelers the best of worlds old and new – a luxuriously modern vacation destination set within the pristine beauty and historic landscape of the Mayan Riviera.
Rest
The 273 suites at Hacienda Tres Rios are immaculate. From the local Mexican mahogany furniture, marble floors and bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and flat screen televisions, to the in room jacuzzi (available in most) and spectacular ocean views, you may never want to leave the room. And with the unlimited, 24 hour room service available, you might never have to. From junior suites to spacious one and two bedroom suites, Hacienda Tres Rios can accommodate everyone from couples on a romantic getaway to families on summer vacation.
GAL Travel Tip ~ Request an upper level suite away from the main lobby for the best overall experience.
Indulge
All-Inclusive at Hacienda Tres Rios means Endless Luxury, the ultimate indulgence for all your food, beverage, and entertainment needs. On the Endless Luxury plan, guests are allowed unlimited meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages during their stay. With six restaurants on site, multiple bars, a fully stocked in room minibar, plus 24 hour room service, one can wine and dine to their heart’s content. The Mexican cuisine at El Alebrije is deliciously inventive, with cricket empanadas and ostrich tamales as popular dishes. The pizza at il Forno, the poolside pizzeria, is tasty and a perfect complement to a frosty piña colada. The Hacienda Grill has savory grilled fare, from jumbo shrimp to juicy carne asada. And the International buffet at Casa La Islas, features alternating menu items each day that will leave you craving more. All tips are included in the All-Inclusive plan, but once you experience the warmth and generosity of the property’s servers, you’ll want to take care of them too.
GAL Travel Tip ~ Befriend the general manager of each restaurant to enjoy unique dishes off the main menu.
Enjoy
Also included in the Endless Luxury plan is exclusive access to the activities in the Tres Rios Nature Park. Tours are available daily for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Guests of all ages can enjoy biking through the jungle, kayaking on the pristine rivers, and snorkeling (gear included) in the amazing cenotes. Guests can also discover the reforestation process in the botanical garden and nursery. With additional daily activities for kids, teens and adults ranging from mask making, yoga, and tequila tasting, there is definitely something for everyone. An incredible experience for the entire family is the SenseAdventure Tour, which leads guests on a journey of the five senses. Led by a Mayan native in the jungle of the nature park, this tour exposes you to the elements of the universe and awakens your senses inside and out. The resort also offers fine evening entertainment, from a spectacular fire presentation to a traditional Mayan show. However, if all you desire is a little quiet time, unwind on the comfortable beach beds overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
GAL Travel Tip ~ Experience both the beginner and advanced cenote tours – snorkeling down the river is easier and more relaxing than kayaking. When kayaking, prep your skin with insect repellent as you will encounter pesky critters amongst the mangroves.
Relax
Become one with the Mayan gods at the Ya’ax Che Spa, the temporary spa retreat at Hacienda Tres Rios. Although the permanent site for the spa will not open until later this year, Ya’ax Che will not disappoint. Signature treatments such as the Mayan Gods Ritual will leave your skin soft and supple from the cocoa bead scrub and body wrap. The Yaa’ Kun Ritual is a romantic option for couples, combining a relaxing massage with an aromatherapy bath, topped off with two glasses of champagne and fresh fruit. Other treatments are also available, from a la carte massages, nourishing facials, nail services and waxing. The spa also has a full service fitness center, as well as a co-ed hydrotherapy room with a whirlpool, steam room and sauna, which guests can use at their leisure. (Spa treatments are not included in the Endless Luxury plan.)
GAL Travel Tip ~ Inquire about the Ancient Mayan Ritual, the Temazcal Bath. This unique, native experience is very rare and includes a steam bath performed in an authentic Mesoamerican hut. This relaxing, purification ritual is meant to have many therapeutic benefits.
Fall 2010 Promotion
This Fall, Hacienda Tres Rios is enticing visitors to enjoy the splendor of the Riviera Maya with a special limited time promotion. A party of 2 can enjoy a mangrove or ocean view junior suite and experience all the benefits of Endless Luxury. When guests purchase three nights at the discounted rate of $429 per couple/per day, they will receive the fourth night free! This promotional price is valid until October 31, 2010 and includes the suite, the All-Inclusive Endless Luxury plan, exclusive access to the nature park, and all the above mentioned tours and activities. For more information, click here.
Posted in Fashion, GAL Find of the Week, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Shoes, Style Tips, tagged animal print accessories, bcbg leopard print flats, dsw shoes, fall shoe trends 2010, fall trend alert 2010, fall trends 2010, GAL find of the week, leopard print, leopard print ballet flats, pete and brenda, style expert kara birkenstock on August 18, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Fierce Flats for Fall!
With Fall just around the corner (sigh), we have one of the hottest fashion trends of the season to look forward to (yay!): Leopard. Gracing the Fall runways were fabulous leopard print blouses, sexy scarves, and sweet ballet flats. These fierce flats will compliment every outfit, from a simple black dress to jeans and a tee. Did I mention that they’re under $40!? Go get ’em, ladies!
BCBG Paris Magie Leopard Flat $39.95 (DSW Shoes)
Posted in Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Spas, Travel, tagged affordable spa deals, affordable spas, best spa deals, best spa packages, gal spas, gal travel, hiatus spa & retreat, hyatt regency newport, kara birkenstock, koreatown, los angeles olympic spa, neu lotus spa, olympic spa, pete and brenda, renaissance orlando at seaworld, simple soak, stillwater spa, style expert kara birkenstock on August 12, 2010| 2 Comments »
GAL Spas – Best Spa Deals
With the constant stresses of everyday life, it’s refreshing to know that some of the best spas in the country are offering incredible deals so you can rest and relax without the added anxiety of breaking the bank. From an elegant, Zen infused spa at a renowned family resort to the old world appeal of a Korean bath house, the following GAL Spas are enticing visitors with their unique concepts, warm hospitality, and can’t pass up spa packages for summer and beyond!
After an action packed day at SeaWorld, unwind at the nèu lotus spa at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. For a limited time, the property is offering a Zen infused package starting at $132 per night, which includes one night’s accommodations plus a choice of a 50 minute spa treatment at the nèu lotus spa. Indulge with a soothing Full Lotus Massage designed to work out all the kinks, followed by a nourishing Mini-Facial that will leave you feeling fresh and revitalized. Or if you prefer, opt for a full 50 minute massage or facial. After your treatment, chill out poolside with a fresh fruit smoothie at the Palms Pool Bar & Grill. To book the Escape! Spa package, call 1-800-228-9290 or use rate code SPA when making reservations online.
The Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Newport is the ultimate treat for the senses. This spa by the sea uses only marine based products, combined with a complete palette of services that will not disappoint. For spa lovers and busy guests on the go, the Spa Tapas menu is the ideal way to sample the spas signature treatments. Guests can enjoy affordable bite size treatments (20 minutes per Spa Tapa), from a relaxing Calf & Foot Massage and Mini Facial to the Hand Tension Reliever. Order one Spa Tapa for $65, two for $75, three for $95, or four for $115. Between 2pm-5pm, guests will also receive a complimentary spa cocktail, such as the minty Stillwater Mo-Tea-To (cocktails can be made with or without alcohol). For more information on the Stillwater Spa Tapas, click here.
Hiatus Spa & Retreat (Dallas, TX)
Hiatus Spa & Retreat was created specifically for spa goers who love a great deal! As the first Aveda Lifestyle Spa Club in the U.S. founded on the principal that frequent massage, facials and body treatments are a prescription for good health and a positive state of mind, Hiatus offers guests an opportunity to indulge without overindulging. The Platinum H-Circle membership entitles guests to enjoy one of five core spa services per month. For $59 per month (and a onetime initiation fee of $39), members can choose from a Hiatus Massage, Hiatus Facial, a Hiatus Body Polish in the rainfall Vichy shower room, an invigorating Hiatus Rosemary Mint Wrap, or the all-new Hiatus Mani-Pedi Retreat. Additional monthly treatments are available for just $59. As if all this wasn’t already enough, each Hiatus treatments begins with a luxurious foot soak – warm water, a sea salt scrub, and a personalized aromatherapy oil blend are the highlights of this soul grounding experience. As the perfect cure for spa addicts in Dallas, Hiatus plans to expand to 65 locations over the next five years. For more information, click here.
The Olympic Spa in Los Angeles’ Koreatown is a must visit GAL find for those who crave a seriously relaxing and detoxifying day at the spa. Not for the modest or faint of heart, the Olympic Spa is a traditional Korean bath house, stripped down to the purest and most natural of services and amenities. Don’t expect flickering candles or soft music playing here – the Olympic Spa is simply a retreat to cleanse the body and soul. Prepare yourself for an invigorating and empowering experience, as this spa is clothing free – that’s right ladies, bathing suits are not permitted. The only ‘clothes’ allowed in the communal pool/sauna room are towels, and the simple black undergarments worn by the female Korean therapists. All services are performed in a communal treatment room where guests must be au natural, sans clothing, or in other words, in your birthday suit.
Once settled, experience the most affordable spa deal in Los Angeles, the Simple Soak. For just $15, one has unlimited use of all the saunas, steam rooms, and pools at the Olympic Spa. Relax in the extremely Warm Mineral Pool, followed by a refreshing dip in the Cool Waters Pool. Then, stimulate your senses in the Hot Mugwort Tea Pool which promotes circulation and boosts immunity. Replenish in one of the uniquely Korean saunas, from the Oxygen Therapy Room to the Oriental Dry Clay Sauna. Finally, take a nap on the warm Jade floor and feel the herbal steam flood your mind, body and soul. The Simple Soak is also included with the treatments at the Olympic Spa, including the signature ritual, the Goddess. This almost two hour treatment begins with the famously aggressive Akasuri Body Scrub, followed by a body shampoo and Aromatherapy Massage. Next, your spirits are literally lifted as you receive an essential oil scalp massage. While the tingling oils set in, your face is massaged with toxin releasing strokes and a purifying mask is applied to tighten your pores. After all this, your hair is washed and rinsed, and a luxurious body emulsion oil is generously applied to your entire body to complete the incredible ritual. For just $130, the Goddess is a must experience, affordable spa treatment that will leave you feeling renewed inside and out.
Posted in A Day in the Life, Fashion, Shoes, tagged award season fashion, bloomingdale's century city, celebrity emmy fashion, emmy awards fashion, emmy shoe preview, lawrence zarian, style expert kara birkenstock, the fashion team, tv guide network on July 27, 2010| Leave a Comment »
I had the pleasure of working with The Fashion Team’s Lawrence Zarian, at the Bloomingdale’s in Century City, CA. We shot a fun Emmy Shoe Preview segment which will air on August 22nd on the TV Guide Network. Gotta love the start of award season : ) Here’s a pic of us post shoot!
Click here to check out the video!
Kara Birkenstock 