Favorite Things ~ Summer Edition

Welcome to our Favorite Things ~ Summer Edition. We're delighted to bring you our latest favorite finds we think you'll love as much as we do. Pull up a chair, make yourself a glass of sweet tea and enjoy perusing each of the brands' websites. Then, if you like, come back here to enter to win a goodie box overflowing with chic luxuries and valued at approximately $500.

Enjoy healthy grilling with this Soapstone Grill from SPARQ Home. Made in the USA of 100% soapstone this heavy-duty grill can be used indoors or out. Even heat distribution prevents flare ups and keeps food from drying out. Cooks faster at lower temperatures and reduces cancer-causing carcinogens from entering food. $119.95 at sparqusa.com.

You'll want to be seen all summer long in these Carmen Marc Valvo's Blanca Tortuga Sunglasses. A flattering shape, comfortable fit and striking combination of dark eggplant lenses with black and leopard frames, make these a must-have summer accessory. The lenses absorb 100% of UV rays. Arrives in Carmen Marc Valvo's chic high-gloss signature white case. SRP: $183.95, we found them for $89.99 with free shipping at opticsplanet.com. YAY!

Meet my newest addiction ~ Nescafe's Dolce Gusto Genio whips up the creamiest and best tasting cup of cappuccino in less than 60 seconds! It also makes coffee, lattes, hot cocoa and peach iced tea. It has two cup heights and a dial to adjust amount of steamed milk, coffee and espresso that is dispensed. I'm hooked on the Cappuccino Ice capsules which I use to make hot cappuccino. The Dolce Gusto Cappuccino Ice is the perfect amount of frothy cream, espresso and sweetness for me...and at the right temperature. Far better than the local barista makes and at approximately $1.00 a cup, a big savings compared to the $5.95 price I usually pay...and no waiting in line! It's compact enough for the office, studio or apartment. Be sure to register your Dolce Gusto free box of your favorite flavor. There's also a rewards program to earn complimentary flavor capsules. Retails for $129.99 at dolcegustostore.com.

What goes great with cappuccino? Blondies, of course! The Today Show named Keep it Sweet Desserts' Black and White Blondies the best blondies on the East Coast. We love you Matt and Savannah, but we have to disagree. We think they're THE BEST in the WORLD!!! Moist, dense, not too sweet and incredibly scrumptious. We've searched near and far for years for the perfect blondie...and these are IT! Don't take our word for it, treat yourself to a box. $23.95 for a sweetly boxed dozen at KeepItSweetDesserts.com. 

The Silver-Tone Embellished Bracelet Watch from GUESS Watches is the epitome of chic luxury. This picture does not do it justice, it is stunning! Looks extra gorgeous with summer dresses against sunkissed skin. A self-adjustable silvertone chain link bracelet is accented with shimmering crystals and faux pearls. Crystals also surround the polished silver face. Water-resistant with a 10-year limited warranty. Item #U0140L1, $95 with free shipping at shop.guess.com. 

The most elegant and sophisticated wallets come from Stewart/Stand and the Continental Clutch is our favorite of the collection. Luxuriously soft Italian leather is highlighted with Stewart/Stand's alligator textured steel which seems to dance in the light. The wallet is slim yet incredibly roomy having 12 credit card pockets, 4 bill pockets, and a zippered coin purse. It has a hidden magnetic closure and can accommodate a checkbook. The stainless steel wallet blocks unauthorized transmission of debit and credit cards by RFID readers. It arrives in a fabulous gift box and is pretty enough to wear as a clutch. $149.50 stewartstand.com.

My newest beauty addiction is from Oro Gold Cosmetics. The 24K Vitamin C Booster Facial Serum is the most glorious skin serum there is with a delightful citrus scent. Infused with 24K flecks, Vitamin C and E, it glides on skin and leaves it feeling like silk. Instantly brightens and provides a heathly glow. It's also an amazing primer for makeup. This bottle of pure luxury arrives in an elegant gift box. A 30 ml bottle retails for $198 at orogoldcosmetics.com.

These sparkling Blue Topaz Gemstone Stud Earrings are from DeBebians. Their dazzling gemstone collection features natural AAA gemstones in brilliant colors including peridot, citrine, ruby and several types of sapphire. These shimmering beauties are available in a variety of sizes beginning at 3mm in either 14KT white or yellow gold. DeBebians offers exceptional attention to detail allowing customers to choose their preferred setting and type of earring back. We found the 3mm on sale for $140 at debebians.com.

The eyes have it and the Eye Am Beautiful Set by LASHEM includes all the essentials for fabulously long lashes ~ Lash and Brow Enhancing Serum, Picture Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Color Strokes Liquid Eye Liner, Double Trouble Lash Mascara {LOVE}, 3-in-1 Dark Circle Remover {LOVE LOVE}. Packaged in a cute briefcase-type box for $189. The collection is so popular, it's sold out as of this writing and we know why! If you want longer, fuller voluptuous lashes, get on the waiting list now at Lashem.com.

Perfect for summer travel, parties, barbeques the All American Team Colors SkinnyJeans come in a rainbow of happy colors. We received  the turquoise which goes great with a white shirt and strappy sandals. They are a lighter weight, ultra-soft stretch denim. A unique cut separates and slim thighs, flattens tummy and provides a slenderizing look for legs while back pockets are strategically placed for maximum flattery. There's a color for every university and major sports team in the USA. The All-American jeans are cut, sewn and washed in the USA. [LOVE} $159 at skinnyjeans.com. 

You can search all summer to find cute feminine sandals that are comfortable and good for your feet or you can try the Lola Sandals by Orthaheel. They don't look like any orthotic-type footwear we've ever seen. Orthaheel Technology provides realignment, stability and support and has been recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Lola has a patent leather strap accented with two-tone metal rings and a wood-grain covered footbed. Available in White, Pewter, Chocolate and Black Patent in sizes 5-11. $74.95 at orthaheelusa.com.

Grab the Pelcor Sunshine Tote when heading to the beach, vacation, work or shopping. Made in Portugal of colored canvas and the highest quality cork skin details, it includes a magnetic closure and attached inner zippered case to hold keys, lip balm, and cell phone. Bright, roomy and eye-catching! Colors include Raw {natural color}, a beautiful shade of Aqua, and our fav, Lemon. Retails for $113. A selection of Pelcor products can be found at TheCools.com. 

Edible Arrangements dipped berries and bananas are so fresh and perfectly decorated, each is an artistic creation. Strawberries are doubled-dipped, first in creamy rich chocolate than in mini chocolate morsels and bananas are dipped in in sweet white and dark chocolate. Yummmm! The excitement of opening the hand-delivered red gift box is almost as wonderful as what's inside. Starting at $29, check them out at EdibleArrangements.com.

This gorgeous designer-inspired cable cuff from Cinnaryn will have everyone wondering if it's the "real thing". The Jewel Embedded Cable Cuff has ice crystals set in goldtone bezels and easily adjusts to fit medium to large wrists. Sure to be a go-to fashion accessory, not only for summer wardrobes, but all year long. $29 cinnaryn.com.

Making its second appearance in our Favorite Things is the PerfectCale® 500 thread count sheets by Thomas Lee Ltd. Getting a good night's sleep is so important and considering a third of our life is spent in bed, I want the softest, most luxurious sheets I can find...and these are it! Imagine sleeping on fluffy clouds that become even softer with time. Made from Pima cotton, a premium US cotton grown in the Southwestern states, they will not shrink after laundering. A generously-sized, deep-fitted sheet ensures an effortless fit and one that won't slip off the mattress while sleeping. A flat sheet and two pillow cases are also included in the set.  Regularly $395, both the king-size and California king set is on special for $219 at thomasleeltd.com. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ One lucky reader will win a goodie box filled with Chic Luxuries. ARV: $500

Required Entry: Visit the websites featured above. Leave a comment below letting us know, other than those featured above, which product{s} would you most like to try. The more websites you visit, the more chances you have to win. Leave a separate comment for each brand visited. Each comment = 1 entry. Please be sure to leave your twitter or Facebook username with each comment so we can find you if you win.

Bonus Entries {optional} Leave a comment for each bonus entry completed. Each comment = 1 entry.

• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet ~Win a goodie box filled with  @ChicLuxuries ARV: $500 #FavoriteThings Summer Edition #Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/kzp77w3

• Follow Chic Luxuries on Pinterest and repin our pin about this giveaway.

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook and share one of our posts about this giveaway on your wall.

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET September 15, 2013. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to each of the brands featured above for providing the products and/or images for this article.

Graphique Designer Tote Bag Giveaway

There are tote bags and then there are Tote Bags! If you're like us, your closet is full of them. Although the pictures don't do it justice, we guarantee if you see Graphique's new Flavor Stripes Tote Bag in person, you won't think twice about ditching your old ones ~

I use a tote bag almost everyday either for shopping or to pick up packages from the office. Truth be told I'm not over-the-moon impressed with any of the ones I usually carry and although this looked pretty enough from the pictures, I didn't think I would adore it as much as I do. I knew I would love the color combination which coordinates with just about everything in my summer wardrobe. What I couldn't tell from the photos is how roomy and well made the tote is or that it is sturdy enough to stand on its own even when empty. 

Measuring 22" x 13-3/4", the Flavor Stripes tote is large enough to hold a beach blanket, towel, water bottle, book, suntan lotion, and a few other essentials...or an outfit or two for a weekend getaway! The black fabric-wrapped handles are study and comfortable also making it great for shopping. It has pockets around the outer perimeter and two zippered inner compartments including one that is a see-thru removable snap-in pouch. A bright and cheery yellow interior makes everything easy to find. 

Ribbons of colored canvas bring the bag to life and the French word for each color appears below its corresponding ribbon stripe. Tres chic! This will definitely be your "it" bag for vacations, weekend getaways, the pool, beach, or shopping. The Flavor Stripes Tote Bag retails for $69 at graphiquedefrance.com. Sign up for their e-news and save 10%!

Chic Giveaway! ~ We're excited to announce Graphique is generously gifting a lucky reader their beautiful Flavor Stripes Tote!

ENTER TO WIN by completing at least one of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your facebook username and/or twitter ID with each comment so we can find you if you win.

• Join Graphique's e-mail list to receive info on sales, new products and special events and leave a comment below letting us know you've done so to receive an entry. 

• Like Graphique on Facebook and leave them a comment on their wall.

• Follow @_Graphique on Twitter 

• Follow Graphique on Pinterest

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook and share one of our posts about this giveaway.
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet ~ Win a Gorgeous Designer Tote Bag from @_Graphique on http://ChicLuxuries.com RV: $70 #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries 
• Follow Chic Luxuries on Pinterest and repin one of our pins about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends 11:59 PM ET July 17, 2013. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to Graphique for gifting us their beautiful Flavor Stripes tote and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Graphique de France

Summer Must-Haves and a Giveaway!

July's Gotta Get It! is all about summertime fun and some of the must-have products for hitting the beach, enjoying a barbeque or relaxing on vacation. Curl up in your favorite lounge chair, pour a cold beverage and visit the websites featured below. If you like, stop back here and enter to win your choice of a fabulous prize from our gifting closet.

The Gomax Berdine 91 Sandals from The Shoe Heaven are pretty chic says me! ☺ Love LoVe LOVING these stylish sandals that have a back zipper, criss-cross sides and two-tone coloring. Gorgeous with a sundress, capris and skinny jeans. Available in tan, black or brown for $44.99 at theshoeheaven.com.

Even if you don't consider yourself a "diva", you'll love these Divalicious Sunglasses by Rough Justice. They provide 100% UV protection for your eyes and look oh-so-chic. The shape is flattering and the frames lightweight and comfortable. Available in several colors, these are the Brown Tiger. The frames and lenses are more of a brown color than appear in the photo. $129 at roughjustice.com.

Talk about a summer-must have! WOW! Put this gorgeous Short Stone Necklace by Sole Society on and...poof!...it transforms even a t-shirt and jeans into a spectacular outfit. The stones have a light feathery design which gives the illusion of being hand painted. The dramatic high gloss stones are set in gold bezels suspended from a 18.5" gold chain with a 3" extender. LOVE this!! $49.95 at solesociety.com.

We have to show our male readers some love too and we think they'll love these Converse Bounce Pass Sunglasses as much as we do. The yellow is more of a light neon lime which is a striking combination with the black. So sporty and sharp looking. SRP $68 Converse.com.

The colors in Julep's summer collection are bright and beautiful. The nail color is chip resistant, quick-drying, highly pigmented and formaldehyde-free. With shades to match every mood, personality and outfit, there's no excuse not to look polished all summer long. Colors are named, look for one in your bff's name for an adorable gift and find yours at Julep.com for $14 each.

If you're like me and have wrinkles from spending too many hours in the sun, you'll want to try Phytoceane's AQUASAPHIR Essential Renewal Cream. This luxurious ultra-moisturizing cream seems to melt away fine wrinkles in just days. A high-precision formula with age-defying effectiveness and a lovely floral/aquatic scent. Even the jar is exquisite! $134.50 at lespausa.com. 

Make sure you have these sun protective ZnO Beach Pants from Coolibar with you when heading to the beach to slip on when you've had enough sun. They are lightweight, super comfortable, and provide UPF 50 sun protection. Made from a bamboo/spandex blend, they are soft and cool against the skin and have a drawstring waist for a perfect fit. Wide straight legs finish the look. Also great for summer hikes, camping and vacationing. Available in white, gray and black for $59.50 at www.coolibar.com.

Sunita Designs Citrine Earrings from STYLEVISA are so dainty and feminine. The pear-shaped citrine faceted stones reflect the light and create a subtle shimmer. Handcrafted in 18+KT gold-plated sterling silver with french wire hooks. $49.99 at stylevisa.com.

Definitely a summer must have for your skin, this little sun balm will fit in your pocket or handbag. Murad Essential-C Sun Balm provides quick and convenient SPF 35 sun protection. The non-sticky, non-greasy formula combines Tangerine Butter, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Brocolli Extract to stimulate skin's natural defenses against UV rays. Don't leave home without it! $25 at murad.com.

If you're trying to stay out of the sun, but still want that sun-kissed look, get it with Napoleon Perdis' Mosaic Flushing Blush and Bronzer. Three shades of blushing, bronzing and flushing are arranged in a mosaic pattern and set in a beautiful gold compact. Apply to apples of cheeks and get glowing! $45 at napoleonperdis.com. 

KEUNE Care Line Sun Sublime regimen provides essential minerals, UV protection and protein to protect and repair stressed-out summer hair. The Care line includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Serum and our fav ~ the Hair and Body Oil ~ a convenient spritz bottle to use on hair and skin while at the beach and poolside. Available at fine salons nationwide. Visit keune.com to find a salon near you. 

Have you heard of Kiki*s Nation? You will! Cozy towel jammers and pants made in the USA with bright fun designs. They are soooooo cute and comfy, the kiddies will want to live in them and so will you! Perfect for the beach, pool, vacation, after the bath, water park, and playtime. One leg is made from a soft velour towel of bright fun designs and the other is made from a coordinating solid terrycloth towel and includes a deep pocket that matches the opposite leg. $24.50~$34.50 at kikisnation.com.

Are these not the most adorable corn-on-the-cob holders you've ever seen? The Flip Flop Corn Holders from Convenient Gadgets and Gifts make a fun and inexpensive hostess gift for all the summer soirees on your calendar. Of course, you'll want one or two for your home as well. A set of 4 pairs retails for $13.95 at cgets.com. too TOO cute!! ☺

Goody's Frizz-Controlling Finish Brush really does tame frizzy and frazzled hair. Use in between shampoos and after blow drying to smooth hair. Ceramic infused with a comfort gel grip. Available at mass drug, grocery and retail stores. SRP: $6.99, see the entire line at goody.com. 

No surprise this ingenious SnoozeShade was invented by a Mom. The soft silky mesh cover fits over carriages and strollers and secures with snap ties. In the sleep mode, SnoozeShade Deluxe blocks out 97% of light and protects your little one from mosquitoes, wind and light rain. There's also a lookout mode which allows your baby to see through a dark mesh window. $39.99 at snoozeshadeusa.com.

Chic Giveaway! ~ One lucky reader will win the prize of their choice from our gifting closet found HERE.

Required Entry: Visit the websites featured above. Leave a comment below letting us know, other than those featured above, which product{s} would you most like to try. The more websites you visit, the more chances you have to win. Leave a separate comment for each brand visited. Each comment = 1 entry. Please be sure to leave your twitter or Facebook username with each comment so we can find you if you win.

Bonus Entries {optional} Leave a comment for each bonus entry completed. Each comment = 1 entry.

• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet ~ Win the prize of your choice in @ChicLuxuries Summer Must-Haves #Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/pysb9rb

• Follow us on Pinterest and repin our pin about this giveaway.

• Like us on Facebook and share one of our posts about this giveaway on your wall.

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET August 14, 2013. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to each of the brands featured for providing products and/or photos for this editorial.