Winner: Carlos Santana "On the Fringe Tour" Handbag

Thank you all for entering the giveaway and being a reader of IFF! The winner of the first IFF giveaway is (drumroll):

Amber (Amber's Mouthwash)

Congrats and please post a photo of you wearing the bag so we can see how fabulous you look!

Check back tomorrow on IFF to see my backstage experience at Harriet's Park Avenue Fashion Show.

Giveaway: Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag

I am beyond excited to offer the first giveaway on IFF!! I can’t think of a better way to thank you all for following. For those of you who follow IFF on Facebook (which you should!), then you know that Macy’s is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in partnership with Vanidades Magazine by saluting Carlos Santana as the 2012 Icon of Style. Some of you attended the fabulous events in Macy’s all over the U.S. and others entered the contest to win a trip for two to Las Vegas with two VIP tickets to “An Intimate Evening with Santana.” But if you missed these opportunities, don’t fret. Macy’s has been wonderful enough to offer IFF readers this ultra-fabulous Carlos by Carlos Santana “On the Fringe Tour” Bag valued at $108!

This is your last chance to join in on the celebration and what better way to do it then to feel like a rock star yourself? Fringe, leather, studs, and sexy red lining – pass me the air guitar because I am a full on rock star. I grab that air guitar and I begin to feel the hot spotlights shining on me while I look out into a dark room with floating lights. Slowly, I hear the deafening roar of the crowd get closer and closer. Is it just the bag or is it time for my solo?

Enter the giveaway to find out for yourself.

Here’s how to enter:

Endless Summer

Can you believe today is the official last day of summer? Say it isn’t so! It’s my favorite season, so it brings sadness to my heart. Luckily, I'm well prepared to deal with this temperature change -- I live in Florida. There you go, problem solved. Well, not really because Orlando dares to be too cold for comfort in the November and December months (Sheesh!). So, flip-flops and cute crop tops aren’t really an option at that point. But, I will do my best to keep the summer months alive in my heart, if I can’t in my wardrobe. Since I’m not ready to say good-bye, this post is dedicated to one of my favorite summer pieces. The crop top.

Accessories that “Beat the Heat”: From Head to Toe

If your gym routine consists of running from an air conditioned office, to an air conditioned car, to an air conditioned home, then you are most certainly finding yourself in the dead of summer. Oh how we longed for these days in the chilly winter. But somehow are memory deceived us because we never remember it quite as hot, quite as sticky, and quite as annoying. Still, we are troopers, beating the sun and chugging on with our day-to-day tasks. In an attempt to make those days a little less stifling I’ve posted about outfits (here), beauty products (here), and hair-styles (here) to help keep you cool, calm, and collected.

Yet, I know what you're thinking, “Iris, but I don’t really want to change anything major. Isn’t there one or two quick fixes?” Of course there is, let’s talk about some essential accessories for beating the heat that well go perfectly with any of your ensembles. From head to toe:

Loving Me Some California

A little while ago the company I work for sent me to San Diego for a conference. I know, what a sacrifice. I absolutely love that city. The tranquil ambiance and unique culture make the city irresistible to any hardworking business woman. As soon as I stepped off the plane I couldn't help but be pulled into the relaxed California vibe. I tried my best to stay focused but by the second day of the conference I had let my hair down and left the black power suit somewhere on the the hotel room floor. Instead, I slipped into bright shorts, a breezy linen blouse, comfy leather sandals, and a cool Carlos Santana fedora hat. I had fully accepted and integrated into the San Diego laid back philosophy. Sure, there were seminars occurring and meetings I should have probably attended, but who has time for that when I'm busy strolling around the marina? Sometimes a girl has to re-evaluate her priorities and take some time to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon. I'm sure my employer would understand...maybe.