Bed, Bath & Kardashian?
Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up like a Kardashian? Well, wonder no more, because starting this April you will be able to twist and turn underneath the velvety soft sheets of the Kardashian’s new home collection, available exclusively at Sears. In addition to bedding, the collection also includes a home décor and bath line, with all the trimmings you would expect from the three sisters famous for their bling and fervent love of leopard print.
I’ll admit to being somewhat leery and skeptical when arriving to the event to preview the Kardashian Kollection Summer/Fall 2012 & Home Collection, held at The Setai hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. As I walked through the doors I was expecting to see their faces imprinted on a comforter, or flashy “KK” logos plastered on every item asserting their reign. But, surprisingly this wasn’t the case, as I shockingly peered over high-quality, elegant and chic designs. In fact, the brazen KK logo I was expecting to see was unobtrusive, and virtually nowhere to be found unless you picked up an item and squinted at the attached tag. For some reason, this makes me take the line more seriously that I did before arriving at The Setai. It’s easy to brand something with a logo and hope people will but it because of who you are, but when you allow the piece to speak for itself, there is an authenticity to the product that shows that this collection is more than just a name, it’s a lifestyle, and I like it.
Spanish Harlem- features shades of purple
Super soft duvet covers, bed sheets, and lush pillows from the Kardashian Kollection Home line.
How to create your own kind of beautiful – Interview with Karen Joseph
Strong, independent, and determined are three words that describe Karen Joseph, owner of Ezzie Bliss, a newly launched online accessories store. This March, the single mother of three set out to make her love of fashion a successful business, while pursuing a degree in nursing – an unlikely career path for someone who has a background in accounting and telecommunications. As a young girl growing up in Grenada, accessories played a major part in helping her develop self-confidence.
“There were days when I felt ugly when I saw myself in the mirror; although my friends and family told me different,” she says. “It was those pieces of jewelry that made me feel transformed – as if it was like therapy when I put them on. Accessories helped me to build my confidence, and is now leading me towards my accomplishments. I hope I could relay this feeling to other women in similar situations.”
How did you decide on the name?
My sister Ezra is the inspiration behind the name Ezzie Bliss. Although she is my younger sister, Ezra has had a major impact on my life. She is driven to achieve her goals, she is caring, loyal and loving and because of these qualities, I look up to her and admire her. In Hebrew, Ezra means helper. Ezra is currently engaged and in August she will become Mrs. Bliss. Combining Ezra and Bliss just made sense to me. When I was thinking about the name Ezzie Bliss it meant “helper of joy.” In my life my sister and my family have been my foundation and my joy.
What motivated you to start your online accessories business? (more…)
Let’s go summer hat shopping together!
I recently booked an early summer vacation. That’s right, in just a few short weeks, I will be basking in the warmth of the sun, listening to the soothing sound of the ocean, and enjoying being kissed by the kind of soft, cool breeze that only exists on tropical islands. Although I am tremendously excited about my trip, once concern I have is the amount of time I will be spending outside – no one goes to a beautiful tropical island to just sit in their hotel room. And, being the busy body I am, I foresee shopping trips, laying on beach, and daytime outdoor dining. So, in addition to my spf, I’ve begun the search for a fabulous hat that will not only make me look chic, but protect my skin from the hash rays of the sun. Check out the hats I’m considering below. Which one do you think I should get?
Luxury Lane Luxury Lane Women's Beige Floppy Paper Straw Sun Hat with Removable Orange Scarf, $48.00
Betsey Johnson Felt Floppy Hat, $49.99
Jaclyn Smith Women's Wide Brim Straw Hat, $18.74
Handmade Luxury: Interview with Designer Barbara Campbell
Designer Barbara Campbell
I first introduced you all to designer Barbara Campbell in October 2011, when I attended one of her trunk shows at Bloomingdales in SoHo, where she was showcasing her Black and Gold jewelry collection. This week I had the opportunity to catch up with the busy designer to learn more about her company, where she gets her inspiration from, and how her business continues to thrive in the fashion industry.
Where are you from?
I am a first generation Cuban-American, born and raised in Washington Heights in Manhattan. Both my mother and father were born in Cuba
When did your company launch?
The inspiration for my company began in Vermont in 2006, overlooking a lake in the green mountains. The natural beauty of the environment started merging with my design instincts. The company actually launched while I was on the beach in Montauk. Once again the natural beauty of the beaches and the ocean convinced me that designing accessories that were inspired by nature’s wonders was something I wanted to do. The company officially launched in the fall of 2007. (more…)
Oh my Dahlia!
I love spring. The temperature is always just right; I awaken every morning to the harmonious sounds of birds chirping outside my window, and the most beautiful flowers begin to bloom. A while ago, I did a feature on the lilac, and with spring flowers blossoming and swaying gently in the wind as if they are waving goodbye to winter, I have decided to do a series of beauty products inspired by flowers every month until the end of summer. Today, I wanted to focus on one of my favorite flowers, the dahlia. Known as Mexico’s national flower, these colorful flowers look like they are bursting with joy with rings upon rings of petals. Most dahlias don’t have a scent, but their beauty makes up for it. These flowers traditionally symbolize elegance and dignity, so put on your dahlia inspired beauty products when you are truly feeling regal.
Do YOU “Live in Fashion?”
Liveinfashion.com Owner Michelle Akers
Starting your own business is no easy task, especially in the fashion world, where competition is fiercer than an episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. So how does a young boutique owner stay on top of their game in a dog-eat-dog industry? We sat down with Michelle Akers, Owner/Buyer of the New York based online boutique Liveinfashion.com to find out.
Launched in December 2009, Liveinfashion.com, caterers to “the woman who is daring to be different.” The online store successfully sells out unique fashionable pieces, reflecting Akers’ eye for quality, and innate ability to sense what women covet when it comes to style.
Where are you from?
Wow…I was born in Houston, Texas then moved to Brooklyn, NY for a little while, then to Jamaica, Queens. Now, I live in Elmont, Long Island.
What inspired you to start you online boutique?
I remember coming home one night and just saying to my mom that I wanted to start an online store. I’m a very daring person, so when I dress people would always ask where I got certain pieces from. I decided that I wanted to be the source of “getting.”
How did you decide on the name?
It came down to either “love in fashion” or “live in fashion.” The slogan “Do you live in fashion?” just stuck and that’s how I chose the name. (more…)
Rock your Red Pumps on March 10th!
“Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.”
On March 10th, the US will commemorate National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a yearly project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health that seeks raises awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. In observance of this day, the 4th Annual Rock the Red Pump™ Campaign is back and encouraging women to rock their favorite pair of red pumps. Here are some fierce red pumps you may consider slipping your feet into this Saturday: (more…)
Secret essentials for overnight visits and everything else in between
Disguise any bathroom deeds
This, to me, is the one of greatest things ever created. Poo~Pourri is a bathroom air-freshener that you spray in a toilet bowl BEFORE you use it to prevent the embarrassing odor. This is perfect if you share a communal bathroom at work, or stay over at someone house, whether it be a male friend, or a girl friend, no one ever has to know that you had any tummy issues, all because of this nifty little spray. And, it’s so fashionable. Check out the cool necklace around the neck of the little bottle.
Poo~Pourri Original 2oz Bottle, $9.95
Always smell great
Sometimes you need a little fragrance spritz when you’re not smelling your best, but, who wants to carry around liquids that can burst, and weigh your bag down? This limited edition Solid Perfume Necklace by Juicy Couture is the perfect little secret fragrance touch-up. A super chic pendant hangs from a 34” gold chain, and hides a solid perfume inside its rhinestone studded heart. Slyly dab you finger and apply to your pulse points. No one will ever suspect your chic necklace is also a secret fragrance.
Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Limited Edition Solid Perfume Necklace, $48.00
Fake flawless skin
RareMinerals by Bare Escentuals has a concentrated powder called Pure Transformation Night Treatment, which is specialty formulated to work at night to even out skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of pores. It’s available in four shades, and doesn’t come off on the pillow, so you can go to bed with your “face” on and everyone will believe that yes, you do wake up looking that good.
BareMinerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment, $60.00
Bloggerini Event Series
On February 29th I attended the first Bloggerini event at Lair NYC. Bloggerini is a monthly event series hosted by E! News Daily and Inside Edition Contributor, Katlean de Monchy. The event featured fashions by Camille Le Vie and Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner dresses. Monchy jewelry also displayed their impressive line of accessories. Just as impressive as the jewelry was the drinks! I’m am by no means a heavy drinker, but the night’s signature drink, The Bloggerini, by Voli light vodkas had me going back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
