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| (Jennifer Lopez) |
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| (Guiliana Rancic) |
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| (Olivia Wilde) |
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| (Jennifer Lawrence) |
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| (Jada Pinkett-Smith...and hubby Will!) |
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| (Katy Perry) |
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| (Emmy Rossum) |
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| (Kate Winslet) |
Photo Credits: Random Instagram finds!
Showing posts with label celebrities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrities. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Bursts of Color (in Sexy Styles!) Ruled the Red Carpet! Check Out My Top 8 Picks!
I absolutely would choose a form-fitting black gown before selecting a bright pop of color for the red carpet! Er...I mean, typically I would choose black. But the bursts of color in sexy silhouettes worn by Hollywood faves, including Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, are giving me life in a refreshing way! Here are my top 8 looks from the Golden Globes' red carpet coverage:
Sunday, March 1, 2015
5 Lessons to Take From the Giuliana Rancic-Zendaya Fiasco!
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| (L-R: Giuliana Rancic, Zendaya/ Photo Credit: www.accesshollywood.com) |
But then I hopped back on the E! train a couple of years ago or so, becoming a regular viewer of the show. I decided to really listen and learn from the intellectual perspectives of the stylists, including topics surrounding the distinct signature styles of designers, why particular cuts don't work well with certain body shapes and sizes, and how this color combo or that type of print can make or break an outfit. From George Kotsiopoulos bringing me to a new level of understanding to the cleverly coined phrases and excitement of the fabulous Brad Goreski (who now sits in Kotsiopoulos' seat), their presence on the show helped to balance out the rest of the nonsense.
E!'s popular correspondent Giuliana Rancic usually added tasteful support (or tasteful opposition) to what some of the other hosts would say. And with her chic flavor and friendly personality, I maintained a certain level of respect for Rancic. I also gained a respect for Kelly Osbourne over the years, as she has proven to the world that she is her own person with her own opinion. The bubbly Brit (and daughter of the "Prince of Darkness") brought an edgy look, as well as a knowledgeable and unbiased commentary about a star's look (whether she was friends with him/her or not!).
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| (Kelly, you'll be missed! Photo Credit: www.VH1.com) |
But now, due to poor judgment and for the sake of "comedy," everything has changed.
Here's what happened: Actress/singer/dancer Zendaya flaunted gorgeous faux dreadlocks at The Oscars. In analyzing her look on "Fashion Police," Rancic said: "I feel like she smells like pachouli oil" while another unidentified voice chimed in with "Or weed!" Zendaya then tweeted about being insulted in regards to the comment, prompting an uproar from the social media world, which included accusations that Rancic's comment was "racist." Rancic made a public apology to Zendaya on E!, and Zendaya acknowledged the apology. Then Osbourne quits the show, after making it clear that she is friends with the star and that she was not happy with how any of it went down. According to US Weekly, Osbourne was against the Zendaya comments during filming and didn't want to go along with it.
My big questions: Why was Rancic the designated host to make the comment? Because she's not a comedian, wouldn't it make more sense if Kathy Griffin (who took Rivers' position) to say that? Did Rancic try to object or was it her idea?
While a new season of "Fashion Police" is set to begin in a few weeks, I have decided to stop taking part in it. Simply being a viewer, in my mind, is saying being a Mean Girl is acceptable...and it's not. It has not been said yet who will take over Osbourne's position and whether or not Rancic even continues with the show (be it her choice or E!'s). Until then, I'd like to shower this story with some positivity. There are many lessons that we can take from this ordeal. Here are my top 5:
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| (Loyalty reigns!/ Photo Credit: Huffington Post) |
2) Know your lane. Rancic is not a professional comedian. Period. Stick to interviews, girl! That's what you're great at.
3) Public personalities must be aware that they make a difference (good or bad). Social media may not always feel like your friend when something goes wrong. Just means you need to remember that there is power in the people, as well as power in the tool that allows us to voice our opinions.
4) Glamour is not a cookie-cutter image. Who says that a couture gown cannot be accompanied with natural hair or a statement-making hairstyle? Coming from someone who loves her locs and loves her Bond No. 9 perfume (I hate pachouli oil!), I say eff yes - you can create your own version of glam.
5) Have boundaries. It's been reported that Osbourne has been unhappy on the show since Rivers passed. But whether that is true or not, the time obviously came when Osbourne had to make a decision that was best for her. She knew her boundaries.
Where do you stand now with "Fashion Police"...? Will you continue to watch the show?
Monday, February 3, 2014
Armed with Persistence, Tosha Brize Takes ‘Brize Collection’ to New Heights With Celebrity Clientele!
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| (Tosha Brize - the humbled mastermind behind Brize Collection) |
Tosha Brize is gifted. Tosha Brize believes in the concept and act
of “persistence.” Tosha Brize ignored the lack of support she received and now
adorns celebrities with her one-of-a-kind collection. Those were just some of the thoughts swirling around my head
after the 33-year old entrepreneur and I chatted on the phone for more than an
hour last week.
As a tweetaholic, I obsessively follow tons
of awesome folks on Twitter. This includes Tami Roman, one of the original
Reality TV stars in, literally, history. Way before her current role on
“Basketball Wives,” and before she founded TR LOVE Cosmetics and her own line
of Virgin Hair, Tami was one of seven “strangers picked to live in a house” on
MTV’s “The Real World: Los Angeles” Season 2. So combine my love for social
media, Reality TV, and fashion, and…BAM – I did what I had to do! I noticed a
tweet between Tami and Tosha in regards to a special fashion item being sent to
the Reality TV star. Curious (and ok, nosey), as to what was being sent to
Tami, I checked out Tosha’s page and saw all kinds of sparking, fun goodies in
her photos!
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| (Chanel-inspired Chucks!) |
The Chanel symbol, Hello Kitty, roses, gold,
pearls, zippers, chains...wow. The elements that Tosha uses to recreate simple
pairs of high-top Chucks are incredible. She was turning fashion out, and it seemed as though Tami was
receiving her own pair of customized shoes directly from Tosha. So I
immediately tweeted Tosha, gave her my email address, and asked her to contact
me because I would love to feature her on Good Girl Gone Shopping. And then
after the successful coordination and connection between two busy women, we
made it happen!
In our exclusive interview, which is in fact,
her very first interview regarding Brize Collection, Tosha talks about her
journey as an artist, her passion in creating personalized accessories and
shoes (LaLa Anthony and Trina Rockstarr are also fans of her work), what keeps
her inspired, and what she has in store for us in 2014. So it is with pleasure
and an honor that I introduce you to Tosha Brize, the creator and beautiful
spirit behind Brize Collection. Born and bred in Champaign, Illinois and now based
in Orlando, Florida, Tosha’s brand is built on the formula of talent, passion,
and determination.
So how did you get started? Tell me about the beginning…
Well, I started making accessories with my
mother. We would get together on Sunday nights at her house and make earrings
and necklaces, and we would customize. That was our bonding moment. We would watch our favorite reality shows and
make accessories! And then, I had a friend who was on Facebook, and I sent her
some pieces. Her name is Janet Jackson, and she is a big-time event planner in
Atlanta. And she said, “You know what? Tosha your stuff is amazing! Start
posting your stuff on the Internet.” And I was like, “Really?! You think it’s
all that?” And Janet said, “Yeah, show people what you’re doing. You would be
surprised at who’s looking at your pictures.” So I had started just posting the
pictures of the jewelry and I got a lot of people’s feedback on the buzz –
based on what they liked and what they didn’t like.
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| (Janet Jackson - Tosha's friend who encouraged her to use Facebook for Brize Collection promo.) |
I have always customized shoes, blue jeans,
khakis, and stuff ever since I was a little girl. When I was young, my older
cousin and aunts would go to the clubs, and I would draw and paint on their
blue jeans…and do graffiti art, like Bart Simpson. I one time took my mom’s MC
Hammer album and painted the whole album on the back of a jacket. So I would
draw, paint, and do the graffiti down the pant leg, like I said with Bart
Simpson, and other cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, and I would make them
look urban – the hip hop look, you know?
So I had put that away, and then in time, I
had gotten into doing customized jewelry. And I was like, “I’m gonna bring that
back.” Then once I started doing the jewelry, such as the earrings and necklaces,
I decided to go further with it. Then I started customizing the shoes with the
matching jackets, and then the blue jeans to match the shoes. Especially for
the kids – I do stuff for kids as well, not just for adults.
Then I had a good friend of mine, Ericka King
said “I want some Chucks.” So I said, “What colors do you want on them?” And
she said, “I want Chanel-inspired Chucks.”
And I said, “Alright, I got you.” Erika said she wanted them to be
pearl, gold, and bling. So these are another set of Chucks that I did, which
are different from Tami’s. I always make sure that my pieces are exclusive. No
shoes look the same. So I always do different patterns and different looks. So
with the Chanel-inspired looks, what I do is: I turn a purse into a shoe. I get
a lot of my inspirations and my visions from Instagram, and I will go through
all the Chanel hashtags photos and check out the different styles of the
purses. I get inspiration from the details, like the chains, and that’s how I
would get ideas for the shoes. Because a lot of the Chanel shoes don’t look
like the purses. So I think that’s what makes my shoes stand out so they catch
certain people’s eyes, like Tami. The first Chanel-inspired shoes I posted
online were the ones for my friend, and I said, “Tami, check these out.” Then
Tami said, “Send me a pair. I wear size 9.” And then I was like “Oh wow.”
Sounds like it’s luxury on a shoe!
Yup. When I decided I wanted to create a
jeweled shoe…something that would stop and make another person and make them
say, “Where did you get those shoes from?” When I wear my own customized
Chucks and I go to places to buy shoes after taking orders for clients, the
salespeople are always like, “Well, where did you get those from?!” I explain that I make them, and I’m forever passing
out my information to people. I have so many people stop me in the stores to
ask me about both my shoes and accessories. A lot of people are liking what I
do, which is different for me, because I’m not use to having strangers approach
me or stare at me. Sometimes, I’m like, “Why is she looking at me like that?”
And it’s usually because the woman wants to ask me about my shoes and
accessories.
So how did you get involved with customizing accessories and shoes
for celebrities?
When I first started, I had no
support…really. No support from my family and friends, except for my mother who
has always been a very good supporter of my dreams. She’s always had my back.
The Brize Collection comes from my last name, and I always wanted to do
something big and put a stamp on my name, because my last name is very unique.
And I felt I had to create a voice for myself and get out there and reach out
to people that I know. And certain people accepted what I did. Like I did stuff
for Trina Rockstarr. I did stuff for Trina Braxton – I sent her some earrings.
I did stuff for LaLa [Anthony]…sent her some “Picasso” earrings with a picture
of her son, Kiyan. I did a lot of things throughout the years for a few
celebrities, and people who big in entertainment, such as major event planners
in Atlanta. You know, I felt like once I reached out to them, and do stuff for
them, that people would notice. And that’s what happened…people noticed. Then
somehow, you have to be persistent, make a voice for yourself, and believe in
yourself…and then everybody would then follow suit. Because the people who
didn’t believe in me, or when I was doing it back in the day, I would get “Oh
that’s cute.” And that was that. It was like what I was doing was nothing.
But when I really started to make a lot of
accessories, there were a lot of girls that I noticed started doing the same
thing. Which I didn’t get offended – I didn’t feel like they were copying off
of me. If I gave someone an idea and they want to try and make something happen
from it, and do it, and they’re finding something else to do with their time…I
was proud to see that. And I thought, maybe I’m settin’ a trend here!
So when it came to reaching out to the big names…How did you go
about doing that?
Really, it was the Picasso earrings I did for
LaLa that set me out there a little bit. Her stylist, Jillian, who also styled
Whitney Houston and a lot of people, is a friend of mine on Facebook. And
Jillian told me that she was going to reach out to LaLa’s PR rep at the time,
Jazmyn Hurts, and have her contact me with the hopes that my pieces could
possibly be featured on LaLa’s blog. So then, when Jasmine actually contacted
me, she said that she would like to give LaLa some of my accessories and that
she really liked the picture earrings [Picasso earrings]. So she sent me LaLa’s
favorite picture of Kiyan to make that happen. And when they were done, we sent
them to LaLa…and she loved them. After that, I was dropping off earrings and
accessories to Trina Rockstarr, because LaLa and Trina are good friends. So
when Trina would come into town, I would get a phone call and her camp would
let me know she’s interested and that she was doing a show, and invited me out
there. And I met with Trina in her trailer, and then sent her several
accessories. I’ve actually met with her a few times.
It’s great that you never let the lack of support stop you from
focusing on your craft…
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| ("Picasso" earrings for LaLa!) |
Yeah, gradually I brought back what I did as
a kid with the clothes. I just kept going with it…I just kept building. I have
so many ideas on what I want to do for my brand, and how I want to do it. It started
by doing Chucks for some kids, and honestly, I just kept going with it. My mom
would help me sometimes when I would get orders, ‘cause I work two jobs. So she
helps if I get overwhelmed, and she makes things herself. We’re always emailing
each other, and sending pictures to each other’s phone about what we’re working
on. The shoes, lately, have been the biggest thing.
So with celebrities wearing your designs, you must be so proud of
yourself. It’s amazing!
I tell people all the time it’s persistence.
I’ve been doing this on and off for years, and it’s time I just ride it out and
stick to it. I had bumps in the road. I have been in situations where I
invested money, and had to do things to correct contracts and money was lost
for photo shoots. I was trying to do everything on my own. Even with working,
trying to pay bills, and going through life in general, including situations
with family, I still kept going. I kept posting pictures and putting myself out
there. I was telling people that these shoes are gonna be dope, and I already
was gassing stuff up. When you have self-esteem about yourself and have pride
in what you do, it does make a difference. Years ago, I would post stuff but
not really amp it up. And I would get responses like, “Yeah, that’s cute.” Now
I get “Girl, send me some stuff!” So being persistent and speaking to your
dream is important. You cannot give up, because you will get a thousand no’s
before you get that one yes. My preacher said that. It has been just a blessing
to me to see people that can afford red-bottoms and have lines of their own,
and still support what I’m doing. That, to me, is amazing. Trina Rockstar is
very down-to-earth. She told me, “Girl, as long as it’s cute, I’ll wear it.” That’s
just how she is. Tami could get her Louboutin sneakers, or whatever, but she
was like, “Send me those!” I knew she really wanted them, that it wasn’t just
talk. That meant a lot to me, because I come from no support.
So how does the whole process work if I wanted a customized pair
of Chucks? Do I get the shoe first and then I send to you…?
When a client is out of town, I get their
size and go ahead and get the shoes myself. That is included in the overall
price. I receive payments trough PayPal, because as of right now, I don’t have
a website. I’m currently working on that. (I had actually invested money into
someone who was supposed to do that, but I was taken advantage of.) So
currently, I am getting pictures together, especially those for little girls. I
make hair ribbons, jackets, the Chucks…I want the website to adapt to
everybody.
In general, what is the price range for your children’s line and
your adult line?
For the Chanel-inspired Chucks, those are at
$300. There are a lot of crystals and details that go into the creation of the
shoe. For the kids, the prices start at $100. Normally, I try to keep it around
that price for children, because their feet are smaller and the shoes don’t
require as much material. I do my best to not be outrageous, because I
understand how it feels to like something but can’t afford. When a lot of artists
and celebrities come out with brands, they really don’t take into consideration
that the majority of the people that support you and got you to where you are
cannot afford your collection. So I’m always humble and try to do things within
reasonable range. People say you gotta
charge for your time, but for me, the feedback I get is worth more than
anything, honestly. I love to see people wear my stuff proudly and take
pictures in it, and then tweet it. Like Trina Braxton – She had tweeted a
picture of my earrings and said something like she has a new, favorite pair of
earrings now. That made me feel good, because in the end, that’s Trina Braxton.
That’s Toni Braxton’s sister.
When you’re creating, what is guiding your inspiration?
I have a relationship with God, and I
honestly feel that he places certain people in your life for a reason. I get
excited when I’m coming up with ideas, and I’m excited when something’s halfway
done and I know it’s just going to be so cute. I was so gassed up about Tami’s
shoes, especially when I put the crystals on them. It’s so exciting to see
things come to life; something that you have pictured in your head…And it may
come out better than what it was envisioned to be. That’s also what keeps me
going. And I like to have input from my customers; I don’t just make something
custom and not have them involved in the process. For instance, if a person has a purse that
they really like, I ask them to take a picture and send it to me. Then I will
feed off of that, and make it come to life. I have everybody involved.
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| (Guest star from "LaLa's Full Court Life" |
My goal is to create things that will not be
easily given away or thrown away. Just like with Tami, I don’t think she’d give
away her shoes or throw them away. Same thing with LaLa – the Picasso earrings
feature a picture of her baby. Certain styles come and go, but I know those
will never fade out because that’s her son and they’re handmade.
About how long does it take you to complete an item?
It’s different with each person, because it
depends on what they like. Some things
that people ask me for, I have to go and look at more than what product and do
my research. Then I can find certain
pieces to be able to do exactly what the client is asking for. Because I work two jobs, I am only able to get
in about two hours in on a shoe. On my days off, I can knock a pair of shoes
out in two days. I enjoy people calling me personally to place their orders,
because I get a chance to talk to people that I don’t even know. I had a girl
tell me that I’m a great inspiration. That really touches me, even though I’m
still trying to get to where I want to be! But I understand, because I look to
people that inspire me too, like Keyshia Ka’oire. I respect her and admire her.
I even had the opportunity to meet her. I would watch her documentary like once
a week and study how she built her brand. How she turned nothing into
something. She’s said that she was even told that when she came out with a
lipstick line that it wasn’t going to amount to anything. So, I felt like our
stories are so connected. I have a lot of dreams and a lot that I want for my
collection.
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| (Glamming up the kids in Brize Collection!) |
It’s great that your story is turning into an inspirational story
for others. Like you said, persistence is key…
Yeah, I’m so happy you reached out to me!
This is my first interview. You know, I want to be in the position where I can
help people. Where I can help them build their brand, whether it’s business or
entertainment. I want to give back and help people. It’s so hard nowadays, and
it’s easy to lose hope. That’s why I say you’ve just got to be persistent and
not give up. You can’t. I’ve been pushing and pushing my jewelry, and
customizing for so long…People started to see that I wasn’t going to shut up
about this. I was my own cheerleader for a very long time. I’m so happy for the
Internet, because without it, I wouldn’t’ have connected with celebrities like LaLa,
Trina Rockstarr, Trina Braxton, or Tami Roman.
In conclusion, what are your plans for Brize Collection in 2014?
My
plans are to continue to grow to become a vendor for boutiques in different
states. I have dreams to add Brize Cosmetics later in the year.
Monday, December 23, 2013
My Interview with Jewelry Designer Lydia McLaughlin -- Entrepreneur and Ex-OC Housewife!
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| (The sparkling Lydia McLaughlin!) |
Yes, Lydia McLaughlin from "The Real Housewives of Orange County" is as down-to-earth as she appears on television! In my exclusive interview with the now Ex-OC Housewife (by choice), the mother of two as well as co-founder and managing editor of one of California's most high-end luxury publications - Beverly Hills Lifestyle -- we get the goods. Granddaughter of the founder of NTV, the largest privately held multi-media company in Canada, Lydia talks about her love for fashion, her new, limited-edited handcrafted jewelry line LYDIA M Jewelry, the importance of feeling unique and beautiful, and how she held her own as a regular on one of the hottest shows to hit Bravo TV.
Having kept up with “The Real Housewives of Orange County” since
its beginning, I have to say it’s so nice to be able to have the chance to
speak with you because you appear so kind and down-to-earth. Also, it’s
interesting to learn about the entrepreneurship that runs in your family…
It’s always fun to talk to someone too that
knows a little bit about you, so that’s good!
OK, I’m excited to pick your brain about
being a jewelry designer. When did you
start designing?
Well, I’ve always really been into fashion.
When I was in high school, I would always wear necklaces in my hair and do things that I thought were super cool. I’ve always been interested in it, and then when my husband and I started our
magazine, Beverly Hills Lifestyle, five years ago, I got to be on all these
photo shoots and I was meeting other designers and other fashion people – I got
to go in to all these showrooms. And I
realized, 'Wow, they’re just people who are living out their dreams. So I could
do it too.' So in a lot of ways, that gave me the confidence and the connection
to meet with people so I could ask how they make a necklace and where do I
get the products to put together a jewelry line. Like ‘I love these kinds of
earrings, so how could I implement that?’ So I started doing the research for
it, basically five years ago, and then I partnered up with a jeweler two years
ago.
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| "Pandora Bangles" by LYDIA M Jewelry |
So since you started, how do you feel now? Do you feel like “OK, I
got this. This is my new calling”…?
As far as “I got this”...For me, when I feel
like that, then I’m ready to move on with something. I’m into the challenge of
learning, and I always like changing and evolving, so I do not feel like I’ve
got this. I feel like it’s really exciting and I love it, and I love learning
more. The first line we did was all with gold. I love sparkle and gold, and
I love working with that material. So I think I’m still learning, and there’s
so much to learn. This is just the beginning. As far as feeling like this
is my calling, it’s definitely something
that I love. We have a bunch of other businesses and bunch of other
ventures, but I’m definitely putting a lot of love and energy into it...I
don’t think I’m finished yet – I’m only 32.
It’s great to know that you’re really getting in there, and it’s
still new!
Yeah, I’m still growing as a jewelry designer
and I’m still learning the ropes. Right now, you can get it on my website, www.lydiamjewelry.com. I’m really passionate about making the jewelry, making what I would like to wear, and perfecting the products. We are also at one store ("Treasures") at the Montage in Laguna Beach. We
really haven’t pursued yet getting it in a bunch of stores. One day I would love
to have my line in Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus, and stores like
that. But all of that takes so much time, so we haven’t expanded yet or really
pursued that. We’re mainly offering it on my website, and that’s working and
being really successful right now. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have another
line and…I’ll take over the world!
I wouldn’t doubt that!
Right now, I’m comfortable where I am.
Besides designing for yourself and what you would like to wear,
what type of woman do you envision wearing your jewelry?
You know, honestly, they are really versatile
pieces. And so, you can wear it to a
play date with your kids at the park, and then you can wear it to dinner, and
then you can wear it to a board meeting. I like to put it on in the morning,
and kinda go through the day. It fits my lifestyle. I think it’s good
for all sorts of women. At the mall, I’ve had younger girls come up to me
wearing it. They probably were in high school, and they were wearing my hoop
earrings. It was like their big Sweet Sixteen birthday present or
something, and that was really cool to see that. And also, I wear my jewelry –
my bangles – on the red carpet all the time. So it really is for anyone that
likes sparkle and gold.
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| "Calypso Ring" by LYDIA M Jewelry |
I love that your jewelry has a vintage feel!
It actually is modeled after that. I found a
bunch of vintage brooches and old pins, and since those are one of a kind, I
really wanted to find things that looked like those original vintage clips that
I found.
How involved are you with the creation of each piece?
It’s all handmade in Orange County, so yes,
every piece I have touched for sure. I’m not in my bedroom working on it, from 9 to 9. We have people that are doing that, but I’m really involved. Like I said, I see
every piece and I touch every piece, and I make sure that I would wear it and
it’s exactly up to par to what I had envisioned.
As for starting the line and being involved in the process of
creating it, have there been some challenges that you had to overcome?
Well, maybe a challenge was just with being
on the Real Housewives [of Orange County], you don’t get to control what they
show. So I was kind of bummed that they didn’t show a really cool photo shoot
at the beach and that I had met with my jewelry designer…And they didn’t put that
in as part of my story.
That is a total bummer! That would have been amazing to watch…
But I think the show likes to show the drama
or a challenge a lot of times, and it was just like, “Wow, here she is
designing, and here she is at the beautiful beach with models.” I think if I
had maybe got in a fight with someone, it would have made the cut! [laughs] I
think in one of the scenes Vicki says “Oh, what do you do? You’re a
jewelry designer?” After that, you could see orders coming in across the country. That’s
how powerful the show is...or, maybe that’s just how awesome my
jewelry is! [laughs] Imagining if people were to see those scenes, it would have made
it more interesting. So that was a challenge. You never know what they’re gonna
do.
 |
| ("Hero Bracelet" by LYDIA M Jewelry) |
Well, I’m sure the exposure still feels really good from being on
the show…
Oh my gosh! I’m so grateful for the
opportunity, honestly. It’s a wonderful platform, and it’s so humbling. If I
hadn’t done the show, I never would have 16 year old girls coming up to me at the
mall when I’m with my kids, like “Hey, I’m wearing your earrings! Can I get a
picture?” And that a thousand percent has to do with the Housewives, and only
because I was a housewife. So I definitely don’t take that for granted.
I'd say it's apparent that many “reality stars” have made that
life their path. But you have really created your own empire – your own life. So
it’s really exciting to hear about this jewelry line!
Thank you, I appreciate that. I think the
producers were interested in me because I do have my own stuff. Like we have
our own magazine and I have the jewelry line, and we have a lot going on in our
lives. And I think sometimes people become reality stars, and then they get to
do those things because of the show. It was good for me, because I could
just be myself and I didn’t need to play into it in any way. And I could walk
away at any minute – and I did walk away. So it was freeing for me, because I
didn’t need the show. And I think if you really need it, you’re more willing to
compromise some things…
I really respect that. Thank you for sharing. As for the cost of
your jewelry collection, what is the current price range?
Everything is basically under $400, and it’s
starting at $50. It’s a pretty wide range; we sell rings that are around $150
and earrings around $100, and necklaces are about $300 – it just depends. We’re
releasing two necklaces for Christmas, which are more affordable for a
present…which is really cool. Also, there was a headband with a little bling
that I wore a lot on the show, so I made my own which is really cool that I’ve
been wearing. I’m gonna roll that out also on the website.
So exciting! You know I started Good Girl Gone Shopping in 2007,
where it was just about finding everything on sale and that you don’t have to
spend an arm and a leg on things. Now, it’s turned into a bit more of
interviewing designers and getting into the inspiration and providing tips. So
now, it’s not just about finding things that are cheap, it’s about quality as
well…
That’s cool. Yeah, my jewelry is handmade and
they’re gold, and it’s gold filled, not gold-plated. I have super-sensitive skin, so I wanted to
make the nicest, best stuff. And so they really are pieces that will last. They
are really lightweight, and so you forget you’re wearing them. Like my bangles,
I sleep in them sometime when I forget to take them off. They have that pop of
bling, and it’s really comfortable jewelry. I hate wearing those earrings that
at the end of the day, you just can’t wait to take them off. And mine, you just
forget that you’re wearing them until someone compliments you.
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| (Supermom Lydia with the fam!) |
So it sounds like your line is a balance of comfort, chic wear,
and quality…
Yeah, that’s how I am. I love fashion...I love being cute and expressing myself and how I’m
feeling….and being kind of quirky through my clothes. But I really like
comfort, and I always tend to wear the pair of jeans that are the most
comfortable. So, you know, I think jewelry is the same way.
I agree! And I do see some statement styles from your collection
too.
Definitely. I have some dainty pieces, but a
lot of them are the rock star piece. It’s like yeah, you put that ring on, and
your statement piece for sure, which is fun.
My last question: What type of emotional benefits would you want a
woman to gain from wearing your jewelry?
I just want her to feel beautiful and to know
that she’s unique. I think today, in
American culture, in society…There’s a very certain sense of beauty…that you
should look a certain way. But I think that we’re all unique and special,
and that nothing about us is a mistake. I think that if you put on a little
extra bling and it makes you feel beautiful, then my work here is done.
I love that. What a great quote!
Also, 10 percent of everything goes to
isanctuary, which is a non-profit jewelry line. They hire women that have ben rescued from human trafficking to make all
their jewelry. So we give back to them and contribute to their whole slogan,
which is “Purchase with a Purpose.” Their stuff is really affordable; a lot of it is like under 20 bucks, and on the back [of the pieces] it’s been signed by the
woman who made the jewelry. She’s been a victim of human trafficking and has been rescued.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Anderson Group PR
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Rebranding Thy Self: With a New Style...Comes New Behavior?
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| (Photo Credit: www.mirror.co.ul) |
In fact, I usually feel sassier when I add I more sex appeal at night (as if I single-handledly brought sexy back in my faux-leather leggings) or when I do something simple, like say, change my nail polish. For years, I have branded myself as the 'Good Girl Gone Shopping' and Elana, the "Talking Chic" columnist for Agenda Magazine. So when I do make subtle changes, I am aware that when others research me, they will perceive everything about me to be key elements of who I am. And actually, not just who I am as a brand...but who I am as a person.
Now....I didn't see the Miley Cyrus "twerking" thingy with Robin Thicke on the VMA's, but wow, did I hear about it everywhere! From Twitter to Power 106, the comments were anything but kind to this chick. For me, the above pic says it all and I don't really need to see a YouTube clip to play catch-up (even though I'll probably give in and watch it). But, anyway, my point of this article isn't to analyze her behavior. After all, she's in show business and an entertainer and building up hype and yada, yada, yada....I get it...
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| (Photo Credit: www.huffingtonpost.com) |
What I find most interesting in general about style, which the Miley fiasco exemplified, is the inner phenomenon that takes place when you take on a new look. Or, rather, explore a different side of yourself that was previously kept under wraps with a "safer" style. I personally find it fascinating that beauty and fashion makeovers can completely create a new image for oneself -- especially an entertainer. Remember, when Britney shaved her head? Of course, you do. Well, that was another moment that made my mind spin a bit (which I wrote about in my Spring 2007 Talking Chic column, "The 'F' in Fashion is for Fun.")
I'm curious as to what you think about the relationship between inner self and style. It's basically a did-the-egg-come-before-the-chicken-scenario. Did Miley's rebellious style exist before her outlandish behavior? Or, did her outlandish behavior just need a little help with the right edgy fashion?
Talk to me! Feel free to leave your comments. All perspectives are welcome! If you wish, you can also contact me for further commentary.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
COMING SOON: My Interview with Celeb Fashion Stylist Ali Levine!
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| (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ali Levine) |
As a fashion columnist and staff writer for Agenda Magazine (nearly a decade!), I am excited to give you a heads-up that my interview with Ali Levine will be hitting the Sept/Oct issue!
This celebrity fashion stylist is based in Los Angeles, born and bred in New York, and full of bubbly, contagious energy!
Until then, feel free to connect with her via social media, such as on Twitter and Instagram, where you will find Ali actively engaging with friends and fans. (Tell her the Good Girl Gone Shopping says hello!)
website: www.alilevinedesign.com
Monday, March 11, 2013
Top 5 Celebs Who Make Glasses Look Gooooood...
But forget about needing glasses, "geek chic" specs are being worn by teens and adults for that dramatic, pseudo-nerd vibe. From models and actresses to singers and rappers, wearing a pair of non-prescriptive, funky-framed glasses is moving beyond a simple trend. It's actually become a must-have, staple accessory among people who enjoy playing with their look and making a bold statement. Fortunately, us blind folk can reap the benefit of living among this trend simply due to the fact that there is now a way cooler selection of frames to choose from! (Check out the designer glasses on www.smartbuyglasses.co.uk. Yum!)
These are my fave female celebs who can definitely rock a pair of glasses. I love how this accessory naturally embraces their individual styles, whether they chose these particular frames or their stylist or costume designer is to thank. No matter what, these unique starlets make glasses look goooood:
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| (Zooey Deschanel/ image: www.youknowyoulovefashion.com) |
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| (Amber Rose/ image: www.globalgrind.com) |
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| (Cynthia Bailey/ image: www.wetpaint.com) |
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| (Chloe Sevigny/ image: www.peeperseyewear.co.uk) |
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| (lady gaga/ image: www.handbag.com) |
*Disclaimer: No clue if any of the celebs pictured here wear glasses to improve their vision or do so simply for the sake of fashion.
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