Friday, July 21, 2017

Check Out my Article for Hollywood Glam Magazine: Audrina Patridge Talks About Creating Prey Swim and Summer Trends at Simply LA

"You always have to be ahead of the trends or create the trends.” - Audrina Patridge

Image via Instagram @audrinapatridge

On Saturday July 15, the Simply LA fashion and beauty conference kicked off on the rooftop of The Grove shopping center in Beverly Hills. The fun filled day included celebrity guest appearances, panels, and free hair and make-up samples from the up and coming brands exhibiting at the event. For many guests seeing some of their favorite brands and discovering new products was the highlight of the event. One of the brands exhibiting was Prey Swim, created by reality star and model Audrina Patridge, who attended the event as a panelist and exhibitor for her new line. The actress was so excited to share in an interview about her experience designing the line.

According to Audrina the process has given her a new respect for the fashion industry and her line focuses on customizable pieces for her customers. She takes some of her inspiration from the type of swimwear that she would’ve liked as a teen and has created swim sets that girls can mix and match in different sizes according to their body type. She also had some reversible pieces in her collection as well to give customers even more options for colors and patterns.
This season’s collection was all about high waisted pieces and fun prints for customers to create their own look.

Audrina talked about her favorite trends of the summer saying, “I love all the high waisted, I love that all the 90s grunge with the 70s are in and that people are mixing the two eras and creating their own style.”

And for the SoCal native, the trends from the beaches of LA were another big hit for her summer style inspiration.
She said, “One-piece bikinis are trending, they’re huge! One piece and high waisted, especially with Baywatch, like I’ve been seeing a lot of red bikinis and yellow. And all the 80s high cut bikinis are back in…you know, it’s a circle.”

The actress was getting in on the revival and, wearing a red patterned jumper, told me about her own style saying, “My mom sees how I dress and says you look like I did when I was in my 20s!”

She also talked about beauty saying, “I love that all the natural make-up is coming back and all the natural hair because it’s just natural beauty and, it’s so much easier to get ready!”

And saving time and energy is always on her mind since she’s been working on her line and keeping up with the fast pace of the fashion industry. 

She told me, “I feel like in the fashion industry you never really get a chance to have a break it’s like non- stop. You always have to be ahead of the trends or create the trends.”

But the hard work has paid off for Audrina, who talked about her upcoming plans saying, “It’s fun. We’re showing at Miami Swim Week next Friday so we’ve been working on showing our two collections, casting models and just preparing for it. And then, after that we’re working on spring and summer.”



CdM Exclusive: Toni Ko founder of NYX and Perverse sunglasses

Photo via Instagram @tonikoko
"You don’t have to have just one pair of sunglasses you could have two, three, four, five, six options. You could try a cat-eye, you could have an aviator. You could have fun and wear pink sunglasses or yellow sunglasses or purple ones.”- Toni Ko Founder of Perverse Sunglasses




Toni Ko, founder of NYX make-up and now Perverse sunglasses, is an expert in fashion entrepreneurism and, on Saturday she attended the Simply event in LA to share some of her tips and insider knowledge on the panel titled “Starting a business from the ground up”. Her company, Perverse sunglasses exhibited at the event as well and, also recently opened their 5th store in the Santa Anita Westfield Mall. I spoke to Toni about her inspiration for founding NYX and how it has helped her in developing her latest project Perverse.

Her love of make-up is what first led to her idea for NYX and she started by telling me about the turning point that finally pushed her to start the company saying, “I was 26 in 1999 and I was that girl on a budget and I loved the product that was in department stores but I couldn’t afford it. So, I used to go to drug stores to find my products but, back in 1999 the products were really poor quality in drug stores so my family had been in the beauty business for a while and I knew a couple of the suppliers. And one day, I just said I’m going to start my own cosmetics line that doesn’t break your wallet but still has amazing quality.

According to Toni, as the industry changed she noticed her target customer had changed as well and the quality and variety of products that were available at lower price points had increased dramatically by the time she sold the company in 2014.

She found her next project in a similar style saying, “It’s almost like the same business concept as my previous industry cosmetics, just in a different industry.”

After noticing a missing element in the Sunglass industry, she founded Perverse which she affectionately calls her “newest baby” telling me, “I think it is an industry that is heavily dominated by just a few companies and I think there could be more variety of companies in the business that could deliver more variety of styles at a budget price point.”

And variety is one of her main focuses for the designs for Perverse. She told me, “I love colors, I love the whole matchy-matchy theme where you can match your sunglasses to your lipstick color. You could wear like a bright yellow dress—and this happened because I was looking for yellow sunglasses. I really wanted to find a yellow sunglass that fit my face and I couldn’t find any because every sunglass you see out there is just black brown, black brown. So, I’m all about sunglasses with color.”

The founder, who like many is tired of the same safe and boring styles available now, is all about taking risks and she wants to bring that to her customers as well giving them more options to try out without committing tons of money to one trend. 
She told me, “I want to be the sunglass business for the fashion accessories category. I want fast turnover, fast fashion sunglasses, taking sunglasses and really making it a fashion accessory category. You don’t have to have just one pair of sunglasses you could have two three four five six options. You could try a cat-eye, you could have an aviator. You could have fun and wear pink sunglasses or yellow sunglasses or purple ones.”


And on Saturday, the Perverse booth was full of fun and colorful styles. The Perverse outlook on eyewear will bring a new perspective to the industry and the fun bold styles already have customers getting in on the good times. 

CdM Exclusive: Simply CEO Sarah Boyd launches Simply LA in style

It’s really just one handshake or one introduction that you need to really change your career.” -Sarah Boyd Simply founder and CEO

Photo via Instagram @sarahpboyd


Simply common sense is the best way to describe Saturday’s fashion and beauty conference held on the rooftop of the Grove shopping center in Beverly Hills. The event, powered by Nylon Magazine was full of informative panels, innovative brands and fun networking opportunities, exactly how Sarah Boyd, the Simply founder and CEO, pictured it 5 years ago when she first came up with the idea.

“I was doing PR at the time and I really saw a need for in person connection and to do it in a kind environment.” She told me of her inspiration for the company.

The event was filled with experts and digital influencers from the fashion and beauty industries as well as editors and businesswomen from traditional media such as Gabrielle Korn Nylon editor in Chief, actress Ashley Greene, blogger Becca Tilley and more. Fashion lovers and young stylish consumers were invited to experience the brands that were showcasing their products and get the latest updates on the new and exciting companies that are making waves in the industry including popular names like Planet Blue, BeGalmmed, New Beauty Magazine, BlessBox, Shoedazzle, and more. For the VIP attendees exclusive access to panels with celebrities, digital influencers, and successful entrepreneurs was the highlight of the event. Topics like the business of blogging, starting a brand, and how to kill it on social media were just a few of the insider tips that were discussed.

She told me about her idea saying, “It’s really just one handshake or one introduction that you need to really change your career because you have that one person who believes in you. So, I wanted to make that happen here in person.”

Organizing the scattered and confusing landscape of social media influencers and publishers within the fashion and beauty industries is a challenge that few people have wanted to take on, and it is often regarded as a separate business altogether.

“A lot of this stuff, I never thought it would ever happen.” She continued.

However, providing a conference for consumers who are looking to experience their favorite companies and, industry leaders in social media and digital content, to connect with up and coming digital and traditional brands (and plenty of Instagram worthy photo-ops) was the perfect way to highlight all the things they have in common.

Not one to give up, Sarah told me about getting her ideas from her vision board to a real-life conference at The Grove saying, “You just gotta hustle and persevere and never take no for an answer and it can happen.”
“I network a lot. I always tell everybody at my events you have to network.” She added.

As for her process of finding the right brands to work with at the Simply conferences she said, “It’s people that have a big heart and are kind and share their knowledge. Not a lot of people do that in the industry so I personally handpick a lot of them…I think it’s just through meeting people and if I really feel like they can bring something to our audience that’s how I choose them.”

And she still has more she’s looking to accomplish for the future of Simply.


 “I see doing more cities, more countries. Potentially retreats in the future. Just building the community.” She told me. For now, she’s just been celebrating the success of her LA conference saying, “It’s incredible…A pinch me moment.” 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

CdM Guide: What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise (And how to make it fit in your suitcase!)







Last month I set sail to Alaska on the MS Oosterdam cruise ship and the saying really is true, everything is bigger in Alaska. However, while Alaskan-size King Crab is definitely a good thing, an Alaskan size suitcase is not. That's why I made this guide for a fashionable and functional cruise wardrobe that works for all your adventures on shore as well as gala nights and poolside lounging on the ship.
I loved getting out in nature and seeing all the amazing wildlife of the Alaskan landscape as well as getting to know the people of the picturesque little towns we stopped in. In Juneau, the Alaska state capital, I even got a taste of the local fashion industry when I met the owner of Resolute Boutique, an online store for the fashion forward residents of southeast Alaska. She was so excited to help me with this project and has provided links to some of her favorite looks that might be hard to find in the summer months. Read below and prepare for your trip with tips from an expert! Check out my packing list by city for style inspiration and a specially curated list of all the essentials you'll need for your next arctic adventure!

Day 1:Arrival and Cruising the Puget Sound 


Ralph Lauren Cargo Capris 
Kate Spade Nautical striped tennis shoes 
Kate Spade blue and white striped sweatshirt 

I chose a nautical themed outfit for a day of traveling to the boat because it is light and easy to move in when carrying suitcases and boarding the ship. For the afternoon reception held on the upper deck as we left Seattle, check out this cute maxi dress from Resolute Boutique! It works perfectly for a scenic afternoon on the Puget Sound and will get you in the mood for a relaxing cruise vacation!


Shop the Look 
Lovestoned Maxi from Saltwater Luxe



















Day 2: First Day at Sea and Gala night

Tommy Hilfiger Purple Cardigan 
Call it Spring bright blue wedge heels 
Michael Kors silver sequin clutch 

On board the ship there are plenty of activities so don't forget to bring some exercise clothes in case you want to join in on one of the yoga classes or just hit the gym. I found a pair of capris and a t-shirt were fine for exploring the ship during the day. For the gala night I chose this fun maxi dress in arctic colors, my bright blue wedge sandals, and a matching tie dye silk scarf for dinner.

Shop the Look 
Wearing the Bombshell Maxi, this romantic dress is perfect for a night of music and dancing!

Bombshell Maxi

Day 3: Juneau and the hike to Mendenhall Glacier

Michael Kors gold zipper jacket 
Lucky Brand Jeans Lolita 
Fossil gold detail leather purse 
As we headed through Stephen's passage on our way to our first stop in Juneau the weather did get slightly cooler and being outside on the deck required a windbreaker and my gloves. When we got to Juneau I added my raincoat for an extra layer for the hike to Mendenhall glacier through the cool forest. It did start to drizzle however the rain didn't last long and the hike warmed me up. By the time we got back to town I decided to take off some of my extra layers. Jeans and a sweater were perfect for exploring the fun shops on Juneau's main boulevard. 




Shop the Look
Pro Tip: Weather can be a hit or miss! Pack for drizzling rain and 55 degrees, but also be prepared for 75 degrees and sunny!
The Bridget Boot Cut Jean is perfect for a day of hiking and pairs perfectly with a light raincoat! Plus check out this cute striped sweatshirt for a fun layered look

Pacific Grove Double Hooded Sweatshirt    

Bridget Slim Boot Cut

Day 4: Day at Sea and the scenic cruise to Hubbard Glacier

Express crop sweater 
Guess Jean Jacket 
Ralph Lauren rainbow plaid flannel 
Lucky Brand Jeans Bridgette 
Ralph Lauren sport plaid boat shoes 
Merona black sequin beanie 

We spent another full day at sea as we headed up to Hubbard Glacier. Some cruises might go to Glacier Bay for viewing as well, but either way it does get pretty chilly as you get closer to the ice. Standing out on the deck we got some amazing views and I would definitely recommend a hat as well as some layers. I chose a crop sweater with my jeans, a flannel shirt, and my jean jacket. There were also several places to view the glacier form inside the ship where you could hear the informational talk on the glacier and fjords if you're not up for the chilly breeze on deck. 



Shop the Look

This outfit with jeans, a black tee, flannel, and a hat is cozy and comfortable! Perfect for vacation style!


Day 5: Sitka and Kayaking through Eagle Islands

Michael Kors Royal Blue turtleneck 
Kenneth Cole white jeans 
Salvatore Ferragamo black knee high boots 

Our next stop was Sitka which is the original site of the Alaskan purchase and still has some old Russian structures. The sun was shining all day in this cute little fishing town and temperatures were about 68 degrees at one point so I didn't need much except for a light cotton turtle neck and my jeans. I brought an extra pair of tennis shoes to change into for our kayaking trip and my raincoat but didn't end up needing it. The kayaking was amazing and we spotted tons of bald eagles as we paddled through the green islands dotted throughout the bay.



Shop the Look
Check out the Ellie Lace Up Sweater, paired with the Black Farrow Jean from DL1961 which is super comfortable and easy to move in.





Day 6: Ketchikan and Zip lining in the Alaskan Rainforest plus Gala night


Classic Cozy Sweater
In Ketchikan we also had great luck and amazing weather especially since it is known as the rainiest city in Alaska! Wandering around the town with the sun out was plenty warm without a jacket. However since I went zip lining in the rain forest, I decided to go with a sweater and jeans which kept me warm in the cool trees and higher elevations. After our short stop we headed back out to sea and had another gala night on the ship. Everyone enjoyed the chance to dress up and I decided to wear this ice white quilted dress with my boots and added some bright accessories for a touch of summer. Packing a shorter hemline allows you to use your boots for days in town and nights on the ship.



















Shop the Look

Check out this relaxed sweater for a breathable and stylish look that can work with any adventure you end up on!
Plus this deep blue velvet dress is the perfect way to mix it up for a Gala night and try out a shorter hemline!


Abbot Dress      Classic Cozy Sweater

Day 7: Day at Sea and an evening in Victoria

Guess hot pink button up shirt 
American Eagle maroon vest 
Les Temps des Cerises grey jogg jeans
Salvatore Ferragamo grey flat boots 

On our last day at sea I enjoyed exploring more of the ship and attended their afternoon tea service where I wore this fun nautical look with a striped maxi skirt and a red off the shoulder top. By 6pm we had arrived in Victoria British Columbia, our last stop before we headed back to Seattle. We had great weather and since we arrived on the longest day of the year we had sunshine until around 9:15 at night. I wore a long sleeved shirt and this cute vest with jeans and boots for my trip to the amazing Butchart gardens. I found I didn't even need my hat by the time we arrived at the gardens and enjoyed viewing the quintessential English rose gardens. 



















Shop the Look

Day 8: Arrival in Seattle and disembarkation 



On our arrival back in Seattle we had another warm sunny day and a t-shirt and capris were perfect for getting off the ship and back to the airport that morning.We had great weather but I'm still glad I brought my raincoat and umbrella. Also, check out the list of my essential items below to make sure you don't forget anything important for your trip!

Essentials


Aztec Weekender BagMarlena Floral One Piece









Binoculars

Camera/phone

Umbrella

Backpack

Walking Shoes

Rain Jacket

Swimsuit

Sandals

Sunglasses

Motion Sickness Pills