5/8/13

can't live without em'

As we've pointed out in the past, we are certainly not fashion/beauty experts.  But there are a few products that we've discovered we can't live without and we decided to share them with you today to take a break from our norm around here!



We don't get much sleep.  And this erases the obvious signs of that.  At 38 bucks a tube it is so worth it.      One of the best beauty products on the market.  



You know what you look like after a long day at the beach....tan skin and pink cheeks?  This product in a nutshell.  Perfect for summer, too, when you don't wear much makeup but want a little pop of color on your cheeks.  If you're really feeling crazy, pick up this to highlight (or better yet, this which combines all three).  



This is the perfect lotion for summer.  Love that it's a spray and it's super lightweight, too!  I picked up the aloe and the cocoa versions, and neither disappoint!



A former Ms. Tn recommended this product to me, and said it's the best to use any time you're being photographed.  However....it really is very lightweight and perfect for everyday use!  Just apply it with a brush and go light--one coat is all you need unless you're getting ready for a special event!!




This product (we've mentioned before!) is WONDERFUL!  It gives a subtle sheen and can be paired with other blush or used alone as a bronzing/highlighting accent.  If you have never heard of Amy Head you should check her out--great products at a reasonable price!




Though it may not seem like it, we actually love DrugStore beauty products just as much as the next person.  But this lipstick is definitely worth the extra dough and is a step above ALL that we have tried.  The formula goes on super smooth and it hydrates better than a lip gloss.  

Hope everyone has a great Hump Day!!

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5/6/13

southern fashionistas

Lovelies,


Please check out Where The Style Things Are for a look at some of our favorite Southern ladies today!  And please note the kind extension for 20% off at Lissa Mar through May 31 (see code in post below!)

Have a great week, ladies-

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emerald + emerald august

As you are all well aware, emerald is the pantone color of the year for 2013.  We love green.  It wakes up a room, is the BEST color to eat and cook with, and works just as well with white jeans in the summer months as with your Christmas best.  Bright greenery in a bouquet makes it seem instantly fresh and green complements almost every other color, making it a perfect choice for jewelry.







We have a new favorite Emerald thing, too.  Emerald August to be exact, an eco friendly Atlanta based kids line that we came across while preparing our most recent feature (up today!) for WTSTA.  Laura Moylan, the lovely lady behind the brand, got her start making clothes for her twin nices, and transitioned that passion (coupled with a degree from SCAD no less!) to start her own line for mini fashion divas.  We asked Laura a few questions to learn more about her budding young line!


1)  What made you choose fashion design? I have always been an entrepreneur.  From lemonade stands to hosting neighborhood car washes, the idea of having my own business has always been interesting and a major goal.  When I was in third grade I had the idea to start my own line of clothing.  I drew out my first collection and even talked to my dad about helping me get someone to make the garments.  (clearly I was a little too young to start my line then :) ) After graduating college, I moved to Argentina for two and a half years to teach English and learn Spanish (the real goal!).  After missing my family, friends and home country, I returned to Atlanta.  I wanted to learn how to sew so I began making clothes for my twin nieces who were 2 at the time.  I figures I would start with small garments and knew they wouldn't mind if the clothing had imperfections.  I started designing clothing for them, decided to take fashion courses at SCAD and launched Emerald August in the fall of 2012. 

2)  How did you form your business?  I came up with the concept and idea of the line..a "farm to table", home grown idea where the garments would be made in the U.S.A.  We chose to incorporate Emerald into the name to stand for eco-friendly.  I try my best to make all business decisions (as well as in my personal life) as environmentally conscious as possible.  I wanted to start with a signature piece, to get my feet wet and get the fit and production in order, so I just started with a signature tunic and leggings. We will always sell our tunics in one shape or form or another.. I sell mostly wholesale to boutiques around the country, as well as sell on my website. 

3)  What piece are you most proud of? I am probably most proud of the tunic dress.  Since this is our signature item, it is the basis for the whole line.  Who doesn't love tunics!?

4)  What are your plans and goals for this company?? Right now I am working a lot on sales and marketing.  I am adding baby rompers for spring 2014 and definitely plan to make women's tunics and dresses down the line. I have also had lots of requests for toddler boy clothing!  


If you've got little fashionistas (or KNOW any little ones!), check out this line....I bought a few tunics for a friend's little girl last week and can attest to their quality and style!  Happy Monday dear friends!!


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4/26/13

lissa mar + happy friday

We have a treat for you girls today! While working on our Southern Series for WTSTA, we have come across SO many talented designers. You'll have to check out the full feature on Monday but until then we have another brand to watch.


Lissa Mar is relatively new to the scene, reminding us of a more neutralized Lily Pulitzer full of classic pieces that you are sure to go back to season after season. Just looking at the new arrivals page makes me want to head to the beach.  Or a cocktail party, summer bbq, rehearsal dinner, church, dinner date, girls night.....you get the drift.  And bonus points because most pieces are also classic enough to be appropriate for work, which makes them awesome investment pieces.  I personally will be wearing the Gin and Tunic piece, below, for my engagement pictures (which have been rescheduled 5 times btw).





Classic meets trendy in this well made, awesome line. There are big things to come for the lovely lady behind the brand, Missy, so we sat down with her to get a little more insight into her first brand. 



1) What made you choose fashion design?  I have always wanted to be a designer!  I've been making clothes since high school and started selling them to friends in College.  I love making my own prints and wearing them in my own styles.

2) You're relatively new to the scene, but your clothes have a sophistication that makes it appear you've been designing forever!  How and when did you form your business? After college, I spent a few months getting advice from other designers who have been successful and finally started the Fall after I graduated and got a team together and created our first collection - Spring 2012.

3) I'm sure this is a difficult question {we've seen your new arrivals!} but what piece are you most proud of?  I love the "Gin and Tunic Dress" - which is actually how Lissa Mar got started.  I made the tunic with bell sleeves in a colorful print - actually on the 4th of July - sewed it the day before and wore it the next night in Sea island.  After wearing it a couple times that month - I had about 50 orders for the dress!!  So-I thought maybe we could start a whole Collection from this??

4) What are your plans and goals for this company? I hope to have retail stores in different resort locations (including the Carribean!) and eventually I'd love the pieces to be sold internationally. That is our ultimate goal.  I also would love to go into swimwear, kids, and mens eventually.



Keep your eye on Missy and her team--bc Lissa Mar is definitely a brand to watch!  They have also GRACIOUSLY extended to our readers and Lauren's readers over at WTSTA a 20% discount through May 31 on their entire collection....just enter WTSTA20 at checkout!!!  I know I personally will be taking advantage of their hospitality by adding this and this and maybe even this to my wardrobe.  Thanks Missy and Simone (her awesome PR person!) for providing this discount and being so great to work with.  Look for Lissa Mar on WTSTA on Monday, too!!

We made it to the weekend!!

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update:  please note the discount has been extended through May 31 for our readers.  thanks!