Alterna Summer Hair RX

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Keep hair healthy and beautiful this summer with Alterna Summer Hair RX. This perscription strength line of products is enriched with antioxidants to protect from environmental damage while enhancing shine and vibrancy. The result is healthier-looking hair that remains protected, hydrated, and shiny all summer long.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves

This spray provides weightless volume, moisture lock, and a natural wavy texture to all hair types for that sexy, back-from-the-beach look. Formulated with Enzymetherapy® and Color Hold®, a proprietary technology that provides protection from color fade caused by UVA/UVB and visible light rays, including artificial light sources, to extend the life of your hair color and protect from future damage.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Sun Recovery Spray

Instantly revitalize sun-parched hair with this nourishing leave-in conditioner for naturally luscious locks. Deeply penetrates hair to infuse moisture, improve manageability, enhance shine and protect from future damage. Formulated with ColorHold technology for maximum color retention.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Mango Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Refresh hair between washing and save the water for the ocean with this silky, talc-free hair powder. Provides an exotic, fruity scent. Perfect tucked into a beach bag for on-the-go styling to create tousled texture.

Get To Know: Angela O’Brien of Cleobella

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Cleobella is a line of eclectic bags, clutches, and jewelry that reflect the gypsy lifestyle. Bringing modern luxury to bohemian style, Cleobella uses washed leathers, vintage ikat fabrics and recycled antique hardwares, to make these hand-made/hand-crafted styles, works of art. Esteemed retailers worldwide have embraced Cleobella, as they continue to uphold a reputation of being impeccable in quality and unique in design.

Angela O’Brien, alongside her husband Jim, officially launched Cleobella in 2008 after traveling the world for a solid year. The name Cleobella comes from Angela’s Northern Ireland-born mother, Cleobelle. While in Bali, O’Brien was inspired by the unique fabrics and beads at local markets and designed the line’s first piece, the Mexicana clutch. A large wallet with several pockets and zippers, the Mexicana was perfect for day and night. It is now Cleobella’s signature piece.

Angela has since added hundreds of bags and clutches to the line, and has evolved into home decor and jewelry. Cleobella’s first retail boutique is located in Sunset Beach, California. The exotic 1,200 square-foot space is steps from the beach and bursting with beautiful bags, jewelry and clothing.

I had the privilege of interviewing local free spirit, Angela O’Brien at her Sunset Beach boutique.

Me: The first boutique/show room you decided to open locally in Sunset Beach, any plans on opening more?

Angela: We live in Seal Beach, so it just made sense.  I thought – why not just do it here and maybe branch-out later. I can see us opening a boutique in Bali. We spend so much time there and have all the resources. That would be a dream. I have also thought about opening another location in the LA area – I love the Abbot Kinny/Venice area. Also in New York – we have a show room in NYC and are there 3-4 times a year and it would be so cool to have a boutique in Soho. Someday…

Me: Tell me about CARE?

Angela: In my travels, I see so many women working incredibly hard all-day-long. For instance, in India, women pack the dung patties (manure) all day in their beautiful saris – and in Bali women haul huge, heavy water jugs on their heads. I wanted to be affiliated with a cause that would help these women. After all they are the ones who help make my dreams come true –  building and detailing my hand-beaded bags that take weeks to make. So we wanted to give back and specifically donate to Southeast Asia. It just made sense. We also donate to local charities as well because I think that is so important.

Me: Where does your design inspiration come from?

Angela: My grandmother is an incredible artist so I have grown up around art all my life. I have been painting since I was little – I paint with oils. Whenever I am designing a collection, I start with a theme or story. It helps me wrap my mind around a concept. Often times that can be a travel destination we have been to. For example we are heading to India in late October, so Fall 2013 will be inspired by India.

Me: What was the inspiration behind Fall 2012?

Angela: It was Cleopatra goes to Bali. I was envisioning – if Cleopatra was alive – what would her experience be in Bali. The collection is very rich in metallics and suedes, but still has that bohemian, rustic chic feel to it. We just finishing Spring 2013, which was inspired by the South Pacific/Australia and consists of a lot of pastels and neons.

Me: Do you try to keep up with the trends or create your own?

Angela: I don’t have access to the trend reports like bigger businesses do. I tend to sometimes fall into the right trends. For instance, if it is a certain color that I am feeling and it just happens to be the color for the season. I try not to be too influenced because then everything becomes generic and I would rather be inspired by something that is more original.

Me: Who is the Cleobella girl?

Angela: I think she is playful, worldly,whimsical – inspired by life. Our bags are such statement pieces so she has a relaxed, casual style but always adds a “conversation piece”.

Me: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Angela: A lot of my girlfriends are my favorite designers. Right now I am wearing my girlfriends line, Summer of 78. She is a dear friend of mine. I have a lot of girlfriends in the business and love wearing and trading product.

Me: What is your favorite piece you have designed?

Angela: It is still my Mexicana clutch. It is still such a great seller and has become such a signature of our brand. It is very practical and I can recreate it over and over again. The price point is really good for the time and detail that goes into it and I love that no two are the same.

Me: Favorite beauty tip or trick?

Angela: I am a big believer of Organic Coconut Oil. I put it on my hair, my skin – I used it while pregnant to avoid stretch marks, I put it on my baby and even cook with it. I get it from Whole Foods. I have one in my shower, by my sink and in my kitchen.

Me: Where do you see Cleobella in 10 years?

Angela: Well, I would love to expand in other categories. Home decor is my passion. Two seasons ago, we did a collection of pillows for Barneys. We took the inspiration from our bags and made them into pillows, a Mexicana, a studded Nevaeh, fringe, and a chevron design from the Hudson Envelope. Right now we are gearing up for a sale with One Kings Lane. We are doing a collection of Ecote pillows, hand-selected by me. In the future, clothing would be a dream.

Bronzing Oil: Terracotta Huile De Voyageur

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Terracotta Huile De Voyageur

Summer is all about healthy-looking skin. The quickest way to fake this is with Terracotta Hulle De Voyageur Nourishing Dry Oil. This luxurious bronzing oil hydrates the skin and imparts a short-term glow.

The non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula is made primarily of Argan oil to hydrate the skin. Tiny specks of gold and mother-of-pearl provide subtle color and shimmer. Skin is left nourished, smooth and luminous.

The scent is a hypnotic blend of Tiare flower that perfumes the skin of jasmine. It smells rich and exotic, coating the skin for hours.

Guerlain’s Terracotta line uses a Tan Booster technology that prolongs a tan. It also uses Roucou, a reddish-brown vegetable pigment that has been used throughout the ages to intensify color day after day.

This is a great quick-fix bronzing oil, as it washes off with simple soap and water. Tip: Let the product dry completely, as some color will transfer.

Weekend Ensemble: Diane von Furstenburg Jhumpa

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Diane von Furstenberg Jhumpa

Keeping with the romper theme, this weekend throw on this Jhumpa by Diane von Furstenberg. This silk jumpsuit is a fun and playful option for weekend festivities.

The golden amber color is novel and exotic. The silk fabric is delicate and feels like butter on the skin. The shape is flowing and comfortable, perfect for a warm day.

Wear the Jhumpa on it’s own with flats or wedges or pair with a silk cardigan and chunky heels. This beautiful burnish color creates a great canvas for accessories. Style with a ton of gold necklaces and/or bracelets or plant a pop of color and with turquoise stones or red-beaded earrings.

Rompers are a versatile one-piece outfit that is great for weekend wear.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling