Spring Essentials: Mint Green

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Just like flowers, pastels return each Spring in unique and modern ways. I am currently loving the mint green color palette. Rich with spearmint tones, icy blues and seafoam-soaked color. This cool-tone brings a refreshing twist to Spring’s pastel trend.

Paired with the right colors, this bluish-green color palette can be quite versatile. Try a cool contrast with basic neutrals or bolder color combinations with bright orange, red and royal blue.

Make everyone green with envy with these Spring Essentials:

Hive & Honey ~ Double Layer Knit Maxi: $59.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Elena Silk V-Neck Top: $158.00

Alice + Olicia ~ Victoria Peplum Dress: $264.00

Current/Elliott ~ Skinny Ankle Jeans: $178.00

Rebecca Minkoff ~ The Becky Jacket: $368.00

Trench Time: Club Monaco Harper Trench

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There are a few wardrobe staples that every girl should splurge on and a trench coat is one of them. Synonymous with Fall, a trench coat is a classic coat that can be worn again and again, season after season, year after year.

Each season, the classic silhouette is updated to suit upcoming trends; cropped, long, textured, printed, metallic. I am a big believer of – if it ain’t broke… The classic design has been around since World War I and is still going strong.

Two qualities of my perfect trench coat are classic in design and beautifully tailored. My current favorite is the Harper Trench by Club Monaco. It features the classic double-breasted style with button closure and belted sleeve hem. The fit is strong but feminine and very flattering.

A trench coat is a versatile fashion piece that can be worn with both light and heavy layers. Rain or shine the trench coat is a classic and chic must-have.

Affordable Accessories: H&M

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Update your look for less with affordable accesories. H&M covers all the trends, basics and frills you could possibly need. From cold weather necessities to staples, H&M is a one-stop shop for inexpensive items.

Leather Gloves: $29.95

30-Pack Bracelets: $5.95

Necklace: $24.95

Cap: $5.95

Chain Necklace: $5.95

Brown & Black Leather Belt: $12.95 (each)

Tube Scarf: $9.95

Spike Necklace: $12.95

10-Pack Rings: $4.95

Headband: $6.95

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.

Festival Fashion Series: Day 1

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With Festival Season approaching, Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series will get you weekend-ready.  This week I will be putting together trends and favorites, from beauty-needs to fashion essentials, for an easy weekend packing guide.

Day 1 starts with the effortless cut-off. Available in vintage/distressed, colored, patterns or high-waisted, there is a selection for anyone. Pair with bright colors and flowing separates or moto boots and rocker-style coordinates. Boots are a great option for being on your feet all day, not only will they look great, but prepare you for any weather hazard. Accessorize with belts, scarves and statement pieces that can be recycled all weekend-long. Finally, the quintessential festival item, sunglasses. Bring a classic aviator/wayfarer or opt for a fun new style or color – Festival Fashion should be fun, spontaneous and unrestrained.

Option1:

Raquel Allegra – Sheer Tie-Dye Silk Tank, J Brand – Cut-Off Shorts, Ray-Ban – Aviator, Max & Chloe – Stacked Bracelets, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots

Option 2:

Zoe Karssen – T-Shirt, Ksubi – Cut-Off Denim Shorts, Ray-Ban – Wayfarer, Mango – Sailor Style Foulard, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, Rag and Bone – Moto Boots

Back to Basics: Layering Favorites

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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.

Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.

For instance,  H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.

Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.

When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite basics?

Spring Forecast: Fashion Trends

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From electric neons to practical pastels, Spring 2012 Fashion Week hosted colorful and wearable fashion trends. From New York to Milan, there were many noticeable patterns and trends from the designers collections.

Shocking Neons and Electric Brights were glowing at Nanette Lepore. Though we have seen this trend before, Spring 2012 viewed a more feminine nature rather than an 80’s interpretation.

Animal Prints and Tribal Patterns were let loose at Michael Kors. A trend that re-invents itself every spring, this season it looks like a lot more texture has been added. A wealth of beading, metal and wood embellish the prints.

Bold Floral Prints sprouted up at J.Crew. Floral prints in Spring…Shocking! However, this season the prints are stronger/bolder and less “pretty.” Bright colors and loud patterns engulf entire outfits, i.e pant suits and jumpers.

Pretty Pastels speckled the runway at 3.1 Phillip Lim. This was the most obvious trend for the season. Washes of lavender, spearmint and blush flooded the runways. A pastel palette in Spring is a charming bouquet of chic and feminine style.