Wednesday, September 30, 2015

WCW: Zendaya



It's safe to say our Woman Crush Wednesday this week is a force to be reckoned with. At only 19, Zendaya has starred in multiple Disney Channel television shows and movies, placed second on Dancing with the Stars, released a platinum-certified single, joined pal Taylor Swift in her "Bad Blood" music video, and, you know, graduated high school.


While it's clear that Zendaya is massively talented, she also has a massive heart. An active social media user, she often posts images supporting self-love and confidence. She's known for calling out those who are wrongfully mean to others, and she fiercely defends those who she loves, especially her family. Zendaya uses her platform to discuss social justice and feminist issues important to her. To celebrate her 19th birthday, she sponsored an online fundraiser partnered with UNAIDS and iKAGENG to help three brothers who lost both of their parents.


Members of the media criticized Zendaya's appearance at the 2015 Academy Awards. She had dreadlocks, and various reporters made derogatory comments. However, Zendaya handled the situation with maturity and grace beyond her years, and she used it as a moment to educate others in a positive manner. Last week, Mattel announced a special edition Barbie of Zendaya to commemorate her entire look that day - including her dreadlocks. She took to Instagram to thank Mattel, noting how times have changed and she finally found a Barbie who looked like her.


We applaud Zendaya for continuing to push barriers and strive for something better. We cannot wait to see how she helps and supports more people in the future!


  

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Fall Favorites: Plaid


Fall and plaid are virtually synonymous, and you can't have one without the other. Whether it's a cozy flannel button down or a tshirt dress, there's a way to for everyone to wear it! Here are some of our favorite fall styles.

Plaid Habits Shirt Dress
$114.90

We love the 90s throwback style of tshirt dresses, and the combination with plaid button downs makes it even better! This long look pairs perfectly with your favorite booties or combat boots. No need for tights with this effortless look! For a dash of personal style, add bracelets to make the look your own.
Tartan Plaid Top 
$64.90

Crop tops aren't just for summer! Pair this with your favorite high-waisted pants or skirt for a stunning fall look. If you are still having warmer weather, this is the perfect way to bring some signature fall style into your wardrobe.
Plaid Thing Dress
$108.90
The handkerchief-style creates an effortless and relaxed fit. This dress pairs perfectly with your favorite booties or combat boots for fall! When weather gets colder, add tights and a classic denim shirt. 

 Tartan Plaid Vest

$114.90

Fall looks are meant to be layered! This gorgeous vest functions well as a standalone piece, or can be paired with your favorite tops. For a bolder look, pair the unbuttoned vest over your favorite casual dress.

Office Ace Plaid Jacket
$128.90

This knee-length trenchcoat is perfect for everyday wear. It layers well with virtually every look. And bonus - it has pockets!

What's your favorite way to wear plaid? Tweet us and let us know!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

WCW: Viola Davis



With accomplishments both on stage and on screen, Viola Davis is no stranger to success. Earning her Screen Actors Guild card after a small role as a nurse in The Substance of Fire, Viola has gone on to star in movies including The Help, Doubt, Get On Up, It's Kind of a Funny Story, and Suicide Squad (2016). She's earned multiple awards and nominations, including SAG Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards. A graduate of the Julliard School, Viola has won a variety of awards for her theatre work, including an Obie Award and three Tony Awards.


Viola currently stars in Shonda Rhimes's How to Get Away with Murder. She portrays Annalise Keating, a defense attorney and a law professor. The show follows Annalise and interns from her class as they piece together various cases. On Sunday evening, she made history as the first black woman to ever win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Viola took the opportunity to offer commentary about the diversity issues in Hollywood.



We love how Viola is unafraid to speak about what matters to her and share her recognition with other women, and we congratulate her on all of her achievements!



Monday, September 21, 2015

Steal Her Look: Emmy Awards Red Carpet

Award shows are always an incredible way to see artists come together to celebrate one another, but the fashion is what really makes them worthwhile. The 67th Primetime Emmy Awards were Sunday evening, and the stars brought out all the stops. We chose some of our favorite looks you can translate into your wardrobe.

Sarah Paulson


Sarah Paulson absolutely shined in Prabal Gurung. We love the shape of the dress as much as we love the sparkle. Our Sparkle and Noise Dress gives you the same great shine combined with a gorgeous dark color.

Lady Gaga


Lady Gaga looked classic and chic in her one-shouldered Brandon Maxwell gown. The clean lines create add a simple bit of drama. Get swept away with our One Night Dress for a similar classic look.

Maisie Williams


Maisie Williams was positively pretty in pink in her Ermanno Scervino midi dress. We love the soft pastel, and the sweet and young look stood out in contrast to other dark looks. Be bold with a similar pastel this fall with our So Proper Dress.

Jaimie Alexander


Jaimie Alexander brought serious color to the red carpet in Armani Privé. The colors are the perfect pairing of cool colors with just a hint of red to warm it up even more. Sparkle in our Taste the Rainbow Top for a similar color family and shine.

Taraji P. Henson


Taraji P. Henson showed off some serious leg in Alexander Wang, and we love it! With subtle cutout details and tasteful uses of lace, this look is daring, sexy, and chic. Our Forbidden Love Dress brings all the best aspects of this dress together - a bold neckline, lace, and drama.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

WCW: Jessica Alba




Jessica Alba made a name for herself as an actress, but the billion-dollar business empire she built is what makes her our Woman Crush Wednesday. Although best known for her roles in Sin City, Good Luck Chuck, Valentine's Day, and Fantastic Four, there's a completely different role Jessica is passionate about: mom.


Jessica is mom to Harlow (age 7) and Haven (age 4). Being a mom inspired her to start The Honest Company, which offers non-toxic and eco-friendly home products. The company's Honestly Free Guarantee promises "the company does not use health-compromising chemicals or compounds." When describing the idea behind The Honest Company, Alba said, "Everything that touches you and your family - everything in your home - needs to be non-toxic, needs to be effective and beautiful to look at, and needs to be affordable." The Honest Company offers various baby care products, home cleaning products, and personal care products. Their newest venture will be a beauty product line.


Honest Beauty's website greets visitors with the message they are "honestly beautiful," and the products offered attest to that. One of the most important things about Jessica's new beauty line is the variety of colors the products come in. She acknowledges every skin tone is unique and strived to create products for each one. Honest Beauty offers skincare and make up products.



We love to see Jessica translate her love for her family into her passions in her career. We honestly can't wait to see what she does next!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

WCW: Karlie Kloss


From runways to running to class, Karlie Kloss is on top of the world. The 23-year-old model has more than earned her title as this week's Woman Crush Wednesday. She began her modeling career at 14 and made her mark by walking 64 shows in her first season. Karlie has gone on to work with major brands such as Donna Karan, Christian Dior, Elie Saab, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Karlie is currently the face of L'Oréal Paris and Express, and she covered the September fall fashion issue of Glamour.


Karlie is also well-known from her stint as a Victoria's Secret Angel. During her time as an Angel, she became close with now-best friend Taylor Swift. The two covered Vogue together in March, and Karlie noted that "real friends are hard to find - and Taylor's a real friend. There's nothing better." Since then, Karlie has become a permanent part of Taylor's squad, joining her for numerous appearances, whether it be surprising fans at one of Taylor's concerts or supporting each other at award shows, and was in her music video for "Bad Blood."


Karlie recently hung up her Angel wings and replaced them with a backpack. After completing a two-week course with the Harvard School of Business, she is moving to New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study as part of the computer engineering program. Karlie recently began coding and partnered with the Flatiron School to create Koding With Karlie, which was a program offering scholarships to young girls interested in pursuing computer science and software engineering. In July 2015, Karlie also began Klossy, which is a vlog and behind-the-scenes look at her life.


Karlie's giving back doesn't stop there. The smart cookie combined her love of baking with her compassion for others to create Karlie's Kookies - a special cookie that donates meals through a partnership with Momofuku Milk Bar. The Perfect 10 Cookie is her own gluten-free, vegan recipe, and the sale of each tin donates 10 meals to starving children worldwide. Karlie personally sold tins during Fashion's Night Out, and they are still available for purchase here.


It's impossible to guess what Karlie will pursue next, but we are confident that she will absolutely rock at it!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Fall Fashion Pantone Report

The color gods have spoken - Pantone Color Institute revealed the colors of Fall 2015. The collection, which is called An Evolving Color Landscape, features many earthy tones with a few soft, bright surprises. We broke down some of our favorites for you.



Dried Herb


This earthy olive tone is perfect for fall. It makes a bold statement, but is not overstated. It will pair perfectly with either brown or black, giving you endless combination options. We love it as an accent or as the whole focus of your look. It's perfect to dress up or down.

Olive 3 Button Rolled Sleeve Blouse
Olive Striped T-Shirt Dress

Marsala


Fall is all about reds, whether it's the changing colors of the leaves or this new subtle burgundy hue. We love it because it's more muted than traditional burgundy shades, but it is still powerful enough to turn heads. It looks great with black, but we love the earthy look you can achieve by pairing it with brown.

Burgundy Cowl Neck Poncho

Desert Sage


This soft shade dances between green and gray, and we love it! Another subtle earth tone, this naturally looks great with brown, but we love taking a risk and pairing it with navy. This relaxed and simple tone is easy, and, even though it may be muted, your looks definitely won't be.

Earthy Tie Dye Tank

What Fall 2015 Pantone color is your favorite? Tweet us and let us know! 









Wednesday, September 2, 2015

WCW: Venus Williams


From the tennis court to the classroom, Venus Williams has been earning aces wherever she goes! This week's Woman Crush Wednesday is best known for her accomplishments in tennis. Currently ranked World No. 11, Venus has won numerous titles in both singles and doubles with her sister, Serena, as her partner.


Venus is credited with revolutionizing the way women play tennis and has continued that legacy. She played a key role in a partnership between Indiana University East and the Women's Tennis Benefits Association to help female tennis players earn online degrees while still playing tennis. Venus was the first graduate of the partnership, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from IU East after completing her final class this summer. This is Venus's second degree; her first was an associate degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2007. She has combined her knowledge of both fields to create EleVen, her clothing line that promotes female empowerment and expression, and encourages healthy lifestyles both mentally and physically.


Congratulations, Venus!