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OOTD: Winter Flower

This is a quickie I want to get out the door before Leap Day is over.  I really hate having to take pictures in the bathroom what with all the artificial yellow light, but sometimes I just can't get home before the sun goes down.

OOTD: Winter Flower 
Outfit Details
Cardigan: Anthropologie Parted Petals Cardigan (similar Anthro design here, here)
Dress: Anthropologie Kissing Friday Dress (similar here, here)
Boots: Anthropologie Bucolic Fields Boots (similar here, here)
Belt: J Crew Factory (similar here, here)

OOTD: Winter FlowerOOTD: Winter FlowerOOTD: Winter Flower 

I have a love/hate relationship with this cardigan.  It's just so DARN cute, but I can only wear it closed!  The center of the flower is connected to one side of the cardigan, so leaving it open just looks...weird.  

There is a summer version of this outfit.  Check it out (and click the picture to read the post): 



Thanks for stopping by! 

Lotus Premium Denim: Interview Part 1!

 


When I first met the ladies at Lotus Premium Denim, I was blown away.  By their premium denim product, their energy and their positively electric dynamic with one another.  So when they agreed to meet with me at a local San Jose Starbucks and share their start-up story, I couldn't be more ecstatic.  I could sing their praises, but I think their interview speaks for itself.  Let's meet some of the masterminds behind the brand (listed from left to right in the picture above, skipping myself in the middle):

Sarah Coronado - Co-Founder & President
Marie Coronado - Director of Sales
Elaine Reyes - Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Riamae Marquez - Creative Director

Here is Part 1 of these ladies sharing pieces of their amazing journey that began with an annoying shopping experience and ended with a premium denim line.

--
Thessa: Tell me how you got started with Lotus Premium Denim.

Sarah: It started with a personal pain point.  I was introduced to premium denim and loved the construction and the closet investment, but the fit wasn't right for someone with my stature.  I had to re-purpose premium denim ankle jeans for skinny jeans or hem them.  I researched and researched for the right jeans, but couldn't find anything.  So, I decided that if I couldn't find them, I'd just have to start it myself!  We researched aspects like where to get the source denim, how to find the right manufacturer, everything involved in the denim production process.

Thessa: That sounds like a lot of work! How did you keep your motivation?

Sarah: It was.  I met with Marie on May 6th and she asked me how it was going.  She really helped pick up the momentum, trying to understand the obstacles and hurdles.  We had relationships with the other ladies through previous work on start-ups and non-profit work and assembled them as part of what would become the LPD the team.  They all brought their skills to the table and that's when the brand began to build.   We went from team formation to product launch in 6 months.

Elaine:  Each member brought skills that helped different aspects of the company bigger and better. Sarah had the vision.   Riamae developed the concept for and designed the label.  Len knows the operations process.  Marie and I talk to people everyday and love interacting with them, so we're good at event organization and have a lot of connections. 

Thessa:  Who is the LPD girl? What does she do? What inspires her?

Sarah: She's us.  Someone who's determined, a go-getter.  Effortlessly beautiful -- she doesn't have to worry about looking too good, because she already does.

Marie: She's strong and has inner beauty.  Lotus represents strength and beauty within struggle, rebirth.  It's not just the jeans for me, but the lotus itself. 

Riamae: It's a lifestyle.

Elaine: The brand is about strong women who have undergone a lot of things.  Whether school, motherhood, being a business woman or a single woman, she overcomes obstacles.

Marie: Lotus is changing the world one denim at a time.

Elaine: Lotus is changing the world of petite fashion.

Thessa: Why did you pick the lotus as your logo?  What does it represent?

Marie: It represents quiet courage.  The woman who wears our jeans may not say much, but you can see that there's something inside that's really strong.

Elaine: She's powerful, humble.  We wanted a positive symbol.

Riamae: We really wanted to create a logo that could represent the brand without words underneath it. Something simple, elegant. 

Sarah: We want to promote positivity as opposed to just selling sex.  The brand is about appreciating "real" beauty.

Thessa: Tell me about the jeans and the fit.  How did you determine what would work for your customer? 

All (Everyone contributed to the answer) It starts with the inseam.  Not a lot of people know what the inseam is and why it makes such a difference.  Based on our research, we decided to offer both a 28" and 30" inseam. We wanted ladies  to be able to walk out of the store wearing the jeans instead of hemming them.  Then there's the sweetheart yoke.  It emphasizes the bum, make them look enhanced and more proportioned.  We went with slimming colors, clean lines.  Stretch was incorporated into the jeans so that they mold to your body.  Pocket placement was critical for creating ideal proportion on a woman's body.  It was important that the jeans could work universally and be staples in a woman's closet as opposed to trendy.  They should be the go-to jeans! 

Thessa: Your first line of jeans was called Inspire. What do the names of the lines mean to you? 

Marie:  We were all inspired by Sarah's dream, so that was the first line name we went with.

Sarah: We wanted one word that represents our vision of positivity.  We didn't want [something trendy] like "Midnight Roxbury in Manhattan".

Elaine:  The names should represent the Lotus woman.  Maybe the next line is "Empowering" or "Dream".  
--

That concludes Part 1 of this Two-Part Interview.   What do you all think? Are you inspired by this go-getting group of women?  I know I am! Part 2 will talk about LPD's contribution to the community, start-up advice, and up and coming plans for the company.  Plus, reactions to their first TV spot on Adobo Nation!

If you're interested in learning even more about Lotus Premium Denim (besides reading Part 2 of this interview!), you can check them out here.

If you are local to the Bay Area, you can try on LPDs in person at the following locations:

Simply Smashing!
241-B E. Campbell Ave. 
Campbell, CA 95008 

SeeZenn
Store #435
865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 546-6776



You can also keep track of their Lotus Style Lounges around the Bay (champagne and cupcakes whaaat?) by following them on Instagram (lotuspdenim) & Twitter as well as Facebook .

I've actually worn my jeans nonstop the last week or so, but for some reason I didn't take enough pictures.  You can see me wearing my LPDs here.  I have the Vintage Wash in size 28 with a 28" inseam.  For those that use my size as a reference, I think I could've gone down to a 27 for a closer fit.

Have questions, comments, hard hitting questions?  Share in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by! 

OOTD: Taste the Rainbow



 




OOTD: Taste the Rainbow
Outfit Details
Top: Anthropologie Dewpoint Blouse (similar here, here)
Cardigan: Thrifted Banana Republic (similar here, here, fun option here)
Bottoms: Lotus Premium Denim Inspire Jeans (buy here)
Shoes: Old Navy Faux Snakeskin Flats (buy here)
Sunglasses: Maui Jim (similar here, here)

OOTD: Taste the RainbowOOTD: Taste the RainbowOOTD: Taste the Rainbow 

It's been a busy weekend and I'm still reeling from the craziness, so I apologize for the short post today.  This is a comfy outfit for running errands that incorporates an amazing amount of color pop.  I picked up the sweater at a local Crossroads because it reminded me of this Forever21 sweater I saw on a mannequin 2-3 years ago that I completely missed up on.  I know -- I totally traded up with this Banana Republic look alike.  Win! 

I have a post coming up on Lotus Premium Denim soon, but if you like how these jeans look, you should totally check them out!  The inseam is perfect for a shortie like me!  No hemming required :).  

Thanks for stopping by!
 

OOTD: Black and Pastel

It was an amazing day in San Jose when these picture were took.  A light, non-humid, breezy 80 degrees was the perfect weather to take a walk and run some errands.  We visited the post office, got some coffee and a cupcake and just enjoyed each other's company.  It was just...too good.

OOTD: Black and Pastel 

Outfit Details
Top: Anthropologie Tambour Blouse (similar Anthro in a darker blue here,  New York & Co here)
Cardigan: BP 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan (buy here, LOFT here)
Bottom: Jason Wu for Target Pleated Skirt (buy here, dress form at ASOS here)
Shoes: Seychelles Lil Rascal Wedge Pump (buy here, Tory Burch here)
Sunglasses: Maui Jim (similar here, here)
Belt: Anthropologie Gift Bow Belt  (similar at ASOS here, Express here)
Bag: Orla Kiely Multi Directional Stem Midi via Swirl (buy here, similar style with different pattern here, here, here)

OOTD: Black and PastelOOTD: Black and PastelOOTD: Black and PastelOOTD: Black and Pastel 

I totally managed to score the pleated skirt that was part of the Jason Wu collection for Target.  I have to say that the micro pleats are awesome and flow so amazingly in the wind.  I had a girl at the coffee shop say that she liked my dress, so the outfit must have been so seamless it looked like one piece!  The pops of red really finished the look also.  

Since I typically don't take pictures of my bags, I'll talk about the one I'm carrying here.  This is a midi sling from Orla Kiely and I really just fell for the multi colored leaves when I laid eyes on it.  It's great to stylishly tote around my Macbook air, a Moleskine notebook, pens and whatever else without losing too many things.  I pretty much carry this everyday to work and it's a wonderful workhorse staple.

One more day to the weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

Fascinators


Ever since the internationally covered wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate, I've been a little obsessed with fascinators.   I mean, what's not to like about little hats that add panache to an updo?  And when my friend got engaged last year, one of my other friends and I were determined to wear fascinators to her wedding!  And dagnabbit, wear one I will.

The wedding colors are teal and hot pink, so I decided it would be safe to go either way.  If it matches my dress, great! If not, there's nothing wrong with a little color pop.  I also didn't want to go too big -- for both affordability reasons and the fact that I didn't want to look like something was growing out of my head.  So I scoured Etsy, and here are some of the ones I found:


From the ForYouByMe Etsy Shop


From Buds and Blooms Etsy Shop
 
From dannani handmade adornments Etsy Shop

 
From fabfascinator Etsy Shop
 
 From LovMely Accessories Etsy Shop

There is also a lovely assortment of peacock feathers and other colors if you search or them, but these are the kinds I was looking for in particular.  The wedding is in Hawaii, so I thought feathers would be a great light and airy option for my tropical outfit.  

Anybody have other recommendations? 

Thanks for stopping by! 

OOTD: Night Out

When it comes to going dancing in the city, I find it a bit trying to figure out what to wear.  Dressing up is super fun, but I find that the type of dress tend to vary a bit.   I typically waffle between one of the following:

  1. Tighter pants, sky high heels, & a cute, body skimming top
  2. Short skirt, cute top, med-high heels
  3. Dress w/ shorter hemline, med-high heels
This particular time I went with #3.  We went dancing in the North Beach area in Bubble Lounge, but not without a beer at the German restaurant La Trapp.  It was a pretty awesome time!  It's hard for me to stay out so late as I get a little older (boo!), but I love to do this type of thing once in a while.

OOTD: Night Out 

Outfit Details
Dress: Modcloth Foliage of Innocence Dress (similar at Modcloth here, here, Milly here
Shoes: Target Pearce Pumps (buy here)
Necklace: Francesca's Collections (similar at Shop Bop here, Macy's here)
Tights: Spanx (buy here)

 OOTD: Night OutOOTD: Night OutOOTD: Night Out 

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of wearing high heels is that they tend to get stuck in street cracks.  My amazing, Target, nude pumps have been rendered completely useless after stepping in a sidewalk crack! Argh.  A moment of silence for one of my fav pairs of shoes this last year or so .... 

Luckily, Target's started production of this amazing pair again, so maybe I'll invest (can you invest in fast fashion?) in another pair.  

Thanks for stopping by! 

OOTD: All American Color Pop

This weekend was kind of a weird one for me.  I stayed out till 2-3am both days with friends despite having a sore throat.  I ended up losing my voice because I had to conduct conversations at a loud volume over club music.  And each day I woke up at 8am feeling perfectly fine and non hungover.  What's up with that?

OOTD: All American Color Pop 
 Outfit Details
Top: Thrifted J Crew (similar at the Outnet here, Miss Sixty here)
Bottoms: AG Stevie Crops (similar AGs here, here, here)
Shoes: Target Vonne Loafers (buy here, Sperry here)
Sunglasses: Dry Goods (Elizabeth and James here, Cole Haan here)
Necklace: Nine West (similar here)

 OOTD: All American Color PopOOTD: All American Color PopOOTD: All American Color PopOOTD: All American Color Pop 

I thought I'd try to do the whole tucked in shirt and cropped pants trend.  While I looooove the color combination and I actually quite liked the outfit that day, in retrospect, it makes my legs look super short.  I think next time I'll either wear heels or leave the shirt untucked with a belt.  Or both.   Ah well, that's what a blog like this is for right? Next time!

In other news, these loafers were an impulse buy from Target.  The red and patent leather is just too good!  I swear, I can't walk out of that store without spending a bajillion dollars.  

Happy Birthday to all our Presidents!  Thank you for your service to this country :).  Hope all y'all that got the day off got the most out of it.

Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: White Jacket

OOTD: White Jacket 
 Outfit Details
Blazer: BCBG (similar Alice+Olivia here, Arden B here)
Shirt: Nordstrom (similar at Charlotte Russe here, Splendid here)
Bottoms: AG Stevie Cords (similar Current/eliot here)
Shoes: Steve Madden Viscious (buy here)
Necklace: Francesca's Collections (similar Max & Chloe here)
  OOTD: White JacketOOTD: White JacketOOTD: White Jacket

Today's OOTD is brought to you by: "Random things I find hilarious".  I had a funny conversation with a 2 year old the other day.  It goes like this:

Me: Hi! What's your name?

Baby: Nope.

<Her mom tells me her name is Athena>

Me: Is your name Athena?

Baby: Nope.

Me: Ok, well I'm just going to call you Nope.

Baby: Runs away

Babies crack me up.

Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: Peplum

OOTD 

Outfit Details
Top: Target (similar at J Crew here, Burberry here)
Vest: Nordstrom (similar at Heartloom here, DKNY here)
Skirt: Anthropologie Today and Tomorrow Skirt (similar at Kate Spade here, Ann Taylor here)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar at Piperlime here, Christian Louboutin here)
Necklace: Betsey Johnson (similar here, here)
Bracelets: Gifts from Mom (similar bangles here, similar watch here)
Belt: Steve Madden (similar at Anthropologie here, Guess here)
Tights: Spanx (buy here)

  OOTDOOTD
OOTD 

Peplum seems to be one of the big trends this season.  Since I don't really have any in my closet, I decided to "roll my own" as they say with a flowy vest and a belt.   I totally get the whole proportion argument -- creating more volume at the hips makes your waist look smaller, which in turn makes you look all curvy and whatnot.  Still, I just felt like I had a TON of fabric around the widest part of my body.  Still on the fence, I suppose.  Maybe I should get a real peplum shirt and see if that works?  Meh, we'll see how it goes.  

Thanks for stopping by!

OOTD: Tied Scarf

I had a few birthday parties to go this weekend, and I was tired of wearing skirts and dresses.  Not to mention, a bunch of bloggers I read went back to basics and inspired me to do the same.  Or maybe I'm just a copycat poser.  Inspiration, copycat -- whatevs, I'm wearing clothes right?

OOTD: Tied Scarf 

Outfit Details
Top: StyleMint Charlton (similar on ShopBop here, Yoox here)
Bottoms: Express Eva (buy here)
Shoes: Anthropologie Brimming Button Heels (simliar Pour La Victoire here, Madewell here)
Scarf: Missoni via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Belt: J Crew Factory (similar here and here)

OOTD: Tied ScarfOOTD: Tied ScarfOOTD: Tied Scarf 

Have I mentioned on this blog that I love scarves?  Because I do.  And this outfit feels French just because I took a small one and tied it in a knot around my neck.  Yay!

Thanks for stopping by!  

OOTD: Red and Pink

The BF and I celebrated Valentine's Day a little early this year because we're actually both going to be out till pretty late tomorrow night.  We had an amazing dinner (pictures at the bottom) and I got the cutest V-Day present ever!

In honor of the occasion, I wore (like everyone else I'm sure) red and pink.

OOTD: Red and Pink 
Outfit Details
Top: Express (similar at Urban Outfitters here, James Perse here)
Cardigan: Leifsdottir via eBay (similar at Kate Spade here, ASOS here)
Skirt: Anthropologie Whirligig Skirt (similar at Alloy here, pencil version at Macy's here)
Shoes: Anthropologie via eBay (similar at Target here, Jimmy Choo here)
Tights: Unknown (similar here)

OOTD: Red and PinkOOTD: Red and Pink OOTD: Red and Pink 

Sorry about the bathroom pictures -- I had bad time/light management skillz today.   But, here's a peek at what we had for dinner.  We were at Scratch in Mountain View, CA.  

Grapefruit Bliss, Braised Spare Ribs and Sticky Toffee Pudding and Creme Fraiche



So tasty!  AND I'm super full.  I also got an awesome, creative Valentine's gift in response to my constant whining about the lack of art in our apartment. 

IMGP8012 

I totally melted when I saw it.  He apparently got the idea off Reddit (I've also seen similar pins on Pinterest).  I was wondering what he needed the hair dryer for!  I just can't wait to put it up. 

Share your Valentine's Day stories here!  What do you plan on doing/did you do?

Thanks for stopping by!
Pink + Red | Everybody, Everywear