Designer Spotlight: Olive & Oak

Olive and Oak, NYC based contemporary label known for the softest knits and on-trend pieces owned by husband and wife, chats with me in their Garment District showroom about their brand. A fairly new brand, they launched in 2011 after coming up with the name to symbolize good fortune (olive branch and oak trees). They’ve rocketed into the opening level contemporary brand offering chic pieces to the budget savvy.

What sparked the interest in contemporary womenswear?
We’ve always been in the industry; We had a clothing line before and realized the need for more budget conscious pieces. We’re not trendsetters, but we knew we wanted it to be on-trend and affordable.

What did you do before launching O+O?
We had our higher price point clothing line, Priorities.

Where do you find inspiration?
We’re not trendsetters, were trend followers. We do our research to be on the cusp of rising trends. We have a good grasp on our customers and what they want so we try to make it easy for them with everyday wearable trends. We hang on to all of our samples from past seasons and when a style works well for us we just give it a quick update for the new season, as well as adding new styles based on trends.

Who is the O+O girl?
She’s trendy and budget conscious.

What trends are you looking forward to this spring?
Florals, rompers, and cohesive separates.

What’s your favorite piece from the spring collection?
This lightweight black belted vest. It’s such an easy piece to work with.

What are your future goals for the line?
Growth, evolve, and to learn more from our customers.

Any plans to expand?
Not at the moment but maybe someday we could venture into shoes.

Where can you find and buy O+O?
We have an online shop, as well as these stockists across the country.
Growth, evolve, and to learn more from our customers.

Any plans to expand?
Not at the moment but maybe someday we could venture into shoes.

Where can you find and buy O+O?
We have an online shop, as well as these stockists across the country, as well as on PiperLime, NastyGal, and LuLu’s.

What do you think of this brand? Have you ever seen or worn them before? Be sure to check back to see how I style some of their pieces on my trip to Africa!

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I Can’t Help But Wonder Do You Ever Think of Me

One of my favorite things about my trips to NYC, even one of my favorite things when I was living there, was the concept of showrooms. I adore going to a secluded city oasis high above the sky to peruse the styles for upcoming seasons by new and growing brands that are on the forefront of style. During my last trip, I visited The Globe Showroom. While a big post on the other brands I saw there is coming soon, I wanted to share a couple of looks from one of my new favorite brands that I saw there! Deby Debo is a French brand that “provides answers for young women who want to be both feminine and unclassifiable, free, serene, and sensual”; basically, this line was created for Sahra. With wanderlust bones, the collections infuse heavy embroidery with thoughtful beading and quality fabrics in both heavy and ultra light fabrics. The pieces fit in perfectly in any setting, from holiday beaches, or a crazy party, to at a European Cafe or NYFW.  I chose to try on this back chiffon dress with bold embroidery, dreaming of wearing it on another Mexican foray. Below, I also tried on a playfully sheer lace set, perfect for a date night or a fiercely fashion event with gal pals.

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Designer Spotlight: Sheena Trivedi

With the brand tagline “traditional inspiration and modern interpretation” it’s clear that the Sheena Trivedi brand is a unique fusion of her Indian heritage and NYC lifestyle. Her apparel, fused with bold colors, hand embroidered fabrics, and the softest leathers, combine her love of The City and her Western background. With a recently launched jewelry collection as well, the collection comes together with spikes and edge. Below, find my interview where I delve into her inspirations and goals for her brand!




Who is Sheena Trivedi and how did the brand begin?
I was previously a buyer for Saks and a personal shopper and stylist. 2 years ago, in September 2012, ST began as a way to fuse my Indian decent with my own style.
What is your design philosophy?
“Don’t follow a trend, be a trend”. Also, the aesthetic philosophy of “less is more” to embrace subtly bold styles that aren’t in your face.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere. With twice yearly trips to India, I’m inspired by the Bollywood culture, food, and music. I have dresses in my collections inspired by sari’s but without the lengthy fabric to make for easier wearing. I like using brocade too. I’m also inspired by my mother, an accessory designer.
Who do you envision in your wears? Who is your ideal customer?
Women and men who take risks and think outside of the box. Jet setters from all over the world who go from day to night. Versatile styled people.
What are your goals for Sheena Trivedi? One year, five years, eventually?
My goal has always been to open my own store, in NYc, New Delhi, and hopefully Paris. It would carry my own line as well as emerging designers. I want to be an international brand but NYC based.
What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
To be working on my fifth collection right now. So many brands don’t last long or make it far. Also, being sold in many states, as well as being worn by Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and congresswomen.
You have apparel and jewelry, any plans to expand further?
Yes! I eventually want to do it all; mens, womens, shoes…
What are your favorite pieces from the recent collections?
For spring and summer I love the color blocked linen jackets. For Fall/Winter I was loving skulls and had some subtly embroidered into the dresses. I also love the feathered tops, all hand made.
Where can people find/follow/buy Sheena Trivedi?
Online, at Sheena Trivedi.com. We’re sold in a handful of stores nationwide (The Webster (Miami), Jeffrey (Atlanta and New York), Engle Shop (Englewood, NJ), and Maxfield (Los Angeles)). Twitter. Facebook. Instagram.

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Hopeless Girls Still Walk

On hot and humid days like we’ve been experiencing, it’s been my motto that less clothes is better. I’m talking free-boobing ladies! Seriously, on hot days there’s nothing better than throwing on a backless dress and some sandals and enjoying a bit of breeze where you normally wouldn’t get one (no, not THERE you sick-os!) I first fell in love with this dress at PacSun just under a year ago, and eventually found it on super sale at their outlet (after pondering it for a solid couple weeks). Ofcourse it’s a mix between two of my favorite colors, black and chartreuse, and the backless details allows for that nice breeze and a fun way to show off a little ink. Ya Digg!?top/dress from PacSun
Vintage/thrifted knotted maxi skirt
Claire’s Accessories scarf
Michael Kors watch
Nordstrom friendship bracelet
BCBG pyramid stud bracelet
Stein and Blye gifted silver bracelet
DIY neon friendship bracelet
Sandals from Mystique Boutique NYC

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NYFW ReCap (Fall/Winter 13/14)

This is the second season in a row I’ve missed of NYFW; the firsts since I began going in 2008, in which I’ve done everything from modeling, volunteering, dressing, and various other behind the scenes jobs. How did this happen? It can’t happen again.

Thanks to modern technologies, Style.com and WWD I’ve been able to keep up with the shows as they happen which is great! I love all the street style blogs as well and between these media outlets and my friends’, it’s still as if I’m at Lincoln Center or MADE, all whilst in the warmth and comfort of my office desk.

Now, since I’ve been able to keep up I’ve garnered some decent opinions and reviews!  While I was sadly unimpressed by the simplicity of many collections, including Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, and Alexander Wang (come on, guys, I was expecting a little more “oomph”; prints and fun silhouettes!), there were some collections that blew me away, as well as certain stand out pieces from collections.

**Click on the images to make them larger!**

First up, a long time favorite, Alice and Olivia. I covered the presentation a few years back and I’m always in love with the flirty femininity and cohesiveness of Stacey Bendet’s designs. This season was no exception; the perfect mix of edgy punk, equestrian, and holiday dressing for next seasons colder months. The tartan plaids show the comeback of 90s trends, while accents of lace and fur offer romanticism and cozy warmth, all together. My favorite look is the open back black lace gown, hubba hubbbaaaa.

Keeping with the 90s comeback trend, Rodarte’s collection had me nostalgic for the tie dye and acid wash summer camp apparel of my youth, but in more ‘fall’ hues and grown up styles. But really; acid wash denim printed silk? Tie dye printed nylon?!  I can get behind that. And the creeper-stilletto hybrid shoes: GET IN MY CLOSET. NOW. I’m serious.

Oscar. Oh, Oscar. Fun fact: despite my punky facade I have an addiction to ball gowns. I own about 5; I only went to one prom. This season’s collection from Oscar De La Renta was nothing short of breathtakingly spectacular. From the saturated hues to the detailed work, tonal gauzey gloves, and even the equestrian hats, it was LOVE. My favorite look is definitely the caped plum ensemble, little red riding hood goes goth, yea? Does this lines’ exceptionalaity have anything to do with the lent hand of John Galliano? Most likely.

Now, on the opposite side of the spectrum and back to my punk preferences, Jeremy Scott kept up his usual game. Also heavily 90s inspired, his sweaters are cheeky and graphic; one of each please!? I foresee Rihanna in some of these pieces, but her and I should both be leaving the head-to-toe lemon-lime fur at home, or maybe in the showroom.

More favorite looks from NYFW: Pearly irridescents at Nanette Lepore, fall hued mirror prints at Tracey Reese, gorgeous pattern play at J.crew, loud and proud ode to New York at Kate Spade (and who can resist the sweet prints, pun intended), and accentuated hips at Vera Wang.

Other notable points from NYFW? Both Betsey Johnson and Kenneth Cole sent their models down the runways on cell phones; oh the 21st century. There’s been an emerging trend both on the runways and on the red carpet of diamond cleavage; you know, what Kate Hudson and Katy Perry were recently seen in. Yea, that; subtle yet trending and with bazonkas like me, this is a trend I’ll definitely be trying. Plenty of tiered ruffled full length skirts counteracted full, shorter circle skirts. Color trends look to be tonal reds all around, deep muted blues, and plenty of black and white neutrals.

While that’s all for NEXT year’s cold wintry months, I’m ready to start looking forward to THIS spring! Stay tun ed for wishlists and outfit posts from yours truly ❤

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Classy Gal

One of my favorite things about myself is my versatility. Today, I flipped my hair, covered the shaved bit, threw on a more conservative summer dress and some sparkly jewelries, and called it a day. This alter ego is usually reserved for job interviews, important meetings, or court (oh, parking tickets), but today I just felt like being a little classier.

It’s funny how society can view and treat you differently based on your aesthetic sometimes…Scratch that, most of the time. If you’ve been following anything on the news lately, though, you may have seen the handsome mohawked man landing a robot on Mars, and that really got me thinking about how the times they are a-changing. So, for a good read if you’re curious or into the rebellious look but want to keep your job, please head on over to FemInspire and give my latest article a read!

Banana Republic dress

Mystique Boutique (SoHo) shoes

Michael Kors watch

bracelet from BeachOlogy in Old Orchard, Maine

Forever 21 ring

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Heat Wave

Back in the city that is my church, at long last. All is going well, save for a minor mishap of falling on my head. Also, let’s state the obvious, IT’S SO HOT. I wore this outfit Wednesday to a few meetings, hair up and staying cool. On hot days like this you NEED to protect your eyes from the sun, and why not with a stylish pair of sunglasses? SmartBuyGlasses offers great prices on amazing brands, including my favorite, Ray Bans! Similar to the ones I’m wearing in this post, these white wayfarers are a great summer pick. Other great brands they offer? D&G, Prada, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and everything else you could ever want, so be sure and check them out (and save 25%-30%!)

Thrifted/vintage top

H&M skirt

Michael Kors watch

Forever21 bracelet

Sandals from Mystique Boutique, Soho

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Homesickness

It’s been a long two and a half months away from my New York City; a long tumultuous few months. But pending review from my primary doctor tomorrow, I should be back staring at the skyline from the Brooklyn coast the beginning of August! For now, a few visits and this tee shirt shall suffice.

Thrifted/DIY top

DIY Levi’s shorts

Jessica Simpson boots

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A bit of color on a Gray day

It’s been dull and gray for a few days now, here, and I’ve been going a little crazy! So this morning I decided to put all the color I wish was outside onto me.

Rue 21 jeans

Top from Necessary Clothing in Soho

H&M Jacket

DIY slouchy clutch

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Taxes Haul (video)

My mom and I went shopping!

Also purchased: Magazines and bath bombs. and drinks…

Stay tuned for the outfit post and how I wear these new purchases!

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