Style Profile: A STLYd LIFE

It's been a while since I've done a style profile, but I really enjoy interviewing the talented bloggers, artists and entrepreneurs I meet in real life and throughout the blogosphere.  Expect to see more interviews this spring and summer here on Shen Dove Style.  I met DeAnna and Diane of A STYLd Life at a recent fashion event in Philly and thought you all would like to learn more about these stylish entrepreneurs and bloggers.  These talented ladies are a triple threats with their cool T-shirt line, styling business and blog.  Now on to the interview!

Shen Dove: I think it's great that you decided to launch your blog and other endeavors together. Why did you decide to start your blog and , T-shirt line, and styling business together?

A STYLd LIFE: We originally partnered to design a fashion tee line to help support our mentor’s nonprofit organization. After beginning the journey we realized that sharing our lives on a personal platform would inspire and empower women to do the same.

DeAnna and Diane's Solid Stitch T-shirt line

Shen Dove: What is your favorite aspect of doing styling for clients?

A STYLd LIFE: We have a lot of fun creating the aesthetic for campaign shoots, styling music artists and public figures. However, we find the most joy working with everyday people, guiding them to discover and embrace their personal style.

Shen Dove: Where do you draw your style inspiration from ?

A STYLd LIFE: Our style inspiration is drawn from the effortless, sexy and apologetically bold women that we admire from different walks of life. Such as, Rachel Roy, Sheikha Mozah, Michelle Obama, Misty Copeland, Jeanette Jenkins just to name a few.

Shen Dove: What was the initial inspiration behind your t-shirt line?

A STYLd LIFE: The initial inspiration was to use our creativity and passion to support a vision that has the potential to change communities across the country. We also use this outlet to inspire others to recognize and fulfill their purpose in society.

DeAnna

Shen Dove: How has the places you've lived influenced your style and creative endeavors?

A STYLd LIFE: Traveling has had the most impact on our creativity and style. Living in the South Pacific the atmosphere was so laid-back and free, my [Diane] eyes were opened to a whole new way of being-how people dressed, how they enjoyed meals and community.  For me [DeAnna], experiencing the European culture pushed me to embrace my personal style-dressing how I feel. The cultural diversity and importance of family sparked my interest in becoming well-rounded.

Shen Dove: As bloggers and web-based entrepreneurs, you are probably constantly connected to others with gadgets and technology. Do you have any low-technology or no-technology hobbies that you enjoy?

A STYLd LIFE: OF COURSE…Thumbing though the latest issues of my [DeAnna] favorite fashion magazines is the perfect way to disconnect and unwind. NATURE, NATURE, NATURE for me [Diane]. There is nothing like the sun on your face, a cool breeze and the fresh smell of the outdoors to decompress and let everything go. 

Shen Dove: What are your favorite local shopping destinations, sites or restaurants?

A STYLd LIFE: In terms of shopping, we are obsessed with indie boutique, Kembrel and vintage shopping with The Katacomb. Restaurants…how do we pick just one! Being the foodies that we are, we love late-night sushi at Raw, Saturday brunch at Honey’s Sit & Eat, and Zin Burger for wine & kobe beef (Veggie for Diane).

Diane

Shen Dove: Do you have any quotes, sayings or rules you try to live by? If so, what are they?

A STYLd LIFE: Our number one mantra is to embrace who you are at your core and walk that out in every aspect of your life. Find your purpose and work the hell out of it! A quote that inspires us is

“THINK ahead, WORK ahead, and then be patient while your life catches up.” –Christian B. Winters

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview ladies!  Be sure to bookmark A STYLd LIFE to see their latest T-shirt collection and blog. DeAnna and Diane are having a launch event for their Spring/Summer T-shirt collection next month, so if you are a Philly local or visitor, see the event details here.

Decor Inspiration: Small Space, Big Style

Top Left/Top Right/Bottom Left/Bottom Right

I moved to a small space earlier this year, and I'm slowly starting to decorate.  I'd like my home to  reflect my style aesthetic. So when I was stumped on inspiration, I do what many of us do when searching for inspiration these days...I started a pin board.  Here are a few of my current favorites.  I'm loving white walls with pops of colors on artwork these days.

Style Inspiration: Shala Monroque

I'm certainly not the first person to be inspired by the style of Shala Monroque and I won't be the last. Shala is the editor-at-large of Pop Magazine and her style has been lauded all over the Internet and in fashion magazines like Harper's and Vogue.

Shala has a penchant for bold colors and global ethnic and creatively detailed accessories that I love. I'll definitely keep her style aesthetic in mind when I'm "allowed" to shop again after the 30 for 30, which will be just in time for spring!

Images via Harper's Bazaar and Fashion Bomb

Style Inspiration: Giovanna Battaglia

Images via Garance Dore, The Sartorialist, RDuJour , The Fashion Spot

I have been pretty uninspired by the contents of my closet, but really cannot bear to buy anything for myself when I haven't purchased a single Christmas gift yet...whoops! So I decided to look at the style of a lady who is not a stranger to anyone who reads fashion mags or fashion/street style blogs, Giovanna Battaglia, former model and fashion editor of L'Uomo Vogue.

Spring Time Looks

Click to enlarge

Photos via Style.com

The recent blizzard has me wishing for warmer weather. Here are some of my favorite Spring time looks from designer Tracy Reese.

My (Belated) Style Resolutions for the New Year

I love the begining of a new year, because it's an opportunity to make goals or resolutions for what I'd like to accomplish in the New Year. I've written about my personal, career and financial resolutions a few weeks ago on my other blog, but I also have a few style resolutions:

1. Remix more of my clothing items. Reading style/fashion blogs and magazines has become a regular source of inspiration in remixing my existing wardrobe and I'd like to continue to remix items in my wardrobe in ways I've never worn them instead of buying new items when I feel uninspired. It's fun to look back on photos of the different ways I've worn clothing items and think up future ways to wear them.
2. Learn basic sewing skills. Clothing fit is always going to be a problem for me because I am short. I can't even tell you how much money I've spend over my lifetime on clothing alterations. I'd like to learn how to do basic heming and create one piece of clothing before the year 2010 ends. Sewing could save me money and become a creative outlet. This goal is feasible because I actually received a small sewing machine as a Christmas present!
3. Rely less on big-box retailers. I feel that at the age of 25, I am just developing my sense of style and nothing makes me cringe more than seeing another girl walking down the street wearing the same exact clothing items as me. Now I know this is bound to happen sometimes, but shopping in places that aren't big-box retailers should cut down this occurence. Seeking out thrift and vintage stores instead of shopping where every other person in my age demographic shops will prevent me from cringing when I see someone wearing my exact outfit as often and is actually a "greener" way to get my fashion fix.
4. Cut out the mindless impulsive shopping. I am a bit of an emotional spender and when I get bored or upset about anything, I tend to shop. H&M and Target are the main places I head to when I've feeling down. Some people eat when they get upset, I shop. I never spend a lot of money at one time, but all of the money I spend on mindless shopping could go toward other goals like traveling or paying off debt.

These style resolutions are realistic and will force me to be more creative in the way I dress. Fashion should be accessible to everyone no matter your price point and I continually like to inspire myself and others to feel the same way; my resolutions are just one way to hold me accountable to that belief.

Arlenis Sosa In Feb 2010 Issue of Harper's Baazaar

I love the stylish, on-trend looks that Arlenia Sosa is wearing in this editorial in the Feb. 2010 issue of Harper's Baazaar. Leopars print, stripes, lace-up boots, black/white accents; these are all looks I will incorporate into my Spring/Summer wardrobe. The best things about these looks are that I can create most of them with items I already own. That's so important for a budget-conscious girl like me.

On another note, the frigid temperatures we're currently experiencing in D.C. make me wish Spring would hurry up and get here. Maybe I should get a bike too...


Images: Harper's Baazaar via Fashion Bomb