This is not about love

The Whiff Co. + Quirky Press just released a limited edition run of handmade cards that celebrate love--the good, the bad and the in between. A bit cheeky, these cards will tell your loved one how you really feel. 

Whiff Co. + Quirky Press Valentine's Day inspired cards

Each card is hand drawn by Mary of Quirky Press. The collection features handpicked shades of black, gold and red. 

Photo by The Whiff Co. + Quirky Press

Photo by The Whiff Co. + Quirky Press

Photo by The Whiff Co. + Quirky Press

If you're looking to write a special love note, check out the full collection. These cards won't go out of style even after V-day is over. 

p.s. we're my favorite

Interview with AnaBell creator of Kettlebell Chicks

I met AnaBell at BodySmith, where she teaches some amazing classes including kettlebells and ropes (if you've ever heard me say Tsunami, you know how sore that class makes me). She recently launched Kettlebell Chicks and because I'm a huge fan of hers and of the movement I wanted to share this interview about how it all started and what it really means. Follow AnaBell on Twitter for updates on the next classes and check out her website.

WHAT IS KETTLEBELL CHICKS?

The Kettlebell Chicks Movement is an empowering program for promoting the physical health of women of all shape, and sizes. We cater to any female who wants to become stronger mentally and emotionally through the promotion of Kettlebell training.

HOW DID IT START?

Although the Kettlebell Chicks Movement has been five years in the making, this is an endeavor just recently underway. It began in 2009 as the result of my own personal journey. Personal training, like many other male-driven industries, has been difficult for me as a female. I began my experience with kettlebell training in 2004. I actually thought I was pretty fit until my first contact with a 25 pound kettlebell. My training buddy at the time would meet me three times a week for one hour. After three months of consistent training, my KB weight went up to the 35 and 50 pound weight. Long story short, not only was I in even better shape, but I could swing and squat and do moves men twice my height and weight could not. My knowledge began to expand, having now the ability to do the different exercises. I was picked up to work at a local Crossfit, assisting the owner Mr. Mike Krivka in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was then sponsored to take my first Crossfit Kettlbell Class, where I met my current mentor Mr. Jeff Martone. I immediately volunteered to assist him with teaching and running Crossfit-Level 1 Certifications. On weekends I would frequently dedicate nine hours on both Saturday and Sunday to assist him. I wanted to learn from the best in order to become the best.

After several years of assisting him, Jeff was kind enough to pick me up as one of his paid trainers (I was the only female). I was humbled to learn that Jeff valued my teaching expertise, especially since I wanted to walk in his footsteps. It’s been four years now since I’ve been a part of his Crossfit and Tactical Athlete staff, but he continues to guide, assist and advise me in my training business. Even though I have equal experience and training as other trainers in the area, I still get passed over by less qualified (male) trainers for teaching opportunities. This is why the Kettlebell Chicks Movement was established. Although I have had the privilege to work with the best in the industry, am knowledgeable and hold many specialty certifications, the men in this industry continue to devalue my skills. My goal is to spread awareness through Kettlebell training because in Crossfit it is the most under-utilized, yet effective tool. And that’s how I see US WOMEN, under-utilized and most effective!

WHO & HOW CAN YOU JOIN?

Anyone can join! Go to www.anabellsfitness.com, click SHOP, purchase a tank top or tee shirt and come train with us on Saturday and Sundays for free!

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A LEADER IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY?

It’s difficult at times, but every time I get a door closed in my face I know I need to tackle my goals even harder to open two more doors.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS AS A PERSONAL TRAINER?

I’ve always been into sports. I played varsity basketball, volleyball, and ran track in high school. I went to school for rehabilitation services with a focus on mental health, and there I gained interest in becoming a sports trainer for the women’s basketball team and had the privilege of traveling with them. I knew then that training would be my passion.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS, IN REGARD TO FITNESS? BUSINESS?

I don’t think I have a big secret. I was raised by a strong mother. We had nothing growing up. In fact I came to the United States when I was five. Not knowing the language and being held back a year was very frustrating for me. I wanted to have friends but because of the language barrier; I grew up having only a few friends. I would barely see my mother as she was too busy working three jobs to care of our family. I watched how my mother would struggle just to feed us. I knew then I wanted more. I was the only one out of four siblings to go to college and, after three months of working in my field, I left to try out personal training. I began my own business one year later. Knowing where I came from has given me the drive to understand where I want to go.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE THAT WANTS TO HAVE A CAREER IN FITNESS?

Entering the fitness world isn’t a piece of cake. For the most part, one will apply to become a trainer at a local gym where there they are fed clients from the personal trainer directors. Although it sounds simple, it’s a slow process. One bit of advice I would give is to be confident and educated. I remember when I almost quit the first time I was asked to go up to a complete stranger and give suggestions on their current workout to help maximize their results. The client I approached was the wrong one…. he not only dismissed me after cutting me off, but yelled at me (“What do you know, you’re just a little girl”). I laugh to this day. Hopefully he hasn’t injured himself from the terrible form of exercising he was doing.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH KETTLEBELLS?

I fell in love with kettlebells after accidentally being introduced to them by a friend. A trainer, Mike Krivka would come work out with one of the trainers on my staff. I was the new kid on the block. Well, the trainer had an ankle injury and couldn’t work out with Mike. Mike didn’t even know my name but asked me to workout with him. After agreeing, and nearly dying, I was hooked!

IT’S FALL. IT’S DARK IN THE MORNING. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP EARLY AND GET TO THE GYM?

These last few weeks have been tougher than normal. But my schedule is also hectic. Knowing that I physically will not be able to workout at 9pm after a full day of clients helps me to avoid hitting the snooze button. It’s all about priorities. I’m not perfect in anyway, but I practice what I preach daily to my clients. I always put my mental and physical health first. Having a background in mental health, and a fitness business, it has become part of my lifestyle. I can honestly say it does NOT get easier as the years pass. I’ve been working out at 4:30 am for five years now. Knowing that’s the only time I have to work my program helps me stick to my schedule.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

What most inspires me are my clients. Hearing my athletes express gratitude and feedback on how they feel and look thrills me. I want to help change lives. And if I’m helping someone feel emotionally and physically well, then I’ve done my good deed for the day.

June Birchbox

 

Opening my Birchbox is like opening a birthday present. This month it really was my birthday! So my Birchbox was extra special.

Here's what I got!

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain

The color wasn't for me.. a bit too cherry. BUT this lip stain was like silk on my lips, i'd definitely be interested in trying another shade!

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris

  I threw this little sample bottle in my purse right away, and it's saved me a couple times already! Sweet, fruity and sophisticated. I absolutely love it, but sadly ... this perfume is outside of my price range.

Jasmine Seven Wipes

These wipes are great! They're like baby wipes, but without that baby wipe smell. Perfect for when you're on the go and need a little help freshening up. They're anti-bacterial and smell terrific, extremely useful in the hot & humid swamp that is D.C.

Mally Beauty- Volumizing Mascara

Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal really knows how to make eyelashes look amazing. This mascara goes on easy, makes my eyelashes perk up instantly. Most importantly, they stay full and glorious all day long, which is hard to do!

Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion

  I am in love with this lotion. I've kept it at my desk, use it everyday, and there is still more lotion to use! It's a Birchbox sample miracle. This lotions leaves your skin clean and fresh, even after you've commuted on the metro through 80% humidity. This will definitely be purchased when I run out.

Overall, I'm very happy with my June Birchbox samples. Thank ya Birchbox, birthday month success! Did you love yours? Can't wait for my July Birchbox!

Wanna see more Birchbox samples? Look at my May and April reviews!

Q+A with Laura O'Dell of Bucks and Does, Porridge + the ODells

Life, Love and Los Angeles

Strolling down Sunset Blvd on a sunny day is always a good time. But one particular day there was a DJ on the sidewalk of a store we'd never seen before...or at least hadn't noticed the last time we were in Los Angeles.

It was Bucks and Does and they were celebrating their 1-year anniversary. We fell in love with everything in the store (they carry mens and womenswear) and the people shopping and celebrating inside. The style is California cool, Bohemian-chic. You can find classic pieces for any wardrobe or a fun stand-alone item to spice up your summer. We were drooling over some hats and a Mara Hoffman bathing suit.

If you can dream it, you can create it

Bucks and Does is run by Laura O'Dell and her husband Jason. Laura studied Merchandise Marketing at FIDM and started her career in fashion making hand-dyed and embroidered tank tops that she sold at a boutique she managed in Brentwood. She met her future-husband Jason in 2001, launched Porridge in 2004 (carried by Anthropologie), they opened Bucks and Does in May of 2013, and recently the husband-wife duo launched their namesake line, The ODells.

http://content.theodellscollection.com/video/The-odells-video.mp4 Video credit: The ODells

We are totally inspired by both lines (Porridge + The ODells), the store, this video featuring our favorite song and the dedication to create beautiful, functional designs!

Here's our Q+A with Laura:

What do you think are key qualities to succeed in the fashion industry?

Dedication, patience, ability to adhere to a budget and creativity by means of finding out what your "niche" is. What makes you different from everyone else.

What is one thing you have to do every day?

Check emails. I get sooooo many.

We love reading about your various types of inspiration -- how do you keep it all organized?

I love Pinterest and Instagram but also use old fashion journaling. I keep a pen and notebook in my purse at all times.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I stop working at 4pm every evening to be with my family. My 2 kids are my main priority so even if I have to resume work after they go to sleep once 4pm rolls around they have my undivided attention.

If you could only design with the colors from one plant, what type of plant would you choose?

Ohh that's a hard one. Can I chose a vegetable? If so I'd pick a beet :-)

What advice would you give to a fashion designer starting out?

Find your niche and make sure you access the competition.

Do you design for yourself or for others?

Both, but mainly for myself.

Here are our favorite pieces from the Porridge line

Visit Bucks & Does

3906 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, California 90029 323 515-7385

Monday-Saturday 10am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 6pm

Now let's go back to LA!

What inspires you to create? What is one thing you have to do every day? Do you miss those Eastside LA stairs as much as we do?

Ever tried Stitch Fix?

Guest post by our friend Jane!

What's Stitch Fix?

I first heard about Stitch Fix a few months ago from a friend, and I was intrigued. When I got an email from Klout about a Stitch Fix perk, I knew I had to try it out!

Stitch Fix is an online personal shopping service. When you join, you fill out a comprehensive style profile with your sizes, likes, dislikes, price parameters, and any other information that will help your stylist (yes, a real person!) select items for you. You can schedule an automatic “fix” on a regular basis or simply log in to your account and schedule a fix any time you want a few new items for your wardrobe. Your stylist will send you 5 items (usually 4 clothing items and 1 accessory). When you receive your fix in the mail, you try on everything at home and send back any items you don’t love. You pay only for what you keep, and if you keep all 5 items, you receive a 25% discount. There is a $20 styling fee per fix that goes toward your final purchase should you decide to keep any of the items.

First Delivery

I ordered my first fix in March, but was informed that I would not receive it until mid-May. The Stitch Fix team has been rapidly growing due to popularity of the service, so they are currently working hard to reduce wait times. I didn’t mind the wait and figured it would be even more of a pleasant surprise when I received my first fix.

I was right! I received an email a few weeks ago notifying me that my first fix had been shipped, complete with USPS tracking number. It was delivered the next day.

There’s something about receiving a package with surprise contents - I couldn’t wait to see what my stylist had picked out for me. I brought the box inside and quickly opened it to find a personal note from her welcoming me to Stitch Fix and describing the items she had selected for me. Stitch Fix also includes styling cards for each item to show you different ways to wear it.

When I unwrapped the simple, well-designed packaging, I was pleasantly surprised to find a pair of mustard skinny jeans folded neatly on top.

I immediately tried them on and was amazed that they fit perfectly and looked great. I usually have a hard time finding pants that fit well, so these pants were a dream come true. Instant love! (Price: $108)

Next was a striped tank with a metal decoration on the collar. Still wearing the skinny jeans, I put this on and immediately loved it as well.

Especially with the occasional San Francisco heat wave, this seemed like a good piece to have. Unfortunately, I noticed that the loop to secure the upper back button was broken, so even though I loved this piece, I ended up sending it back. (Price: $68)

Next was a long, light-weight black cardigan with a crochet back detail, which shows off whatever you are wearing underneath.

My stylist suggested this piece as a versatile lightweight coverup and when I tried it on, I immediately knew that it was something I would get a ton of wear out of, especially during the spring and summer. I happened to be wearing a bright blue tank top underneath (and yes, still wearing the mustard skinny jeans), so the cardigan was perfect for showing off my colorful top. (Price: $48)

The next item in my fix was a cowl neck knit top.

When I first saw this piece, I was drawn to the fun print and color. But, when I tried it on, I hated how it looked on me. The combination of the body-hugging synthetic fabric, the cowl neck, and the half sleeves just wasn’t for me. (Price: $58)

Finally, the accessory that my stylist picked out was a beautiful crystal ball necklace.

I have to admit, I’m not really a jewelry person. I love fun earrings, but when it comes to other jewelry, I have a couple of key pieces that I rotate between. However, when I put this necklace on, I knew I had to keep it. Not only is it pretty, but I also realized that it can be worn two ways--as one long necklace or doubled up as a shorter one. I love the versatility! (Price: $52)

3/5 Stitch Fix Success

Out of the five items sent, I chose to keep three: the mustard skinny jeans, the lightweight cardigan, and the crystal ball necklace. I would have kept the striped tank as well had the button loop not been broken, but instead I sent it back along with the cowl neck knit top. Stitch Fix provides a USPS return envelope for any items you want to send back, so all you have to do is drop it in a mailbox within 3 days of receiving your fix and you’re good to go. Then, you log in to your account to let them know which items you are keeping, pay for them, and give feedback on everything. Your stylist will use the feedback to help select even more pieces you will love for future fixes.

Overall, I was very impressed with my first experience with Stitch Fix. They make the whole process incredibly easy for the customer and I loved the surprise element of receiving my first fix. Discovering new brands is another benefit of the service - I was not familiar with any of the brands in my first fix. In doing research, I found that most of the brands I received do not sell their products online, so I didn’t have to worry about paying more for an item from Stitch Fix vs. elsewhere. I highly recommend Stitch Fix and I will definitely order another fix next time I need a few new pieces for my closet. Here’s me wearing all of my new pieces:

If you’d like to try Stitch Fix for yourself, here's my referral link!

---

Jane Philipps is an artist and apparel industry consultant living in San Francisco. She loves textiles, patterns, and all things fashion related. If you’d like to get in touch, visit her website or send her an email.

Have you tried Stitch Fix? How was your experience?

On creation, inspiration + color with Skyler of NativeDanger

Last November I was sitting in my sister's living room thinking about whether or not there are fashion designers in Washington, DC. A message popped up on my computer screen--her flatmate had sent me a link to an article about a fashion designer in DC. My question was answered.

Skyler Javier, designer of urban menswear brand NativeDanger, is the kind of person you could talk to for hours. Or at least, I could talk to for hours about everything from fashion production headaches to siblings to finding balance between chaos and order. It's refreshing to meet an artist so entirely committed, but yet extremely down to earth. The Native Danger Spring/Summer line is part whimsy, part function and all future perfect--the kind of line that seeps into your psyche and helps produce dreams.

When did you first become interested in design?

Around 2007 some of my sketching and illustration work started to focus on figure drawing. The figures were typically clothed so there was attention to the shape, fold and fit of their garments. I guess that may have been the initial starting point of my interest in design since it was basically fashion illustration, although from an unintentional standpoint.

How do you define creativity?

To me it's a drive to generate, and specifically with the goal of communicating personal and deeper facets of the human experience in a non-verbal way.

What's one thing you have to do everyday?

Zone out and just take a moment to hang out in my head, preferably while listening to some tunes.

Which part of the design process is most challenging for you? Most rewarding?

The most challenging part is the middle stage when you start pulling a concept into reality and you have to coincide imagination with math, geometry and the temperamental physical properties of whatever materials you're using.

The most rewarding part is the final execution. There's singular moment when all the frustration, doubt and stress fade and turn into this rush of a high while you're staring back at a product when it's finished to satisfaction.

What keeps you motivated? And/or Inspired?

In short, ennui.

Your recent collection is very monochromatic and minimal, if you had to pick one color, what would it be and why?

Black because it's never wrong.

what one piece of advice would you give a fashion designer that is just starting out?

Seek advice from established designers who have been successful in the specific category of the industry you're interested in pursuing and force yourself to stay grounded within a realistic business plan.

Visit NativeDanger and other fashion houses and artists at 52 O Street Open Studios this Saturday and Sunday, May 10th and 11th, from 12pm - 6pm.