Links We Love: Reading Material For Your Trip To #CreateCultivateATL
Reading material for your trip to Create & Cultivate ATL.
#CreateCultivateATL is tomorrow, and we can't contain our excitement!
We've been busy all week preparing to bring you our most spectacular conference yet, and if you've been busy like us, you might not have had a chance to look over the news this week. Don't worry, we're just as excited, but it doesn't mean we have to put staying-in-the-know on pause. Check out our favorite links this week below:
Michelle Obama 2020: Her speech at Hillary Clinton's rally yesterday left us speechless.
Chobani is leading the way for new parental leave policies in business.
Samsung just can't catch a break. Sayonara, Galaxy Note 7.
If you're in digital marketing, you're gonna want to see these stats ASAP.
Obsessed with the new Mac smell? There's a candle for that.
Never Have A Fashion Emergency Again
Avoid a wardrobe disaster.
Source; 9 to 5 Chic
It’s 5pm and you’re wearing the outfit you spilled your sad desk lunch all over. You have a drinks meeting with a client at 6pm and no time to head home to change. Do you cancel and thereby run the risk of losing new biz, or do you reach into your cubby and pull out your emergency outfit? Yeah, it’s a thing for boss ladies everywhere.
From desk to drinks. Or desk to holiday rooftop parties, there are a few key items you need at in case of a work fashion emergency. And if you need it, it can probably be #foundatsimon. Simon is the name behind America’s iconic shopping destinations. Chances are, your favorite mall is a Simon center.
With their help we’re rounding up five items you should stock at your desk for those ”just in case” moments. Because you never know when you need to show up and give them a fashion show down.
1. DRY SHAMPOO FOR LAST MINUTE TOUCH-UPS
This lands at the top of every fashion emergency checklist because it’s the most important. Dry shampoo is your ultimate hair saver. Maybe you didn’t have time in the am to wash, maybe you did-- and just didn’t feel like it. Spray it-- don’t say “no thanks” to an opportunity because your hair doesn’t feel up to it. No excuses, least of all having to wash your hair.
2. A SMALL CLUTCH IN THE SEASON’S LOGO MANIA TREND
If you cart a work bag or backpack to the office and last minute dinner or drinks pop up, keeping a clutch or small shoulder bag in a cubby will allow you to leave your bigger bag at the office. Transfer the items you need that night to the smaller purse, and head out without feeling like you’re lugging along your weekender. Bonus: all your office stuff and very important papers are already there come next morning. Opt for a color that pops like the Gucci red leather GG Marmont Shoulder Bag.
3. NAIL POLISH REMOVER WIPES
You’ve been typing all day and still didn’t manage to notice your cracked and chipped mani. We get it. You’re that focussed on the grind. But 6pm has arrived, dinner with a potential client is looming and your mani is not cutting it. You’ve got three minutes to wipe it off and head out the door and make an impressive first impression. Grab a set of Instant Nail Polish Remover Wipes at Sephora. They will quickly and easily remove even the darkest colors.
4. AN EXTRA OUTFIT
If it seems excessive to you, think about how many times you’ve spilled on yourself when you have to take a conference call at your desk. Instead of relying on a stain removing stick, which sometimes works and sometimes makes smudges worse, why not opt for chic evergreen outfit? A pair of high waist, dark wash Levi’s from Anthropologie fit just about any situation. A pair of white mules are simple and stylish to slip into. And an off-the-shoulder men’s shirt.
No one will ever know you spilled your 3pm caffeine pick-me-up all over your pants.
5. MINI SEWING KIT, SAFETY PINS & FASHION TAPE
If you’re not in a rush Simon has tailors on site for alternations. But if you don’t have time to swing by, make sure that you have a mini sewing kit handy, with needle, thread, fashion tape, and safety pins. You never know when a strap might break or a button might pop. Fix it on the spot and then head out to pop that bubbly and close that deal.
And if you'll be at C&C Atlanta this week, you can stock up at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, two amazing Simon centers with retailers ranging from Sephora to Chloe.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips, go to SAID, the online destination for the style conscious. Here, you’ll discover the best in fashion, beauty, culture, food and design because style really is a lifestyle. So start exploring. Get inspired. Be heard. If it’s worth talking about, you’ll find it on SAID.
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Links We Love: Pinksourcing, SNL's first Latina comic, and what is a "lady"?
Cheers to being unapologetically a "lady."
It's Friday, and you've been so overwhelmed with work that you haven't had a chance to look over your Facebook feed. Maybe you just needed to look at a few puppy videos to get you to Friday and completely ignored everything else.
Don't worry - we've got you covered with what you missed and what helped make headlines this week:
Kudos to H&M to celebrating the unapologetic lady in their new commercial.
So what is the definition of a "lady"?
Speaking of ladies, have you heard of "Pinksourcing" your business?
Pinksourcing shows the realities of women working in the US, yet women are scolded for working while sick and taking time off for being sick. Point and case this week: Hillary Clinton.
Speaking of women in politics, here's how Obama's female staffers came up with a brilliant strategy to make sure their voices were heard.
Meanwhile, women continue to battle the wage gap. While many of them do ask for raises, they still don't receive them.
However, progress is still happening one way or another: Melissa Villaseñor is just got cast as SNL's first female comic. And OMG, is her Owen Wilson impression the best ever.is her Owen Wilson impression the best ever.
NYFW is almost done, but we're not over the fact that THINX just put on the most empowering anti-NYFW event. Bravo Miki Agrawal.
For the LULZ, remember that guy that tried to say how you should eat Phô? Well, this response is even better and just as ridiculous.
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NYFW: Our 10 Favorite Female Designers From Day 1 & 2
10 under-the-radar designers that are setting the tone for next Spring.
It’s that time of year when New York Fashion Week takes over our Instagram feeds, fashion bloggers give us a sneak peek on who and what’s walking down the runway, and all the news outlets are telling us what to wear next Spring.
While we can always expect the best from top designer labels like Tommy Hilfiger (who is unveiling a pretty exciting collaboration with Gigi Hadid), Rodarte, Altuzarra, Jason Wu, and Calvin Klein, there are some fly under the radar designers that deserve the equal recognition as the rest of the top fashion houses. Not only that, in an industry that is dominated by male designers, we’re glad to see that there’s an abundance of female designers that are setting the tone for spring trends and bending the rules of a typical runway show.
We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite female designers that have been showing their amazing designs so far at NYFW - check them out.
1. Cinq À Sept NYC
If you follow Create & Cultivate Dallas alumni Natalie Suarez on Instagram, then you might be familiar with the New York-based label Cinq À Sept NYC. If it doesn't ring a bell, her and her sister Dylana wore these awesome “Suarez Sister” jackets to their presentation.
Spearheaded by Jane Siskin who introduced the brand last year, it is one of the brands that are offering some of the most beautiful designs for their S/S 2017 collection. Cinq À stays true to its name in delivering designs that are perfect for late afternoon/happy hour gatherings, the French way.
2. Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson’s collection will make you feel like you’re walking into a garden dream. This theme was present in her AW 2016 show she had this past February and it remains consistent in her SS 2017 collection, with a refreshing update.
The New-York based designer stunned NYFW yesterday with her beautiful bohemian collection with beautiful colors, free-flowing fabrics, and cozy knitwear that is destined to be a Spring 2017 must-have.
See more from Ulla's collection here.
3. Creatures of Comfort
If there is a collection that we will be sure to wear in the office, it is Jade Lai’s Creatures of Comfort S/S 2017 collection. With its fresh and bright minimal color palette and structured designs, it is a minimalist’s dream come true.
4. Misha Nonoo
Misha Nonoo loves to bend the rules. Last year, she skipped NYFW to take her show off the runway and put it right on Instagram. Her bold move received much critical acclaim, which was a perfect strategy for today’s digital age.
This year, the tech-savvy designer didn’t disappoint in giving her digital audience what they wanted, and she revealed her new collection via Refinery 29’s Snapchat in a Live Lookbook that we can’t get enough of. You can view the full roll-out of her Snapchat cookbook here on her Instagram.
5. Rachel Comey
Rachel Comey has been in the game for 15 years now, and her designs today are just as refreshing as when she debuted at NYFW 2001. However, in the 15 years that she’s been a designer, she’s grown so much from not knowing what a line sheet was when she was preparing for her first show to having Tracee Ellis Ross headline her fall 2015 dinner.
Now for her label’s 15th anniversary, Rachel stepped outside of the box with her S/S 2017 runway show, by embracing the influence of streetwear and putting her show on the sidewalk outside of the Crosby Hotel. It’s a short step from the Lincoln Center, but a big move for traditional NYFW runway shows.
6. Claudia Li
It’s 2016, and more and more people are embracing unisex fashions that break away from typical gender constructs. And no, that’s not to say that Claudia Li’s S/S 2017 collection has taken the “boyfriend jean” to a new extreme.
Claudia Li’s fourth collection includes 25 pieces that are meant to defy what’s considered feminine and masculine with boxy and oversized pieces juxtaposed with soft tones and floral detailing. Safe to say her collection is a tomboy’s dream come true.
7. Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Alejandra Alonso Rojas’s Spring 2017 collection was able to bring a different level of minimalism and sophistication to NYFW. Alexandra’s inspirations for this collection were her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, which is evident in its vintage yet modern feel. Safe to say that this will be one of our office favorites that are perfect for those that want to embrace a “nonchalant aspect of dressing up.”
8. Noon by Noor
Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa joined forces to create Noon By Noor in 2008, and 8 years later, their vision has grown into a cool and cohesive label that was evident in their NYFW runway show this week. This collection is another minimalist’s dream come true with its limited color palette, yet their use of textures and sheer fabric definitely amplify a sense of variety in the collection. Based on previous collections, the Al Khalifa cousins have met a new level of sophistication in their new collection that we’re loving.
9. Michelle Helene
Fresh-face to NYFW Michelle Helene might be new to the scene, but her designs speak volumes to her knowledge of design. It's evident that tulle and sheer fabrics are going to be a must-have next Spring, and Michelle is no stranger to that. With her mixing matching colors, tribal-inspired patterns, and fabrics, her collection maintains a cohesiveness that is seen in seasoned designers.
Michelle Helene, you're going places.
10. Tanya Taylor
Last but not least, one of our favorites this week was Tanya Taylor’s beautiful and colorful SS 2017 collection. Layers and crochet details are in and we’re not mad at it at all, especially if Tanya set the bar with her amazing collection. Also, the colors in her presentation this week might just flood into every aspect of our Spring color palette, because all we want is to embrace the feel good vibes of her collection.
You can view her full collection here.
What are some of your favorite collections thus far at NYFW? Let us know below.
Flatlay The Right Way with Bar III
The 5 keys to help you nail down your flatlay.
Behind every outfit flatlay, there is a simple science to follow to make it the best styled flatlay you can create. More often that not, flatlays either include WAY TOO MANY OBJECTS, objects aren’t placed symmetrically or have a rhythm, have too many colors going on, or just looks like a closet threw up.
Just in the way you would get yourself Instagram ready for a photo, give the same love to your clothes when styling a flatlay. We took a few styling tips that we’ve learned from Paola Alberdi of Blank Itinerary and Bar III’s Instagram feed, that will amp up your flatlay game 100%.
STYLE YOUR OUTFIT AND SET THE THEME.
Before you start styling your flatlay, first style your outfit. Once you have your whole ensemble ready and have set what the theme it is that you want for your outfit. Is it a daytime outfit, or something a little more elegant? Do you want to stick to two or three colors to give your outfit a cool feel, or so do you want to show that it’s a perfect summertime outfit?
Whatever theme you choose, keep that in mind and start framing your flatlay around that.
CHOOSE A PLAIN CLEAN BACKGROUND.
TGIF
Dress: Bar III Three-Quarter-Sleeve Split-Neck Shift Dress
Shoes: Bar III Wiley Cutout Ankle Booties
You already have your outfit set, so the second most important factor is your background. You want to make sure that it’s clean, bright, and won’t distract your flatlay with the background. It’s best to stay away from pattern backgrounds, so if possible, use a plain background, a wood or concrete floor, or even a marble top.
DECOR & ACCESSORIZE.
Just because you’re styling a clothes flatlay, it doesn’t mean that you have to decorate your flaylay with just clothes and accessories. Remember to stick to the theme of your flatlay and decorate with pieces that bring out certain colors in the flatlay, and complete the look.
For this look, which is a daytime office piece perfect for a client meeting, we added a planner to bring out the blue hues of the heels, along with some blue marble coasters because #whynot.
Client Meeting
Top: Bar III Lace Fringe Crop Top
Bottoms: Bar III Culotte Pants
Shoes: Bar III Suede Pumps
STYLE TO FRAME YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED
Since most flatlays are restricted to squares and portrait frames to fit your Instagram feed, feel free to play around with the space and fold your clothes in a way that still show how the outfit will look. Play with the shapes of the clothes and set it up like a Tetris block so everything fits on a 4x4 or 4x6 frame.
If your outfit is only a dress or jumper with shoes, feel free to add more props and accessories to fill in space to the frame to still make it look balanced. However, make sure to not overload your flatylay with too many props any products. You always want to make sure there’s a safe amount of space that doesn’t leave the flatlay looking too busy and chaotic.
For example, this outfit and shoes are all black, so don’t be afraid to pop in one prop that sticks to the theme and has a pop of color that will make the look even more dynamic.
Cocktails After Work
Jumpsuit: Halter-Top Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
Shoes: Hillary Ankle-Strap Asymmetrical Dress Sandals
USE NATURAL LIGHTING & THE OVERHEAD SHOT
For the perfect shot, always use daylight natural lighting if the photography Sun Gods allow. Make sure that’s the lighting isn’t too blown out, and if you do decide to use artificial lighting, try to use other sources of light than than the flash from your phone.
Also, always make sure to get an overhead shot. For a flatlay, you want to make sure that every piece is visible from one POV, so if you’re doing an angle, it might obstruct from the details of other pieces within the shot.
Now you’re ready to style and shoot your flatlay! If you have any other tips, or have used these tips for your own flatlay, let us know below!
Gal on the Go: The Ultimate Boss Guide to San Francisco
Five female entrepreneurs and business women are sharing their behind-the-San-Fran secrets.
CREATE & INNOVATE in collaboration with Marriott Hotels
Photo credit: Milo Cho
We headed to San Francisco this past month in partnership with Marriott Hotels to profile five women working and living in that glorious city by the Bay. Each woman is at a different point in her career. Each with a different focus, personal definition of success and balance, various insights, and secrets to share about the city.
We stayed at the newly renovated San Francisco Waterfront property (see above photos and the ceiling glass in the Great Room), talked best spots for coffee (obviously), their favorite place to sit and be still in the midst of the daily grind, and tourist locations that are their guilty pleasure. Spoiler: three of them have never walked the Golden Gate Bridge.
APRIL GARGIULO, FOUNDER, VINTNER'S DAUGHTER
Photo credit: Andrea Posadas
She's a designer, wine maker, and now skin care expert, but the through line of April Gargiulo's career has always been "businesses that are focused on quality and expression at the highest level."
April founded Vintner's Daughter an active botanical face oil "designed to be a powerhouse of multi-correctional activity." She calls it her desert island product (and has the skin to prove it). "It address all of my skincare needs (acne, discoloration, elasticity, tone and clarity) at the highest levels and without toxins. It's the product I would never go without. Interestingly, because we addressed my skincare needs at such a foundational level, Active Botanical Serum is able to correct a multitude of skin issues; from rosacea to acne."
It's also a face serum for the busy working woman who doesn't have the time for a multi-step skin care regime every night. 6-8 drops, 30 seconds of pushing and pressing per the serum's instructions, and you're glowing. "I am a business woman," she notes, "who is focused on creating the most uncompromisingly effective skincare made from the world’s finest ingredients."
Or simply: "Put Vintner's Daughter on, drop the mic, and walk away."
"Put Vintner's Daughter on, drop the mic, and walk away."
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Who: April Gargiulo, Founder, Vintner's Daughter
Where: March, the first stockist of her product, Lower Pacific Heights
Favorite spot to find the perfect chair: Hedge Gallery or Almond Hartzog
Where she'll grab a glass of wine with a career peer: The Progress
The facialist to whom she entrusts her skin: A Facial Massage from Julie Lynge. Her hands are magic.
Where she'll take a client dinner: Octavia
Favorite spot to grab coffee with a friend: As Quoted
If she could choose to sit and be still anywhere in the city, it would be: Wood Line. An installation by artist Andy Goldsworthy in the Presidio.
Tourist attraction in SF she's never visited: I’ve never walked across the Golden Gate Bridge.
ANGELA TAFOYA, EDITOR, LONNY MAG
Photo credit: Anna-Alexia Basile
Lonny Mag is an SF-based interior design publication that focuses on accessible design, but as the news and apartment prices tell us, SF is a very expensive city, even for successful, young professionals. In line with Lonny’s mission, Angela has found a way to enjoy "the culture and essence of the city by the Bay" even in the face of it's higher price tag. "I try to be mindful of little things during the week I can cut back on. While on-demand services are certainly convenient, I try to limit my use (only for times of dire need). Also, we lived in a pretty fair-priced storefront-style home in the heart of the Mission for years. We made it work (quite well actually) and just made some DIY adjustments to make it perfect for our needs. It was great, we were able to live in an awesome neighborhood and didn't have to pay the outrageous prices."
She still trusts her "tried-and-true written agenda" when it comes to organizing her editorial calendar, saying, "it's yet to let me down." And yes, if you're wondering if working for an interior design publication gives her the itch to re-do her house all. the. time. The answer is yes. "And, I succumb to it," she says. "I am actually in the process of redoing my house right now."
Who: Angela Tafoya, Editor of Lonny Magazine
Where: Four Barrel and Le Point, the Mission
Best place to stock your first “adult” kitchen: Gus's in the Mission. It's a relatively new, family-owned grocery store with plenty of local purveyors and an amazing bakery and sandwich shop inside.
Go for a solo outing: On my free days, which don't happen too often, I love grabbing a blanket and a magazine and lounging at Precita Park. Soaking up the sun and just doing nothing for an afternoon is very freeing. I also love walking down Valencia Street and popping into some of my favorite shops like Le Point, Voyager, and Mira Mira.
If she could sit and be still anywhere in the city it would be: An August or September evening, dusk, and I would be atop of Bernal Hill watching the sunset, soaking in the palatial view of the city — reflecting on my day.
Piece of furniture she's pining after: A fuchsia Hans Olsen Settee chair spotted at De Angelis. "It's a little bit outside my price range," she says, "and let's be honest, not super practical but — a hot pink sofa? Who can resist?"
"Atop of Bernal Hill watching the sunset, soaking in the palatial view of the city — reflecting on my day."
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Tourist attraction in SF she's never visited: I've never actually stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge lookout point. Who am I?
SF tourist attraction that's a guilty pleasure: The Painted Ladies, of course!
Have a glass of wine with a career peer: Mission Cheese. I love to grab a glass of Rosé and a cheese plate and sit on the patio.
ELIZABETH SPIRIDAKIS OLSON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, AFAR MEDIA
Photo credit: Anna-Alexia Basile
Elizabeth Spiridakis Olson works for a company focused on travel. So it's only natural that, time to time, she would want to get out of the office and jump into the photos, Mary Poppins style. "I dream about it a lot!," she says. "I get especially excited when we are working on stories about big cities, my favorite kind of travel. Places like Copenhagen, Tokyo, Lisbon, Budapest, and Berlin." But as new mom to a 5 ½ month old and the Creative Director for all of AFAR Media, a getaway isn't the easiest. "Today I had a meeting to finalize the cover for the issue we are closing right now, had a planning meeting for the January cover, approved layouts for this issue, met with my digital designer about some new projects, plans and changes for our website and our mobile app, and checked in on the progress of an AFAR-branded retail situation that is in the works."
Each of her days is a little bit different, which, she says "is nice."
"There are photo edits to look through, color to approve, shoots to plan, digital planning meetings, and more." But even in the face of a hectic work/life she says it's so important to "be someone that others like to work with. Most of my jobs (long stints at Details, T, and Bon Appetit) came from recommendations from people who had worked with me before."
"Be someone that others like to work with."
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Who: Elizabeth Spiridakis Olson, Creative Director AFAR Media
Where: AFAR Offices, Financial District
Best place to go for a solo outing: Temescal Alley in Oakland. Does vintage shopping and eating donuts count as a good solo outing??? [Ed. note: yes.]
Have a glass of wine with a career peer: Over lunch and pizzas at Cotogna
Get dessert: Humphry Slocombe for a cone of secret breakfast
Favorite spot to have a client dinner: Tosca!!!
Best thing on the menu in her opinion: Cacio e pepe and the pony bottles of Miller High Life
Favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee with a friend: Bartavelle in Berkeley, at the Blue Bottle that is attached to the Heath building, or Craftsman + Wolves in the Mission
Tourist attraction in SF she's never visited: I’ve never actually walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. I want to but it seems so WINDY all the time and...a LOT of walking?
SF tourist attraction that’s a guilty pleasure: Alcatraz and Haight Ashbury
If she could sit and be still anywhere in the city it would be: I love the new SFMOMA. There are a lot of beautiful galleries to sit in and take a minute to yourself.
AMANDA HOLSTEIN, FOUNDER, ADVICE FROM A 20-SOMETHING
Photo credit: Andrea Posadas
Amanda Holstein runs the popular modern advice column/blog, Advice from a 20-Something where she shares the ups and downs, inns and outs of being, well, 20. For avid readers don't worry, she's already purchased the domaine, Advice from a 30-something, where she'll likely be sharing her journey on the next phase of her life. For now though, she lives in the Polk Neighborhood in SF and she focusses on sharing real content. "I love that what I'm working on is my own. It makes me work that much harder knowing that this thing I've created is an extension of me and I feel so much passion for it," she says. She's part of a generation that's forged a path for themselves. They're influential and early adapters. "I love being my own boss, coming up with what to work on every day, and feeling true satisfaction as a result of my own hard work."
"I love that what I'm working on is my own. It makes me work that much harder."
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Her way to weed out what to share and what not to is fairly simple. "My blog is all about offering real life, down-to-earth advice to twenty-somethings," she explains. "I make sure that everything I decide to share falls under that umbrella. I always ask myself, 'Would this content be helpful to a typical twenty-something?' If not, then I don't share it."
Who: Amanda Holstein, Founder, Advice From a 20-Something
Where: Saint Frank Coffee and Cheese Plus, Historic Russian Hill
Favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee with a friend: Saint Frank! I love the decor, the vibe, and the coffee, of course.
Go for a solo outing: Crissy Beach — even if it's chilly, it's a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
An unexpected doorway to take a good blog photo: The carved wooden doors outside of Reverb on Polk St.
Have a glass of wine with a career peer: Union Larder
Tourist attraction in SF she's never visited: Alcatraz! I'm dying to see it but it's always booked!
SF tourist attraction that’s a guilty pleasure: Lombard Street — I actually live on Lombard St about three blocks from the famous zig-zag part of the street and it really is a site to see!
EMMA BROOKS, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, OAKLAND
Photo credit: Milo Cho
Emma Brooks, known to the internet and Instagram as Emma Dime, is an Oakland based Graphic Designer whose work is the stuff of design dreams. Crisp, simple, and unexpected, she spends her days in her home office working for clients as well focusing her efforts on a new design shop Hands-On, which she recently launched with a good friend that lives in Austin, TX. "We're virtually working together every single day so that has created a new kind of working environment for me."
According to Emma the best part of her job is freedom. "The freedom to take on jobs that excite me. The freedom to control my own schedule. The freedom to shift gears at any moment in time. I could go on and on." That doesn't negate the difficulties of freelancing. "I definitely get a case of the lonelies from time to time," she says, "and when the work load is heavy I'll disappear for a few days at a time and get lost in all of my projects." She also knows that just because there is a freedom in working for yourself, you should likewise expect to "Work hard. Work as hard as you possible can and then work some more."
"Work hard. Work as hard as you possibly can and then work some more."
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"My lack of balance can be frustrating at times," she says, "but I love what I do."
Who: Emma Brooks, Graphic Designer, Oakland
Location: Her Oakland Home/Office
Go for a solo (Oakland) outing: I love to cruise Temescal Alley. It's got everything you need — coffee, food, shopping, and great people watching! I usually get a coffee at The Cro Cafe first and then I'll browse Ali Golden, a local designer that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Crimson always smells good and is covered in thriving plants. Homestead Apothecary is where I pick up my sleepy time tea. Esqueleto has a great rotating jewelry and art selection. On a good day, I'll hit up Bakesale Betty for the lunch of my dreams - a fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw. Yes please!
Have a glass of wine with a career peer: Ordinaire is top notch. They have a great selection of natural wines from France, Italy, Spain, and California. The staff is super pro and super fun too!
Get a new book: Book/Shop in Temescal Alley carries an incredible selection of rare books. They also have small batch furniture, artwork, lighting, and other small goods. Issues is great for magazines.
If someone comes to visit the one spot she has to show them: I've been spending a lot of time up near Stinson Beach and Muir Woods - it's about an hour north of San Francisco. It has a small town vibe, surrounded by gorgeous trees, fog, and the ocean. It has lots of hiking trails that weave through some of the most beautiful California terrain I've seen to date. You're allowed to have a bonfire on Muir Beach so I always make sure to bring food, booze and a few blankets. It's always the perfect end to a day full of hiking and exploring.
Favorite spot to have a client dinner: Penrose — California cuisine in an environment that feels like... Paris! Every time I go there, I fall more in love with the space. It's magical.
Favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee with a friend: Boot & Shoe Service has great coffee, the BEST granola, and a cozy ambiance. It's also walking distance from Lake Merritt so if you want to grab a coffee and keep moving, you can head over to that path. Trouble Coffee just opened up by my house and is also a must. Their cold brew will have you jazzed for days!
Tourist attraction in SF she's never visited: I still haven't been to Alcatraz. I want to spend more time in all of the museums and parks — especially the MOMA, now that it's reopened.
SF tourist attraction that’s a guilty pleasure: The boat rides that go out onto the bay. If you go over to the obnoxiously crowded Fisherman's Wharf, you can catch one for pretty cheap. There is nothing like seeing San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the water - especially on a clear sunny day. Foggy days are cool too. You really can't go wrong.
If she could sit and be still anywhere in the city it would be: Somewhere by the water. In the East Bay, it's Crown Beach. My husband and I have started going there for a couple of hours every Sunday. In San Francisco, it's the west side of the city that looks out onto the ocean: Land's End and Ocean Beach.
Create & Cultivate will be visiting 5 more cities across the United States in partnership with Marriott. For our next city, we're heading to Miami.
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3 Top Fashion Bloggers Dish on the Behind-the-Scenes Reality
Don't be fooled by the blogs that they got.
Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior (photo credit: Alexandra Gibbs)
Blogging has come under scrutiny every which way to Sunday over the last five years. From those wondering about the longevity of the career, to sticker shock at six-figure endorsement deals between top bloggers and brands, like the recently reported $500,000 paycheck between Aimee Song and Laura Mercier, to those harsher critics who question if blogging is a career at all.
The shade, thrown from all corners of the www, is partially due to the shrouded nature of blog life. Is it real? Is it authentic? Just how much are people making for a photograph? For a long time bloggers were hush hush about their income and sponsored posts. Only recently has disclosure emerged as a trend-- from bloggers wanting to get out in front of the story and those who truly believe in transparency.
From the other side of the keyboard, bloggers appear to have it all. Work from home. Freebies. Invites all of the wold and the fancy events. But top-tier bloggers— those making over $10k/month only account for about 4% of the industry, and on the low-end, they aren't making anything at all. 42% of bloggers work full-time or part-time in a non-blogging job and are committing nights and weekends to the endeavor hoping that hard work, time, and determination will pay off.
Jacey Duprie, journalist turned blogger, started her blog Damsel in Dior in 2009. Two years later, in 2011, she left her job to pursue blogging full-time, and the switch from traditional media to blogging was no cake walk. “To anyone who says blogging is easy and is all about simply taking pretty pictures,” she says, “I challenge them to try doing it for one month, or just follow me around for a week and I’ll prove you wrong.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the blog world.
Amanda Holstein who runs the popular modern-day advice column, Advice From a 20-Something says, “Most of blogging consists of sitting behind a computer and running your own business. I spend a lot more time than I anticipated managing the business side of things, like tracking and projecting revenue, securing campaigns, tracking expenses, etc..”
Amanda Holstein of Advice from a 20-Something (photo credit: Andrea Posadas)
She also brings up the difficulties of freelancing. To be your own hype person is a strange job and while Instagram and Snapchat show the fun side of blogging, AKA “the photoshoots, the trips, the events,” Amanda says, “most of blogging consists of sitting behind a computer and running your own business.”
Jacey sums it the difficulties as such: “In a nutshell: Invoicing and accounting is hard. Losing friends is harder. Hate forums suck (especially when they rip on your parents). Traveling alone is lonely. Fashion week is worse than figuring out which lunch table to sit at in high school. And it’s reshooting product because the brand didn’t want you to wear the color pink but they didn’t tell you not to wear the color pink until after you scheduled time with a photographer, waited out the rain to finally get the picture perfect sunset shot of an outfit you spent weeks planning…”
“Fashion week is worse than figuring out which lunch table to sit at in high school.”
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Amanda says another difficult aspect of running a blog is the solo time. “ It's tough not having someone around to bounce ideas off of. Even just having someone to listen while I talk through some of my thoughts and ideas would be so helpful.”
Daniela Ramirez who runs the Miami-based English/Spanish fashion blog Nany’s Klozet says that by the time she’s done explaining her job to someone, “they don’t have any words.”
“I do a lot more than take pictures. Taking blog photos is just a portion. I don’t have a manager, I don’t have an assistant. I answer at least 50 emails a day- from brands/PR companies wanting to work together and readers asking style/blog advice. I do all my management: negotiating with brands, invoices, follow-ups, etc. Every shoot is half planned (we do a lot of improvising), but since there are deadlines, we have to stay organized on what needs to be shot and were. We are also journalists; we write, we research. Some blogposts need graphics. When I do Youtube videos: planning, producing, editing…it’s a lot.”
“I do a lot more than take pictures. Taking blog photos is just a portion."
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That doesn’t even include the actual blogging she says. “Putting the post together, editing the photos, arranging the html in both languages, linking to each store.” The final cherry on top is the social media. You have to make sure “you update all networks with relevant content on each one.”
Daniela Ramirez of Nany's Klozet
If you take into consideration the rate at which someone scrolls past an Instagram photo, casually making the decision to like or not to like (that is the question of this digital age), the amount of BTS work that goes into curating and crafting is almost crazy.
Throw in the competition and the number of new fashion bloggers that get added to the sphere daily, and it’s amazing there aren’t more stories of blogger burnout. The pressure to be on top of trends and be early adapters mounts with every passing day. Bloggers constantly have to give their fan base what they want, stay authentic, and at the same time, keep content from getting boring. Many of them are also paying their photographers out of pocket.
Daniella says she likes to travel with a photographer because the shoots end up more natural, however, when she’s home she says, “I have to shoot about 3-4 outfits at a time because I am scheduling— and paying for— a photographer’s time.”
There are countless sites telling bloggers just how to make money. Focus on content that other outlets ignore. Make sure that you develop your photography and social media skills— AKA become the queen of appropriate hashtagging and engaging your audience— and focus on quantity and quality. As a blogger you are both king of the social media jungle as well as its most vulnerable prey. If you aren’t producing, you’re losing. There aren’t many professions that require such a constant outpouring of content, and it is exhausting.
"As a blogger you're both king of the social media jungle as well as its most vulnerable prey."
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And yet, it's a career that most fashion bloggers are reluctant to give up at this point. For Jacey she sticks with it because, quite simply, "it works." And there are few modern jobs that don't require more than a 40-hour work week commitment.
But if you think blogging is taking a photo and that "anyone can do it," think again friends.
Arianna Schioldager is the editorial director of Create & Cultivate. She has never once thought she could be a blogger.
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What Do Your Jewelry Choices Say About You As an Employee?
You don't need bling to be a boss.
Ever wonder what your jewelry choices say about you as an employee? Whether you’re slaying Keynote proposals in a statement necklace or you’re a simple bangle kind of boss, we’re breaking down jewelry choices and work styles with Simon G. Jewelry.
There is a rapport between what you put on and how you go about your day.
THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER IN THE SIMPLE BANGLE
A simple bangle says you like to get into the office early and clear out your inbox ASAP. It’s a no-fuss approach to business and dressing that says, I bang that drum, but with a bangle that doesn’t get in the way.
With an arresting intertwined design of white and rose gold and white diamonds, you’re also a bit of a dreamer who takes chances by bending the rules a little bit. You’re not afraid to mix metals and you’re certainly not afraid of mixing it up in the conference room, stating your ideas with confidence; two-tone means you’ve got ideas in every hue.
THE GO-GETTER IN THE CLIMBER EARRINGS
Call it a hike, a journey, or a climb, you’re all about getting to the top. But as dedicated as you are about going after your dreams, you also make sure to reach down and to the side as you go.
These climber diamond earrings mean you’re a go-getter, you want to be noticed, and you make a statement with both your earrings and your handshake: firm and no-nonsense.
You know that not everything you do will be a success but that never stops you from trying.
You like talking strategy and growth with your team and you’re constantly brainstorming innovative ideas for expansion. In 18k white gold with floral pattern you’re classic but crafty and nothing will hold you back.
"You’re classic but crafty and nothing will hold you back."
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THE WORKER BEE IN THE SIMPLE DIAMOND PENDANT
You work out at 6am. Are in the office by 8:30, and you’ve corresponded with more people before noon than most people do in a day. You’re practical, fast, and you like jewelry that you don’t have to think about— but know is always looking stunning.
This is the kind of necklace you can wear morning, noon, and night. In part because you’re always heading from the office to work drinks!
You never have to take it off (and you often don’t). Don’t underestimate it’s simplicity for simpleness. This necklace works hard for you and you need something that works like you do: around-the-clock.
Like they say: you want something done, give it to a busy person.
THE OFFICE UNICORN IN THE RIGHT HAND RING
You are always there to jump in, take on a challenge head-on, and come up with ideas that benefit the whole team. If someone is out sick, you’re helping.
If a co-worker is hitting a wall with creative ideas, you’re staying behind to spitball. You’re a true right hand to everyone in the company and it’s an attitude that doesn’t go unnoticed. It has helped you advance your position in the past and will continue to do so.
This spiral ring is comfortable and resilient due to the design of tiny, almost unnoticeable joints in the solid 18k rose gold design. Which mirrors your personality precisely. The diamonds add a bit of sparkle— just like you add to the workplace.
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What Do Millennials Really Want From Work
Hint: it's not ping pong tables
Credit: Laura Dee Photography
Everyone knows some lucky Millennial working at a Bay Area tech company where free food, massages, and dry cleaning are industry standard perks. Due to some major workplace jealousy, every Millennial is guilty of day dreaming about working somewhere where sneaking off to find a nap pod is encouraged. But despite what employers may think, these untraditional perks are not what most Millennials are looking for in a place of employment. In 2015 Millennials surpassed Baby Boomers as the majority of the U.S. workforce at 53.5% and as such it is time to take what they want at work seriously. And their needs are much more serious than one might think.
FLEXIBILITY
Millennials are starting to devote more time and money than ever on experiences. More than 3 in 4 Millennials (78%) would choose to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable. Millennials’ desire for more flexibility with their work hours goes hand in hand with this spending trend. As it turns out, Millennials are not happy working your average 9 to 5 job. 81% would appreciate being able to make their own hours at work, 77% believe that flexible work hours would make them more productive at work overall and 43% would switch jobs if given greater flexibility in work hours elsewhere. The freedom to design their own work hours is so valuable to workers of any age that 2 out of 5 are even willing to forfeit a portion of their salary if it meant increasing their position’s flexibility. If Millennials were able to introduce more flexibility into their current posts, 64% would favor sometimes working from home and 66% would appreciate an adjustment in their hours.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Despite having a reputation for being self-centered, 84% of Millennials say that helping to make a positive difference in the world is more important to them than professional recognition. To feel fulfilled at work, Millennials need to feel as if their work matters. 60% of Millennials cite “a sense of purpose” as part of the reason they work for their current employer. Watch out Baby Boomers, Millennials were found to care much more about making a difference through their work than other generations. When surveyed 35% of Millennials found it important to have a job with a positive social impact, compared with just 19% of employed Americans overall.
"60% of Millennials cite a 'sense of purpose' as a reason they work for their current employer."
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TRADITIONAL VALUES
While ping pong tables, bringing your dog to work and riding around the office on scooters are all fun perks, what Millennials are actually looking for at work is not that different than previous generations of workers. Essentially employees of each recent generation share the same reason for changing jobs: more money and a more creative workplace. This sentiment was expressed by 42% of Millennials, 42% of Baby Boomers and 47% of Generation Xers. When gauging what makes an employer attractive, Millennials placed career advancement opportunities at the top of their list followed by competitive wages/other financial incentives and then excellent training/development programs.
CREATIVITY
Creativity is key for Millennials, with 31% placing value on working with creative people. Millennials are not the only generation craving more creativity at work, 36% of employed U.S. adults report that they want to leave their current job to pursue a career that allows them to be more creative. The American workforce values creativity so much that almost 41 million employed U.S. adults, are willing to take a pay cut for a job that allowed them to be more creative. Allowing Millennials to think outside the box is key to retaining Millennial talent. If they don’t, employers risk losing employees to the more creative and less restrictive path of being an entrepreneur. 67% of Millennial employees surveyed said they would leave their traditional jobs for a more creative self-employed track if they believed they could pay their bills by working for themselves.
Written by: Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer with experience in editorial and news writing.
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The Origins of Work/Life Balance & How To Achieve It
It's not a myth, and it can be achieved with 4 small steps.
Work/life balance is the unicorn in every bedroom, kitchen, and desk of the modern working woman.
It is a term used indiscriminately that powerfully affects how we approach day-to-day tasks. How do we find it? Where is it hiding? Is it possibly beneath this desk I want to nap under? (No, it’s not there.)
Most Millennial women report that such a concept is a myth. Or at best, the out-of-key piano soundtrack to our lives that we can’t figure out how to tune. But work/life balance is no whisper campaign that effectively targeted and exploited a vulnerability-- even if it feels as such at times.
We all have the desire to buy into this concept as possible and the want to improve our quality of life. It makes sense that this groundhog day concept keeps appearing.
So how do we reconcile our relationship to work/life balance? How do we make quantitative decisions about what is right for us? How do we, as working women, scale balance?
Our friends at Origins created a new post-workout products that help us refresh after the gym and continue that zen a little longer, and it inspired us to nail down 4 keys ways that help us approach the elusive work/life balance.
REMOVE ONE APP RIGHT NOW!
In an almost astonishing way technology has changed the way we work. But it’s a double-edged sword because we’ve come to rely on said tech in ways that hinder our ability to balance.
If you know that the phone is an issue in your life stop relying on apps to solve all problems. Learn to rely on yourself again.
“Learn to rely on yourself again.”
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Remove one app from your phone right now that you rely too heavily on. You know what it is. It’s disguised as convenience, but has made you all the more entrenched in the work crunch. I.e. Food delivery apps that have made it all the more simple to order lunch straight to our desks. Delete it and walk to lunch tomorrow.
UNBLUR THE LINES BETWEEN WORK AND HOME
One person’s approach should not be another’s. In fact balance is idiosyncratic. Create & Cultivate keynote Rachel Zoe said that when she’s at work, she’s present and when she’s with her kids, she’s present. Which means she’s not scrolling IG at the dinner table. There is separation in her life and it’s important to her well-being and productivity as an entrepreneur.
Create a routine that’s not about work.
INCORPORATE A WEEKLY WORKOUT INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Working out is one of the best motivators, confidence boosters and is proven to increase productivity. But while we often think about pre-workout-- which is often rushing from the office to a class-- and the benefits of the workout itself, there’s also a chance to slow down, and take that post workout high time for yourself. You don’t have to sprint from the gym home. Instead take a little extra “balance” time for yourself and try the following:
Post-sweat session use Origins Shower Off™ Exfoliating Body Wash, a refreshing post-workout scrub cleanser designed to refine and deeply purify the skin by removing perspiration and dirt. Likewise, Origins Warm Down™ Warming Lava scrub, a water-activated heating lava scrub addresses three key needs after a workout – it detoxifies and exfoliates skin, while also promoting relaxation for sore muscles. Activated in the shower, it warms up on contact to help comfort sore muscles, while volcanic ash deeply purifies skin by removing dirt, sweat and perspiration.
You should also take a moment to replenish the skin. An average person sweats the equivalent of two large sports bottles per hour during rigorous exercise. Which means your skin is losing moisture too. With Origins new Hit Refresh™ Cooling Moisturizer with Hawaiian Mineral Water, you’re instantly replenishes skin’s hydration post-workout.
These products leave skin smooth and refreshingly clean, while your brain and body feel balanced and calm.
WHEN YOU GET HOME POST-WORKOUT, PUT YOUR PHONE IN A DIFFERENT ROOM
Check your email and answer anything pressing on the subway ride or walk home. Or if you commute, answer before you leave the gym.
You can make the choice to not let your work cross the threshold with you. When you arrive at home, place your phone in a different room. It’s a simple spatial barrier that will help you break a habit that is detrimental in your quest for W/L. (I.e. checking your email or Insta every five seconds while you enjoy an end of day glass of wine or cup of tea.)
You should also put your phone in a different room when you finally hit the hay, that way you’re not checking your email or putting out fires FIRST thing in the morning.
Simple adjustments allow you to be proactive about your day, instead of reactive, and aid in your desire to find balance.
Simple adjustments allow you to be proactive about your day, instead of reactive, and aid in your desire to find balance.
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And remember: you get to day 500 of balance by starting with day one.
11 Best Atlanta Street Art Walls
All the murals we can't wait to see once we touch down in ATL.
Aside from being a hub for a new wave of female entrepreneurs that are dominating the tech space, Atlanta is also one of the best destinations to go catch some of the best street art that decorates this amazing city.
Some of these walls have probably made their way to your Instagram feed, and if you were wondering where they were or where you could catch a glimpse of them, Atlanta is the place. Thanks to some Instagram stalking, we were able to find some of the best walls and some highlights from our very own #CreateCultivateATL speaker Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY’s wall crawl series with Sophie Loghman. Check out our favorites below!
Make sure to catch us this fall at #CreateCultivateATL and join us in exploring all of what Atlanta has to offer! Tickets on sale now!
6 Simple Steps to Gallery Wall Your Office Space
For spaces that spark creativity.
So you want to create an inspiring office nook? A gallery wall that gives you the mid-day spark you need to fire off inventive ideas. A good piece of art in the right spot can do that. Which is why Artfully Walls, an online curated art marketplace that helps you fill your space with affordable art, is breaking down 6 steps to making that happen.
THE SIMPLE HOW-TOS
1. Don't become overwhelmed, really focus on art that makes you happy. This wall, nook, space above your toilet (legit anywhere) is for you. No one else.
2. Combine different types of work. Think: one photograph, one oil/acrylic painting, one portrait, and something geometric. (But there really are no rules.) Color outside the lines if you dare.
3. If you're afraid to put holes in the wall, don't be! You can use 3M Command strips to hang prints - they don't destroy walls and let you play around with positioning.
4. Level up and use one. iHandy Level is an easy app that will make sure you're hanging everything straight.
5. If combining multiple frame colors gives you major art anxiety, start with simple white, black, light wood finishes.
6. A "gallery" wall doesn't have to be top to bottom. It can be three pieces that each speak to you. You don't even have to hang them.
See the below for inspo! And check out the Gallery Wall section on their site where you can rearrange groupings they've picked or get step-by-step instructions on how to hang your choices.
THE MORE THE MERRIER
Herringbone by Kate Roebuck; Arboricola Study by Kiana Mosley; Sea and a Sailboat by Daniela Orlev; Black Arrows by Heather J Chontos; Blackberry by Jorey Hurley; Hermit's Road by Harry Stooshinoff; Beast Coast by Matthew Korbel-Bowers; Flowers by Tali Yalonetzki; Flowers on a Table by Daniela Orlev; Ruth by Tali Yalonetzki.
LEAN INTO IT
Black Glitter Etching by Anna Ullman; Knuba, 2010 by Alex Kostinskyi; Untitled by Anna Ullman.
CORNER VIGNETTES
Forever by Ashley Woodson Bailey; Equine no. 1 by Lisa Golightly; Owl by Karyn Lyons.
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The Importance of Celebrating Our Biggest Accomplishments
The best moments in life are worth framing.
As we move on up through our careers and lives, there are always those little souvenirs that remind us of how far we’ve come. Whether it is our college diplomas, our very first ultrasound, our first signed deal with a client, or a heartfelt recommendation letter from a boss, these all symbolize great achievements on our journey. And yet we are often so consumed (and excited) by the hustle, we often forget to stop and be proud of or give attention to our accomplishments.
So we're taking a moment to highlight moments we are proud of-- the experiences that might not seem big to the world, but mean the world to us.
Framebridge asked Sona Gasparian, Grasie Mercedes, Leura Fine of Laurel & Wolf, and our very own founder Jaclyn Johnson to frame special moments or achievements in their lives.
Check out the frames below, and see the story behind why Sona, Grasie, Leura, and Jaclyn chose them!
AN ENGAGEMENT
"This was one of the most exciting, happy and natural moments of my life. We snapped this photo right after he asked and you can see I still have tears in my eyes. It's something that I treasure very much!"
--Jaclyn Johnson, Create & Cultivate
AN INVITATION
"I'm a huge fan of Chanel and a little obsessed to be honest, so to be able to attend the show in Paris was a total dream come true."
-Sona Gasparian, Simply Sona
MEMENTOS FROM A FIRST JOB
"I decided to go with a bunch of lanyards and my ID from my days working at MTV. It was my first job out of college and being a PA then a producer really trained me for the hard work, organizational skills and personality it takes to be a good actress and blogger. "
-Grasie Mercedes, Blogger + Actress, Style Me Grasie
A THANK YOU NOTE
"I chose the thank you note that Kelsea Ballerini sent us because it represents the incredible work we do at Laurel & Wolf everyday. The opportunity to design Kelsea's dream apartment and knowing the way we have changed her life in such a meaningful way is something that is truly inspiring. It is humbling to have worked with such a gifted and exciting young talent but most importantly, I'm inspired by helping all people design the life they deserve."
-Leura Fine, CEO of Laurel & Wolf
About Framebridge:
Framebridge is an online custom framing company, and the easiest way to custom frame and highlight all the special moments in your life as well as the things you love.
They're making what has typically been a frustrating and expensive process into something easy, accessible, and beautiful. Whether it’s having them print and frame special photos or sending them a meaningful painting, invitation or textile - Framebridge is all about celebrating the things that matter most to you. Best part? Prices start at $39 and only go up to $159 - making it a fraction of traditional custom framing.
How it works: If you have a photo or a digital print (you can pull right from your Instagram feed!), just upload it to their site or app. They'll print it, frame it and ship it to you ready to hang. If you have a physical piece you want to frame (canvas art, old photos, flags, matches - anything!) just tell them the size of the piece and they'll send you pre-paid packaging. You'll just put your piece inside and drop it off at UPS. It will come to their studio, where their team will custom frame it for you and ship it back to you in just a few days.
Not sure what frame looks best with your piece? They have in house designers ready to help. Oh, and they also have a gallery wall service! Check them out at framebridge.com.
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How to Transition Your Work Wardrobe for Summer
Create your best workdrobe.
The weather is turning and so is your head toward key pieces for summer. Dressing in summer is more laid-back. Less austere. Which means it's time to ditch the black turtlenecks and leather jackets, but hold onto those black ripped jeans and bodysuits. You want office outfits that are comfortable, don't require extra AC, and have a casual Friday vibe to them, even on Mondays.
From adding in pastels and other light colors to the shoe-of-the-moment open back mule (backless is better!), there are easy ways to give your closet a minor update that don't break the bank. We're rounding up key pieces to add to your work wardrobe from TOPSHOP.
PULL OFF THE PASTEL
Fitted Suit Trousers. MOTO Denim Stripe Crop Top. Soft Tailored Jacket. KYLIE Backless Mule.
OFF-THE-SHOULDER IS OF THE MOMENT
To make the transition to summer brighten up the colors of your typical work wardrobe. From pastel pink off-the-shoulder tops and blue jeans with embroidered detailing to a stacked, lace-up neutral heel. Summer workdrobes are a bit more playful.
Structured Bardot Top. MOTO Embroidered Straight Jean. VIOLET Tassel Sandal.
LIGHTWEIGHT DUSTER IS A MUST-ER
The coat of summer, a lightweight duster has serious Great Gatsby '20s chicness and is the simplest way to dress up a pair of jeans. Plus you can thank the wardrobe gods that comfortable shoes are still being favored over stilettos. Slip on a pair of pink mules and give your toes a peak at sunshine.
How to Host a Tasting Party Like a Boss (And Invite Her Too)
Patina Catering gives us the best (and most useful) tips.
Summer is coming! Which means great weather, soirees as the sun goes down, and outdoor gatherings with friends (and yes, sometimes colleagues.) A wine and cheese tasting party is a lovely way to enjoy the season, but if you haven't quite perfected the "art" of the party we have you covered.
Patina Catering, part of Patina Restaurant Group, is dedicated to creating memorable menus and experiences for so we asked for their best tips on how to host a summer wine and cheese party. They know with longer days right around the corner white or sparkling is the way to go-- and they're also spilling best practices for hosting your boss or co-workers.
JUST HOW MANY WINES SHOULD YOU HAVE?
And just how do you serve them? According to Patina, it's best to keep the tasting to around 5 different wines. Any more than that might overwhelm the palette.
It's also OK to mix reds and whites, but you should serve in order from lightest to darkest.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PAIRINGS?
- IF YOU'RE SERVING CHEESE:
- Cabernet Sauvignon with a nutty cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Sauvignon Blanc with soft goat cheese or French Roquefort
- IF YOU'RE SERVING CLASSICS
- Champagne with smoked salmon
- Chardonnay with gratin
- Pinot Noir with stone fruits and cured meats
HELP GUESTS IDENTIFY WHAY THEY'RE DRINKING AND EATING
Gold-plated place cards are a simple and chic way to let guests know what they're tasting. You can also choose a theme related to and stating each region/wine available with flavor notes.
Extra tip: Make it pretty because the details matter. If the wine has "notes of cherry," decorate that wine's tablescape with a bowl of Rainier cherries and cheeses like Chevre or Brie that work well with the pitted fruit. Display it with floral arrangements and the notecards. Each little "tasting" section can have its own gorgeous theme.
WHEN IT'S SOCIAL & WORK
It's called a tasting party, not a tipsy party. It's great to let your hair down and enjoy yourself, but if you've invited your boss, clients, or co-workers, make sure that you don't go overboard.
A night out with the girls is much different than socializing with your boss. Quick rule of thumb: the same things that make you stellar at the office, are the same that make you stellar at home. (At least when those higher-ups are present.)
Images courtesy of Patina Catering.
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How To Design Your Day and Plan Well In 4 Steps
Tips to design your life with productivity.
With Monday here, we know how busy life can get. Between meetings, appointments, set commitments, work or school and a social life, it can be hard to find the time to manage it all.
The Best Way to Balance? Plan Well, with Focus and Intention.
Our friends at Blue Sky create dated planners, calendars and notebooks that help people manage their time and organize their lives, effectively and fashionably. They were able to team up with Whitney English, creator of the iconic Day Designer & Create & Cultivate DTLA panelist, to create a collection of planners, calendars and accessories that offer stylish solutions to busy women all over the world. And if you didn’t notice, they brought the buzz to our Create & Cultivate DTLA gift bags too!
Whitney, who spoke this weekend on “She Means Business: The Balancing Act of Mother and Mogul” created the collection in response to her own desire for a planner that was both functional and beautiful.
“I envisioned a planner that would be simple to use yet robust enough to handle the modern woman's busy, chaotic, challenging - yet ultimately rewarding – life,” notes Whitney.
“An efficient planning system was truly the key to helping me, and busy women all over the world, find focus, create balance and live a more inspiring life.
Essential Steps for Living Your Best
Each Day Designer planner offers four easy steps (and special pages) for you to define your values, envision your goals and live your best.
Start with the Big Picture: Your big picture is a combination of your dreams, ideas about the life you want to live, and your vision of what the coming year could be. Use this space to brainstorm. Include thoughts about the people in your life and the kind of people you’d like to surround yourself with. Think about the non-negotiable activities and events in your days, weeks, months and years. Usually, you can start by thinking about what you spend your time and your money on as an indicator of what matters most to you. Challenge yourself to not only dream big on this page, but also to dream better. You can always come back to this page throughout the year and add to it, so don’t feel like you have to fill it out all at once.
Set Your Goals: Looking at your big picture list, ask yourself this question: what do I have the time, money, energy, knowledge, and network to start working on right now? That’s the question that tells you which of those big ideas are the most realistic to move forward on in this moment. Break your goals into categories to achieve a balanced life: family & friends; heart & spirit, business & finance, health & fitness, etc. Finally, assign dates to have your goal achieved by. If one goal feels too big, break it down into lots of little goals and space your milestone dates out to help you create progress and momentum toward achieving your goal.
Design Your Days: Be intentional. Each day is a unique reflection of you. Morning and evening routines should help you start each day energized, and finish with a sense of accomplishment. Your routine needs to work for you, but don’t fear challenging yourself to change it up every now and then.
Your routine needs to work for you, but don’t fear challenging yourself to change it up every now and then.
Stay on Course: Review your goals throughout the year. The checkpoint interval is not important. Some people review their goals daily, some review weekly, some choose the monthly or even quarterly option. The important thing is to remember to review them and make sure you’re on course, as well as celebrate successful milestones along the way.
Your Life, Well Designed
The line of planners, calendars and desk accessories empowers women to manage their busy daily lives with creativity and style.
The collection reflects Whitney’s sophisticated aesthetic with classic patterns, colorful floral accents, stripes and touches of gold to dress up any desk or life space. In addition to planners and calendars, the collection includes pencils, washi tape, a pen and clipfolio.
Each planner in the Day Designer for Blue Sky collection is designed to guide thoughtful, effective planning. Smart page layouts are available in weekly, monthly and daily formats to help you plan according to your needs and preferences.
With use, each Day Designer x Blue Sky planner becomes a reflection of the confident, empowered woman who designs her days and lives in balance.
Happy planning!
7 Life Lessons I Learned from a Two-Year-Old
Big teachings from a little peanut.
In the midst of our day-to-day, the rise, the grind, the email and making moves, it’s all too easy to forget the simple things. The parts of life that make us feel lucky to be here and the people that make us feel strong, inspired, and imbued with the confidence to carry-on. But if you slow down, it’s easy to see that something as small as one word or action can be impactful enough to change the course of a day, a year, a lifetime.
This is something that Dove understands. That a simple Beauty Bar, shared between generations of moms and daughters, friends and sisters, can reveal radiant and beautiful skin. That one word has the power to change your outlook on the world. It’s why for a limited time the words love, real, kind or care will be engraved into the Dove Beauty Bar. Four letters that remind us as women to love, care, be kind, and be real with ourselves-- and the other women we are grateful to have in our lives.
In honor of Mother’s Day, who better to remind us about the power of words, than a child first learning and experiencing the wonder of language? Because a conversation with a two-year-old is the most real, most honest conversation you will have at any point, during any day, and they are wise beyond their years.
“CLOSE THE COMPUTER”
This is for the woman who is committed to her job, but deserves to take a break. We all know how easy it is to fall into the trappings of work. We think, in order to get ahead we need to bury ours in work. This isn’t the case, and sometimes the best thing you can do for your career and life, is close the computer and focus on the people in front of you.
IT’S OK TO CRY
How poignant, and at the same time, how difficult for us to understand as adults. We’re told that we should step outside if we need to cry. But there is strength in understanding and giving in to your humanity and emotion. We’re strong, independent, and capable but no one needs to be the rock all the time. That’s what leaning on your team— work and personal— is for. Know that crying doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.
"Crying doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human."
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YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL MOMMY
To a two-year-old, what is most beautiful is the love you share. It has nothing to do with what you wear, if you’ve done your hair, or if your makeup is just right. This is a message we can carry to all our friends, and every woman in our life. What makes you beautiful is how you radiate.
I AM SO BRAVE
Fear is normal (especially when it comes to starting a business or taking a leap of faith like so many of us have done) but there would be no bravery without fear. There would be no reward without risk. So go for it. Whatever it is. And when things don’t land exactly where you planned, memorize this next lesson.
IT’S GONNA BE OK.
It doesn’t always seem like it, and days when you’re down feel like they’ll last a lifetime. But you have survived every single one of your worst days yet. That’s a fact, and the women in your life are there to support you. So know with certainty, that it’s gonna be OK.
WHY DID YOU EAT THE ICE CREAM, ALL?
We don’t have to do everything in order. Sentence structure included. We get so caught up in making sure we check things off our to-dos (both work and life) but there is no one right path. In fact, switching up your path and doing a few things out of order is occasionally what the life doctor orders. (And remember: sometimes it’s perfectly OK to eat all the ice cream and love yourself for it.)
"Sometimes it’s perfectly OK to eat all the ice cream and love yourself for it."
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I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU
There are never enough ways to say “I love you.” There is never a wrong way to say it either. When a child reaches out touches your face, and whispers, “I love you, I love you, I love you,” take it as a cue to spread the love far and wide.
Whether it’s your mom, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend or mentor, I invite you to use the power of words to honor a beautiful woman in your life. Share a post, a tweet, a picture, and let her know how much she means to you. Tell her how she shows you the meaning of love, kind, real or care, using the hashtag #BeautyIs.
Arianna Schioldager is the editorial director at Create & Cultivate. She wishes every mom out there a very happy, love-filled Mother's Day.
Image of Scout The City via Unsplash.
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What better way to celebrate mom?
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And what better way to celebrate women than by treating mom to a gift from a female-founded company? Check out the gifts below and celebrate Mother's Day right this weekend!
The Sneaky Pink Tax You Probably Don't Know You're Paying
Not nearly as cute as it sounds.
Two years ago, my man and I moved in together. We’d taken it real slow, so when we were ready to cohabitate after four years, we’d already explored some of the less sexy territory of day-to-day domesticity. I knew what was critical to me in the arrangement: equality.
We would split resources down the middle – time, as well as money. We’d contribute an equal amount of cash toward buying household items and an equal number of hours toward keeping our home looking like adults live there. See, even though he makes more than I do, I wanted a down the middle split to ground the power dynamics that can surround money. I'm a modern woman, dammit! I was in for 50-50.
And then I realized: you can’t do life 50-50.
Because it costs more money to be a woman.
"You can't do life 50-50. Because it costs more money to be a woman."
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And no, not just because women are marketed to by the beauty and fashion industries more aggressively than men (though, that’s a real thing), and end up buying more shit that they arguably ‘don’t need’ because consumerism(!), and the unrelenting pressure put on women (by both men and other women alike) to always look pretty (though that’s also a real thing, even when it's very subtle).
What I’m talking about is far less nuanced: ordinary day-to-day products and services cost more money if the paying customer has a uterus. I’m talking really basic, gender-neutral stuff like razors, deodorant, and dry cleaning.
I first discovered this a couple of months into my new living situation. I was up for errand duty, picking up a few things at CVS for the house and for myself. Already beyond my cognitive load, I stood in front of about fifty deodorants (none of which seemed noticeably distinct) feeling annoyed that my usual choice was out of stock. I looked over at the significantly smaller selection in the men’s area and noticed, in passing, that the men’s version of the same deodorant, which my partner uses, was cheaper than the women’s.
I didn’t think too much of it. When you’re running on fumes, it’s easy to slide into ‘that’s just how things are’ complacency. I grabbed a women’s deodorant, threw it in the cart, and that was that.
It wasn’t until a couple of months later when a video caught my eye and gave both shape and name to what I had passively noticed: The Pink Tax, or the fact that essentially identical products cost more if dressed in gender-specific packaging that targets women.
So not only do women earn 79 cents on every dollar that men make, we are expected to spend more of our smaller earnings on the same basics that both men and women buy. In December 2015, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs published a study that found that, on average, women’s products cost 7 percent more than similar products for men.
It’s been documented for years, and I was only just now catching up.
As pointed out by the New York Times, the French Feminist collective Georgette Sand has been showcasing this ‘phenomenon’ on Tumblr, with side-by-side images of the same product, but packaged for girls and boys. It’s striking to see. Another article I found by the Washington Post cut right to the chase: Why you should always buy the men’s version of almost anything.
Now deep in this wormhole, I wanted to observe the Pink Tax in the wild. And not so passively this time.
I went back to the deodorant aisle at CVS to fact check my memory and corroborate my own story. The proof was in the price tag.
Not only does the basic version of Degree deodorant cost twenty cents more if it’s for women ($3.79 vs. $3.59), but the brand comes on strong with SO MANY OTHER OPTIONS for women. Some range as high as $5.99. This means that if you happen to be deodorant shopping while in the mood to cultivate your womaness (which, is a glorious part of the female experience), the black dress on that ‘ultra clear’ option (a very tired symbol of femininity) might sucker you into paying $2.40 more for a stick of deodorant than your male counterpart.
It seems to get worse when it comes to products that are only for women. There is an actual LEGAL tax (not just a subtle price increase) on tampons in most states, where they are categorized as ‘luxury items’ rather than basic necessities. Watch Thinx founder, Miki Agrawal, break it down in this video:
So what’s a girl to do? Continue to have this conversation. Especially about money. Especially with other women. Especially with your partner. Especially with your political representatives. And try your best to notice. Notice other subtle ways the world is unequal to women. Subtle ways that might not yet have been given a clever name, like The Pink Tax.
"Try your best to notice. Notice other subtle ways the world is unequal to women."
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I continue to navigate the meaning of equality in my relationship, especially as our identities as individuals evolve independently of our identity as a couple. Although some of these negotiations are very cut and dry, like the Pink Tax. Sometimes we can interpret the 50-50 split very literally. For example, I now use 50 percent of his deodorant, shampoo, and shaving cream.
Now I’m on to reconsidering how to think about an equal split of another important resource: time. I wonder if this clock would cost 7% more in pink.
About the author: Joanna Pawlowska is a curious human of many interests living in Silverlake, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA. Her experience ranges from tech startups to public radio, where she takes new ideas and brings them to life. She's passionate about issues and stories about the lives of women.
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SAY BYE TO BASICS, HELLO TO BOSS
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