8 Profiles Helping Us Keep Our Sh*t Together This Month
#FollowFridays. Get it together girl.
It's the first day of the last month of the year. And shit is about to get crazy. (as if it hasn't already) We've pulled some super organized IG accounts to follow to keep everything together this month and end 2017 with a bang. Don't bring a mess into the new year. Wether you're clearing your closets of old clothes, organizing the kitchen pantry, or getting your planner prepped with all the holiday party reminders, these IG accounts have all the tips you need.
@neatmethod + @simplyorganized
Need new inspirational IG accounts to follow? Our #FollowFridays posts will have you showing mad love online when we round up our favs in art, business, wellness, philanthropy, tech, media + so much more. Click their handles & show them some love.
Who are you following?
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How to Road Trip The Right Way
Photography by: Jessica Bordner
They’re all part and parcel to the superpower of the ROAD TRIP. Road trips have captured our imaginations since before we ever landed behind the wheel. They have the power to make us feel free. And unencumbered by emails and office work.
So, looking to roll down the windows, and get a little sunshine on my face, I set out on a mini road trip in an Acura MDX to Palm Springs this past weekend. With a half a tank of gas, the car’s killer newly designed front grill, and my husband, sister, and dog by my side, we were ready to let the good times roll.
So, in honor of the fun we had, I’m sharing my four secret major keys to road-tripping your way to happiness.
1. YES, YOU READ RIGHT. I SAID HALF TANK.
Some people like to over-prepare. But part of the fun of a road trip is the impromptu turn-offs. You never know what you might find out your way out of town and off the beaten path. So contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to over-prepare your tank by filling it up all the way. Now, wait. I’m not advising you to run out of gas, but I am suggesting that you pull off the road, fill up your tank, but then hit up the nearby town. Pick up a trinket or two that will always remind you of your time at the mom and pop shop off the interstate.
Since we were riding in the Acura MDX and getting about 27 highway miles per gallon, a half tank got us pretty far!
Half talk, full heart. Can’t lose.
2. YOU DO NEED TO PREP THOSE TUNES
A family and friend sing-along is exactly what you need to fill up some of the hours of the road. But this is not the time to be selfish with your music. You want to pick jams that everyone can sing along to. Nothing too known, but nothing so obscure that you’re the only one singing. This isn’t your shower after all. My personal road trip playlist can be found here.
The Acura MDX even has a 7-inch on-demand multi-use display screen. It's positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger and controls the audio system and there's even surround sound!
3. DON’T TRY TO RUSH IT
So you hit rush hour? It’s not a problem. Road trips are 100% about the journey and not the destination (though a nice destination doesn't hurt.) Bring along a pack of Table Topics and play in the car. Go old school and play 20 questions. Get to know the people you love even more. There is something to be said for treating the road like part of the vacation.
With super spacious leg room, new leather piping and comfy captain’s chairs the new Acura MDX is the perfect place to be in traffic, if you have to be there.
4. GRAB GREAT CONTENT
I can’t help it. It’s the OG blogger in me, but every time I set out on a road trip I know there are going to be spots for perfect road trip content grabs. Plus, the desert during magic hour is too good to pass up. My professional photographer sister happened to be in the car with us, but it was the all-wheel drive and V6 performance capability in the car that really got us to the shot spot.
Have tips you want to share with us? What are your must-haves for Road Trips?
This post was created in paid partnership with Acura.
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How Whitney Leigh Morris Is Staying Connected This Season
Santa baby, please send me strong wifi.
Whitney Leigh Morris and her Google Wifi.
Whitney Leigh Morris and her Tiny Canal cottage are expanding. It's true. The woman who has perfected the art of TINY living, is branching out-- with an extra couple hundred feet. It might not sound like much to you, but for Whitney, her husband, baby, and two dogs, it's going to be a game-changer. So she's also changing up her wifi situation because she works from home. As Whitney shares, "A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.
What’s your technique for staying on top of everything this holiday season?
This time of year is delightfully tricky— there is so much more business to manage and wrap-up, and yet there’s also a marked uptick in social events to attend and vacation days to enjoy. The reality of running your own small business in this era is that you’re rarely ever able to fully unplug. But as long as my digital files are efficiently organized and synchronized, it is quick and painless to oversee activations, reply to requests and inquiries, and keep projects rolling from my phone over the holidays. When I can manage all of my tasks without having to open my laptop our power-up my desktop, I feel like I’m balancing the work/play nature of December.
What Christmas movies will you be streaming with your Google wifi?
I’m excited to show my son and his cousins "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street." It’s from the ‘70s, but that Jim Henson magic never fades. (We don’t have a TV, so we’ll stream the movie on my computer and project it on a screen or wall near the tree.)
Google has something for everyone on your list. To see our full Google Gift Guide click here.
You’re expanding your space, so why is Google Wifi the smartest choice for your expansion?
Our cottage is also my full-time office and studio, so I’m constantly working to varying degrees while at home. We recently acquired the neighboring tiny house as an expansion, and even though our increased square footage only totals under 800, our wifi signal now has to carry through exterior walls, and even reach into our “new” front garden. Before using Google Wifi, the strongest signal was near my desktop computer. But as my business continues to expand, and as my family’s daily routines evolve, I need to have flexible, functional work stations for myself and others throughout the cottages. A strong Google Wifi signal is the single most important factor in creating these efficient little pop-up offices.
Don't miss out, Friday to Monday Google is offering all kinds of holiday deals.
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Hello to 5 Time-Saving Beauty Tips from Nikki DeRoest
The Hello to Beauty founder is dishing the beauty goods.
Our schedules are crammed. We can barely make enough time to get to that 7PM spin class after work-- so forget a 30-minute AM prep before work when we need to look presentable. We need a beauty routine that works for our schedules, not against them.
When you work a 9 to 9 every second is valuable.
To help us hack our morning beauty routine, we asked Create & Cultivate DTLA panelist Nikki DeRoest and Hello to Beauty guru to dish the beauty tricks she uses to make her life a little easier. Check her 5 key tips below, and be sure to catch her on panel this May as she shares how to succeed in the business of beauty!
1. Style your hair the night before.
Wash your hair in the evening and let it air dry either all the way or 80% of the way and then finish the last 20% with a blowdryer. You'll save time washing it at night, and will also help the health of your hair. I often completely style my hair at night so that I can do minor touch ups in the morning. You know what they say, when a woman says she can't go out because she has to wash her hair....there's some truth to that!
2. Invest in a good at-home mani.
I always use a "gel" topcoat on all of my at-home manicures. My favorite one is from Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel, and it prolongs any of my manicures to last at least a week, but I don't damage my nails like the in-salon gel manicures. (Tip: You can use ANY brand nail polish with that topcoat and it works wonders!)
3. Have a masquerade party.
I don't know if I'd call it a hack, but using a lot of face masques is a REALLY good idea! Your skin will love you for it. I switch up the different types of masques, and usually sleep in them.
4. Glow up.
Glowing skin will always make you look younger. Promise.
Make sure to always add a good highlight to the cheekbones to give yourself a youthful glow. My favorite is RMS's Living Luminizer.
5. Have your boss look nailed down.
If you are a busy boss, I think it's important to come up with your "look." That way when you are getting ready for your day-to-day, you don't have to think too hard and can feel confident walking out the door.
MORNING HACK: HAVE YOUR BOSS LOOK NAILED DOWN.
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I have my standard "look" and easily switch it up with different lipstick shades. Of course, in the evening or weekends it can be more of a free-for-all, but I think it's important to know your routine and look so you can get it done quickly.
Why It's Time to Ditch the "YOLO" Mindset
Your old pals dollars and sense say so.
Don't worry, she made that coffee at home...
These days, in our world of instant gratification (we may even be able to leverage our selfies to make purchases), it’s more necessary than ever to be able to stay focused on saving money any way you can. So to help you monitor your spending habits and cut expenses (to put more $$$ in your pocket), here are 20 easy hacks you can use every day—starting right now. Now, that’s instant gratification at its finest!
1. Have a weekly money date.
Commit to sitting down with your money once a week for a money date. During this time, update your budget, review your accounts and track your progress against your financial goals. Like any relationship, if you want your financial life to improve, you must spend time with your money.
2. Plan out your meals for the week.
Taking a few hours every weekend to grocery shop and meal plan for the week will definitely save you money, as dining out is the No. 1 expense for most households. By eating at home, you save money that would otherwise be spent on tax and tip—and you usually save calories, too.
3. Cut out cable.
Gasp! Cut out TV?! Never! But with services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime, you can now watch your favorite TV shows and movies for a fraction of the cost of cable TV. A study by NPD shows that cable bills will soon grow to an average of $123 per month, or $1,476 per year. By switching over to an online service or cutting out TV altogether, you can save that money for another financial goal—like paying off debt, traveling or saving for a home down payment.
4. Host a potluck.
The more friends you have, the more money you spend on lunch dates, birthday parties and gifts. Switch it up and instead of meeting over a fancy dinner, host a potluck and have everyone bring his or her favorite dish. That way you can save money you’d spend on restaurant extras like tax, tip and parking—and you’ll usually have a more intimate meal together, too.
5. Leverage Airbnb.
Finding a place to stay while traveling is so convenient when you use Airbnb. You can often find a place that has a kitchen (so you can cook meals at home to save money) at a rate that’s comparable to hotels. You can even rent out your own place on Airbnb while you travel to make some extra cash to pay for your own travel expenses. It’s a win-win scenario.
6. Make coffee at home.
This one’s not my favorite, as I absolutely love going to coffee shops and drinking organic, delicious coffee. However, spending $4 to $5 on coffee every day definitely adds up. So try my approach and allow yourself a few days a week to buy coffee at cafes, and make it at home the rest of the time.
7. Work more.
When you’re working a lot, there’s not much time left to shop and spend money. Stay busy and pursue a career you love—then watch how when you’re busy hustling, you spend less.
8. Wait 48 hours before you click “buy.”
Since we can have anything we want these days with just the click of a button (there’s that instant gratification again!), you need to find a system to help buffer your impulse purchases. Example: Wait 48 hours before spending money on things that cost more than a certain amount. When you do, you will find that most of the time the item was more of a “want” than a “need.” Plus, you’ll save money and work toward being more mindful with your spending.
Stop spending money on things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like.
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9. Use blogs and Pinterest to learn DIY beauty treatments.
Self-care is important—but going to spas and getting pedicures, massages, etc. can really add up. Allow yourself a certain amount to spend on these things, then use blogs and Pinterest to find at-home beauty treatments to help you save money. Often you can find a DIY, organic option using common household or kitchen products.
10. Outsource with Fivrr or Task Rabbit.
Time is a commodity, and your time is precious and valuable. And these days, there are so many tasks you can outsource that will save you time and money. But how do you figure out if outsourcing something is worth the expense? A great thing to do is to actually calculate the cost of your time, which will help you figure out if you can pay someone to do something for less than your hourly rate. Here’s an example: A monthly net income of $3,000 divided by a total of 160 hours worked equals an hourly rate of $16.75. Now that you know the value of your time, you can strategically outsource it, using a service like Fivrr or Task Rabbit, for a fraction of your hourly rate.
11. Get creative with gifts
Find creative ways to express your love to friends and family members for birthday and holiday gifts. After all, a handwritten note explaining why you love someone can be more sentimental than some expensive gift he or she may never even use. Most people will appreciate the thought behind your gifts more than anything, so don’t be afraid to save money and find free ways to celebrate birthdays and holidays.
12. Choose quality over quantity
This can apply to food, clothes, electronics and much more. Although it’s tempting to choose the more budget-friendly version of an item, sometimes choosing quality over quantity will save you more in the long run. Save up your money and get the best-quality product you can afford, and leverage the cost-per-wear philosophy with more expensive clothing and shoes. This applies to food, too: Buying quality organic food can nourish you in ways that fill you up more than the pre-packaged, processed stuff and potentially save you health care costs in the future, since you’re taking good care of yourself. Find a balance that is right for you and choose quality whenever you can.
13. Deal with your emotions.
A lot of times excessive spending is a way to avoid feeling certain emotions. If you check in with yourself before you go on a major spending spree, you may be able to identify if you’re feeling bored, lonely or stressed and spending money as a way to avoid the underlying emotion. Check in before you buy and be mindful with your spending.
14. Stop trying to keep up with the Kardashians.
It’s hard to keep your blinders on and not compare your financial life to others’, especially celebrities. However, it is really important to be clear about what matters most to you and make sure you build a financial plan that supports that vision. This will keep you moving toward your financial goals and stop you from spending money on things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like.
15. Read a personal finance book.
When you learn about personal finance, you’ll learn even more strategies to help you save money for your goals in life. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more you can save.
16. Balance out your “YOLO” mindset.
With social media controlling our lives like never before, people often fall victim to the “fear of missing out” phenomenon and instead go overboard with a “you only live once” mentality. While it is important to live in the present and soak up each precious moment of life, make sure you balance that out by saving for your financial future, too. Without checks and balances in place, you can find yourself saying yes to everything and spending more money than you have—all because of the fear of missing out.
17. Map out your financial goals.
Be very specific with your financial goals. For example, saying, “I want to save for a home down payment” is not enough. You need to map out how much you need, by when, and what you need to save every month in order to reach the goal. When you know what your targets are, you’re more likely to stay the course and continue saving for them for the long-term.
18. Keep your eye on the prize.
Staying focused on your goals take discipline and determination. Saving can be easy and exciting at first, but after a while you may lose that initial motivation and start to find other things you can spend that money on. To avoid veering off course, check in with your goals regularly and keep your eye on the prize.
19. Track your progress
People in the U.S. save only 5.5% of their money compared to the 20% that personal finance teaches that you should put away. But instead of feeling ashamed about your lack of savings, just start by saving something. Even 1% is better than nothing. Track your progress and continue to increase the number year after year. Step by step, day by day, you can get to that 20% savings level. The truth is there are many ways to save money. Find the ways that work for you and slowly start incorporating the strategies into your life.
What tricks do you have for saving money?
Brittney Castro is the Founder & CEO of Financially Wise Women, an LA-based financial planning firm for women. Brittney has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNBC, Glamour.com, KTLA, Entrepreneur.com, CBS, and more. Away from the office, you can find Brittney working out, drinking coffee with steamed almond milk, reading, playing with her fur baby Arya, and, of course, dancing. Follow her at @brittneycastro.
Links From Our Group Chat: How to Stop Sexism Early & the Daily Hell of 2017
We promise, there is an escape.
What are you digging into this Sunday?
Got anything good to share with us? Add links in the comments below.
Leandra Medine's brave and different kind of pregnancy announcement.
Interesting theory on men not trusting women. And the kind of trouble it causes.
How to escape the daily hell that is 2017.
Is gendered medicine good medicine? And what does that mean?
How to raise a son who respects women.
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Links From Our Group Chat: Reese and the WSJ, Art Prints We Love & The Martha Stewart Empire
What up Sunday night. It's us.
Cozy up on your couch for some Sunday night inspo.
Did you know a woman invented forensics?
Martha Stewart. And her 30-year empire.
We love this. "Witherspoon starts and ends her days with her nose in a book, nonfiction in the morning (“something that gives me food for thought,” she says) and fiction in the evening (“escapism!”)." We also love this WSJ profile.
It's live! The Chasing Paper Print Shop, which is an art collection that coincides with Chasing Paper's core mission - design should be for everyone. We happen to agree. They launched Friday with 24 high-quality prints at 30% less then competitors in the space. The goal is to make thoughtful design easier for people to get into their homes. Plus, we've got a discount code for the C&C community. (The code is C&C for 10% off any print-- includes framing.)
Might Harvey Weinstein actually be arrested? Justice might prevail.
We choose you. Who is part of your 'chosen family?'
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8 Ways Millennials Are Changing the Face of Parenthood
We're confident that we're good parents.
According to population estimates released last month by the U.S. Census Bureau, Millennials have surpassed the Baby Boomer's as the nation's largest living generation.
We're here and we've taken over, except, we're also waiting longer to have kids than any other generation.
The reason most often cited? Financial stress-- whether it’s low starting pay, the burden of student loans, or the high and rising cost of child care-- is number one.
Still the new generation of working millennial mothers is putting their own brand of mommyhood into the world. From understanding that there’s more than one way to be a good mom to being more forthcoming about their shortcomings. This generation may be doing it later, but we’re doing it our way.
Here are 8 ways we're changing the mom game.
1. We're confident that we're good parents.
All of those trophies and gold stars weren't for naught. There's nothing wrong with a healthy self-esteem and according to a Pew survey, 57 percent of Millennial moms say they're doing a very good job at parenting, compared to 48 percent of Gen Xers and 41 percent of Baby Boomers.
2. We no longer believe we have to keep a perfect home.
That might in part be related to the fact that our pop culture role models are very open about their flaws. And that's a big deal.
It's made us much more willing to not be "perfect" all the time. This is not June Cleaver's version of parenthood. These are women who portrayed a real version of motherhood and who often held their own in two-income families. Claire Huxtable from "The Cosby Show" was a lawyer who showed us an unapologetic strong working mom role model. Aunt Becky from "Full House" was an anchor woman, mom to twins, and had fabulous hair. There are also inspiring women everywhere showing us how mom and boss work together: Tina Fey, Shonda Rhimes, Jessica Alba, Amy Poehler, Bobbi Brown, Maria Jacquemetton, Marissa Mayer, and more. These exemplary powerful women, both fictitious and real, have given us a much different version of "mom" than generations prior. And we seem to be taking notes.
3. We're bringing home the bacon for our fam.
There have been some dramatic shifts that underscore modern mom life. Nearly half of all U.S. mothers are either the primary breadwinner or “on par financially with their significant other,” according to the new study “The Breadwinner PheMOMenon.” According to the study from Ketchum, this shift goes hand-in-hand with the above. “With more breadwinning and less breadmaking, nearly half of moms surveyed no longer have expectations that they should be a ‘domestic goddess,’”says Kelley Skoloda, partner and director of Ketchum’s Global Brand Marketing Practice and author of Too Busy to Shop: Marketing to Multi-Minding Women.
4. Everybody's working for the weekend, but our jobs aren't just about money.
Gasp! Are we happy about our jobs?! According to The Working Mother Research Institute's "Mothers and Daughters: The Working Mother Generations Report" Millennials are more fulfilled by career prospects and compensation than Baby Boomers or Gen Xers. The most "optimistic" generation in the survey, 47 percent of Millennials said they would prefer to work even if they did not have to financially vs. 37 percent of Gen Xers 36% of Boomers.
5. Being a good parent is more important than a good marriage.
According to a Pew Research Center study, 52 percent of Millennials put a premium on being a good parent, while only 30 percent said having a good marriage is one of the most important things in life.
6. Independent, but social, is part of our nature.
We have fewer attachments to traditional political and religious institutions, but are more connected to personalized networks of friends, colleagues and affinity groups through social and digital media.
7. We waited to have kids.
The Urban Institute found that Millennial women are the slowest to have kids of any generation in U.S. history. According to the Pew Research Center, highly-educated moms are waiting until their 30s to have children. Among women ages 40 to 50, the median age at which those with a master’s degree or more first became mothers now stands at 30.
8. If knowledge is power, this bunch is going to be pretty powerful.
A record share of new millennial mothers have a college degree, more so than any other previous generation of young adults, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The picture is even more dramatic for graduate school: While 2.8 percent of young adults had a grad degree in 1995, 3.8 percent received one in 2010, which amounts to a 35 percent increase. If knowledge is power, we have some of the most powerful moms out there.
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From Shitty To Pretty: 5 Things To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Fixer Upper
No need for home FOMO. Penny tile is easy to install.
Let’s face it. With housing prices on the rise, buying a home already seems pretty insane -- especially in cities like Los Angeles, where the average home goes for $515,000 (and rent is supposed to increase by about 3% by 2019).
For many who’ve caught the homebuying bug, the reality is that a fixer upper might be your only way into today’s hot market.
Fixers tend to be lower priced, sit on the market longer, and get less competitive offers. They require more creativity and elbow grease to see their potential. This means you could be getting a steal compared to your neighbors who just couldn’t live without that penny tile in the bathroom. P.S. No need for FOMO. Penny tile is easy to install.
While you’ve probably had your fair share of binging HGTV (do the words “open concept” and “shiplap” ring a bell?), scrolling through endless renos on Remodelista, and Insta-stalking your favorite home decor bloggers, turning a fixer upper from shitty to pretty can be super exciting and rewarding, but it’s no small task.
Here are 5 questions you should ask yourself before buying your first hard hat.
Is it worth the fix?
Ugly is easy to repair, but structural issues are a beast. Many people might pass on a home because it looks outdated, but their ‘nope’ is your moment to carpe that diem. Little touches like new paint, cabinet hardware, or ripping out nasty carpet in exchange for hardwood floors can go a long way. These cosmetic fixes are easier to DIY and budget for and will add instant value.
On the flip side, be wary about homes with major issues like foundation problems. Unless you can negotiate with the seller for a credit, this could cost you tens of thousands to repair on something you can’t even see or enjoy. It’s not worth your stress or your hard earned money.
Will you be able to maintain your lifestyle?
Owning a home isn’t fun if you become a slave to it. Margot Stephenson, founder of Someone Social, recently bought a fixer upper condo after spending seven months hunting for a cute cottage. “When I sat down and really made a budget, I looked at how it would affect my lifestyle and realized I’d have to stop everything and just hole up in my place.” Eventually, Margot opted to look at homes under her price range so she wouldn’t have to make sacrifices in her day-to-day life.
A fixer could satisfy your home goals while preventing you from stretching yourself too thin. You’ll need more cash up front to help cover initial repairs you want to make, but a smaller loan means lower monthly mortgage payments so you can still have your grain bowl, and eat it, too.
Is this your forever home or a for-a-few-years home?
Is the location, the one thing you can’t change, somewhere you could see yourself in for a long time? Maura Cottle, a Partner and Creative Director at Heatwaves Collective, knew that a fixer upper was the right choice because the location was a must. In order to get into their dream neighborhood, Maura and her husband Ken are taking on their remodel in small projects. “I have really big plans for this home, but I’ve made it what I need it to be until I get there. I love the neighborhood, so I’m really happy.”
But, if you know this isn’t a long term sitch, consider your future buyers. While you should always do you and put your needs first, don’t go crazy with the statement chandelier or the custom built-ins. Save that for when you find your dream casa, and opt for stylish yet budget-friendly upgrades that you know will add to your home value.
Can you & your wallet roll with the punches?
#Facts: remodeling your home will test your patience, make you question your sanity, and cause occasional fits of rage-slash-tears-slash-joy. As you uncover additional issues -- oh, hey weird old wiring that needs to be replaced and rotting floor boards -- it will inevitably take longer and cost more than you expect.
Apparently, time is a flat circle, especially when it comes to home renovations. If you have mad DIY skills, there’s lots of things you can tackle on your own, but know that even if you’re working with a contractor, weekend projects can quickly turn into month-long projects. You’re gonna need to take some deep breaths. Okay, a lot of deep breaths.
Do you have a ~*VISION*~?
If you’ve got an inner Kelly Wearstler just waiting to be unleashed, a fixer could be the perfect blank slate for you and give you the ultimate creative control and freedom to create your perfect place. “If we had spent more money on a move-in ready house, I would’ve slowly updated it anyways,” says Maura. “Now I don’t feel bad about tearing our bathroom apart.”
If getting lost in the details of exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, grout colors, and marble slab veining sounds like heaven to you, then a fixer upper would have more pros than cons. You’d be able to get type-A with it and pick every detail to your liking to build your ultimate dream pad.
Angeline Vuong is VP of Marketing at Open Listings, a startup focused on making homebuying simple & more affordable. Ask her anything home-related: angeline@openlistings.com.
photo credit: Monica Wang Photo
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Why This Jewelry Designer Opened Shop on the Most Expensive Block in LA
She's not scared of a little retail apocolypse.
"Creating," says Gorjana Reidel, founder of gorjana, an LA-based jewelry line, "is in her blood." When she launched her eponymous jewelry line in 2004, with her now husband, the two hit the road-- literally putting 50k miles on her car, securing their first 100 stores. The goal was to create and sell beautiful pieces like she saw in luxury department stores, but at much more affordable and approachable price.
It wasn't so much a strategy, she says but, "the only way we knew how to do something." Which might have something to do with why gorjana was the top-selling jewelry line on Shopbop for seven years.
Now, she's opened shop on both Abbot Kinney, the retail-mecca of Venice, CA and the West Village in New York City. It's a massive undertaking, and some might call it an even bigger risk in a brick-and-mortar environment that has big-box retailers shivering in fear. But Reidel's not shaking in her boots. She knows this is a major opportunity. We checked in to find out why.
Why was Abbott Kinney the perfect spot for retail?
Our hometown and flagship store is in Laguna Beach which has a strong artist community and artistic vibe. Venice has a similar vibe and we felt it was the perfect location. Abbot Kinney has an eclectic history and I’m so excited to bring our designs there.
When so many big box brands are shutting down brick-and-mortar locations, how do you make the choice to open up shop?
Being able to create an environment that allows customers to fully immerse themselves in the gorjana brand is very important to us. The goal for all of our stores is to align the retail space with a lifestyle look and feel. Our hope is that the stores will welcome and inspire the consumer, making them feel instantly as if they are in our home.
What is gorjana doing differently?
The store is really allows our customers to experience the gorjana brand. They will be able to shop one of a kind items as well as a full assortment of product. We host weekly events to offer our customers not only fun experiences, but also educational ones. We want the stores to be unique spaces where our customers can really get to know us.
Does the “retail apocalypse” of 2017 make you nervous? Where do you see the opportunity?
No, retail is not dying, it's evolving, and now more than ever it is important to create relationships with our customers and provide memorable interactions within our store space. This is the direction we see retail going, and we want to be at the forefront of that movement.
"Retail is not dying, it's evolving."
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What is the most exciting part of your business right now?
Opening our own stores and being able to directly connect to our customers. We have to opportunity for them to get to know us better, see what we are all about and us also getting know them. Our power gemstone collection is so much more than just jewelry and we love being able to share that with our customer in a more meaningful way, whether it is through an aura reading or just educating them about gemstones. The connection is the truly exciting part.
People shop online. But people also need to feel and touch items in person. How does your online business inform your in-person inventory?
We monitor our selling trends closely and make sure our ecommerce top sellers are available in-store but also offer an entire retail exclusive collection for our customers to feel that they’re seeing something fresh and new. These pieces are all one-of-a-kind and appeal to those looking for something truly unique.
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How This Company Helps You Plan Your Wedding Remotely Without Taking PTO
Save the PTO for the honeymoon.
When we think back to the fantasy wedding we dreamt up as kids, the day was filled with effortless joy and a setting fit for a princess. But fast forward 20 years or so, when you’re actually getting married, and the reality is much different — perhaps without the horse-drawn carriage. Finding your match and planning your lives together is a beautiful thing. But planning a wedding? That isn’t always pretty.
It’s becoming more common for couples to take valuable paid-time-off (PTO) to plan their special day. The entire process can feel like a second full-time job. There are more details and logistics that you didn’t think were possible. And while planning your wedding is a precious memory you’ll always have, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice other areas of your life.
And that is where WeddingWire can help. As the destination for couples looking to get things done when it comes to wedding planning, WeddingWire is a smarter way to coordinate your special day. Nearly 83% of couples plan their wedding online — but with so many venues, planners, and suggestions out there, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
WOMAN WITH A PLAN
WeddingWire provides the most in-depth information, inspiration and planning tools, to help you make choices you can feel confident in. They have a directory of over 500,000 global wedding professionals — local to your ceremony location — and 5 million global vendor reviews. Now that’s comprehensive. And with their Vendor Manager feature, you can find, save, and mark these vendors as “booked.” Save the spreadsheets or sticky notes for another time, WeddingWire has the organization you need at home and on the go. Especially with their app, which includes wedding day countdown, messaging ability vendors, as well as access your wedding planning checklist.
$AVVY PLANNING, MADE EA$Y
Even better? WeddingWire is completely free. And with an average wedding costing close to $30,000, high quality resources that don’t break the bank are truly a gift. Speaking of which, WeddingWire also helps you compare vendor pricing and availability, as well as provides tools for tasks like budgeting. In fact, their Budgeting Tool will help you track spending, set up payment schedules, and redistribute funds. This is the peace of mind you and your wallet both need when planning a wedding.
MAKE YOUR LIST + CHECK IT TWICE
Bringing together two families can be heart-warming and exciting — but the guest list and seating chart can feel like a scramble. The first step, make sure you have a clear understanding of who’s related to who, who’s friends with who. And second, use WeddingWire’s Guest List Tool to build and track your guest list, in addition to marking off whether or not they sent a gift. Pro tip: Have stationary ready for those Thank You notes.
And the seating chart? They have a tool for that. Once you reach this stage in the planning process, this feature can help you lay out your floor plan and drag and drop guests from your list. And if you really want to make sure your in-laws happy, WeddingWire has a Hotel Blocks feature that allows you to find and reserve hotel rooms for your wedding guests. Now everyone will be well-rested, perfectly seated, and gets a Thank You note. Kudos to you!
All this to say, save your PTO for your honeymoon. WeddingWire is the leading online wedding marketplace to help you plan your wedding with confidence. From their app to their budgeting features, WeddingWire gives you the power to plan your wedding efficiently and effectively. Because your big day deserves to be the day you’ve always dreamed of — maybe with that horse-drawn carriage, after all.
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4 Times Glam App Comes Through in the Clutch
Glam is a state of mind.
Makeup doesn’t make the girl, the girl makes the makeup. And we hope you know you’re gorgeous through and through-- because. you. are. freaking. gorgeous.
But occasionally, whether for a special occasion or due to lack of time, you need a glam squad to come through on-demand.
In 2015 Cara Santana, alongside close friend and celebrity makeup artist Joey Maalouf to launch the Glam App, available in 22 cities across the country.
Today, with the push of a button, the Glam App delivers beauty experts to your front door. (Or office door.) Offering services that range from a blow dry, to make up applications, to a mani-touchup. Here are five ways the service comes through in the clutch! So you can grab yours and head out the door.
You’re About to Meet the Microsoft CEO
OK. While we realize this isn’t an everyday occurrence, this did happen to us during Create & Cultivate Seattle. And Glam App made sure that we looked the part before going to shake the hand of Satya Nadella. NBD.
Truth is, sometimes biz life throws you a curve ball and you need to be able to act quickly. Instead of freaking out that you don’t have your makeup bag and that your hair is a hot mess, all you have to do is push a button, request a service, and march off like a boss to holler at Satya.
Your Boss Needs You as a Last Minute Plus One
The invites that make their way into your boss’ inbox don’t often make their way to yours. Listen, those RVSPs come with time, but every so often she’ll ask you to be her +1 to an event, even though you might be sitting at your desk feeling like a -2.
Push that glam button. Even if you don’t need makeup or hair services, this would be the perfect time to get a quick mani. With all the hands you’ll be shaking at the party, you want those fingers polished when you’re passing out biz cards.
You Need to Treat Yourself Cause You Got a Raise
We are on-the-go women with very little time to take care of ourselves. But celebrating our accomplishments is vital to our next success. It’s a confidence boost that every self-made woman needs.
If you just got a raise, or are about to get a holiday bonus, you can baby-splurge, get your makeup and hair done and hit the town with your #workwife to celebrate. You deserve it.
Um… It’s About to Be Holiday Party Season
How many invites are too many invites? When it comes to holiday time you have to make some tough decisions about what to RSVP yes to. But you shouldn’t have to make tough decisions about how good you look.
To easily take your look from office to office party, get glam right at your desk while you fire off the final emails of the day. That’s called glam multi-tasking.
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How This Wedding Company Is Defying Tech Industry Norms
Is it possible to marry your job?
Weddings and tech. It's the perfect union. From simplifying the wedding process to making the entire process more productive, it's easy to say "I do," to the concept. Plus, tech nerds should get excited as VR makes its way into the planning process. (More on that below.)
For all other needs, wedding planning starts here, with WeddingWire. So does progress in the workplace. Ranked as one of Washington's Best Places to Work, find out why this company is solving problems for couples as well as their own employees.
Let’s start simple! Weddings and tech. How do the two work together?
Consumers have had online resources for many things over the years. You could plan a vacation, decorate a house, find a doctor, or order a car to pick you up with just a few clicks, but people had difficulty planning and finding wedding vendors online. WeddingWire, the leading global online destination for couples looking to get things done throughout their wedding planning process, creates and leverages technology to support the way couples experience all other things in their daily lives. This use of technology meets couples and wedding vendors where they are online, making wedding planning a more streamlined, convenient and productive process.
How has WeddingWire simplified the process of getting married?
Whether couples choose to tackle their wedding planning tasks on their desktop or on their mobile device, WeddingWire provides the most in-depth information (including a database of over 200,000 vendors and 3 million consumer reviews), inspiration and planning tools, to help them make choices and feel confident in their selections. WeddingWire’s various educational resources, like the wedding date guide, provide valuable information and education to couples to help them be more informed when reaching out to vendors, and features such as WeddingWire’s customizable wedding geo-filters, allow couples to personalize their big day in a fun and convenient way.
It feels natural to take the wedding process online. What are some of your best tips and solutions for engaged couples?
Set your budget: Couples tend to underestimate how much they’ll spend on their wedding by about 40 percent, so it’s important for couples (and anyone else contributing to the wedding) to discuss and set a budget early on. WeddingWire’s budget tool helps couples organize all their costs, planned and unexpected. Need more information on what to expect? Check out the WeddingWire Budget Guide.
Do your research: Do your homework to ensure you work with vendors that fit your budget and understand your vision. WeddingWire allows couples to search, compare and book from an extensive database of over 200,000 vendors. Plus with over 3 million reviews available from recent newlyweds, couples can feel confident and empowered to make the best choice when it comes to selecting their wedding vendors.
Enjoy the planning process: Be sure to celebrate your #JustSaidYes moment and take some time to enjoy being engaged to your partner. Browse WeddingWire for inspiration, involve friends and family, and have fun with the experience!
The tech space is predominantly male. Some people say it’s a pipeline problem. And yet 40% of WeddingWire’s product development team is women (when the average is 18%). Why was hiring a female team important to WeddingWire?
WeddingWire’s primary goal is to hire the best talent. The best talent are those that bring a diverse group of thought to the company. Without diversity, you are not looking at business problems from all perspectives and therefore, unable to provide the best experience for all users. Women are a huge part of that diversity in thought and we are committed to ensuring they have an equal voice at the table, as well as equal leadership opportunities within the organization.
"Without diversity, you are not looking at business problems from all perspectives."
Tweet this.
Additionally, while we are a tech company focused on the wedding planning process, we organically attract diversity across all genders not just women. WeddingWire defies gender generalizations even when the wedding industry is typically thought to be female-dominated: founded by four non-white men, 40% of our product development team is female (vs the average of 18%).
How did you go about finding the talent?
Referrals from current employees are one of WeddingWire’s most valued recruiting methods. The WeddingWire team is deeply proud, committed and motivated and their recommendation for personal and professional contacts to join our team, is the greatest way to find the best talent. Additionally, the strength of WeddingWire’s talent brand supports our hiring efforts. With its unique employee experience and regularly ranked as one of Washington’s Best Places to Work, WeddingWire is able to recruit competitively for top talent. (Interested in applying, learn more at https://www.weddingwire.com/corp/careers!)
What are your thoughts on the “pipeline” issue?
WeddingWire is proud of the diversity in its application volume which enables us to hire the best talent for the roles across the product and tech organizations. We have seen a notable increase in the interest of all individuals to secure positions in the tech industry; however, we would love to see more early education in technology. We know this would only continue to further roles in the tech industry as a career option for young women!
How else does WeddingWire support women in tech?
WeddingWire’s culture is about overall inclusivity. Not just for women, but for everyone. We promote a culture of flexibility for all employees. This can be highlighted specifically with working parents as they transition back to work after parental leave. Additionally, coaching is an essential part of WeddingWire’s leadership programs. Through the Manager’s Certification and Leadership Development Programs, WeddingWire is dedicated and encourages mentorship.
What have you seen in tech world that excites? Both for your own platform and for women developers?
Sara Zalowitz, VP of Product Management, is very excited by the advancements in 3D videos and Virtual Reality. These technologies open a whole new world for how users consume content, and it is particularly exciting in the Wedding Industry as it allows for couples to truly see how a venue looks before reaching out. It can be a true game-changer.
Photo credit: WeddingWire Instagram
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Why You Should Use Your Vacations Days
And how to pack for them!
Work hard. Play hard. Right?
Lately, not so much.
In part that's due to a common misconception in office culture that those who work the longest hours are the hardest working employees. Vacation is seen as a luxury, instead of a right, and it's made it so that few full time working Americans are taking time-off. In 2014 42% of working Americans didn't take a single vacation day. Not one. In 2013 Americans collectively squandered 169 million vacation days. Yet this pattern is taking its toll on workers, proving to have a negative ripple effect on employee mental health, productivity, even the economy.
Taking your vacation days is necessary. So don't be scared to ask. (Put those requests in writing now!) Studies have shown that the respite effects of a vacation can increase productivity, concentration, and creativity, by as much as 80 percent. There are even companies offering bonuses to employees who use their vacation days. (Sounds like a dream, right?)
Summer may have ended with a bang yesterday, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to take time to yourself when necessary. And if you can't go on vacation, you can at least dress for it, with a little help from our friends at Bobeau Collection. From the city to the desert to the beach, Bobeau has head-to-toe styles you need to get out of town and on your way to well-rested.
CITY ESCAPADES
If you're going to vacation in the city, you need a wardrobe with a bit more structure. Opt for a matching two-piece like the above Pleat Front Blouse and Emilia Stripe Palazzo Pant. You can create four outfits from four simple, but chic pieces. All you have to do is add a black Elsa Palazzo Pant and a white Double Layer Tank to your packing list. It's smart dressing, the city way. You can go from the museum to drinks to dinner and beyond.
DESERT HEAT
If relaxing in the dry heat of the desert with a mojito in hand while taking in the neutral palettes of the landscape sounds right up your vacation alley. You only need a few key elements for the laid-back escape. Put your phone on silent for a weekend and enjoy the cacti in a Maxi Skirt with a white Lace Aplique Knit Top. Breezy and tumbleweed easy. Because you should look fresh while you refresh.
BEACH VIBES
Finally, if a white sand beach with picaresque palms and hammocks between the trees is your dream vacay, look no more further. All you need is a couple of bikinis, some lightweight coverups and a dress or two. The above Sleeveless Slit Tunic is ideal for morning walks down shore. And the below effortless Camellia Palm Print Maxi goes from cabana to dinner to dancing at the beach bar. Tulum, here you come.
No matter where you're headed make sure you head somewhere. A little you time is one of the smartest decisions you can make to feel reinvigorated and in your best boss headspace.
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Links From Our Group Chat: Invisible Panty Lines & Sexism at Work
These things are unrelated. We promise.
It's Labor Day weekend (woohoo) which means plenty of time to catch up on good reads you've been putting off.
Grab a cocktail (or a coffee), sit outside, and enjoy the wise words from strangers on the internet. It's the American way.
Women are underrepresented in economic departments (not surprising) and this is how their colleagues talk about them.
Speaking of sexism, Ellen Pao wrote a must-read about the trial she lost and sexism in Silicon Valley.
If you hate thongs, here's how to "hide" panty lines. Sorry Cisco.
This UK retailer removed gender labels from these kids' clothes. No gender assumptions here.
All of the movies coming out this fall, discussed here. What will you be watching?
The road to recovery in Houston begins.
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Matte Matters: The Four Times This Moisturizer Will Save Your Face
Day to night and everything in between.
How much time do you spend getting ready in the AM? An hour? Five minutes? Whether you clock 60 seconds or 60 minutes in front of your bathroom mirror, every on-the-go working woman could use something to keep her skin fresh from day to date. Or day to drinks with a potential client. Or when she’s simply in a rush, because that’s the world we live in.
Like we always do, we’ve got a simple solution.
And we’ve rounded up four totally normal day-to-day situations where Origins new deliciously hydrating Original Skin Matte Moisturizer will save you.
#1 Your alarm fails to go off.
It happens to the best of us. You set your AM alarm for plenty of prep time before a big meeting. But something happens (whether you hit snooze, or phone dies, or simply tech fails you) and you wake up with stressful serious time crunch. All you need to do is splash a little water on your face, brush your teeth, and smooth on this unique moisturizer for skin that looks as good naked as it does glam’d up.
It’s an innovative pink water cream that hydrates while absorbing excess oil in a flash.
And flash-forward, you’re on your way, miraculously on time, and looking like a fresh-faced babe.
#2 You’ve got drinks after work with a potential client, but are heading straight from a meeting.
Given that the moisturizer is matte and helps prime for makeup, it’s perfect for situations like this. First, it moisturizes your face during the day, which means it’s ready for you to throw on some makeup before your meet up.
You don’t have to worry about getting oily during the day because of the pink water cream.
#3 You’ve stayed up super late working on a presentation, but don’t want to look tired when you present.
You’re in luck. The matte’s main ingredients are exactly what your skin needs. You’ve done the work prep, so let them do your face prep.
Canadian Willowherb: found in Northern Canadian prairies, helps delete dullness and restore skin’s ideal glow.
Pink Rock Rose: grown in the Mediterranean and traditionally used in herbal medicine, helps to keep skin looking healthy and glowing with its calming and soothing capabilities.
Persian Silk Tree: native to SouthEast Asia, is known to have stress-relieving properties and is called the Tree of Happiness because of its calming herbal properties.
#4 You have a date. But a boss who is not about you leaving the office early. (Like most bosses, let’s be real.)
Enough said. Not only does the matte moisturizer easily take you from day to night, but if you are thinking of getting up close and personal, the Willowherb and Pink Rock Rose act as an instant glow-booster that brightens skin and shrinks pores.
So get close. Get personal. And feel great about your skin.
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Links From Our Group Chat: Quest for World Domination TSwfit vs. Amazon
The world is prickly AF lately.
If you read it, but don't send it to a co-worker, did it happen?
This is what we dug into at the office last week.
One of our favorites and sweetest bloggers around has a new clothing line perfect for petite girls. Find out who.
Tswift isn’t the only one making a come back.
But did you know you wanted 45 thinking pieces on Taylor Swift and her reputation? The NY Times took this all a little too seriously.
Why the person firing you is prob having a terrible time too.
Put my thing down flip it and reverse it. We see you Kendrick.
It's Amazon's world now. The rest of us are just living in it.
On a serious note-- our thoughts go out to everyone in Texas to keep safe and dry.
What are you reading this weekend? Share in the comments.
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Our Six Dream Podcasts & Their Hosts
Can someone make these?
It's been a hell of a Monday. We mean, the sun straight disappeared and people got emotional. So we dreamed up a few things that we want to listen to this week.
Can someone make these, thanks.
1. Sit Down Tony Robbins: Women explain that willpower is a privilege and it’s time for TR to sit TF down.
Ideal hosts: Issa Rae & Yvonne Orji
2. Momsplaining: Where moms explain new tech to people. Mom does it anyway, might as well put her on the podcast.
Hosts: Your mom, sometimes your dad, additional commentary from Amy Poehler
3. Blue Crush hosted by Blue Ivy.
No explanation need. Maybe she just dances.
4. Secret Service Secrets: Where secret service staff reveal everything you've ever wanted to know. They've got the best hiding spots, they know where the Pres is at all times, and they have secret offices where there are no trash cans outside. So many questions. Sidebar: where are all the female Secret Service agents?
Ideal host: Marjorie Palmiotti from Veep.
5. 2 Dope Queens
Oh, wait. That already exists.
6. Leave It to Beavers: Women take care of everything. All the time. This is where we talk about it and take over men's jobs.
Ideal hosts: All women. Any women.
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Don't Miss This! Seattle-Based The Mine Shares Local Favorites
Everything is 'grammable.
Create & Cultivate is heading to Seattle for our final conference of the year. So we checked in with Seattle-based company, The Mine, to get the scoop on their must-pop-by places. Their goods are featured in multiple spots around the Emerald city, so they would know.
If you are visiting for the conference, check out these local favorites and look around for the #minefinds!
MATTHEWS WINERY
Location: 16116 140th Pl NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
photo credit: Matthews Winery Instagram
You might say coffee, but we say first stop, wine tasting! One of our favorite Seattle-area wineries to visit in the afternoon is Matthews in Woodinville. As a family-owned winery, their wine comes from the far away vines of Bordeaux and local Washington grapes. There isn’t an occasion Matthews can’t cater to with their wide range of venues and wine.
Not only is the wine delectable, but the rustic atmosphere makes you want to stay all day. We’re not sure if it’s the twinkly chandelier, wood barrels, or the classic bar stools, but we’re obsessed with the quaint, romantic ambience of this Woodinville winery. We love the simple elegance that the dark-stained wood gives throughout the space! The design consequently matches Matthews chic wine bottle and organic charcuterie plate.
After you are done wine tasting, make sure to properly store your purchased bottles in one of these handy racks. Open daily for tastings, we highly recommend taking the 20 minute drive to Woodinville from Seattle for a visit!
THE LONDON PLANE & LITTLE LONDON PLANE
Location: 300 & 322 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98104
Photo credit: The London Plane Instagram
Refuel after wine tasting at a charming dinner spot steps away from downtown Seattle! A local favorite, The London Plane features not only a rustic, modern-country cafe, but a specialty-foods grocery, bakery, and florist all in one stylish space. Who knew convenience could be so stylish?
Just around the corner, The Little London Plane differs in size and purpose. Mostly used for events, the quaint eatery hosts private gatherings featuring in-house catering. Both venues feature sustainably sourced food inspired by European traditions while retaining the Pacific Northwest’s identity.
It’s no surprise that these airy modern spaces inspire visitors again and again. Our favorite pieces from The London Plane are the wishbone dining chairs, branch-inspired chandelier, gold pendant light, and mini candles. Whether you’re meeting friends for a quiet dinner or studying for your next exam, The London Plane is the perfect place for any kind of intimate gathering. The versatility of purpose is reflected in the relaxed-yet-refined design, courtesy of The Mine. Wandering into either of these dining spots will give you a local taste of Seattle and rustic design inspo destined to leave a lasting impression.
MOLLY MOON’S ICE CREAM
Locations: Wallingford | U-Village | Capitol Hill | Redmond | Madrona | Columbia City| Queen Anne | 19th/Mercer
Photo credit: Molly Moon’s website and Instagram
Make sure to leave some room for ice cream! The last stop you have to check out is Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream. Molly Moon’s is a Seattle must go-to stop, known for its local Pacific Northwest sourced ingredients and community engagement. The company was founded by Molly Moon Neitzel herself; a powerful supporter of worker’s and women’s rights!
All eight shops carry Molly moon's signature plus seasonal flavors and freshly made waffle cones that can’t be found anywhere else! (My top three favorite has to be Earl Grey, ‘Scout’ Mint, and Honey Lavender).
Molly Moon’s is known for their adorably designed, clean, crisp shops. When you head into Molly Moon’s, you are greeted by an overwhelming aroma of fresh waffle cones, beautiful baby powder blue and white, with rustic cherry red, brown, and black accents that highlight the colorful modern vibes. It the perfect place to take an Instagram-worthy photo. Even their furniture are aesthetically appealing! See for yourself while enjoying that perfect scoop of ice cream on their industrial styled adjustable stools, sky blue cafe side chairs, white glossy dining table, or their white marble dining table. (You can even find these beautiful products on our site to create that perfect baby blue aesthetically appealing design).
If you want to take more Instagram-worthy photos, head over to Molly Moon’s headquarters to take pictures at their studio. Maybe you’ll see some of iconic office chairs in their headquarters or even in Molly Moon’s office!
While you’re in Seattle, do your own exploring and discover other local favorites. If you snap a shot of any of these places and post on your Instagram, be sure to tag @createcultivate and @shopthemine. Have fun!
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A New Diamond Trend Is Taking Over (& Unexpected Perks Come with It)
Mom, more oval-bling please.
“Let's face it, every person getting married wants something unique to them...not something they see coming and going,” says Brooke Brinkman, Vice President, Marketing & Communication at Simon G. The fine jewelry brand has been around for over three decades, witnessed alllll of the diamond trends, and really pride themselves on combining old world design with modern tech to create stunning and unique looks. So why wouldn’t we look to them when pouring over diamond pics and options?
The good news: you can follow trends and still be unique. And there is a new trend on the rise. “While we’ve seen round diamonds take center stage as the most popular choice for engagement rings for years,” the exec shares, “we are so stoked to see oval diamonds increasing in demand.”
The bling boss knows what she’s talking about. According to Rare Carat, "Ovals are the breakout star of 2017, rising 40% in just six months.” This isn’t surprising to Simon G., which offers an array of engagement rings to suit every bride’s desire.
“The oval diamond is a classic shape with royal roots, but offers many benefits for the person who wants something a bit different, but not too trendy. At the end of the day you want to enjoy your ring for years to come, so trendy is good, but not if it doesn't allow your ring to be timeless,” says Brinkman. Adding, ‘Oval diamonds are the current trend, but they also provide the bonus of longevity. i.e. they’re not just an “of-the-moment” piece.
Oval diamonds have a few other bonuses as well. “Oval diamonds carry most of their weight on the surface, so compared to their round counterpart of the same size, an oval diamond will appear larger. Another perk with choosing this on trend cut is that because of their shape, Oval diamonds can give the effect of an elongated finger. Lastly, and maybe the most important plus, is that Oval diamonds are cut the same way as a round diamond, so you won’t sacrifice on sparkle and they shouldn’t cost much more --- any trend that doesn’t sacrifice shine or budget, count us in!”
Shop a few of the best options for this new trend from Simon G.’s collections. And then if you like it, go ahead, put a ring on it.
From the Delicate Collection, this engagement set features an oval center diamond.
A .18 ct oval center diamond in a halo is the focus of this darling set of rings, while .37 ctw of pave set diamonds are the final perfecting touch.
From the Passion Collection, this stunning option has a classic style setting features a double halo design built for an oval center stone. It contains .40 ctw of side diamonds.
Also from the Passion Collection, this is a classic halo design engagement ring made for an oval center stone contains .45 ctw of white diamonds.
Would rock an oval rock? Let us know in the comments below!