Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Featured Vendor - Eisley Rae

I am so proud to introduce another amazing vendor - Eisley Rae Clothing. I met Alyson on Twitter and decided to check out her Etsy shop!!!! I instantly fell in love. The different fabrics and styles make each of her pieces so original and fun.

Here are a few of my favorites:







Q&A with Alyson:

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Ever since my daughter was born, 7.5 yrs ago I've had a definite shopping obsession.. for little girls clothes. It started with Gap and Gymboree and then I discovered some of the cutest boutique brands like Baby Lulu and Baby Nay. And then… I found Etsy! There were SO many adorable custom dresses, ruffle pants, skirts, etc that I loved. I'd have had to win the lottery to buy everything that I "hearted" on Etsy. I did lots of looking and not a whole lot of buying.

I knew that I could sew. So when I found out I was pregnant with my son, I started making burp cloths, blankets and wash cloths for him. And from there, I decided that I KNEW I could make cute things for my daughter too. So many friends and family complimented and a few people asked me to make their kids things.. and so I decided to start my Etsy shop! Of course now, my daughter refuses to wear half of the stuff that I make because she's "too old".. but I still love making things for little ones!


What exactly does Eisley Rae Clothing entail?
Eisley Rae Clothing is all (adorable) kids clothes! You'll usually see girls dresses, skirts, tank tops, peasant tops and ruffle pants. Our only boys item so far has been the "Mr.Man" shirt. This summer though, we'll be bringing out some adorable little boys shorts that will match the Mr.Man shirts and other applique shirts for boys! Just last week we debuted the new "Lily Pants", they're adorable and perfect for spring & summer!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?
You HAVE to love what you do! I cannot imagine taking this time away from my kids and hubby if I didn't absolutely LOVE sewing! And, learn to balance your time wisely. I've had many days where I've missed things with my kids or haven't gotten enough done around the house and ended up really disappointed in myself. So, even though I'm home all day with my kids I try to stick to a pretty tight "work" schedule, while making sure that I spend lots of time with my family!

What are 3 things people don't know about you?
1. I always imagined I'd finish college with a business degree, move to NYC, live & work in the city and not get married and have kids for a while.
2. I grew up in a small mountain/ski resort town in Southern California. YES, it DOES snow in Southern California!
3. I do NOT like spoons. The only time I'll use one is when I absolutely HAVE to. They just kinda gross me out.

Thank you so much Alyson!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EisleyRae


http://twitter.com/EisleyRae

Friday, March 25, 2011

Fab Friday - Spring Handbags

It about that time to bring some color into your life! One of my favorite ways to do this is with a colorful purse. Many brands are coming out with their new spring/summer lines.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Tory Burch Rattan Flap Clutch



MARC JACOBS 'Cecilia - Small' Quilted Leather Bag



Valentino Multi Flower Tote



Lanvin 'Pillow' Lambskin Shopper




Burberry Check Print Shoulder Bag



~Adrienne

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Featured Vendor - Preppy Poppy (re-post)

Apologies for not having a featured vendor the last few weeks. A few vendors are in the works. I thought I would re-post my FIRST featured vendor :)

Angela from Preppy Poppy is truly an inspiration to all women. She is the wife of a Navy pilot, a mom and a entrepreneur. Preppy Poppy sells monogrammed/personalized items for children and adults.

Here are a few of my favorite items:
1. Monogrammed Mod Burp Cloth for Baby Boy
2. Personalized Newborn Outfit
3. Personalized Christmas Tutu Outfit


Q&A with Angela:
What inspired you to start your own business?
I started The Preppy Poppy because I love to work. However, my husband has a non-conventional career as a Navy Pilot, so to have a "real" career in the corporate world was not an option. I've always had a great love for monogrammed and personalized items. After great discussion with my husband, we came up with The Preppy Poppy. Now I have the luxury of being home for my children and have a career to call my own.

What types of products do you sell?
The Preppy Poppy carries anything from monogrammed Eco friendly shopping totes to personalized holiday tutu outfits.


What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?
I underestimated the amount of hours I would have to put into The Preppy Poppy. There have been numerous times that I worked through the night to complete orders. Balancing your home, family and business takes a great amount of creative planning (usually at your expense). I sleep less - but it is so worth it!

What are three things that people don't know about?
1.
I love rap music!
2.
I have two sisters who are 10 and 11 years younger than me. I always feel more like their 2nd Mommy than their Big Sister.
3.
Before starting my business, I had never sewn a single thing! Oh wait - there was a pair of shorts back in eight grade Home Economics, but Ive tried to forget that ill fitting mess. My point is, don't let any obstacle get in the way of your dream. If you want it bad enough, you will learn and adapt in order to accomplish you mission.

http://preppypoppy.com/
http://twitter.com/preppypoppy


Thank you again Angela for being featured on the Destination Diva blog!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a fashion icon and truly genuine person. She was very involved in numerous charities. She will be missed!

Here are a few of my favorite looks:







Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Airplane Attire

I am beginning to plan for my trip to Florida on Friday. I ALWAYS wear comfy clothes on the plane, whether the flight is 1 hour or 9 hours. This morning I saw the below post from Nina Garcia on twitter and got nervous.

Nina Garcia
On a plane: do not wear a sweatsuit. Not even an expensive one.The way you present yourself matters. The smile gets more than the frown #tip

Have I been breaking the laws of fashion? Have I been looking like a slob on planes for the last 10 years? Here is the issue...I am able to sleep on planes and in order to sleep, I need to be comfortable. Jeans are not napping clothes for me.


Here are a few travel fashionistas:







~Adrienne

Friday, March 18, 2011

Fab Friday - Spring Trends

Spring is quickly approaching!!!! What are the trends we are expecting to see??

Eclectic Chic

Michael Kors

Bold Colors

Marc Jacobs


Printed Matter

Rodarte


Pajama Dressing

Donna Karen


Seventies

Derek Lam


http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/top-spring-trends-new-york

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Exciting News!!!!

I have been so excited to share the news that my husband and I are expecting our first baby! I am 14 weeks now and feeling great. This is such an existing time for us and for our whole family, especially since this is the first grandchild on both sides of our families.

I will be starting a new baby blog called "Diva Baby L" shortly. I know there are so many other moms out there I talk with, so I am looking forward to all the questions I will have and their wonderful opinions and advice!

SO EXCITED!!!!

Featured Vendor - My Peace & Love



My Peace & Love is a vendor that I was introduced to on Twitter. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that each piece of jewelry is unique and handmade!! There jewelry is not only a conversation piece but also promotes positive energy. As a fellow jewelry designer, I have come to truly appreciate other designer's work and passion for their products. I would highly recommend to take a look at some of My Peace & Love's products. You will not be let down :)

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:








Q&A with Sia from My Peave & Love:

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Deciding to start my own business was something that always interested me, having come from a family of entrepreneurs. I was designing and making jewelry in high school so after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America, it just felt like the natural thing to do.

What exactly does My Peace & Love entail?
My Peace And Love offers hand crafted, one of a kind jewelry for the soul. All of the jewelry is designed to make you feel good, using precious and semi precious gemstones. All gemstones have wonderful healing properties, so I try to use the most vibrant gemstones that I can find because I believe that color and design are also very important. Personally, I don't want to wear something that I don't adore looking at even if it offers healing properties, so my goal is to keep the designs stylish and timeless.

What advice would you give other femail entrepreneurs?
The best advice I can think of to give other women who want to start their own business is make it be something that you love doing. You absolutely have to love the work you're doing because although at times it can be very fun to own your own business, it is extremely hard work. The passion to keep going comes from the love of what you're doing. And with passion, love, blood, sweat and tears, comes success

What are three things people do not know about you?
Three things that most people don't know about me are: I love babies, I am a two time cancer survivor, and I believe that Bob Marley was on to something...

http://mypeaceandlove.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Featured Vendor - Monkey Toes

This week's featured vendor is Jenny from Monkey Toes. She is an amazing entrepreneur and a true inspiration to all women. Monkey Toes is a unique and playful line of animal and insect themed footwear and socks. The products are fun and colorful, which children LOVE!! If you have children or are looking for any gifts for children, definitely check out Monkey Toes :)

Here are a few of my favorites:









Q&A with Jenny:

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business – I just didn’t know what it would be. Monkey Toes came to me after taking painting classes with friends (before having children). I saw an idea for painting on shoes and decided to develop my own designs and voila – Monkey Toes was born.

What exactly does Monkey Toes entail?

Monkey Toes are children’s shoes created to look like characters, bugs, and animals. Our shoes have been caught in magazines on many celebrity children and have gained a lot of notoriety when they were seen on the Oprah show when she was touring Tom Cruise’s Telluride home.

I’ve been working on a licensing agreement with a manufacturer and distributor over the past year and a half, which just launched our new look and line. We’ll be branching into more than just footwear for 2012 – which I am completely excited about!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Persistence is key. If you truly love what you’re doing your business won’t feel like work. And trust me – entrepreneurship is a long term thing – not instant gratification. I still have days where I question everything I’m doing, but when that negativity wears off I still believe in myself and my product.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

1) I’m starting to think I am a serial entrepreneur. I absolutely love starting businesses and I just launched a new one (with a partner this time) called Sugar Loco (www.sugarloco.com)
2) I’m a former Hooter’s Girl
3) I don’t like things in the same place all the time. I am constantly moving things around in my house – even candy in a dish – I will move candy to a new dish or tray or move it to a different room – several times a week. My husband totally believes I am crazy.

Thank you so much Jenny!!

www.monkey-toes.com
http://twitter.com/Jenny_LovesThis
http://twitter.com/monkeytoesshoes