CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Interview with Jill Wenger from Totokaelo

June 29, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (1)

Direct anyone who tries to tell you Seattle is not a fashion-forward city to Totokaelo and they will come back humbled. Check out this inspirational interview with visionary shop owner Jill Wenger.

Describe the ‘two purposes’ of Totokaelo.
“Shop and Talk” and “Clothing and People Clothing.” Our goal is to source the strongest artists and thinkers in the fashion world today. We edit the collections to represent our aesthetic, consistently choosing pieces that are timeless, versatile, and well crafted.

Totokaelo believes in building a tightly curated wardrobe by (1) learning about your frame and what silhouettes are the most flattering, and (2) being realistic about your lifestyle and what in your wardrobe you gravitate toward.

I love the Pacific Northwest practicality of the styles and aesthetic Totokaelo represents. We strive to make dressing for “circumstance” (ie. comfort, weather, reality, life, rain and more rain), sexy and cool. Fabrics are sturdy with minimal prints. We like outfits that look easy—like they were just thrown together (ah, if only it were that simple). As a buyer, I have little tolerance for superfluous details or frills. I like clothes that feel good on and have pockets. As trends come and go, quality materials and superior craftsmanship stand the test of time. Practical, right?

The people: We put our own flare on things, both in our styling and in our client service. I LOVE my team. Each person has a unique style and stand-out personality. I feel that the girls that work for me and the photographers and talent involved are real-deal great people worth knowing. In a world of endless amounts of stuff, relationships matter.

My crew is the only resource I have that can’t be copied by another business. This is something we think about at Totokaelo: if a shop opened up next door with an identical build-out and the same merchandise, why would people shop with us? Relationships. We love our clients. We go above and beyond to be authentic and honest with people. Our goal is to deliver a consistent, thoughtful, and personalized shopping experience unmatched by other retailers.

Talk about the ’story’ of your shop.
Totokaelo came about due to the success of the website (of the same name), which launched last May. The space is amazing, with 18-foot ceilings and an all-glass front. The natural light streams in and the space just feels good.

It’s all hand-done. Everything is custom and relevant. The black fixture that runs down the middle of the store is the same dimension as the black bar that runs along the bottom of the website.

Nothing is out of a box. Each piece is relevant and special, nothing superfluous.

What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. In third grade I asked for an adding machine for Christmas. Along with computations, filing make-believe appointments into date books was another favorite.

I studied business management in college and left college with hopes to just learn something well enough so that I could do it myself. Looking back, I didn’t quite know retail well enough to start where I did, but I learned as I went and it worked out.

Who are your role models and/or mentors?
I’m super close to my Dad. We touch base daily, and I couldn’t have gotten this far without him. And I think Jeremy Piven’s Entourage character, Ari, is amazing. He gets so much done so quickly because he cuts out the bullshit. I like that.

People would be surprised to know…
When I started Impulse, I was 26 years old and didn’t have startup capital for inventory, so I sold handmade items on consignment from Portland and Seattle designers. This was 2003. Six years later and I have two stores and a website and represent some of the worlds most influential collections.

Ten Business Tips for Slow Summer Months

June 29, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Warm weather doesn’t have to mean a meltdown for your profit margin. Check out 10 suggestions via buyerzone.com to help keep your business productive during the summer months.

Bargain hunting
If you’ve been waiting to purchase new office copiers or cubicles, the summer is a great time to shop around. Suppliers may offer good deals to generate summer business Plus, with the tax breaks available through the economic stimulus plan, you can get even more value for your money during the summer.

Research your purchases
A slow summer provides ample time to perform due diligence on major purchasing decisions, even if you don’t plan to buy for months.

Get organized
Even in the summer, it doesn’t hurt to do some “spring cleaning:” start shredding old documents you no longer need. And clean up isn’t restricted to just physical documents — deleting old emails and programs you no longer use can help boost your PC’s performance.

Hire summer help
Local universities and professional staffing companies are great sources for finding young professionals looking for internships or part-time work for the summer. The extra help allows you to hand off mundane tasks like general office duties or data compilation, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Revisit old ideas
Use your extra time to go back to ideas or projects you put on the back burner earlier in the year. Did you want to redesign your web site? Laying the foundation for new concepts during the slow summer months could help put your company in a better position when business picks up.

Advertising opportunities
While you may tighten your purse strings during the summer, it’s actually a great opportunity to pursue advertising vehicles that weren’t in your original plans. A lack of holidays between Independence Day and Labor Day means fewer retail sales promotions to compete with. Media companies sometimes offer discounted radio or television ad spots to allow you to reach a broader audience.

Schedule business trips
Do you have an opportunity to sign a customer residing in a hot climate? States like Nevada, California, and Florida rely heavily on winter tourism and usually experience a significant drop in visitors during the summer. If you’re willing to brave the summer heat, you can typically find discounted rates on flights to these destinations.

Get reacquainted with your customers
Make sure your customers keep your business in mind, even if they’re not working with you at the time. Use the summer lull to develop email offers, newsletters, and direct mail campaigns to generate interest in your products and services for when customers are ready to buy.

Celebrate your staff
Don’t overlook one of your most valuable resources: your employees. Something as simple as a free lunch or company outing during the summer can go a long way to raise employee morale and show your appreciation for all their hard work.

Take time off
If business is slow because customers are taking vacation time, why not follow suit? After working hard all year to make your business flourish, relax and spend time with friends and family. Besides, abandoning your Blackberry and laptop for a while can help recharge your batteries and make you more productive when you return to work.

For the full article click here.

9 Skin Care Tips for Summertime Skincare

June 26, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Have you started taking out your shorts, swim suits and tank tops? Just as your wardrobe requires a Summertime makeover so does your skin care routine. Here are nine ways to rejuvenate your face and body and revamp your regimen.

1. Review your routine and switch as needed
Is your skin care routine appropriate for springtime? As temperatures rise, everyone’s complexion tends to get oilier, so even if you have dry or combination skin, you might need a lighter moisturizer.

If your skin is really oily, you might want to switch to a serum. These products are very lightweight and deliver a powerful dose of nourishing ingredients, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., writes on her Yahoo! Health blog.

Also, oily types should consider applying a mattifying gel. Dr. Baumann suggests using OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel, which controls oil for up to eight hours. Apply the gel before your makeup. For dry or combination complexions, mattifying gels are likely too drying. Instead, shrink any excess shine by keeping a stash of blotting papers in your purse or applying primer before your makeup.

Also, don’t forget to evaluate your beauty products. If you used hydrating makeup—such as moisturizing foundation, concealer or blush—during the colder weather, set it aside. Instead, sweep on a light dusting of powder, bronzer or blush and apply a light lip gloss. For the spring and summer, it’s best to keep it simple.

2. Try a treatment
After a harsh winter, your skin is begging for some relief and rejuvenation. Consider a deeply hydrating mask or a deep cleansing treatment. If you prefer a DIY treatment, try this recipe to boost and brighten your complexion from body and soul:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Apply the mask to your face for eight to 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water. Apply a gentle moisturizer while skin is still damp.

3. Be diligent about sun protection
As the weather gets warmer, make sure you’re applying sunscreen to all exposed areas 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapplying every two hours. If you don’t own a double-duty product already, consider using a facial moisturizer with SPF. This way you aren’t applying several layers of lotion on your face.

4. Invest in a cute hat
In addition to applying sunscreen, it’s wise to invest in a wide-brimmed hat (at least a 3-inch brim) to shield your face, hair and scalp.

Just like the sun can dry out your face, it can also dehydrate your hair, leaving your tresses dull and brittle. Even worse, exposing your scalp to the sun can result in a painful sunburn. Hats also provide defense against overheating.

5. Address body acne
With increased heat and sweat, your pores can get clogged and acne can sprout in the most unlikely places, including your back. To treat the problem, try using a medicated cleanser, cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. Using a scrub on a regular basis (about two to three times a week) can help to prevent body acne. However, keep in mind that you can’t scrub away your acne. Exfoliating too often and too vigorously can aggravate the skin, especially on more sensitive areas like the chest. If you’re experiencing severe body acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist.

6. Start screening your skin
Make sure you’re regularly and thoroughly checking your skin for any moles that might have changed in color, size or shape.

7. Use self-tanner
Before bathing suit season officially begins, many people start working on their “base tans” in hopes of warding off any real damage once they start spending more time outside. However, there’s no such thing as a safe tan—even your base tan causes damage to the skin.

8. Get a mani and pedi stat!
After a frosty, windy winter, your hands and heels are probably cracked, chapped and dry—not the best look for your open-toe shoes. Revive them for springtime with an at-home manicure and pedicure.

9. Exfoliate the entire body
Now that you’ll be exposing more than your neck and hands, make sure to exfoliate your entire body. Get rid of rough, scaly skin by using a light lotion with glycolic acid, lactic acid or urea.

excerpts via Skincare-news.com

Anytime is Tea Time – Vancouver's Best Tea Houses

June 24, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Here at CRAVE, one of our favorite pastimes, on any given day, is to gather a group of our girlfriends and visit a tea house in Vancouver. Tea is an experience beyond explanation as it allows us to rejuvenate and relax after a long day of hard work. Rolling back in time of many decades, we have dedicated this time to chit-chat, catch up, but most importantly, enjoy our delicious cup of tea. So, the next time you feel like you deserve a well-earned break, immerse yourself into a peaceful and aromatic atmosphere—also known as a tea house.

The Secret Garden Tea Company: Located in the heart of Kerrisdale, this tea house is recognized for is lavish High Tea. Treat your taste buds to sweets and check out their best-selling Buckingham Palace tea.

Blue Teapot: For those of you interested in decaffeinated teas such as herbal or fruit teas, visit one of North Vancouver’s best tea houses. This location is home sweet home.

Shaktea: Situated in one of Vancouver’s upcoming and trendiest shopping district’s, Main Street. Listen to melodies from the Eastern World as you enter a place that truly captures the essence of a Zen lounge.

Domo Tea: By using a Japanese nutrient-rich powder, Domo teas are like sipping on green teas with a fusion twist. Domo created their very own CRAVEtini at our CRAVE Vancouver: The Urban Girl’s Manifesto launch party in November!

Cocktails with Kathy Casey

June 22, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Kathy Casey our favorite celebrity chef and mixologist just published her new book Sips & Apps. The book was created for all skill levels—it has more than 100 recipes (69 cocktails and 35 appetizers), as well as more than 60 color photographs to guide and inspire you.

For your next dinner party, wow your guests with a Tuscan Rosemary Lemon Drop (recipe below) or a Cucumber Elderflower Fizz. Throw a vintage cocktail party and revisit the classics with a Peach 75 or a Dubious Manhattan. Serve an icy pitcher of Berrylicious Sangria at your next poolside barbecue. Tantalizing finger foods such as Croque Monsieur Puffs and Fennel-Roasted Walnuts, expertly paired with just the right cocktail, will make yours the happiest happy hour.

The book also includes a bar-basics section, insider tips and techniques, recipes for infused syrups, original garnishes, and fresh fruit purees, as well as some nifty extras (like a pair of ribbon markers labeled “sips” and “apps”) to create a great guide for home cocktail “chefs” and bar professionals alike.

Visit kathycasey.com to buy.

Tuscan Rosemary Lemon Drop – Makes 1 drink
Rosemary Sugar (recipe follows)
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce limoncello
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
For garnishing: Fresh rosemary sprig
Rim a large martini glass with rosemary sugar, and set aside. Bend 1 rosemary sprig and drop into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice. Measure in the vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cap and shake vigorously. Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass. Float a rosemary sprig in the drink for garnish.

Rosemary Sugar – Makes 1 cup
2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, coarsely chopped
1 cup superfine or baker’s sugar
Mix the rosemary and sugar together, and spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet. Set in a warm dry place for about 4 days, until the rosemary is completely dried. Process in a food processor or spice grinder until finely ground. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to one month at room temperature.

Simple Syrup – Makes 3 cups
This is a bar staple and the most commonly used sweetener. Though you can purchase simple syrup, it is ordinarily sweeter than I prefer, so I highly recommend making your own. Proportions vary but it is easy.

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
Mix the water and sugar together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let boil 1 minute then immediately remove from the heat. Let cool to room temperature before using. Store in a clean glass bottle or container, at room temperature, for up to 2 weeks or, refrigerated, for up to 3 months.

Tip: If you don’t have limoncello, then increase the lemon juice and simple syrup to 3/4 ounce each.

Inspirational Story from Hope Colling of Marmalade

June 19, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

At CRAVE, we are all about women taking chances to improve their own, as well as other women’s lives. Hope Colling, owner of Marmalade in San Francisco, knows exactly what we mean by taking risks, this is her story.

Before I opened Marmalade, I walked into every single store in every single neighborhood I considered opening my boutique in half a dozen times. I wanted to talk to the owners and get a first-hand account of what was involved in owning a small business, but I was too shy to ask. I was hoping for some encouraging words, because at that point I was unsure if this was the right thing for me. I had the passion, but I had zero experience. And I didn’t have a lot of money. I wasn’t sure if passion was enough to turn a dream into a reality.

The day I found the CRAVE book on the counter in Jest Jewels was a major turning point for me. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and referred back to it many times while writing my business plan. I learned from the fabulous women in the book who were honest and courageous enough to share not just their triumphs, but their tribulations. I recognized a little bit of me in each of them, and reading their stories gave me the confidence boost I needed to move forward.

About six months into it, I hit a wall. Business dropped off, I was working seven days a week and already feeling a little burned out. I was worried that the ‘honeymoon’ was over and I began to think that I had made a huge mistake. I remembered reading in the book that Donna O’Leary, owner of Ambiance, had said that one of the things she loved most about owning a business was being able to share her experiences with other women business owners and mentoring the up and comers. I sent her an email telling her that I had read about her in CRAVE and that I owned a boutique just a few doors down from her Union Street location, and if she really meant what she said, I could sure use her help.

She emailed me back immediately and then actually took the time out of her busy day to come into my store, have a walk around, and give me her very honest opinions about what changes she thought I needed to make in order to improve. She helped me with my window displays, with merchandising the inside of the store, she even gave me the names of some places and contacts that she had worked with in the past that she thought I could benefit from. To me, this was what CRAVE was all about- a sisterhood. A network of those who had come before and done it well, and were passing their knowledge on to those who needed it!

Any success I have today I owe in part to CRAVE and to all the inspirational women who were and are a part of the CRAVE network. Owning a business is not easy, but if I can do it, anyone can do it….as long as we have each other to learn from and lean on, we can all shine!

Marmalade is featured in our CRAVE San Francisco Guidebook, arriving July 2009!

The Fab Five: Our Favourite Vancouver Shopping Districts

June 19, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Erica Lam from The Style Spy put together this great list:

We love to shop here at The Style Spy, so here are a few of our favourite shopping districts when visiting the beautiful city of Vancouver.

South Granville
A high-end shopping district, South Granville has the perfect mix of fashion, home and lifestyle. One of our favourite shopping spots is locally-owned Misch, a darling boutique with fashion forward brands like Alexander Wang, Vena Cava and Loeffler Randall. If you’re headed to a big party, Blo Blow Dry Bar will get your coiffed and pretty in 30 minutes flat. And don’t forget a quick stop at Meinhardt’s for a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Gastown
One of the hippest districts in the city, you’ll find down the signature cobblestone walkways of Gastown independent fashion retailers like The Block, (212), One of a Few, Dream and Obakki. Mixed in are host of furniture stores, clubs and restaurants – we especially heart Chill Winston, especially sunny days on their massive patio.

Robson Street
The most famous shopping district in the city, Robson street is packed with well-known names like Club Monaco, Aritzia, Banana Republic, French Connection, Lululemon, Roots, Bebe, American Apparel, Guess and Aldo Shoes. Skip one street over to Alberni – aka Luxury Alley for Tiffany & Co., Betsey Johnson and Hermes. For a quick snack, we suggest you go down Burrard street (right off Robson) for the famed Japadog stand, a traditional hotdog with a Japanese twist.

West 4th
The vibe on West 4th is chill. It’s the only spot to get geared up for winter skiing and snowboarding at stores like Pacific Boarder and The Boardroom. For summer, it’s bikini ready at Blue Crush. And with Vancouver’s unpredictable rainy weather, rainboots at Gumdrops are a must. You’ll also find a wonderful mix of home stores and children’s fashion mixed in with salons and spas.

South Main (SoMa) Street
An emerging local fashion district, Main Street is home to independently-owned stores like Eugene Choo, Twigg & Hottie and Smoking Lily. Our fave on the stretch is Front & Co., famed for their amazing window displays, Front has a great mix of new, sample and consigned one-of-a-kind clothing for both men and women, along with a charming selection of gifts – accessories, homeware and quirky objects. A big famished – we’d skip on over to Crave restaurant for their buttermilk fried chicken cobb salad.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways

June 17, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (2)

Finding the time to plan and take a trip with your girlfriends can be difficult, and sometimes we need a little extra help. That reason was the inspiration behind Lisa Kasanicky’s (lisa.kasanicky.com) latest book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways”. With crash courses in travel planning, packing advice, and great deals and specials, Lisa has given women the help they need to get away from it all.

What kinds of facts and advice can we expect from your new book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways?
The underlying message of the book is to “Just Go!” This country is peppered with tons of wonderful places for a memorable and fun getaway but the fact is that we often don’t take the time we need. A girlfriends getaway is a way to unwind, reconnect and be yourself. That said, the book has about 65 specific destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada including where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Each chapter has a theme — shopping, adventure trips, volunteer vacations, cultural excursions and of course, one seriously fat chapter on spas — so that you can skip right to the type of destination you want and get to the business of planning your getaway. Because of my own beauty product addiction, you’ll also find a guide to pre-trip beauty and my list of must-haves for keeping fresh and pretty on the go. And lots of advice on packing! One suitcase filled just with shoes is a no-no these days! The book is also sprinkled with “chick wit” advice from other female travelers.

What would be your ideal spa getaway with your girlfriends?
Like most women, I would be happy with a day trip to a local spa but if I were to throw caution to the wind, I would teleport me and my girls to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Breathtaking. I like beach trips anywhere actually because you can usually find a place to rent with a full kitchen so you can save on meals and they’re a good choice for a diverse group. Of course, Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles are all places you could go back dozens of times and experience something new each visit.

Any advice for those busy women who can’t find the time to plan a vacation with the girls?
First, you can find the time. You’ve earned it. Second, if you delegate the planning tasks than the burden of won’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Get the girls together for cocktails or start an online group (I like TripWiser.com and ImIn.com) and nail down what everybody wants to do, budgets and expectations. Then, divide up the planning tasks in a way that best suits each traveler’s time and skills. Make it fun and give each girl a title such as the Entertainment Diva, Secretary of Expense and so on. Plan your trip far enough in advance so that everyone has adequate time to clear their schedules and plan the details in a less hurried pace.

What are your plans/dreams/aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are simple: Breathe more and travel more. I plan through as many means possible to continue to spread the message that the spa experience is not just a luxury set aside for a lucky few and is instead, the soul’s requirement for a life in check.

Interview with Hazel Grace Dircksen

June 17, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (0)

Hazel Grace Dircksen is the proud owner of Socialbees, a company that supports small businesses and creatives by using social media through an online resource network, as well as crafting optimized Facebook Fan Pages and Social Ads to drive engagement from a high target audience. We caught up with Hazel to get the inside scoop on her inspirations, as well as her indulgences.

How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Trusted, Positive, Approachable.

What are your most popular products or services?
Online Social Media resource/support network, optimized Facebook fan pages, optimized Facebook social ads.

People may be surprised to know…
I was a fashion designer for years before translating my creativity into technology.

What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Social media can be so confusing for many businesses & I wanted to help ensure everyone could benefit from effectively using the best new tools without being overwhelmed by the clutter.

Who is your role model or mentor?
There have been so many influences in my career, but I think greatest have come through the Awesomepreneurs I’ve surrounded myself with. A few that I truly admire are Alison Covarrubias of Hatch Network, Melody Biringer of CRAVE, Edith Yeung of BizTechDay & Angela Jia Kim of SavorTheSuccess.com.

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Picking the wrong business partner.

How do you spend your free time?
I’m a born connector and my hobby is hosting social dinners that bring together amazing people over fabulous food and wine.

What is your indulgence?
Oxygen facials by Pearl Dworkin (Optimum Skin Care, SF).

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I rarely go to the same place twice. Adventure is so much more fun!

Check out Hazel’s spread in our San Fransisco CRAVE book coming to stores July 2009!

Click here to read The Socialbees Guide to Saving Face on Facebook by Hazel Grace.

Why We Love Biznik

June 15, 2009 by Amanda | Comments (1)

Have you ever wondered why the Biznik logo is always on the right column on this blog? The answer is in Biznik’s tagline, “business networking that doesn’t suck”. CRAVE is all about small businesses and so is this great network, since it is a community of entrepreneurs and small businesses dedicated to helping each other succeed. Check out this short video that sums it all up:

Visit biznik.comto get started and click to watch more inspirational videos.

Next Page »