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Interview with the Fabulous Allison Maslan!

August 17, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (3)

CRAVE ladies, meet Allison Maslan. She is the CEO of Allison Maslan International and President of Blast Off! Life and Business Coaching. She is a highly acclaimed author and an international motivational speaker. Allison has a vibrant array of successful businesses to her credit and has assisted thousands of her clients in attaining a new level in their lives by helping them identify and reach their personal and professional goals. We caught up with this busy and successful woman to ask her a few questions we were just CRAVEing to know!

What would you say is the best advice for readers in your new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Plan to Launch your Dreams Into Reality?
I give so much life and business advice in Blast Off! However, I feel the most important advice is to act now on your dreams and goals. Otherwise you will be having the same conversation with yourself in six months or even six years. You see, our dreams are mere fantasy until we put them into action. So point your head toward your Big Picture Visions and take small steps toward them every single day. Do not listen to anyone that tells you it cannot be done. Before you know it, your dream will be glowing in the palm of your hands.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about running a business?
Best entrepreneurial advice: Never take no for an answer. When you hit a wall, get resourceful and find another pathway. Make a right or left turn, build a bridge, whatever you need to do to make it work… but never, ever accept that there is no option. The more creative are, the more secret doorways you will find.

What inspired you to write your book?
I am an entrepreneur and lover of business. I am woman, mother and lover of life. Over the past several years I built nine of my own companies, and as a strategic coach and a homeopathic physician, I have helped thousands launch a life and business experience they can feel passionate about. I feel now that its time to share my success system with as many people as possible. Every time I hear from a reader telling me that Blast Off! has changed their lives, my whole being smiles. That is what it is all about.

You are currently touring the country to promote your book, which cities can we expect you to be going?
So far I have been to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. Next, I will be in Chicago Aug. 25-28. I am doing a book signing at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at The Book Cellar, located at 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave. I am also presenting a High-Octane Mastermind Gathering at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at The Motel Bar in Chicago. This year I will also be heading to Salt Lake, Vegas, Portland, and New York. All if this information is on my Rocket Tour page on my website.

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

August 2, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

From runway show recaps to laid-back street looks, the world of fashion blogging is a vibrant virtual scene. It’s not necessarily about the newest, hottest, or spendiest trend — it’s about the textiles, color palettes and silhouettes that make us feel gorgeous.

For a jolt of wardrobe inspiration to pull you through the dog days of summer, bookmark Jazzi McGilbert, Sally McGraw and “Miss” James Kicinski. While their personal styles may diverge, their message is the same: get dressed, and get going!

Jazzi McGilbert of JazziMcG.com

Thrift store scenester? Or haute couture hound? Jazzi McGilbert (aka Jazzi McG) confidently struts straight down the center of the spectrum. Her blog traipses through the world of high fashion, throws the spotlight on intimate “intern confessionals” and shares a few DIY treasures (Alexander Wang sock garters, anyone?). As Jazzi puts it, her mission is to “let everyone know that the fashion industry can be tackled without a trust fund”. Can I get an amen, sister?

Sally McGraw of Already Pretty
Can one personal stylist change the way women view their bodies, and themselves? Sally McGraw thinks so. The lovely McGraw elevates her passion for chic clothing with an outspoken commitment to body acceptance. Blog posts like “What IS Flattering?” provide commonsense insights into topics that have frustrated shoppers since the dawn of time. And her weekly contests and giveaways — which range from cotton scarves to summer frocks to hefty gift cards — are not to be missed.

“Miss” James Kicinski of Bleubird Vintage
Chic baby mama. Vinyl record collector. Frilly knicker designer. Miss James is a retro inspiration — and a drop-dead gorgeous one, at that. In addition to writing about her latest Etsy obsessions and selling dreamy vintage-inspired collections through her online shop, James also blogs over at N.E.E.T. magazine. Best of luck as she stylishly feathers the nest for her new baby (due in July). What a busy little bird!

*This post was written by Alexandra Franzen for the CRAVE company:

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

July 19, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

Over the past few months, the number of people quitting their jobs was greater than the number of people losing their jobs. Savvy quitters build a support network before they take the plunge, and brilliant quitters enlist professional help. Enter: the Certified Career Coach. One part therapist. One part cheerleader. Two parts butt-kicking taskmaster.

Need a solid coach in your corner of the ring? Michelle Ward, Dyana Valentine and Chrissy Scivicque are at the top of their game.

Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up
whenigrowupcoach.com
I’ll admit it — I’m a tad biased in Michelle’s favor. She coached me out of my cubicle doldrums and into freelance bliss, so I owe her my firstborn child. A graduate of NYU / Tisch’s musical theater program and a certified life coach, Michelle brings theatrical flair and a “wagon full of enthusiasm” to every session. She recently raised her rates and is poised to explode, so book a free 30-minute consultation call while you still can.

For a weekly dose of self-exploration, bookmark Michelle’s ongoing blog feature: Tough Question Tuesday.

Dyana Valentine
dyanavalentine.com
Generous. Ambitious. A master of personal marketing. Dyana leads by example, and her clients feel the heat. By her own admission, Ms. Valentine’s coaching style is “not for the weak of heart.” She prides herself on helping self-starters finish what they started, using Community Psychology principles to light the way. As one client put it, “if I had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, I’d want Dyana with me.”

For a no-holds-barred explanation of the power of “no,” check out Dyana’s article on “No-gotiation.”

Chrissy Scivicque of Eat Your Career
eatyourcareer.com
Chrissy serves up a powerhouse combo platter — she’s a certified nutritionist AND an experienced career coach. Yum. As the creator of Office Arrow — a popular resource for administrative professionals — Chrissy has a firsthand grasp on the challenges of running an online business. She’s a clear communicator with a nourishing perspective on life, love and work — and all the snacks in between.

For a trio of tasty coaching treats, download Chrissy Scivicque’s free workbooks on stress management, time management and career reinvention.

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (2)

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a  coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style.  At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally.  I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer.  It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake.  Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen.   Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy.  When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item.  However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off.  A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be.  It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient.  As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually.  I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle.  Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response.  Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer.  Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life.  I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

Bond with these Activites on Mother’s Day

May 3, 2010 by Aubry | Comments (0)

It’s that time of year – it’s all about mom.  You know as well as we do – with a hectic lifestyle, sometimes traditional alternatives have to do the trick (isn’t it the thought that counts?).  But with all that mom has done for you, we’re guessing you probably CRAVE some creative mother/daughter bonding activities this Mother’s Day.  So take a break from the craziness of the day to bond with the number one woman in your life.  Whether you’re a “like- mother-like-daughter duo” or have completely different tastes, you’re sure to find a fabulous way to celebrate your mom in style with our irresistible options!  Get ready to make some memories!

Rediscover Family Recipes
What better way to celebrate the women in your family than with a day dedicated to the culinary queens that have graced your family over the years?  We all have recipes stashed away in a drawer in the kitchen that we always talk about with family members during holiday time.  How many times have you reminisced about Grandma Marie’s outrageous chicken Marsala or Aunt Susan’s legendary lemon meringue?  It’s time to pull out those recipes and cook them up with mom!  Be sure to recopy those recipes that are written on paper that is little worse for wear, organize them and swap memories as you savor your hard work.  So, if CRAVE something spicy or sweet and want to share special memories of the wonderful women that have paved your way, get cooking with mom.  Who knows, you might even make some mother-daughter recipes of your own!

Other ideas for the the crafty mother-daughter duo:

- Organize family photos in scrapbooks or photo albums.
- Transfer old family tapes to DVD.
- Take an art class together.

Mother-Daughter Massage
What better way to say goodbye to stress and pamper the number one woman in your life than with a mother-daughter massage and spa treatment?  Sometimes, the unspoken shared moments in life mean the most.  With a little time to meditate, make muscles melt and mend your bodies, you and mom will be bonding in no time.  Take some time together to choose your lineup of indulgences for the day.  Whether you and mom CRAVE some hot stone therapy, aromatherapy or holistic skin care, your Mother’s Day Spa date is sure to be one to remember!

Other options for mothers and daughters looking to chill:

- Take a yoga class together.
- Safely score some rays of sunshine at the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and your suits.  Find the perfect place to swim, enjoy the water and indulge in some homemade picnic classics!

Generational Clothing Swap:
Admit it – you have always wanted to raid mom’s closet (maybe you already have!) for some of those classy vintage outfits she has saved over the years.  She’s probably had her eye on some of yours!  Now is your chance to share style secrets that span a few more decades.  Spend the days discussing style and sharing trends that have come in and out of both your lives.  You might find some similarities you would never suspect – styles always seem to come back!  After you swap chic secrets, you might even want to have a generational fashion show.  Whatever decade you and mom each CRAVE when it comes to style, the creative possibilities are endless when you put your heads together in the name of fashion!

Alternatives for moms and daughters with fashion in their blood:

- Get out there for some retail therapy, but here’s the catch – pick outfits for each other.  You could be pleasantly surprised, or you might be laughing the entire time you’re in the dressing room!
- Score mother-daughter style makeover consultations.
- Go on a fashionable date – check CRAVE and other local listings for fashion shows and other styling events in your city.

No matter what you CRAVE and how you choose to celebrate mom, enjoy your time together.  Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at CRAVE.

Peek into the CRAVE Closet

February 25, 2010 by Sarah C. | Comments (0)

Our very own Melody Biringer had her closet raided! MyCloset.com, a website dedicated to airing people’s dirty laundry (literally), recently featured the CRAVEcompany founder in its scintillating Celebrity Closets installment. Among the hangers and hampers, a myriad of wardrobe gems were unearthed from all over the world. Woolen leg-warmers from Amsterdam, Ilse Jacobsen rain boots from Seattle, a bold purple dress from Vancouver, BC… how can that much cuteness exist in one closet? Lucky for us, Melody divulged a few of her shopping secrets and we can all check out her fashion favorites for ourselves. Below check out some of her most-cherished boutiques.

Moscow (moscowdesign.nl)
Runstraat 8, 1111 AA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Horseshoe (horseshoeseattle.com)
5344 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107

Lambs Ear (lambsearshoes.com)
3516 Fremont Place No.inesgloves.com Seattle, WA 98103

Ines Gloves (inesgloves.com)
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 132 1012 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands

JC Studio (jcstudio.ca)
46 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Y 1K1

sonja | clothes to live in (sonjatacoma.com)
2701 N 21st St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Switch Shoes (switch-shoes.com)
7871 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

For a truly in depth look into the world of women-owned boutiques, check out the CRAVEguide for a city near you. These books are brimming with local women you need to know, whether you want to satisfy a craving for your closet, appetite, business, or piece of mind.

Put a Spring in Your Step with these Hot Colors

February 22, 2010 by Madeline C. | Comments (1)

When we think of spring we think of pastels and floral prints, but those just seem a little too passé and boring. What will you be wearing this spring to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some of the color trends that you won’t want to miss out on. Pick up a few bright accessories that are both trendy and timeless.

Turquoise – We’re pretty sure this is on EVERYONE’S hot-list, along with other aqua-colored hues. This vibrant color turns every outfit up a notch, making you just exude that cool confident aura that will make you the center of attention. Splurge on a Jamie Joseph brightly colored stone ring. We love this Sea Blue Chalcedony Ring for a beautiful eye-catcher.

Light Pink – More specifically, champagnes and corals are two “light pinks” that won’t have you gagging on pastel and cotton candy. Champagne is the closest you can get to a nice neutral color while adding a little pop! And for coral, try some of Cara Lyndon’s hairpins, we recommend Coral Wheel . Whether your hair color is light or dark, this feminine flair will turn heads.

Yellow – In every shade and size. Add a dash here or there or a big bright bag to have everyone around you smiling. Evoking sunshine and happiness, everyone could stand to integrate this cheerful color into their wardrobe or even their home. Try a bright throw pillow to add to your living room, we like the yellow Gloria pillow from Henry Road. The great thing about throw pillows is, when spring is over, you can just throw them back into the closet until spring comes again!

The Paris Haute Couture Shows

February 4, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (0)

The Paris Haute Couture fashion shows are unlike any other fashion experience you have ever had, seen or heard of. True to what couture is, this kind of fashion is definitely one-of-a-kind. Showcasing their spring and summer couture collections, the French designers filled the runways with whimsical, wonderful and weird creations this season. There was bizarre head-wear at Jean Paul Gaultier (shocking, right?), Lady-Gaga-inspired hairdo’s at Chanel, and clothes with a strong space-age feel at Armani Prive.

Like Hilary Alexander, fashion director of The Daily Telegraph in London, says, the couture shows are a “laboratory of dreams”. Made to fit exactly to the wearers specifications, these one-off creations aren’t something you will see another girl at the club wearing – they are far from anything worn in everyday life. True haute couture is art. Its the kind of clothing that makes for a lush, other-worldly Vogue fashion spread. Its usually impractical and at prices that rival a small house or car, its the best kind of fashion fantasy.

This season, Chanel seemed to be channeling the great Lady Gaga with hairdo’s resembling giant bows or ears, but their colorful collection had us drooling from start to finish. Actually, it seemed like everyone was feeling the Lady Gaga vibe on the catwalks this season. The Jean Paul Gaultier headpieces looked like something we might see Ms. Gaga sporting at the next awards show, and a balloon bubble dress from Armani Prive looked like something she might rock down a red carpet any day now. If not Lady Gaga, then the architectural, space-agey dresses from Armani would definitely look fabulous on any future astronaut/fashionista. Finally, the pieces at Stephane Rolland were escapism and futuristic fashion-as-artwork at its best with laser cut Plexiglass forming coils and crenelations on shoulders and pockets.

Across the board, this year’s couture shows were all about pastel colors and Lady Gaga-inspired style. Haute couture may not be made for a trip to the grocery store, or even your next birthday party, but the shows are spectacular and the pieces are a work of art in themselves. Vive la Haute Couture!

Get Your Hollywood Hair On

January 28, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (2)

Need to jazz up your style? Easiest way is to get a new hair do! We recently stumbled upon a blog called berlinhairbaby.com and Twitter: @BerlinHairBaby. It features tips on celebrity make-up, hair & style.  Berlin Baby shows us the do-it-yourself way to the most iconic and recognizable hair and makeup styles. Here are some of our favorites:

1950’s look

1920’s Waves

Queen Sophie Anne from True Blood

Grecian Goddess

Recession Proof Designer Shopping

January 25, 2010 by Gina | Comments (1)

High end gowns, shoes, and bags go mostly untouched, on the floors of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and almost every fancy department store. Even though times are tough you still CRAVE those designer duds, but how can you afford them? There are online stores that allow you to purchase designer goods for surprisingly discounted prices. So what’s the catch? There are two ways you can become a member of these sights. You either have to receive an e-mail inviting you to join from another member or you can put your name on a waiting list and they will e-mail you personally when you can join. The sites also put new items on sale at the same time every day for a limited period, usually no more than 24 hours. Check out some of our favorites.

Rue La La (ruelala.com) offers all kinds of designer goods from Betsey Johnson to Burberry to bridge lines, house wares, vacation packages, shoes and accessories. When you sign into Rue La La there is a list of “Today’s Boutiques”, where sales end either in 2 days, 12 hours or 30 minutes depending on what it says. Once you click the boutique you’d like to shop at, pieces are extremely discounted and some let you know there is only 1 or 2 left.

Gilt Group (gilt.com) carries designer trends from Seven for All Mankind, Jewelry from Kara Ross, Susan Hanover and Emanual Ungaro, among others. Although all of the sights carry high end goods, it seems as though Gilt Group reaches the highest, with the most exquisite couture and unique, almost quirky, lesser-known brands. If you get the opportunity to become a member of Glit Groupe you will have access to premier fashion and luxury brands at up to 70% off retail price. When you access their site it even lets you know what time of day their sales end.

Haute Look (hautelook.com) offers designer clothes for women, men and children. They also sell home goods and a good selection of make-up. They host their own private 36-72 hour sales. When you sign on under each designer, the site will let you know how long the sale is going to last and also lets you click to read about each of the brands.

If you ever wondered how your friends got Marc Jacobs bags and shrugged like it was no big deal, ask them to invite you onto their online discounter, because chances are, that’s where they got them.

* Copy editing by Melisa Miller

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