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

An Interview with Tamiko Hargrove of Helen Julia

January 29, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (0)

After growing up in a household full of inspiration, and learning what  fashion really was through her style icons, her mother and grandmother, Tamiko Hardgrove developed a desire to make people both look and feel good. Combining her creativity and flare for crafts and fashion, Tamiko developed a line of scented candles called Helen Julia that can give any overworked, tired and stressed out mom and business woman the feeling of peace in a hectic world. With unique scents like Terrycloth Robe, Sexy Suede and Soft Mink, she has created a business and product that provide inspiration and beauty to many!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Luxury. Classic. Natural.

What are your most popular products or services?
Our most popular products are our hand-poured beautifully packaged scented soy candles. A particular best-seller is our Cashmere Cloud Soy Candle scented in Amber, Jasmine and Musk.

People may be surprised to know…
The name Helen Julia was inspired by my grandmothers; Helen and Julia.
What or who inspired you to start your business?

Having a passion for both beauty and candles, I had no luck finding great scents combined with beautiful packaging. Therefore, I was forced to create my own.  And thus, Helen Julia was born!

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is my grandmother, Julia Annette. I am blessed to be able to listen to her wisdom on life. Grandma knows best… “When you receive love, you give love.” -Julia Annette

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Saying “No” to a project that I thought wouldn’t be worth my time. Turns out, I should have said “Yes”. It was worth my time to work on a celebrity client’s candles. The client wasn’t revealed until after I said “No”.

How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time with my family. My two year old niece is the cutest to watch as she explores and discovers what she’s capable of doing.

What is your indulgence?
My indulgence is shopping at my favorite apparel store for new designs (hopefully on sale).

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
My favorite place to go with girlfriends is Sunday brunch. There are so many great places in NYC. We just have to pick one on a nice early afternoon for girlie chat!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave being happy doing what I love! Life is short and I intend to make it sweet!

Favorite Places:
Soho Sanctuary Day Spa (the eucalyptus sauna is heavenly!), Hotel Gansevoort Spa for a mani and pedi, and Soho House to end the day for an upscale social scene.

Favorite Things:
My blackberry – I never leave home without it, my Louis Vuitton Speedy (my quick grab and go bag), Ugg boots because they are the most comfy to run errands in, and my black leggings that are super comfy to wear with my Uggs.

Visit on the Web: helenjulia.com

Absolute best in Cruise Wear

January 27, 2010 by Emily | Comments (0)

Though the weather in New York is still bitter and bleak, the sun is beating as bright as ever in some parts of the world.  With spring approaching and perhaps thoughts of a cruise floating in your mind, it is time to stock up on a warmer weather wardrobe to complement the bright sunshine you are headed towards, or at least that which you dream about.  We totally CRAVE the cutest sunglasses, funky strappy wedges, and of course the most satisfying sundresses!

Selima Optique (selimaoptique.com)

Protecting your eyes from the suns harmful UV rays is crucial, but now there is no need to sacrifice fashion to do so.  Selima Salaun, a trend-setting designer and professional optician and optometrist, has created a beautiful balance between fashion and function when it comes to her line of sunglasses.  She understands that sunglasses are an integral part of a fashionista’s wardrobe, and we definitely appreciate that.  Visit one of her three Manhattan locations to find the shades that compliment your outfit or your mood.

59 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-9490

899 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021
(212) 988-6690

357 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 352-1640

Coclico (shopcoclico.com)

Some say if the shoe fits, wear it.  We say if the shoe fits, buy it in every color!  Coclico’s shoe collection is to die for.  Right now there is a great selection of booties and boots on sale, but don’t miss the sandals and wedges while ogling over the boot sale.  With the lower arch of these cute wedges and the soft fabric and lightweight cork forming the platform, these are the perfect cruise-worthy and CRAVE-worthy footgear.  It’ll be hard pulling us off the dance floor in these shoes.

275 Mott Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 965-5462

Stella Filante (stella-filante.com)

Whether to be used as a beach cover-up or your shuffle board uniform, a sundress is a necessity for any warm and sunny day.  Wow your friends and fellow cruisers in the vibrant sundresses found at Stella Filante.  The store is full of bright colors, and you can’t help but smile upon walking in.  With a variety of styles and colors available, these dresses are sure to flatter almost everyone.  While you’re at it, check out the assortment of fun bags and accessories that will complete your outfit.

156 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002
(646) 484-5889

An Interview with Gillian Rose of Color Our World

January 22, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (5)

Color makes the world go ’round…or at least it does for us – and for Gillian C. Rose, an interior and color designer, and owner of Color Our World. Using a unique blend of color psychology and an exquisite color palette, Gillian and Color Our World will create YOU, in COLOR. She will make the rooms of your home represent you. Her patented process delves into the hows and whys, through personality and color, to create the surroundings that you want to be immersed in, everyday. As Gillian says, its your space, your colors and your feeling of well-being. Below, a few tips and tidbits from the queen of color herself.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Enlightening, harmonious and beautifying.

What are your most popular products or services?
Paint colors that create a sense of well being and reflect who they are created for.

People may be surprised to know…
Pale colors are not actually soothing or relaxing.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
9/11 made me delve into what I have to offer people – and that’s COLOR!

Who is your role model or mentor?
Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not marketing enough.

How do you spend your free time?
Going to museums. Relaxing over a home made meal with friends.

What is your indulgence?
Vintage colored glass.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Bringing the perfect color to each & every person. Becoming an international company. Finding my soulmate.

Favorite Places: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sculpture Garden; Georgica Beach, East Hampton; Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Favorite Things: Vintage Murano Glass; Lafco Peony Candle – Powder Room; Colors.

Advice for Women Starting their Own Business: Nurture every relationship.

www.colorourworld.com

We CRAVE Couture!

January 20, 2010 by Emily | Comments (0)

Coco Chanel once said that a woman should be two things: classy and fabulous.  What better way to look your best than getting glitzed up in a new frock?  Check out some of the designers that we CRAVE right now to find something unique, ultra chic, and gaining in the couture fashion scene.  Though these women might not be Coco just yet, they have still come up with inspiring designs and concepts that allow you to look your best in a way that showcases your own individual style.

Cassandra Bromfield (cassandrabromfield.com)

To Cassandra Bromfield, each dress she designs is truly a work of art reflecting a deep understanding of International fashion imbued with her cultural heritage.  Her dresses reflect quality and detail.  Many of her gowns feature “Afrocentric Elegance” with bright colors, unique patterns, and a variety of textures.  With her custom designs, she encourages incorporating special sentimental elements into the dress to give it a more profound meaning.  Her designs provide the wearer the ability to showcase their culture and/or individuality by simply wearing something unique and beautiful.  Bromfield specializes in custom designed wedding gowns and social occasion dresses.
(718) 388-2055

Saja, Inc. (sajawedding.com)

Saja in Korean: noun) a lion, verb) to buy

For founder Yoo Lee, the word Saja could not be more appropriate for her contemporary collection of womens fashion.  Saja has been a labor of love, joy, and hard work for Lee and the elegance and beauty of her designs exhibits every bit of that. Her designs are light and whimsical; they are both effortless and timeless and the dresses cascade gracefully over a range of body types.  Lee’s dresses have been a hit among many brides, bridesmaids, friends and family of the wedding, participants of prom, graduation, musicians, and anyone else that simply appreciates a beautiful dress.
250 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-7570

The Dressing Room (thedressingroomnyc.com)

This retail hotspot on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is something to be reckoned with.  It’s a one-stop shop to hit a range of designers from ultra funky designs to sleek and sophisticated cuts.  The Dressing Room is a co-op created to allow up-and-coming designers to showcase and sell their designs.  In a market characterized by fierce competition and ever increasing rents, The Dressing Room provides a creative environment to allow fashion at its finest.  Former stylist, and now owner, Nikki Fontanella dreamed of owning her own clothing shop and has gone a step further by allowing creative people do what they do best.  Oh, yeah, did I mention that this swanky boutique is more than just for retail?  The space also comes complete with a bar.  Why not grab a drink and try on some ultra chic duds?
75A Orchard Street (between Broome and Grand)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 966-7330

Interview with Jordan Veatch-Goffi from Doce Vida Fitness

January 15, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (0)

Jordan Veatch-Goffi is the designer and founder of Doce Vida Fitness, a line of exercise apparel aimed at making every woman feel amazing about herself and her body – no matter her shape or size. Doce Vida is a Brazilian inspired athletic line that exemplifies a culture where women are passionate, vibrant, self-assured and sexy.  An avid athlete that has completed triathlons, and regularly does yoga, pilates and tennis, Jordan found that most clothes were built with smaller women in mind. So, Jordan decided to put her retail and fitness background together and launched Doce Vida – a fashionable yet functional athletic line.

What is Your Story?
I am no stranger to the retail world. My dad was high up in the Nike Latin America ranks, and I grew up with an insider’s knowledge of sports retail. I started with San Francisco-based Gap’s prestigious retail merchandising program run by the company VP’s. There, I  learned merchandising, planning, production and marketing. But I realized that I wanted to bring together all of my passions and strengths.
I’m an athlete: triathlons, Pilates, yoga, tennis…and I  found that most clothes are built with smaller women in mind. So, I decided to put my retail and fitness background together and I launched Doce Vida.

What is Your Most Popular Product?
Our Paraty Pant is our most popular item in our collection. The boot-cut styling fits snugly over your legs and flares fashionably at the hem. Sitting low on the hips, the wide waistband flatters your tummy line.

Who or what inspired you to start your business?
I was raised in a very athletic family who basically lived in workout clothes. However, I never felt they fit my body well. That really inspired me to create a line that flattered a woman’s body, and after 5 years in the corporate world, I decided to combine my fashion and fitness background to design workout apparel that did just that.  I believe every woman should feel confidant in her body and I wanted to help create this confidence that I saw so many women wearing baggy workout clothes, missing.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I grew up in a family business – both of my parents are entrepreneurs, so they inspire me to follow my dreams.

What business mistake have you made that you will never make again?
We trusted too many people with our website design and we had to start from scratch twice.  Now we know to have more up-front conversations before turning over the reigns.

What is your indulgence?
Dessert.  I love sweets!

What do you CRAVE? In business?
I crave for all women to experience the difference Doce Vida makes in their workouts.  I love hearing from happy customers about how Doce Vida makes them feel.

In life?
To always be healthy and be surrounded by positive people.

How do you spend your free time?
Running your own business, there is not much time for free time, but when we have the opportunity to take time for ourselves, I like to find fun recipes to prepare, walk through the city to soak it all in, and spend time with friends.

Kick It Into High Gear: Fitness for the New Year

January 13, 2010 by Ashley B. | Comments (0)

Yes, we realize that we are already half-way through January, but we are just starting to get back on the exercise bandwagon after taking an extended break for the holiday season. And, if you are anything like us, we need something to jump-start our fitness routine if we are ever going to lose the “Holiday Five” that we’ve gained since Thanksgiving.  Check out some great tips from local personal trainers below and get moving!

Natasha Linton (natashalinton.com)

Natasha Linton is a New York City based fitness professional certified by the International Sports Sciences Association and holds several other certifications in health & fitness promotion as well, and she has enough great workout ideas to keep us busy for years – at least. Not to mention, she turned us on to our new favorite workout anthem – “Naked” by Holliwoodz. Check out her tips:

1. Keep Moving – If your goal is to burn fat and drop pant sizes limit your rest periods in between each exercise of your workout. Instead of watching the clock between exercises for those 30 seconds of nothing,perform overall conditioning exercises such as jumping jacks, jump rope, step ups and mountain climbers. These are guaranteed to make your heart pump and your waistline smaller. This especially works if you want to drop those holiday pounds quickly.

2. Consistency is Key – Once a week of anything isn’t going to cut it. If you pick up a new DVD or decide to try a new workout from a magazine, don’t expect a huge change in your body after two times. Spend more time during the week with that activity. For better results mix these new activities in with your current program and alternate days.

3. Get on your feet – Step away from the weight machines! For optimal results stand up and lift free weights. Standing and lifting weights forces you to work more body parts at once. Combine weight training with cardio and you’ll like the end results after a few weeks.

Debi Silber – The Mojo Coach (themojocoach.com)

As a personal trainer and registered dietitian, Debi definitely has the tricks to help us get our mojo back after the holidays when we are feeling sluggish and out of shape. Everyone knows you need to workout and eat right, but how do you make healthy eating choices when you are eating out? Just ask Debi:

1. Look for healthy menu words like baked, grilled, roasted, poached and seared. Avoid anything with words like fried, breaded, buttered, crispy or cheesy.  Also, most pastas and entrees made with red sauce are going to be a healthier option than other sauces.

2. Restaurant portions can be huge – and twice the amount we even need to eat. So, cut it in half and save half the entree for a doggie bag.

3. If you can, slow down while you are eating. Your body doesn’t register that its full for twenty minutes, so take your time and savor every bite! It will keep you from eating more than you need to.

4. When you’re done, push your plate out of reach or put your napkin over it, to keep from continuing to pick at your meal.

Armed with these tips for healthy eating when you go out, and how to kick up your workout a notch so you can get rid of those post-holiday pounds, we wish you a happy and healthy year!

At Home Spa Party With Girlfriends

January 4, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

The winter holiday season is a time to be joyful and thankful. However, every year it seems we spend the majority of our time running around trying to buy the perfect gift and appear at every event. All of us CRAVE girls can get frazzled by the stress (not to mention the havoc the cold air is playing on our skin) and forget what is most important: spending time with the people we love! So go ahead and trade in those boots for cozy slippers, call your best girlfriends and treat yourselves to something we all CRAVE—a DIY at home spa day of pampering and relaxation.

Mani/Pedi
Sure we can all paint our own nails—but it’s so much less fun! Take turns doing each others’ nails, but let the manicurist choose a color you never would. Are you a classic red? Switch it up with bold orange or purple for fun. A flirty pink? Step out of character and don some fierce jet black nails. And don’t forget to treat your pals to a hand massage and a salon-style gab fest.

Facial Steam
Before you get ready to moisturize and clarify, treat your dry skin to an easy and relaxing steam treatment. Simply boil some water and then pour into a large bowl with circumference at least at big as your face. Throw in an herbal tea bag, and wait a few moments for water to slightly cool. Grab a towel to place on top of your head to trap in the steam, and lean with your face at least 6 inches from the water. Now breathe deep, relax, and repeat. Rest like this for at least five minutes to open up your pores.

Home-made Face Mask
This is a fun one to really play around with whatever you have stocked in your kitchen and pantry. There are hundreds of ways that you can prepare an at home facial from kitchen edibles. You can check online for different suggestions, but great go-to ingredients include honey, bananas, brown sugar, strawberries, avocados, yogurt, lemon juice and oatmeal! Special tip: if you have normal to oily skin, use an egg white. For dry skin, use the yolk.

Home-made Hair Treatment
Believe it or not, you can easily use all the same ingredient you just put on your face to double as a miracle hair moisturizer! Some of the best super products for your tresses are: honey, egg, yogurt, olive or almond oil, banana, and full fat milk. Want to get ultra shiny locks? Mix orange juice and honey. A great post-shampoo rinse for redheads and brunettes is apple cider vinegar, blondes stick with lemon juice.

Massage
There is no better feeling than the lightness you experience after a great massage. While you and your girlfriends can attempt to get out each others’ knots, for an extra indulgence hire a professional to come in to give mini-massages to everyone.  The rest of the gang can sip tea and catch up on your favorite Sex and the City episodes while you wait your turn!