Business Babes

Patterns, colors and monograms are a must at the Piqued PR office so when I found La Plates on an interior design blog I was hooked. La Plates allows you to personalize entertaining with their products. They have everything from plates to cups in an array of prints and multiple hues all with monograms! I had to hear more about the brand from La Plates' owner Lara.  

When and why did you decide to create your brand?

La Plates was born after I became a mother. I was tired of all the cartoon character plates – I knew there had to be a way to class up our tabletop using a kid-friendly material. I also wanted to create something that was reusable and durable, something my boys couldn’t break when trying to clear the table.

What is your background in and how did this help prepare you in regards to your business?

I was an elementary school teacher – I think teachers are amazing multi-taskers. That combined with being a mother prepared me to wear all the hats of an entrepreneur & business owner.

What do you believe sets your brand apart from competitors?

I believe La Plates creates products that clients will use for years to come. Our products are durable, reusable, but most of all they have fabulous, colorful designs! We also work really hard to understand our clients and what they want. If we don’t have exactly what they are looking for, we get to work and create something just for them. Often times, that’s how we come up with new products or design patterns – clients’ special requests.

What do you consider your greatest success?

We’ve had so many amazing things happen in the last five years. I’m so thankful for all the great people who have made it possible for La Plates to grow and thrive. The month that La Plates appeared in both House Beautiful & Elle Décor on full pages was pretty special, I would consider that a moment of feeling success.

What is your social media outlet of choice and why?

Oh wow, that’s a tough one …can I just say a 3-way tie between Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook? Instagram might top the list these days – I love editing pictures with the filters.

Thanks Lara! La Plates are on our list for entertaining, who wouldn't want to eat off their monogram. 

Throw Some Confetti

I recently stumbled upon The Confetti Bar through Instagram (don't you love social media) and am quite obsessed. Who doesn't love a party and an excuse to throw pretty little bits of sparkles? Not only are these fun to order for an event but I'd love to send a package of confetti to a friend as a just because gift. What a fun surprise that would be to open!

But what I might enjoy even more is their new prints. They feature confetti cereal, ice cream and cupcakes! All my favorite food groups, and just how I like them! 

The Look of Cool

Helmet Lang Jacket, J Brand Jeans, Ash Sneakers, Rebecca Minkoff Sunglasses

Truth be told, I didn't jump onto the wedge sneaker trend yet. Actually, I still am not 100% certain that I ever will. Don't get me wrong I think it's a cool look, I've just never classified my style as well, "cool". Maybe if wedged sneakers came in pink gingham with monograms... jk that would be horrifying!

In all seriousness though, I do love this casual look. It says, "I'm chic" without saying "I'm uncomfortable". Wouldn't you agree?  

Summa Time

Blogging Buds

I met Melissa of The Atelier blog about a year ago through Sweet Lemon Magazine. Us both being Philly gals obsessed with fashion I knew we had to be friends. Can you ever have enough fashionable friends? Melissa's beyond talented, in addition to being tres chic and having a blog I could spend hours on she also designs stationary. You have to check out her PS line and read on about her blogging life.

Why did you decide to start blogging? 

I was looking for a creative outlet where I could focus on things I don’t at my day job … entertaining, fashion (my first love), interiors, etc. It’s a lot of fun to be able to write about what’s currently inspiring me.

How did you choose the name for your blog? 

The word “atelier” means workshop in French, and ties in my love of fashion (many fashion houses have an atelier) with my love to create (and all things French!).

  

What motivates you to keep blogging? 

Building relationships with readers and connecting with other bloggers across the country and world is one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced. It’s really amazing when I share something on my blog and find out that someone out there has been inspired or can connect with what I’ve said.

What are some qualities you believe a blogger needs to posses? 

I’d say any blogger (or entrepreneur) would need to be a self-starter, have patience (things don’t happen overnight), and a willingness to put themselves out there. It’s also really important to have your own voice and develop your own aesthetic!

  

What do you consider your greatest success? 

Officially starting my business this year and seeing my designs featured by people and publications I admire and read daily.

What’s your social media outlet of choice and why? 

Definitely Instagram. I love being able to see the world through other peoples’ eyes! (you can follow along @mnouc)

Thanks Melissa! I love a local Philly gal with a great sense of style. Be sure to check out The Atelier. 

Bow-tiful

 BaubleBar Ring, Mulberry Belt, RED Valentino Bag, Milly Top, Caitlin Wilson Pillow, Design Darling Cuff, Marc Jacobs Sunglasses        

There's nothing quite as feminine as a bow. As little girls we wear a bow in our hair and learn to tie our shoes in pretty bows. While we may have outgrown those bows, many designers have been using bows with a grown up flair. 

I mean these Kate Spade Heels scream sexy, not child's play. Are bows found in your wardrobe?  

Genius Outfit

Carven Skirt, Textile Tee, Kate Spade Heels, Stella & Dot Earrings, Brian Atwood Crossbody

Mondays call for you to put on your genius hat. After a fun weekend it's hard to get back in the groove but you know what helps? A fabulous fun outfit to kick off the work week! And really, this outfit is too fun with the statement tee, bits of leather and leopard.

The best part about this outfit though is it would easily transition into fall. Just add black opaque tights and a black blazer. Now that's year round style!

Happy

Business Babe

Have you seen LaRoque's designs? If not you must, think flirty silhouettes, bright colors oh and lots of fun big bows! I talked with LaRoque's designer AnnaBelle to hear more about her background and inspiration for the brand.

What is your background in and how did this help prepare you in regards to your business?

I have PR degree, retail minor. PR helps me communicate effectively with my customers.

What do you believe sets your brand apart from competitors?

The fact that we do custom garments. People can pick the style and fabric they want for their garment. We also offer a limited quantity of each fabric to ensure that the customer gets a unique piece.

What do you consider your greatest success?

My greatest success is being able to make a living off of my life.

What is your social media outlet of choice and why?

Instagram, because I like photography. I also think people respond better to a visual rather than writing. I also like that I can show other parts of my life apart from my designs.

Thanks AnnaBelle! I can't wait to see what the LaRoque new fall collection has in store!

Weekly Finds

C Wonder Bangle, BaubleBar Necklace, Brian Lichtenberg Tee, Society Social Wine Tote

For years I've been lusting after an Hermes bangle. I've visited the store and tried them on many of times yet as close as I get, I just can't bring myself to hand over the credit card yet. $700 for an enamel bracelet just isn't justifiable in my current budget (hello new homeowner!).

When I discovered this C Wonder bangle though with it's enamel elephant motif and classic print I automatically thought it may fill my Hermes hole in my heart for the time being. And $68? I think I can handle that.

As for the rest, I think they explain themselves.

Miss Business

Alice+Olivia Dress, Reed Krakoff Tote, Nadri Hoops, Gucci Pumps   

It's not often that I have to dress conservatively but I know many don't have that luxury so I decided to play pretend and give you some closet inspiration. While they say every girl needs an LBD in their closet I also think an LGD is a must. It's just as conservative but gives you the opportunity to mix things up. 

Can we talk about the shoes though? Gucci always has a good shoe game but these are just bow-tiful! The perfect subtle feminine touch.

Buy the Shoes

Blogging Babe

I'm not even sure how blogger/entrepreneur Mae Badiyan and I met but it definitely was thanks so social media. After months of tweeting, emailing and Instagram "liking" we finally met in person at Pepperologie and I must say she truly is a sweetheart, with a great sense of style and serious business skills. Her latest venture you ask? Oh besides being a lawyer and a teacher she just opened The Blo Bar in her hometown! Read on to find out about her love for blogging...

Why did you decide to start blogging? 

Similar to my love of fashion, my love of the blogging world developed from a desire to foster more creativity in my life. I was living abroad, working in a professional environment that didn't leave much room for personal creativity, so I started reading a couple blogs and next thing I knew I was playing around with my own. I loved the idea of having a little corner of the Internet that I could style!

How did you choose the name for your blog? 

Originally, my blog was named after me & my mom. But I began to rebuild and rebrand and now it's just my name. Boring I know. But, I've built my entire brand around my name so my blog is now an extension of that.

What motivates you to keep blogging? 

Pretty pictures! And all the lovely people I have met, connections I've made and things I've learned. It's seems like everyday a new opportunity pops up, or someone emails or something cool happens all because I decided to start a little ol' blog back in 2010. Those little things keep me motivated.

What are some qualities you believe a blogger needs to posses? 

Be nice. Be flexible. Be original.

What do you consider your greatest success? 

I just opened a blowout bar in my hometown! That was (and still is!) a lot of hard work. I did everything from designing the space, to hiring stylists, to overseeing the legal & business aspects to now running our marketing & social media and even answering phones ;)

But now that we're up and going, it is truly amazing. Women come in, get (even more) beautiful and walk out with a smile. I really couldn't ask for a cooler job. That's a huge success in my book.

What’s your social media outlet of choice and why? 

Instagram! I love to look at all the lovely snippets and scenes people share. It's a big source of inspiration. And unfortunately, sometimes I'm too busy to blog so really it's a lot faster to snap a couple IG pics during the day. I still stay connected with my blogging community and it satisfies that blogging need.

Thanks Mae! Be sure to check out her blog and if you're ever in Stillwater make sure to get a fabulous blowout or lash extension at The Blo Bar.