Halloween Entertaining

Belle Escape Table, Layla Grayce Chandelier, Lamps Plus Mirror, Hattan Home Placemats, Ana Candles, Pier 1 Pumpkin, Pier 1 Glasses, Ikea Plate, West Elm Flatware, William Sonoma Napkins

It's no surprise that one of my favorite things about holidays is the entertaining and decorating. Give me a theme and I'll go big. Last week I had some family over to paint festive fall door monograms. We laughed, got crafty and ate delicious food. Really there's nothing better than that and a "party" is the perfect excuse to get the family together. Take a peek at our fun time on Instagram here.        

Business Babe: First & Marley

Truth be told I've never met Annie of First & Marley in person but I bet she's as sweet face to face as she is over email. I discovered the brand through a local of social networking and was immediately as a chic children's boutique is something the internet and my area lacks... I know this and I don't even have a kid! First & Marley is filling that need with their adorable merchandise. Oh and local ladies look out for their pop up shop at The Play Cafe until December 21st. 

You started First & Marley, an online children's clothing boutique, when you were pregnant and started shopping for your son, what factors drove you to pursue this opportunity?

I started First & Marley because I noticed that the choices for boys’ clothing was pretty limited. Most of the big name stores only carried clothing with dinosaurs, cars, robots, or sports prints, and anything other than that cost an arm and a leg. It wasn’t until I started researching other brands online that I found really stylish and affordable fashion options for kids.

I’ve always wanted to open my own boutique and I had the idea to sell these smaller, up and coming brands as well as some of the more well known brands in my store to give parents as many options as possible when shopping for their children. It also gives the smaller brands a chance to have their products carried in a store besides their own.

Describe your brand in one sentence:

First & Marley is a unique collection of high quality affordable children’s clothing and accessories.

Regardless of working with globally recognized brands or upcoming designers, what attributes do you look for in merchandise in order for it to be incorporated into your brand?

I look for unique styles and prints that you can’t find in most retail stores. I also try to find high quality products with lower price points. I want my customers to be able to shop at a boutique without having to pay high boutique prices.

What are some of your best selling accessories that parents can’t seem to get enough of? Do you have any personal favorites, if so which ones?

We have a great selection of “chewelry” for moms to wear while their children are teething. Our chew necklaces, bracelets, and toys contain no BPA, phthalates, lead, cadmium, or heavy metals, making them safe for children to chew on.

My personal favorites are our collection of baby moccasins that are very popular in kids’ fashion right now and our organic wooden teething rings.

How do you hope to see First & Marley grow in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to have my own brick and mortar retail location for First & Marley (maybe 2 locations!) I also hope to be the go-to place for children's’ fashion in the Philadelphia area. 

Thanks Annie!

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  

#OOTD

Pink Tartan Jacket from Posh Collections (similar), Vince Top, Halogen Skirt, Prada Sunglasses

Photography by Haley Cairo

It took me years to find a leather jacket. Secret time... this one is actually faux but is the nicest one I've found and would fool anyone. I also wear it way too much. I often question how many times in a row I can be seen in it without someone thinking I've been robbed and this is all I have left. 

Truth be told though it goes with everything. Edgy, glam, sporty, etc. It's also the perfect shade, almost gunmetal as it's sort of grey, sort of black. I've searched the internet high and low and can't find it anywhere! However give Posh Collections a call and hopefully they have your size in stock! Fingers crossed. 

Want It, Need It

Anthropologie Pillow, Rachel Zoe Skirt, Anthropologie Yoga Mat, Lulu & Georgia Bench, Strut This Jacket, Belquist Necklace, Emma McKinstry Bracelet, All Things Pretty Print, Laura Dro x Society Social Print, Kate Spade Heels

Here's my motto for art, pillows and shoes... you can never have enough. Seriously the more the merrier in my book. My thing with pillows and art prints is they're relatively cheap updates for the home, minimum funds and minimum work for the switch-a-roo. I say why not change your pillow covers and print each season or holiday. Keep the relationship with your home fresh, ya feel me?

Or maybe that's just the little devil sitting on my shoulder trying to justify my recent purchases for my already furnished and quite packed little home...

Business Babe: StartUp Fashion

I love it when I discover fabulous entrepreneurs through my clients. A few clients are StartUp Fashion members and they introduced me to Nicole, the founder. As you know, one of the reasons I started Piqued PR was to support and help other talented entrepreneurs, Nicole also does just that with StartUp Fashion. She offers a community for independent designers where they can go for advice, contacts, skills classes and so much more! 

Your business is truly inspiring! Can you tell us how this all came about and share some hurdles you experienced while getting there?

Thank you. A long story short, I have learned over the years that the only way to be truly successful in business is to build a business around the life you want.

I started out as a designer, worked in social media, content creation, textile sourcing, and other aspects of the industry. Ultimately I realized that I had built a business (Startup FASHION) in a way that really complements my lifestyle. Which was an awesome realization to come to.

I don’t believe that the traditional path (especially in the fashion industry which if so full of rules and “musts”) is the only way to success. I want to help designers figure out what success looks like to them and then help them make it happen.

As for hurdles, there are so many. Every new business faces them, but I think the biggest one for me was overcoming this feeling that I somehow didn’t deserve the success I was seeing; that my process, my beliefs in how to build a business were not accurate and someone was going to call me out. I think it was because I don’t come from an MBA background. What I’ve learned has all been through experience, trial and error. And for a little while I thought that wasn’t good enough.

I’ve since gotten past this, because I realized that this belief is the cornerstone of everything I preach. I had to be 100% in, and not allow my own insecurities to cloud our mission.  

What advice do you have for StartUp FASHION entrepreneurs that are just starting out?

Make sure that you have spent time developing your customer profile, in detail. Knowing what your customer cares about, believes in, values, and struggles with will be the most important information you can collect. You cannot effectively sell to someone if you don’t really know who they are.

Your business is focused on the fashion industry - what designers do you look up to and why?

I look up to our community of independent designers. Making it in this industry is damn hard. I’m so inspired by the designers who are taking the risk, working tirelessly to make it happen, and focusing on building the business and the life that they want.

What future do you envision for StartUp FASHION?

A place where designers are helping one another, forming friendships, collaborating, letting off steam, sharing victories, and feeling like they belong to a community of people who get it; who are doing it too.

Describe your own personal style.

Simplistic. Comfortable. A lot of black, navy, gray, with the occasional colorful globally-inspired textile.

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram   

#OOTD

Central Park West Sweater, JCrew Sweatpants, Kate Spade Heels (similar), Gucci Handbag, Julie Vos Earrings (similar), Ted Rossi Bracelet, Vintage Necklace (similar)

Photography by Haley Cario

Confession: I haven't been a gym member in over a year. Yikes! While I was pretty dedicated to working out in college, the years after I've sort of been an uncommitted girlfriend. I'll join a gym for a month or two, get bored or busy and stop going then try a new one and the cycle repeats. 

So far my favorite workout is Lithe Method though.  We had a Her Main Line event there last week and I'm reminded of just how much I like it... I just wish it wasn't almost an hour away! Anyways, while this isn't a workout outfit, I'd say it's sport chic. Or my own take on the trend at least. Athletic and comfy with the striped pants but still prim and preppy with the pointed heels and layered blouse. 

Want It, Need It

Rag & Bone Jeans, Catherine Malandrino Sweater, Joie Booties, SJP Flats, Chic Wish Skirt, Kate Spade Hat, Tibi Top, Drybar Curling Iron, Kendra Scott Necklace, Hattan Home Clipboard  

I'm so sorry the last week or two on the blog have been sort of random and lacking. You're probably all like, "where'd ya go, Patricia?" It's been an insane two months, after the rush of Main Line Fashion Week, I visited family in South Carolina, planned the first month of Her Main Line events and memberships and had a mini trip to DC (or should I call it "The District"). Oh and my main gig Piqued PR, of course.

Anywhos, I promise (or at least will try my best) to continue to blog consistently as things get crazier and crazier this holiday season. Don't give up on me yet, people! 

Want It, Need It

Nasty Gal Top, Insults Every Man Should Know, Ballard Pineapple Trio, DVF Heels, In2Green Throw, Stella & Dot Organizer, GiGi New York Planner, BaubleBar Necklace, Finders Keepers Skirt, Serena & Lily Chandelier         

As you're reading this I'm doing some shopping. You didn't know? I'm on a mini vacation visiting family in Aiken, South Carolina for a few days. One of my favorite things to do while I'm away is shop. Heck, who am I kidding? My favorite thing to do anytime is shop. Duh. But while I'm hitting the boutiques, riding horses and eating lots of bad for you but so good food, you can enjoy some online shopping of some of my weekly finds! Because I don't just leave you hanging. 

Get Your Gallery On

Hattan Home Pineapple, Laura Dro Ikat, The Pink Pagoda Ginger Jar, Stephanie Creekmur Hey Ya'll, Anthropologie Wall Hook, The Aestate Camel, Palm Beach Lately Endless Summer, Society Social Chair, Hattan Home Pouf  

I'm kinda obsessed with gallery walls and hope they never go out of style. Have you seen mine? I think the key is to stick with some sort of theme, then include a mix of sayings, patterns and motifs with at least one piece that is 3d to add some interest. 

Do you have a gallery wall in your home? 

Business Babe: Melissa Alam

An online magazine, a co-working space, a photographer, a website designer... Melissa Alam is a multi-tasker entrepreneur just like me. I actually remember the first time I met her, it was during a LEVO League event when she raised her hand in the audience and asked me about how I became a young entrepreneur. A few years later she must have taken my advice because she's doing what she loves! 

When you founded Femme and Fortune in 2013, did you have any reservations about being an entrepreneur? 

Yes and no. Femme & Fortune was a passion project of mine, so financially I wasn't worried because it was pretty cost-friendly to create. As far as leading the magazine and being the face of it online and in person - then yes. Especially with passion projects, it's hard to balance and manage your time with money-making projects or work. As an entrepreneur, I had to figure out a healthy balance of my time and effort when it came to growing the site. 

What is one thing you wish people knew about you personally, and the interactive community and online magazine you've founded? 

About me personally is probably that I'm a serious goofball and prankster. I'm always plotting something (mostly to make the people around me laugh) - so beware! As for Femme & Fortune, I'd have to say that more people should know they can join the F&F movement and contribute their own voice to the site. I'm always looking for writers so feel free to reach out!

What do you envision for the future of your interactive network and online magazine to look like within the next five years?

I foresee more Hives for women across the country and world hopefully within five years. The potential for this co-working space I'm opening is huge, especially with more and more female-owned businesses being founded each day. I also hope to make Femme & Fortune a household resource for women in need of personal and professional advice, support and inspiration. 

You founded a magazine/social network committed to empowering women - who are your female role models that inspire you and why?

My female role models include Jessica Alba for adding entrepreneur to her career with her Honest Company, Mindy Kaling for being her hilarious self, and Sophia Amoruso because she's a badass #girlboss and inspiring women like me to keep the hustle going. 

If you could give advice to a five year younger version of yourself what would it be? 

My advice for 21 year old Melissa would be to make more mistakes. I've learned some of my best lessons in life from the mistakes I've made in the past, whether in my career or personal life. Overcoming them and moving on has made me stronger as a woman and businesswoman now!

Website, Facebook, Twitter

#OOTD

Joie Top (similar), James Jeans, Tory Burch Booties (similar), Vintage Necklace (similar), Louis Vuitton Purse

Photography by Haley Cairo

Fun fact for the day, I'm a Capricorn (if you couldn't already guess). I'm a January baby so garnet is my birthstone and probably my favorite color to wear, especially come chilly weather. Another favorite of mine is vintage jewelry with a story. I'm actually wearing 3 vintage pieces in this post; my tassel necklace from my Mom- mom Kowal (also known as Mom-mom Foxy), a diamond ring that was my great-grandmother Mae's and a cocktail ring that makes a total statement from Mom-mom Maristch (aka Mom-mom Muffin). 

Vintage/hand-me down pieces are special because they usually have a story behind them whether you tracked them down at a flea market and imagine some roaring 20s socialite wearing the piece or you received from someone special you actually know. They always make a good story. Do you have any special pieces?

Want It, Need It

Bailey44 Dress, Hattan Home Card, Faribault Mill Blanket, Waggo Bowl, Saturday Crossbody, Devon Baer Dress, Ecru Pants, JCrew Heels, Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody, Smathers & Branson Flask      

I was eating dinner at my parents the other evening, I looked outside and all of a sudden it was fall! Seriously, where'd the time go? The leaves are the most gorgeous shades of red and orange and quickly coating my grass with their crunchy texture. 

To me fall means many of things but number one has got to be plaid! It's such a cozy pattern with a preppy flair. When wearing the print I love to mix it with other patterns for fun and contrast. Is plaid a staple in your fall wardrobe too?

Business Babe- Miss With- It

One day I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and BAM! There it was, a pillow that spoke to me. Pretty literally actually. This pillow read "Single, Taken, Building My Empire". And just like that I discovered the source, Miss With- It. The lady behind the brand, Kelly has many more witty pillows where that came from. From Etsy seller to soon to launch e-commerce site find out who Miss With- It is.

What is your inspiration for your stylish, home decor? 

Miss With-it! was inspired by the cheeky personality my friends and I all share. When developing the concept for the line, I intended the brand to take on a really fun, and stylish persona. I love to design for other stylish and cheeky women who love to have fun, and celebrate life! My goal for the line is to utilize my creative nature and colorful persona to help uncover the fun in everyday home decor by making great conversation pieces or gifts that bring joy, color, and humor to any living space. 

Tell us a little bit about your journey to starting your own business.

Actually, it’s quite funny. I started the line by accident when I was sick in bed. I suppose nothing can make me sit still, even when I’m sick. I was looking for some way to feel productive, and to make light of feeling under the weather. I’ve always had a love for typography, so I started playing around. The first 4 pillows I designed said, “Cuddle Party”, “Disco Nap”, “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die”, and “I like you more than naps.” I loved designing them, and I received such a great response from them that I made more.  And so it continues… 

Your line is super fun, what is your personal style?

Modern with a classic flair. I like to stay true to my personal style, and be an individual without shouting it too loudly. I don’t often follow trends. I prefer to create a signature style of my own. I love stripes; they have become my signature, which I’ve incorporated a bit into my line. I think everyone should make their own rules when it comes to their personal style. I have a few *glam* rules for my closet: no ugg boots, no flip flops, no jeans, and no sweat pants. 

What are your future plans for Miss With-it?

Haha to stay With-it! I would love to do more collaborations and to become a part of a respected creative community. I intend to keep having fun with what I do, and to keep evolving. I intend for Miss With-it! to keep growing, so with every choice I make I ask myself, “Will this choice enlarge the brand or diminish it?” 

What is your personal favorite Miss With-it product? 

The pillows are my favorite. My bed is absolutely covered in them! It makes going to bed a fun event! I’m about to launch the new site with tons of new products that I’m super excited about! So be sure to check it out at the end of this month: www.shopmisswithit.com 

Thanks Kelly! 

Website, Facebook