#NYFW

Thomas Pink Shirt, Thomas Pink Boxer Shorts, Michael Kors Pumps   

#NYFW is in full swing and while I haven't made up there yet (not until Wednesday), I've been keeping up on Style.com and WWD. After waiting all summer for fall to arrive I now can't wait until Spring 2014. I blame all the fabulous collections!

My favorite so far? Alexander Wang's cool and casual collection. I dream of wearing an outfit that resembles pjs well past bedtime. All you need is a side of confidence. What's your favorite collection so far?

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?