7Q&A’s with Jeanie Syfu: Hair Styling Pro

Lead Stylist at NYFW, a favorite for editorial and runway work, and the face of numerous online tutorials, Jeanie is the channel through which high fashion style is made accessible to the modern woman.

The perfect addition to our creative team on the latest SS2016 Collection photo shoot, and a sought after expert in all things hair, we’ve asked Jeanie a few questions of our own.

7Q&A's with Jeanie Syfu - discover her hair rec for poolside lounging, how she stays inspired, and delve into her experiences in the fashion/beauty industry.

Tell me a little about your journey to becoming a hair stylist. How did you get your start?

My big break in the industry was on Project Runway Season 3. I just locked in my position as lead stylist for Tresemme and things took off pretty quickly after that. I appeared on national TV as their spokesperson and also started leading their hair team at NYFW.

What are your top three favorite hairstyles of the moment?

I’m really into statement haircuts. Short, chic and effortless cuts that don’t require much styling. I think it looks quite feminine, strong and stylish. On longer hair, I’m drawn to hair that doesn’t look over styled. I like hair to be touchable and it has to have a natural movement. And I absolutely LOVE when a woman embraces her natural texture!

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your profession?

I love inspiring hairstylists that are just starting out in the fashion/beauty industry. Helping them develop their style and technique makes me a better artist. I have to say, its rewarding (but also a little sad) to let go when their careers take off.

What keeps you creatively inspired?

I stay inspired by the endless creative collaborations with my fashion peers. I get to work with many stylists, designers, photographers, creative directors, make up artists, and other hairstylists so I’m never bored. It’s important to keep an open mind and push your ideas with the different teams you are paired up with because you will always get a different result, we all add something different to the creative soup.

In your opinion, what’s the best hair style for beach-side lounging?

I’m into dressing hair with loads of leave in conditioner and keeping it off the face. Creating a bun, braid or slicked back/deep side part looks very chic and also controls hair on the beach. It can also protect your hair from any damage.

What are your words to live by?

I believe you attract good things in your life when you live truthfully. Intention is very powerful.

If you could recommend three places to visit to a tourist in your neighborhood, what would they be?

I have lived in Brooklyn for 14 years and I would say: 1) Brooklyn Flea Markets are amazing to go to on the weekends! Go early to get the best finds. 2) A walk around Williamsburg and Green Point for shopping, food, and good street style watching. 3) Brooklyn Museum of Art for the exhibits and inspiration.

See Jeanie’s work in our SS2016 Collection

 

 

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7Q&A’s with Siren Williams

The Wanderlust Dream: a longing for a life filled with travel, of following your inner compass – and that compass points to the sea. Saltwater in your hair, blue skies up above, and the open road before you.

Siren Williams is the embodiment of that dream: a surfer, traveler, and songwriter that treats each day as an adventure. On her latest expedition, Siren packs our Lace-Up Rash Guard and gives us an inside look at her free-spirited philosophy.

The inside scoop on Siren Williams, competitive surfer, songwriter, and adventurer.

You live a great part of your life on the ocean and the open road, what do you think it is about travel that captivates you?

I could sit and talk about my travels for days… I am passionate about travel because I have loved geography since I was a little girl, and I love learning new cultures. I love moving around a lot, experiencing and photographing new places, learning the local language and getting involved with local families and communities.

As a competitive surfer, you’ve clocked a lot of time on the water. What is one of your favorite memories from a day spent riding the waves?

I have so many! There’s nothing like watching a shuttle launch into space while you’re  paddling out into a thick school of dolphins swimming all around your board, or being stalked by the largest bull shark you’ve ever seen in 3 ft of crystal clear water. One of my favorite memories has to be while surfing St. Andrew’s State Park and the dolphins were surfing the waves with us. A few hung around my board for a while and would jump and land on their sides, splashing me repeatedly. It was so amazing and I think they were having as much fun as we were!

How did you learn to surf, and what led you to surfing on a competitive level?

I started surfing when I was around 12 years old on Cape San Blas, Florida. I was sort of talked into giving it a try by a few of my guy friends at the time, and I’ve been surfing ever since. When I moved from the Florida Panhandle to the East Coast back in 2007, I began teaching surf lessons full time and began competing in local contests. It was in Cocoa Beach that I started competing regularly and began traveling the state for contests. I still love competition and I’ve been doing more professional longboard contests in the last several years, but I’m currently on a bit of a hiatus, as I’m finding that performance can sometimes ebb and flow.

You’ve come to call Florida home, what places would you recommend a tourist visit as a must-see in your neighborhood?

Born and raised in Florida, and growing up living in Florida’s state parks, I grew up in an environment that supported conservation of “Real Florida.” I recommend my hometown of Apalachicola, Florida, where the Cattahoochee/Apalachicola River meets the bay. St. George Island has beautiful beaches just over the bridge. The small, historic town has eclectic shopping and a great historic theater, with lots of history and culture. Apalachicola is also the oyster capital of the world. The surrounding area has caves, springs, and Native American history. Second, I would say the Florida Keys for a quiet get-away with beautiful water and sailing tours. Third, I’d recommend doing some air-boat tours on one of our small inland rivers to experience a side of Florida that most people don’t realize even exists. Beaches are always a short drive away, no matter were you stay.

As an experienced traveler, often by way of VW bus, what are your top three travel locations?

I lived in Morocco for five months and worked as a surf instructor and photographer there. There were always waves, plenty of right-hand point breaks, and the culture was amazing. Next on my list would have to be Australia. I spent one month there about ten years ago and it was really incredible how diverse it was, with rain-forest and beaches, cities on rivers, mountains, and lots of undeveloped land. The people there are absolutely amazing and really co-exist with Mother Earth in a respectful way. I’d say that the Virgin Islands are third on this list. I lived there for a while and was lucky to have a small boat at my disposal on most days, which really makes all the difference in the world. Island hopping and taking the boat to surf is really a great experience. We explored and camped on small, uninhabited islands with views that could hardly be dreamt of.

What are your words to live by?

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Frequent traveling must cause a lot of negotiating on what items to take with you. What is the one thing you can’t leave home without?

The one thing that I always MUST have is a bikini. Even if I’m going to the middle of America, I must have swimwear! I generally pack anywhere from five to ten bikinis on average.

Shop the look at WALA SWIM.

Find more inspiration, elevated design, and aquatic couture by following our Instagram.

Siren Williams - Ocean View in our Rash Guard

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7 Q&A’s with ELLE’s Fashion Market Editor
Shilpa Prabhakar Nadella:
A Fashion Cognoscente

A sophisticated eye for design and an emboldened ethos set this distinctive aesthete apart from the rest. Hailing from the world’s number one fashion magazine, ELLE, arrives Shilpa Prabhakar Nadella – a trend expert.

 

Shilpa Nadella Portrait - Photo Credit Dustin Aksland

Tell me a little about your journey to becoming and flourishing as one of ELLE’s top editors?

I always knew I wanted to work in magazines so my journey began during my summers in college. I was fortunate enough to have internships at Cosmo, Vogue and InStyle. My internship at InStyle landed me a full time position as a Fashion Assistant at the magazine and eventually a promotion to Assistant Fashion Editor. From there, I moved to ELLE as the Associate Market Editor and have since gone on to my current position as Market Editor.

What do you find most invigorating about your work?

The people I work with and the designers I see on a daily basis inspire me. I feel so fortunate to work in an industry filled with so much creativity and talent. I love showing our readers affordable ways to adapt runway themes.

What has been a defining moment that helped shape your career?

I don’t think there is one moment that has shaped my career. I’ve learned by mistake and also by those around me. Each boss, coworker or designer I’ve crossed paths with has taught me something memorable. The industry is continuously changing and it’s important to be adaptable.

What advice would you give to yourself five years ago?

Embrace who you are and surround yourself with people who have similar goals and values as you do.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

I love discovering new talent. It’s an incredible experience to have the opportunity see a young designer go from showing their first collection in their apartment to a runway show on the big stage during fashion week. I also love the stories and inspiration behind each collection I see.

What’s your current state of mind?

Motivated.

How would you define your sense of style?

My style is pretty minimalist. I stick to neutral colors (black, white, grey, navy) and try to be comfortable in what I am wearing. I spend tons of time running around the city on market appointments so I try to be practical in my wardrobe. I always buy a few statement pieces each season that pair well with basics I already own. I’m a firm believer that it’s important to work with the items you own and add bits here and there.

Get to know one of ELLE‘s premier luminaries a little better by checking out her Instagram!

 

Photo Credit Dustin Aksland

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7 Q&A’s with Renowned Editorial Stylist
Christine de Lassus: a style authority

With the aesthetic prowess to make any motif chic, Christine de Lassus masters the fashion world with elevated style. Her work frequents the pages of Flaunt, Nylon, Harper’s Bazaar Mexcio, and L’Officiel – to name a few. Multiplicities of celebrities have also been graced with her skill: including Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth Olsen, and Alicia Keys. Whether styling for editorial, beauty, or advertising, Christine de Lassus’ keen sense always knows best.

 

Christine de Lassus

How would you define the concept of style?

A mix of good taste, elegance and a sense of daring.

How would you describe your own sense of style?

My personal style (not my work) is minimalist, no color (black, white, grey, army green), and comfortable, with always a cool slightly avant garde factor. My style in my work is more varied, as I embrace editorial themes spanning anywhere from new romantics to 80ies rock. I like to create unexpected mixes. But always chic, cool and daring.

What advice can you give for putting together a look?

Be comfortable first in yourself and in your clothes, because if you are not, you will never look stylish. Then have fun creating an outfit appropriate for the event you have to attend and don’t forget your smile is your best accessory.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Creating beautiful images and working with creative, wonderful people whether they are part of the team or clients.

What’s your motto?

Positivity, Joy, Love of Life. I also love posting my inspiration images daily on instagram. I think you can see there the expression of my spirit. @christinedelassus

Do you have a style icon?

Tilda Swinton. She is chic, unconventional and always so elegant.

What is your favorite online shop?

None, I like to browse many sites and do my research online, but then most of the times I will buy in stores as I like to try and touch.

For photographs of Christine’s varied works explore her online portfolio or enjoy her daily inspiration images on her thought provoking instagram feed.

 

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11 Fashion Quotes to Reflect Your Style

Start Spring in style with these 11 inspirational fashion quotes to awaken even the most hibernated fashionistas. Enjoy!

 

CarrieBradshaw1

Rachel Zoe

EdithHead

HarryWinston

RachelRoy

Pharell Williams

JeanCocteau

Wednesday Addams

RachelRoy2

CarrieBradshaw2

OrsonWelles

Share your favorite quote on social media! Don’t forget to tag Karla Colletto!

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March 31, 2015 | ,

Green With Envy

St. Patty's Day inspired looks from Karla Colletto

We’ve got your shamrocks right here.

Green goes glam with three of our favorite pieces that just happen to come in this month’s favorite color: green! Since we’re feeling so inspired by the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, why not throw in a few touches of gold with our accessories? The luck of the Irish never looked so good.

Tory Burch Double Wrap Logo Bracelet – Available at ShopBop

Tom Ford Nina Cat-Eye Sunglasses – Available at Neiman Marcus

Jules Smith Onyx Dagger Earrings – Available at ShopBop

Vita Fede Ultra Mini Titan Stone and Crystal Ring – Available at ShopBop

Karla Colletto Swimwear

Powernet One Shoulder Top and Hip Pant

Basics Bandeau with Shelf Bra

Resortwear Knit Round Neck Dress

 

Don’t get pinched!

 

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March 13, 2015 | ,

Auld Lang Shine

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With a few more nights of Hanukkah to go and Christmas only days away, it’s hard to think about ringing and blinging in 2015. Procrastinators aside, the shopping is done, the baking is done, you’re exhausted. You deserve a treat. How about some to-die-for party duds for yours truly? There’s no better excuse than New Year’s Eve when it comes to getting decked out in your best metallics, LBDs, and deco-inspired jewels. Here are three great looks for saying goodbye to 2014 and kicking off 2015 with a bang! The only thing missing is a champagne toast!

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Holly Golightly meets Zelda Fitzgerald in this sweet Lela Rose dress with gold Art Deco accessories. For an even more memorable look, add gloves and a bold red lip.

1. Lela Rose chevron-paneled dress / Net-a-porter

2. Diane von Furstenberg crystal evil eye clutch / Intermix

3. Sergio Rossi patent stiletto pump / Intermix

4. House of Harlow illuminating rectangle cuff / Revolve

5. Arme de L’Amour large cut-out earrings / Intermix

Soften an edgy leather look with vintage and boho accents like chandelier earrings or a beaded clutch. Style with simple textured waves and earth-tone makeup.

1. Zara faux leather dress / Zara

2. Anthropologie beaded lumen pouch / Anthropologie

3. Gianvito Rossi leather and PVC pumps / Net-a-porter

4. Erickson Beamon duchess of fabulous earrings / Shopbop

 

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Go for broke and bring out all the bling. It’s easy to overdo, but if there was ever a night to get away with it, this is it. A matte metallic clutch is a great accessory to a glitzy dress.

1. Marc Jacobs embellished tulle dress / Net-a-porter

2. Anne-Grand Clement geometric triangle-embroidered zip pouch / Barneys

3. Zara jeweled leather heeled sandals / Zara

4. Melanie Auld black druzy dagger drop earrings / Anthropologie

5. Baublebar x Anthropologie fortuna bracelet / Anthropologie

 

 

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December 22, 2014 | ,

LYCRA® moves you

 

Whether you love your Karla Colletto suit for its flattering fit and construction, its reliable high quality, or are simply in love with the design, one thing is certain: it just wouldn’t be the same without  LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber. To support our longtime trade partner INVISTA’s new “LYCRA® MOVES YOU™” campaign, we thought we would dedicate a post to everything we love about LYCRA®. INVISTA did not ask us to write this. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our swimwear and believe that when our customers have all the right information, our high quality designs sell themselves. And we truly believe that our swimwear is made better with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber.

You may have already known that we import our fabrics from Italy, but you probably did not know that what we use is almost exclusively Sensitive® fabrics with a high LYCRA® content for the perfect blend of function and aesthetic. Here are some other great things to keep in mind next time you’re out swimsuit shopping:

CHLORINE RESISTANCE

86% of women use their swimsuits for recreational swimming, with another 21% using swimwear for exercise or competitive swimming. This means a lot of time spent in the pool (big surprise, we know) and exposing your swimsuit to chemicals like chlorine, which can break down elastane fibers faster. This can mean anything from color fading to a loss of recovery (a suit’s ability to return to its original shape after being stretched). Tests have shown that fabrics with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ retain at least 60% of their power 10 times longer than with non-chlorine resistant elastane. But please, remember to thoroughly wash out all chlorine in between wears for even longer-lasting results.

We’ve been told by synchronized swimming sensations, the Aqualillies, that after years and countless, sometimes back-to-back performances, our suits show no sign of deterioration compared with other brands. Coming from ladies who spend a lot of time in the water and probably wear more swimwear than any other kind of clothing, this means a lot.

UV RESISTANCE + PROTECTION

In addition to withstanding the damaging effects of chlorine, LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fibers hold up well against long-term exposure to harmful UV rays. LYCRA® fibers also show strong resistance to unsaturated fatty acids like sweat, lotions, and other skincare, all of which can lead to quicker break down of the suit.

Yes, it’s true that Sensitive® Fabrics filter the sun’s rays and provide UV protection with a rating of UPF 50+. However, exposing your skin for an extended period of time is dangerous idea and there is no fabric out there that can fully protect you from the sun’s rays. 83% of women already wear sunscreen while in a swimsuit and 82% reapply it at least once throughout the day. Of course, the chemicals in sunscreens can contribute to fiber breakage in your suit, but unless you’re spending all your time at an indoor pool or under shade 24/7, there is really no better alternative to sunscreen. That’s one reason we are sure to choose a fabric whose fibers can stand up well to these elements.

RECOVERY

The thing we love most about LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber is probably its excellent recovery. As with any stretch fabric, synthetic filament yarns can lose elasticity over time, and the damage is only sped up by exposure to harmful elements like those mentioned above: chlorine, lotions, sun, etc. “Bag and sag” is definitely the last thing women want when it comes to their swimwear.

77% of women expect their swimsuit to last for at least two full seasons, with 63% seeing their suits wear out before two full seasons. If having a suit that lasts is important to you, then identifying fabrics designed to withstand harmful elements is the key to your satisfaction.

A NOTE ON CARE

It’s important to keep in mind that your suit is not invincible and taking steps to clean and care for your swimsuit after exposure to sun, sweat, or lotions, is of equal importance when it comes to prolonging your suit’s life. Swimwear like ours, made with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber, is best if washed immediately in cool water, with a mild detergent (no bleach!), and then hang dried.

 

 

*source of statistical data: ICM Research via INVISTA

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November 5, 2014 | ,

Style files: Tahiti


Forget Oktoberfest, let’s go the South Pacific! Tahiti sounds nice… right before the rainy season and just in time for a pre-holidays detox. If you go in November, you could even get a good deal on cruises and airfare, not to mention a lighter crowd, though you might be in for rain as well. Believe us, if we could hop on a plane (or a boat) tomorrow, we would!

If you’re traveling to tropical places this month, what will you bring? This look is a great beach or pool outfit when paired with a wide-brimmed hat and thrown over a strapless Karla suit. With some minimal island-appropriate jewelry it can be a perfect ensemble for touring and dining on the mainland. You can even rock this dress into the evening–just update your jewelry, swish on some mascara, and swap out the sandals for some strappy heels.


Karla Colletto Strapless Twist Bandeau / Mickey Lynn Crystal & Marquis earrings /
Oliver Peoples Marbled Square Emmy sunglasses / Diane von Furstenberg Annie washed silk maxi dress /
Chloe Marcie large shoulder bag / Melissa Odabash Laurianne wide-brimmed hat /
Ettika Hamsa layered necklace / Jules Smith slinky bracelet /
Sondra Roberts woven minaudiere / Marni ankle-strap gladiator sandals

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tahiti4

tahiti2

(photos via Tahiti Tourism North America)

 

 

 

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Mix it up Resortwear

Mother Nature has been a tease with the warm weather so far this season, but it hasn’t stopped us from dreaming up getaways. The first thing in our suitcase (after a Karla Colletto suit, of course)? A piece from our Knit Resortwear collection. It’s everything you’d want on a vacation: comfort, style, and versatility. Our Knit Resortwear is made from matt jersey fabric that drapes beautifully and doesn’t wrinkle. The silhouettes are simple in black and navy, begging to be dressed up with sandals or sunnies–the possibilities are endless. What will you do to make these look “you”? Here are a few outfits to inspire you, wherever you may be headed this Spring/Summer.

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 SPIRIT ANIMAL: Animal prints, tribal touches, natural textures like wood and tortoiseshell

Karla Colletto Round Neck Dress + Tortoise V-neck tank suit
The Row round frame sunglasses / Lizzie Fortunato Shibuya Crossing necklace / Longchamp medium bamboo print tote / Rag & Bone Croc-embossed sandals

 

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YACHT WEEK: Clean graphic lines with an eclectic edge from day til night

Karla Colletto Draped Pant + Pinstripe lingerie molded bra
Elizabeth and James Brickell hexagonal sunglasses / Nocturne Lana beaded necklace / Alexander Wang Prisma silicone tote / Pierre Hardy bicolor sandals / “Find me an Oasis” by Essie

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BEYOND THE SEA: Bohemian meets classic in vibrant nautical colors

Karla Colletto Long Tank Dress + Basic round neck lingerie tank
Eric Javits classic fedora / Marni printed PVC tote / Alexander McQueen T-strap sandals / Cara Couture bling beaded bracelet / “Clambake” by Essie

 

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