I have been using it daily and look at my skin. Unbelievable! I used Clairsea facial cleanser (expect a product review of this line next week!) and then used this fabulous L’Oreal product and my skin is flawless!  This photo was taken immediately after applying L’Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler.

Have you tried L’Oreal’s Collagen product line? If so, what are your thoughts?

BTW, if you attended the Dress for Success Look at Her Power event….this product was in your goody bag.

This product is retailed at $16.99

The unaware life is not worth living. –Socrates

Wow. I love that. Recently, I sat down with myself and asked “What are you doing, really?”

(Photo By: Patrick Hajzler )

I seemed to be stuck in a rut and just felt like life was standing still. Am I aware of what I do on a daily basis? What am I trying to accomplish? What are my goals and am I truly trying to meet them? So I made a list of what was important to me. Here it is: Health/well being, Home and family, Friends, A sense of community (belonging), and Giving back

You might ask “What goes on my “A” list? Well, my list came from completing this sentence:

It feels good to me to…..

1. It feels good to me to have a healthy energetic body. (health/well being)

2. It feels good to me to have a loving family relationship and provide a comfortable and safe home for them. (home and family)

3. It feels good to me to have a circle of friends that are like-minded. (friends)

4. It feels good to me to be connected and involved with my community. (community/belonging)

5. It feels good to me to help others. (giving back)

If this is my “A” list, then what am I doing to make it happen, to make sure everything on this list is being done or taken care of?

What do I need to give up or devote less time to in order to dedicate myself to that which is most precious and important to me?

OK…the first step for me was to literally become AWARE!!! of the things I was doing. If I were to rank my A list items on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most important, each item would get a ‘5’ of course (that’s why they’re on the list!).

HOWEVER, in reality, my efforts towards those items could only be ranked at best a ‘2’ on a good day. WHAT. A. REVELATION. Duh.

What can I do to close the gap (from a ‘2’ to a ‘5’)? Be AWARE of what I’m actually doing versus what I really (really!) want to be doing.

WHAT DO I WANT?

which begs the question – What’s STOPPING me from doing what I want?

What’s stopping you?

Let me know. In the meantime, love yourself.

Loving you at Loving U,

Janice

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About : After 25 years in corporate America, Janice Ward pursued her lifelong passion in the wellness industry in 1999 by opening her first wellness spa. A fan of yoga and meditation since the age of 16, her wellness education and background comes from studies in the United States, Canada, Peru, Nepal, Tibet and Thailand.

“I strongly believe in the possibility of connecting with people from other cultures and creating an environment in which the little things we do throughout or daily lives positively affect the lives of people around the world. Even in something as seemingly inconsequential as our choice of skin care, it’s about a consciousness of the decisions we make every day” ~ Katharine L’Heureux

Katharine L’Heureux is the founder of Kahina Giving Beauty, yes the product line I rave about constantly! I believe in their products and I believe in their mission.

I am so grateful that Katharine took the time to share with us her personal views of beauty and the inspiration that guides her through her work.

( Katharine L’Heureux)

What inspired your desire to create a skincare line? I didn’t set out with a conscious desire to create a skincare line. At the time this all started, I was searching for an effective organic skincare line that was well-designed. I traveled to Morocco and discovered argan oil in the Fall of 2007 and noticed a real change in my skin when I started using it. Kahina Giving Beauty developed out of a void I saw in the market as well as a firm belief that argan oil is a superior ingredient and a desire to help women in need.

You spend your life creating products to help others feel good about themselves, how do you pamper yourself after a long week? I feel like I pamper myself everyday with my small Kahina Giving Beauty rituals in the morning and evening. It isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time to make yourself feel good. You just need to live mindfully and acknowledge the small pleasures. I love what I do for work, as well as raising my three kids. When you feel rewarded everyday, the pampering at the end of the week isn’t a priority.

What is your beauty product must have? If I have to choose, I would have to say argan oil. It is so multi-purpose and works wonders on hair and body as well as face. For the upcoming winter months, I plan to slather it onto my cuticles daily.

If I were to peek in your makeup bag, what would I find?Argan Oil, of course. I am a believer that good skin beats makeup any day. But I have to admit that I can’t go without my Jane Iredale mascara and I love Nvey lipcolor.

What spa/salon service can you not live without? I love facials. They have obvious benefits for the skin, but I also use them to talk to the estheticians about ingredients and products they like. I always learn so much! It’s always fun to have a facial with Kahina products at Exhale spas where I can learn how they are integrating my products into their protocols.

( Katharine L’Heureux)

Who is your beauty icon? Tilda Swinton I find to be incredibly beautiful in a very natural way. She is an intelligent actress and that shines through in the way she presents herself.

What is your definition of Beauty? In the abstract, Beauty is something that stirs the soul of the beholder, whether it is nature, a work of art, a piece of music – or a person. For a woman to be truly beautiful, she needs to be true to her inner self, and take care of herself. It isn’t something that can simply be applied to the exterior. In a lighter sense, beauty is fun – a way for a woman to make the most of what she has.

Any last words ? I’m amazed at the response I am getting to this simple concept of effective organic skincare that gives back to women. It is wonderful to provide women here with a product that they want while helping women in need across the world.

I am very excited to be expanding the line with the release of our new Antioxidant Mask. The mask combines two of Morocco’s beauty traditions – argan oil and Rhassoul clay from the High Atlas Mountains, and combines them with antioxidant-rich acai and pomegranate for a wonderfully nourishing treatment. (You can view the Antioxidant Mask Product releaseHERE.)

I recently had the opportunity to review the Witchy Poo Lotions & Potions product line. First of all, how can you not love a product with a name like Witchy Poo?  I personally have used the Tropical Voodoo Body Lotion and the Cucumber Solstice Shower Gel.

I found that both products were light to the touch and left my skin silky smooth.

The body lotion and shower gel both come in a variety of scents to choose from including Banish Fatigue, Cucumber Solstice, Divine Goddess, Pomegranate Moon, Spearmint Garden and Tropical Voodoo.

Witchy Poo Lotions & Potions also has multiple other bath, body and face products.  From Super Dragon Skin Body Butter to to Sacred Soak Salts for your Bath, you’ll have smooth, silky skin instead of looking like Frankenstein!

This is magic I can believe in!  Witchy Poo definitely has the Pretty in the Queen City stamp of approval!

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Interested in other Witchy Poo products? Check out the Witchy Poo Product line HERE

(Editor’s Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by True Apothecary Corp.)

Kahina Giving Beauty brings you it’s first antioxidant mask which combines Rhassoul clay from North Africa’s Atlas Mountains and one of Morocco’s treasured beauty traditions – powerful, antioxidant rich argan oil from the arid Southwest of the country. These two “forces of nature” tone, condition and remove toxins while delivering moisture and antioxidants.

This clay mask promises to fight the signs of aging thru a blend of active ingredients including Argan Oil, Rhassoul Clay, Acai and Pomegranate Extract, and Geranium, Peppermint, and Rosemary Oils.

Designed to deep cleanse, exfoliate, treat and hydrate, Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask is ideal for all skin types as part of a weekly regimen.

I am SO excited about this product launch and you’ll definitely find this in my beauty bag this fall!

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About:

Kahina Giving Beauty sources its argan oil directly from the women’s cooperatives of Morocco to obtain the highest quality organic oil and ensure the fair and proper treatment of the women who work to extract the oil. Kahina Giving Beauty then donates 25% of profits to the Berber women of the cooperatives. The money raised will be dedicated to programs that improve the lives of these women and their families. The package art is created from actual signatures and marks of these women.

Sensitively produced from start to finish, Kahina Giving Beauty products are formulated with organic ingredients whenever possible, and packaged in recycled and recyclable materials. The boxes and brochures are printed on post-consumer waste paper and the bottles are made from high quality recyclable violet glass, which acts as a powerful preservative by blocking out damaging light rays.

Happy Saturday My Pretties! I recently came across a fabulous campaign that is in it’s second year helping raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. With an adorable name like Bling My Bra, who wouldn’t be interested in learning what was behind this name?

Bling My Bra is an online auction that through the creativity and passion of a small group of people, raised $3,000 in it’s first year for Susan G. Komen. Thru this campaign and thru Ebay, they are doing their part to fight Breast Cancer.

The founder of Bling My Bra, Beth Cherkowsky,  took some time to share her inspiration.

(Bling My Bra founder, Beth Cherkowsky)

When was Bling My Bra founded? Bling My Bra was founded in 2009. We started collecting art bras in July and auctioned them in October…every day in October.

Where did the inspiration come from? – First I read about art bras in the local newspaper. Then John Lawson, a.k.a. ColderIce (ecommerce expert and owner of 3rdpoweroutlet, an eBay store) had a breast cancer fund-raising auction on eBay in which he auctioned advertising space on his T-shirt during an ecommerce convention, then donated the funds to breast cancer research. He raised $3000+! So Kat and I looked at each other (virtually!  all the way from Pennsylvania to the Rocky Mountains and back and said “WE CAN DO THAT”.   I rounded up some friends, asked eBay sellers on the eBay Radio Chat board for help,  suggested art bras and the rest is history. By the way, we  had 41 bras from 17 artists  and creators, a pair of Pink Ribbon Switch flops donated by Katskloset, and lots of publicity from Galleria Gifts on eBay.  Altogether we raised $3000 with auctions and donations through three separate eBay sellers auctioning things plus a lot of eBayers bidding and donating.

We are a beauty site so of course I must ask, What is your beauty product must have? My must-have beauty product is (I have to pick one?? ) mine are eye shadow and lipstick.  I wear glasses so I “need” eye shadow…the more colors, the happier I am. And I feel the same way about lip color…the more colors to choose from, the happier I am.

Who is your beauty icon? My beauty icon is Sophia Lauren:  75 years old and still one hot mama and so very very classy.

What is your definition of beauty? My definition of beauty is when inner peace and self-confidence shine thru.

Any last words We’d love for your readers to follow us on Twitter @blingmybra or check out our website, http://www.blingmybra.com and our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BlingMyBra and we invite them to come and bid on the beautiful, amusing, amazing creations during our auctions in October – here > http://stores.ebay.com/Bling-My-Bra-Fundraising-Charity?_rdc=1 starting October 1, 2010.

I sell antiques and collectibles of all kinds on eBay, Bonanzle and  Amazon and my eBay store url is http://www.depressionglasswarehouse.com , my Bonanzle booth is http://www.bonanzle.com/twilley and my Amazon store is http://www.amazon.com/shops/DepressionGlassWarehouse (my twitter id is @antiquedaze)

I think this is a FABULOUS campaign and I encourage you to take some time to take a look at some of their previous creations -> Bling My Bra photos and visit their ebay store to bid on this year’s auction. It’s for a wonderful cause.

To Beth and her team: You are what I consider Beautiful for what you stand for and the fabulous work you do.  Kudos to all involved.

Dr. Kaplan took some time out of his busy schedule for an interview via email with Pretty in the Queen City to share his personal inspiration and skincare tips.

(Stuart Kaplan, M.D.)

What inspired you to become a Dermatologist? I knew I always wanted to be a doctor. I also love a challenge, and Dermatology is one of the hardest specialties to get accepted into. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so whatever is unsound physically or emotionally inside, is reflected on the skin outside. It is also one of the few specialties where you can combine your medical and cosmetic skills to help people feel and look their best. Dermatology covers everything from skin cancer, hair loss, and acne, to Botox and Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Aside from your core skincare line, what are three treatment products you would recommend?

1) Cell Renewing Microfoliant, which is an extremely gentle skin polish that can be used every day. The purpose of an exfoliant is to gently remove dead skin cells to allow new skin cells to push to the surface. It is far better for your skin to use a gentle exfoliant more often, than to use a harsh exfoliant that abrades and irritates the skin.

2) Perfecting Serum. The 50% hyaluronic acid, combined with the peptides, Soy, and Ameliox, gives skin unparalled hydration, lubricity and skin lifting. This is a must-have product that can be used throughout the year, on any skin type, and is especially effective if used after exfoliating the skin.

3) Firming Masque, which contains a plethora of active ingredients to firm, tighten and brighten skin. The unique formula is gentle enough even for sensitive skin, and can be used 3-4 times a week.

kaplanMD is the only skincare line formulated to focus on three types of anti-aging: time,environmental damage and natural hormonal progression. Each product includes kaplanMD’s exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex. What are these skin-friendly ingredients and why are they so beneficial to our skin? The Phytogenic Triactive Complex is the result of many years of researching phytoestrogens, or plant-derived substances, that have estrogen-like properties. Studies have shown that both men and women experience an imbalance of estrogen levels starting in our late 20s. The reason this is so detrimental for the skin is because estrogen maintains and regulates 3 key components of the skin: Collagen, Elastic Tissue and Hyaluronic Acid. It is these 3 components of our skin that give our skin structure, hydration and elasticity. Plant-based estrogens can mimic the positive effects of estrogen on the skin, without the side effects of synthetic estrogen.

Scientific studies show the most potent plant-based estrogens for the skin are Soy, Black Cohosh and Grapeseed Extract. Collectively, these three powerful ingredients make up the kaplanMD Phytogenic Triactive Complex. These extracts work to increase skin thickness, hydration, and  firmness while repairing cell structure degeneration. Encapsulated in a patented microsphere  time-release delivery system, this restorative formula actually penetrates deep within the skin for maximum effectiveness.

You devote your life to improving the lives of others thru the many organizations you are involved with as well as your private practice. At the end of the week, what do you do to take time for yourself? I am an avid movie fan, especially foreign movies. On the weekends, if you don’t see me at the dog park with my dogs, you will usually find me at the movie theater.

Do you have a spa/salon service that you can’t live without? If so, what is it and where do you go? Botox Injections! I was one of the first dermatologists in Beverly Hills to offer Botox injections, and  have lectured and taught other dermatologists on how to inject it properly. It is definitely an art, and I advise any of your readers who are considering Botox to research the doctor’s background and expertise. There is an intricate network of muscles in our face, and understanding this structure  and how it all works together is extremely important to delivering the best result. Remember, the best result is looking your best, without looking like you have had anything done. I have been self-injecting Botox to my frown lines and crow’s feet for 15 years, and it is the one beauty treatment I cannot live without.

You are surrounded by physical beauty daily, What is your personal definition of Beauty? Physical beauty to me is having healthy, radiant skin. Let me explain this: The skin is our body’s largest organ. If you are physically and emotionally healthy, your skin reflects your state of well-being.

Like their creator, each piece is not only gorgeous but one of a kind!  Not only is Leigh Ann a gifted Jewelry Designer but she also works as a full-time esthetics educator at the Aveda Institute in Charlotte, NC .

Beautiful on the inside and out, Leigh Ann truly deserves to be featured as our Queen City Pretty.

(Leigh Ann Brown:Photo by Lake Norman Photography)

What inspired you to create your own jewelry line? I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself creatively. When I was little I was completely uninhibited and would perform for anyone who was willing to listen and watch. I made up my own songs on my little yellow, plastic guitar and insisted on pursuing my musical talents with a “real” guitar. Upon getting said guitar I promptly gave up my musical career for something else . . . dancing and gymnastics!

Yes, I would cartwheel,tumble, and shimmy all over the place and I loved every second of it . . . until, that is, I realized people were really watching me. I wasn’t going to stand for this and, you guessed it, my future career as a performer fizzled. SO . . . still longing to be creative, I decided to turn to a quieter and more reserved form of self-expression . . . drawing and painting. Over the years I have created a slew of greeting cards and my family was convinced that I should become the next big artist for Hallmark. Clearly that never happened, but who’s to say what the future may hold!

Things really began to take shape, however, when the world of friendship bracelets was introduced to me. I was CRAZY about making friendship bracelets and taught myself how to make all different types of patterns. I was seriously a knotting fool! At the age of 11 I began selling my bracelets to the guys on the Buffalo State College hockey team! In retrospect, I was an entrepreneur at heart but it took awhile for me to truly realize my dream and make it a reality.

In 2003, with an infinite amount of support from my husband, Ranard, I developed Painted Beauty Jewelry. Painted Beauty evolved from my desire to create beautiful jewelry that defines the uniqueness we all possess as women. It feels absolutely amazing to have this opportunity to do something that I love. Life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t enjoy and aren’t passionate about. I am, and will always be,extremely thankful to have such a tremendous amount of support from Ranard (mybiggest fan), as well as my entire family. They are all my dream builders and with their love I feel like anything is possible.

You’ve create hundreds of pieces of jewelry, do you have a favorite? When someone creates something from the heart, it instantly becomes apart of who they are, which means I have hundreds of favorites! All of my designs are made using sterling silver or gold-filled metal, as well as semi-precious stones. In addition, I absolutely adore incorporating vintage components into my designs. There is something rewarding about taking a piece from the past, whether it was a piece of jewelry, an old button, or a chandelier crystal, and making it into something new. I always wonder, ‘Who was the woman who once wore this brooch? What was she like? Why is it that her brooch is now being sold at a flea market?’ It is difficult for me to allow such pieces from the past to be discarded. It’s not junk . . . it was once something very special to someone. For this reason, I feel compelled to revive these old treasures and bring new life into them, while still honoring the individual who once adorned or cherished them

How do you pamper yourself after a long week? Luckily for me, I have the immense opportunity to pamper myself throughout the week! In addition to running Painted Beauty Jewelry and creating designs, I am a full-time esthetics educator at the Aveda Institute in Charlotte, NC. I am surrounded by the world of beauty each and every day! At the end of the week, however, all I really want to do is wear a fresh face – free of makeup – and read a good book outside on the deck with my dog. Good old fashioned rest and relaxation is my kind of pampering!

Do you have a spa/salon service that you can’t live without? I absolutely love Aveda’s Tourmaline Botanical Skin Resurfacing Facial. It is Aveda’s innovative and natural alternative to microdermabrasion. Through a special form of gentle manual exfoliation called gommage, which literally means “to erase,” combined with the energizing properties of Tourmaline, a mineral found in the Earth, the facial smooths skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and diminishes pore size while significantly increasing radiance. The glowing results achieved through this facial are comparable to microdermabrasion, but with far less irritation or inflammation. I feel radiantly beautiful when I receive this facial!

If so, where do you go? The Aveda Institute in Charlotte, of course! The Institute has a full-service salon, spa, and retail area. If you are ever in the neighborhood, you should definitely pop in and schedule yourself an appointment!

What is your personal definition of Beauty? Beauty is something that comes from within; it is not the same as being good looking. While beauty is outwardly represented by the physical vehicle that leads us through life, who we are from the inside can directly impact how we appear on the outside . . .for better or worse. It is my belief that true beauty is achieved when people embrace themselves wholly, from the inside out. Loving the skin we were born in (flaws and all) demands a quiet confidence that effortlessly exudes beauty. Beauty is something natural and pure. Ultimately, beauty regimes should not set out to alter our physical selves beyond recognition. Instead, beauty regimes should be performed as an act of kindness to oneself . . . a way of saying, “I love me just the way I am and I am totally worth it!” This is the kind of beauty that lasts forever.

“It is beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”

~ Unknown

Interested in viewing Leigh Ann’s Collection at Painted Beauty Jewelry? Visit her on the web at http://www.paintedbeauty.comor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/paintedbeautyjewelry

Facing diaper rash issues with her first born, Trina Felber set out to research and develop an all natural solution for the irritation her daughter dealt with. Olives Organic Botanicals was born in 2009, one year after her daughter!

Since creating Babies Butt Balm, Trina has developed pregnancy care, body care and face care products.

Personally, I had never used a Shampoo Bar until Olives Organic Botanicals.  I seriously fell in love! So easy to use and my hair was left with a gorgeous shine! Not to mention, I always find it refreshing when using products with ZERO chemicals. 100% pure, organic and natural!

I also love their Lip Replenisher. I have an obsession with chapstick/lip balm and found this replenisher to soften and sooth my lips immediately. I definitely need to stock up on this product before the Winter!!!

I am also getting ready to test the Olives Organic Deodorant. I am sure it won’t leave me disappointed.

I also love that all products are made fresh to order. Olives does not have products lined on shelves, waiting to be sent out. Your order is made fresh for YOU!

This line receives thumbs up from Pretty in the Queen City.

Trina Felber, Owner of Olives Organic Botanicals, took some time to share her own beauty tips with Pretty in the Queen City readers.

(Trina Felber with her three children)

You spend your life creating products to help others feel good about themselves, how do you pamper yourself after a long week?Hmmm. I had twins 10 weeks ago, and I have a two year old so if I can get a 20 minute hot bubble bath right now- that is heaven!! Otherwise, after a long week, a deep tissue massage with hot rocks cleanses my body and mind.

What is your beauty product must have? My must have beauty product is my Facial Replenisher Bundle. I tend to have dry skin so I use the pomegranate skin treatment system. The facial cleanser is unlike any you have tried. It is a liquid and since I do not water down any of my products, one milliliter is all you need. You apply it to dry skin and can let it sit for up to one minute then wash/ lather and rinse with water. My toner sets the skin for the moisturizer. And…. Ahhh! My moisturizers and serums are incredible. They really lay a protective foundation from natural elements. They are an incredible base for makeup application and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. All of my products are organic, noncomedogenic (do not block pores) and the scent is derived from the natural scent of the ingredients. All of my products are anti-aging (another bonus!).

If I were to peek in your makeup bag, what would I find? Lipstick…. Probably a pink-chocolate and my facial moisturizer. It really gives my skin a refreshed, natural glow and can be applied anywhere and anytime!

What spa/salon service can you not live without? I workout pretty hard 5-6 days a week. I am hooked on CrossFit Akron, so I really need the deep tissue massages to help my body recuperate.

Who is your beauty icon? I love Jackie O. Simplistic style. Grace. Poise. Natural beauty.

What is your definition of Beauty? True beauty is natural and abstract. It’s the feeling that you get when you experience something or someone. It’s the inner qualities that define the exterior. It’s all of the tiny facets that fuse to make the whole.

Any last words? Olive’s Organic Botanicals originated when I searched for organic products made with natural ingredients for my newborn daughter. I found numerous organic products, but most still contained questionable ingredients that could be harmful to a newborn’s still developing neurological system.

My nursing background, along with my personal values and philosophy, drove me to research natural treatments for skincare. Olives’s Organic Botanicals was born. My staple ingredient is olive oil, which has numerous benefits for healthy, vibrant, youthful skin.

I make products for babies, adult facial and body care and for the special needs of the pregnant woman. My Facial Replenisher Cleanser with Carrot Seed has been my best seller so far. I am currently working on a facial exfoliator with sea salt and sea kelp that I am really excited about.

All of my ingredients are from mother earth herself. No artificial ingredients are ever used. I use organic whenever possible and most of my products are 100% organic. I do not do any testing on animals…. Just my husband! Furthermore, all of my ingredients are the highest, food grade quality.

What makes my products stand out from the rest? They are all hand blended by me and made fresh to order. I do not have shelves filled with ready-made products waiting for a home. When a client orders from me, their products are made fresh and shipped within 48 hours. Since I make everything fresh to order, I find no reason to include preservatives in my products. Products will remain fresh and safe to use for up to 18 months (unless otherwise stated).

I truly enjoy making organic, natural, healthy products… But the best satisfaction is getting a second, third, fourth etc. order from a client. Knowing they love the products enough to reorder makes my day!

Interested in purchasing the Shampoo Bar or Lip Replenisher I mentioned above? Want to check out the entire Olives Organic Botanicals line?

You may visit Olives Organic Botanicals on the Web at http://www.olivesorganicbotanicals.com

Use the code “Pretty2010″ for 10% off your entire order courtesy of Olives Organic Botanicals!!!

(Editor’s Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by Olives Organic Botanicals)

I am a huge fan of Old Hollywood….so I want anything I can get my hands on that’s even remotely close to the the beauty of the 20s-50s. Vintage is so unique, classy and stylish. Not to mention….GREEN!

Dara Stevens, owner of VIVIvintage, shares with us her inspiration forVIVIvintage.  I can promise you this is one website that has now been added to my “Favorites”

(Dara Stevens:Owner of VIVIvintage)

When was VIVIvintage.com founded? VIVIvintage.com officially launched online for the winter 2009/2010 season. Prior to launching, I was selling vintage clothing and accessories at one of NYC’s top vintage meccas, the trendy Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (HKFM) for about three-years where I built most of my clientele.

What inspired you to create this boutique?  My diverse mix of customers inspired me to launch the VIVIvintage.com online boutique.  I love my customers because they truly have the passion for vintage that continually inspires me to keep bringing them the best in vintage.  Ultimately, launching online became a necessary and strategic step to grow my presence given the increased demands of my customers to view a larger inventory and also, have the convenience of shopping online versus having to brave the NYC weather and crowds.

As an example, at HKFM, some of my clients own vintage stores in countries like Japan and France, and they come to the HKFM specifically to buy American vintage, which is really popular and in-demand overseas.  Launching the VIVIvintage.com online boutique gives them access to the entire inventory and saves them the trip. Additionally, some of my clients work for major design houses like Marc Jacobs or H&M, and they buy with the intention of recreating vintage styles. The online store allows them to shop from their office or studio, use the Virtual Personal Stylist, and take their time when shopping.

There are so many pieces, do you have a favorite?   Having completed internships at both Christian Dior and Rebecca Taylor, I always had a passion for fashion that allowed me to keep a keen eye on trends. With VIVIvintage.com, I handpick each item I sell, bearing in mind the cyclical nature of trends.  I rely on two factors—which is like my mission statement—when selecting our inventory: 1) If I wouldn’t wear it, I won’t sell it and 2) If it is not good quality, I won’t sell it. While it’s so difficult to say I have a favorite item, for this upcoming fall season I absolutely adore this rare 1970′s Etienne Aigner Leather Cape (http://www.vivivintage.com/item.php?id=205). I love how this cape looks paired with skinny jeans and vintage stovepipe boots. Another favorite of the moment is this lust-worthy, straight from the 1960′s Pretty in Pink Mink-Trimmed Coat (http://www.vivivintage.com/item.php?id=410).The bracelet sleeves on this coat are beautiful and would look fabulous paired with long vintage leather gloves.If a woman wants to capture the essence of the TV show Mad Men, then this is your piece for the fall/winter season—and it is genuinely from that era.

Who is your beauty icon? MAE WEST. She has the quintessential hourglass figure, beautiful smile, intoxicating aura, and she wore large hats, satin, lace and diamonds. She was often costumed by the wonderful Elsa Schiaparielli—that stuff is the envy of any vintage lover. However, I think it was more of her persona that contributes to her being who I think is a true beauty icon. From what I have learned about her, she really stood up for what she believed in and she dared to be racy during an era that was conservative. One of my favorite quotes is one that she said: “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”

What is your definition of Beauty?  One of my strongest beliefs about beauty is that “true beauty” is synonymous with female independence. By that notion, I mean that while having inner-confidence is beautiful, being confident about how one projects herself to the outside world is“beauty.”  I view beauty as an essence a woman can capture regardless of whether one is beautiful.

Any last words? We have officially launched our VIVIvintage.com Virtual Personal Stylist, which is an exclusive feature of our site (see:http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/09/prweb4496304.htm) Vintage is such a wonderful thing to get into for a number of reasons: 1) It is a hobby that you can actually wear and look great in; what other hobby gives that opportunity? 2) It is economical. A fabulous condition vintage blue-monogramed Gucci bag can be had for  under $200-$300 whereas a brand-new one is over $1000.  3) They just don’t make clothing like they used to. Most vintage was made in high-cost countries like Italy, France, the US, etc. Nowadays, most things are made in low-cost countries in the Asia-Pacific. 4) Vintage makes you unique. It’s rare that you’d wear something vintage to a party and someone would show up in the same thing, which typically happens with today’s fashion. 5) Vintage is truly green. You can literally keep your green while being green. By wearing vintage, you are in theory, recycling clothing that ultimately cuts down on global pollution associated with manufacturing and transportation.
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