“You are more precious than jewels.” ~ Proverbs 31:10
How do you shop for all the amazing mothers in your life? I have that thought every year when Mother’s Day gets closer. I have found 5 of my top favorite gifts to give the moms in our lives this Mother’s Day shopping 🙂 Here they are below:
“The ultimate goal in life is not to be successful or loved, but to become the truest expression of ourselves, to live into authentic selfhood, to honor our birthright gifts and callings, and to be of service to humanity and our world” … Frederix Laloux
I recently did an interview with my amazing friend Jenn about her being the owner and founder of the amazing luxury brand Soul Carrier and how she is jumping into action to help with COVID-19 relief. Here is my amazing interview with Jenn!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Jennifer Paige Boonlorn and I am the owner and founder of Soul Carrier, which is a women’s fashion brand that designs leather handbags.
My mission with Soul Carrier is to inspire everyone to come within and ask themselves “Where do I want to go?” and to then encourage everyone to listen to their soul for the ultimate answer. There is so much “noise” that constantly bombards everyone, I want to be a light and say “No, listen to your heart above all the noise, tune out all the “should’s” and all the “advice” that is not a direct fit for your own soul.
That question “Where do you wantto go!?…” stems from the last question my mama would ever ask of me. My junior year of college at Arizona State University, my entire family was involved in a car accident – my mother turned and asked my sister that question moments before my father’s SUV turned and flipped, taking the lives of both my parents.
Moreover, I am very passionate about having people find their true north (their own personal values, vision or destination they want to move towards) and then encouraging them to align everything with that true north as requests, decisions, and forks in the road of life are presented to them.
In regards to the brand Soul Carrier, it is a collection of artisanal made leather handbags which I design and then have assembled by artisans in Leon, Mexico.
SoulCarrier is currently sold online and at high end resorts such as Four Seasons, Eau Spa Palm Beach, The Estate Yountville, Silver Oak Winery, Marriott gift shops, Hyatt gift shops, etc.
How did you decide to start Soul Carrier?
In 2009, I moved home back home to Phoenix from NYC. I lived in NYC for four years, graduated from Parsons, worked at the Conde Nast publication Women’s Wear Daily, interned for Oscar de la Renta (they would give me his credit card and send me to Grand Central Station to buy clam chowder for the entire office, or they would put me in a town car and send me to JFK to make sure dresses and furs got on the right plane to Europe, there was also the times I got to dress models back stage during New York Fashion Week), I also worked in the product development department at American Eagle for their lounge wear line Aerie.
When I got back to Phoenix, there was an event to honor the grand opening of Barneys at our local mall Scottsdale Fashion Square. Local residents were asked to take blank mannequins and turn them into art, the event was called “The Mannequin Is Our Muse”. I collaborated with my friend Bob, who is an architect. Bob and I found these vibrant rag rugs at the Dollar Store, and covered the mannequin creating this avant garde statute covered in recycled rag rugs. Bob encouraged me to do something with the beautiful rag rugs, and thus out of a recycled rug from the Dollar Store, Soul Carrier was born – my very-very first collection of bags were made from those rag rugs.
Whatis your favorite inspiring quote
Whatis the best piece of advice you have ever gotten
Growing up my mom used to say to me “I don’t want you to know everything, instead I want you to be a problem solver and have the skills set to understand where and who to turn to, when you do hit a snag in the road”. That advice has served me so incredibly throughout life. I don’t need to know how to do everything I just need to have the perspective of knowing my skill sets and then outsourcing and collaborating with others when something is not in my wheelhouse.
Knowing that I am BIGGER than any tragedy or disaster that could ever cross my path. Knowing that I wasn’t taken on that fateful day 20 years ago when my parents were killed in a car accident – I still have a mission and a purpose to fulfill. Knowing that the fires have arrived on multiple occasions, my parent’s car accident, my best friend’s suicide, another friend’s suicide last week, this global pandemic, and yet through out it all, I don’t ask why it is happening, I instead ask what I can learn from it, and what pain is trying to teach me. I try to stay grounded in the moment, to NOT hope that the moment was different, but instead to accept it fully and understand that all of it, even the yucky pain is being used for our greater purpose. There is a golden gift that comes with knowing you can walk straight through the fire and not get burned. In the words of Glennon Doyle, it is because we are all fire proof – we just have to let our hearts and minds KNOW THAT!
What are you excited about most for Soul Carrier and just life in general to come next?
When the pandemic passes, I want to continue to grow my wholesale businesses at high end resorts and I am excited to offer new products and designs. At some point, I would love to attend the EDM concert Tommorrowland in the Netherlands – I am a huge EDM fan. The dj’s Kygo, Martin Garrixx and Avicii (RIP) are my biggest muses 🙂 And attending EDM concerts absolutely lights me up – it is like sugary-candy-coated synergistic glitter falls through the air when I hear those djs play.
How Soul Carrier Is Helping The Relief of COVID-19
One of the many things I love about Jenn is the love and empowerment behind everything she does. I knew when this all hit that Jenn would be one to jump into action and that she did. Jenn and Soul Carrier are doing their part with the creating Soul Carrier Cloud Covering Face Masks to help protect communities during this time.
Here is more information below on The Cloud Covering Face Mask:
SPREADING THE LOVE – HELPING THOSE IN NEED
Made in the USA
These are not medical grade masks. Let’s save those for the front line responders and healthcare workers. In fact, healthcare workers are currently using these exact masks over their N95 masks to help preserve them.
They are donating masks to Child Crisis Nursery and to other shelters and facilities where communal living is unavoidable. By supporting them, you are helping them to support those in need.
Can’t wait to get mine!
Here’s to doing things that enrich our soul and to help those in need!
~Iced Tea and Top Knots
P.S. What is enriching your soul right now while you are at home? For me that means, styling my favorite pieces including my gorgeous Soul Carrier Connection Clutch.
“Creating a sanctuary in my bedroom as well as redoing my office space to feel more calming for 2020. Take down clutter.” ~Iced Tea & Top Knots
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
~Maya Angelou
Change can be scary, but with a new year, change can feel amazing. At the end of last year, I knew that I wanted to change the space I was living in mainly my room and my office space.
What made me want to make the change was that my space was feeling cluttered and I was not liking that. So 2020, rolled around and my resolution was clear, New Me meant New Space.
Wayfair was the perfect company to help make my space feel like the new again. They helped me create the sanctuary I wanted for my bedroom and the creative space I needed in my office. I took down the clutter and created the calm and creative I needed.
Please check out the before and afters for both spaces thanks to Wayfair and stay tuned for another piece on creating a new space next week 🙂
My Bedroom Before
My Bedroom After
Comforter is the Comfiest Already in LoveNow That How I like ItPerfect Nightstand for all my treasures
My Office Before
Need to fix this 🙂
My Office After
My kind of officeGotta have some keepsakes That what I like to see!
Let’s all create the space for what we each need!
~Iced Tea & Top Knots
P.S. Head on over to my IG, @icedteaandtopknots, to enter a $50 Wayfair Gift Card Giveaway!
*My comforter, nightstand, garment rack, desk, desk chair and office shelves are all thanks to Wayfair 🙂 If you would like the links to these items, comment below and will be happy to send them to you!
“People think depression is sadness, crying or dressing in black. But people are wrong. Depression is the constant feeling of being nub. You wake up in the morning just to go back to bed again.”
Where do I start on a subject that has been a difficult one for me to accept? Full steam ahead I suppose. So here it goes, I have been in a state of depression and anxiety for on and off for awile, but to the naked eye you might not be able to tell, I have been in public relations for 7 years and still succeeding and have maintained great relationships with those I love. It is something that I have for the most part been able to hide well for the last 10 years from others and myself.
As of a few years ago though it became at its worst due to a major change that I had happen rather quickly. There have been long stints throughout the years where I have been able to suppress it, trick myself or I have just been truly happy, but I have learned recently as a whole over the last couple years I have just become numb in a lot of situations. When I first wrote this piece, I teared up many times because I didn’t want those I love to think I haven’t enjoyed my life and moments with them because I truly have and they are the best moments of my life with the most joy.
Those I love have been those that continuously lift me up and make me realize that I don’t have to go through this alone. After my major life change moment, I talked it out in over months I came to the realization that I cant do it all alone, put it all on those I love to help and that it is okay to acknowledge that I need to go talk to a professional. Coming to these realizations is a huge step in the right direction for me.
Once this realization came in (everyone’s realization moment is different), hope started rolling in and a weight was lifted. The real work had just begun, but in the best way possible because my hope for the future was and is higher than ever and I know only that it is up from here! I have been as I call in a much better state the last two years in large part to an amazing therapist who has taught we to be okay in things that make me uncomfortable and knowing that feeling will pass. I was also on medication up until December 2018 and the biggest hurdle I conquered was when I knew it was time to stop taking it.
Some ways to help keep hope high will be surrounding myself by my amazing family & friends, faith, doing things I am passionate about so many things sports and fashion have been things that have helped me cross over the hurdles. They each make me feel better for different reason. Some other big things that I love are yoga, going on more travels and seeing the Cubs win with my dad. I am in a much better place and have so much more hope. I may still have anxiety, but I know it will pass and things will continue to get better.
How do you all pull yourself out of hard times ? Know I am always here to listen 🙂
“When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.”
“Chocolate is the answer who cares what the question is.”
Chocolate is decadent, delicious and delectable so naturally something I love. Anything that not only involves chocolate, savory treats and spirits, but supports an amazing charity, count me in always. I was honored to be able to attend the LA Chocolate Festival in January for the second year in a row, which combined all these amazing things I just mentioned. The LA Chocolate Festival supports a cause that is near and dear to my heart, St. Baldricks’s Foundation, which benefits raising money for fighting childhood cancer. They are the charity the festival and vendors supported all through out the day.
This was such a beautiful event made extra special by being able to attend with my amazing mom. We got to experience all the amazing vendors from AIX Rose, Petit Pot French Pudding, Salmon Savory treat by Chalo Martinez , Tatra Tea, Kerry Gold cheese as well as live music and so many more amazing vendors, unforgettable.
Can’t forget the amazing theme of Alice in Wonderland, felt like being in a world of wonder. We left this amazing event for an amazing cause put on by Indulge LA with a smile on our faces along with being stuffed with savory & sweet treats, which is the best kind of feeling.
My advice to all of you is if you ever get a chance to go to the LA Chocolate Festival you should. Thank you again for the invite to one of my favorite events !
Let’s Eat Some Chocolate !
~KLM Fashion Style
P.S. What is your favorite brand of chocolate? I am still really loving Sugarpova chocolates.
Spring time is just around the corner, which means flowers blossoming and new fashion trends sprouting up. There are so many fun trends coming out for Spring fashion like new twists on florals, statement earrings, knitted scarves, which don’t get me wrong I love these all, but I am going to touch on a few that I have recently fallen in love with.
Lets first start with bright stripes and pom poms not only are they some of the top trends in stores, but also in my closet. In Spring time it is all about bright colors and fun details, which is why bright stripes and pom poms makes these perfect trends. With each ensemble you want to avoid overloading with multiple trends of the season, but pairing a couple together seamlessly is never a bad idea 🙂 That is exactly what was fun about this featured look where I was able to pair Spring bright stripes and pom poms.
{Attire LA Sunglasses, Juicy Couture Necklace & Bracelet, Chinese Laundry Blue Suede Booties and all paired with the Spring Trends of a Bright Stripe Dress paired with an Embroidered Pom Pom Clutch both by Sidecca}
To piggy back on putting trends into one look, here are my next favorite and finals trends right now are all things bows and tassels. I am even writing this with a gold Bow pen from Paper Source. Spring fashion trends are also about sweet, girly, delicate, chic pieces, which is why these are simply Spring fantastic. The delicate, chic, sweet, girlyness of these both is why I love putting these two pieces together in an elegant way. Bows and tassels can be styled for a casual day to a dressy , which is what I have done below.
{Juicy Couture Sunglasses, Victoria’s Secret Good Vibes Bodysuit, Voyage Clothing Terrycloth Sweats, Xhilaration Wedge Sneakers paired with the trends of an Attire LA Bow Pony holder and a Nordstrom Rack Tassel Beaded Necklace}
{Mossimo Denim Jeans, Sidecca Sparkle Heels, Zenana Outfitters Tank paired with Attire LA Bow Pony holder, T&J Design Tassel Necklace and an Embroidered Tassel Blouse}
These are all 4 fantastic Spring trends for 2017 and there are so many others to keep a look out for like sexy athleisure, velvet everything, bralettes, Over the Knee boots (featured below), statement pendant necklaces, 80s glam and so much more.
{Juicy Couture Sunglasses, Merona Turtleneck Sweater, H&M layered necklace, Mossimo Jeans, Ora Delaphine Tote paired with the Over the Knee boots by Forever 21}
What I love about all these Spring trends is you can make them all your own. Fashion is about making it yours in Spring and beyond so go out and make these trends your own. Who knows you may have started a trend of your own 🙂 !
Be sure to tag us (Rachel insert your instagram handle 🙂 and @livelaughstyle on Instagram using the #SimplySpringFantastic to show us how you ar rocking your favorite Spring trends !
In kicking off my interview series of women entrepreneurs in the New Year, I picked Angel Brinks because she truly is inspiring in her professional and personal life. She is a strong, talented, fashion designer, red carpet fashion corespondent and entrepreneur. She does this all while being an amazing mom, which pushes her to always do more for her family. I will definitely always be channeling her perseverance, passion and drive in my own life.
She was a pleasure, inspiration and joy to interview, get to know and find out some great tips on the great trend of street denim.
Here is that interview:
1.When did you know you wanted to become an entrepreneur ?
After having jobs, working for other people, I knew it was only temporary. I knew I had a talent that needed to be shared with the world. I knew it would take money and education. So I decided to major in business and minor in fashion. Ever since I was a young girl, I would watch my grandmother sew and I took a liking to it. I would start to put patches on my clothing, shred my jeans, and make something out of whatever I had. I would pretend I had my own clothing store. Growing up in the performing arts, I took a seriously liking to performance gear. My love for it all just grew. All was left to it was to master the business side of it as well as the fundamentals of making clothing.
2. What gets you to keep going in your life and business ?
I have a lot of drive and ambition. I was raised in a home where I saw my whole family get up and go to work every day. My grandfather lived till he was 80, and he went to work until his dying day. I don’t know anything different. I know I have a family to raise, and I want my children to be raised knowing they have to have drive and ambition like me. I want my children to have everything they need. I do it all for them, their education, and future.
3. Who in your life continues to inspire you ?
My children are my biggest inspiration of course. Outside of that, I would have to say women. I want to solve problems, I majored in business. Supply and demand. There is a big demand in certain things us women find no supply of. Women’s needs have to be met! I want to make it easier for women to find what they’re looking for in me, my store. I want them to feel secure, happy, confident, sexy. I am inspired by women like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, who all have been given this platform to show the world that as a woman, you can be smart, successful, hard working, and a great mother at the same time. All while with a smile on their face. I know as women we all go through so much, and regardless of that, these women hold their head high and do it with a smile. This shows strength and that’s very admirable to me. This all inspired me every day to work hard, and make it through all trial and tribulations.
4. What do you want your legacy to be ?
I definitely want to be a successful fashion designer, to leave a remarkable stamp in the industry, to have brought something different. A lot of designers don’t offer plus size in materials that I use. They don’t want to offer custom sizing, it’s too much work. They make things in bulk or with factory machines. I employ US workers, which obviously has costs at an all time high. But that’s ok. Not too many designers offer anything close to what we do, one on one designing for all sizes. In business you have to bring something different to the game to succeed and go further.
“Chic streetwear denim a super hot trend for for winter 2016/spring 2017! The look is extremely diverse and super practical. Here are a few of my denim staple must haves to have you looking your absolute best this season:
– Denim chokers – Chokers are a huge trend on their own right now and I can’t get enough of the denim ones. They are so neutral, match with everything and can totally dress your outfit up or down.I love them so much I just launched my own choker line with a ton of denim selections including looks featuring rhinestones, patchwork and fraying. Check them out here.
– Distressed and destroyed denim – This is a great way to make a casual look super edgy.
– Patchwork – Patchwork denim will turn heads as a pair of highwaisted jeans or even some knee-high boots (Nicki Minaj recently rocked a pair of my brand new patchwork boots) but because the look has so much going on, make sure you pair it with something basic and solid such as a white tee or solid color dress.
-Denim bags – I have a huge handbag collection and am notorious for always switching them out with my different outfits.Earlier this year I made myself an every day denim bag that I used a few days out the week since it went with practically everything and I was constantly getting stopped everywhere I went about the bag so I decided to start offering them on my site AngelBrinks.com and now I can barely keep them in stock. Bonus points if your denim bag has fringe which I can’t get enough of!
Be sure to follow Angel on Instagram for amazing inspiration in fashion, but in life: @angelbrinks and don’t forget to let us know how you style your street denim this season by using #KLMFashionStyle #AngelBrinks.
“The good you do today may be quickly forgotten, but the impact of what you do will never disappoint.”
Bfloral Floral Crown, Boho White Blouse, Attire LA Geometric Pants, Sam Edelman Gladiator Sandals, Michael Kors Watch and Purse
A few things that make Saturday great: an event for a great cause, shopping and being with friends.
I got to experience this all in one Saturday a few months ago at the OCRFA Shopping Saturday the Santa Monica Airplane hanger. This was truly a beautiful event supporting the OCRFA, which continues to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. To have the chance to be a part of this event was an honor and it felt like a community truly supporting one another from the QVC team broadcasting from the hanger to all the brands donating their sales to OCRFA to riding around with Chrysler to getting my hair done by Conair & Scunci to enjoying cotton candy and lipgloss from Mary Kay, this event was truly well planned and fantastic.
A bonus to this event was being able to shop some of my favorite brands like Wildfox Couture, Show Me Your Mumu, Sole Society and many more while rocking one of my favorite accessories a breathtakingly beautiful floral crown compliments of Bfloral.
Not only were all of these things fantastic, but simply knowing all of us attendees were doing that day was for a great cause was truly a magical feeling. This day and event started to change my perspective on life that I am meant to help other in everything that I do. So I am working on how I can do that each day and week.
What do you all do to get involved and help others? Can’t wait to hear and possibly work on it together!
Follow your dreams. Easier said than done. Especially in a society that doesn’t understand that you CAN make a living off your passions. Or that when you say you work for yourself, that doesn’t mean you are in your PJ’s all day twiddling your thumbs. Those are the types of stereotypical responses I received when I first began following my passions. So if you’re already fielding the questions, “But how do you pay rent?” or “Are you free during the day to do this with me…” don’t worry, hang tight, you’re on the right path. Why I followed the “Untraditional Route”
Early in life I went through a series of losses. I lost a large chunk of my family, my family home, money, status, stability, and the hardest of all a dear friend to suicide. At the age of 20 I realized, life is precious and meant to be lived. I also learned the biggest risk is being afraid of losing it all. Money will come and go, people will come and go, feelings will come and go. Once you swallow the fact that nothing is forever, things will come and go (which I know is a tough thing to swallow) it opens your mind up to seeing the world differently. If you truly have nothing to lose, than why not just go for it?
The last 9-5 job I ever held was at a call center. I walked around the block twice every morning pleading to myself, “Please don’t make me go in”. Misery was an understatement. At 24 I made a decision, I am not made to work for others. I have too many of my own dreams to fulfill and I want to be happy. So I quit. And people were mad at me for doing so. And my mom was scared for me. And I had no clue what I just did. But I knew I had to follow my instincts on this one. That first break
I not only quit my job, but also decided to move to LA. As if I didn’t have enough change on my plate. I am glad I did. LA is the infused with the culture of working for yourself. I quickly began looking into freelance writing. I still remember getting my first ever freelance writing job. That to me was the solidifying moment that I can actually make this thing work. Little do people tell you, following your dreams has more to do with how you think and believe than your actual skill.
I should by no means be a writer. I am dyslexic, and was heavily criticized in school for my slow reading speed and inability to spell. But I love writing. To me it is putting together a beautiful painting with words. My largest obstacles was overcoming what others had placed on me when I was a kid, and believe that I could do this for myself. I became my own cheerleader. Ever. Single. Morning. Until the messages of defeat were erased and replace with self instilled confidence.
Sure you have to be good at what you do, but more than likely you ARE good if you have the passion for it. But What About Society?
My friend messaged me one day a few years ago a meme of what it feels like when you are following your passion. It is a line of several people representing family, friends, self, society with spiked bats waiting to hit you as you run towards your dreams. I began to laugh. It is so accurate. I am not certain why people don’t like it when you shake up the norm of living. Whether they feel threaten to challenge their beliefs, or they aren’t capable to do what you are doing, whatever the case just put blinders on and ear plugs in.
The biggest thing I learned was to accept judgment. It is going to happen, people are going to talk and it feels really uncomfortable but no point in fighting it. Don’t waste your time explaining to unbelievers. Let them think what they want and keep your eyes on the goal.
All entrepreneurs and dream seekers have faced the exact same scrutiny. You’re in good company. Must Haves For Success
Is there a formula for success? Most people will say no, but I believe there is! At the very least definitely necessities to help you along the way. The first being, get all the naysayers out of your life. Their only intentions are to bring you down, and they will if you stay around them. Stick with the winners. Their intentions are to move upwards in life and will bring you up along the way.
Get a mentor. Find someone who you really look up to. Observe, listen, be in their presence and see what they do. Ask for help occasionally, but more than anything be of help to them! Watch how they conduct business. More is learned in watching than talking.
Create a network of likeminded individuals. No one can do this alone. And if you can, you’re simply not dreaming big enough. Help is required and it will make the process a lot more fulfilling. Have a group of people who are on their own journey around you. They will help in bouncing ideas off, introduce new concepts, and encourage you when you’ve hit a wall.
Delegate. When you get to a place where you are expanding and have commitments. Delegate some tasks out. Outline what is manageable for you and hire others to help with the rest. You will expand faster this way.
Constantly learn and constantly change. There will always be something new in the market, a new strategy, and a new social media outlet. Never get stale, take time to read articles, learn phrases and techniques and change accordingly.
Also if you passions have shifted along the journey, change with them! It is okay to reinvent yourself or move in a new direction. The greatest thing you can do is listen to that quiet voice inside. It knows exactly where to go.
“You can have all the talent in the world, it’s not gonna get you through…it’s what you have in your heart.” ~ Ron Santo
“Just Play. Have Fun. Enjoy the Game.” ~ Michael Jordan
“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” ~ George Halas
“It’s a great day for a ball game; Let’s play two!” ~Ernie Banks, Mr.Cub
I
Watching sports has been one of America’s past times for a very long time. I know I fall into this category. Now how do you say I got into watching sports? My dad has been a lover of sports since he was little. So for me it started in the womb and I was born into rocking Chicago sports gear and routing for Chicago teams, which I bleed Chicago sports through and through. AS I got older every sports season became not just seeing my teams win, but about spending qulaity time with my dad and the rest of my family.
Supporting my teams and all the sports teams is more than that, don’t get me wrong watching them win is amazing, but it is also about family, friendship and laughter. Watching sports with my dad and the rest of my family is where my heart is always ! I will never be to old for this and as I have gotten older it is fun to incorporate my love of sports into my love of fashion . Now I can love both at the same time !
My love of sports goes deep and way back to the beginning. It will always be where my heart is because it’s all about family for me (the fashion is a welcomed bonus).
What is your favorite sport to watch? or What is your favorite pastime to experince with your family?
*photo credits go to my amazing parents and my awesome sister
Iced Tea and Top Knots 