Thread Conscious

July 20, 2012

Behind the Seams Special Edition: HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,Home Decor — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:51 pm

HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew (L) and Jonathan Scott (R)

Dear Fashionistas,

If you remember, for last month’s Behind the Seams installment, I chatted with the talented and beautiful Kendra Scott.  This month, I had a chance to chat with twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers (no relation to Kendra by the way : ).

I’m a huge HGTV fanatic and Property Brothers is one of my favorite shows on the network.  I love interior design and home decor, which I count as passions of mine, right along with fashion.  I was thrilled to meet the Drew and Jonathan, who were wrapping up filming in Austin, Texas, and I can honestly say they are the nicest, funniest and most talented guys you’ll ever meet.  To learn more about this dynamic duo, be sure to visit and Like  Drew and Jonathan‘s Official Property Brothers Facebook Page!

By the time Jonathan and Drew enrolled at University (Canadian-speak for college), they were already savvy businessmen: they invested in a rental property during school, lived there for free while renting to other tenants, and later were able to sell the property at a profit.  It was then that the proverbial light bulb went off and the brothers began to pursue real estate with a passion.

Now at the helm of Scott Real Estate, Inc., Jonathan and Drew co-host Property Brothers, showing clients that they can have their dream home within their budget, if they’ll only trust the brothers with a promising fixer-upper!  With Drew’s real estate savvy and Jonathan’s impeccable design skills, they prove time and again that many homes, even the most unattractive ones, are just diamonds in the rough that need a little TLC.

Property Brothers now airs in 16 countries, and Jonathan and Drew will soon host a new show on HGTV, Buying and Selling, which will focus on guiding homeowners through the sometimes complex, and emotional, selling process.  Understandably, the Scott brothers are incredibly busy with their careers, but through it all, they remain close and work well together.

“We have a no BS rule,” said Drew.  “You know, people say it’s a mistake to work with family, but that’s only if you’re not being honest with each other.  We’re very honest and open.  If something’s bothering me or Jonathan, we get everything out on the table, work it out and move on.”

As for renovation/DIY advice, according to Jonathan, the one item every home should have is…wait for it…a glue gun!  “It’s also important to know what you’re good at and what’s beyond your skills,” added Drew.  “If you’re not good at drywalling, don’t do it.  Call in a professional and work together with them.  In the end, you’ll save money and end up with a great, quality product.”

Regarding renovation budgets and timelines, Jonathan had this to share:

“I know of one couple that was renovating a room for four years.  Renovations don’t have to take years to complete.  If you have budget for it, go ahead and do everything upfront.  Sometimes people don’t renovate until they’re ready to sell, and then they wonder why they didn’t do it before!  If you don’t have the budget, choose which rooms are most important to you and renovate those first.”

“Also, keep in mind that the renovations done on Property Brothers are not for the whole house; it’s usually two to three rooms and we have a team that works with us.  A four to five week renovation on the show could take a single contractor 10-12 weeks.”

Added Drew, “Be sure to make your wishlist of everything you want in a home, but keep in mind there are no perfect homes.”  That is, until the Property Brothers get a hold of them!

Beyond real estate, the brothers are accomplished actors.  Drew is also a film director and producer, and Jonathan is an award-winning illusionist and has worked in Vegas.  You can watch this multi-talented duo on Property Brothers on HGTV Wednesdays at 9/8 Central.  If you would like to apply to be on the Property Brothers show, just visit their Official Facebook Page’s Info Section here.  Good luck!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

June 19, 2012

Behind the Seams Special Edition: Kendra Scott

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Celebrity Fashion,Charity,Fashion Business — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 11:01 pm

Photo Credit: KendraScott.com

 

Dear Fashionistas,

I had the immense pleasure of meeting and chatting with jewelry designer Kendra Scott recently at a private event in downtown Austin.  Scott spoke to a group of young professional women about balancing life and career, and her core philosophies of family, fashion and philanthropy- a perfect subject matter for my Behind the Seams series which focuses on fashion and entrepreneurship.

It’s hard to believe that Kendra Scott’s wildly successful eponymous jewelry line began in an extra bedroom of her house with little more than $500 and staunch determination.  But every entrepreneur’s road to success starts somewhere, often at the intersection of  sweet dreams and harsh realities.  The loss of her step father to cancer became the catalyst for Scott’s first business, the Hat Box, which specialized in head wear for cancer patients.  Five years later, Scott started her jewelry line Kendra Scott, now in its 10th year.  “Jewelry making was an escape for me.  If I was having a bad day, I’d make jewelry for the people in my life that I loved, and I would feel better,” said Scott.

Today, Scott ensures this “feel good” philosophy permeates her brand.  “I wanted to create a ‘non-jewelry’ jewelry store.  No locked cases, no need to ask to see anything.  Customers are welcome to touch the jewelry, try it on, or design their own at the color bar.”  Scott is in touch with her customer base as well.  “The spectrum is not an age; it’s a personality.  The Kendra Scott customer is dynamic, fun, full of energy and loves fashion!”  Women’s love of fashion is evident in Scott’s planned retail expansion in 2013, with stores already open in Austin, Dallas and Beverly Hills.

Scott concluded her speech with her inspirational “7 Rules to Live By.”

Rule 1: Let go of the “what ifs.”- “Don’t live in a past life,” Scott advised.  She didn’t finish college but that didn’t stop her from graduating from MIT’s Entrepreneurial Masters Program in 2009.  “Too often, women worry about what if I had done this or that differently.”  She went on to say that when it feels like a door is closing, there’s a window of opportunity opening elsewhere.  One of Scott’s windows of opportunity led her to Oscar de la Renta (he sought her out and used her jewelry in a runway show)!  Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help; it’s part of learning and growing.

Rule 2: Paint a picture.- Scott’s office boasts a “blue sky wall” where employees are encouraged to dream big and pin inspirational images.  While at MIT, one of Scott’s assignments was to write down all the details of her life three years from that moment.  What did she want to do in three year’s time, where would she live and work, and so on.  Scott revealed that everything she wrote on her list has come to fruition, and she continues to update the list regularly.  Doing so motivates her to move in the direction of fulfilling her goals.

Rule 3: Leave your mark.

Rule 4: Be appreciative.  “People don’t do this very often anymore, but handwritten thank you notes are so nice,” Scott added.  She keeps stationery in her desk and sends handwritten notes to those she appreciates.

Rule 5: Laugh- a lot.

Rule 6: See the world.

Rule 7: Give back.  Scott supports several charities including the American Heart Association and Dress for Success.

Rule 7.5: Accessorize!

For all things Kendra Scott, including fashion, words of wisdom and fabulous sales, be sure to check out her blog here!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

May 9, 2012

The Best of the Met 2012

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,News,Trends — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 9:02 pm

BEST DRESSED

Katharine McPhee (Photo: Vogue)

 

Lea Michele (Photo: gossip.whyfame.com)

 

Marion Cotillard (Photo: Washington Post)

 

WORST DRESSED

Beyonce and Florence Welch (Photo: Billboard)

 

Kristen Stewart (Photo: Now Public)

 

May 3, 2012

Thread Thursday: H&M Embraces Eco-Friendly Fashion

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Online Shopping,Thread Thursdays — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 8:50 am

Photo credit: Paul Morigi/WireImage

Fashionistas,

Recently, H&M’s new eco-friendly Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection has shown up on a string of lovely actresses such as Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Kristin Davis and Amanda Seyfried, according to a report by People Magazine.  While most red carpet fashion is far out of reach of many of us, the dress pictured above cost $299- not exactly cheap but certainly  more reasonable.  Take a look at the full line here- items start at just $5.95!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

April 12, 2012

Thread Thursday: Fashion Website “Your Next Ensemble” Has You Covered

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Online Shopping,Thread Thursdays,Trends — Tags: , , — Nik @ 1:57 pm

Fashionistas,

I’ve been getting these updates in my Facebook news feed about  a website called “Your Next Shoes.”  The shoes were cute, so I took the bait and checked out the full site.  I’m so glad I did because it turns out that shoes are just the beginning!  Fashion website “Your Next Ensemble” is an umbrella site for other online fashion destinations such as “Your Next Handbag,” “Your Next Dress,” and even “Scarves and Wraps.”

Each sister site chronicles the latest in its respective fashion category, including celeb fashion, product reviews and where to buy.  Happy shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

February 25, 2012

Inspiration: Korto Momolu

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Fashion Business,Fashion Show — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 7:09 pm

It’s Black History Month and I realized that, outside of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, and P Diddy, I really didn’t know of many other African-American fashion designers.  Sure, there’s Tracy Reese and Kevan Hall; they’re both very well established.  But who were the newer talents?  Then I remembered one woman, and the one dress, that made me an instant fan: Project Runway‘s Korto Momolu.  The dress:

Photo: KortoMomolu.com Spring 2009

To me, Momolu’s creations are effortlessly chic, sensual and powerful.  There is this energy and joy bundled up in every collection- each a capsule of celebration.  Her bold pattern and color choices, paired with flattering silhouettes make her clothes extremely wearable, for any woman.  I think it’s this mixture of high fashion and approachability that I admire most about Momolu’s collections, and why I feel I’ll be a life-long fan.  Here’s to Korto Momolu, and many, many years of success.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

January 23, 2012

Media Monday: I Heart Shala Monroque

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Media Mondays,Trends — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Town & Country’s featured story “Shala Monroque: Life of a Butterfly” by Kevin Conley was an interesting peek into the life of the titular “It Girl” of the fashion and art worlds.

Admittedly, I’m fascinated by Shala’s effortless style and was thrilled when I saw her on the cover of Town & Country.  A staple at coveted fashion shows, society parties, and the subject of countless fashion blogs, I have followed Shala’s rise to fame for a while.  I expected the article to cover Shala’s innate fashion sense in depth but it took a more high-level approach, which was interesting.  However, I found Conley’s article at times snide with respect to Shala’s humble beginnings in St. Lucia and her current access to the upper echelons of art and fashion.  There is a frail yet noticeable film of superficiality coloring the praises Conley weaves into the paragraphs.  For example, Conley writes, “Monroque…with her seemingly effortless rise from island flower girl to fashion cynosure, belongs to the Holly Golightly line of It girl.”  Excuse me, Holly Golightly was a call girl, a scandalous occupation even today, and especially at the time Breakfast at Tiffany’s  was released in 1961.  While it’s expected that the movie would tip toe around such subject matter, I’m not sure why this modern article even makes mention of a call girl in reference to Monroque.  But to be fair, perhaps Conley was speaking to the essence and spirit of Holly, charmingly brought to life by the beloved Audrey Hepburn.  After all, not many people remember Holly’s occupation; rather they seem only to remember she had no job, technically.  Given her extravagant lifestyle, this made her mysterious and well, cool.

About 10% of Conley’s article reads as negative, with its peppering of scathing remarks poorly disguised as innocent commentary, which I found neither illuminating nor necessary.  Happily, the remaining 90% of Conley’s article is positive.  He does go on to compliment Monroque’s innate fashion sense (of course): “In the snaps that show up in street-style blogs everywhere, Monroque is admired for her sense of fun, the confident way she makes her own rules, mixing distinct silhouettes with designer looks straight off the runway with vintage-store finds.”  He also compliments her radiant smile: “It is not seductive or knowing or conspiratorial.  What it is is luminous- strikingly, wholesomely so.  Shala smiling makes you feel extravagantly good.”

I think Shala’s appearance on the cover of Town & Country is wonderfully deserved and appropriate.  She’s a sartorial taste maker, effortlessly glamorous and endlessly interesting.  I heart Shala, and wish her all the very best.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

January 16, 2012

Happy MLK Day

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,News — Tags: , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

 

Photo Credit: Fashionbombdaily.com

 

Dear Fashionistas,

Happy MLK Day!  Never forget- and never give up- on your Dreams!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Photo Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP/Getty Images/ sfgate.com

Photo Credit: Blacknews.com

January 15, 2012

Media Monday: Golden Globes Fashion Recap (The Hot Mess Edition)

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,Media Mondays,Trends — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 10:44 pm

The 2012 Golden Globes.  Well…ok.  I’ve been writing Thread Conscious for two years.  You know by now that I try to stay positive at all times.  But there comes a time when fashion is so bad, and so disappointing, that you find yourself picking the best of the worst, because there just wasn’t enough good to go around.  That time has come.  I was not wowed by the fashion of the Golden Globes this year.  I was sooo…underwhelmed.  It was a fashion fail.  Up first is the Best Dressed (relatively speaking) and then the Worst Dressed…plus some more mess.  All photos courtesy of  WireImage except where noted.  Happy Monday.

 ON TO THE BEST DRESSED

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

Rooney Mara: Edgy cut-outs in black.  That seems to be Rooney’s M.O., so it’s expected.  At least the dress was interesting.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren:  Love the color on Helen, and the fact that there’s a different texture on the bottom.  Sophisticated with just the right amount of bling, at the waist, no doubt.  I really like this dress.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton: Paula looks gorgeous in this classic mermaid silhouette, in the happiest hue of yellow.  I don’t hate it.  #winning.

AND ON TO THE WORST DRESSED!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Angelina Jolie: I don’t know.  No, I can’t.  It’s just wrong.  The fabric looks cheap, the slash of red at the neckline isn’t a pleasant surprise, it’s an eye sore.  For once, I paid more attention to what Brad Pitt was wearing.

Amanda Peet

 Amanda Peet: Unfortunately, I think I’ve seen something like this before.  And it was a very unflattering wedding dress.

Missi Pyle

 Missi Pyle: The color’s not bad, but that’s the only good thing about this frock.  This dress looks like it came straight from Windsor.  Actually, Windsor has better looking dresses than this.

AND MORE FASHION FAILS

Natalie Portman, Repeat Offender

 Natalie Portman: I love Natalie Portman.  She’s known for her intelligence as well as her talent.  But I don’t understand why she repeated last year’s Golden Globes red and pink fiasco this year.

Natalie Portman, Golden Globes

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

AND IT GETS BETTER.  I MEAN WORSE.

Zooey and Emily Deschanel- Worst Dressed Duo, Double Fail

Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel: People seem to like Zooey’s zany fashion sense and I have to admit I don’t completely hate her dress.  I’m just having trouble articulating what I don’t like about.  But Emily, Betty White called and she wants her dress back.

Ok, that’s enough.  The rest of the week will be more positive, I promise!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

January 13, 2012

Iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Brownstone For Sale!

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,News — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 11:10 pm

Photo Credit: New York Times

Dear Fashionistas,

The weekend is finally here!  I’ve been recuperating from a minor surgery (all four wisdom teeth were removed on Wednesday- good riddance!) and while sipping on soups and apple sauce, I came upon this story about Holly Golightly’s party pad in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  One of Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable and celebrated roles, Holly Golightly embodied the quintessential It Girl, hosting the most unbelievable parties at this chic brownstone on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Holly Golightly and Hollywood aside, can you imagine the non-fictional  fetes hosted there?  Well, if you’d like to throw your own parties there, the brownstone’s yours for a mere $5.85 million.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Photo Credit: Zillow.com

 


(Video Credit: Zillow.com/Youtube.com)

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