BOZ + LOVE

Graphic tees have been a huge trend lately, and I came across this Australian brand, Boz+Love, and are obsessed with their line! They use words to remind us of the things that are really important in life! And how cute are the handwritten fonts? 

Oh and let me tell you, these are the softest t-shirts I've ever owned, thanks to the super Eco-friendly fiber, Tencel. Here are a few of my favorite tops, but they also carry dresses & totes! Take a look here!

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Fashion: Festival Fashion

Hi lovelies! Its Carlinn here from Superficialgirls and I am getting ready for the festival season! Get out your cut-offs and maxi dresses, your boots and flower crowns and be ready for some seriously chic music festival style. Its your chance to be quirky and let your personal style show so be creative!

I love the mix of floaty feminine dresses paired with utility jackets and boots and if you always wanted to wear tie dye, now is your chance. Online you will find loads of stores with dedicated festival wear sections so you don't have an excuse not to go wild.

Here are some festival outfit essentials:

1. Funky sunglasses like these round ones from Asos

2. Denim shorts are always a go to when the weather is hot, we love ones with a bit of color from J Brand

3. Pile your arms with bracelets and let them jingle while you dance for a festival feel

4. Floral headbands make a statement and people might even mistake you for Lana del Rey

5. Flat booties are essential for dancing in the dirt!

 

Images via Pinterest

-post by carlinn


 

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Fashion: Stripes

Hi guys - Kat here!  I found this street style picture on tumblr and it inspired me to write today's post. I love how classic and cool this girl looks.  Stripes are timeless and can be worn so many different ways. You can wear a striped top with a basic pair of jeans or with a bold pair of floral pants.  

If you don't love striped clothing you can wear striped accessories like the ones below.  I need to get my hands on those striped espadrilles - they're only $36 and perfect to run around the city in!  

1.  Grand Bazaar scarf

2.  Vince sweater

3.  Clare Vivier clutch

4.  Kiel James Patrick bracelet

5.  J.Crew shorts

6.  Mar Y Sol tote

7.  Soludos espadrilles

-post by kat tanita

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Cocoa & Hearts News

I normally don't announce it here - but NEW Cocoa & Hearts paintings will be added to the gallery sometime today!! Stay tuned!!! 

It will be announced on my twitter when they are live!! Exciting!

(sun & rain)

UPDATE:

Thank you so much for your overwhelming support of my work! I'm more than flattered, in fact I am so grateful. I will also continue to thank God for the gift to create art.

  Below is a sample of some of the pieces (10 paintings) that were posted, all were sold!

-image by jen ramos

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Fashion: Polka Dots

Hi everyone, its Carlinn here from Superficialgirls and I am in love with an adorable dotty trend at the moment! 

Polka dots are a fun fresh and flirty way to usher in Spring and I love this pattern on everything. Cute polka dot nails, handbags and even in your decor it gives a youthful touch to everyday life.

Mix dots with dots for a chic look or wear a cute polka dot skater dress to channel your inner Zooey Deschanel.

Here are some of my favorite dotty items at the moment!

 

1.Boohoo.com polka dot handbag 2.Topshop dotted skater dress 3.Kate spade polka dot scarf 4.Black and white dots Equipment shirt

Images via - Pink Peonies & Love shopping and fashion


-post by carlinn

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Anine Bing is in the House

I can't tell you how many times I've searched for the perfect pair of leather pants.  Ones that would make me feel like Joan Jett & a bit of a BAD-ASS on days I feel like crap. I came across my all-time favorite pair from Balmain (which Kate Moss always wears) and I got soo excited! The excitement didn't last long when I saw the price tag, gulp. Hopes were dashed. Then, a few weeks ago.... I found a pair that looked quite similar, by Anine Bing. Let's just say I fell in love.

So.... I saved up & was able to get the Anine Bing leather pants. The price is still a bit steep, but good quality leather pants don't come cheap. I mean even the zippers are big & sturdy, love them. Call me CRAZY, but leather pants are a must in any wardrobe. 

Do you own a pair of leather pants? Do you wear them casually or just on dress-up days? 

images above via:

 passions for fashions /  sincerely jules / blogg mama

pants/anine bing

striped top/asos

clutch/shopbop

shoes/alice + olivia

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New at MadeByGirl + Lara Stone

Who knew that lips would be so popular? 

Let's face it, model Lara Stone has a distinguishable mouth. Full lips & gap teeth. Apparently agencies nowadays aren't as concerned about IMPERFECTIONS. It's ok to be a fashion model & not be rejected at an agency if this if your issue. Well, it wasn't always that way. Back when I was growing up, being ETHNIC or an imperfection was 'pretty much' a stamp of REJECTION within most modeling agencies. Insane right? Things have definitely come a looooong way in the high FASHION modeling world. I'm very much aware of the few models like Lauren Hutton, Iman etc but my point is the majority of models back in the days, did 'not' have so-called imperfections & were 'not' ethnic. Very few were. Thoughts??

Glad to see that we can now see so-called imperfections about a person, as beautiful.

With that said, the new prints at MadeByGirl are an homage to Lara Stone & her pretty mouth. Art by Jessice Rowe. You can purchase this print with or without a frame directly on MadeByGirl, but I would recommend getting yours with a gold frame, as pictured below. It looks awesome!

Photo below by Hedi Slimane

below photo by cuneyt akeroglu

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Fashion: Black + White Trend

Hi everyone!  It's Kat from With Love From Kat.  I hope you're all enjoying my fashion posts!  This week I wanted to get back to basics and talk about wearing black and white.  This color combo is classic, flattering, and chic.  

If you're ever stumped on what to wear - resort to a simple black and white ensemble.  I love how style icon Poppy Delevigne added a bright pink clutch to her outfit - such a fun pop of color.  Get their look and update your wardrobe with these versatile pieces.

1.  Zara coat

2.  Prada cat eye sunnies

3.  BCBG Max Azria clutch

4.  Maje cuff 
or similar here.

5.  Pour La Victoire booties

-post by kat tanita

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Pants Trend

I'm really loving this black & white pants trend. Have you seen it? Today's Goop email had Gwyneth Paltrow in this super cute outfit with my favorite Rag & Bone pants - so I decided to create my own look based on her outfit.  

I thought a more casual, but similar style would be best suited for me....& not as bright...what do you think??

Are you loving this black & white pants trend or not?

1. anine bing leather jacket
2. tshirt zara
3. kelly wearstler ring
4. alexander wang ipad case
5. sass & bride pants
6. zara ankle boot

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Fashion: Neon is Back?

Hi everyone, its Carlinn here with some bright neon fashion inspiration! Neon is a trend that is definitely not ready to bow out yet and we are so glad. Its going from strength to strength and we are seeing it paired with neutrals to add a splash of color, with structured pieces to add some flair and by itself for a sun soaked day look.

My favorite ways to wear this look is with accessories (think big bold statement necklaces) and bright nail colors. This way you can update your wardrobe for less and make any outfit fun.

                 Do you love or loathe this eye catching trend?

1.Neon green beanie from Topshop   2.Essie lights   3.Fluorescent lace dress from Topshop  4.Kate Spade wallet   5.Kate Spade watch

Images via Viva luxury & Pinterest 



-post by carlinn meyer 

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pRAISE Clothing

I'm always impressed by women entrepreneurs - their drive, ambition & their struggles to make it. I know so many women like myself who decided to take a risk & go after what they were passionate about. Perhaps it's a God-given gift they've had & never really touched upon until recently & then BAM! Their ideas & creations were realized & seen by the world. My story is very similar in the sense, that I always had passion, drive & talents I never explored. However, today, I'm experiencing the fruit of those talents which I feel are gifts from God. 

With that said, I wanted to share a different type of post & introduce you to a woman who has inspired me with her business & her boldness in her faith. Alma Meza is the founder behind the fashionable t-shirt line called pRAISE.  She believed that fashion lacked support for those who loved God (& wanted to show it). 

She has a great testimony on how she started her clothing line & it's pretty interesting- I'll let her tell you in her own words, so sit back, enjoy & grab a snack.

Below: Here I am sporting a few Alma's T-shirts from pRAISE clothing - love them! You can get 10% off your purchase, just insert the CODE: MADEBYGRL
at checkout! Good until April 30th.
 

My name is Alma Meza and I am 27 years old from Los Angeles, California. I recently re-entered the fashion world after having gone through some pretty nasty things that ultimately made me despise the fashion industry. I was forced to depart from the clothing company I built for 6 years with a partner who later betrayed me in late 2011. I was pretty lost in regards to a career path. During this time, so many other things in my life were crumbling- one of the most significant events was the death of my nephew, Sebastian. 

It seemed like it was all happening at once. I was overwhelmed, but felt God tugging at me and so I wholeheartedly turned to Him.  God revealed to me that I couldn't continue to coast through life with a casual,  superficial relationship with Him. I took a little over a year to be still, as The Lord encourages us to do. I maintained a corporate job that was stable financially, but spiritually draining. 

I started to feel that nonprofit work or speech pathology might be my next move and I began to take baby steps toward exploring each. Around this time, I started having dreams and visions about designing again, only this time the garments were showcasing either scriptures or faith related graphics. God was gently nudging me to come back to fashion, only this time with renewed purpose. That is how the idea for pRAISE was conceived. This was a result of diligent prayer and increased intimacy with God. The more I contemplated on this, the more I was being flooded by ideas and designs. I loved it all, but I was simultaneously starting to be crippled by fear. How will this be received? How can I do this all by myself this time around? Do I really want to return to this shady industry? 

All of these questions took over my thoughts for weeks until I finally realized this may very well be my calling. I decided that these concerns and doubts are silly compared to what God is able to do in and through me. I started to proceed with more conviction. 

Once I completed my designs for a collection, I was very emotional. Excited, in awe, and humbled best describes what I felt. Meanwhile, I was still working full time for a company that was starting to lose its ethical foundation. It took so much time away from my day and I was miserable there. In October of 2012, I built up the courage to step out on faith and resign from my position. I broke down in tears and utter fear. How will I support myself without income?
  
I prayed for provision and decided no matter what, I had to see this through. On January 12th, 2013, I launched pRAISE- All glory to God. My brand encompasses many of the values that are near and dear to my heart- using eco-friendly material, helping impoverished children around the world by donating a portion of the proceeds to Compassion International, and spreading God's love through fashion. This endeavor has been nothing short of incredible thus far. I've been blessed to connect with so many beautiful believers that have even thanked me for introducing this type of brand to an industry that is exceedingly being filled with dark imagery and immorality. I never imagined doing anything remotely close to pRAISE. I am publicly promoting my faith through fashion. 

I still become a bit intimidated at the thought alone, but I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ. God's ways are not our ways. I know that He is orchestrating beautiful things for my life. He took me out of darkness and blessed me with pRAISE. I am looking forward to His promises and not being jaded by yesterday's heartaches. I'm blessed and honored to be designing for His glory. When you place God FIRST in your life, there's no need to look back because you are looking forward, looking to the Alpha and Omega...and trusting in the ultimate Navigator. So here I am, allowing God to use me as I realize this Divinely-inspired dream.

Do you have a gift that you feel you need to act on??

 
 

-top 3 images by jen ramos

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Frends Headphones

I know you've seen them. The gold headphones that all the COOL girls are rocking on the street.  Well, believe it or not I haven't seen that many people wearing them on the street yet, only my assistant Daisy. I have to say, they're totally cute in person! You can purchase them in several places, however their main site is called Frends. 

I can't say much else about the sound quality because I haven't tried on a pair, but my favorites are the Taylor Gold. They're unique & I think it's about time someone came up with something interesting & girly, instead of us gals having to wear the standard manly-looking headphones. Right??

So, what do you think of these? Would you wear them?

-images via frends

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Fashion: Emerald Green

Hi everyone!  Kat here from With Love From, Kat. Today's post is all about the Pantone color of the year; Emerald.  Emerald is a color of love, beauty, and prosperity.  

I adore this color because it looks good against every skin tone and every hair color.  I don't own nearly enough emerald so after I finished this post I ordered #3 and #7!  I'm excited to start wearing these pieces because they are season-less and can be dressed up or dressed down. 

 Which pieces are your favorite?

1.  Michael Kors clutch

2.  Alexander McQueen scarf

3.  Kendra Scott earrings

4.  BCBG blazer

5.  Alice and Olivia heels

6. Joie blouse

7.  Gerard Yosca necklace

-post by Kat Tanita

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Steal Her Style

Hi everyone! It's Carlinn here from Superficialgirls and today I am going to show you how to steal some Fashion Week style!

New York fashion week has gone by in a flurry of snow and gorgeous outfits and even a blizzard couldn't keep the stylish crowd from the shows! I especially love this bright yellow look that Nicole from Gary Pepper wore. It stood out so well with the snow behind it and it is definitely a change from the darker shades you usually see in fashion when the weather is cold.

A cute DIY way to mimic her fruit sweater is to use any one you have already and buy a fruit applique to iron on to it. Its a great way to save money and stay on trend!

1. Camilla & Marc trousers
2. White collar shirt from Topshop
3. Asos pointed white heels
4. Pear applique from Embroidery delight
5. Christopher Kon clutch
6. J. Crew Tippi sweater
7. Yellow coat from Farfetch


-post by carlinn

 

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FASHION: Beachy Chic

Hi! I'm Kat from With Love From, Kat.  I'm so honored to be one of the newest Made by Girl Fashion contributors. My first post is a guide on how to look chic at the beach.  Spring is quickly approaching and I'm sure many of you have fun trips planned.  Miami, Hawaii, The Bahamas?  Do tell!  

A vacation is a vacation, but you should always look good because you never know who you may run into on the beach ;)  I paired this scalloped black bikini with subtle rose gold jewels, and included Grace Coddington's memoir because it is the ultimate beach read!

1.  Vince Camuto sunnies

2.  J.Crew panama hat

3.  Theodora and Callum scarf

4.  Max and Chloe necklace

5.  Gorjana hoops

6.  Grace Coddington's memoir

7.  J Brand shorts

8.  Marysia Swim bikini

9.  Rebecca Minkoff sandals

-post by kat tanita

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Fashion: Mint + Gold

Hello! I'm Carlinn from Superficial Girls blog & now one of the newest Fashion contributors here on MBG! I'm so very excited to share my first post here on MadeByGirl! Ready? 

I have been loving the sweet combination of mint & gold online! From mint ice-cream to your favorite delicate gold necklace these hues bring out your happiest emotions. Together they create a perfect color palette that I definitely cant resist. They seem to work well together in fashion, decor and even food (mint cupcakes with gold dust anyone?)

I usually love wearing a mint outfit with splashes of gold in my accessories, but why not have fun with it by matching your nails or adding a mint sweater to a pretty gold colored skirt!

Here are some of my favorite mint and gold picks to help you warm up to this trend.

 

1. Miu Miu sunglasses

2. Gold and mint earrings via Asos

3. Gold fleck sweater via Topshop

4. Mint Chevron Iphone case via Zazzle

5. Gold Topshop nail polish

6. Asos mint heels

7. Sequin dress via Topshop

8. Gold Michael Kors chain link watch

9. Kate Spade polka dot iphone case

10. Made you look headband via Topshop

11. Mint candy apple nail polish from Essie

12. Mint tassle bag from Asos

13. Mint skirt from Topshop

-post by Carlinn

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Trending: Hunter Boots

In NYC, when it rains, it pours. So rain boots are quite an essential in the city. I've been looking around for a cute pair and came across all the colors that Hunter boots come in! It seems like everyone is wearing them from adults to toddlers! My favorite would have to be the Jimmy Choo X Hunter collaboration, too bad I missed that one! 

Own a pair of these Hunter boots? What color are yours?

 

1. Turquoise
2. Red
3. Black/Neon
4. Metallic Gold
5. Fuchsia
6. Wish I hadn't missed this Jimmy Choo x Hunter collaboration! 
7. Coral


-images from here, here & here.

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Evolve + Manifesto

How cute is this t-shirt I'm wearing? it says Evolve. 

I'll tell you more about that in a bit, but first my super stylish friend Meg is off to her new venture; a line of t-shirts. Each month she will add a new word to the line, and for this month of January the word is 'Evolve'. She asked if I would be part of her new lookbook & to describe what this word meant to me. My favorite part of this comfy t-shirt is Meg's lovely handwriting in gold! 

I'm a great example of a person who has evolved. And I'm not speaking of APES TO MAN, but instead the evolution in my own life. With my work background being in modeling & random marketing jobs to owning 2 online businesses, this is a big deal for me. In fact it is a HUGE jump for me & certainly one I'm glad I made. My faith had so much to do with my evolving. So, this t-shirt was quite fitting, no pun intended. 

You can read more here about why & how I evolved. 

I'm no FASHION blogger - but the aviator glasses I'm wearing are by Stella McCartney & the faded skinny jeans are from Zara.  You can take a look at Meg's new Manifesto look book here.

-images by MadeByGirl

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Mackage

This past Christmas I bought myself a nice jacket.  I had originally wanted this one by Helmet Lang, but after trying it on, I knew it WASN'T FOR ME. It was gorgeous, but somehow I felt ODD walking around with HAIR ON MY BACK. Well, on the back of the coat that is...

So, after returning it - I decided to walk over to Mackage in Soho after church & BAM!!! There it was, the perfect jacket. If you scroll down, you'll see it in black, but I'm actually wearing the camel- colored style in the picture. The fit is awesome - and although it won't be warm enough for the freezing cold winter weather, it will be perfect for fall. Also, I saved a ton of money.


Mackage is currently one of my favorite go to brands for coats. It's a luxury brand offering trenches, coats & downs for both women & men. If you're visiting NYC or you live here - you have to hit the store, it's a gorgeous minimalist looking boutique situated in SOHO.

So, what do you think? Is Mackage a brand you could easily get into??

See you Monday!

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Graphic Tops Trend

So, can you guess one of my current favorite trends? Yup, the graphic tee/sweater! I'm starting to see them everywhere, and so I had to put a few of my favorite finds together! My favorite might have to be #7- the Paris sweater.   

Which one's your favorite?

1. MEOW!
2. NYC
3. BE SWORN MY LOVE
4. CHANEL (inspired tank)
5. KISS ME QUICK
6. J'ADORE
7. PARIS
8. DRUNK ON LOVE

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