New Music by Sonya Teclai!

An extremely creative Hip Hop and R&B songstress and previous Friday Feature here on Pumps and Lipstick, Sonya Teclai is everything that you don’t expect…and I love that! She has such a confident style aesthetic, unafraid to mix and match eras and prints. Sonya is such a driven individual and you can not only see it, but hear it in her music and lyrics where true poetry floods your mind– something that you don’t hear on the radio.

Just a few days ago, she released a new single titled “Detached” and an interlude named “Kick My Game” from her upcoming solo project dropping next month. I encourage you to check her out! Click here for her new promo page. Ready to hear the beats? Then click here to play her newest tracks. I promise you’ll fall in love!

Friday Feature: Stylist + Blogger, Kim Christophersen

When it comes to style, one of the most important factors is to stay true to yourself. Dress for yourself, people! Not for anyone else. That’s why I’m such a fan of stylist and Sequins + Studs blogger, Kim Christophersen. Representing my hometown, Sacramento, Kim has such a unique and personal style. She is unafraid to try new trends, colors and prints and is always amazingly put together from head-to-toe. From rocking violet peek-a-boo streaks to mixing leopard and polka dot, I love whatever she puts together and am honored to have her as one of my Friday Features!

So scroll on down and peep photos of the lovely Kim and exclusive interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: When did your love for fashion begin?

Kim: My love for fashion started at an early age. Even though I attended private school from Kindergarten to eighth grade where strict uniforms were required, I always tried to make it my own through shoes or hair accessories.

Xiomara: Describe your style in 3 words.

Kim: Ever-changing. Fun. Spirited.

Xiomara: Who are your favorite, all-time fashion icons?

Kim: Edie Sedgwick, Brigitte Bardot and Nicole Richie.

Xiomara: Top do’s and dont’s that you’ll never ever break?

Kim: DO always dress for yourself. I love following trends and what’s ‘in’ at the time, but the important thing for me is to wear what makes me happy. DON’T be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Push the envelope every once in awhile and you’ll be surprised at what creative looks you can pull off!

Xiomara: What inspires you to write when blogging?

Kim: I started blogging because I am constantly inspired by everything around me and I needed one place to compile all of the creative energy and ideas that had been building up. I’d say a majority of my inspiration comes from the people, places and events in my life. Music is also a big inspiration for me and if you look closely, you’ll notice that a lot of my blog titles are song lyrics. Any time I’m drawing a blank or feeling uninspired, I turn to platforms such as Tumblr, Pinterest and We Heart It to find instant inspiration.

Xiomara: What are your biggest pet peeves in style that makes you want to walk up to a stranger and fix?

Kim: My biggest pet peeve is when people wear clothes that don’t compliment their body or fit them right. I’m a firm believer that anyone, no matter what their shape or size, can pull off any trend or look they want – the key is remembering to dress for your body.

Xiomara: Favorite prints and colors?

Kim: My favorite prints right now are chevron, floral and polka dots. As for colors, I’m loving burgundy, deep wine and burnt orange. I’m also obsessed with all things emerald and deep turquoise.

Xiomara: Throughout the years, how has your personal style changed?

Kim: Oh, wow. I don’t think I can give a simple answer for this. What I have noticed though is that as I’ve grown up and become more comfortable in my own skin, I have also become more confident in what I wear. When I was younger, I would dress according to what the ‘cool’ style was at the time or what my friends were wearing. Now, I dress solely for myself.

Xiomara: As a stylist and blogger for Krazy Mary’s boutique, what’s your day like?

Kim: No two days are the same, which is great for me! As a stylist, I’m either pulling looks for our blog, private events, fashion shows or photo shoots and as a blogger, I’m researching fashion forecasts, trend reports and working on building our audience through our site (krazysugar.wordpress.com). Mary Kawano (owner) is such an amazing woman and inspiration to me. She’s been a wonderful teacher and I feel blessed to be able to learn and grow every day.

Xiomara: In your career in fashion, blogging and PR, where do you see yourself in the future?

Kim: I always struggle when I’m asked this, as it’s hard for me to imagine placing myself into one box. My love is in fashion writing and styling, so I’d say something involving both of those.

[END]

For more on the lovely Kim Christophersen, visit and subscribe to her fabulous blog, Sequins + Studs, and stalk her on Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Twitter. And by the way, send her some birthday wishes. It’s her birthday today 😉

All photos are property of Kim Christophersen.

Friday Feature: Brittany Michelle of Irie Soiree

Once again, I’m contemplating Christmas gift ideas for mi amigas this year. As I already concluded that I’ll include some fab makeup goodies in my previous post, I thought that jewelry pieces would be the perfect pairing in my pal’s gift baskets. Of course, the pieces must be unique, stand out from a crowd and have a back story of its origins. And so, I thought of my friend from my hometown, founder and head designer of Irie Soiree, Brittany Michelle. As a personal fan from afar, it’s been incredible to watch the evolution and continued success of her brand. 

Get more on the young, up and coming designer and entrepreneur, Brittany Michelle and her brand, Irie Soiree, below with an exclusive interview and photos:

Square Biz Studs

Trinity II Studs

Brittany Michelle

Trinity Studs

Rendezvous Studs

Show Off Earrings

Kimbella from Love & Hip Hop rocking FLY studs.

Trinity II Studs

Brooke Bailey from Basketball Wives LA

Rendezvous Studs

Brittany Michelle & Daughter

Initial Studs

3 Stacks Ring

Xiomara: As a jewelry designer, where do you find inspiration for each collection and piece?

Brittany: I draw my inspiration from the world I live in. From architecture, nature, to traffic signs — the way I see it.

Xiomara: When did you discover your love for designing jewelry?

Brittany: Growing up I was a tomboy, I didn’t even start wearing jewelry until my sophomore year in high school. When I actually started buying/wearing jewelry I would always alter the pieces somehow — from adding chains and rearranging earring posts until they were pieces I loved. I was still a little shy then, so I didn’t wear my altered pieces around my friends.

Xiomara: What inspired you to establish Irie Soiree?

Brittany: At the end of high school/first year in college, I started expressing my creativity in different ways. From starting a photography business then later a T-shirt design business. I always believed in running my own company, but after starting and stopping two businesses I realized that my heart wasn’t in those two areas. At the same time, I found myself walking into stores looking for statement accessories and they were nowhere to be found — at that point I realized that I wasn’t going to find certain pieces in stores because they were designs I created in my mind and they were not in the world yet. That was my moment — to create my visions and share them with the streets.

Xiomara: What’s the story behind your brand’s name?

Brittany: Irie Soirée is a play on words. Irie means peace, at your current state and of course soirée means nightly party. Designing and creating brings me peace, and my pieces are worn all around the world by women who are in love with originality and show it when they step out.

Xiomara: Describe your brand in three words. 

Brittany: Original. Untamed. Handmade.

Xiomara: Is your fashion style a reflection of your brand? How so?

Brittany: Most definitely. Each piece is a direct reflection of my style and my world. My brand has given me an outlet to express myself in a way that I never have before. There’s no boundaries, no apologies, no regrets. Some of my visions are risky blow me away and I am in love with that. I will never conform.

Xiomara: What are some of the difficulties you’ve faced while building your brand?

Brittany: Anytime you put something into the world you’re going to come up against critics that just don’t believe in your work or want to discredit your work by comparing your brand to another designer’s. I haven’t had to deal with this too much, but it has happened. I just use it as fuel. I have a lot of exciting things coming that will keep people talking — whether good or bad.

Xiomara: Biggest accomplishments so far in you jewelry designing career? 

Brittany: I have to admit I was pretty fucking hype to see my pieces air on season 10 of Basketball Wives LA. Brooke Bailey was showing out in my Trinity Studs! Oww!

Xiomara: How do you manage it all and still succeed–jewelry designing, full-time job, motherhood?

Brittany: Honestly I have no idea. Its either the grace of God or adrenaline. Probably a mix of both.

Xiomara: What are current projects happening right now for Irie Soiree?

Brittany: I can’t say too much but I’m branching out, jewelry won’t be the only thing you see me create. Spring 2013 is going to be ILL. Stay connected!

Xiomara: Where do you see yourself and your brand in 10 years?

Brittany: In 10 years I still want to be so in love with creating. I would like to own my own boutique. It would be on a completely different level though — a place strictly for the arts. Of course I would showcase my work but it would host freestyle battles on Fridays, runway shows, photo shoots and it would have chalkboard walls that my customers could throw up mad ideas on. I just want to continue to create an serve the streets some ill shit.

[END]

For more on Brittany Michelle and Irie Soiree, check out www.iriesoiree.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter! Get the perfect gifts for your best gal pals (and don’t forget yourself)! Customized pieces available!

Friday Feature: Dante Wright / The Bellwether Project

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting up-and-coming fashion stylist, Dante Wright, 9 years ago when I was 16 years old. My boyfriend, Jovan Simien, and Dante have been best friends for the longest. And since the early years of driving around in his red Mitsubishi Eclipse in Elk Grove, California and shooting hoops in front of my mom’s house, Dante has always had one thing– style. And he’ll tell you himself that he’ll “always be the best dressed person in the room.” So over the years, I’ve witnessed his style’s transformation from Jordans, jerseys, graphic tees, and skateboards to blazers, fedoras, and wingtips. What’s even more exciting is the beginning of his rapid career in styling and the birth of The Bellwether Project.

Check out my exclusive interview and shots with Dante Wright and his take on fashion, style, and The Bellwether Project below:

I had to sneak in a BFF photo: My boyfriend, Jovan Simien (left) and Dante Wright (right).

Xiomara: What does style mean to you?

Dante: Style to me is an expression of character through attire, movements, and mannerisms.


Xiomara: Who and what inspires your style?

Dante: What inspires my style is city lifestyle and music. Who inspires me would be elders and people like Nick Wooster and Piggy Motufumi.

Xiomara: How do you stay up-to-date and ahead on current trends in fashion?

Dante: I honestly don’t stay up-to-date on current trend because I try and avoid being trendy. Instead, I pride myself and my style as being timeless. I always buy for longevity. Meaning, classic prints and items such as wingtips, cable wire material and prints like houndstooth or herringbone. These are things that aren’t classified as trendy, but rather classic.

Xiomara: How did you meet your business partner and why did you two start The Bellwether Project?

Dante: I met my business partner at a SFNY yacht party event. He was taking pictures at the time and asked to take mine and we had a brief discussion about style.  We exchanged info and one year later, The Bellwether Project started. The reasoning behind us starting Bellwether was to document our own personal style and become an outlet for men who needed inspiration and advice on advancing there style.

Xiomara: What was your first major project/event The Bellwether Project styled?

Dante: Dario had styled events on his own prior to this event, but our first one together was The Dapper Hood event for SFFW at Rogue.

Xiomara: 10 years from now, what does the future hold for The Bellwether Project?

Dante: 10 years down the line remains a mystery for us. We aware moving at a rapid pace and never expected to be where we are now this quickly. The 2 things that are sure is office space and a major collab with a high end brand.

Xiomara: Throughout the years, how has your style evolved into what it is now?

Dante: My style has evolved to what it is now through going through certain phases in my life and then taking all of them and creating the style I have today. Skateboarding, working at Macy’s, and my job at the bank all have played a major part in the evolution of my style.

Xiomara: What are your top three style rules you live by and would by no means break?

Dante: 1. Undershirts under button downs (v-necks only) 2. Untucked shirt and tie 3. Clip on bow ties.

Xiomara: Favorite designers?

Dante: Thom Browne, Tom Ford, and Junya Watanabe.

Xiomara: Any last thoughts, tips, or quotes for the readers?

Dante: Your style is your first impression, don’t forget you only get one.

[END]

Be sure to check out stylist, Dante Wright, and The Bellwether Project! Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: thebellwetherproject .

Stay tuned for more features!



All photos are original. All rights reserved.

Friday Feature: Bobbi J

Many often struggle searching for their calling or even recognizing it. San Francisco, jewelry artisan, Bobbi J,  has found hers. It’s a beautiful thing when a simple hobby turns into a full blown business. From working at Vidal Sassoon to working from the comfort of her home, Bobbi J is onto a good thing!

The beautiful, creative, and talented artist works with genuine stones, metals, chains, leather and more. From simple to intricate pieces in a range of styles, she’ll always keep you guessing on what’s to come next. What’s baffling is that she’s still learning and strengthening her craft! From the looks of her work, one would think she has been jewelry making for years.

On a beautiful, Friday afternoon in late September, I had the privilege of meeting with Bobbi J in her San Francisco home to talk style, jewelry, and everything Bobbi J.

Get an inside look of the amazing, budding artist and read the exclusive interview below:

Bobbi J

Bobbi J in her element.

Crafting.

Tulips + Workspace.

Treasures of the sea.

Measuring.

Cropping and crimping.

Xiomara: Where did your interest for jewelry making begin?

Bobbi J: Well, when I was singing, the passion that I had for it, was kind of dying away. And if you’re passionate about something, you don’t just think about it all the time, you’re doing something about it. So, the jewelry-making was an idea that started around last year, around late November and early December, and I really wanted to do something with my hands.  So I signed up for a class in January 2012, and it was just supposed to be a hobby– just for fun because it was something that I liked. And at that time, I was going to stores like H&M and Forever 21, and I saw all this jewelry that I didn’t like. Then I realized, “Why not make my own jewels!” Soon, I started to learn more and wanted to challenge myself, and then I was giving away stuff that I was making, and later people wanted to buy them. Shortly after, I found myself making business cards and things were falling into place. 

Xiomara: What describes or defines your work? What words would describe your style?

Bobbi J: I’m still figuring it out. [laughs]

Xiomara: Oh! That’s fine! [laughs] But right now, if you looked at your collection, what are the first descriptions that call out to you? 

Bobbi J: When I first started, I was looking at African tribes for inspiration, so I was inspired by earthy tones and vibrant colors. And then I started moving into metals and more statement pieces. So versatility. 

Xiomara: Do you design for yourself or do you have a person in mind when you’re creating a piece?

Bobbi J: I never make a piece that I wouldn’t wear, so yes, I do design for myself. If it’s a custom piece, I do like to get an idea of who I’m creating for. 

Xiomara: Where do you see your brand going?

Bobbi J: Bigger than I could think of. 

Xiomara: What’s the next collection? What are you working on now?

Bobbi J: Onyx, Jasper, Agate stones…I love the different textures of Agate. Chains and whatever inspiration comes to me at the moment and defitnely earrings will be coming soon. 

Xiomara: Where do you get inspiration from?

Bobbi J: I get inspiration from different people– street wear, runway wear even other jewelry artisans. 

Xiomara: Who are your idols?

Bobbi J: Right now, Dannijo, they’re based out of NY. They’re part of the reason why I wanted to make beautiful pieces. I would look at their stuff and be like, “How the HELL did they make that?!” And as a jewelry maker, I want to keep people guessing. 

Xiomara: Anything else you want to leave readers with to know more about you?

Bobbi J: Do what you love.

There you have it. First, exclusive interview with Bobbi J. Check out her work via Tumblr and Facebook. Instagram: BOBBILINEHAN and Twitter: @Bobbi_Jsf.

All photos are original and were taken by Xiomara Rosa-Tedla. All rights reserved.