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Female Fashion

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Tote bags, like any purse, are beneficial for carrying important items on the go, storing items around the house, and of course, fashion. Tote bags have become an increasingly popular accessory in recent years, especially with the growing awareness for the environment. This reusable option can be used in all walks of life, whether you are grocery shopping or heading to the beach.

Unlike non-reusable bags, tote bags are made of sturdy material great for carrying bulk items with you. The added benefit? They are highly fashionable, unlike non-reusable options like plastic bags. The open bag design on the inside, meaning its lack of pockets, adds a versatility that allows you to use it anywhere. You can also get them in different sizes to suit your needs even further.

Adjust To Your Needs

Tote bags are useful because they come in all shapes and sizes and can be adjusted as you see fit — people even tie the straps to change the length. You will see colorful variations or people rocking the simple white tote bag. That is the great thing about them. You can adjust it to fit your style. Designers have played with the sizing to make tote bags durable, useful, and fashionable. Explore the variety of options available to you.

Environmentally Friendly Tote Bags

The growing concern over the environment has made reusable bags increasingly popular in recent years. Some states have even gone as far asbanning plastic bags or charging fees for their use to combat the amount of waste from single-use plastic.

If you have an assortment of tote bags handy, then you have the tools you need to shop while being environmentally conscious as well. Reusable tote bags reduce and eliminate the need for paper or plastic bags. When you check out, choose to bring reusable tote bags to reduce waste and help our planet. Feel good about staying green while doing so in style.

Versatile Bags

Tote bags are used in a variety of ways. They eliminate your need for plastic or paper when you are at stores, helpful for grocery shopping, or running errands daily. Some even use their tote bags for carrying school items like books and laptops. Others choose this bag as a travel item while others may simply utilize it for everyday use. There are many ways to use a tote bag. If you get one, it will be one of the most versatile items you will own.

he lack of pockets in most tote bags offers a great space to fit both large and small items. The most common places to use tote bags are:

  • School
  • Shopping
  • Beach
  • Home Storage
  • Picnics
  • Gym
  • Travel
  • Laundry

Finding the one that suits you best can be a challenge. When determining which one you want, consider what size would be suitable based on where you might bring it.

Customized to Your Lifestyle

Have you ever seen a tote bag with a catchy logo or humorous phrase? That is because they have become trendy and modern as purse wear. One of the best parts of using a canvas tote bag is that many retailers sell them with a variety of different prints. Some tell stories, make people laugh, or simply pique the interest of others. Whether you want a bag that grabs attention or has a simplistic design, you are sure to find a bag that best suits you.

Today, Intimissimi formally announces that international icon (and force of nature) Jennifer Lopez will be their new global brand ambassador. The Italian lingerie and intimate apparel brand confirmed the news to coincide with the release of their Spring/Summer 2023 campaign. Not to mention, this is just ahead of International Women’s Day too.

The campaign, featuring Lopez, celebrates women and empowers them to feel confident and valued in all the roles that they play. “We want women to live the most fulfilling life and feel empowered every day,” said Matteo Veronesi, Chief Executive Officer of Intimissimi.

In Jennifer’s own words, “I’m proud to be an Intimissimi woman and honored that they view me as someone who emulates their own qualities of confident, lively and strong.”

The new Spring/Summer 2023 campaign is set in dreamy Postiano, Italy. Creative Director, Riccardo Ruini, Director Gia Coppola and photographer, Chris Colls work their cinematic magic to capture the brilliant hues of the lingerie collection against the gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop.

Check out these articles by the House of Coco Team with a celebrity connection: Rachel McAlley and Laura Bartlett.

Note: Contains spoilers.

Oscar award-winning costume designer, Colleen Atwood successfully uses different textures and silhouettes to create dimension in an exclusive black and white palette in Netflix’s Wednesday. Drawing upon haute-couture designer houses like DIOR, Prada, and Burberry, the inspiration is more runway than costume, for the heroine, who is “allergic to color.”

Clothing

From her mid-semester entrance at Nevermore Academy, Wednesday’s school look is utilitarian. This is complete with the addition of a tie and a blazer. As the story unfolds, viewers see Wednesday’s fitted athleisure for the Poe Cup. The look inspired by The Black Cat, a short-story by Nevermore’s most famous fictitious alumni, Edgar Allen Poe. In later episodes, Wednesday wears a show-stopping Alaïa lace and ruffle dress at the annual Rave’N dance.

Tops and Bottoms:

Alice + Oliva Luna Striped Crewneck

TANNER FLETCHER Beadie Satin Stripe Pussybow Blouse

Alice + Olivia Chase Puff Sleeve Sweater with Collar

RIHOAS The Black Bowknot Lantern Sleeve Sheer Blouse

Zadig&Voltaire Joslin Strass Skirt

Alice + Olivia Pompey High Waisted Pleated Pants

Athleisure:

KORAL Mina Blackout Long Sleeve Shrug – Black

KORAL Jet Infinity Jumpsuit – Black

Dresses:

Needle & thread Genevieve Ruffle Gown

NA-KD Lace Mini Dress

Gaâla Coralie Dress

Outerwear:

Alice + Olivia Macey Cuffed Shawl Collar Blazer

Nina Nieves Raven Long Cape in Black

needle & thread Sylvie Cable Jewelled Knee Length Cape

Footwear and Accessories

Whether it’s playing her cello at Nevermore’s Outreach Day, or planning an impromptu stakeout at the Gates Mansion, Wednesday’s footwear and accessory choice provides strict function. Even the black snood, a birthday gift from Enid (friend/roommate), found such a life-saving purpose in the dumbwaiter.

Footwear:

Thursday Boots Reign

Thursday Boots Dynasty

Rakoh Women’s Suede All Day Chelsea Boot

VIVAIA Rebecca Square-Toe Block Heel Knee-High Boots

SIMONMILLER Hustler Loafer

Rouje BABIES Shoes

Accessories:

Logan Hollowell Queen Oval Onyx Necklace with Sprinkled Diamonds

Strathberry Cashmere Travel Wrap

Smythson Zip Around Backpack in Panama

PATOU Le Petit Patou

Strathberry Safari in Embossed Croc Black

CALZEDONIA Rhinestone Diamond Opaque 50 Denier Tights

CALZEDONIA Diamond Motif Mesh Tights

Beauty & Skincare

Starting with a casket-ready, clear complexion, head makeup artist, Tara McDonald creates Wednesday’s signature look. Think a hummer-stung lip and a smokey eye. Check out these products to achieve your own half-dead look.

ICONIC LONDON Glaze Crayons

WINKY LUX Galaxy Kitten Eyeshadow Palette

Gucci L’Obscur Long Wearing Eyeliner Pen

WINKY LUX ExtravaLash Bold Black Mascara

Gucci Glow & Care Shine Lipstick

WINKY LUX Matte Lip Velour Lipstick

DAZZLE DRY Polish in Bold

Gucci Vernis À Ongles in Black Crystal

CHILL HOUSE Chill Tips in Creepy Baby

KUMA Glow Biome

LENDAVA Good Night Face Cream – 50 ml

Prakti PritiPolish™ Instant Glow Exfoliator

TeenVogue has all the 411 on Wednesday Season 2. Read the story here.

Grace Creaner is the brainchild behind Hermia Bridal, a bridal destination that has been created with love at its core.

Looking back over her life, with grief thrown in to the mix after losing her father, her mum has been her biggest inspiration. Everything that Grace embodies is what we stand for here at House of Coco.

She is passionate, creative and destined to make a name for herself in the wedding industry. We are so excited to follow her journey so we spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, Hermia Bridal…

Hermia has been alive in my mind for a very long time. I always knew that I wanted my own store and I knew I wanted it to be a new take on bridal. I always felt our area was lacking when it came to having access to more modern bridal designers. And I knew that because those very brides were people like myself and my friends. But for me, I also always place a great deal on timing and strongly believe that our pathway is guided without us knowing. So, when I finished my masters in fashion retailing, I placed everything in the hands of the universe and knew Hermia would come into fruition when it was supposed to if I put the hard work in to it.

I worked in luxury retail before becoming a product content writer for womenswear. I have no doubt in my mind that without this background, I wouldn’t have been able to shape Hermia into what I wanted it to be. Likewise, it wasn’t until I got growing pains in my writing role that the space for the store came up for lease. So, the journey for me really has been all about timing and having faith that what I wanted to create was both important and needed.

Fierce, fearless and free is your ethos. Why was this important to you?

The idea of brides feeling totally empowered is what grounds everything at Hermia. I often allude to the history of marriage when talking about our ethos, because I think it is important to recognise marriage as the institution it once was. We have the privilege of living in a time where marriage is simply about love. And with that comes the autonomy for brides to tell their story through their own style identity.

In the same way marriage isn’t shackled by shadows of the past, bridal styling shouldn’t be either. We’re blessed to work with an amazing portfolio of designers who retain traditional touches, paired with much more elevated design sentiments. It’s all about capturing that classic bridal essence but through designs that have been considered with a dynamic and a trend-driven feel to them.

Your brand story is empowering, can you tell us more about the story behind the brand?

Hermia is very much a love letter to the powerful women in my life, in particular my mum. It all comes back round to our ethos really. I’m inspired by every woman who comes through our door. Hermia lends her name from a character from Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. She famously defied patriarchal order by fleeing to marry for love, rather than marrying the man society intended.

My mum has been the strongest pillar in my life, and she also happens to be a huge adorer of Shakespeare’s work. So, the name made perfect sense really. My mum raised me single-handedly after the death of my father, but then went on to teach me what love is when she met her now husband later on in life. It’s a bit of a cliché, but she really has taught me what it means to be strong and in love all at once. And that’s exactly what Hermia is all about.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

An average day in my life consists heavily of love and caffeine. I have the privilege of meeting so many amazing people every day, which is definitely the best part of the job. The store maintenance aspect is huge to me, as I have worked really hard to create a space which feels both elevated and like home all at the same time. So that does take up a great deal of my time (which is where the caffeine comes in). Outside of appointments, I’m always online touching base with brides who we may have met already and brides who we’re yet to meet.

Visiting a bridal store can be daunting and intimidating, what message would you give to anyone who was worried about visiting your store?

Our store has been really carefully considered to be as relaxed as possible. I consciously chose quite a small space, to take out that overwhelming aspect of feeling like you have so many options to consider. Our curated collection of gowns and separates means you can see absolutely everything without feeling bombarded or like you’ve missed anything either. Each style has also been chosen because they explore entirely different styling options, so you have the room to play around and really dig deep into what it is you’re searching for.

How do you want people to feel when they visit your store?

All I want for the brides visiting us is to feel at home. We’re entirely at your disposal to help navigate your search with you and offer as much or as little guidance as you feel you may need. Every dress-fitting is a lesson, whether you find the dress or not. So, all I want for our brides is to leave us feeling like they’ve delved a little deeper into finding what they want and had a gorgeous time whilst doing so.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I think I would have a lot more faith in my convictions. Starting out in a new industry is incredibly daunting, but it shouldn’t be a point for you to doubt your own ability and worth.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Travel is honestly one of my greatest joys in life. For me, it has to be Costa Rica.

Running a business can be non-stop, what do you do to switch off?

It’s a bit of a wild card, but I love going to the cinema. I’m a huge movie buff as it is, but being in the cinema removes any ability for me to go on my phone or pull out my laptop. Even if I dedicate a night off at home, you can guarantee I’ll have a sneaky peek at my emails. So, if I need a second, you’ll find me at the cinema.

What does self care mean to you?

Self care is so multi-faceted because it really does extend across mind, body and soul. Pause is hugely important to me, but can be quite difficult to define and execute. On a basic level, it’s taking the time to reset and rest. So that can be just an early night, a comfort movie and a face mask. On a deeper level, it’s thinking about long term changes to preserve my peace independent of work and my relationship with others.

In five years from now, where do you see the brand?

In five years from now, I’d love to be able to draw on a portfolio of brides who celebrated their love all over the world. I hope we’ll be in the position to grow, continuing to work with our beautiful designers and having gained some new, exciting additions on the way.

Where can people find out more?

You can find out more online or on our Instagram @hermiabridal.

ON THE GO

Whether you are hitting the trail or jet-setting, this selection of gifts will keep you organized, warm and hydrated.

From Left to Right, Line 1:

Mountainsmith: Knockabout Fanny Pack

BUFF: Pack Merino Fleece Cap

Baggu: Travel Cloud Bag

AeroPress: Go Travel Coffee Press

AWAY: The Tech Case

From Left to Right, Line 2:

No Reception Club: Sidekick

DUER: Unisex performance merino beanie

AWAY: The Passport Wallet

Purist: Stainless Steel Water Bottles

BioLite: AlpenGlow 250 Lantern

From Left to Right, Line 3:

Sea to Summit: Hanging Toiletry Bag

Cotopaxi: Fuego Down Scarf

Smythson: Star Keyring in Panama

Baggu: Puffy Cooler Bag

pale blue earth: AA USB-C Rechargeable Batteries

FINAL TOUCHES

Dinners and celebrations with friends and family. These final touches will elevate both your look or outfit this season and any time of the year.

From Left to Right, Line 1:

VICI COLLECTION: Superstar Crystal Barrette Pins

MESTIZA NEW YORK: Gilded Hibiscus Earrings

Dazzle Dry: FRENCH VANILLA SYSTEM KIT (NEW)

Gucci Beauty: Velvet Matte Lipstick Set

amika: good vibes only hydration + repair mask set

From Left to Right, Line 2:

Princess Polly: Tilton Pearl Hair Clip White

Catbird: Sweet Nothing Bracelet

BEAUTYBLENDER: BLENDING QUEEN Blend & Cleanse Set

ICONIC London: Mini Glow Icons

Crown Affair: The Signature Scent

From Left to Right, Line 3:

Mill and Moss: Scrunchie

Strathberry: Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

DEZI: STACKED sunglasses

Winky Lux x The Charmsters: Lip Gloss and Eye Shadow Palette

Marc Jacobs Fragrances: Mini Daisy Perfume Gift Set

HOME SWEET HOME

Who doesn’t want to decompress after a busy holiday? This selection of gifts will make you want to hibernate at home.

From Left to Right, Line 1:

Arrae: Holiday Wellness Trio

philosophy: snow angel cleanse & moisturize set

Wildpier: Deep Exfoliating Glove

UMA: Wellness Oil Trial Kit

Logan Hollowell: Sacred Rose Water Aura Cleansing Mist

From Left to Right, Line 2:

Calzedonia: Open Toe Plush Slippers with Buckles

Darn Tough Vermont: Barnyard Crew Lightweight Lifestyle Sock (Part of Knit to Give, with all proceeds going directly to the Vermont Foodbank)

Desmond & Dempsey: Cotton Luxe Eye Mask Cactus Flower Print Pink/Ecru

MESTIZA NEW YORK: Cindy Robe in Ceramic Blue

Chubbies: Satin Pajama Sets

From Left to Right, Line 3:

Leaves of Leisure: Snow Angel Tea

Loftie: The Mysteries of Sleep

APOTHEKE: Earl Grey Bitters Mini Duo Set

Primark: DIY Foccacia Art Kit (In store only. Purchase a gift card here)

Primark: Plant Lover Gift Set (In store only. Purchase a gift card here)

Bands have become a common use accessory these days, as men buy them for casual wear, formal wear, and even sometimes for weddings.

There are hundreds of options for each event, and it can sometimes be tiresome to choose the suitable option.

We have compiled some important things to remember while finding the ideal ring or men’s bands.

Choosing the Right style

As mentioned before, men’s bands are available in various styles, materials, sizes, and weights, so the first step is to understand for what occasion you plan on buying a ring.

Is it for casual wear, for some event, or do you want to buy a wedding ring? After this, you can limit the ring categories to go through so you can choose from the common types that are mentioned below:

  • Craved Bands

Such rings are considered masculine and go with more semi-casual and streetwear clothes as they are smooth, shiny, and often have curved edges. The silver and smooth look makes it stand out, as they become more noticeable on your hand.

  • Diamond Bands

Such rings are a bit formal as they can have one or more shiny diamonds embedded in them.

  • Classic Bands

These timeless pieces have been around for quite some time, as they have been the go-to wedding rings. Such rings are classy, small, thin, lightweight, and elegant and are usually bought as a wedding gift for the groom.

  • Alternative Options

In contrast to the above-mentioned bands, these bands don’t fit any specific category as they can be worn casually or at events. These rings are commonly made from titanium or cobalt metal and are unique in design.

Choosing the Material

Once you have decided what style you want to go for, then comes the material. People usually go for metal-made rings, as they are sturdy, classy, and fashionable.

Some common metals that are used for making rings are mentioned below:

  • Platinum

Ironically, platinum is one of the most widely used metals for rings despite being one of the rarest elements in the earth’s crust. This metal is hypoallergenic, elegant, and white/silver in color. It almost never results in any skin irritation or rashes.

Due to the scarcity of platinum, most rings are a mixture having 95% platinum and 5% other metals.

  • Gold

Gold-made rings are available in a wide variety, as there are white gold rings, rose gold rings, and traditional rings. Wedding rings or formal rings are usually made from them as they have an elegant look to them.

  • Palladium

The platinum family includes the metal palladium. The two metals appear and feel remarkably similar, as one might anticipate. Palladium is silky and silver-white.

Palladium is sometimes described as “the poor man’s platinum.” Don’t worry, though; this mostly alludes to how inexpensive palladium is.

Although palladium is a little softer than platinum, it is nonetheless robust and long-lasting.

Conclusion

To each their own, so in the world of men’s bands/rings, you can choose whatever matches your style and vibe.

However, it can be significantly easy to select the best one once you know the desired style and material.

“Summertime and the living is easy.” That’s the way the song goes, so when you imagine summertime, you can also start picturing summer outfits that are light, cool and breezy. Summer clothes are also as colourful as they can get, making most people look forward to warm and sunny days to show off their unique style with the clothes they wear.

Our choice of clothes to wear depends significantly on the changes in the seasons. In the winter, jackets, leggings, thermal underwear, and other layers of clothing are the appropriate outfits to keep the body warm and comfortable. The best apparel to protect and keep you dry during the rainy season is a durable raincoat. During the summer, cotton shirts, shorts, and light-coloured clothes are the usual choices as they allow the air to penetrate the body and keep you from sweating from the heat. Changing your wardrobe keeps you comfortable in any climate and protects you from the elements. At the same time, the clothes you wear also reflect your personality and style. Cotton and linen are just some of the ideal materials for summer. You can also create a summery outfit with French terry fabric, like a loose-fitting dress, shorts, or loungewear for relaxing during the warm summer.

When choosing fabric for summer clothes, there are some essential factors to consider. First, materials should be light, as they dry much faster than heavy fabrics. Heavy material usually adheres to the skin, trapping heat and sweat, which is not ideal during warm weather. During the summer, you can also experience high temperatures that can be uncomfortable if you aren’t wearing suitable clothing. Therefore, it is best to go for breathable fabrics that help you stay relaxed and comfortable. Also, it would be best to choose material in lighter shades as darker clothes maintain more heat in the body, which is not suitable during the summer.

Below are some ideas on garments you may want to make for next summer.

Flowing summer dresses

During the summer, you want to wear something that is both stylish and comfortable. Thus, having flowing summer dresses in your wardrobe is an excellent idea. They are versatile pieces you can wear for any occasion, from casual daytime wear to a more formal outfit wearing appropriate accessories. You can pick out material in any colour of your choice and make a summer dress in whatever style and length you wish.

White T-shirts

Nothing can be more relaxed than a white T-shirt during the summer. You can pair it with jeans, shorts, or skirts or inside a denim jacket. White T-shirts are stylish, inexpensive, and easy to wear. They are timeless pieces for different occasions, accessorised or worn for daily activities. White T-shirts are a must for your summer wardrobe.

Linen trouser suits

Linen is an ideal fabric for summer wear as it is breathable and lightweight. For more formal affairs where you may want to veer away from traditional dresses, you can opt for linen trouser suits in white or lighter colours for a chic summer look.

Welcome summer with a wardrobe of the most relaxed and stylish outfits you can create.

A well-thought-out outfit is essential to receive a good first and lasting impression, one that is unique to you and can give you a distinct look overall. Wearing an outfit that compliments you is vital. Many clothing options are available for women in the market and online stores to create an outfit.

One of the most popular options is paper bag pants that can be suitable for any woman and occasion. One can create classic and trendy looks with these pants.

Some people know these pants and how to style them, but some women are unaware and look for the best trending outfit ideas. This article is for you people, and you are on the right path. Keep reading the article and learn about these pants and how to style them stylishly.

What are Paperbag Pants?

These pants are designed to have a high waist with pleats included. You have to cinch with a belt or tie at the waist. There will be some extra fabric at the top of the pants that will stay around the waistline and appear so stylish as it comes above the belt. These pants are available in several cuts for various body types, from skinny jeans to wide-leg pants.

These are also available in different materials, such as denim, cotton, linen, and faux leather. The waistline is designed to have a ruffled model and a loose leg fit. These pants are generally intended for a particular body shape, so all types of women can try them according to their body shape. They can make your wardrobe attractive and fashionable.

So, it is essential that you have to know how to style paper bag pants according to your body size and shape. Here are some trending outfit ideas to style high rise paperbag pants. Take a look:

1. Pants to Style for Petites:

Opt for capri pants with a ruffled waist because they look so flattering for women with petite body shapes. Please avoid full-length pants because they may look too big and spoil your body shape, so you have to choose a cropped pair. Make sure not to wear pants that cross your ankle. It is preferable to wear straight-leg or tapered paperbag pants for women with petite shapes and have to eliminate wide-leg styles.

2. Pants for Plus Size Women:

Plus-size women should always select wide-leg pants as the additional volume of the legs part can maintain your body shape and it can reduce the extra fabric that is present at your waistline. For the wide-leg styled pants, if you are not tall, you have to prefer high-shoes because they give your legs high and show more length. Opt for platform shoes, thick-soled sneakers, and high-heeled wedges for these wide-leg pants.

3. Suitable Tops to Pair with These Pants:

As these pants have a general cut and ruffled waist, these pants are loose so that they can enhance the volume of your body shape. To balance it out, wear fitted tops because they give a flattering style and the best proportions. Whatever top you wear, make sure to tuck it in when you wear it on ruffled waist pants; otherwise, it will look bulky and unflattering. If you are a working woman, you can pair it with a trouser, it is a perfect office look and looks fashionable too. Also, you can try it with a plain shirt or blouse and heeled shoe that gives a bright look.

Wrapping Up:

These are some trendy outfit ideas to wear with denim paper bag pants. Choose the best pair according to your body size and shape, and it will give you an excellent look.

She got it from her mamma! That’s where Charlotte Strømmen’s love for jewellery came from so it was inevitable that she would one day launch her own brand. Luxury for everyone is their ethos and they have stayed true to that through every piece they have created.

Whilst their jewellery will put a smile on your face, it’s the story behind their brand that will inspire you the most. Here, we spent some time with Charlotte to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand, Charlotte Strommen Jewellery?…

Growing up I always had a love and interest for jewellery. I grew up in a really tight-knit family in the jewellery business in Norway, so I’ve been exposed to jewellery from a very young age. The love for jewellery is actually a passion that I have shared with my mother and my late grandmother.

As a person I am very family-oriented and so I guess I always knew deep down that I wanted to go in the same footsteps as my brother and continue on with the family legacy. But with that being said, I never imagined that I one day would launch my very own brand. I actually played with the thought of becoming either a pathologist or psychologist, before eventually deciding on becoming a goldsmith (and an engraver and a stonesetter).

At the age of 21 I finished my goldsmith education in Norway. I’ve always dreamed of living abroad, so I therefore decided on moving to Germany to specialize further in Engraving and Stonesetting. I have been so lucky to be able to attend one of Europe’s leading schools in Stonesetting, Engraving and Goldsmithing; Staatliche Zeichenakademie Hanau. And I think my education at this school has been a huge factor in me developing myself as a designer.

For me drawing has always been a way of relaxing and clearing my mind, so I always have a notebook at hand. After I decided to become a goldsmith, my sketches have since developed into jewellery designs. And over the past few years I’ve been collecting my designs and elaborating them. It was actually my mother that suggested that I could launch my own brand with the designs I had made over the years. At first it was just a crazy idea, but after some time the idea grew on me. And before I knew it, I was working on my own brand and designing jewellery for a living.

At the age of 24, I decided it was the right time to launch my own brand. With that being said, my journey has definitely not been easy. I decided to launch my brand in February 2020, right before the pandemic broke loose in Europe. So, there has for sure been a lot of obstacles along the way, but I am so proud the see where we have come as a brand since our launch.

Where did your love and interest for jewellery come from?

I think my love for jewellery was something I inherited from my mother. I grew up in a family in the jewellery business, so I’ve always been surrounded by jewellery. In fact, I went to my first jewellery fair at the age of 6 weeks.

I’ve always been very interested in art and expressing myself through different types of art. I actually attended art school from the age of 5 – 17 years. And during this time, I would always try to incorporate jewellery to some extent in my art studies.

But it wasn’t until my older brother decided to become a goldsmith, that I understood that this was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Through his work, I awaked a deep interest for jewellery within myself, and thanks to him I decided to become a goldsmith, engraver and stonesetter.

What I truly love about jewellery is that you can change a look of an outfit just by accessorising the outfit with different types of jewellery, and that you can express yourself in so many different ways. For me jewellery makes me feel quite beautiful and confident – and it has such an impact on my everyday life.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your designs?

For me jewellery is all about feeling inspired and to be able to express your inner self with the jewellery you wear. So, when I created my brand, it was important for me that all my designs reflected these criteria. I want people to feel inspired, happy, and good in their own skin by wearing my jewellery.

Not only is it important for me to bring joy to people with my designs, but I also want to give people a feeling of luxury at an affordable price. Therefore, I came up with our motto; “Luxury for Everyone”. My vision from the get-go has been to give a feeling of luxury, that a lot of people can indulge in. I love to combine colourful and sparkling stones with fun and interesting, yet classic and timeless designs. My hope is that our jewellery can inspire people, in the same way that I get inspired by the art of others.

Do you have plans to expand your range in the future and if so, what will you expand into?

Yes, I am actually working on expanding our range as we speak. I am still in the developing phases, but some time within the next few years I hope to launch a gold collection. Right now, all our jewellery pieces are made of silver (925 Silver / Sterling Silver), but I am currently working on an all-new collection in gold.

Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?

In all honesty, I don’t think there much I would do differently if I was given the opportunity. I mean, sure it would probably be a lot easier launching a brand outside of a worldwide pandemic. But looking back, the pandemic definitely also made me change my outlook on how to run/ build a business and it also resulted in me depending on myself a lot more. During lockdown I had to learn how to do jewellery photography, editing, social media strategizing, building a website and so much more. So, it’s been a steep learning curve, and it’s definitely been challenging at times – but at the same time I’ve learned so much about myself and my capabilities.

I think, when launching a brand, it’s crucial to have a vision for your business. I most certain had a vision for my brand from the get-go, but looking back I wish I was more confident in myself. So, I guess the one thing I would change looking back, would be my confidence. But then again, I think confidence is something that grows along with the success. In the beginning everything is so “new”, and you feel quite vulnerable and exposed. Personally, I feel like all my pieces are small parts of me – and so showing these to the world, can be quite intimidating. But I have for sure have felt that my confidence as a designer has improved a lot since the launch.

Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?

I do most of the work for my business myself. All the designs, pictures, social media etc. are done by me. With that being said, I come from a tight-knit family in the jewellery business in Norway, so I am very grateful that I have my own sales team & office that helps me with the daily tasks. Right now, I am finishing a specialization within Stonesetting, so I spend my time travelling back and forth between Germany and Norway. Therefore, I am so grateful for the support I get from my co-workers.

Since the launch of our brand, the response in social media has grown a lot. So, in order to manage everything properly, I’ve recently started cooperating with a pr-agency, Agency M, to help me with our Public Relations work. I am forever grateful for the fantastic work the fierce women behind Agency M, put in for our brand.

For anyone interested in launching a fashion brand, what advice would you offer them?

For anyone interested in launching a fashion brand, my main advice would be; go for it and trust in yourself!

With that being said, it’s so important that you love what you are doing. If you don’t love your work, then you won’t have the energy that it takes to build a fashion brand from scratch. Building something from scratch takes so much motivation, dedication, and willpower – so it’s important that you live and breath for your brand. Personally, I’ve never worked harder than after starting my brand, but I’ve also never been happier. You need to trust in yourself and to stay true to yourself and your gut-feeling. And if you put your heart and soul into your brand, then you are a long way on the road to success. But it is also very important to not give up and instead of measuring success in the big milestones – try to see success in all small positive happenings along the way. And remember that it’s all about the timing. Myself, I started to develop my designs years before launching my brand, but it took some time before I felt the timing was right to launch.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

Well first of all, I guess there is really no such thing as an “average” day in my life. Since I do most of the work with my brand myself, I kind of function as a “multipurpose-worker”.

At the moment I am also finishing my specialization within Stonesetting at Staatliche Zeichenakademie Hanau, in Germany – so I spend my time travelling between Germany and Norway. So, in order to talk you through an average day in my life, I have to talk about both of my everyday situations.

When I am in Germany, I wake up between 04.00 – 05.00 in the morning to get ready for the day. I like to have a slow start in the morning, so it’s important for me to wake up early in order to get in some self-care before leaving for school. After launching my brand I’ve become somewhat of a morning-bird, so waking up early is something I enjoy. When I wake up, I usually make myself a cup of coffee and start off with checking my emails and doing some work. I also like to organize and strategize my day each morning, so that I know what that needs to be done throughout the day. I believe that it’s also very important to eat a good meal and not to stress in the morning, so that you are prepared in the best way for what might come your way during the day.

At 07.00 I usually leave for school. I live in Frankfurt, so there is about a 30-minute commute to my school – which I use to debrief with my office. My school day usually lasts from 08.00 in the morning until 16.00 in the afternoon. I use my free time during the school day to work, but I also make sure to spend some time with friends as well.

My afternoons usually consist of work. It can be everything from social media work, photographing jewellery / editing pictures, designing new jewellery pieces, answering emails, meetings, arranging and organizing photoshoots / collaborations and so on. Doing so much of the work for my brand myself, means that my work tasks are very versatile. But then again, that is one of the things that I love about my work – it never gets boring!

The difficulty with having your own brand, or with being a designer in general – is that you are really never “off” work. For example, I always keep my cell phone or my notebook at arm’s reach, because you never know when you get inspiration for a new idea / design. I mean if I wake up during the night with a brand-new idea, it’s so crucial for me to write it down or to make a quick sketch so that I won’t forget it in the morning.

I tend to go to bed between 22.00 and 23.00 depending on day. The important thing is that I try to get about 6 Hours of good sleep so that I am well prepared for the next day.

When I am in Norway, my day starts a little later since I don’t have to work before going to school. I tend to wake up around 06.00 in the morning and make myself a cup of coffee before getting ready for work. The main thing for me, is being able to have a slow morning in order to be well prepared for the day. Having some time in the morning, relaxes my entire being, and it is truly what that can “make or break” my day. There is basically nothing I hate more than having to rush in the morning. Before heading off to work I make sure to eat a healthy meal to keep me energized for the long day ahead.

My workday usually starts at 08.00 o’clock in the morning. A typical day at work can consist of so many different tasks. I love to be “hands on” when it comes to my business, so when I am at the office I also help out with the orders, and the after-sales service. My typical tasks also include meetings (client meetings, staff meetings etc.), photographing jewellery, designing new items, arranging collaborations and / or photoshoots, photo editing, answering emails. I basically do all the things that need to be done that day – so it’s highly important for me to strategize and organize my day each morning.

A typical workday for me can last until 19.00 – 21.00, depending on how much work that needs to be done. Both when I am in Germany and in Norway I tend to work extra hard during the week so that I can take some time off during the weekend. If I put in a few more hours each day during the week, I can allow myself to take more time off during the weekend. Weekends for me are sacred – they are so important when it comes to recharging your “batteries” and to stay motivated & inspired. Therefore, I make sure to spend the weekends with the people I love and to do something nice for myself.

Every day I try to put in some hours for a self-care and a little “me-time” – whether it’s meeting friends or just relaxing at home before going to bed. The main thing is that everyday should start and end on a good note – in order to be able to do it all again the next day.

Over the past few years, I’ve become more of a workaholic. In all honesty, I live and breath for my work, and it’s one of the most important things in my life – except for my family of course. I grew up in a family with very good work-ethic, so I guess I have been influenced by them from a very young age. But it wasn’t until I made my brand, that I understood how important hard work is in order to succeed in something. And to be honest, hard work does pay off. It might take some time, and it can be discouraging at times – but if you don’t give up and keep on putting in the work, then eventually you will see results. For me, seeing all the small steps along the road to “success” is actually a reward in itself – and definitely the biggest motivational factor.

What do you do when you are lacking creativity?

When I am lacking creativity, it’s about doing all those small things to get back into that creative state of mind. One of the things I love to do when I am lacking creativity is to put on some good music, make myself a cup of coffee (preferably a Latte) and read a magazine. For me magazines are truly great sources of inspiration. As a designer it’s so important to be up-to date on the trends. The fashion industry is always evolving, so for me it’s of highly importance to stay updated on all trends. I love to combine trendy colours with more classic and timeless designs.

When it comes to getting rid of lack of creativity, it depends on what kind of day I am having, in order to find out what I might need to get back into a creative space. Some days all I need is a little “me-time” and other days I need social interaction, in order to find my inner creative state of mind.

But my go-to list when lacking creativity contains; taking a walk outside / enjoying the nature, meet up with friends, watch a movie or a series, go to a museum (preferably something involving Baroque or Rococo), visiting / exploring cities, reading a book or a magazine, draw or paint something, putting on a sheet-mask, doing some shopping or cooking a good meal from scratch.

In all honesty, for me getting into a creative state of mind, is all about clearing my mind. Getting rid of unnecessary thoughts and stress, and instead filling my mind with positive impressions. I feel like a positive state of mind is a good pre-condition in order of getting those creative juices flowing.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

In my opinion, social media has been such an evident role in our success. Through social media we are able to reach more people and connect with our target group in a much more personal way. I believe that the bonding that we do with our followers on for example Instagram, has been such a crucial part of the growing of our brand.

We get a lot of messages, questions and pictures sent to us on our social media accounts and being able to read / answer these, has been so important to us. I run our social media accounts myself, so for me as a designer, it is such an important tool in getting to know my potential target group on a deeper level. Seeing how the final clients wear and style our jewellery pieces gives me so much inspiration and motivates me to keep doing what I love.

Through our work with different influencers, we are also able to connect with a whole other audience and target group.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.

For me, seeing the small positive things in every situation is the key to keep me going. Like most people, I do also meet obstacles and challenges along the way, but when I do I try my best to spin it around so that the obstacle becomes an opportunity instead. It’s all about the mindset really. If you stop trying as soon as a challenge arises, then you won’t get any further. I try to always push myself to keep going, even when things get though. And for me personally, the small successes and accomplishments are the biggest motivational factors.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must visit list?

One of my biggest interests is for sure travelling! I love being able to explore new places and to experience new cultures and traditions. It’s something that is so important for both me as a person and as a designer. I get so much inspiration from meeting new people and seeing new parts of the world. A lot of my jewellery pieces are actually inspired by my travels around the world.

When it comes to travelling, I prefer a mix between nostalgia and new adventures. I love to revisit places I went with my family growing up, but I also love to explore new territory.

If I had to pick one destination on my must visit list, I guess I would have to go with Miami. I just love the feeling of Miami – the mix between the vibrating pulse of the city along with the relaxing beaches on South Beach. Also, I just love that you can find so many different cultures in one place. From a designer’s point of view, I absolutely adore how colourful the city feels – it gives me so much inspiration! This also reflects in my jewellery – I love to work with vibrant colours, and to mix them with more classic designs.

My must visit list also include some of my favourite cities; Florence, Hamburg, and London. I have so many fond memories from my travels to these cities, and they have truly inspired me greatly in my work as a designer.

Next on my visit list is definitely; New York, LA, and to explore new parts of the UK.

What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care for me is all about taking a few minutes for myself. For me, it doesn’t really need to be an elaborate self-care routine, it’s enough with a few minutes where I get to unwind.For example, I love to put on a mask and watch a series or a movie, or to spend a girls-night with some of my closest girlfriends. Or it can be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee (or tea) in the morning while I get ready for school or work.

Self-care to me is really just about the small pleasures in life. Running a business can be quite stressful, and it’s no secret that doing a specialization on the side increases the level of stress in the everyday-life – so the last couple of years I’ve really made an effort to try to do something nice for myself every single day. Self-care is really important for my inspiration – I need to be in a good place mentally to be able to make good designs.

Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to see that our brand has expanded to other countries outside of our market. We get a lot of inquiries from different countries around the world, but until now we have focused more on building / growing our brand in our main market. But we do see a huge response from other countries, so expanding our market is definitely something that I see happening in the near future. Other than that, I hope I get to continue with doing what I love and thrive for in life – and I am so excited to see where it takes us as a brand.

It’s been such a wild ride since our launch, so if there is something that I have learned – it is that hard work pays off and to expect the unexpected!

Where can people find out more?

To find out more about our brand, you can visit our social media accounts or our website:

Instagram: @charlottestrommenjewellery

Facebook: Charlotte Strømmen Jewellery

Website: www.charlottestrommenjewellery.com

If you know me well, you know that I love a great manicure. I attribute it to talking with my hands. My color of choice is a super opaque white, but if I’m visiting New York, I’ll pick the latest nail design from Paintbox. Sadly, I lack a steady hand, so I usually opt for a trip to my go-to-spot with my favorite manicurist.

Unfortunately, ongoing gel polish can often do a number on your nails leaving them yellow, dry and brittle. I usually give my nails a rest (and my wallet) for a few weeks in between treatments.

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Dr. Valenty, has a vast career in the sciences that includes being a research scientist at the New York State Department of Health and a research and developer at Dupont and General Electric. She has developed a molecule at Dupont to replace phosphates in detergent using carbohydrates and soybeans, as well as developing a patented polymer for GE’s electronics and semiconductors.

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The 4-step Nail System starts with Nail Prep, a Base Coat, your choice of Lacquer (150 colors available!) and finishes with a top coat which comes in high gloss or matte finish. The polish can be removed with any nail polish remover, yet I love Remove Non- Acetone – Lacquer Remover. Enhanced with Spearmint and Eucalyptus essential oils the Lacquer Remover helps to moisturize nails and cuticles and as an extra bonus, it smells fantastic!

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Read what the editors of The EveryGirl thought of Dazzle Dry here.