I’ve previously raved about Lily Kai Vintage Boutique so this feature is a bit overdue Kristen, the online vintage shops visionary owner, was kind enough to chat with me about personal style (of course!) and the business of time honored fashion.

How did you get into selling vintage? 

I’ve always dreamt of having a clothing boutique but that dream became a reality when I was laid off in 2008.  It made sense to start online and vintage was perfect because I knew I could offer the customer pieces that they couldn’t get anywhere else.

Along with the vintage shop element, you also offer a number of wardrobe and style consulting services. What’s your number one piece of advice for those looking to develop an authentic personal style?

You have to know who you are and be comfortable with that. If I took a client and styled them but they weren’t comfortable then they wouldn’t be able to pull it off, it wouldn’t be believable. Personal style is about representing your true self and being unapologetic about it!

How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style is classically chic. I love pops of color, textures quality pieces and mixing hi and low designers. I enjoy making the trends my own but I wouldn’t call myself trendy.

Tell us about some of your favorite vintage finds to date. Did you offer them for sale or keep them for yourself?

I recently purchased an art deco vintage Lanvin Paris necklace that I am so in love with. Another favorite are a pair of late 60’s earrings I found when I was on business in Atlanta years before I moved here. It’s hard not to want to keep everything for myself but it’s fun sharing amazing vintage treasures with my customers.

Now that vintage is such a hot commodity, what do you feel sets Lily Kai’s selection apart?

I’m well aware that someone could easily go thirfting or shop another amazing vintage store but customers come to Lily Kai Vintage because they know that I hand select every piece. I follow the trends, affordable prices and amazing customer service.

Is there any trend from the past that you would like to see resurface?

That’s tough, I feel like all of my favorites continue to resurface. I’m currently obsessed with the peplum waist and retro prints!

Thanks Kristen! Slide on over to Lily Kai Vintage Boutique online and take a look at more of her fantastic vintage fashion selection.

Meet Maven Laurie Underwood, the designer behind Wanda Grace. Her fluid creations are the perfect compliment to the modern woman’s wardrobe. Simply put, I believe this line is truly is One To Watch.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic and ladylike with a tiny touch of trend. I love a pencil skirt coordinated with an edgy blouse and amazing  heels.

Is your personal style reflected in the line?

Yes. As a designer, this is the first time I have portrayed my own personal style within my collection (S/S 2012). I wanted my vision for the line to be relatable. So, I pondered on what I would want my dream wardrobe to be for the coming season and S/S 2012 is what I came up with based on my love for style- driven pieces and a few of today’s most likable trends, such as bright hues, sheer blouses, and pencil skirts.

Where do you usually find creative inspiration?

I have an ultimate inspiration that I always try to stick to when it comes to style; I love the fashion era from 1975- 1985. I truly admired the glamour with simplicity and masculinity, mixed with a few trends of today. But usually, I don’t find inspiration until I visit the fabric warehouse, where there are tons of colors and fabrics to be inspired by.

What kind of woman do you envision wearing Wanda Grace?

I envision Wanda Grace to be worn by a woman who is aware of her own personal style. She loves to mix new with old and and she’s not afraid of trying something new. Her style is very important to her as it helps to define who she is.

Who would you be really excited to see wearing your designs?

Tracy Ellis Ross….Love her style!

What is your favorite Wanda Grace creation so far and why?

Out of the three years I have been designing, my S/S 2012 is my favorite collection, because I finally decided that I wanted my line to portray my own personal style just to gain the personal connection I was missing all along. From this collection, I have to say that my favorite piece is the Heather pant. It’s a vintage cut, high- waisted, wide legged pant that’s comfortable, cute and chic all at once.

What’s up next for Wanda Grace?

A style expansion is next for Wanda Grace. We are always trying to figure out new styles to continue to add to the collection. Wanda Grace started off as a dress line and now our plan is to develop a brand that can easily take our customer from day to night.

What can we expect from any upcoming collections?

I’m so excited about my upcoming collections, as I will continue to focus on dressing the customer based on what she has going on in her life. This could consist of a super fab and long pencil skirt for the office, a backless crepe dress for date night, a vintage cut high- waisted pant for girl’s night out, or even a uniquely designed fall coat that she will wear for 2 seasons in a row. 

Thanks Laurie! Check out more of this wonderful collection at WandaGrace.com

Meet Florie of the blog Peanut Butter Trysts! One of my new go-to sites features a bevy of effortless eclectic personal style (as clearly exhibited above). Read on to find out more about her confident, on point look.

In a few words how would you describe your personal style?
My personal style’s eclectic, relaxed

What were you wearing the last time you felt your most confident?
I’d like to think I feel confident all the time no matter what I’m wearing, but the last time I looked in the mirror and winked at myself I was wearing a camo t-shirt, black skinnies and black courts.. I thought I looked like a scary sexy off-duty soldier!

If you could raid any clothing store for one hour which store would it be and why? What would you grab?
if I had the chance I’d raid Acne, I love how they design everything with such a minimalist approach. I’d make sure to grab everything from the ‘White’ capsule collection and the amazing peach suede biker jacket!

What are a few of your go to wardrobe staples?
My staples never change so black skinnies, a leather jacket, black patent loafers and plenty of shirts and grey t-shirts.. easily dressed up or down!

What are you looking forward to wearing for spring/summer?
It sounds weird but I’m actually not that trendy, I don’t pay too much attention to what’s ‘in’ season-wise but I’m really looking forward to experimenting with florals and I have a few pastel pieces I cant wait to wear this summer.

Thanks Florie! Check out her must see blog Peanut Butter Trysts

Meet Sandy and her fun, fearless fashionista side aka Marley Simone. I’m definitely a fan of her super versatile style! Whether she’s working a vintage glamour vibe or a modern day look, Sandy of Marley Simone has the muse title in the bag!

How would you describe your personal style?

I love fashion and I have a great appreciation for many styles. My style is constantly evolving. It’s difficult to say what my own personal style is since it changes so much. It literally changes from day to day and season to season. I like to take bits and pieces of styles and trends that I love and make it my own. In the end, I do gravitate towards styles that are classy and feminine, but is a bit edgy.

Do you have any style icons that you look up to?
I have a few modern day muses that I admire. I love Gwen Stefani. She does feminine and edge so well. She strikes the perfect balance between all things I love. It doesn’t matter how tattered and rough her attire is, she finds away to make it look soft and pretty. I really appreciate her interpretation of fashion.

You developed an alter ego that has a fearless approach to fashion. Can you share a bit more about Marley Simone? Does this alter ego influence your daily fashion choices?
MARLEY SIMONE is me; she’s just my other self. She’s fun, daring, brave, fearless, and has a lot of edge and feistiness towards her. She definitely comes through in my daily fashion choices because she is fashion. If it weren’t for her, I would be very conservative and demure with absolutely no edge. #boring #yawn Every gal needs edge and spice!

In addition to blogging, you also do personal styling and wardrobe services. What’s your best piece of advice to give to those who may be lost on their journey to find their true style?

True style comes from within. You have to find yourself, know yourself and love yourself. Fashion isn’t all that complicated, but I think people get lost because they aim to be and do things because they see other people doing it. You have to do you. Do your own thing. It’s not that serious. Play around. Do what makes you happy and do what you like. If you feel good, look good doing it by wearing what you love and dressing for your body type.

What are you usually wearing when you feel like you’re looking your best?
To feel like I’m looking my best, I must have great hair, perfectly manicured nails, and glowing skin. From there, it’s depends on the occasion.

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?

I don’t want to be too serious this summer. I’m planning to be abroad this summer so comfort and ease is my motto. Fun ripped denim shorts…sounds so cliché, predictable, or common, but denim has made a huge come back and it’s just always my favorite thing to wear in the summer time. I’m also going to be mixing a lot of downtown meets uptown styles.

Thanks Sandy! Visit Marley Simone for more fearless fashion fun.

Blake Von D has a captivating sense of style that just makes you want to know more about her outlook on fashion, hence today’s feature! Read on as the fashion forward NYC muse talks personal style, fashion heroes and what she’s wearing this summer.

How would you describe your personal style? Would you say that you have a signature look?
My personal style is the epitome of “Sugar & Spice”. I’m a sundress and combats boots kinda girl. I love soft, feminine pieces, but because I naturally look really young, I like to add edge with “hard” pieces like leather.
Turbans have sort of become my signature look–mainly because I tend to use scarves with lots of bold prints and patterns. I get tons of requests for tutorials on how to wear a turban. I always say have just fun with it! There’s no “right way” to rock a turban. My readers have also come to know me for my collection of wedges. I’ve always been into heels, but they aren’t really practical for the average New Yorker. I had to find a compromise between flats and stilettos. Thanks to the fashion gods for wedges!
If we were to bump into you on the street what would you most likely be wearing?
Because I’m a New York City girl-on-the-go, I’m usually wearing something that will allow me to make a last minute dash for the train if need be. In the winter, I’m probably wearing jeans, loosely laced boots, and some sort of skully/knit hat or turban on account of my short hair and needing to keep my head warm. During the warm months is when I have the most fun with my outfits. There’s honestly no telling what you’d find me wearing. Some days I literally just toss on a funky men’s button up (shorts for safe measure), a cute pair of shoes and call it a day! O, and almost always something black. It’s my favorite color!

What are a few of your most loved wardrobe items right now?
One of my favorite wardrobe items is my pewter metallic bubble necklace (pictured below). It’s the perfect little accessory for spicing up almost any outfit and I always get lots of compliments when I wear it.

If you could add one fantasy fashion item to your closet what would it be and why?
A wedding dress designed by Alexander McQueen. In my opinion, McQueen was one of the greatest that ever did it. His designs possessed a level of creativity and passion that surpassed mere “fashion”. He had a way of breathing life into a garment and making it come alive. I can dream of nothing greater than dancing the night away with the man of my dreams in a dress that is beyond even my wildest dreams.

Do you have any personal style icons or fashion heroes that you look to for inspiration?
Well, as previously mentioned, Alexander McQueen. He was and still is my everything when it comes to fashion. Others whose fashion sense I admire are Olivia Palermo, Gwen Stefani, June Ambrose, Rihanna…women whose risk-taking fashion matches their take charge attitude. These women leave no room for grey areas. You either love them or you love to hate them (while secretly wishing you could be them)!

What are you looking forward to wearing this summer?
O goodness…so many things! Wedges, shorts, loose fitting crop tops, lots of prints and patterns, bold neons, blonde hair, tons of accessories…all the things I’ve missed out on after spending the entire winter bundled up in New York City.

Tell us where we can find you on the web (Twitter,Facebook, etc.)
You can find my blog at Blakevond.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/BlakeVonD. Be sure to check it out! You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest at @BlakeVonD.

Thanks Blake!

The Shakesperean post titles alone make for a fun fashion read on Baby Budget Blog. What’s even better is that the looks featured on the site are just as inspired. In short, stopping by Amy’s blog is always a treat! We talked personal style philosophy and retail therapy with the style savvy blogger.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style ranges from ladylike glam, to casual chic and anything goes in the middle of that spectrum. I don’t like to box myself into one style category. I sample everything! I am an equal opportunity stylista! Lately, I find myself gravitating towards bright pieces, and I always look for clothes or shoes or jewelry that have interest or are a bit unique (anything from structured to frilly to patterned to plain). My style is ever growing and evolving, and I’m constantly pushing myself to keep an open mind when it comes to the pieces I buy.

Do you have a personal style philosophy?
Know your body type and what does and does not look good on you. Just because I’m slender, doesn’t mean EVERYTHING looks good on me. And HAVE FUN!

What are your favorite outfit posts so far and why?
Of course I love all my posts, but if I had to pick, my absolute favorites are:
· If He Be Married, My Grave is Like To Be My Wedding Bed- I was a spirit not able to rest because my love loved another.
· When Shall We Three Meet Again? That storage hallway was my personal runway!
· That Looks on Tempests and Is Never Shaken- Loved the look of the fallen leaves in the background (shot the day after a mild hurricane).
· Where Thou Art Not, Desolation-Somewhere in the sultry hot sun manning my solitary, dilapidated gas station with Hotel California by the Eagles on constant repeat.
· That Which We Call A Rose-It was the perfect summer, sunlit, barefoot, green-countryside evening.

What are a few of your most treasured wardrobe items?
A gold and silver Fendi that I bought myself one Christmas; a Gryphon black studded coat that I scored on eBay, my YSL Arty rings and my 1940′s vintage rhinestone collar necklace!

What are you usually wearing when you feel the most confident?
Could be a backless dress or it could be a pair of boyfriend jeans. Confidence is after all, the sexiest thing you can have on!

If we were to tag along with you on a trip to your favorite places to shop,
where would we end up?
Lately, I’ve found myself mostly shopping online. But some of the stores we’d pop into are:
· Zara
· H&M
· Free People
· Anthropologie
· JCrew
· Bloomigndale’s
· Saks Fifth Avenue
· Lord & Taylor
· Housing Works
· All Saints
· And pretty much any store along the way that had a good display of shoes, clothes and jewelry

Thanks Amy! Fresh Fashion and style inspiration this way —-> on Baby Budget Blog

Meet Shavonne Cooper the designer behind clothing line Shavonne De’Ann. The ambitious maven has garnered attention as the designer who crashed NYFW, but has stayed in the spotlight for her girly yet edgy pieces that are an instant draw for the young modern muse. Shavonne gives us a sneak peek into her day to day design life and talks takin’ risks with Mavens & Muses.

Describe a typical day in the life for you while you’re working on the Shavonne DeAnn line
A typical day is checking emails, researching for my business via entrepreneur.com, yfs entrepreneur, looking for fabric bargains, sketching, more researching, planning for future endeavors, etc.

If we were to bump into you on the street what would we most likely find
you wearing?

Not sure exactly, but my look would probably be chic, feminine and edgy paired with my gold watch, arm candy, DVF hobo or tote bag and my signature SD specs.

I read that you create for the woman who isn’t afraid to take a risk. Are you fearless when it comes to your own personal style?

I think so, I love taking risks of course, LOL! I’m not afraid to do things like wearing brown and black together, bright colors in the winter, mixing patterns, etc.

Can you give us an idea of what to expect from the next (or soon to be released) collection?

As of now I won’t have a collection this year, but no worries. What I’m doing is producing 1-2 new pieces a month until July that are fun, edgy, girly for the SD customer. It will be a surprise type of thing cause I like surprising people with fun, happy things. You can check
it out on my new site http://shavonnedeann.com where you can buy from the site now. However, I will definitely be producing a Spring/Summer 2013 collection that will launch in August. I can’t give you too much of what’s in store, but I will say it will be a little different from what I’ve been doing…So yes, I’m excited for those two things and
the other things I’m working on.

Many know you as the ambitious designer who crashed NYFW, in five years what do you want to be known for?

In five years I plan to have build a strong team and business, to be in stores worldwide, Shavonne DeAnn on celebs, showing at NYFW/PFW and
my own flagship studio.

Want more? Head on over to the Shavonne De’Ann website.

Beaute’ J’adore is a one stop blog for a beautiful outlook on food, fashion, beauty and home decor. After each visit I often wonder if there isn’t anything that the blogs creator Nikki can’t do! I chatted it up with today’s muse about everything from her beauty routine to her fab closet space.

How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a signature look?

I would describe my style as sophisticated chic, I love classic staples with modern infused. I am a huge lover of tunics and cropped jackets, there is so much versatility with both.

Since you’re a self proclaimed beauty junkie I have to ask, what’s your go-to makeup routine?

I have to admit although I own tons of makeup, I am more of a skincare junkie. My normal makeup routine is foundation which I mix Stila and Makeup Forever, Tarte concealer, Makeup Forever HD powder, Benefit loose powder more so like a bronzer, Sephora liquid liner, Lancome definicils mascara, Laura Mercier lip glace, & Mac lip liner. I swear this process only take about 15 minute
What style elements, looks or trends are you into right now?

I don’t tend to go all out when it comes to trends, simply because it’s easy to go broke doing that. I have key pieces that can be worn well after the trend has long gone. Ie: peplum tops especially, I know they are all the trend now, but I have peplum tops I have had for years. That’s definitely a now trend that can withstand time. I have also incorporate a few pastel color pieces but again I look at pieces that have the potential for longevity. I don’t want to have a closet filled with trends from many season past.

If you could add one fantasy fashion item to your closet what would it be and why?

It would have to be the Christian Louboutin Altipump Spike Cork Pump, I have been eyeing them since they were unveiled and they are AMAZING!

Speaking of closets, yours looks quite lovely. What’s your top piece of advice for keeping an organized closet?

In addition to putting dresses with dresses, skirts with skirts etc, I would recommend going through your closet at least once a month familiarizing yourself with what’s in it. Most people tend to forget how incredible there wardrobe is, so when doing this you tend to 1 keep it neat and organized and 2 get a renewed excitement for what you forgot you had.

Do you have any style icons or fashion heroes that you look to for inspiration?

I love the style of Rachel Roy, Giovanna Battaglia, and Elisa Nalin they are all sophisticated, chic and fashion forward. I can style stalk them all day.
Tell us where we can find you on the web (Twitter,Facebook, etc.)

Twitter|Facebook |Pinterest {Editors Note-Nikki has the best Foodie pins!}|Bloglovin

As much as I love a complex layered look, there’s also something to be said about an aesthetic that’s clean and simple but never boring. Erica of Joy and Sunshine exemplifies this idea beautifully.  A lover of J.Crew and classic Converse, Erica has the art of preppy chic down pat.

How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as preppy classic chic, sometimes with a little twist. I love well-fitting button downs, tailored shorts, blazers…timeless pieces that pair well with newer things season after season.

What are are a few of your current wardrobe staples?
My perennial favorites are my navy schoolboy blazer, jeans (skinnies, trousers, slim boot fits), long-sleeve button down shirts with a bit of stretch, and Converse All Stars (my flat of choice . Right now, I’m having fun playing with contrasts, so my olive skinny cargo pants, distressed jeans, and light wash denim vest are go-to pieces to mix with more tailored items.

What are your favorite shopping destinations?
I love J.Crew! I think it’s the perfect combination of fashion-forward basics and quality, classic clothing without being stuffy or pretentious.

What are you usually wearing when you feel your most confident?
The specific pieces vary, but in general, I’m most confident when I feel comfortable – in my own skin as well as in my outfit- and am wearing things that I feel really convey my personal aesthetic.

Thanks Erica! Check out her fab blog Joy and Sunshine.

On her blog, Extraodinary People, Rachel showcases a fashion sense that can’t quite be put into a box and we like it that way! From clean boy meets girl pieces to the latest spring florals, Extraordinary People is a veritable source of cool girl style posts. Rachel breaks it all down after the jump for Mavens and Muses!

What made you decide to start your blog?

I started blogging last year when I realized that I wanted to indulge in this wonderful world of fashion. I knew I wanted to pose in front of a camera, but I knew I was not a size 0 or UK 4, I am a UK 8-10 US 4-6 with a bigger bust than most. I knew this just wouldn’t work in the fashion industry so I went on with life thinking I was excluded from the world of fashion. When I discovered blogging, I suddenly realized that I could live my dream without the constraints and expectations of the modeling industry. I also didn’t need to be 5’7 lol. I started my blog to show case my style and to show other young girls that they too can showcase their love for fashion without feeling they need to have a certain look.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style ranges from androdgynous to chic, I love the minimal look so I mix all three together. I don’t think I can box my style, it just is… Oh and I love shirts as you can tell by my blog posts lol.

Do you have any style icons that you look up to?

I look up to Solange, Alexa Chung and the Olsen twins. I look up to a few bloggers too such as FashionVibe, 5 inch and up, Fashion Toast and Park and Cube.

What are your favorite spring trends?

My favourite Spring trends are the minimalist trend, the floral trend and the pastel trend. I’ve never really liked floral prints but I bought a floral shirt just to be daring and I actually ended up loving the whole look and the trend. The minimalist rend has been one I’ve always loved and the pastel trend is just sooooo perfect for Spring.

If we were to take a look inside your closet what item would we find the most of (shoes,dresses, etc.)

If you had a look in my wardrobe you will find sooooo many chiffon shirts, so many soft cotton shirts and soooo many white tops. I’m obsessed with shirts, it’s actually unbelievable. Most people do shoes and bags, I do shirts.

Tell us where we can find you on the web (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

Twitter: @Extrao_Ordinary

Blogger: Extraordinary-people.blogspot.co.uk

Instagram: Extraordinary_people

Facebook: Extraordinary People

Email me with any questions: Extraordinary-people@hotmail.co.uk!

Thanks Rachel!

You guys know the drill See more of Rachel’s savvy style on Extraodinary People!