Armed with a bundle of t-shirts, scissors, fabric glue, and appliqué, Melody Kulp and her partner (and now fiancé) David Reinstein founded Sweetees in 2002. Four years later, Melody Kulp’s line of of effortlessly luxurious tees, sweaters, and dresses is firmly entrenched in the young contemporary market—and in the closets of celebrity style icons from Sarah Jessica Parker to Beyonce Knowles. Read on for Melody’s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts, where she finds her design inspiration (travel), and how she met her partner in work and life.
Omiru: How would you like people to describe Sweetees?
Melody: Fresh. I love it when a customer says, “Oh my gosh, I haven’t seen that anywhere else.†I feel it’s my job to create something that doesn’t exist necessarily or something that others aren’t selling. We’re a fun, girly, colorful, happy brand.
O: Design influences?
M: I get inspiration from travel. I love seeing all the different cultures—the artisans, the colors, prints, and embroideries. I’m not one to look at what everyone else is doing. I’d rather go off of my intuition rather than follow the runways. Why? Everyone else is following the runways.
O: Favorite travel destination?
M: I don’t think I could pick just one. South America. Mexico, for their colors and embroideries. India has beautiful colors and fabrics. Morocco has amazing cool stuff that’s different.
O: You work with your fiancé at Sweetees. How’d you meet?
M: We met while traveling. We were both part of the Semester at Sea program, a university on a boat that travels all around the world. We traveled to fourteen countries, but we were both from the same place.
O: What’s it like working with your fiancé?
M: Really good. He and I work on totally different aspects of the business, so it works out. We’re not stepping on each other’s toes—we’re filling each other in.
O: How do you separate work and life? Or do you?
M: It’s still a work in progress. We try to discuss other things when we’re not at work, but work and life bleed into each other. We manage to make it work. At the beginning, all we did was talk about work. Now, we strike more of a balance.
O: What’s your current favorite piece from your collection?
M: I really like our rib and chiffon group. You can dress it up and dress it down. It’s daywear, but the chiffon makes it dressy.
O: What do you like about LA style?
M: It’s laid back, but not too laid back. There’s a balance.
O: What do you love about LA:
M: I love the subcultures in LA. On a weekend, you can go to Olvera Street and feel like you’re in Mexico. You can go to Little Tokyo and feel like you’re in Japan. The subcultures are all so close to each other, but they’re not mixed.
O: Celebrities love Sweetees. Turning the table, though, whose wardrobe would you love to raid?
M: Gwyneth Paltrow or Angelina Jolie.
O: Fashion Dos:
M: Scarves. Accessorizing outfits correctly, putting things together well. Layering in the right way. A great handbag and shoes.
O: Fashion Don’ts:
M: Tucking your shirt in. Hiking your pants up too high. Trying too hard and going overboard. Being a fashion victim. It has to be organic and natural to you. Don’t be something you’re not.
O: Little known fact about Sweetees?
M: It was started when I was in college at age 19 by two young entrepreneurs.
O: Where can we buy Sweetees online?
M: Find Sweetees online at ShopIntuition.com, RevolveClothing.com, and LisaKline.com.
Pictured (from top): Suede Cami ($119), Gianna Top ($86), Gaston Top ($79).
Posted by Trisha on December 7th, 2006 in Designer Profiles, Features, Women |
Brave the winter winds and the holiday crowds with this cozy ensemble in black and white.
Fashion Formula = Down Jacket + Scarf + Henley + Jeans + Ankle Boots.
Quilted Down Jacket | $99.50 at American Eagle
Merino Wool Wide-Rib Scarf | $38 at Banana Republic
Silverlake Henley | $78 at Modern Amusement
Rock & Republic ‘Floyd’ Bootcut Jeans | $262 at Nordstrom
Ben Sherman ‘Grove’ Boot | $160 at Nordstrom
Posted by Trisha on December 6th, 2006 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
This season, you need a coat that will serve three purposes: to keep you extra warm, to make you look slim, and to give you that luxurious glow. Presenting our top picks of coats that fit the bill.
Mod Military Coat | $148 at Gap
Tie Car Coat | $128 at Gap
Posted by Melody on December 5th, 2006 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Is The Color Green In or Out?
You said: We heart Green! 79% are all over the emerald color. Only 12% and 9%, respectively, believe they’re On the Way
Out and Out.
Omiru’s take: Wear green for its festive flair or for its inherent wearability. Those with lighter, fairer skin tones should steer towards deeper, saturated shades. Bright, vibrant shades of green perfectly complement darker skin tones.
Next Question: Jennifer Lopez is often spotted in her signature Leopard Prints. But what do you think? Tell us, is Leopard Print In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Tahari "Natalia" Dress | $598 at Nordstrom.
Posted by Trisha on December 4th, 2006 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Issue No. 65 of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Omiru’s Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.
This
week, we’re spotlighting Our Favorite Gifts Under $25 to jumpstart your holiday shopping. We present to
you a unisex travel organizer and tyvek wallet.
Abroad Travel Organizer | $24.95 at Flight 001
Keep track of where you’ve been and where you’re going in 2007.
Ever Together Tyvek Wallet | $20 at Greener Grass DesignThe wallet is specially designed to expand as you fill it.
Posted by Trisha on December 1st, 2006 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Men, Trend, Women |
With a zest for life that extends from the racetrack to the clothing rack, Lisa Kline isn’t the kind of woman who likes to take it slow. In a city that prides itself on its laid back vibe, the avid racecar driver is speeding towards success, however you measure it. In the past year alone, Lisa oversaw the opening of three of her eponymously named boutiques—and gave birth to a brand new baby. Read on to get a glimpse of life in the fast lane, from Lisa’s foolproof outfit to what she loves about LA.
Omiru: How would you like people to describe your stores?
Lisa: Comfortable and welcoming. I’ve designed my stores to feel like a home—warm, friendly, and easy to shop.
O: Who are you buying now?
L: Our Beverly Hills store just opened a couple of weeks ago. For women, I’m buying Johnson (shorts), Miguelina, Bailey 44, Rachel Pally, Cynthia Vincent, and Charlotte. For men, I’m buying Ever, Fred Perry, Theory, Modern Amusement, Salvage, Chip & Pepper, and LA Denim.
O: Current bestsellers?
L: For women, Rebecca Taylor, Splendid, Robert Rodriguez, Ingwa Melero, Juicy Couture, Chip & Pepper, and Joe’s Jeans. For men, Splendid, Ever, Modern Amusement, Theory, and Juicy Couture Men’s.
O: What do you buy for the girl who has everything?
L: A Botkier purse. Straight-legged denim. Shorts—perfect for wearing with a tunic dress. A cool belt. Fun jewelry.
O: How about for the guy who has everything?
L: A cashmere sweater from Autumn Cashmere. Black or grey denim for Spring. Or jewelry—a wallet chain, money clip, bracelet, necklace, or cufflinks.
O: What trends do you think will be huge for Spring?
L: For women, dresses—especially minidresses and tunics. Great tops that are long enough to be a dress, paired with shorts and high heels or boots. Skinny legged denim. Leggings. Belts. 80s infuences. Patent leather accessories. Miniskirts.
For men, western influences, rocker looks, and straight legged jeans.
O: What trends do you wish would just go away?
L: None. I really love all the trends that are happening now!
O: 5 Things you like about LA?
L: It’s a beautiful place to live with great weather and no seasons. You can take risks. There’s room to be creative. It’s hip and fashion forward. It’s a place where dreams come true.
O: 5 people whose wardrobe I’d love to raid:
L: Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston, and Halle Berry.
O: Best Fashion Tip?
L: Wear what makes you feel comfortable, even if it’s not the trend.
O: Your foolproof outfit?
L: Jeans, a sexy top, a sweater, and heels. Oh, and a killer purse.
O: Little known fact about you?
L: I like to race cars. I’m also a mom with two kids.
O: Last Words:
L: If you have a passion and a dream, go for it.
Shop Lisa Kline’s boutiques from the comfort of your own couch at http://www.lisakline.com/.
Posted by Trisha on November 30th, 2006 in Designer Profiles, Features |
Wide or thin, these stripes were made for wearing. Think outside the box and pair these linear sweaters with patterned shirts for some extra oomph.
Posted by Trisha on November 29th, 2006 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
Throw on something purple, and you’re sure to feel like royalty. Who cares if you don’t have a diamond tiara and a golden throne; the purple hue is rich enough to make you stand out in a crowd.
Our $$$ Picks:
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Belted Tunic | $270 at Nordstrom
Drape Neck Top | $245 at Bebe
Our $$ Picks:
Calvin Klein Jeans Dolman Sleeve Sweater | $69 at Nordstrom
BCBGirls Drape Neck Jersey Tunic | $58 at Nordstrom
Our $ Pick:
Convertible Knit Belt | $18 at UrbanOutfitters
Posted by Melody on November 28th, 2006 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
We asked: Are Velvet Jackets In or Out?
You said: Pull one on for the holiday party. 58% are all over Velvet Jackets. 18% and 26%, respectively, believe they’re On the Way
Out and Out.
Omiru’s take: Velvet Jackets are an easy way to take your look from standard to snappy. We’re fans of the tuxedo look in particular–updated for this season with a cropped sleeve and snug fit (pictured). Wear your Velvet blazer with tuxedo pants, trousers…or even denim.
Next Question: Green is a classic holiday color…and perhaps the Next Big Thing. Tell us, is The Color Green In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Theory Bobby Adore Velvet Blazer | $395 at Shopbop.
Posted by Trisha on November 27th, 2006 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Happy Thanksgiving, all! Omiru will be out on holiday
for the rest of the week, returning bright and early next Monday
morning.
But we’re worth the wait.
Next Monday, we’ll be debuting our Holiday Gift Guide on our shopping blog. Check back often for our top gift picks for everyone on your shopping list–from your boss to your best friend.
Want a sneak peek? Pictured is a gorgeous Bubble Placemat, only $10 at Greener Grass Design. The perfect gift for your favorite hostess.
Posted by Trisha on November 22nd, 2006 in News, Off Topic |
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