Shakara: Interestingly enough I’ve always had an interest in fashion design. There are doodles from when I was in kindergarten. It’s always been in me. I used to raid my parents closets. I would style all these little things and put on fashion shows. My whole family is in the fashion industry. My parents are in retail. My uncle is in manufacturing. I have an aunt who is a designer. All of my schooling was in fashion [Art institute in Florida].

O: What made you start ROXS?

S: It offically launched in September of 2005 at the Coterie show in New York. It’s such a difficult show to get into–they select the designers. I was thrilled that I had been accepted. I showed amongst the greats like Sean John and Polo Jean. My second collection, we just showed 10 days ago. We had our first runway show in New York, which was extraordinary.

O: Describe your collection and who wears it.

S: The first collection has sweats made of 100% silk terry. The feel of the fabric is extraordinary. Unbelievably luxurious, hand stitching hidden details, great studs; I paid a lot of attention to detail.Very feminine cuts, very flattering. Loungy, a bit boyish, but super sexy and feminine. I made sure that my tops have extra rib around pouch areas to cover the trouble spot. The 22—35 age range is what we’re targeting. We’re about hip younger women (not girls) that are really interested in creating their own style. They don’t so much follow what fashion dictates.

O: If you were to design a new product line to add to your current business, what would it be?

S: I would love to expand into men’s, children’s, swimsuits, lingerie, eyeglasses, accessories, shoes, bags, belts, home furnishing. I want it all!

O: How has your style evolved over time?

S: I look back at pictures 10 years ago. It depends on my mood. I have three residences; Miami, NY, LA, and each one has a full closet. Each is different from the next. What I wear in NY, you’ll never see me wearing in Miami. My environment dictates my fashion and personality too. In NY I’m edgier, rock and roll, intense. In Miami it’s all about flowing and feminine pieces. LA it’s about comfort, a bit sexier.

S: I’m about creating your own. Not really having the same boundaries that society has set within fashion. I love London, for example. Extraordinary sense of style as a city across the board. They’re not afraid. I really respect that.

O: Do you care about what you wear?

S: I don’t care about how I look anymore. It takes so much energy for me to create. I live in my pajamas.

O: If your house was burning down, and you could only keep one thing in your closet, what would you keep?

S: I would have to say my ROXS zip up skull hoodie. I wear it every single day. It’s a black zip up hoodie; the whole back is a skull printed in pinks and black and blue. It has studs going down the back. It’s really an unbelievable piece. It’s so comfortable and beautiful.

O: What clothes have you worn that you’re now ashamed of?

S: One item (woo wee); my father bought me…a dress. Was it prom maybe? It was absolutely at the time just amazing. It was this fuchsia asymmetrical multilayered strapless dress. The bodice was strapless with fuchsia lace over it. It had a fuchsia satin bolero. Oh, and also my Indian MC hammer pants.

O: What up and coming trends do you see?

S: I have no idea what the trends are. I go where my instinct takes me. My instinct has taken me to what’s in…like really wicked plaids. I am seeing more and more plaids. I would like to create a really extreme drop crotch pants. With say a really wild t-shirt that had a corset built into it. I just pulled that out. That would be outta control. NY and Japan would wear this.

O: Where can we buy ROXS goods?

S: 70 stores nationwide; 10 internationally. Lounge NY, Bugatti in Dubai, Fred Segal in LA, Jigsaw on Melrose, Taste in Atlanta, Lulu in Bell Harbor, Miami.

For more information on stores carrying ROXS, visit www.roxs.com.

Ever since the days of the retro rap of Run DMC, there has been a phenomenal impact of hip-hop culture in the world of fashion.  Think about it – the bling, the Adidas track suits, the fat laces, the hoop earrings – it’s all been a prominent force in urban street garb.

Now, the world of hip-hop takes up a reasonable chunk of the fashion industry.  Brands like Roca Wear, Sean John, Baby Phat, Fetish and Akademiks play a big role in hip-hop while other brands like Triple 5 Soul and Juicy Couture are more of an authoritative undercurrent.

We’re all over this trend too.  It’s utilitarian And stylish–what more can a girl ask for?  If you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your spring wardrobe, look no further for some stylish day dresses, pockets included!

Omiru: What makes your collection unique?

Julie: The mix of materials, the variety of designs and the price points. I use wood, suede, leather, gemstones, glass, and crystals – a little bit of everything really! I don’t feel like I have to stick to one medium so I experiment with whatever catches my eye. I also think the collection offers a great mix. From big and bold to dainty and delicate, there are classic, minimalist pieces but also more elaborate, intricate ones. The collection is really affordable too – quality designs for prices that won’t break the bank!

O: What’s your design philosophy?

J: I try to create timeless styles that mix simple lines with gorgeous color combos and playful accents. I design the pieces to complement any look – whether it’s dressing up or going casual chic!

O: Who do you design for?

J: I design for women of all ages - women that like pieces that are classic but that also incorporate current styles and trends.  I design jewelry that I want to wear and hope that others appreciate its style and see the pieces as something they can make their own.

O: What’s your definition of style?

J: Put simply, I think style is the creative way you express yourself. People with great style express themselves with imagination and individuality.

O: How has your style evolved over time?

J: I used to be much more of a slave to fashion trends, but now I think I’m savvier about choosing styles that work for me. I also think I’m better at punching up a look by picking the right accessory - whether it’s an oversized bag, a long scarf, or a bold, colorful choker.  

O: What are you inspired by?

J: I can be inspired by something as simple as the color or shape of a gemstone. Or it could be an overall look I admire and am motivated to create pieces that work with it. I’m also a fashion website and magazine junkie. Inevitably something strikes a chord, and I start designing!

O: Are you high maintenance or low maintenance?

J: I’d have to go with high maintenance. I’m a perfectionist always trying to do things better, and I probably stress too much about little things.

O: How did you get started designing jewelry?

J: I guess the story starts with the season I spent in Puerto Vallarta working in marketing/PR for a chain of high-end jewelry stores (escaping winter and practicing Spanish were just lucky bonuses to the job!). I fell in love with all the beautiful gemstones surrounding me. After my stint in the tropics, I settled in Dallas, TX, and immediately began taking jewelry-making courses. I was hooked! It started as a hobby, but soon I was designing for family and friends.  I decided to launch Julie Garland jewelry in the spring of 2005.

O: If your house was burning down, and you could only keep one thing in your closet, what would you keep?

J: A pair of Blue Cult jeans that are perfectly worn in.

O: What clothes and/or accessories have you worn that you’re now ashamed of?

J: Overalls and acid wash…I’ve already burned the pictures!  

O: What up and coming trends do you see?

J: The nautical look, skinny pants, feminine lace/crochet accents, cropped pants, shirtdresses and neutral colors. As for jewelry I think long and layered necklaces will remain popular. I think we’ll see romantic components like filigree and flowers and also big chains, chunky chokers and earthy jewelry with wood, turquoise and shells.

O: On the flip side, what’s going out of style?

J: I’m not sure anything ever really goes out of style! Just wait a while and it will be recycled back into the fashion mix, but without Jessica Simpson pushing the Daisy Duke look, I don’t think cowboy boots have that much staying power.  

O: What’s up next for your online store…and your next collection?

J: I’m constantly adding to the collection! Every few weeks, new designs are posted. In the next six months or so I’m hoping to expand my product line to include big, bold rings and to offer unique metalwork done by my own hands.

See more of Julie Garland’s jewelry designs at www.juliegarland.com.

When going monochromatic, you don’t necessarily need to go with grays and blacks.  Other neutrals like brown will also work. To keep it urban and less “antiqued,”  choose clothes that suit a street-savvy personality.  Splash a bit of subtle color with an accessory of your choice (preferably a scarf for that “dandy” look) and you got yourself a stylishly proper look for the work day.

Formula for that “Cheerio” gentleman look:  Pinstriped fitted blazer + slim-cut slacks + button down of your choice + not-so-bold scarf + suede brown belt + classic brown wingtip shoes.