Exclusie: An Interview with the Ladies From the Intertwine Collection

In the midst of the glamour of all of the beauty and makeup, I always tell myself - your look is never going to be complete until you have your own sense of style that shines through your outfit. For example... image3image1

Her makeup is beyond perfection! But the outfit...her sense of style is what's really pulling everything together. So I wanted to help you channel your inner beauty and tie in your style by introducing you to the Intertwine Collection. The Intertwine Collection is an exclusive online boutique, owned and operated, by twin sisters Shanda and Shawniece that provides stunning statement pieces, accessories and garments for all women of all shapes and all sizes. We were able to catch up with the boutique owners and learn more about their brand, the vision behind their work and get some style and business tips.

Candy Coated Closets: First, thank you ladies for making the time to chat with me and my readers about Intertwine Collection! How did you ladies come up with the idea for Intertwine Collection? What does the name mean?

Intertwine Collection: Intertwine Collection was created by the thought of the birthing process of twin fetus interlocking to become to separate eggs, which the basis behind our company name, Intertwine. Intertwine is defined as interlocking or twine together.

Candy Coated Closets:  How did you get your start?

Intertwine Collection: We started off reconstructing women vintage clothing. Then we started styling for a Disney show called ‘Ant Farm’. We later decided to venture off and start Intertwine Collection.”

Candy Coated Closets:  What makes your boutique stand out from the others?

Intertwine Collection: What sets us apart from other boutique is we are not only giving day-to-day garments but also heavy beading, tassels, and lace which allow wow-factor of surprise to customers to know we put time into a quality pieces. The Intertwine collection is a mix of various dresses, jumpsuits, shirts, pants, jeans, jackets and more.

Candy Coated Closets:  Where do you get your inspiration from?

Intertwine Collection: We are inspired by different variation of styles and designs. Bold colors and patterns is what allows us to utilize the next trend.

Candy Coated Closets: If you both had to pick one item from your boutique that represents your overall style, what would it be?

Intertwine Collection: "If I could pick one item, I would have to choose the ‘Glamour Embellish Dress’ the heavy beading is everything” stated Shawniece. Shanda said “I would have to say my favorite item currently Forbidden Vine Playsuit. It’s a show-stopper garment.

Candy Coated Closets: With your success on social media and the introduction of the Karla Collection (a collection for women of all body types) what challenges do you see your boutique tackling in the future? What’s next?

Intertwine Collection: Intertwine Collection’s next move would be branding and expanding plus sizes for woman and also adding footwear.

Candy Coated Closets: What advice would you give other Black Owned Entrepreneurs that are looking to reach your level of success?

Intertwine Collection: Our best advice we can offer someone moving in the fashion industry would be to do your research, find your nitch, engage with audience, stay creative, and do your part in putting in the foot work. Without foot work there is no way that your company can reach a successful level. And this is to show you that success does not come over night. Work smart so it could save you a lot of headaches.

xoxo1

Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

Normally, I try to avoid doing this when a new year rolls around but I figured this year would be the one and only exception.

For the past few years, I've been going through this transition with myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (have I used every -ly word that I can to describe this change?). What I'm trying to say is that it took me a long time to find myself and basically what really made me happy as a person. Just me. Not anybody else. Not my boyfriend, not my parents, not my family, not my friends, not my boss. Just me.

While I'm sure I haven't fully figured that out 100% yet and I'm still trying to find a balance for myself in the real world, I am excited about the progress that I've made so far and everything that I have planned for myself, my career and for you all!

So with that said, here's looking at 2015!

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xoxo1

Obsessed: From Heels To Flats!

It's back to the Monday morning grind! I can't believe how quickly these weekends are flying by.

If you're lucky enough to have time off and you're finishing up some holiday shopping, here is some inspiration for you to style your next "going-to-do-errands" look. It's fashionable and functional (and look ma', no heels)! :-)

Details are listed below!

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Outfit Details

Sweater: Vila Simple Knitted Cardigan Top: American Vintage Basic Tank Top Pants: Hudson Muse Grey Turn-Up Skinny Jeans Necklace: JustFab Shine Line Boots: JustFab Fuzzy Sunglasses: Victoria Beckham Earrings: Tiny Bow Studs Belt: Berge Crystal Belt

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Holiday Chic - From Work to Glam

I seriously cannot believe that the end of the year is approaching so quickly. I'm already trying to prepare myself to start writing 2015 instead of 2014 since it takes about 2 weeks for that to transition over in my brain. #dontjudgeme

Since it's the end of the year, I know we're all starting to get ready for the end-of-the-year-holiday parties. So here's a little bit of inspiration for your next corporate holiday party.

I put this together because I hate getting ready for work and then having to carry 20,000 additional things with me so that I can change into something that is "party appropriate" to wear after I leave the office.

This type of monochromatic look can easily go from your 9 to 5 scene straight to your after work destination with an easy transition!

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Shoes: Shoedazzle Clutch: Shoedazzle Top: Polo Ralph Lauren Blazer: Patrizia Pepe Blazer Skirt: Jonathan Simkhai Viscose Pencil Skirt Fragrance: My Burberry

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The Week in a Recap

Well, this has been a very eventful week. My head is still spinning from trying to navigate my schedule around work, fashion week and all of the events, parties and deadlines that surrounds one of the biggest weeks in New York. Despite the long hours, no sleep and the humongous pile of clothes, accessories and make up scattered throughout my room, one thing remains the same... this week has been awesome and I can't wait to bring you more news on the fashion and beauty trends during Spring 2015 Fashion week!

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xoxo1

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Lost Your Inspiration?

Lately, I've been feeling a bit torn on which direction I should take when it comes to my career in publishing and media. Should I focus more on the writing and editing aspect of the industry or should I channel my efforts into the creative side of styling and photography?

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"Life's full of tough choices, ain't it?" - Yes, I mock myself in Disney character voices!

Anyway, until I figure my next move out, I'm doing what any working, fashion conscious, soon-to-be 28 year old would do....spend money! :-) At least this time it's money that is being well spent on research.

xoxo1

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ASICS GEL-Excite 2 Running Shoe

 

So I'm working on my fitness...work, work, work work working on my fitness!

That was my attempt at raping like Iggy during my workouts! Over the past few months, I've noticed a certain "swelling" in certain areas of my body. I've been meaning to start working out months ago and by that I mean buying a personal trampoline about a month and half ago that I still haven't built and purchasing these sneakers 2 months ago that I just got around to putting on and using yesterday. I know, I know but for the past 10 days, I've been doing amazing work...eating healthy, working out, cutting bread and french fries out of my life...oh the McDonalds french fries were everything to me! :'(

So I wanted to share my first pair of sneakers in...actually I'm not sure how many years it's been but it's safe to say it's been a very long time since I purchased a pair!

I knew I wanted to get a comfortable pair of sneakers with gel inserts since I would be running a lot and jumping. My main focus was the cushioning but I knew I had to find something that was also durable and could hold up to the many miles I would be putting on these babies...hey I set high goals for myself.

So I stopped by my local DSW and tried on about seven pairs of sneakers from Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Saucony, and Asics. Basically, almost every sneaker in the store. About 30 minutes later, I decided on these Asics Gel Excite 2 Running Shoes.

IMG_2385  IMG_2498Shoe details: - Breathable mesh upper - Padded collar and tongue - Fits true to size - Cushioned footbed - Rearfoot Gel technology for shock absorption - Weight: 9 oz - Price $64.95

First, I couldn't believe sneakers cost me almost $70 and some of the other pairs that I tried on were ranging between $75-$129! Since I'm on the beginning of my fitness journey, I decided to choose these Asics because they are very comfortable, great for the price and I can pair them with a lot of outfits. Yes, my fashion sense is sticking around even while I'm -in my Iggy voice- work work work work working on my fitness. ;)

Although these do run true to size, I recommend going up half a size just for a little wiggle room with your socks.

Do you have any fitness goals this summer? Let's be work out buddies!

xoxo1

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