Soul Party

Time to Rock the Sweater Vest

I was surprised by an unexpected birthday present.  My Dad came through this year and hooked me up with 3 cashmere sweater vests.  I have previously been on the fence about the whole sweater vest idea.  However, I think its time for the vest to be upgraded and become a staple in men’s style.

The value of the sweater vest comes with its versitility.  I was fortunate enough to have the upgraded luxury of cashmere.

Embrace the sweater vest idea because it will make a comeback.  If you cant afford the Cashmere… don’t be afraid to raid your grandfather’s closet…you may find a hidden gem.

Soul Party

Twitter Exclusive Interview with @Sh3n3rd

I had the pleasure of interviewing @Sh3n3rd.  I think you will find her wisdom, style and perspective very refreshing.  @Sh3n3rd introduced me to Bartering on Twitter…T-shirts for Cupcakes…You got to love Twitter.  I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did.

You are a self proclaimed book nerd.  What are your top 3 books of all time?

The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

(I think I may be the female embodiment of Holden Caulfield)

A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving

(The character development is so rich that I can still, years after my last reading, hear Owen’s voice in my head as vividly as if I’d ever heard him speak)

The Gift of Fear – Gavin DeBecker

(A manual for living – fascinating study in human behavior and the science of predicting it)

Cupcakes are a new phenomenon…How does your personal style differentiate your treats from the pack?

I like to create my own unique recipes such as : mojito, maple & bacon, clementine, coconut & mint. Making cupcakes is like therapy for me…and have you ever seen anyone NOT smile when offered a cupcake!?

What turns you on about technology? I love how technology is an enabler – it allows people all over the world to create things, learn things, and connect with one another in a way never possible before. Plus, shiny gadgets are sexy baby!

What is your favorite word? Synchronicity

What is your favorite swear word? Sheize!! (unless you speak German you don’t even know I’m swearing! It’s covert.)

Talk to me about your personal style…How has it evolved…How were the 80’s?

I have evolved from the girl who follows every trend and has to buy a new wardrobe every season to keep up – to the woman who is confident enough to know that looking good is about attitude. Confidence is the hottest accessory! I tend to keep it minimalist and focus on quality rather than quantity. Some of my staples are: the classic Calvin Klein pencil skirt and the black Jimmy Choo stilettos, to the Diesel jeans,pink Converse sneakers and a cool t-shirt!

The 80’s were about big shoulder pads, big bows, and even bigger hair. I should have bought stock in Aqua Net back then.

Are Tattoos Sexy? Tattoos are very sexy – mostly because they tell a little bit of the person’s story. I love a person who is not afraid to express who they are.

Drugs, Sex and Rock and Roll…Any Comment? Three things that definitely shaped the world – good, bad, and indifferent.

What excites you the most in the next 6 months? San Diego Comic Con, the new “Fast and the Furious” movie, doing some traveling, and new collaborations that will hopefully free me from my corporate enslavement and keep putting fantastic new people in my path.

Your blog is good…However, it is pretty random…explain the chaos.

Random is my middle name! I know we’re supposed to pick a “niche” and focus there but I’m really not a “niche” kinda girl – I’m interested in so many things and am constantly learning something new. It could also be the A.D.D.!!! ;)   I don’t like to set limits, and it’s a true reflection of all things….me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Places, faces, images and colors. Every day I’m inspired by friends and family – the looks in their eyes and the things that they say. I’m amazed and inspired by the kindness of strangers. I’m moved and touched by photographs and works of art. A few words in the right typography can really motivate me -  Helvetica font may be the love of my life.

Check out @Sh3n3rd on Twitter and at her blog http://sh3n3rd.blogspot.com/