When did you launch Threadware?

Starting a clothing line has been a topic of conversation ever since we were kids when Rachel caught the “design bug.”  In December 2009, we decided that it was now or never if we wanted to really start our own line.  Threadware began to take shape in January 2010.  The debut collection will ... Read More »]]> Rachel and Amy Gelender are sisters turned business partners. They followed their dreams to establish NYC-based Threadware in 2010. Threadware was inspired by the belief that clothing should be inventive and accentuate a woman’s best features. Continue reading to learn more about the brand.

When did you launch Threadware?

Starting a clothing line has been a topic of conversation ever since we were kids when Rachel caught the “design bug.”  In December 2009, we decided that it was now or never if we wanted to really start our own line.  Threadware began to take shape in January 2010.  The debut collection will be in stores February/March 2011.

Being based out of New York would you say that both the Upper Westsider to the laid back Greenwich Village chic could wear your clothes?

Threadware’s main ambition is to give creative women a way to express themselves, whether it’s through our edgy/artistic prints, figure-flattering silhouettes, or sophisticated solids.  We believe Threadware is an attitude: fun, feminine and fearless.

What is your favorite piece from your current collection?

For us, Spring is all about dresses.  Amy can hardly wait to cast off all the warm winter layers and break out the Inlaid Ruffle dress because it’s colorful and feminine.  Rachel loves the Rorschach Combo dress for its comfortable fit, stunning print, and pockets.

Have you always been into fashion?

Rachel: My mother jokes that she knew I was destined for fashion before I did.  My favorite toy as a child was Barbie Fashion Plates.  I’d spend hours sprawled out on the carpet with a stack of sketches beside me, coloring in all the designs.  As I got older, my grade school teaches found the margins of my homework littered with quick sketches of clothing designs.  I probably should have been concentrating on my literature readings, but I was always thinking about fashion.

Lastly, what is in store for you in 2011?

Threadware’s Spring collection will be in stores around the US starting in Feb/March.  In NYC, be sure to check out Anik (1355 Third Ave) for a wide selection of styles. Threadware’s Fall collection is really starting to come together. Stay tuned for more beautiful prints, organic shapes, and gorgeous draping!

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion.  She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com.

IsThatOdd.com (ITO) is a social media website that rewards its audience with a virtual currency called Odd Coins.  What better way to test out new product then by getting free samples!

The site is specially designed for women to share their stories, create polls and vote and engage with each other.

By capturing the aspects of a TV talk show setting ITO is able to format what they like to call Talk Show 2.0.

The master minds behind the brand!

Cindy Engstrom, CEO: Is That Odd is Cindy’s fourth start up company. Working in technology since 1997 she instantly fell in love with the ... Read More »]]>

IsThatOdd.com (ITO) is a social media website that rewards its audience with a virtual currency called Odd Coins.  What better way to test out new product then by getting free samples!

The site is specially designed for women to share their stories, create polls and vote and engage with each other.

By capturing the aspects of a TV talk show setting ITO is able to format what they like to call Talk Show 2.0.

The master minds behind the brand!

Cindy Engstrom, CEO: Is That Odd is Cindy’s fourth start up company. Working in technology since 1997 she instantly fell in love with the internet.  Engstrom has won several awards for her leading edge of new consumer technologies. Not only is Cindy a techie but she is also a songstress.  Last year she wrote and recorded her first music single.  She holds two patents. She holds a purple belt in Kung Fu. And, her favorite, she proudly holds the hands of her two little girls and her husband.

Dianne Dominguez, Chief Creative Officer: Dianne is the driving force of creative vision and overall design strategy for Is That Odd. By identifying and cultivating the principals that support effective design, she helps drive value into the company’s online presence.  Also a start-up veteran, Dominguez has helped shape the online presence for well known companies such as Amazon, AOL, AT&T, Sprint, and many more.

John Crumley, Vice President of Engineering: John is responsible for the SIRCLE which is the demographic, psychographic tracking system which utilizes a sophisticated economic model.  John also runs TBA Enterprises, Inc. which provides high end technology consulting services.

Fast Facts

-Company was founded in 2009

-Based in Kirkland, Washington

-Executive team of start-up veterans

-6 employees, plus outsourced resources

-Social media advertising platform is called SIRCLE, social media incentives and rewards for content and level of engagement

-Patent pending business model

For more information make sure to visit www.IsThatOdd.com

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion.  She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.

Guinot is a very exclusive skincare line that was created by Mr. Rene Guinot in 1963. Only sold in salons and spas this paraben free line was created based on sensitive skin.

Popular products include Longue Vie Cou (Neck Care), Longue Vie Eye Cream, One Step Cleansing Water (Eau Demaquillante Parfaite) and Stretch Mark Cream (Crème Specifique Vergetures) just to name a few.

I had the opportunity to experience the Hydradermie Treatment w/ Hydra Plus. Used with the Galvanic Current. The ionization has the following effects:

Deep Cleansing: Deep cleansing is made possible from the use of Sodium Acid ... Read More »]]>

Guinot is a very exclusive skincare line that was created by Mr. Rene Guinot in 1963. Only sold in salons and spas this paraben free line was created based on sensitive skin.

Popular products include Longue Vie Cou (Neck Care), Longue Vie Eye Cream, One Step Cleansing Water (Eau Demaquillante Parfaite) and Stretch Mark Cream (Crème Specifique Vergetures) just to name a few.

I had the opportunity to experience the Hydradermie Treatment w/ Hydra Plus. Used with the Galvanic Current. The ionization has the following effects:

Deep Cleansing: Deep cleansing is made possible from the use of Sodium Acid Carbonate, which is contained in most Hydradermie gels.

Penetration of Active Skincare Ingredients & Trace Elements:  Ionization also allows superficial penetration of active skincare ingredients and trace elements contained in the Hydradermie gels.

Hydration of the epidermis: Sodium Lactate, a powerful active moisturizing ingredient, helps improve the hydration of the outer layers of the epidermis. It strengthens cell cohesion while penetrating between the epidermic cells, thus helping improve the skin’s moisture retention.

Oxygenation/Purification (Oxygenating Emulsion Oz2 w/ essential oils)

Improved Microcirulation:  Essential oils create hyperemia, which improves intercellular exchanges, thereby increasing tissue oxygenation and toxin elimination, reducing stress.

Antiseptic and Bactericide Action:  Another effect of essential oils combined with the oxygen found in oxygenating emulsion is microbial oxidation, and thus, a purification of the skin.

After my treatment I instantly saw a glow in my skin and I would highly recommend it facial newbies and veterans.

For more information on Guinot and their treatments please visit www.guinotusa.com.

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion. She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia works in New York City.

Stephen “Suede” Baum, seasoned fashion designer, TV personality and season 5 Project Runway® contestant, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Simplicity Creative Group. Suede will be offering patterns, fashion trim and other creative products under the SUEDEsays™ brand.

I had the opportunity to get a behind the scene look at the launch of the Simplicity SUEDEsays™ collection. Three exclusive looks that will début in the Simplicity Spring 2011 Pattern Catalog were modeled by Karalyn West, also from Season 5 of Project Runway. These patterns included modern silhouettes, dresses, tops, rompers and skirts. The looks range from classic, edgy and ... Read More »]]>

Stephen “Suede” Baum, seasoned fashion designer, TV personality and season 5 Project Runway® contestant, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Simplicity Creative Group. Suede will be offering patterns, fashion trim and other creative products under the SUEDEsays™ brand.

I had the opportunity to get a behind the scene look at the launch of the Simplicity SUEDEsays™ collection. Three exclusive looks that will début in the Simplicity Spring 2011 Pattern Catalog were modeled by Karalyn West, also from Season 5 of Project Runway. These patterns included modern silhouettes, dresses, tops, rompers and skirts. The looks range from classic, edgy and feminine flirty. Helping to make the looks complete was celebrity make-up artist, Nathan Johnson and hair by Jamie Hanson.

Each of Suede’s patterns will include multiple styles covering classic, edgy and feminine flirty looks that offer fashion musts for everyone. Suede says, “I am honored to join the ranks with other great designers, like Cynthia Rowley, under Simplicity Creative Group’s umbrella. This venture allows me to bring my fashion vision to the retail market, but at the same time empowering the consumer to interpret fashion to fit their lifestyle.”

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SIMPLICITY SUEDEsays PHOTO SHOOT

Nathan Johnson and Karalyn West

Karalyn West with Jamie Hanson

Karalyn West and Suede

Nathan Johnson, Karalyn West and Jamie Hanson

Visit Suede on his website www.suedesays.com. Plus you can find him on Facebook and follow @SUEDEsays on Twitter.

Photography by: Contrino Photography

Accessories: Kendra Scott, R.J. Graziano, Nine West, and Jones New York

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion. She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.

Full of witty banter and smart answers, authors Andrea Lavinthal & Jessica Rozler dazzled “Girlfriend Smingle” attendees, November 22, 2010 at Betel in New York City, as they talked about their latest book, Your So-Called Life, and dished on the years before, after and at 30.  “We wanted to create a fun environment where women could relax, let down their hair, swap dating ideas with other women and surf the Smingle site,” explains Smingle.com President & COO, Beverly Lehmann.

A far cry from the restaurant where Lehmann created the Smingle concept with her husband, Betel’s dark wood setting bathed in subdued ... Read More »]]>

Full of witty banter and smart answers, authors Andrea Lavinthal & Jessica Rozler dazzled “Girlfriend Smingle” attendees, November 22, 2010 at Betel in New York City, as they talked about their latest book, Your So-Called Life, and dished on the years before, after and at 30.  “We wanted to create a fun environment where women could relax, let down their hair, swap dating ideas with other women and surf the Smingle site,” explains Smingle.com President & COO, Beverly Lehmann.

A far cry from the restaurant where Lehmann created the Smingle concept with her husband, Betel’s dark wood setting bathed in subdued lighting and candlelight was packed with women sipping Chambord flavored Vodka cocktails and nibbling Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres as deliciously charming “Smingle Men” engaged their attention and exhibited site demos.

Girlfriend Sminglers were spoiled and eager to receive mini makeovers provided by celebrity makeup artist, Khuraira. Twenty lucky guests were treated to tarot card readings by celebrity intuitive Mano Matthews via SKYPE projection as others gathered to witness the experience. The interactive, flirty and fun atmosphere was the perfect place for single women to be at the end of the day. Instead of a crowded bar clamoring for a drink, unsatisfying eye contact and awkward pick up lines, ‘Girlfriend Smingle” intended to pamper women with fun, laughs and information on the when, why and how’s of dating in order to brave and navigate through the holiday freeze.

When Beverly and Craig Lehmann combined their strengths to found Smingle.com in 2008, they had no idea how quickly their thoughts over a quiet dinner would spearhead an online dating revolution.

Smingle.com provides an online environment to simulate the perfect first date and those following. Smingle.com is a new and improved online dating community where you can create virtual dates. Communication on the site resembles a typical IM chat but is much more intuitive and interactive with graphics and advance settings including avatar interaction.  Want to meet on the beach or have drinks at sunset? Your avatar can wear an alluring red dress or even a debonair suit while you’re at home in pajamas.

Play conversation-provoking games designed to take the pressure off figuring out what to say.  Talk a little or flirt a lot….Let your date know that you are enjoying their company by clicking the “Flirt” or “Blow Kiss” buttons. Hit the “Smile” button and your avatar smiles. Type ”LOL” and your avatar actually laughs.