Articles Tagged with: Love
Home / Blog Archives
December 31, 2015
2016 Mantra

Screenshot 2015-12-31 13.40.02

Illustration from my 2016 Calendar!

This year, be way more YOU. Feel more, give more, do more, play more, dream more, BE more. Compete with YOURSELF, no one else.  Color outside the lines and take the path less traveled. If there is something you see in the world that you want to change, change it.

Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in, ESPECIALLY if no one else is. Create your own path, write your own story. Forget those who just watch and judge you because they are just standing on the sidelines. If you want advice, ask someone who IS where you want to be, and has been where you want to go – not someone who tells you you can’t.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” -N. Mandela.

GO and catch YOUR star, better yet BE a shooting star and last but not least, Never dim your light just because it’s shining in someone else’s eyes – they will find some sunglasses and that is what we call shade.

For 2016, and if you are so inclined, for every month – choose a new mantra and repeat it to yourself anytime you need a little pick me up.

Mine for this month/year is : I AM A POWERFUL CREATOR

Happy New Year! Shine Bright darlings! xo

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 10, 2015
Sparkle & Shine Darling!

Screenshot 2015-12-10 17.56.23

Myself, Mrs. Adrienne Bosh, Chris Bosh and my husband

and Chic Sketch business partner Jordan Edelson!

Well hello lovelies, it’s been a hot minute

but so much has been going on that I need to catch you up on!

Earlier last month I had the most amazing opportunity to do live Fashion Sketches with my company Chic Sketch for the one and only Mrs. Adrienne Bosh at the launch of her new and extremely sparkly Miami boutique “Sparkle & Shine Darling”.

We met Adrienne during the Forbes 30 Under 30 event in October and had a mutual friend that wanted us to meet – suddenly we were speaking about illustrations and her glam 5-day grand opening launch parties (with an invite list that read like a Who’s Who of Miami’s chicest ladies).

I think hands down this was one of my favorite brands – and female Entrepreneurs, to work with.  Everything in the store screamed #GirlBoss and I basically wanted to move in. And oh that glitter floor.

SPARKLE AND SHINE
Adrienne and her team are so sweet and amazing to work with. If you are in the Miami area – I highly suggest you go in and get a tour by one of her personal Sparkle Consultants.  This is the perfect spot to do some major gift shopping for yourself, a friend, your home or some little ones. I’m dubbing it the “Sparkly gold-and-pink Miami version of Henri Bendel’s” (my other favorite store on the planet). Click here for website!

How many times have you thought to yourself: Where can I go for some shopping, champs, macaroons and to host my next get together with my besties. Um, here. Thanks Adrienne. (Dying).

Although at first glance the pink and glittery vibe can be perceived on the surface as purely light hearted and sweet, there is a whole deeper meaning to this empowered and inspired movement that showcases women’s strength, power and substance and of course this makes us love Adrienne even more.

The fab mamma Bosh not only launched this new store while pregnant with twins, she also engages in some major charity work with her hubs, Miami Heat co-captain and forward Chris Bosh. Their organization Team Tomorrow Inc. helps fund raise for numerous Miami organizations and charities supporting children and families who are less fortunate.  Check out her feature here on Charity Buzz.  On top of this Adrienne has launched a viral social media campaign called “Today I Can” encouraging women and mothers to reach their dreams one day at a time.  All in a day’s work for Adrienne; let’s say we’re impressed!

Thanks so much Adrienne for all of the inspiration you bring to the table, to your store and to your community.  We are all now much more sparkly on the inside and outside.  That’s what it’s all about.

Check out some photos of the week long event:


Me sketching Chris and Adrienne!


Sports Reporter Donovan Campbell and Jessica Campbell of JessicaCampbellEvents.com


Fashion Blogger Jamie Cittadino of SunflowersandStilettos.com & my friend from High School


Couldn’t leave with out some prezzies for myself!

Check out Sparkleandshinedarling.com for a peek into her store!

GIRLCODE
Lastly, as fate would have it I was drawn to this Instagram post by my neighbor @SheWinks , a fab lash studio in my building. The post was for the book signing of GIRLCODE by The Champagne Diet’s Cara Alwill Leyba.  The insta image was about female entrepreneurs, there was gold, there was black, there was champagne and lashes and it was just an elevator ride away – I had to go.

I went, got the book, spoke to Cara and remembered that my mom, another female entrepreneur, was following her blog for years. Low and behold, the fab duo Julie and Ramona of She Winks, as well as Adrienne Bosh of Sparkle and Shine Darling were both interviewed in Cara’s book Girl Code. – a must read btw. (Insert serendipity music here).

“When love feels like magic, it is called destiny; when destiny has a sense of humor, it is serendipity.” – a quote from Serendipity the movie.

A SPARKLY CHAMPAGNE-FILLED SUPPORT SYSTEM
So, being a female entrepreneur is not a sparkly walk in the park, it’s hard and we definitely need our support system of like minded women. Especially ones who also enjoy the glitter, the fashion and who dream of a “Luxe Life”, like Cara talks about in her book.

I think it’s extremely refreshing to meet not only successful #Bossbabes but also to meet ones who have just as big a vision as me, and also who love fashion, want to indulge in designer items, do good, inspire others and live a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Gabrielle Bernstein is my mentor who promotes living your live to the fullest and achieving your wildest dreams, not feeling guilty for the pleasures you seek, not feeling ashamed or unworthy and mentally cutting the cord with those naysayers and haters. In a society where we are sometimes taught to be self-effacing – these were new ideas I had to get used to.

The girls in Gabby’s groups are also in love with fashion and want it all but seeing these women at Cara’s book signing decked in Chanel and loubs took it all to another level. It made my heart sing because until that point, it was just a theory that these women existed, are not catty and want to support other women.  I know we all have some jealous frienemies out there and to meet women who dress themselves up on the outside, and also dress themselves up on the inside is where it’s at and some place I feel like I belong.

Thank you to all of you. I really feel not alone and it has allowed me to dream even bigger and not to feel ashamed for wanting fashion and appreciating the finer things in life.

We are all entitled to live our highest truths and if you are put on this earth and whether you love fashion, travel, food or culture – Gabby, Cara and the metaphysical text “A Course in Miracles” as well as The Universe and all your fans up there WANT YOU TO HAVE ALL THAT YOU DESIRE, the FINANCIAL MEANS to do this, and the confidence to ACCEPT THESE GIFTS INTO YOUR LIFE and be GRATEFUL FOR THEM!

If you were taught to think small, like there is not enough to go around or that if you want these things you are being selfish – let go of those beliefs right now because YOU are creating your own boundaries.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
― Henry Ford

Start thinking you can right this instant!

This is my journey to live MY truth and to do amazing things, as well as inspire lives along the way to LIVE THEIR VISION of their best life. Join me.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 4, 2015
Thankful

trails of gold

Illustration with gold leaf

So amassed with the enormous task list I have in front of me and all the deadlines I have been staring at, I really just wanted to write about how extremely grateful I am.  Thanksgiving has come and gone and now the holidays are upon us. This year has been my best year yet! I had the chance to marry my best friend in a fairy tale wedding (Disney Princess Ariel inspired of course!), launched another business, Chic Sketch (this past FEBRUARY may I add) that has been exploding in clients, orders, users and responsibilities to run it.
I am in the middle of writing and illustrating a book (oh yeah, I know I haven’t mentioned that yet – but I have been wanting to keep it on the down low yet feel so guilty about not having a frequent blogging schedule and I wanted to tell you why! I’m hiding this in my post with no bold, caps or exclamation marks because although I feel that way, I want to keep it as calm as possible until it launches, however I feel like I tell you almost everything and I’m having a hard time keeping this from you!)

Ha.

This year my family and I have been blessed with abundance in every way and I am especially aware of how blessed we are because of all the horrifying murders and senseless killing that has been occurring around the world and in our backyards.  It makes me so mad that these people could kill innocent lives, wreck families and instill fear in the hearts of millions. They are winning, and we can’t let them. I pray there there is a solution to this and that some how, something big changes. We are about to be at a tipping point and I hope it comes soon because the balance of peace and love has to overcome this darkness. I try my hardest not to get sucked into the news because that crap only makes you feel terrible after watching it and there is nothing you can do to change the events of the day. We need a hero. We all have to be our own heroes now. 

The holidays make me remember how many people are without. Having been in all kinds of situations at various points in my life, I understand this and appreciate every single day of how grateful I am to have all of the necessities and now so much more.

I wanted to say, there are so many times when you can easily get depressed about what is going on in the world, or the situations of other people, but it is our job as those who are blessed in any way, shape or form to be our brightest selves, to shine our light bright and help those in need any way we can. From a donation of any size to a smile and a hug. We need to be there for those who need it and lift as many people up as possible.

HOW TO DEAL
There are also so many times when I get overwhelmed at how much I am supposed to be doing and how much I have not gotten done. There never seems to be a day when I get all of my to do list done. My list of things to do on the daily is huge, yet I know so many people (namely my husband) who have even bigger lists to check off and even larger shoes to fill. I don’t know how he does it, but I do know God only gives you what you can handle. I guess I can handle a lot and he can handle a lot to!  I am so grateful for every freakin second of it. I’m grateful to have my blog as an outlet to express myself and as a place I can reconnect and I’m so sorry that I have not been doing this every week. I miss it but once my book is complete I will be back on my weekly schedule (hopefully!)

It’s times like these when I shut myself off from all distractions and try to work, work, work. However, what often happens is that I end up staring at the screen or distracting myself on facebook, or seem to hit a block when I feel like a ball of stress waiting for it all to bubble over.

If this happens to me, (or if it happens to you for that matter), STOP WORKING.
Take a step back, focus on those people and things most important to you – because most likely you have been ignoring them to focus on your work. Take a breath, make some cookies for your hubs or fam (I just did!), play with your pet, call a loved one, read a few pages in the book that has been sitting on your night stand for way too long, pour some champagne and take some time for yourself.

After that, you will feel a million times better, making time for what is most important, the things that you should treasure most: your husband or wife, your parents, siblings, friends and taking care of yourself. With all this crap going on in the world, you should count your lucky stars every day and live EACH FREAKING DAY LIKE IT IS YOUR LAST, make time for those you love and let them know HOW MUCH you love them and tell them everything you want to tell them. Make them feel loved and special because some people in San Bernardino, Paris, Israel, Colorado, Sandy Hook, third world countries, those fleeing ISIS or even somewhere near you – those people DON’T have tomorrow with their loved ones.  Remember and be grateful if you do.

Maybe all of this is supposed to make us remember how to be grateful for everything.

HOW TO HELP 
We can only do the best we can do.  I am praying so much for our world right now.  Please keep the faith and tap into the global power of love and unity and mentally assert your declaration for peace and especially peace in the hearts of those who may want to kill next.

We as a people must overcome separation, finger pointing and prejudice towards the terrorists, murderers and criminals because THAT is EXACTLY The reason they are justifying killing in their minds. They are so convinced that we are different, that they are different, better than, less than or that their next victim wronged them in some way beyond repair and that they need to be stopped in cold blood.

IF we think the exact same sentiment towards them, their hearts will remain in anger, vengeance and we will keep feeding their negativity and hate.  Keeping the negative feelings towards each other only creates more violence.

PRAY and tap into the UNIVERSAL connection we all share (you know when someone angry or happy and walks into a room and you can feel that person’s mood – that is the Universal connection we all share and it spans the whole Universe and any living thing).  EVERY SINGLE person just wants to feel love. Have compassion for those with so much hurt, so much pain, so much suffering in their world and hearts that all they can do is hurt other people. Only hurt people, hurt people.  As hard as it is and as counter intuitive as it may sound, getting back to the basics of HUMANS and even all animals alike, subconsciously we all want to be loved.  Pray for peace.

Hope that inspires you to do as much as you can and still do as much for yourself as you can.  Don’t give up hope.  Spread love and the idea for a brighter future.

Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 21, 2015
Making it!

Screenshot 2015-08-21 03.11.35

Illustration of Chanel brooches in honor of Coco Chanel’s 131st birthday, a woman who really made it, in her own extraordinary way.

I have some really exciting news to share… I can’t share it yet! – But it’s good, oh it’s really good!  Sorry for the extremely vague non-announcement but I’m just itching to say SOMETHING! Something exciting has happened and I finally feel like my work and my time has been validated!

I can say I am really proud of myself and my hustle, and when this happened – something shifted in me. Sometimes as an entrepreneur and in corporate or even in relationships we all work and work and work and pull miracles out of our hats, work some more and rarely get recognized.  Sometimes, when that recognition hits – and it can even be someone saying to you after you explain what you are up to that “you’ve made it”, or whatever you needed to hear (I love you, Will you marry me, You’re Promoted etc), it can make all the difference.

Although I feel, as a “multi-passionate” entrepreneur you never really “make it” because there is always so much more you want to do – it is really nice to hear that your work is making a difference out there. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Something shifted – and when it did, I let go of so much tension that I always carry around with me.  I felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I finally can feel free with a deeper sense of knowing.  The same thing happened when I got married to my soul mate & best friend Jordan less than 3 months ago. I just felt like everything was going to be ok, like I had roots that ran so deep I know I can with withstand any storm. That’s a deep love. That’s a security that I never really had.  I for one know that anything can be taken from you in a moment’s notice with no warning at all – I have been through the deaths of my dad, my grandpa (who became like my dad after my father passed away) and my parents and step-parents divorces.  I know things can be fleeting but for the first time in my life I am building my own family, my own career and it finally feels like I have made it to higher grounds. It’s a deeper spiritual trust and gratitude then I have ever had before.

All that uncertainty, all the fear, all the anxiety (well most of it  – ha!) felt unnecessary.  I could finally figuratively un-hunch my back and take a deep breath in and feel taken care of by The Universe. It’s hard to explain but when you go through life wondering what the future will hold and when you are standing on a step that each day you must CREATE the next step and worry or think about how it will suddenly appear and all work out, that feeling is seeing the staircase ahead of you, already built, KNOWING you can take a breather because all you have to do is show up and climb it.

Making it means something different to everyone.  They say “one person’s ceiling is another person’s floor” I don’t know what your floor or ceiling is but wherever you ARE if you are at the point in your life, where someone views it as their ceiling or a really amazing place to be, regardless of how hard you are on yourself; Take it in, accept it and be proud of yourself.

I don’t know how often we hear the praise each one of us needs to stay motivated. In the adult world, it some how seems not too often, so when you do get it, there is so much power in taking it all in and ALLOWING yourself to receive it.

The same goes for if someone says you look pretty today. If you feel gross, instead of regurgitating some self-deprecating retort, say THANK YOU and ACCEPT the praise.  I know it’s hard to do but continually accepting the little (or even BIG) victories and celebrating them is how you build a strong staircase to your dreams.

I know that we as a culture are taught to “not take what anyone says at face value”, to “ignore what they say” if it is something hurtful or fake or even “not go by what others think of you, go by what you think of yourself” – but SOMETIMES, someone says something completely genuine, deeply real and extremely proud and happy for you – take all in.

Count your blessings EVERY day, be deeply grateful for every single thing you have because if you are reading this, you too have SO much.  Think about the people in third world countries who are happy to have electricity for protection against crime. Really, deeply and wholeheartedly count and appreciate all of your blessings. That is how your life will transform and be in a place where you can accept the praise and create space for more wonderful things to take place in your life.

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

July 30, 2015
California Style : LA SWIM and more

Screenshot 2015-07-29 21.12.00

(From Left to Right) Sketches of Josephine Ochoa, Alexandra Georgy of Social Behavior, Jennifer Cirone of Cirone Swimwear, Liz Eddy, The Urban Sophisticate, Cat Kennedy and Taylor Launius.

So we are back from our weeklong excursion in California, and we returned with a tan, amazing memories and LA SWIM under our belt.
It was my first time to California and let me say that Cali did not disappoint. We spent the first few days in Laguna exploring some potential opportunities, enjoying the beach life and experiencing that laid back Cali flair. What a nice way to live. It reminds me of a more relaxed version of Long Island, where I’m from, except the Housewives of Orange County frequent the local glamorous haunts.  I would not mind going back a few times a year, let’s put it that way.

Next up was Los Angeles. I love being an entrepreneur so much and having an entrepreneur husband / business partner because it means we can travel for work and pleasure at the same time.

The main reason we were there was for me to sketch the runway shows live for Chic Sketch, our fashion app that turns your latest look into a quick fashion sketch (www.chicsketch.com) at LA SWIM, held on the rooftops of The London Hotel in West Hollywood.

Here are some photos from the event. Below are the sketches from the runway. I sat front row and I created these sketches even faster than the 3-5 minutes that the above sketches took. These were sketches in less than two minutes as I tried to capture the movement and energy of the runway.


Black, nudes, sheer elements and cut out’s were my favorite trend.
Designs by: 1) Chloe Rose Swimwear 2) Leividie Lingere 3) Leonisa USA

Pops of color and playful shapes kept me dreaming of a pool and margaritas.
Designs by: 1) Frankie Swimwear 2) Leonisa USA 3) Beach Flirt 22

Florescent color blocking in geometric shapes were perfect for day, or night swims.
Designs by: 1) Beach Flirt 22 2) Leonisa USA 3) Leonisa USA

And feminine floral prints in bright pastels would flatter any beach babe. I especially loved the palm tree prints.
Designs by: 1) Leonisa USA 2) DiMarco Swimwear 3) DiMarco Swimwear
All illustrations by me, Emily Brickel for Chic Sketch

My husband Jordan and I at the show!

Me, getting ready for the show to begin.

Next up, since it was my primero visit to the city of angels, the hubs and I did some extra-touristy sight seeing. I let myself really get back in touch with my exploration side and kid at heart. This included a city tour of Hollywood homes, the Hollywood sign, Hollywood walk of fame, Rodeo drive and more. We had lunch at The Ivy where I was patiently awaiting a celeb sighting, but no dice.  We shopped at Kitson where still, no celeb sightings. We later took an Uber to the incredible Griffith Observatory where we were lucky enough to see the planet Saturn live through their massive telescope and insane views of LA. On our last day we went to Universal Studios where we took a Studio Tour of all the movie sets and went on some rides.  (Insert me going into panic mode here.) Not knowing what to expect and ultimately having some mini anxiety attacks, the hubs calmed me down with cotton candy.

It’s so interesting in life, when waiting on lines for 2 hours, in rows and rows of random people, loud noises, confined spaces and so much time to anticipate or imagine how scary the ride will be, it then becomes time to take a breath, sit down, strap in and woman up. In actuality, the rides were like 1-5 minutes each and so much fun. I used to get caught up in the anticipation of things and sometimes drove myself crazy. I finally have gotten to a place where I know that taking the leap is not even half as scary as thinking about it is. However, for some reason these rides brought me right back to my fear factor and dialed up my old response.  I thought this was a really interesting insight to point out and to take life’s experiences and check in with how you react to your outer world.

On another note, one of the highlights of the LA portion of our trip, (Housewife nerd that I am) was eating at Pump, Lisa Vanderpump of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hill’s new restaurant. We sat 3 tables away from her, her husband, their dog Giggy and supermodel Gigi Hadids’ father Mohamed and his wife Shiva. Later I got the chance to meet them, chat and snap a photo. I hate to say it but I really never freak out when I meet celebrities because I know they are just normal people who are living their dreams, and that is something to be commended. I did however privately freak out with my husband when I went back to our table.  I love Lisa because she really is one example of a woman who has it all; she is a successful entrepreneur, interior designer, and restaurateur who lives in a glamorous mansion in Beverly Hills, with a loving husband and has an amazing relationship with him, her friends and her children all while having the best closet I’ve ever seen. She is friendly, beautiful, graceful and smart.  I love seeing empowered female entrepreneurs who can have it all.

Another highlight was seeing one of my best friends from High School who is living out in LA.

Traveling, and being an entrepreneur are a lot alike. They are really exciting opportunities for opening yourself up to new experiences, people and places and for taking big risks. What’s exciting is to test your limits and to see how you react to these things, because it is your actions that define the outcome. It is your perspective that denotes the life you attract and the life you live.

I recently came across this quote and I wish I knew who said it: “Your vibe will attract the tribe.”  This is so true when radiating the level of the experiences you wish to have.  Your day is completely defined by how you see it and how you react to it.

Is it that you missed the bus and things suck, or is it that you ended up on the next bus, the RIGHT bus that would lead you to meet and see the people and places more in tune with your higher vibration? How do you see it?

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

June 24, 2015
The time of my life: Sneak Peek of our Wedding Video

Screenshot 2015-06-24 18.22.00

The first time I saw this video – I was SOBBBBBBBING.

Being a bride is such a surreal experience – I felt like seeing this video was like seeing my wedding for the first time, even though I lived it. AH it was so beautiful! (Sorry for the gushing!)

When it’s your wedding – at least in my experience – I felt like some moments would go in slow mo, and some would speed up in warped speed, leaving a blur of an amazing day.

Winston and Suzanne Delawar of Suzanne Delawar Studios did an insanely amazing job shooting and photographing our wedding. This is what they call a “Sneak Peek” of the real video. They told us it’s not even our real video, not even our real song. I have no idea how they can top this video but I’m excited to see the real video when it is ready. For now here is a quick 4 min video that captures our amazing, special, gorgeous, exciting, fun and glamorous day. I can’t even believe it was this good, but it was……

 

Jordan & Emily Wedding Video Preview from Suzanne Delawar Studios on Vimeo.
Our vendors out-did themselves!
Thank you to our amazing
Photo and Video: Suzanne Delawar Studios
Wedding Planner: Carrie Zack Events
Floral and Event Designer: Jose Graterol Designs 
Stationary Designer: Laura Damiano Designs
Venue: Fontainebleau Miami
String Trio: Armonia Music
Fusion DJ and instruments: Rock With U
Wedding dress: Emily Brickel Bridal, designed by ME! for custom orders email Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

www.etsy.com/shop/EmilyBrickel

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

March 26, 2015
It’s what you do with it!

Screenshot 2015-03-26 17.42.26

Illustration of Rihanna in Dior

I know I have been slacking on the blog posts lately, but it is with good reason.  March has been a whirlwind and I can’t believe the month is nearly over.

We spent the first week in Miami, at the Fontainebleau wedding planning. We had our tasting, met with our amazing floral designer, photographer, videographer and music, not to mention AMAZING wedding planner and catering manager! We have been getting so much done I am SO happy!!!

My wedding dress, (that I have designed) is in final production now, the fabric is purchased and it is going to be ready so soon! A dream come true – I have always wanted to design my own wedding dress and it is BEYOND amazing and everything I could have ever wanted. It is so magnificent I can’t wait to wear it and show you all!!

Jordan and I designed his TUX and it is getting made.
Invitations went out (most of them anyway), flights are booked, Rabbi is booked, and so many more details have been arranged.

We are in the final stretch of the last 2 months and It’s still going to be crazy, stressful yet fun.

For the second week of March, we went to Washington DC for Jordan to represent New York State for the Small Business Association SBDC for Appetizer Mobile and I got to represent Chic Sketch and sketch congress men, congress women and VIPS on Capitol Hill.

Chic Sketch has been taking off garnering press in Allure, Huffington Post, Glamour, Refinery 29 and many more blogs as well as international publications! Chic Sketch is going global.

This morning I had an amazing interview at my old stomping grounds, FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology) interviewing me as an alumni to talk about my career!  Big thanks to Professor Cooper!

So, I may have missed a few blogs, and I may miss a few more until after my wedding but I’ll keep you updated!!!

On another note…. Are you wondering how it all gets done and I keep my sanity? Well, for starters – it’s not easy.  But I make sure to work out and meditate as much as I can. Taking time for myself lets me recollect my thoughts, take care of my body, mind and soul so that I can be on my game. And… if the day calls for a power nap (if I have the opportunity) I’ll TAKE IT!!

Hope that inspires you to keep keepin on with your dreams!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

January 30, 2015
Paris Haute Couture week

Screenshot 2015-01-30 04.46.07

Paris Haute Couture Fashion: Giambattista Valli, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier

Alas, again my favorite time of year…. Other than my birthday TODAY –
It’s Paris Haute Couture week and these are the things I drool over!
The stuff my dreams are made of. Do I not go on this spiel every time the Haute Couture shows come around??? Yes, I do. Ready to Wear is amazing and fabulous but there is something so magical about the countless hours and countless couturiers that it takes to put together the intricate details, embellishments and appliques on these exquisite works of art.

Right in time for a little pre-Valentine’s day warm up, Valentino closes his show with an “Ode to Love” as Style.com puts it.  Valentino designers Chiuri and Piccioli were inspired by Shakespeare, Dante’s inferno and Chagall paintings. With rich blood reds, creams, whites and muted jewel tones Valentino showed gowns with quotes, stars, and of course heaps of intricate floral motifs which were carried through out on multiple designers’ shows this week.

Sheer was a huge trend again, capes made a glamorous re-appearance, and floral embellishments overflowing with 3D sequins, jewels and architecture reined through out.

This showed true at Giambattista Valli, adding floor length capes of fluffy fur and ruffles fit for a queen. The frothy concoctions in black, white and pastels were shown with major texture and appliques, carrying forth the 3D flowers of last season made front-page news by the New Mrs. Clooney on her wedding weekend. Loud pink and grey floral prints engulfed some looks, sprinkled in with girly and delicate frocks that made for a really scrumptious collection over all.

Likewise at Elie Saab – the designer who is the epitome of red carpet glam – paid tribute to his mother and his 60’s childhood.  Intertwining his signature sheer gowns dripping in sequins and crystals with a new shorter and flirtier silhouette, Saab’s creations were fit for the likes from Pricilla Presley to Ariana Grande.  Decadently trimmed in ostrich feathers, a retro Hollywood glam vibe was also carried throughout.

Half pants and skirts showed at Jean Paul Gaultier, in the true essence of the JPG’s signature masculine vs. feminine double entendres, with a play this season on Bride vs. Groom.  The strong impact of black with white, flowing vs. stiff silhouettes, veils draped as scarves and a powerful black and white trimmed smoking jacket set the tone for his new collection.

On the Chanel runway, 300 3D paper flora graced the set’s backdrop, each of them blooming in an instantaneous mechanical burst setting spring into full force in Paris for the show.  With the standard homage to Coco’s signature silhouettes, Karl Lagerfeld went into vibrant detail embellishing shoulders, skirts and more with over the top stare-worthy fabric and sequin petals, flowers and sparkles.

Zuhair Murad was another stunner and had some looks that quite possibly are my favourite of the collections. Intertwining the structured glam of a powerful woman with capes and pleats and the sweet delicateness of an angelic encounter glittering in crystals, these dresses are awards season gold.

I could go on and on, but check them out for yourself…
www.Style.com for more.

Hope this inspired you as much as it inspires me!
xo
Emily

 

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

December 25, 2014
Peace on Earth – A Holiday Wish

Screenshot 2014-12-24 18.23.04

Illustration by me! It looks different doesn’t it! Hand drawn and gold foil effect. Hope you like it! 

I think that there was never a better time to wish, and I mean really wish for peace on earth.

Today is Christmas Eve and no matter what you celebrate, in the holiday spirit, I wish for you and all of your family to have peace, love, health, happiness and laughter on this day and this holiday season!

My prayers go out to those families this holiday season who have been touched by the recent shootings and unnecessary violence all through out our country.

My hope is that this coming year shines light on the good that there is in the world and calms the fears, violence, uneasiness and hatred that is so prevalent in our country and in other countries.

We really are just one.  ONE huge pulse, one huge heart, one huge energy and one huge soul that unites us all and pulses through every single human in our world.  The UNI-verse, is here to UNIte, not divide.  We really are not that different. We all want love, security, faithfulness, happiness and success. We all crave acceptance, to be heard and to feel needed and worthy. We do look different on the outside, but on the inside we are all made of flesh and bones, easily torn apart buy bullets or blades, fragile and helpless – we are not made of steel.

It’s time to remember that “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Ghandi.

Once we realize this, that we are all brothers and sisters; and that we should fight for the greater good of our planet and quell petty wars and fights like children fighting over toys and land, then we will really achieve peace and freedom.

I hope that the people of the world wake up soon and stop worrying about who is right, and start focusing on being happy.

Cheers to all, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and a Happy, Bright, amazing and exciting New Year 2015!

Hope that inspires you to be the change you wish to see in the world!
All my love,
Emily

November 13, 2014
Get So You Can Give

Screenshot 2014-11-13 13.05.52

Our new Holiday 2014 Cards Unveiled above and available NOW on Etsy!

Get so you can give…. I know your probably thinking; don’t I mean the opposite?
No.  I’m talking about putting your air mask on first.
I’m not talking about being selfish, I’m talking about nurturing yourself so that you have everything to give.  I’m saying to focus on tuning in, charging up your batteries and filling up your bank account so that you can give your time, energy and gifts to others; after you have enough to fund and fuel yourself.

I think that having a mentality of abundance BEFORE that paycheck comes in, having the faith that everything will work out and not feeling like the victim is key to having the life you want to live. I know it’s hard, but you have to trust that things are only given to you that you can handle and so that you can grow from those experiences.

I was not always in the position that I am in now, and I am only half way to where I really want to be.  However, I have learned that in getting stuck in the lack mentality brings more lack into your life.  Likewise, having a mindset of abundance, a feeling that there is more than enough to go around, a trust that we will be taken care of and provided for in the grand scheme of things, and a knowing that if I / you get something – that does not mean there is LESS to go around.  There is an infinite supply of LOVE, MONEY, TIME, HAPPINESS, SUCCESS and anything you could possibly imagine.  To believe that these are commodities that are scarce leads to the fear that “there is not enough for me” or that “there is not enough for others if I get.” This simply is untrue.

Has time ever stopped?  Is money not being printed right now?  Does the success of one person mean no one else can succeed? If someone is extremely happy, does that mean that no one around him or her can be happy?  Have the banks of Love ever run dry.  No. Of course not.  You may have thought at some point in your life that a person you love, was the owner of ALL of your love, and you could never love again after that person.  When time went on, as it always does, you discovered you could love again, maybe even more than you ever thought possible. This is true with having children I’d imagine. You have no idea you can even love MORE than you ever have, and yet – you do.  Love does not run out.  You must just continue to tap into it.  Everything is possible if you unlock your mind and heart to the possibilities that are out there for every one of us.

Give love to yourself FIRST, if you feel you are not getting the love that you want.  Give time to yourself FIRST, if you feel you do not have enough time for others. Invest in yourself FIRST, so that you have the riches to give to others after your boat is afloat.

Don’t forget this, and don’t forget to put yourself first in these ways because you are no good to the world if you do not love yourself, if you don’t make time for yourself and if you don’t invest in yourself.

Scrap the defeatist attitude; scrap the victim mode (if you are taking that up), choose to believe that these energies are plentiful, abundant, ever flowing and continually changing and reinventing themselves.   Choose to take ownership of your life, your happiness, your success, your time, your love and your world.  The holidays are coming. You have the power to live in an abundant world, if you only give to yourself first.

As always,
Hope this inspires you.
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel

NEW Holiday Cards available now on Etsy

These and more styles!!!

Screenshot 2014-11-13 13.04.05

Copyright Emily Brickel Edelson 2018. All Rights Reserved