Julia DiNardo

May 30, 2012

A Q&A With Persifor Designer Alexandra Thompson

I first mentioned the brand a few weeks ago when I was wearing a gorgeous Persifor dress, and now I have the opportunity to share even more about this unique and innovative brand via a Q&A with the company’s founder, Alexandra Thompson. Definitely one to watch, Persifor features designer collaborations on prints matched with amazingly versatile cuts that you truly have to experience and wear to understand the beauty and functionality of the brand. Read on to enter the world that is Persifor to find out where the name originates from, a hint at next season’s collab, and Thompson’s favorite fashion resource.

Fashion Pulse Daily: Tell us a bit about you, and your previous professional experience; and what propelled you to launch Persifor?

Alexandra Thompson: “I’ve been working in the fashion industry for over 10 years for iconic lifestyle companies like J.Crew and Lilly Pulitzer. During this time, I recognized that the current marketplace was lacking a product that combined sophisticated prints in a versatile fabrication for customers seeking an alternative to more expensive and saturated brands. As my friends will tell you, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit so launching my own company was just a matter of timing.”

FPD: I love that the brand was inspired by your grandfather’s name (Persifor), who was “known for his casual elegance and unique style;” how does the brand personify these aspects?

AT: “My grandfather didn’t over think his outfits. He wore classic items that were well tailored, traveled easily and could accessorized in any different number of ways. With great ease, he always looked pulled together and stood out in a crowd. Persifor seeks to emulate this concept by creating figure flattering and simple silhouettes that are unique, comfortable and wear well. That’s why it was critical to develop a fabric that would be wrinkle resistant and machine washable.” Continue reading…

May 28, 2012

AVON Launches the Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel Collection

by Julia DiNardo

Avon just launched the Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel Collection, which boasts four new finishes of Shimmer, Creme, Sheer, and Sequins, which provides 12 days of lasting color and will ALSO increase the strength of nails by 80%. What?! Sounds amazing right? The best part — the 45 new shade collection is available for only $6 a pop, BUT if you hop on them right now, you can get them at the intro price of $3.49 each. What an awesome deal! Our favorite shades include Sunshine (featured in the pic), Sea Breeze, Vintage Blue, Coral Beat,and Lagoon.

-Julia DiNardo

May 28, 2012

Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush

by Julia DiNardo

Anything, and I mean ANYTHING that can help me speed up my morning routine is a must-try. So when I heard about the Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush, a tool with microfiber bristles that works to remove 30% of water as you style, across a variety of hair types, I was quite intrigued to see what it could do for my tresses. Described as a towel and brush in one, the microfibers absorb water while the wide paddle lets you span a wide section of hair at once.

It possesses side vents to help with air flow, and most DEFINITELY got my drying time down a few minutes! As I need to usually infuse quite a bit of volume and bounce to my hair, I used the brush until my hair was about 95% dry, then finished it off with my favorite large barrel round brush. Not only would I recommend this Quick Styly Paddle Brush, but its now become a part of my daily hair-drying ritual! At $11.99 (available at national retailers like Target, CVS, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, more), it seems like a small price to pay to save what I did, at 3 minutes a day, which adds up to about 90 minutes a month, that I could spend actually making the train to work on time or having a quick cup of coffee in the morning with my fiancé

What do you think – would you try the new Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush?

-Julia DiNardo

May 25, 2012

Like a Boss

by Julia DiNardo

Well, I’d like to think so! Or “like a minion;” either way, there’s no harm in dressing like a boss, and a cool one at that. Last week The Wall Street Journal published the article “Elements of Boss Style,” that talks about the death of the power suit, and how women of all high positions should feel confident using bright color, prints, and bold accessories.

I totally agree that you can be both stylish and powerful, however I’d like to also believe that being chic and casual can work too. I’ve taken elements from this article, such as if you go statement with your jewelry, only do it with one piece, and created a “casual Friday” look, sans traditional jeans, that is still office and meeting-appropriate, yet comfy. A lightweight sweater, accented with a scarf and retro over-sized earrings, along with fitted black denim and a pop of color punch with bright loafers.