LuLu*s Featured Fan: Cassie!

Posted by: LuLu*s !

March
2
2011

We absolutely love our Facebook and Twitter fans! Each one of you is important to us and we enjoy chatting on Facebook or tweeting with all of you. So, we wanted to feature some of our lovely fans and get to know them a bit better. If you'd like to be a featured fan, just get on our "radar" by being active on our blog and Twitter or Facebook page. The more you interact/post/tweet/comment, the more likely you could be a LuLu*s Featured Fan!

Today, we are featuring an interview and photos of Cassie in some LuLu*s dresses! She is a Facebook fan who enters our contests and chats with us about the latest blog posts.

Where are you from?

I'm from a small town in Georgia called Ellijay. I currently live in Tampa, Florida.

How did you hear about Lulus.com?

I stumbled on Lulu's about four years ago. I can't remember how I found it, but I've placed around seventy orders since then! I really love to shop, but don't always enjoy shopping at a mall. I like having the freedom to shop in my pajamas.

What are your favorite activities?

I love to travel. I enjoy seeing other cultures and learning what I can from them. My husband and I are backpacking across Peru this summer. We are also saving for a trip next year to Thailand. I love the water. On most weekends, you can find me at the beach or by my pool. In the past year, I married my best friend. I enjoy every minute I spend with him. We recently bought our first home and I'm having fun decorating. I'm also a big foodie. I love trying new foods. I like to paint; I find it very therapeutic. I have several of these pictures hanging in my home. Reading a good book is also a favorite activity mine. Reality TV is a guilty pleasure of mine. Like most girls, I also love to shop, get sun, and spend time with friends and family.

What does your closet look like?

I'm pretty proud of my closet. I lucked out and got one that runs the entire length of my bedroom and has a ceiling fan. I need every square inch of it. I had to eventually move my husband's things into the guest bedroom closet. Some girls love shoes and some love purses. My favorite part of my wardrobe are my dresses. I have around 200. I almost look at them like art pieces. Yes, I know it's a bit excessive but as Carrie Bradshaw says, "I like my money right where I can see it...hanging in my closet."

What would you want to see more of in our blog?

On Lulu's blog, I would like to see more tips and tricks about makeup. I can put an outfit together, but I'm clueless in the makeup department. I usually have the same routine and I want to learn how to mix it up.

What are your favorite Lulu*s products?

Like I mentioned before, dresses are my thing. I also love the shoes, especially the flats and wedges. I'm a little clumsy so I try to avoid anything too tall.

What would you like to see more of on Lulus.com?

I love all of the products that Lulu's offers. The prices are unbelievably affordable. I would like to see a review section. I have bought several things that I love so much, and I want to tell other girls, "You definitely have to get this!"

What is the most inspiring quote or motto you've heard?

I like this quote by Lance Armstrong. "Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose."

We enjoyed our interview with Cassie! We can't wait to see YOU as our next featured fan! So, be sure to say hello to us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Meet Vintage Model: Ashley Rogers!

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

July
22
2010

With her fresh face and great outlook, Lulu*s vintage model Ashley Rogers was a treat to chat up on modeling gigs, style and life in general. Read up, and check out our Vintage section to see Ashley rockin' some hot, retro-inspired looks!

1. How did you get into modeling?

I began modeling in Texas when I was pretty young. My sister was a make up artist and worked with the agencies there, so I was able to tag along and eventually booked work myself.

2. What are the challenges and perks of modeling?

The one challenge that I find is sheer concentration. It becomes difficult over a long period of time to do something as simple as conveying a feeling in your face. My favorite perk is working with creative and talented people. I thrive on being around like-minded individuals, and the industry is bustling with them.

3. Describe your typical weekday - is life pretty consistent or unpredictable?

Right now, I’m in between school and work, so it can be unpredictable at times. I have gotten myself into a habit of writing to do lists every day to maintain a sense of normalcy. It helps.

4. How long do you take to get out the door in the morning?

30 minutes for my usual routine. I remember being younger and spending up to two hours to get ready. Imagine what I could do with all of that extra time now! =)

5. Are you a health nut, junk food junkie or something in-between?

I’m fairly healthy for the most part, but I don’t deny myself anything either. I was a vegetarian for 10 years up until the fall of last year, and it was simply because I began craving meat that I started eating it again. I’m a firm believer that the body will tell you what it needs.

6. Do you have a dream modeling gig?

I would love to be one of Stella McCartney’s girls. They always look so innocently polished.

7. Describe your style in terms of dress and aesthetic.

My sense of style is very eclectic. I tend to go a little vintage throwback but always with a very modern twist. I welcome the jeans and t-shirt days too.

8. Must have item for the summer?

Multiple pairs of sunnies (I’m constantly misplacing mine), at least two vividly patterned swimsuits, and that one floor sweeping dress that makes you feel carefree and sexy all at once. I like the hippie-style gunne sax versions right now

Find these items and more on our Vintage page!

Meet Vintage Model Diana D!

Posted by: LuLu*s !

May
20
2010

If you haven't checked out our vintage section lately, you really should take a look! We had a recent photo shoot in L.A., and model Diana D was happy to dish about modeling, fun and life in L.A. She is even one of the Paul Mitchell faces, check her out!

1. At what age did you start modeling?

I was discovered by a scout at 13. They expected I'd grow incredibly tall. They were mistaken; just 5'4" (tear).

2. Tell us a little about your modeling career path?

Modeling granted me pardon for absences from school. Often caught a flight to Los Angeles (from my hometown, Las Vegas) the evening prior to a booking. A few of my first gigs included Stila, Nylon (their first year in print) and this British line called Sugar. For Sugar, we drove to a fruit stand within few miles of Joshua Tree, CA. We had an old classic mustang convertible. Inspiration for the shoot was a vintage road trip. I was sitting pretty in the driver's seat with these massive retro sunglasses on. Just 14. No drivers permit. Surreal.

3. How is life in LA as a model?

Got the bones to make a move to LA at 19. Pursuing the dream. Still going. Modeling gigs are always lovely. The exposure to creative folk and artists alike makes modeling seem more like being an essential element to the making of a group art project.

4. What is the best part of being a model?

The Perks -- The ability to manipulate your own schedule, make it to all your castings, feed yourself, meet a friend for coffee, take a trip. Work comes in clusters. Sometimes it's wildly hectic and other times, quite lackadaisical. There's always time to take a pause and read Albert Camus beneath a tree or runaway for a weekend music festival. You just never really know when or with much advance. A model must be spontaneous.

5. How did you become one of the Paul Mitchell Faces?

The Paul Mitchell gig came about through a series of unpaid creative projects I decided to model for. The hair stylist for one of these shoots happened to be an assistant to Lucie Doughty, Editorial Director for Paul Mitchell. Lucie saw the finished photo series, and set up a test shoot with me immediately. A few months later, I found myself sitting at PM headquarters for a casting. Sitting in a room with 20 Amazonian goddess types, I had to wonder, whether I had any chance of getting this gig at all. Within 20 minutes of my departure, I received a call from Lucie herself; I had booked Paul Mitchell, (cartwheels and screams!)

6. What are some of your daily activities?

Daily activities include french pressing my coffee, checking favorite music & style blogs, pen to paper, bicycle riding, treasure hunting, chasing raccoons, taking photographs, conversations with friends & attempting false grand self confidence at castings.

7. What do you do for fun in LA?

LA fun includes farmer's markets, weeknights at the Hollywood Cemetery, the Wiltern theatre, thrifting, taco truckin', chasing carnivals, record collecting, double features at the Beverly Cinema, fellow mouseketeering, group sing songs, Dodger games, LOVE & summer BBQ's.

8. As a model do you have a lot of free time or are you pretty busy?

Currently, I have nothing but free time. Someone book me on a gig quick!!

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New Year's Eve Plans!

Posted by: LuLu*s !

December
30
2009

The countdown to 2010 is fast approaching, and we can't wait to sip some bubbly, kiss our loved ones and ring in the New Year! Here's what some of us at Lulus.com have planned:

Wase

(we asked her while being styled for our photo shoot!)

"I'm going to a party with my friends!!!"

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Amy

"I will be celebrating the New Year in the Bahamas, with tropical refreshments, where I won't have to wear any jackets or scarves!"

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Cara

“I’m going to head down to San Francisco for a cocktail party. Then I’m going to Shotwell’s -- this awesome beer and wine bar in the Mission District.”

*

Kathleen

“This New Year's Eve is going to be special, because it’s my first year anniversary with my boyfriend. We’re going to dress really fancy and celebrate at the same party where we met last year.”

*

Lindsey

"I'm going to a cute 1950s style house in Squaw Valley to ski and celebrate with family and friends!"

*

Matt, Lindsey and KB can't wait to.. "Go to Lake Tahoe!!!"

*

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Model Behavior: Meet Neva Kaya

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
30
2009

I had the pleasure of interviewing Neva Keva, not only a model, but a model citizen.

We first got to know Neva as a model for our vintage line here at Lulu*s. With her deep brown eyes and trendy fringe bangs, Neva has a strikingly beautiful presence, but as you will see, this young woman possesses not only looks, but plenty of heart.

Here, Neva shares her journey into modeling, what you may find her doing in her spare time and what inspired her passion for man's best four-legged friend.

How did you make your way into the modeling business?

My family is originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Puerto Rico. If you asked where I was from and I could only give one answer, I would say I’m from Puerto Rico. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to spend my life as a kid in paradise.

As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in Montauk, New York, in the summers. One of my closest friends lived there, so I got a summer job and spent a few summers out there, working and hanging out with her. We’d take the train into the city (Manhattan) a lot, because it was so close and fun and easy.

And one day, I decided to go check out modeling agencies. So I just went to a bunch of open calls, and while I was in the elevator leaving one of the last open calls of the day, I met a photographer who asked me if I wanted to shoot an editorial for V magazine that weekend, which was crazy because I didn’t even have an agency yet but I had just booked a shoot for a really awesome magazine.

So I guess that’s how it started … a bored teenager with a summer job and a metro card, haha.

What do you love most about your job?

The rewards are many, but the best ones to me are the flexible schedules and the travel ... but mostly the travel!

I’ve had the opportunity go to some amazing locations for jobs, but even more than traveling for jobs, I love that I can pick up and go to New York (I live in L.A.) for a few months and know that I at least have the chance to go out on castings and try to book work. Having agencies in different cities and just being able to pick up and go live somewhere different to me is awesome.

The summer I was 18, my boyfriend broke up with me, so I flew to Paris. I didn’t have an agency. I had my portfolio, and after a week of running around on open calls, I not only had an agency but an apartment was set up for me. It was a slow time to be in Paris, and I was broke most of the time, but you think I cared? I was running around exploring the city and eating Nutella-filled crepes. :)

What plans do you have for the future?

My plans for the future change every day, but I am so happy to be able to say that I have found one thing that truly makes me happy and fills me no matter what else I end up having on my plate a few years from now.

I recently went to Guatemala with my boyfriend, and although the area we visited was one of the most beautiful places I have seen (Lake Atitlan), the amount of suffering and starvation when it came to the stray dog population there was heartbreaking. I don’t know if it's because I grew up with a dog-crazy mother who was always rescuing stray dogs, or if I just have this intense connection with dogs, but being there hurt me so much.

I’ve traveled to many impoverished places before (and yes, I have “smuggled” dogs back to the states and gotten them adopted, more on that on my site), but the Guatemala trip was extra hard. So when I came back to the states, I sat down with my boyfriend and figured some stuff out.

I realized that I have the ability to help on a much bigger level than dragging around a Hefty trash bag of homemade dog food mush that I made in my hotel kitchen and feed to whatever strays I came across while on vacation, and well, that’s how Iheartmutts.com got started. It’s a non-profit group I started to spay and neuter dogs in impoverished areas outside of the U.S.

I’d love it if your readers went on my site since its fairly new, and I love getting feedback and suggestions on any way to make it, and my charity, as great as can be.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, just for fun?

For fun, I read. I have so many books that I LOVE. Some all time faves are Atlas Shrugged, She’s Come Undone, Outliers, Ana Karenina, Bonfire of the Vanities, Kitchen Confidential and Same Soul, Many Bodies. It’s a random grouping, but I just looked over my shoulder and picked some favorites off my bookshelf.

I also love to explore food. A perfect Sunday for me is when my boyfriend and I drive around and try out little food dives. We usually go by word of mouth or an article we've read, where someone will randomly mention “oh I had this great burger,” and we like memorize what they ate and where and then barely hear the rest of the conversation or read the rest of the article.

I’ve always said, if I didn’t have a high metabolism I wouldn’t model. Food is too big a part of my life to have to obsess about it. I know girls who eat like a green apple, a hard boiled egg and that’s it. It’s gross and sad and lame all at the same time, but mostly lame. What percentage of the worlds population is starving? And you’re starving yourself BY CHOICE?

Sorry, I just get annoyed because I go to NYC like once a year for few months to work, and I can never find anyone to go explore pizza joints with. So it’s a sore subject.

Describe your style and any fashion trends you follow.

Trends, hmmmm. I can live in black skinny jeans (Jbrand), Black Fiorentini and Baker motorcycle boots and a slinky, low-cut black tank, or a black James Perse tank. That’s my outfit, and I’m sticking to it. :)

I really don’t follow trends. I believe in quality over quantity. I will splurge and pay a lot of $$$ when I see a piece of clothing I love. Since I am not a frequent shopper, I know my impulses are trustworthy. Like a lacy Dolce & Gabbana top that fits the description impulse buy I wore to death.

I don’t have a statement piece or a specific style, but because of my hair (my bangs), clients always throw me into this weird rocker rebel girl category, and they don’t realize my style is a product of my laziness, haha.

Check out Neva sporting her cute and stylish looks on our vintage page, and don't forget to visit Neva's website, Iheartmutts.com, to learn more about her efforts to help stray dogs in third world communities.

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Model Behavior: Meet Nikia Phoenix

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

October
2
2009

If you've checked out our vintage section lately, then you couldn't have missed our newest model, Nikia Phoenix. With her signature freckles and gorgeous look, Nikia has been building a reputable modeling career, moving from the runway to magazines and now to Lulus.com!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Nikia and thought you guys would love the chance to get to know her better.

1. Is being a model all it’s made up to be?
It has its advantages, and also its hardships. Being a model isn't always glamorous, but that's the portrait I paint when I step in front of the camera. I live the life of a starving artist, but it's what I chose to do. I may not always get paid for what I do, but I love to do it. Because of this profession, I've met the most wonderful people. Their creativity and drive encourage me to keep doing what I do.

2. Who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My greatest inspiration is my family. They are so loving and supportive even when they don't understand me. Everyone in my family is very spiritual, especially my grandmother. She's practically a saint. This woman willingly and unselfishly gives so much of herself. God always blesses her for it, and the blessings trickle down to the rest of us.

3. How do you stay healthy, both body and mind?
A lot of meditation and discipline. I try to exercise everyday and read something other than news and blogs. The news can be very depressing, so I try to read things that are good for my soul. My boyfriend tries his hardest to make me eat healthy food. I'm from the South, where we fry everything, but he makes me steer clear away from fatty comfort food. Let's just be honest: there's nothing nutritional about fried chicken.

4. What is your favorite splurge?
I'm actually pretty frugal, but I will splurge on good food. Dessert especially. Funny that this question comes right after the "staying healthy" one. I have a sweet tooth. I know that if I overindulge, I'll be sick. That's why I always suggest sharing your sweets with the people you love. My sister and I always leave room for dessert, and eat it together (when I'm around, of course).

5. Favorite movie of all time?
The Godfather, but I can't choose between Part One and Part Two. I love the combination of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, and then Pacino and Robert DeNiro. I even quote the movies quite often, but few of my friends understand what I'm taking about. "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." See, even gangsters know how important dessert is.

6. What can’t you leave the house without?
Chapstick. Preferably Carmex.

7. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
A cup of Earl Grey and an English muffin. On the weekends, I'll go all out with pancakes, french toast, biscuits, etc. Basically anything that can potentially be sweet.

8. Any pet peeves?
Disorder and dishonesty. I can't work with chaos, and I don't like people lying to me. And I really can't stand it when someone leaves lights on when no one's in the room. A small lamp is fine, but let's not waste energy. I have moments of OCD when I go around turning off lights and rearranging things. Perhaps I need psychiatric assistance.

9. Describe your perfect outfit.
A vintage soft t-shirt, colorful scarf, comfy slim-fitting jeans, cute heels and stare-at-me earrings. I can run errands without feeling constricted and go out for dinner without looking drab.

10. New must haves for this year?
Over-the-knee boots and a cute leather jacket. You can never go wrong with a couple of classics.

If you want to hear more about Nikia (and I'm sure you will!), pay a visit to her awesome blog, Model Liberation, and also check out an interview with Nikia and her mom on the Tyra Banks Show below.

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Oh, For the Love of JC!

Posted by: Brittany Nickels

August
20
2009

LuLu*s has long been a lover of Jeffrey Campbell, also known affectionately as "JC". What girl can say no to the beauty, comfort, and carefully crafted pieces of art that envelope your feet? So, it was with girlish curiosity that we interviewed the tres amusant Ty McBride, Jeffrey Campbell Brand Specialist, curator for all JC shoe "art", personality and shoe expert extraordinaire:

Ty McBride, describe a day in your shoes.

"That's what I love about working for a small company -- we all wear so many hats. We all truly collab to work together on everything. I do sales, tradeshows, but also oversee a lot of the fun creative projects. I'm the official JC blogger and tweet-master!"

What's your favorite part about going to tradeshows?

"I suppose it's seeing my favorite clients. I am based in NYC, so somethings I don't get to catch up with my clients and friends from Saint Louis, Chicago, or Texas. We have AMAZING CLIENTS."

If you were any kind of shoe, what would you be?

"Oh gosh. A lucite platform with bottom lights. I love trashy."

What should we look for in heel and boot trends for Fall 2009? How about Spring 2010?

"Well Spring 2010 is still in the secret vault. For Fall, I would say you should take my advice on the following: GRAB ONTO COLOR! Color is huge for Fall. Mustard. Purple. Grey. Khaki. Metallics. Mixed proportions -- this is HUGE. Mix an over-the-knee boot with tiny dress for example. Masculine looks for women -- everyone should own some version of that as well."

How do you choose what merchants carry JC shoes?

"They choose us to some extent. We believe in brand loyalty. We try to cater to those who have been loyal to us since we started. We try to respect our clients and their locations -- we try to have FUN clients."

You must meet a ton of die-hard JC fanatics. Are there any particulars that stand out among the rest?

"There are some crazy regular emailers... fans who have seen a JC shoe in an airport, or cafe somewhere... and are now on the hunt for it! We got a lot of iPhone pics with a note that says... 'I NEED THIS BY FRIDAY.'"

I noticed Chelsea Handler from Chelsea Lately was wearing a pair of Marly's awhile back and Terri Hatcher has them in black. What other celebs can be spotted in JC?

"Chelsea Handler!! I love her... I did not know that. We are lucky... lots of cute celebs like JC. Zooey, Kate Bosworth, Nicole Richie, Fergie... One of our favorites is Agyness Deyn -- the famous model. She is often seen wearing JC on her super model feet. Also, our sandals do well with the LA celeb set, Nicki Hilton and Kate Hudson."

What in your experience and opinion, are the key elements that make a particular JC shoe a best seller?

"Our best sellers all seem to have one thing in common. They have to SPEAK to the masses. And by that I mean, they have to fill a void... regardless of its a cute flat, or a crazy heel -- it's strange. It's unique and what people are looking for to complete their look. If we make a shoe that applies to lots of people -- we know we are on the right path."

With that being said, Lulus.com is proud to announce the arrival of the Jeffrey Campbell Michelle Ruffle Unicorn Heel! Thank you to Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Ty McBride!

Lulu's Loves... Sienna!

Posted by: LuLu*s !

July
20
2009

When you order from Lulus.com, Sienna packs your cute new items and ships them to you in your lucky LuLu*s box!

Like most of our employees, she has creative side that she expresses through button-making. She has been doing ceramics for about 10 years after gaining a huge interest in college and now satisfies her inner artist by designing unique buttons from little fried eggs to beautiful fruit-inspired pieces. You can check out her collection at siennaorlando.etsy.com.

Sienna grew up as a farmer's daughter so, in keeping with her love for the animals and plants that surrounded her, she uses recycled/re-fashionable materials in her crafts. She also loves baking and cooking as seen in her cute little cupcakes and strawberry buttons! Her favorite button she's made so far is currently in the works: a little piece of toast with a tiny pad of butter.

What's her favorite item on Lulus.com? The Crusoe Pleat Romper [sold out!]