Bevel

Jewelry designer Paula Mendoza knows the power of craft—and commitment. The Colombian designer, who says when she’s not making jewelry she’s “thinking about making it,” has been perfecting her skills for 10 years. “I dedicated myself to studying techniques and different ways to work with materials and stones,” she says.

That dedication led to a year of journeying in South America (for research, clearly). After moving to D.C. (her first trunk show was at the Colombian embassy), she became a private designer of sorts—and was soon named one of Washington’s 20 most influential people by Capitol File magazine. “I love when I see my jewelry on people that you know have traveled a lot of places,” Paula says.

But those successes didn’t stop her from honing her skills. She enrolled in a course to study jewelry as sculpture, and her latest, largest, most major collection—just featured on Moda Operandi—is full of the types of daring statement pieces that make an outfit a true ensemble. “It’s great to have so many ways to change the same black dress thousands of times because of one accessory,” Paula says.

See the Mini Poppy Earrings she made for Bevel’s 12 Days of Christmas Trunk Show.

Today is DAY 12, putting an end to our 12 Days of Christmas trunk show on Christmas Day. Let us introduce you to Kiley, of Sequin Dress at Breakfast, we love everything leather and camo too.

B: Describe your personal style

“colorful, fun, a mix of girly + tomboy”

B: Who are your favorite designers?
“for jeans - ag denim, j brand, paige. for clothes - i love what kate spade is putting out lately - such fun girly clothes, dvf dresses are always classic and colorful, and marc jacobs leather purses always age well”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?
“ nordstroms, piperlime.com and asos.com, both have what i consider a great mix of designers, brands, prices, and styles. it’s hard to visit any of those without a few purchases. i’m a big j crew shopper as well.”

B:Who are your style icons?
“jenna lyons, rachel zoe”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“dark skinny jeans - they can be worn year round, dressed up or down, with flats or heels. solid color tee’s - they are the perfect thing to pair with flashier, fun pieces like printed pants and textured skirts. flats - a great pair of flats can be worn with so many things, and should be comfortable all day long.”

B: What can you never leave your house without?
“my iphone, lipgloss, eyelash curler”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?
“i rang in 2012 in dallas, texas with a girlfriend - we did a spontaneous road trip there and had the most fun trip - on new years day we went shopping and i splurged on the most gorgeous pair of dior heels for myself. it was the best first purchase of the year i could have made, and i remember the fun trip every time i wear them.”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend
“ least favorite - fussy, high-maintenance manicures. favorite - leather and camo everything”

B: things you can’t live without.

“my canon rebel camera, benefit ‘they’re real’ mascara, kate spade bow watch, faux fur vest, shu uemura eyelash curler
”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?
“ don’t worry about who’s reading - write for yourself! be consistent, be original, and type in the same voice as you talk - let people hear your voice through the words you write.”

Don’t forget to enter her GIVEAWAY for a chance to win the silk wrap bracelet shown above, or purchase your own HERE. (access code: NYC150)

Happy Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas trunk show, and of course, Merry Christmas Eve for those who celebrate. Let us introduce to you our host, Natalie of Like Fresh Laundry. 

B: Describe your personal style

“I’m generally drawn to classic, simple silhouettes on the sleek side. But I like experimenting — keeps things fun. I also have a total soft spot for prints and draping.”

B: Who are your favorite designers?

“There are so many brands I love — A.L.C, Helmut Lang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, the list goes on. And my closet is stocked with affordable pieces from J. Crew and Zara.”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“Locally in S.F. I like Bell Jar and Candystore Collective, although I do most of my shopping online via ShopItToMe.com, where I work. Other online favorites are Shopbop and The Outnet, along with department stores like Saks and Bloomingdale’s.” 

B: Who are your style icons?

“I’m not sure if I have consistent style icons, although images of the Olsens are my guilty pleasure. Cliché, I know. (So homeless! But so fabulous!) Overall I’m influenced a lot by people around me and am also online for a good part of my day — plenty of time to check out stores, fashion sites and blogs.”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“button down, leather jacket, oxfords”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“A jacket! No matter how temperate it is during the day, I’ll need it at night. S.F. temp swings take no prisoners.”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“I love the itty bitty handmade turquoise rings I found in Bali by brand called Sunbath. They’re so simple, and stackable — the best.”

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)

“Well, that just happens to be the Bevel Trunk Show at La Boutique in S.F. (Seriously!) Jewels upon jewels.”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“Favorite trend: I don’t care if it goes out of style in a season — right now I want my printed pants. Least favorite: Still not loving drop-crotch pants. But I never say never.”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“Just do it! You learn as you go.”

Don’t forget to enter her giveaway HERE, for a chance to win the bracelet shot above. Or purchase your own HERE. 

It’s Day 10 of our 12 Days of Christmas trunk show, only 2 days left to see all 12 pieces! Say hello to our host, LeAura of Ever So Popular who can’t live without the internet, but who actually can?

B: Describe your personal style

“Chic, colorful, fun, sexy, comfortable (you have to be able to move).”

B: Who are your favorite designers?  

“I love mixing designers and brands. I am fortunate enough to spend time backstage and front row during fashion week. I adore Betsey Johnson, her aesthetic is fun and timeless so her designs speak to every girl and woman that I know. Her energy is inspiring, she does a cartwheel and drops into a full split at the end of her show!”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“I love shopping at h&m, Zara, Forever 21 they have every single trend under 1 roof. Then I mix with pieces from DVF, Rachel Roy, Alice & Olivia, Helmut Lang, LAMB Vince, Theory to tell my own style story.”

B: Who are your style icons?

“My Mommy, she made a lot of her own clothes and now I wear some of them.

Gwen Stefani, music & fashion icon! Her look is funky, cool and chill at the same time.

Katharine Hepburn: A woman of substance and chic style.”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“An LBD, great shoes and fabulous accessories!”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“Phone, keys, wallet. Fine, more like iPhone and a tablet (a charger for at least one of them), keys (to everything), and my very large wallet, a makeup bag and a bottle of water.”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“I saw this amazing pair of open toe tan leather wedge boots at a boutique in Paris last year. I ended up not getting them and have regretted it since.”

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)

“Recently, I was modeling for Carmen Marc Valvo and Christian Cota and both designers have been doing amazing things with fur.”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“Favorite:

Pajama inspired looks. I have actually worn pajama tops out!

Earlier this year when I was in Dublin (and running low on clean clothes) I donned my leopard print pj top (and a cute skirt) to a pub.

Least Favorite: Faux glasses. As someone who started wearing glasses at age 2 I refuse to partake in this one.” 

B:  things you can’t live without.

“Love (family, friends and special people make the world go round)

Internet, seriously.

Beauty products! So many creams, gels, lotions and potions I cant edit ‘em down

Books: Genre: Celebrity Autobiographies! These are my guilty pleasure…they are often better than I expect.

&

Ice Cream”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“The best advice I could give about starting a fashion blog is that blogging is another form of storytelling. To keep people interested in yours make sure its unique and have you have a point of view.”

Purchase your own necklace HERE (access code: NYC150) or enter her Giveaway HERE.

Remember our Christmas Sneak Peak in Chicago? Well, our host there, is our host today for Day 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas! Say hello to Nikia of ChiTown Fashionista, also enter her giveaway HERE.

B: Describe your personal style

“My style is classic with a twist. When it comes to clothing, I tend to purchase classic silhouettes and timeless pieces. Then, I add unique jewelry and accessories to express my personality.”

B: Who are your favorite designers?

“I don’t really have a favorite. But I am very fond of Celine, BCBG, Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg.”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“Online, I’m pretty much obsessed with ASOS. When it comes to shopping at a brick-and-mortar, I practically live in J.Crew, Nordstrom and TJ Maxx.”

B: Who are your style icons?

“Tracee Ellis Ross, Miroslava Duma and June Ambrose”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“A chambray shirt, a tailored blazer and a great pair of jeans.”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“My phone!”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“I found a Missoni scarf while shopping at an outlet mall in Switzerland six years ago. It was my first Missoni piece and it was at an insanely low price. I’ve worn it every winter since. So, I’m sure the cost per wear is less than a penny!”

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)

“The last trunk show I attended was actually over a year ago. It was for the Chicago-based line, Vintage Revival by Paula Michelle. She uses vintage chains, brooches, keys, locks, etc., to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.” 

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“My favorite trend is the intarsia sweater, emblazoned with animal motifs or quirky sayings. Surprisingly, I don’t have a least favorite.”

B: 5 things you can’t live without.

“My brown lip liner, eyeglasses collection, camera, MacBook and of course, my wedding ring.”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“Be authentic and never try to emulate what another blogger is doing. Just. Be. You.”

Get your ring, HERE. Only 3 days left.

It’s December 21, and we’re still up and running. We assume the world will not end today… with that said, let us introduce you to our host for Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas Trunk Show, Dina, of Eye4Style.

B: Describe your personal style

“Simplicity with edge. Occasionally audacious.”

B: Who are your favorite designers?

“Helmut Lang and Mackage for outerwear. Equipment, Vince and J.Crew for classic daywear. Loeffler Randall, Miu Miu, Charlotte Olympia and Louboutin for shoes – footwear is where I really tend to have a lot of fun. Edie Parker clutches. The list for jewelry goes on and on, though – Pamela Love, Made Her Think, Giles & Brother, Tom Binns, Eddie Borgo, Dominic Jones and, in my fantasy life, Kimberly McDonald.”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“Barneys New York, Kirna Zabete, Shopbop, AHAlife, Moda Operandi.”

B: Who are your style icons?

“Carine Roitfeld, Iris Apfel, Linda Rodin” 

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“An amazing leather jacket (mine are Helmut Lang and Mackage), a mid-rise, dark rinse skinny jean (I favor Rag & Bone or J Brand) and a beautiful silk blouse (try Equipment, J.Crew, Vince or DVF).”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“Jewelry – I’d feel naked!”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“Consignment shops are a DREAM for designer merchandise, particularly here in New York – I most recently snagged a gorgeous draped fur and leather jacket from Phillip Lim at Tokio 7, and since it’s a sample, it’s likely one of only a few that were made. There’s something really special about having such a unique piece!”

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)

“Peppercotton jewelry, ironically enough – which is also a collection available on Bevel!”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“Colored denim is over, in my book – and I’m not sure if I’ll get on board with the pattern denim we’re continuing to see this season and into Spring. Cap toes, on the other hand, I’m this close to caving on – which reminds me, has anyone seen a great cap toe stiletto pump?”

B: 5 things you can’t live without.

“Coffee.

Animals - I love petting them, eating them and wearing them.

Twitter, it’s my lifeline in more ways than one.

An amazing brunch at least once a week.

A generous accessories budget.”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“Do it because you love it, and without agenda – that will set you up for success in a way that no business plan can.”

SHOP Day 8, HERE. (access code: NYC150)

With only days left before Christmas, let us introduce you to Sierra of Style on the Line. She’s lived around the world from Idaho to Italy to Illinois and everywhere in between. Jealous is an understatement.

B: Describe your personal style

“My style is constantly evolving… I generally gravitate toward a relaxed, casual look with some edge thrown in. I love to try new trends and take risks, but always tell people it usually works out best when you throw something together and go with instinct. (After 15 outfits, you’ll probably go back to the first one anyway) You never want to look as if you’re trying too hard, just that what you’re wearing “always works”.”

B: Who are your favorite designers?

“Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone”

B:Where are your favorite places to shop?

“For the latest trends I usually shop Asos, Zara, J.Crew, and local boutiques. But when my bank account allows, I head straight to Shopbop for some serious investment pieces!”

B: Who are your style icons?

“Olivia Palermo, Carine Roitfeld, Krystal Bick (This Time Tomorrow blog)”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“1. A White and a black silk button-up top (pay extra for nice ones, you will wear them often!)

2. Statement necklaces (the bigger the better)

3. Boyfriend jeans”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“My cell phone” 

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)

“Honestly, I cant even remember, which is why I am so excited about Bevel!”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“Least favorite of the moment: the Sci-fi trend. Just not a fan of the metallic space-like jackets or Star War graphic tees of the season.

Favorite of the moment: Baroque. I love the ornate pattern paired with something simple. Let it do all the talking. “

B: 5 things you can’t live without.
“1. Mascara
2. Painted nails
3. Seriously large handbags (I’m addicted!)
4. Wedge booties
5. My husband- he’s my #1 J” 

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“As someone once told me, JUST START and stop making excuses not to! If you are determined enough, you wont let anyone stop your success.”

Now you can get your own Nicolux necklace, HERE. (access code: NYC150)

Say hello to Nicole of Running in Wedges, a vintage buyer as well as a Bevel Host for Day 6 of our 12 Days of Christmas trunk show. 

B: Describe your personal style

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsy love child”

B: Who are your favorite designers?

“YSL, Balmain, and Alexander Wang”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“Beacons Closet, Suburban thrift stores, Online for my Alexander Wang pieces”

B: Who are your style icons?

“Kate Moss, Mary-kate and ashley, Rachel Zoe mixed with a lot of lead singers front man style from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“Black heeled ankle boots, leather moto jacket, vintage Harley Davidson tees”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“My iphone and a dispoble camera”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“Since I work as a vintage buyer, I was doing a personal in house shop from this lady upstate. I managed to walk away with two pairs of vintage YSL heels, vintage YSL scarf, this amazing vintage Ferragamo oversized sweater cape, vintage Prada clutch and more. It was one of the best in house shops I have done thus far!”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“I love the sneaker wedge on some, but could never wear them myself. Favorite new trend would be the high side slit maxi skirt/dresses.” 

B: 5 things you can’t live without.

“My family/friends, music, vintage t shirts, coffee, and a camera”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“Now’s the time. Blogging is becoming a business. If you are passionate about it, and true to your audience with good content, you can take it places. You shouldn’t start though just because it’s popular now, or you feel like you can get something out of it. You need to do it because you want to, not for any other reason.”

Get your hands on that incredible necklace, HERE. (access code: NYC150)

5 days in our 12 Days of Christmas Trunk Show, and we want to introduce you to Claire of The Fashion Bomb. 

B: Describe your personal style

“I’d say I like classic with a twist—say a skirt suit in a bright color with a high hem, or a vibrant sweater with leather pants and spiked heels. I like to add a subtle unexpected element to my look, whether that be my hair, lip color, jewelry, or any other accessory.”
B: Who are your favorite designers?

“I love Alexander Wang’s sporty pieces, prints by Emma Cook, Mary Katrantzou, and Clover Canyon, jeans by Rag & Bone, and anything from Nicholas Kirkwood to Azzedine Alaia for shoes.”
B: Where are your favorite places to shop?

“Opening Ceremony, Shopbop.com, Intermix, Saks, and Net-a-Porter.”

B: Who are your style icons?

“I love Victoria Beckham’s style. She always look so posh and put together!”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?

“A chic pump, carry all bag, and jeans.”

B: What can you never leave your house without?

“My lipstick.”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?

“I scored a golden Alexander McQueen bolero at a sample sale in Paris, before his untimely passing. I’ll cherish it forever.”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend

“Least favorite trend: flatforms. Favorite trend: leather.”

B: 5 things you can’t live without.

“My Iphone, Macbook, Journal, Class Ring, and my Blog!”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?

“Just stick to it. Continue to try new things until you hit your stride, and then always find ways to evolve, innovate, and add new voices.”

Obsessed with the bangles as much as we are? Find them HERE. (access code: NYC150)

Say hello to Kate of The Styley, also our host for Day 4 of our 12 Days of Christmas trunk show. “It’s not the subject matter, it’s the way you deal with it that makes your blog unique” - on starting your own blog! 

B: Describe your personal style
“A little preppy (nothing’s more classic than a button-down and a blazer), a little Bohemian (I love flares and moccasins), a little rocker (hence the jewelry as weaponry thing).”

B: Who are your favorite designers?
“Calleen Cordero, who I think is from LA, has great stuff. I have some boots of hers with these little grommets on them that are just fantastic. Margaret O’Leary, a San Francisco-based designer, does amazing knits. And I totally dig Band of Outsiders. They have a great name, a great aesthetic, and they’re bringing Top Siders back. What more could you ask for?”

B: Where are your favorite places to shop?
“New York and Paris.”

B: Who are your style icons?
“My mother has great style, and I admire her approach to style. Like the honey badger, she doesn’t give a shit about trends. She only buys what she really likes, she invests in quality, she takes good care of her things, and she holds on to the best stuff, because what goes around really does come around. Case in point: I recently found a Ralph Lauren sweater that I wore when I was a teenager, and guess what? It looks like the Fair Isle sweaters that are currently in the windows at J. Crew.”

B: What are you 3 key wardrobe essentials?
“Jeans that fit well, boots that you can walk in, a great bag, an awesome coat…oh, wait, that’s four.”

B: What can you never leave your house without?
“A camera, a notebook, and a pen. Lip balm, now that I live on the East Coast again. My current favorite is one from Cold Spring Apothecary.”

B: Do you have any stories about an amazing designer piece you found?
“The coat I’m wearing in my photo is by Marc Jacobs. I bought it something like ten years ago at a post-Christmas sale at Bergdorf Goodman. I love it, I always get compliments on it, and after all this time I still feel victorious about the fact that it was 80% off.”

B: Most recent trunk show? (Who were they? What did they sell?)
“Honestly, I never seem to be able to make it to them in person. That’s why Bevel is genius!”

B: Current least favorite trend // favorite trend
“I love ponchos and capes. But I wear them even when they’re not trendy.”

B: 5 things you can’t live without.
“Family, friends, intellectual curiosity, a sense of wonder, laughter.”

B: Any advice for those who want to start a blog/ fashion blog?
“Make sure you have a name that rocks, because you’re going to be saying it and hearing it a lot. Then just get started. Don’t wait until you find the perfect design, the perfect subject, the perfect whatever, because all of that is probably going to change. When I started The Styley, I had no idea what I was doing, and I certainly had no idea that my blog was going to be photography based. That’s how things evolved. And try not to worry about the fact that people have already done whatever it is that you want to do. There’s plenty of room for quality work. Think about it this way: If people had stopped writing love stories after Chaucer finished Troilus and Criseyde in the mid-1380s, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet.It’s not the subject matter, it’s the way you deal with it that makes your blog unique. At least that’s what I tell myself.”

Swooning over the ring? Purchase it HERE. (access code: NYC150)