Julio Designs

Handmade by women, the story behind Julio Designs is just as powerful as the pieces that are created. With a strong background in the arts, specifically an education in architecture and years of experience as a boutique owner, Julio has always been a creator. It was only natural for her to transition into a jewelry and accessories designer, whom, in her humble beginnings, designed pieces that would compliment the eclectic collection she retailed at her Texas-based shops. With a growing business, Julio began to build her team with women to, in  turn, not only uplift other women, but also to uplift the community as a whole. Today, Julio Designs offers a diverse collection of designs, from gorgeous jewelry to home good, apparel and beyond.

To learn more, see more and to shop for Julio Designs, click here.

Big Thanks to Andrea, Sarah and the entire team over at Chic Execs for making this feature possible!

xx.
M

Joerael Numina x Mobilize Walls

In the current political climate, the back and forth banter and negative connotations that come with so much of the news, whether it is “real” or “fake” (who really knows!?), can be downright exhausting. It is most refreshing to come across feel-good stories, outlets that promote good Samaritans doing the “right” thing, and stories where people are uniting and coming together to help one another - and for no underlying reasons except to just make the world a better place. Joerael Numina is one of those people.

A Texas born and based artist, Joerael is the founder of the Mobilize Walls, a series of murals that have, simply put, “out sm(art)ed and out scaled” President Trump’s proposed wall. The concept is quite the exact opposite of “The Wall” we have all come to know, as it is a tool for uniting rather than a means of separating.

Mr. Numina  grew up defying society, whether it be on a skateboard (which is political in itself) or through graffiti writing and his other artistic outlets. He is no stranger to pushing the boundaries. In a self-proclaimed "Texas Fashion," his art is blunt but kind, embodies a sense of humanity while still addressing serious matter. He questions the fibers of communities in which he displays his works, while inviting the community to get involved and do the same, to challenge and provide critical thinking and create awareness that goes beyond any "walls" that physically exist.

Numina cites drawing has his favorite form of expressing himself. While it is on the other end of the spectrum from mural painting, drawing is not done for the public, require precision and is between the artist and his paper. His murals and specifically this incredible project are on a much different scale both figuratively and literally. It's not something an art collector could collect, it is erected in    order to become the fabric of the place it is made and serves as a public experience that can't be hoarded by one person. It can start a conversation, whether it be from the artist to the world or to two neighbors that have never met that have decided to venture outside to explore this new fabric of their society. A wall that is far from "a wall," Joerael's Mobilize Walls are structures that prove to create a bridge to connect all those around it.

To learn more and see more, click here.

Big Thanks to Beth Brett for making this feature possible!

xx.

M

University of Texas Press

The University of Texas Press publishes important books regarding the arts and culture. Whether it be a beautiful hard cover book outlining the life and determination of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo in  Friday Kahlo: An Illustrated Life, or a cohesive compilation of some of the most remembered and historical film posters with Selling The Movie: The Art of The Film Poster, The University of Texas Press releases a variety of lovely publications, each perfect for table-top books that could certainly make for gorgeous gifts this holiday season. 

To learn more, see more and to purchase books from University of Texas Press, click here.

Big Thanks to Joel over at University of Texas Press for making this feature possible!

xx.

M

Stuck Up Girl

It's all about the attitude. Houston, Texas based designer, Travis Hamilton of Negris Lebrum takes on streetwear with his new "SUG" collection. Known for his bold designs, this collection is no different. Besides conquering the chic sector, Hamilton now proves he can hang with the cool crowd too.  

To learn more, see more and to shop for Negris Lebrum designs, click here.

Big Thanks to the designer, Travie, himself for making this feature possible.

xx.

M

The Brown Agency

The modeling industry is enormous and vast in more ways than you may think. While most think of modeling for it’s glitz and glamour, it is so, so much more than that. While beautiful people do model – or what one might consider a “beautiful person” - the industry has much, much more depth. There is a place for every shape, size, color, race and religion in the world of modeling.  While a runway might sometimes require a certain height (this stereotype is even being shattered now with shorter models making their ways down the catwalk), print ads don’t generally require any certain height. You need not be rail-thin or be six feet tall! We, as humans, are all beautiful and modeling agencies recognize the talents from within, disproving the stereotype that the modeling world is shallow. Sometimes a model doesn’t use her looks at all. Sometimes it is her personality that shines.  In the age of social media, models can be in the form of influencers, some in which live “normal” lives and share their world, which is accessible to their followers and others. 

From the leading lady, to the “funny sidekick,” to the curvy, to the plus-size, to the young, to the old, there are a plethora of avenues to pursue in the modeling world.

Here are a few modeling jobs, which might include positions that you may have never considered to be modeling gigs:

-Instagram Influencers

-Fitness Gurus

-Editorial Models

-Runway Models

-Print/Ad/Catalogue Models, some might even just be HAND models! Or FOOT models! Sometimes it isn’t even ones face that is bringing home the paychecks!

Representation in the modeling world can be very important. With a proper agency to represent one as a model, the talent is able to be connected with brands that are a mutual fit with their look. Whether it is a glamorous fashion brand or a successful health brand, the importance of placement and finding the right model with the proper look is a major aid in the entire branding process. Strategically, the model needs to be someone that represents and garners the attention of the targeted audience to help the client, or the brand, to sell the product.

The Brown Agency is a large and successful modelling agency based in Austin, TX. They represent models and talents and is one of the most respected agencies in the world. Their models and talent appear in some of the most famous and recognizable brands’ ads and campaigns and beyond. The Brown Agency boasts a roster of diverse models doing diverse jobs. From Fashion Week runway shows across the globe to working with well respected brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dell, Toyota and thousands more, they are a true leader in the industry.

xx.

M

New York Vintage x Miss Velvet x SXSW

Bell sleeved belle belts it out. The unbelievably talented Miss Velvet  absolutely rocked in a vintage blouse from New York Vintage at her SXSW performance this past month.

xx.

M

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M

Til 2014

Off to Austin, Texas for the weekend and then straight down to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to ring in the New Year. Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Years. See you in 2014.

xx.

M