Style Chat: The Deal Divas

So I caught up with the St. Pete Times's Deal Divas!

Dalia, Colleen and Letitia took the time to share their expert advice with us on what's hot this season, how to find the best deals and how to develop your personal style effortlessly! Meet the Deal Divas...

PG: What is a good deal?

Letitia: We’re all a little bit different, and we all bring a different voice and bit of a different sensibility to the blog. Stephanie is completely out there, Nicole is high end fashion. So that mix really helps because you’re covering a lot of different bases. My thing is I’m a bit of a classic person, and I am much more the bargain hunter than the fashionista. So, I generally consider it a deal if it’s 50% off. Most of my wardrobe includes dresses. I rarely spend more than $30 on anything, so for me, that’s how I feel like I can get quantity.

Colleen: Basically, if it’s something I love and I don’t have to pay full price, then I’ve decided it’s a deal. I try to buy things that are on the sale rack, but if I love it, I’m just going to buy it!

Dalia: Ok, so since you have a little bit of extra money after you’ve paid all your bills, you can eat it or you can wear it. So, in my head I do this Chipotle burrito test because I love Chipotle, it’s my little treat for myself. You can get a burrito for 6 or 7 bucks with a drink. So if I can buy something for the price of a burrito, I would rather have the something. I could buy other things, but if something is 7 bucks and it looks like 50 bucks and I’ll get to wear it 10 times or even if I wear it once, I would’ve only eaten the burrito once.

PG: Where are the best deals—online or in-store?

Dalia: I have only bought one pair of pants online and they were too small, so it’s only a good deal if it’s something you’ll actually wear. If I’m buying it online I’m not sure that it’s going to fit, and I’m probably not going to take it back to the post office if it doesn’t. So I would say in the store because you can try it on with your heels, with your flats. For me, the best deals are always in the back of the store.

Colleen: I am store all the way. The few times that I’ve ventured into online buying--as tempting as it is because it’s right at your fingertips and you can do it when you’re procrastinating from something else and the deals might be better pricewise--the inconvenience is if it doesn’t fit or you don’t end up liking it. Fit is such an important part of looking good, and I think the full proof way is to get in the store and try it on. And that’s part of the shopping experience. You don’t have that thrill of walking out with your bag!

Letitia: I am also a store person. The only thing that is good from online is, once you sign up for the mailing list you can get good coupons. Or there are sale sites like The Deal Divas where you can coupons that you can take with you to the stores!

Find out more about the Deal Divas when you read the rest...

PG: What sets Deal Divas apart from other blogs?

Colleen: A lot of blogs tend to be written by one author, (there’s nothing wrong with that) but the cool thing is that we have so many different personalities. There’s a wider range of styles, tastes and budgets, so we can connect with women who fit our different types because everybody has an individual experience for people out there. So we’re more likely to hit upon other people’s various tastes through what we have on the blog. Also there isn’t just a difference in our dressing styles but in our writing styles which makes us well-rounded.

PG: Where are your favorite deal go-tos?

Letitia: We’ve been doing this for about a year, so we’ve developed a sort of instinct. I went to Dillard’s the other day and I bought a shirt on sale, but something in my gut told me if I waited and didn’t wear it and didn’t take off that tag, I could get if for an extra 40% off. So I didn’t wear it on Tuesday, and sure enough on Wednesday it was an additional 40 percent off! So I think we’re beginning to develop a sixth sense. I sign up with websites and get things sent to my e-mail. The newspaper also has good advertisements so I keep an eye out. And we’re at the malls and stores a lot.

PG: What are some of your greatest challenges when searching for deals?

Colleen: Luckily it’s been a good time to do this type of blog as far as the deal angle, because sadly, for retail, it’s not a great time to be in retail. So in order to try to make some money, the chains have had to either lower their prices, or have more sales. So we’ve been able to benefit from that.

PG: What do you look for more—accessories or clothes?

Letitia: I spend a little bit more time on clothes, but since I’ve done this blog I feel more pressure to dress well and have less complete slacker days! And I have been venturing into the world of accessories, thanks to Colleen!

Colleen: The benefit of having different voices is that we each have our own thing. Stephanie is a shoe maven, Letitia and I are more classic, Nicole is willing to do more of the high end jeans and the high end accessories and I love accessories.

Letitia: My style is classic. Stephanie (Deal Diva not present) is wild and outrageous--she looks fabulous all the time; she’ll take some real risks. Colleen is classic too, but she’s really into accessories so she’ll take risks there too. Nicole (Deal Diva not present) is our high-end cutting edge fashion. Dalia is adorable, she’s our DIY diva.

PG: What kind of advice would give to someone who wants to develop their own style?

Colleen: When you dress in a way that you’re comfortable with, you feel good about yourself. So it’s finding things that you love and that you have some sort of connection to because they fit you really well or the color looks really good on you. I think the big thing is to know your body type, figure out what fits you well. And have something that makes you stand out, like if you love accessories or you’re great with makeup or if you do fun things with your hair.

Letitia: One thing I’ve found as a classic person is to take my really basic things and make them pop by adding some unexpected color somewhere. Like my black dresses, I’ll try to play with a different color shoe, which is a good way to embrace trends. For example, leopard print is really big this season, so instead of investing a couple hundred dollars in a bunch of leopard pieces, I may get a leopard belt or a really fabulous shoe and pair it with the stuff I already have. But not being afraid to mix and match color combinations is good.

Dalia: If you like something and it fits you well and it’s in your price range those would be the most important criteria. There are a lot of times when there’s a trend. but it doesn’t look right on me, and if I wear it I’m going to look stupid or look like I’m trying too hard.

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Style Chat: Becca Alexis

So we have one more fabulous style interview! Her name is Rebecca Alexis and she is fabulous!

Becca is a professional stylist who has been in the industry for 7 years and has done it all from designing and sewing to styling. She was also the Market Editor for Uptown Magazine.

She is a fellow Florida native, attending the University of Florida and creating costumes for dance troupes. She then took her love for fashion and style to California where she attended a fashion school, FIDM in L.A.. While in school, she served as a wardrobe assistant for t.v. shows and films, including CSI Miami, Six Feet Under and Desperate Housewives.

She was June Ambrose's protege along with other highly sought after stylists, before she ventured out on her own. She and her partner, Hachy Mendez own Pulchitrude & Concepts, with an impressive client roster, including Trey Songz, Jay-Z, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige and much much more.

So, without further ado, here's a chic expert's perspective on what's in for the summer and what every girl needs in her wardrobe to develop her own style...

PG: What are the most needed style staples for any girl's wardrobe?

Becca: Every girl needs the following staple pieces: a little black dress either in silk or stretch wool for longevity, a tailored white blouse either Club Monaco or Pink, a cashmere sweater, a comfortable and sexy pair of shoes like the YSL tribune pumps and good undergarments as they shape your body to fit clothes better.
Becca: Fit is the most important aspect of style developing. No mater how amazing a piece is, if it doesn't fit it doesn't look good!
Becca: Using other iconic figures as a reference point to create your own style is a very good idea. Making it your own is including the factors of your lifestyle and heritage into the look. Like bringing in a vintage cuff that belonged to your grandmother!
Becca: My style inspirations all come from a desire to feel glamourous. I am more motivated to impress the man in my life than a fashion editor.
Becca: Trends come and go. What's hot for me works for me. Same with my clients, I incorporate trends but try to avoid anything that may compromise their artistic integrity.
Becca: For Spring 2009 the boyfriend blazer is very now and a great way to change your look with minimal effort. A vintage python clutch, platform shoes and stacks of bracelets!
Becca: A luxe print t-shirt with glamourous and whimsical designs from House of Holland, Hanni Y and Lanvin.
Becca: The resurgence of the 90's. I am looking forward to the Vidal sassoon ad inspired color blocking dresses!
Becca: I would say neither. Style is balance and that balance draws weight from trends, classics and other inspirations.

PG: Words of inspiration?

Becca:Fashion should be an extension of what you feel inside, not a cover up!

Thank you so much Becca!

Check out her fabulous blog Purveyor of Style and more about her company, at pulchitrudeandconcepts.com. Be inspired!
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Style Chat: Raïssa Ornella

So, I told you a while back how much I adore Parisian style.

Well, I had a chat with a fellow fashion blogger, Raïssa...


She's a 19-year-old glamour girl with incredibly unique style and lots of personality!

Check out what she had to say about her favorite shopping spots, her style muses and her idol, Grace Jones, the epitome of glamour and extravangance...


PG: What do you do to keep busy?

Raïssa: I'm a former student in Accounting but now i'm in a Bussiness School. I'm also a Fashion Editor for a webzine called FASHIZBLACK.COM which talks about African fashion and beauty.

PG: How would you describe your style?

Raïssa: I have no style in particular. I don't assume still completely my femininity, but my style still has a mix of femininity-- I'm in love with skirts and high heels! I'm addicted to high heels! I also love to be comfy because I often wear sneakers. I love 80's bright colours, carrot pants, and playsuits.

PG: Who/What are your biggest stlye inspirations?

Raïssa: Miroslava Duma, Genevieve Jones, Anna Della Russo, and Grace Jones are my muses.

PG: In perfect world, you would be....

Raïssa: In a perfect world, i would be Grace Jones! Grace Jones is my idol! She is a strong and indepedent woman. She has an incredible style and assume in spite of criticisms.

PG: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Raïssa: TopShop! I had a dream I lived in a TopShop store and I tried on every thing! I'm a huge fan of TopShop! I also shop at Zara and Asos.

PG: Favorite Quote?

Raïssa: My favourite quote is an extract of Maya Angelou's poem:

" I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me "

It's all about Self-Confidence!

Check out Raïssa's fashion blog fauverose.blogspot.com and the webzine she writes for, Fashizblack.com. Don't forget to show her some love! : )

Thanks, Raïssa!

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Style Chat: Claire Sulmers

I am pleased to introduce my favorite blogger, Claire Sulmers of The Fashion Bomb, a go-to for women of color that focuses on style tips, trends, celeb looks for less and timely fashion news.

A good friend of mine told me about The Fashion Bomb and before I knew it, I was hooked! Claire has even featured me a few times as Florida Style in her Real Style section as well as a New Years bit she posted earlier this year.

She has met and has been photo'd with celebs like Marc Jacobs, Kanye West, Zac Posen, June Ambrose, Usher, Chrisette Michelle, the Top Model cast, and much much more!

Her style and career aspirations coincide with mine, and seeing her accomplishments give me motivation to stop at nothing to make my dreams a reality!



She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us...

PG: Where are you from?
Claire: Born in Brooklyn, raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

PG: Where do you live now?
Claire: Paris, France

PG: What prompted you to create The Fashion Bomb?
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Style Chat: Michael Jones

Hey! So, I am slightly shifting the focus of Purple Glamour on developing one's personal style and showcasing it through style tips, photos, tips and suggestions. Your feedback is much needed!

I will be conducting interviews with movers and shakers in the fashion industry to share with Purple Glamour readers!

If you know of someone you would like us to know about or if you are that someone, send information to contact.purpleglamour@gmail.com

I am proud to introduce my first style inspiration, Michael Jones. He is the editor-in-chief of JAYE, and so much more! Also, known as MJ, this fashion devotee, writer and stylish guy gushes with Purple Glamour what it's like to be the editor of a fabulous fashion magazine, his style inspirations and goals for the future.

So, without further ado...

PG: What is like being a young fashion editor?

MJ: Even though I'm young, I feel like I have such a huge responsibility to so many groups of people. First, there's my staff: I have to manage a group of young creatives--some of which are older than me, have attained more academic accolades than me, etc.--and motivate them to create an engaging and entertaining magazine each month. I have a responsibility to the readers and followers of JAYE: It's important that they understand that they always come first. And I have a responsibility to my family and friends: It's very important that I cash in on the investments that they have made in me over the years and make them proud. It's a ton of fun to be following my dream at such a young age. I feel so blessed to be impacting so many people--I don't take that lightly.

PG: Who inspired you to start JAYE?

MJ: Young, stylish women who wanted a resource with a point of view they could relate to. Today's woman is interested in so much more than the latest It bag--she wants news, information on careers and money, advice on how to handle all that comes with being in a relationship--and I feel like it's the job of my staff and me to take their needs and desires and offer solutions in an engaging way.

PG: So, the magazine doesn't just focus on college women, but all young women?

MJ: The magazine is edited for a college woman, but we have readers who are in high school, recently graduated from college, are currently in college, or in graduate school. We also have a healthy amount of parents who read the magazine. Last year, I received an e-mail from a mom who said she looks forward to reading the magazine each month because it helps her know what her daughter is interested in and she can focus their conversations on what's found in the pages in the magazine.

PG: When you aren't editing JAYE, what else are you doing?

MJ: Reading and writing. Believe it or not, I'm very introverted. I am a strong believer in self-improvement. I constantly read books, blogs and articles on how to be a better editor, friend, brother, son, student. Each day, I want to be better than I was the day before. Obviously, I love fashion so I shop when I can afford it--and sometimes when I can't!--and I love reading what other young people are doing with their gifts. I don't go out very often, I have a small circle of friends, and I enjoy spending time with my family. They aren't phased by me being a young editor or awards or appearances. They keep me grounded and humble and I love them for that.

PG: JAYE just turned one this month. Where do you see it in 5 years?

MJ: Because JAYE is a monthly, and the demands of being an editor-in-chief of this magazine are so intense, especially since I balance going to school too, I don't really take a lot of time to think about where the magazine will be in five years. A year ago I didn't think I'd be editing a magazine that give me so much joy and gratification and is read by people all over the world. A year ago I didn't think I could assemble a staff of some of the most amazing people our generation has to offer. A year ago I didn't think I'd go to Fashion Week and see some of the most influential designers showcase their work. So my point is, I don't spend a lot of time thinking about the future. I am trying to live for the moment and enjoy doing what I love--because all of this could be gone tomorrow.

PG: How would you describe your personal style?

MJ: Since I've been in school, I've gone through so many styles: I started off as this urban guy with baggy clothes and sneakers during my freshman year. Then I transitioned into this flamboyant attention-craving guy wearing bright colors and more fitted clothes. Next was my preppy phase. And now my style is very refined: tons of mix-and-match neutrals that get me out of the door quickly. I love statement pieces: Shoes, ties, cuffs, bags--I use accessories to update my look each season and make the neutrals I wear less blah.

I think it's important to take a realistic look at a few things. Body image: what types of pieces fit your body and make you look your best? I buy the same shapes in everything I buy now because I know what fits me and what makes me feel good about myself. Budget: What can you afford? What are non-negotiables, or the things you won't skimp on? If you're a bag-lover, make sure to always budget for the season's hottest bag. Lifestyle: What do you do on a daily basis? Do you have a lot of meetings after class? Do you go out a lot after work? Don't build your style based on trends--assemble a look grounded in classic shapes and pieces accented by seasonal updates that jazz up your style.

PG: Which words inspire you?

MJ: Good is the enemy of great. And this is part of a quote by Mother Theresa: "Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway."

More interviews to come!
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