Weekly Inspiration :: Hope

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you,
till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer,
never give up then, 

for that is just the place and time

 that the tide will turn."
-Harriet Beecher Stowe

Hope is the thing that keeps us going. No matter how many challenges come your way, 

your hope and strength will always get you through.

 Trust in yourself, think positive thoughts, and lean on your loved ones

when you need an extra dose of hope.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sending strength, love and hope to all of our sisters and friends who have battled or

lost loved ones to this disease.

xo

McMullen 

 

Getting to Know Our Designers :: Veronica Beard

Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard decided to combine forces to create a brand that could bring women modern, beautiful clothing, while simplifying the activity of dressing for women with busy lifestyles. 

In 2010, the Veronica's used their backgrounds in finance and fashion to launch Veronica Beard, their eponymous line now famous for their tailoring and perfect blazers. 

The sisters-in-law wanted to create a "uniform" for women like them who do it all. 

Between the two of them, they raise 8 children while building their fashion brand. 

They wanted to create an easy to wear, effortless style that would appeal to the modern working woman and mom. They did just that with their iconic blazer (complete with interchangeable dickies), and launched themselves into a full ready to wear sportswear brand.

Each piece in their collections acts as a "cornerstone" to a woman's wardrobe, fit to be worn alone, and easily incorporated into an existing wardrobe. Their prints are subtle and fun, their silhouettes are impeccable, and their styling is modern and easy.

We love that they are a team of sisters (in-law), and how effortlessly their pieces work for a busy lifestyle. 

See an exclusive interview with Veronica and Veronica and McMullen below, 

as well as details on shopping the collection.

McMullen: What is the best part about working with family? has it brought you closer?

Veronica Miele Beard: I can honestly say that I have a sister now after working with my sister-in-law.  We are so close that she was the first to know when I was pregnant with my last baby.  I tried to keep it from her because we had just started the business but she is that perceptive!!  On a more serious note, working with family can be heartfelt.  Even though we might fight it out (in a good way) on some design or business decisions, I never feel alone.  For us, sharing the VB brand is what family is all about!

Veronica Swanson Beard: I am one of 3 girls and my sisters are my best friends. VMB is my fourth sister from another mother. Working together makes all of it so much more worth it!

MM: Veronica Beard focuses on simplifying the way a woman dresses.  How does this concept shape the designs and collections? 

VMB: We design for the superwoman of today who does it all and wants to look gorgeous in any situation.  Iconic layering pieces like the jacket with upstate dickey or staples like the scuba legging with the silk/lace tunic are examples of key pieces every woman should have.  

VSB: Our motto is “we are our customer.” We have to love it and want to wear the clothes we design. We always think about how to make pieces that we can wear to a meeting for work and then go straight to a dinner. 

MM: Which do you prefer? Spring sunshine or spring showers?    

VMB: I love the fashion worn during a spring shower.  Umbrellas are a fantastic accessory and every girl looks good in a spring weight trench/raincoat!

VSB: Both! Spring took forever to arrive in NYC so I’m even relishing the allergies that go with the flowers. 

MM: What are your go-to outfits for a breezy spring day?

VMB: The army jacket (mine has some bling on it) over the amethyst tile print peasant dress.  Style it with a raffia open toe bootie or a strappy sandal.

VSB: Short suit with heels or a blazer thrown over a dress

MM: What are some specific inspirations that led to the spring 2013 collection?

VMB: The color palate and prints are reminiscent of the colors of Morocco.  

The best fitting jacket is a beige chainmail cotton/linen schoolboy with silk hoodie dickey.  Style with the beige chainmail trek pant and you have a blank canvas for a brightly colored shoe or bag.      

  

VSB: We were inspired by the colors of Morocco; Rich, sexy and vivid.

Stop by McMullen to shop the Veronica Beard Spring 2013

collection

or call 510.658.6906

for more information.

xo

 McMullen  

 

 

       

 

Breakfast and Banter with the Fortunato Twins

Last week we were given a treat when Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato stopped by McMullen for breakfast and a little banter. We sat down with the amazing duo over mimosas and muffins to hear all about how they started their amazing jewelry and handbag line, and to take a sneak peek at the gorgeous new Fall 2013 collection. 

After gaining a following at Duke University stringing beads and selling them to fashionable girls who would line up outside the twins dorm room, the Fortunato girls realized they had something going.  After an education in finance for Kathryn and a brief stint in fashion PR for Lizzie, the girls decided to start the line.

When asked about their technique, Lizzie responds that the materials come first and they drive what the piece will ultimately become.

Treating each piece like a treasure hunt, Lizzie and Kathryn search all over the east coast for amazing finds that they can incorporate into their jewelry. One of the most important aspects of the business is that they keep as much production as possible within the U.S, only sending things overseas for intricate handwoven beading or embroidery techniques.

Lizzie and Kathryn say that the relationships they build with their vendors, learning their processes, and getting their industry advice is the most rewarding part of the business.

Over the past year the girls have decided to incorporate semi-precious stones into their pieces, as well as a line of gorgeous, sumptuous leather goods.

As they gain more and more of a following,  Lizzie and Kathryn have realized that their pieces span all age groups and types of women. When asked who their core customer is, they almost scoff at the thought. They don't have a particular muse, but design for women who are 

"trailblazers, adventurers, collectors, artists, innovators, intellectuals, engaged, dreamers....women who dress to tell a story."

And the girls tell their own story through their pieces. They approach designing and their customer with intelligence, humor and thought and recognize that fashion is not just about what you are wearing,  but about how it makes you feel, what it makes you think of, and how it accelerates your senses.

It was truly inspiring to meet these bright, talented young women. We love their collections and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the near future.

Stop by McMullen to take a look at the new Lizzie Fortunato Spring 2013 collection
Or click the link below to shop online

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/lizzie-fortunato/

xo

McMullen

Inspiration Monday :: The Little Things

"In the sweetness of friendship 

let there be laughter, 

and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things, 

the heart finds its morning

and is refreshed."

- Khalil Gibran

xo

McMullen

Inspiration Monday :: Live in the Moment

"As you walk this journey of the unknown, 

live in the moment, dance the dance, 

and walk in the moonlit sky.

Take time to live and love yourself. 

Each person is special, everyone is a survivor"

- Uknown

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wishing you peace, courage, 

strength, and love.

xo

McMullen