February/March 2012

Spring to Life

NYE Photo contest winner announced

Spring trends on a budget

Dueling Hearts Knock „em Dead With killer Valentine’s Day looks

a photo love story

Boutique Spotlight: Antoinette‟s Boutique

Crimes of Passion There‟s such thing as too much love.

The Love Issue thecarbonmagazine.com Feb/Mar 2012 Carbon

Table of Contents

NYE Photo Contest: Page 4 Letters from the Heart: Page 5 February Favorites: Page 5 Romantic Holiday: Page 6 Boutique Spotlight: Antoinette's Boutique: Page 8 Knock 'em Dead: Page 10 Dueling Hearts: Page 11 Conscious Fashion: Compassion Couture: Page 18 Crimes of Passion: Page 20 Spring to Life: Page 30 Boutique Spotlight: Alila Boutique: Page 32 Maxi-mum Lengths: Page 34 Staff: Page 38 Shopping list: Page 39

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Congrats to Eimear of

Dublin, Ireland!

She‟s the winner of Carbon‟s NYE photo contest!

Eimear‟s amazing New Year‟s Eve ensemble won our photo contest because of its elegant simplicity and modern color palette. We love the pink and gray paring mixed with hints of metallic shimmer and gold. This look is perfect for New Years Eve because it captures the essence of a magical NYE.

Get Eimear’s look:

Top from Pull and Bear– 10 Euro Skirt from Miss Selfridge– 26 Euro Necklace from Boutique @ Clerys Department Store– 12 Euro

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In today’s technology driven world, communication has become effortless.

Texting, emails and Facebook pervade our daily lives. Despite their usefulness, how accurately does a text message convey emotion? How personal is an email? This Valentines Day, show you care by reviving the lost art of letter writing. Letters reflect your sentiments and are more personal than an emessage. A handwritten letter does not need to be fancy (although a little artsy embellishment never hurts!). The key to writing is taking the time to do so.

Pressing pause on your busy life to handwrite a letter shows that you were thinking about someone and that they were worth spending time on. Letters capture memories and are also great keepsakes. You will instantly brighten a friend’s or loved one’s day by filling their mailbox with love. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter in the mail?

Letters from the Heart

By Rachel Knebelsberger

February Favorites Top 6 must have products for spring.

Circle Sunglasses. H&M. Urban Decay Naked eye shadow pallet. High pigmentation

Revlon Colorstay longwear nail enamel. Gel-like shine.

Red Carpet

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer. Evens skin tone & fast absorbing

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes.

Valentines Day brush

Amika Deep Purple Tourmaline Clip-Free Curler. Creates long lasting curls without the need of hair spray

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Romantic Holiday Paris One of the most beautiful and tragic romances in film history is between a stifled, reluctant princess and a cynical journalist in the 1953 classic Roman Holiday. Ever since I was little, their doomed romance both saddened and intrigued me. How could two people spend one wonderful day together and fall madly in love? And how could they let it end before it ever truly began? It‟s because of these questions that I boycotted this movie for years; it was too sad for me. Recently I thought I‟d give this old movie another chance, and I loved it! It has convinced me that their day is the best kind of day to have, even if it doesn‟t always end happily. So grab a loved one, or someone you like a lot, and follow the example of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck: explore a new city and fall head over heels in love.

Some of the most popular cities in the world can also be the most romantic. There is so much to do in each one!

Paris- The City of Love, perfect for your romantic day! Go running down the Champs-Elysees hand in hand and stop off at some tiny café for croissants and coffees. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower and share a special kiss. Climb up to the Sacré Coeur and stop to chat with the artists on the way, maybe even buy a portrait of you and your love. Run through the Louvre and pick your favorite paintings together. Paris is nice, but a little cold in February. To be as chic as the Parisians while still being warm, wear dark bootcut jeans, tan wedge boots, a crisp white button up, and a faux fur collared coat.

Los Angeles- L.A. is a lovely, warm place to have a romantic getaway during the usually cold month of February. This city is full of fun and sweet things to do to help you fall in love. Visit Paramount Ranch and act out scenes from your favorite movies. Go pose next to your favorite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum on Hollywood Blvd. Have a romantic walk along the beach while waiting for your table at the Paradise Cove Beach Café in Malibu. Catch a cool flick at the Egyptian Theatre, and sneak a couple pecks in during the dark scenes. Walk along Sunset Boulevard and look in all the shops, maybe even buy a thing or two! When it gets dark, head over to the Roxy to dance the night away! It‟s much warmer in L.A. than in other parts of the world, so you don‟t need many layers. Fitted, cropped khakis and a sequined razorback, topped off with a thicker bright cardigan and peeptoe booties, and carry a scarf with you in case it gets a little chilly.

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London- This is my favorite city to explore with someone sweet and just get lost in it. There‟s so much to do here! Go across Tower Bridge and eat some roasted peanuts while wandering around the business district. Visit Big Ben and the Thames and then get crepes from the street vendor nearby. Run through Kensington Gardens and find hidden alcoves to steal a secret kiss. Listen to the evensong in St. Paul‟s Cathedral, and sing along if you‟re brave! London Cold is pervasive, sneaky into your clothing. Wool trousers, killer pumps, and a cotton long sleeve shirt will keep you chic, while a colorful scarf and a bright trench coat will keep you warm.

New York- In NYC, find a statue in Central Park that you like and have a picnic near it. Then go to the NYC Public Library and introduce yourself to the lions that stand guard there. Explore Chinatown and try on ridiculous sunglasses and oodles of scarves. Go into the Metropolitan Museum of Art and find your favorite pieces and mimic them. Ride the subway to the Meat Packing District and dance the night away together. A typical outfit for a chilly New York February would be dark skinny jeans, a silk shirt to keep it chic, a camel leather jacket to break up the monotony of black, and some black ankle boots.

Barcelona- This coastal city is a bit warmer, but still filled with fun things to do. Go shopping for your breakfast or lunch at the outdoor market Las Ramblas, then go find a spot by the docks to picnic. Wander around the city and see what architecture you can find by Gaudi. Go to Park Guell and join in on the soccer game that‟s always being played. Run up the steps in the Parc de Montjuic to the top of the city, play in the fountains on the way, and take the funicular down the mountain so you can see the whole city displayed below you. It‟s warm here, and more casual as well. Boyfriend jeans and boat shoes are perfect for a lot of walking. A long sleeved cotton shirt, a thick, bright scarf, and a straw hat will keep you warm, even though you look hip.

Amsterdam- Amsterdam is one of the most casual, fun places to have a romantic getaway. There‟s so much to do there!

There are cafés and street vendors all over the place with food and silly trinkets that no one really needs, but everybody wants. Rent bikes and travel in style. Explore each street and cycle along the canal, waving to all the locals. Visit the Rijksmuseum for a look into some interesting, odd, and beautiful artwork. Be wild and go into any tourist shop and buy something made from hemp. Take a stroll through downtown and pause on one of the many bridges to admire the canal. Make new friends with the extremely friendly and welcoming Amsterdam peoples and have them show you a little known area. At night, walk through the city and see all the buildings lit up like stars. It‟s a bit chilly there, so you‟ll want to have a thick leather jacket. A bright, vibrant scarf is also an absolute must. A patterned cotton t shirt and a cardigan will keep you warm. Put on some boyfriend jeans and a pair of ballet flats and enjoy this casual city.

By Madeline Anglin

London

Barcelona

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Boutique Spotlight: Antoinette‟s Boutique

By Meg Kraft

Antoinette‟s boutique is the place to find vintage, handmade, quality jewelry. The boutique sells gorgeous little trinkets that can take any ensemble to the next level of vintage-glam. Though the whimsical designs and old fashioned look of the jewelry sets the designs apart from others, the most beautiful trait Antoinette‟s boutique possesses is the fact that their globally crafted, promoting fair-trade by selling handmade products. By acknowledging awareness about entrepreneurship, it helps many disadvantaged people across the world. Read on to see Elaine‟s interview and get the entire scoop on Antoinette‟s Boutique, and what you can do to help!

Carbon Magazine: How did Antoinette's Boutique become involved with Promote Africa?

Antoinette‟s Boutique: I first heard of Promote Africa through Dosomething.org's Projects Database, a service I'm familiar with after using their resources for the non-profit I founded in high school. Although the nonprofit's PVC bracelets campaign was momentarily inactive at the time, our boutique loved what they were doing and offered to help continue the campaign, which uses a business model to create a sustainable cycle of investing and re-investing in more artwork to help African entrepreneurs find a source of income. We especially like that Promote Africa wasn't just about blatantly donating and handing money over to African communities; instead, they value long-lasting investments and projects that help the community in the long-run in addition to meeting their short-term needs.

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Why did you pick Promote Africa amongst other charities?

Promote Africa was founded by University of Georgia students with a goal of creating sustainable African communities. As our boutique was also founded by students, we wanted to continue working with young people since youth empowerment is so important to us.

So many students are working on amazing projects and our boutique strives to partner up with enthusiastic groups to create a community of students supporting each other‟s ventures. Promote Africa also has a record of impressive accomplishments, including traveling to Namibia to meet with the artisans who carve the bracelets, raising enough money to grow a poultry farm, and projects aimed to improve the community's health and education.

What was the inspiration behind starting Antoinette's Boutique?

Unconventionally-sourced jewelry with an emphasis on an eco-friendly message is at the root of our boutique's mission. Our founders loved the exclusivity of our product and the boutique was our way of bringing together the niche markets we love - vintage, handmade, and global. The boutique has a Parisian-inspired theme to its color palette and website; we love the minimalistic style of a chic Parisian lady. We support a very pure and happy lifestyle; green products should add simplicity instead of clutter. Our first collection of jewelry tends to have quite interesting and decorative designs, meant to be worn with clothes that don't compete for attention. Our philosophy of environmentally-friendly products runs throughout the store; by buying vintage, consumers are investing in a piece that has proven to last a long time. Vintage is a great way to avoid the compromised quality and carbon footprint of today's mass production processes while handmade jewelry crafted by partners we trust promotes fair trade.

How can Carbon Readers help with this cause?

Supporters can purchase our PVC bracelets, like us on Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter. We're planning a couple of e-mail campaigns that walk the reader through the steps a Namibian artist takes when making a PVC bracelet. Our newsletters are also informational and light-hearted, containing articles on eco-friendly fashion and interviews behindthe-scenes of our handmade section.

With spring soon arriving, and floral/vintage making a big comeback, get your Antoinette‟s Boutique pieces to play up your ensembles. By purchasing Antoinette‟s Boutique jewelry, you‟re not only looking fabulous, but making a difference, and nothing is more glamorous than that.

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knock „em dead Killer Valentine’s Day Looks

By Brady Crews

Whether you're going out on the town with your girlfriends, staying in and cooking with your honey, or going on a fancy date with someone special you'll need the perfect look!

If you're heading out for a night on the town with the girls, wear something sparkly! Find a cute sequined dress or mini skirt to wear with a red, flowing top. For a night out you can do darker, more intense makeup. You'll be sure to catch someone’s attention!

For a night in with your honey there's no need to dress up too glamorously! Still, put away the grungy sweatpants for a night and settle for something festive like jeans and a cute Valentines t shirt or cute top. To be even more comfortable for an inside date go for a long shirt dress and leggings! No need to go all out! Wear very natural makeup since you'll be in for the night.

For that special date night be fancy and wear a black dress with red accents; lips, nails, bag! Or go bold and wear a red dress! Flowing or form fitting, nothing will wow your man more than stepping out in a sexy red dress! To finish off the look make sure your makeup isn't too over the top. You want the dress to do the talking so leave your makeup simple enough to accent instead of steal the show!

With any outfit you wear whether it be comfy, daring or fancy; be sure you're comfortable in your ensemble!

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Dueling Heart s Photo story by Torrey West

E f f o r t l e s s bohemian-chic captures our hearts and minds. Navajo prints and delicate cottons create a magical aura of love for spring.

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Conscious Fashion: Compassion Couture

Interview by Niki Norris Photos courtesy of Compassion Couture

“I wanted to create a place that I would want to shop at.”

Tracey and Jill started Compassion Couture, an eboutique based out of NYC, not only out of a mutual love for fashion but also a demand for cruelty-free, ecofriendly options. These two sisters consider it their mission to share their love for eco-friendly fashion and to inspire others to demand these standards for their own wardrobes and lives. Carbon got the chance to interview this pair of sisters and learn about their business, their relationship as sisters who are also business partners, and their favorite Compassion Couture pieces. Prepare to be impressed and inspired!

Carbon Magazine: How is Compassion Couture different from other companies whose clothes and accessories are ecofriendly?

CM: Do you feel that a cruelty-free and eco-friendly market is something that everyone can enjoy? Or is it solely a niche market?

Tracey: I think there are two major differences between us and other eco-friendly companies. First of all, everything on our site is animal friendly – this means that there is absolutely no leather, fur, silk or any other animal derived material in anything offered on our e-boutique. The second difference is that everything we sell has a fashion-forward feel to it. This is something Jill and I collaborate on, very carefully choosing each item to make sure both of our unique senses of style are represented.

Jill: I definitely feel that the cruelty-free and eco-friendly market is something that everyone can enjoy! Part of our mission is to show everyday consumers just how fashionable and high-quality cruelty-free and eco-friendly handbags, shoes and accessories are. With an ever-expanding number of new designers in this category, there is no longer a need to buy products made of leather or harmful to the environment.

CM: Is it difficult to find brands that fit your store's motto?

Tracey: Being that we only work with brands that are crueltyfree, conscious on their impact on the environment in general AND fashion forward, our options are definitely limited.

However, it was actually for this reason that we had the dream to start up our e-boutique in the hopes of bringing all the brands that are out there together in one place . . . we’ll hopefully be adding a handful of [even more] up-and-coming brands very soon.

CM: What kind of girl shops Compassion Couture?

Jill: She is smart, savvy and has a strong set of values. She is passionate about fashion, loves keeping up with the latest trends, but she has also has her own unique sense of style.

CM: Where do you see Compassion Couture in ten years?

Does this include a brick and mortar location or two?

Tracey: Ten years from now I hope that the compassionate fashion message has spread to become more accepted by the mainstream. Because of this, the selection of brands and products we can offer on our site will have expanded. When that happens, our dream of opening some physical locations could become a reality – we would love to have one, if not more! By then, I also see us . . . partnering with some not-forprofit organizations involved with helping animals and the environment.

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CM: How was the idea for Compassion Couture born?

CM: As sisters, do you ever get on each other's nerves working so closely?

Tracey: In January of 2008, I decided to give up eating and buying all animal products. Believe it or not, the harder part of this lifestyle change was not the change in my diet, but finding ways to enjoy my passion for fashion and shopping. My experience was that finding wellmade, cruelty-free and stylish bags, shoes and accessories was really difficult. The idea was really born out of my own frustrations and I wanted to create a place that I would want to shop at.

Tracey: It’s risky going into business with a family member, especially when that family member happens to also be your best friend. There is no denying that we argue like sisters but we have made a promise to each other that no matter what happens with the business, we will not let it come before our friendship.

Jill: We had a really hard time finding handbags and shoes that were not made of leather, while also being made of sustainable materials and that were stylish. We often had to search websites upon websites to find these items. A lot of the handbags and shoes that we actually did find and purchase that were not made of leather were made of cheap nonsustainable materials and fell apart very easily. We figured other women were having this problem.

“We figured other women were having this problem. ”

Jill: We are best friends but we are two different people and we have different opinions and working styles. Of course we are going to have little disagreements but . . . when we decided to start the business we agreed that if it ever negatively affected our friendship, we would stop doing it. Our friendship is too special to sacrifice.

CM: If you weren't running Compassion Couture, what would you be doing?

Tracey: For now, I’d probably continue to work at my current job in commercial real estate finance. [It] is definitely a learning experience every day and keeps me on my toes. I also love that I get to educate my coworkers about my lifestyle and I’m always getting compliments on my shoes from all the women!

CM: How would you each describe your personal style?

Jill: An eclectic mix of trendy, classy, and comfortable Tracey: A combination of sophisticated and chic CM: Which piece from the collections is your all-time favorite? Why? Tracey: Being that Jill and I pick out everything we order by hand, and because it changes depending on my mood, it’s so hard to pick a favorite.

Since . . . the cold weather is upon us, I think I have to go with the Neuaura Arctic boots. My favorite feature is that the cuff can be worn up over the knee (ideal for commuting in skirts) or folded over so that the inner super soft fuzzy lining can be shown off.

CM: What items do you foresee as must-haves for spring?

CM: What was your biggest challenge in bringing Compassion Couture to life?

Tracey: There are so many different aspects to setting up a small business and Jill and I have never done this before . . . but if I have to pick one thing, I think time management has been the biggest obstacle for us [since] we both have pretty demanding full time jobs and . . . finding time to work on the business is difficult – it basically means we are working 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. But I think in the long run our hard work is going to pay off and it will all be worth it!

CM: What made you decide to go into this business together?

Tracey: This was the easiest decision of them all – Jill and I had been talking for years about wanting to start up a business together. So once the idea was born, that was it – we took the plunge.

Jill: We both wanted to make a career out of something we are completely passionate about . . . it just clicked.

CM: Have you always loved fashion?

Tracey: I’d have to say yes on this one! Shopping for me has always been one of my guilty pleasures. I enjoy keeping up with fashion trends but have a unique sense of style that I always try to maintain.

Jill: For the spring, I think it is going to be all about wedges. This trend has been around for a while but I don’t think it will ever go out of style. Not only are they a more comfortable alternative to heels, but you can dress them up or down. We have some awesome styles coming in from Hearts of Darkness and a new brand we will be selling, Mink.

CM: We noticed that your boutique is mainly focused on accessories; do you plan to add apparel to your shop in the future?

“So once the idea was born, that was it – we took the plunge.”

Tracey: In the near future, our plan is to build on the accessories theme – meaning you’ll probably see us add jewelry and then possibly some beauty products as well. There are a ton of jewelry lines out there that used repurposed or recycled materials in their pieces and we are also finding a ton of natural beauty lines that are 100% free of animal products. Although for the long term, I wouldn’t rule out expanding to apparel, especially if we accomplish our dream of opening some brick and mortar locations.

CM: Does Compassion Couture have any exciting events or news to share?

Jill: We [participated] in Brooklyn’s VeganShopUp on December 4th and the US Veg Corp’s Green Holiday Festival in New York City on December 11th and we hope to have our own pop up shops in 2012 with brands and companies that have similar missions. We are also going to be bringing on some more awesome brands shortly. We are also hoping to partner with some nonprofit animal organizations in the spring!

Visit Compassion Couture online at www.compassioncoutureshop.com.

Fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/CompassionCoutureShop Follow on Twitter at @CompassionCtre

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Crimes of Passion With Valentine’s Day around the corner, most of us can’t help but feel all loveydovey. But what happens when women go too far? Well, they commit Crimes of Passion of course. These five kooky-butgorgeous ladies pose for mug shots that symbolize outrageous acts all in the name of “love”.

Photos by Kacey Knight & Hilary Pendleton Story by Hilary Pendleton

ADULTERY

Deemed the most common of all relationship no -no's, adultery represents the “snake” in the relationship. While smoothly deceitful and conniving, the adulterer tends to appear quite put-together and is most likely seen wearing delicate lace and pure pearls.

Lucy Lovegood charged with Adultery on 2/14/2012.

DISCLAIMER: The following ladies have committed nothing of the sort, they are models depicting silly love crimes that have been glamorized by the public as of late. This story is strictly for fun and fashion.

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CLINGY

Someone who may be considered clingy will always keep at least one eye (and probably a hand) on their significant other. Theyâ€&#x;ll forever wrap their arms around their partner such as a boa constrictor might do, cutting off the air supply and taste of freedom.

Sara N. Rap charged with being Clingy on 2/14/2012.

DISCLAIMER: The following ladies have committed nothing of the sort, they are models depicting silly love crimes that have been glamorized by the public as of late. This story is strictly for fun and fashion.

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VANITY

Over self-confidence, persistently seeking confirmation of image and preference of self over others best describes a girlfriend with a serious case of vanity. Her significant others may grow old of constantly being second banana to her ego.

Ida Bestt charged with Vanity on 2/14/2012.

DISCLAIMER: The following ladies have committed nothing of the sort, they are models depicting silly love crimes that have been glamorized by the public as of late. This story is strictly for fun and fashion.

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GREED

The accused cannot resist the allure of luxury. She is always after the man who can afford to keep her fingers loaded with gold. Her last victim is now paying off extreme debts.

Goldie Dugger charged with being Greedy on 2/14/2012.

DISCLAIMER: The following ladies have committed nothing of the sort, they are models depicting silly love crimes that have been glamorized by the public as of late. This story is strictly for fun and fashion.

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MURDER

Those who murder for love often follow the mantra “If I can‟t have him, nobody can”. While their actions are extreme to the masses, it seems like a logical plan of action in their minds.

Luna Tick charged with Murder on 2/14/2012.

DISCLAIMER: The following ladies have committed nothing of the sort, they are models depicting silly love crimes that have been glamorized by the public as of late. This story is strictly for fun and fashion.

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Spring to Life

by Meg Kraft

As the weather continues to drop blankets of snow and -3 degree wind chills, hibernating until spring seems like an incredible idea. Though I wouldn’t mind sleeping for a few months straight and missing out on the oh-so flattering snow pants, it’s time to start finding the perfect spring trends. With all those tuition bills and a lengthy spring semester book list, college budgets seem to grip their tightest around this time of year. No worries though, check out a few tricks and trends that will send your winter drab to spring fab.

Get a leg up on spring trends before they stores! While it’s only February and I’m not expecting you to wear studded high waist denim to class, buying things now that are still considered out of season can definitely save you some cash!

Spring is the perfect time of year to freshen up your look with vintage pieces. This means taking a trip to your local resale store, or even around the house! Get creative and brush up on your arts and crafts; you’ll find it simple and fun taking your out of style looks and freshening them up.

Take a break from the retail stores. Check out small boutiques and browse online for up and coming designers that will create a one of a kind piece for you! I’ve recently become obsessed with Etsy.com that features millions of different products for little money. Pick up the next Carbon issue (April/ May) as I mention gorgeous accessories and ensembles created by designers of Etsy.com!

Crop tops:

The essence of layering, accessorizing and showing off that six pack you’ve been working onprops to you and your New Year’s resolution! Browse around Forever21, H&M, and Oxygen Boutique to find these.

Totes:

Okay, so I love a good clutch, but come on… you expect me to fit my makeup, wallet AND latest issue of Carbon in there? Welcome back, totes!

Canvas totes are making a big statement, keep your eye out at stores like DSW and Aldo!

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High waist Denim:

The most beautiful bottom piece I’ve ever seen! I adore these.

The fit is perfect for showing off long legs, tight gluts, and the perfect shoes. I’ve stocked up on these babies, but get yours at saboskirt.com while they’re still on sale and in stock! The more distressed, studs, and ombre dyes the better!

Lightweight Scarves:

Pack up the knit scarves and look for bold, abstract patterns to pair with a fitted neutral V-neck for a fresh spring look.

This look is clutch for the college Fashionista; Forever21 offers $8 scarves and $6 V-necks!

Wedge Pumps:

The gorgeous hybrid baby of pumps and ankle boots. These are the “it” shape of spring. For those of you that can’t walk in heels (including myself) feel comfortable with these sturdy surface kicks.

While you fashionable readers stock up on spring trends, enjoy the fact that you didn’t break the bank finding the latest and most fabulous finds! You don’t have to pack up the puffy jackets and UGGs yet, but there’s no harm in setting them next to your wedge pumps and crop tops!

Also, to hint at a selection of perfect Valentine’s Day gifts, flip your issue of Carbon to this section and just happen to place it on top of your boyfriend’s Xbox- nothing goes better with a heart shaped box of chocolates than a bold tote bag! Happy hunting.

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Boutique Spotlight: Alila Boutique

By Nicole Crowley

Alila Boutique is an amazing clothing boutique on Drury Street in Dublin City, Ireland. It was set up just 4 years ago and is already thriving, and has become one of Dublin’s exclusive Fashion havens for fashionistas everywhere! Alila Boutique is all about the exclusive fabulous clothing, having something that no one else has or ever will have.

Alila is full of exclusive labels such as Eva Danielle, Otazu Jewellery and L’Oficiel Rome, to name a few.

I caught up with Ali, the boutique’s owner and buyer to get her take on setting up a business in the Fashion Industry for all you budding fashion entrepreneurs that want the inside scoop on how to break into the fashion business world!

Carbon Magazine: What are the employment prospects in the area of Fashion in Ireland?

Alila Boutique: The fashion industry in Ireland is very tough but if you really want to make it in the industry you really have to go for it yourself and really have a passion for it. There are so many areas in Fashion from d esi g n, ph o t og r ap h y, buying, retail, wholesale, styling etc that there is the work out there.

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CM: What path did you take to become a Fashion Boutique Owner?

Alila Boutique: It was in my blood you could say!

My grandparents were manufacturers and had the knitwear label "Pallas", my dad is a wholesaler and I used to work for him selling to boutiques. The location came up and at the time the economy was still booming so I went for it! I went to DCU and have a degree in International Business with French & Spanish. I also go to the Grafton Academy one night a week working for my diploma in Fashion Design.

CM: In your opinion, do you think a person that is aspiring to become an Entrepreneur needs any formal qualifications?

Alila Boutique: Not necessarily, some people just naturally have it, look at Bill Cullen - he has no college education but is a massive success.

Personally having a degree in International Business has definitely helped me. When the economy turned I knew what I had to do to stay in business and not get swallowed up. My education definitely helped me make the right decisions.

CM: Is it important to get work experience such as an internship or apprenticeship when looking to become an Entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry?

Alila Boutique: Getting to know the industry before setting up on your own is extremely beneficial. You can see where mistakes have been made and also why some places are so successful.

CM: Is it easy to get experience in assisting other Entrepreneurs in the Fashion Industry?

Alila Boutique: If you really want to get into the Fashion Industry and learn the ropes, have a passion for it, then you should have no problem getting experience. Unfortunately it may not be paid experience but what you can learn along the way can be invaluable.

all bills are paid, do the VAT return, invoices, files. If a delivery comes in it needs to be checked off, priced, steamed, hung and put on the system. It will need to photographed for the website and to send out to any press. (I also do all my own PR!) That's all on top of dealing with customers!

have helped them. Also when a girl gets her dream debs dress from us and feels like an absolute princess in the dress, that's a great feeling to know you have made their day.

CM: What made you want to set up a Fashion Boutique?

Alila Boutique: It all happened quite quickly, the location came up and the

CM: How long have you been an Entrepreneur?

Alila Boutique: : I set up Alila in 2007, so just over 4 years.

CM: Do you like your job as a Fashion Boutique Owner?

Alila Boutique: Absolutely! I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it! I love finding small new labels with great pieces, giving my customers something they have never seen anything else like before. When possible I will work with the designers of my labels and we will customise pieces so they are unique to Alila.

CM: What encouraged you to become an Entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry?

Alila Boutique: As I said before my family have always been in the industry. I tried to go in another direction for a while but ultimately was drawn back to the Fashion industry. I just love fashion and always have.

CM: What would you do on a typical day of working in Alila, what does your job entail?

Alila Boutique: Some people may think I just sit here waiting for customers to come in but in fact I constantly have things to do. On a typical day I will go through any emails, confirm orders, send any necessary payments, update the website www.alila.ie. I control the website completely myself. I take the pictures, cut them out for the site, upload new products onto the site. Post any new items on our Facebook and Twitter pages. I also do the accounts so have to make sure

CM: Where do you get your ideas from when doing visual merchandising in the store?

Alila Boutique: It depends on the range and season. When travelling to the trade shows I get ideas there and in other stores in New York, Paris and London where I do most of my buying. I also like to have certain colours together as colours have a massive effect on our personalities and can even affect our decisionmaking.

CM: For you, What is the most rewarding part of your work as an Entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry?

Alila Boutique: I love nothing more than helping someone who is stressed out, looking for something perfect for a big event be it a wedding or a debs. They come in feeling frustrated and down because they have to get something new but can't find it anywhere and then we help them put a complete outfit together and they leave happy and delighted that we

idea and I just went for it. I always knew though that if I was setting up a boutique that I would only stock labels you can't find easily anywhere else. Because my dad is in wholesale I grew up having lots of one off samples in my wardrobe and things that no-one else had and that's what I wanted in Alila.

CM: Would you encourage others to become an Entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry, Is it worth while?

Alila Boutique: It is extremely tough at the moment but I love what I do. If you have the passion for it then go for it.

You can check out Alila Boutique in Dublin at 41 Drury Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, or you can visit their website at www.alila.ie or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alila Special thanks to Ali from Alila Boutique. Photos courtesy of Alila Boutique.

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Maxi-mum Lengths Photo story by Farzam Hosseindoust

Longer lengths are ideal for the spring season.

They allow for supreme comfort while adapting to the ever-changing weather.

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staff

Hilary Pendleton Founder, Editor & Creative Director Kacey Knight Photographer, Model & Production Specialist Meaghan Drugan Account Intern Brittany Pendleton In-House Model Alison Sponberg Model Editors Danielle Legler (& Model) Nicole Crowley Columnists Brady Crews Catalina Vela Eimear Oreilly Madeline Anglin Meg Kraft Rachel Knebelsberger Contributors Dueling Hearts Torrey West: Photographer Corie Smith: Art Direction Ali Baker: Model MaryJane: Model Maxi-mum Length Farzam Hosseindoust: Photographer Mitchell Young for MAC Cosmetics: Makeup & Hair Carly Blackman: Wardrobe Stylist Kaitlin (Sutherland Models): Model Want to see your name here?

Find out more at http://thecarbonmagazine.com/work-carbon/

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shopping list

Page 4: Top from Pull and Bear, Skirt from Miss Selfridge, Necklace from Boutique @ Clerys Department Store; Page 5: Revlon Colorstay longwear nail enamel, Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer, Circle Sunglasses from H&M, Amika Deep Purple Tourmaline Clip-Free Curler, Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes, Urban Decay Naked eye shadow pallet; Page 8: Antoinette’s Boutique; Page 18: Compassion Couture; Page 32: Alila Boutique; Page 34: Makeup- skin: MAC skin and body foundation in C2, eyes: MAC eye shadow in Blanc Type, MAC zoom lash in zoomblack, , MAC liner in Auto-de-blu, cheeks: MAC powder blush in Equillbrium, Lips: MAC Hug Me Top shop dress, Clothes– Aldo necklace, Topshop purse, Aldo shoes; Page 36: Makeup- skin: MAC skin and body foundation in C2, eyes: MAC eye shadow in Blanc Type and Brun, MAC zoom lash in zoomblack, cheeks: MAC powder blush in Equillbrium, Lips: MAC Girl, Clothes- About Town Topshop skirt, American Apparel top, Katie Paglialunga Necklace, Biko Bracelets, Aldo shoes; Page 37: Makeupskin: MAC skin and body foundation in C2, eyes: MAC eye shadow in Blanc Type, MAC zoom lash in zoomblack, MAC liner in Auto-de-blu, cheeks: MAC powder blush in Equillbrium, Lips: MAC Shy Girl, Clothes- Zara dress, Bebe jacket; This page: Makeup- skin: MAC skin and body foundation in C2, eyes: MAC Zoom lash in Zoom Black, cheeks - MAC powder blush in Equillbrium, Lips: MAC Hug Me, Clothes: H&M skirt, hat and top, Aldo necklace. If you see any errors, please send notes to thecarbonmagazine@gmail.com

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