becoming the woman you were created to be TRENDS FOR THE EVERYDAY GIRL DISCOVER YOUR INNER VAN GOGH
5 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
3 WAYS TO
GET MORE TIME FOR YOU
THE CREATED WOMAN DESIGNER OF BETHELIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS August/September 2012 issue “Back to Basics”
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EDITOR’S NOTE Basically You
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GIRL ON THE STREET Summer Trends
20 WELL WOMAN Get Back to Basics & Have More Time for Yourself 20 FASHION FEATURE Back to Basics, Summer to Fall Wardrobe Essentials 24 THE CREATED WOMAN Everything Matters 32 INSIDE/OUT You’re a Masterpiece
EDITOR’S NOTE
Every Woman has been created with a purpose! The road to discovering that purpose is the road less traveled by all too many. For those few who do embark on their life’s journey, the treasures they find along the way are priceless. They enrich not only the life they live, but also those who travel along side. Take for example our Created Woman (pg. 28), Nere Emiko. Nere discovered her purpose as designer of beautiful wedding gowns. Her gowns transcend the most beautiful creations ever imagined. As she pursued her purpose and identity, her homeland began to take center stage in her thoughts. Designing brought her the flexibility of time and resources that enabled her to lend a helping hand to those that tugged on her heart.
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Created Woman Magazine’s passion is to empower and encourage women to discover, embrace and become the woman they were created to be!
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When we live out the purpose we were so skillfully designed for, life becomes so much more beautiful and we enjoy the simple moments. Dinner with a girlfriend, our morning cup of coffee, or a captivating book become even more precious because we’re at rest with who we are. Plus, we become more aware of our bodies and how to take care of them. After all, the healthier we are, the longer we get to enjoy the journey (Well Woman, pg 20).
Created Woman Magazine’s passion is to empower and encourage women to discover, embrace, and become the women they were created to be! From the inside out, every woman has a destiny and a story that we want to share!
cast of CW writers for the past 3 years on our blog (createdwoman.net), to the countless hours of planning, designing, and researching the magazine, it’s all been the road that’s led us to you. And believer me, the years of exploration were well worth the wait!
Realizing who we were created to be, the way we dress becomes a creative expression on the outside of who we are on the inside – plus, it’s a lot of fun shopping! Whether we’re trendy (Girl on the Street, pg. 10), classic (Fashion Feature, Pg. 24), bohemian, casual chic or sporty, who we are on the outside is the best of who we are on the inside. (Inside/Out. Pg. 36)
As Created Woman Magazine continues to build a platform for women to share their life’s journey, we are beyond excited as we catch a glimpse of the future and the unmarked territory that lies ahead. What we do know is that by living life to the fullest, both inside and out, our dreams are more than attainable. Thank you for taking the road less traveled with us!
Being a Created Woman touches every single part of the world you live in! Whether you’re a teenager, college student, single woman or mom, married with children, career woman or grandmother, living out your full potential through every stage of life leaves a legacy!
Enjoy becoming and being the woman you were created to be!
We’re excited to share this journey with you of discovering who you were created to be and we hope you’re inspired by the stories you find inside. As we launch our first issue of Created Woman Magazine, “Back to Basics”, the excitement and anticipation has reached an all time high. From the insightful stories and fashion tips told by our amazing
Heather Frierson
EDITOR’S NOTE|5
createdwoman.net twitter.com/createdwoman facebook.com/createdwoman Advertise with Us! Email created@createdwoman.net
CONTRIBUTORS HEATHER FRIERSON Founder/Editor in Chief NICHOLE GORHAM twitter.com/@NicholeGorham Editor MARTHA BUSH LYNN CHERRY lynnmariecherry.blogspot.com YVONNE SANCHEZ Contributing Editors
AMY RIOJAS Trend Stylist VANIA EVANGELISTA vaniadesigns.me Graphic Designer VISUAL MOXIE visualmoxie.com Branding/Web Design ASHLEY BEHNKE CRYSTAL BREAUX ERIKA GONZALES YVONNE SANCHEZ Writing Contributors Branding/ Web Design
SQUARE EARTH STUDIO SquareEarthStudio.com MARYNA MARSTON MARCO GUTIERREZ Photographers ALINA CORDING alinacording.com Makeup COBY SALON cobysalon.com MARIO GOZALES COBY GOZALES Hair WARDROBE FORTE HELEN FERNANDEZ On-Set Stylist
LUXE APOTHETIQUE The Domain, Austin, Texas luxeapothetique.blogspot.com LANDFORD MARKET 2nd Street District, Austin, Texas landfordmarket.com Clothing STELLA & DOT CHRISTY GOODMAN stelladot.com/christygoodman Jewelry Independent Stylist BETH ELIS PHOTOGRAPHS provided by ANDREW CHAN PHOTOGRAPHY iamandrewchan.com
GIRL ON THE STREET
SUMMER TRENDS
Stripes – Be bold, be loud, and get noticed in bright, colorful stripes.
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Colored Cardigan - Add a colored cardi and gold accessories for a fun & easy style.
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A girl can never go wrong in skinny jeans, a bright tunic, and great accessories.
LBD - Try a new twist on the classic LBD with a touch of lace or sheer fabric.
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Clothes by Langford Market and Luxe Apothetique; Jewelry by Stella & Dot, Christy Goodman Independent Stylist. 16 | Created Woman August/September 2012
Trend Stylist: Amy Riojas @fancyladyjane amyriojas.com Favorite summer trend: “The Caftan.” Lifestyle blogger, fashion lover, wife to husband, Ryan, and mom to her two Chihuahua’s, Beauxregard & Liam.
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WELL WOMAN
GET BACK TO BASICS & HAVE MORE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with life? Is it a struggle, at times, to keep it together because you have no energy to care for your self, husband and/or children? With all the demands of life, these feelings can easily hit us busy women. We can get into a rut of thinking that our crazy schedule and everyone pulling on us is “Just life.” Taking time for our health, physically and mentally, can seem impossible. But maybe it feels impossible because of what WE do to ourselves and the way we choose to think of things. It’s not uncommon to… …add more to our plate without first taking something off …think that exercise has to be strenuous, grueling and long …feel eating healthy means cooking elaborate meals each day If you’re frustrated because you don’t have time to take care of yourself and you’re tired of being tired, it may be time to get back to basics in certain areas of your life. Your Lifestyle Saying “yes” to others or certain activities before evaluating your current schedule and obligations can quickly make your plate run over. If you say yes to everything, you can’t be good at anything. Instead of quickly saying yes, practice saying, ”Can I get back to you on that?” Implementing that answer can also transfer over for our kids and their activities. What will it really do to their future if they don’t play year round sports, miss one party or function, and don’t participate in every activity offered by your community, church, and school?
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Your Exercise Before giving up on exercise completely because you feel it can’t be done, ask yourself if you’re tying to do too much. This may not be the season of life for you to train for a marathon, triathlon, or biking event. It may not be a season for you to even go to the gym. Maybe it’s time for you to simply put on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk each day in your neighborhood. Your Diet Cooking healthy doesn’t have to be elaborate. With that mindset, it may seem like the only alternative choice is grabbing fast food. Making the decision to have a simple fruit and vegetable each night makes dinner quick and easy. Learn what you can easily throw in a crock-pot in the morning to start dinner while getting breakfast and lunch ready. Take a few minutes to evaluate your life and personal schedule to see what needs to be eliminated in your life right now. Is it an activity or a mindset? Getting back to basics is a way to have more energy for your health and family while creating a sense of peace and contentment.
About Author: Crystal Breaux www.yourfitnessdesigner.com Favorite summer trend: “Colored jeans help me add a pop of color without putting too much thought into it.” As a fitness and food designer for busy women, Crystal’s passionate about helping women design fitness and food plans that actually work for their lifestyles and meet their health goals. Happily married for sixteen years and mom to two children; Hannah, age 8, and Zach, age 4.
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BACK TO BASICS SUMMER TO FALL WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
Picture this: A lush, Hollywood Hills style closet, nestled in the corner of your bedroom. The aroma of a new, designer leather handbag embraces you as your eyes settle on the Christian Louboutin heels that have found their home on the plush carpet that wraps your toes. The endless sea of dresses, skinny jeans, and espadrilles overwhelm your senses as you ponder, “What shall I wear today?” Oh, the joy of mulling over whether to wear print on print, furry boots, or
classic plaid. What girl wouldn’t love to have an endless closet filled with possibilities? If you live in the real world where your closet actually has an end in sight and space is limited because you share it with someone, then endless possibilities are, well - impossible. But there’s hope! These tried and true wardrobe essentials are the building blocks every closet needs to help a girl transition easily from classic to trendy and summer to fall.
We love this wrinkle free button up from Banana Republic
Basic White Shirt A white shirt is a great base for layering. Go for a dainty v-neck tee, white button up, or a simple silk blouse. The fit of the shirt is important, as something too big will swallow your frame and something too small will grab unwanted attention. Easily paired with a wide array of jewelry, bottoms, and shoes, a simple white shirt can be boardroom savvy or date night sassy.
Heather’s had these equestrian boots for 2 years
Classic Boot A closet is never complete without a great pair of boots! Classic equestrian boots are great because of the simple detailing that allows you to stretch a few of your summer favorites into the cooler months. Just think blazer, summer dress, and equestrian boots…done.
Our stylist very own Vintage Gianni Blazer
Neutral Blazer A neutral colored blazer opens up endless possibilities for your current wardrobe. These classic blazers transition well from work to evening. And since neutral colors don’t carry expiration dates, you can wear them season after season. Word to the wise, though, get it tailored! A nicely cut blazer can make even a simple outfit look polished.
Introducing Onxy + Pearl scarves, the must-have accessories for the season
Versatile Scarf Scarves are arguably the best accessory. They can be worn with nearly anything: t-shirt and jeans, dresses and coats. Fabric softness is key. Viscose, silks, and cashmere blends are easy to the touch and lay gently around the neck. For versatility, pick a print with a strong base color, like black or brown, mixed with multiple “it” colors for the season. A “scarf collection” can be as simple as one or two scarves that match the tops, skirts, and dresses that you already have in your wardrobe. Scarves should amplify what you currently own, not force you to buy more clothes.
Carry all Bag One large handbag in your repertoire is a must. If it takes less than 5-10 seconds to dig something out of it, then you need a bigger purse! The perfect bag must be versatile enough to carry multiple items at all times (i.e. five shades of lipstick, a couple pairs of sunglasses, and a phone charger) and, if you’re a mom, sturdy enough to carry lots of tricks.
Perfect carry all bag with handle or shoulder strap, Langford Market
So whether your closet really is a Hollywood Hills dream or you’re just starting to build it, be sure to fill it with the 5 essentials that take you from night to day and summer to fall. Rome, also known as your wardrobe, wasn’t built in one shopping spree! About Author: Asheley Behnke @AshBehnke www.onyxandpearl.com Fashion Inspiration: “Inspired by unexpected combinations of colors, fabrics, and detailing.” Wife, Designer for Onyx + Pearl and based in Austin, Texas.
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THE CREATED WOMAN everything matters “I have high appreciation for the work of designer, Alexander McQueen.” Nigerian born, Nere Emiko studied computer and electrical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Nevertheless, on any given day you may see her taking a bow on the fashion runway with her bridal gown collection or directing a truckload of yams into a warehouse. Nere holds a Master’s degree from this prestigious institution and embodies their boasts of innovation and entrepreneurship and as Created Woman says,
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the prototype myself, “ I create out of muslim, and then the seamstresses build the gown. The perfect dress or wedding gown can change the way a woman sees herself
“She’s becoming the woman she was created to be.” During her senior year in college, she was asked to be a last minute model in a fashion show. (Long and lean, she was an easy choice to sub for a no-show model).The show sparked an interest in fashion design. Her engineering abilities found themselves at home as she taught herself to operate a sewing machine and began to design for herself as a hobby. At the end of 2007, Nere was working in Austin, Texas, and her engineering project was coming to a close. Simultaneously, the idea of designing and creating bridal gowns began to occupy space in Nere’s heart and mind, though she had never even tried on a wedding gown. Inspired by nature, books and people, in 2008 she founded Bethelis, her premier line of couture wedding gowns. Featured in Your Wedding Day, The Knot Magazine, Weddings by Ritz Carlton and Brides Magazine, each gown is its own unique expression of romanticism.
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“I create the prototype myself, out of muslin, and then the seamstresses build the gown. The perfect dress or wedding gown can change the way a woman sees herself.” In 2012, her projects include the design and production of attire for an entire wedding party, including the groom and his groomsmen. Just months ago, dignitaries at a Jubilee-type celebration in Nigeria donned her designs and her fans are currently awaiting her first ready-to-wear collection. Unwilling to be tethered to one niche in the fashion world, Nere insists on exploring multiple expressions of herself and the women she sees around her. “Changing the World is within every human being’s reach. If a person stumbles on the street and you witness it, stop and render aid. That action might change the course of the day for the person you lend a hand to.” For Nere, words and actions are a life-force. Calculated about what she says and does, she lives as if Everything Matters. When a leaf falls from a tree into a pond, two things happen: the leaf begins a journey as it floats
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the World is within every human “Changing being’s reach. If a person stumbles on the
street and you witness it, stop and render aid. That action might change the course of the day for the person you lend a hand to.
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I’m simple because I hear, I see, I do. “ II think follow God, my conscience, what’s lovely,
”
peaceful, what’s best and sometimes, what’s fun.
to its destination and it impacts the water through which it travels and the environment where it lands. Nere’s life mirrors this analogy. In February of 2012, Nigeria peaked with 71.5% of her people living in poverty. 100,000,000 live on less than $1 a day. Bank loans include double digit interest rates which makes the inception of small businesses difficult, if not impossible for many. As a financier, Nere facilitates new business development. Qualified individuals sign a contract like they would with a bank and her single digit interest rates allow people to realize their dreams. Nigeria is able to boast as the world’s largest producer of yams (34,000,000 tons yearly), a staple of the Nigerian and West African diet. Yet, yam shortage continues to be a reality for the country. Intuitively inspired to “do what’s right,” Nere has put her finger in
the agricultural pie. When yams are plentiful, she buys and stores them. When there are no yams to be found in the market, Nere is able to sell from her warehouse. There’s no magic involved. It’s the result of planning, purpose and commitment with which Nere builds and lives an expansive life. Fashion is a word that encapsulates Nere. She understands style trends and creates her interpretation of them. She generates and gives form to concepts and ideas that literally have the potential to give life to others, and after all, active participation as a member of a global community is always fashionable. “I think I’m simple because I hear, I see, I do. I follow God, my conscience, what’s lovely, peaceful, what’s best and sometimes, what’s fun.”
About Author: Yvonne Sanchez Favorite Summer Trend: “Maxi dress!! It’s casual comfort or ease with a touch of elegance.” Lover of literature, nature, making memories, and author of Fingerprint, Uniquely Marked for a Purpose
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INSIDE/OUT
You’re a masterpiece
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of being confined to a museum, “ Instead we were made to roam the Earth and show off the masterpiece that is YOU. ”
Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa are just a few of the greatest masterpieces in the world. These artists had a vision and worked tirelessly to create their works of art for something bigger...many not knowing how grand or what an impact their creations would make. Rarely do we think of ourselves as beautiful, captivating, or worthy, but we are. In fact, WE are masterpieces. Unlike the aforementioned artists, God did have a plan for His work of art. He knew exactly what you would grow to become and the thousands of lives you would impact. Instead of being confined to a museum, you were made to roam the Earth and show off the masterpiece that is YOU.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word masterpiece as: “a work done with extraordinary skill; especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement.” Do you see that? You were done with extraordinary skill, supreme intellect and artistic achievement....Woo! Lady, you are His “pièce de résistance”! The Psalmist Body and soul, I am marvelously made! ….what a creation! You know me inside and out… Psalm 139
About Author: Erika Gonzales @erika_news Fashion Inspiration: “Not afraid of big pops of color and any day can be a hat day.” I’m a single, 20-something journalist, working for NBC in Washington, DC and I love to dance Salsa!
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Clothing and Jewelry Index Girl on the Street #1 Cover Dress – Lanford Market Jewelry, Stella and Dot, Christy Goodman Stackable Gem ring $54 Carrie bangles $59 Serpent bangle $49 Luxor link $89 sidewinder ring $69 Rebel pendant $79 #2 Sequin tank – Luxe Apothetique brand Colored Cardigan – Forever 21 Boyfriend Jean – Luxe Apothetique brand Jewelry, Stella and Dot, Christy Goodman Sierra Necklace $148
Bello bangle $89 Revival Bracelet $34 Carrie Bangles $59 Small fringe hoop earrings $29 Harmony bands $69 eternity necklace (on the ankle) $59 #3 Black Skinny Jeans, 7 for all man kind, Luxe Apothetique Orange Tunic – Luxe Apothetique brand Oxyn + Pearl scarve Belt – Madewell Shoes – Steve Madden Jewelry, Stella and Dot, Christy Goodman Tigris earring $59 Lindsay bangle in pink $59 Rhea bangles in gold $79 Stackable gem Ring $54 #4 Black dress – Langford Market Jewelry, Stella and Dot, Christy Goodman Serenity stone drops on jade $49 Serenity stone Pendant $79 Harmony band $69 Inside/Out Jewelry, Stella and Dot, Christy Goodman Sidewinder ring $69 harmony band $69 Serpent bangle $49 Prosper bracelet $34 vintage twist $34 Bello bangle $89 revival bracelet $34 Luxor link $89
BEHIND THE SCENES
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