CAMO COLLECTOR
For many, leopard print might as well be a neutral. Not this girl. Camo is my jam. I’ve seriously loved it my entire life, so now that it’s HOT for SS13, I’m stoked!
Love what’s above? Shop to it!
hair ties - tank - TOMS - backpack - skinnies
XO
AJ
Some of you have already noticed, actually I can’t believe how many of you already noticed, but for those of you who didn’t… I have a confession.
I have a new bag.
Yep. It’s out there. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I secretly didn’t want my mom to find out and start judging me comparing rent to handbag pricepoint ratios. BUT my mom has now seen the bag, aproooooves of the bag, and the secret is out. (My mom has nothing to do with my finances, she just has this weird mom power that makes me feel kinda bad buying things for myself.)
It’s not THAT big of a deal, it’s a Kate Spade, no Louis over here, and not the Tory I had so openly hinted at wanting! Nevertheless, this bag is honestly my first lady bag. Prior to this, I’ve had seasonal bags, ones that get taken out with the Christmas tree due to their short life span. THIS bag, she’ll be around for a while.
THE BEST PART IS… I have zero buyer’s remorse. THAT’S when you know you made a good and justifiable big girl purchase. No shame.
So! This is me, being a bad influence on you, and suggesting that you buy yourself that Christmas gift you wanted and didn’t open. Go get it sista! Life is short, you deserve it, ya-da ya-da…
XO
AJ
(huge bummer: the handbag I purchased is no longer available but this bag is VERY similar and almost as amazing)
Can’t wait to see what’s fresh for fall!
Every February and August I attend MAGIC and PROJECT apparel shows to purchase inventory for Bonnie & Clyde.
The only thing between Vegas and I, is 48 hours. I have a fully booked 12 hour day tomorrow, followed by two on-site weddings and a pedi on Saturday.
Be sure to stay tuned and follow YourStylistAJ on instagram and facebook for trend updates from the busiest apparel show in the country.
XO
AJ
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
The United States now makes only TWO PERCENT of the apparel its consumers purchase.
Did your jaw just drop? I hope I have your attention.
Our nation has chosen low-priced clothing made in other countries, and the loss of trades has contributed to a decline in domestic wages, the loss of the middle class, and increase in unemployment.
With lower price-points often comes a difference in quality. Trends have been evolving so quickly, that consumers choose to purchase from stores like Forever 21 and Target, but many don’t understand how that affects our economy here in the U.S.
Consider yourself informed. In today’s economy it’s crucial to work together and buy local when possible. This will help create and keep American jobs, and help the economy.
As a buyer for Bonnie & Clyde, the core of our independent business and PERSONALIZED fashion drives me. To me, that beats driving to a mall and buying predetermined styles owned by thousands of others. Not everything we stock, is made in the USA, BUT, we carry OVER TWENTY lines made here! The story of the United States garment and textile trades and the high-quality, well-made clothing available is a beautiful thing that I appreciate as a hard working citizen myself!
If you haven’t checked out Bonnie & Clyde yet- get excited! We’re offering 20% OFF your ENTIRE WEB PURCHASE for one day only! The deal starts at midnight tonight for Your Stylist AJ readers. Just enter coupon code “USA” at checkout.
XO
AJ
(Click the image above to be redirected!)
I have a BIG opinion on SMALL businesses.
Most of you know that my family owns Bonnie & Clyde Boutique, Clarkston Flower Shoppe, and The Birdfeeder. My role is the glamorously difficult jet setting opinion known as “apparel buyer”. I take multiple annual buying trips with my bff, (my mom), and we order clothing we adore enough to stock our store and own closets with. Aside from my passion for the beauty industry, the fashion industry has my heart. Bonnie & Clyde has my complete love and attention, and I can’t wait to one day open my very own storefront in Chicago.
Most of my wardrobe is stocked with Bonnie & Clyde and if yours isn’t… GET EXCITED.
On July 17th… WE ARE FINALLY GOING LIVE WITH BONNIE & CLYDE ONLINE.
I have been waiting years to say that.
Our small family business debuting on the world wide web means so much to us. Small businesses are responsible for my 13 years of dance, my first car, my education… 67% of small business owners open a business they’re passionate about. As we launch our website, I ask you to please check it out next time you’re shopping online for something you can’t find in every mall across the country, to separate yourself and share our passion for self expression.
This blog is about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle- it shares common denomenators with Bonnie & Clyde.
9 days :)
AJ
P.S. I’m so proud of you Mom!
P.S.S. Be sure to like us on facebook HERE
(photos above: My mom, sister and I at Bonnie & Clyde charity event 2011; Current Bonnie & Clyde merchandise-click to view larger)
Starting a blog is a vulnerable and comforting experience. I’ve learned so much about myself through this so far short journey sharing my passions and trade with the world wide web. I’ve gathered ample amounts of feedback, questions, requests and fans, and with that, am ready to address everything in one post.
ON CHICAGO:
“You’re SO lucky you live in Chicago.”
OKAY COMON. I know you know better. It’s not luck. I didn’t WIN my life here in the windy city. I worked my booty off. I moved to Denver, back to Michigan, to Atlanta, back to Michigan, then Chicago. I moved to Chicago with $500, and no job. I lived in an apartment: 4 girls, no a/c, one bathroom. I took a bus to a train to work in what felt like the burbs. I gave away hundreds of free haircuts to get anyone I met in my chair. NOW, I’m obsessed with Chicago, I’m booked with weddings through the end of the year, am the color educator at Thomas West Salon, and you’re reading my blog, all in less than three years. Mission accomplished.
ON BLOGGING:
Everyone seems to be confused as to why I’m doing this. Why I’ve taken on yet aNOTHER responsibility. Those who know me well weren’t surprised, yet weren’t encouraging. They know I, for some reason, kinda enjoyyy being stressed, having tons on my plate and feeling busy. To clarify: Yes. I do enjoy having more to do than I have time for, hence my shopping problem, due to never having clean clothes. The beauty of my lifestyle, is that there’s zero room for boredom, and little room for failure. I make it my mission to get what I want. So for those confused still as to why I’ve taken on creating a website and blogging often, it’s to take on more. To establish a relationship with my clients outside of the salon, to grow my connections nation wide, to prepare a following for when I open a Chicago boutique, to have something for ME. I make men and women feel beautiful every day. It’s instant gratification at it’s finest. But what’s left, is a temporary warm fuzzy feeling, and split ends dusting the floor around my chair. When I come home, I’m inspired by the career I’ve chosen, but loneliness creeps and I miss my long distance boyfriend, when I have no one to tell about all the day I just lived. Blogging is an outlet, a hobby, sometimes yes- a chore, but mostly, it’s evidence. It’s proof of my realness.
ON MATERIALISM AND MARRAIGE:
I don’t feel materialistic at all. I am a positive inspired woman, looking to spread beauty on the inside AND out. My beauty and fashion aspects of this blog don’t take away from the core of who I am and what I live by. A huge part of my career involves weddings, therefore I blog about them often. This doesn’t mean I have wedding fever. My boyfriend is married to his career, and I’m the other woman. This is OKAY, because I’m married to my career. None of my actions have ever displayed the search of a husband, or wondering if I’ll have a family someday, or wanting the house with a yard, or thinking it’s necessary to have a great big diamond. I’m in love with love, I love my boyfriend and I love my career, one big happy family.
I’m overjoyed with the response I’ve received from this website. Please continue to use the contact tab to ask me anything, or request what you’d like more of. And as always, please remember Your Stylist AJ isn’t a secret! So please like and share the facebook page.
Make it a great week! :)
AJ
Happy Sunday, and Mother’s Day to all you madres!
Too busy being love-struck and packing to go see my #28 for the first time in EIGHT WEEKS! So here’s some awesome WWW finds for you!
Love this guy known for playing near Brooklyn’s public transport.. Fast forward to 1:40 for his calming voice.
If I could just have this tat for today, that’d be perf.
Cute twist on a bun!
Food and fashion mashup, two of my favorite things!
Mothers like gifts more than just today. Try this DIY for her.
Peonies are my new favorite flower.
Yes, please.
Was too chicken to buy this today. Didn’t look as sweet on me as LC.
I need kids and a car. Fast forward to 2:20.
XO
AJ
