A day with fashion blogger: Kahlea Nicole

Meet fashion blogger, Kahlea Nicole. She embodies the classy and elegance of Tippy Taste. We are thrilled to have her here with us today, where she shares with us her love for jewelry and life. You can read more about her on her blog here. 

Photo from Kahlea.com

"I’m a total nerd which many people don’t expect!"

1) Can you share with us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in the countryside of Ohio and moved to the heart of Florida almost five years ago. Whew, time has flown by! I’m currently a full time college student planning to pursue my Bachelors and Masters at Rollins College of Business within the next year. I’m a total nerd which many people don’t expect! Next to being a student, I am a part time fashion blogger and model. I’m at such a great age in life where I have the opportunity to doing so many wonderful things at once, and I’m so grateful for that!

2) How did you first get into fashion blogging?
I’ve grown up always loving fashion and have journals and journals of design sketches. No shame to say that I was the middle school kid who always got busted for drawing in class, haha! The whole “idea” or “dream” of becoming a fashion blogger actually blossomed when I was taking my senior pictures with my now personal photographer and forever best friend. I just kept expressing how much I wanted a creative platform to express my absolute adoration for fashion and we threw out the idea, it stuck, and here I am now living my dream of having a career in it.

Photo from Kahlea.com

"I’ve always wanted to be known as someone who is extremely classy and elegant"

3) How did you come about in developing your chic style?
I’ve always wanted to be known as someone who is extremely classy and elegant, which was where my style to represent that description came to life. Some of my fashion role models are woman like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie O, and Kate Middleton. Woman well renowned for their poise and grace. I want to be the woman that’s invited to work with Chanel or Fendi over Victoria Secret. Not that VS isn’t great (their undergarments are the bomb) but it’s just not the image I wanted to portray for myself personally! 

Photo from Kahlea.com

"Jewerly is such a unique way to change up any outfit and add to it."

4) What are your favorite pieces of jewelry that you own?
My absolute favorite piece of jewelry that I own is my purity ring. It has three diamonds and melted down silver from numerous generations of family heirlooms, which makes it that much more beautiful and special to me. Next to that I have a Guess watch that I wear all the time, as well as several layering necklaces I’m always styling. It’s so hard to narrow down favorites, because each piece I adore for different reasons! Jewerly is such a unique way to change up any outfit and add to it. I’m pretty sure I have more pieces of jewelry in my closet than clothes, haha it’s bad!

5) Where do you usually buy your jewelry from?
I typically buy my jewelry from Forever 21 because I am always wanting and needing new pieces to change up the looks I’m styling. It’s hard to do this if I had to always buy more expensive accessories, so I stick to F21 since it’s affordable and always up to date with current trends!

"What really stands out to me about Tippy Taste though is that each piece that’s offered is so chic."

6) We noticed you have a thing for subscription boxes lately. From what you've seen so far could you share with us what stands out the most to you about Tippy Taste?
I do have a thing for them! How can you not?! They’ve got to be one of the best things life has to offer! What really stands out to me about Tippy Taste though is that each piece that’s offered is so chic. As I mentioned, my style is very classy and elegant and the pieces reflect that perfectly. I have trouble going through the shop page without adding nearly every piece into my cart! Forever 21 has always been my go to because it’s affordable, but it can get hard sometimes because I wish the pieces at least looked more expensive. With Tippy Taste pieces they look super expensive but are insanely affordable! Sign me up for three times a month!

Photo from Kahlea.com

"I plan on one day launching my own clothing line, which is another reason I launched Kahlea Nicole. As a foundation for that childhood dream as well!"

7) Lastly, what are your future plans for your blog and life?
In regards to my blog I plan on continuing to expand its reach and within the next few months begin to really monetize it more and more. I want to get to the point where I basically do this as a living! I plan on one day launching my own clothing line, which is another reason I launched Kahlea Nicole. As a foundation for that childhood dream as well! I’m so blessed with how far I’ve gotten in just half a year, and so excited for what’s next. I know the best is yet to come!

Have something interesting to share? Reach out to us at www.tippytaste.com and tell us what makes you stand out! 

BLOGGER INTERVIEW- THRIFTY LITTLE BECCA

Meet fashion blogger Rebecca Cobb from Thrifty Little Becca. Since her joining the Tippy Taste club, we have become a huge fan of her blog Thrifty Little Becca. With a cute smile and her fashion style, she post tips on how to use money and other resources wisely and not wastefully. Coming from the good'o South Carolina, we are thrilled to have her at Tippy Taste with us today.

Shot by Thrifty Little Becca

"I like to think of myself as the typical Southern Belle, with a modern twist."

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'd love to! Well, my name is Rebecca. I currently reside in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. Which, by the way, was just voted the #1 city in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. I'm originally from Camden, South Carolina, which is the epitome of a "small town". I like to think of myself as the typical Southern Belle, with a modern twist. I'm a law student, dog mom, and avid supporter of affordable fashion. When I'm not in my law library, I'm either kayaking or napping... I'm a huge supporter of the afternoon nap! 

"There's something really powerful about embracing your personal style, and even more empowering when you can do it without breaking your budget."

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO FASHION? 

I think fashion has always been a huge part of my life, but nothing I ever actively pursued. I love dressing up. I love buying new clothes! And I love expressing myself via my wardrobe. There's something really powerful about embracing your personal style, and even more empowering when you can do it without breaking your budget. I developed a real skill for seeking affordable trends... and slowly it became my hobby and one of my passions! I love sharing my love for fashion with others, and sharing how to maintain a trendy style and balance your budget. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is essentially feminine, affordable, and trendy. I love flattering clothes that really accentuate my figure, and are really just fun to wear! I love floral, color, and clothes with a lot of movement. I love to pair my outfits with jewelry and accessories that add not only sparkle, but also dimension. The pieces are choose to wear are not only fun, but also add something to a look. I feel that a look isn't complete without the right bling! 

"My style is essentially feminine, affordable, and trendy."

Shot by Thrifty Little Becca

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF JEWELRY THAT YOU OWN?

My absolute favorite piece of jewelry is actually one that I don't wear that often. For college graduation, my grandmother gave me a ring that was given to her from her mother. It's a gorgeous, simple, gold band with two petite diamonds! It's by far my most cherished piece. 

WHERE DO YOU USUALLY BUY YOUR JEWELRY? 

I have a mix of pieces that I collected overtime from vintage and consignment shops! I also enjoy purchasing classic, and expensive pieces that last forever. For example, I love Kendra Scott, Pandora, Tiffany's, and I'm currently saving for a David Yurman cuff! Other than that, I'm constantly looking to update my wardrobe with inexpensive costume pieces! I love have a high quantity of pieces that always keep my wardrobe new and exciting! 

Tippy Taste Jewelry subscription box

JEWELRY SEEMS TO BE TREATED AS AN "AFTER THOUGHT". WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?

Absolutely not!!!! I will often buy a necklace, or a pair of earrings, and then base a whole outfit around it! I think if you appreciate style, you appreciate all the individual elements that go into creating a personal style... and of course that includes jewels! 

Shot by Thrifty Little Becca

WE NOTICED YOU HAVE A COLLECTION OF POSTS ABOUT SUBSCRIPTION BOXES. COULD YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT YOU LOOK FOR IN SUBSCRIPTION BOXES?

Yes yes yes! I'm a huge subscription box fan! Overall, I first look at my budget and what I'm willing to spend and where I'm at financially versus what I really want. I love boxes where you get a lot for the money! And, I especially enjoy boxes where there is an element of surprise! 

LASTLY, WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO?

Well, like I mentioned before, I am in law school at the Charleston School of Law. In two years I'll be graduating and really focusing on taking the bar. In the meantime, I'm looking to expand my blog, and really use it as a tool for not only my personal enjoyment, but also to inspire other thrifty fashionistas to not break their budget in order to look cute! 

Have something interesting to share? Shoot us an email at mail@tippytaste.com

BOX INSPIRATION- RUSSIAN ROULETTE

What's the first thought that comes to mind when you think of Russia? spies, criminals, femme fatales? 

Well, we are about to find out! This summer our Tippy Taste team took a trip to Russia, Moscow. Our first thought when we arrived was, "wow, it's chilly." Although it was during summer but early morning and night the weather gets rather chilly. We couldn't wait to see what Moscow has to offer. 

Throughout the Cold War, Moscow used to be the capital of the "other" world, the home of lofty ideals and harsh realities. But Moscow's strange charm remains, carrying with it more history than one can imagine. 

Our short trip mostly consisted of visiting the grand architectures, Kremlin and breathtaking restaurants. All of which inspired us for our September collection. Enjoy!

Inspired by the gold and red combination, we handpicked this Svetlana bracelet below as it gives off a royal vibe.
Can you believe this majestic place is actually a restaurant? It's rococo interior with its magnificent center piece chandelier surely got us dazzled. We can definitely see some resemblance of the interior characteristics in our Anastasia drops.

Part of the famous Kremlin- who could resist the classic combination of black and gold? We surely couldn't, therefore we fell deeply in love with this Veronika necklace.

Hope you enjoyed our little trip here. We will end this post with a view of the Kremlin shot from our hotel room. Dobroy nochi! (Goodnight in Russian)

 

BOX INSPIRATION- ASIA COLLECTION

The month of June was very special because we made a trip across the globe to Asia. Our destinations were Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. Therefore the pieces we selected incorporated characteristics of Asia culture and modern vibe.


This shot was taken in China, Wuxi. Sceneries in China looks like a painting. If you look at the far distance you will notice the modern architectures. It's like a contrast of the old and the new. Reminded us of how far our world has evolved.

 
This shot was taken at a temple in Taiwan. Taiwanese temple is magnificent, with years of history behind it. Some prominent colors used on this temple are red, blue, green and yellow. 

If you have been to Hong Kong, you know that Hong Kong is a very modern city filled with millions of people. Everyone is packed into tiny apartments. This view was taken at the popular Victoria harbor during day time. 

Below are the pieces in our June box:


First up are these beautiful marble cuff ring that reminded us of chinese porcelain. Delicate and fragile. The gold band adds a touch of modernization to these pieces. 


Next up were these pair of Royal Blue earrings. These selection was inspired by the temples we saw in Taiwan. The bold blue and gold color combination used reminded us of royalty. 


Third piece were these horn pendants. According to chinese legends, horns are one of the rarest things one can find in this world. Hence it is often considered a lucky charm. The horn pendant was one of our favorite piece because of the beautiful turquoise color. 


Last but not least are these pair of Bead Accent Fringe drops. The center piece is a cabochon cut hexagon stone that reflects whatever color dress you are wearing. The fringes reminded us of the crowns chinese emperors wear in the kingdom.  

For more photos follow us on Instagram.

TOP PICKS PEARL JEWELRY

Photo Cred (Top left to right): @thehautepursuit, @itsnotmeitsher, @thedarkhorsejewellery, @ruegembon, @avecnewyork, @sarinasurianojewels

All things fur

This fall we have fallen in love with fur. Nothing better than a warm fur coat when the cold wind blows.

All images are from tumblr**

BLOGGER INTERVIEW: MY DAILY STYLE BOOK

We are honored to be interviewing the sweet Serbian born fashion blogger from My Daily Style Book today here on Tippy Taste Jewelry. This talented girl is currently completing her studies in Milan, read on to learn more about her move to Milan, thoughts about fashion and what inspires her. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook 


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Hello Natasa, can you share with us a little about yourself?

I was born in Novi Sad, Serbia where I finished my high school, and at the age 19 I decided to move to Milan, Italy where I would continue pursuing my academic career in Management and Finance. Now I am in the second year of my Master of Science in Fashion Business, expecting to graduate by the end of this year.

"I figured it was a great opportunity to go abroad and gain some international experience"

On your blog you mentioned you moved to Milan from Serbia, what made you decided to move?

Since I was very young, it has been very impressive to me to be independent. When the time has arrived and I had to choose my university, I figured it was a great opportunity to go abroad and gain some international experience. Italy is not very far away from Serbia, the mentality is quite similar, and Bocconi (my university) is very high-rated and famous so I decided that would be the best choice for me. Plus, Milan is known as the perfect city for fashion.

How would you describe your style?

Actually, I find this question rather complex. If we refer to what I find the most beautiful style that I would wear all the time, that would be midi, red, romantic skirts with bows on the hair and stiletto heels. However, given that I am always in a hurry and busy with other things besides my blog, very often I opt for some jeans, sneakers and basic t-shirt. But on my blog I always try to show new stuff and be very creative.



Where do you get your inspirations from?

From everywhere. Seeing how other people dress up, even just some small details, so I make them look different on me. To be honest, whenever I watch Gossip Girl, I always get really inspired because for me that was the show with the best styles ever. And also, following a lot of creative people on Instagram helps me get new ideas daily.

"The people who I look up to the most are my parents."

Who’s your role model?

It may sound really typical, but the people who I look up to the most are my parents. They have really given me an amazing childhood and life, and provided me an opportunity to go abroad and follow my dreams. 

"I don't like to overdo it, however a necklace that makes the outfit completely different is something that I really adore."

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

Honestly speaking, I do not wear jewelry that often, but when I do I like the most are statement necklaces. I don't like to overdo it, however a necklace that makes the outfit completely different is something that I really adore. I have one from Zara that is very stylish and elegant.

Where do you usually buy your jewelry from?

It depends, I don't pay attention much at the brand. But when I do shop, then it's usually Accessorize, sometimes Zara and also Bijou Brigitte. Also, there is one vintage store in my hometown where they have amazing necklaces, and I always go there when I go back home.

"It is important to be yourself and show the credibility of what you represent"

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog?

First, I would suggest them to do it only if they are really determined to take it seriously. It is a kind of hobby, however it requires the constant dedication and inspiration. And second, once it is started, just go with the flow and be what you are: at the end, people like to see the real us and what makes us happy. It is important to be yourself and show the credibility of what you represent.


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We hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we do. Stay tuned for more at Tippy Taste Jewelry. Thank you!
Photo credits: Natasa Blair, My Daily Style Book

FASHION MODEL, EMMA JANE INTERVIEW

We are thrilled to be interviewing fashion model Emma from My Life In Pink today here on Tippy Taste Jewelry. Her jaw-dropping style is something to die for. Read on to learn more about her life as a model and what inspires her. You can see more of her style and travel photos on her Facebook and instagram. You can also see more work from the guy behind the camera, Justin Polkey here and here.
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Hello Emma, can you share with us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Cape Town South Africa and at the age of 18, I was approached by a modelling agency in a shopping centre and have spent the past five years traveling the world. I studied Communication Science and Business Administration while I traveled via correspondence.

How did you first get into modeling?
I had always wanted to be a model, my gran was the first Miss South Africa and I looked up to her, but I was continuously turned down by agencies. Eventually I just stopped trying and six months later, like I said above, I was discovered in a shopping centre, after that my first job was for a local magazine editorial here in South Africa.

"You just have to have a strong personality, you can’t let people walk over you in this industry."

The modeling industry is always glamorized. What would you say is the not so glamorous side of modeling?
Almost everything! The early call times and long hours in the boiling sun or freezing rain, with no toilets in sight, not having time to eat or drink water, running around to 15 castings a day, especially when you got to trek around in the snow, getting judged on your appearance, never being skinny or tall enough, skin breakouts from traveling and stress, sometimes not even getting paid. Haha sounds terrible doesn’t it? But at the same time it can be incredibly rewarding, the traveling and meeting new people every day. You just have to have a strong personality, you can’t let people walk over you in this industry.

How would you describe your style?
I never have an answer to this question purely because I don’t have a style. My style changes all the time just like fashion changes all the time, it evolves and it grows with me as a person. One year my style is free and bohemian and the next it’s refined and elegant.

"I draw most my inspiration from the street. I love seeing what the everyday person is wearing, it’s aspirational."

Where do you get your inspirations from?
I draw most my inspiration from the street. I love seeing what the everyday person is wearing, it’s aspirational. As much as I love reading fashion magazines like Vogue or Love, it’s not always aspirational, not for many people. That’s what I love about fashion bloggers, they aspirational and approachable and real.

Who’s your role model?
There are many people who I look up to in life for different reasons and I pull strength from those individual role models during different times in my life, depending what I’m going through. However, two people that stand by me and continuously inspire me would be my mother and my father. Cheesy and predictable…but true.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
A vintage ring passed down from my mother, it’s a gold band with an aquamarine stone. It holds so much sentimental value.

Where do you usually buy your jewelry from?
I like my jewellery simple and understated and it has to tell a story. Either someone special bought it for me, or I got it while I was aboard. I don’t have a one stop shop for my jewelry.

Lastly, jewelry seems to be treated as an “after-thought”. What do you think about that?
Jewellery completes an outfit. Whether it be a dainty gold ring or necklace that no one would see or a shiny statement necklace, it all plays a part in pulling your outfit together and adding that final touch.

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We hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we do. Stay tuned for more at Tippy Taste Jewelry. Thank you!

Photo credits: Emma Jane, Justin Polkey

INTERVIEW: LENIELOVES- ALL THINGS NAIL

We are interviewing the talented Anna-Lena Hensing from Lenieloves today here on Tippy Taste Jewelry. We think nail polish and jewelry goes perfectly together. Read on to learn more about her passion for nail polish, her thoughts on jewelry and what inspires her. You can see more of her style and nail photos on her instagram. 


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Hello Lenie, can you share with us a little about yourself?

I am 27 years old and come from Bremen, a beautiful city in Germany. After I finished my education, I started to work in marketing. Today I am working as a product manager. I like the versatility, the creativity and the variety which this job includes.

"I always appreciated well groomed hands and nails. Not only for women, I think also for men it´s important to have cared hands and nails."

How did you first get into nail art/nail polishes?

I always appreciated well groomed hands and nails. Not only for women, I think also for men it´s important to have cared hands and nails. I think I was 16 years old, when I started to polish my nails. At that time I preferd clear nail polish rather than bright colours. I thought they were to obvious, to eyecatchy sort of. By the way, my first real colored nail polish was "size matters" from essie. A wonderful deep dark red.

 

How many nail polishes do you have?

The biggest part of my little nail polish collection are essie polishes. Meanwhile I can call 70 pretty bottles as my own. Also I have got a few OPI polishes, Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent as well as Astor and Catrice. Altogether I got around 85 nail polishes, but actually I never counted them exactly.

What are your top favorite nail polish colors so far?

At this moment for me orange, dark red, berry-and brown tones are a must have. My absolute favourite polish is "bahama mama" by essie. But also I like "meet me at sunset", a dream of a clear orangetone, also by essie. "Hypnotic" by Dior and the "Rouge Noir" by Chanel I wouldnt want to miss during fall season.

"I prefer colours on my nails. This is somehow my way of statement. I think with the right sort of jewellery, nail polish and a nice perfume, you can create a perfect outfit."

How would you describe your overall style?

My style is quite casual. I love drainpipe jeans, boots, and blazer in understated colours. Also chucks and biker jackets are found in my wardrobe. I think I am not the girlie type in rose and pink. I seldom wear dresses or skirts. Instead I prefer colours on my nails. This is somehow my way of statement. I think with the right sort of jewellery, nail polish and a nice perfume, you can create a perfect outfit.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

It depends... I love to find things in Deco shops. It might sound strange but when I find these severe things, suddenly an image appears in my head, a sort of picture. Sometimes I get ideas, when I am walking around town or looking into magazines. When I am home I try to realise these ideas. It always varies...

From your Instagram, it seems like you mostly use Essie. Why?

Oh yes you´re right I am absolutely in love with essie polishes. They have such a big variety of colors, and the quality is great. Also essie have a wide paintbrush for a clean and perfect application and the nail polish really last for quite a while. And to be honest.... the little bottles are very precious.

 

"It is so valuable to me, because it tells its own story and it's a precious memory from a valuable person"

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

The most valuable piece of jewelry which I own, is an almost 100 year old garnet necklace, which I inherited from my grandma. It is so valuable to me, because it tells its own story and it's a precious memory from a valuable person. I do not wear this necklace often, because I am afraid I could lose it or break it. Nevertheless, that's my most favourite piece.

Where do you usually buy your jewelry from?

Most of the accessoires I buy are from H&M, Mango, Bijou Brigitte or Iam. I also have a necklace from Sashi and 2 bracelets, which I really love to wear. The right accessoires/jewelry can really give the outfit an individual style, it can be a simple statement or it can accomplish the whole personal look. I guess that's why women and jewelry belong together.

Lastly, what are your plans for the future?

Mmh, what are my plans....I like to go with the flow, let it come to me. Just a few months ago I never would have expected that so many people would look at my pictures on instagram, that I would be offered such great opportunities, and that I would get to know so many interesting and nice people. Maybe I will start to blog at one time in the future, who knows? My private life is happy and I hope that it will last for a long time!


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We hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as we do. Stay tuned for more at Tippy Taste Jewelry. Thank you!
Photo credits: Anna-Lena Hensing, Lenieslove