I have had a best friend since the 6th grade, her name is Emily Periard Petrovich...and she is expecting her first baby this Spring! There is nothing I love more than fashion and giving women the opportunity to look and feel their best. I think this is SO important especially when you're pregnant, finding ways to make yourself comfortable and stay stylish for 9 months isn't always easy but we have a few tricks up our sleeve!  When Emily told me the news I knew we had to to do a "Dress the Bump" styling session and put it on the blog. Emily stopped in the store last week and she worked with our store manager Emily #2 (lol)  I am going to let Emily #1 take it from here...

"Athalia's is my favorite boutique to shop, hands down (and not just because my beautiful and talented best friend is the owner!) It's such a gem of a place! It's always so exciting to see the beautiful things that Jacqueline picks for the shop and the beautiful way the stylists put it all together." 

"When I reached the 22 week mark of pregnancy and my baby bump made it's official debut, I knew where I was going to find some new clothing items and accessories to 'dress the bump!' My goal was to find staple pieces that were both versatile and stylish without being traditional maternity' clothing -- I wanted to invest in pieces to wear during the pregnancy and after. When I asked Jacqueline about specific pieces that could grow with me, she and Emily got to work. I was so excited to see the items Emily had pulled -- and she did not disappoint!

Navy Quilted Vest, Long Bodied Plaid Button Down

Long Bodied Plaid Button Down and Thin ADA Wrap Belt

"She intuitively pulled super soft pieces that are also versatile, both of which are details that I'm come to learn are so important during pregnancy. Feeling beautiful and comfortable is key -- elements Athalia's always offers to their customers! I love how everything in the store looks and feels so expensive but is priced so reasonably. To showcase the versatility of the items, Emily created two looks for each 'staple' piece: the plaid shirt and the gray dress shirt."

"I lived in the long bodied plaid shirt throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and continue to wear it so often. The colors and pattern are rich and the fabric is lighter and softer than a traditional flannel, so I don't feel overheated in it, even with the quilted navy vest on. I wish I had one of these ADA Belts in every color! There are no metal pieces that may uncomfortably poke a baby bump and the leather is super soft and flexible. Emily showed me some of the many ways to wear these belts and they pair perfectly with so many things in my closet, from shirts to jackets to dresses and beyond."

Mercury Beaded Jacket and Faux Suede Babydoll Dress 

"I'm not sure how to accurately describe the luxuriousness of the grey shirt dress fabric... except to say that it is divine and I just want to wear it all the time! The Mercury Jacket is perfect for holiday parties and feeling fancy for any occasion. This piece is also so flowy and soft despite the sparkles... almost robe-like... it's so comfortable, feels like cheating!"

Windowpane Cape, Faux Suede Babydoll Dress and Wide Brim Burgundy Hat

"The abstract windowpane cape offers a combination of a tailored look with all the freedom of movement you need, which will really come in handy when baby arrives. The red hat is a style seen on every fashion girl right now and I can see why! This accessory is so lovely and versatile and looks great with everything. Plus, it offers a chic option when your hair just isn't cooperating!"

Yosi Samra Flats in Black & Cognac 

"The Yosi Samra flats -- I could sing their praises all day. Leave it to Jacqueline to discover the best of the best! Flats are a must for pregnant ladies -- I'm not criticizing Kim Kardashian for her choice to wear heels during pregnancy but I've tried it and just. Can. Not. And awesome flats are surprisingly hard to find -- they're either too stiff, too low, too high, etc. Not these YS beauties! I was on my feet almost all day on Thanksgiving and these flats are both beautiful and comfortable -- the flexible band even adjusted to my feet swelling. I forgot I was wearing shoes! I love the black with the tan, too -- a classic color combination that matches everything."

"My experience with Emily as a stylist was awesome -- she just knew which pieces would work, which sizes to try, which ensembles to put together, and she was honest with me about which pieces were really working. She definitely kept all my identified goals top of mind! I highly recommend working with the girls at Athalia's for momma's-to-be -- their stylish instincts are especially helpful when dressing for your changing body type and the gorgeous pieces that the boutique is always well-stocked with are priced in a way that you only feel like you're totally spoiling yourself because everything looks and feels so expensive!"

Big thank you to Emily #1 for sharing her insight and bump with us and a HUGE thank you to Emily #2 for styling and photographing this shoot for us--you both rocked it! 

Looking for a styling session of your own? We want to help! Email us at athalia415@gamil.com to set up your FREE private appointment!

A Very MiLa Holiday

Living in LA during the holidays can be amazing, the temperature is fabulous, there are no weather delays, I can get the most incredible, fresh, organic foods for our feasts...but I will say, I feel a slight disconnect from the holiday cheer and excitement that I recall feeling growing up in Michigan as a young girl.

My fiancé laughs because I have a few things I have to do the moment Thanksgiving hits until the ball drops at midnight on New Years to get me in the spirit! 

I thought I'd share what this California girl does to make it feel a little more like home...

Harvest Decor

Roll out the pumpkins and hay...I wish I was joking! Last year I had a huge bail of hay with white pumpkins displayed around it posted up in the middle of my yard in the Marina! 75 degrees, tons of boaters and paddle boarders gliding by in their swimsuits! I also love to cook Thanksgiving dinner, entertaining is by far the highlight of my existence! The best part might be the table though...I get out my grandmothers dishes, do a formal place-setting and create a cool-gorgeous center-piece. 

The Nutcracker Ballet 

Every year, the first week of December we go to a production of the Nutcracker Ballet. I have fond memories of going with my sisters and grandmother to the FOX Theatre in Detroit, getting all dressed up in our fanciest dresses, fur-trimmed coats and hand muffs. It was such a special, glamorous time for my sisters and I! On top of that, the ballet is my favorite production...I love the expression and magic the dancers bring to the stage. I feel transported into that world for just a few hours and it certainly gets me in the holiday spirit!

Mariah Carey Christmas Album

"All I want for Christmas is You" is on repeat, blasting in the house and in the car. I can't help it, anyone that knows me will tell you Mariah is by far, my favorite artist of all time. So you know this album and every song on it are my go-to jams! I remember sitting in our living room listening to these songs, in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall out the front window, and if I had to pick one thing, this is my favorite...the music just does it for me.

                 

Holiday Films

Holiday films are such a great way to get in the spirit! I love snuggling up on the sofa in my ridiculous flannel Hello Kitty pajamas with (spiked) hot drink in-hand and turning on one of the following:

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Christmas Story

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

The Holiday

Home Alone

It's a Wonderful Life

Ice Skating

December 2 is my birthday and all I ask for every year is for someone to go ice skating with me the week of my birthday! The W Hotel used to set up a cool faux ice rink where you could lounge outside, get dinner and cocktails... lace up your skates and glide around on their interesting-- to say the least, make shift rink! My preferred option is Downtown Santa Monica, they do a wonderful job at setting up this incredible real ice rink in the heart of the city. Adorned with perfectly strung white lights, hot-coco stands, holiday music blasting and there are surprisingly cooler temperatures being that it is so close to the ocean. I love to wear my favorite sweater, hat and gloves and circle around for an hour or so!

Ski Trip

For New Years, or just after, we try to take a ski trip every year. I love to ski, I'm certainly not the greatest but after 2-3 hours of getting my confidence back on the Bunny Slopes I am happy to jump on the blues and greens! I love it because I feel so much solitude, so blissful being in nature, challenging my own strength and fears...breathing in fresh, crisp air and having that feeling of full concentration yet complete surrender to the open slopes. The snow is what does it though. There is nothing a Michigan girl loves more than a little snow during the holidays...it just seems to pull it all together. 

Athalia's Boutique 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

1. Rifle Paper Parisian Notebook Set $18
2. Flannel Shirt $34+
3. Barr Co. Hand Cream $21
4. Giving Keys Rebel Never Ending Bracelet $85
5. S'well 17 oz Bottle $35
6. Blanket Scarves $24+
7. Volcano Mercury Glass Bowl Candle $40
8. Sweaters/Dresses $38+
9. Tocca Eau De Parfum Gift Set Trio $45
10. Reversible Oversized Tote $49

1. This would make the perfect gift for a teacher or for that artist or creative writer in your life...the beautiful prints make such a sweet, subtle statement...perfect for doodling and daydreaming!

2. Your sister will totally dig one of our flannel shirts. They are easy, versatile and a great layering piece. We have a wide variety to choose from-just ask one of our stylists to point you in the right direction! 

3. Co-workers, the mail lady, your favorite Barista-you can't go wrong with any of our Barr Co. products, the scent of vanilla, milk, oatmeal and vetiver are so soft and yummy!

4. Your best friend will definitely appreciate one of our Giving Key accessories, with words like inspire, dream, strength and faith you are sure to find one that will resonate with her...it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

5. We have the perfect hostess gift! S'well bottles are arriving! Pick one up in one of the beautiful selection of colors and pair with a bottle of wine...these bottles are not only fashionable they are functional, keeping cold liquids cold for 24 hours and hot liquids hot for 12 hours! 

6. From your mother-in-law to your aunt to your brother's girlfriend, this is the gift of the season. We have an incredible variety to choose from, this gift is sure to please anyone on your list! 

7. Your coolest cousin, mom or BFF will love our mercury glass Volcano candle,with notes of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, and limes, redolent of lightly exotic mountain greens this will be a huge hit for sure!

8. Fashion. It's what we do BEST!  We are well versed in what women want, give us the low down on age and size and our stylists will have the perfect jacket, sweater or dress wrapped beautifully for that fashionista in your life! 

9. Fragrance is one of the most romantic, understated accessories one could wear and no one knows perfume better than Tocca! Stop in for one of these stunning trio gift sets for your wife, daughter or sister. 

10. This tote bag is our staff's favorite accessory, we have ordered it two years in a row, it's that good! It's practical, reversible and wildly stylish. We have a dozen color-ways to choose from. Everyone will love this bag, trust us! 

Holiday 2015 Style

While I still consider fall the most wonderful time of the year for fashion, holiday is so glam and fun, I can't help but get excited and want to plan out each and every look for all my events and parties! 

I had a little help with this post...I asked my store manager Emily, to pick the three looks in the store that she is lusting over for the holidays and give me the low down on each, here is what she picked, enjoy! 

Holiday look -- Take 1

This richly toned floral burnout velvet romper is a twist on your average holiday piece. I love it because it can be widely casual or instantly formal.  I love the idea of accessorizing this piece with one of the many belts from our new ADA Collection or adding a bold statement necklace to compliment the plunging neckline. To keep yourself warm with the cooler temperatures try adding black tights paired with your favorite booties or over the knee boots!

Holiday look -- Take 2

 

 If you're going invest in ANY piece this holiday season, it needs to be the Mercury Jacket by our newest collection to hit the store, Knot Sisters.  This black jacket with intricate sequin and hand-beaded detail makes it a beautiful option to mix into your holiday wardrobe. Don't let the details fool you, although it looks insanely fancy, this piece can definitely be dressed down. For more casual events pair this jacket with a lux white tee and your favorite black skinny jeans, add a cool flat ankle bootie. (This jacket says a lot on it's own so there's no need to over accessorize.) For more formal events, pair with your favorite solid cocktail dress, tights and a beautiful heel. You'll instantly see how versatile a statement piece like this can be!

Holiday look -- Take 3

This wine velvet maxi is beyond sexy and glamorous! It's best to pair this with a lace bralette to accent the exaggerated open sides. This would be an excellent go to for your more formal events and parties, but that doesn't mean you can't dress it down with a great leather jacket to create an edgier look. Don't forget to add that perfect necklace to top off this gorgeous look...we are totally digging this longer jeweled necklace for that added glamour. 

Photo credit: NastyGal, Knot Sisters, Kara Haris.

My Everyday Makeup Routine

My F A C E 

on the D A I L Y 

I have this strange relationship with makeup and beauty products, I love them, I appreciate them...but I am limited in my capacity in how to USE them! Thus, I do what any lover of beauty products with extra funds to spare does...I buy the best. BUT. I keep it simple. I mean SUPER  S I M P L E. 

This is seriously, without exaggeration or missing product, my EXACT beauty routine that goes on my face daily. Everything I own makeup wise fits in a small Stella and Dot nautical striped pouch that is approximately 6 inches long and 3 inches deep!

Although I am not versed in the social media phenomenon of contouring and the ever-so-popular makeup world, I have a best friend who IS and she approves of all my purchases and techniques! (let me mention again Mrs. Jade Eknaian (can I add Deutschman to the end of her name now?!) 


These are the brands:
Giorgio Armani 
Hourglass

Yves Saint Laurent 

Laura Mercier
Eve Lom 
Lancome

My Everyday Makeup Routine by jacqlbradley featuring hourglass cosmetics

Eve Lom face moisturizer
barneys.com

Hourglass cosmetic
barneys.com

Hourglass cosmetic
barneys.com

Giorgio Armani foundation
barneys.com

Hourglass cosmetic
barneys.com

Hourglass cosmetic
barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent lipstick
net-a-porter.com

Laura Mercier face powder
neimanmarcus.com

Hourglass Cosmetics eyebrow makeup
barneys.com

Lancôme lancome mascara
bloomingdales.com

Laura Mercier eye makeup
macys.com

Introducing Our Fall Campaign

Recently I made some very exciting changes in my business, my philanthropic efforts and in my life. I decided to expand on Athalia's Boutique, offering more product not only in clothing but with apothecary and lifestyle products.  I brought in a long time friend with incredible insight and design experience to partner with and grow the AB business.  I created a collection for the healing arts non-profit that I am Director of Development for, True Connection; where 100% of the proceeds from merchandise go back into the organization. I also have dug deeper into my physical and emotional health! Needless to say...you as a MiLa and Athalia's fan will certainly reap the benefits of these fantastic changes and deeper investments! I am excited to share with you all of these new things so stay tuned and check back frequently for all these new beautiful chapters!

Photography for our Athalia's Boutique fall campaign was shot by the incredible Matt Sayles, Matt and I have been friends for over 10 years and I am honored he agreed to this shoot. A little background on Matt: He grew up in Los Angeles and is based here as a photographer. He is a graduate of Stanford University and received his MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Management. After interning and then freelancing for the Associated Press, Matt became a national entertainment photographer with the AP in 2008. He is one of the founders of the Invision Agency, an off-shoot of the Associated Press, focusing on celebrity and entertainment photojournalism. Matt specializes in portraiture and documentary event coverage, but where I personally think he shines the brightest is when he is given full creative control, another artist as his subject who is willing and able to go to the far corners of Matt's mind... expressed in black and white and when he nor his subjects hold nothing back. You'll understand what I mean if you go take a look at his personal work on his site.

Makeup was done by the ever-so-talented Jade Eknaian  who is a Los Angeles based Makeup Artist and Spray Tan expert. Jade began working in 2007 after studying TV and film makeup artistry. This Massachusetts native quickly created a name for herself within the beauty industry. Her work has been displayed on various red carpets, runways, and popular TV networks. Along with her make up artistry, Jade started a mobile spray tan company, Sprayed By Jade, which has since become a coveted service amongst celebrities desiring that perfect glow. The combination of these skills coupled with Jade's unique eye for glam has lead her to grow into one of LA's most sought after beauty professionals.  When I call her "The Queen", I'm not joking...this woman has unmatched skills and I am quite certain her brushes and spray guns are actually magic wands! 

Models Kyla Broderick and Marita Gomsrud were the stars of the campaign...as you'll see they both have such a beautiful, natural look. They have completely contrasting looks and personalities, but what they both have in common is their professionalism and stunning beauty! They were a dream to work with, making my job as a stylist easy! 

Styling was done by yours truly, Jacqueline Bradley. 

Location was set in the Hollywood Hills at the home of a friend of mine. The lush landscape, stacked brick stones and exceptional skyline views were just a few of the features that drew me to the location. The perfect backdrop for our classic style with a slight boho vibe....

Here is the first round of photos from the campaign along with a few of my styling tips. 

Every week I will feature another collection of photos and styling advice. Enjoy!

Athalia's Boutique Fall Campaign 

Take 1

Plaid just IS fall. This sexy rendition is cool because it has a high-low cut (always flattering!) and a wrap front...for those more daring wear open with a black lace bra like Marita did here. Or if you opt for a more conservative look add black tank top under. I paired it with my own Black Orchid Denim Vegan Leather Motto Jacket and a Loschy Jewelry pendent with antique gold metal. (More to come on this incredible jewelry collection!)

Side Slits as I am sure you have seen EVERYWHERE on every garment, from tanks to sweaters to dresses, there is no getting away from this trend...and frankly, why would you want to?! I think it's a refreshing change and much needed refresh on all these cool classic styles. And in my opinion, this trend isn't going anywhere...you'll certainly see this continue into Spring and Summer.

Maxi Dresses to me are the easiest thing to wear, you look so put together with minimal effort, the one pictured above is great because it has a wrap front, empire waist and sexy side slit...making it extremely flattering. 

Sweater Dresses are sexy, seriously sexy. This eyelet button front duster/sweater can be worn a number of different ways, Kyla wears it as a dress as you see pictured, but this piece can be worn over a pair of super skinny jeans, tights or leggings...or leave it open as a cardigan and put it over your favorite dress or tank-top. I rarely keep pieces for myself from our collections but as soon as we wrapped I put that one in my take-home pile!

All items featured are available now at Athalia's Boutique. 

What I'm Packing

As most of us are gearing up for our holiday travels, I wanted to share with you what I'll be packing as I leave Los Angeles for Michigan and then off to New Orleans to round out this wonderful year!

I am a practical girl with very specific taste...over the years I have been able to carefully select what's worth the splurge and what's not. (and by splurge I am not talking over-the-top designer, I am talking high quality that is at a comfortable price point!)

I try to curate my boutique the same way... providing pieces that are worth spending the money on while selecting merchandise anyone can afford, never compromising the look or style!

I have incorporated some of my favorite pieces available at Athalia's Boutique now, as well as some of my stand by products from other quality brands.

F A S H I O N  &  A C C E S S O R I E S 

The Sanctuary jumpsuit and indoor coat are both available at Athalia's Boutique now, as well as the reversible tote bag and Coordinates Collection "legend bracelet".  

I have already worn the jumpsuit once this holiday season and I intend to wear it again at our holiday party this Wednesday.  It makes me feel super sexy, professional and most importantly...comfortable! (Someone had me a cocktail and a christmas cookie!) (Available at Athalia's Boutique)

This coat is literally called "Snug Blanket Coat"-I know, amazing. It is made of this cozy double face sherpa and jersey fabric. This will be the perfect airplane piece and great for running around all next week in Michigan! (Available at Athalia's Boutique)

If you have never checked out the Coordinate's Collection, you are missing out on one of the most special gift and or keepsake...anyplace in the world, on your wrist engraved with the exact coordinates. This layered up with a stack of your other favorite arm candy pieces...perfection. (Available at Athalia's Boutique)

Totally obsessed with the reversible tote that comes in 2 different color-ways, I got the camel with salmon...thinking ahead to something that will be amazing for spring as well! Plus it comes with an adorable matching zip wallet.  (Available at Athalia's Boutique)

The perfect white tee is always in stye and always in my suitcase, I have a million favorite brands... just find a soft and flattering one! (Available at  Madewell )

Perfect gift from my home city of DETROIT: Medium Hard Linen Cover Journal, the green color is just so perfect for the season. (Available at Shinola)


B E A U T Y  &  H E A L T H

It's interesting, I am in fashion but I am overly particular with my health and beauty products, more than anything else in my life.  My dearest friend Jade Eknaian is a celebrity makeup and spray tan artist so I am lucky to have an insiders take on everything, not to mention receiving the best gifts ever! For my birthday she got me this incredible YSL Lipstick, Rouge Volupte Shine in 08 Pink In Confidence. You guys, I am not joking... it's the best thing I have ever put on my lips, ever.

Eve Lom, oh Eve...so good! This day cream I have been using for two years now and love.  It actually is perfect under makeup, it has a mattifying finish that makes everything last all day! Her products are rich and luxurious...I feel like a queen every time I use them! (Available at SpaceNK)

I was recently introduced to this line of essential oils by dōTERRA, they are certified pure therapeutic grade (think of it as the food worlds equivalent to saying it is certified organic) I decided to show you the Frankincense oil because it is perhaps the most precious of the ancient oils, it is highly sought after because of its many uses including relaxation, immune support and mood enhancement! (Heck yes, home for the holiday's...going to need to need a pick me up for sure!)
(Available HERE) 

Here are some useful tips from dōTERRA:

• Apply on blemishes to help improve the appearance of skin.
• Take 1-2 drops internally to help support your immune system.
• Apply 1-2 drops with Fractionated Coconut Oil to the bottom of feet before bedtime.
• Diffuse in air to promote relaxation.
• To help decrease anxiety, put 1-2 drops in cupped hands and inhale.
• See more HERE