Friday Feature: PUSHunderground - Sportswear With A Purpose

As a current graduate student at FIDM, I get introduced to new brands, designers, and technologies on a daily basis and I love it! I'm simply amazed on how new fabrics are created from the oddest materials such as seaweed, coconut shells, bamboo, and much, much more. One of the newest brands I was introduced to by a good friend and classmate of mine is PUSHunderground based out of Santa Cruz, CA.

PUSHunderground is a sportswear brand that produces athletic apparel out of water bottles! Yes, you read that correctly, water bottles! So, you know, I wanted to learn more about the budding company that is currently fundraising for their launch via Indiegogo.

Take a peek at their awesome athletic apparel below and get a good read about the company that's making a positive statement for the American workforce and the environment with an exclusive interview with the owners of PUSHunderground and Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: What is PUSHunderground and where did the inspiration to launch come from?

PUSH: PUSHunderground started with a mission to do something great and powerful. We wanted to explore the idea that people can build a successful company and make a difference in the world at the same time. We are a sportswear company that started off with a question... How can we create amazing sportswear and still be mindful stewards of the Earth?

We all liked the idea that crowdfunding can allow others to become part of our journey. They get to grow with our company at the very start.

Indiegogo is a truly awesome vehicle for small businesses. It allows us to manage our own funding and be the authors of our own stories. It allows American people to restart our own economy. We decide what we want to fund. We decide what is important, what seems viable, what is worth supporting. Indiegogo and other crowdsourcing ventures allow the American people to fund the businesses they value. Indiegogo allows small businesses like PUSHunderground to go straight to the people and ask them to take a look at what we have to offer and determine if it’s worth their time and money. And if it’s worth enough money to enough people, the project gets funded and everyone wins; no bank necessary. Americans taking back our economy.

Xiomara: What are some of the benefits of the performance apparel line?

PUSH:
·      Cutting edge
·      Comfortable
·      Functional
·      High Quality
·      Looks Good
·      Gives Back

Xiomara: Why American made?

PUSH: There are so many Americans that are out of work and it just feels good to know that our clothes can help put Americans back to work. “There's no question that manufacturing still has a major impact on our economy and on the nation's workforce. The United States has fewer manufacturing jobs now than we did in 1941, but if every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S.-made goods, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs in this country.” (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/mailform?id=12912252)

Xiomara: Recycled water bottles...how did that concept come into play?

PUSH: … So a fateful day comes and Meaghan and I (Logan) are sitting talking after a yoga class in Santa Cruz, CA and they are just watching all the plastic water bottles getting tossed into the recycling or even the trash. We counted hundreds of bottles. Meaghan is a yoga instructor teaching all over the Bay Area; in one day over several studios, there was no doubt in her mind that she saw a thousand bottles getting used and tossed.  Sitting there outside the hot room they ask themselves and each other…what can we do about these bottles…?  And so began the bigger questions…is it possible to use these water bottles to make clothing? Yes! It is! Recycled fabric made from post consumer water bottles makes better material for yoga clothes; it’s better for any sports clothing that requires wicking away moisture, superior bendability, resilience and extreme comfort. Okay, so Meaghan and I think, this is something special…we can actually take those water bottles that people are tossing into the landfill and create amazing fabric and design clothes from that fabric that will not need tugging, rearranging, manipulation and babysitting, so you can just sweat or play or practice.

Xiomara: Future projects on the horizon?

PUSH: We are very excited to see where the crowdfunding will take us. We believe we can do a lot of good one acre, one bottle, and one drop at a time.

Xiomara: Where and when can we buy?! 

PUSH: You can buy our first production run on Indiegogo. Together, we believe we can make amazing things happen. We can put Americans back to work; we can give water to those in need, and we can do all this while making an excellent product from repurposed, landfill- bound plastic. We are so grateful to you for coming along with us on this journey and we know that we can’t do it without you. Please Tweet us, share us on Facebook, on Instagram, on Pinterest. We promise to work every day to make you proud that you stood behind PUSHunderground. We want to do great good in the world, and we believe we can do it together.

Please visit our Indiegogo page to help us meet our goal. Every dollar counts!

For more on PUSHunderground, click the links and help them meet their goal!

Indiegogo: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pushunderground-sportswear-with-a-purpose 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PUSHunderground

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PUSHunderground

Instagram: @push_underground

Friday Feature: Stylist + Blogger, Raphael Sarmiento

I appreciate unique, personal style. Replication just can't be done so easily when a person puts so much thought and effort into creating a specific tone and statement in mixing eras, putting together prints and hues and finalizing the finishing touches. When I met Raphael Sarmiento, aka Rap, that's one of the first things I noticed about him-- his awesome, unique style that is completely unpredictable and it works every damn time. Every week that I see him, I yell, "Yesssss!" Clearly, I just can't get enough. As we got to know one another, it made perfect sense that he was a stylist. So you know what that meant-- I had to pick his brain on his thoughts about fashion and style.

Check out an exclusive interview below:

Friday Feature: Handsome Oxford

One of the things I love about my school, FIDM in San Francisco, is the number of guest speakers that come to visit and talk about their business in the fashion, textile, and retail industries. A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Matt and his brother Mark of Handsome Oxford in San Francisco. Not only did I learn that we have mutual ties with previous Friday Feature, Dante Wright, but I was truly inspired by the passion that birthed the year-old store that offers American-made, vintage men's clothing. Just seeing the enthusiasm, love and passion for his store is so amazing to witness. That's a real entrepreneur right there! I even learned that most of the store's merchandise started from the owner's personal collection! Pretty awesome.

Keep scrolling for shots of the Handsome Oxford store, the team, and the merch. And most definitely check out the exclusive interview with Handsome Oxford owner, Matt.

New Music by Sonya Teclai!

An extremely creative Hip Hop and R&B songstress and previous Friday Feature here on Pumps and Lipstick, Sonya Teclai is everything that you don't expect...and I love that! She has such a confident style aesthetic, unafraid to mix and match eras and prints. Sonya is such a driven individual and you can not only see it, but hear it in her music and lyrics where true poetry floods your mind-- something that you don't hear on the radio.

Just a few days ago, she released a new single titled "Detached" and an interlude named "Kick My Game" from her upcoming solo project dropping next month. I encourage you to check her out! Click here for her new promo page. Ready to hear the beats? Then click here to play her newest tracks. I promise you'll fall in love!

Friday Feature: Blogger + Actress, Javicia Leslie

Have you ever met someone that you just automatically clicked with (not romantically)? Pretty rare, right? Well that's how it was when I met blogger and actress, Javicia Leslie. We were both bridesmaids for our dear friend and previous Friday Feature, Felicia Gangloff-Bailey, so it's pretty safe to say that we would get along very well. What I admired about her most was her impeccable personal style. Unafraid to try new styles and play with eras and prints, the lovely blogger and actress is what I call a true style chameleon.

Click below for an exclusive Friday Feature interview and for more fabulous style shots of Javicia:

Friday Feature: Video Blogger + Fashionista, Ashton Whittington

My mom always taught me to look my best at all times, but sometimes I just don't give a sh*t. I truly admire those who are always on-point at all times. Hair, makeup, nails, and outfit-- all cohesive and put together even at six o'clock in the morning! This week's Friday Feature motivates me in so many ways in presenting my best self. Video blogging sensation, Ashton Whittington, puts everyone's style game to shame! With thousands of subscribers to her YouTube channel, Ashton's Closet, she has attended fashion schools such as FIDM in San Francisco and sure knows a thing or two when it comes to fashion and beauty.

Scroll down for style shots, video and an exclusive Friday Feature interview with Pumps and Lipstick on my fashionista friend and enchanting beauty, Ashton Whittington:

Friday Feature: SOL Spoken's Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey

I find that power couples are rare. No really, I mean it. Rare. SOL Spoken's Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey are a power couple-- for real. Hard work doesn't scare these D.C. newlyweds. The two California-raised individuals have strong backgrounds in education and music and the dynamic duo are nonstop working in the careers and passions. SOL Spoken, SOL meaning: source of light, was established in 2010 by Karega Bailey to combine the arts of poetry and song that positively motivates and inspires the community. They are amazing artists with incredible talent and drive where any member of the audience can truly experience and feel an amazing performance poetically, intellectually, and musically.

The married couple have an amazing style and flair that is true to themselves. They are unafraid of trying new styles and eras, mixing vibrant colors and patterns and can still put a unique stamp on any look.

It is an honor and a privilege to feature such a motivational couple, a personal inspiration of mine, and what is even better is to call them my friends.

Scroll down for shots of Karega and Felicia and get the scoop on SOL Spoken with an exclusive Friday Feature interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: What is your mission for establishing SOL Spoken?

Karega & Felicia: SOL spoken was established so that we could use the art of poetry and song to amplify our academic interest to impact humanity, particularly with the youth.

Xiomara: What are your backgrounds in music and writing?

Karega & Felicia: Felicia holds a degree in music education from Hampton University and is a classically trained pianist. Karega is a poet who uses his sociology and education background to address the needs of his students, his community and his people in general. Felicia is currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Psychology with a research interest on African American students, hip hop music, and achievement motivation at Howard University in Washington, DC.

Xiomara: Since the beginning of SOL Spoken, what are a few major accomplishments you have achieved?

Karega & Felicia: Well SOL Spoken is the brand identity for the art that we produce, but all of Karega’s oratory presentations and literature fall under SOL SPOKEN as well. Since its establishment in 2010,

• We’ve won the Love From the Soundstage Award for Best Collaboration 2011.
• Karega won the NUSPA ( National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Award) for best male poet of the year 2012.
• Us along with rapper/poet Common were selected to perform for Dr.Maya Angelou at the Maya Angelou Public Charter School annual fundraiser.
• We released a double album titled Surrender and completed a six city tour and we have been featured on a number of entertainment blogs and magazines.
• Launched our clothing line available on www.solspoken.com
• Filmed our first music documentary titled Surrender, based on our recent tour in California. 

Xiomara: Describe what someone would experience watching your performance?

Karega & Felicia: We have been told that our performances are powerful and dynamic. Show-goers often report that the passion we display in our work is heart-touching.  A SOL SPOKEN production is going to include poetry, vocal song inspired by hip hop, Roots Reggae, Negro Spirituals, Contemporary Gospel and live musicianship. It has often been recognized as 'Truth Music'.

Xiomara: What are your goals for SOL Spoken this year?

Karega & Felicia: This year, we will get a national distribution deal, make television appearances on major television networks and hold a scholarship banquet in which we provide scholarships to a number of deserving high school students.

Xiomara: What is your style influenced by? Music? Trends?

Karega & Felicia: As artists, our style is inspired by minimalism, comfort, and color. Minimalism referring to cost, we are not after the brand with the biggest most expensive name. We do not represent that. Comfort refers to our ability to perform freely, vibe with our people and when possible, our clothes contain messages that uphold our philosophy. Color refers to just that; color. We like to blend, compliment, contrast and invite new colors into a wardrobe. It is not at all about always matching.  

Xiomara: Got any style icons? If so, who and why?

Karega & Felicia: No style icons in particular, however, Felicia enjoys trends and style from the 70’s. It's her favorite era of fashion because of its burst of vibrant colors that can be paired with anything. Felicia is also admirable of anything edgy accompanied care free attitude and a dash of sexy.

Xiomara: Felicia, what are a few of your beauty regimens that are a must? 

Felicia: I wouldn’t say I have any particular regimens that are a must. I am an advocate of washing my face in the morning and before bed and all around keeping my face clean, that is essential. I’ve noticed lately, however, lipstick is a must! Especially for performances. MAC preferred and usually reds, pinks, purples, corals, oranges….you get the point. I love lipstick. Ruby Woo by MAC is definitely a favorite and most recently I have been rocking Schiap by NARS with Cherry Lip Liner from MAC.  Additionally, because of my fair complexion, I always make sure I am wearing a bronzer. Not something to heavy, but enough to give me a little tone. (Refined Golden, MAC Bronzer).

Xiomara: How has starting and growing SOL Spoken molded you into the person you are today? 10 years from now, where do you see yourselves in your careers?

Karega & Felicia: Since starting SOL SPOKEN, our belief in touching lives through art has been strengthened. We understand that there is much more work to be done and we have accepted the calling to serving. This means that soon we will have to launch a world tour and touch millions of lives with SOL SPOKEN. And in ten years our tours will be more than music, it will be inspiration tours in which we use our academic training Dr. Felicia G.Bailey Educational Psychology Ph. D and Karega Bailey, M.Ed.

[END]

For more on the dynamic duo, visit www.solspoken.com for upcoming event dates, blog, and shop SOL Spoken tees and sweatshirts. Stream amazing performances on your computer or mobile via SOL Spoken's YouTube channel. And be sure to stalk them via Twitter and Facebook!




Photos courtesy of Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey.

Friday Feature: Fashion Enthusiast + Designer Kaimel Rule

They say "never say never" but when talking about fashion enthusiast, designer, and entrepreneur, Kaimel Rule, I've never seen him in a bad outfit-- not even mediocre. When it comes to men's fashion and style, he rules. Even his last name declares it! With the launch of his brand, Reservation, he's about to dominate along with several other projects underway. 

Scroll down below for style shots of the multi-talented individual and an exclusive Friday Feature interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: Describe your style.

Kaimel: I would describe my style as young, elderly, different, and unexpected. The young and elderly come from some of my looks. For example, some days, the choice will be a tight fit collard shirt and slacks or chinos, and others it’s a skateboarding T-shirt and Camo shorts. Every human is unique and different in his or her own right, and usually that shows through his or her choice of clothing. The unexpected comes from me not being scared to try things that normally wouldn’t seem to work, or things that I’ve never, or rarely seen been done before.

Xiomara: What are the top three brands you're loyal to?

Kaimel: Number 1 would have to be Ralph Lauren Polo. It’s sad that they’ve done away with the rugby division of it because that was definitely one of my top inspirations for my work. Polo has always been timeless, and that is something I constantly push for. The Hundreds is a close second, not so much because of their clothing, which are high quality and stylish, but for their loyalty to their brand, way of marketing, and designs. Staying true to the way something began while becoming incredibly successful is rare. It’s not for everybody, because some brands want and need change, but the ones that don’t, and still strive are simply beautiful.

Xiomara: What inspires your style? 

Kaimel: Life and everything within it! More specifically, my attitude, my mood, and experiences I’ve been through. There’s always something on one's mind, and I feel as if that plays a part into what somebody is about to dress themselves in. At times I’ve been inspired by what other people wear, but not often, so I can say that my feelings have always inspired my style.

Xiomara: How has your style evolved over the years?

Kaimel: By the looking at the photo timeline of my life, it goes from smaller, to larger, to much smaller. As a kid before I started choosing my own clothes I wore a lot of IZOD, paired with weird looking plaid shorts. During the rebel stage of middle school/high school I wore a lot of skateboarding T-shirts that were small, but then I would switch into a jersey that was an XXL, when in reality I needed nothing more than a Medium. I'd say my style was always nice, but off the wall at times, so it has evolved into something fairly simple paired with great coordination.

Xiomara: Who are your fashion/style icons and why?

Kaimel: Pharrell Williams from The Neptunes/N.E.R.D because that was really the first person ever that I could totally relate to, well aside from being a musician. In the time that I was growing up, the acceptance rate for African Americans being 'proper', and being involved in 'Caucasian things' was very low. As a person who grew up getting made up for listening to Rock music and Skateboarding, the movement at that time was perfect. He wasn’t looking for acceptance and neither was I. An honorable mention goes to Kanye West, pre-Amber Rose of course.

Xiomara: As a man with multiple talents --fashion enthusiast, blogger, graphic design artist, entrepreneur-- what are some of your current projects that you're working on?

Kaimel: Well, the line for my brand is an everyday process. I like to have loads of designs saved up for picking and choosing. The critiques I got on the first shirts I put out were great, and I plan to release my first few pieces very soon. With that, updates to the information on my website, as well as the design will change. I’ve been designing things here and there for people when approached about it, plus going to start working with someone on their own clothing line. I am also working with something that has to do with food. I came up with the idea, and will be designing the label for it. I’m excited to see how far it will go.

Xiomara: What are your opinions on Men’s fashion today? Something missing or want more of?

Kaimel: Everything looks pretty good to me. Lots of different styles are becoming available to men that were never available or accepted before. There are many choices for a man to catapult his style on the daily, so my only opinion really is, be yourself.

Xiomara: Biggest pet peeves in style that make you want to scream?

Kaimel: I try my hardest not to point the finger at what anyone chooses to wear, because at the end of the day it's all on them, but I’d have to say, overmatching and unoriginality. I’m big on tones, not colors, so most of the time I’m not even really matching, but too much of one color is the death of some outfits. A person’s own conscience is the top judge on their originality, but others can tell when something is forced.

Xiomara: As a sneakerhead, what are the top three sneaks you're looking to cop in 2013?

Kaimel: Jordan has been making a strong comeback, dropping many sought after shoes latley, so I must have the Grape 5s (V), The Black/Blue 1s (I), and the White/Black/Red/Grey 8s (VIII).

Xiomara: 10 years from now, where do you see yourself in your career?

Kaimel: In 10 years, I see myself maintaining a successful company, which under the umbrella includes, continuing to design quality clothing for a timeless brand, styling people for shoots, videos, spreads or whatever it may be, and still designing logos and things of that nature for people like I always have. That’s what I see within 5-8 years. In the total of 10 I would like to open up a center for children to teach design and other things within the digital genre. I would like to be able to provide jobs, knowledge, and my vision of a proper style to people all over. Life is a blessing, and I would feel accomplished with myself by the things I created, plus warm in the heart for the things I can possibly do for other people that never got the chance. I love to inspire. 

[END]

For more on Kaimel Rule, check out his blog Reserved Gentlemen and follow the fashionisto on Twitter. Peep an exclusive video by my blogger friend, Kim Christophersen, of Sequins + Studs featuring Kaimel and his brand here. Stay tuned for more on his brand, Reservation!

Photos courtesy of Kaimel Rule.

Friday Feature: Stylist + Blogger, Kim Christophersen

When it comes to style, one of the most important factors is to stay true to yourself. Dress for yourself, people! Not for anyone else. That's why I'm such a fan of stylist and Sequins + Studs blogger, Kim Christophersen. Representing my hometown, Sacramento, Kim has such a unique and personal style. She is unafraid to try new trends, colors and prints and is always amazingly put together from head-to-toe. From rocking violet peek-a-boo streaks to mixing leopard and polka dot, I love whatever she puts together and am honored to have her as one of my Friday Features!

So scroll on down and peep photos of the lovely Kim and exclusive interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: When did your love for fashion begin?

Kim: My love for fashion started at an early age. Even though I attended private school from Kindergarten to eighth grade where strict uniforms were required, I always tried to make it my own through shoes or hair accessories.

Xiomara: Describe your style in 3 words.

Kim: Ever-changing. Fun. Spirited.

Xiomara: Who are your favorite, all-time fashion icons?

Kim: Edie Sedgwick, Brigitte Bardot and Nicole Richie.

Xiomara: Top do's and dont's that you'll never ever break?

Kim: DO always dress for yourself. I love following trends and what’s ‘in’ at the time, but the important thing for me is to wear what makes me happy. DON’T be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Push the envelope every once in awhile and you’ll be surprised at what creative looks you can pull off!

Xiomara: What inspires you to write when blogging?

Kim: I started blogging because I am constantly inspired by everything around me and I needed one place to compile all of the creative energy and ideas that had been building up. I’d say a majority of my inspiration comes from the people, places and events in my life. Music is also a big inspiration for me and if you look closely, you’ll notice that a lot of my blog titles are song lyrics. Any time I’m drawing a blank or feeling uninspired, I turn to platforms such as Tumblr, Pinterest and We Heart It to find instant inspiration.

Xiomara: What are your biggest pet peeves in style that makes you want to walk up to a stranger and fix?

Kim: My biggest pet peeve is when people wear clothes that don’t compliment their body or fit them right. I’m a firm believer that anyone, no matter what their shape or size, can pull off any trend or look they want - the key is remembering to dress for your body.

Xiomara: Favorite prints and colors?

Kim: My favorite prints right now are chevron, floral and polka dots. As for colors, I’m loving burgundy, deep wine and burnt orange. I’m also obsessed with all things emerald and deep turquoise.

Xiomara: Throughout the years, how has your personal style changed?

Kim: Oh, wow. I don’t think I can give a simple answer for this. What I have noticed though is that as I’ve grown up and become more comfortable in my own skin, I have also become more confident in what I wear. When I was younger, I would dress according to what the ‘cool’ style was at the time or what my friends were wearing. Now, I dress solely for myself.

Xiomara: As a stylist and blogger for Krazy Mary's boutique, what's your day like?

Kim: No two days are the same, which is great for me! As a stylist, I’m either pulling looks for our blog, private events, fashion shows or photo shoots and as a blogger, I’m researching fashion forecasts, trend reports and working on building our audience through our site (krazysugar.wordpress.com). Mary Kawano (owner) is such an amazing woman and inspiration to me. She’s been a wonderful teacher and I feel blessed to be able to learn and grow every day.

Xiomara: In your career in fashion, blogging and PR, where do you see yourself in the future?

Kim: I always struggle when I’m asked this, as it’s hard for me to imagine placing myself into one box. My love is in fashion writing and styling, so I’d say something involving both of those.

[END]


For more on the lovely Kim Christophersen, visit and subscribe to her fabulous blog, Sequins + Studs, and stalk her on Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Twitter. And by the way, send her some birthday wishes. It's her birthday today ;)



All photos are property of Kim Christophersen.

Friday Feature: Alisia Perez

When watching a film or visually soaking in the details of a photo, I always wonder who was behind the lens during that particular shot. What was their inspiration? How did they do that? What's their message? I'm always pleasantly surprised when I uncover who the artist is. 

The same goes when I watched a video my friend was featured in. This time around, I actually know the director, Alisia Perez. Since our first introduction, I've always had a style crush on this gal. Alisia's style is super fearless, fun, fashion forward and yet pays homage to vintage. She's quite the style chameleon. Although from my recent discovery, she's a director too-- an amazing one! After I saw her work, I had to hire her (check my 'About' page and click 'Play' ). The film school 2011 grad has kept busy freelancing and partnering with Northbound Films and is loving every minute of it.

Keep scrolling down for photos of the beautiful artist and an exclusive Pumps and Lipstick Friday Feature interview: 

Xiomara: When did your passion for directing and film begin?

Alisia: My parents exposed me to a lot of great films growing up, everything from Fred Astaire to foreign cinema to the American classics, but it wasn't until I took a Film Lit class in high school that I truly began to see it as an art form and more than just entertainment. The films I saw in that class still remain in my top 5 favorite movies. 

Xiomara: Who are your directing icons?

Alisia: I'm really big on style and art direction, so naturally I favor directors who show a distinct and often abstract look to their material. As far as film directors go I'd say Tarantino and Kubrick for their strong visuals. Melina Matsoukas (the genius director behind Rihanna's "We Found Love" video) is a huge role model for me being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and I'm a fan of Anthony Mandler's work as well.

Xiomara: Do you have a specific type of style when it comes to your craft?

Alisia: It all depends on the type of production, since my work varies from music videos-which can be highly stylized, to commercial uses- which call for a straightforward and polished look. What I strive for in everything I do is an end product that communicates the goals of each client, whether they want to stand out as an artist or push a product onto the market. 

Xiomara: What inspires you while filming?

Alisia: Music. Everyone loves music, but for me it takes on a narrative role when I can pair it with strong visuals and a storyline. I always have a song or score in mind for everything I produce visually. 

Xiomara: What do you try to capture the most?

Alisia: Going back to that Film Lit class, story is everything. Whether the narrative is implied or direct, I'm a stickler for the three act structure, even if it's something as simple as a Kickstarter project or a music video. There's has to be a defined beginning, middle, and end and a purpose that carries you through it.

Xiomara: Does your work influence your personal style or visa versa?

Alisia: I'd say they have a symbiotic relationship since I appreciate good design in everything. I emphasized on Art Direction when I was in film school, which meant I had to pay close attention to color palettes, shapes, textures, and ultimately design the look of a film. I think those principles translate to any design-focused industry whether it's fashion, interiors, or fine art.

Xiomara: Favorite style and beauty icon?

Alisia: Rihanna, hands down. She's bold and innovative, but smart about the risks she takes as far as fashion goes. I follow her fan-made Tumblr "Things Rihanna Taught Me" and I never get bored of looking at her!

Xiomara: What's your favorite piece in your closet that you're rocking right now?

Alisia: I just picked up this extremely versatile vintage jacket from some thrift store on Haight street for $26. Total impulse buy, and I've already worn it three times in the last week. I feel instantly cooler when I wear it. 

Xiomara: 10 years from now, where do you want to be in your directing career?

Alisia: I ultimately see myself as a producer, someone who orchestrates the whole production and oversees the different departments. People tend to think to think producers only handle the business side of the film industry, but they're really the brains behind everything. 

Xiomara: What specific types of film do you generally produce?

Alisia: As of now I produce short form productions, so promotional videos and music videos mostly. Our generation is visually dependent and everyone seems to have a side hustle these days, so I've found a lot of opportunities to produce media for marketing purposes just by reaching out to different people I know and networking.

Xiomara Top three style rules that you will always follow?

Alisia: 1. Never buy the same thing twice. 2. Always look your best, you never know who you'll run into. 3. Don't follow the rules.

[END]

That's a wrap! For more on the stylish camera girl, visit her Vimeo page for her latest projects and videos. Wanna stalk her? I know you do! Hit the 'Follow' button on Instagram and Twitter for daily tid-bits from the budding director.

Stay tuned for more and have a fabulous weekend!

All photos are original and property of Alisia Perez and Xiomara Rosa-Tedla.