Orox Leather Co. Review

When I finished grad school, I vowed to
upgrade certain well-utilized belongings that screamed undergrad/high school
student. My laptop sleeve was one of these items. Months passed as I searched
for something that was C-suite worthy and combined both fashion and function.
Alas, I could not find anything that I loved without breaking the bank (Chanel
came out with a great notepad holder which I thought could serve dual purpose –
but the price tag made me feel queasy).

 

As an avid traveller, I find myself appreciating
the dual function of items; like a laptop sleeve that could also serve as a
clutch. If you’re a shopper like myself, you know that having extra room in
your luggage for new purchases is key. In the case of my Paris trip – this
meant my new jacket, shoes, sunglasses and gifts for colleagues/friends could
easily fit in my luggage and I did not have to say a small prayer when my
luggage was placed on the scale at Charles de Gaulle.

 

Orox Leather Co., owned and operated
by the Martinez family in Portland, Oregon handcrafts beautiful leather goods. The
name Orox, is derived from the fusion of the Martinez family’s origin from
Oaxaca, Mexico to Oregon. I had the opportunity to take an Orox laptop sleeve
and a couple cord minders on my recent trip to test out the quality
craftsmanship first hand.

 

When the products arrived at
my house pre trip, I was blown away at the oil tanned tan leather. To say it is
beautiful is definitely an understatement and like most things, I expect it to
get better with age.  There is something
to be said when your flight neighbour in 14C asks you, “Where did you get
that?!?”

 

Classic and elegant, the
style of the laptop sleeve is so timeless and clean – I couldn’t help but to
double it as my clutch as I roamed the streets of Montmartre. It served well,
both protecting my laptop throughout the trip and giving my shoulders a rest
from my cross body bag. I was so impressed that when I got home, I immediately
checked out the belts and other fabulous accessories.

 

Speaking of accessories, the
cord minders proved to have multiple uses as well.  A solution for those unruly computer/phone
chargers; the cord minders are so strong you can even secure a dress or pants
to hanger (using the clothing straps) after a steam. Brilliant.

 

It’s safe to say the Orox
Leather Co
. offers something rare in the mass production of leather goods –
quality products perfected with rich traditional techniques, which will, just
like the Martinez family last for generations to come.

 

Be sure to follow Orox Leather Co. on Instagram/Twitter/Tumblr: oroxleatherco and ‘Like’ them on Facebook.

ELENA:)

#THESTYLELINE in Vancouver

So honored that the day after the TechStyle event, I got to take-over The Style Line’s Instagram feed. I got to introduce the Style Line to two of the fabulous foodie finds that Vancouver has to offer – Meat and Bread and Soirette.

Thanks to Joey for taking my picture in front of the amazing Art Deco Marine Building!

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Cupids Cronies

While modern technology has brought us a plethora of matchmaking/dating sites and applications, (where relationships can either flourish or falter depending on upon a picture or text conversation) – one thing remains… you eventually will have to meet the person to have a real relationship. (Oddly enough, I’ve had many conversations about cat fishing in the last few weeks).

Fear not the first meeting because April Davis, (founder of Cupid’s Cronies – a dating coaching/matchmaking service featured on Forbes and CBS) offers Wingmen/Wingwomen to help guide you through the whole dating process. The coaches concentrate on how to put your best foot forward and highlight your positive characteristics and qualities. The coaching has become so popular – new US locations are set to open up this year!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with professional matchmaker, April Davis:

1) How long have you lived in Minneapolis?

10 years.  Moved here from northern MN for job and to get my MBA.

2) How did you come up with the name for your company, Cupids Cronies?

I knew I wanted something unique and different that would stand out.  Similar to Virgin Airlines or Virgin mobile.  The name makes you think about it.  I also wanted it to be a brand and not April’s Matchmakers or something.  It’s not about me, but about what we do and who we are.

3) How did you meet your own husband?

We broke all the rules and met in a bar.  I was there with a girlfriend.  We were having a drink and discussing her plans to leave her husband.  She had been in a bad relationship and didn’t have much exposure to their financials and I had a finance background so i was trying to help her by telling her what to do in order to prepare to leave him.

There was another table with guys who were having dinner.  Two came over to talk to us (her mostly, because I was standoffish and not interested at all). They were kind of flirting and finally I said, “You guys can’t hit on her, she’s still married.” They responded, “Well, our friend over there is a divorce attorney.” So they went and got their friend and we started talking to him about her upcoming divorce.  He got a client and a wife out of the deal 😉

4) What advice would you give to new women entrepreneurs?

Surround yourself with different people and perspectives.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

Humility, wisdom, and an honorable person.

Don’t forget to add Cupid’s Cronies on Twitter and Instagram: @cupidscronies!

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Alex DiMaggio

I feel like it’s been a while since my last interview. Off to NYC next week and I can’t wait to see Alex DiMaggio from What’s Bakin’ NYC.  I ordered special cupcakes and I can’t wait to hand deliver them to three companies next Friday! I’ll post pictures of the final product next week. But In the meantime, here is 5 minute/5 questions with the talented and sweet baker, Alex DiMaggio:

1) How long have you lived in New York?

I’m a native New Yorker born & raised, which I like to say kind of makes me a unicorn in this global city!

2) When did you start baking? 

When I was 12, my mom and I took a cake decorating class at a local chocolate shop just to do something fun together. From there, it became a hobby and creative outlet of mine that friends always encouraged me to pursue. In 2012, I got the opportunity to live in Brazil, where I was so inspired by the amazing sense of happiness, optimism and wonder that the Brazilian people inherently posses. It was one of my favorite things about the experience, and something I vowed to take with me. So when I returned to NY with Brazilian optimism fresh in my heart, I decided to take a leap! I’ve been so lucky to have lots of support from amazing family, friends and of course Instagram followers!

3) What is your favourite cupcake/cake flavour and why? 

My favorite flavor would definitely have to be my “Viva Brazil” variety. It, of course, is inspired by my time there and is just irresistible. Besides that, I don’t think there’s anything “vanilla” about French Vanilla!

4) What is your advice for new bakers thinking about starting their own business? 

Don’t be afraid to start small! Sure, it can get overwhelming at times, but when you get to share in the happy celebrations and milestones of others, it’s all worth it!

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

You know, it’s funny how your priorities change as you get older! Being a single woman in NYC these days can be brutal, but what’s really important to me now is a great sense of humor, good manners and honesty! And if he’s got an English accent, he gets bonus points!

Don’t forget to ‘Like’ Alex on Facebook and follow her on Twitter & Instagram @whatsbakinnyc

ELENA:)

Sophie’s Closet Review

I have to admit – I only found out about Sophie’s Closet through Instagram when designer, Kenneth Jay Lane gave a shout out to the online store.  I clicked on the handle and I was hooked like a magpie to a shiny piece of metal. Sophie’s Closet is an online mecca for rare, vintage (read: Chanel, Dior, YSL!) and contemporary jewlery from both established and up-and-coming designers.

Not only is Sophie’s Closet a great shop (I just purchased the last Joanna Laura Constantine Gold Double Leaf ring), but I feel like founder, Sophie Katirai could be my friend.  We have so many similarities! – Huge love of jewelry/accessories, MBA grads, and have both travelled a fair bit (yet – I can’t say that I’ve lived in 6 countries).

I really wish that I was able to visit showroom when I was in Dubai (which seems like ages ago). But I guess that means I need to plan another trip!

Check out Sophie’s Closet on Twitter/Instagram: Sophiescloset and don’t forget to ‘Like’ Sophie’s page on Facebook too!

ELENA:)