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:)

The Love List at TechStyleNYC

The Love List made its way to NYFW at the TechStyle Event. I partnered with SkinnyGirl Sparklers (Bethenny Frankel) and participated in the first #SkinnyGirlChats Twitter Q&A! I was nervous but it was a lot of fun! I was the only Canadian, only author and only one with a delicious treats (Thanks Ali of What’s Bakin’ NYC)

I got to meet and greet media and fashionistas who braved the cold and hung out inside – especially for a cupcake (or two). The fabulous decor was provided by Quick Candles and the roses from my friends at Ode a la Rose.

Thank you everyone – especially SkinnyGirl and Janine Just Inc – I had an amazing time!

ELENA:)

ps: No pictures of the lamb burger I inhaled at the Breslin (Ace Hotel) post TechStyle though. It was too yummy to take a picture (and I was starving).

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: Max Schiano

Instagram is great for discovering talents. Max Schiano is no exception. I’ve been following his IG feed (NewYorkCityVibe) for a while and so it was only a matter of time that I actually got to work with him in NYC. Can’t wait to share what’s in store with everyone. Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with director/editor extraordinaire Max Schiano:

1) How long have you lived in New York?

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I’ve lived in Manhattan for 7 years now.

2) Where is your favorite location to shoot in NY?

My favorite location to shoot in NYC is probably the east village/lower east side area. So many characters and interesting nooks and crannies. Also, it’s still feels like classic New York there with so many different walks of life.

3) If your life was a movie, what would it be and why?

If life was a movie it would definitely be a comedy, the most things that we remember in life is when we’re smiling or laughing!

4) What is your advice for new directors on how to make connections in the industry?

My advice for new directors in the industry is to open to all kinds of work. Most of the time you are so set on what you want to do but you never know that things outside that circle might be more enriching to your career and your happiness. Also, learning to say no and be selective as you begin to get more success- it’s always important to understand how much of an asset you are!

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)?

My top 3 characteristics in my love list are pretty simple. Number 1 has to have strong family values. I’m very close with my family and this is very important to me. Number 2 I look for someone who will essentially also be my best friend. It’s so important to have a lot of fun hanging out and have that bond beyond love/sex. Number 3 is a voice. I look for someone that has a strong personality and speaks up about what they believe. I think a women that is tough and independent while also appreciating a shared life is very attractive and my perfect mental partner. I like to share and it’s a turn off to be in a relationship where one of the people is always first, especially myself.

Don’t forget to follow Max on Instagram and Twitter with the handle NewYorkCityVibe!

ELENA:)