image via Refinery 29
Do you remember when Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen’s clothing line first launched? No, I’m not talking about Elizabeth & James, The Row, or StyleMint – I mean the original Mary-Kate & Ashley brand that blew up in Walmart stores back in the Two of a Kind days. When I was a little girl I wore their clothes to death. Not much has changed, really – the salesman at Nordstrom watched me well up at the sight of this E&J leather-shouldered knit (too expensive for me, alas) and I own more StyleMint tees than I can count on both hands. The Olsens are the reason I’ve never been turned off by the entertainer-turned-designer thing. Creativity seems to be a fluid entity; talent is talent no matter the medium.
My latest celebrity designer obsession is Rachel Bilson. She and her stylist Nicole Chavez are the creative geniuses behind ShoeMint, where fashionable footwear and affordable prices come together to make my closet very happy. But my love for this duo goes beyond their dynamic designs. Profiles of Bilson and Chavez have been popping up everywhere: from Refinery 29‘s coverage of Chavez’s essentials to The Coveteur‘s recent glimpse inside their Fall 2013 collection, there’s no escaping just how successful ShoeMint has been. I have a profound respect for how both of these women have turned their passion into product. They’re an excellent reminder that where the fire of dreams is concerned, your “official” career can be more of a stepping stone than a hinderance in the pursuit of happiness.
What do you think about ShoeMint? Are there any career women out there that are inspiring you to kick some serious behind in your field of choice? I’d love to hear who’s on your radar!
I love ShoeMint! And I’m totally with you on the celeb designers thing (used to be a Mary-Kate and Ashley addict too)…it’s super inspiring and goes to show that there’s always room for growth and new success no matter what field you choose to work in.
Stephanie
ShoeMint is so great–and I’ve been obsessed with Rachel Bilson ever since The OC (Um, hellooo?! Summer and Seth 4>>>>). I too, love celeb lines and collaborations. I think there’s something really fun about getting to wear a piece from someone you admire. And when they’re done right, they’re great (i.e Alexa Chung for Madewell, Elizabeth & James, etc.).
-Alyssa
The Glossy Life
I am a Rachel Bilson devotee; I literally stalk her picks on Piperlime. ShoeMint is by far my favorite of all of the BeachMint companies – and I’m not even a shoe girl!