Monkee's of Richmond

5 Habits to Establish NOW for a More Stylish 2015

2015-01-15T11:45:00.002-08:00

1. Wear more color, more often~ This is a Monkee's mantra, but needs to be stressed as the calender turns another page. We are all about color at Monkee's, whic really translates to more fun for you. Wearing color is proven to boost your mood, and it's so much more eye-catching than basic black. And please~ leave the black at home for weddings, unless it's after five.

2. Care for your Items~ you know those shoes you never wear because they’re too beat-up, or your favorite sweater covered in lint balls? It’s finally time to do something about them. You spend hard-earned money on these items, so shouldn’t you start taking care of them? Avoid washing your clothing too frequently, especially your denim.

3. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize~ We think of accessories as the seasoning of an outfit. Do an accessory check before you leave the house to ensure your outfit is anything but bland. Ask us for suggestions on ways to elevate a simple top with a necklace. Don’t match your earring color to your outfit too much. Think complementary colors!

4. Spend some time studying magazines, blogs, fashion videos. This may sound like work, but it’s actually fun. You love fashion, so why not learn a little more about it? It will only add depth to your understanding of clothing and the fashion industry, and educate you on the hazards of cheap, disposable fashion.

Cheers to the New Year Playlist

2015-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

MisterWives~ Reflections

David Bowie~Changes

David Guetta~Lift Me Up

Rolls Royce~I Want to Get Next to You

Mark Ronson~Uptown Funk

Kendrick Lamar~I

Real McCoy~Come and Get Your Love

Curtis Mayfield~We’ve got to have Peace

TV on the Radio~Could You

John Lennon~Power to the People

Talking Heads~And She Was

Belle and Sebastian~The Party Line

10cc~I’m Not in Love

Hozier~Take Me To Church

Dwight Yoakman~Fast as You

Lush~Sweetness and Light

Beatles~Come Together

Avicii~The Nights

Changes~Faul & Wad Ad

New Years Eve Style Guide

2014-12-31T11:37:00.001-08:00

Wow, one year more in the books and so much to be thankful for. Everyday I’m awed by the friendship of our customers. So, no matter if you are headed to a formal affair or prefer a cozy stay at home kind of NYE, we’ve got you covered.

Black Tie Event~ BCBG gown, gold earrings, Indira shoes, and jeweled clutch

Restaurant Party with Friends~Charlie Jade dress or Yumi Kim jumpsuit with leather jacket

Dinner Date~Parker top with leggings or Sail to Sable dress

Stay at home Family Affair~Joie top and denim

Curl up on the Couch NYE~top and leggings, maybe statement necklace and Soludo’s

December Playlist

2014-12-15T11:05:00.002-08:00

Pennies from Heaven, Louis Prima

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Sam Smith

All We Need, ODESZA

Celebrate Me home, Kenny Loggins

Honey I’m Good, Andy Grammar

All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey

Arcadia,The Kite String Triangle

Happy Holidays, Andy Williams

Begging for Thread, Banks

Winterwonderland, Jason Mraz

Best Song Ever, One Direction

The Way You Look Tonight, Tony Bennett

Let It Snow, Michael Buble

My Grownup Christmas List, Kelly Clarkson

In the Name of Love, U2

Jealous, Nick Jonas

Luck Be a Lady, Frank Sinatra

This Christmas, Elliot Yamin

Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano

Step into Christmas, Elton John

TA DA! Introducing Chic, Affordable, and Safe beauty

2014-11-20T06:11:00.002-08:00

I first read about BeautyCounter founder Gregg Renfrow in the Weekend WSJ a few years ago. I was intrigued with her bio, the product, and the business model she choose to launch Beautycounter. Finally I got my hands on the real deal through my friend Julie. The packaging is reminiscent of Chanel, the products are beautiful and all smell so good. I knew we needed to share the story with our Monkee friends. Tomorrow, Julie will be at Monkee’s to share BC’s story, mission, and products with us. She will also introduce us to their Never List, which is long!

Founder Gregg Renfrow started with an overhaul of her home in a mission to keep her children healthier and safer and then turned her sights on her make up bag.The company’s goal is to inform the community and keep us beautiful and healthy at the same time. Please come and visit with Julie tomorrow.

"The average American woman puts between 12 and 20 chemicals on their skin 365 days a year." Sounds shocking, right? But stop for a moment to think about what your skincare routine involves each and every day: shampoo, soap, lotion, cosmetics -- the list goes on. Your skin is your largest organ, absorbing up to 60 percent of what you put on it. But even more shocking -- and upsetting -- is the fact that 80 percent of the ingredients that are used in daily personal care products have never been tested for safety. The laws governing the cosmetics industry date back to 1938 ... and haven't shifted since.

(courtesy of Huffington Post)

November Playlist

2014-11-03T07:53:00.004-08:00

1 Restart by Sam Smith

2 Elevation by Erasure

3 Alena by Yumi Zouma

4 Unpretty by TLC

5. Gooey by Glass Animals

6. Lazy Noon by Keep Shelly in Athens

7. Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo

8. I think I like you by Siren XX

9. O-h-h Child by The Five Stairsteps

10 Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware

11 Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters

12 ALL About That Bass by Meghan Trainor

13 Down to Earth by Flight Facilities

Wrap Up

2014-10-30T13:58:00.003-07:00

Trend To Try---Blanket Poncho

As we've already seen , every celebrity from Olivia Palermo to SJP is rocking the colorful Burberry poncho that walked the runway during the F/W 14 season. There’s something very alluring about the over sized piece, which is somehow equal parts cozy-looking and chic.

Instead try our blanket poncho or blanket cardigan. You could even have it monogrammed like SJP.

By Kerisma

Our Perfect Leather Skirt

2014-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Leather doesn’t always have to read tough. Girl it up the Monkee’s way with flirty pleats or choose a flared version and skip the tight second skin look. Go for a lace or silk blouse on top with delicate jewelry. Finish with pretty heels for a fresh take on the perfect leather skirt.

BCBG Faux Leather Skort


French Connection Faux Leather Pleated Skirt

Amanda Uprichard Faux Pleated Skirt

The Denim Collection That’ll Kick Saggy Jeans in the Butt

2014-09-24T12:53:00.001-07:00

When your jeans start to sag, you might think it’s the beginning of the end, but we’re here to assure you it’s not. That’s because we recently discovered DL1961’s Smart Denim Technology Collection, which features instasculpt technology that instantly microsculpts your legs, butt, and mid-section using their 4 way stretch jean. We promise these miracle jeans can perk up your best assets in a pinch. Available in different colors and washes, there’s a guaranteed perfect pair to call your own come fall.

8 Ways to Stay Positive

2014-09-23T14:03:00.001-07:00

Remove negativity One of the most important things I've learned in my life so far is that building boundaries and removing negativity where possible is key to a happy life. If something is bringing you down find ways to remove it from your day so you can move forward and live without it holding you back. Of course some situations down allow for this, but remind yourself that you deserve better than anything or anyone trying to tear you down.

Challenge your negative thoughts Sometimes we really are our own worst enemy, and it's far too easy to get lost within our own heads and feed our own negativity. When I find myself consumed with a negative thought process I challenge myself to really question and explore what I'm thinking, and usually I can find the voice of reason and my way back to positivity.

Ask yourself - does this really matter? Sometimes I can be the queen of making mountains out of molehills, and one of the best steps I've found to stay positive is asking myself - do I need to be worrying about this? So many things trouble us in the moment yet in the long run they're insignificant in the bigger picture of our lives. I remind myself that it doesn't matter and move on so I can focus my energy on the more positive things in life.

Talk about it A problem shared is a problem halved, or something like that right? If something is really eating away at you then talk to someone you trust and let them help you work through it. Sometimes just telling someone what's bothering you helps you break it down into something that's much easier to manage, and you can feed of their positivity when yours has completely run dry.

Surround yourself with positive people People are what keeps us going, and the best kind are the ones who stay positive in the face of whatever life throws their way. Surround yourself with people who dream as big as you do, and who will push you through even when everything feels like it's falling apart. For me, the best kind of people are the ones who don't sugar coat a situation but instead accept it as it is but remind me that I can get through it no matter what.

Find your happy place Everyone needs a happy place to escape to when things start to take their toll. Find what anchors you to your happiness and hold onto it when things get tough, and embrace the silly little things that make you happy along the way too.

Celebrate the little things We all beat ourselves up too much, we always feel like we should be doing more and that we should be more and we forget to celebrate the little victories in life. When things feel too much, remind yourself of all the good things and everything you've achieved so far - and all the good things to come in the future as well.

Always rise above Nothing makes a situation worse than letting yourself down, so even in the face of negativity and all the crap life can throw your way my best advice would be to always rise above and be the best person you can be. Positivity starts with you, and we have a choice whether to live with a positive mindset or not.

Credit--Thank you Jenny Purr for these great tips!

What We Wore-Monkee's Photo Shoot

2014-09-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

We have been getting lots of questions on what was worn during our Monkee's photoshoot...Good news--you can find any of these looks in store!

What We Wore:

-Kathleen--Milly fringe skirt and crop top

-Brooke--Parker combo dress

-Alexandra--Parker sequin dress

-Sophie--Bailey 44 bandage dress in black

-Katie--Bailey 44 bandage dress in white

-Ari--Parker aztec dress

-Annette--French Connection dress

-Lynne--Ella Moss top

BCBG SPRING 2015 SHOW

2014-09-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

We were so pleased to be invited by BCBG to attend the Spring 15 Runway show. Ari and Ethan jetted up last Thursday, grabbed a room at the Hudson, and quickly settled in to a fashionable evening.

Spring 15 featured bohemian silhouettes delivered in tapestry and abstract prints. Fluid, drapey dresses and layered cascading fabrics were evident throughout the collection. In two words- BCBG for spring is ethereal and carefree.

Venue~Lincoln Center, Sept 4, 10 am

Attendees~Ethan and Ari

Playlist~

-5 AM / KWAMIE LIV

-FUEL TO FIRE / AGNES OBEL

-500 MILES / SLEEPING AT LAST

Hair~Straight and shiny with a girl next door vibe.

Notable Attendees~

-Amanda Crew (Silicon Valley)

-Emily Meade (The Leftovers)

-Hilary Rhoda

-Jamie Chung (Believe)

-Louise Roe

-Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars)

all attended the BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway Spring 2015 show. These chic ladies all wore BCBGMAXAZRIA and sat front row at the show!

Annette V’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

2014-09-10T11:34:00.002-07:00

We love Annette for many reasons~her humor, her loyalty, but then there’s her cooking. Or in this case her baking. It’s no surprise she loves to surprise us with treats, and her cookies are at the top of the list. Every time she arrives with a platter of freshly baked, we swear this particular batch is the best yet. And every time she swears we’re exaggerating…but we’re not.

If you make the cookies, just make sure to share…like Annette does.

September Playlist

2014-09-08T08:44:00.001-07:00

White Tiger (Star Slinger Remix) ~ Izzy Bizu

Ray of Light~ Madonna

Guitar Track (Sam Feldt Remix) ~ Sander Van Doorn & Firebeatz

Autrefois ~ Pink Martini

Must Get There (Dubka Remix) ~ Majestique

September ~ Earth, Wind & Fire

Tightrope ~ Janelle Monae

Hollywood Swinging ~ Kool & the Gang

Julian (Martin Dubka Remix) ~ Say Lou Lou

Lessons in Love ~ Level 42

These are the Days ~ 10,000 Maniacs

Take the Highway ~ Marshall Tucker Bank

Cola~Toro Y Moi

Make It Right Feat Demetreus Original Mix ~ Christian Falk

Super Stylish Way to announce a Pregnancy

2014-09-02T07:38:00.001-07:00

Eva Chen is pregnant, y'all! The über-stylish Lucky editor chose to share the big news via the most adorable Instagram post we've ever seen--and that's really saying something, considering that Chen's Instagrams consistently rank super-high on the cuteness scale.

The editor posted one of her now-iconic back-of-a-taxi shoe shots, with a surprising twist: a tiny pair of New Balance sneakers to match her own, and a tiny Chanel flap bag to match hers as well. "Like mother, like future (winter 2015!) daughter edition," Chen captioned the photo. So cute!

c/o Who What Wear

Eat Pretty: Coconut Fig Popsicles

2014-09-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Popsicles don't quite count as cooking, do they? Which is fine because it's hot and cooking is probably the last thing on the agenda anyways. Freezing, though—freezing is perfectly doable. Encouraged, even! And with the hydrating coconut milk in these popsicles, they could probably double as super-cold face masks should you find yourself on a deserted island with nothing but pre-made, still-frozen treats.

Ingredients
-2 cups coconut milk
-1/2 cup honey
-1/2 vanilla bean, scraped
-pinch of salt
-4 fresh figs, thinly sliced

Method
Combine all ingredients except for the figs in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Place fig slices into the popsicle molds and press against the sides. Pour the mix into the molds and freeze. If you don't have popsicle molds, paper cups work well too. Makes 6 popsicles.

—Chelsea Hunter

Chelsea Hunter creates weekly recipes on her blog, The Naked Fig, for the love of good health and good food. Follow her on Instagram @thenakedfig.

How to Apply False Eyelashes Like a Pro

2014-08-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Before our photo shoot Monday, the Monkee's girls had their eyes done at the MAC counter, and I treated each to a set of lashes. The lashes looked so glam and everyone had a lot of fun wearing them. Bonus- they can re use them for up to six weeks. Here are some tips to apply lashes like a pro:

Completely do your eye makeup and apply mascara beforehand, letting the mascara dry completely

Add the glue on the back of your hand and dip the lashes into the glue or even use a q-tip to paint the glue on to the lash strip

Start applying above the iris of your eye to the skin and not to your natural lashes themselves. Trim beforehand if necessary

Now the lashes are on, swipe with mascara one more time

Done!

Meet The Intern-Alexandra

2014-08-25T09:18:00.003-07:00

Alexandra Wilder

New York, NY

Senior at Virginia Tech

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Summer Internship: MILLY marketing intern

Quote to Live By: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together” – Elizabeth Taylor

Secret Indulgence: Hot chocolate chip cookies

Closet Crush: Blake Lively

Fun Fact About Me: I was an extra for the reality TV show Made in Chelsea this summer

My Style in 3 Words: Trendy yet classic

Trend on My Radar: Boyfriend jeans! I love dressing them up with a fun silk top, statement jewelry, and strappy heels.

Favorite Actress: Jennifer Lawrence

Monkees Wish List: Milly Jacquard Minidress – In love with MILLY after my internship and currently coveting this tailored fuchsia dress with cut open back

Go- To Magazine: US Weekly – I have an unhealthy obsession with celebrity gossip

Monkee's Photo Shoot

2014-08-19T13:47:00.001-07:00

Last night we had so much fun at our first remote photo shoot. The skies cleared for us right as we arrived, and the girls look amazing. Thanks to our fantastic photographer, Beth Bales, who manages to be so reassuring while coaxing out the perfect poses for her subjects. And to Royal Chevrolet, who so graciously delivered a classic racing green Jaguar convertible to drape ourselves over. Thanks Wendy and Del!

I love our girls who are so much fun and so full of life. They make me laugh daily and I remain convinced that the Monkee's staff would make for a great reality show. Way more drama than a hair salon!

Andd that's a wrap!

Summer Book List

2014-08-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Are you in a book club? I’m always surprised to find out who is and who isn’t in a book club. It’s a pleasant surprise to find out how many of you are belong to one or just are readers. I confess I am a complete book nerd and always have been. My mother stressed reading in our family and the old adage “you’ll never be lonely if you always carry a book” just stuck to all of us. Strange fact~the three of us were featured a local newspaper article for reading the most books one summer. We actually were photographed sitting at a table with our arms draped over piles of books. Oddly, no one is smiling though in spite of those friendly books…

On our radar this summer:

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Complete obsessed with this book. Don’t be afraid of the 800 pages. Keep reading and be rewarded. Did you happen to see the actual painting on display last Jan at the Whitney Museum? So bummed I didn’t catch it, in spite of being in NYC then. Side note: The Little Friend by Tartt is equally wonderful.

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfield. After reading this, check out American Wife. It’s beautifully written as well.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is coming out in theaters soon. Don’t pass up the chance to read the book first.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simision

Glitter and Glue: A Memoir by Kelly Corrigan. I have a small association with Kelly, so really enjoy her books that much more. She’s my good friend’s husband’s cousin and visits Richmond often. I’ve meet her and her dad Greenie, sat with her daughter Georgia at a luncheon, heard her read several times, and feel like we could be friends. She doesn’t know this of course, but I suspect her readers must all feel like they know her and they could be good friends given the chance.

Meet the Hands Behind Bourbon & Boweties

2014-07-29T09:34:00.003-07:00

Fresh from Florida, meet designer and owner of our latest obsession-Bourbon & Boweties very own Carley Ochs.

Carley started making bangles for friends and family after she discovered a market of fabulous gems and stones while she was abroad in Shanghai. Her plan was to handmade souvenirs for her friends from the beautiful jewels she stumbled upon while in China. This was the beginning of Bourbon and Boweties.

This small gesture of friendship blossomed into a whirlwind of success and instant notoriety . Praised for her craftsmanship, Carley took her first batch of freshly made bangles to a high end South Carolina boutique. That day Bourbon and Boweties made its mark and continues to grow as a jewelry line that will forever be “Made by Proud Southern Hands.”

July Playlist!

2014-07-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ain’t it Fun~ Paramore

Summer~Calvin Harris

Play It Again~Luke Bryan

Rather Be~Clean Bandit

You Haven’t Done Nothing~Stevie Wonder

Beachin~Jake Owen

Reflections~MisterWives

Dirt~Florida Georgia Line

Come and Get Your Love~ Real McCoy

Am I Wrong~Nico &Vinz

Tennis Court~Lorde

A Sky Full of Stars~ Coldplay

You are the Best Thing~Ray LaMontagne

Money on My Mind~Sam Smith

Not A Bad Thing~Justin Timberlake

Latch~ Disclosure

Pompeii~Bastille

Boom Clap~Charlie XCX

When Should You Start to use Anti-Aging Products?

2014-07-14T09:35:00.003-07:00

Most of us agree, that a healthy lifestyle from birth is one of the most important lessons to pattern for your child (Faith & Kindness not withstanding)

This includes a very good diet featuring fresh food(food is medicine after all), enough water, enough sleep, exercise, oxygen, love and happiness.

Our Beauty comes from the inside NOT from a bottle. Most experts agree that starting to use anti-aging products in your twenties is a good thing. Starting with sunscreen-A) the best thing you can do is wear sunscreen religiously, and B) there's no such thing as "too young" for preventing skin damage... by wearing sunscreen. Are you sensing a trend?

Add an eye cream and a moisturizing and recovery product at night and you will grateful down the road. Never pick at your face-it will leave scars. Never sleep with your makeup on. Use white pillowcases to get that point across. We all have earned our “life lines”, but it’s never to early to start a prevention regime.

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

2014-07-09T08:48:00.003-07:00

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness~ Introducing Fashion for a cause with the arrival of Half United jewelry.

Carmin and Christian Black are the sibling founders of HALF UNITED, and the people behind the concept of using a recycled bullet casing to represent your fight against hunger.

Having started their business with only $200 these two turned a fledgling idea into a growing movement of men and women UNITING together to stop hunger in its tracks. HALF UNITED has given over 115 thousands meals to children since 2010.

Carmin stopped by Monkee’s last month to discuss the line. I wish all of you could meet her and feel her passion for her business. Please stop by and see what this unique line is all about. In her words, “We wanted to create a simple yet bold item for our customers to wear which would display their fight against hunger, and remind them of the child’s life they’ve changed.”

For every product purchased, HALF UNITED will give HALF of all profits to feed children in need, Locally and globally. All of the bullets used are sourced from a shooting range in Wilmington NC.

We're Obsessed With...

2014-03-13T07:54:00.001-07:00

Lupita Nyong’o’s flawless style

Prada at the Oscars

Gucci at the SAG awards

Ralph Lauren red at the Golden Globes

FAQ’s:

Born-Mexico City

Age-30

Training-Yale School of Drama

Role of a lifetime-Patsey