The Levo League is a global social network dedicated to connecting gen Y professional women to job opportunities, mentors, and other resources to help them grow professionally. We sat down with the three Levo Leaders from the Philly chapter (Whitley, Emily, and Patricia) to discuss everything from their spring/summer wardrobe to the things they wished they knew when they began their first job. They also showed us three fresh and work appropriate looks for spring/summer 2013.

Patricia Maristch, Principal at Piqued Public Relations

Whitley Harris, Special Sales Assistant, Persus Books

Emily Rothrock, Assistant Marketing Director, The Shops Liberty Place

Here’s all of the tips and tricks the girls shared with us on the do’s and don’ts of your career wardrobe:

On The Spring Trends They Love For Work Wear:

• Black & White

• Trina Turk Surfer Neoprints

• Crisp Silhouettes

• Bright colors

• A Single Solid Stripe

• Mixing Prints

• Cobalt

• Neon Yellow

• Bright, colorful accessories

On The Great Heel Debate:

• Wear heels or flats- it’s up to you

• Choose a heel with a platform that’s covered

• If you’re traveling far, bring flats for the commute and keep your heels in your bag

• Great brands for heels: Elie Tahari, Cole Haan

• Great brands for flats: Tory Burch (Eddies), Loft, Nine West

Tips On Getting Dressed For Work:

• Plan your outfits for the week on the weekend

• Remember that finishing touches bring it all together

• Shower at night so that you have more time in the AM

• If you don’t plan your outfits in advance, sit in bed when you first wake up and mentally plan them

• Keep your closet organized so that you know where everything is

• Layer

The Biggest Mistake Women Make Getting Dressed For Work?

• Wearing black suits to look professional

• Not knowing the difference between a going out dress and a dress that is work appropriate

• Their skirts are too short

• Not getting their clothes tailored

On The Closet Career Staples Every Girl Should Own:

• Leopard shoes

• A nice tote bag ( Coach, Longchamp, and Kate Spade are the classics)

• A great white shirt

• A great blazer

What items should be in your work bag?

• A water bottle

• Blotting papers

• Commuter flats

• BB Cream

• Band Aids (blisters happen)

• Hand Sanitizer (for commuting)

• Phone charger

• Day Planner (invest in a good one)

• Pencils

• Notepad

The Best Stores For Shopping For Work Clothes?

• Posh Collections

• Perlei Boutique

• Laundrea

• H&M

• Ann Taylor Loft

• Banana Republic

• J. Crew

• Philadelphia Premium Outlets

• Nordstrom Rack

• Kate Spade

BONUS: The girls also shared some great work advice with us:

• Whitley: “Be your own advocate, don’t be shy, and know your goals.”

• Emily: “Negotiate your salary. When I got my girst job in PR I quit my full time job at LuluLemon and got a low salary offer and wasn’t prepared/ didn’t negotiate” Read Lean In and know the statistics.

• Patricia: “Know what to ask for with clients.”

Dress&Coat: H&M, Bracelets: Alex and Ani,
Earrings: Tiffany&Co., Shoes: Steve Madden,
Bag: Coach

Jacket: J. Crew,
Chambray Shirt: J. Crew,
Skirt: J. Crew,
Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, Jawbone Up band

Skirt: Bell by Alicia Bell, Top: Bell by Alicia Bell, Shoes: Pour la Victare from Zappos.com, Bracelets: J. Crew, Necklace: Moon & Lola, Belt: Sandy Duftler from Posh Collections, Bag: Louis Vuitton

Be sure to sign up to join your Local Levo chapter so you can meet Emily, Patricia, and Whitley (they’re so nice!) and over 200 other young professional women in the Philadelphia area for tons of fun networking events like book clubs, workout sessions and more.

Check out a full list of upcoming events here: https://mightybell.com/spaces/18569

The scarf is the “quintessential feminine-most accessory in your wardrobe, next to your platform peep-toe pumps, of course.”  Allow it to be the pillar of strength and main attraction to your evolving style this spring and summer.

Explore the ageless and timeless appeal, versatility and immediate sophistication that the scarf can convey wrapped around your neck, waist, head or delicious handbag (especially the handles of lighter color leather bags to preserve the material so it does not stain).

There are many shapes, styles and fabrics that provide an affordable fresh alternative and elegant finish to any outfit whether covered loosely around the neckline or tied close in lieu of a necklace.  Be sure to glam up your favorite LBD or drape a scarf across your shoulders for a fashionable chill chaser.

Since Nordstrom is one of my favorite stores, I thought I would share this informative and fun “scarf-tying video” I found on-line at http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarf-video.

Perhaps a favorite ultra-savvy Fashionista way is to tie on superior scarf chic and breezy style with a head scarf.  Worn in decades past, present and future, it is extreme style for all women, all hair types and lengths that can save a bad hair day, cover gray and protect you from the sun’s strongest damaging ray while delivering instant glamour even on a rainy day.

Call it vintage or modern, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate classic style.

With style and gratitude,

Laini Bianculli, The Style Maestro, for Philly Fashionistas

On Saturday, Philadelphia University held their 2013 Annual Fashion Show where students presented an audience of family, friends, and Nicole Miller (she was there to accept the Spirit of Design Award) with their latest work.

The evening was a huge success and we were impressed with the talent that was on display. The one question question that was on our minds as we left was, where can we buy these clothes!?

Photo by Jason Minick.

Lauren Chronister’s collection won Young Spirit Award for Excellence in Childrenswear.

Kassie Dyes won Neiman Marcus Award for most saleable collection for her “teacups” collection.

Cori Fisher’s designs won the Lynn Willis award for most creative and the fashion faculty award for design excellence.

Cori Fisher also won the Destination Maternity Award for Excellence in Sportswear for the attached collection, including the heat thermal jacket made of an innovative material that responds to heat.

Which look was your favorite?

Philadelphia University held their 2013 Annual Fashion Show on Saturday night where students displayed their work and the school honored Nicole Miller with their 2013 Spirit of Design Award. We had the opportunity to interview Nicole before she accepted her award.

Here’s our exclusive interview with Nicole Miller.

What is your fashion philosophy?

I don’t really have one. Its just like you know I wake up every morning and I have nothing to wear and I always want new clothes.

A woman who wears Nicole Miller is…

Self confident.

What advice do you have for young fashion designers in Philly?

Have a dream, stick to it, and go after it.

What would you say is the best and worst thing about American Fashion?

You know its really weird I used to think about this. With all the clothes that are around you don’t really see that many well dressed people and there’s so much fast fashion* but I feel like people don’t put themselves together well. Because you know you can get great fashion at any price, but I don’t know what people are doing because I feel like I don’t see those people that are like super well dressed like I used to. Even in New York… and I think sometimes people dress like, too casual, especially in the airports. Oh my god…

What should you absolutely not wear in the airport?

Those Nylon sweat suits.

What do you think of all of the conversations surrounding women and the workplace as someone who has been so successful in your business?

I feel like when I started out, nobody was having kids even the celebrities weren’t having kids, I mean nobody was having kids. All of a sudden its gotten super trendy you know its like the baby bump in fashion and I missed the maternity fashion thing by like two years. Everybody wearing cool clothes pregnant started about 15 years ago and all of a sudden everybody is showing it off or whatever but I mean back when Demi Moore had kids she was the frontrunner because none of her peers seemed to be having kids, if they did you didnt see them or they stopped working or they were on the down low or whatever and she was the first one to sort of like make a big thing about being pregnant, I mean she was the first one right? But now like all the actresses are like baby bump, showin off like crazy. And then I feel like when I started out designing, no designers had any kids, nobody was trying to get married, we were just trying to get ahead because we were very career oriented, we all wanted to have careers. Now everybody has it all and wants it all. Everybody wants more.

How do you innovate every year, every season, where do you find the inspiration?

Turn the world upside down. Always turn the world upside down and just be open to it, always be open to it all the time like a sponge.

*Fast Fashion is a term used to describe the fast pace of clothing cycles made popular by stores like H&M, Zara, and Forever 21.

What do you think of Nicole’s point of view?

Due to the incredible response to our recent feature article on Soraia Mansour of the band SORAIA, she is offering 12 lucky Philly Fashionistas a FREE bus trip to New York City to see the band perform a live rock show at the legendary Arlene’s Grocery on Thursday, May 9^th at 8 pm. You will have the opportunity to interact with the band and be filmed and featured in one of the band’s upcoming music videos.  Plus, you get to bring your best friend!

Inspired to make their mark in the fashion industry, the Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) at Philadelphia University held their 3^rd annual Talkin’ Fashion event earlier this month. BRAG’s mission is to provide people of color who are interested in retail and related industries with the necessary skills to succeed by offering an intensive summer internship program and scholarship recipient opportunity.

The goal of the event was to provide an opportunity to connect with some of the leading fashion professionals within the Philadelphia community throughout all facets of fashion. The panel included:

• Myorr Janha, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Rush Communications and Simmons Design
• Dominique Negron, an upcoming designer and stylist in Philadelphia
• Terniqua Osborne, a graduate of Philadelphia University and currently Retail Systems Coordinator at G.H. Bass & Co. (through Phillip-Van Heusen)
• Damien Pessolano, a buyer for Villa
• Vladi Marchena, a full-time professional model

The panelists were asked a series of questions that related to their professional careers as well hobbies and interests. Exploring topics about internships, job placement, struggles and success stories gave many of the students present an inside scoop into the fashion world.

Who’s behind this event? BRAGs executive board really wanted to take this year’s event to a whole new level. Not only are these young ladies fashionable and trendy, but they all possess a tremendous passion for fashion.  The ladies of BRAG foster a community of individuals with the goal of gaining insights into the fashion industry. They support one another and most importantly challenge each other to do their best.

BRAG Executive Board

Check out more photos from the event and a Q&A with BRAG President Simone Billings:

BRAG Community Service Coordinator Rashida Carrasco

Rania Lassiter

D’Asia Legette

Zora Nichols

Q&A with BRAGs President Simone Billings:

BRAG President Simone Billings

Q: Tell Me about the event.

A. We’re really excited to host our 3^rd annual Talkin’ Fashion event.   We really make it our business to find industry professionals who can give insight to young people who are still searching for what they really want to do. This gives them an opportunity to see different aspects of the fashion business and see how they might fit in.

Q: What are some of the other events BRAG hosts?

A: We do a lot of local school events, and we do have our BRAG Thrift event coming up soon. It’s something new for the spring where everyone comes together and thrifts. We will have tables set up with second hand clothing and accessories, and for $3 you can fill a bag with some of the items. The members of BRAG as well as some Philly University students will donate everything. It’s a really big fundraiser for us. We also have monthly master classes, which are basically like this event just smaller.

Q: What are your plans for Talkin’ Fashion next year? 

A: The opportunities for Talkin’ Fashion are endless. We really hope that we can expand this event and maybe partner with other organizations at other colleges. But, i think the creativity of our members and board is amazing—so stay tuned!

Q: Describe your style to me?

A: I think my style is classic edgy. I definitely love classic simple pieces that have a touch of sarcasm and a little bit of sex appeal to them.

Q: Who are some of your style icons?

A: I really love Daphne Guinness!  I think she is amazing and super confident in everything she wears. Victoria Beckham has really great style too.

Q: Name the one piece of clothing you can’t live without.

A: I cannot live without a pair of earrings—I never leave the house without them.

Has it been years (or decades)  since the last time you cut your hair? Have you had the same hairstyle since you were a teenager? Are you finally ready to try a new hairstyle to compliment a fresh and fierce new look for spring?

If so, listen up!

We are partnering with Architeqt Salon & Gallery in posh Washington Square to give one lucky reader a full hair makeover including color, cut, & style with Pawel Jan, the Co-Owner of  Architqet Salon.

Architeqt specializes in dry-cutting, extensions, Bayalage highlights and more and the salon customizes each clients’ experience for extraordinary hair service.

If a new hair makeover sounds like something you could use, enter for your chance to get a brand new look by filling out our form and uploading your photo here.

One lucky winner will be selected to receive the hair makeover and they will be featured in a blog post about their experience at Architeqt Salon and their transformation.

The deadline to submit your photo is Thursday May 2nd at 9:00 pm and a winner will be contacted on Friday May 3rd.

Enter Here >

Schedule your next hair appointment at Architqet Salon & Gallery by calling 267-519-3778.

Good Luck!

As I walked into LUSH Cosmetics the first thing I noticed was the wonderful aroma I was greeted with. The second thing I noticed was the woman to my left getting a foot bath and light massage.

Having never stepped inside a LUSH Cosmetics shop before, i’ll admit, I was intimidated. I didn’t know what to do or where to go and I didn’t understand what products they sold. Thankfully I didn’t have to wait long before I was greeted by manager Sara Dunbar who gave me an exclusive tour of the store.

Skincare

Our first stop was at the Fresh Masks station where Sara helped me to choose two Fresh Facemasks handcrafted to deal with my specific problem areas. How fresh are these Facemasks? So fresh that they had to be refrigerated and used within three weeks of purchase (an expiration date is included on the package. You are supposed to use them every other day and they cost $6.95. *Tip: Sara told me that Cosmetic Warrior is great if you are battling a breakout.

Choose a Fresh Facemask that will meet the needs of your problem areas.

Fresh Facemasks cost $6.95 a container.

Facemasks are stored in the fridge below the Fresh Facemask station. They will need to be stored in your fridge at home as well.

Next we looked at the moisturizers (located right above the Fresh Facemasks) including one called Gorgeous that was made especially for Princess Diana to hep rejuvenate and brighten her skin. The steamer tabs are also a fun, must try item. You take one of the tabs, drop it into a bowl of hot water, and you will give yourself a homemade facial experience.

Try a steamer tab!

LUSH offers a wide range of skincare products including your daily face cleanser. These cleansers were unlike any I have ever seen with their solid form but Sara, our guide, swears by them. Angels on Bareskin is a bestseller so that might be a good one to try first.

Body Products

LUSH offers a wide range of natural body products and my favorite were the body scrubs. Sara introduced me to a product called Rub Rub Rub  that not only cleans you like a shower gel but it also rubs you like a shower scrub. Use it in conjunction with a body conditioner like Ro’s Argan and your soft smooth skin will thank you for it.

And of course, there is soap at LUSH. Or no, more specifically, there are bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts that can make your water sparkle, make luxurious bubbles, and give you an excellent aroma. There are also massage bars to help you relax and soaps that are unlike any other kind of soap you have ever bought. If you visit LUSH, you must get at least one of these delicious treats.

LUSH does not just offer fresh handmade cosmetics; they offer a health and beauty lifestyle that has been re-imagined. Every type of product that you can think of when it comes to skincare or haircare has been remixed to do more than just your typical cleanser or toner. That makes the LUSH shopping experience unique but also a bit daunting. You will need help finding your way through the store if it’s your first visit but you will discover a new store to treasure once you are done.

Follow these tips to make your first or next trip to LUSH a success:

• If it’s your first trip, find a friendly sales associate and have them navigate you through the store. They can help you to find the products best suited to your needs.
• Know what type of products (face, hair, body, shower, bath) you are looking for before you step in so you can go right to that section and browse the selection.
• Try everything. You will notice a lot of bowls with water around the store to help you do just that.
• Treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bar or a soap if you don’t have a tub. They are too pretty not to buy at least one!
• Remember that products at LUSH expire. They are made fresh so you will need to be timely about using them. Packages contain an expiration date.
• If you forget the directions on how to use a product, no worries! You can find very helpful videos on their website.
• Don’t buy everything at once. Find one product you want to try and if you like it, go back and add to your collection of LUSH products. Remember, their products offer a lifestyle not just a beauty solution.

Visit LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics at 1525 Walnut St| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania| 19102

*This article was written by Guest Writer Katie M.

Our East Coast hometown is also called home by some of Hollywood’s most prominent celebrities. And those stars and starlets sport the highest fashions, especially on the iconic red carpet. So, we were interested in analyzing and recreating these fashionistas’ red carpet looks.

Photo Credit: News Gab & Wholesale7

Alecia Beth Moore, better known as the pop-rocker Pink, was always extreme in all respects. Throughout her childhood, Pink went through multiple personality phases, with early rebellion stemming from the divorce of her parents. Ultimately, she found a lasting love and career in music, in which the unique personality and style she grew into was praised and admired. She is the quintessential edgy tomboy of the pop scene and stays true to her personality in all that she says (or sings), does, and wears.

For the 2006 Video Music Awards Ms. Moore sported a chic, all-black outfit. She paired a high-wasted, wide flare pinstripe pant with a ruffled, V-neck chiffon top. The sheer blouse showing off her sexy undergarment was not only rebellious, but surely sent the message that she may have been wearing menswear-inspired pants, but she’s still a lovely lady through and through. You can find a similar look like this at Wholesale7.

Photo Credit: Just Jared & Prom Dress Mode

Kat Dennings, born Katherine Litwack, has been a devoted actress since a young age. More recently, she’s landed leading roles and garnered much attention with her curvaceous physique and her acting prowess. She typically plays characters with a wayward personality and sarcastic sense of humor, delivering doses of dry wit in an impassive manner. In her actual reality, Kat embraces her fair skin, sultry voice, and busty figure. You’ll often see her in dark shades of lipstick, which contrast her complexion, and extenuate her full, luscious mouth.

True to form, Kat amazed all with her look for the 2012 Emmy Awards. Her super low-cut ruby red J. Mendel gown looked stunning, sophisticated, and sexy at the same time. The neckline highlighted her best feature(s) and clung tight to her waist—that smallest part of a woman’s midsection, which when accentuated, makes you appear thinner. The ruched, flowy material and perfectly fitting shape made this dress a perfect fit for her form. To replicate this stunning look, look for the dress at Prom Dress Mode.

Photo Credit: MIA Amber & David’s Bridal

American model, recording artist, and actress, Amber Rose, was known not only for her many undertakings and successes, but for her unique style and former relationship with Kanye West. Since then, she’s dated, married, and gave birth to a child with rising rap star Wiz Khalifa. This South Philly native has a distinctly modern look about her and a signature nearly-shaved, dyed blonde hairstyle. Of course, this gorgeous former exotic dancer of mixed decent has a rockin’ bod too—even after the birth of her son!

Amber chose to go with a form fitting mermaid gown for The 16^th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards back in 2011. This dress, like Kat Dennings dress from the 2012 Emmy’s, featured a neckline that extenuated her bust and a form that played up her curves. Mermaid dresses are practically symbolic of confidence and poise, while at the same time being highly alluring. Having chosen a black, ruched gown, paired with gold jewelry and a bright lip, Amber Rose stayed true to her roots of pairing edge with elegance. You can walk into a room and have all eyes on you with a similar style found at David’s Bridal.

Photo Credit: Style Bistro & Herve Bandage Dress

Kelly Marie Monaco is one of five daughters in a large Italian family. Before her rise to stardom, she lived rather low-key, growing up in Philadelphia, then the Poconos, and attending college in Northampton and working as a lifeguard. But mediocrity could only be used to describe Kelly’s life for so long, since at the mere age of 20 she sent a portfolio of photos to Playboy. Shortly after, in April of 1997, she was named “Playmate of the Month”. Throughout the 90s, Monaco remained a “bunny” until securing a role on Baywatch, where her tightly toned figure caught everyone’s attention. She continued on with her acting career, starring in soap operas including Port Charles and General Hospital—for which she was nominated for an Emmy Award! In addition to other acting gigs, Kelly won the first season of Dancing with the Stars and later returned for the all-star series.

In our opinion, Kelly Monaco is the definition of the “girl next door”. She has a warm heart and good roots, but is tactfully seductive. She showed off this alter Playboy-esque ego in August of 2011 at the NBC Universal TCA Press Tour All-Star Party wearing a charcoal, figure-hugging, single-shouldered bandage dress. Kelly opted for a clean, simple look with the monotone dress, glamming up her overall look with a cocktail ring, smokey eyes, and beachy waves—these can easily be recreated by spraying damp hair with a salt spray product and either scrunching or curling with a wide, ceramic iron. Show off your curves with this inspired dress from Herve Bandage Dress.

Photo Credit:E-Online & Forever21

This next Philadelphia-born celebrity is the queen of Casanova, Lauren Cohan. Prior to launching her acting career though, Cohan was a model—not so surprising considering her natural beauty. Lauren graduated with a BA in Drama and English Literature before touring with a theatre company to pursue her acting passion. She split her time working in both Los Angeles and London (where she picked up an English accent), balancing multiple films and even some non-commercial projects. She’s a hard worker both in the professional and fitness sense, taking boxing classes as part of her workout regiment to maintain her model body.

At AMC’s Walking Dead Season 3 Premier, Lauren exhibited her fashion sense in a gorgeous, orange leather Lorena Sarbu peplum dress. Paired with a neutral Rebecca Minkoff clutch, Prada shoes, and Melinda Maria jewels, she was simply dressed to the nines. Peplum is the current trend in fashion right now and rather than the norm, try an asymmetrical cut as Lauren did. Her outfit could not have been more fitting, conservative and classy in the most modern, refreshing way. Try mixing neutral accessories with a bright, solid, yet textured dress like Lauren! Bare in mind, if the neckline is higher, an up-do looks best. With Spring right around the corner, this peplum look from Forever21 will be a great outfit to stunt in.

It’s safe to say that Philadelphians know how to style, whether it is on the red carpet or the sidewalks of Center City. Breaking down these high-fashion looks from top to bottom in order to recreate them for your own affairs starts with knowing what works for your body type. Figure that out, and then have fun with it! Find some your favorite celebrity looks, as we’ve done here, to draw inspiration for your own wardrobe.

*This article was written by guest author Katie M.

Inspiration from Beauty and Fashion comes from all sources in life. If you have not heard of the band Soraia, brace yourselves….you soon will. This Philly Fashionista is a rising star who recently was discovered by Jon Bon Jovi.  I sat down with Soraia Mansour and we discussed music, her new album release, and beauty and fashion.  After our conversation, it was apparent why she is destined to be a star. She is a strong woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life, learned from them, and made the choice  to not just survive but thrive.  Soraia is ready to inspire others to do the same.

Julie: Your name is so beautiful and unique. What is the origin and meaning of it?
Soraia: Thank you so much!  From what I was told by my father, “Soraia” is an Arabic name, though I know it has origins in Persia and Farsi as well– from what I’ve read, It has many meanings dependent on where you see its origin, but the Arabic deviation means “a bright guiding star” and it’s named after a particular constellation. Funny thing is I used to be embarrassed by my name because it was so “different” and people often would pronounce and spell it strangely, but I am surprised how many Soraia’s actually exist. AND, I love my name!

Julie: Did you always know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
Soraia: I did not. Actually, I’ve always wanted to be a singer. I was once told that you have to write your own songs, and to be honest, that’s the thing that made me start doing it. But then, I also remember I started writing songs very early: the first song I ever wrote, I was about 11 years old and it was called “Push it”. I have no idea of the lyric, I just remember rhyming a lot! But I was a singer before I was a songwriter…since 2nd grade I knew what I wanted to be. But the joy I get from writing is a different thing for me. It makes me feel accomplished and engaged in life. To be honest, when I’m really in the flow with writing–whether it be a song or poem– it’s a very surreal experience for me.

Julie: What inspires your songwriting?
Soraia: My songwriting is definitely inspired by my life experiences – past and present. And also how I observe people I love. With my life, it’s a sort of looking back at the past or looking at my present circumstances and a striving to understand it. I’ve always been an analyzer – really, an over analyzer – of life circumstances and mistakes and successes and whether or not people really love and what I think love really is. I’m still child-like and open-minded in my attempts to understand things and I am always re-evaluating my experiences. I think this is a huge asset with songwriting, it helps me see things differently every time. Putting that into words and then putting it to music, well, there’s the glory!

Julie: How is this album and songs different from your past material?
Soraia: It’s more thoughtful. That’s the best way to put it. The writing of the lyric, the production of the songs, the amount of writers involved in each song, the musicians who added their take of the song to the recordings. Everything about this record was thoughtful. I really loved that. I angst over a word or lyric like you wouldn’t believe. The difference between a feeling one word gives you versus another. For example, the idea of “He swears I’m his only shining star” vs. “He says I’m his only shining star.” To me, WHOA! what a difference in meaning– and also feeling from that one word. A swear is a promise. So much deeper than “saying” something. So, yeah, everything was more thoughtful. Down to every background vocal and tone used on a guitar. All to serve the song.

Julie: How did Jon Bon Jovi hear your music that inspired him to request to write music with you?
Soraia: Our producer Obie O’Brien was playing some of our demos/listening back to how they sounded and Jon was in the room with him. That’s the most I know about it. What Jon heard that made him want to write with me, I suppose you would have to ask him. But, I do know that once we worked together from the first time, it inspired me to aspire lyrically and be more thoughtful about all I was doing song wise (which goes back to the last question). It also made me reach out to Billy Falcon to keep writing. I had a hunger to experience more and more of that collaborative process. I’d collaborated with Travis Smith and Obie O’Brien for years, so it was interesting to sit in a room and finish a song together. It’s always been a much more personal process for me until then. I still love writing on my own, always will, but it was such a great experience to have. So I’m glad he did!

Julie: What songs on the new album did Jon Bon Jovi co-write with you?
Soraia: Jon co-wrote “Good Ain’t Good Enough”, “Runaround”, “Want What I Want”, and “Like a Woman Would” with myself and Obie O’Brien. Jon co-wrote “Hell-Oh” with just myself. He also co-wrote a few more that aren’t on this record, including “Against the Wall”, “What You Say (Ain’t Always What You Mean)”, and “Just Drive”.

Julie: The song “Hell-oh” is sure to be a top hit, is there a story behind it?
Soraia: Yes. I could tell you particulars, but ultimately, it’s a story of true love. It’s about that moment of falling in love in a sheer instant, and breathing it in intensely. But, in this story, the fire of that feeling leaves her burned in the end… haunted by the experience. I think we’ve all had that. Hell-Oh is about the glory and tragedy of love.

Julie: How has your back story affected your life in terms of your desire to go after a music career and how you handle failure?
Soraia: Well, I grew up always feeling different than everyone else and carrying around many secrets everyday– it was a huge weight. I also had a huge alcohol and drug addiction I fully immersed in. I’m sober today, but I still have my demons– though not of the drug or alcohol variety, and most aren’t physically debilitating anymore. I feel you have to love and forgive yourself despite how you feel from one day to the next. What I’ve overcome has made me a strong, vibrant woman, and I’m thankful for all the experiences I’ve had and just to be here. To be fervently going after what I’ve always wanted to do is such a hopeful thing; not just for me, but for anyone. I don’t want to just ‘get by’ or survive. I want things for my life, for the people I love, Intangible things. Feeling passionate about music has always been so real for me. To settle for something else would be soulfully dishonest, I couldn’t live like that. My failures are sometimes really hard on me. I have an inherent “not good enough” thing I am always wrestling with, so it’s hard, I’m not going to lie and say I have it all together. I don’t. But I move ahead in spite of the failures, and I try to learn from them as much as I can. Life’s a process. Living is a process. It’s not about getting it right. I do the best I can.

Julie: What is your signature makeup look?
Soraia: I like to show a warrior spirit the best I can, but yet keep a feminine, softer edge to what I wear both clothing-wise and makeup-wise. For the eyes, I go for an exotic, heavier take on the 60’s cat eye. Black liner wedged outward and to a point, like a woman ready for battle.

Julie: You always wear red lipstick, is this symbolic?
Soraia: I love red lips because it’s a fire color. I love the boldness of it, and I also love that it’s a classy color. All the old film actresses used to wear reds, and I feel such a sense of attachment to the past.

Julie: What inspires you to choose your wardrobe for performances?
Soraia: Same as my makeup, I like to keep balance between being a warrior and being a lady. I don’t want to come off too fiercely, but I DO want to be fierce. So I wear my leather jacket almost always, with the “Peace and Love” emblem on the back with a dagger through it, because that speaks a lot about who I am. I wear a lot of dresses. The types of dresses I wear — I’m going for Janis singing at Monterey, or Tina singing in the 60’s on all those tv shows, so I try to stay to that look: sort of mini dresses with flowy sleeves. Lately, I’ve also been attracted to very classy, flowy longer dresses. There’s just a freedom and classiness expressed by the wearing of them. I don’t know quite how to incorporate that on stage yet, however. And sometimes I’m just being that tomboy I’ve been my whole life, wearing some beat up pants with a flowy black tee. I feel like a woman is always playing dress up from the time of 5 on. You’re always evolving, and as long as that’s staying true to who you are in that moment, that’s the best way to wear style!

Julie: Is your everyday look completely different?
Soraia: Oh yeah. A lot of white or black tees and sweats or black jeans. Just a more classic look…and sometimes just rocker tees with some sweatpants is all I need. I always love wearing cool tee shirts. I keep it relaxed and casual during the day, depending on what the day brings.

Julie: Do you have a favorite place to shop?
Soraia: My current obsession is ASOS online. It’s a UK-based store, but there’s a US store online as well. Go there and you’ll see why. From accessories to clothing, they just have more unique stuff.

Julie: Do you have a favorite accessory you always wear during performances?
Soraia: I have a necklace with three silver charms my father had bought for me in Egypt back when I was about 11 years old. The left eye of Horus and a bell are what I carry with me always. It just makes me feel loved and a connection to who I am now, and who I was when I was a kid, too. It’s more like my personal good luck charm.

Julie: What fashion designer would you personally love for them to use your music for a runway show?
Soraia: Oh God…let’s see. I love Versace’s stuff. I love the Denim and Supply clothing line by Ralph Lauren. Most of the pieces really capture something vibrant, independent, and free. Very flowy and also grunge-y pieces in that collection. Anything that reminds me of that classic look of James Dean and also a 60’s festival kind of energy to jewelry and clothing –and an inherent toughness– all these make me happy.

Julie: What song or songs on your new album do you think a fashion designer might choose for a fashion show?
Soraia: I would think “Love Like Voodoo”, “Wild Imagination”, “Like a Woman Would”, and even “Hell-Oh” would be the best choices because they make bolder statements in terms of mood in music and lyric.

Julie:What is your favorite beauty product that you can’t live without?
Soraia:  YON KA Phyto-Contour Eye Cream. I’m so particular about taking care of my eye area.

Julie: What is a beauty ritual that you implement every day?
Soraia: A clean face followed by moisturizer and eye cream and pore reducer are my biggies. My Mediterranean skin has large pores, so I always use pore reducer products, I especially like Clinique Pore Refining Solutions. That product works really well for me.

Julie: What is your favorite beauty tip?
Soraia: Stay healthy by exercising and eating right as often as you can. When I’m doing the right thing for my body, it shows on the outside. Self care is the biggest deal in beauty, I think.

Julie: What is something about you that would surprise your fans?
Soraia: I love being alone. I would think most people think a lead singer loves attention and the spotlight, but I love being by myself a lot and reading at the bookstore with a cup of coffee or tea. That’s thrilling to me! I like using my imagination and hanging out in sweats at home. Not a big fan of parties and stuff. I’m kind of a nerd, to be honest. And I like being one.

Julie: Where can our readers find out about upcoming show dates?
Soraia: Go to Soraia.com for all the latest show dates and news. That’s where the most current information on the band always is.

Julie: Where can your album be purchased?
Soraia: Right now, anyone can purchase the record from www.Soraia.com in our “Store” link. You can purchase both the digital download as well as a physical copy of the cd. Pretty soon, we’ll also be on ITunes, Amazon, and CD Baby, as well as other outlets.

For our Philly Fashionistas, Soraia has shared the song “Hell-Oh” from their new album “In the Valley of Love and Guns”

Please click on the link below

Hell-Oh