ENCIRCLE NYC & LIVOTTE LONDON; Circle of Life & A Spot of Tee

  My friend and fellow blogger Melissa Meyers and I were headed to an event one day and she was wearing a long necklace of endless circles. It instantly caught my eye...plus It's always fun to find a new jewelry line, so I said,  "Oh I love that!" Melissa showed me the website then introduced me to Amy Heilberg, the founder of Encircle NYC, now I too have my own Encircle collection. Mother's day is near, so here's a few gift ideas for your mom, yourself, or any occasion. I've also included Livotte, and I think you'll appreciate how founders Beth and Delphine have reinvented the basic tee. Get ready to enjoy modern elegance with Encircle NYC & Livotte. Three entrepreneurial women who are passionate about creating simple and practical beauty for everyday life.

Cover-up Nudz Beachwear

Recently I was in New York and met with the founder Amy Heilberg.  Not only did I love everything she showed me, we connected right away. We chatted about... stuff, how after a certain age life begins to come full circle, and I'm certain to why I was drawn to Melissa's necklace that day. We enjoyed our breakfast & cappuccinos at Le Coucou, and shared how we both constantly find messages in everything!  #soulsister...I'm thrilled to be part of Amy's circle. 

 Amy is the founder of Amy Heilberg Jewels, a private jewelry consulting company that specializes in custom fine and vintage collectible pieces. While working with clients for over sixteen years, Amy decided to create a collection of chic fashion pieces that give off the Amy Heilberg Jewels fine jewelry feel; but at an accessible price point. With that idea in mind, she launched Encircle NYC in January 2016.  

Three Interlocking Paperclip Earrings

Vertical Circle Pendants

The pieces channel the powerful concentric circles of our lives. Our designs are organic and timeless with a fashion-forward edge. 

Vertical Pendant with pave piece

Buster in his Charlie & Me Choker along with our rug...we're a house of circles...signs are everywhere.

Each shape we sell are circles, flowers, ovals and squares; which is a variety of styles just like women. Circles represent protection and wholeness. Flowers, with their infinite variety and beauty. Ovals are symbolic of abundance and the cycle of life. Squares are foundational, structural, and provide support. We all come in different shapes and sizes – and that is reflective in our collection. No matter your personal style, there is a shape that each customer gravitates towards that represents them. What's yours!  You will receive a 10% Discount.

Take a look at Encircle website - You'll find more styles!

Three Large Oval Pendants

In this current time, unity, diversity, understanding, community and love is what we need to survive in this world; and Encircle NYC embodies the connectivity that each represents. 

Keeping it simple and chic with Encircle Verticle Pendant

Ecircle jewelry is designed to make each woman feel her best as she takes on her life. Thank you, Amy! I love being part of your circle xxooo

Welcome to the Lovely Livotte; Beth & Delphine who are fashion veterans, are committed to bringing organic, locally sourced luxe cotton jersey tops to women across the globe. Here's to dressing effortless chic, day or night.

I'm wearing; Jacqueline

I am definitely the woman who feels like I can conquer it all in jeans & a tee, and now more than ever! Livotte has filled a void for the everyday tee, and of course, they're all named after women and the name Livotte comes from their daughters...Livvy & Charlotte, and of course I like them even more!  It's like having a little piece of London close to your heart. Thank you, Beth & Delphine! Hands down my favorite T, and oh so soft and stylish.

Meet Jane

Beth & Delphine live in London; their girls were born there and will most likely grow up in the amazing city. Livotte wants to support the London fashion community and make the extra effort (and by extra effort,  putting it mildly) to deliver a product both designed and made right in London within the M25. 

Meet Natalie

They were able to source a fabric that is both organic and luxurious.  Their mill is in the Midlands and the yarns are the best in Europe making our cotton jersey tops luxurious, long lasting and able to withstand many many machine washes. 

Meet Sophia

Style tip from Livotte; Pair it with your leather leggings or blue jeans or even your favorite pencil skirt. Lifestyle tip from Livotte;  Live In It, Love In It, Lunch In It! 

Don't forget to Laugh in it!

Thank you to; Encircle & Livotte for providing photos and information. Cheers to many years of success and fun! I love working with inspirational & kind women, it makes the journey so rewarding.  #grateful

  “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

RIPLEY RADER - JUMPSUIT QUEEN

When I first met Ripley I instantly lite up! Not only are we both "dancin fools" but we're southern girls and she's incredibly passionate about women feeling their best. My friend Melissa Meyers said, "you've gotta meet Ripley, you'll love her and her brand." She was right. Melissa and I did a Facebook Live segment with Ripley at her studio talking about her brand and the inspiration behind her designs. Meet the Hollywood's mover and shaker...literally, Ripley Rader.

"The jumpsuit is here to stay." So sayeth The Queen!

Meet "The Queen of the Jumpsuit" herself, Los Angeles-based designer Ripley Rader. Rader, an accomplished professional dancer who considers herself an artist first, launched her eponymous ready-to-wear label in 2013. Inspired by Southern California's eternally sun-drenched 1970s chic, her aim was to "encourage women to express their individuality through timeless silhouettes and softly tailored separates," all at an accessible price point. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Amy Schumer, and Kate Upton have all rocked her designs... Can you dig it?!

Cue the perfectly classic, totally effortless, infinitely wearable jumpsuit. If you're looking for a versatile piece that will carry you from an important morning meeting to a cocktail hour after a long flight, or a night on the red carpet, clear out some closet space! This is the line for you! The pieces are very flattering and feel incredible. The fabrics Rader uses are SO comfortable and soft, while still being carefully-crafted and luxurious. Seriously, you can wear Ripley Rader anywhere! 

Ripley's two piece top and pant - wear with flats or heels! / Encircle Necklace

The designer attributes her particular form/function sensibilities to a lifetime spent stretching and pirouetting across dance studios.  (ahhh woman after my own heart) "I like 'good-move' clothes," she says. "I live in dance clothes. I always like to feel free and move my body easily and I never want to put a lot of time into getting dressed. I like to walk out the door feeling polished and comfortable the next."

One Piece Jumpsuit  Let's Dance!

And that comfort level carries over to the bottom line, as well. One of my favorite things about Ripley's approach is her reasonable price point. "Our jumpsuits are all under $200 and 100% LA-made. I feel even $200 is an investment for the modern woman, and I wanted to really honor that," she says, "keeping it at that price point and having everything is made in the U.S. does present some challenges, but I can sleep at night." Another reason for Rader's frugality? Her roots in the creative community. "I'm an artist, so I just wanted to be sure my hippie/artist-friends could afford this line," she laughs. 

Not sure if a jumpsuit is your Groove Thang? Fear not! Rader has a few suggestions up her (bell) sleeve. "Tailoring is key," she says. "Pay particular attention to hemlines--you shouldn't have fabric pooling around your feet, nor should your whole shoe be visible. Find the middle ground."  What's better than getting your groove back with your girlfriend's in one of Ripley's Jumpsuits!

You can shop the post below

Styling can also make a big impact. "Rock a great shoe, and try incorporating different belts, statement necklaces, or a high-end clutch to carry your look from daytime functionality into evening chic." This line makes incorporating the High/Low trend so easy and fun(ky). "For me, the jumpsuit works on all body types-tall, short, curvy, straight," she says, "with great tailoring and styling, you can really make it your own and make it feel fresh and modern." 

Encircle Choker

This year will also see the line extending its sizing options to include Plus sizes, something that Rader says is of great personal importance to her. "I design my pieces so they can be worn at any age, and at any size. I want people to feel good in their bodies and I want to help them dress their bodies--no matter what shape that might be. I'm not trying to reinvent the look of the modern woman, but it is important to me to have clothes that not only can carry her from day to night but also pieces that are hearty - that will last and look good and feel good.

Ripley's pants paired with Elizabeth & James top / Encircle Chocker

Dying to slip into one of these disco-dusted creations? The full line is available via the Ripley Rader website, and is slowly-but-surely coming to a boutique or shop near you! "We're in about 100 high-end boutiques nationwide," she says, "We were slow to break into the larger market because I wanted to make sure we were a well-oiled machine first. I wanted to be a company that grew organically. Now I feel we're ready, and I'm excited to be able to dress more women."  

Melissa Meyers & I during our Glow & Grateful segment for Facebook Live.

Since Ripley's initial outreach was purposely Boho-boutique, this true Hollywood IT-Girl used a little star power to build her brand. "I don't have a huge publicity team behind me, so I've always gifted pieces to stylists who love them so much, they refer their celebrity clients and word spreads out of a genuine enthusiasm." Organic press? Genuine love?? 

Hats off to my fellow dancing sister, thanks for creating clothing that's "got all the right moves"

Kumbaya and Long Live The Queen!

Check out Ripley's website to book an appointment or shop online. Her studio is so much fun!      

         "I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and     confidently themselves, who bring light into the world." —Meryl Streep

SHOP THE POST - 

MEET LIFESTYLE BLOGGER JESICA RYZENBERG

 One sunny "la la" afternoon I went to a friend's design shop, filled with fun, hip, and savvy girls where Jesica was working at the time, and we were chatting about style, decor, travel and my friend informed me that Jesica wrote a lifestyle blog. I was about a month away from launching The Grateful Gardenia and Jesica offered to help out if I needed it, I instantly said yes! I would love it, so we exchanged numbers and the following week we sat down together and she took me from A to Z on tips for starting out.  I was so grateful for her incredible advice, Jesica literally walked me through everything!  We continued to meet on the weekends for a few months and I said: "One day we'll figure out some way to collaborate, we'll figure out a way to have some fun"  This May it will be two years since I published my first blog post and just as I'd hoped we are now creating content together.  Say hello to Jes.

LEONA

Hey there everyone! I am delighted to be a contributor for the Grateful Gardenia and look forward to giving you my perspective on all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and of course -- wellness. Though I have my own lifestyle blog, www.ryzenbergon.com, I am honored to be part of this fantastic online destination. 

So let me share a little bit about myself -- I was born and raised in Lima, Peru before my family moved to Florida in the early 1990s. After college (Syracuse University – go Orange!) I landed a job as a segment producer in Miami and three years later, with many lifestyle stories under my belt, the Golden State came calling. A decade, two big cities, and one fiancé later, I’m still here and there is never a dull moment!

Machu Picchu, Peru 

I am currently based in Los Angeles, after seven magnificent years in San Francisco and enjoy pretty much everything this city has to offer. The beaches are awesome, the skies are blue almost every day, the hiking is second to none, and there is always something new to discover — whether it’s a cool neighborhood or a newly opened cafe!

Cafe Gratitude in Venice

When it comes to style, I am definitely a boyfriend jeans and tee kind of gal and have a penchant for stripes. I also have a soft spot for dresses and high heels, so it all depends on my mood! I guess it’s really what makes you feel your best. 

A self-proclaimed travel junkie, collecting passport stamps is one of my hobbies! Some my favorite destinations include the beaches of Croatia, Vancouver, and the Swiss Alps. Some places on my bucket list include Cartagena, Colombia, Japan, and the English Countryside — but I hope not to stop just there.

Isle De Burano, Venice

One thing that I forgot to mention is that I am five months from tying the knot, so I am in full-speed wedding planning mode. I look forward to sharing all of my pre-nuptial adventures, as it’s quite an experience to fully navigate this bridal bliss (or blizzard)!

I am forever grateful to have found Janet — an empowering and incredibly inspiring woman who no matter how difficult the situation or how big the challenge, always has a way to lift my spirits. Thank you, my friend!  Can’t wait to share more adventures with you!!!!!

Jesica's Instagram

 I'm thrilled to collaborate with Jes, she's fun, innovative and I love her passion for creating content. Exploring ideas & opportunities have been exciting since day one. Growing The Grateful Gardenia just got a little greener & a little more grateful.

CREATE + COLLABORATE  =  YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THE JOURNEY TAKES YOU