by Dennis Richardson | Jul 31, 2023
30 Years Strong
Timeless, classic, and elegant are just a few words used to describe her designs, yet, somehow they are much more than that. LA’s very own Jane Booke—a native Angeleno designing luxury bespoke dresses, jumpsuits and coats—has long been capable of creating designs embodying the utmost bohemian styles. Crediting Camelot and Star Wars as her key inspiration, it’s no wonder she continues to captivate the minds and hearts of those she dresses today.
As attention spans shrink in this social media age, trends continue to see shorter cycles before everyone moves on to the next thing. However, at the heart of fashion relevance and perseverance, simplicity, convenience, and reliability reign supreme. Jane understands the everyday woman and her needs, believing in fashion that makes sense, like ‘wash and wear’ silk dresses and coats to create a glamorous look with the practicality needed for women on the go.
Jane has always stayed true to her aesthetic as she reimagines her heritage designs while honoring her personal style, and it’s evident in her latest Summer 2023 line. We had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with Jane to get some insight into her story, accomplishments, style, and how she’s managed to create the successful label that she has. Read on for more about Jane and her brand, and shop her Summer 2023 collection at Jane Booke.
Q&A With Jane Booke
Q: Hi Jane! To start us off, would you mind letting readers know some of your story? What led you down the path to create your label?
JB: Since I was a young girl I’ve always loved beauty. As a child, my parents traveled constantly, which left me pretty much on my own. Now I wouldn’t change that for the world because I had no choice but to be creative, whether it was music, clothing, or art.
As a teenager, I traveled every year to stay with my father in the south of France. We would always stop in London, where I searched the vintage stores and found stunning dresses from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Some of the best pieces I found were in London. They weren’t really wearable because the fabric was so old, so when I returned back to the states, inspired by these dresses, I had the idea to create similar pieces in newer fabrics. I never intended to start my own line, but friends and passersby alike kept asking about my clothes. I began my own line about 30 years ago and have been creating these signature, bespoke pieces ever since.
Q: At nearly 30 years old, how has Jane Booke evolved from its early years to now? Is there a unique bit of DNA that continues to live on even in today’s designs, or is it drastically different?
JB: In a world where trends are over the top, and only last a few minutes, I have stuck with classic designs which are timeless. There is DNA in my line from 25 years ago. I might change something here and there, and it looks completely different. However, it is still timeless. I’ve even had clients call me and ask if I have any “OG“ Jane Booke dresses available, and they search for them on eBay. That said, my designs and overall aesthetic has remained pretty consistent over the years – I focus on creating a core collection of styles that can withstand the test of time. Each season I find new ways to freshen up these classics, with interesting fabrics, patterns,etc. All my fabrics even the faux fur, Silks and Velvet are all washable and dryable. I have an aversion to trendy clothing, and my formula works to keep my clothes timeless.
Q: It’s not always easy to make something classic with the ability to withstand the test of time. How do you go about capturing the timeless nature of your designs? Does it start with a color, simple design choices, or something more?
JB: My designs begin in my head. I might see something that inspires me.
Fairytales have always been an inspiration to me. Art is another huge inspiration. Modern art mixed with pre-Raphaelite art is what I strive for in my designs. I believe the combination of old meets new keeps my clothes timeless. I might see a neckline, or a sleeve in a painting that will inspire a completely new dress.
Q: Where has your inspiration stemmed from over the years?
JB: I think the best way to explain my collection is “Camelot meets Star Wars.”
It might sound strange, but the ancient and the modern when they come together, make a classic dress or coat. My pieces can last a lifetime.
Q: How do you approach trends? Are they something to tap into every once in a while, or do you steer clear and stay strictly in your own lane?
JB: I don’t follow trends unless it’s by accident! Trends are not personal to me. I want my clothes to have heart, and I want women to feel that when they wear them.
It’s important to me that I design pieces that will keep their value forever.
Q: There’s always a word or two that comes to mind when you think of a brand or experience their product. What is it that you want women to feel when they think of and wear Jane Booke?
JB: I believe women have been trying to be more like men in order to be respected.
I tell the women who buy my clothes that their power is in their femininity.
Nine times out of 10, when a woman puts on one of my pieces, they actually stand taller, and their confidence level goes way up like they could conquer the world.
Q: Are there any struggles that you and the label faced, and how did you overcome them?
JB: The biggest struggle I’ve faced in my career is that I really never sought out to be a designer – as crazy as it sounds, one day I was just “in the business.” I got my start when Les Habitudes saw me in one of my pieces. Three days later, they ordered 31 styles, four sizes per piece. I believe my whole career was just given to me from Heaven. I had to take a crash course in the fashion business and scale my personal designs into a label!
Q: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments and proudest moments to date?
JB: My biggest accomplishment was when I became partners with John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Patron Tequila and Paul Mitchell. Unbeknownst to me, his wife bought about 80 dresses from my collection, and I accidentally bumped into them at a fashion event, and we were in business. John Paul is a humanitarian and an innovator. We met because we happen to have the same dentist. After I left the dentist, he smelled my signature fragrance Taken and they told him it was me.The rest is history.
Q: You’ve worked with icons and legends in entertainment! Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet, that you dream of working with?
JB: There are two. I love Stevie Nicks and Margot Robbie. Both of these women have confidence and attitude. They also know that their power is in their femininity.
Q: Have you achieved your ultimate vision and goal for Jane Booke, and if not, where would you like to take the brand in the near and long term future?
JB: I want Jane Booke to bring glamour back, and to see women wearing my clothes everywhere. I want women to be enriched by the lifestyle that glamour can bring. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Glamour is power, and it is not hard to achieve.
I want more and more women to stop saving beauty for later.
by Dennis Richardson | Jul 27, 2023
We all aim to express ourselves with a bit of flair or individuality that you just won’t find anywhere else. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy, and far too common that we come across someone out there who manages to steal our style. Now, all that changes with Novella, the unisex sneaker brand threading a meaningful story into every limited-run design they introduce. (Lucky you, if you saw them in our Summer roundup!)
“Every Sneaker Tells A Story”
Whether it’s for a seasonal refresh, or just in time for going back to school, Novella is reinventing what it means to be unique—from the insole to the outsole—quite literally! Always working with a different artisan or creative to inspire each drop, Novella’s sneaker designs are inspired by said creator to share their story.
From comedians and barbers to poets and painters, these are the rarest designs you’ll see on the feet around you, and for good reason. Novella produces and sells exactly 2,020 pairs of each design, a callback to their founding year.
Furthermore, each pair of sneakers are individually numbered–1 through 2,020–with the number stitched onto the heel tab. Therefore, you won’t see anyone running the streets with the same number from the same Chapter (season) or Verse (colorway).
From the embossed handwriting of poet Rudy Francisco, to the fresh fade inspiration of barber, Sedric Salinas, each design is truly a work of art complete with outsoles that transition from herringbone tread into a unique fingerprint (the combined fingerprints of those involved in the design process). Each pair of Novella’s come with 2 pairs of laces for added customization — a pair that complements the art, and another to accentuate it.
Some recent creatives the brand has worked with include slam-poet Rudy Francisco, textile artist Katherine Entis, comedian Akaash Singh, and more! Check out some of the featured stories below, as you take in more of the juicy creative details:
- The Love Poem is inspired by slam-poet Rudy Francisco and embodies his belief that every poem is an act of love. Love Poem’s design is an homage to Rudy’s medium, by intertwining textile metaphors and unique poetic elements.
- Momotaro is inspired by textile artist Katherine Entis and is inspired by the deconstruction of her textile arts. Momotaro depicts the artist’s vibrant color palettes that became an integral component in her work through a culmination of her personal journey—which is encompassed by Momotaro’s show stopping, waved multicolor outsole.
- Verse 2: The Lion is inspired by comedian Akaash Singh and pays homage to evening wear suited for a night out in NYC. The silky midnight blue jacquard upper showcases custom iconography including a mic cord that is weaved throughout moments of Akaash’s life story found in the print.
If that weren’t enough, craftsmanship is at the forefront with premium Italian leather, interior tongue labels that reveal the artisan’s name, tongues and that borrow from their creativity and craft, and printed footbeds that hold personal meaning. Shop Novella’s wearable art and secure your one-of-a-kind number!
by Dennis Richardson | Jul 27, 2023
If there’s anything more inconvenient than scorching temperatures this year, it’s using rideshare apps and services that are unreliable, inconsistent, and expensive while keeping you waiting—one canceled ride after another—in the heat. If this is your headache of a reality this summer—or if you’ll be heading to LAX to get away from it all (or come back to it), there’s someone new who will make it all better: Alto. (Kudos if you saw Alto in our Summer essentials roundup!)
Get Around, Better!
When it comes to all of the above and more, Alto has you covered with exclusive access at LAX! Their special status grants access to the ground level of the airport, so that you can jump into the backseat moments after you step off of the plane. So long to traversing the seemingly endless construction maze.
More cost-effective than calling an Uber Black or other types of luxe rideshare services, Alto offers a fleet of spacious, modern, and stylish SUVs across the greater Los Angeles area. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride every time, while their drivers are professional and experienced, with your safety being their first priority. Alto operates with punctuality, hygiene, and seamless service at its core while revolutionizing the way we think about ride sharing.
Sit back, relax, and let their drivers take care of everything while you indulge in a comfortable, luxurious, and stress-free journey—complete with all of the environmental and mood-setting controls that come at a premium with other rideshare companies. Feel free to choose from an assortment of curated vibes with preselected beats, and tune the volume to your liking in Alto’s company-owned vehicles. From tunes to climate, Alto believes that you, the rider, should have the freedom to make your ride match your mood—even going so far as to have a “Do Not Disturb” toggle in-app! Whether it’s a bad day or a case of social anxiety, that means the driver won’t bother you unnecessarily. Ahh, silence.
It’s time to say goodbye to parking hassles, navigating unfamiliar routes, or dealing with the frustrations of LA traffic while enjoying a seamless door-to-door service that saves time and energy. Travel like the beloved LA celeb you dream to be!
by Contributor | Jul 18, 2023
Are you tired of wearing the same old jeans over and over again? Are you ready to change your wardrobe game? Look no further because stylish womens pants online are here to save the day! Whether you’re going for a sophisticated office look or just want to add some extra flare to your outfit, there’s a pair of pants out there waiting for you.
Start with the Basics
Before diving headfirst into trendy and bold styles of pants, make sure to have some staple pieces in your wardrobe. Basic items like black leggings, high-waisted trousers, and classic denim jeans will never go out of style. Depending on the occasion, these items can be paired to create different styles. They make an excellent foundation that allows any closet pieces to stand out.
Find Your Style
Once you have covered all your basic must-haves, it’s time to explore new trends. Fitted cigarette pants are perfect if you want something tailored but modern and trendy. Wide-legged culottes can be paired with an oversized shirt or blouse giving off an effortless yet polished vibe.
Alternatively, skinny leather pants offer great edge and sass while adding texture and rock-chic energy into outfits when paired with slouchy tees or casual shoes like sneakers or boots.
Brightly colored cargo-style high-waisted paper bag pants look amazing with chunky knit sweaters tucked in at the waistline. Always remember that proportion is key, whether combining feminine blouses & puff sleeves underneath them!
The material used also plays a critical factor, like silk trousers provide sophistication that will leave everyone impressed; linen fabric offers ease of comfort during summertime when temperatures climb above 30°C while a velvety finish adds luxe elegance that is perfect for night outs!
Get Creative
Mixing prints is one trend that has been steadily surfacing over the past few years, not only in tops but also pants. Prints like leopard and floral can add a pop of color and the perfect amount of flair to any outfit.
Comfort is the key, which is why joggers have become an all-time favorite for many fashionistas. They provide comfort and ease of movement alongside style without sacrificing anything. They look stylish paired with casual-chic jackets or oversized knits rather than just athletic hoodies or tank tops.
Cropped styles such as wide-legged culottes and tapered ankle pants are perfect for creating proportions; they allow you to show off your best shoes, whether heels or flats, while showing more skin, creating a leg-length illusion.
For a daring look, try belting your high-waisted trousers with printed textures like python snakeskin patterns giving it an edgy attitude over plain belts.
Finalize The Look
Accessories can enhance the whole appearance of one’s outfit! Pair women’s pants for sale with boots, chunky sneakers, sandals heels offering different mixes based on individual preference in time. Statement pieces like oversized hats/earrings/necklaces can also change a look entirely.
In Conclusion
Give yourself options when it comes to finding stylish women’s pants by trying on new looks you may have never considered before! Be open-minded and willing to experiment – after all, fashion is meant to be fun! Start building from basics onto bolder choices covering suitable materials in each style category. Make creative outfit combinations, then finalize everything flawlessly using accessories, making them stand out uniquely and rounding up the final touches that will make every fashionista fall head-over-heels in love with their stylish women’s pants collection!
In the end, finding the perfect pair of stylish women’s pants for sale depends on personal choice. Explore different styles, materials, and prints to create a unique fashion statement that reflects your individuality. Keep trying new things until you find what works best for your style and personality. Happy shopping!
by Anthony Stafford | Jul 17, 2023
We’re in the heat of Summer, and with these temperatures, there’s no better reason to grab a refreshing drink and sip the season away.
Last August, Jay Shetty & Radhi Devlukia-Shetty launched JOYO, their new line of adaptogenic sparkling teas. Today, allow us to reintroduce you, as they’re now known as Juni!
Juni’s sparkling teas offer a premier way for tea drinkers to enjoy their favorite healthy beverage while catering to the modern, grab-and-go lifestyle. Complete with new packaging, and a new formula that is vegan, zero sugar, and packed with adaptogens and nootropics — including ashwagandha, lion’s mane and reishi mushroom — it’s a timely refresh for the summer months!
The teas are available in four purposeful blends: Peach Green Tea, Tropical Green Tea, Raspberry Green Tea, and Lemon Green Tea – plus a variety pack!
Each tea is crafted with ayurvedic ingredients and a proprietary blend of five expertly sourced adaptogens to provide consumers with delicious and nourishing iced teas.
In today’s health-centric society, it couldn’t be a better time for sparkling tea to hit the market!
About Juni
Juni is a new sparkling tea brand from Life & Purpose Coach, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Podcast Host, Jay Shetty, and his wife, Plant-Based Recipe Developer and Fitness & Well-being Enthusiast, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. Juni is infused with powerful adaptogens and nootropics to elevate your mind and body! The brand’s Super-5 blend works together to renew your energy, enhance your focus, and elevate your overall wellness. With every sip, you’ll experience calmness of mind, a refreshing vitality of body, and a burst of brightness to your day.
All of Juni’s sparkling teas are zero sugar and only 5 calories and come in a variety of flavors including Tropical Green Tea, Peach Green Tea, Raspberry Green Tea or Lemon Green Tea. The products are sold DTC from the website and in Erewhon stores throughout California with expansion to additional retailers soon.
