Skinny Bitch Apparel

Tribal Touch

The easiest way to update a tired wardrobe is with accessories, so bring a touch of the tribal trend to your look with these hot items!
Be inspired.  

Clockwise from top left: Tribal Brass Chain Necklace $30, Turquoise and Leather Tribal Necklace $65, Tribal Print Wedge Booties $56, Dark Brown Leather Studded Bracelet $20, Leather and Stone Tribal Necklace $45, Leather and Silver Earrings $25. 

These are only a few of the gorgeous designs we have in stock, so be sure to check out our accessories page! 

For info on Moorea Seal the designer of some of these accessories, check out the recent interview SBA intern Lauren Jewel did with her. 

By Vivienne Austen-Parkes
 

Bitchin Interview: Moorea Seal

Today we sat down with the crazy talented, and oh so adorable, jewelry designing/ small business owning/ artist extraordinaire Moorea Seal. This girl had got it going on!

Beyond her pretty rings and other uniquely wearable designs, Miss Seal hails as a blog designer, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer. Seriously, when does she sleep?

We grabbed her undivided attention (for like 10 minutes) to find out exactly how she does it all.

SB Editor: You are the ultimate multi-tasker, how do you strive to exemplify the Skinny Bitch girl?

Moorea: I am all about empowering women through my words and through what I create.  I am proud of who I am, where I have come from, and what I create and I hope to spread that self love through the jewelry I make. 

I want everyone to feel like their best self when they wear my jewelry, confident in themselves and powerfully harnessessing their inner and outer strengths. 

SB Editor: It’s hard not to feel amazing in your designs, why do you feel your style fits with Skinny Bitch Apparel so well?

Moorea: I design jewelry for women who are both powerful and graceful, strong and confident in their femininity, unafraid to experiment a little and live life with vibrancy. 

SB Editor: And we love how vibrant you are, what does your go-to accessory look consist of?

Moorea: I am all about accessories, from jewelry to shoes to hats and coats.  I keep most of my outfits pretty simple, chic, and neutral so that my accessories really pop.  I have a huge shoe collection so I usually pick out my shoes first before I put together an outfit. 

I build my outfits around the vibe of my shoes, whether they are edgy and tough or soft and bohemian.  Most often you can find me rocking layers of rings on my fingers, a long necklace, a wide brimmed hat and killer shoes. 

SB Editor: What is your favorite jewelry trend right now?

Moorea: Right now I love spikes and triangle motifs in jewelry.  I like being able to mix spikes and triangles in my jewelry accessories, stretching them from rocker tough to soft bohemian.

Leather chevron, $35

SB Editor: What got you interested in the industry and how did you get your start?

Moorea: I went to school for Studio Art with an emphasis in Illustration and got my design background from that period of life.  I also took a few apparel design classes in college and have loved fashion my entire life. 

After I graduated college, I worked as an artist’s assistant to a sculptor and was inspired to create sculptures on a smaller scale, leading me to jewelry design.  I taught myself the basics of jewelry designing and eventually took a few metal smith classes in my spare time to really focus on the skill needed to bring designs into reality. 

I’ve been fascinated with the fashion and art industry since I was a little girl and through school, assisting an artist, and then just diving in to my own work, I found my way.

SB Editor: Nothing short of a lot of hard work for sure, and it shows in everything you do! What is your favorite piece from your current collection?

Moorea: My current favorite is my Tribal Queen Necklace, which adds a really rad punch to any outfit.  I love wearing it with just a tight black, sexy dress when I go out and rocking it in the day time with a sheer cream colored collard button up shirt, tight jeans and tall ankle boots.

SB Editor: What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome as a jewelry designer in Seattle?

Moorea: Seattle has a really set style, plaid shirts, rolled up jeans, and Toms shoes for boys; a high waist knee length skirt, tights, a girly top and scarf, and flat boots for girls. 

I like that Seattle is a really casual, chill city but it can get a little boring when it comes to fashion in a lot of areas of the city.  I try to bring in a touch of Northwest style in my jewelry designs in that my pieces are very wearable by lots of different types of ladies. 

But I try to challenge the average Seattle style by adding a bit of edge with my jewelry.  And I create pieces like my headpieces, which take some courage to wear, challenging ladies to really rock their style.

60s Vintage Chain Head Band, $55

SB Editor: Do have any words of wisdom for other designers trying to break into the fashion industry?

Moorea: My biggest regrets are not saving up more money before I started my business and not doing an internship with a jewelry designer before I launched into it on my own. 

But if you are unable to do either of those things, you can still make it like I did by just working extremely hard and not giving up in those moments when you feel like you just aren’t successful yet. 

It takes a strong and confident woman to start her own business, totally relying on herself.  Take on the challenge and be proud of your gumption and perseverance and you’ll make it.

Body harness, $40

SB Editor: What is your biggest inspiration and where does your creativity come from?

Moorea: I feel like I can’t not create.  I just have to have my hands moving all day long, creating, making, bringing my ideas into reality.  I have known I wanted to be an artist since I was a tiny little girl and I am constantly amazed at myself for making my dreams a reality all on my own. 

I became a full time self employed designer a few months after turning 24 and that fact makes me feel like I deserve to make myself proud everyday with how hard I work.  When you are thankful for your life path, you do anything you can to keep your creativity alive.

SB Editor: Not that you aren’t busy enough, but what else do you have in the works?

Moorea: I am currently working on a clutches and bags collection!  I’m really excited with the direction it is going, creating simple chic pieces with little elements that reference my jewelry design.

SB Editor: Well we can’t wait to see those, and carry a couple! If you had to define yourself with one saying or mantra, what would it be?

Moorea: Love Others as You Love Yourself.  When I was younger, I was really self-deprecating and felt like I was much better at loving others than loving myself. 

Eventually I realized that the BEST way to love others and to give to others is by first allowing yourself to be filled with love and self-acceptance.  Once you truly accept yourself and love all that you are, you will overflow with love and kindness for others. 

Compassion is the greatest thing in the world.  Allow yourself to be not only compassionate towards other but to yourself as well.

SB Editor: That is so profound, and the most inspiring advice. Ok, last question: What is your ultimate weakness?

Moorea: I LOVE chocolate and peanut butter together.  Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are amazing.  Haagen Dazs chocolate peanut butter ice cream is addictive.  And the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups that come in a big tub from Trader Joes are so dangerous.  I avoid buying them at all costs because I can seriously eat the entire tub in 2 days.

A chocoholic, guess we know what we’re getting you for Christmas. :)

You can find Moorea on her website, MooreaSeal.

XO, Lauren Jewel

Dresses to Wear for Graduation

Congrats girl, you’re graduating! Now, since your big day marks the first day of the rest of your life, the question remains: what to wear?! 

Have no fear! With my own college graduation only weeks away, I have long mulled over this decision and finally arrived at two options: girly florals, or a dignified and dainty look. Here are some of the Skinny Bitch Apparel dresses I have carefully curated, just for you!

What better way to welcome the first hints of summer and life as a new graduate than with girly sundresses? You’ll have just the right amount of the pretty patterns peeking out from under your graduation gown to rank you as the #1 best dressed of your graduating class!

From left: Vintage Be Mine Corset Dress $88, Vintage Floral Minidress $49, Vintage 50s Floral Sundress $80

And of course, if you’d like to look just a tad bit more academic on your big day, opt for more serious, darker tones!

From left: Vintage Purple Cocktail Dress $76, Blue Teal One Shoulder Pleated Dress $45, Vintage Puff Sleeves Minidress $50

Regardless of what you choose, I’m sure you’ll look great. Congrats again, Miss Graduate!

Ivana xx

How To Pack For A Weekend Get Away

This week Skinny Bitch Apparel is going to show you how to pack for a weekend away.
If you’re anything like me, you want to be organised ahead of time, so your precious time away can be laid back and full of fun. 

 

Top 6 Wardrobe Essentials:

1. The fashion-forward statement shoes, for style and flexibility: Lita Style Boots $65

2. The comfy & cool tee, for lounging at cafes and strolling through markets: Graphic Tank $48

3. The sexy bikini, at the pool, the beach, the spa: Cheap Monday Bikini Top & Bottom $30 each.

4. The bombshell dress, for romantic dinners or sipping cocktails at a bar: Leopard Silk Dress $72

5. The chic coat, to keep warm on your adventure: Hooded Black Jacket $59

6. The on trend jeans, for essential comfort and bitchin’ color: Maroon Skinny Jeans $60

By Vivienne Austen-Parkes

Fashion Grunge Editorial Featuring Skinny Bitch Apparel

SBA Lifestyle Shoot

Hey Skinny Bitches!

Last week I was able to drive up the coast to Los Angeles for the Skinny Bitch Apparel lifestyle shoot. It was such a great experience and I had so much fun spending the day with everyone. The shoot took place at an interesting hole in the wall hostel/hotel. The mood of the shoot was edgy and raw with splashes of neon. The Skinny Bitch Apparel pieces used were spring and summer looks including shorts, lots of neon, graphic tops and vintage bathing suits. The team worked so well together making the experience fun and efficient with all our cohesive ideas working together. Thank you so much to everyone that worked together to make the shoot such a success (Lan Tran; Found of Skinny Bitch Apparel, Claudia Goetzelman; Photographer, Jason Guerrero; Stylist, Irene Villkotyu and Sully Layo; Hair Stylists, Aja Hassatt; Makeup, Amanda Reardon and Taylor Dunn; models, Ivana Tay; intern and shoot assistant)! We can’t wait to show you the end result. Check out some pictures from the photo shoot. 

— Kara Cunningham

Prom Story

A Moment Like This. I can still vividly recall the night of my high school prom. My dress was a modest black and white number, our evening was booked for the California Science Center to the theme of one of Kelly Clarkson’s hit singles (how original, I know), and the unthinkable happened that night - another girl had the same dress as me. While it wasn’t a scene straight out of Carrie, it brought a whole other meaning to the theme of my prom.

So girls, lesson learned: if you’re going to go prom dress shopping, don’t hit up your local department store. Just don’t do it. And because I want to save you from potentially experiencing the same oh-god-same-dress-don’t-make-eye-contact awkwardness, I’ve highlighted a few vintage (meaning one-of-a-kind, meaning crisis averted) prom worthy dresses!

There’s something to be had about the whole innocent and sweet look in all white - it’s so effortlessly feminine:

• Lace Tiered Vintage Inspired Dress, $65
• Lace Baby Doll Dress, $72
• Vintage Ivory Satin Gown, $80

And of course you can never go wrong with a few classic pieces, like a long ball gown (hello Belle of the Ball) and ESPECIALLY the black, off the shoulder piece pictured above (I’m rather in love with it):

• Red Asymmetrical Gown, $74 
• Vintage Black Pearl Bandage Dress, $96

You can also put your own spin on the Little Black Dress with these original, fun pieces with unique cuts, interesting prints, and fringe:

• Vintage Purple Floral Wrap Around Dress, $61
• Black Velvet Fringe Dress, $70
• Vintage Floral Bustier Dress, $40
• Vintage Black Velvet Ruched Long Fringe Dress, $142

Now, go forth! Separate yourself from the masses and buy vintage! And honestly, at these prices, you’d be doing yourself a huge favor (and not making the same mistake I did in buying my unoriginal, $150 dress from Macy’s). Make your dress your own and have an incredible night to remember!

Ivana xx

Lace Story

Skinny Bitch Apparel is pleased to bring you some stunning lace for every occasion!

First up are three beautiful new pieces, perfect for spring time. 

Sexy bodycon with a twist an intricate twist- $65.
High waisted shorts in stunning coral- $52.
A ladylike dress with flair and fun- $72. 

If you’re looking for some of our trademark ‘one of a kind’ vintage pieces, read on! We’ve got you covered:

A 60’s inspired mini with vintage appeal- $80.
A mix of victorian grace and 70’s Boheme in this powder pink blouse- $61.

 

Keep an eye out for all the gorgeous new stock being added all the time!

By Vivienne Austen-Parkes.  

Street Style: Neon

Hey Skinny Bitches!

Neon used to be a burst of color found in the tourist shops on the Venice boardwalk but these days it is all over street styles. We love the burst of color neon brings to a wardrobe whether it be a subtle neon belt or statement neon pants. Check out these ladies sporting their finest neon on the streets and take note of neon pieces you can find at SkinnyBitchApparel.com.

Photo Credit: Mkoesnadi 

This outfit definetly shows that you can never have too much neon. From the neon green sweater to the electric purple pants with a cobalt belt, she is bursting with colors. Her leopard oversized clutch and black strappy heels bring the neon colors together into a fashionable outfit.

Photo Credit: Bete Noire 

This rocker chick is wearing her splash neon in a punk rock outfit with neon pink lips to match. Her excessive accessories paired with the pink shorts and leopard shrug tie the look together perfectly.

Photo Credit: Brit 

This California girl brings back nostalgic neon with a vintage graphic tee and neon coral shorts. Once again her accessories add a unique contemporary flare to what used to be a staple 80s outfit.

Photo Credit: Mayte 

Neon is primarily thought of as a day-time casual outfit but this girl brings neon from day to night with this class outfit. Her neon pink shorts look chic with all white on top. The neon yellow accessories are definitely a must have this spring and are perfect for a night out.

Here are some neon pieces you can find at Skinny Bitch Apparel to keep up with the neon wave hitting street styles everywhere. 

DIMEPIECE NEON COLORBLOCK BRA -$50

HIGH WAISTED NEON YELLOW LEGGINGS -$42

NEON PINK HIGH WAISTED MINI SKIRT -$35

NEON COLORED SKINNY BELT -$52

- Kara Cunningham