New Blog: Style on the Mountain

Due to the overwhelming views this blog has received, we decided we needed a bigger platform to give you the best experience possible. Over the next few weeks, I'll be moving our previous posts over to the new blog as well as posting new content every day. Check it out and be sure to let me know what you think!

BEHIND THE SCENES: #tbt to a news reel I did for #unhinged #lissmee #fun @niyamodels #niyamodels #niyamodelmanagement by caitlinraedillman

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STYLING: Vintage Modern

Modern Vintage by lisa-miller-ii featuring a crystal box clutch

Backstage Photoshoot with Lyman Winn

Just restocked the Urban Arts Gallery at the Gateway mall with some new accessories :) go check them out!

LissMee Apparel via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/i64eDsS5hv/

STYLING: LissMee's Ruffle Maxi Skirt

By pairing LissMee's Ruffle Maxi Skirt with a wide brim hat, comfortable ankle boots, and casual tank, we've created a look that's both fashion-forward and unbelievably comfortable.

 Use coupon code FREESHIPPING during checkout at LissMeeApparel.com for extra savings.

JOURNAL: Balancing Family and Fashion

Sometimes I can't decide if I'm living a full, satisfying life or a crazy double life. 

I work model fittings, runway shows, and photo shoots in between play dates and legos. 

Either way, I love it.

I love every aspect of being a mom and can't possibly imagine a life without the kids 

but some days finding balance is harder than other days. Both work and family can be demanding and kids don't understand the word "Later." For them, every moment counts.

In my world, family and fashion are so intertwined I couldn't possibly 

keep them as separated as other designers seem to. 

I design clothes I can wear while running between fittings and preschool.

 I almost never wear heels because then I can't keep up with the little ones and my morning hair /makeup routine takes 10 minutes tops..... I'm such a mom.

Some days I get frustrated that I'm not more productive, manage my time better, and more organized. But it's hard to be incredibly organized with 3 kids under 6 on 2 different schedules.

I just do what every parent does.... her best.

That doesn't mean I can't do better though.

I will always be my own worst critic and never totally satisfied with a given project. It pushes me forward and guarantees that I'm always learning. Yes, I'm hard on myself, but I use my frustrations as motivation. I'm constantly trying to find ways to balance my time better. I try to wake up before the kids to get some work done and stay up late every night. I work 7 days a week and can say I thoroughly enjoy when my head hits the pillow at night.

I want my cars and house spotless, work To-Do lists that take several pages, play dates scheduled nearly every day of the week, a husband I can't wait to see at night, and orders I can barely keep up with. I want these things.... and I'm a firm believer that if you want anything bad enough, you make it all work. You find balance by sheer determination and constant effort.

I feel like my priorities are where they should be. I love my family more than I can express. Without them, I wouldn't have the creative drive to do anything remotely artistic. I love work, and if it takes a few years longer to grow my business because I've enjoyed my kids childhood, I can live with that.... happily.

HOW TO: How To Use Leggings to Elongate the Look of Your Leg

LissMee Apparel Black Metallic Legging $45.00 USD

During a radio interview a few weeks ago for KTALK, I was discussing with Cate Allen how versatile a legging can be. They are clothing staples for so many women, yet some don't know how to wear them. 

In this week's HOW TO, I'll break down what makes these hide-nothing. skin-tight, show it all, options work to elongate the look of your leg. Most of the models pictured below are a size 2-4. I want you to notice how they appear shorter, thicker, taller, leaner etc simply by the design of the legging they are wearing Every small change makes a big difference in the overall look.

Shortening and Elongating your legs with Lines:

                   
Horizontal Lines widen a figure. They are great when placed along busts if your small-chested, placed on a hip to create a more hourglass line, but I can't think of a woman anywhere you wants her legs to appear wider. Opt for slimming lines. They don't have to be as aggressive as this, but any vertical line running down the leg will elongate them.

Elongating Lines:

           Etsy:  $35.00             

                         Venus $32.00                  

                       Piperlime $238.00

Shortening, Widening Lines:



Note:

Granted, there are so many options out there that your bound to come across some leggings you can't help but wear even though they are not flattering. If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to balance your outfit. Break up hard, horizontal lines with boots and be sure to wear a longer tunic to avoid widening your hips, upper thighs, or worst of all, crotch.

Met up with my husband after work today and he surprised me with a new car!!!! This is hands down the nicest, newest, lowest mileage car I've ever had!!! I cried that I don't have to get a minivan!!!! #ilovemyhusband #newcar #lisaandjon2013 #lissmeeapparel #honda #hondapilot #jonmecham

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DESIGNER JOURNAL: Finding Inspiration

My Design Journal where I gather inspiration and create new ideas

Finding Inspiration is the most important aspect of creating a new collection. It is the base that each piece is designed on and without your base, nothing is truly grounded or complete.

But where do you find inspiration? Can you even run out? 

No. Sounds cheesy but inspiration is everywhere. It can come from a new experience, architecture, or nature. Every designer gathers inspiration differently and the way it's interpreted can define a collection.  

The Salt Lake City Library is such a pretty building with great lines.

I personally get my inspiration from new chapters in my life, new experiences, and new places. 

For example, I took up tango with my husband which inspired me to create a tango-inspired collection that balanced the sensuality and comfort of dance-wear with the fashion-forward edge of street-wear. 

While designing my debut collection, I was going through a painful custody battle with my ex and was struggling to stay thick-skinned, unwavering, and strong while still being a patient, loving, and hands-on mother. I was playing the "mother" and the "father" role and was learning to balance both extremes in character. My struggle manifested itself in the form of strong black leather masculine pieces contrasted with light lace and femininity. 

Every collection is personal and a peek into my personal world. It's scary to put new work out there sometimes and not take criticism personally because so much of "you" has gone into creating it... but as a designer I would never have it any other way. 

 Finding inspiration is all about stepping outside comfort zones, developing new talents, and going new places. Inspiration can really be anywhere and gathered endless ways, this is just how I develop mine.

A love note from my sweetie #sewing machine #lissmee #iloveyou #lovenote #lissmeeapparel

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FASHION NEWS: LissMee Zephyr Publication

 Check out LissMee's latest publication in Zephyr Magazine:

Fashion: LissMee Apparel

Photography: Jen Palmer

Styling: Kat Fedorova

Beauty: Melanie McLaws, Alli Tuttle, Marie Smith, Lauren Searle and Blake Gilles.

Shop LissMee's Bohemian Flapper Dress Now

LISSMEE BACKSTAGE: Finishing up a few custom pieces.

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I love the holidays! Sending out lots of love in the form of new packages for our amazing customers. :) #fashion #lissmee #package #packaging #holiday #christmas #happyshopping #lissmeeapparel #lissmeedesigns #brownpaperpackagestiedupwithstring #reclaimedwreckage #merrychristmas

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Umit Benan

It's rare to come across a new designer that balances consumer practicality and high fashion imagination like Umit Benan.  Umit Benan's menswear label consists of staple sportswear pieces re-imagined with luxurious fabrics and eye-catching details. Each collection is inspired by a specific lifestyle for a truly captivating and exciting show each season. 

When I first came across his shows I was impressed by his execution and how he was able to completely control the shows ambiance to give the audience a true feel for his inspiration behind the collection. His runway shows are incredibly theatrical yet each clothing item is so wearable for day-to-day.

Umit Benan 2012 Collection inspired by troops in a barrack.

Umit Benan front and center with his models wearing his banker-inspired Fall 2011 Collection.

STYLING: Our new Velvet Cowl Neck Tank

LISSMEE's new Velvet Cowl-Neck Tank.

Pair it with leggings or jeans for a casual look or

 dress it up with slacks or a skirt for a chic holiday party.

We love the exposed zipper on the spine.

Featuring:

LISSMEE Cowl Neck Tank Top

LISSMEE Faux Leather Leggings