As a person who’s obsessed with lighting (see balloon lamp below), I knew I had to have this when I first spotted it on my favorite art blog, Colossal. (Shout out to Christopher Jobson for keeping Colossal so fresh and exciting.) I can’t wait to build this baby with my husband, name him, and then greet him every day and night.
I spotted this beautiful balloon lamp on Instagram and I immediately knew I had to have it. Sammy assembled it a few nights ago and set it up in our living room. Let me just tell you, people, that this thing is even more beautiful in person. It gives off the perfect amount of light! It’s playful and perfect. (The pictures don’t do it justice.)
As a lover of stained glass and trees, this beauty caught my eye. Anyone have $8K to spare? One day, if I ever design my own house, this will be in it.
If I had to choose just one item that I love THE MOST at our shop, Skylar Yoo, it would be this…the pink faux fur coat. I’ve given out six of them out to my friends. (Our model loved it so much, we gave her one!) I wear this coat almost every day. (It gets chilly in our office and the mornings…brrrrr!) Gals, let me tell you that this will be the softest thing in your closet…and it keeps you extra warm and toasty! I wear it dolled up with a dress or down with a black tee and jeans. It feels like you’re being hugged by a teddy bear. Right now it’s on sale for $99 (from $149). We only have a limited supply so when they’re gone, they’re gone! (Not to sound sales pitchy but I’m telling you I swear by this coat!)
Buy it here: Pink Faux Fur Coat at Skylar Yoo
I’m excited to announce to that we just launched a whole new set of clothes for you die-hard Skylar Yoo fans. Five new women empowerment tees with designs such as Woman Power and Wild Woman are now available in our shop but that’s not the exciting part. I’M SUPER THRILLED TO SHOW YOU OUR NEW JACKETS AND DRESSES! They are beyond beautiful.
Above: In pastel rainbow stripes, this head-turner is aptly named the Unicorn dress.
Our blush pink version worn with our white fringe jacket is a stunner.
This rainbow sequins dress is perfect for your next holiday party. It’s paired with the most comfiest coat you’ll ever wear. I promise. It’s like hugging a teddy bear! (In fact, I have it on right now.)
If you prefer the straight up colors of the rainbow, look no further. This fabulous flowly dress is for you.
Finally, add some omph to your everyday outfit by throwing on this bold fuchsia jacket. This piece makes a bold statement.
Shop all our new arrivals at Skylar Yoo!
You’ll have to excuse my long absence. Kat (now our Creative Director) and I have been so busy taking care of Skylar Yoo that I haven’t had a moment to catch my breath and blog here. But I’m back! I’ll still share some personal stories but, for now, I thought I’d just show you some fun products popping up on my radar. Some are fashion related while others are just fun things that I’ve bought, received or seen this past month.
Favorite home item: This flower vase comes to life when you put in a leaf! How clever and cute. Not available for sale on Ha’s website. Darn! (Above)
Favorite kitchen item: These adorable cardinal glasses just got back in stock. In love with their design.
Favorite fashion item: I like fashion that’s funky or shiny. This New Balance vest is both “cool” and warm. Wish the zipper zipped all the way down but it’s still a fun staple.
Favorite jewelry: My sister-in-law and brother-in-law bought me this super gorgeous rainbow choker for my birthday! How lucky am I? It’s made of rainbow Swarovski crystals. So stunning. I’m going to pass this down to my niece one day. Every little girl who has seen me wearing it comments on how much she likes it. I LOVE IT!
Favorite purse: You know how much I love Gucci and how much I love rainbows, so it should come as no surprise that I fell in love with this. It’s made for younger girls but I’m going to rock it anyway.
Favorite shoes: Speaking of Gucci, I bought these beauties, justifying it that they’re now my classic, go-to shoes. They’re super comfortable and they go with practically everything. I like how you wouldn’t know it was Gucci unless you knew their colors.
Also loving these new Tom’s glitter flats. Bought a pair for me and my niece.
Favorite art: Recently stumbled across this artsy shop, Tictail. Loved this message.
Favorite drinks: I can’t find the link for this online. You’ll have to visit your nearest Trader Joe’s to find it. (It’ll be worth it!) It’s Trader Joe’s own organic cold pressed fuji apple spiced cider with cinnamon and clove. Delicious and refreshing!
OMG, I’m addicted to this. Thank you Amazon for carrying it, and for the easy one-click shopping button.
Favorite new toys: Because I had a crappy childhood, I decided that I’d recreate it by buying myself some toys. Hence, I’ve ordered or have: This My Little Pony, a Princess tent (that has stars!), Moana Maui’s magical fish hook and this Frozen Elsa doll that sings and lights up.
Favorite books: I’m currently reading The Happiness Advantage and Braving the Wilderness.
Best investment I made recently: Joining Seth Godin’s The Bootstrapper’s Workshop. Fantastic forum for budding entrepreneurs. Everyone is so caring and smart!
Best talks that have changed the way I see life: Rita Pierson’s, Brene Brown’s
and Amy Cuddy’s.
See you soon!
So lately I’ve been asking myself the question, “What’s next for Skylar Yoo?” Over the last 8 months or so, our customers have resoundingly favored our feminist graphic tees. Aside from “Grit” which has that cool retro vibe, “Girls to the Front,” “Yes, She Can,” and “Fearless Girl,” have been our top selling tees. I don’t want to pigeonhole us to be just a “feminist” t-shirt company, I have bigger dreams!
So what’s my two year plan? Well, right now I’m taking inspiration from the designer Missoni who created this stunning rainbow fringe dress that Mandy Moore recently wore for her guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. (You know I have this thing for rainbows right?! I’m like a five-year-old girl, I know.)
In line with Skylar Yoo’s motto, which is “Be Bold,” I want to create colorful, ultra-stylish clothes that make your heard turn…at affordable prices. Though I love what companies like Everlane and DSTLD are doing with their paired down basics, my heart skips a beat when I see anything in bold colors, color blocked, or in rainbow. If these Gucci sneakers weren’t $980 and this Burberry rainbow puffer jacket wasn’t $1350, I’d snatch them up in a second! Ok, and how pretty is this Oscar de la Renta rainbow choker? I bought this Mara Hoffman rainbow swimsuit last year but my butt is so big I can’t wear it. (Motivation to work out! Goooo Peloton!) Oh, and who can forget Cate Blanchett’s ombre Givenchy gown? I die! I’ve been eyeing these Vans rainbow checkerboard sneakers for myself but they’re sold out everywhere. (Next best thing? I got a pair for Logan.)
My goal? To launch the raddest line of bold, colorful clothes, shoes and accessories on Skylar Yoo. More to come…
Today, I thought I would round up some of the most beautiful, modern dresses currently being sold. As you know, I’m a sucker for rainbows and embroidery so you’ll see plenty of dresses with color and detail. Many of these dresses are quite costly, they’re from designer brands, but a few hover around $100. I hope you enjoy this list! (It was fun making it!)
Starting with the dress above: Just how beautiful, unique and modern does this rainbow dress look? It’s called Twist Front Dégradé Silk Dress by designer Sies Marjan. I hopped on over to his website and found this prismatic shirt and pencil skirt. Love how he plays with color!
You fashionistas out there, I’m sure you guessed this bright, woven dress was made by Missoni. The waves of color can be quite dizzying on this curve-hugging sweater dress.
Not only is this dress flattering (for women with big thighs and booties like me), it’s like a work of art. Notice the cascading flowers! A masterpiece by Carolina Herrera. (Fun fact, she was the designer of my wedding dress!)
This is embroidery at its finest! “Stalks of embroidered blooms decorate the sheer overlay of this A-line frock adorned with wispy puff sleeves for undeniable romance.” It’s so pretty, I want to hang this on my wall! The dress is by Red Valentino.
Self-Portrait can do no wrong! I loved their off the shoulder button down top (in white and black) and this pink lace dress is right in line with that aesthetic. What’s not to love?
I usually don’t like to include two items from the same designer in my lists but this dress is just too pretty to pass up! Self-Portrait’s floral lace tiered dress is crisp, fresh and modern in all white lace with a black belt.
This red dress from Reformation is a mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, ruffle edged hem, and strap ties. Wonder if this 40+ year old can pull this off! (The answer is…of course, right?)
Ok, we’re back to Reformation again! This rainbow striped dress immediately caught my eye. It looks cute and comfortable and it won’t break the bank since it’s under $100. A relaxed fit, the mini dress has a scoop neckline and adjustable straps.
Look closely and you’ll notice that this button up dress is made of embroidered flowers! In fact, it’s made of 100% linen, embroidered by artisans in India! It’s called Maureen Dress by Mara Hoffman.
The abstract design on this mini dress makes it pretty and unique. Created by designer Yumi Kim, the crepe dress is semi sheer.
This Alice + Olivia dress is just too pretty for words! Love the mock neckline with floral and beaded red embellishments. Top it off with cap sleeves and you have perfection!
With long sleeves, this red dress doesn’t quite look like something you’d wear in the summer but I’m guessing you can sport this classic year round. Balmain really outdid themselves with this button detailed dress. “With a blousy surplice bodice and curve-hugging miniskirt, this sharp-shoulder dress is regimented by golden buttons embossed with a vintage house crest.” Love!
P.S. Although I don’t think it’s available in stores, did you see the Givenchy rainbow skirt Cate Blanchett wore for a recent movie premiere? The colors of the hand-painted, pleated organza skirt traveled from dark violet to electric blue with some bright red thrown in. Worn with a knitted silk black top, It was perfection!!!
Have you ever heard of a keystone habit? It’s one of the most important habits you can have, it has the power to transform your life. A keystone habit sparks a chain reaction that helps you develop other good habits. In my case, it took me getting a Peloton and riding it every day to get me to stop smoking, eat healthier, wake up earlier, meditate, and write in my journal (regular journal + 5 minute gratitude one). In essence, it has changed my life!
So, peeps, I told you we bought a Peloton bicycle awhile back. For months, I’d just get on and off it, taking a class here and there. I was devoted to Cody Rigsby, he’s this awesome instructor that is as hilarious as he is gorgeous! His classes made exercising fun…yes, fun! So everything was just hunky dory, I was happy I had the bike but wasn’t getting anywhere with losing weight. (This is him on his bike.)
BUT THEN! I decided to challenge myself by riding 30 times in 30 days. What sparked it was the All for One ride, Peloton took 11 instructors and had each of them teach a segment of a 45 minute ride (every instructor got to cover one song). I didn’t ride it when it was playing live but apparently, it broke a Peloton record as a 18,488 riders jammed to the beat of the music in the studio or in their homes, all at the same time. Personally, I’ve taken the class (on demand) two times and time just flies by because you’re having so much fun. Best yet is that I discovered a bunch of new instructors like Ally Love and Alex Toussaint. Now, I’ve been a member of LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness in the past and have taken cycling rides by their various instructors but none of them have come close to the ones at Peloton! “How so?,” you might ask!
Peloton instructors are super fit, they have dynamic personalities, they push you to your limit, they’re encouraging and they don’t just want you to get in shape, they want you to be the best person you can be. (As Ally says, “You’re a boss!”) Lately, I’ve been doing two rides a day – one with Cody Rigsby and the other with Ally Love. (See Ally, below.)
So back to the keystone habit. Riding on a Peloton every day makes me want to eat healthier because I don’t want those burned calories to go to waste. Bye bye, late night ramen and and juicy ribeye! I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve been a smoker on and off for years now but I’m committed to quitting. Why? Because exercising and smoking just don’t go hand in hand! This morning, I woke up at 5:10am and, by the time the family started stirring, at 7:30am, I had meditated, read a few pages of a book (Thinking, Fast and Slow), journaled, gotten breakfast and taken a :45 minute Ally Love class.
So, do I love my Peloton!? You better believe it! I’m on my 10th straight day and I feel great. Can’t wait to hit the “century” mark or the 100th ride and get my free tee! (I’m at 25, quarter of the way there!) In essence, when I’m riding my Peloton I feel like it’s “my time.” I come off the bike sweaty and exhausted but accomplished and exhilarated. I was pushing a size 12 but now I’m a solid size 10. Can’t wait to get my pre-baby weight off and whittle myself down to a healthy and fit size six one day.
For now, I just want to say, I love you Peloton! I love clipping into my bike and just riding, hills and all! And to all the awesome instructors out there, thank you for the “Sorry, not sorry” quips. They crack me up!
Well, I lasted about a week. Yesterday, I was reading Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last while my husband was enjoying a late night snack. Suddenly he remarked, “Can we please talk? I’m leaving on a trip, I’ll be gone for a few days, we hardly saw each yesterday and it seems like all you’re doing these days is reading.” Then, it hit me. This 365 day challenge of reading a book a day was not only stressing the f*** out of me, I had neglected other parts of my life. So, even though I feel embarrassed to say it, I am quitting.
My friend Kat always reminds me that can we learn lessons from every experience, especially the ones that don’t go right. So what did this challenge teach me?
1. When you commit to a challenge, make sure it’s something reasonable, attainable. I didn’t give it enough thought before I proclaimed to the world that I could do this. Only once I was knee deep into it, did I realize that it takes a good 3-6 hours to complete one book. I even bought a book on speed reading but who was I kidding? I couldn’t be a speed reader overnight. Why rush through a book? Isn’t reading about enjoying every page? Every word?
2. If your challenge is going to stress you out, it’s not the right challenge for you. Instead of enjoying reading, I instead saw it as “homework.” Throw in the fact that I Instagrammed my favorite quote and wrote a full blog post about each one and you can add a few hours on top of just reading.
3. You can’t let a challenge make you neglect important parts of your life. Reading totally consumed my life, I played less with the kids, I hardly talked to my husband and forget about jumping on my Peloton for an hour of exercise. I miss my Cody Rigsby! (He’s a spinning instructor on Peloton.)
4. Pat yourself on the back for even trying. A lot of my friends, including my husband, were shocked that I even wanted to take on a challenge like this. I honestly believed I could do it. I should be proud of the fact that I even tried.
5. Something good can come out of even a short challenge. Every night I would summarize to Sam the things I learned from each book. When I told him about Thich Nhat Hanh’s philosophy on how our parents didn’t have the opportunity (or even the luxury) to be mindful, that their actions are mostly the result of what they experienced from their parents, it made him understand his parents more. At least something good came out of reading these books!
So, there. I am officially stopping my A Book A Day Challenge. (I hate the words quitting or failing.) I learned a sh** ton, I’m still going to read but I will go back to regular programming here at Adventures of Yoo. What does that mean? Every once in a while I’ll sprinkle in a book review, but mostly I’ll update you on my journey on becoming a better entrepreneur, mom, wife, sister and person. Thanks for sticking with me.
Hello, I’m Alice Yoo! I’m founder and CEO of Skylar Yoo, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering women to be bold. We sell apparel, art prints and accessories to the modern feminist.
In my former life, I was editor-in-chief of the art and culture blog My Modern Met, which I founded back in 2007. I curated and wrote about art, design and photography for more than seven years. (In fact, I published over 7,000 articles which were seen by millions of people worldwide.) I’m also co-author of a book called For Love: 25 Heartwarming Celebrations of Humanity, which is on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
I live in southern California along with my husband and my two toddler boys.
This blog is about what I love, the tough experiences that I’ve learned from, and my journey as a second time entrepreneur. Right now, I’m in the midst of a 365 day challenge, to read one book a day. If you share my passions or want to learn some cool new facts, come along for the ride. I hope to inspire, educate and entertain you!
