Back to School Syndrome Solution: Tantrum!

Transitioning from an often laissez-faire family fun-filled summer fiesta to a routine-driven school year isn’t always easy, not just for kids but also for the already busy mommies. 

Preparing and staying organized is key… stylishly organized that is! While mommy duty calls may no longer allow the luxury of time for dry bars and pedicures post summer, she can still be in style by accessorizing with the perfect “it” bag!

Talking about busy, former Ralph Lauren intern in New York, now Scottsdale-based designer, motivational speaker, published writer, wife and mother of 9-year old boy/girl twins, JR Marriott sums it up well, “I had to design these bags because I needed them to simplify my life.  I craved a stylish leather bag where I could find what I was looking for and that’s what a Tantrum handbag does.  Now when it comes to the rest of my life -- work, dinner, the kids activities and alone time with my husband, I of course take time to plan ahead, but if something comes up that I didn’t plan for then I’ve become super efficient at quickly figuring out what to do right then and there...to act on it or do nothing.” Did I also mention?  She sits on the Board of Directors as a Programs Chair for the Fashion Group International of Arizona.

JR Marriott, Designer and CEO of Tantrum

Flaunting my Lone Survivor Tote with Tantrum Designer JR Marriott

I met JR Marriott, Designer and CEO of Tantrum a few months ago when I won the Lone Survivor Tote by Tantrum, which I adore for its chic looks, posh quality, and its functional interior details. The lavish leather and stud embellishment in vibrant plum hue contrasted with gold chain straps, screamed modern and edgy while the inside pockets and compartments are perfect for sophisticated personal effects.

JR Marriott tells us more about Tantrum:

SV:  What type of woman does your brand cater to?

JM: I design for the 21st century woman.  This woman currently creates outfits by pulling together items from multiple designers instead of how the 20th century woman pulled looks together from one designer to achieve a ‘matchy-matchy’ head-to-toe look.  A cohesive look with unique parts that stand out from one another, yet coordinate and look beautiful together.  This modern-day woman is a multi-faceted woman who wears many different styles for varying meetings or events she attends. Therefore Tantrum offers multiple handbag styles to meet the needs of this woman to coordinate with her ever-changing looks.

Dress/Top by Prabal Gurung
Jaclyn Skirt by Bri Seeley
Pumps by BCBG
Sunnies by DKNY
Lone Survivor Tote by Tantrum

Long Sleeve Top by Target
Skinny Pants by JC Penny
Flats from SM by Parisian
Sunnies by Ray-Ban
Lone Survivor Tote by Tantrum

Long Sleeve Top by Target
Shawl/Poncho by Shawl Dawls
Skinny Pants by H&M
Flats by Zara
Sunnies by Elizabeth Arden
Necklace by Juicy Couture
Lone Survivor Tote by Tantrum

Photo source: Desert Rh1no Photography

SV:  What makes Tantrum handbags unique?

JM:  My intention is to design, select resources and create bags that will last a long time. Therefore we use materials that are beautiful and resilient.  All of our bags are lightweight yet have this incredible depth and feel to them that says luxury.  Our distinctive signature leather from our core collection coupled with our wisely designed interiors proves to be a winning combination. Two innovative features are: (1) every bag is appointed with a unique key chain that magically attaches to our bags in the same spot for reliable access; (2) We call our pockets ‘Pockets with Purpose’ since they come in varying sizes for different items, i.e. iPad, sunglasses, mobile phones, wallets, ear bud pockets, etc., to keep them in place.

Tantrum magnetic key chain and 'Pockets with Purpose'

SV:  What can we look forward to in the next season?

JM: We are currently working on a line of leather bound notebooks that women can carry in our bags. These books will continue the look of a beautiful, organized woman when they are in meetings or out and about that complements their Tantrum handbag.

Use code “CHASINGSHEILA” at checkout to get $75 OFF when you shop online at tantrumbags.com. I’m currently crushing on the jet black “Connected Individual Hobo” which comes with a padded iPad pocket! 

Get yours now and be a trendsetter before Tantrum hits Bloomingdales Beverly Center in Los Angeles, California on September 20th, 2014.

Jet Black "Connected Individual Hobo" by Tantrum

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings.

XOXO,
Sheila 

Emerging Red-Carpet-Ready Designers

Original post written by Sheila Vertuno for www.TheChicSpy.com

When we set our eyes on the glamorous gowns and fabulous fashions that hit the red carpet, we can’t help but wonder which designer created the look. We recently spotted talented up and coming designers during the Phoenix Fashion Week emerging designer announcement, where designers showed one look from their upcoming collection, which will be presented during Phoenix FashionWeek’s October fashion show. We were excited to see all the looks, but three caught our attention as red carpet ready designers: Hues of Ego, Rayan, and Lillienne Lang Attire. We recently interviewed the promising designers behind the brands to get more intel on their lines.

Hues of Ego by Natasha Duran Lynch

SV: WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD GROWING YOUR BRAND?

NL: Some of the major challenges I have personally encountered while creating and growing my brand is “me.” I am my worst critic. I have gotten in my own way at times, during the past few years; and what I mean by that is, I feel that at times I have stopped or halted my own growth due to my own insecurities.

SV: WHY DESIGN IN A CITY NOT KNOWN FOR FASHION?

NL: Well, in all honesty the first reason why I chose to design in Phoenix was because I reside here and I’m raising my child here. But beyond that, I feel that Phoenix is on the rise to becoming known for fashion. If you look at what Phoenix has to offer, it has a ton of things and has great potential to build a solid foundation behind a known fashion city. The reason why I chose Phoenix Fashion Week is because I have seen them grow and the opportunity that they provide to emerging designers such as myself is priceless.

SV: WHAT WAS THE FIRST FASHION GARMENT YOU DESIGNED?

NL: My first piece of clothing that I designed is from one of my first sewing projects in fashion school and it was a wearable art piece. We were encouraged, but not limited to use unconventional materials. The only parameter for this school project was that it could be sewn or glued as long as it was wearable. So, I had the idea to make an entire dress out of beer bottle caps … I liked the sound when they hit each other. Somehow, I figured out how to sew a strapless, pleated muslin dress together without having a dress form, pattern or anything like that – I truly believe it was pure luck.

SV: WHO IS YOUR FASHION ICON AND WHY?

NL: Stephane Rolland, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, Elie Saab, Zac Posen – just to name a few. Some of my architectural influences are Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier.

SV: IF YOU COULD DRESS ANYONE PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD IT BE?

NL: Marilyn Monroe would be an amazing woman to dress. She seemed to be a classy woman who liked to push the envelope with fashion. Marilyn Monroe embraced her curvy body, which I appreciate. One of Hues of Egos goals is to design clothing that will enable women to be able to embrace, love and unveil who they really are, inside and out.

SV: IF YOU WERE A CHIC SPY AGENT, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CODE NAME?

NL: The Silent Observer Assassin, because I am one to stand back and observe the situation and surroundings and take note of what I need to do to step up, then I attack.

Photo source: Courtesy of Hues of Ego/Photographed by Jacqueline Hanna/Modeled by Ubani Ukuku

Rayan by Nadia Rayan and Nora Rayan Ghaneian

SV: WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD GROWING YOUR BRAND?

NR: Balancing everything by ourselves is definitely the most challenging part. However, we love that we are able to oversee every aspect of the business – creative, business, sales, etc. Every challenging experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. We learn something new every single day.

SV: WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER DESIGNERS?

NR: We are the premier brand of long sleeve and full-length eveningwear. We recognized a significant void in the market for elegant silhouettes that were both contemporary and at an affordable price point. Our brand gets a lot of attention not only because our designs are bold and elegant, but also because we have a really unique concept that is new and fresh and unlike that of any other brand.

SV: WHO IS YOUR FASHION ICON AND WHY?

NR: Princess Diana. Her style was nothing short of elegant and graceful. She had her own unique flair of style and exuded complete confidence. Not only was she a fashion legacy, but she inspires us with her dedication and contributions to humanitarian causes.

SV: IF YOU COULD DRESS ANYONE PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD IT BE?

NR: Princess Diana, Michelle Obama, and Angelina Jolie. These women define what it means to be elegant, bold, strong, and confident.

SV: IF YOU WERE A CHIC SPY AGENT, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CODE NAME?

NR: Charmante Femme meaning charming woman in French.

Photo source: Courtesy of Rayan

Lilllienne Lang by designer Lillian Langford

SV: WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD GROWING YOUR BRAND?

LL: My main challenge as a emerging designer is being a single parent of four and jumping into this intense program, trying to balance that and make it happen while being there for my kiddos at the same time. Plus learning the business side of fashion and trying to launch a business in a matter of weeks is quite the challenge indeed.

SV: WHO IS THE IDEAL LILLLIENNE LANG WOMAN?

LL: Traditional elegance and grace with a free spirit, with a timeless edge to her. Vibrant energy. A woman who understood the difference between style and fads; and fashion that complimented her, not fashion that overwhelmed and robbed her, so to speak. A sense of understated sophistication combined with humanity and eco-consciousness.

SV: WHO IS YOUR FASHION ICON AND WHY?

LL: Coco Chanel, hands down. She not only revolutionized women’s fashion in her time – to be comfortable and mysterious. She designed timeless, practical and efficient apparel that was healthy for a woman’s body. Through fashion she changed the ideology of women and put them on a level of self-respect with men, in terms of equality. Coming from a poor background and sad life, she is a prime example of rising above it all and confirming that if you want something, you can achieve it regardless the circumstance. She liberated women in many ways.

SV: IF YOU COULD DRESS ANYONE PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD IT BE?

LL: These are the women I would dress in no particular order: King Henry’s daughter Elizabeth when she became Queen because she was a legend of resilience and discipline, fiercely loyal to her country. Audrey Hepburn, she was timeless and a humanitarian. Grace Kelly, beautiful and pure class. Julia Roberts, real and all-American.  Audrey Tatou, French. The young up and coming actress Shailene Woodley, real, lovely, and eco conscious; and of course the lovely Angelina Jolie, fearless mom, humanitarian, and gorgeous.

SV: IF YOU WERE A CHIC SPY AGENT, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CODE NAME?

LL: French B.

Photo source: LillienneLang.com

If you’re in the Valley of the Sun, check out these and more designers during the upcoming Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort on October 1-4, 2014.

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings.

XOXO,
Sheila 

Milan Reversible Tote Giveaway

Yes, that’s right!  Keeping it short and sweet in this blog, I am giving away a free MIILAN reversible tote with pouch, compliments of Sole Society.

Whether headed to shop at the farmer’s market or to stroll at the mall, the Milan is a versatile carryall.  Weigh it down with only the beach essentials, such as magazines, sunscreen, a cover up, a pair of sunnies and a camera... it’s a perfect companion for tanning by the ocean.

Bag contents not included in the giveaway.

As much as I did, you will fall in love with this oversized and relaxed shape tote in nautical navy soft faux leather that reverses to a classic blue and white stripe fabric.  It is open top with magnetic closure and has a detachable pouch.  So chic!

To enter, visit “Chasing Sheila” Facebook page and follow instructions.  There's no catch, just simply a giveaway =) Entry deadline is August 16^th, 2014.  Open to US residents only. Good luck!

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings.

XOXO,
Sheila