{Introducing} Our Creative Strategists

We are so happy to introduce to you the newest members of our CLC family - our Creative Strategists.  We have searched far and wide to find these amazing girls!  Read on to hear more about who they are and you'll see why we fell in love with them.

Jessica Healey

Philadelphia

@CLC_Philly

How would you describe your style?

I love sequins & sparkle, playful & feminine prints, big statement jewelry, anything with gold shimmer/hardware and dresses, dresses, dresses! If I don't have a bold outfit on, I'll wear a bright MAC lipstick in red or hot pink to compensate for it. I really love to experiment with the newest trends and I'm always in something that will make me feel super confident.  Cayetano Legacy Collection really resonates with my style because each unique piece adds instant glamour to so much of my existing wardrobe!

What do you like to do in your free time?

First and foremost, TRAVEL!  My husband and I just got back from an unforgettable two week trip through Thailand and Bali.  We have promised each other that no matter what happens in life, we will always make a solid effort to keep discovering new cultures and exploring this beautiful world together!  I also love to run for fun;I have completed 5 Ten-Milers (including Philly's Broad Street run twice) and will continue running to keep my mind clear and my body healthy!

Favorite spots in Philly?

Where do I begin?  There's so much to do in this great city!  I appreciate good food and you get just that at any Stephen Starr or Jose Garces restaurant (Philadelphia restaurateurs) around the city.  Some of my favorite restaurants are Amada, Jones, Buddakan and... Pat's Cheesesteaks! For cocktails, we love to go to Parc on Rittenhouse Square or The Continental for what are formerly known as "Buzz Aldrins".  

I'm also a huge Eagles and Phillies fan, so I can't forget about the stadiums in South Philly.  Sports and tailgating are such a part of our culture in Philadelphia! 

Lisa Atia

Los Angeles

@CLC_LA 

How would you describe your style?

I’d like to think of my style as ever-evolving, although it mostly evolves with my mood each day! I’m always on the hunt for new styles, new things to add to my daily wardrobe that gives it a little extra funk, boldness or sexiness. Overall though, I’d like to think of myself as a laid-back tomboy by day, bombshell by night kinda girl. I like pushing the boundaries of people’s expectations when it comes to fashion. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m all about being creative and following my heart, regardless of the time of day, so to say ‘free time’ wouldn’t really be accurate – which is why I’m with CLC!  It’s something I believe in and am passionate about and that’s what I want to spend all of my time doing – only the things that have significance in my life.  Life is too short to be unhappy. But aside from CLC, I’m a beauty and fashion blogger, a contributing writer for AND Magazine and at heart, I’m a musician – a singer and writer. I’m also an avid traveler and love to meet new people, try new things and experience life outside the bubble of LA (although, it’s not a bad bubble to be in at all!). 

Favorite spots in Los Angeles?

LA is home for me. I grew up here, explored many different parts of this town, so I’d like to think I know my way around some of the lesser known places. There are so many ‘spots’ in LA but for now, I’m going to narrow my selection down to just three:

I’m a total foodie, so some of my fav places around LA combine the two things I love most – music and food. I’ve spent more than a few hours at a family-owned, hole-in-the-wall place right down the street from me – Chego. It has the most laid back, hipster atmosphere (in a good way) with great music, spicy food and some pretty cool peeps. They play music off their iPod so you can usually request a station. You can even bring in your own alcohol with no corkage fee (don’t tell anyone I told you) and the liquor store next door will give you a discount off their wine if you show them your receipt from Chego! That’s what I call small business partnerships. I was even fortunate enough to meet the head baker (Beth) and have her create my engagement cake! (Let me tell you, the tres leches cake here is orgasm-in-your-mouth good). Ok, I’ve said too much already…next!

One of the best kept secrets in Santa Monica is a small little bar/dance spot called Zanzibar. They play world music (think Afro-Cuban) mixed with (good) hip-hop and R&B jams. I hold this place in high regard because it’s far enough away from the Hollywood hooplah and yet close enough in the mix of things to give you the real LA experience. (I really only go to Hollywood when showing friends around that haven’t been here before). I prefer to find the hidden gems around the rest of LA instead.

Now, this last spot is not like the others but it is one of my favorite and most special places to me by far. It’s the Self-Realization Lake Shrine right off of Sunset and PCH, in Pacific Palisades. You wouldn’t even know it’s there unless someone told you about it (which is how I found out about it). It’s a lake with a path to walk around it, with gorgeous flowers and plants from all over the world. The best thing about it? It celebrates all religions. Even if you’re not religious, it’s much more of a spiritual place anyway. Interestingly, some of Ghandi’s ashes are buried there. It is sacred ground – you can feel the shift of energy when you are there. It’s really quite powerful and calming all at the same time. There is even a Buddhist temple at the top of the hill with Sunday services offered. But for me, I usually go just to be silent and reflect. I would say this is a must-see if you are visiting LA, but beware, they close early (4pm) and have weird hours of operation so check their site for info. http://www.lakeshrine.org/

Raquel Flores

Chicago

@CLC_Chicago 

How would you describe your style?

My wardrobe is pretty versatile.  I love blending styles,especially the classic and the trendy.  I tend to lean towards 70's inspired pieces - bold, colorful, dramatic, fun.    

What do you like to do in your free time?

You u can find me getting lost in the city, and exploring new shops.  When I'm home I'll watch terrible romantic comedies on Netflix.  Or else I'll be partying, dancing, and laughing with friends!       

Favorite spots in Chicago?

There are so many, but if I had to pick my top spots, they would be North Avenue Beach/ Lake Michigan, Southport Corridor, Armitage-Halsted District. 

Bridget Riepl

NYC/NJ

@CLC_NY

How would you describe your style? 

My signature look is classically chic.  I keep my foundation simple with quintessential pieces like ballet flats, camisoles, blazers, cardigans and oversized sunglasses.   From there, I bring out different aspects of my mood, personality and lifestyle with accessories that make a statement.  This allows me a lot of freedom to evolve, take on new influences and experiment with new trends.    

  
What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love laughing with my husband, spending time with my family, lingering in eclectic coffee shops, practicing yoga, finding inspiration in antique shops (for my home and my wardrobe) and figuring out how to revamp old school recipes in a healthy way.  I also love entertaining!  There is nothing more exciting than a room filled with lively conversation.

Favorite spots in NYC/NJ?

I feel really lucky to live where I live in NJ because it puts me in a great position to enjoy the City, as well as the beach and boardwalk.  My favorite spot in NYC is definitely Soho, one of New York's most fashionable neighborhoods.  It has been my go-to spot for more than 10 years, since my sister attended the Aveda Institute and regularly met my family for dinner at Peep- my all time favorite Thai restaurant!  As far as shopping goes, I never miss Anna Sui, A Second Chance (amazing vintage finds), Marc Jacobs, Chanel (window shopping of course!) and Sabon NYC. 

In NJ, I spend the majority of my time riding my beach cruiser through the tiny towns that line the beaches.  You can find me eating sushi at Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park, practicing and teaching yoga at Evenflow in Long Branch, shopping in Pier Village and Red Bank, and sipping coffee at Rook in Oakhurst.