Wonder Woman Wednesday: Nicole Emanuele

This Wednesday's Wonder Woman is disgustingly talented, a humanitarian, has a penchant for giraffes (they are her spirit animal) and is effortlessly cool. Nicole graciously agreed to let me interview her for this week's post just in time for me to plug her upcoming movie release. Enjoy!Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?
I am just a girl, trying to make it in the big city. I live in Brooklyn, New York, with the love of my life and my fish, Frank Ocean. I like to tell stories, and help people tell their stories... I guess more formally I do that via my job at YouTube as a Partner Manager, and my work producing Not Waving But Drowning.

You work at Google and have a pretty demanding job. What are some pieces of career advice that you’ve learned along the way that have helped you?

Listen, watch, and observe before you take action. I was trigger happy when I first started, eager to please and share my ideas and jump in to everything. Now I edit myself a lot more, in what I say, write, what I do, what I ask, pitch.  I am still working on mastering this, but I've come a long way from where I was --> the queen of putting my foot in my mouth!

What is your take on dressing for the office when you work in such a laid back office culture (yet live in one of the fashion capitals of the world)?

Sometimes I like to wear something a little cheeky - like hot pink sneakers or something sparkly - just to instigate a little. I find walking to work on the streets of Chelsea to be very intimidating! All these fancy people, in fantastic clothes! 

There was one day that I forgot I had a meeting with (luckily!) a fashion industry executive. I was wearing this hilarious t-shirt that says "Macho" and has a big red heart on it. I was really anxious before the meeting, but I then I made a decision, "Nicole - you don't have another outfit, or time to get one. This is the situation, so own it, or die trying.". So that's what I did, I just decided to be 100% confident about the stupid thing I was wearing, and it was then a non-issue. In fact, they complimented it - Ha! I think this was a good lesson in fashion/style: It's about how you act, as much as what you wear.

In a previous life, you've worked on a number of films, most recently producing Not Waving but Drowning, about a young woman leaving her small town for the big city. How was the character's experience different from your own?  *Nicole left Rockville, MD for Tallahassee, FL and then made her way to NYC.

The two lead characters both strongly emulate certain aspects of growing up. This like crazy rush for wanting to grow, explore, adventure, become someone new, and this nostalgia for home, comfort, and what you know. 

How would you describe your style?

Oh my goodness. I would like to say my style is laid back, with a simple, timeless elegance, but that's not really the truth, more my goal.  

For work, I try to stay comfortable and nice looking, and a little more conservative. I was proud of one outfit this week - it was a cute orange dress from H&M with a long linen black and white cardigan over it. 

For play, my favorite thing to wear is my fiancé's Larry Bird jersey from the 80's, it's green and mesh, and it fits me perfectly! I like to wear it with cute shorts. When I am hanging out on my own, I like to dress like I am on vacation. 

Finally, please share something surprising about yourself.

When I was 12 I wrote a computer game with my friend Amy. We programmed it, and drew all the characters, we even sang the theme song. It never went to market, but I am still proud of my programming feat.  Sometimes I do think: "Man we should have made that an app. We might be rich now." 

Wagner Family Weekend

Forever21 dress / Kate Spade sandals / Anthropologie belt / Celine  Sunnies / BaubleBar Bracelet / Ring made in SF 

We spent Saturday at the Gilroy Garlic Festival  which actually smelled like you might imagine. I was hoping to be crowned Miss Gilroy Garlic, but was not nominated. A bit of a disappointment. Fortunately, by the time I finished a basket of salty garlic fries, I was able to move on. Topping them off with a triple-layer smoothie (complete with necessary decorative festival flare) put me in Garlic Festival heaven (Harlowe, too). 

On the right track

I hope you're all are having a fantastic weekend. This outfit is a work-week staple that moonlights as weekend attire because it is just that comfortable. 

I'm currently lusting after the faux-leather track pants in the looks below. What do you think?

Summer Shoes

    Sometimes I do bad things.  These bad things include (but are not limited to): Sleeping through my alarm clock, eating my husband's last english muffin, and splurging on shoes. The shoes pictured above are recent additions to our family; 3 of which were acquired during a 2-week stretch where I was mourning the end of my Hawaiian vacation.  

 The sandals were a 'no brainer' since they were acquired during Kate Spade's recent sale. The other members of the fam' are super-affordable Zara finds. Several people have inquired about the perceived comfort of my black sandals. Girl, they are amazing. Why are you still waiting? 

                                                 What shoes / sandals are you currently living in?

Pleated Dress and Metallic Sandals

I know I am not alone in thinking the creative director at Zara completely crushed it this season. Metallic shoes that are affordable and comfortable are a safe (and totally chic) bet. (These pumps get a lot of love too).

 I paired these with a simple Summer dress that shows a little leg. I have the folks at Bebe to thank for this pleated number. You can shop similar looks below!

5 Things + Raffle Winner

Essie and a new favorite, Floss Gloss.

Made with love in San Francisco.

Nail polish heaven at beauty company's Summer Beauty Soiree.

Be.Spoke bath products are fundamentally essential.

Raffle at the Summer Beauty Soiree.

Your super-fun hosts.  Caity of Moi Contre La Vie, Donna of So You Agree and me.

Congrats to all of the winners below! (I hope you know that sharing is caring...wink, wink.) 

Sasha M. - One month of airbrushing or one month of unlimited manicures

Leslie L. - A full set of Floss Gloss nail polish

Juila R. - Bumble and Bumble surf spray

Holly B. - One month of unlimited airbrushing or one month unlimited manicures

Ashley K. - A gift from Be.Spoke

White Party

Photos by: Jennymay Villarete

 I wore this outfit to the office last week and straight to an event that evening. Truth be told, I planned on a quick wardrobe change before co-hosting the Summer Soiree with Floss Gloss at beauty company in SF, but in typical Bethann fashion, I got to the event right as it started which meant this crisp all-white outfit stayed on longer than expected. Luckily, I did not have to break out my tide pen once.

Come back Monday as I'll be sharing photos from the soiree and announcing the winner of one of the raffles. Psst...don't miss fellow co-hosts Moi Contre La Vie and So You Agree. They will be announcing the other winners of the Summer Soiree with Floss Gloss raffle.

Shop the all-white look below. 

5-ways to wear monochrome

Torn by Ronny Kobo Top & Skirt / BCBG blazer / Forever21 and JustFab Jewelry (similar here) / Zara pumps

It has been said that surrounding yourself with doses of green can attract prosperity, balance and growth. If this is true, I'm down to cover myself in green like icing on a sugar cookie. 

If the thought of sporting monochrome has left you green with envy, or plain confused, rest assured this can easily be accomplished at home. My tip: Incorporate patterns and shade variations to break ensembles apart.  

Be sure to check out Moi Contre La Vie, SF Shop Girl, Once Upon a Blog, and Cara's Cliche to get the scoop on how these stylish mavens rock the trend.

5 Things

I finally got around to uploading some Maui pictures. We spent a whole day trying to make it up the Road to Hana, but my distaste for winding roads and subsequent carsickness ensured we'd only make it to mile 12. I did have the opportunity to drink out of a fresh coconut during our first stop which was really the most vital thing to experience. 

Adorable post cards that, for a moment, make me want to trade in my CA plates for HI ones. The local appreciation for driving at a snail's pace would keep me consistently petulant, but I can always appreciate a rainbow.

Mint Chocolate Chip ice-cream I dug into at the town of Paia, population: 2,668. Not pictured: The greatest fish tacos I've ever eaten. You MUST hit up Paia Fish Market for arguably the best fish dishes on the island. 

Sunset from our hotel balcony.

The Banker hiking at mile 2 on The Road to Hana.

Work life balance.

Interview with Sherri Ziesche, Owner of 'Beauty Company'

I'm honored to be able to feature the owner of SF's haven for quality, locally and internationally sourced skincare, nail, bath, body, hair and travel products, Beauty Company. Sherri's spot is known for providing luxurious, affordable products and services, but what people may not know is that behind the product knowledge is an indomitable mogul with a very warm heart and a very  contagious smile.

Who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

Sherri Ziesche I'm the owner of beauty company and the founder of Be.Spoke modern apothecary. I live in SF in the Tenderloin.

Can you share a little bit about how you started Beauty Company and then Be.Spoke? 

I started out as a make up artist and aesthetician. I always new I'd have a salon someday. It's weird, but from a very young age I always wanted to have a salon. I purchased The Beauty Company in 2002 dropped 'The' from the name. I remodeled it and brought in more current products and lots of European brands.

I always wanted to do my own product line. I was working on another project when I finally felt it was time to bring my vision to life and launch Be.Spoke 

What were some challenges that you faced when starting your own business?

Funding is always a major hurdle! It can get discouraging, but you have to be willing to take risks.

I know that you were an aesthetician before starting your own business.  How was that experience? What were some of the biggest learnings that you’ve applied to your own business?

Working with so many brands over the years I've learned that I can only stand by products that performs. If I don't like it I won't sell it, use it or give it as a gift!

Aside from Be.Spoke products; what is impossible to keep on the Beauty Company's shelves? 

Bumble and Bumble still has a strong following as well as Morracan oil. Morracan oil came out of nowhere and is now a major player in the industry, rightfully so, it's a great product line!

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what beauty products would you totally need with you.

I can't live without Gentle Glycolic Ceanser from beauty company and our oil free moisturizer. It has a cult following. For hair care I love Nioxin #3 cleanser (that's what they call the shampoo) and Enjoys hair mask; they are always in my shower. 

I love your Hermes and Louis Vuitton bracelets. What other items in your closet and jewelry chest get the most love? 

Well, I don't want to brag but I got a Kelly bag a few years ago and last October I got a Birkin (yes, I remember the month I got it) it was a MAJOR gift and I'll cherish it forever.

As for my Hermes bracelet collection I've been at it for about 10 years I wear them daily I love them and it's a signature at this point.

Finally – please share something surprising about yourself!

I'm fine being alone and love my down time, especially since I'm working with the public so much.

If you'd like to meet Sherri in real-life (and you're in SF), come join us at beauty company Tuesday, July 16th from 6-8PM for cupcakes, manicures and bubble sipping with me my friends Caity of Moi Contre La Vie and Donna of So You Agree. I hope to see you there!

Deadly Crop Top

Aloha friends! I am relieved to report that the shark across my chest was the only shark I saw during my stay. I did however see two massive sea turtles while snorkeling and contemplated riding one despite it being illegal to touch. 

I wore this outfit (shorts last seen here) on my first day in Maui which explains the snow white skin tone I'm flaunting (my skin does get a tad bit glow-ier as time spent in sunlight increases). I have so many more photos to share that I may be posting about Maui for the remainder of Summer 2013. 

Shop the look below. 

Cut Off Shorts

I'm still soaking up the sun in Hawaii and will have plenty of tropical photos to share soon. I wore this outfit around town right before we left. 

There is something about denim cutoffs that I've taken a liking to for 15 years now. Maybe it is that they can easily be adapted to complement any style. I mean, really, no matter what your mood you need to dress for, cutoffs will have you covered.

I paired these cutoffs (last seen on 5 Ways be Chic on a Budget) with an orange crop and accented it with turquoise accessories. This outfit just screams summer to me.

Go ahead, shop the look:

What's In My Beach Bag

What's In My Beach Bag by bethanimalprint featuring vera bradley

Oh my gawd! I just got to Maui and it is cool, smells of ocean water and has an abundant amount of Mai Tais available for consumption. I'm so happy I will be here for the next 5 days! Here's what I'll me toting with me!

ModCloth Home & Living · J.Crew Longsleeve Shirts · MinkPink Two-Piece Swimwear

Apartment Tour

Ever since Refinery29 stopped in to YouTube for an Office Tour, I have been dying to give an apartment tour. Since my apartment is frequently littered with toddler toys, it can be challenging to capture via photographs. 

I had an hour to myself yesterday while The Banker (who managed to find his way into one particularly creepy photo above) headed to the airport to pick up one of this week's house-guests. I spent that hour carefully applying St. Tropez in preparation for vacation and snapping photos of our apartment. 

If you're looking for more inspiration on the beauty front you can head on over to the gorgeous Julia's blog where I dish on everything from teal eyeliner to energizing eye-cream. 

Shop pieces similar to what we have in our apartment, plus some of my beauty faves below!

Laura Mercier Face Concealer · Bloomingdale's Mascara · TheBalm Eye Shadow