WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO START YOUR MORNING/CENTER YOURSELF? I start my day with a hot cup of coffee.  I take the time during my commute to either listen to a podcast or ride in silence with my thoughts.  Lately, during this pandemic, I am riding to work in silence.  I try to center myself, find the peace ahead of my busy day, be mindful of all the things I have to be grateful for, and think of at least one [thing] I will do for others [to] have a positive effect on someone in my day.  

WHAT IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF IN THE LAST YEAR? Life is too short to continue to wear jeans with a t-shirt or black everyday. At 38 years old, and after having my children, I have grown to be much more comfortable in my own skin.  

IS THERE A FAVORITE OR SPECIAL ACTIVITY THAT YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY TO SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER? As a family, we love to go camping. As a parent, it is important that we don’t do the same thing twice and strive to experience something new.  

IS THERE IS A WOMAN/PERSON YOU’VE LOOKED UP TO AS A CHILD, WHO’S HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I get my inspiration from everywhere around me, women who are younger than me who seem to exude confidence in whatever they are wearing.  Women, like Rakia, who are not afraid to wear a variety of prints and patterns. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR AND WHY? The Cassie Panther and Jungle Print Pants are my absolute favorite thing to wear right now. I feel dynamic and edgy as soon as I put them on.  They are incredibly comfortable through the legs, the waistband gives a touch of support across my stomach.  They wash wonderfully.

EDJ: DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY MEMORIES OF GETTING YOUR KIDS DRESSED WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER? PAM: When I would take my kids shopping, they would get so excited about their new clothes, that each one of them would have to wear anything new we bought right out of the store. I would walk everyone to checkout in their clothes with the tags still on them, with the clothes they originally wore spilling out of my purse.

EDJ: IS THERE A WOMAN/PERSON YOU’VE LOOKED UP TO WHO’S HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? PAM: My mom always could put together an outfit, even though watching her do it would be questionable sometimes, but she had instinct on what to put together. I love the way my mom would accessorize. She would throw a belt on with almost everything, and it just made things [more chic]!

NAME: Leah Sinderbrand

OCCUPATION: Brand Strategist at Skai Blue Media

EDJ: IS THERE ANYONE YOU’VE LOOKED UP TO WHO’S HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? LEAH: I was looking through my parents’ wedding album from 1983, and there is a picture of my mom at her bridal shower wearing a cerulean knit sweater over a light pink cotton midi skirt and nude sandals, and I thought about how much I wanted to wear that right now. I see that my style is influenced by my mom’s California and Indiana roots. Summer brings out the “pacific coast highway road trip” vibe, and Fall is like “studying in a lofty library with a fireplace” – more rich colors, patterns, cozy and chunky knits, lots of layers.

EDJ: WHAT VALUES WERE INSTILLED IN YOU THAT YOU HOLD TRUE TO THIS DAY, AND HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR DECISION MAKING? LEAH: [I like to] experiment with mixing patterns, color clashing, show[ing] bra-straps, and [I] don’t think about what [I] can or can’t pull off. It’s a ‘feeling formula’ for me; if I am comfortable, the look will carry itself!

EDJ: DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO WEAR WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? LEAH: I came of age in the era of Limited Too bedazzled denim, Delia’s graphic tees, hip-hugging yoga pants and American Eagle polos. But my favorite had to be a bright Kelly Green corduroy coat I got from Macy’s in the 7th grade and still have.

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR AND WHY? LEAH: I am loving my Evryday Jane Gabbi Culottes in white. I keep rotating them with different lightweight cotton tops, or sometimes just rocking with a bright bathing suit top.

EDJ: DO YOU GIVE YOUR MOM STYLE ADVICE? OR DOES SHE GIVE YOU ADVICE? LEAH: Not quite, we sort of have a mutual understanding of our individual styles, and support each other’s style decisions all the way!

EDJ: WHAT ARE SOME RECIPES YOU HAVE TRIED, LEARNED OR WANT TO MAKE WHILE BEING AT HOME? CASSIE: [During quarantine,] I miss having Thai food the most, so I’ve learned how to make Shrimp curry. A bonus perk is being able to add all the additional veggies I want in it. I have baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with craisins and walnuts and [then] delivered/ mailed them to family and friends in care packages. Recently my mom has been showing me how to use the grill. I’ve been making all the classic BBQ sides while she does the grilling but now, I’m learning too.

EDJ: HAVE YOU MADE IT A POINT TO UNPLUG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA/THE INTERNET? CASSIE: Yes and No. It’s complicated. I love my group chats on IG with my friends, so in a way I use it to connect, share, and learn about what’s going on politically and culturally. I have stopped spending time scrolling through less meaningful content in general these days. I give it about 5 min and then put the phone away. Most of my google searches are of gardening tools and pruning and growing tips for my herbs and veggies [that] I started growing a couple of months back.

EDJ: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS? (FACETIME, TEXT, CALL, ZOOM, ETC)? CASSIE: I think right now it is so much better to actually see the faces of people I love and miss. I started a weekly happy hour, brunch and creative circle with some of my friends via Google Hangouts. We don’t always all sync every week, but it is definitely helpful to stay connected, share our feelings, support, and uplift each other.

EDJ: HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY INTERESTING OR EXCITING VIRTUAL EVENTS? TELL US ABOUT ONE AND WHY YOU ENJOYED IT. CASSIE: I haven’t done too many, to be honest, but I like watching my friend Sam (@djbeargazer) DJ on IG live. It’s like being back in Brooklyn, out with friends having a good time while supporting our NY family. I am attending Where Are the Black Designers Webinar this Saturday which I am looking forward to.

EDJ: IS THERE AN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET THAT SPARKS JOY EACH TIME YOU SEE IT? WHY? CASSIE: I really love sandals and, with it being summer now, I would say all my Sol Sana Sandals. They are comfortable, minimal, and timeless (I still get compliments on all of them).

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR AND WHY? CASSIE: I have the Evryday Jane Tie-Waist Shirt Dress in Black and White Gingham. I love it cause it’s effortless. I can throw it on with a pair of black leather slides or sneakers, with a pair of hoops and go about my day in style. I’m also looking forward to layering it over jeans in the cooler months.

EDJ: HAVE YOU ADAPTED THE PILLARS OF YOUR PERSONAL STYLE TO SIMPLER OUTFITS LIKE THOSE YOU WEAR TO RUN ERRANDS, GO FOR A WALK, WORK FROM HOME? CHRISTANNA: Well, now I treat running errands as excuses to “dress up.” This weekend I turned a floral square handkerchief into a top just to pick up a few things from the grocery store. I recently ordered a pair of silver metallic pants — can’t wait to wear those to UPS or something!

EDJ: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? CHRSITANNA: Sporty and functional (I’m not wearing heels if I’m getting my steps in). I love a jumpsuit or two-piece set, they look great but require little decision time. My friends say I like “the weird stuff that no one else can pull off.”

EDJ: HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A BUSY DAY? CHRISTANNA: I always make sure my devices are charged and check my calendar the night before so I have a clear understanding of what I need to be doing and when. That morning, I check in with my colleagues to ensure they know what I’m focusing on and that we have our bases covered.

EDJ: IS THERE A WOMAN/PERSON YOU’VE LOOKED UP TO AS A CHILD, WHO’S HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? CHRISTANNA: My [maternal] Grandmom always dressed sharp, head to toe with accessories and everything, even around the house. We called her the HSN Queen because she was always ordering the latest specials. My mom had a great early 90s style. Now when I wear mom jeans and basic tees, I feel like I look just like her.

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN GETTING DRESSED FOR THE DAY? CHRISTANNA: What’s on the agenda and what’s the weather?

EDJ: IS THERE AN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET THAT SPARKS JOY EACH TIME YOU SEE IT? WHY? CHRSITANNA: I have this amazing cropped matador-inspired jacket that I found buried in the sale section mis-marked for $29.99. When I took it to the register, the associate told me it was $129.99, but I still had to have it. A few days later, I suffered from buyer’s remorse and decided to return it. When they scanned the return, the associate said “I’m technically not allowed to do this, but this jacket is now on sale for $19.99.” She let me buy it back for $10 bucks cheaper than I originally thought it was! I don’t wear it often since it’s a special piece, but sometimes I put it on in my room when I’m watching tv just to feel fancy.

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR? CHRISTANNA: The Nia Volume Pants in every color. Last year I wore the blue striped pair whenever Rakia would let me borrow them, so this season I had to order my own before they sold out. They’re comfortable and affordable, but look very high fashion and pair perfectly with a cropped top or jacket.

EDJ: WHAT ROLE DOES FASHION PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? ALIXE: “Fashion is like my suit of armor. When I’m dressed in a stylish outfit, I feel strong, elegant, and impenetrable against my enemies. Being a non-binary person, I use fashion as a way to play with my gender expression and feel more confident and comfortable in the body that I have.”

EDJ: HOW DOES EDJ REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? ALIXE: “I love the functionality of all the pieces and how you can wear them so many different ways. I believe that this is the direction that the fashion industry as a whole should move in – designing timeless pieces that have versatility so that we all don’t keep buying so much and further polluting the planet. My favorite piece is the Gail Travel Pod because I can wear it all year long and it adds an aura of intrigue to any outfit.”

EDJ: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SPENDING YOUR TIME DURING THE QUARANTINE? ALIXE: “I’ve been seeing so much out there on social media talking about how this is the time to pick up new hobbies, learn new skills, and hustle hard, but I’ve actually been more intentional in my practice of rest and self-care. What this looks like for me is cooking family comfort food recipes, taking epsom salt baths and stretching to ease tension, journaling, reading, listening to new music, and calling friends and family.”

EDJ: WHAT STEPS HAVE YOU TAKEN TO STAY MINDFUL AND AT PEACE DURING THIS TIME? ROXANNE: “I have a practice of meditation and Bikram yoga designed for life’s challenges.  I do them daily which keeps me centered, mindful and grateful even during this pandemic.” 

EDJ: ANY USEFUL HEALTH OR BEAUTY TIPS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR COMMUNITY? ROXANNE: “Yes. Keep the news reports to a minimum and balance it with good news and sites that uplift you. It can be watching a nature channel, looking at kittens and puppies or just playing a board game. I enjoy watching TikTok challenges. They are funny and I pass them on to friends and family.  As far as beauty is concerned, I have given my skin a well-deserved break from cosmetics.  So, less is more these days. I do holistic treatments at home. If you have a partner, practice giving each other massages.” 

EDJ: HOW ARE YOU STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS? WHERE IS YOUR FAMILY? ROXANNE: “My mini family is in New York and we are all staying connected with text messages, video calls and safe play dates together.”

EDJ: ANY BOOKS, MAGAZINES, MOVIES, OR TV SHOWS YOU’RE OBSESSED WITH? ROXANNE: “I used to be a huge bibliophile but I haven’t read a book in a few months. Well, I know I am late to the game, but I just finished The Handmaid’s Tale. Now I understand what all the fuss is about. I love Ozark, who knew 80’s teenage heartthrob Jason Bateman could act like that! I also love a Spanish movie called The Occupant; very, very dark but I am realizing that reality is stranger than fiction.” 

EDJ: AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO, ONCE QUARANTINE IS OVER?  ROXANNE: “Work; being creative. Although I have been exploring new ways to be creative on social media in the last [couple] weeks, I miss connecting with people on castings and on set.  

In addition, I am doing a major home renovation project, so seeing that to completion and being able to lounge at home with my friends…Basically, quarantining again; this time with my friends, family, good food and drink!”

EDJ: WHAT ROLE DOES FASHION PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? ASHLEY: “Fashion is my way of having fun every day. I feel like everyday life can get pretty monotonous at times, but I actually feel a little better about it if I love what I’m wearing. Fashion is also an outlet for me to tell a story and express my mood. I can be on vacation in Miami, spending money and feeling like the female Scarface dressed in all white or I can be in Charleston feeling a little bit more country in a ruffled dress and faux snakeskin boots or I can be going to a meeting feeling like I’m the CEO in a black fitted pantsuit.”

EDJ: IS THERE IS A WOMAN/PERSON YOU’VE LOOKED UP TO AS A CHILD, WHO’S HELPED TO SHAPE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? ASHLEY: “I grew up following the Olsen twins and their fashion. I believe I transitioned to a more minimalist closet with them. But I also loved 70’s Bianca Jagger’s style (I still love her as the human rights activist she is today). She was flirty, yet refined and that gave my closet its soft, but strong personality. And finally, for my more fun outfits, I’ve always looked to Cher.”

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN GETTING DRESSED FOR THE DAY? ASHLEY: “What is the weather and what are the activities I will be doing. I think about functionality first and then I add my personality to it.”

EDJ: IS THERE AN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET THAT SPARKS JOY EACH TIME YOU SEE IT? ASHLEY: “I have a beige-colored archive Dior linen button-down that I found at a resale store for a ridiculously low price. It’s a men’s small and is the perfect oversized boxy fit. There are so many good casual looks I can do with it. It is the perfect high-quality staple for my Summer closet. I love wearing it over bike shorts (inspired by Bella Hadid’s look at Fendi Resort 2018) or white high-waist wide leg pants or even as just a cover up over swimwear at the beach.”

WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR AND WHY? “I love the Nia pant in black. I love pieces that are casual, but dressy. This pant goes day-to-night for me because it only takes a few adjustments for it to go from business to fun. The versatility is a prime characteristic for my minimalist closet.”

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? “I believe my source of creativity is fueled by a lot of things. It can be personal transformation, travel experiences, my ancestors, my culture, mythology, and even a good movie or TV show. I guess the inspiration usually has to do with stories. I find a lot of beauty in people’s stories and I tend to like telling stories through my fashion.”

EDJ: WHAT IS YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN GETTING DRESSED? ROXANNE: “What will I need to accomplish that day. How long does my look need to carry me? If I can come back home for a change before dinner/theatre that’s ideal but sometimes I have to transform a day to night time look with accessories and a deeper shade of lipstick. That’s why I love EVRYDAY JANE pieces because they do this so masterfully.” 

EDJ: IS THERE AN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET THAT SPARKS JOY EACH TIME YOU SEE IT? WHY? ROXANNE: “While living in Milan, I decided to only acquire clothing that really brings me joy and a sense of readiness to greet the world. So when I am not enamored, I donate and get to shopping.”  

EDJ: WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE EVRYDAY JANE PIECE AND IN WHAT COLOR AND WHY? ROXANNE: “I’m a big fan of the Tai Waist Shirt Dress (in blue/white) and the oversized shirt dress (in white). I love how these pieces are not only modern and timeless but also easy to wear.  I also recently purchased the [Tori] packable trench (in yellow) for my mother, which I’m sure will become her new favorite summer jacket.” 

EDJ: WHAT INSPIRES YOU? ROXANNE: “There is a photo displayed in my home of my grandmother in her garden in Guyana where she looks so peaceful. She was, as told to me by mother, a very serene and loving human being. In my youth in NYC, I thought that I would never feel that serenity. How could I possibly in this chaotic city with so many parties to attend, so much to learn, do and accomplish? It has been a journey of letting go of that which does not serve me and attracting what guides me in being my best self.” 

at https://www.phillymag.com/business/2019/06/11/summer-office-dress-code/#1LLl6aEZPFCGqLdk.99

Rakia has teamed up with long time friend and designer Aaron Gray to develop EVRYDAY JANE with a strong sense of community defined in the ways EDJ shows up in the industry and for the consumer. Both Rakia and Aaron are focused on making the EVRYDAY JANE’s life a bit easier with accessible products and a narrative that is both relatable and engaging. Aaron and Rakia began working together representing different brands within the HSN umbrella where they gained a unique point of view on the women’s fashion industry, mixed with other industry experience— they’ve built a truly unique offering that spans beyond HSN and it’s consumers.