Workin' Woman

Kalli Rae Sternberg is not your average college freshman. At just 18 years old she has taken the Ohio fashion scene by storm and is just gaining speed. Her designs are a mix of funky, boho chic and drapey, smooth silhouettes. With dreams of living in the big city, this brunette beauty is sure to make a lasting impression in the fashion industry. Follow her clothing line, KallieRae’s Clothing on instagram (@kallieraesclothing) and be prepared to be amazed.

 Age: 18

Star Sign: Capricorn

Full Name: Kalli Rae Sternberg

Tell me a little about yourself:

I am currently a Fashion Student, at Kent State University. Not too long ago I started a clothing line called KalliRaes Clothing (instagram @kalliraesclothing). I have always loved fashion and had what I liked to call a crazy style. I would always be ripping up, cutting, and painting clothing to make it more me I guess. I learned how to sew when I was about 15 and I starting putting my creations to work… sewing real cloths. I got compliments so I was like what the hay, I’ll sell my things. So I did. And I am so happy I did that. I am improving my knowledge and everyday learning more. I am from Solon Ohio; I have two loving parents, older brother and younger sister, and a fat dog. 

Where are you as you answer these questions?

Of course I’m at Starbucks. Where else would I be? I’m addicted and I’ll admit it.

Tell me about your brand:

It describes me; I think some pieces are whimsical and some are more urban. My clothing is meant to be fun and when you wear a Kalliraes piece you should be having fun…or at least smiling.

What does a typical day for you look like?

I don’t think there is a typical day for me, if there was I would probably go crazy haha. I like to always do new things and go to new places. I try to spend time outside everyday and think a little bit, it sooths me. I also trip a lot, so that happens almost everyday.

How long have you been a designer?

I have been sewing since my freshman year of High School and about 7 months ago I just started to sell some pieces I have made. I also take requests and do my best to fit what my costumer wants. I can’t wait to improve my skills!

Who are your favorite designers?

My favorite high-end designer is Alexander McQueen, hands down. What makes clothes unique is when designers turn them into artwork and that is exactly what his clothes are. I YouTube old Alexander McQueen runway shows to get inspired and ideas. As for shoes, I am in love with Jeffery Campbell Shoes, enough said. And it’s hard to think of my favorite brand of clothing, because I enjoy so many. To start, I love Rag and Bone, anything fun, whimsical, urban, and I don’t wear anything that “girly.”

What made you want to start designing clothing?

I wanted to express my self more, and this is a great way to do it. My costumers that wear my cloths melt my heart because I feel like they are supporting my unique identity.

What are some upcoming projects you have planned?

I am starting my own blog kalliraes.com and I am so exited for that.

Three words to describe yourself?

A good one would be Humble, I am not one to brag or show off. Kind and Fun, I like to think I am a fun person haha.

On your days off, what can you be found doing?

I really love to spend time with my friends and family including my fat dog. I have the most supportive parents I am so blessed. I also love to kick box and hike. 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I love to write poems to help express emotion.

Favorite book?

I am a sucker for love stories. Romeo and Juliet. And I also read a lot of magazines… if that counts.

What would be your biggest accomplishment to date?

I would have to say selling my clothes and just to see people wear them as apart of their outfits. I feel so accomplished when I witness that.

What does happiness mean to you?

1. Realizing that happiness comes from within, not positions, but positive thoughts, support, and love. 2. I am truly happy when others are happy. I really care about my friends and family so much, and when they are all happy it is contagious. So happiness to me is seeing the joyous light in people I know and love, which inspires me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I will be in NYC. I am always there when I go to my “happy place.” Thinking about living there and my future enthuses me. I want to be walking the streets with my black leather Marc Jacobs bag in one had and my morning Starbucks in the other. I will be walking to Kalliraes Headquarters help in NYC. I will be greeting my amazing team getting ready for a big, fun, and fashion filled day to arrive. I am a very positive person as you can tell.  

Call it Love

I had my toes painted in Essie's new Summer Resort Collection color, "Splash of Grenadine" and haven't been able to stop since. Call is rose, call it pink, call it mauve, call it love. Maybe I love it so because my room was painted this color when I was twelve, or maybe because it brings out the bronze in the palest of goddesses and has that certain something that distinguishes a signature summer shade. Let me tell you, I am not a pastel girl. I feel like Bree Van de Kamp when I sport that shit and I am not about that life.

Back to the beauty... ever since that fateful day at the nail salon, I have been dreaming about the color on my dresses, around my neck, painted onto my lips, adorning a skimpy bikini. The only bad news: I can barely seem to find it. This is what I did scrounge up off the interwebz.

And when you can't find any pieces available in your dream color, just remember,

Who'll Come a-Waltzing Matilda with me

So, might I say that I'm slightly obsessed with Australian fashion, well, all things Australian for that matter. Maybe it's their fiercely bizarre wildlife, the sexiness of living life on the edge; or maybe it's because all who are born and raised there come out looking like a fiery hot dime piece, and I want in dammit! Hello. Alexandra Spencer, Heath Ledger, Portia de Rossi, ay yi yi. There's something so alluring about Oz-the remoteness of it all while still maintaining innovation and efficiency. The beauty of a country surround-ed by dangerous, deep-blue waters and surround-ing a vast, expanse known as the outback, is surreal. The landscape in and of itself is an unbelievable source of creative and fashion inspo. 

Told ya.

Zimmerman Summer 2013 lookbook 

Ksubi Autumn/Winter 2013 lookbook

Hosk, Elsa

Meet Elsa Hosk. My eye has been caught by this 24 year-old beauty and it's not going anywhere, anytime soon. The Swedish model has honored four magazine covers, just this month, with her flawless magnificence and shows no signs of slowing down soon. But the one that tops them all is the one that graced us a year ago-- the June 2012 edition of Elle Norway. This is me paying homage to Miss Hosk. I tip my hat to you and urge you to continue doing what you're doing you beautiful thing, you. These looks are timeless, convertible, and easy to find. Elsa Hosk- you make summer sexy. 

TotaLly BuggiN

When I saw the WILDFOX Spring 2012 collection I just about lost it. The nail was hit directly on the head with their ode to the 90's most adored movie, Clueless. Every girl was a Cher, a Tai or a Dionne and lusted after a rotating closet complete with an electronic catalog of potential outfits. For me, highschool expectations were set too high with this movie and I never did quite look at chic as Cher riding to school in my black Jeep Cherokee.

Check out my favorites:

                                                                   ILOVEWILDFOX

                                            See the rest here.

Salty

One time my friend took some serious pictures of me and that's when I figured out how uncomfortable I am in front of a camera that someone else is behind. My body literally tightened up and my head would only turn in certain, inelegant, compromising positions. I'm sure I looked like a robot. Nevertheless she snapped some impressive shots. 

Does this rock look comfortable?

Lazy Daze

As of late all I've been doing is reading J.M. Barrie's deliciously imaginative Peter Pan and watching Weeds, starring my girl crush Mary-Louise Parker. As my heart yearns for the grow your own, hold your own, build your own cartel, way of life; for now I can settle with slinging dime bags. Just kidding. But I have been wearing jean bermudas, knee-highs and boots, and drinking more iced coffees than usual, all while looking hella chic. I think I've got the Nancy Botwin look on lock down. 

This is me, not in any of the above

                                Jacket: Bethany Cosentino, Pants: Free People