The Maisie Cuff is a 3-in-1 stacked cuff that is not only adjustable but also carries a gentle reminder: "Know Your Worth". This versatile accessory is a beautiful adornment for the wrist, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Embrace versatility with this Art Deco-inspired long layer necklace. Designed for personalization with your favorite charms, this piece allows you to create a unique and captivating statement.
A stunning blend of baguette crystal layers with a unique charm, featuring the empowering text: "Know Your Worth." - perfect for expressing self-love and affirmation.
A functional dial charm with a love note just for you. Comes in 2 Finishes: 18k Gold Plated and Antique Silver Plated
A charming and playful accessory featuring a functional envelope, complete with a cheeky note tucked inside. Choose between 18k Gold Plated or Antique Silver Plated finishes.
We only have eyes for you! Introducing the Victorian inspired Lover's Eye Charm – a bewitching addition to our V-Day Collection. This oversized charm is not just an accessory; it's a declaration of independence.
An antique silver chain adorned with heart-shaped crystal accents. This delicately crafted piece adds a touch of vintage charm to your everyday style.
Elevate your style with this pearl teardrop ear climber. This bold statement piece adds sophistication and glamour to any outfit, making it a captivating addition to your Dylex Lex collection.
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]]>First up of our new styles is quite the showstopper! Meet Dallas, our first crystal cape that's sure to dress up any shirt, sweater, or jacket. Here we have her styled with a blazer, chic leather leggings and strappy heels. Ryder II sits nicely right on top of Dallas to add even more bling. Throw on our Wes earrings and you're ready for any holiday party.
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Now, for a more casual look, we're bring you your favorite gilded styles in silver! That's right, Joey II, Holden, Phoenix and our Shark tooth charm, all in silver. Throw on a leather jacket, your favorite pair of jeans, black booties, and any of these styles for a chill, but elevated, winter look.
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Silver not your thing? Don't worry we've got you covered with some bomb restocks. Nothing says holiday party like sequins! Think sequins are tacky? Try a sequin crop top that gives just enough sparkle and shine without taking over. Find some fun glittery pants to pair gilded styles like Lola, Astrid, Hadley II and our chandelier Austyn Earrings.
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How to: Style a Chunky Sweater
We're jazzing up this ivory sweater and light wash jeans with our new fall favorites like Mazzy, our new 2 in 1 necklace, Luna, Siena Earrings, and one of our staples, the ABCDEFU Choker. I added some fun new rings like Hedy and Lucille, and finished off the look with this oversized vintage shearling vest, which you can purchase at our LA store!
How to: Style a Cardigan
We're elevating this cardigan first by pairing it with our DLEX Cozy Pants and DLEX Tank. Then for the jewels, I'm wearing Maren, our newest bodychain, and Harlee, the showstopper necklace of the fall season. I layered on our new Piper Choker and embellished the look with our new Carter II and Ceilia rings as well as Etta earring for some edge.
How to: Style a Crew Neck Sweatshirt
If you prefer to wear silver over gold, this look is for you! We're pairing this black sweatshirt and vintage MISBHV leather pants (for sale at our LA store!) with our Lola, Dane, and Sarah Choker. I'm also wearing our Loren earrings in red, and silver Handle It Rings. This look is super easy, but elevated. Throw on some chunky white sneakers and you're ready to go!
Which look is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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Say hello to our newest 2 in 1 necklace Mazzy. Complete with a custom DLEX pendant, golden topaz crystals, and amber-colored stones, Mazzy looks great with any of our gilded styles like Joey II, Beau, and Gilded Phoenix.
Also new this season is Luna with her elegant glass-beaded chain and custom pendant. Luna layers nicely with our other fall pieces like Astrid. Her simplicity in design + rich color from the topaz cabochons makes Astrid casually wearable this season.
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Last but certainly not least for newness in necklaces we have Harlee and Piper. With multiple layers in one piece, topaz stones, beading, and black crystals, Harlee is one to make a statement this fall. Pair her with our new Piper choker for a complete stack.
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We have four new vintage-inspired, showstopper rings this season, one of which being our redesigned Carter ring! Carter II is not only now sized, but also comes in two colors, black and cream.
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Fall colors continue throughout our earrings for this season. Playing with geometric shapes our Collins earrings have more of a modern feel, whereas our new Siena earrings have that vintage, chandelier look. Etta is our new single earring, like our Colby, with an adjustable cuff element at the top, adding a little edge.
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Be sure to check our site next Tuesday, September 26th for first dibs!
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For pre-sale text: (213)-797-2919
]]>Established in 2013, Recess is known for its distinctive collection of vintage and contemporary apparel and accessories. Expanding in 2021, Recess now offers a diverse array of clothing, accessories, and home decor spanning the 20s to today.
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Reflecting owner Marie Monsod's eclectic style, Recess addresses the demand for unique, reasonably-priced vintage designer pieces. Serving as a bridge between couture and casual wear, Recess aspires to provide both accessible and aspirational styles. It's a go-to for designers, stylists, costume enthusiasts, and fashion insiders seeking creative inspiration.
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We styled 3 looks pairing one-of-a-kind pieces from Recess with DLEX jewels. Let us know which one is your fave in the comments below!
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This first look pairs these Graphic Knit Pants from Recess with our DLEX tank, Astor, Maxx, Keaton II + Queen Charm, and our Dion Earrings. I became obsessed with these pants they're so comfy, yet can elevate any basic.
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For the second look, we styled this black, Chanel Knit Dress, Gucci Loafers, and gold-studded Escada Belt from Recess, with our Lola, Jett Choker, and Tate Earrings. We finished off the look with this adorable Tapestry Jacket and Louis Vuitton Vanity Case from Recess. Give me a headband, and I'm basically Blair Waldorf going on a weekend getaway.
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Last but not least, we paired this chic Valentino Jumpsuit with our Remi, Beau II, Keaton II + Ram Charm, and Ivy earrings. Finishing off the look, we added this darling Ralph Lauren Ostrich Clutch from Recess. This look is perfect for any events heading into the fall/winter season.
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What's your favorite Vintage Shop in your city? Let us know in the comments below!
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]]>Throughout history, chokers were worn as symbols of power and status. Now, they add an air of elegance and sophistication to every look. We're highlighting some of our favorite chokers that can be effortlessly layered, compliment any outfit, and make us feel powerful, confident, and elegant yet badass.
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Our ABCDEFU chokers are perfect especially if you're a minimalist, but want to add a little 'umph' to your look, and let others know not to mess with you. Easily layer her with our longer staples like Keaton II and Lola.
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Have a little fun with our Sadie choker, one of pieces you can add charms too! Add a little bit of you to your look with your charm of choice. We love pairing Sadie with with one of our Zodiac Charms, also our Bae and Shark Tooth charms.
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Be bold with our Teddy choker. It gives that 3 in 1 look with both structured and flexible layers plus a dangling DLEX charm. She's a true showstopper so if you're looking to get noticed, Teddy's your girl.
]]>We are thrilled to launch a new blog series where we dive into the world of classic fashion and take you on a tour of the best vintage shops in the country! Not only will we be highlighting some of our favorite pieces from these stores, we're excited to show you how we'd pair these one-of-a-kind styles with Dylan Lex.
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First up, is Arcade Shops, a treasure trove of curated vintage collections, and our DLEX LA neighbors. We've put together three unique looks with some of their newest pieces paired with your favorite DLEX styles. Take a look!
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Here we have Arcade's Lace Trimmed Pastel Slip Dress with their Versace Barocco Cropped Jacket, and 1930s Butterfly Celluloid Sunglasses. We think our gilded styles would compliment these pieces like Gilded Quinn and Keaton II along with our quintessential Branch Out and Kane rings.
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Next, we've paired Arcade's Christian Dior Trompe L'eoil Tee, Versace Istante Gold Lace Pants, and 1950s Wicker Wrapped Sunglasses, with some of our silver staples.
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Lastly, we're showcasing Arcade's Distressed Jim Morrison Tee, Dior Palazzo Pants with their Escada Panther Studded Colorblock Belt, and Bead Embellished Wicker Top Handle Bag. We think our summer styles make these pieces pop!
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Stayed tuned for more vintage shops we know and love!
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Like this content? Tell us in the comments below!
Jewelry is more than just a fashion accessory. It's a powerful form of self-expression and a symbol of individuality. We are proud to embrace diversity and inclusivity - this Pride Month, we are throwing a special shopping event at our New York store on Thursday June 15th benefitting the Ali Forney Center, a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Join us as we celebrate love, acceptance, and the vibrant spirit of the Pride movement.
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is a pioneering nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to providing safe and affirming housing, healthcare, and support services to LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Their mission deeply resonated with us, and we knew we had to lend our support.
By partnering with the Ali Forney Center, we aim to create a positive impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals who may have experienced homelessness, rejection, or lack of support. We'll be donating portion of the proceeds from our Pride event to the AFC, enabling them to continue their vital work and empower young people to thrive.
But our support doesn't end there. We also encourage you to get involved with the Ali Forney Center and other LGBTQ+ organizations in your community. Consider volunteering, attending events, or simply engaging in conversations that promote understanding and acceptance.
True beauty lies not just in the pieces we create but in the positive change we inspire. Through our collaboration with the Ali Forney Center, we hope to spread love, acceptance, and pride in all its forms.
How are you celebrating Pride? Let us know in the comments below!
Fashion has the incredible power to transcend societal norms and enable self-discovery. For far too long, men's fashion has been confined to a limited range of accessories, leaving little room for experimentation and self-expression. With this shoot, we aim to challenge these stereotypes and create a space where men can truly express their individuality.
Want more content like this? Let us know in the comments below!
It's Gemini Season baby, and we've brought back RUMI in all her glory! Customizable for each sign, she's a style that anyone and everyone can connect with. We want you to feel supported during this season that's known for bringing forth a sense of curiosity, adaptability, and intellectual stimulation. Join us as we explore what Gemini season signifies for each astrological sign and how you can make the most of this dynamic period.
First up, we have the Diana Ross Top. This new backless tank, handmade in India, is sure to uplevel your summer looks. We love wearing this on those hot summer days as it's light and breathable. No worries about sweat stains here! Pair it with your favorite bralette (or nothing #freethenipple), and you're good to go! This top has dual use, and can also be worn as a chic swimsuit coverup! She's truly iconic like 'The Supreme' Diana Ross herself.
Next, we have one of our new statement rings, HANDLE IT. This piece let's the world know that you've got you! You're handling life as it comes with the utmost grace and confidence. Need a reminder of the badass b*tch you are heading into summer? Add HANDLE IT to your daily ring collection and be constantly reminded that you are bold, beautiful, and powerful!
P.S. This ring is also a reminder that is ok to ask for help. Knowing when to ask for help is an attribute of your strength.
Behold BEAU II. This simple, yet elegant and elevated statement necklace can be worn in any setting. You name it! From your favorite beachside cafe, to outdoor venues and festivals, to making a statement at work, or making yourself feel good at home, BEAU serves your purpose always in all ways. Coming in 3 different lengths, you can wear BEAU as a choker or a long chain. Pair BEAU with a sundress, high cut or low cut top, layer with other pieces (inspo below) and you have a complete summer look!
Need even more versatility? Swap the DLEX logo for one of our Zodiac Charms! We think astrology is powerful and wearing pieces that match your sign, help you feel more connected to who you are.
Now... want to see what they all look like together?
Liking this content? Let us know in comments below. We want to be a creative and supportive resource for you!
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We sat down with @askdoctorjulie to learn more about how to unlock self-love and embody confidence. Dr. Julie is a one-of-a-kind psychologist, passionate about helping you break toxic patterns, heal from the past, turn pain into power, and rediscover your inner strength! Needing any of this in your life right now? We sure do! Here's what she had to say:
Click here to sign up for her newsletter and receive a FREE Self Esteem Guide! You won't want to miss the wisdom she imparts.
There are 2 other must-follow accounts we LOVE!
@nytherapist, Tory Eletto, is a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist with a mission of helping us heal the relationship we have with ourselves, so that we may have strong, meaningful, and fulfilling relationships with those we love. She's hosting a live webinar on 6/24 all about "Find Us Again: Reconnecting to Your Partner." Will you be in attendance? We will! This is far from the only way to access Tory's expertise. You can find links to her past webinars here, with topics ranging from setting boundaries to mastering dating. You can also hear what Tory has to say for FREE through her podcast, "The Imperfect Person", and on her YouTube channel. Take a look!
Need to boost your personal power? Look no further than @wetheurban, a black-owned community, created by founder @williegreene, centered around celebrating self-love, inclusivity, and marginalized voices. We love We The Urban because they offer healing, impactful, and life-changing content that is easily digestible and even more relatable. We always look forward to reading their "Affirmation's of The Day" and engaging with their like-minded community focused on healing themselves and empowering others to do the same. Here are some of our favorite posts:
We The Urban offers public music playlists that help us stay grounded, centered, and at peace with who we are and where we're at. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music!
Want more content like this? Let us know in the comments below. We want to hear from you!
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Environmental activist Leah Thomas paved the way for the term "intersectional environmentalist," a form of environmentalism that supports the protection of people and the planet. Based in Southern California, she is an eco-communicator who is passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. She is the founder of eco-lifestyle blog 'Green Girl Leah' and The Intersectional Environmentalist Platform, a resource + media hub that aims to advocate for environmental justice + inclusivity within environmental education + movements. She is also the author of 'The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet.' Tune into The Intersectional Environmentalist newest podcast 'The Joy Report' this Earth Day to stay updated on good news happening in the climate movement.
Instagram: @greengirlleah
Founder of: The Intersectional Environmentalist Platform
Podcast: Joy Report
Lauren Singer is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and blogger in the zero-waste movement. In 2015, Lauren gave a Ted Talk where she claimed to be living a zero-waste life since 2012, and launched this concept of Zero Waste to millions. She went on to create the company, 'Package Free Shop,' a space where makers of sustainable products unite to help people eliminate single-use plastic from their everyday routines. She is also the founder of 'Trash is for Tossers,' a blog you can go to for tips and tools on how to reduce waste daily and insight on environmental issues and what can be done to solve them.
Instagram: @trashisfortossers
Founder of: https://packagefreeshop.com
Blog: https://trashisfortossers.com/
Alice is a film-maker, documentary photographer, and campaigner who focuses on telling stories of humans who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, refugee crisis and the fight for women’s rights. She is the co-founder of Earthrise, a media platform communicating the climate crisis, whose goal is to "humanise the impacts of the climate crisis by sharing the diverse experiences of those living on the frontlines of climate change and the activists who have devoted their lives to tackling it." Alice is also the creator of Frame of Mind, a platform celebrating female storytellers. We are obsessed with her photography and storytelling, which you can find here.
Instagram: @aliceaedy
Founder of: https://www.earthrise.studio/
Watching films are a great way to educate ourselves on the remarkable life and work of MLK. While there are many films out there that beautifully honor his legacy, below are our personal top 4 favorites that are equal parts inspiring and informative.
Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech is undeniably his most famous piece of work, but his other writings are equally just as powerful. Check out his "Letter to Coretta," written from Reidsville State Prison in October 1960 or the text of his speech "Our God is Marching On" delivered on March 25, 1965 from the steps of the Alabama State House after leading thousands on a march from Selma to Alabama's capital.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" MLK Day is a Holiday, but it's also a National Day of Service that focuses on racial equality, human rights, and civic engagement. There are many opportunities to get involved and make an impact. Start by searching Point's of Light's Engage or AmeriCorps to find virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities.
(Robert W. Kelley / Getty Images)
Listening and learning is a very important part of advocating for civil and human rights and is a great way to honor Dr. King's pursuit of social justice through friendship, love, and understanding. You can learn how to support and advocate for people of color through Points of Light's Listen. Learn. Act to End Racism initiative.
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At Dylan Lex, we are forever inspired by humans that continuously push for change and strive to help our planet and community become a better place. One of those humans is Alnea Farahbella, founder of Nana Atelier, an LA apparel service manufacturer that focuses on fair labor, quality, and sustainability. Alnea Farahbella founded Nana Atelier after traveling the world and discovering the poor working environments and unfair treatment that garment workers have to endure. According to True Cost, a documentary that was made to raise awareness around the negative global impact of fast fashion, clothing production has been outsourced to countries such as Bangladesh, China and Cambodia, where wages are low, working conditions less regulated and factory disasters accepted as the cost of doing business.
"I need to be part of the solution rather than waiting and talking about possible solutions. I only want to take part in better practices," states Farahbella. Nana Atelier truly stands out in the way they are redefining ethical manufacturing and how they are exposing the importance of this to society. They do this by prioritizing healthy work environments and conditions for their technicians, reducing waste, and fighting low wages and unethical practices. The Dlex Wrap Midi Skirt was made in collaboration with Nana Atelier in our journey to ethical manufacturing. We (virtually) sat down with Alnea to discuss her journey in sustainable manufacturing, why it's important, and how we as consumers can be more mindful of this. The interview can be viewed below:
Alnea Farahbella
DL: Not only did you create Nana Atelier but you also have your own sustainable fashion brand, Toit Volant. What experiences prompted you to pursue a route in ethical and sustainable fashion?
AF: I’ve lived in many parts of the world. I’ve seen different ways of life and how the cost of living affects the livelihood of people. Garment manufacturing labor is undervalued in the US. I want to take better care of people and our planet. It’s important for me to produce locally and it was necessary that we opened our own facility to implement better practices.
I’ve seen entire fields covered in rolls of excess fabrics that have been sent / sold to third world countries, then sold back to the US. I’ve seen truck loads of people standing in the back of pick-ups driving to their factory dorms. I’ve seen factories that don’t ever stop and have people 24/7 on the machines producing. I’ve seen our industrial practices in the US. I need to be part of the solution rather than waiting and talking about possible solutions. I only want to take part in better practices.
DL: What is ethical manufacturing? What measures and policies does Nana Atelier put in place to practice this?
AF: We work with many organizations that educate myself and my team. We have on-going conversations with teams at Garment Worker Center (GWC) and the Mayor’s Office that help to build our measures. I surround myself with sustainable practitioners to be in the know, stay relevant, be up in the know with updates. We work with practitioners that help build our road map with my own factory floor experiences.
Ethical manufacturing is looking at the value of fair labor, providing a healthy working environment, and fighting back on horrific oppressive practices that comes with manufacturing. It is looking at your entire design and manufacturing road map from design development, supply chain, labor values, supply chain mark-up, recycling program, working environment, and labor practices.
Inside of Nana Atelier
DL: What is your favorite part about what you do?
AF: I love the making part. I love working with my hands. I love looking for new approaches and discovering new techniques when creating a garment. I love challenging archaic practices and pushing them forward. I love knowing that my team and I have built out better practices in regards to the value of labor, our calm healthy working facility and creating a team that loves the making process as much as I do. Too many loves but I love for people to care. LOL
Learn more about Nana Atelier here.
References:
All Photos courtesy of Nana Atelier
Indigenous American jewelry is renowned worldwide for its distinctive style and unique design. Studies show that it has been influenced by the spiritual beliefs, land, cultures, and legends of each unique tribe. Archaeologists have found a wealth of evidence that American Indian jewelry making dates as far back as 12,000 years ago. We wanted to take a moment to highlight specific tribes, their unique designs and their impact to DYLAN LEX designs as we create new styles that meld old and new.
Across the Southwest, the Squash Blossom necklace is acknowledged as the most notable piece in any collection of handmade Indigenous American jewelry. Over the centuries, It has been re-interpreted by many artists and has taken many forms. The Navajo artisans are credited with combining the use of turquoise stones and Hispanic silversmithing first seen around 1850. One of the most notable designs is the squash blossom seen above.
Meaning "crescent shape" or the "curve", the impressive central piece is called a Naja. The shape is said to have been used to ward against the evil eye.
Originally, Indigenous American silversmiths melted down US dollars, Mexican pesos, and any other type of silver they could find to create these necklaces. By the 1890s, turquoise was a popular addition. The squash blossom beads are named 'the beads that spread out' which is said to originate from the appearances of actual squash or pomegranate blossoms. Indigenous Americans pulled inspiration for their designs from the natural resources they used in their everyday lives.
Turquoise has been known to be used by southwest American Indian tribes since around 200 B.C. The turquoise stone represents happiness, health, and luck, and was used in jewelry, ceremonies, art, and trade. Today, turquoise jewelry is still being made by American Southwest tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni.
Before the Europeans came to America, Native American metalwork consisted of hammering and etching copper into pendants. After American Southwest tribes artists such as the Navajo learned silversmithing from the Spanish in the 1800's, metal jewelry arts blossomed, new artistic styles and methods were introduced, and distinctive native jewelry like the Navajo turquoise inlay rings developed.
The ability to work with silver combined with semiprecious stones such as turquoise permitted their jewelry to become more desirable and gave the native people ability to trade more successfully with the newcomers. In the early 1900s when tourist and settlers swept across the land, the silver and turquoise jewelry was established as a staple of the trade economy.
Native American jewelry continues to have a notable cultural significance and is still highly treasured, worn all over the world in countless ways. Here are some of our pieces that were inspired by Native American tribal jewelry:
If interested in supporting local Native American artist, here is a link to T.Skies where you can purchase authentic jewelry made by Native American & Southwest tribes. 5% of all purchases goes to the T.Skies Co-Op to support artisan's way of life.
]]>Resources:
https://www.garlandsjewelry.com/blogs/news/the-squash-blossom-necklace
https://www.powwows.com/native-american-turquoise-jewelry-through-history-and-today/
https://www.indiantraders.com/blog/native-american-jewelry-an-brief-history.html
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Kiki Choi and I'm from Seoul, South Korea.
How old were you when you became a mother?
I was 30 years old when my first daughter was born.
What is the best thing about being a mother? Worst thing?
The best thing about being a mother is being in love with a person who is an altar ego of yourself... and having an eternal best friend.
The worst thing about being a mom is not having enough time and money to fulfill all of their needs.
What empowers you or makes you feel empowered?
My favorite thing and feeling is when my daughters and I share our love of the same books or share a specific feeling that seems unique and different from what other people are feeling.
What are your hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are traveling, reading and meditating or praying... doing nothing without thinking.
What are you doing when you’re your happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm mindlessly snacking or having my own quiet time and daydreaming about whatever.
What’s your best piece of advice for all moms?
My best advice to any young or new moms is to spend as much time with them as possible when they are young.
What did you learn from being a mom?
The biggest learning I have from being a mom of a 38 year old and soon to be 35 year old is how to be a good listener instead of an advisor.
What’s your favorite thing about your daughters?
The favorite thing about my daughters is their sophistication in mind and body and their positive thinking... They are also the best dancers and funniest jokers. My youngest also never talks negatively about anyone and I learn from her on how to do that.
What does DYLAN LEX jewelry make you feel like?
DYLAN LEX jewelry makes me feel brave, fancy and luxurious like wearing true armor to brave the day.
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"There's something about the calm peace of a sunrise surf, with the occasional surfing dolphin or pelican, that just makes you feel one with nature," says Teresa Lang about her passion for climate justice. Solving the climate crisis is number one on the list of priorities for the Senior Sourcing Manager, North America for climate solutions company South Pole. She became obsessed with helping the environment from being drawn to the natural forces around her, which is not only inspiring, but life-changing to every one of us living on the only planet we really have.
According to NASA, carbon dioxide from human activity is increasing more than 250 times faster than it did from natural sources after the last Ice Age. This puts our climate in crisis due to harmful human activity since the Industrial Revolution. With Teresa's help and the many others who dedicate their lives to environmental justice, we can pivot our path to global warming and find immediate solutions. South Pole works on bringing these solutions to businesses while also facing a moral case for climate action. Failing to meet the needs of the growing crisis is detrimental to millions in communities that are vulnerable to social and economic consequences of global warming. South Pole strives to make climate action the new normal. And we're all here for it.
We (virtually) sat down with Teresa to chat about how everyday is Earth Day and how you can personally take the steps to fight climate change. Her work with South Pole improves the lives of others by saving wildlife, forests and also helps aid communities in countries such as Zimbabwe and Colombia, alongside many more across the globe.
DYLANLEX; So, Teresa, tell us! How did you get into sustainability?
Teresa Lang: Growing up on the westside of Los Angeles, I always cared about the environment, hiking, camping, snowboarding, the beach, you name it!! But it wasn't until after college, when I was living in Costa Rica and began surfing everyday, that I realized I wanted to make taking care of our environment and mitigating climate change, through the lense of corporate sustainability for my career. There is something about the calm peace of a sunrise surf, with the occasional surfing dolphin or pelican, that just makes you feel one with nature. After living in Costa Rica for 6 months, I moved to New York and got a job at the Clinton Foundation and simultaneously applied to a Masters program at Columbia University, where I studied international affairs and environmental policy. When I finished my masters degree, I began working first at environmental non-profits working in conservation, climate policy, and eventually carbon offsets. After 7 years at my last job, I realized I really wanted to work with companies who have such a significant climate and environmental impact.
DL: What are some tips / things you do personally to prioritize the environment / sustainability in your daily life? What do you do that makes everyday Earth Day?
TL: Flying is absolutely the biggest part of my carbon footprint, or at least it was pre-COVID, and I think this is the case for many people. I can't wait to travel again, but when I do, I try to keep my emissions as low as possible. I think twice if I really need to fly (can I drive or take a train instead?). I never fly first class, as it's about 6x the emissions per passenger vs. coach (think about how much more space it takes up!), and I try to prioritize direct long hauls over layovers (take off and landing have the highest emissions!). And I make sure to offset my emissions. I either buy a ticket with an airline that offsets the emissions of your flight in the cost of your ticket, like Jet Blue. Or I make sure to purchase them either checking the box to do so when I purchase my ticket, or using a flight emissions calculator and purchasing offsets at the end of the year.
I also have been really making an effort to reduce my meat intake -- a lot of people ask me if I'm a vegetarian or vegan (I'm not -- I like cheese, eggs and the occasional steak or hamburger too much), but I am trying to really be thoughtful about my meat intake, and am cooking at lot less meat at home.
DL: How can we be more thoughtful about our shopping and purchasing habits?
TL: All the stuff we buy has a footprint -- to make it, to use it, to eventually dispose of it when you are done using it. So I've been trying to think twice before I order yet another pair of shoes or jeans. I'm trying to buy more second hand and vintage, and when I buy new I try to only support brands that make high quality, long lasting pieces, as well as those that have a strong environmental ethos. The fashion industry is one of the hardest on the environment, but I was particularly horrified how bad the footprint of jeans are! Reselling or donating clothes and stuff when you no longer use them is also key, and swaps with friends can be fun -- for example, I just scored a second hand toaster oven this week from a friend of a friend who was moving and was going to throw it away!
DL: What are the main things you usually recommend to people to be more sustainable?
TL: I think the key is to start with baby steps. Buy a more fuel efficient car. Walk or bike instead of jumping in the car. Get a sense of your carbon footprint, or at the very least your travel footprint, and offset it!! (You can set up a free account to calculate flight emissions and purchase offsets on my company's website: https://market.
For me, the key is to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Small changes add up to big ones. One skipped hamburger, one less pair of new blue jeans, or one less water bottle isn't going to single handedly save the world -- but if all 7 billion people on this planet skipped that hamburger once or twice, it starts to make a big difference!
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Check out South Pole and their many initiatives to fighting climate justice.
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This article is part of our Humans in Business initiative to introduce amazing people that clearly inspire us every.damn.day. as they continue to work their asses off. This month we're featuring Tia Meyers of Freelancing Females.
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It's no doubt that the familiarity with remote work has really took its toll on us all. Some hate it, some really love it, but here's a harsh truth: it's here to stay. A global survey by Gartner showed that 88% of the organizations, worldwide, made it mandatory or encouraged their employees to work from home after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
The freelance industry has boomed ever since that mandate and so have side hustles. Jumpstarting this trend (before it really even was a trend) is revolutionary Tia Meyers, a social media and marketing freelance consultant. Her online group Freelancing Females is the catalyst for the future of women to grow beyond the typical 9-5 lifestyle.
Tia's online Facebook group has expanded to a full-fledged global community of more than 53,000 women and non-binary folks who run their own businesses — whether it be from freelancing brow consultation to social media services.
Tia started the group after she had a payment issue from a client and sought advice from freelancers she personally knew. “I was going on a lot of coffee dates,“ she admits.“These turned into strong relationships that I was building.” The group, who originally began on Facebook, consisted only of connections she personally worked to make. Within a year, the group grew to over 13,000 people swapping stories and seeking advice. Tia receives over 100 requests a day wanting to join the group.
DYLANLEX (virtually) sat down with Tia to discuss her take on remote work, her day-to-day, and even the grueling horrors of imposter syndrome.
DYLANLEX: Your community is such a sensation. What does your day-to-day look like?
Tia Meyers: My day to day changes constantly. To set up my mornings for success & and less stress I keep up a to-do list in Asana and set my priority of tasks to get started on in the morning. I’ll try to batch meetings during the week so I don’t keep moving back and forth between tasks. You’ll usually find me grabbing a coffee in the morning, hitting up my inbox and working on a variety of tasks between upcoming conferences, partnerships, social media, & more.
DL: What doubts did you have when you started? Have you ever struggled with Imposter Syndrome?
TM: I never in my wildest dreams thought Freelancing Females would become what it is today. It took a lot of work, time and mistakes to make it to where we are. Building a business is never easy and a huge learning curve, one you can’t learn in school or from a book. I just ask myself is this where I am most happy & as the answer is yes, we keep going. Nothing good comes without some struggles and learning.
DL: What are the best strategies to do a WFH business or how do you cope with WFH?
TM: I worked from home mainly before the pandemic but my days usually consisted of meetings in the city, coworking & making my own schedule. A few of my tips would be to create and keep a consistent routine just like you would at a 9-5. The beauty of creating your own schedule is to also schedule in some enjoyment, not work constantly. Also create a space for yourself and your work. I know we all end up working from the couch at points but it’s very important to have a designated spot for yourself.
DL: What can someone do TODAY to start their business/side gig?
TM: Just start. You’ll learn and figure out the rest as you go along. Do not keep holding back those big ideas you have.
DL: What is the best advice you have for those struggling to decide on a side gig?
TM: Not all hobbies have to become jobs. I tried many things when I first started freelancing. It does not have to be the one you end up with. Look at areas you’re good at, the industry you’re most interested in and where you can help. Then start reaching out to potential clients.
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Freelancing Females is contributing to a growing digital movement that allows work to be anti-ableist, anti-harassment, pro-female, and pro-gender non-conforming. Those that want to be freed of the strict standards of traditional, and often patriarchal, work environments are embraced. Women receive advice on everything — from where to get clients, to being more assertive, to self care routines. And it’s all being lead by the freelancing guru herself, Tia.
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