Standing 6’1”, Liv Tall founder Angela Zdrale has fashion industry experience as impressive as her height. Enjoying all things style since childhood, Zdrale knew a career in fashion and retail was a given. With experience spanning nearly two decades, her work eventually led to management positions for well-known designers, including Kate Spade and Tory Burch. Through the years, Zdrale rode the glamorous waves of the evolving fashion industry while quietly creating her own designs, dreaming about serving at the helm of her own label.

Fast-forward to the challenging years of the pandemic when opportunity unexpectedly presented itself and Zdrale was laid off from her position with a local luxury retailer. With the support of her family, Zdrale decided the time was “now” and went all-in on launching Liv Tall, a fashion line for women 5’9” and above, size 2-18.

Immediately getting to work, the designer’s focus was centering every aspect of her new brand around the company’s core values, including manufacturing in the U.S.A. to ensure fair and ethical practices and control processes and designs; sustainability from procurement and batch size to material selection; and supporting nonprofits like Threaded Together to help elevate the industry she loves.

Simultaneously, Zdrale connected with FABRIC, a local nonprofit that provides apparel entrepreneurs with resources and access to no-minimum and on-demand manufacturing, allowing Zdrale to build her brand. “FABRIC taught me the ins and outs of how to take my designs from conception to production,” Zdrale said. “The organization was instrumental in supporting my vision for Liv Tall.” Soon after, Liv Tall produced its first collection, comprised of six pieces and the brand’s stand-out piece, the versatile Liv Wrap, a silk chiffon swimsuit coverup that doubles as a duster.

As a small-business owner, Zdrale is continuously creating and building. She is the business, running all aspects, from development, design, marketing and more. As a mom of a future tall girl and the namesake for her brand name, Zdrale is proud to provide stylish, current, well-made fashion options for women like her and, eventually, her daughter, Olive. “I include Olive in decisions with color and print choices. I want her to see me working hard for what our family has and what it means to make a dream a reality,” Zdrale said.

Reality for the designer involves reflecting on valuable lessons from her industry experience. Understanding who her core customer is and having a strong identity are paramount for success, according to Zdrale. “Being a designer is an art form — creating a wearable piece of art,” she said.

Zdrale draws inspiration from other tall women, her core customers. She enjoys being a problem-solver for women of height and listens to her customers’ needs, providing options that she was once challenged to find in ready-to-wear clothing. Her brand’s best sellers include Liv Tall’s bodysuits, pants (with varying lengths), stylish jackets and sweatsuits — all suitable for long torsos.

Continuing to create for her core client is what living the dream looks like for Zdrale, while keeping an eye on the future. The designer currently has denim on her mind, along with ideas for evolving into a lifestyle brand. Catch this stylish maker and learn more about her collections at Junk in the Trunk – Spring 2024 or online at livtall.com.

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Taught by the best, Phoenix-based fashion designer Jean Marie Clarke learned the art of tailoring and sewing from her mother. At the age of 7, the Pax Philomena brand founder began designing and making wardrobes out of necessity. As a young U.S. immigrant with British and East Indian roots, Clarke realized a passion for color, fabric, craftsmanship, texture — and the magic that ensues when these elements artfully mingle, resulting in wearable designs.

After studying art history at Princeton, Clarke worked in Italy, mentored by Antonio Ratti, designer and benefactor of the Antonio Ratti Textile Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Honing her design skills under Ratti’s direction in home furnishings and textiles furthered Clarke’s appreciation for Italian and, subsequently, global aesthetics.

Post Europe, the designer returned home to Phoenix and continued working in textiles before launching Pax Philomena seven years ago. With a desire to bring quality products directly to the marketplace and draw attention to the Valley of the Sun as a fashion hub, Clarke’s passion to dress America in color took form. Utilizing her 30-plus years of industry knowledge while paying homage to her international roots led to success and the design of her coveted kaftans. Creating an elegant, size-inclusive product was the foundation for Clarke’s kaftans, which were well-received locally. Sales and interest in Clarke’s designs began growing, leading to coverage in O, the Oprah Magazine in 2018. The designer’s Isadora Maxi was included in a spread featuring flowy looks for an easy, pulled-together look — a big moment for the designer.

Recognizing her beloved original teacher as her source of inspiration, Clarke named her company in honor of her mother, Philomena, and Catholic nun and saint, Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Today, a portion of Pax Philomena’s proceeds are donated to Missionaries of Charity, established by Mother Teresa in 1989. “Mother Teresa said that peace begins with a smile,” Clarke said. “I know that my clothing makes people smile. Hence, we spread peace, or pax, in our own special way.”

Best known for its kaftans, the Pax Philomena brand also includes a men’s line. On the horizon is a jewelry collection featuring precious stones and malas hand-made in India, one-of-a-kind Kashmiri pashminas, and a mix of vintage and contemporary Native American jewelry.

With a growing worldwide client base, Clarke continues to live her passion in color and looks forward to creating products that inspire joy for decades.

For more behind this Frontdoor, visit paxphilomena.com.

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Dating back to approximately 400 B.C., jewelry is embedded in our culture. From the rarest gems to man-made beads, personal symbols have long expressed feelings, status and affiliation like no other wearable design element. Although trends may shift through the years, making a statement with jewelry is always in style. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite brands coming in hot for fall.

Melinda Maria

This go-to, oh-so-chic line out of Los Angeles tops our list of fashion jewelry designers who just get it. With new drops and styles season upon season, Melinda Maria (MM) Jewelry is cool, affordable and well-made. I discovered MM years back and was instantly drawn not only to MM’s designs but also to the culture surrounding her company. Exuding positive vibes, empowerment and inclusivity, MM quickly became a staple in my jewelry rotation. Whether polishing off a look or transforming a simple one into a fashion statement, it’s easy to feel fabulous in her designs. We talked to an MM team member (customer service is top-notch), who shared what’s in for fall, such as MM’s new men’s line, which launched last week. Edgy and suitable for both genders, the men’s collection features a variety of chains and bracelets in silver and gold and is touted as a line “for him, for her, for everyone.” I have the Julian chain on order and look forward to sharing the piece with my teenage son (depending on his mood of the moment). Specifically for women, chandelier earrings and a modern take on pearls (cuff bracelets) are currently tops. Silver is the metal color of choice right now, per a representative from the company. An uptick in silver MM sales is noteworthy as the jeweler’s high-shine pieces have been spotted on celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Greta Gerwig and Kendall Jenner. Designing jewelry that makes people happy since 2005, MM is one to watch.
melindamaria.com

Khiry

Founded in 2016, Khiry was created by an undergraduate student as a response to a luxury goods expert’s statement that true luxury brands only emerged from Europe. Jameel Mohammed launched Khiry to channel art and beauty into modern jewelry with the goal of establishing a fashion house. Seven years later, the former University of Pennsylvania undergraduate is well on his way — featured in Vogue and touting Serena Williams as a fan. Khiry jewelry collection includes sculptural demi-fine pieces finished in sterling silver and 18-karat gold vermeil. Moderately priced rings, necklaces and earrings are unique and crafted in Brooklyn. Mohammed’s first brand capsule, Tiny Heirloom, features delicate yet bold stud earrings. It’s a contrast of the unexpected that drew me in — the tiny tough-love stud in 14-karat gold is a personal favorite — spikes protruding from a petite heart. It packs a lot of punch. Statement pieces, including rings, necklaces and pendants are typically sculpted in Mohammed’s signature silhouettes, inspired by themes throughout the African diaspora. Collections incorporate an array of semi-precious stones, while art, clothing and photography are also housed under the Khiry brand.
khiry.com

Selim Mouzannar

Craftsmanship and culture are woven throughout jeweler Selim Mouzannar’s designs. The Lebanese jeweler/artist infuses worldly experiences into his hand-crafted pieces, favoring the romance of Ottoman-era style juxtaposed with a modern twist. Semi-precious stones such as tanzanite, aquamarine, tourmaline and sapphire inspire many of his creations. Bracelets, earrings and rings are designed to reflect optimism and nonviolence — the heart of the jeweler’s work — while personal experiences continue to shape Mouzannar’s designs. Simple lines coupled with colorful gems is his signature look. High on my wish list is anything from Mouzannar’s ring collection — stunning is an understatement. From his expertise in gemology to his use of ethically responsible materials, Mouzannar’s creations exude passion and have drawn a worldwide fan base, with boutiques located in Beirut, Paris, London and Istanbul. Ready-to-wear pieces can be found online, and custom designs are available.
selimmouzannar.com

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Ricardo 2-Piece Hard Side Luggage Set

Giving Amazon vibes, Costco Wholesale seems to have it all. Yes, it takes some effort to order ahead (no Prime delivery here) or visit your neighborhood big-box store; however, if you’re in need of a plethora of sturdy pieces that won’t chip away at the vacation budget, Costco’s Ricardo Hardside Luggage Set is for you. For $164.99, you get two modern-looking suitcases: carry-on and large check-in size. The sets come in gray or blue and include luxury brand features such as a hard exterior shell, 360-degree rolling wheels, USB port, anti-microbial technology, compression panels and more. Purchasing a few sets is highly advised, as this tried-and-true product will keep you and your precious items covered for years to come.

BÉIS The Carry-On Roller

Co-founded by actress Shay Mitchell in 2018, BÉIS coins itself as a travel brand that checks both style and affordability boxes. The collection began popping up on Insta years ago and has been steadily increasing in popularity since. Making beige look selfie-ready since the company’s inception, BÉIS’s neutral and atypical product palate translates into hip, young and going places. With plenty of options to choose from, the hard-sided carry-on suitcase is a well-liked choice at $218, with unique interior touches for the win. Interesting features include easy-to-spot-clean lining and vegan trim, while four-point compression straps keep items from shifting. The understated exterior design of the carry-on is lovely, but be sure to check airline carry-on size restrictions with a fully extended handle. Not all are “wheels-up,” depending on airline rules.

Louis Vuitton Horizon Soft Duffle 55

The ultimate in ooh-la-la travel, Louis Vuitton’s Horizon Soft 55 rolling duffle bag is sophisticated and, dare we say, practical? Sure, it is pricey at nearly $3,000, but its smart design includes a totally flat interior, a one-hand lock open/closure mechanism and a perfect size for carrying on board. Ergonomic and suitable for male or female jet-setters, the monogram canvas case has bragging rights as it was made in partnership with Marc Newson, an influential industrial designer.

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Thanks to technology and ingenuity, the retail world and the people in it have embraced the idea of renting clothes and accessories, allowing for racks and racks of looks while not blowing budgets. More mainstream than ever, companies like Rent the Runway paved the way for similar concepts, providing a plethora of rental options. We’ve kept up with this trendy fashion concept and dug into rental companies that keep popping up on our radar. Sharing is caring — and apparently for rent, too.

Rent the Runway
Known as the OG of the mainstream fashion rental biz, Rent the Runway began as a business idea in a Harvard classroom. Created by two female students turned founders, RTR was born in 2009 and has evolved along the way. With a mission to empower women to feel their best, over time, the company added accessories for rent, opened a physical store, introduced a plus-size category and, most recently, a subscription service. The website is organized by events (black tie), situations (date night) and clothing types (dresses, pants, jackets, etc.). The one-time rental service was the original concept for RTR — renting clothing and backup sizes for four to eight days. Perfect for formals, one-time rentals are an economical alternative to purchasing new. The subscription service or “swapping” is a popular option for those wanting variety and access to otherwise inaccessible designers. Subscription plans begin at $69 per month, depending on clothing count and more. With approximately 800 designers in its shared closet, purchasing previously rented items is a nice addition to RTR’s robust menu. More at renttherunway.com.

Armoire
In 2016, Armoire was launched as the brainchild of an MIT-educated trendsetter who wanted to save women frustration and time in the dressing room. As the female founder’s team began to assemble, Ambika Singh’s aspirations to “be the armor for every type of woman” developed as a personalized clothing rental membership company providing access to thousands of styles for a flat monthly price. With a nod toward sophisticated, professional styles, Armoire’s virtual closet includes brands ranging from Paige to Diane von Furstenberg and Rag & Bone — trendy yet mature. A style quiz lets users find the membership that best suits their needs. Afterward, an Armoire stylist curates the user’s personalized case. A four-item plan begins at $69 (currently on sale) per month, with additional memberships available. Armoire allows users to keep favorites for as long as needed with some membership editing. While purchasing items to keep is a go, short-term rentals are not. For more, go to armoire.style.

Nuulyrent
Identifying as a curated destination for anyone who loves fashion, Nuuly is equal parts clothing rental and virtual resale platform. Nuuly Thrift allows members to buy and sell items from beanies to baby clothes, including men’s fashions. With a focus on sustainability, Nuuly leans heavily on brands like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and Free People. Providing access to its full inventory, Nuuly offers a questionnaire to help fine-tune style searches. The subscription service is a flat $88 for six styles per month, including shipping both ways and all laundering. With an option to purchase what you love, Nuuly’s vibe is easy, breezy and community-focused. Details at nuuly.com.

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While it remains an obvious choice for men, lacing up sneaks to pair with a dress or a coastal grandma ensemble remains a wildly popular fashion pick for women, too. The comfy, chic and effortless vibe is a definite must — the perfect spring purchase for your closet this season. We rounded up a few of our favorites for your procurement pleasure.

WORTH THE SPLURGE:

DIOR Star Sneaker: $890
Christian Dior Star Sneakers in nude calfskin with white ‘CD’ and ‘Christian Dior PARIS’ signature and white star detail.
Dior.com

BUY IT NOW:

P448 Skate Recycled Sneaker: $298
White and black high-tops made of sustainable materials.
us.448.com

BRILLIANT BARGAIN:

Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage: $110
70s-inspired high-top in blue suede made of sustainable materials.
Nike.com

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The idea came to life when Soul Carrier’s founder, Jennifer Paige Boonlorn, sought to incorporate the same leather used to manufacture professional footballs into her new luxury line. The designer connected with Tannery Row in Chicago and learned the Chi-town company distributes Horween leather, and, voilà, the elevated handbag collection was born.

The Soul Carrier Football Leather Clutch has a textured exterior and a microsuede cream lining. A detachable tassel and two gold-tone D-rings provide the ability to attach a strap, converting the clutch into a cross-body shoulder bag. Retailing for $220, the handbag measures approximately 7×11 inches and is expected to sell out this month.

Soul Carrier’s Card Purse measures approximately 5×3 inches and retails for $90. Ethically sourced cowhide provides durability and simple maintenance. Stylish design elements include a rounded shape, reinforced edges, tassel and a velvety-soft microsuede liner in gray. The card purse fits in the clutch and is also expected to sell out this February.

If you’re looking to scoop up a Soul Carrier in time for Sunday, local resorts, including The Phoenician, Arizona Biltmore and JW Marriott Camelback Inn, sell the handbags on property, in resort stores. Additionally, the football leather collection, along with the designer’s full accessory line, can be purchased at soulcarrier.com.

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We curated a versatile holiday “nice” list, making it easy to add a faux fur here or an accessory there, with varying price points, keeping fashion budgets bright. So, whether you’re heading to a glitzy evening soiree or brunching with the girls, tis the season to sparkle and shine in style.

Merry & Bright

SPLURGE – Alexander McQUEEN pencil dress | $3,390 | alexandermcqueen.com

BUY IT NOW – Cinq à Sept Gretchen dress | $595 | cinqasept.nyc

BRILLIANT BUY – Line & Dot sequin dress | $125 | Saks Fifth Avenue | saksfifthavenue.com

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

SPLURGE – Prada Aspen coat | $4,100 | prada.com

BUY IT NOW – L.L.Bean duffel coat | $259 | llbean.com

BRILLIANT BUY – ALO cable knit beanie | $98 | aloyoga.com

Step It Up

SPLURGE – My Sister’s Closet Jimmy Choo heel | $495 | Scottsdale | mysisterscloset.com

BUY IT NOW – Staud Nicolette Gold Heel | $350 | Staud.clothing

BRILLIANT BUY – Mae and Marie Heddie heel | $70 | Phoenix | maeandmarieshop.com

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It’s Lit
They (generally) smell pleasant, set the mood, come in a variety of sizes and look lovely. Yes, a candle is a perfect addition to any autumnal decor scene. A favorite is a bright light in our nonprofit-focused world as a portion of profits from each candle sold by Koko’s Candles is donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation.

Well known for her yummy, 100-percent soy, clean-burning creations, Janeen Kokodynski started her company to honor her infant son, Matthew, who passed away due to a congenital heart defect in 2005. Each candle includes a small pewter heart that can be retrieved and saved, serving as a reminder of love and a keepsake significant to Matthew’s family. With a variety of scents to choose from, Koko’s Pumpkin Harvest Candle is our current crush.

Reasonably priced, the candle burns for 40-75 hours, depending on size. For more potential fall feels, shop Koko’s collection, and be sure to read up on how to repurpose the pretty glass vessels in the FAQs.

Stay a While
Nothing says comfort (to moi) like that wrapped-up, content-to-lie-here-for-hours feeling more than a luscious blanket. Pro-tip, it is one of my favorite gifts to give because blankets, (again, to moi) are like hugs on repeat. When my kids were tiny enough to hold, I savored every hand-me-down and gifted blankie and still can’t part with any of them, to my husband’s dismay. (With three kids, that’s a lot of keepsake bins.) Eliciting feelings that make us appreciate the little things and enjoy the slower moments of life, blankets are a top pick for our fall list. Two of our top cuddling suggestions include:

A Sherpa Fleece Banket for approximately $25, this well-priced Amazon option is a no-brainer. Perfect for a couch or as an accent in a bedroom, it’s sized right and comes in different fall-ish colors. Bonus, Prime delivery makes for nearly instant gratification for free. Yippee!

This Alpaca Boulcé Weave Throw is more of a splurge, but worth it (personal cuddle experience here). Restoration Hardware’s gorgeous, handcrafted, oversized throw for $299 (non-member-price) is made in the Peruvian highlands from alpaca and sheep’s wool and comes in a variety of colors. It loudly states, “I like my comfort with a dash of style.”

Welcome, New Season
As they say, first impressions are everything. When it comes to style/decor, I prefer first impressions to set the tone. And a warm, welcoming tone is one I like to elicit when seasonally changing up home accessories. Wreaths are as easy as it gets when looking to add a splash of fall, or any season these days. From evergreen, (traditional holiday wreath) to decorative, adding a wreath to a door, wall, fireplace, etc., is a solid choice, and style options seem limitless. We’ve gathered a few on the safe side for fall accessorizing. We’ll save the cat-themed wreaths for a later date.

Berry Wreath
Simple, textured and moderately priced, this Magnolia stunner is a CHIP off the old block. Adorned with faux fall berries, the mix of modern and traditional elements is well done, and for $64, this 28-inch wreath is one not to miss.

Outdoor Pumpkin Wreath
Another Amazon go-to, this pumpkin wreath is as cute as they come. As a “best seller,” the 20-inch outdoor plastic wreath serves up autumn colors and vibes with its mix of berries, pumpkins and pretty leaves. It’s priced so nice, why not buy it twice? It’s $20 before tax and delivery, as this one is not a Prime purchase, but it’s still worthy of a “buy now” click.

Happy shopping, y’all!

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Street stylers rocked the edgy addition to carefree summer looks all season long, and the fall forecast calls for much of the same. The unexpected outfit element elevates most looks in a subtle, not-trying-too-hard way. With cooler temps coming (not soon enough), we prepped early and chose three hot boot styles from local retailers that will fit any fall clothing capsule well. Our picks showcase the on-trend footwear within three price points, making it easy for you to boot it up the next time your wardrobe needs a refresh.

WORTH THE SPLURGE 
Hello, Hermès. A classic to have and to hold at TBC, a luxury resale boutique, the riding boot is one to keep in rotation. The flat, comfortable, previously loved designer boot is good for you and the environment too.
TBC: $975.95
Size 39
Scottsdale/Phoenix (discount warehouse)
Tbcconsignment.com

BUY IT NOW
A combat boot is always a good idea. Larroudé’s take on the military look in black leather with pink stitching and thick platform sole will turn heads for seasons to come.
INTERMIX: $395
Scottsdale
Intermixonline.com

BRILLIANT BARGAIN
This bootie is a twist on the traditional cowboy boot. Paired with skirts, dresses and denim, the unexpected neutral, caramel color wears well with a variety of wardrobe choices.
Muse Apparel: $89
Phoenix
Shopatmuse.com

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