In conversation with Indre Jakumaite, designer & owner of "Alexa Jay"

“生命影響生命”

Wise words from the mother of yours truly that essentially mean one’s life can impact another. Simple but meaningful, I think that one of the best things about making new friends is, quite honestly, the inspiration they bring you. Be it about a new challenge or a new way of thinking, I find that a significant part of my life is created by all the people I have met and their unique personalities. On this occasion, I had the privilege of getting to know, through a good friend of mine, fashion’s latest hip and fab handbag designer, Indre Jakumaite.

Created by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j on Polyvore

Jakumaite is the owner and designer of the brand, Alexa Jay. Starting only 2 years ago, this London-based brand is well known for its beautiful accessories in stunning statement colors and elegant classic styles. With a hint of playfulness, the products often evoke printed motifs and interesting textures, two of the utmost important themes that constantly inspire Jakumaite.

So what exactly is the story behind the name “Alexa Jay”?

“Initially, we started the business with #IJ, but soon realized that it didn't work. It took us quite a few glasses of bubbly to get the juices flowing and to come up with a new name. We wanted it to be personal and meaningful to us, so my partner and I decided to play with our names and their sounds. Thus Alexa Jay was born.”

And who is this “Alexa Jay” girl you might ask?

“She’s a happy and busy city woman, with an iPhone in one hand and coffee in the other (and occasionally a cupcake!). She loves fashion but isn’t necessarily fashion led, and likes to go for playful looks that are elegant, classy, and in bright, statement colors. She’s keen on high-end trends with a mid-price point. Last but not least, she’s well-travelled, educated, and career-orientated but still has time for socializing, relationships, and caring for her own appearance and home.”

The girls of ALEXA JAY

I personally think that’s the kind of woman ALL women (including myself) should aspire to be.

But it’s not simply the Alexa Jay girl that I found inspiring, oh no. It was her creator, Jakumaite herself. Having a background in HR, she made a daring move by quitting her job and buying an industrial sewing machine to begin designing and making handbags. Her passion for fashion has allowed her to experience the two most “adventurous” years of her life. With the help of her mentor, Donna Ida Thornton, the founder of the denim boutique Donna Ida, Jakumaite has gained success in marketing her brand such that Alexa Jay products are now available both online and in numerous stores, notably Anthropologie in Selfridges, and has even made it to the designer spotlight of the infamous Marie Claire magazine (issue May 2014 to be more precise!). Her ending remarks? “I love what I do and so my business is a great source of pride and pleasure.”

Inspirational? I think yes.

Reach for the stars and be open. Let the experience of others influence your life.

And remember

Be “flirtatiously colorful.”

x

For more details about or to purchase items from Alexa Jay visit:

Web: http://alexajay.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexaJayHandbags?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexajay_bags

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/AlexaJayBags/

Alexa Jay products can also be found at:

·         Anthropologie (King’s Road, Regents Street, Bath, Guildford, Westfield, Selfridges and online)

·         The Mercantile (Spitalfields)

·         Kristina Goes West (online)

·         Lolly & Mitch (Hertfordshire – from November) 

Love is an open door

Love is an open door by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j featuring high heel pumps

Pose for independence

Pose for independence by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j featuring a brown tote (lol)

I heard that pink was in this season

At least that's what it said in the magazine I was reading the other day. Even if it isn't, who doesn't want to brighten up themselves with some color during the long and cold days that are ahead of us (or are are here already for some of us!)? Color all the way I say

Looking back at the Polyvore sets I've done, it surprises me how much I've developed in making these look interesting and, most importantly, different. My first couple of sets were highly structured - you could tell that there was a clear focal point (i.e. the clothing) of which was positioned in generally the same areas (i.e. the middle, corners etc.). The shape of the sets were the same -- rectangular or square-shaped (I've never been much of a circle or star-shaped set fan like some other polyvore users are, but hey that's completely fine). I put so much attention on the clothing that well, my sets looked repetitive both style-wise and shape-wise. 

It was actually really bugging me. 

Now I have a new focus - emotion or mood. Happiness, peace, anger, etc. you name it, and I'll make it. It's helped me really break the barriers - I don't think about the clothing (well not much - I still have some comfort areas and pieces I'd like opt for -- the boots in the picture being one of them), but about how I feel; it's become a form of expression rather than need to push-forth my style. It's a liberating feeling for sure.

Wild - unique - bold.

Three key words - a summary of my set. Seriously, what's the point in trying to fit in when well, sometimes it's too difficult? For me, it's to do with leggings and tights. Skinny jeans - yes. Leggings and tights - NO. I only have one pair (I got it because of its color) and I rarely wear it. I say if you're not comfortable with something, forget about it. Don't bother wearing something that people or the media dictate is "in style" right now. Dress yourself in whatever you want, and however you want, but most importantly - BE CONFIDENT. There's no point, in my opinion, to wear something that's very dear or uncomfortable for yourself when you can't walk, socialize, play, work etc. in it boldly and proudly. Obviously if there's a dress-code then you'll have some guidelines that have to be followed. Otherwise, don't worry about how others see or judge you. Just be yourself and have faith in your choices - that's more important than being "in style" (trends will always be there but whether they exist and have an effect in your life is dependent on self-will and conformity).

And on that note, I end this post by saying the following:

STAND OUT

            BE PROUD

                 &

                     POSE FOR INDEPENDENCE 

Signs of Love

A Polyvore set created by me in celebration (LOL) of my new and first ever cooking post (yippee!) on my blog (many more to come - don't worry :) 

Had absolutely no idea what I was doing other than the fact that I wanted to include the baking things and cakes on it because that's what my cooking post was about - a totally spontaneous set that basically includes everything I thought looked nice on it; a great and relaxing way to end the day :D

My world - my rules

Another thing I'm into

Fashion. Any sort really but I'm a fan of outfits from the 40-60s, mixed up with some really masculine and well structured leather shoes or converses - can't be too girly! Check out my polyvore account:http://t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j.polyvore.com/ for more of my fashion and interior design sets :)