House of Petro Zillia: The Next Chapter!

Last July, I started working for not only one of the most amazingly talented people I've ever met, but one of the best human beings I have ever come across. We refer to Nony as our fearless leader, not only because her designs know no boundaries, but because she pushes US beyond what we thought were our own personal limitations. She encourages me to write, and our interns to dream big! She inspires the world to step out of it's blk and gray protective shell,and drape ourselves in a menagerie of bright colors,and to push the limits as to the weight in jewelry one should wear! lol " If you're not jingling, you're not wearin enough!"



Nony's studio is located right next door to the store, so I've had the benefit of seeing the process of all these amazing Petro Zillia originals come to life! She even let me help her with one, but it's not my gift. The pressure of working with silk...well, if a silk top were $1000, you're getting a deal! Cutting silk is no joke! I think I got 3 gray hairs that afternoon. lol Never again!




I've seen her, with a few buttons, a couple tassles, an a couple feet of thread, make the raddest dress! Ok,I'm exaggerating a smidge..but,she really is the Mcgyver of the fashion world, as far as I'm concerned! She'll find inspiration in a trim, button, or a swatch of fabric, an next thing I know, there's a new collection in the store by the end of the day! She's all around inspiring! I've learned, if you have a idea, run with it! The only failure, is NOT trying!




So, you may or may not know, we're closing our doors at the end of this month. BUT never fear, our website will still be goin strong an kickin fashion ass! When you need that something special, that's exceptionally RAD, you can find it at www.shoppetrozillia.com ! The rainbow medley of skills this woman has is redic! Clothes!Jewelry!Handbags! Not to mention, she makes a mean vanilla latte! So,this isn't goodbye, Petro Zillia will be front and center more than ever!!! Right now, we're so proud of the Petro Zillia collaboration with Forever 21! It's the talk of the town!People are excited to shop it,an you can pay no designer a greater compliment! With that said,if ever you look up into the sky and see a random rainbow, just know that means our fearless leader is at it again! Hurry up, an get to a computer! Click on "NEW" on our site, an prepare to have your mind blown!




These are just a few pics of her latest and my fave Petro originals! I can't wait to see what's comin up next! Stay tuned for more radness and good times!!! xx

Onch Movement's Eat It All Launch Party! A Buffet of Cuteness!

We just had the events of all events, as far as I'm concerned, it embodied everything I'm obsessed with! Funness! Raddness! And CANDY!!! On Thur, Jan. 27th, Onch Movement mooooved us with his amazing accessories collection! It was the party of parties, hosted by one of our favesies, her hotness Allison Melnick! If you've ever had an amazing night out, at a club in hollywood,chances are it was her party!!!


Let me tell you a bit about Onch...he's about the most precious star angel, you'll ever meet! He lives in a world of vibant colors, easy breezy attitude, an cuteness! Think, a real life Hello Kitty character. Well, Onchie brought us into his world for just one night, an now I know why he's always smiling! Mini gumball machines and candy apples were strewn from the ceiling, and the tree in our yard! We had displays with live lady bugs and butterflies( we gently released them after the party, so don't get all excited lol ), colorful floral arrangements throughout, and a CANDY BARRRR!!!! Snickers, Almond Joy, Lemon Heads, Red Vines..you know, the good stuff! Twinkies, Ho hos, an Zingers! If it was sugary sweet, and edible, we had it! And unfortunately, I ate it. (insert green face) We've talked about this, I have no self control when it comes to yummy foods...







You would think, that would be enough of a snack selection for this chipmunk, but noooo... I also spent a significant amount of time drooling over Onch's "Eat it All" Collection. I fantasized about eating the multi-colored, chocolate covered pretzels! Mmmmm..I could almost smell the flavors of the lollipop charm necklaces. The pizza necklaces, well...were pizza! I don't need a reason to wanna eat pizza! Soft serve ice cream rings, with and without cherries...I could write a whole nother blog on the fond memories soft serve ice cream bring up!

Soooo the mini cakes by Lil Rae Cakes , were most definitely a problem. They were delightful little balls of happiness! I think I ate a whole cake worth (sorry,Lil Rae lol ) Who can resist an adorably dressed cutie, an pastel colored baked goodies? Not, this girl! Though my hips sometimes wish I would! Unfortunately for them ,I'm runnin this ship, so bring it!!!

We were also lucky enough to have some of our really great friends show up an support! The ever so sweet Nicky Hilton, was on deck, showing love to her friends Onch an Nony! I also spied with my big brown eyes, rocker wives, Josie Stevens and Susan Holmes! And the one I'm really geeked about, Charlene Tilton of Dallas fame!!! Who Shot J.R.??? March 21, 1980, that was the burning question around the world!!! Yes, I know I'm dating myself! Lol

An just when the night couldn't get anymore precious, Onch gave us a live performance!!!! All of a sudden you heard a crowd yell " FLASH MOB!!!", an cutee girls dressed like food fairies, began shakin what their mama gave em, alongside T.J. Fantini an Onch! GE-DOR-A-BLE!!! The night busted at the seams with good times, an a great time was had by all! This will definitely be one that is talked about for a looong time!

I must give credit for these awesome party shots to Matt Fisher( http://www.etherbinge.org/ ) , an Jessi Jae Joplin ( http://bit.ly/gaB3nV ) , thanks for the hook-up!

Everybody, you gotta check this out!! Michael Mouris, you are a video genius!!! Loves it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fItgTh21Kg

Petro Zillia Therapy: We're Good For What Ails You!

The shirt above, is once again the inspiraton for a blog! First silk, now on color. It's one of my faves, I wear it alot, an try not to wear it everyday...but sometimes... well, it happens. lol Those who have noticed, I appreciate your not calling me out on it! I kid you not, whenever I wear this top, I feel great! Never a damper or a bad day! Is there something about the colors? I feel like I literally light up, in this top! Someone always makes a comment about it! Sooooo, I googled! Do colors have an effect on how we feel? (insert Twilight Zone music). There's several studies that believe colors not only effect our mood, but can also have medicinal benefits!



Now,if we analyze my fave top, here's what we come up with. Blue is 'spose to make you feel calm and relaxed. That would explain the glow,a customer remarked on, the last time I wore it! While green represents rebirth and healing. I always feel rejuvenated and purposeful, whenever I wear this top! (note to self: see if a green wallet would be beneficial to my credit cards, an the lotto ticket I currently possess.)




*fun fact- the color blue is believed to soothe illness,and reduce your appetite! I'll test this theory, the next time I go to a donut shop! And in China, a man wearing a green hat, means his wife is being unfaithful! Okay,that one wasn't so much a "fun" fact. lol (I giggle when I'm nervous)

White/Cream is suppose to evoke feelings of innocene and purity. Hence, the bride wears white. But, I've been to a couple weddings where, the bride might have wanted to consider a color alternative! Married,an a few drinks in, she became a whole nother person. It's kinda weird seein a bride in white, doin the electric slide like it was her second job!...just sayin. lol But, I get it. I always feel light an fresh asa daisy, in whites! :)

Purple is suppose to make you feel exotic! Back in the day, purple dye was made from the mucous glands of snails! It took THOUSANDS of snails to make 1 GRAM of dye!!! Thus, it was a color only nobles could afford. And further thus( I know that's not a word, but I like it an I'm the author. So there! ;)) the color purple is associated with royalty! When you wear it, you should feel very grand! Strut it!

Orange makes you feel all balanced, warm, and enthusiastic. Makes total sense! Think about it, anything orange makes you think of pleasant things. Jumping in fall leaves, when you were a kid( or last fall, if you're me. Come onnnn.. It didn't stop being fun, just because I got taller!). Candy corns, pumpkins...all good stuff! Aaand it's supossedly connected to the health of your lungs, and increases your energy level.

Yellow is calming,makes you feel happy, like you don't have a care in the world! I'd like to suggest all high stress locations be painted yellow, IMMEDIATELY!!! Airports, high schools,my mom's house, an every street in Los Angeles! And ladies, it is also thought to stimulate the nerves,purify the body, an speed up the metabolism! :))))

Oddball fact: Yellow is the hardest color for your eye to read, so it can be too much, if used excessively. Totally explains why I never liked Big Bird, as a kid. He just rubbed me the wrong way, couldn't put my finger on it til now!

Now we get to red,it's the most emotionally charged color. We think of love and Valentines, passion, desire, and power! It's a real attention getter! Sets an exciting mood! You wanna take a date up a notch, RED! You have an appearance in court, not so much. lol

We thought we were just havin some fun, with all the colors we work with! Turns out, we spreading joy, calm, love, exoticism, an good health alllll over the world! You're welcome! ;)

P.s. What mood is your wardrobe in?

Once Upon a Little Silk Worm...

You guys know me by now,I'm a ponderer... this time, it was about the origin of silk. I mean, I knew it came from silk worms.. but how did it become something that I'm wearing on my body, at this very moment! I practically live in our oversized silk tops, and I'm currently surrounded by the dreamiest new silk collection, from Karen Zambos! How did it come to be this amazing material, from the worm, to this spectacular piece on my body?!!! So, I googled! And I found the story behind it's discovery, was a magical as it feels against the skin!

Around 2600 BC, this enchanting discovery began with Lady Ling-Hsi-Shih, and an innocent cup of tea. The wife of The Yellow Emperor, was having her afternoon tea, when a sweet little silk worm fell into her cup! The warmth from the tea began to unravel the silk until it flowed across her garden, and it presented a tiny cocoon!!! I'm J! There was a bug in my salad at The Cheesecake factory,once. Nothing awesome happened. Well,they comped dessert,but it led to no discoveries. I already knew I liked chocolate!

Another version tells, she discovered silkworms eating the mulberry leaves in her garden, and spinning cocoons. She picked some of the cocoons, and while having her tea, one of the cocoons fell into the hot water. The fine silk thread began to unravel from the cocoon,an the 14yr old royal discovered she could wrap it around her finger! Again,these things never happen to me...prob,cause I woulda screamed like girl, dropped the cup, killing the worm, an we'd all be wearing polyester. :/

She convinced The Emperor to give her a grove of mulberry trees, and she began to domesticate her little worm babies! (another versions tells, that it was the Emperor's idea for her to study them, but I prefer this one! Us girls gotta stick together!) She then taught her entourage "the art of raising silkworms" . I used quotations, to emphasize the amazingness of that, cause I couldn't raise a fern! I'm impressed! She was also said to have invented the loom! Umm..she was a child of 14..15.. I'm starting to feel like my mom should have pushed me more, as a child!

In it beginnings, silk was only accessible to Chinese Royalty, and their court. For well over 200 years, the Chinese kept the secret of silk to themselves. It was the most vigantly kept secret in history! It isn't known to have been used widespread until almost 400 YEARS, after the young royal sat down for a cup of tea! Also another possibility why these things never happen to me...I gotta big mouth! : )

For The Love of the LBD!

Right now, all us girls have one thing on our minds. "What the heck am I wearing for New Year's Eve???" I've been hearing and agreeing, the little black dress is a necessary weapon, in your fashion arsenal. With just the right dress, you can literally render someone SPEECHLESS! (In that good way! lol) So, I got to wonderin, when did the idea of the " little black dress" begin, cause it's kinda genius! I started googlin', an low and behold, the concept of the perfect little black dress started with Coco Chanel! Why am I not surprised! ha! In 1926, she gave us a pic of a short,simple black dress, inside American Vogue..an we've never been the same!



" A sort of uniform for all women of taste" - Vogue Magazine

In the 1950's, Dior made it the symbol of a women to be reckoned with! The femme fatales, of Hollywood's Golden Era, were often portrayed in black halter style dresses. If you're a classic movie nerd, like myself, you know these women were definitely not the weaker sex! Any man in the vicinity, turned to putty in their hands! Frankly, not a power I would find bothersome.

The 60's, introduced the "LBD" in new clean and simpler lines. Think Givenchy's design on Audrey Hepburn, in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" If you haven't seen that movie ,it's a definite fashion must see! So is, Sabrina...and funny face! ..but, I'm getting off topic :)

Here is where my personal style resides, the 90's LBD look. Fitted, short dress, button down or granpa sweater over, with beat up,worn boots! Aaaahhh! This is my uniform! I know, it's from the 90's, but that's the beauty of the perfect little black dress! It's never OUT of fashion! You personalize it, an make it your own with various accessories! It can take you virtually any and everywhere! Trust me, I trade the combat boots for heels, when I'm out with mom! lol

This sweet number above, is Petro Zillia's contribution to the history of the little black dress. I know what you're thinking, "How many places can I wear this to? It's kinda fancy". Well, I would throw this on, with a beanie,cardigan an boots, for a day out with my girlfriends! A blk beret,glasses,an flat boots with tights, for a study date at the library...with a blazer or wrap,and open-toe ankle booties for an event (I know,I have a boot problem :/ that's a whole 'nother blog! lol)

Remember, you're a Petro Zillian! You're fearless, and you define your personal style! Not the other way around. Definitely know, when we present you with an outfit, it's only a suggestion...or a kind of starter kit. Nothing would make us prouder, than to see you pair things with a pair of bright shoes, for no other reason, than it's your fave color! ...Wear fancy dangly earrings to the grocery store, cause where ever you are, is thee place to be!


" When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in it's place" - Duchess of Windsor,Wallis Warfield Simpson.

Friends Forever!

Kismet-n. fate; destiny. That's the only way to describe the relationship between long-time friends Nony (our fearless leader) and Yana Syrkin! I mean, when you meet someone who has pink hair(just like you), drives the same make,model, an color car as you, AND has the same birthday...well, that is the universe telling you something! An if I may give you a piece of advise, when the universe speaks, it's for a reason! LISTEN! They listened, and have enjoyed a friendship, spanning over 10yrs!

They also have in common, great boutiques,and a love of design, that is both colorful, fun,and full of personality! Yana's boutique, Fifi and Romeo, carries the absolute cutest designs for your 4-legged little one! Argyle sweaters for your preppy puppy, headbands for your princess,an pom pom hoodies that are perfect for a spring walk! I even saw a couple sweaters ,with anchors on them, that would be perfect for my 2 lil pirate pooches! Check out her facebook, for the store, an prepare to melt over the designs an ridiculously cute doggy models! http://www.facebook.com/fifiandromeo

Destiny- a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power.

Is There Such a Thing, as Too Much Fun???

This is the question, I've been pondering on this gorgeous saturday morning. I'm sitting at work, EXHAUSTED from our 3rd st Holiday Block Party! Did I mention, it was on thursday? Hahaha! Is there such a thing as too much fun? Is there a point when you should "tap out", so to speak? Not at all one of my strengths! I'm more a 'Ride it, till the wheels fall off', kinda girl. A Petro Zillia girl, if you will. Let me take you thru the evening, an you let me know if there was a window, where I coulda said enuffs ze nuff! lol

First of all, we started out making the cutest little holiday displays. Nony gives me a huge box of tulle and ribbon, in various bright colors an prints, an different shaped boxes (including the sweetest lil heart shaped ones! I die!) My objective, create bright, fun PZ vibe gift boxes! Now, let me explain something about myself. I'm an arts an crafts kid, at heart! You hand me some twigs, a couple strands of ribbon,an a pack of chewing gum...I'll hand you back a musical mobile,with birds floating on it! And I'm a Xmas geek! Love the holidays! Basically, I'm all over this task!

Then, THE FOOD TRUCKS ARRIVED!!!!!! I'm a foodie! I love to eat,an I never miss a meal! When we got cofirmations from The White Rabbit Truck, The Boba Truck, and the BarbiesQ truck, I immediately googled them to check out their menus! Planning is crucial, I need to taste everything! I started out with the beefsteak and garlic rice bowl from The White Rabbit Truck...I inhaled it! So good! Then, I tried my first boba drink ever! Now, I understand why eveyone loves them. It's like a liquid hug! Then, I rounded it out with the sampler from the BarbiesQ truck. The most crazy delicious barbq evs!!!! Don't even think about sayin, I coulda let the food truck fun slide! I'm not hearin it! Ha!

I couldn't have been in better company, with Nony( my amazing boss), Basil and Suggie( our rad interns). Even Nony's mom, one of my favorite people on the planet, was on board for good times! As the night progressed, the store filled with our awesome customers and friends, an we enjoyed a night filled with music, shopping, snacking on cupcakes from Sweet E's Bake Shop, an SANTA!!!! Yes,I gave you all that for Santa! You love Bieber, I love Santa! That dude can make Christmas happen all over the globe,in a night! I meeean!!! So you can fully grasp how fun the night was, we stayed open an extra 2 hrs! I wasn't gonna miss any of that action either!

So, all in all, it was 12hrs of back to back holiday fun-ness!!! I really don't see any moment, I could have done without! I'm exhausted, but my smile goes from ear to ear! My body is just gonna have to try an keep up with my spirit, that just wants to have all the fun, while there's fun to be had! It's the life of a Petro Zillia girl....