HOLY COW, "THE MARTIAN" IS AMAZING.

Yesterday, Fox invited me to a special sneak peek presentation of the film with actor Matt Damon and Director Ridley Scott.  Normally, when I attend these events we only get to see 5-10 minute clips from different parts of the film.  However, Ridley Scott decided to show us the first HOUR of the film!  It was such a tease, because now I just want to see the remainder of the movie!! 

In the film, Matt Damon plays a NASA astronaut who, along with his team (Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Michael Pena and others), has landed on the planet Mars and is conducting tests and experiments to see if the planet can support human life.  However, a dangerous dust storm strikes forcing the crew to abort their mission and evacuate the planet.  In the midst of their escape, Mark Watney (Damon) is hit by a large piece of metal and disappears.  Presumed dead, his crew and the entire world mourn their loss.  Later, we discover that Watney actually survived the storm and is now stranded alone on Mars, with no way of contacting anyone on Earth.  Skilled with the knowledge of botany, engineering and science, Watney must improvise in order to survive and, hopefully, find a way back home.  The film also stars comedienne Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sebastian Stan, and recent Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Other than the fact that the cast is stellar, the film looks incredible and the story line is so fascinating to me.  Damon does an amazing job as the lead role, who has a mix of snarky humor, wit, brains, and flat out adorableness.   

"The Martian" is based off of a novel written by Andy Weir whom I got to meet and interview at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA.  He had a great story behind how "The Martian" became such a success which ultimately led to his movie deal.  It all started with a blog/personal website (um... future KYLIEWOOD novel written and published by me?? There's hope! ) where the story lived as a serial over the course of several years.  Eventually, his followers wanted him to repackage it in e-reader form.  After his readers struggled to figure out how to download the free e-reader version, he then directly uploaded it to Amazon Kindle and listed it at its minimum selling price of $0.99.  More people ended up paying the buck to download it in Kindle form than in the form that was free! As the book moved its way up the bestsellers list, it eventually fell in to the hands of an agent, which led to a publisher, which led to Fox obtaining movie rights.  Weir, who at the time worked as a computer programmer, would find himself leaving his cubicle to go take calls for his big movie deal, then return to his cubicle to continue working.  I asked him if he still has that job. He told me he was able to quit because he made enough money from "The Martian" deal!

While at JPL, I also got to speak to The Director of Planetary Science at NASA- Dr. Jim Green- who served as a consultant on the film to Director Ridley Scott AND I got to take a tour of the campus! Well, I actually already have seen the entire campus when I visited a few months ago for "Interstellar", but hey!  NASA is ALWAYS fun.

The film comes out October 2, 2015 and, you guys, it is a MUST SEE!  Did I mention the film is scored by Harry Gregson-Williams who is an amazingly talented composer? I love film scores! Two words: OSCAR CONTENDER.

Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg.  We already know they have on-screen chemistry from their 2009 film, “Adventureland”. Their second film together, “American Ultra”, hits theaters August 21st and let me tell you guys, it is FREAKIN' awesome.  One of the best films I've seen this year, American Ultra is the perfect balance of comedy and action.  Jesse Eisenberg totally owns his part and is absolutely hilarious! I got to fly to New York where I sat down with the super rad duo!

A recent VIRAL hit, Funny or Die released an “Awkward Interview” video starring KStew and Eisenberg to promote the upcoming flick.  Based off of a “press junket style” interview, KStew and Eisenberg took turns answering each other “typical” interview questions, and it is hilarious!  Based off of seeing this vid, I knew that the two were going to be down to have some fun in my interview with them!

It’s no surprise that Kristen Stewart, who has gained notable fame from her role as ‘Bella Swan’ in the Twilight series, still maintains a huge, loyal, fan base.  In fact, outside of the lobby entrance to The Four Seasons Hotel, New York (where the interviews took place) stood a crowd of hopeful fans waiting all day for a chance to meet and take a picture with the star.  Despite the massive fame that KStew has gained, she has always been super down-to-earth when I’ve sat down with her.   Paired with Jesse Eisenberg, the two were incredibly excited and pumped to talk about “American Ultra”!  From the second I sat down, they already had massive smiles on their faces and you could tell that they couldn’t wait to start chatting!  I’m sure it also helps that I’m the same age as them, but the interview was basically a hang out between friends who were geeking out about an awesome film.  Although there were so many more questions I wanted to ask the two, I only had five minutes.  We did, however, cover topics like how Eisenberg and KStew find the film and its characters absolutely hilarious, how Eisenberg still laughs whenever he sees the trailers and the daunting hair and makeup process they went through in order to get their, basically, mutilated appearances for their intense action scenes.

Even after the interview ended and the cameras weren’t rolling anymore, they were talking to me and asking me questions! It was an overall great interview, and when the actors are genuinely super excited, and happy to talk to you, it’s even more of a reason to support their film!  I can’t wait for you guys to see the final interview.. and the film!!!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat at @KylieEricaMar!

I get inspired to write about things I like, and I REALLY liked the PAN movie party hosted by Warner Brothers Studios that I attended this afternoon!

After getting a quick sneak peek of five scenes from the upcoming movie, PAN, introduced by Director Joe Wright and the film’s star, Levi Miller, we went up to the rooftop of the London West Hollywood Hotel for a nice day party!

But, before we get to those fun festivities… let's go over the SIX THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT THE UPCOMING MOVIE, PAN, from today’s footage! (Other than the huge fact that PAN is a prequel story to all of the characters we know, and love, from the other films based on the flying kid in green from the Netherlands.)


1. Hugh Jackman plays Blackbeard, a pirate.  Apparently, it had been Hugh’s lifelong dream to play a pirate! I’ll have to find out why if and when I interview him in September!  Since Hugh has a huge theater background, the director knew he could handle the larger than life scenes.  The first scene he is in shows Hugh leading an insanely large amount of people with a super over-the-top, but great, dramatic performance.  Hugh Jackman is one of my favorite actors to interview, so I can’t wait to see him as the villain!

2. Another one of my favorite actors in Hollywood, (an actress, actually) Amanda Seyfried, has a presence in the film… but you won't see her face a lot throughout. She plays Mary, Peter [Pan]’s mom. 

3. Australian newcomer Levi Miller plays Peter Pan who is basically the chosen one, currently in an orphanage ran by awful nuns and is the hero of the story.

4. Garret Hedlund plays a young Hook, and he’s friends with Peter!!

5. Rooney Mara, who plays Tiger Lily, has a crazy colorful costume with a very LARGE headdress, which apparently was even bigger originally but had to be scaled down!!

6. There are ships that fly in the sky.  Rooney Mara and Hugh Jackman have a super intense fight sequence on the flying ships!  Speaking of fight sequences, one takes place completely on a trampoline! 

The food bar was amazing. They had the best fish and chips I think I've ever had.   In fact, I hope it's a London West Hollywood Hotel original, because I will go back just for that. I wanted to eat like 10 of them!

The party had super colorful outdoor furniture and lots of umbrellas to provide shade for the super hot day.  I hung out with all of my fellow reporters and friends who are currently in town for another movie this weekend.

Let’s just say, I will definitely be campaigning for him to work on that film.  

Yes, I know that Wonder Woman is DC and Silk is Marvel. Calm down people.

Oh yeah, I also finally met the real director Joe Wright and if you think I told him about how I pretty much couldn’t recognize him in a crowd, then you are absolutely right. 

 
That’s it, ladies and gentlemen! Check out my Snapchat – KylieEricaMar.  Moments from the party that I captured will only be up for another 15 hours!!

This past weekend I flew to New York City in order to cover the highly anticipated reimagining of Fantastic Four.  As a fan of the original film created a decade ago, I have been waiting to see this film since it was announced!  

I was 16 years old when I watched the original Fantastic Four movie starring Jessica Alba as the 'Invisible Woman' and Chris Evans (now Captain America) as the 'Human Torch'.  Growing up on cartoons like Spiderman and Justice League, and all of the live-action Batman movies, my brother and I were huge fans of superheroes. (I think I also just wanted to be cool with my brother.)  I'll always remember that original Fantastic Four because it was the first live-action superhero team film I had ever seen.  The idea that you and your friends, while not being born with powers, can somehow become superheroes later in life was mind-blowing to me.  Since Fantastic Four, there has been a significant rise and success of superhero team films like X-Men and, of course, The Avengers.  So, it was about time that Marvel's first superhero team was given a reboot.

Why you should see this movie...

It's not a revival, it's a reimagining.

This new franchise introduces a brand new, younger, cast.  Miles Teller, fresh off of his success in films like Whiplash, The Divergent Series, and Spectacular Now, stars as Reed Richards aka 'Mister Fantastic'.  Michael B. Jordan who became noticed after his critically acclaimed film Fruitvale Station, and was then seen alongside Miles and Zac Efron, is our new 'Human Torch'.  Kate Mara, from the hugely successful Netflix original series House of Cards, is the 'Invisible Woman', and wrapping up the four is Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm aka 'The Thing'.

Not only do we have a fresh cast with actual acting chops, but we also get a brand new story.  I liked being able to watch this movie, and not know exactly what is going to happen next.  Generally, as moviegoers, we like to be surprised.  The way the four meet, and subsequently gain their newfound powers, is completely different than in the original film.

It's a MARVEL film, after all.

Like all Marvel films, there is a touch of humor sprinkled with some light sarcasm and wit. The reason why I like Marvel films so much is the fact that it is based in science and technology, so it is super smart.  

I know I've said this before, but..

Every day, I wake up and wonder why I'm not a superhero.

Marvel films inspire the wildest dreams for kids... and BIG kids.

SURPRISE! I'm ACTUALLY the Invisible Woman in the new Fantastic Four movie!!!!

Ok, I'm just kidding. However, I had a great solid 5 minutes with these guys before our interview started!

While Kate[Mara] was out of the room, and the rest of the crew were getting in to place, I ended up having a few minutes to chat/hang out with the guys!  This moment rarely happens, but it's a really great ice-breaker.  Michael and I actually share a lot of mutual friends, so that also helped create an easy mood and conversation right off the bat with the guys.  As soon as I sat down, Miles was immediately hounding me with questions.  Playfully, he was asking me what I thought about the movie, if I thought the final fight sequence should have been shorter or longer and what I thought about Victor Von Doom in this film.  I gave him my honest answers, which clearly proved I wasn't just there to sweet-talk them or suck up to them.  I think they liked that.  I honestly wish that the whole hangout before the actual interview started was caught on tape, because we probably would have used more of that instead of the actual interview once Kate came back!

I had actually told Miles about my experience watching the original film 10 years ago, and why I liked it so much.  Miles told me he never saw the original film!!  When I interviewed the four of them, I really wanted to know what they wanted to do differently with this film, BECAUSE of the fact that there were already two films established 10 years ago.  Assuming that they had seen the original(s), would the original cast's characters and performances affect their take on their roles?

I've traveled many times to New York to cover movies over the last (almost) decade.  This was the first time I have gotten to stay at the Four Seasons New York!  I loved it.  Their hospitality and customer service is on-fleek.  They only had one bar/lounge that served food in the hotel lobby.  It was super high end, yet they let me order CHICKEN STRIPS.. and they did it with pure pleasure and no judgment.  That's why I love them now.

After an embarrassing video surfaces online, two guys- Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox- of the hugely popular YouTube channel, SMOSH, go INSIDE YouTube in order to take back the clip before it blows Anthony's chances of reconnecting with his high school crush.  The SMOSH guys go through a magic portal which allows them to literally go inside any of their favorite popular YouTube channels, like Jenna Marbles'! 

The video is now available for digital download!

I got to sit down and chat with Ian and Anthony about their first feature-length film.  I wanted to know, if the portal were real- Which celeb would they want to show up in their vids and what current film would they want to go in to?  

What do you guys think? Comment below!

For MORE of my interviews, head over to MADE IN HOLLYWOOD's YouTube channel!!

Recently, I started running a lot.  I take a “Precision Running” class at Equinox 3 days a week.  One of my favorite instructors likes to end our class with fun facts and tips for a healthy lifestyle.  After our last class, he told us the top antioxidant-rich foods that we should be eating consistently based off of the fact that they are packed with so many nutrients, which provide many health benefits.  One of which, were red cherries.  The #1 reason that sold me was the fact that he said red cherries help us look younger, longer!!! I thought, this is great! Nick and I have already been eating red cherries, because they are currently in season. So, when I went to Gelson’s to stock up for the week I, of course, grabbed a bag of red cherries.  Upon checkout I realized, the bag of cherries was a whopping $14!!  $14 for an average-sized bag of cherries.  I thought, this bag of cherries better take 12 years off of my skin. My roommate Stef said, “Those better be the best cherries you’ve ever had in your entire life.” .. and they were.  However, I couldn’t resist sending out 3(or 5) tweets about my ridiculously priced fruit.  It was then that I decided to research all of the reasons why cherries are so good for you (obviously because I needed some justification)... and I discovered some interesting facts!!

So, here are 10 reasons why red cherries should be in everyone’s refrigerator right now, and why you shouldn’t feel completely guilty about how much they may cost!

1.    They aid in the prevention of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The bright red color of a red cherry comes from its rich supply of anthocyanins. The red cherry is in the #1 spot at the top of the food chart for having the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). 

Research has shown that anthocyanins protect blood vessels and brain cells against oxidative stress. Eating red cherries regularly can provide great health benefits such as the prevention of neurodegenerative ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Anthocyanins are also known to slow the growth of human colon cancer cells.

My grandma suffers from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it is genetic.  After seeing what it does first hand,  I definitely want to do everything I can to prevent it in my future!

2.    Helps to prevent cancer.

Cherries contain queritrin, which has been found to be one of the most potent anticancer agents.  Basically, when eating cherries, the queritrin is set off in to your body to fight off all of the body’s cancerous cells.

Also found in cherries- ellagic acid- which some researchers believe to be the most effective way to prevent cancer.

Cancer runs in my family, so this is super important to me!

3. The anthocyanin content feeds on free radicals directly.

Why are free radicals bad?

Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly to attack and steal an electron from the nearest stable molecule. When the “attacked” molecule loses that electron, it becomes a free radical itself and a chain reaction occurs.  Once that chain reaction begins, it eventually can result in the disruption of a living cell.  Environmental factors like pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides also spawn free radicals.  Generally, our bodies can handle free radicals so don’t freak out! However, if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes too excessive, damage CAN occur.  The reason why most of us, especially woman, don’t want free radical damage is because it plays a significant role in the aging of our skin!!

If you immediately thought of blueberries for your source of antioxidants, think again.  RED CHERRIES are SUPER high in antioxidants!!

4.    Prevent premature aging and have younger looking skin!!!

Red cherries contain 17 different antioxidant compounds which are, by far, the highest levels of antioxidants compared to any other fruit. The antioxidants fight the free radicals, which are responsible for making our skin look older.  So, this proves that cherries can slow down the aging process! Who doesn’t want to look young forever??

5.    Fights inflammation caused by gout and arthritis.

The red cherry juice helps lower uric acid levels in the blood.  Gout is usually the result of an overload of uric acid in our bloodstream! So we can remain super active, longer!!

6.    Helps with migraines and headaches.

When the anthocyanins reduce inflammation in the body, they also help to eliminate migraines and headaches.  These compounds have similar activity to aspirin.  Athletes often drink red cherry juice to deal with their muscle pain and build stamina. SOLD.

7.    They help you sleep.

Cherries can increase melatonin levels!!  Studies have shown that cherries can be used to improve sleep quality.  Raise your hand if you’ve diagnosed yourself as an insomniac!

8.    They can help with skin problems like acne.

Cherries are rich in Vitamin A, which can help to fight skin bacteria and remove toxins from the blood that are often behind acne outbreaks.  Ain’t nobody got time for a pimple.  We have selfies to take.. and the iPhone 6 is HD status!

9.    Healthier, longer hair.

The consumption of red cherries, because of their rich source of antioxidants, is good for hair growth and can control hair loss.  Hair for days!!

10. FIBER

Everyone’s new favorite word.  Fiber is great because it helps you feel full quicker which means- less of a chance of overeating.  Also, it helps you poop... and girls know how stressful their day is if that doesn’t happen. 

Basically, ANTIOXIDANTS are everything.  If a handful of red cherries is more effective than any other food source, then why wouldn’t you pay $14 for a bag of cancer-fighting, youth-renewing, pain-reducing fruit that tastes delicious??

However, just because red cherries contain all of these health benefits does not mean you should go out and buy 10 bags and make them your #1 source of food.  It is best to have a balanced diet!

What do you think? Are you going to run to the store now to purchase some red cherries? Comment below!!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you have at least heard about The Fault in Our Stars.  (Critically acclaimed young adult novel turned hugely successful young adult film starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.)

From the same author, and popular YouTuber, comes a new movie adapted from one of his previously written, bestselling, novels- Paper Towns.  The film stars Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Halston Sage, Austin Abrams, Justice Smith, and Jaz Sinclair.

The film is centered on Quentin, or “Q”, as he goes on an adventure to find Margo Roth Spiegelman- his missing neighbor, and love of his life, after she suddenly disappears. 

In the beginning of the film we get to learn the backstory behind Q and Margo’s relationship as best friends growing up.  It’s the story we’ve seen before.  Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, and boy and girl become best friends who ride their bicycles around the neighborhood every single day.  Girl eventually grows up to be the most popular and beautiful girl in school; boy grows up to be the less hott nerdy kid with only two awkward friends.  They drift apart and don’t have anything in common anymore.  Until one night, when Q wakes up to Margo climbing through his window.  This is the part in John Green’s novel where things start to get interesting.  Margo has chosen Q to be her partner-in-crime for a one night escapade around town on a secret mission.  However, after that one fateful night, she is never seen or heard from again.  Only because of the cryptic clues Margo has left behind, does Q decide to muster up his own courage to go on an epic adventure to find, and bring back, the love of his life. However, he will need a little help from his friends along the way as he discovers the understanding of true friendship… and true love.

John Green’s third novel Paper Towns was written in 2008 and was an immediate success, debuting at #5 on The New York Times bestsellers list for young adult fiction.  After the box office success of TFIOS, it was no surprise that Fox quickly acquired the rights to Paper Towns.  The interesting story, though, is the fact that Nat Wolff was handpicked to star in this film.  While on set for TFIOS, as a supporting cast member, one of the producers mischievously hinted at Wolff to “check out Paper Towns”.  After fans of TFIOS voiced their opinions on Wolff’s incredible performance, they reached out to Wolff to lead Green’s next film adaptation. 

The next step in the casting process was to then find the mysterious Margo Roth Spiegelman, who they found in famous British model, social media princess, Victoria Secret angel, and muse of Karl Lagerfeld- Cara Delevingne.  Cara is the “it girl” in the young model world, along with her best friend Kendall Jenner. 

Many of the same filmmakers (producers and screenwriters) from #TeamGreen returned to bring Paper Towns to the big screen, and you can tell.  In a way, the film emits the same style even though it is a completely different story with all new characters. 

I liked the movie.  It’s a sweet coming-of-age story with great characters.  I think the reason why the characters are so likeable is because they were casted so well.  Nat is your trustworthy best friend, who you want to have everything good in the world, because you know he deserves it.   He’s super down-to-earth and friendly in person! I’ve been a fan of Cara’s since I started following her on Instagram a couple of years ago.  She always has a super funny/weird face in her pictures and is always doing something wild and/or crazy.  I believe this is the year for the models turned actresses. (i.e. Rosie Huntington-Whitely in Mad Max: Fury Road and Chanel Iman in Dope) So it’s really cool to see her acting chops!  Halston Sage is mostly known from her role in Neighbors with Zac Efron.  She’s super gorgeous and reminds me of a young Rachel McAdams.  (I would LOVE to see them in a movie together, maybe as young mother-daughter or older sister/interim mother?) She’s also super sweet in person and seems like a girl you would want to hang out with!

Preconceived notions are a big theme in this film.  When it comes to celebrities, we think we know them. But, do we really?  I dug a little deeper and got the stars of the film to tell me one thing about them that we probably DIDN'T know!


For more MADE IN HOLLYWOOD, check out our new website!!

Although Paper Towns only debuted in the #6 spot in the Box Office this weekend, it is important to note that they brought in an opening of $12.5 million.  Their budget for the film was $12 million, which means they already covered production costs!  Anything they make from here on out will just be profit! Congrats Paper Towns!!

It's taken me roughly three years, at about 4-5 classes a week, to feel like I can survive, and maintain personal equilibrium, after one of Nichelle Hines' spin classes at Cycle House, West Hollywood.

One of my favorite classes of the year is the DASH x CH giveback ride.  This ride takes place annually and supports the American Cancer Society.  It is hosted by Cycle House and DASH boutique(owned by the Kardashians).  Last year, I managed to snag by favorite bike(Bike 4 for life!) for the giveback ride.  I got a super awesome personalized swag bag that made it well more than worth it for the ticket price of $55.  Plus, who could say NO to supporting the fight against cancer??  My grandma survived cancer, stemmed from a tumor, and my aunt died from ovarian cancer, so it definitely hits close to home for me.  With that being said, I was so excited to sign up for the event again this year!  With the success of the spin studio's new reality TV show, Hollywood Cycle, there were three classes available.  Each taught by Nichelle, Aaron and Nick.  

However, Nichelle is my girl.  She's pretty much the only instructor that I will take when I go to CH!  It's not that I don't love the other instructors.  Trust me, they're all good.  However, there's something about the fact that Nichelle raps, gets in your face and yells at you and is not afraid to call you out, for the good and the bad, that makes me absolutely love going to her class.  Also, knowing that she truly is the toughest instructor, makes me feel super accomplished afterwards.

Side note: The reason why I love Cycle House>Soul Cycle is the fact that the riders who go to CH, go for the actual HARD WORK.  We go there for the blood, sweat and tears. Not for the "show", which I feel Soul Cycle is all about.  Every time I've gone to Soul Cycle, the instructors are barely paying attention to the riders.  They're always so focused on themselves and their own movements and performance. Soul Cycle is more of a chain studio, while Cycle House feels more like HOME.

The ride was especially awesome this year because Khloe Kardashian attended!  Who, by the way, looks amazing right now.  Girl has been working hard in the gym lately, and it definitely shows!  It was hilarious because during the entire class, I was basically the teacher's pet.  (There are pros and cons) Nichelle used me as the example, since I'm a "regular".  Throughout the class, she would tell everyone to watch and follow what I was doing, which is super flattering... but also doesn't allow me to slack off!!! All in all, it was a GREAT ride... and what made it even better was the fact that one of my best friends, Kailee, came with me!!! 

A little less than a year ago, I attended a fashion show for LA-based fashion label Sea of Pearls as a kick-off event to LA Fashion Week.  I received the softest, most comfortable, basic tee!  Since then, I've worn it many times.  Mostly when I travel(which you guys know, for my job, is often!)  because it is the perfect tee for a long plane ride!!

I had never met the Sea of Pearls LA Creative Director/Founder, Geneveive Cruz, until recently, when she reached out to me to attend her Makers, Bakers, Movers, and Shakers "Blogger Meet & Greet"/Sample Sale party!  The event was held at the Woman's Club of South Pasadena, and it was so adorable! 

There was a braid bar, beauty bar, hair wreath bar, and... of course, a regular bar(if you know what I mean)!  

It was the perfect Sunday Funday party to be at, especially since my friend Dariany Santana was in town visiting from New Jersey!





Upon meeting Geneveive, I could immediately tell that she was the most gracious, kindest and caring woman.  The event was definitely a family affair, which made it even sweeter!  What was supposed to be a general meet and greet, ended up being more like a garden party with all of your aunts, uncles and cousins!

Yes, I've interviewed A-list celebrities and have been a working TV Host/Entertainment Reporter for almost a decade... but this whole blogging thing is super new for me!  I haven't written like this since my Xanga days. By the way, who remembers XANGA?? Layout, color, photo, music codes... we were all highly, technological, computer programmers back in the 2000s.  The original pioneers of blogging before it was even called "blogging"!
Anyway, I'm pretty sure Geneveive is aware that I'm still growing my social media and working on developing my fashion blog. Yet, her treatment of Dariany and I was so gracious and generous.  She really made a point to make us feel comfortable and special at the event, and that's why I fell in love with her!

Helping out on stage for a raffle! 

How did you start your clothing label, Sea of Pearls? What was your inspiration? 

Sea of Pearls was launched about 2 years ago. I had a client that wanted me to start a line for them.  They are great people from Spain.  They offered me a great deal and wanted me to represent it in the USA and around the world. They've known my work for years and totally trusted me to do whatever I wanted.  I decided to do a "basics" line with a twist. I wanted something easy and effortless, and a line that can compliment any woman and shape. What woman doesn't love a great basic in their wardrobe? I wanted a fabric that when you wore it, it made you feel like a super star. Our Micro modal fabric is what sells the collection.  I have many bloggers and it fascinates me to see how they are wearing it.  Some wear it with skirts, sequins, leather, under swimwear, denim, and shorts in so many styles from boho chic to haute couture... I LOVE to see how they wear it!!

How did you start LOLLY clothing?

Lolly has been in business for several years now. I was hired to become their Creative Director back in 2012. I was asked, as well, to change its look and give this brand an identity. I want LOLLY to be that BOHO chic girl. A girl who is confident and loves her free spirit. All my fabrics have a LOLLY signature feel.  I like to mix soft knits with soft womens crepes to its flows and it gives a woman freedom to move and still look sexy.  Every collection I add washes to each dress and tops to give you a sense of color to set your mood.  We also offer solid colors if you are not so daring. I have a great designer that helps me direct my vision- Caroline Larra.  She has been at LOLLY before I was even hired.  However, throughout the years, she has learned a lot and now teaches me great skills. Im so grateful for her and extremely thankful that she is part of LOLLY to help me expand :)

How did you come up with the name for your label?

My client has many stores in Spain with a similiar name, they left it up to me to come up with the name.
Im a Sea Junkie and I believe everyone woman is a pearl, so Sea of Pearls was just right for my concept :)

What is your elevator speech to describe Sea of Pearls and Lolly Clothing? 

These two brands have allowed me freedom and their trust for me to lead their brands. The owners are based in Seattle (LOLLY) and SOP (Spain).   My design office Jag Star Design is based in Los Angeles where I wear many hats. I take care of design, development, direct sales team, PR, Marketing, and much more. Ive been in the business for over 18 years.  Throughout my career I have worked with many great brands who have taught me various aspects of this industry... Which is why Im not your ordinary designer!!!

I've been blessed to have worked with the best people in this industry who have taught me many great skills that now go in to my work and craft.

So, these two brands do not conflict, but they help each other.  I treat every brand I work for as if it's my own and I always give it my 100%.

What is your short term goal for the company?

My short term goal is to continue to set a look for both brands and create great relationships as I continue to help them grow.

What is YOUR go-to piece of clothing? 


If I'm feeling casual, I wear a pair of great denim pants with my white 'Heather Tee' from Sea of Pearls.

If I want to feel boho and don't want to wear extremely tight clothes, but still want to look sexy, I wear a maxi from Lolly and call it a day.. People who know me can always find me in these two looks!! LOL!

I read your short bio on the Sea of Pearls website, and saw you worked for Ed Hardy! I was their marketing intern a few years ago!!!

Yes, I had the privilege to work with Christian[Audigier]. He was a great friend, and amazing with my family. He was one of my Ex-husband's best friends and we both worked on all the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier dresses. Both my ex and I worked with Don Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier when it was booming and the company was making millions.  I'm so sad that he passed away, he will be missed.  He was a marketing genius, who taught me so much!

Sadly, Christian Audigier, the French fashion designer behind clothing lines Ed Hardy and Von Dutch, died from cancer, at the age of 57, just five days ago on July 9, 2015.

What's that saying? 
Couples who work out together stay together.

Well, Nick and I LOVE hiking.  Today, after extensive (and by extensive, I really mean 5, 6 minutes top) research on the top trails in Topanga Canyon, I discovered Eagle Rock in the Topanga State Park.  Like all hikes in LA, if you're a first timer to the trail it can be confusing.  At the Entrada Street trailhead entrance, there is a sign that lists somewhere around 6 different trails.  I already knew(from my Yelp research) that I wanted to take the Eagle Rock trail because I saw there were CAVES.  I don't know what it is about caves, but I think they are super rad.  Especially if they are on hiking trails.  It's like the climax of my hike.

Nick likes hiking because he enjoys the outdoor air, stretching his legs and the occasional pee-in-the-bush moment(s).  He's SUCH a guy.  I like hiking because it makes me feel less girly because of the outdoorsiness(is that a word??) and because I generally enjoy physical activities.  Plus, the potential for quality Snapchat and Instagram content is just ridiculous.  

After what seemed like a 90-minute trek, we FINALLY made it to EAGLE ROCK...

If I were a wild animal fighting for survival in the Topanga State Canyon Park, I would DEFINITELY be kicking it/sleeping in these caves.  I could have, honestly, stayed there all day.  However, Nick tends to get hangry and a little on-edge when he has to use the restroom.  Let's not get in to too many details.  Let's just say... while he was off handling his biz.. I got some pretty amazing shots of my favorite part of the day- sunset.

The hike ended up being a lot longer than we had anticipated.  We ended up hiking about 5-6 miles and by the end of our hike it was pitch black.  So, I would definitely recommend starting out more than a couple of hours before sunset!  

We absolutely loved this hike!  Nick gave it a 9/10 ranking.  I would go as far to say that it is my favorite trail we've been on yet!  Eagle Rock itself was the coolest part because the rock was massive and there were so many cool caves.  The rest of the hike was pretty standard.


Tonight's sunset.
Lens flare like I'm J.J. Abrams or nah?

For more of our #MARHAS adventures, follow us on Snapchat!!!
FOLLOW KYLIE: @KylieEricaMar
FOLLOW NICK: @NickUhas

XO, Ky