The Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Meet the Sponsors

Now that you've met our contestants, allow me to introduce you to the fabulous folks that are making the Styleathon possible with their generous support. I am so thrilled to be able to collaborate with these sponsors and share their amazing offerings with you!

Photo by Sabrina Bean.

Dedicated to making the world’s finest baby carriers out of exquisite natural fibers—organic Irish linens, Indian dupioni silks, and southeast Asian wild silks—Sakura Bloom is committed to simplifying and beautifying modern parenting.

Stylish and convenient. With a Sakura Bloom sling, there is almost nothing you and your baby can’t do. Walking city blocks. Browsing farmers’ markets. Sending email, baking brownies, and feeding baby. All at the same time. At home, in town, while traveling, a Sakura Bloom sling shoulders beauty with function, enabling you to parent in your own way while allowing your child to be an active part of the world around him.

All Sakura Bloom slings are made in the USA; these are hand-crafted artisan baby slings with simple, classic lines that will last from the newborn stage through the toddler years. At Sakura Bloom, small things (and small people) matter. Socially responsible business practices. Low environmental impacts. Conscious parenting. And large doses of laughter and unconditional love. We source our products from like-minded companies whenever possible. Our commitments are global, our passions are local.

For more information, visit SakuraBloom.com, and be sure become a part of the Sakura Bloom community on Facebook.

Selima Salaun, a trend-setting designer, member of the Council of Fashion Designer of America, and professional optician and optometrist, is the mastermind behind the luxurious eye wear collection that VIP's of the fashion, music and cinema industries just can't seem to get enough of.

To accommodate the heavy demand, her eight boutiques between New York, LA and Paris dispense high profile fashion in the form of sleek high quality frames that come in 100 shapes and tantalizing colors to suit anyone from your corporate CEO to your trendy downtown Bohemian. For Selima, eye wear is an integral part of one's wardrobe, and just as one plays with different looks in fashion, why shouldn't one do the same with glasses? Change your glasses to compliment that outfit of yours, or your mood that day, and have fun with it!

To stay in the loop about all things Selima Optique, check out the website, subscribe to the official blog and "like" on Facebook.

Inspired by the modern woman, Lilla P is a collection that is perfectly tailored for a casual lifestyle. Each season, Lilla P returns to the brand ethos by rethinking the classics to create a collection of separates that are both flattering and functional.

Unfettered yet full of subtle detail and pared down luxury, Lilla P’s hallmarks are clean lines, quality fabrications and an impeccable fit. Starting in 1998 with the essential tee, the collection has expanded to include sophisticated staples and key fashion items including a variety of tee shirts, item jackets, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts that are available in a variety of luxurious fabrications and colors.

Each season, the line continues to develop and grow in an exciting direction. Since its inception, Lilla P has cultivated a devoted coterie of chic specialty retailers that can be found throughout the United States and Canada.

Be sure to check out Lilla P on Twitter and Facebook!

Marla Cielo is a line of luxury accessories with a cult following, designed by New York artist Andrea Tobin. Marla Cielo embodies the fusion of creative passion and functional design. Their products transcend styles and stereotypes creating a universal appeal that makes the day to day more intriguing.

Check out the website to see the whole range, follow on Twitter, and "Like" on Facebook.

Andrea herself has taken the time to select an bag for each of the Styleathon contestants, based on her knowledge of their blogs. Here are her notes to each blogger:

Elizabeth Antonia, The Littlest.
Elizabeth will receive the Envelope Wallet in Journal Gold. Elizabeth’s dreamy and artistic style will be perfectly complemented by this variation of the Journal print. The oversized wallet style is the perfect mix of function and style for this designer and full time mom.

Joanna Goddard, A Cup of Jo.
Joanna will receive the Day Tote in Waves Print. The Day Tote is the perfect carryall for summer in a vibrant print with classic, yet industrious steel grey leather lining. Perfect for carrying all of Toby’s toys and necessities, it will also stay on her shoulder for bike rides through the city.

Danielle Hampton, Sometimes Sweet.
Danielle will receive the oversized clutch in Waves print. This edgy mom deserves an equally edgy yet functional clutch. The graphic print and oversized style reflect her rock-and-roll aesthetic, but still has room to sneak in those on-the-go baby essentials.

Natalie Holbrook, Nat the Fat Rat.
Natalie will receive the Evening Clutch in Journal Titan. Journal Titan is a signature Marla print in our newest evening clutch style. This new mommy will definitely need a night out baby-free and this print and style are perfect for a sophisticated, Manhattan night out.

Jen Lula, Jen Loves Kev.
Jen will receive the Wallet in Summer Plaid. This eclectic colorful print will be a fun addition to all of Jen’s thrifty outfit creations. The sleek shape will hold keys and basic essentials for quick errands around town and will be a funky juxtaposition to her vintage finds.

"Miss" James Kicinski, Bleubird Vintage.
James will receive the Wristlet in Suenos. Suenos is the brightest and boldest print in the bunch, completely necessary for her vibrant and eclectic, vintage-infused style. Plus for a mother of three, this can easily be slung on your wrist as you run about town.

Sharmadean Reid, London Momma.
Sharmadean will receive the Envelope Clutch in Summer Plaid. As a London fashion fixture, Sharmadean needs something bold and of the moment. This print is an exclusive summer creation, and the classic shape will mix with all of her looks as she jaunts between business engagements and play dates.

Melissa Russo, The Lil Bee.
Melissa will receive the Wristlet in Journal Titan. This hilarious mommy blogger has her hands full with a house full of two beautiful baby girls and dogs. The wristlet can be slipped onto the stroller handle, wrist, or dog leash. The signature Marla print will match perfectly with anything this fashion insider wears out the door.

Aura Stuemky, Aura Joon.
Aura will receive the Shoulder Bag in Purple Heart. One of Marla’s most intricate prints, this bag is equal parts bohemian and glamorous, with a functional shape for Aura’s adventures.

Samantha Hahn’s illustrations feature delicate pen work and brightly colored inks. The New York Times referred to her watercolor work as “winsome”. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and toddler.

A few of her clients include: Anthropologie, Barnes and Noble, Glamour Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Surface Magazine. Her Exhibits include: “Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry” at Gallery Hanahou, “Lady” show at Charles Nolan, “20/10″ at Gallery Hanahou, “Aesopica” at Rare Device and a solo show at The Art Institute of Tampa. Samantha’s work has been featured in art and design books including: Coolhunting by Marta Dominguez Riezu (Parramon Publishing), Print and Pattern by Bowie Style (Lawrence King Publishing) and Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco (Abrams Publishing), Her illustrations for Glamour Magazine were recently chosen by American Illustration 28.

Samantha has a BFA in illustration (Syracuse University) and MA in art education (Columbia University).

For recent work and various art, design and style inspiration visit her blog, Maquette. Prints and originals can be purchased online at Gallery Hanahau.