We had a chance to sit down with the very lovely, stylish, talented and business savvy, Alix Crag, Founder of AKay Style.(SS): What inspired you to start your company?(AKAY): Through writing my blog, which is still featured on akaystyle.com, I slowly realized that my voice, my opinions, and my style was being heard and watched from around the world. I always knew I wanted to manufacture my own product, but I also knew it had to be done at exactly the right time.I went to school for manufacturing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and through many different experiences in the industry, weather it be through retail, wardrobe styling, or working for different designers, I always knew I wanted my product to be high end, yet attainable, fashion-forward, always on trend, and I wanted to ensure that it would fit everyone. My love for weekly manicures and color led me down the path to the obvious choice of nail polish. AKayStyle was born as a blog well before the polish launched. AKay Nail Polish launched in January of 2013. To date, we have 24 colors and 2 treatments. Our collection continues to grow every season.(SS): Where do you get the inspiration for each collection? What color are you currently wearing now?(AKAY): My inspiration for each collection comes directly from the runways. I watch and review runways, fashion magazines, and editorials. I diligently study the trends and color pallets, and then I determine who the woman of the season is.
1st Collection: “Identify Yourself” – Based on what I try to discuss through my blog. It is most important for women to identify their own style. They can still be on trend, and follow the trends, but the trick is to do it in their own way. Once that is conquered, you will always be “in fashion”. Colors: “Fancy Pants”, “Girly Girl”, “Miss Sophisticate”, “Rocker Chic”, “Sparkle Savvy”, “Trend Setter”.
2nd Collection: “Alpha Female” – The runways showed tons of high waisted short shorts, blazers, and leather. Many of the models wore the hair slicked back in fierce, high ponytails. The woman of the season in my mind, was the “Alpha Female”. Colors: “Makes No Apologies”, “Natural Leader”, “Passion Over Romance”, “Provide and Protect”, “Speaks Her Mind”, “Take Charge”.
3rd Collection: “Grunge & The Glamazon” – The runways displayed a ton of 90’s nostalgia, mostly grunge, but the glamour was high. Long gowns were coming back for evening, but the day time look was ripped denim, boyfriend jeans, tons of cropped tops, and overall grunge. Colors: “Glamazon”, “Materialistic”, “Midriff”, “Neo-Grunge”, “Pretty in Punk”, “Waif”.
4th Collection: “Madame Xtravagant” – The runways portrayed women that are totally over the top, yet still lady-like. Rich and luxurious fabrics were mixed with pleather and spikes. Colors: “Extremist”, “Indulgence”, “Lavish”, “Madame X”, “Showy”, “Tough Luxe”.
5th Collection: Not yet launched. It will be the 2013 Commemorative Collection. Each Holiday Season, we will launch a line that sums up my year and personal experiences. After all, this line is based on the fact that we are supposed to identify ourselves. The colors still be fashion-forward and on trend. More importantly, each holiday we will choose a cause to give back to. This year we will be donating a portion of our proceeds to “One Love Chantel”. To read more about this cause, please check http://www.onelovechantel.blogspot.com(SS): In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature look or accessory?(AKAY): My personal style is very girly, with a bit of an edge. “Girly Girl” from the “Identify Yourself” Collection is a color I made based on myself! “I’m a Girly Girl with a bit of an edge, and I love showcasing the sweet and feminine look in an ultra fashion forward way”. My logo also depicts these characteristics. It is a bow, which is obviously girly, but the black and white strokes and the pointier, harder edges, shows the fierce side to a girly image. I love to wear skirts and dresses, and a good blazer gets me every time!
(SS): A few items in your "Styleshack" A.K.A closet that you can't live without? (AKAY): Honestly, I could live without any of it. As much as I love fashion, and love to shop, I can honestly say, I am not overly materialistic. I love to look at the items in my closet. I like everything to be neat, and organized. I have some sentimental attachments, only because of the places I wore a certain item, or the person I bought it with.
(SS): Items that every “Styleshack” should have:(AKAY): At least one great blazer, Pencil Skirt, A-Line Skirt, Little Black Dress, something super bright, Leather Jacket, black pants and navy pants, black denim, dark denim, light denim. And of course – (the perfect fitting undergarments).(SS): Who or What inspires your style? Favorite Style Icon?(AKAY): The women in my family are probably the largest influence on my style, simply because they have helped define me. As a little girl, I always noticed how elegant and beautiful both of my grandmothers were. They were always so elegant and fashion-forward. My Grandmother Claire has a classic style and is a true beauty. My Grandmother Marilyn was also elegant, but definitely a trend setter. She had a knack for knowing what would be cool. She loved accessories, and always knew how to make the most simple outfit, the most outstanding. My Mother has taught me almost everything about style. She really let me spread my wings when I was little and would show me how to think outside the box. To this day, we always go shopping together, and some of the most fun and exciting days are when we just look and study what’s out there. How are the department stores buying for the different markets, etc. My favorite story is how my Mother used to say to me when I was about 12 years old and stubborn as can be, “Alix, just humor me. Try it on!” – Something I hated on the rack, would end up being my favorite item. This taught me a lot about fashion and style. It taught me about hanger appeal, and actually how to make something look different than it appears.My favorite style icons are definitely Audrey Hepburn (shocker, I know), and Diane Kruger. Again, elegant, and fashion-forward.
(SS): What is your "Styleshack Style Archetype"? 
(SS): Favorite fashion or lifestyle blog?(AKAY): Notes from the Styleshack ~ of course!
(SS): Favorite "local" boutiques?Tender & SHE
(SS): Favorite online store?
(SS): Favorite Fashion/Style App?http://www.style.com
(SS): Words to live by?(AKAY): ALL of the below…
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