Recently I was scouring one of my favorite vintage stores, and found myself continually drawn to pieces from the label Ya-Ya. While I have heard this designer mentioned before, I've never really gone out of my way to find out more. The unique structure and classic colors being used in each clothing item made it an obvious choice for the shopping bag. In fact, my favorite purchase of the day was an oversized cotton sweater by Ya-Ya. Although probably a few years old, this will be a great summer sweater. Perfect for nights at the beach, or warm nights in the city over leggings or a short summer dress. 
My curiosity over this designer lead me to an online investigation (otherwise known as a Googling), and it turns out that despite being classicly fashionable, Ya-Ya is favored by celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Hudgens. Gloss over this fact, however and Ya-Ya is a highly desirable casual fashion line with its own unique twist based in the fashion district of Los Angeles.
My curiosity over this designer lead me to an online investigation (otherwise known as a Googling), and it turns out that despite being classicly fashionable, Ya-Ya is favored by celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Hudgens. Gloss over this fact, however and Ya-Ya is a highly desirable casual fashion line with its own unique twist based in the fashion district of Los Angeles. According to http://www.couturecandy.com/ :
"YA-YA was founded in 1999 and has since become one of the leading brands in the exploding L.A. design scene. YA-YA is based in Los Angeles' fashion district; the company and product take it's inspiration from the surrounding bustling urban environment. YA-YA employs a talented group of designers, craftsmen and production experts. Essentially a young company, YA-YA is a collection of artistic youth that is dedicated to the production of quality apparel. To meet the highest quality standards, each YA-YA product is crafted by a carefully selected manufacturer. YA-YA distributes only to select boutiques and department stores, in more than ten countries. YA-YA's design focuses on elegant fabrics, flattering cuts and is grounded in wearability. Our textures range from silks and cashmere to canvas and corduroys; they always embody luxury and quality. The cuts reflect a custom fit with extended lengths and draped or tailored fits. Most importantly, YA-YA is dedicated to the practical art of fashion and emphasizes flattering the female form.
Yael Aflalo was born in Los Angeles in 1977. After attending the University of California at Berkeley, Yael spent a year at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. At the age of 20, Aflalo began designing apparel, piece by piece. Yael's found her foundation in reconstruction and used unique pieces of reworked vintage Levis for her first medium. Soon, the buyer of Fred Segal, Jon Eshaya, took notice and urged Aflalo to create an entire collection. Yael launched YA-YA as a sportswear collection in the Fall of 2002. With an interest in human behavior and psychology, Yael designs clothing as an expression of emotion. Wardrobe as a costume for unrest, happiness, dysfunction and lust."
Ya-Ya can be bit expensive in these times of economic downturn, but the pieces are something that will remain in your closet as a versatile and quality fashion item for years to come. Ya-Ya can be difficult to come by, since it is sold exclusively to select boutiques and is not carried at major department stores. If you keep your eyes peeled at vintage or re-sale shops, or scour the internet for sites specializing in carrying Ya-Ya (such as http://www.singer22.com/, or http://www.shopstyle.com/ ), you should be able to come across a piece or two or twenty that you will fall in love with.
Ya-Ya (also sometimes called Ya-Ya Aflalo) is an up and coming designer that would be an envious addition to any wardrobe.
Your Golden Girl,
Olive
"YA-YA was founded in 1999 and has since become one of the leading brands in the exploding L.A. design scene. YA-YA is based in Los Angeles' fashion district; the company and product take it's inspiration from the surrounding bustling urban environment. YA-YA employs a talented group of designers, craftsmen and production experts. Essentially a young company, YA-YA is a collection of artistic youth that is dedicated to the production of quality apparel. To meet the highest quality standards, each YA-YA product is crafted by a carefully selected manufacturer. YA-YA distributes only to select boutiques and department stores, in more than ten countries. YA-YA's design focuses on elegant fabrics, flattering cuts and is grounded in wearability. Our textures range from silks and cashmere to canvas and corduroys; they always embody luxury and quality. The cuts reflect a custom fit with extended lengths and draped or tailored fits. Most importantly, YA-YA is dedicated to the practical art of fashion and emphasizes flattering the female form.
Yael Aflalo was born in Los Angeles in 1977. After attending the University of California at Berkeley, Yael spent a year at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. At the age of 20, Aflalo began designing apparel, piece by piece. Yael's found her foundation in reconstruction and used unique pieces of reworked vintage Levis for her first medium. Soon, the buyer of Fred Segal, Jon Eshaya, took notice and urged Aflalo to create an entire collection. Yael launched YA-YA as a sportswear collection in the Fall of 2002. With an interest in human behavior and psychology, Yael designs clothing as an expression of emotion. Wardrobe as a costume for unrest, happiness, dysfunction and lust."
Ya-Ya can be bit expensive in these times of economic downturn, but the pieces are something that will remain in your closet as a versatile and quality fashion item for years to come. Ya-Ya can be difficult to come by, since it is sold exclusively to select boutiques and is not carried at major department stores. If you keep your eyes peeled at vintage or re-sale shops, or scour the internet for sites specializing in carrying Ya-Ya (such as http://www.singer22.com/, or http://www.shopstyle.com/ ), you should be able to come across a piece or two or twenty that you will fall in love with.
Ya-Ya (also sometimes called Ya-Ya Aflalo) is an up and coming designer that would be an envious addition to any wardrobe.
Your Golden Girl,
Olive
Anyway, I cannot wait to see the latest telling of this magnificently bizarre relationship. Grey Gardens airs at 8PM ET/PT on Saturday, April 18th on HBO. Watch it and get inspired to follow your own style instincts! 
