Nails of New York: Lexicon of Style
Most comfortable in glittery boots and fur, Alexandra Dieck is the designer and blogger behind the Lexicon of Style brand. She has a very electric and eye-catching style that you may have noticed during your last visit to Paintbox, as she's one of our very own studio assistants. The thing you will never find her without is a scarf, which is her go-to accessory that she even sometimes styles around her ankles.
Lex's love affair for scarves is deeply rooted in a Missoni scarf she saved up to buy during a trip to Paris when she was 15, inspired by style icon Margarita Missoni. Her affinity for these patterned pieces, love of color, and unexpected styling led her to develop her own scarf line, which she launched in 2014. We caught up with Lex to discuss her nail transformation, the influential way her nails inspire her outfits, as well as what life is like as a fashion blogger in New York City.
With a more neutral manicure, Lex gravitates towards gray accessories like these Prada sunglasses and clutch from 3NY.
Why do you paint your nails?
Having a manicure expresses my personality and is another way to be creative with fashion. Plus, I talk and work a lot with my hands, so it makes talking and working a bit more enjoyable. Since working at Paintbox, it's been fun to watch my length evolve when I changed to a more almond shape.
Do you have any go-to nail designs?
I tend to go pretty crazy with my nails and usually gravitate towards metallic and blues. I catch myself dressing in similar styles to my nails, so right now I have been wearing lots of black, white, and gray with pops of color to complement my mani.
Our Ripple Effect design, inspired by Carrara marble pairs perfectly with Lexicon of Style Skull Kandy scarf.
How did you get into blogging?
I started Lexicon of Style as an outlet to combine my three passions: designing, styling, and blogging. I like to document the way I incorporate my Lexicon of Style scarves into my everyday wardrobe. My blog showcases the best ways to wear and style my scarves (my strangest is probably on my ankle), but I also like to demonstrate how easy it is to be creative with your clothes. Fashion and style are meant to be fun. I like to think of my style as colorful, yet edgy. Staying true to yourself is what I try to communicate the most through my blog.
Tell us a little about your first design.
I designed my first scarf (the Skull Kandy scarf) for a project in college. It was comprised of all of my favorite pieces of jewelry I sewed to wear. I thought, "What could be better than all of my favorite jewelry printed on my favorite kind of accessory?" It was a breakthrough moment for me that encouraged me to pursue designing and launching my own business.
Lex shows us her two favorite ways to style her scarves: on her head, as well as around her wrist.
What inspires you?
Traveling. I love getting style inspiration from cultures around the world. Each scarf I design is inspired by somewhere I've visited, so it tells a little story about where I have been. I come from a Mexican and Palestinian background and am heavily influenced by my own culture, as well as growing more of a global awareness. I want to constantly be creating things that women around the world can be wearing.
See more of Lex's scarves and style on her instagram.