Mila Johnas Fashion

Dear Daddy Likey: Short on Shorts, Over Short Shorts

2008-07-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Daddy Likey,

I went shopping to find shorts to wear for this summer, and I was greatly disappointed by what I found. I am 5'11, and I am mostly leg. The shorts that everyone seems to be selling hardly cover my butt cheeks. I am at a loss as to where I can find shorts that cover more than my lady parts. Something mid-thigh would be nice. Got any suggestions?

Signed,
Short Tempered

Dear Short, I mean, Tall, whatever,

Boy can I relate. Well, actually, I can't, because I'm 5'3" and mostly torso, but I hate shopping for shorts too, so I think we can still be friends. I agree with you that this shorts season has been particularly brutal. Just the other day I blushingly picked up a particularly immodest pair of underwear only to realize that they were SHORTS, meant to be worn on the OUTSIDE. "Oh my!" I crowed like a Victorian missionary, and decided to focus on the following two shorts shopping strategies.

Suggestion #1: Find the Bermuda (Shorts) Triangle

God, I hate the name Bermuda shorts--it evokes an awkward and confusing mix of imagery of Old Navy ad campaigns and South Florida retirees that makes me feel dizzy and enraged. Therefore, for the remainder of this post I will call them Nebraska shorts. Anyway, Nebraska shorts (aahh, that's better) hit just above the knee, are super flattering and just as comfortable in hot weather as those crazy chocha shorts.

If you love your legs, try a crazy pattern or a bright color. If you don't, a pair of black, khaki, or vertical pinstripe Nebraska shorts will look effortlessly chic while concealing thighs and preventing the dreaded chafe (in related news, my friend Lindsay and I decided to start pronouncing it chafé in an effort to make sweaty thighs sound elite and Parisian). Add a simple tanktop, a couple necklaces, and ballet flats and you'll be the talk of the town (for looking good, not for accidentally flashing your lady bits to the local minister).

Now, the tough part--where to find these elusive little buggers. I hate to enable those awful Old Navy ad campaigns, but the store does deliver. They have a huge selection of Nebraska shorts online and varying lengths in store.

These come in like fifty different colors (OK, four), can be worn cuffed or uncuffed, dressed up or dressed down, and they're on sale for less than twenty bucks. Not bad.

Love the details on the pocket--these would be so cute with a black tank and sandals.

Favorite Bermuda--ahem, Nebraska--Shorts, $22, LadyLanguage.com

Plus Size Black White Pinstripe Bermuda--ahem, Nebraska--shorts, $44, Torrid.com

Also check out J. Crew's sale section in-store and online (I'm pretending their regular priced section doesn't exist...It's just too painful...) for semi-good deals on cute, mid-thigh length shorts. And keep in mind that if you don't love the length of your Nebraska shorts straight out of the store, most styles look good (or even better) cuffed or rolled up to your desired length.

Suggestion #2: Make your own.

Yep, that's right--get out your patterns and sewing machine! Tooootttaaallllyyy kidding--the last attempt I made at sewing was an embroidery of my name that got me so flustered I spelled it with three N's. Of course, if you are the type who didn't think I was joking about the whole sewing machine thing, I salute you, and also if you want to make me some shorts, that would be great.

But when I say "Make your own," I mean, get out a pair of scissors and an old pair of jeans, and cut off the bottoms. Extraordinarily difficult and complicated, I know, but if I can do it, you can do it.

The cutoff is my all-time favorite shorts style and an integral part of my daily summer uniform. They're free (a hard price to beat!), you choose the length to flatter your body, and if you cuff them and wear a plaid button-down you, too, can achieve my life goal of looking like one of the characters from Now and Then.

I'm gonna go watch that movie right now, actually. For real. Gotta go.

New in Plus - Paige Premium Denim

2008-07-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

I love jeans. LOVE them. My office allows them on days when we don't have clients coming in, so I try to take advantage of that as often as possible. So imagine my surprise when I find out that Paige Premium Denim, one of the HOTTEST straight sizes jeans lines, has started making plus size jeans. This may be old news to some of you, but what with getting married and going on my honeymoon last month I've been a little out of the loop.

Paige Premium in Plus Sizes! This is c-razy! Interestingly, the jeans are exclusively being sold at Nordstrom.com. The site says they run a little small and you should order them a size up. Right now they are carrying 2 styles, "Mandeville Canyon" and "Las Palmas", both dark-ish rinse bootcut. You can see click on them both below:

The Mandevilles are pictured to the left and sell for $198, while the Las Palmas on the right are $209. It's a steep price to pay for jeans, and the jury is out on whether they are worth it (I am going to have to buy a pair to see).

However, I can't write a denim article without mentioning Svoboda Jeans, the plus size premium denim pioneers. Jessica Svoboda is constantly making new fabulous styles of her premium jeans, and I've got like 4 pairs (and soon to be more). I need to get my hands on the Trouser jeans before they completely sell out, and I love the new Sailor Trousers too!! I've pictured them both below:

The Kate Trousers on the Left are $118 and the Sailor Trousers on the right are $148. And for the sake of full disclosure, Jessica Svoboda is one of my closest friends, however I can testify that the jeans are as good as you've heard.

Dear Daddy Likey: Don't Make Me Pull A Kim Kardashian

2008-07-15T23:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Daddy Likey,

I'm so happy that you've found a swimsuit that you love, and that flatters a part of your body you're not thrilled with. But I have a different problem altogether. My waist measurement is a 26 but my hips are a 42, meaning that I don't mind wearing bikinis because my stomach is okay, but my hips and thighs are all wobbly and squishy and dimply. (Cute, I know.) And there is NO swimsuit for that problem! I hate having to wear a sarong until the second I get into the water, and I don't want to go all Kim Kardashian and actually TAKE A TOWEL INTO THE WATER WITH ME, but I don't know what else to do!

Please help me! Are there any creative solutions? I can't think of ANYTHING!

Signed,
Stacy Sa-Wrong

Dear Stacy,

I'll be honest. My response to your query started out along the lines of, "Own it, girlfriend! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your squishyness! Woo! Girl Power!" But then I realized that if I asked someone for advice about swimwear that camouflaged my stomach, and they said, "Wear a bikini! Own it, girlfriend! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your Jack Black-sized gut! Woo! Girl Power!" I would have to track them down and strangle them with a conservative one piece.

So, with that in mind, I came up with a couple more realistic, less annoying suggestions for you.

Swim Skirts and Swim Dresses

For many of us, the term "swim skirt" triggers traumatizing visions of frumpy grandma suits, but a couple weeks ago, my friend Jess bought this swimsuit and showed me the light:

It's even cuter in real life, seriously. The gold details around the bust and the ruching at the waist really stand out.
Black Gold Stud Halter Swimsuit, ON SALE for $39, torrid.com

When she came over to show me and take a dip in the pool (which, because it's located in a condo complex with a large retiree population, has seen its share of scary swim skirts), I was blown away: it was glamorous, flattering, unique, sexy, and SKIRTED. And here's the thing, it wasn't glamorous, flattering, unique and sexy in spite of the skirt, but the skirt actually contributed to all of those things. Paradigm. Shifted.

My beautiful plus size readers can enjoy Jess' lovely swimsuit above and the equally chic skirted suit below:

Hot-Pink Star Print Halter Swimsuit, also ON SALE for $39, torrid.com

This one is so cute I want to wear it everyday, not just to cover up a little extra junk in the trunk:

How cute would it be with a simple black bikini top?
Coral Floral Flirt Skirt, $28, venus.com

Adjustable Gottex Skirted Bikini Bottoms, $74, nordstrom.com

If you like the look of the skirt above, but prefer not to spend so much, this two piece set is only $18:

Going Dotty Swimwear, Target.com

How freakin' amazing is this swimdress? You could wear it to the Oscars, and then go for a dip in the pool, and then wear it to the Grammys. SO chic.
Anne Cole Swimwear Shirred One Piece, $112, nordstrom.com

Also check out this amazing DKNY swimdress, which is kind of cuter than any of the regular dresses I own, on sale at Macy's.

Board Shorts

These can be a little tougher to work into your swim wardrobe unless you already prefer a more athletic look, but with a million different cool prints and varied lengths, you're sure to find one that fits your style.

Board shorts are a much better option than wearing a towel into the water, if just for the simple fact that you won't be clinging to a giant waterlogged piece of cotton while sinking to your death and shrieking "Don't look at my thighs!!" Pair them with a bikini top or slip them over a one-piece, and you've got yourself a hip-covering and functional swim ensemble.

Here are two bright and crazy options (my personal favorite), but just google "boardshorts" for about seven billion different options, including solid colors, designer, and knee-length styles.

Billabong Flower Child Board Short, $38, swell.com

Roxy Polka Party Boardshort, $37, amazon.com

Feel free to share your suggestions for Stacy in the comments!

Short Sleeve Sweater with Printed Collar and Cuffs

2008-07-15T11:16:00.001-07:00

Crisp and fresh, this sweater will bring a polished look to any summer outfit.

$29.99 ; (sale) at Ann Taylor.

The Only Danger: Being Hugged By Giant Pandas

2008-07-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

Naomi sent me this link, from Ramona West Vintage. I love that applique -- so pretty and fresh.

The dress is $65, and measures B37/H43.

I wish it had pockets, because I think it would look great with these random shoes I bought on eBay over the weekend:

After I hit "Buy it Now" I realized that I didn't remember the last pair of shoes I'd purchased in a real store, which is pretty weird. (And I count discount chains like DSW and Loehmann's when I say "real stores".) I don't have particularly hard-to-fit feet (8.5, you are my friend) and I'm willing to pass along failures pretty speedily (or turn around and relist them if they don't fit). Has anyone else decided they can do all their shoe-shopping on Zappos and eBay?

Robin Phillips Jewelry

2008-07-14T11:16:00.001-07:00

Handmade Cloisonné and Champlevé Enamel Jewelry

Robin Phillips has a passion for designing and creating handmade enamel jewelry, as well as gold and silver jewelry. One of Robin's specialties is Cloisonné enamel and silver jewelry. Cloisonné is an enameling technique, in which the colored areas are separated by thin wires of either pure gold or fine silver. The wires also create a design within the piece of jewelry.

'Lily' Cloisonné & Champlevé Enamel Brooch/Pendant

This piece shimmers with depth of color. It comes with a handmade finding that slips over the pin so the piece can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant.

$950 AUD

Cloisonné and Champlevé Enamel

The term Cloisonné is derived from the French cloison, meaning partitioned cell. Champlevé refers to a technique where a recess is made in the silver either by incising, etching, or making a framework that is soldered onto a fine silver plate. In this process, thin metal wires of either fine silver or gold are first laid down to separate the enamels from one another. Wet enamels (finely ground glass and lead) are painted onto the plate of fine silver using the cloisons as dividers.

After the first layer of color is applied, the piece is ready to be kiln-fired at somewhere between 760 - 850 degrees Celsius. The enamels continue to be built up and fired repeatedly until the colors become vibrant, and there is a feeling of depth to the piece (each piece may be fired over twenty times).

Using a series of diamond files, the piece is then gently filed (from coarse to very fine) to remove any excess enamel and to reveal the cloisons. Then a series of diamond papers, up to 12,000 grit, is used. The piece is then cleaned with a glass brush, allowed to dry and placed near the kiln to warm up for its final firing.

'Tulip' Cloisonné Enamel Brooch/Pendant

The colors in this piece are vibrant! This piece is hand-engraved and set in Sterling Silver with 18k Gold 'bubbles'. It comes with a handmade finding that slips over the pin so the piece can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant.

$1100 AUD

Robin's handcrafted Cloisonné jewelry, and particularly her pendants, are vibrant with color and imagery. Much of her inspiration comes from natural imagery such as landscapes, light, movement, organic shapes, and often a specific theme or a certain gemstone. Her fine enamel gold and silver jewelry is available at high quality craft and jewelry stores, and select craft shows.

'Splash' Cloisonné & Champlevé Enamel Brooch

This little brooch was inspired by the ocean at dusk.

Materials: Fine silver and vitreous enamels.

$695 AUD

Robin Phillips received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in pottery, in America in 1973. She then worked for a number of years making pottery, and as a pottery teacher. Moving to Sydney influenced Robin's decision to study the art of jewelry design and jewelry making under a master jeweler. Her desire was to design and create original enamel gold and silver jewelry using her own individual style and skills.

Robin's fine handmade jewelry is created predominately from gold and silver, and consists of a collection of one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces. Her clients have commented that the pieces they own will become family heirlooms, handed down from generation to generation.

Women have been wearing fine jewelry for personal adornment for centuries. Robin believes that women who love jewelry want it to be well designed and finely made, whether it is gold or silver jewelry, diamonds or pearls, emeralds, opals, or Cloisonné.

Artist Statement

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the USA in 1973 majoring in pottery, and worked as a production potter and pottery teacher in the US for some years. After moving to Sydney, I studied under a master jeweler and made the transition to jewelry design and making.

Color, texture and three-dimensional form were what initially drew me to work with clay and it is these same qualities that translate so well to metal. Although these mediums have inherent differences, both lend themselves to fluidity of form.

Both can be colored, either by glazing for pottery, or enameling or introducing heat to color precious metals. Both are very tactile materials lending themselves to a variety of finishes such as texturing, burnishing, high gloss, or a subtle satin.

Natural imagery such as landscapes, light, movement, organic shapes and simplicity of form continually inspire my work. I enjoy designing and creating my jewelry around a specific theme or stone, and often the stone dictates the direction the piece will take.

Using a combination of gold and silver adds depth and dimension, enhancing style, and simplicity. Living in Australia allows me access to exquisite opals and pearls which I love using in my jewelry.

Many of the pieces I make are one of a kind, and I am always changing my designs. I become bored making the same thing over and over, and I am always happy to take on commission work. I hope you enjoy looking at my work as much as I've enjoyed making it.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Robin Steele Jewelry - 26 August 2006

Native American Inlay Jewelry - 14 January 2008

Susan Marie Designs Jewelry - 04 July 2008

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An Imagined Conversation Between Myself and This Shopbop Model

2008-07-13T11:16:00.001-07:00

Me: So, how are things?

Shopbop Model: Good, good. Things are good.

Me: How's the family? The family good?

Shopbop Model: They're fine, yeah, they're doing well.

Me: Good. And work? How's that going for you?

Shopbop Model: It's really great. This shopbop gig has got me some other offers and I think it's gonna be a really good year for me.

Me: That's fantastic! How about your love life?

Shopbop Model: Umm...Actually it's not so good. It's really bad, to be honest. It's kinda hard for me to talk about, but, well, I walked in on my boyfriend having sex with my mo--

Me: YOU'RE WEARING A TOWEL.

Shopbop Model: What?

Me: WITH HEELS.

Shopbop Model: Wait, this? No, no, this is a dress.

Me: Yeah, that's a towel.

Shopbop Model: But it costs $500!

Me: Yeah, that's a really overpriced towel.

Shopbop Model: But it has sequins!

Me: I bought a sequined towel once. From Hilo Hattie. It said "MAUI" on it in silver sequins. And it was a towel.

Shopbop Model: Really? Why would you buy a sequined towel?

Me: I don't know. It hurt really bad so I gave it away.

Shopbop Model: Good call.

Let Me Introduce Hilary Clinton to Clinton Kelly!

2008-07-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

You know the problem well, you can't block it from your mind. The low-long-hemmed unbuttoned jacket swinging away from the widest point of ample thighs/hips... Hilary Clinton and her “pantsuits” (more on that ridiculousness later)...

But it never happened, she never got a lifelong-style makeover from the gurus at What Not to Wear. What a picture, the secret footage, exactly like what I described above, the Clinton puns (there must be puns, I say) and... the bra fitting.

And now it's over. Not only might Hilary's political career be over, but she now has no hope of dressing her womanly body as it should. First legitimate female candidate for president of the United States?? Come on, she's not that female. (Her lack of humanity she increasingly displayed not withstanding, itself.)

What NOT to Wear: Old-Lady Pants Suits

What TO Wear: A nice pin-striped menswear suit. Hem cut at the actual hips (think where a baby rests against a woman's side, on occasion).

Clinton - forget flag pins, try on the stripes!

Give the bag a hand

2008-07-11T23:15:00.001-07:00

I can't tell you how many e-mails I receive touting "the best accessory for handbag lovers", and naturally, I always look, and more often than not, it's someone else hawking the same old handbag hook we've all seen on late night TV (in gold or silver, shiny or matte finish...buy one for every handbag!...).
Yes, it's a useful idea in theory, but not one I'd use, so I just close the mail and move on.
But...I finally opened one of those e-mails, and found something on the same wavelength, but with a tongue in cheek aspect that appealed to me.
The aptly named, Purse Hand.

Yes, it's the same idea as all those other purse hooks, but, the Purse Hand does have an aspect most others do not. It can be customized by choosing one of 4 hand/hook colors and pairing it with one of the 40 available tile colors. I'm no mathematician, but that's a lot of combinations!
The chubby hand (which reminds me of a Middle Eastern hamsa) probably appeals to my superstitious side, as well as my punny inner self.
It's just cute, and it made me smile, so here, I share it with you.
As I said, it's not my thing, but for $24.95, I might give it a shot. It's the perfect price for a gift to give those ladies I know who are tough to buy for, but would definitely make use of a Purse Hand themselves.
Order one of owner Lydia's favorites, or design your own at The Purse Hand.

Renewed Appeal of Size Appeal

2008-07-11T11:15:00.001-07:00

So I've known about Size Appeal for a long time, and even purchased from it sporadically. But recently at Lee Lee's Valise (which I wrote about in my last blog) I had a chance to try out some of their newest stuff and I have to say I really like it!! It reminds me of a plus size H&M - affordable, disposable fashion in fun, funky colors and designs. These are not high quality long wear garments, they are seasonal pieces - but a cute top for twentysomething dollars, I don't mind! Lisa D (the owner of Lee Lee's) told me she is selling out of the Size Appeal stuff in her store and has had to order more! If you can't get into Lee Lee's to try it on, check out Size Appeal's website:

Left: Acacia Top in Mustard, $29
Middle: Elaine Top in Teal, $29
Right: Joanna Top in Blue, $29

Left: Captivate Dress, Black & Red, $68
Middle: Harriet Dress in Red, $52
Right: Serenity Dress in Black, $49

All available at SizeAppeal.com!

4th of July Parade

2008-07-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from our parade. For a little seaside town, we have a great parade with nearly 30 fire and rescue vehicles, kids on decorated bikes and floats based on current issues in town.

Strathmere is trying to separate from Upper Township and join Sea Isle City. So this float was a Wizard of Oz theme - 'Toto - I don't think we're in Upper anymore' Complete with guys in braids and red shoes.

I'm not sure what the safari was for, but it was cool -

Cool truck - My Dad didn't put any of his cars in the parade this year.

Borgata is a casino in Atlantic City -

And finally, during the Winter the water tower was painted and there was a big fight over having a name painted on the tower. Some people didn't want any name on it, because they want to keep the town a secret (hence the shhhh) they even have bumber stickers with shhhh printed on them. These clever people made their own water tower for the pararde. You can see the real one in the left corner.

New year - new body?

2008-07-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the number 1 most popular new years resolution is to lose weight? Just because you, my dear readers, are empowered and attempting to love your body (if not loving it already) does not mean that you aren't going to be tempted to undertake a weight loss regiment yourselves.

I am not going to try and stop you; as many of you know I have lost more than 40 pounds in the last 2 years by exercising and changing my eating habits.

But I highly encourage you not to go on a diet. Diets don't work! They are restrictive and boring and no fun. I am not on a diet. I just finished a fabulous vanilla and peanut butter swirl frozen yogurt with peanut butter chips. But I also did a kick butt workout this morning for an hour and half. It's all about balance, girlies.

I also encourage you not to try and get "skinny". I may have lost 40 pounds, but I am still a full figured fashionista. It's about health, not size 2 jeans. It's about energy to walk and run and do all the fun things you want to do. It's about living your life to the fullest - not rejecting or hating the body you have, but loving it enough to make it perform at its best, regardless of its size.

Since this is a blog where I do make recommendations, I will make one now. I have lost my weight with 2 things: 1) A gym membership. 2)Weight Watchers. It lets you eat like a human being, and yet gives you the tools to lose weight. Amazingly, its not that hard (if you are truly ready to start), or that expensive. It may not work for everybody, but its the plan I have found that teaches you the most how to eat like a "normal" person, not a dieter. I am on the points plan (I think its called "flex") and I love it!

Oh, and if you have no desire to lose weight, that's cool too. Just giving you some food for thought!

evintage blog tag - Swingtown

2008-07-07T23:15:00.001-07:00

Its Blog Tag Wednesday at the eVintage Society!. Fans of the 70s, rejoice!! Last week CBS premiered a new series called SWING TOWN. Set in 1976, the show features 3 couples and their families…..a childless couple with loads of money, toys and an open marriage….a young couple with a teenage boy trying to define their relationship….and a more conservative couple facing a changing world. It also features some fab 70s clothes and music! Lets talk 70s!

1) Show us your favorite 70s piece in your inventory, mens, womens, dress, lingerie…..whatever you LOVE!

Well, I don't exactly Love it, but I think it's a pretty cool print. Maxi Jersey Gown by La Mendola -

2) Define disco wear as YOU see it.

When I was a kid, I was in the 'Disco Sucks' crowd. Now I have a better appreciation of the music, but not so much with the clothing. When I think of Disco, I think of desperate people trying to get into Studio 54, bra-less girls in halter tops, men in platform shoes and polyester pants, blue eyeshadow, cocaine, Liza Minelli, Bianca Jagger etc.

3) What was your favorite look of the 70s? The maxi dress? Bell bottoms? Culottes? Do tell.

Well, I was wearing culottes in the 1970s, but only because I was about 10, and didn't know any better. My aunt had a ton of super tight pants with bell bottoms. She had to put them on when they were still damp and lay on the bed and use a hook to pull up the zipper. She also had a great collection of super high platforms - Mary Janes and a pair of really cool carved wooden ones still stand out in my mind. She drove a Camaro too. I thought she was very cool. If I were an adult in the 70s, I'd probably be wearing gauzey, clingy jersey dresses, with a scarf ties around my head and big sunglasses.

4) Your neighbors invite you to a wild party where there may be disco music. Do you go?

I don't go to any parties, and I call the police if the music is too loud (unless it's something that I really like)

5) Grant Show. Sexy then? Sexy now? No idea?

No idea who he is. Was he the guy who played Miles on Murphy Brown?

6) Romantic Gunne Sax Prairie/Renn Queen or Disco Diva? Whats your style?

Choose or die? I guess I would go with the Romantic look because disco is a little too skin-flashy polyester-sweaty for me.

Check out the eVintage Blog Tag every Wednesday. Follow the links to read the posts from all of the participating blogs. I was tagged by Vintage Joy and now I'm tagging Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict

Color Theory

2008-07-06T23:15:00.001-07:00

Our junior year of high school, my BFF Rachel and I took a color theory class at the local community college. Our teacher was possibly insane, and spent a few classes quietly crying in the corner. Rachel and I spent every class getting inadvertently high on Sharpie fumes and screwing up our assignments so bad that I failed a gray scale project (translation for those of you unfamiliar with the art world: I failed mixing white and black paint). The one thing I do remember from that class, the one thing that wasn't lost in a haze of permanent marker chemicals, is that blue and orange are opposites on the colorwheel, and therefore, they look mega good together.

Whenever I pair my favorite blue tights with my new orange shoes, I feel like that class was maybe worth it:

Tights: We Love Colors (Read my WLC rave review here)
Shoes: Nine West, from Marshalls

p.s. Does anyone else hate summer solely because you can't enjoy colorful hosiery without guaranteed death by heatstroke? I'm moving to Antarctica.

Ooh La La!

2008-07-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

While wine and flowers are great, I always try and bring something personalized when I'm invited to a dinner party or event, and when I read about the Ooh La Spa Kit it just screamed my friend Christine's name -- she's a perfume guru, moving to Paris to pursue her dream of becoming a nose -- needless to say she has an amazing sense of smell and a keen appreciation for essential oils which is why I couldn't wait to try out the Ooh La Spa Kit with her! The at-home aromatherapy spa kit is super-cute (it's packaged in a circular box that folds open), and comes complete with everything you'll need (even a cloth headband to keep your hair out of your face!) for a do-it-yourself facial! Everything is in travel sizes, so it's perfect for those times when you're traveling and don't find any nearby salons or for a night of beauty fun with your girlfriends (no you never get too old for these!):) Available at Sephora for $52.

Blast from the past

2008-07-05T23:14:00.001-07:00

The most I ever knew about Cacharel was that they made my favorite perfume, Anais-Anais, I was 12 and though I dutifully read Seventeen, Vogue, Harpers, and even the odd Cosmo swiped from my grandmother I had no idea that Cacharel was first a fashion house.
Like so many other almost forgotten labels (Lanvin, Chloe, Balenciaga, Biba, Members Only...), Cacharel is getting a second life of late and once I came across some handbags, well, you all know I'm a sucker for a resurrected label.

In a mustard color almost as forgotten until recently as the label, this shoulder bag is perfectly sweet, and simple. There are no over sized logos, or hallmarks, there is hardly any hardware at all, but that doesn't mean the bag is short on detail. Straps of leather tied casually to rings form the handles for the bag, leaving soft ends hanging for a scarf like effect. There are 2 straps on the sides, and some added stitching for some additional interest, but overall, it's a clean bag, that will work for many casual outfits all season.
And don't underestimate the color's versatility. Mustard is huge this fall, and works so beautifully with neutrals and browns that this may be an all season bag!
The Cacharel mustard handbag is $488 from TOFF Miami.

Tony, Tony, Tony

2008-07-05T11:13:00.001-07:00

I swore off red carpet ogling, dear readers, really I did. Remember when the Golden Globes were canceled earlier this year and somehow everyone in Hollywood stayed strong and the whole place didn't implode and luckily we still had new episodes of crappy television shows and actors didn't go hungry? Whew. That was close.

So it was with a combination of anxiety (What will Christian Siriano design for Whoopi?) and laziness (Where is my remote? Oh well, I'll just watch what's on...) that I approached Sunday's Tony Awards. The DCGF is not a "theater person." I don't know what's playing on Broadway right now, or who's up for best book of a musical. But I do remember loving watching musicals on TV and videos as a kid, and I could still probably conjure up most of the lyrics to The Sound of Music.

Regardless, I have to admit I was utterly surprised as I watched the stars of the Great White Way walk down the red carpet in what just might be some of the best looks of the year.

Take Martha Plimpton. You probably recognize her from any of the "Law & Order" shows. She's usually a drug addict. I mean, she usually plays a drug addict. Oh, and she was in The Goonies. Anyway, she's also a well-regarded theater actor and I think she looks absolutely amazing in this dress. That's her dad, Keith Carradine, with her, and he looks great, too. Hooray for a classic tux!

But Martha's Carolina Herrera mermaid gown is truly stunning. It fits perfectly, the colors complement her complexion, and she keeps the jewelry simple and tasteful (love the giant cocktail ring!). Would that a few A-list actresses could show up looking so put together on a red carpet! My only criticism is her hair. It's a bit, uh, big. And a bit stiff looking. But I'll let that slide in lieu of the dress.

Who else looked stunning? Oddly enough I think that Mary Louise Parker and Adam Duritz (Huh? When did that happen? Again.) pulled off a rather chic look. Sure, his bow tie/seersucker suit combo is a bold choice, but I think he actually makes it work. I mean, with hair like that, what else is he going to wear? And Mary Louise just keeps looking better.

Her Alberta Ferretti frock was one of the few short ones on the red carpet that night, but it had enough sparkle and she has great enough legs to make it seem perfectly in place. The fact that she's 44 and willing to wear a short dress with a plunging neckline is just fantastic, I think. And her skin! Um, is it perfect, or what?

And, of course, she had the de rigueur item of the evening: an elegant clutch. But these aren't the minaudieres of old, oh no, dear readers. These are real handbags. It appears as if one could actually carry around a few useful items in them. Love it!

Finally, I think Marisa Tomei might have just walked away with the Best Look of the Night. She's so gorgeous with simple pulled back hair, minimal makeup and jewelry, and an showstopper of a strapless dress.

Although I can't seem to find anywhere who designed it (leave a comment if you know!), the fiery red color, offset with the black flower embroidery and black belt make for a powerful combination. I've always been a fan of red and black paired together, but it has to be done well, with one color dominating and the other offsetting it as an accent.

I feel like maybe, just maybe, there weren't so many stylists, make-up artists, handlers, and the ilk involved in this red carpet, which is probably why those walking it look happy and relaxed.

Oh, speaking of red carpets, I'm still waiting to hear back from Amy Smart. I have my fingers crossed, dear readers, that she'll come through! And in the meantime, if you know of any other celebrity that might be willing to don a Goodwill ensemble for the red carpet, let me know! I've now made it my goal by the end of 2008 to see Goodwill clothes on a celebrity. Go team!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on eBay funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Valentine's Day: Coming Soon

2008-07-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner - less than a month away, and I'm trying to get the newest Valentine's creations on the Cluny Grey website. A few jewelry pieces that I will be adding are featured here today: first is the heart pendant necklace above made with garnets and a touch of Swarovski crystals here and there. Of course, the lampwork beads of Lynn Nurge, especially the silver-laced heart I used to make the pendant, are the focal points of the entire necklace. The necklace can be found on our Handmade Necklaces page (along with the last heart necklace at the bottom of this post).The Prayer Box Necklace above has some of my favorite silver freshwater pearls, little flower beads and charms, and of course a sterling silver prayer box. This prayer box is a favorite because when it opens, not only is there a place to put a prayer or wish, but a kneeling angel comes out. The prayer box hangs from a flower shape that reminds me of some stylized flowers I've seen in the great cathedrals in Spain and Portugal.
The last necklace also features the beads of Lynn Nurge: the lampwork heart with flowers, rose quartz coloured tabs and mauvey-pink and green rounds. The gemstones here are purple crazy lace agate faceted rondelles; little charms hang from two places on the necklace as well-flowers and hearts - very appropriate for Valentine's Day. The necklace also has a flower on the "S" clasp (from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes).

jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping bracelets beads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen lampwork beads The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories garnet lampwork beads handmade necklace

I'm smiling out loud.

2008-07-03T23:12:00.001-07:00

Right now over at Wardrobe_Remix, we're playing a fun little game where you post a link to your Wardrobe_Remix photo album, and another remixer "dresses you up" by choosing different articles of clothing from your album. I chose to "dress up" the lovely Vasiliisa, which was sort of a thrill all on it's own just because she's one of my personal fashion muses.

Last night I hopped online for a quick second and while browsing my contact's photos, I noticed that Vasiliisa had a new picture. Upon looking at it, I realized it was the outfit I had chosen for her! My face broke out in the cheesiest grin ever. There's this unexplainable giddiness that comes from seeing that a girl all the way over in Finland is wearing something that I picked out for her. Dean's brother noticed the uber-grin and when I shared my excitement with him, his response was "you are such a dork... but that is pretty darn cool." Without further ado, here is said outfit:

Is it strange that I'm so inspired by an outfit that I put together? Probably.

Trend On The Rise - Star Prints

2008-07-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

Playful star prints can look fun and youthful or sophisticated and luxurious depending on how they're worn. This summer, they adorn everything from totes and footwear to swimwear and jewelry. So go ahead, and reach for the stars! Pictured above:

1. Star dangle earrings, Charlotte Russe, $4

2. Starfield blouse, Forever 21, $19.80

3. Star hoodie, Alloy, $38.50

4. Ra ra skirt, New Look, £10 (or about $20)

5. Polka stars flip flops, Wet Seal, $7.50

6. Converse multi-star Chucks, dELiA*s, $47

Photo credit: charlotte-russe.com, forever21.com, alloy.com, newlook.co.uk, wetseal.com, delias.com

Patty Bolz: Goldsmith

2008-07-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

Patty Bolz began her career as a designer and goldsmith in 1980. Since that time, she has maintained a studio and a home in Camden, Maine, where she lives with her husband and three children. Over the years, Patty's work has won numerous awards, and has been exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the country, and has also been featured in books and publications on contemporary jewelry design.

Gold & Gemstone Rings

Emerald-cut stones and trillion-cut stones.

Top: Rhodolite Garnet with Tanzanite.

Bottom: Green and Pink Tourmaline.

Patty's jewelry, which has been described as a stylistic blend of ancient and contemporary, is constructed in 22k and 18k gold using traditional goldsmithing techniques. These include fusing, soldering, forming, repousse, and engraving, among others. With these techniques, she strives to achieve form and balance within each piece.

Gold & Black Onyx Pendant

Pendant with 12 x 6 x 8mm high dome stone.

Shown in Matte Black Onyx.

Lightweight snake chain.

Size ~5/8" across.

While Patty sees jewelry as wearable adornment, she also believes that a successful piece must be capable of standing alone as a work unto itself. As in sculpture, all of the elements in a form - both metal and non-metal (including gemstones and non-precious materials, such as steel or slate - must work together within a single vision.

Gold & Gemstone Bar Pin

5 x 3.5mm oval stone.

2.7mm round diamonds.

Blue & Orange Sapphire.

Size: 5/16" wide, 1" long.

4 x 3mm pear shape stones.

Along with the overall form, the application of surface texture is integral to Patty's work, and is achieved through a variety of methods - fusing, engraving, stamping, hammering, stippling, chiseling, sanding, etc. Texture often serves to connect the various elements in a piece stylistically, and adds visual dimension to her jewelry.

Artist Statement

I regard my jewelry not only as personal ornament but as sculpture. A successful piece must be able to stand on its own artistically while being comfortable and wearable. My inspiration comes from the textures found in nature, diverse architectural elements, and from the unique characteristics of the high-karat gold and the gemstones with which I work.

I am particularly drawn to ancient jewelry, and when designing my work I strive to achieve a classical sense of timelessness, while also maintaining a contemporary element. As a jeweler and a designer, I work to bring something of this presence into my work - to create pieces with a fullness of form and a richness of detail. My designs combine a classical sense of timelessness with a contemporary appeal.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Jewelry Shop Gets Big Kudos - 09 August 2006

Native American Inlay Jewelry - 14 January 2008

Caroline Ballou Jewelry - 26 May 2008

All About Celebrities Blog Carnival: Volume 6

2008-07-01T23:12:00.001-07:00

Christine presents Cannes 2008 - Short Film Corner - Tarantino in Cannes posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.

Ashley Cain presents TI and Tiny - new baby posted at London Speaks.

Stefanie Hutson presents The Top 10 Tackiest People of All Time posted at Vat19.com slash Blog.

Hilary Green presents Celebrities Who Drive Green Rides! posted at The Green Motorist.

Jeff Sullivan presents Moe Bandy - Americana Live In Branson posted at Branson Country Music Shows.

David B. Bohl presents Learning from Celebrities about Work Life Balance posted at Slow Down Fast Today!.

praveen presents The Indiana Jones Gamble posted at My Simple Trading System.

Woman Tribune presents Mischa Barton and Her Many Ruffles posted at Woman Tribune - a web space for women.

Ralph Jean-Paul presents Learn From the 8 Most Confident Men in Films posted at Potential 2 Success.

Michael Snyder presents The Picture Of The Hindu God That Barack Obama Carries For Good Luck posted at Shattered Paradigm.

Matt DiChiara presents The Hills Watch: We Were Totally Right. OBVI. | MyNewPlace Blog posted at MyNewPlace Blog.

Ozone presents Interview: Johannes Strassmann posted at Poker Tips.

The 3 R's

2008-07-01T11:12:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been bringing my canvas totes along whenever I'm out shopping in order to reduce the amount of plastic and paper bags that I use. After peeking under the sink and seeing the outrageous amount of bags that have accumulated over the years, I'm astounded and disgusted by my previous lack of responsibility. So now I try to make it a habit to fold up a canvas bag in my handbag or put some in the car so I have them with me when I'm out shopping. On many occasions, a sales clerk will look surprised and shocked when I ask them if I can use my own bags instead of theirs. Why is this so unusual? Is it such a foreign idea to southern Californians? I should think not; I think it's time that more people start bringing their own reusable bags. For me, this is one small lifestyle change, and by blogging about it, I hope to raise awareness about the need to be eco-friendly and reduce waste. I feel so much better knowing that I've saved dozens of bags from ending up in landfills, and my goal is to continue to add more eco-friendly habits to my lifestyle.

A Model Society

2008-06-30T11:12:00.001-07:00

They're baaaack! As you've probably heard, dear readers, our favorite supermodels of the 90s are showing up in more ads now than possibly they did then. Claudia Schiffer has signed on for fall campaigns at Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo, Linda Evangelista will be parading in Prada, Naomi Campbell (assuming she stays out of trouble!) will be layering on Yves Saint Laurent, and Christy Turlington will be ensconsed in Escada.

Already ads by Louis Vuitton (like the one at right) have reminded fashion magazine readers what a fashion ad with professional models looks like. Could this possibly signal an end - or at least a diminishment - of the incessant celebrity-driven advertising campaigns of the 2000s? The UK's Independent traces the demise of the model in fashion ads to Donna Karan's Fall 1996 campaign featuring Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, reminding readers that by the end of that year Calvin Klein claimed people "just aren't that interested in models".

Maybe there was some fallout from the media saturation of the so-called Big Four: Christy, Cindy, Linda, and Naomi. They were practically everywhere in the fashion and pop-culture world, including music videos and full-length documentaries. Remember Unzipped? And then they settled down, got married, had kids, or just found other pursuits for awhile, many of them philanthropic. And Hollywood seized the opportunity to use fashion as a medium for promoting everything from the casts of television shows to A-list movie stars to celebutantes who had no discernible skills beyond the fact that they could fit into a sample size.

I recently stumbled upon an Allure Magazine dated March 1998 in a pile of vintage fashion periodicals that were donated to me, and who is on the cover but Jennifer Aniston! Aside from the incredibly awkward pose and unnatural airbrushing on her face - or maybe because of it? - this magazine could be from last week. It has all the hallmarks of the current fetishization of celebrity found in most fashion magazines: "Special Issue CELEBRITY BEAUTY" in the upper right hand corner; "PRIMPING FOR THE OSCARS" in the lower left hand.

Because knowing about "The Stars, The Experts, Their Top Secrets," somehow made one more fashionable in 1998. Just like it still does today. Doubtful!

Anyway, I thought it was just fun to see a magazine that's now over 10 years old and to realize how little has changed since the seismic shift of the late 90s. But I'm ready for something new, or maybe just a return to what was before. I'm ready to see a model on the cover of a fashion magazine again.

Vogue attempted a trip down memory lane with their April issue this year. On the cover is - gasp! - Giselle Bundchen. You know, a model. Sure, she's posing with LeBron James, but it's the "shape issue," so having an athlete on the cover seems perfectly reasonable.

Unfortunately, what made headlines about this cover was not the fact that it was absent a movie star (thank goodness!), but that there might have been some racial undertones to the pose of the two cover subjects. While that debate raged on, the DCGF quietly smiled, crossed her fingers, and secretly hoped that this might be the change I'd been hoping for. Tragically, the two subsequent months of Vogue featured Gwyneth Paltrow (new movie in theaters!) and Sarah Jessica Parker (new movie in theaters!).

-sigh-

Same as it ever was.

Even if we never again experience the beauty and magic of the heyday of the supermodel, perhaps there's still hope for fashion magazines and their increasing collaborations with the art world.

I'd love to see Lucien Freud or Takashi Murakami commissioned for some cover art on a major fashion magazine. I know this sometimes occurs on international versions of these same periodicals, but why can't we see it here? If the Gap can get Jeff Koons to design a t-shirt, then anything is possible.

Check out the Vogue cover to the left, from October 1957. It's stunningly beautiful. And painfully simple. Something like that would never fly today, I know. We need all of our little headlines telling us how much slimmer, prettier, hipper, chicer we'll be after reading 300-some-odd pages of shiny copy.

But maybe, just maybe, there's a shift out there, back toward the fashion industry's roots. Back to beautiful clothes and accessories, and not just the touched-up celebrities who are lucky enough to get to wear them.

I look forward to what's in store for us...

Friday Furnishings: I'm Such A Fan!

2008-06-29T23:12:00.001-07:00

I asked, dear readers, and you responded. You told me that you want Friday Furnishings to focus on sustainable living in small spaces and on a small budget. Perfect! That's what the DCGF knows best. But we'll still have to dream big, right? Of course...

It's been super fantastically hot in D.C. lately. Like, melt-your-ice-cream-on-the-way-home-from-the-market-one-block-away hot. And we all know how high energy costs are skyrocketing. Not every place can be as resourceful as Juneau, AK (you have to read about how they cut electricity use by 30% in a matter of weeks), or Rock Port, MO (they are laying claim to being the first 100% wind-powered U.S. town). But there are small things we can each do to stay cool and be eco-friendly, too.

Fans are a huge help whether or not you have air conditioning in your home. But I can't fathom keeping a white plastic thing around my carefully curated apartment. Luckily, there are a number of incredibly design-friendly options on the market today, at a variety of price points.

Restoration Hardware makes some of the best models out there, even though they'll set you back about $200. I had a friend who swore by his telescoping Allaire model, though. Never a moments trouble. Seen at right, the Allaire comes in two different sizes and adjusts to suit the height of your furniture and whatnot.

The best part about this particular model is that it's very, very quiet, even at high speeds. And that's key, especially in a small apartment. You don't want to have to be turning your TV up so high to compensate that the neighbors start complaining!

Oh, this fan comes in brushed nickel (shown) and black, either of which will suit just about any decor. And I know the price is high, but think about this: how many cheap fans have you gone through in the last year or two? Twenty or twenty-five bucks might not seem like much, until you shell out for a new fan at that price twice a year. Just sayin'...

For a more economical option, I highly recommend the Deco Breeze Oscillating Fan from Target. Why? Because I own it! I've had it for two years now and it's fantastic. At $50, it's still not cheap, but it's a fraction of most metal fans. And it's available in a huge selection of vibrant colors and patterns, the latter of which cost around $60.

I have the mandarin orange, shown at left, but there's also green, blue, fuschia, gray, gold, orange flowers, green flowers, and cow print (not making this up!). If you cannot find a Deco Fan to match your apartment's or home's color scheme, the apparently you have invented new colors of which I'm not aware!

Seriously, though, it's well built (and cat tested, in my household) and exceedingly efficient at cooling off my 200 square foot living room. I use it with the A/C on to circulate the cool air. So far, my electric bill hasn't exceeded $22 and change this season. Fingers crossed!

For those of us with low ceilings, floor and table fans are the perfect portable option. But let's say you have a home where ceiling fans are a possibility. And let's also say that you want only the best, most amazing conversation-starting ceiling fan known to personkind. Then you probably was the Brisa 2000 (even the name is awe-inspiring!) by Matthews Fan Company, which explains that, "Like satellites orbiting a planet, the Brisa's select mahogany blades and lunar counterweight gently orbit about its spherical gear housing."

Blah, blah, blah. It just looks freakin' amazing! Although it comes in a variety of finishes and blade combinations, my favorite is this, the bronze and mahogany version. The mahogany is ecologically harvested and the fan knob is crafted of marbleized Bakelite. Truly awesome. But here, of course, is the rub: it's gonna set you back anywhere from $850 to $1200!

Figures. Certainly the price doesn't diminish its lust factor. It just makes the Brisa 2000 that much less unattainable. That and the fact that it would probably give me a serious haircut were I to install it in my own basement apartment. Stay cool!

Lee Lee's Valise - Plus Size Boutique in Brooklyn!

2008-06-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

At the opening of a fab new plus size boutique in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn last weekend, I realized I, your own Lisafashionista, had NEVER BEEN TO A PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE! I've been to Torrid, Lane Bryant et al. But a boutique? Nope! Because there are NONE in NYC! (Ok, so there is like half of one, a store that sells muumuus and big jewlery somewhere on the upper west side, but that doesn't count!).

The store I am talking about is called Lee Lee's Valise and is run by the fabulous Lisa Dolan, a big girl with a big dream. She gutted a busted laundromat and carved out a gorgeous boutique full of the best plus size fashions. She is stocking a number of incredible lines, including Svoboda, Abby Z, Kiyonna, Igigi, Fashion Overdose, B&Lu, Size Appeal, C.enne.V and lots more!!!

She is also selling plus size thongs from Hanky Panky, beautiful jewelry, purses, large size bras, and course, more than anything - she is selling a feeling - of having the right and privledge to shop in a store that sells your size!

Here are a few of the items I saw in the store:

Top Row:
(L)- Kiyonna Lace Top
(R)- Size Appeal Butterfly Top

Bottom Row:
(L) - Fashion Overdoze Halter
(R)- Kiyonna Colorblock Tee

Visit Lee Lee's Valise:
368 Court Street (at the corner of President St)
Take the F or G train to Carroll Street Station and walk 1 block

Call 718-246-LEES for more info

I might just see you there!

Funky new finds from IGIGI

2008-06-28T23:12:00.001-07:00

IGIGI just got some really cute stuff in stock. Although they stock a variety of pieces, my favorite items of theirs tend to be their dresses.

I've raved before about their Satin Dream gown before, which is so soft and comfy that it feels like you are wearing pajamas but look appropriate for a black tie event. It's also a great dress for cleavage - and its covered up enough to wear a regular bra with!

Here are some of their other items I am fond of:

L: Fur Shrug, $90
R: Brocade Lace Wrap Top, $65

L: Fiorella Lace Gown and Shrug, $209
R: Pencil Skirt, $52

Good Guy/Bad Boy

2008-06-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

One of the best things about shopping at Goodwill and other resale, thrift, and vintage stores is that - for not much money - one can acquire a wardrobe full of different looks and trends that allow one to be a different personality whenever one chooses. Want to be the neon-leggings and vintage-tunic wearing fashionista one day and the suit and secretary-blouse sporting careerwoman the next? Done. Have a desire to be a biker dude on Saturday and a boat-shoe-wearing prepster on Sunday. No problem.

In that spirit, this week's Goodwill Good Buy of the Week offers two men's look that might seem to be diametrically opposed. But, for the right person, they're just the variety he needs for his wardrobe.

The "Good Guy," wears linen/cotton chinos in a lightweight denim finish from Banana Republic. They're a size 31R and feature a tab front closure, two side slash pockets, and two back slash pockets. They have a straight leg and are perfect for casual Friday at the office or Saturday morning flea market adventures.

On top is black button down knit shirt - also from Banana Republic - that is a size small and still has its tags! It has a collar, embossed buttons, and is in super-soft 100% cotton. Every guy needs a shirt like this.

But what about the "Bad Boy"? What does he wear? Well, he starts with a v-neck, collarless tie-dyed shirt from Diesel in a size medium. There's about a one-inch rip on the inside seam of the right arm, so look for a special price on the DC Goodwill eBay store later today.

And for pants, the "Bad Boy" goes with ultra-distressed jean by Guess Premium. No need to wait for the seams to wear thin, or to add your own patches - they're already present! Check out the detail below...nice.

And here's the fun part: these jeans are also a size 31R. Hmmm...are you saying, DCGF, that both pairs could be worn by the same person? Yes, exactly! Just not at the same time.

That's the beauty of a trip to Goodwill, as I said. Try something new. Try something old. Try a bunch of stuff and if it works out or if it doesn't, at least you can say you took a chance on something different and know what suits your style. And then, well, just donate back what you don't like! Trust me: another Good Guy or Bad Boy will come along to perfect his style, too...

Pssst! Gals, I meant to tell you that I have four pairs of BRAND NEW black trouser jeans by PURE COLOR up on the DC Goodwill eBay store now. You know how great those are and how hard they are to find! Happy shopping....

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on eBay funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Ayyyyy! Melania Trump!

2008-06-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

Manolo says, Melania Trump, woman of hard face and gimlet eye, knows what suffering is.

Say 'No' to Dilation Tests

2008-06-25T11:12:00.001-07:00

Viktor Rolf for Shu Uemura paper clip eyelashes public wearing dashed. Why? Pesky opticians failed to tell me that after a dilation test, my vision would be so blurry that I'd need my boyf to help me home, wear sunglasses for the next six hours because light made my head go all woozy and basically start seeing wonky shapes everywhere. So in the end, I missed out on the private view evening of the Viktor & Rolf exhibition at the Barbican. Still, like blurry vision was going to stop me playing around with my vintage puffball dress which I won on eBay for pennies and haven't really done much with it. Not sure if 'giant scrunchie' was on my mind but that was sort of what I was aiming for. Treading on the 'What ifs' isn't usually healthy but here's the 'If I had gone out last night if I was temporarily blinded by my optician...' outfit. Now there's a scenario I hope not to repeat...

Dandelion Vintage Sale!!!!

2008-06-24T23:12:00.001-07:00

25% off of all stock!!!
www.dandelionvintage.com

From now until next Satuuday night - 5/24.
Discount will be subtracted in the shopping cart.
Regular shipping charges apply.
Discount does not apply to items already on hold.
Discount cannot be combined with any other offer.

Also, Boris is doing much better. We still don't know what was wrong with him. The vet wants to wait another week to take x-rays. It was most likely a touch of pneumonia from aspirating on something, probably food because he inhales it without chewing. He has been very active lately, must be the steroids. He's perfectly back to normal with no signs of breathing trouble.

Flick and Decide

2008-06-24T11:12:00.001-07:00

Now I know the Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony collection probably divided opinions across the board. Love? Hate? Dug the shoes, hated the clothes? Liberty print overdose? Tight gingham pants not doing it for you? Opinions are unsurprisingly varied but perhaps a look at the latest photobook curated by Chloe and shot by Mark Borthwick that has resulted from the collection might sway the naysayers? Or not... the opinion remains staunchly negative. So just enjoy flicking through this fun photobook that is split in half so you can mix and match Chloe's upper/lower half with a whole bunch of things. It also includes transparencies and illustrations by artists such as Marika Thunder and Rita Ackerman if the clothes are really REALLY turning you off.

mad hattress

2008-06-23T23:12:00.001-07:00

Interior decorating, vintage enthusiast style.

I'm trying to find a way to display my vintage hats, purses, shoe buckles etc without creating clutter in a very small apartment, or frightening away male visitors (albeit the majority of them are gay men who are more likely to borrow the accessories for a night out).

When my [straight] uncle stopped by the apartment for the first time, he stood speechless in the main room, staring around in thinly disguised horror at the pink, silk, chandelieriness of it all, finally uttering: "holy chick house". At the time, I took it as a compliment, but now I'm working on creating some contrast - Demeulemeester biker boots balancing out 1940s floral headpiece, urban graffiti interspersed with Millais's Pre-Raphaelites, pink curtains making way for Indian fabrics and so on. Off to IKEA for storage ideas this weekend. I'll post photos if my mission is successful.

P.S. Chanced upon this stellar feather hat worn in a magazine last fall (there is a shop in Toronto that lends out vintage pieces to movies and magazine shoots). I dream of finding that beautiful Galliano suit Ana is wearing next...

Day 3 of W.E.I.O.

2008-06-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

The Happy Hippie is a sick hippie today, so this will be short. My schedule for today consists of vegetating in bed with North and South on DVD. Mmm, Patrick Swayze.

Yesterday's ensemble was simple, casual, and most of all comfy because I was already starting to feel under the weather. Speaking of weather, it's officially chilly, and I enjoyed pulling a cardigan out of the closet yesterday. Layers, delicious layers.

Hopefully I'll be feeling better tomorrow, and my post matter will be more interesting. My apologies until then. Toodles!

Pucci. Prints. Perfect.

2008-06-22T11:12:00.001-07:00

Joy Bryant arriving at the Costume Institute's Party of The Year in May 2008.

Michelle Ogundehin at the VIP Dinner and Cocktails hosted by Nadja Swarovski celebrating The Crystal on December 5, 2007.

Keyshia Cole attends the If Looks Could Kill party hosted by Toyota and ESSENCE on June 11 2008 at Eyebeam in New York.

Jill Scott's Real Thing Cocktail Reception at the Roof Top Garden on June 14, 2007, New York City.

The pioneer of kaleidoscope prints, Emilio Pucci, started a trend in the late 60s that just won't go away. Whether you love or loathe the bright in-your-face psychedelic shapes that have become synonymous with the designer, you certainly cannot miss them (or the woman who dares to wear them). Nowadays many designers and stores have copied the famous prints and used them in their own designs. This however hasn't stopped anyone from being able to identify a genuine Pucci. See the ladies above for proof that pucci + prints = perfection!

Austrian Big Shoes

2008-06-21T23:12:00.001-07:00

Manolo says, the Manolo finds it difficult to believe that this display of gigantic shoes is not located in China

Linktastic Thursday!

2008-06-19T23:12:00.001-07:00

Jane sent this fabric, which is on sale at Hancock's of Paducah ... she also sent earlier some even better alphabet fabric from Fashion Fabrics Club ... which is now unavailable. (I'll take my own pic and post it when mine arrives.) She also sent this text-based fabric, if you just can't get enough typographical goodness.

Kathy found this pattern at a yard sale for 33 1/3 cents (she got three for a dollar).

Needless to say, I love the pockets.

Speaking of pockets, Kim sends this brilliant Sesame Street video about their social importance. (Watch for the über-Seventies carpenter pants pockets.)

Nancy found near-perfect ginkgo fabric from Marimekko. I can see I'll have to start a special savings fund for this one. (Warning: site loaded badly in Firefox 3.)

Cookie found the fauxlero to end all fauxleros, at the Antique Dollhouse of Patterns:

I think that pattern is also a dirigible hostess dress, for sure, from the late, waning, Pan-American days of the industry.

Heather sent this wonderful ruffly number.

Melissa sent this comma necklace. Want.

Kate in Texas sent this really cute bee fabric from Hart's Fabrics -- which doesn't let you link directly to items, frustrating! So search on "bee" if you want to find it.

I would make a very serious tailored dress out of this ... it's $8.99/yard and only 45" wide though, so maybe not this week.

Another "not this week" fabric (I missed the auction!) is this:

I have not a single, solitary idea what I could have made out of it, though, even if I had gotten to the auction in time, since it was only 4 yards of 36" wide ... from seller emt-mom-70.

Marilyn wants to know if there are charities that would take her cedar chest full of wool fabric ... and I'd like to know if there are charities that would like a lot of cotton scraps, since mine are getting outrageous, and -- let's be honest -- the chances of me making that charm quilt I keep muttering about? Are infinitesimal.

I haven't seen the Sex and the City movie yet (I know!) but HotPatterns (spoiler alert) has a related pattern ... now I think I really should go see it.

But not today. Today I have 500 emails to answer. Wish me luck!

Hurry on sale now - Vera Wang

2008-06-19T11:12:00.001-07:00

On sale now at the time of this post - the Vera Wang Enhancers strapless bra. It is a very light nude color with baby pink trim across the top and bow in front. This is the softest bra I've ever touched! Made of 79% Nylon and?21% Spandex, it feels so smooth! Like suede!

34A-38D available. Comes with clear straps. Seam free cups have extra fabric below - extending the band to keep it in place. Firmly padded with a layer of foam and supported by concealed underwiring. Comfy and supportive.

Regularly $65.00. SALE! $32.50

Blog the Blogger: The Spaztastic Adventures of a DC Fashionate

2008-06-18T23:12:00.001-07:00

Kiki's been at this whole blogging thing longer than the DCGF, and her blog - The Spaztastic Adventures of a DC Fashionate - is funny because it's true. Recently, she tried to forgo shoe shopping in order to save up for a laptop. And then a posting titled only "Failure" expressed how so many of us give into the temptation of fashion, even when other necessities beckon. I laughed out loud. But those shoes (at left, from Reiss) are cute! Forthwith, Kiki answers to the DCGF's soon-to-be Famous Five (plus One) questions...

1. What is the first article of clothing you remember that you loved to wear? I am and always have been an accessories kind of girl. I don't remember a particular outfit or dress that I loved at a super young age (my love for all things taffeta didn't really click until I was about 9 or 10) but I do remember that the bows in my hair had to ALWAYS coordinate with whatever outfit I had on. Yellow fish t-shirt with hot pink biker shorts? That meant a yellow bow with hot pink ribbons and a fish applique. I totally blame my mother. She was an enabler.

2. Where is your favorite place - besides Goodwill, of course! - to shop for a fashion bargain in the DC area? I'm a TJ Maxx-aholic. Again, this is my mother's fault. We make TJMaxxing a sport. While I'm not as impressed with the DC-area Teej's as the ones in the South, I've still been able to get some good stuff on occasion. In addition to the typical chains like H&M and Forever 21, I also love to shop the sales at Annie Creamcheese, Commander Salamander (they've got some seriously fun accessories!), and Nido. Eastern Market is also a fave... you can eat cheese while shopping! There's not much better than that.

3. Where is your favorite place to shop for a fashion bargain outside of DC? I'm originally from Atlanta and there are some great thrift stores down there, namely Value Village. I've found some fantastic vintage shops on South Street in Philadelphia and Akira is one place in Chicago (along with Giordano's pizza!) that I really wish would move to DC. Etsy.com is one of my most favorite shopping sites for things both spendy and thrifty (usually thrifty!). My mom's closet is also a fantastic spot for vintage scarves, jewelry, and sequined skirts I can turn in to holiday dresses.

4. Who is your current favorite designer? I love all things Valentino, but I'll keep things accessory-minded. I absolutely love Benjamin's sunglass collection. I fell in love with men's sunglasses after seeing a pair of Tom Ford's on Brad Pitt and I think these Benjamin's just have that vintage vibe that makes them super special. I love handbags by Elisa Atheniense and Cynthia Rowley. Fave (dream!) shoe designers include Ferragamo (for classics), Stella McCartney, Reiss, Leopoldo Giordano, Jill Stuart, Pedro Garcia.... [Name dropper! Ha... -the DCGF]

5. If you could own any single item from fashion past or present - money is no object! - what would it be? Hands down something from Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection. I think I'd go with Liz's personal favorite: the Krupp diamond. Yes, it's incredibly gaudy. I like it that way!

Bonus Question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? I actually had a Tootsie Pop just the other day! I was doing really well on the not-biting until I got annoyed by a bus driver who just decided to blow past me. Then biting was involved. So I guess the answer is... "until DC Metro pisses you off." Which if you actually rely on Metro to get around should only take three or four licks.

Wow, that's some great insight on both Tootsie Pops and D.C.'s public transportation predicament. Nice work, Kiki. And although that diamond is perhaps just a tad over the top, I'm all about wildly oversized costume jewelry, so I can dig it. Good luck on your continuing quest to save up for a laptop. I have one word for you: MacBook. I'm addicted to mine. In a good way, of course. You know, like how I'm addicted to shoes, too! Have a great weekend dear readers!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Marianne Anderson Jewelry

2008-06-17T11:12:00.001-07:00

Jewelry Designer and Goldsmith

Acclaimed British jewelry designer Marianne Anderson graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2003 with a First Class Honors Degree in Jewelry Design. Since then, Marianne has developed her exquisite jewelry from her studio in Glasgow, Scotland. Enjoying the creativity of designing and the challenge of running her own business, Marianne exhibits and sells internationally.

Ornamental Cluster Ring

Oxidized silver, 18k gold, Garnet, and Freshwater Pearls

This lovely cluster ring features a collection of briolette garnets and drop pearls grouped with oxidized silver and 18k yellow gold details. All pieces move around creating a really tactile piece.

Inspired by the history of ornament, Marianne Anderson's jewelry presents a considered exploration of traditional ornamental forms and a refreshingly original interpretation of the decorative. Working within a restrained palette of oxidized silver, 18k gold, Garnets, and white Pearls, she creates luxurious and wearable collections that skillfully reference the human fascination with adornment.

Pearl Pattern Brooch

Oxidized Silver and Freshwater Pearls

Hand pierced in oxidized silver and featuring gorgeous surface decoration and a scattering of freshwater button pearls. This brooch is a real statement piece and would suit anyone who loves bold contemporary jewelry. It measures approximately 70 mm in diameter.

Working mainly in oxidized silver, 18k gold, red garnets, and white pearls, she creates luxurious collections that reference historical ornamental detailing, and she draws inspiration from intricate motifs and patterns. All the pieces in her collection are entirely made by hand.

18k Gold Decorated Gold Band

This beautiful ring is richly decorated with Marianne's signature ornate trimming that forms tiny hearts around the ring's surface. Perfect as a unique wedding band or gift for someone special.

Artist Statement

My interest is rooted in how we learn and draw from the past and return frequently to designs, motifs, and patterns of historic and symbolic significance. By purposefully engaging with the past, my aim is to highlight the importance of ornament in a modern context. Far from superfluous, ornament has always had its own vocabulary and meaning, and I try to engage with this through my work.

In my jewelry, pierced silhouettes of oxidized Silver are systematically arranged and intersected by grids of gemstones, pearls, and 18k gold, or scattered randomly to deconstruct controlled patterns, creating bold fragmented images on an intricate scale. The arrangement of repeated parts into patterns creates symmetries and contrasts that are alluring and elegant.

See full article.

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Back to My Bracelets!!

2008-06-16T11:12:00.001-07:00

Serendipity strikes once again! A set of lampwork beads, oddly coloured with tones of brown, beige, olive and purple, carelessly placed on a desk next to some new strands of beads, and voila, a combination I may not have otherwise come up with. This matching bracelet and necklace (earrings will be posted soon) contains ametrine, moss opal, amethyst, and tiger-eye beads as well as those pretty, but oddly coloured lampwork beads. This necklace is very versatile (yes, despite the purple) because it looks great with neutrals such as khaki, black, browns, camels, and tans. I'm not selling them as a set, but I did make them together using all the same elements in each piece.

I've been making some bracelets this week (well, among other things); the unique bracelet above is one of my favorite combinations with the last of some of my favorite lampwork beads by Robin Weber. Fire agate and aqua Peruvian chalcedony may not sound like the perfect match, but with these lampwork beads - I'm in love! This is only the second time I've used this combination, but I think it's going to become one of my classics. Below is another classic: the labradorite bracelet with two strands - two strands so that there is always some blue flash showing! I choose my labradorite pieces carefully when I make a piece of labradorite jewelry so that each piece has "flash" and the stronger, the better. But even so, labradorite flashes with movement (the reason it's so great for dangling earrings and bracelets).
Below is a rainbow moonstone bracelet - also double-stranded for the same reasons as the labradorite bracelet. This one also has great lampwork beads in white and clear with a slight iridescent quality. I'll be making more moonstone jewelry since the modern birthstone for June is the moonstone (the traditional birthstone is the pearl).

jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping bracelets beads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen lampwork beads The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories jewelry handmade bracelet unusual jewelry

Days of Miracles and Wonders

2008-06-15T11:11:00.001-07:00

Every time I worry that we are, in fact, in the end times (trying to remember if those wackaloons have bred their red heifer yet, and then beginning, ridiculously, to wonder what exactly would be the best thing to wear to the Apocalypse -- certainly it would need a lot of pockets, and of course if you are facing the Apocalypse surely you wouldn't care about eventual lung cancer, but could use asbestos cloth ... and would red be too matchy-matchy?) I remember that, even if we are rapidly approaching the time of Peak Everything; there are consolations; even if the world is running down, we can make the best of what's still around.

Like, for instance, the Internets. Which lets me, with the click of several buttons, browse through an exhibit from the Met back in 2002 -- Blithe Spirit: The Windsor Set, and see the dresses of another time when some had it that there was no use planning for the next year, much less the next decade; a time when they were going to party like it's 1939.

It always surprises me that mere electrons can manage to carry such treasures to me through wires and waves; treasures nearly as ephemeral as those electrons. How improbable, how ridiculous! What petite main in Vionnet's studio would believe it, if she were told that some American woman would, seventy years in the future, look at this dress--basically over the telephone? She'd stick you with a pin, and tell you to stop wasting her time. The woman for whom this dress was made would snort -- she'd believe that in a year, maybe two, her dress would be hopelessly out of style, and not worth anyone's attention.

This dress is black silk satin and black silk net, with sequins. (A dress made of wet toilet paper would probably be less fragile.) And yet -- it's still here. Its maker is gone; its wearer is gone; every man who guided it through a foxtrot, long gone: but it's still here. Still here, and since it's in a museum, safe and protected from everything from excess humidity to violent video games, likely to continue to be here, and through various generosities and some very clever engineering, we can up our brass periscopes outside our daily concerns and just, for a moment, look at it.

It might be taken (black birds, so ill-omened!) as a memento mori, but it might also be taken as kind of defiant monument: if something so delicate could abide through such terrible history, why shouldn't we? I'd like to call this a reverse Ozymandias; no "look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!" but instead, a quiet invitation to rejoice.

Ho ho ho...

2008-06-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

I had to laugh out loud when I saw this picture courtesy of Pierre Debuscherre. Front row of poised Isabelle Aout, studio director of Martin Margiela working the ripped jeans fantastically, Jean Paul Gaultier chatting away, Lucas Ossendrijver and his elongated frame and an overall epitome of top notch menswear dressing me thinks... and me staring up into.... I don't know what....

Oh the cringe, the cringe...

Thanks Pierre for capturing that thought in my head which was saying 'Err.... what is going on dude?'

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt at Cannes

2008-06-13T11:11:00.001-07:00

I have no interest in the gossip that surrounds Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt; however, I am very interested in what they wearing. At the Cannes Film Festival this May they looked gorgeous!

Angelina Jolie broke out of her uniform of black and wore a stunning green gown that complimented her pregnant belly and large bust. Made by Max Azria Atelier, the skirt of the dress was wonderfully romantic as it swirled around her feet and the accents beneath her chest took the silhouette to a new style level.

Brad Pitt, of course, always chooses a classic look with a modern twist when he makes his fancy appearances. His white button down, charcoal colored tie and white handkerchief scream sexy style when paired with this chic black suit. This is how a stylish man does Black Tie.

Christine MacKellar Jewelry

2008-06-12T23:10:00.001-07:00

Christine MacKellar creates jewelry with layers of rich textures and an unusual twist to the two-tone idea made popular by jewelry designers like David Yurman and Steven Lagos. Her signature look combines gold and sterling silver in seamlessly fused jewelry. The gold flows through the sterling silver like a stream of hot lava.

Blossom Pendant

Small pendant hand-fabricated from 22k gold and sterling silver bimetals, freshwater pearls, and 18k gold, and suspended on an 18" sterling silver mesh chain.

Christine's key technique is fusing high karat gold to sterling silver. The pieces in her collection are totally hand-fabricated with no casting, says the designer, who describes herself as a metalsmith. The metals that make up the majority of her pieces are chosen primarily for the artistic effect of their colors. Polished silver is contrasted with matte and semi-matte surfaces that are highlighted by hand burnishing.

Leaf Drop Pendant

Dramatic bimetal leaf on 18" snake chain, accented with 24k gold and a gray freshwater pearl. Available with sterling or oxidized silver.

Intricate patterns of high carat golds are created for each piece of jewelry. Aptly describing her work as a kaleidoscope, she aims to capture color, texture, and movement in each design. She textures the metal surfaces using hammers, punches, engraving tools, and a rolling mill. She describes her inspiration as often coming from nature and the effect of sunlight reflected on water.

Long Leaf Pendant

Dramatic bimetal leaf on 18" cable made from strands of silver and 18k gold. Available with sterling or oxidized silver.

Her sculptural pieces are bold and contemporary. Gemstones and bimetal elements are used for contrast, adding to the infinite design possibilities. Bimetal is double-sided sheet metal, composed of two different types of metal that have been rolled and fused together. Among her favorite gems are those that offer movement and iridescence, such as cat's eye, moonstone, and boulder opals.

"I grew up on a large dairy farm in the midlands of England," she says. "A perfect preparation for working long hours without immediate gratification. I could never imagine working a 9-5 kind of job. I enjoy working for myself by myself."

See full article.

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Alexis Bittar Jewelry Designer - 14 April 2008

Lori Bonn Jewelry Designer - 17 April 2008

Dana David Jewelry Collection - 14 May 2008

Day 1 of W.E.I.O.

2008-06-12T11:10:00.001-07:00

If it weren't for the fact that I really like this outfit and I'm jonesing to get going on the W.E.I.O. challenge, I wouldn't have even bothered to upload this pic. I waited too long to take it and had to do so indoors, hence the bad lighting.

vintage button-up: thrifted
sweater vest: thrifted
skinny jeans: Target
slip-on argyle sneakers: Payless
vinyl bag: thrifted

I bought the sweater vest (or as Dean calls it, my "swest") a few months ago, but until yesterday it was too hot to wear it. It actually ended up being a tad too toasty indoors for the "swest," but I toughed it out. The weather is supposed to be cooling off quite soon, I couldn't be more thrilled. My fall wardrobe has been itching to come out of hiding. :]

Tribute to a real legend

2008-06-11T23:09:00.001-07:00

Yves Saint Laurent died this past weekend, at 71 (read the NY Times Obituary). A long and renowned career, he was the last of the true great couturiers who put Paris on the map. Though he had retired several years ago, his company continued on and will insure that the YSL logo and the man behind it are not soon forgotten.

Mr Laurent's legacy is sure to live on in the designs produced by others but imbued with his creative spirit..hopefully, they will continue to do honor to his name.

Among the handbags sure to be remembered that have been featured here, and in no particular order...

Tribute Tote

Uptown

Downtown

Vincennes Hobo

Muse

Muse II

The Bow Bag

Downtown Trolley

The fashion world has lost a larger than life legend with the passing of Yves Saint Laurent, but what a truly remarkable career and life he has left to be remembered by.

Aaliyah covers Fader…

2008-06-11T11:09:00.001-07:00

Fader magazine is honoring Aaliyah on its June cover. The annual Icon issue highlights the life and legacy of the revolutionary songstress. My personal favorite song/video of hers is “We need a Resolution” and “Rock the Boat”. I was truly devasted when she died. No entertainer has filled the void that she left. Pick up a copy of the magazine to read what many of Aaliyah’s family, friends and industry peers have to say about the fallen star. Read some of their tributes below:

Missy Elliott
“We was gonna save the world. We was gonna change music every chance we got. We was gonna always be family. Forever.”

Mark Ronson
“If it wasn’t for Aaliyah being the face and voice of [Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s] sound they might have never got to where they did. They were presenting their sort of brilliant but challenging breakthrough music through this beautiful young girl who could sing it perfectly.”

Kidada Jones
“I think about her all the time…Anytime she’s brought up or her music comes on the radio, it’s sweet, but it definitely sounds like she found a niche before it was here. If you listen to her music it’s so relevant today, but we had it so long ago.”

Damon Dash
“She was already a fashion icon, she was getting into movies, she had already planted that seed. If she was alive today she would be so relevant. I see little bits of her everywhere I look, in a lot of artists.”

Jomo Hankerson
“I think a lot of that mysteriousness they talk about was just what she was. She seemed like she came here already grown up, from the beginning.”

Be Good to Your Mother

2008-06-10T23:09:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, dear readers, Mother's Day was weeks ago. But I'm not talking about your actual mother, I'm talking about Mother Earth. Yeah, it's kinda silly, I guess, but doesn't it sound better than always saying, "Go Green" or "Be Eco-Friendly"? I just need a little variety, that's all.

But I know that this is a topic that is not going away any time soon. Any maybe, just maybe, I'm eating my own words a bit here, because back in January I said, "Green is good. Let's just quit talking about it all the time." And I'm still not convinced that lots of companies are jumping on that bandwagon for nothing but publicity reasons, but there are legitimate reasons to keep this topic at the forefront of the fashion industry.

For one, many of you send me emails asking how to update and reuse items you've found at Goodwill at other resale stores. You just don't want to go out and buy new things. That's recycling at its best! Keep those emails and comments coming; the DCGF is always up for a challenge. And here's the exciting part: fashion labels are starting to reach out to li'l old me to let me know about their green initiatives! How cool is that? Yep, the gals over at Lutz & Patmos sent me an email giving me all the details on the companies new collaboration with Barney's Green, called Leroy & Perry.

Their spring collection consisted of three pieces named after their favorite New York City restaurants: Pastis, Cluny and Zampa, shown at right. All of the styles are made from materials like recycled t shirts and bamboo and 1% of the proceeds go to an environmental charity. Cool, right?

Even better, the Zampa tunic is currently on sale at Barney's! Personally, I wouldn't wear it sans shirt, as the gal in this picture does, but I think it would look great over a button down for the office, or just over a tee-shirt for weekend casual.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the whole line's inspiration comes from the first few years that designers Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos spent living in New York's West Village on - where else? - Leroy and Perry Streets.

So here's my Monday gift to you, dear readers: an exclusive preview of their fall collection! At left is just one of the looks to come from the collaboration at Barney's for the fall and winter months in more of those earth friendly fabrics. Don't you just love the toggle closures and hood? Looks so cozy...

And this color's easier to wear than you might think. Pair the capelet with chocolate brown, olive green, rust red for a great fall color palette. Oh, and remember how I'm all about investing in a long pair of gloves for winter? Well this garment is perfect for either showing off bracelets or wearing a fabulous pair of pleather gloves in a longer length, to keep your wrists warm and toasty. I don't have a price point for this item yet, but when I get more details, I'll let you know!

And what befits the fashionista who sports this label and is good to her mother? Try the Billboard Large Deluxe Messenger Bag from Ecologic Designs. It's made out of 98% reclaimed and recycled material, including (as the name suggests) its waterproof, repurposed vinyl billboard exterior.

And yeah, I'm totally digging this Zipcar version, 'cause if you don't own a car (like moi) there's no better way than a Zipcar membership to get all of your donations to Goodwill (and do a little shopping while you're there, too!). On the website, it appears that you might not get to choose which billboard ends up on the side of your bag, but that's part of the fun, I suppose. The bags retail for $119.95, which I'm sure is in part due to their unique nature, both stylistically and in how they're constructed. But it's a great investment that's guaranteed to last a long time.

Ahh...how sweet it is to work for an organization that's one of the nation's largest recyclers. And Goodwill Industries will soon be doing even more to let you know how Goodwill's are being good to our mother earth. I'll keep you posted!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on eBay funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Dana David Jewelry Collection

2008-06-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

Dana Melnick's Dana David Collection redefines modern luxury with jewelry for the way we live. Inspired by graphics and architecture, Dana's bold sculptural designs combine classic elegance and attention to detail. Each piece expresses the individuality and self-confidence of the woman who wears it; every design is a fashionable statement of luxury and edgy femininity.

Single Cono Stack Ring

Single stone stacking rings with a cone shaped design. Each finished with a 0.05ct bezel set diamond. Available in 18k yellow, white, or rose gold or as a set of all three.

The artist's background in graphic design clearly influences her jewelry, and is especially evident in the Graffiti Collection, which includes graphic icons and scribble designs in gold and diamonds. Though these designs would look at home in the pages of a design publication, the fact that they are jewelry gives them an entirely new dimension that is fresh, modern, and luxurious.

Harmony Open Pendant

Circle 18k yellow or white gold pendant sprinkled with .09tcw burnished diamonds on a leather cord. Lobster clasp, stamped on back.

Meticulously crafted using the finest materials, the pure shapes and satin finishes are designed to enhance the natural beauty and elegance of the metal and the gemstones. To make her clean sculptural designs, Melnick creates models and casts the components for each piece, and then assembles and finishes the jewelry by hand. She signs each piece with her trademark logo star.

Star Doodle Pendant

14k gold pendant on an adjustable 16" - 18" chain with a lobster claw clasp. Part of the artist's Scribble collection.

Always passionate about fine jewelry, Dana Melnick began making her own pieces because she was unable to find jewelry that she could relate to on a personal level - substantial pieces that reflected her passion for great design, yet were fashionable and hip enough for every day wear. The overwhelming number of compliments and inquiries she received led her husband to suggest she may want to think about making her jewelry available to other women - and a jewelry designer .

See full article.

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Style on the Go…

2008-06-09T23:09:00.001-07:00

Joy Bryant,Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles attend the 40/40 Club Hosts Jay-Zs Exclusive After Party at The 40/40 Club in New York on May 6, 2008.

Paula Patton at the 2nd annual Allure magazine "Most Alluring Bodies" exhibit on May 7, 2008 at Skylight Studios in New York.

Rashida Jones at Stella McCartney’s screening of Peter Sellers’ “The Party” on May 6, 2008.

Ashanti onstage during the MTV Networks Upfront at the Nokia Theater on May 8, 2008 in New York City.

Joy Bryant looked nothing short of stunning at Jay Z’s recent bash at his 40/40 club. Though the dress is a little Fredericks of Hollywood, she somewhere makes it work! After 13 years of wearing makeup, I still can’t get my eyes to look that neat and defined. Liquid eyeliner just burns my eyes! I'm also still looking for a natural lipstick color - suggestions welcome :)

Paula Patton is wearing my favorite color and she’s doing it justice. I think the shoes are a little boring but I guess you can’t go wrong with a classic black Christian Louboutin pump. Both Paula and Joy are sporting heavy bangs which is such a cute look with layered hair. No, I don't know where to get this dress but I know Target has a cute, affordable purple dress for $23.

Rashida Jones is ready for summer! She flaunted her shoulders and legs in a sexy, one strap chiffon dress a recent Stella McCartney evemt. Rashida’s style is never offensive, but I wish she would take more of a risk with her hair and/or makeup. How about a chin length bob? She’d also better keep an eye on that clutch…

Ashanti is slowly making her “come back”. Though I doubt the music scene has missed her, her style evolution has been great to watch. This black and white dress is a classic. Twenty years from now, body shape permitting, you could still pull out this dress and wear it like it was a recent purchase. Now if only we could get Ashanti to try another lip gloss color. That frosty pink is so 1982!

Credit: TheYbf.com for photos of Ashanti.

My Picks!

2008-06-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

Left to right: Disc Trim Pleat Dress, $22.50, www.wetseal.com; Rosegarden Lace Dress, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com; Sackrace Dress, $44.50, www.alloy.com

Left to right: Linen-like Pinafore Dresses by Zuccaro, $106, www.edressme.com; Babydoll Sundress in Solids, $55, www.victoriassecret.com; Puella Gathered Smock Dress, $167, www.pinkmascara.com; Karen Kane Eyelet Dress, $118, www.shop.nordstrom.com

Though jewelry like pendants and earrings would really complete this look, don't ruin the shape of these dresses with belts or scarves. Also think about going makeup less if you can. This look is meant to be fresh from head-to-toe. ;)

Bracelets by Carolyn Pollack

2008-06-08T11:07:00.001-07:00

Carolyn Pollack is a jewelry designer for Relios Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She isn't Native American, but you can see the southwestern influence in her jewelry. Her design process is driven by the incredible variety of colorful gemstones that come from the earth, the traditional jewelry-making techniques originating with the first American jewelry designers, and current fashion trends and color combinations that are carefully researched and developed by the new product team at Relios. All of their jewelry is made in New Mexico, USA.

Indian Summer Concave Cuff Bracelet

Vibrant shades of Indian Summer come to life and take you away to a pueblo feast day or a Southwestern drive through the Sandia Mountains. As we bring to life a whole new group of gemstones with our newest jewelry collection, we created "great for layering" or "bold when worn alone" bracelets. A textured sterling concave cuff is decorated across the top with sterling corrugated beads, tigers eye, red jasper, smoky quartz, and carnelian beads. Cuff has a 5 3/4 inch circumference and 1-1/2 inches at its widest point.

Cruising down Route 66 with the top down, discovering bright bursts of desert wildflowers, or hiking through the Painted Desert's unmatched red rock - jewelry designer Carolyn Pollack recreates rich images like these into her jewelry designs.

Liquid Silver and Turquoise Reversible Bracelet

The silky flow of cool waters will dazzle your wrist with this fashionable and reversible liquid silver and turquoise bracelet. Ten strands of liquid silver are interspersed with square set cabochons of turquoise. A classic southwest technique, liquid silver is made of tiny sterling silver tube beads that are hand-strung together, creating a flowing waterfall effect. Bracelet has a magnetic clasp and measures 7 inches long. Wear it with the turquoise out one day, and reverse it the next day to reveal sterling silver squares.

CP Signature is Carolyn Pollack's designer brand, and it encompasses all of her contemporary southwestern collections - from Sangria, to Santa Fe Sage, to Vintage Gallery and more! Her talent for spotting trends always keeps her one step ahead of the latest styles. Along with the new jewelry development team, Carolyn continually peruses national and international trend sources to zero in on the popular color palettes and silhouettes for the upcoming season.

Yellow and Rose Gold Medallion Cuff Bracelet

An exquisite example of the silversmith's art, 14k rose and yellow gold leaves unfurl in a sterling setting on a triple split shank sterling silver cuff bracelet. The medallion is inspired by Pueblo pottery designs to add elegant sophistication for any wardrobe. Cuff measures 5-1/2 inches inside circumference and 1-3/4 inches wide. Made in New Mexico, USA.

See full article.

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goa

2008-06-07T11:07:00.001-07:00

To travel the 300 miles from Mumbai to Goa on the Manavi Express train took 12 hours and endless tiny cups of sweet tea from the friendly circulating chai wallahs. Cockroaches crawled across my first class sleeping berth, but I didn't mind- I was too happy to be leaving Mumbai.

Entering Goa feels like stepping into such a different world that you have to pinch yourself. It is a small coastal state with just under 2 million people; the sky is clear and large, and the air is clean, with the ocean always close by on the west and a small mountain range to the east. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961, and local religion, customs, and way of life reflect this influence with white washed churches from the 1800s, and ubiquitous five-point star lights in every home and establishment, side by side with Hindu temples. I was especially captivated by the star lights. At night, you can see hundreds of them glowing against the darkness in every colour imaginable.

It's definitely not the '70s anymore- most of the hippies are long gone- and while Goa still has some laid back, long term beach visitors, raves with Goan trance music are happening less here than an explosion of packaged tourism and a hot real estate market, particularly for the British, Russians (there is a surprising amount of vodka and Versace), and more recently, the newly wealthy from India, seeking vacation homes. This is a place to relax on the beach, and in a delightful twist, a place where cows rule that beach.

For more photos of Goa, please check my flickr page.

Tourmaline: The Stone with Mixed Colours

2008-06-06T23:05:00.001-07:00

If I get any busier I'm going to have to clone myself! Nevertheless, I decided it was time to update the blog and try to get a few things on the website. Some time ago I bought quite a few tourmaline strands; some of them turned out to be very pretty. Pretty tourmaline can be difficult to find in bead form. How I wish I'd bought strands and strands of it when I was in India! But now I have to try to search and search like everyone else. I saw great tourmaline when I was in India; appropriate, since Sri Lanki gave tourmaline its name and (tur mali in Sinhalese) the Dutch East India Company (headquartered in Madras where I spent most of my time; Sri Lanka is right off the coast) brought tourmalines back to Europe. Nowadays, tourmaline comes from Brazil (deep blue-green paraiba tourmaline is prized), Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Tourmaline is even found in the USA.

What I love about tourmalines is what they are known for - their many colours, even within a single crystal. One old legend has it that in coming up from the earth, the tourmaline somehow passed over an underground rainbow and absorbed its varied colours.
Many people are fond of pink tourmaline, and it has been accepted as an alternate birthstone for the month of October (usual birthstone is the opal). I like to use all the colours of tourmaline together in one piece of jewelry. This works for me because, first, it is rare to get enough perfect tourmaline in one colour for a piece of jewelry, and second, because I like the way the colours blend together. I particularly like clear olive, pink, and yellow tourmaline. And these three shades are wonderful together.The jewelry on this page is representative of the tourmalines I get: the top pair of tourmaline earrings illustrate the different colours of green and pink; the second pair, here in the last picture, show blends of pink although without the green that makes "watermelon" tourmaline - very popular recently. The tourmaline necklace above has colours of tourmalines ranging from black to watermelon to green to pink and all shades in between. Tourmaline jewelry is also very useful in the jewelry wardrobe since it can go with so many different clothes.

jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping beads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories handmade jewelry handcrafted jewelry beads handmade beaded jewelry amethyst bracelet tourmaline

Shades of Blue

2008-06-06T11:05:00.001-07:00

I just spent the last week in Florida! How wonderful is that? It was business as usual with the work laptop and almost the entire jewelry inventory along for the ride, but somehow business is quite different with waves frothing on white sand and people you love all around you.
It's funny that I made so much blue-toned jewelry before going to Florida - I'm sure it was my subconscious anticipating the sea. The top lapis bracelet with two strands of lapis is a blue that mimics the dark blue of the ocean close to the horizon; the necklace (of Swarovski crystals entirely) has that clear turquoise that you see closer to the shore as does the bottom bracelet made of Peruvian blue opals. The two Swarovski starfish are just a nice bonus! The lampwork bracelet that you see immediately below is a bit of an anomaly, but still somehow seemed to fit into the sea/beach theme.

jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping bracelets beads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen lampwork beads The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories jewelry handmade bracelet unusual jewelry lapis jewelry

Hair Stories: Make It Shine

2008-06-05T23:03:00.001-07:00

Amerie, Porschla Coleman and Jessica White brighten the red carpet with ultra shiny tresses.

1. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Conditioning Wrap & Set Lotion, $4.99, www.walgreens.com; 2. Phytospecific Beauty Styling Creme, $24, www.sephora.com; 3. Platinum Silkening Gloss by Kenra, $12.35, www.brightonbeautysupply.com; 4. Tui Hair Oil, by Carol's Daughter, $18, www.sephora.com; 5. Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen, $17, www.carolsdaughter.com; 6. Silken Seal Liquid Sheen by KeraCare, $18.70, www.thebeautyauthority.com; 7. Silk Finishing Gel by Mizani, 411.49, www.mountainbeautysupply.com; 8. Serious Shining Spray by Elucence, 48, www.curlmart.com

Black hair can be dull and lack natural shine compared with other ethnic groups, but that doesn’t have to become the story of our lives. Encourage a natural state of glow by regularly conditioning your hair. Just slather on a crème conditioner after washing your hair in the shower and leave it on for ten minutes. Remember to rinse your hair afterwards with cool water to close the hair cuticles. For a little extra gloss after styling, avoid products with mineral oils. If you see it listed as one of the top three ingredients run for the hills! Products with a high mineral oil content are purely cosmetic and just sit on top of the hair shaft instead of nourishing it – which should be the objective. If you like using a particular product with minerals oils be sure to wash (and condition) your hair once a week. Silky smooth hair is only a healthy regimen away!

Stephen LeBlanc Art Jewelry

2008-06-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

What exactly is art jewelry? Some jewelry is just too beautiful and too unique to be called anything but art jewelry. Some of it is too precious and/or fragile to wear. And, to me at least, it also means that the piece is designed and handmade by the artist. To me, anyone who can take a sheet of precious metal, and or wire, and create a piece of jewelry from scratch, is a jewelry artist.

Stephen LeBlanc draws his inspiration from the natural world with his line of hand forged jewelry. By concentrating on the transitions within each form, edges become expanding planes and surfaces respond to one another. Each piece is created from one piece of material, which LeBlanc stretches and forms to its extreme limit of plasticity. All of his designs are offered in different metals, hence the different prices.

Ginkgo Necklace & Earrings

Hand forged from one piece of silver, this stunning anticlastic sterling neckpiece has a high-polished and matte finish, and lays gracefully around the neck and culminates into a perfect ginkgo leaf. Matching earrings have integrated ear wire.

$245 - $275

Stephen began working in metal in 1994, during his second semester at Skidmore College. After three semesters of metals classes, he left Skidmore after two years to move on to a more direct method of learning and studying with masters of the craft at Deer Isle and the Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Maine. He enrolled in a session of glassblowing, yet even in his glasswork he was incorporating metal. Following a month of glassblowing, he set up a metal shop - he needed to refine his work and understand why he was so drawn to metalwork.

Unfurling Silver Neckpiece & Earrings

A single hand-forged arc of silver gracefully unfurls through the artist's use of anticlastic raising. Contrasting matte and high-polished surfaces highlight this neckpiece and earring set's beautiful curves. Matching earrings have integrated ear wires.

$255 - $390

Anticlastic Raising is the process of forging a piece of metal so that it has opposite curvature at a given point. The metal is worked in a way that stretches the outside areas of the metal and creates a concave curve, while the center section of the metal is compressed and forced into a convex curve.

Mokume Gane & Anticlastic Twist Earrings

Using the ancient Japanese mokume-gane technique, LeBlanc forges palladium and 18K gold together into these exquisitely patterned earrings. Each earring is given its subtle twist through anticlastic raising. Also available in sterling silver with matte or polished finish.

$180 - $1625

Mokume Gane is Japanese for wood-grained metal - an ancient technique originally used to forge katana blades. Soft metals like copper and silver are pressed together, heated, and rolled to create the distinctive wood grain like pattern.

Artist Statement

Following a series of commissions and working in mediums including metals and wood, I was ready to try another avenue to expand my skills. This quest brought me to southern Maine, where I commenced classes at the Maine College of Art. It was there that my metals instructor suggested an apprenticeship at the Ronald Hayes Pearson Studio, and insisted that I apply. Soon after, I was off again to Deer Isle.

During my two years of apprenticeship at the Pearson studio I continued to expand my learning experiences in a variety of media. I explored blacksmithing at Haystack once as a student and the following year as a teaching assistant for master blacksmith Doug Wilson. Haystack Mountain School of Craft has become a foundation for both my art and my life, drawing me back to expand my horizons year after year.

Following my work with Doug Wilson, I was requested as a teaching assistant for master metalsmith Heikki Seppa; the Finnish creator of synclastic and anticlastic raising techniques with metals. I have been blessed with opportunities during my lifetime to learn from true masters of craft who have assisted me in refining my skills, while nurturing my passion for metals and fanning my creative flame.

My work incorporates the forms and essences of the natural world. In observing the interplay of form and function, my goal is to create work that draws people to explore this dynamic interplay. I do not strive to duplicate, but to integrate elements of these organic forms into each one of my pieces.

The medium of metal lends itself to developing these naturalistic forms with the durability and integrity afforded by hand wrought metal. I intend to grab the viewers' interest, to intrigue and coax them into taking a closer look to understand and explore the form.

See full article.

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Omorovicza: From Budapest to your Face!

2008-06-03T23:03:00.001-07:00

I feel like every time I go looking for a new skincare product, I end up spending hours reading boxes and testing-out various creams only to end-up buying from the same brands that I always do. I have such a hard time sorting through all the clutter, not to mention how easy it is to loose track of finding effective products when you’re faced with all that cute packaging!
Let me save you some time and effort -- next time you’re shopping for skincare, go straight for the Hungarian Omorovicza Instant Plumping Cream and their Thermal Cleansing Balm.

Anyone who has been to Hungary knows that people there take their beauty regime VERY seriously. Like Parisians love their wine, Hungarians love their facials, so I’m scolding myself for not having discovered Omorovicza sooner!

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm ($102) is a black (how cool is that!?), very thick balm that clears congested pores and draws out impurities (think Neutrogena on Speed!) -- perfect for your nightly facial cleanse.

If you’re like me and have a lot of expression lines from smiling :) Or also like me, obsess over every little wrinkle you spot on your face! -- Omorovicza Instant Plumping Cream ($260) is what you want to look for. It helps fill in both expression lines and wrinkles, giving your skin added evenness and a smoother texture. Best of all like the balm and the other 14 products in the Omorovicza skincare line, the Plumping Cream contains 22 minerals along with Vitamin C.

On a side note, the couple behind Omorovicza operates a luxury salon in Budapest where they have a reputation for giving the city's best facials..sometimes, I think, I could really use a private jet!

Jewelry Bargains at Ross-Simons

2008-06-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Ross-Simons, a trusted jeweler by over 4 million customers since 1952, offers a fabulous collection of jewelry that sets the standard for exquisite design. Their jewelry experts work hand-in-hand with artisans from around the world to bring you the most extraordinary styles at exceptional prices.

Multi-Gem Compass Ring In 14k Yellow Gold

Blue Topaz, Peridot, Amethyst, and Citrine around a 3.2 carat Citrine cabochon.

North, south, east and west: all points are colorfully covered with .75 ct.

Set in embossed 14k gold.

$199.75

Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings In 14k Yellow Gold

Freshwater pearls are housed safely in 14k yellow gold cages.

$106.25

14k Yellow Gold Graduated Wide Laser Cut Band

A wide band of 14k yellow gold with a contemporary edge.

Laser cuts create a modern hatch-work pattern.

Dimensions: 5/8"

$212.50

14k Yellow Gold Engraved Heart Locket

A graceful floral motif frames a pretty engraved heart on this heart-shaped locket.

On a fine 1 mm rope chain with spring-ring clasp.

Set in polished 14k yellow gold.

$165.75

Diamond Braided Band In 14k Yellow Gold

Luxe brushed-finish plait of 14k yellow gold.

Edged top and bottom with .10 ct. diamonds.

Band measures 1/2" in width.

$420.75

Multi-Gem Bangle Bracelet

4.10 ct Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Blue Topaz, and Garnet.

In multi-shaped bezels dot a textured vermeil bangle.

18k Gold-plated Sterling Silver.

Slip-on.

$85

Mother-Of-Pearl and Hammered Disc Earrings In 14k Yellow Gold

Plenty of glow with hammered 14k gold circles.

Mother-of-Pearl discs.

Hanging length: 5/8"

Clutch/posts backs.

$148.75

Yellow Gold Textured & Smooth Geometric Pendant

Bark-textured diamond shape drops from its glossy, curved counterpart.

Rope 1mm chain with spring-ring clasp.

Bold and graphic in 14k gold.

Fits chains up to 7mm.

Hanging length: 2 5/8"

$276.2575

14k Yellow Gold Fanned Oval Loop Earrings

Three loops of lustrous 14k yellow gold with a triple-ribbed clasp.

Hanging length 3/4"

Post closure.

$191.25

Tiger's Eye & 14k Yellow Gold Bar Bracelet

Polished bars of tiger's eye.

14k gold geometric links.

Box clasp.

$505.75

14k Gold Scroll Motif Dome Ring

Swirling scrolls sweep over this shimmering dome ring.

Ring measures just over 1/2" in width.

$212.50

14k Dot Detail Hoop Earrings

Velvety satin-finished hoops.

Bright polished dots.

Snap-bars.

3" long.

$199.75

Have a great week!

Maggie

See full article.

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Green Day

2008-06-02T23:03:00.001-07:00

Here's my casual Mother's Day attire for a lazy afternoon of lunch, shopping, and people watching in Santa Barbara. When the weather is cool and overcast as it was today, it inspires me to brighten up my day with bold colors such as the green in my jacket. To let the jacket take center stage, I wore accessories in neutral colors.

Floral printed tee - GO International, Target

Fringed scarf - Target

Cotton jacket - Charlotte Russe

Straight leg jeans - Rapsodia (Buenos Aires)

Boots - Mossimo

Patent handbag - Kohl's

Minty Feet

2008-06-02T11:03:00.001-07:00

It’s almost embarrassing to say, but I have an aversion to mint to the point where I still use bubble gum toothpaste! That said, when wearing heels is part of your day-to-day life and summer is fast approaching, it’s definitely time to crank up the heat on your foot-care. Mint seems to be especially effective for foot creams (maybe because of the potent smell!?). I’ve tested out a few and one that seems to work well is Peppermint Foot Therapy The line is dedicated solely to feet products, so I figure they must mean business! (More after the jump!)
I tried their Exfoliating Foot Scrub and the Massaging Foot Butter (all their products come in uber-girly pink packaging), and loved the sandy texture (similar to St. Ives Apricot Scrub, for those who have tried that) and the smell was actually fairly mild and didn’t seep into my fingertips. The Foot Butter also contains Shea Butter which I’ve been obsessed with ever since first trying L’Occitane’s signature hand cream.

The one downside is that the creams are somewhat oily, so you have to rinse your feet once you’ve applied the product.

There’s also a men’s line -- I would suggest the Foot Deodorant stick if the man in your life isn’t as into his beauty regimen as you are – easy and effective!

Note that like all good things pink, a percentage of proceeds from the woman’s line are donated to the HBC Think Pink Program.

Showing at Atelier

2008-05-31T23:02:00.001-07:00

Today we have another trip report from Marguerite Swope, designer and owner of Ivy Reed who's writing of her experiences showing at Atelier. By the way, Atelier is based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. And people say there's no fashion industry here. Thanks Marguerite (also a fellow New Mexican)!

------------

The Atelier Designers Show is a hotel show in New York (Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square), and I showed in it for the first time just this past 4th -6th of May. These are my experiences pre-show, during the show, and post-show.

I first applied for the February show. There are several steps to getting accepted into Atelier. The first step is to fill in the contact form on the website, and then they contact you. If you have a website, they look at that before they contact you. They liked what they saw on my website and encouraged my application. In the application you have to list other designers you hang with in stores and other shows you’ve been in. I’m not sure the weight these have in the decision, but I was confident about this part of my application.

The next step -if they like what they see so far- is to send a sample box. I made it this far and sent a box of samples. I was surprised not to be accepted, but they wrote a very thoughtful and helpful rejection and told me they wanted to keep my application on file because they knew my line was young and they thought I could be a fit later. So, I called and asked if I could walk the February show.

Fashion Mad Libs: Are Presbyterians getting their annual pancakes?

2008-05-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

I am SO sorry for the massive Mad Libs delay. I got suddenly and extremely ill on Tuesday night and was unable to perform my blogging duties (or, for that matter, any duty that involved getting up off the bathroom floor). From now on, I will be sure to appoint a Daddy Likey Vice President who can fulfill posting duties in case I am sick, killed, or entranced by an Elimidate marathon.

Anyway, back to the long-awaited Fashion Mad Libs results! This week I borrowed a post on Reiss skirts from everyone's favorite fashion blog, Style Bubble. I figured Susie wouldn't notice because she is currently in France covering some totally boring fashion thing (in case I threw up my writing skills: yes, I'm being sarcastic).

And so, without further ado, our sometimes creepily perfect (the adjective "blue" in a string of color descriptions?), sometimes creepily odd (fucking into Reiss and shrieking at lemurs?) Mad Libs collaboration:

I think we have established that I eat skirts but we haven't gone to the lengths of moist skirts. Now I'm a kitchen sink who doesn't often go pass the £50 mark to buy just the bottom half of my artichoke which is why once again, I find myself faced with the kangaroo of Reiss. Their set of skirts for a millisecond are once again stinky...all irregular ruffles/meerkats and curvy/voluptuous highlighters in blue, pink and yellow and elderly taupe/white. It would really make a lot more sense if I was a Louvre high-flyer who talks of Disney World and um... that sort of stuff... I could fuck into Reiss and take a bunch of the clothes and shriek down at the lemur without so much as looking at the yetis.

So as pungent as french fries are, Reiss will glamorously make me feel like I should be exchanging alligators with fellow hairs and exploding fingernail clippers about whether Presbyterians will be getting their annual pancakes.... and as I embark on new safaris in about a month's time, plonking down the prism for some sticky buys at Reiss seem even further away from the fetus.

D'Lovely

2008-05-30T23:01:00.001-07:00

I try to look at every bag not as just something I would carry (if I did, then chances are this would be hobos and totes every day) but something I can appreciate, or might notice if I saw someone else carrying it. And once in a while, I come across a bag that I'd love to carry, even though it is so very not my style.

The D'Bour flap bag is one of the loveliest bags I've seen of late. In lipstick red leather which has a croco print (not embossed, it is a raised print) body, and a wrinkled leather overlay, it is a fabulous study in tone on tone. The textures make you want to just reach out and touch. There is minimal hardware, which avoids what could have been a busy look.
The bag is a square shape, which feels very fresh to me, on a handle that is stiff enough to hold it's shape, but long enough to be used as a satchel or in the crook of your arm (the bag is a bit boxy to rest comfortably on the shoulder, it seems).
While I think it would work well with jeans or dressier clothes, the one caveat is neatness...this is the sort of bag that instantly makes any look more polished. I think it a fantastic option for anyone who loves the look of a structured bag, but wants to stand apart from the big brand designer flock.
The Flap Bag from D'Bour looks as expensive as those big designer bags, but is pretty reasonable at $590. It is also available in cream croco, and 3 unprinted colors from D'BOUR.
Note: the online store is not working currently, e-mail them at sales@dbour.com.

What the Manolo Is…

2008-05-29T23:01:00.001-07:00

Manolo says, it is Tuesday, time to see what the Manolo is...

Reading...

Listening to...

Watching...

The Manolo is shocked, shocked indeed, that Julian Schnabel turned out to be such the powerful and sensitive filmmaker.

My Workout Picks!

2008-05-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

Vest: Ribbed Tank Top, $6.50, www.wetseal.com; Hoodie: Stripe Tunic Hoodie, $39.50, www.delais.com; Sneakers: Puma Women's Complete Magnetist, $129.99, www.footlocker.com; Shorts: California Athletic Short, $10.80, www.forever21.com; Gym Bag: adidas Ultimate Rendezvous Duffel II, $60, www.ebags.com

Top: Nike Paris Tennis Tank, $55, www.nike.com; Skirt: Nike Control Pleated Women's Tennis Skirt, $41.99, www.nike.com; Bag: Nike Premium Shoulder Bag, $21.99, www.nike.com; Sneakers: Nike Free, $76.50, www.activa.com; Cap: Nike Feather Light Reflective Women's Golf Hat, $25, www.nike.com

Pants: Gray Yoga Pants, $30, www.laduchess.com; Hoodie: Halter Hoodies, $24.50, www.oldnavy.com; Top: Champion Powerlite Seamless Empire Tech Tank, $36, www.championcatalo.com; Headband: Vinyl Headband, $4.80, www.forever21.com; Sneakers: Asics Metallic Ultimate 81, $29.99, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Gym bag: Puma Women's Phantom Grip Bag, $64.99, www.footlocker.com

It goes without saying but pick the most appropiate outfit for your exercise of choice. Skirts and yoga don't go well together - we don't need to see all of that! Similarly, wearing pants to a tennis match may cause you to heat up prematurely. I'm a big advocate for looking good on and off "the field" so throw on a cute hoodie, grab your stylish gym bag and strut home with the new found energy your workout has given you!

Blog the Blogger: Shoegal

2008-05-27T22:56:00.001-07:00

Cheers, dear readers. Hope you're having a jolly good Friday morning. What's with all this Brit talk? Well that's because today's Blog the Blogger comes to us from across the pond. (Oh, if you need to know how to draw the Union Jack, the Cheltenham Borough Council has a guide, at right. Just sayin'.)

Shoegal lives in Yorkshire, UK, and almost daily blogs about what she's wearing, especially her - big surprise here - shoes. She's super-tall like the DC Goodwill Fashionista, so we're kindred spirits in that way. Enjoy her wacky British spelling and terminology (I kid!) as she answers the DCGF's soon-to-be-famous five (plus one) questions...

1. What is the first article of clothing you remember that you loved to wear? Oh this is a tough one. I remember I had a pink dress when I was about 8 or 9. It was made of heavy cotton, kind of like denim, with elastic ribbing on the cuffs, hem and roll neck, like the cuff on a sweatshirt. It was a drop waist style with a button on either side. It was given to me by my older (and therefore far cooler than me) neighbour. She would pass on many of her old clothes over the years and I loved getting a bag of them, it was so exciting to see what was inside. Sadly I don’t think there are any photos of me wearing the dress otherwise of course I’d share.

2. Where is your favorite place to shop for a fashion bargain in the DC area? I’ve never been to DC so I can’t answer this one! Can I tell you about my favourite place to shop in the UK? [Well, okay... -the DCGF] It has to be Long Tall Sally. When they have a sale on. Regular readers of my blog will know I am a big fan of this shop and its website as I am so tall. There’s always something here to fit and the styles are not limited to black trousers and jeans as so many other tall ranges on the British high street seem to be. [I found the cute dress at left on sale for ?40, or about US$80. -the DCGF] Tall ladies of the US, you don’t know how lucky you are – there are so many more retailers over there carrying tall styles than there are in the UK.

3. Where is your favorite place to shop for a fashion bargain outside of DC? I think I covered that in question 2 but for a real bargain, it has to be one of the many, many charity shops that can be found in my home town and local to where I live now. I am a particular fan of the fact that you can buy shoes for ?2.99 (US$6 ish) that would have cost much more than that new. My favourite pair is these black and cream ones worth ?45 (US$90).

4. Who is your current favorite designer? I have to say I tend to watch what is going on on the high street [Translation: the general shopping district in a town in the UK... -the DCGF] more than on the catwalks, but Alberta Ferretti can always come up with a pretty frock or two. [And a great shoe; see left. -the DCGF] And of course, being Shoegal, it’s got to be Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik for the high end shoes and boots.

5. If you could own any single item from fashion past or present - money is no object! - what would it be? This is hard. I am totally in love with these NYLA over the knee suede boots. Of course my legs are so long they’d be just up to the knee on me – the perfect length. They come in red too if you’re feeling really daring...

Bonus Question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? My typically British answer: What is a Tootsie Pop? Wait, I’ll Google it…. Good old Wikipedia! But I’m still not sure – do they have a hard sugar coating? If they do it’ll take me ages to get to the centre – those boiled sweet lollies always took me ages to eat – I’d get bored and crunch it in the end.

Ahaha - boiled sweet lollies! Delicious! I love it. Isn't it great to get an international perspective? And Shoegal just did this fun thing on her blog where she listed where here readers come from around the world. It's always fun as bloggers to know where our readers our reading the blog.

Well, dear readers, I have a nasty cold and am out of clever things to say. Don't forget to "Show Us Your Denim" (see yesterday's post) and drop off your gently used jeans at a participating Levi's retail store near you, if you live in San Fran, L.A., Chicago, NYC, or the D.C. metro area. Have a great weekend...
Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.

Free stuff is cool!

2008-05-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

Friends of ours let us have an old china cupboard. At first we had nowhere to put it, so it spent a month out in the garage. Then I had the idea that we could put all of our Strathmere stuff in it. We collect old postcards and things about our house and the town. So we cleared all of the things that my Dad had piled on the cupboard during the short time that it was in the garage (tools, a radiator, car fender etc.) and carried into the house and up the steps (my legs are aching today from moving it) Cleaned it up and turned it into a perfect display case for our treasures!

eVintage Blog Tag - the 1960s

2008-05-26T22:54:00.001-07:00

Today’s theme for the eVintage Blog Tag ...the 60’s. I was tagged by Vintage Joy

Are you a MAD MEN kinda gal (ritzy cocktail dresses, wiggle silhouette, draped and ruched silk chiffon, pointy toe stilettos, a cigarette and martini) or a MOD dolly (sleek lines, go go boots, oversize sunglasses, pilgrim buckle square toe shoes, paper dresses, micro mini skirts, patterened tights, white lipstick and fake lashes)? Do tell.

MOD OR MAD MEN?
Mad Men.

FAVE PIECE IN YOUR INVENTORY FITTING THE BILL?
For a Day at the office - a cute Purple Wool Shift Dress
For night - a simple but sexy Black Strappy Cocktail Dress

ICONIC EARLY 60s STARLET?
Ann-Margret

LATE 60’s?
Pattie Boyd -

SINATRA OR THE SWINGIN’ 60s SCENE?
Swinging 60s Scene

Follow the tag over to Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict

SizeAppeal.com

2008-05-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

Above: April, $48, www.sizeappel.com
Left to right: Malin, $28; Aziza, $28; Alice in Mint, $29, all available at www.sizeappeal.com

So the other day my co-worker and I were having yet another frustrated conversation about how stores don’t carry pants wide enough for our hips or jeans big enough for our booty. Then my other co-worker yelled “shut the hell up” from down the hallway since none of us knew what it was like to be over a size 14 trying to shop at the local mall. Granted she had a point but what’s up with all the hostility? I’m just playin’! This sista is always dressed to impress. You would never know the trouble she goes through trying to find clothes that flatter her figure. It was her who suggested I do a write up on www.sizeappeal.com. She’s bought many of her summer items from this online store and I can tell you first hand that the stuff is cute! Now I have another place to complain about. Can a sista get that green dress in a size 8?!

Asch Grossbardt Jewelry

2008-05-24T22:52:00.001-07:00

Fine Gold Inlay Jewelry

For over two centuries, the Asch and Grossbardt families have been a meaningful presence in the fine jewelry industry. Today, the Asch Grossbardt company is world renowned as the premier manufacturer of fine gold inlay jewelry. Based on the ancient jewelry-making tradition of mosaics, which was developed and perfected by Florentine craftsmen during the Renaissance, this exquisitely-executed jewelry resembles the stained glass windows of a glorious European cathedral.

Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Inlay Bracelet

18k Yellow gold and sterling silver rubber cord bracelet with mixed mother of pearl inlay.

Examining the creations of Asch Grossbardt is very much like admiring a celebrated private art collection. Each piece is a remarkably precise execution of an artistic vision. Tiny pieces of spectacular gemstones - Mother-of-Pearl, Black Onyx, Lapis, Sugilite, Coral, Turquoise, Malachite, and Australian Opal - are transformed into seamless, beautiful patterns, in the nearly forgotten art of inlay.

Unlike enamel, which is applied on top of the metal, inlay jewelry involves hand-cutting and hand-setting small pieces of semi-precious stones to create an intricate, predetermined mosaic pattern. Highly skilled artisans follow the designer's illustrations with painstaking precision. Each piece of Asch Grossbardt inlay jewelry is a study in superb craftsmanship.

Inlay Necklace and Earrings

Once every stone is set, the piece is lapped on a wheel until it is so smooth that if you close your eyes and run your finger over the surface, it is impossible to tell where one stone ends and another begins. Although they are works of art, these pieces are also extremely durable and are guaranteed to withstand ordinary everyday wear.

Striking color combinations are a signature design element of the collection. These unique combinations include the sophistication of jet black Onyx paired with white Mother-of-Pearl, the majestic look of marine blue Lapis side-by-side with purple Sugilite, and the bright exotic hues of Coral, Turquoise, Malachite, and Australian Opal.

Mother of Pearl Inlay Ring

Sterling Silver and 18k Gold

Often referred to as collectors' jewelry, each Asch Grossbardt piece is not only a distinctive adornment, but also a wonderful representation of a lost art, featuring breath-taking color and meticulous craftsmanship. These unique qualities have placed Asch Grossbardt on the short list of the most-coveted collections by true connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Like any other art form, the fine inlay jewelry created by Asch Grossbardt has meaning far beyond its intrinsic value.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Designer - 14 March 2008

Alexis Bittar Jewelry Designer - 14 April 2008

Lori Bonn Jewelry Designer - 17 April 2008

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Fantasy Fashion Doc Films...

2008-05-23T22:52:00.001-07:00

I don’t mean to be constantly aping content from the new issue of Let Them Eat Cake today. Blame it on the fact that the new issue is packed with the good stuff in a way that I never expected it to be considering the first issue was an A5 pamphlet affair. An interesting article about the growing number of fashion documentaries being made which concluded that though films like Rudolphe Marconi’s Lagerfeld Confidential or Loïc Prigent’s Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton were never going to be massive box office hits, but that the niche audience and the demand for them is never going to go away. It raised the obvious points that for fashion lovers, a lot of designers tend to be enigmas and beyond that bow at the end of their catwalk show, we’re not exactly saturated with their exposure in the public eye. Of course we get a wee bit curious about those people who create the stuff we dissect and lust after, and perhaps it is a little shameful that when I see an interview with Stefano Pilati in a magazine, I devour it in an instant. I say shameful only because I get the feeling that a lot of designers don’t want to be ‘devoured’ in that way and only want their work to do the talking...

This was even more apparent when I went to see a screening of Roger Burton’s Vive le Punk at The Horse Hospital on Tuesday. It is the only recorded interview of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, filmed in 1993 at the opening of the Vive Le Punk exhibition which effectively started The Horse Hospital venue. It was slightly eerie that the interview was filmed in the very room I was watching it in but even more remarkable that the interview was MOSTLY very candid. Both McLaren and Westwood talking about the beginnings of their store Let it Rock on Kings Road, turning into SEX, Seditionaries and eventually Worlds End (the store was designed by Roger Burton). The camera work is very basic to say the least, the sound quality isn’t great but all in all, it’s perfectly imperfect because those tidbits were all there. The teddy boys who came to the Let it Rock store and trashed the place. The pedantic people who would come to the store not to buy anything but just to say that teddy boy fluorescent socks were the wrong shade of pink. The chicken bones that Vivienne laboriously boiled up so that they would crystalise and she could use them to make slogan t-shirts. The SEX store appealing to fetish groups who organised days of walking around London in full on fetish gear. The obscene t-shirts that got Westwood and McLaren arrested. A genuine speech by Westwood that was full of genuine feeling about the environmental state of the world, taking into account she said this 15 years ago which she has now doctored into something of a manifesto.

Reading the article in LTEC, and having seen all the aforementioned fashion documentaries, it does strike me that trying to cream the truth from a designer isn’t easy. There are very noticeable flaws within all those films in their representations of the designers and this is down to of course what facets the designers themselves deem ‘screenable’. Even in Vive Le Punk, something very VERY fly-on-the-wall, I could see a little of McLaren checking himself before he said something. So, if the truth is never going to out, and we only get beautiful facets along with facts that the designers themselves want to showcase in these films, then beautiful visions of designers by various film directors is the best we can hope for and I for one am clamouring for more...

So much so that I came up with some fantasy fashion film combos that would really get the DVD expenditure going...
Alber Elbaz directed by Sofia Coppola – Coppola might only be interested in telling stories about girls in different transient stages in their lives but I think she’d have a thing or two to say about a man who many many women want to be dressed by. Plus, I feel like there’d be many a quirk to come from this teddy bear of a man that would make compelling viewing.

Boudicca directed by Anton Corbijn – So ‘Control’ got panned as a bit too ‘style-over-substance’but since I feel Boudicca has A LOT of substance behind their designs (delve into their website and you’ll see what I mean...), I think a deft stylish hand from Corbijn would strike a perfect balance.

Gareth Pugh directed by Alistair Allan – The Dirty Dirty Dancing photographer is actually embarking on his first film project this year and seeing as the two are familiar with each other, it would seem almost a piece of cake to get a film together that flowed and speeded through London’s East End.

Bernhard Willhelm directed by Michel Gondry – I get the feeling Gondry’s imagination would go into overdrive once Willhelm lets him into his Antwerpian world. I want crafty DIY projects made by both director and designer and the clothes to be animated in the way that I always imagine whenever I see a Bernhard Willhelm collection.

Rodarte directed by Rian Johnson – They’re both delightfully unexpected surprises from America and up and coming. They both take dark subject matter and make them look beautiful. Something amazing could happen here and I feel it in my distressed holey crocheted tights-clad legs.

Peter Jensen directed by Wes Anderson – I’m thinking they both share a love of moleskin notebads filled with sketches. Jensen could provide Anderson with a lot of superb props that he has a knack of employing as one of the characters in his films. I’d look forward to buying a carefully selected soundtrack.

Pray tell, what would be your fantasy fashion doc?

Five Men's Fashion First Impressions

2008-05-23T10:52:00.001-07:00

The lovely Pam from Square Old Soul found this $495 Hollywould bag in the May edition of Elle's online shopping guide (in fact, it's listed under the category "What to buy RIGHT NOW"), and had to know what the Five Men thought of it.

I second that emotion, so here we go:

Brother, age 13: Is it a tree or some sort of handbag? It looks like one of those trolls with the crazy hair.

Brother, age 18: I don't know....but it would make a good friend if I was stranded on an island.

Brother, age 21: This is it? This is a purse??? Hmmm... (makes a series of confused grunts and sighs) It's interesting. It looks like that character from the Muppets. It's decent. I like it.

Father: (Laughs) Oh god. It is a self-referential non sequitur and nobody cares.

Boyfriend: I could see the professor from Gilligan's Island making that as a contraption to get in touch with the mainland. (Starts walking away) What is it, by the way?
Me: It's a bag.
Boyfriend: It's a bag?? I thought it was, like, a GMO pineapple.

Dying to hear the men's thoughts (or, more specifically, their confusion/rage) on a particular fashion item? Email me! daddylikeyblog@gmail.com

Linktastic Friday No. 4: The Return of Linktastic Friday

2008-05-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

Tina at What-I-Found sent me a link to the pillow above; I need to put it on my couch and sit next to it wearing my letter/number dress, don't I?

Dilly sent a link to these sewing-themed shoes from the UK chain Office, which makes it very difficult for people to grab their pics. I guess you'll have to click on the link if you want to see them.

Remember those "Four Yard Line" patterns? There's also a One Yard Line line: check out this skirt and blouse pattern (Butterick 9475), sent by Myra.

Ann sent a great link to a post by Babazeka, where she quotes an old sewing manual about how to be properly dressed when you sit down at the machine. Priceless. (Ann also sent a link to Donate My Dress, which passes along gently used prom dresses to girls who need them.)

Hana in Brno sent a link to this dress -- a wedding dress made completely of dollar store materials. It looks pretty good!

I know I haven't said much about the wiki lately (I think we need to have another contest), but we have another seller who is happy to have her images loaded up into it: Vintage Swampcrone.

Blogreader Carol has a wonderful blog about papercraft. Check it out!

Kristine sent this, which is up right now on eBay (click the image). Isn't it cute?

Doug (yeah, I said Doug) sent this link to a site called Unraveling Histories, which features dresses made from silk RAF parachutists' maps. The site is hard to navigate and even harder to pull pics from but it's definitely worth a link! And there's a Dutch version.

Lee (at when she was knitting) sent in pictures of her Duro! And it's her first dress! You should click the link and check it out, her color choice is beautiful.

Stephanie sent in this Whole Food halter dress, in the front of her local WF in Oakland:

The *very* funny Jonathan Caws-Elwitt has made up these t-shirts (click the image to visit his CafePress store):

Whew! I think that's it for this Friday. Wouldn't want to break the internet ...

Snob Worthy Links May 20th 2008

2008-05-21T10:52:00.001-07:00

Jewel Snob glitters with Louis Vuitton Clous Bracelets!

Huge Net a porter sale at Bag Snob!

Tot Snob has a mom snob-worthy bag from Le Sports Sac!

The Thoughtful Dresser with a case study in thoughtful dressing.

Purse Blog ponders Balenciaga Giant City Bag.

Bella Sugar Tour of Beauty in LA!

How Not To Respond To Criticism

2008-05-20T10:51:00.001-07:00

Has everyone heard about the Butterick 6015/St. Louis Fashion week kerfuffle by now? If not, I will give you a precis.

-- St. Louis recently had a Fashion Week. (They sent me the release and a gazillion large jpgs. I don't really cover fashion shows, so I didn't post about it.)
-- A blogger (who asked me not to use her name) did look at the photos, and noticed right away that one of the dresses was line-for-line a copy of Butterick 6015, aka the Walkaway Dress. See it here?

-- The blogger tries to find out who the designer was that submitted such an iconic dress to a fashion show.
-- She finds the designer, Ashley Dayley, and talks with her. Ms. Dayley doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong with just making a dress from a vintage pattern and submitting it to a show.
-- She posts all this on her blog. In her post, she gives Ms. Dayley the benefit of the doubt, calling her "young" and "enthusiastic".

Now here's where the story gets interesting -- the last three comments on that blog, before the post was taken down, were from anonymous "friends" of the "designer", calling the blogger out for posting about this. They were so nasty that the blogger took down the post.

Dumb. Don't those "friends" know (or doesn't the "designer" know) that the best and ONLY thing to do when you've done something dumb is to take your lumps and own up? Why not say "I didn't know?" Why not say "I won't do it again?" Why not say (as hard as it is, through gritted teeth) "Thanks for letting me know?"

Instead they decided to wear their matching "I'm a Bully" t-shirts (which are probably pink, with sequins) and harass the person who had the temerity to call them on their misdeeds. The commenters, if they are the designer's friends, were just making her look MORE clueless. (If they're her enemies, they're doing a stand-up job.)

Now, I'm not saying that fashion doesn't tolerate knockoffs. (Victor Costa, anyone?) But a fashion show, especially one that was put on to feature "independent designers" is not the place for knockoffs; it's the place for original work.

The best part is the commenters saying that the original blogger didn't have the right to post the pictures of the show. So ... let me get this straight: she can't post images that were widely distributed to bloggers just for that purpose, but "designers" can knock off old patterns and that's just fine?

The best way to fix this would be for Ms. Dayley to issue a formal letter of apology to the show's organizers and post it somewhere public online. Then at least the first hit for her might show her doing something thoughtful and grown-up instead of something clueless.

[On a happier note, Marge of Born Too Late Vintage is turning 49, and is offering 50% off shipping on all items in her store to US and international customers from April 18 up to and including April 24th. On everything: patterns, clothes, accessories ... Use the code "49 and holding."]

The Hill’s (and feud’s) Co-Star, Heidi’s Fashion Line

2008-05-19T10:51:00.001-07:00

Celebutante see, celebutante do. Isn't that the way it always is? And The Hill's not being true fiction makes its biggest stars, Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag both just celebutantes (who “worked” for it).

Months after Lauren's handbag line came out with Linea Pelle, Montag's fashion collection has just debuted with Anchor Blue, an equally obscure house to this quarter-aged fart.

If you're wondering whether Heidi has the chops to design clothing. I'm going to take her own quote to say, “No”.

“I love zebra print!” she said. “I’m obsessed with it!”

And it's all over her collection. Yayyy, she follows one trend. I love zebra print myself right now. Oh but didn't that start at least back in the Fall? Like on this handbag from Dooney & Bourke (actually a 2008 edition, but still).

What more in the advancement of design could we expect from a girl who named her line Heidiwood, with the tagline, “Welcome to La La Land!“? Mmmmmmmmm, those Las are supposed to stand for L and A, but okay... We know you live there, anyway, Heidi!

Source

Fare thee well, old friend.

2008-05-18T22:51:00.001-07:00

Last Friday night was one of my best and oldest friend's going-away party. He leaves tomorrow for boot camp. :( Here's some photographic eye candy from the event.

My BFFL looking lovely in my clothes.

Ralph, declaring his undying love for his penis.

Brittney making an attempt to dodge my camera.

Randall and Ralph looking debonair in my accessories. (Ralph has a strange drunk eye.)

Kori and I got our revenge by gaffling some of Jose's hats. (Please disregard that I look creepy.)

A hat theif and a funny asian.

I like my friends.

Done & done.

PSA time

2008-05-17T22:49:00.001-07:00

Here at In My Bag, I like to take a moment once in a while to give public service advice.
If you happen to go to a party, and see a coat you like better than the one you arrived in it is not OK to take it anyway, even if you are Lindsay Lohan.

And if you do take it, maybe because you are Lindsay Lohan, try to remember that as a famous train wreck, you will be photographed and busted.
This was just too good to not share. The full story can be read here: New York Post. In Lindsay's defense, I'm sure it was very dark, and sometimes after a few probably-not-so-mock-tails a pile of other peoples' coats can resemble a SWAG suite...it's hard to be a star you know.

When is a lip plumper like an ab machine?

2008-05-17T10:49:00.001-07:00

When it works, you've got to *feel the burn*.? According to AOL readers, Lip Injection Extreme by Too Faced ($28 at Sephora.com) really works, better than any other they tested for the network. The only issue was a long-lasting slight burn. Still, I've found this more of a success than those that only showed results for 30 minutes. (What good is that, without constant “freshening up”?)

This makes me think ... it's too bad a girl can't just do exercies to plump up lip muscles, instead, for permanent results!

Jules Smith Jewelry

2008-05-15T22:49:00.001-07:00

Gina Nigrelli Jewelry Designer

Gina's jewelry is feminine and functional with each piece rooted to her life in the Virgin Islands. The azure waters and Caribbean culture offer a compelling setting for unburdened creativity, while her frequent travels to New York City keep her on the beat and pulse of the industry. Her goal is to create pieces that express her adoration for the natural beauty that surrounds her while representing her personal style and her love for everything fashionable.

I love these! They look like satin.

Solera Bangle Bracelets

Shimmer and shine in these new bangles. In sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, or 14k rose gold vermeil. Sold individually.

Inspired by the sugar sand, cobalt blue skies, and lush landscaping of their home in the Virgin Islands, Jules Smith Designs creates luxe resort jewelry. The collections tell the story of a fashion forward soul bridging the gap between metropolitan trends and the laid-back organic vibe of the Caribbean.

Skin's In Ring

Effortlessly sexy, understated glamour in a style essential. In sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, or 14k rose gold.

Drawing from a myriad of life experiences, Gina Nigrelli's appreciation for adventure and natural beauty began while studying abroad in Harare, Zimbabwe. She began her fashion career at Diesel in Las Vegas where she was a manager and merchandiser. It was the exposure to the strong brand identity and cutting edge fashion philosophy of Diesel that motivated her to take the next step in her career.

Whale Wishes Pendant

Pendant measures approximately 2x2 inches on 18" cable chain. In sterling silver or 18k yellow gold.

Always willing to take a leap of faith, Gina moved to Chicago to pursue a degree in fashion design. While in school, Gina held the post of Director of Marketing and Events for a national online shopping destination. In 2006, Gina and her husband relocated to the Virgin Islands. It was in this exotic environment that Gina was finally able to pursue her lifelong dream of designing her own collection. Jules Smith was established later that year.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Couture Jewelry Awards - 04 March 2007

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Smith Wraps it Up - 20 August 2007

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Natalie Portman Wears Ugly Wayfarer Ray-Bans

2008-05-15T10:49:00.001-07:00

The appearance of Wayfarer Ray-Bans on celebrities, or anyone else, has not left me grinning.

These sunglasses did not look good on Tom Cruise in the movie Rain Man and they do not look good on Natalie Portman or Keira Knightley now.

It seems that the 80’s made a comeback a few years ago and is currently trying to butt its little head back into fashion.

You can see 80’s punk inspiration popping up all over T-shirts, sunglasses and jeans with the help of super models like Agyness Deyn, celebrities and individualistic designers.

In some cases retro punk can look fabulous but when I start seeing these ridiculous Ray- Bans, I am not happy.

These style of glasses have only looked good on one person and that was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Mother’s Day Lingerie

2008-05-14T22:48:00.001-07:00

After having gotten over last year's apprehension about getting mom lingerie for Mother's Day, and with thanks to Rachel for setting me straight, I'm here to present 5 great lingerie picks for Mother's Day 2008. To review previous discussions, Mother's Day is a bit of a strange holiday. In many cases, men are expected to purchase Mother's Day gifts for their wives, and in others these same men may be purchasing Mother's Day gifts for their own mothers. Of course, women will also buy Mother's day gifts for their moms and it's not quite as weird for a woman to buy her own mom some sleepwear. Furthermore, if you're a woman and you're sick of just getting poorly glued construction paper and Popsicle sticks for Mother's Day, then why not go out an get yourself something nice?

In an attempt to find something for everyone, I've broken this year's picks into 5 separate theoretical scenarios. So without further ado (and by “ado”, I mean aimless rambling), here they are...

1) Flirty. You're a guy and you want to let her know you think she's sexier than ever even though you now see her more often in sweat pants than that little black cocktail dress you used to love so much. The Oscar de la Renta Lucky You Chemise is for you. Well, actually it's for her - but you get the point. This flirty chemise is called “Lucky You” for a reason. You'll both feel lucky when she puts it on. It's classic, beautiful and will look great on just about any body shape.

2) Nursing. So, you've got a brand new bundle of joy gracing your home. Congratulations! That kid wants to eat all the time, though. You've gotta find something comfortable for mom that offers that hungry baby easy access without exposing mom to the rest of the world. Problem solved. The Japanese Weekend Short Sleeve Nursing Wrap is made of comfy soft stretch cotton, looks great, and it helps mom find a quick snack for hungry baby. As an added bonus, it comes with stretch cotton capri pants. Watch out, though. Dad may just get jealous, so you'll need to get him this.

3) Maternity. Maybe the bun is still in the oven and you'd like to get a head start on Mother's Day. Mom's probably not feeling extremely comfortable now and there's a lot to plan for. Heck, when that baby is born, people are going to want to come see it. She may be breast feeding after the baby's born. What to do? Get mom to be the Bella Materna Maternity Wrap and matching lounge pants. This outfit is perfect for the hospital. It's stylish enough to be seen in, but comfortable enough to “recover” in. It also transitions well to nursing so its usefulness lasts far beyond the day you take baby home.

4) Comfortable. Mother's Day is all about making mom comfortable, and a lot of what we've featured so far is extremely comfortable. As a general rule, however, it's not a good idea to get mom maternity clothing unless she's actually pregnant or nursing. So here's something every mom will love. The Cosabella Charlotte Collection bamboo long pants and matching camisole are perfect for just hanging out. Bamboo is a natural, breathable fabric that is softer even than cashmere. It keeps mom feeling cool, dry and relaxed. The collection is inspired by HBO's Sex and the City, so if she's a fan (and what woman isn't), that's an added bonus.

5) Luxurious. Chances are, mom wouldn't mind a trip to the spa for Mother's Day. If that's just not possible, then you can at least give her a luxurious treat in the form of this Spa Robe from Vera Wang. It's 100% terry cotton with wide cuffs on the sleeves and a removable tie belt. Make sure you like the way it looks, because you'll be seeing her wear it often.

Whoever you are and whatever you do, enjoy this Mother's Day. We here at the Intimate Guide realize that lingerie is not your only gift option. We're just rather partial to it. So, good luck with your gift gathering and if you're a mom yourself, we hope you receive everything you deserve.

Linktastic Tuesday, All-Pockets Edition

2008-05-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

The pattern above (click on the image to visit the eBay auction) is not only a great, easy dress, but it also inspired me to post some pocket links, or quasi-pocket links. (The one above is a B32, but there's also two B38s on eBay right now, too.)

Michelle (of Green Kitchen) sends this great link to Bitter Betty's site, where she posts a pocket tutorial.

This (sent by Mary Beth) isn't actually a pocket, but I think they're missing a significant use case by not including a stealth pocket in it. Considering how many women do keep things in their bras, why wouldn't you add a pocket to a bra accessory? Seems like a no-brainer to me. (Of course, I don't think I'd ever buy one of those things, as they seem uncomfortable and liable to wiggle around, but hey, I admire their problem-solving gumption.)

Also in the thing-that-should-have-pockets-but-doesn't category, Pretty Bourgeois posted a link to a dress that looks like the LL Bean Tote Bag. Too bad there's only one monogram option.

I missed the original auction for this one, sent by Ginger Lane:

But if you click the image there's a B34, sans envelope, up on the 'bay right now. I'd rather not have the envelope -- for some reason, the pictures on that pattern creep me out.

And one more pocket link, from Summerset. Seriously, this link, which explains how to put a pocket and an invisible zipper in the same seam, changed my life. Do you know how many 1950s side-zipper dresses I can put pockets in now? EVERY ONE OF THEM.

sprite on rundle street

2008-05-13T22:48:00.001-07:00

Stepped into the market in Adelaide, South Australia today to stock up on fruit and chocolate and wound up meeting Trude. (Norwegian, of course. I think I have inbuilt Scandi-radar). Most girls here are wearing shorts and tees through the drought season, but Trude opted for something more along the lines of Edwardian- bohemian. I particularly liked her coiffure and jewelled headband.

Paula Patton

2008-05-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

Paula Patton arrives at the First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon on February 21, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Paula Patton was the epitome of girlish-chic at the recent First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. If you're going to wear a dress this flirty and bold, ease up on the jewelry and just sport classic stud earrings. If you're too big in the chest to comfortably (and safely) wear a strapless dress, this look will work just as well with spaghetti straps. See below for the low down.