Another Fashionable Girl

I found another blogger who shares their sartorial proclivities with the greater blogosphere: Childhood Flames. I am very impressed with Miss Camille: she's a fifteen year old girl living in Portland, Oregon who seems to be obsessed with fashion. Armed with her handy sewing machine, and a good camera, she whips up essential pieces and posts them for the world to see. Her style runs more modern/minimalist than the other girls I posted, but I just love the way that she puts things together. And, as she isn't even trained in fashion design or sewing, I am even more blown away. (I just read today that she is homeschooled, skipped high school, and is taking college classes-- did I mention she's only fifteen!?! This girl is the real deal!)

Here are her recent fashions:





After seeing this creation of hers (the harem pants):


I want to buy these:

Maje Energie Harem Pants
available here

Couture Sewing

I'm always amazed where blogging inspiration strikes. I'm quite proud of my humble effort here, and really enjoy putting this together, but some times I feel like I'm grasping at straws. Last night, I can't even remember what I was doing when I came across SHOWstudio.com, but I'm glad I did.

SHOWstudio is fashion photographer Nick Knight's fashion broadcasting company that believes "that showing the entire creative process—from conception to completion—is beneficial for the artist, the audience and the art itself." It's a fun website to browse through, and I highly recommend that you do so.

I was quite pleased when I found these couture design sewing patterns from some of today's greatest designers. These patterns are not for the faint of heart-- they don't come with any instructions or hand holding. All the same, I might try one out.

Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down
Junya Watanabe

Jacket
Yohji Yamamoto

Pirate Jacket F/W 2001
John Galliano

Unfinished Design
Martin Margiela

And my personal favorite:

Kimono
Alexander McQueen

My Sunday Outfit

Every Sunday morning that I am in Delaware, I arise early to accompany my parents to church. Some Sundays it's all I can do to get out of bed, but on others, I wake up fresh and eager. It is also an occasion to get dressed up-- something I relish doing.

I am also fond of blogs where girls chronicle the clothes they wear.

Clever Nettle takes pictures of her outfits and thrifting finds, and even sells in her store some of the clothes that are pictured.


Some Girls Wander also likes to blog about her charming outfits.


Lost in the Forest also posts beautiful photos of herself in various clothes. She sells some of the items in her store as well.


The lovely Finnish lady who writes Only Shallow posts pictures of herself modeling impossibly cute clothes. She also keeps another blog that chronicles, yes, clothes she sells in her store. This chick has GREAT style!


Rhiannon of Liebemarlene Vintage takes pictures of herself in order to merchandise it for her eBay store.
All of the ladies inspire me to be bold with my own clothing choices. So, while I don't have a store, nor the inspiration or inclination to create a total composition, this is my own humble effort. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what I wore to church this morning:

Dress: Vintage
Sweater: J. Crew Winter 2008
Tights: Leg Avenue
Shoes: MIA Fall 2008

Swimsuit Season

It's December but I'm already dreaming of swimsuits... I'm going to Puerto Rico in two weeks (two weeks!!!) and then off to Miami after that. I found these fun vintage reproduction swimsuits by Esther Williams here. I'd take any one of these swimsuits:





Of course, I'd love a real life version of this one too:

I'm just looking, though-- this girl is POOR! I can't even afford to go to PR and Miami, although both trips are already paid for (or on the credit card), so I'm going! I'm also not much in swimsuit shape-- the holiday season has paid its toll. I'm trying to motivate myself to go get on the treadmill. Hmmm...

Me in my vintage-inspired bathing suit and my friend Nick in front of the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai

Project Dollway

It's funny where blog inspiration strikes. My friend, Siki, a fashion designer, spent time with my family for the Christmas holidays. Somehow, this made me think of Erte, the great fashion illustrator from the 1930s, and I decided to write a blog about him. In searching for Erte, I stumbled upon this website-- Project Dollway.

Project Dollway takes the idea of Project Runway, and introduces it to the world of dolls. Just as on Project Runway, twelve fashion designers are subjected to ten design challenges, with contestants being eliminated throughout the challenges.

You can wade through the site, which is cute and inventive, but I thought I'd post the ten challenges here and share with you the winner. I've edited the challenge descriptions so that you get the gist in a nutshell.


CHALLENGE 1: Make an Oscar red-carpet worthy gown for a celebrity.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 2: Design a five-piece ensemble for Ellowyne Wilde, a young girl known for her mood swings.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 3: Design the perfect "LBD"-- Little Black Dress. Use a modern silhouette and incorporate an accent color.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 4: Create a cotton fabric ballgown that utilizes an oversized print and an oversized element (such as a bow, hat, coat, or piece of jewelery).
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 5: Susie is a world traveler who dresses the part wherever she goes. Create a contemporary look for Susie in the city or country of your choosing.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 6: Pick a famous film and design an iconic costume for a scene from that film.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 7: Create something that epitomizes the Fashion Royalty Line. It must relate the two phrases Joie de Vivre and Claire de Lune (Joy of Living and Moonlight, respectively) to the design.
The winner:


CHALLENGE 8: Create a floor-length gown using the fashion illustrator, Erte, or the fashion designer, Poiret, as inspiration.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 9: Design an ensemble that looks like it would be part of a greater collection.
The Winner:


CHALLENGE 10: Create a 12 piece collection that takes the model from day to night including special occasions. The design from Challenge 9 should be incorporated into the collection.
The Winner:

Merry Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

I'll trade this button for a kiss

I'll trade this button... by elventryst

I found this really cool website that allows you to create different looks by arranging shoes, dresses, and other accessories together. I had quite a bit of fun coming up with this set. I was inspired by the holidays, and was thinking of something one might want to wear to a holiday party.

You should play along! Click here to get started.

Also, if you like any of the articles of clothing that you see on the site, Polyvore links you to where you can purchase or browse some more.

This was the week when...

Here is what I've been up to (and why I've been too busy to post):

I think some of you know that I make my living as a model. Every once in a while, we do these photo shoots called a "Test." I guess it's called that because it is sort of a test shoot-- i.e., usually no one is getting paid, and the model, stylist, makeup artist, and photographer all volunteer their services to try and make something beautiful. It differs from a "job" in that the shoot is not done for a particular client, but instead for the portfolios of all who are involved in the shoot. Now, my portfolio, or "book," as it is often called in the industry, could use some sprucing up. I took this year off and moved in with my parents, which means the newest pictures I have in my book come from when I was living in Dubai a year ago. It's time for something new. Today I shot with photographer Joseph Paradiso, whose work is beautiful. It'll take him some time to edit and retouch the photos, but I'll post them as soon as I have them.



I worked at a sample sale for a few days this week. I won't go into detail to explain what a sample sale is exactly, but suffice it to say that I pretty much worked retail. I was a salesperson for expensive handbags, but when I was not working too hard, I tried on some of the clothes in the showroom. Here are two versions of the same jacket. I liked them because they go with the whole 1920s theme that I've been into lately, although they might be a little hard to pull off in real life.

(Clockwise from top left) The business card for Charity:Water, my friend Morgan and I scrub Jerry cans (used for transporting water) in the office, a baby bottle filled with dirty water that is typical of the water people in developing nations drink, and finally, the night of the event with acquaintance, Jason Rogers, Olympic silver medalist

Last Monday was the Charity: Water Ball. Charity: Water is an organization that I've been volunteering with off and on for the past three years. The organization raises money to build wells in Africa and other developing countries in order to provide clean water for people living there. Prior to the ball, I spent some time at the offices helping get ready for the big event. The gala was a success with more than 1,200 guests and $450,000 being raised for wells. To learn more or find out how you can help go here.


BFF Corrie and I got into the spirit of things by decorating our respective apartments for Christmas. We did it as a surprise to our boys-- she for her husband, Matt, and mine for my roommate, Tim, who, incidentally, happens to be Matt's little brother. We strung up glass ornaments, garlands, and decorated two trees. And, of course, I cut out snowflakes! It was two afternoons well spent.

So, you see, I haven't had much time for blogging, although I've been having a blast in New York City. I head home Wednesday to Delaware for Christmas and then back to New York for New Year's Eve. I also have three upcoming trips planned for Puerto Rico, Florida, and Colorado. I'll definitely keep you posted!

Seasons Greetings

I haven't been very good about updating my blog lately-- I had a very busy week last week and New York has me running ragged. I haven't forgotten about y'all, though, and will be posting again real soon. I'm in the city until Wednesday, then head home to Delaware for the holidays. I'm sure I'll have something to post in the next few days, even if it is just an update of what is going on in my life as of late.

I hope you're enjoying the season. It has been quite snowy here as of late. Normally, I'd enjoy this weather, but after a fall a couple of days ago, I've been walking around in pain, which makes me curse the snow and ice. I do love the smell of the Christmas tree stands in the city, and enjoy holiday parties complete with Gluhwein (German mulled wine-- I highly recommend it!). I can't wait to get back to Delaware to spend time with my parents and dogs.

Seasons Greetings to you all. May you be Merry and Joyful wherever you are and through all circumstances. Merry Christmas!

More Starbucks Goodness

I stopped by Starbucks earlier this week with a girlfriend to pick up some gift cards. We immediately spied these knitted gift card holders, and moreover, were told they were free, so Corrie and I scooped up a handful. They're super cute and match the giftcards.

If you're in Starbucks this week, why not pick up one or two (Did I mention they're free?!?)