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?!?)

Goodbye to an Icon

Bettie Page April 22, 1923- December 11, 2008

Bettie Page was the most famous pinup girl of the post-World War II era, a centerfold on a million locker doors and garage walls.

Her naughty-but-nice poses appeared in men's magazines and private stashes across America and set the stage for the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

Ms. Page in the 1954 film "Varietease." In 1957, at the height of her fame, she disappeared.

With trademark heels and bangs, in the 1950s.

Stepping Back in Time

I just stumbled across these two blogs by the same author, a gifted seamstress. One is called The Art of Clothes and seems to be a diary of great outfits-- especially those from films. Her other blog is called Pemberley Couture and is a dedicated to showcasing clothing the authoress has made. Color me impressed! This girl gets a kick out of copying clothes from films-- especially period pieces, it would seem. She's made dresses inspired by the films Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and the Chronicles of Narcia. It is truly inspirational!

Illustration of two Regency period gowns from Sensibility.com

Now I'm not sure where she gets most of her patterns (perhaps she drafts her own!) but she does share this one for a Regency period gown like those worn in Emma and Pride and Prejudice. The pattern is available here at Sense and Sensibility Patterns.

Film stills from Emma and Pride and Prejudice showcasing Regency era dresses.

At Pemberley Couture, the blogger has some pictures of Regency era dresses that she created. I love the one below that she made-- the white muslin with the blue bow is so sweet. I think I may just be inspired to sew my own. Wouldn't this be a perfect summer dress if I were to modernize it a bit and cut it off at the knees? I'm thinking dotted swiss or eyelet...

Blogger AnnaKristine showcases her sewing and reproduction skills at Pemberley Couture.

Lulu

A well dressed woman, even though her purse is painfully empty, can conquer the world.
~Louise Brooks

As always, you can click on any of the pictures above for a larger view.

I thought I would keep in the vein of things and do a post on one of my favorite 1920s leading ladies.

Who: Mary Louise Brooks, more commonly known by her stage name, Louise Brooks
Date of Birth: November 14, 1906

She was a dancer, model, and silent screen actress, known for her bobbed haircut. She starred in 17 silent films and is known for her work in Pandora's Box, Diary of a Lost Girl, and Prix de Beaute (Miss Europe).

She was the quintessential flapper-- epitomizing the brash behavior of women in the 1920s who bobbed their hair, smoked, drank, and treated sex casually.

Louise is absolutely exquisite-- you should definitely check out some of her films if you get a chance. She's one of my favorite actresses. She also has my dream haircut that I would totally get if 1. I was allowed to cut my hair (because I model, I'm not allowed to make drastic changes to my personal appearance without permission from my agency), and 2. I had Ms. Brooks' string bean body. I'm skinny, but I'm curvy-- I just don't think that haircut would suit me as well.

1920s Fashion

Stills from the BBC series, The House of Eliott

I mentioned in a prior post that I've really enjoyed watching the BBC series, The House of Eliott, on Netflix. It is set in the 1920s, and is about two sisters, Evangeline and Beatrice Eliott, who start a fashion house in London. The series ran from 1991-1993 and is a real treat to watch.

One of my favorite things about the show is the fashion it features. The two sisters are a stylish pair, and that's not even mentioning the styles that they create as fashion designers. I love the drop waist dresses, strings of pearls, cloche hats, and dangling earrings.

I've started collecting jewelry and other clothing items that I think look 1920s. Marcasite is a popular mineral used in the production of vintage looking pieces. It is actually a form of Pyrite, or Fool's Gold, and was popular during the Victorian period, but regaining popularity again in the 1920s. They also wore a fair amount of pearls, and the earrings dangled a bit. This fit in perfectly with the bobbed hair styles of the day, and the snug-fitting cloche hats.

My collection of 1920s style earrings and watch

A picture of me sporting a recent purchase-- a red headband that I think resembles a cloche hat.

Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!

Despite the absence of money in my pocket this holiday season, I decided that my new (temporary) apartment here in the city could use some sprucing up for the holiday season. I passed this afternoon with two friends listening to the Sufjan Stevens Christmas album, cutting out REAL paper snowflakes (as opposed to the virtual ones I've been making online as of late), and making Christmas cards. I'm getting into the spirit of things this season, yet you wouldn't know it from our apartment, which is completely devoid of anything Christmas:(


Enter this little Christmas tree that I just bought online at RedEnvelope. It's perfect for Brooklyn-sized apartments (read: small), and even comes with lights and ornaments. How perfect is that? I'm also hoping that my bff, Corrie, and I can pretend to be elves and do a bit more decorating while my roommate, Tim, is out. We want to surprise him!

One of the blogs that I enjoy reading is called Fashionable Yet Frugal. The lady who writes it loves to shop (much like myself), but is also savvy about saving money. One of the things she's always recommending is a website called Ebates.com. You sign up and get a $10.00 gift card (I got mine for Sephora since I do a lot of shopping there), and then as you shop through their partner sites, you earn money. It's that simple: you shop through their site, and when it's all done, they'll cut you a check. It sounds too good to be true, I know, but Ms. Fashionable-Yet-Frugal promises that it works and even says that the checks come very quickly. It's probably not really worth it if you're not much of an internet shopper, however, if you are, it sounds like it could save you money.

If you do sign up, please click here. It'll take you directly to the site, and both you and I will get a $5 signing bonus.

Snowflake Collage

I spent the evening at home making virtual snowflakes at the Make-a-Flake website. I don't know what I like about cutting these little flakes out-- especially since it is online, and I don't even get to keep the results of my hard work (except in a virtual way).

I also really enjoy the photo editing site, Picnik. If you haven't checked it out yet, you really should. I could spend hours playing with my photos on their free website, and now they've added a feature where you can organize your photos in a collage. I made a collage of my hard work tonight:

Snowflake Inspired

American Wilson Alwyn Bentley (How cool is that middle name?) was the first person to photograph snowflakes. He developed a process where he could catch snowflakes on black velvet and photograph them before they could melt. He took his first picture of a snowflake in 1885, and over his lifetime would take over 5000 more. His photographs are incredibly beautiful, marrying science and art. Bentley was also the first to suggest that there are no two snowflakes alike, however others have since argued that this is not true.

Some of Bentley's collection of photographs

I found this great website, Make-a-Flake, that allows you to virtually make a paper snowflake like you did when you were a kid. They fold the paper for you, give you a pair of scissors, and away you go. It's fun-- you should definitely try it!

My creation at Make-a-Flake. Make your own snowflakes at this site.

maya*made posts a tutorial on how to make really beautiful snowflake garlands here. They're lightweight, which allows them to blow and twist with the breeze, giving them an ethereal quality. I might just have to make some so that I can holiday-ify my room here in Brooklyn.

maya*made's newspaper snowflakes are delicate and beautiful. Click here for her tutorial.

Swing of things

My first weekend back in the city has been jam-packed-- it certainly has not taken me any time to get back into the swing of things.

Corrie and I passed Saturday taking fun pictures around the city. I used Picnik to adjust the look of our photos. That night we went to Megu and Beatrice, two nightspots. We had a blast dancing until 4am and then sleeping in late today. Here are some highlights from the weekend:

Part of the subway art. I can't remember what stop this is on the metro.

Christmas in the city

Corrie models some cool vintage glasses

Outside Bopkat Vintage in Brooklyn-- my new favorite vintage shop

"Playing" with the subway poster.

Goofing around at Beatrice Inn, where, incidentally, you're not supposed to take pictures.

Starbucks Christmas Wreath

I haven't been in a Starbucks in a really long time, so I was completely enchanted when I saw this yarn wreath hanging in their store. The yarn and the ornaments are just so cute! Pixiegenne offers a few pointers on creating a vintage ornament wreath like this:


She also offers some words of wisdom so it does not end up looking like this:

Back in the city

I have left small town Delaware behind me and am now in the big city of New York where I shall reside for the month of December. I am happy to be here-- a realization that struck me as I wandered around the streets last night with my best girlfriend in tow. Delaware, it seems, was beginning to weigh me down, and I am so looking forward to a month spent with some of my favorite people in the world. It promises to be a busy month, what with me working with a new agency, and holiday parties, and catering on the side (I'm trying to pick up some extra cash this holiday season-- aren't we all?!?).

Me and my best friend, Corrie.

I got my first Christmas present of the season last night from Corrie, my bestie. About a month ago, she quizzed me with a ton of questions about my personal style, hobbies, and preferences. She wouldn't tell me why she wanted to know, but now it has all become clear: she has had a perfume created especially for me. It is called Por Tous Jours, which is old French for "For Always," a reference to a poesy ring that we both sport, and boasts scents of honeydew, melonade, and surf. It's quite a combination, and reminds me of one of my favorite bath products-- Bath and Body Works' Cucumber Melon bodywash, but in this case, it's "Cucumber Melon spends a day at the beach." I quite like it and the surf smell reminds me of my recent adventures in California, where I tried surfing. I really do love the scent, mostly because it has memories associated with it.

Me at the beach + Cucumber Melon = my new perfume

The 15th century reproduction poesy rings that Corrie and I share. The original can be seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.

My 100th Entry

I started this blog back in March with little clue what I would write about, or whether I would even stick with it. I just knew that writing would act as a balm unto my wounded spirit. Today we celebrate my 100th entry, which can only attest to the fact that I've been busy. Thanks for reading along-- let's hope I make it to one hundred more.

Home Grown Cafe in Newark, Delaware

Last night I hung out with an old friend from high school at the local townie bar, Home Grown. They have drink specials on Monday and Wednesday after 10pm, and I, for one, am loathe to pass up a $3 glass of wine.

It was good to see Chetan, the kid that used to sit in front of me in senior english class, but who I have hardly seen since we graduated some eleven years ago. He was in town for the holiday, and Facebook being the great connector, brought us together. He is now a Ph.D. student at Berkeley (studying something about visual preception and computers/robots), while I am an unemployed model, which caused me to think what a great equalizer high school is. Nowadays, it doesn't seem likely that I would become friends with someone studying the same things as Chetan. Let's face it-- most of my friends reside in the realms of art and entertainment. I don't have Wall Street friends, or lawyer friends, or academic friends (which, by the way, is what a lot of my friends from high school have become), but with the common denominator of high school, I can be friends with these types. Anyway, it's just nice to stay in touch with these people from my past.

One of the really cool things that Chetan has done is built a website, Modista.com. It's a shopping website that uses a really clever search engine to help you find what you're looking for. For example, I typed in "Maryjanes heel" and up popped a bunch of shoes fitting my description. What's more, when I selected the picture of the style that I liked, Modista found more shoes that looked a lot like the one I was looking at, thus helping me to narrow it down. You'll have to check it out and see for yourself.

Here are some of the shoes I liked:

Meet my niece and nephew

I'm totally ripping off my twin sister's blog, but I thought this was cute. She did these little bios and collages of her two dogs. Without further adieu, I present Cole and Lillie

Meet Lillie:
Tiger Lillie: the independent thinker
Breed: Papillon
Birthdate: 12/11/07
Weight: 8 lbs.
Likes: Balls, biting hair, ice, food, and pigs ears
Dislikes: Snuggling, getting in trouble, baths, and wind
Favorite Trick: Shake (AKA "paw")

Meet Cole:
Cole Bear: the little lover
Breed: Papillon
Birthdate: 12/11/07
Weight: 8 lbs.
Likes: Barking, soft fabric, Nylabones, cats, treats, and cuddling
Dislikes: Baths, yelling, the cold, and being alone
Special Ability: To make anyone love him