Dresses With Blue Satin Sashes

Brooching the Subject

2011-03-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

I love vintage brooches. They add so much sparkle or whimsy to coats, sweaters, etc.
I have a fondness for shoulder tie dresses - they're making a comeback. This navy blue dress by Maeve at Anthropologie provided the perfect opportunity to wear my 2 star vintage brooches in a rather unusual way.
And it works. I love the dress even more.

Candy Coat-ed Buttons

2010-10-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

Another vintage find! This ice blue coat with faux fur collar and cuffs called out to my inner Snow Bunny. I had images of a blue coat with red candy buttons. Much like my illustration for Fall I did a few years back. This coat provided the perfect opportunity to embellish with red candy buttons.

I think they add some fun and whimsy to my icey blue coat. And I am always a sucker for candy coated buttons.

Vintage Golden Chicken Dress, How I Love Thee!

2010-10-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

I found this vintage golden dress and had to have it. It is a short sleeve pleated day dress with a pattern that looks like paisley or some golden plumes swirling against a vanilla background.

BUT, on closer inspection, you can see...

CHICKENS...

Paired with black tights and my brown buttoned blue shoes, I am smitten once again by another vintage find.

In Deep Smit with A Red Coat for Fall

2010-09-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

I found this 1950' coat for a steal and am thrilled and delighted by it. Not only does it have a charming neck scarf sewn in, but it is deep crimson red velvet. 3/4 sleeve. It's a tad long, but nothing a bit of hemming won't fix.

Brooch by Christina Nellman.

Paired with a gauzey cream dress that peeks out from beneath.

Artsy Wearables

2010-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

My original illustrations make the transition from paper to wearables and note cards!

Year of the Rooster note card.
Note cards of Seattle Burlesque Performer The Shanghai Pearl.

Rings!

Rooster Rings or as I lovingly refer to them "Cock Rings", adjustable and covered in an epoxy bubble.
Pendants!

Pendants in settings with an epoxy bubble.

Buttons and Magnet sets. Also sold individually.

Framed giclee' Prints on cotton canvas.

A Green Dress

2010-04-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

There are times I dream up frocks I wish to wear and then go out in search of them only to come back empty handed.

And so it is with the perfect green dress.
The green must be a Kelly Green, and the cut is so important. The empire waist does nothing for me other than make me look pregnant. But that cut seems to be the readily available style out there for green dresses. And so, the dress lives in my head and now on this blog and not in my closet.

Happy Spring

2010-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

Aside from being pummeled by snow and hail this past week, Spring is off to a beautiful start. Easter was early this year, meaning stores were decorated with glittery eggs, silky pastel ribbons and my new rabbit - my glittery Peter Cotton Tail. He takes up permanent residence atop the kitchen stove.
Here's to Spring! Business is thriving, days are stretching out longer, and sundress weather is just around the corner.

My Day as an Extra for "Late Autumn"

2010-02-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

"One hears the term, "Wardrobe trailer" and images of neatly lined Manolo Blahniks and rows of designer clothes come to mind. I had to remind myself, however, that this was not the movie set for Sex and the City 2. And that I am not Sarah Jessica Parker."

At 7am, I arrived at Base Camp a few blocks away from the area we'd be filming on Ballard Avenue. Extras Filming was a 10 hour day and there was no guarantee I would be used for any of the scenes. Still, I was so thrilled to be able to observe a lifestyle I know very little about. The night before, I had Googled "Extras" and words that came to mind were 'bottom of the barrel', lots of waiting, 'don't interact with the real actors' and other rules about being on set.

After arriving and finding rock star parking near base camp, I note another Extra hauling a large garment bag over his shoulder and follow him to the trailer where crew check us in and then load us into a van and drive us 3 blocks to Extras Holding which was also the roller rink that is home to All City Roller Derby. We make ourselves comfortable in the large warehouse as more Extras arrive and start laying out our clothes for the wardrobe consultant who is on his way.

7:30am
Gerard, the Wardrobe guy arrives and looks over everyone's outfit options. He is exactly what I imagine a Wardrobe person to look like - slightly stressed, eyes shifting over everyone, and dressed to the nines. He looks at my pink scarf with flowers tumbling down the front, "Pretty," he says, "But too close to what the lead actress is wearing." He picks up my purple skirt with white embroidered flowers blooming across the base. "This is cute. What do you have to go with it?" I grab a black cardigan, black tights and Mary Jane button shoes. "And I could drape this gold Pashmina over it and carry this beige handbag," I say, looking up at him.
"Great, I love it," he says, "Go change and let me see."

I scamper off to the bathroom and change quickly and come out to the room where he is instructing the women to change out of their yoga outfits and into shopping attire. I watch as he groups people together, shifts them with others based on their clothes, their height, their overall look. I can almost see the gears shifting as I am sure he is envisioning what we will all look like against the lead actors as well as the location- like an artist deciding what shades of paint work well together in the background.

There are 12 Extras and we are all being looked over carefully. He looks me over and I get approval, "Oh, you look fabulous. Just darling."
I feel like I passed the initial test! And then I am shuffled into a group of 4 other Extras and told we will be used for the first scene of the day that takes place inside the store where the lead actress is trying on clothes in the scene.

We climb into a van that drives us 3 blocks and arrive on the official set. Lights are set up, there are crew members hard at work within the 3 block radius. We step out of the van and a woman on a walkie talkie greets us warmly. She steps aside with Gerard briefly. He comes back, "I am so sorry, " he says, "You all look great, but because the lead actress is from Korea and visiting Seattle, we need to make sure it looks like she is in America and not Korea."

I look at the other Extras who happen to also be of Asian decent and we all smile and have a giggle about the situation, completely understanding the 'dilemma' at hand. We climb back into the van, drive 3 blocks back to Extras Holding. Gerard scoops up some other Extras, gets a call that they need passer-bys, and before I can open the book I brought along we all get back into the van and head back to set.
The sun is poking through the clouds and it looks like a decent winter day. It could pass for late Autumn. I watch as crew sets up the camera track, starts the fog machine, adjusts lighting. I peek into the boutique where the director is hard at work with the crew inside. We rehearse our walk in front of the boutique. Back and forth, all of us posing as shoppers. Timing it so it looks natural, none of us clumped together. Not too fast. Not too slow. I look around at the action going on. The director wants an English muffin with peanut butter and jam. A PA rushes off to fill the order. A local resident stops and complains about the noise the fog machine is making. Onlookers watch the production.

A beige car pulls up and a gorgeous woman emerges, wearing a green dress and faux fur cropped jacket. This is Tang Wei, the lead actress. She is escorted inside the boutique by her assistant and make-up artist.

And then, it's our turn. "Quiet on the set!" "Action!"

I count to 4 and then walk casually by the shop and stop out of camera range. We reset and do the take again. I do this again for the next 2 hours. The sun disappears and in its place a dreary typical Seattle day. It starts sprinkling and one of the crew puts a heavy coat over my shoulders to keep me warm. Another crew member holds an umbrella over me.
I hardly feel like the 'bottom of the barrel' as an Extra. We do a few more takes and then Gerard goes to the wardrobe trailer and gathers a few different outfits for us to change into for another street scene. I put on an over-sized gray coat. My purple skirt is showing and cannot be used in another scene, so Gerard rushes to get me a black skirt from the wardrobe trailer. The scene is about to shoot, and I step into a doorway, slip off my skirt and put on the black one... which is too small. Back into the purple one, that I pull up so it's not noticeable and off I go to walk the street again.

Back to Extra's Holding and then an outfit change. For the next scene, I choose to wear my jeans, blue draped collar sweater, and black 3/4 sleeve coat. The warmer clothes feel amazing.
There is a light rain and we are set up across the street from where we were before. We're doing distance shots this time around. Someone hands me a shopping bag. They instruct 2 other Extras to walk arm in arm. Walk with intent, no longer a stroll. The camera rolls along the track, pans across the yoga studio where the yoga Extras pose and stretch, past the boutique. We walk back and forth across the street again and again, pausing in between as cameras are adjusted.

After we break for lunch at the Tractor Tavern, we set up 1/2 a block away from before and get our walking instructions. The 'couple' is supposed to cross the street and pass by a coffee shop, a woman wearing a hat and vest is supposed to walk the sidewalk heading south once the couple reaches the coffee shop door way, and I am supposed to hang out of sight until the lead actress crosses the street and passes a wooden pole. And then I am to cross the street heading east, closest to the camera. Someone hands me a coffee thermos prop and we wait for our cues. The rain gets heavier. "Action!" The couple walks, the woman in the hat walks, and slowly, the lead emerges from behind the building, crosses the street, approaches the wooden pole, and I walk casually, as instructed, heading east towards the camera. 4 more takes. More waiting. Final take, and then we head to Extra's Holding, which has changed from the Roller Rink to the Tractor Tavern. We gather our bags and belongings and wait. Some of the Extras are sent home. It's 4pm in the afternoon and we are all anxious to exchange our thoughts on the day.
There is one more scene we might be considered for; the nail salon scene, where the lead will be getting a pedicure. The other 5 remaining Extras and I are loaded into the white van and head back to base camp where Gerard has us hang out garment bags in the wardrobe trailer. One hears the term, "Wardrobe trailer" and images of neatly lined Manholo Blahniks and rows of designer clothes come to mind. I had to remind myself, however, that this was not the movie set for Sex and the City 2. And that I am not Sarah Jessica Parker. I lay out my remaining outfit - a black vintage eyelet dress and blue scarf. Gerard tells me it's too much like the lead actress's funeral dress and gives me a bright pink turtleneck. I get changed and join the other Extras and we head off to the nail salon.

It is dark outside and the lights are set up outside the salon and inside the building. We wait outside in the rain as we wait to see if they need us for the scene. It is determined they need a male Extra to be in the salon getting a manicure. Then they decide they really want a mother and daughter getting a manicure and finally, it is decided they only need one Extra. We head back to base camp where I change out of the pink turtleneck and gather my belongings.

The Extras all bid our farewells, we get paid, and then they insist the van drive me 2 blocks to my car. A wonderful day with wonderful people. The process it takes to make a movie is amazing. This team was above and beyond great. It will be interesting to see if I make it into the film itself. But above all, my brief stint in the movies was a wonderful experience. The people I met that day and worked with were delightful. This was an experience unlike any other.

Glitter Hearts and Chocolates 50% Off

2010-02-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am smitten with Valentine's Day because all of the world, at least my world, seems to be covered in reds and pinks everywhere you go. Grocery stores, crafting stores, coffee shops. Bright red mylar balloons, glittery hearts, and pink ribbons seem to be everywhere.The day after Valentine's Day is fun to observe in the city as well. The store windows still boast their tributes to February 14th and one can imagine how the streets were filled the night before with lovers arm in arm heading out to their favorite restaurant. Or groups of single friends choosing to celebrate in their own way. I scanned the pavement for signs from the night before; a bit of red foil, bits of torn envelopes, some rose petals...Unlike other holidays where droopy Santa or discarded corn candy sit and wait for people to purchase them at discounted rates far lower than their inflated prices the day before, Valentines look just as cheery sitting on the discount table. Perhaps it's all that pink and red glitter twinkling that remind me love is in the air any day of the year.

Now Open! My Shop on Etsy!

2010-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

After several inquires about whether I sell my work, I finally opened up a little Kellyportfolio shop on Etsy that will house my button magnets and pins as well as some blank greeting cards (coming soon!).

Check out my latest button set I completed for Valentine's Day. There seems to be so much emotion surrounding this seemingly innocent holiday this month. I tried my best to capture both sides thru these cute little buttons.

Working as an Extra

2010-01-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine passed on some info about a movie being filmed in Seattle that needed a few Extras. In addition to owning a brownstone in the West Village (a girl can dream), illustrating for Scholastic, and learning how to sew, being at Extra in a film was on my long to do list for this year. I can safely say I can check off a few more items on my official list.
I am to report to the 'set' tomorrow at 7:30am. In addition to bringing a book and sketch pad for downtime, I am required to bring at least 3-5 outfits to change into, as extras will be needed for a few different scenes. This brings my post here back to fashion, as I am being faced with the slightly daunting task of choosing 3-5 outfits that:

-Are not ALL black. (this may be the most challenging for me, as most all of my clothes are black)
-Do not have white
-Do not have red
-Do not have logos or small stripes
-No puffy coats

A few pairs of comfortable shoes, hats, scarves, umbrellas, pants, jeans, etc.

Obviously, nothing that will draw attention.

The process the wardrobe team will go thru tomorrow with all of us Extras will be interesting to observe. And I wonder what I will be doing? Based on the casting director's notes, I will either be a shopper or a nail patron in a salon. I've been warned that it is a long day, but I am pretty giddy about peeking into a life I know nothing about and, as a bonus, I get paid for my time. In for a 10 hour day tomorrow in one of Seattle's older and more charming neighborhoods.

I wonder if the rain will let up at all?

I'll post photos, assuming we're allowed to take them.

More info on the movie "Late Autumn"

Dresses, Dresses and More Dresses

2010-01-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

I have fallen head over heels with the return of the dress. There is, in my opinion, no better way to feel more girly than to be in a dress. I try to wear one whenever possible. I have collected many, some of which are contemporary and some that are vintage. A few of my favorites are pictured here. Some need tweaking, additions like satin ribbon ending in a lovely bow in place of the straps on my 'Lady Bug" dress. A piece from the 50's.

This green lace illusion dress is my favorite classic piece from the late 40's era.

There are so many dresses in my closet that I sometimes entertain the idea of loaning them out to friends or renting them out. Not quite sure how to go about the rental idea, but there is something incredibly satisfying about the idea of putting outfits together for others!

Return of the Cameo

2010-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

I love how fashion recycles over and over. Timeless pieces are brought back from the dead, and presented as forgotten treasures. I believe this is happening to the Cameo right now. Popular in the Victorian era, these gorgeous ladies carved in shell or gems were worn tied with a nice satin ribbon or lace, or pinned smartly to lapels. I am seeing Cameos in hip and chic boutiques around town and places like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie as part of the antique vintage revival.

My personal tastes do not lean towards Cameos, though they are lovely, especially when paired with a satin ribbon. But the idea of having an image of a face in a piece of jewelry is still charming nonetheless and have found a few alternatives to the Cameo in my own collection.Mona Lisa as a slightly worn, slightly vintagey looking piece.

My lucky Czar ring. I love this ring, but cannot wear it with gloves, as the width wouldn't allow a glove to fit over it.

Vintage Tiaras

2009-12-22T14:25:00.001-08:00

In addition to my love of vintage dresses, I am smitten with old rhinestones, cabochons, and other sparkly embellishments. So, when I stumbled on the latest adornment while wandering through a West Village boutique in August and was told they weren't for sale, I knew I had to find these gems somewhere. And so the hunt ensued.

Headband Tiaras are an accessory from the 1920's and up thru the 50's in fact. The design is genius, in my opinion, for modern wear. A headband tiara is basically a headband with bling. The rhinestones are set to go over the head rather than around your head. Makes it much less pageant looking.Better yet, old and tarnished rhinestones or metal makes the adornment that much more charming. All sparkle and tarnish aside, what I love most about vintage finds is that they were once cherished by someone at one point in time. Then forgotten and then found and delighted by a new owner.

Peppermint Buttons

2009-12-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

These vintage peppermint buttons were a find on eBay. They are just too perfect for my mitten project. I haven't decided which mittens will have these as their permanent home. But I will post photos of the finished product soon!

The Great Vintage Button Caper!

2009-12-01T17:03:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year, I have decided to make as many gifts as possible. This decision has resulted in a plethora of fun and cozy projects and inspired many other ideas around the house, namely in my wardrobe. Since I don't sew or design dresses (yet) I have placed many adornments on existing items. Aside from tying vintage velvety ribbon to my shoes or wide satin ribbons to vintage coats, and covering what I can in glitter, I have expanded my adornment options.

Vintage buttons are the bees knees! They look like old hard candy. This bunch will soon have a permanent home adorning mittens or gloves or perhaps a collar on a very plain dress.

I have been sewing vintage buttons to these cozy warm gloves and will be passing them out as gifts to my lovely lady friends.

A little folding, stitching and sparkle.

More to come! Next up: vintage rounded peppermint striped buttons!

More Antique Finds!

2009-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten how much I love going to the Antique Mall at Pike Place Market. I was in search of an antique headband style tiara (which are incredibly rare, I have discovered). Instead of finding a tiara, I found a velveteen black purse in excellent condition and has a clasp that makes a nice popping noise when I close it. I also found this gorgeous scarf that looks so cheerful tied around the neck or the handles of my new handbag.

Geminola is a True Gem in the West Village

2009-08-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am back from my whirlwind trip in NYC. Between client visits and portfolio drop-offs, seeing amazing friends and having a tearful reunion with my aunt on the Upper West side, I made time to revel in the company of vintage taffeta, chignon, beads and tiaras at Geminola. What an amazing store... Lorraine Kirke is an accomplished interior designer turned fashionista whose frocks have been worn by many celebrities including SJP in the SATC finale. Their shop is located on Perry Street in the West Village. Once inside the boutique, you feel as if you have entered a personal dressing room of someone who has traveled around the world collecting only the finest fabrics and vintage lace and beads masterfully sewn together for all to enjoy. The store has an overall warm feeling and the gal behind the counter was as sweet as the tiny laced child tutus on display. I had also visited Lorraine Kirke's studio earlier, for a private showing of her complete collection. An invitation scored at the last minute via email. I ended up purchasing a vintage purse at Geminola. I love the 'snap' sound the clasp makes. And the delicate millinery flowers on the front seem to prance as the purse sways back and forth in my hand.
Geminola is truly a gem in NYC. If you find yourself in the area, make sure to stop in.

Raiding My Aunt's Jewelry Box

2009-07-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

My Aunt, who comes from a debutante background in the 50's and 60's let me go through her jewelry box today. As a child, I remember looking through her old vintage necklaces and earrings. I remember the slightly tin/metal smell and the tiny pricks from pin needles on the tips of my fingers.

Today, my Aunt told me to go through her earrings and necklaces and take what I would like, since she has very little interest in wearing accessories anymore. I was delighted at the treasures I found and so very thrilled she was passing them on to me. How lucky am I?

These are earrings with a little delicate rose forever frozen inside.

A beautiful brooch.

These buttery porcelain flowers are too sweet.

Last but not least are two rose earrings (pictured on the left) that I found in the back of a clunky touristy store in Long Beach. They were sitting in a low shelf in their 'antique' section. At $20, they were a steal. The large rose on the right is from my Aunt's jewelry box and I was delighted to see how it matched my earrings. It's a pin, but I imagine it would also make a lovely ring.

Bedlam in Belltown

2009-07-12T22:37:00.001-07:00

Update #2: My glitter B contribution to Bedlam hangs in the northeast corner. The owner told me that when the sun comes in, it hits the B and makes sparkle shadows all over the walls.

I have found my new hot spot in which to nest after a night of gallery walking. This isn't so much a fashion post as just a post about decor and what I am drawn to. Which, I guess relates to fashion as well. Bedlam is a new coffee and dessert place in Belltown and I love it.

The decor is funky, and the ambiance reminds me of a place you would stumble into in the Village. The menu boasts many coffee infused drinks as well as some delicious looking desserts. Simply delightful... The ONLY thing this place is missing is a giant glittered star garland or some twinkle lights.Alright, I had to add a small fashion bit...my red dress (a vintage steal on Ebay) kind of matched the decor of this place. A coincidence I found both amusing and charming.

UPDATE: I decided to make Bedlam Coffee a giant glittery 'B' to hang on their wall. The owner was very appreciative and gave me a free cup 'o joe for my glittery efforts. I do so love glitter...

Vintage Things of Interest

2009-05-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed, I admit. I find that looking for vintage sundresses on Ebay is an aphrodisiac. What I love most about the 40's and 50's era is the curves of a woman were really celebrated through clothes. Thin waist, full bust, and full hips. No tunics, no umpire waists.

Check out this brilliant polka dot dress from the 50's.
I love the shape of this dress and the fabric belt. The gathers at the shoulders, and the v-neck. If I owned this piece, I would most certainly pair it with these cherry red shoes from Shop Plastic Land.

Vintage Finds!

2009-03-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

I went out on a vintage excursion with the fabulous Ms. M and Lily today and found some amazing finds at the vintage stores in Freemont. My treasures are pictured below.

This apron is cuter than cute with it's bright yellow color and deep pockets with vintage fabric and bow detail.
It is my new favorite apron.

And...
I could not leave without these earrings. They remind me of prom/cupcakes/chiffon.

The pink earrings have tiny little rhinestones sprinkled throughout and remind me of the waxy peppermint rounds at the candy store. It will take a trip to the craft store to convert these clip-on earrings to pierced. But I cherish doing a little fixing up.
This brooch is something I haven't seen in a vintage pin before. It reminds me of a sea urchin or Hostess Snowball.
And my final purchase? I am a sucker for over-sized sunglasses. Do they make me look silly? Absolutely. Do I love them? Absolutely. These would make Sally Jesse proud.

Winter White Ballerina Frocks

2009-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I dreamed of being a ballerina. After a few years of lessons, all of which I will treasure, I decided that my true future was creating art. Still, through the years, my interest in dance and costumes has continued. These gems below have captured the ballerina in me. The dress is by Tracy Reese and the fabric is luxurious. It is white ivory and looks a bit antiqued. I am a glutton for amazing fabrics that Reese and Anna Sui are so famous for.
The other frock I am wild about is this skirt by Corey Lynn Calter. The two owls are simply amazing. Paired with navy tights, red boots and a black or red top, this ivory skirt is half ballerina, half woodland fairy.

The Perfect Nest

2008-12-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

While I have been home nesting for the holidays, not ready to brave the snow-covered streets, I was inspired to do some eBay searching for a pin to compliment this vintage coat I found on eBay for $20. What I love about this coat, besides the color, is the neck tie that desperately needs a fantastic brooch.

I thought about finding a bird brooch. Something like Classic Hardware's bird.

Then, I was reminded of a lovely nest ornament I saw in Fireworks Gallery the other week and searched for a bird's nest pin. What could compliment this lovely orange-red better than a lovely blue-green robin's egg?

I stumbled across Christina's fantastic blog The Nest and found the most perfect nest brooch.

And lucky for me, after contacting her, she happily is selling me one of her hand-crafted gems! I cannot wait for it to arrive. Swing by this talented lady's blog sometime!

Swinging

2008-12-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Who says you can't embrace your inner child and attempt to be fashionable all in one try?
Coat:2005
Skirt: 2007
Boots: 2008

Realizing your butt is small enough to still sit into a baby swing? Never out of style.

Coats to Love

2008-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

With summer a mere memory, we face Fall and Winter head on. Here are some coats that make the prospect of longer evenings and colder weather bearable.

June Cleaver

2008-09-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

This dress by Isaac Mizrahi for Target is so June Cleaver. I love it. Very affordable. Under $50.
Pair it with your grandmother's brooch and some patent leather pumps by Michael Kors, some cherry red lipstick and a fabulous 'do and you are set.

"Vintagey" Things

2008-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Can I just express how much I love the word "vintagey"? It's not even a real word, but it makes sense when describing things. Especially these two numbers below. The dress, by Maeve, is a 1950's housewife meets glamor big band.

The second is a skirt by Corey Lynn Calter. The big trend seems to be silk skirts over tights with either chunky heels or boots. Lily says this skirt looks like the circus. I think it looks like Wonderbread packaging. There's something comforting about this frock. Can I just say how much I love the word "frock"?

Shoes to Walk In

2008-08-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Check out these gems from Anthropologie. They are adorable, and pretty practical - meaning, they don't look like they will cause any bunions, twisted ankles or deformed toes by walking in them. "Fashion is for the brave," my dear Bradford reminds me every time I meet up with him limping from some silly shoe I thought it would be fetching to run around town in.
And I adore the vintage look these shoes have. There is a wait for them, however... November!

Fashion is for the brave and patient...

Button Candy

2008-06-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

These are the latest buttons to make it into my craft drawer. I love them all. Trying to decide which to use on what and combing my closet to see if I have anything that may need new buttons sewed on.

Eye for an eye...a tooth for...

2008-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

A tooth!

While looking for the perfect bumble bee necklace on Etsy, I came across this lovely, albeit macabre necklace by Schmutzerland. I had to snap it up immediately. Might be kind of gross, but it's definitely unique. And I love the dainty little bow perched atop the pendant. I also love some of her other jewelry done in a victorian style.

Poppies, Poppies...

2008-06-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have become obsessed with poppies. Not only do they usually flaunt my two favorite colors of red and black, but I find them to be both a masculine and feminine flower. I also find that textiles and paintings of poppies are absolutely brilliant.

Check out a few wearable poppy accessories found on Etsy:

The first is a lovely Poppy Hairpin by the very talented Elizabeth Bonura

And then there are these small charming hairpins by VeryVintage

Miz Mooz Shoes!

2008-05-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Introducing the most comfortable shoe made for under $100. I love these little gems by Miz Mooz available here in different colors. I love how there is a kind of vintage look to these shoes. And they are, did I mention, comfortable!? Who knew that looking tres chic could happen to a wide footed gal like me. The shoes run about 1/2 a size larger, so since I wear a size 7, I had to get a size 6.5.

Cutest Buttons Ever!

2008-05-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

If you ever need a button for anything, check out these folks . Totally cute buttons for virtually any project.

Red Dress Revisited

2008-05-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

With this Spring's new florals in stores across the city, I resorted to looking at Ebay for some red dress ideas. The trick is to find a classic red dress that isn't too "Miss Saigon" looking. Meaning, no silk, no slits up the side and no sequins.

This is an old Anthro dress from about 2 seasons ago. I like the waist-enhancing bodice and the detailed eyelet fabric. I also like how the dress is shaped...almost 1950's classic.

This one is by Velvet and also from Anthro from last summer. Made of jersey knit, it would be quite comfortable, but what is up with the cleavage?

This one is by BCBG and also jersey knit. Might be quite a comfy sun dress.

I really should learn to sew.

Sweater Button Makeover

2008-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

In my attempt to bring Spring into the gray dreary Pacific Northwest, I bought a bright green sweater yesterday at OldNavy and proceeded to pluck the plastic green buttons off and replace them with some wonderful sparkley jeweled buttons. I think it makes quit a difference and turns and otherwise borderline obnoxious green sweater into a very sweet cardigan that will look lovely paired with a white or black dress. I think green is an 'in' color this year. I like it simply because it goes so well with black and looks snazzy when paired with gold or a deep red.

In Search of the Perfect Red Dress

2008-04-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm back to 1993, Senior Prom at my high school when all I wanted to wear to my prom was a floor length red dress. Unfortunately for me, short bubble dresses in metallic shades of purple, gold and silver were in. I finally found my red dress just a week before Jason Tyo took me to prom. It wasn't perfect. But it was long and red.

The same situation faces me now. No prom to go to, but my desire for a red dress is very much alive. And finding the right shade of red and the right cut is daunting at best. The color must be crimson red, not orange red. And the style of dresses these days seems warn out. It seems most dresses are empire waist which is getting old. Not to mention, I can't really wear empire waist dresses without feeling just a little bit like I am in maternity clothing.

This one at Anthro really is the closest thing I have found so far in my search for the perfect red dress.But it's way too expensive. Hopefully I'm the only oddball who wants a red dress for spring and it will be banished to the sales racks soon.

In My Next Life...

2008-03-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I will be graced with thin calves. Even in my 20's, at the top of my game, when I was thinner, it took a salesman and a crowbar to get me in and out of boots. Thankfully, I have found a shoe cobbler who can stretch the calf width of any boot.

Even though boot season is technically on the way out, I couldn't help but look and admire these lovelies on the Fluevog site.

Very much "Little House on the Prairie" meets urban hipster. Alas, they sport a 13 inch calf. Doesn't stop me from looking though!

Flowered Sweaters

2008-03-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

I love sweaters and the fun little things designers come up with to attach to them.
A lovely piece for someone with more guts than me. (On sale now at Anthropologie.com)

If I walked around town in that sweater, I'd feel like I was trying a little to hard to be this:

And speaking of SATC, I cannot wait to see some of the fashion they come up with. Are large flowers on clothing a thing of the past, ala SATC Season 3? Or will the fashion influences of the movie hold their weight? We shall see.

My Pet Zebra

2008-02-16T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ah, Betsey...
I love her cute little animal themed jewelry.

Passed by her downtown shop boutique where, sadly, I have one salesgal who knows me by name now. But I can't help it, her store is totally fun and relaxing. And since I currently work with a bunch of video gamer boys, Betsey is my dose of girly time during the day.

I Heart Paraphernalia

2008-02-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

In honor of February (the month o love), I am highlighting the jewelry maker, Paraphernalia over at Etsy. Their necklaces are so much fun and so unique. I ordered the goldfish necklace a while ago and love it. Basically, it is handmade, something akin to a shrinky dink, if any of you remember those. They also make personalized message necklaces as well.

D&G Satin Cami Dress!

2008-02-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

In the January issue of Bazaar Magazine, Lily Allen poses in this very Betty Paige inspired photo wearing D&G. She wears the dress well, don't you think? Thank goodness for women with curves! Love her.

Detailed photo of the D&G dress available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Confections!

2008-01-30T18:36:00.001-08:00

Check out this delicious number from Betsey Johnson's Spring 2008 show.and...

Note the similarities between her fabric confections and the sugar and flour confections from Trophy Cupcakes.

I love it when art imitates food and vise versa.

Skirting the Subject

2008-01-29T14:20:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd post a few snap shots of my favorite skirts I have collected over the past year from the sales racks at Anthropologie which, in my opinion is the only way to shop there unless you're rich or don't have to pay a mortgage and put food on the table. The great thing about skirts is you can wear them year round, as they look just as dandy paired with boots as they do paired with sandals.

I like this one because it reminds me of those 1970's embroidery pictures that my mom had hanging in the hallway at home. And, I love Hydrangeas.

Another embroidery skirt.
Fine detail in the stitching.

and...

My favorite yellow skirt with my favorite black boots.

Black Hearts for VDay

2008-01-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

I plan on wearing this new Betsey Johnson necklace to dinner on Valentine's Day. I know it's ultra hip these days to be against the holiday, however, it's really one of my favorite holidays because of all the red and pink combinations in store windows and the light hearted nature of making Valentines and daring to love. Also, it's the perfect excuse to get dressed up and go to dinner. Though I won't be wearing red or pink on February 14th. Wearing holiday themed colors is a little corny to me...I liken it to wearing those gawd awful Christmas sweaters in December. I realize this is hypocritical, as I will, however, wear a giant black heart necklace on Valentine's Day! But, since it's not a red heart necklace, it doesn't run the risk of being a holiday themed accessory.

More than likely, I will also wear this Kimchi & Blue dress (bought on sale for $24), my black cardigan sweater, tights, and my favorite, albeit a tad stiff, Frye Engineer boots. I like to mix frilly with slightly manly accessories like these motorcycle boots.

Understand, it's not my intention to wear all black in order to come off as being an intellectual a goth girl or artist, etc. But I do wear an awful lot of black all the time simply because it goes with everything, makes my skin look nice, and uh... on ordinary days, does a smashing job of hiding dirt. After all, I was never one of those gals who could wear white gracefully.

Betsey, Betsey, Betsey!

2008-01-28T13:24:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love Betsey Johnson. I first found out about Betsey Johnson when I was 14 and read an article about her and her daughter Lulu. BJ's style can best be described as fun and flirty. Her accessories look like candy and her dresses are adornments made for making a statement. Many of my favorite Betsey Johnson's frocks look like confections. Her latest creation that I am in love with is the Satin With Velvet Corset Dress. In real life, I wouldn't have any place to wear it, but in my faux fabulous world, I'd wear this with a little cropped black cardigan, black opaque tights and some flats. It also reminds me of this dress by Oscar De La Renta.

Girls in White Dresses...

2008-01-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start a personal fashion-minded blog. Mind you, I have no education in fashion, but have always been enamored with dresses and impossibly gorgeous fabrics. I can remember making clothes for my dolls at quite a young age; skirts, dresses, coats. Some of my doll clothing was made from scraps collected from under my mother's sewing machine and some of my best dresses for Barbie were made of toilet paper! Hey, tp was cheap and easy to come by in our house.

Currently, I work downtown and get off the bus one stop earlier just so I can pass by the beautiful store windows of Luly Yang.

Perhaps love of fashion just comes along with my love of art in general.

We'll finish off this first blog post with a rave review of Shadowbox Jewelry. Her pieces are exquisite, quirky and just amazing little works of art. Check her out.