Power to the Flower

Artists in the apparel industry are currently coloring fashion's palette with bright hues and flirty floral details.

Marc Jacobs enters Spring 2011 appropriately, as he gives power to the flower.  Out of his 56 looks, here are a few of my favorites:

The fresh color combinations in this collection are captivating!

This gown flowers in flowing chiffon, 

and blossoms with bright cuff and belt detail

The sun appears to kiss its neckline, 

as rays of gold glitter trickle down the bodice.

The stiff elements of this garment juxtapose the chiffon gown,

YET both looks add to the bouquet of Jacobs' incredible collection.

The floral details are consuming.

These belts wrap the garments together 

as a cohesive element to ground the collection in a new light.

Jacobs has fertilized the soil, so be expectant for floral and flirty trends to bloom this coming spring.

View the complete collection at http://www.style.com.

...

Please also take note of some incredible jewelry artists' work.

JULIA BARELLO

Abcisio
2007
MRI film, monofilament
21" x 21" 

Paramythia
2007
dyed x-ray film, monofilament
20" x 20" 

.

Echinacea
2008
dyed medical imaging films
21" x 21"

Julia Barello's use of unexpected materials such as medical imaging films makes a statement that beauty can be uncovered by anyone with a passionate vision and motivation to transform ordinary into extraordinary.

View more of Barello's unique art at http://www.juliabarello.com.

Fiasco Magazine

FIASCO MAGAZINE

See an expanse of more incredible editorial shoots at http://www.fiascomag.com/.

Beauty in the Unexpected

Sunset in Martha's Vineyard

The colors are enhanced by a frame of weed and vine

Fall Rose Bloom

Petals textured with drops of rain and hue brightened with the crisp autumn air

Naches Sky 

Anchored down and broken apart by the geometric shapes of the bridge

...

The editing and combination of these photos are inspired by Rihanna's new video Only Girl (In The World).  Gorgeous!...unexpected.

Eyes Wide Open

"I aim to live with eyes wide open."
So, what does this mean?  How does a person live in such a way?

I believe author Markus Zusak authors an impressive response to this question in his book The Book Thief.

At the beginning of his text, Zusak writes:

People observe the colors of a day only at its beginnings and ends, but to me it's quite clear that a day merges through a multitude of shades and intonations, with each passing moment.  A single hour can consist of thousands of different colors. Waxy yellow, cloud-spat blues. Murky darknesses.  In my line of work, I make it a point to notice them.

 Each page peaks with metaphors, similes, and characterizations such as these:

"The graying light arm-wrestled the sky."

"The sky was like soup, boiling and stirring.  In some places, it was burned.  There were black crumbs, and pepper, streaked across the redness."

"...streets that looked like oil-stained pages."

"Curtains of rain were drawn around the car."

"The moon was undone now, free to move and rise and fall and drip on the boy's face."

"The soft-spoken words fell off the side of the bed, emptying to the floor like powder."

With words Zusak paints a picture, a piece of artwork.  His senses open to the rhythm of the world, as he illuminates his surroundings with meaning.  The author makes a point to see the raw color of life in every waking moment.

Make your own medley of words, as you poetically describe the fall air, a lit candle, or simply a parking lot.  You never know what you might see--what inspiration you could glean.

*Images I have taken in Seattle over the years

Bargain Hunting Pair

Yakima, Washington has an abundance of antique stores and thrift shops just waiting to be perused.  Not ones to sit back and let an opportunity pass us by, my friend Kaitlyn and I set off to do a little treasure hunting.

Once noted as the "dynamic duo" in high school, today we became a bargain hunting pair, as we headed downtown to do a little shopping.

Stopped mid-shop, Kaitlyn was described by a store attendant as being quite "glamorous".  She lived up to her name, as she found some fine fashionable finds.  These include a colorful, intricately designed plate, a sharp shirt jacket, a cozy over-sized button-up sweat shirt, and a vintage leather purse.  Nicely done!

I also found some great things.  I scored a high-waisted black wool skirt and  pair of peg leg trousers for only $1 each!  I also purchased a gorgeous pair of vintage suede Via Spiga shoes for $6 and a chunky cable-knit sweater for $1.

My highlight from our afternoon was found in a gorgeous yellow gown from the 1940's and a silk cape with fur trim.  Paired together, these items were golden!  I pulled the garments from their rack and headed for the dressing room (yes, I'm a girl that loves to play dress up).  

Kaitlyn along with other shoppers pointed out how much the outfit simulated Bell's ball gown from Beauty and the Beast.  This being said, I was asked to model the outfit for the store to see.  The ensemble fit like a glove!  The dress was beautiful as was the silk/fur cape.  A fellow shopper even found a yellow button-up shirt for my "date" to wear.  It was 2:30 in the afternoon in downtown Yakima, Washington, and I was ready for the ball!

Though the dress and cape was not purchased (for practical reasons), the bargain-hunted pair headed home with a bag-full of treasures and a fun-filled afternoon.  Another thrift shopping trip was dubbed successful!

Shadows and Shades

Here is another set of images from the photo shoot with photographer Sean Watson....  

Shadows and Shades of black Shape a Sultry yet Sinister mood.  

...

Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2010 Collection also creates a dark statement in their use of black, lace, and lingerie inspired details.  

D&G

The look is appropriate for the looming holiday of Halloween.  

Halloween Pin-up Girl

Be sure to check out Watson's upcoming magazine release on 

October 31st!

Dressed-up: from Colorful Eclectic to Realistic Edge

In working with the multi-talented Sean Watson, I had another opportunity to collaboratively style a colorful photo shoot of vintage finds.  A variety of hues, textures, and decades are represented in each ensemble creating a layered and dynamic look.  

The first three garments are meant to inspire a doll-like impression.  The fourth look in this series loses its innocence and rigidity of the doll, as an edgy yet still playful female emerges.

Wearing:  

Grandmother's Gold Purse 

Great-Grandmother's Fur Belt

1960's Ruff & Cuffs

1950's Gloves

1980's Wool Skirt

1940's Leg warmers

1980's Shoe Clips

Grandmother's Gold Necklace

1960's Sheer Tent Dress with Rhinestone Cuffs

1990's  Purple Unitard

1950's Velvet Bow Hat with Veil

1960's Feathered Hat with Brown Bow Detail

1950's Silk Shorts

Quilted Jacket (unidentified decade or designer)

*The first three looks (minus the shoes) were created with less than $25.

1970's Lingerie Top

1940's Silk Scarf Detail

I had a blast working with Sean and his effortless creativity.  Photography, graphic design, video collages, online magazines...you name it.  Watson's artistic passion drives him past typical bounds.  View his work at http://www.swatsonphoto.com/.

Weed Out your Wardrobe to Bloom in Style

Clear out your closet and cleanse the clutter in your life.  It’s time to weed the unnecessary out of your wardrobe, so your favorite staples have a chance to flourish. 

After living out of a suitcase 6 months out of this year, moving out of a house, and making numerous trips from home to Seattle, I have become a master packer.  Piles of the “I might wear this” have to be whittled down to the basics for a more effortless trip and lighter load.  What I’ve learned from my seemingly nomadic lifestyle is that excess “stuff” is unnecessary.  

Vivienne Westwood made a valid point last winter when she encouraged shoppers to “only invest in quality pieces that would last in order to avoid unnecessary waste” (Vogue.com).  While her statement is rooted in an environmentalist perspective, she also proves a fashion-forward point.

So! Step Number One: Sift through your wardrobe and make 3 piles of the clothing: 1. For the garments you wear often 2. For those that you seldom wear and 3. For those which you are indifferent about.   

Do you see a pattern?  In the “keep” pile you should be able to mix and match with ease.  (Of course, you will have those few statement pieces that serve well on their own).  Now search through your pile of “indifferent”.  Slowly add in the garments that you think would enhance your “keeps” or staples.  This process will allow you to solidify your style, making you more aware of missing pieces as well as avoidable expenditures for the future. 

Step Number Two:  You have a few options.  If you are a business savvy individual, start listing items for sale on E-bay.  If this isn’t for you, pack your pile of “seldom worn” apparel in a bag and head on over to your local consignment shop.  Another noteworthy option would to donate your unwanted goods to a charity.  http://charityguide.org lists numerous outlets for charitable clothing donations. 

Step Number 3:  Now that your closet is free from excess, it is time to style your wardrobe.  According to WWD Spring 2011 “is looking urban, modern, and functional”.  Neutrals play a large role, allowing for a freedom to layer. 

Elle Tahari, Jenni Kayne, and Stella McCartney each freshly define such adjectives in their Spring 2011 collections.  Look through their collections for further inspiration.  

Elie Tahari

Jenni Kayne

Stella McCartney

Now that you are organized and inspired, it's time to stir the economy and shop for the staples that will allow you to effectively complete a dynamic wardrobe.  Keep Westwood in mind, being sure not to spend your money on unnecessary purchases.  

Step Number 4 (optional):  While you are on this cleaning kick, why not lend a hand to your grandmother?  Spend a day hearing stories from her past, as you look through furs, dresses, and jewelry from the 40's and 50's.  You never know what kind of treasures the two of you will uncover.  

Please see the next blog post for a few examples of family heirlooms becoming fashionable fifty years later.

Fall Feature

The Northwest.  

Raw, clean, clear air.  

Fresh, crisp, colorful vegetation.  

Natural, rich, textured landscapes.

Washington state is a beautiful haven of nature's finest.  Green trees, blue waters, and strong mountains create a land of diversity.  I am continuously amazed by the scenery on my drives between Yakima and Seattle.

Rolling hills surrounding Yakima Valley

The sun shines its face on the Yakima Valley  

Tree tops touching the clouds on top of Snoqualmie Pass

Change breathes a fresh breath on this season, as fall casts its cool temperature and misty air across the land.  The sun's smoldering rays are tucked away in hibernation, while Northface fleece jackets, boots, and jeans are pulled out of the closet.  

Along with the natural environment and its outdoor activities comes a comfort-driven style.  No, the Northwest is not known for its fashion sense, but this season it should be given accolades.

90's grunge has returned!  Designers around the world are reincarnating Seattle's staple style, making grunge a trend on the catwalk for this season and next.  Elements such as plaid, leather, denim, metal studs, deconstruction, etc. are apparent in Fall 2010 collections by Balmain & Just Cavalli and Spring 2011 collections by Balenciaga, Balmain, and Jean Paul Gaultier. 

Balmain Spring 2011

+ + + + +

I was given the opportunity to work with Seattle photographer Tom Hanser to create images that feature another dose of affordable fashions combined with a few trends worth noting for this fall.  The shoot was set against a fresh backdrop at the beautiful Golden Gardens.

Red & Black Plaid Scarf: $7 (Filene's Basement)

Denim Corset Top: $5 (Greece)

90's Vintage Denim Skirt: $20 (London Thrift Shop)

Black Cape: My own design

Levi's Knit Hat: $8 (Sale at Levi's)

Vintage Plaid Shirt: $3 (Value Village)

Grey Undershirt: $5 (Target)

Black Skirt: $15 (WAREHOUSE)

Vintage Waist Belt: $2 (Salvation Army)

Vintage Beaded Bow (pinned to shirt): $2 (Fremont Market)

Thigh High Socks: $5 (Top Shop)

Wool Leg Warmers: $15 (see Prada Fall 2010) (Greenwich Market)

Brown Studded Shoes: $7 (London)

60's Vintage Head Scarf: $2 (Fremont Market)

Vintage Ivory Oversized Knit Sweater: $6 (Value Village)

Vintage Miriam Haskell Chain: $7 (Fremont Market)

40's Vintage Leg-warmers (worn as cuffs): $4 (Antique Store)

Wide-legged Denim: $2 (Clearance at T.J. Maxx)