Progress

Step 1: Turn white denim into cut-offs

Step2: Prepare watered down fabric paints

Step 3: Artistically splatter black paint

 

Step 4: Start layering with lighter color splats <3

Last Spring I was completely obsessed with three things; Alexander Wang, Meadham Kirchhoff printed leather jackets, and Balmain cut-offs. (I'm sure I wasn't the only one.) While still freezing my butt off at the end of last winter, I stock piled a bunch of materials for d.i.y. projects. I had big big plans for some old white Puma high tops, several pairs of denim, a clutch, a bucket bag, and the list goes on. Well things happened like they usually do in life and I only managed to bang out one pair of cut-offs. You can see them here. I really should have photographed the back since that looked more interesting, but you get the point; I didn't get much done! That is until the other day. I started project number two: The Action Shorts! I still have to finish the back side and then scribble on them a little with a fabric marker. After a good washing and some mending they should be looking pretty decent. I should have them done just in time for some truly cold weather!

It's funny how the onset of fall can remind one of all the summer projects still waiting to be started  <3

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Featured Artist: Thomas J. Gamble

Sketch for Cycling Commission

William, 2007

Self-Portrait, 2007

Since this is a blog mostly about fashion but also design, I have decided to feature an artist and personal friend of mine, Thomas J. Gamble. I have loved his use of pen and ink since high school, as well as his ability to represent the human form with an aesthetic that's truly unique. It's no wonder that he has recently taken on the task of creating portraits for commission. I strongly encourage everyone to check out his Tumblr page, PAVEMENT SAW.

<3 For The Arts!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Kate Spade: Aug

It's that time again bloggies! The Kate Spade pick of the month was tough because it was really hard not to choose the Westward Runaway Duffle. It was just too obvious. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, please refer to this link and get your head in the game! With the Westward collection aside, I chose the Bow Bridge Kennedy in every color, or more like every shade in this case. With fall approaching, this bag struck me as a great pick me up for the "back to work" vibe that everyone starts to feel at the end of summer. If you have to get back into work or school mode, you might as well treat yourself to something pretty and start off the season right <3

Bloglovin'...more like Baglovin'  <3

Instagrams and Simple Pleasures

I just can't seem to stay out of the tomato garden. As the season pushes the plants to the end of their edible life-spans, I want to spend every moment I can helping them along. Not only do I get to play outside in the sun, but then I get to take it all indoors and make a simple meal out of it.

Summer is the season for simple dishes with fresh flavor. All I did here was combine cooked spelt pasta spirals with fresh garlic and parsley that I warmed in olive oil. After chilling the pasta mixture, you add a little salt, some dried basil and oregano, black pepper if desired, cubes of farmers cheese or mozzarella, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. I served it with simple salads and a Hoegaarden. Meals like this always taste best when the ingredients come out of your own garden, or a local garden near by.

The kitchen and the garden are two of my most favorite places of all time <3 

My Uniform

So I know this is going to sound silly, especially because of the fact that this is mostly a fashion blog, but I kind of liked having a mandatory uniform when I was in high-school. Honestly, it just made things easier somehow. Let me take a moment to mention that I got off easy with mine. It's not like I was forced to wear a blend of hideous school colors in the form of a jumper that came down to my ankles. It was simple; simple in color (white and grey) and simple to pick out in the early morning. Most importantly I was pretty comfortable in it. I don't miss it, but I enjoyed my uniform during that period in time.

While I'm all too happy that I have discovered my own sense of style as an adult, I have come to realize that I still have fall back uniforms for certain occasions; mostly for when I'm being a photographer. It's a combination of what's practical and what makes me feel comfortable while I'm out shooting with a camera, and it usually looks something a little like this...

A high-waisted skirt with a longer hemline. A menswear inspired top. Slicked back hair. My glasses of course. A swipe of bold color on my lips and a severe look on my face. This is my uniform in the adult world and I find it funny that it still involves a school-girl inspired skirt <3

p.s.  These photos were taken by Tom at a friends birthday party. We were the unofficial event photographers for the evening!

Wedding What?

So most people that know me reasonably well are fully aware of the fact that I never really wanted a traditional wedding, in a traditional church, with a traditional white princess gown...it's just weird to even imagine! Until recently I never even thought much about marriage period. The only thing that has always been clear to me about the whole matter is what kind of dress I would wear if such an occasion should ever arise, and this post pretty much sums it up.

Ever since I saw the SS11/12 collection from Aje on the Gary Pepper Vintage blog, I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. So what has my picture-perfect wedding dress always been like you ask? Originally I pictured a mini-dress, possibly in white or something close by, with long sleeves and a boat-neck (please refer to image number two). I never really pictured anything too fancy and figured I would probably spend more on my shoes. But then I saw these beauties! So how about having a mini-dress with a train? How perfect is that? What I love most about all three of these dresses is that they all have such soft, muted color palettes, but their luxurious textures still grab the spotlight.

So for any of you ladies out there that are planning an unconventional wedding affair, let me recommend some of the dresses to you <3

Wedding Weekend!

So I am attending a wedding this weekend and I have been at a bit of a loss when it comes to outfit ideas. I have packed away the majority of my wardrobe and placed it in storage since I have been living a nomadic lifestyle recently. In an attempt to keep only a mix and matchable, suitcase sized wardrobe, I removed anything formal or fussy that just doesn't travel well. So that means no wedding appropriate dresses. I have managed to come up with a couple different options, one of which involves the fabric above, and another that involves some never before worn high-waisted, wide legged slacks. If only all the tough decisions in life were as fun as choosing an outfit!

Happy weekend to all <3