Holiday Gift Guide

 

With much enthusiasm, I give you my Holiday Gift Guide!

I've been beyond excited about this post all day, but I absolutely wouldn't allow myself to post until I covered at least half of the material for my exam on Thursday.  When the halfway point came just a few moments ago, I practically closed my fingers in my book because I closed it so quickly.  You are probably wondering if I recognize the fact that I basically created a reward system for myself, with the reward being blogging.  The answer is yes, and I absolutely concede to the fact that this makes me a nerd.  So be it.

After begging my older sister to use her photoshop skills to make this for me, (thank you Krissy!) I put together several fabulous items that I've come across in my cyber shopping recently.  I tried to pick a few house related items, hobby related items and trend related items so that there is a gift for everyone.  Happy holidays!

1. John Robshaw journals for Barnes and Noble $16.95

2. Room by Emma Donoghue $11.99

3. Alice in Wonderland glasses - Urban Outfitters $5 each 

4. Knitted sloucy stitch jumper- Topshop £40

5. Skinny leopard print belt - Forever 21 $2.50

6. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Platform - Nasty Gal $130

7. Wire Quartz Ring - Topshop £6.50

8. Afternoon Fete Tea Set - Anthropologie $16 - $48

9. Rihanna's new album Loud $19.98 

10. Knitted rose sequin tunic - Topshop £120.00 

11. Premium black corset waistband trousers - Topshop £45

12. Fur Earmuffs - Nasty Gal $30

13. Cape Dress - Topshop £46 

14. MAC Nail Lacquer in Jade Dragon $15.50

15. Chiffon Oversized Button up - American Apparel $58  

 

Nicki Minaj's Wild Style

Fairmart library makes for a very uninspiring environment, so I needed a post that would wake me up.

While clicking through some of my favorite sites (procrastination isn't always bad you see), I came across Nicki Minaj and her newest do: bright orange hair.  That did the trick!

Nicki Minaj is a huge hip-hop artist packaged in a tiny 5'2" frame.  She's known for the many alter egos she likes to encompass when performing.  She has worked with Usher, Kanye West and Lil Wayne in an effort that has proven she can keep up with the boys.

Minaj is a wig-wearing wild child and her outfit choices always make a statement.  ELLE.com put together a slideshow of Nicki Minaj's Wildest Style Moments (which can be seen here).

If your tired eyes are in need of some awakening, her bright outfits will surely do the trick.  Needless to say, I adore Minaj and always look forward to her music and outfit choices.  A girl that can keep up with the boys while donning colored wigs is without a doubt a girl I admire.

Minaj is an artist in many facets of the word.

Hair problems? Wrap it up.

It's safe to say I have been cursed blessed with a full head of hair.

Unfortunately, I'm not that great at waking up to my alarm and I'm often rushed in the mornings as a result.  On the rare occasion that I do wake up with socially acceptable hair it's a great day, but most of the time I don't.  I usually have no time to make my messy bed head look somewhat controlled.  I throw it back in a bun, braid or something pretty lame; a turban is really what I need a lot of the time...

I've always been a fan of headbands as they cover my hair if I decide to go a day without washing it.  They're an accessory that tricks the world into thinking you've made an effort, but usually they're a girl's way of covering up her messy/dirty hair.

Lately, I haven't been able to find any headbands that are different.  The same little bows, feathers and sequined embellishments keep appearing on headbands.  I was frantically searching for a new trend in headwear when I finally came across the headwrap.  And guess what?  It's turban inspired - how perfect?

Let me start by saying a sincere thank you to whoever invented this fine headwrap.  It's effortless, covers the hair, can be worn with messy hair while looking cool, and did I mention it's actually the coolest hair piece I've ever come across?  No joke, I NEED to get my hands on one of these.

Headwraps have been around for a few years (WhoWhatWear did a piece about them in 2007 which can be read here) so I don't know where I've been on this trend.  I'm pretty disappointed with myself as I could have been wearing this awesome trend for three years now.  Better late than never?

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

[My brownies - don't you just want to take a bite?]

As far as baked goods are concerned, cookies are far and beyond my favorite.  I almost always choose to bake cookies over any other sweet, but as I grocery shopped with my older sister yesterday I spotted a tiny package of brownies that practically had me drooling. 

As I got closer to the package I noticed the brownies had small swirls of peanut butter intertwined in the rich chocolate layers.  The swirls truly looked as though they were painted through the chocolate, and I could smell the aromas of the peanut butter and chocolate through the packaging.

When I got home I researched a recipe for this peanut butter brownie and came across a Good Housekeeping one that seemed delectable.  (You can get the recipe here)  I didn't have the time or energy to make brownies from scratch, so I used a hershey's mixture and then made the peanut butter swirl from scratch with the recipe.

The brownies were truly amazing.  In fact, the taste was so irresistible that my mom had a piece with her breakfast this morning!  She wouldn't stop carrying on how they tasted exactly like a 'Funny Bone'.  I don't know what that even is so I told her she was aging herself- poor mom :(

Holiday Decorations

Yesterday was Black Friday, the day that promises some of the best shopping deals of the year.  Believe it or not, I didn't want to go shopping.  My stomach was still full with turkey and mashed potatoes, and I was more than content to sit at home with my family watching a movie.  Nevertheless, my sisters and my mom wanted to do a bit of Christmas shopping (the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree), so I agreed to tag along.

Several stores had some holiday decorations that were pretty neat.  Not only were they creative and festive, but some of them are easy to re-create at home.  My favorite was a wall layout created at our local Anthropologie store.  It was made up of disposable Solo coffee lids.  Luckily, I had my camera with me and I was able to snap some shots of all the decorations that caught my eye.  I also snapped some photos of little items in the stores that I liked too!  Watch my flickr slideshow to take a peek at the decorations and items that I found fun and festive.

Forgione Wins

[Foodnetwork.com]

This probably doesn't come as a surprise to many, but I am a reality t.v addict.  In fact, when choosing a topic for my blog I was extremely close to a blog concerning reality t.v.  You're probably wondering how I have so much spare time for all my addictions (fashion, food, reality t.v), but somehow I manage.

Last night was the season finale of the Next Iron Chef, one of my favorite programs in the world of reality television.  I was rooting intensely for Marc Forgione, a chef from New York City.  He has been my absolute favorite competitor from the very beginning of the season, and his dishes always have me drooling from the other side of the screen.

Not only do his dishes look delicious, but they're always crafted into beautiful works of art.  I think this really won him the competition last night as the judges were amazed at the colors and beauty he brought to life in a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast.

I couldn't wait to post the images from last night's kitchen stadium competition.  Forgione's calmness in the arena translated wonderfully into his picture perfect dishes.

[All images come from Foodnetwork.com]

See you later Short and Sweet!

[Maxi skirt by NastyGal]

[Mary Kate Olsen in a simple maxi skirt ensemble]

It's about time, the mini is out and the maxi is in!

Although I very much enjoy a mini skirt, I've been looking for a change in the skirt department for a while.  Don't get me wrong, leg bearing is fun and great but I'm fickle and needed a change.

I've always been a fan of the maxi dress so when maxi skirts started popping up recently I was beyond delighted.  Floor length dresses are very figure flattering and maxi skirts can have the same effect when worn properly.  Maxi skirts are a great combination of glam and grunge, a look that I always strive for.

The best tip I can offer when wearing a maxi skirt is to keep the ensemble simple and minimal.  Skirts with pattern or detailing must be paired with very basic tops.  Skirts on the simpler side can be combined with a little more detailing up top, but the maxi makes such a statement that it's better to keep it understated.

My favorite look is a neutral maxi skirt paired with a plain crop top and leather jacket.  Since I'm a bit partial to all things leopard, I love a leopard maxi skirt as well as long as it is worn with a simple white t-shirt and some plain gold jewelry.

Effortlessly Chic: Jumpsuits

As I attempted to get dressed for a night out last night I couldn't quite concoct an outfit that I was happy with.  I'd find a skirt or pair of pants that I was in the mood to wear but couldn't quite piece together a top that I liked with the bottoms.  Or, I'd find a shirt I was in the mood to wear but of course couldn't find a bottom that I liked with it.  As my frustration grew I knew what would be an easy solution: a jumpsuit.

Needless to say, I don't own a jumpsuit (unfortunately), so a romper with tights was my next best option.

Jumpsuits are the easiest item to simply throw on because it takes literally no thought.  I think many would agree that the outfits we don't spend too much time putting together and thinking about are always the best ones.  A jumpsuit in all its effortlessness is undeniably chic.

Jumpsuits can be casual or formal and can be worn by themselves or spiced up with some accessories.  In my opinion, it looks great to throw on a thick belt or a chunky sweater with a jumpsuit.  Below are a few of my favorite jumpsuits for the season:

1. Topshop Bandeau Jumpsuit
2. Topshop Slinky Jumpsuit
3. NastyGal Peachy Keen Jumpsuit
4. Urban Outfitters Open Back Jumpsuit

Coming on strong: Cat Eye sunglasses

It's a safe assumption that if you're into fashion, accessories are high up on your list of favorite things.  Bags, shoes, jewelry - you name it and fashionistas are addicted to it.

Although bags are without a doubt my favorite accessory, sunglasses don't fall too far behind.  Sunglasses can get tricky however, and when a new style emerges I'm always a bit skeptical about whether or not it will fit my face shape.

Finally, there is a sunglasses trend that can work on any shaped face!  Cat eye sunglasses are all over the face of every celebrity.  What makes these sunglasses so versatile is that there are two variations of them.  As explained on WhoWhatWear, (the article can be read here) cat eye sunglasses are appearing in a more bold 50s style but also in a wider 80s style- this makes them wearable on any shaped face.  What's also wonderful about this style of sunglasses is that they've been made in more dramatic shapes but also subtle shapes.  Designers recognize that these glasses make a bold statement so they've tailored them in a way that you can choose the kind of statement you want to make.

Personally, I like a bold statement.  So the higher and pointer the rim, the better in my eyes (no pun intended).

Here are my favorite versions of the cat eye sunglasses out right now:
The Row Cat Eye
Linda Farrow David Szeto
Linda Farrow Alexander Wang
Urban Outfitters Cat Eye
Tom Ford Nikita

OPI Burlesque Collection

I got my nails done yesterday and have been waiting to post about this ever since!

I'm a nail polish junkie so when a new line of colors comes out I'm always eager to see what it has to offer.  Around the holidays nail polish companies usually put out some fantastic lineups of reds but this season OPI pushed the envelope.  Instead of putting out their normal line of holiday reds they went a little crazier.

OPI, who has now made 3 film associated lines this year (the others were for Shrek and Alice in Wonderland), has created a line of nail polish in collaboration with the soon to be released film Burlesque.  The lineup includes 12 colors that are all loud and glittery.  Half of the twelve shades are all glitters, while the other half are more on the shimmer side.  The glitters are in colors like purple, blue and green, while the shimmers are more in tune with the holiday season and come in colors like red, plum and pumpkin.

All Lacquered Up a nail polish fanatic's dream blog wrote a post all about the Burlesque line, which can be read if you click on the link.  The post details how the polishes are designed to capture the essence of Burlesque and Cabaret, including that of the undeniably mesmerizing costumes.

When I got my nails done yesterday I put a layer of a solid Essie color first and then put one of the OPI Burlesque glitters on top.  It really made the glitter shade pop and my nails aren't sheer as a result, which I prefer.

On my nails right now is OPI Burlesque "Show it and Glow it!" and Essie's "Soul Mate".  My nails are a distracting shade of purple glitter and I couldn't be more pleased.

Chunky Knit Sweaters

Now that my exams are through I have plenty of time to dedicate to online shopping.  Well, I guess it's more like online browsing since I don't have the finances to purchase anything.  Thank goodness Christmas is around the corner!

WhoWhatWear, the site that truly began my fashion addiction put out a style stalking piece the other day with one particular outfit that caught my eye. (You can read the piece here)  The girl in the top right corner of the spread is wearing a chunky knit sweater with dark slim pants.  I love a relaxed ensemble done correctly and this particular girl nailed it.

WhoWhatWear makes a good point when they say that cold temperatures doesn't mean you have to give up on style.  It definitely becomes difficult to create an outfit that's trendy and warm enough come winter; it's hard to be motivated about fashion when all you want to do is keep warm.  Chunky knit sweaters layered over long sleeve shirts and thermals are the perfect solution.

Although chunky sweaters have been around for years, I've always had trouble finding ones that are just right.  Too often the sweaters are too bulky or remind me of something Mr. Rogers would wear.  Luckily that simply isn't the case this season.

Below are some of my favorite sweaters for the winter:
Topshop Knitted Chunky Sweater
Topshop Knitted Boxy Sweater
Thread Sence Cable Knit Sweater
Urban Outfitters Fisherman Sweater
Urban Outfitters Heart Sweater
Miss Selfridge Bobble Sweater

Keeping Cozy

Topshop Faux Fur Earmuffs

Topshop Faux Sheepskin Mittens

With temperatures in the 30's last night and low 40's today it's safe to say winter is right around the corner.

Needless to say, I was entirely unprepared for the cold, windy weather today.  After my ten minute walk back from class (it felt more like twenty with the wind whipping against my face), I jumped onto my laptop to search for fun yet practical winter accessories; but not before I made myself a piping hot glass of hot chocolate.

I was pleased to find a plethora of winter accessories in tune with the trends for the upcoming season.  Faux fur hats, earmuffs and hand warmers were amongst many of the winter lookbooks of my favorite sites.  Chunky, knitted scarves were draped on nearly all of the models' necks too.

It's safe to say that everything you need to keep warm and cozy is available this upcoming season, and the best part is you can stay fabulous all the while.

Check out Topshop.com and Threadsence.com to see where I drew my inspiration for today's post.

50's Glamour

While reading some of my favorite blogs I came across a new one: Bette's Vintage Line.  As one of its main components, it has a lot of really outstanding images of fashion related photography.  It wasn't long before one of the shoots caught my attention.  The shoot, dedicated to 50s glamour fashion, took my breath away.  I scrolled through picture after picture in awe of the fashion, scenery and overall mood of the images.

The photographs have a very vintage feel.  The whole shoot takes place on a beach and the girls are all wearing 50s inspired clothing.  The models have full red lips, winged eyeliner, curls typical of a 50s housewife and pearls around their necks.  Their shorts and heels are high and their skirts are full.

The first thing that stood out to me is how they transformed 50s into a pinup/glam look.  Even better, they managed to make this happen on a beach setting.  The beach is a totally different setting than one would imagine for a pinup glamour style shoot.  As I was scrolling through the images, I felt as though the whole shoot shook up conventional roles of the 50's housewife.

What's even more interesting is that the models are posing seductively and confidently, not something typical of a woman of the 50s.  I could see the images driving some truly cultural conversation, which is why I am so inspired by them.  I look forward to adding Bette's Vintage Line to my blogroll and am excited about any inspiration I may receive from her fashion photography finds in the future.

Quinn's personal style

Quinn Young is a friend of mine here at Lehigh.  I used to admire her from afar before we were even acquaintances because she simply has a presence.  Quinn has a style that I both adore and envy.  It is put-together and classy but still a bit eclectic.

Quinn is soft-spoken and seems a bit shy, but she is actually quite witty.  I was excited to conduct an interview with her because I'm always interested to know how people define their style.  As those of you who read this blog know, I'm all about inspiration.  I was eager to here where Quinn draws her inspiration and who's styles she most admires.

Listen in on the interview to find out who Quinn's style icons are, what her favorite fall trends were, what trends she's looking forward to for the spring, and how she really defines her own personal style.

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Holiday Sequins

[Nicole Richie in a gold sequin dress]

[Silver sequin dress - can be found on Nordstrom.com]

Call me crazy, but with the holidays quickly approaching I've got one thing on my mind: sequins.  A holiday outfit always needs a bit of sparkle and I think sequins are that perfect touch of shine.

In my opinion, holidays are all about luster.  Take the sparkling lights on a Christmas tree, or the glossy wrapping paper underneath it.  And how about the shimmering candles for the Jewish holiday?  You see, holidays are all about luster.

I may be early, but I always love to plan an outfit way in advance for the holidays.  It may be because I'm anxious and eager for the holidays to come, but it's probably because I know I'll run out of money quickly in buying all my family members presents.  Therefore, the outfit needs to be chosen now. 

This year I want to go big: I want a sequin dress! (see above for inspiration) I love a long sleeved sequin dress worn with dark tights and suede pumps or wedges just the way Nicole Richie did it above.

For those of you who are fearful of an ensemble covered in sequins, try a red nail polish with sparkles or a sequined accessory.  You simply can't go wrong with a touch of sparkle around the holidays.

My favorites: Bags

When it comes to accessories, bags are without a doubt my favorite.  In fact, I'm shocked it's taken me this long to write about them.

It's difficult for me to even begin this post because I don't know where to start- maybe that's why I haven't wrote about bags yet.

I love a big hobo bag for everyday because I always carry around a ridiculous amount of stuff.  A big hobo bag sends off a very relaxed vibe and I like to think my style is based around that.  At night, I can get by with a small clutch bag but I definitely prefer bigger bags to smaller ones.

I prefer bags in basic colors like blacks and browns, but a colorful bag catches my eye every once in a while.  I love to take an all black or neutral outfit and add a pop of color with a bright or patterned bag.

Believe it or not, something that really stands out to me in a bag is the zippers and other hardware.  Big bold zippers and other hardware make a statement and I'm usually attracted to that.

Bags are absolutely the ultimate accessory.  Below are my top three favorite bag lines:
1. Rebecca Minkoff
2. Balenciaga (I dream of the day when I'll own one)
3. Be & D

Spring Fever

Images from ELLE magazine spring 2011 trend report

In the fashion world everything is done so far in advance.  Orders are placed now for the spring, so it's no wonder spring 2011 trends are already popping up everywhere.

I was reading ELLE's spring 2011 trend report today and was giddy with excitement.  I'm happy to announce that we can expect to see lots of lace, blue jean and sheer fabrics.  We can also expect to see a continued comeback of 70's inspired clothing and "tomboy toughness" as ELLE calls it, which is a punk inspired look.

I'm most looking forward to the sheer fabric trend and the lace trends.  When it starts to get warmer out I love to layer a sheer top over a fun bandeau or bustier.  Lace is exquisitely feminine and I've always loved a touch of it in an ensemble.  What's truly different about this year's use of lace is that it's constituting the entire outfit rather than just a part of it. 

I'm probably least looking forward to wild animal prints such as zebra and snakeskin.  I think these are repeated trends and frankly, I'm over it.

Clever Costumes

Jester costume- American Apparel

With Halloween quickly approaching, creative costume ideas have been all I can think of.  Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and the thrill of picking out a costume is something I look forward to all year.  I love the idea of taking on a role that isn't your own and becoming absorbed in it for just a day.

As a little girl, I dressed up as a princess, a motorcycle chick, a cheerleader, Princess Jasmine (I think I wore that costume at least 3 Halloweens in a row), a witch and many other costumes typical for young girls.  As I get older, I find it more challenging to find a costume that I think is appropriate and unconventional.  I don't want to be a witch or a maid- I want something truly clever.

In more recent years, I feel as though my costumes have been put together last minute because I can never quite find something that I really want to be.  I tend to throw something together last minute and never truly feel absorbed in the character I am supposed to be personifying.  This year however, I want that to change; I really want a costume that is put together well and cohesive.

As I was online shopping this morning I came across brilliant costume ideas on American Apparel's website.  The designers put together some really innovative ideas with pieces from their site.  Their ideas are so well thought out and there's really a costume for everyone.  They have ideas for kids, men and women.  There are some more typical costumes, like a witch for women, and some more unconventional costumes like an archaeologist for men.

The best part is that you can get 15% off when you buy the entire suggested costume.  Not to mention that a lot of the pieces you will purchase can be added to your wardrobe after Halloween; they don't need to be put away in a costume bin because they're really not a costume.

My personal favorites are the bellydancer costumes and the jester costumes.  Check them out for yourself here.

Lipstick lovin'

Chanel Coco Rouge lipstick

There's something about lipstick that gives a look an instant touch of glam.  I've always been a little intimidated to wear lipstick and I tend to believe its because I grew up in a more lipgloss oriented generation.  In fact, many cosmetics companies are attempting to lure my generation back into the lipstick market. 

I'm never sure when it's considered appropriate or too much to wear a bold lipstick, which is probably why I avoid wearing it.  Although I don't think there will be a time soon where I want to wear lipstick everyday, I do love it for a night out and special occasions.

Lipstick is timeless and I look forward to a time where I don't feel as intimidated to wear it more regularly. In the meantime, below are my favorite lipstick colors for fall.

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
-Gwenyth Paltrow

1. M.A.C Venomous Villains
2. M.A.C Cunning
3. Nars Jungle Red
4. M.A.C Creme de Nude
5. YSL Rose Bergamasque
6. Chanel Coco Rouge (the entire collection is amazing)

Style stalking: Sienna Miller

Sienna's outfit choices push the envelope

I love her red lips here

Sienna Miller's boho braids and natural makeup

A more classic look for Sienna

Sometimes I try to pick out an outfit but feel relatively uninspired.  If I feel this way I try to look to some amazing stylish celebrities for inspiration.  I head to Google images, type in a name and click on picture after picture for some style ideas.  One of the celebrities I almost always "style stalk" is Sienna Miller.  Sienna Miller is a style goddess and I don't think anyone could disagree.

Ever since the first time I watched Factory Girl I have been in awe and envy of Sienna Miller's effortless beauty.  Sienna is stunning both on and off the red carpet.  She can rock a pixie cut or long messy waves.  She can work a smokey eye or no makeup at all.  She looks amazing in a maxi dress or jeans paired with a blazer.  I guess it's safe to say I have a bit of a crush on her.

Sienna is probably most famous for her boho look.  She has the ability to make any outfit cool with the use of her accessories.  She carries enormous bags, wears large sunglasses and is a huge fan of scarves or jewelry.

The coolest thing about Sienna's style is that she always seems comfortable and confident in what she's wearing.  Sienna is fearless in the world of fashion and I applaud her for that.

Can't get my mind off of RRR.

Pieces from the RRR line. Can be found on the Rachel Roy website.

Anything designed by the beautiful and talented Rachel Roy has always caught my eye.  She designs pieces that are funky enough for a night out, but appropriate enough to be worn to the office.

Rachel Roy has a couple of to-die-for lines but my particular favorite is her Rachel Rachel Roy (RRR) line.  Within that line, I cannot get enough of her jewelry.  The pieces create synergy between strength and femininity.  In her ability to create such harmony her creative genius is evident.

The Rachel Rachel Roy jewelry truly speaks for itself (you can check it out here).  The pieces are incredibly feminine with details such as crystal embellishments, or dramatically hard with aspects like skulls and chains.  The line incorporates mesh, lace, ribbon, jewels, spikes, studs and other out-of-the-box elements.

Rachel Roy is quoted to have once said, "My biggest influences are strong, creative women that chart their own path, lead their own lives and drive the course of history."  I love this quote and I LOVE her line.  I couldn't pick my favorite piece so I included many above but be sure to check out the whole line for yourself!

Tricky Trend: Playful prints and patterns

http://bit.ly/cagkYC

Though mixing prints and patterns is considered a fashion faux pas to many, lately I've come to disagree.  When done correctly, mixing prints and patterns can make for a notably playful ensemble.  This combination look was all over the runways at NYC fashion week and I'm glad to see a rule- breaking trend emerging.

In order to mix appropriately and correctly within an outfit, it is important to create balance.  For instance, if you're wearing a striped shirt and leopard print flats then it's necessary to balance it out with a plain, simple jean.  If your shirt and pants are two different patterns, you can balance it out with plain shoes, a simple hairstyle, a classic blazer or a plain belt.

Fashionistas beware of the tricky trend; the mixture look is fabulous but can quickly turn into a tangled mess when done so incorrectly.

The ELLEments of Personal Style

[http://bit.ly/9eVjAk]

Since my entire blog is dedicated to sources of inspiration I couldn't stop myself from writing about this book when I came across it today.

If you know me, you know that I'm a reader; I love to sit down with a good book.  For me, a book has the ability to place me in an entirely unknown world yet make me feel as though I am a part of it.  Not to mention books are just another source of influence in my life.  The sense of escape that seems to emerge while reading is something that never gets old.

ELLE's new book The ELLements of Personal Style is a book that will be on the top of my Christmas list. (Is it too early to start making one? I think I've mentioned it in several blog posts now)  I have no doubt that it will be a plethora of unimaginable fashion, incredible home decor, the best beauty secrets and more.  I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy.

Imagine an entire book dedicated to inspiration, it's as though it were made for me.

Creating a clutch

8:12 pm Kristine made a basic envelope snap clutch with some crystal embellishments in about an hour and a half.  It has been both fun and interesting to watch my sister show me what she does everyday.  I am inspired by her ability to make amazing pieces all while doing what she loves.

8:12 pm Kristine places the lining inside of the leather and topstitches the top edge.  The lining is now secured.  She drops it into the bag and the bag is COMPLETE!

8:08 pm Using a very thick hand sewing needle, Kris will now sew crystals in different sizes and shapes onto the flap.  She tells me this is purely for decoration.  For the sake of this demonstration, she only sews on one of the crystals.  At a later date she will go back and sew the rest to finish the bag.

8:07 pm Kristine inserts the snap into the leather. 

7:56 pm I always knew my sister was talented, but I am still amazed at how well she has put together this bag in such a short amount of time.  Not to mention, she's doing this out of our basement.

7:54 pm With the needle replaced, Kristine has finished sewing the leather pieces together.  She will now sew the lining together.  This will be easier and quicker, she tells me, because it's fabric as opposed to leather. 

7:47 pm Kristine laughs and tells me that because she was rushing she broke the needle.  She will need to replace the needle which will set her back about five minutes.

7:36 pm Kristine is about to sew the seams of the front and back of the leather to each other.  This will take about 15-20 minutes she tells me, so stay tuned readers!

7:35 pm With double stick tape, Kris tapes the felt to the leather on the inside.

7:26 pm Using a skiving machine Kris thins out the edges of the leather.  I ask her why this is done and she says it guarantees that the seems will not be bulky.  NOTE: Kristine is kind of rushing this project for the sake of demonstration and time.  If she were making this bag for purposes other than to demonstrate to me she would be taking more time she tells me.

7:20 pm Kristine uses the original pattern (the one without the allowance) for tracing onto the felt.  She then proceeds to cut the felt in this pattern.

7:15 pm The leather cutting is a little difficult.  I'm amazed how well my sister works with her tools and how natural this seems to her.  She now traces the pattern (the one with the allowance) onto the twill fabric and cuts those out as well.

7:06 pm Kristine traces the new pattern pieces (which contain seam allowance) on to the leather and then proceeds to cut the front and back piece from the leather with the exacto knife.

7:02 pm Kristine traces both pieces onto new pattern paper and adds a quarter of an inch for seam allowance on each.  I ask her why she needs the seem allowance.  It's important to cut seam allowance, she explains, because when you sew the two pieces together some of the fabric will be lost in the seam.  You need to account for this when creating the pattern and cutting the fabric or else the bag will be smaller than intended, Kristine tells me.

7:00 pm Kristine adds 8 inches to the top of the pattern she just drew for the back side of the bag.  This will be the fold-over flap of the clutch. Kris has now created both a front and back piece for the bag.

6:54 pm She now traces this shape on another flattened and scored piece of pattern paper.  This will eventually become the back of the bag.

6:53 pm Kristine cuts the newly drawn pattern from the scored pattern paper with the exacto knife.  She unfolds the scored paper.  In doing so, what has been cut to one side is cut symmetrically to the other.

6:50 pm Kristine has pre-drawn a sketch of the bag she wants to make.  She now draws half of that shape on the scored pattern paper.  The scored paper has a fold and Kris is only drawing on the top side of the folded paper.

6:48 pm Kristine begins by cutting the pattern paper, which comes on a large roll.  She then straightens/flattens the paper with her ruler.  She then begins to score the paper.  I had no idea what scoring was, so I asked her to explain and included a link above to better explain it for my readers.

6:46 pm Kristine has pre-purchased leather (for the outside of the clutch), felt (for the layer in between), and a twill fabric (for the lining of the bag).  She has also purchased thread, crystals of various shapes and sizes (for embellishing the clutch), and a snap, which will be used to shut the clutch.  Kristine owns pattern paper, an aluminum ruler, an exacto knife and a pencil among many of her other art supplies from school and work.

The real Jersey Shore

This past weekend was unbelievably refreshing.  The Jersey Shore may get a bad reputation, but where I'm from is the real Jersey Shore.  The real Jersey Shore is in fact charming and peaceful and being home felt nothing short of fabulous.

While at home, I started my days early with runs on the local boardwalk.  Running in 70 degree weather with a slight breeze behind your back cannot be described in any way other than perfect. 

During the day, I shopped with my sisters and ate meals at all my favorite restaurants in the area.  We also pampered ourselves with manicures and pedicures.  (Don't worry, I chose a color that is in tune with the fall trends.  I'm wearing a shade of purple!)  The most interesting store we made a visit to was an antique shop in Red Bank.  We're re-doing my bedroom at home and my mind is all over the place in which direction I want to take my room.  I was really hoping to find some inspiration amidst the antiques.

I was immediately drawn to the countless antique mirrors and vintage magazine collections.  I want to collect a bunch of antique mirrors and display them the way Emily from cupcakes and cashmere does here.  There was also an incredible antique globe that caught my eye.  The globe was gold and had clocks monitoring the time zones of the world.  My sisters teased me for the fact that the globe was my favorite piece in the entire store, but I found it strange that they couldn't get away from vintage beads.

At night, I most often stayed at home on the couch with my dog, my mom and sisters.  We enjoyed countless episodes of trashy television, much to my mom's dismay.

As the long weekend comes to a close, I realize how inspired I am by my surroundings at home.  My environment, I realize, had me wanting to blog about little aspects everyday.  Since I've started this blog I've been looking for inspiration in all sorts of places, and although I've found it in those places being at home made me realize how much of it has been right under my nose too.

Liveblogging

I'm really looking forward to liveblogging tomorrow while my older sister, an accessory designer makes a clutch bag.  It should be really fascinating to watch (and blog about) her creative process.  Follow along with me if you're interested!

Music in fashion

DJ Necklace: Threadsence.com

Hey DJ Triple Finger Ring in Brass: Threadsence.com

Music Notes Two Finger Ring: Threadsence.com

Although music and fashion may seem to have little in common, they are surprisingly alike.  Each are a means of expressing yourself universally and each give rise to new trends.

Music and fashion have one very major aspect in common: creation.  It always excites me when two creative mediums overlap as the possibilities for creation immediately become endless.  

Today's post is dedicated to a trend I've been seeing more and more of, that of accessories which reflect aspects of music.  I think these accessories are really playful and fun.  I feel they're great for fashionistas who are musicians and/or fans of music and want to reflect this fact in their everyday lives. 

I can picture a DJ wearing the triple finger ring (above) while turning tables in a club in LA or NYC.  I can see a music student at Julliard wearing the music notes two finger ring (above) while practicing her violin before her next performance.

Whether it be through fashion, music or art, creative mediums have the ability to express feelings or thoughts which cannot be put into words.