Chrome Meets Suit

A cyclist myself, I really dig cyclist gear in unexpected places - like this guy. Thanks for stopping, good luck in the rain!

At the Sock Hop

I have a long-running obsession with the 1950's - it all started with my mom throwing a sock hop with the PTA when I was in elementary school. What began as a poodle skirt and Peter Pan collar (when I find the evidence I will post it) evolved into knit wiggle skirts with angora sweaters and rhinestoned stilettos in high school. More recently I've been listening to lots of Connie Francis and saving pennies for a record player.

I found the above adorably innocent yet slutty dress by Bernie Dexter and thought I'd try to make something like it. So far I have this Vintage Vogue pattern, and I'm thinking I'll ditch the front placket altogether and slip a zipper in the side seam and somehow conjure a sweetheart neckline. Even better, if I can complete this by May for the Wanda Jackson concert.

Also in the works - a playsuit for my friend Courtney to wear at car shows this summer.

Comics Translated Into Fashion

The boyfriend and I went to the Emerald City Comicon this weekend, wheee! I was in a corset and hope to go all three days next year so that I can do more enjoyment, less shmoozing. I also effectively made myself out to be a complete psychotic idiot in front of Ben Templesmith - I think I may have told him I'm going to follow him home. Ben, if you're reading this, wherever in Seattle you are, I am so so very sorry. Anyway, I thought I'd try and make comics more approachable for my lady friends (and not-so-lady-friends). Links all attached, haven't figured how to make it open in a new tab, you'll have to right click that shit.

Crafts Shmafts

So I've been haphazardly immersed in embroidery. I say haphazardly because I always get the impression that I'm doing it wrong. OR atleast not as awesomely as I might (we're talking about the girl that will unravel an entire scarf over one crochet). So in lieu of New Year's resolutions I'm going to make belated 2011 craft resolutions.

1. Finish current embroidery projects and do lots of research to eventually do stuff like this

or this in embroidery form to blow away next year's Emerald City Comic-con

2. Teach myself to knit - surprisingly easy with youtube tutorials, etc. cuz I wanna do this

3. Make a couple vintage replica sundresses for the summer. This may or may not include reviving Grace or Penny. Especially: something madmen 1960's ala my girlfriend Joan Harris and something 1930's ala... the great depression.

except I'm of course more likely to do the Betty-style full skirt.

Thoughts, links, and fabric finds welcome!

Closet Visit

I must share my new favorite fashion blog - Closet Visit. LA resident, artist, blogger, and wonder-woman Jeana Sohn visits the closets of friends, friends of friends, and rumored stylish ladies about town to style, photograph, and interview them in their homes. The result is an intimate, vibrant, inspiring blog and I find myself reading... each post multiple times. She has managed to capture an LA aura I had chocked up to faux-Hollywood existence - chic, bohemian, quirky, and brilliant artistic women in little white houses.

My first girl-crush was Beatrice Valenzuela, a hand-crafted shoe designer, mother, and glowing beautiful being. Then Joanna Williams with her spectacular collection of delicate white vintage dresses - the spider-web beaded piece is spectacular. And so the obsession begins...

Consistent through the blog is soft pretty LA light filtering through the shots - something to be desired in Seattle this time of year. Also - Jeana's ability to invite seductive bursts of color that leave you begging for large turquoise rings, vintage silk scarves, strappy red heels, and orange anything.

Off daydream about moving to a 1940's house in the suburbs LA.
- IA

All images courtesy of Closet Visit - go give her some love.

okay, okay, okay

i haven't posted in ages - so sorry! currently my delightful boyfriend is moving in, so everything is topsy-turvy! look forward to pics of the re-arrange: all my rooms are moving. what used to be the living room will now be the dining room, my bedroom will become the lounge (aka: game room), and john and i are moving into my late roommate's bedroom.

let me leave you with these parting pictures for you absolute pleasure. courtesy of dior and jean paul gaultier.

homemade mayonaise

tell me i'm hardcore