DIY Idea: Bejeweled Ballet

I'm definitely attracted to sparkles, and when you combine that addiction to the one I have for ballet flats, it's a bad day for my wallet. One of my New Year's resolutions is to alter more. Today is the selection for the summer issue of Altered Couture, and I noticed we had some shoes that hit the mark when it came to being trendy and DIY friendly.

Designer shoes featured here with jewels are from Miu Miu, Marni, Lanvin, Tory Burch, and my dream shoes from Juicy Couture (Jade and Alleah http://www.shopbop.com/). I will be scouring ebay to find these. But other really cool ideas for embellishing your flats come from Chloe and Lanvin who use chain detailing and chiffon to pump up the volume on these flats. Just because there's no heel, you can definitely add a lift to your step and add drama by decorating a pair of otherwise boring soles.

If you need a little help, I' d like to recommend this site I came across, http://www.switchflops.com/. Here you can customize your flats with snap on embellishments. Take 'em off or keep 'em on or switch them up. It's a great idea. For more inspiration stay tuned to the Summer edition of Altered Couture and see how these flats from Margot Silk Forrest (http://glittersweatshop.typepad.com/sassy_feet_blog/) were created.

If this post makes you alter your flats, feel free to send them in by 3/15/10 for the next Altered deadline. I'm thinking brooches, vintage jewelry, scraps from clothing and faux pearls are in order for these recreations. Happy altering!

The Little Things

I do not believe in coincidence. I believe things happen for a very deliberate reason, even though it may not be clear. At this time of year when we are giving thanks, blessed with gifts, and look forward to a new year with an abundance of hope, I was subtley reminded to hold close the little things in life, as these are the moments, tidbits that will add up to a big clear picture.

This artist was recommended to me for Somerset Home, http://www.ltthings.blogspot.com/. Im posting her Flickr pictures which can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ltthings/. Everyone should check them out. She also has an Etsy Shoppe http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlethings1. I love how her projects involve a little vintage and a little altering to make some glamorous goods that are never overdone. Not to mention, she knows how to take a great photo.

Again, deadline for Somerset Home is 3/15/10. For more information read here http://www.stampington.com/html/wanna_get_published.html or email me at blivesay@stampington.com.

Count your blessings today, and don't forget about the little ones.

Picture Perfect

True fashion begins in the sketch. It is here that an artist puts a vision to paper. The rest is the sewing and making which is done by many, but the portrayal is the designer's alone. While most fashion students learn sketching first, it is still one stage of the process I am most enviable of. While I do know how to sew and throw an outfit together, I wish I could sketch out my vision successfully and artfully.

I did a search on Etsy and found these fabulous fashion sketches. Groupings are as follows: Paperfashion (http://www.etsy.com/shop/KathrynElyse), Brooklit (http://www.etsy.com/shop/brooklit), KG Couture (http://www.etsy.com/shop/kgcouture), and What He Loves (http://www.etsy.com/shop/whatHEloves). I recommend these as gifts, or to buy card versions from the respective sellers. Hang these prints in your room or in your walk-in closet for all the time inspiration. Maybe even a transfer to a T-shirt for some cool art to wear.

Still, my favorite fashion sketches come from my friend Lindsay Mason (www.lindsaymasoncouture.com). Check out her cute little creations in her column "Inspired by Lindsay" found in every issue of Altered Couture.

What I Bought Today: Past, Present & Future

I'm on a vintage kick lately when it comes to negligee-inspired looks. On Friday, Rodarte for Target premiered their line (http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_ss_1/?node=16275561). I love these designing sisters and this 40s-esque dress was so rich looking I swore it came from a great vintage boutique. With flower embroidery detail, lace, and a wrap belt it makes any waist look tiny. And only $40, the fraction of the price for a Rodarte frock.

Today I had to do some returning and when coupled with birthday Nordstrom gift cards and the Tag Sale at my favorite Nordstrom Rack, I scored this beautiful white silk dress. If you noticed my previous post, then you know right now white and I are getting along. But this dress is not New Year's Eve worthy. I think it looks a bit more formal and it reminds me of a 50s wedding dress. It's very sweet, with a keyhole back, slip, velvet bow across the center, and pleating. The best part is this dress was only $100 and it's from my favorite haute line Couture Couture, made in Italy, and extremely rare, it's a true quality piece.

And I have finally found the perfect Pat Berryhill piece to purchase! If you are familiar with Altered Couture then you know Pat's name (http://magpiedreams.net/). When her new collection came in for the Summer issue, I was drawn to this green sweater. It is reconstructed from vintage slips, and the puffed shoulders make it very contemporary. The lace detailing and layering plus the angular cut make this piece super sweet and airy. It buttons and ties, and I cant wait to wear it with jeans and boots for Winter and Spring. The only problem is I have to wait until after it's been photographed for the magazine. I haven't told Pat yet, but she already gave me a price and it's a great bargain for something completely one of a kind. I am so excited to finally own a piece of Altered Couture and something made by Pat before she gets so famous her prices sky rocket. It's fashion stock. For more from Pat stay tuned for the next Altered Couture, hitting newsstands February 1.

New Year's Eve Dresses

A few of the finds I'm thinking of for NYE. Hopefully some of these will go on sale after Christmas. Can you tell I'm going to a black and white theme party?

Things Found in the Prop Room

I found The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning in our prop room a while back. I couldn't bear for her book to be used as a prop. It's meant to be read. This from her Last Poems:

"Such a blue inner light from her eyelds outbroke,
You looked at ther silence and fancied she spoke:
When she did, so peculiar yet soft was the tone,
Though the loudest spoke also, you heard her alone"

-"My Kate"

Pink Loves Brown & Other Design Blogs

The Times Online released their list of the World's 50 Best Design Blogs (http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article6953167.ece?token=null&offset=12&page=2). A very cool list that gave me loads of inspiration and loaded me up with aspirations.

I stumbled upon this lovely http://makingitlovely.com/ courtesy of this list. Any blog that features a pink Christmas tree in the blogger's home is definitely worth my while. After seeing the blog I had to check out Nicole Balch's amazing site (http://www.pinklovesbrown.com/category.php?category_id=57).

And of course, I have recommendations ready. These super cool paper suitcases stole my heart. And for how to use and display these artful cases check out Nicole's awesome studio.

But What I Really Wanna Do is Draw

Im completely jealous of people who can draw. Here's why. Check out these awesome prints from http://www.etsy.com/shop/emmakisstina and http://www.etsy.com/shop/kerrybeary my new favorite Etsy shops. Here are some pieces I definitely want to deck my halls and walls with. Kerry Beary does the retro cocktail hour prints and Emmakisstina does these fashion forward illustrations that are better than a magazine.