Style Notes: Spring 2010

Studying fashion entails more than shopping. Catalogs, lookbooks, and magazines are great text books for getting to know what will be in stores and on people in the coming season. I mentioned in yesterday's post the Juicy Couture catalog. While it's not their best ever, it had some really cool ideas for stretching your money and making your accessories versatile. Note, the big blue bow in the girl's hair is actually a scarf, and the yellow flower on the wrist in the last picture is actually a headband. What items in your wardrobe can you re-use in new ways this Spring?

What I Wore Today (Monday)

On Monday it was one of those spring days where it was kinda cloudy/misty with potential for sun later in the day. When rain can turn into sun at any given moment it makes dressing quite tricky. Luckily I've done enough trend research to know that not only are heels with socks and a dress quite the thing to do, but wedges too will be hot for spring. Why not do both? I got away with wearing a dress, trendy shoes, and my feet were toasty.

Cashmere dress is Juicy Couture, as are the shoes (http://www.juicycouture.com/). Beanie was a gift. Glasses and socks are from Target (http://www.target.com/). These socks are actually over-the-knee but I very much like the look of them slouchy. Coat is from Tulle.

Turns out my instincts were spot on. Check out the styling in the Juicy Spring catalogue. Now only if I could get my hands on a cool bunny mask ...

The Art of Gratitude

Yesterday my day was made when Gaea (http://www.gaeabeads.blogspot.com/, http://www.gaea.cc/) sent in some items for the next Jewelry Affaire (5/15/10 deadline) and with it sent this absolutely gorgeous necklace with her signature beads.

Recently I got this card from Lindsay Mason (http://www.lindsaymasoncouture.com/) and this card with all the bling on front from Natasha Burns (http://www.natashaburns.blogspot.com/).

I remember growing up, my family harped on the value of thank you cards, and at times it got annoying. But Im so glad they did, because I truly learned the art of gratitude. A Thank You e-mail from an artist is most welcome and appreciated, but when I get lovely cards on actual paper, showcasing an artist's talent (Lindsay's sketching, Natasha's photography) I become enamored. Definitely one of the best parts of my job.

Sometimes it seems so odd to me when people like Gaea send me beauties to keep. They thank me, when really it's me who should be thanking them. You see, I have been a fan of Gaea's literally since I started this job. I was assisting other editors and stumbled on Gaea's work. I've admired her ever since. Definitely a starstruck moment when I get things from her for my magazines. I love bling, but her beadwork is full of color, shape, youth, symbolism, and when worn it makes everything look fresh and alive. And I'm not a skull person either, but her Day of the Dead jewelry is my hands-down favorite. Everyone needs to own a piece. I love it when artists have a signature style and yet can keep reinventing it. That's Gaea. Her work is so recognizable, but it is never repetitive. The subtleties of her colors and designs and the way they are played off each other is genius. I cant even begin to tell you about the multistrand necklace she submitted that I'm drooling over (and will be glorified in Jewelry Affaire) ... Gaea, I'm so so smitten with this necklace. My many thanks to you. Please accept this blog post as the ultimate thank you card/fan letter.

Overly Eggcited

Easter carries many a tradition in our family. The norm in our culture seems to aim towards the egg dyeing ritual. Of course, the symbolism of the egg is a loaded one, conjuring themes of rebirth, renewal, and the esence of spring. Whether this is one of your traditions or not, egg dyeing is good clean fun and a chance to display some artistry. While eggs and bunnies are not what Easter is about for me, it's always fun to play with your food.

Im proud to say that my sister is a true Marth Stewart fan. She got the idea to do these cool preppy looking patterns on our eggs from Martha's site (www.marthastewart.com/article/square-patterned-eggs).

I have to say I definitely feel renewed after spending some quality time with my family. It's amazing what holiday spirit and good food can accomplish. Couture-worthy Easter eggs are definitely the icing on the cake, reminding me of those traditions I grew up with, and how easy it is to make something special with just a little attention to detail (or in this case, tape). The color scheme of pink and green is one of my favorite, and my sister placing those eggs in my gift bag, along with an all pink egg (my favorite color) with a heart drawn on reminds me of how well my family really does know me. Makes me feel eggstra special.

Good Friday

Oh and by the way, Happy Easter!

Angelo's & Vinci's, Champagne & Brunch, Love & Squalor

On Sunday I was at my favorite brunch restaurant (www.angelosandvincis.com) to celebrate the engagement of two incredible people (www.stuckonheads.blogspot.com).

I've been thinking a lot about timing lately, and what it means to have things happen at the "right moment," if there is such a thing, and about all those things that "fall into your lap," "happen for a reason," or "just happen" and if they really do truly add up to being where "you're supposed to be." But the good thing about engagements (and dining with good friends) is that they affirm my faith in time. Whether it's two people picking the right moment and celebrating it, or many people slowing down at a table together to catch up, it makes everything feel right.

I especially love that this restaurant is not romantic. It's a mix of many many things, and doesn't take itself seriously. Even our table decor was welcome. The juxtapositioning of things, and then fully embracing them is what love is all about after all. I think Salinger's phrase "love and squalor" says it best. I haven't been able to get this dialogue out of my head: "What is it like to be in love?" "It hurts. It hurts." Shortly after the engagement brunch, I learned that one of my friends had been dumped. He's heartbroken. It just goes to show that while the timing is right for some, it can also mean time is up for others. On a day where I witnessed both the highs and disappointments of others I was glad to have stood in the middle, receptive to both. Amid love and squalor, champagne and brunch, happiness and hurt, I felt like I was where I was supposed to be, where I was needed most.

This is What Inspiration Looks Like

Some Altered Couture submissions came in recently with inspiration photos attached. Penny Patten (http://www.pennysartroomblog.blogspot.com/) and Shirley W. Goff are Altered regulars, but their inclusion of the sources behind their creativity was a welcome change. I always see an end product and oftentimes a before photo, but it's rare that I get to see what strikes an artist and makes them want to make things. My thanks to both for sharing with me. Inspiration is always welcome.