Category Archives: DESIGN

Art Turned Fashion

Gah is it possible to be underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the same time?  Well I think I have been and it’s been exhausting.  It’s been pretty lackluster around here I know, but there hasn’t much to say or at least the energy to say much of anything.  Alas all I had the energy for is to scope the internets for some inspiration and this is what I found:

Not bad ey? I was mesmerized by this beautifully compiled process video.  As much as I love making art I love watching others create it.  Naturally I had to investigate who was behind the wonder.  SupaKitch & Koralie are a couple of street artists from France who got together to combine their talents and love for Japanese culture how cute, non?  I also came to know that I’m slow on the uptake as everyone was all over them a few years ago but whatever art is for the ages.  Extra, extra read all about them here.  It was also a pleasant surprise to find that they have their own apparel collection by way of MetroPlastique.  Could they not be a more perfect feature here?

If you enjoyed the first, here’s another:

A Comical Wedding

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my dear friend Raven’s wedding. You know THE friend who got me into this whole blogging thing.  The wedding was a lovely intimate event held at Room 1520 in Chicago.  There was a lot leading up to this day and although Raven opted not to do the whole bridesmaids thing in some ways I felt like one.  I was there to listen to her horror stories along the way as she planned the event.  I lent a supportive ear and voice to tell her to get a grip and stfu when needed (which wasn’t often btw).  I was her designated creative consultant of sorts helping out with the invitations and confirming her design choices.   It was about all I could do now that we live in different cities.

That and I illustrated and lettered a comic (she penned it of course) of her relationship with Marvin (the hubs) which was given as a favor at the nuptials.  I didn’t get to see the printed and assembled comic until the event so it was a lovely surprise.  Far from my typical body of work it was an intimidating process but my best efforts paid off.  The comic was a hit (with everyone except the groom, more on that below) and I’ve been taken aback by all of the compliments on my artwork (maybe I’ll score some more gigs).  I’m really not trying to sound full of myself here.   However when you’re in a slump it’s easy to doubt yourself so I definitely needed that boost.  This wedding was a nice opportunity for me to break from routine to catch up with old friends, dress up and have an all around good time.

Here are some highlights::

The happy couple: Raven & Marvin

Me: I wanted to make my own dress but alas monetary restrictions got in the way. It's not always cheaper to make your own stuff folks!

A peek into the comic I illustrated

The brides shoes, nice touch!

The groom giving me an evil glare because he thinks I drew his head too big in the comic, hehe.

The gorgeous bride, her lovely friend Felicia and I.

Raven taking a twirl with our bff Breck who introduced us. Thanks Breck!!!

Raven got tired of smiling the same way in every pic... please excuse the hot mess that is my hair.

Congrats Mrs. Ruffin!

Divine Design:: Charlotte Olympia SS12

Ok you know I’m not one to hop on bandwagons and blog about what everyone else is gushing over but in this case geez I couldn’t hold back.  I fell in love with a heel.  Funny that this post follows my detest for another, but I had to share this before it becomes old news.  Or is it already?  Whatever the case eye candy is all I can afford these days so I eat it up whenever I can (hah, like these were ever in my range).  Now enough of my chatter, go on and check out the rest of the collection if you haven’t already.  If you have this is the perfect excuse to have another drool session.  You’re welcome.

image via Fashionologie

Friday Faves: SamarB Soul Earrings by NJartitecture

NJartitecture Jewelry:  SamarB Soul Earrings, price: $25
As the name suggests these earrings were totally custom designed for and inspired by me. I couldn’t be more thrilled to share these lovely earrings (that I purchased) with you.

When my friend, the amazing artist Nadia Janjua started a jewelry line based on her paintings I was excited as it’s a brilliant idea.  However while her initial pieces were beautiful they lacked something for my taste.  Mainly at the time the only shapes available were rectangles or squares and I’m more of a rounded edge kind of girl.  So I came up with a shape concept that I liked and contacted Nadia with my thoughts.  Not only did Nadia graciously except my input but she was more than happy to explore my design.  Within a very short period of time she created these earrings and I was able to purchase them with prompt shipping to boot.  She also assured me that if I wasn’t satisfied for any reason she was willing to take them back for a redo, but there was no need as I’m quite happy with my purchase.  I love these earrings because they are so unlike anything else I own.  Handmade with love just for me!

Can we get a shout out to all of the independent designers out there?

Since the creation of these earrings Nadia has vastly expanded her jewelry line with some amazing designs and continues to do so.  All of her jewelry is handmade by the artist herself so each pair is one of a kind (and comes in a lovely box).  Please check out her Etsy shop to see her entire jewelry collection and artwork for sale.
**For a limited time your purchases will benefit the drought and famine relief efforts in East Africa.  Um hello it’s fashion for charity, does buying get any better than that??? (other than a good sale) So I suggest shopping NOW!!! If you’d like to snag a pair like mine just contact NJ for details.**

Divine Design: Dolce & Gabbana Net Blazer

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Spring 2012

I was flipping through some of my WWD’s a few weeks ago (yeah I know a few weeks ago and I’m just writing about it) and saw this piece highlighted in their Menswear Spring 2012 coverage.  It quickly caught my eye because of it’s blend of structure and whimsy which I love.  It’s not often that something in the men’s department catches my eye.  Though admittedly I don’t pay as much attention to their collections as I should.  It’s a shame too because they certainly aren’t bad on the eyes.

I think this is totally wearable right off the runway for men or women.  I want to wear this! I’m a fan of menswear for woman as you can see.  What do you think?  The whole collection was sprinkled with this net theme from pants to shorts, hoodies and shirts though not all necessarily as wearable as this.