Friday, November 25, 2011

ACCIDENTAL INDUSTRY FASHION SHOW'S FLARE WAS NO ACCIDENT

Local fashion show was the talk of the town!  


Local designers such as Hill Vintage, Magpie, and Raygun showed their winter lines. Took a rumored 3 months of production before the show finally took place. My first fashion show was truly a unique experience. I did not experience it as a designer, a model, or even a guest but as an intern. Three young fashionistas/designers, inspired by Des Moines own fashion blogger Lacy Brunnette, Lucy Shay, and Sara Jae. My first impression as I walked up the black checkered staircase was one of a forgotten old building. The walls are aged, with layers of peeling wallpaper. A classical ballet class is in progress as we arrive, putting our coats and wraps on the wooden benches. There is so much wood, everywhere. Wooden floors, and red and yellow columns the colors are so bright and curious nude art hangs here and there on the peeling walls. 






At first I was overwhelmed by the aura of the place, but soon I became accustomed to it. We had a discussion with Lucy, who directed us to set up the chairs for the VIP seating. I stayed late and assisted the models with filling the VIP gift bags with goodies. Someday I will be a VIP, I swear. At least that's my plan. I felt myself struggling with my old social anxieties, and did my best to fight them the rest of the evening. By the time I left I felt defeated and not entirely ready to take on the next day of the actual show. 







But I returned the following evening, and after spending the first part of the day with a friend, my confidence had risen again. It was all hustling when I arrived. Models were being made up; powdered and pinched, their hair teased and crimped, extensions added and blush applied. Once they had put on their high heels and black masks they looked quite tall and daunting; a look strictly reserved for models. 







I was a floater, which required me to go wherever I was called. I ran to the quick shop to buy some ice for the drink stand. As the time drew near for the show to start, the models began lining up so the designers could dress them. You could feel the tension slowly building, becoming more and more intense as each moment passed. Once the show started, the music began playing and the models began walking. Although being in the back behind the scenes, I stood at the end where the models returned from their walk, and congratulated them each personally, in order to give them a boost of confidence. 






My nervousness seemed to have left me for the moment. It was interesting to see the walking personality of each model; some were very typical, others had their own style and flair. I was determined not to let this valuable networking opportunity slip by me, and I made an effort and ended up befriended several photographers, designers and even a few models. I was inspired by the show, both by the enthusiasm of the designers and models, and the designs themselves. What with all the hurrying about and helping models changed clothes it was all I could do to capture a few photos.
The booming music and the applause was deafening. 





After the show had finally ended, and from the noise my ears were mended, I walked among the crowd, snapping pictures. When I finally walked to my car and drove home, I spent the time thinking about what a wonderful night it had been. I hope to be participating as a designer at next year's accidental industry show. But I shall end with this: Whether or not I am a designer, model or guest, count me in on the next fashion show! If you want to read more about this show and see some more photos, click here: https://www.facebook.com/AccidentalIndustry

Monday, November 7, 2011

School Outfit

The Other day when I went to school I wore a lacy gray spaghetti-strapped suit, complete with a light shimmery floral print scarf, cozy leggings, and a pair of semi-clunky black boots.
Here are the photos:





 Jewelry: A mock turquoise ring with silver detail, a silver oak leaf ring, and a pieced silver bracelet complete the outfit. (ABOVE)
Note the floral lace

Cozy gray leggings are a perfect addition to this outfit

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Press Book

I picked up a dress form for an unbelievable 20 $ the other day at Hope Bargain Center in Pleasant Hill. Granted it's rather large, but to have a dress form at all is somewhat of a miracle, considering the usual price between 85-200$. It is pictured below.




Here is a press book I created. 
Recipe:
1 old plastic ring-binder folder
Various newspaper clippings of headlines and pictures
1 dash of pure creativity
Duct tape
Glue
Black permanent marker
I glued the newspaper clippings to the folder after I had arranged them in the college I wanted, then I taped down the various loose edges, and wrote 'press book' on the spine. The front page was a mishmash of catchy headlines and photos, the inside cover followed a coffee theme while the other cover featured fashion while the back depicts a cute penguin and a somewhat ominous statement regarding poisonous juice. If I get bored all I have to do is read my folder!
And there you have it! The perfect book for a reporter or writer's notes.




Note the headlines on the front cover and the penguin on the back cover.

Note coffee page to the left and fashion page on the right.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Apparel Design

Design Apparel Scheduled for Whenever I get in my dress form.!

A Jobber Moment

Me and my Swatches.
Definition of Jobber: An individual who buys fabrics/textiles wholesale from mills or converters. He generally purchases mill overruns or discontinued styles and fabrics, so his wares are very rare and desirable.)


So the other day after class our professor told us that if we wanted to get extra credit there were a whole bunch of old textile swatches in the Fabric Lab that we could give away. She also said if we wanted any, we were welcome to them. Enthralled, some of the most ambitious students hurried to the Fabric Lab. There were dozens and dozens of swatches, some silky, some rough and grainy. It was a pleasure to feel through them all, such a delight to the sense of tough and sight: Silks and satins and wools, organzas, laces, prints, an entire laundry list of samples. It was like suddenly finding a treasure chest. I was having a Jobber moment. I took a moment to savor the feeling of being able to choose which fabrics I would touch, sorting through greens and silvers and grays. I began setting some aside; my stash to take home. I could make sleeve cuffs, trim, handbags, the list of fashionable ideas was blossoming. Here I am, pictured amongst my swatch pile, dazed by the possibilities. 

Sketches...

Here are some sketches I completed last night:
A miniskirt and layer flowered shell top
A top and skirt decorated with buttons


Definitely one of my more Avante gard styles, this floor-length dress features orbit flowers and lace.


Polka dot trench with long armlets and leggings


Men's checkerboard sleeve hoodie and striped drawstring pants


Belted tie-shirt trimmed with lace and striped slacks


Cover up or feminine cardigan


Eye dress; circle skirt


Tree branch skirt, featuring lace faux plunge neckline and leaf-belt


Runway graffiti gown, graphic black and white


Croquis

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Walnut Ink Recipe

Here is an interesting tutorial for those interested in making their own writing ink out of walnut juice. It was provided by my friend and colleague Benjamin Spick. Enjoy!


WALNUT INK

In a glass jar, place approximately 4 – 5 tablespoons of black walnut hull, crushed (I eye-balled this measurement; it’s the equivalent of two walnut hulls).
Pour ½ cup of boiling water over the hulls; screw on jar lid tightly, and let the infusion steep overnight. In the morning, pour through a coffee filter into a new jar. Let all liquid drain; discard the hulls and filter.
Add two teaspoons of gum arabic powder to the infusion. Screw lid on tightly, and shake to blend. Let settle. Ink is now ready to use. Color will be a medium brown.
NOTE: Black walnut infusion WILL permanently stain clothing and countertops, though it washes out of metal and glass just fine. Work on a surface you can clean. You may substitute walnut hull for black tea (I have not tried this, but I adapted this recipe from one that originally used black tea instead of walnut hulls; I don’t know what color value tea-ink would have in relation to walnut ink).
SUPPLIES:
•    Black Walnut. If you cannot obtain walnut hulls yourself (I used ones I gathered from my yard), you can purchase them from herbal supply companies. Frontier Natural Products Co-op (http://www.frontiercoop.com/) sells crushed hulls; Mountain Rose Herbs (http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/) sells hulls in powder form.
•    Gum Arabic (also sold as Acacia Powder) can also be bought from herbal supply companies. After doing some comparison, Mountain Rose Herbs seems to be the cheapest.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

A Tale of Networking-confessions of an introvert

So this evening after work, I resolved to go to the John Deere Multicultural job fair and networking reception in Johnston. It was my first time doing anything of the sort, and it had been on my mind all day. As I drove closer, following Googlemap's directions, hapless as they were, I got lost: A familiar scenario for me. As I drove around looking for signs that said John Deere on them, my mind began to present my getting lost as an excuse just to give up and go home. 'You don't need to network,' it distinctly said. 'Just go home, you know you want to.' I almost listened to the voice, but just then I spotted the John Deere building. My last chance to avoid this valuable networking opportunity was gone. 

After filling my pocket with business cards, I entered the building and immediately was intimidated by all the well-dressed business-like people standing around, no doubt conversing intelligently together about the success and features of their companies. After reminding myself to keep my shoulders back and walk gracefully, I made my way across the room to retrieve my nametag from the far table. After doing this, I felt somewhat at a loss as to what to do next. 

My old fears of social interaction came back to me again, along with the reddening of the eyes and the foaming at the mouth, both embarrassing but sure signs of my introvertedness. Did I really want to be here? I eyed a long table on which was perched graceful plates brimming with blueberries and grapes. Savory meatballs and delicate wedges of pita bread, platters of vegetables rested in the middle. At the far end, a 7-tiered glass structure held fancified little cakes of various flavors and fillings. After eyeing the cakes, I decided to stay. Two cakes and a meatball later, I had discovered that the cakes weren't worth staying for, but the company was. I noticed a lady from Meredith company, and introduced myself to her. Throughout the evening, she proved very kind and understanding, and I felt appreciated for who I was because I was being very open and honest with her the entire time. I told her that this was my first time at an event like this, and she responded by saying that she thought I was brave for coming and trying something totally new! We exchanged email addresses. After listening to the music of some lovely musicians and watching a short clip of the John Deere mission, I excused myself and headed home, fully glad I had come. One thing I admire about myself is my ability to find humor in embarrassing or discouraging situations. I am fond of laughing at myself, because if I don't laugh, I know I will get mad instead. :P

Things I learned from this experience:
1 That I should have a small introductory speech prepared about myself and what I do, {the elevator pitch as I think they called it at business horizons.}

2 I need better pumps-mine gave my feet a couple of beautiful blisters!

3 Business people are just like me: Eating, drinking, sleeping individuals-only with more experience

Overall, I am pretty proud of myself for doing this. It will be the first of my many networking endeavors, each hopefully more successful {and less stressful!} than the last. 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

My Closet-ful of coats!



Do you think I have too many coats?
Hint: {The right answer is no}

My Pinafore Dress

Yesterday at school I decided to be daring and wear a pinafore-style drop waist dress I had put off wearing for a very loooonnng time. Note to self: I notice that when I'm in a good mood it always comes out as bravery in my personal style. Therefore I need to be in a good mood more often. 
So below you can see the photos of my outfit, from dress to Brazilian boots and leather snap bracelet. All the photos are mine save the one of me, which Jon my husband shot. Nobody particularly said they liked my outfit, but on the other hand, no one gave me any weird looks, either. {At least not any weirder than usual!} The GAP blue coat I wore was a nice addition with its turquoise color, and I finally had the opportunity to wear my gray boots from Brazil; a gift from my mother.
Blue GAP coat, which adds a nice bit of brightness to my outfit which is otherwise gray.
 Leather boots from Brazil. A little tight in the toe

 Accessory: Soft Gray leather snap-close bracelet.

 Top it off with flower clips
 My main piece: A dropped-waist pinafore-style gown with pockets-very handy! and a lacy undershirt.
 After I put my hair up I pull some pieces down in the front to give it a bit more character.
How my outfit looks while on: Note the bracelet and the flower in the hair.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Flocks of Birds

I have always wondered why small birds sometimes fly in flocks. Are they talking to each other, communicating their direction of flight, or have they practiced so many times that they just know? The rippling black sea of fluttering wings has often delighted and dazzled me. Seeing a swooping flock never fails to make my heart race with excitement, and makes me wish that I was part of the flock, darting here and there above the fields and trees, and in complete unison through the cool air, the wind sailing through my feathers. 


There is some interesting information found in these two links:


http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/595648.html
http://www.ehow.com/about_6389011_do-fly-together-large-groups_.html


But when it is all said and done, they admit that the real reason birds flock is still a mystery!

Mission: Recycle

MISSION: RECYCLE is an effort Nettle Fashion is making to act responsibly with the environment and do good for the community by recycling apparel instead of constantly creating new. 
TEN FOR 10
If you donate 10 used garments to us, we will make use these garments when designing our fashions!
For each garment you send you receive 1 dollar as a thank you from us for being green. If you want to track the particular garments you send and see where they end up, just let us know when you send them, and we will keep you informed. We do have certain criteria for the used garments we will accept:

>Garments must be clean and in decent shape: No large holes, rips, stains or other damage, etc.
>Garments accepted are limited to shirts, skirts, coats, dresses, and hats, {no shoes or accessories, please!}


If you have any questions about Mission: Recycle please feel free to contact me! 515-943-2131

If you wish to see fashions that have been designed from recycled garments, visit the Fashion Projects page.


Send used garments to:
Nettle Fashion1025 NW Greenwood StreetAnkeny, IA 50023

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Autumn Coat

I used to tell people that Spring was my favorite season. But now that I have gotten older I have recognized something about myself. I dislike extremes. I don't want to be really cold or really hot. Who does? Spring and Fall are the most desirable in my mind, but if I had to choose between those two, I like Fall the best. 


There are several reasons for this:
For one thing, Fall is chilly, and after the heat of the summer, chilliness awakens a inclination to be innovative and a sense of urgency in me, because I know that Winter is coming, and before long it will be too cold to enjoy being outside with no less than a whole closet of clothes on. Fall feels like something is about to happen, something is coming, and this is exciting. Then my favorite part of Fall, you get to pull out all your coats and jackets from last year that you just ADORE. Does anyone else have a love affair with cute jackets? I have a whole closet of coats and jackets.
Fall is a good topic to blog about. And then you run into what to call it. There are several names. Indian Summer, Fall, Harvest and Autumn. According to my favorite etymology website, Autumn what do you know, derives from Old French,  Autumpne while Harvest comes from beautiful Old English hærfest. And although there is no evidence connecting Indian Summer to mean Fall, nonetheless it remains a well-known word for Autumn. As for Fall, your guess is as good as mine. I assume it has something to do with the falling leaves. 
Here is one of my favorite jackets, which I wore to school the other day: 


My hair was in a semi-messy up-do using an ivory-colored ragged fabric ribbon and some flowered clips, which unfortunately you can't see in this picture:

Today is a Day for Inventing Things


 Today is a day for inventing things. I can feel it stirring inside me, just waiting to suddenly BURST out. Fresh ideas, new dreams, a day to just catch my imagination by its tail and follow it down glistening lanes. The first thing I should do is to get dressed. Wearing pajamas is not conducive to an inventive day. How do I know? Look at this face. Does this face look awake?


Note the pouty lip, the confusion; perhaps even slight annoyance in the eyes, which comes from being woken up from a warm bed. Note the ruffled state of the hair. This comes from excessive dreaming. Wearing pajamas alludes to thoughts of cozy beds, and warm covers; these places are not the breeding grounds for innovation. Pajamas are associated with soporific topics such as sleep, and closed eyelids. You are more likely to end up tangled in bedclothes, and not tangled in creative thoughts. So after consideration, I made the decision to shed the nightgown. Believe me, it was for the best.


To-do List: 
1 Find warm clothes to wear from the closet before-I-freeze-to-death-without-my-nightgown
2 Listen to loud music and dance to it shamelessly
3 Invent a new undergarment from all-natural fibers that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer
4 Sing a new song
5 Write a new poem
6 Invent a new candy bar {the prime ingredient being chocolate of course!}


I had better get to it! So the first thing on my list of things to do today was to scour my closet, the mission being to find some warm items to wear under everyday apparel. After a small amount of rooting through layers of slips, swim suits, and socks,   I discovered a white Under Armour shirt. Textiles being on my mind these days, this caused me to wonder what Under Armour was made from. I had a notion it was of manufactured fibers, and a quick Google search confirmed my suspicions: Under Armour is made out of 'moisture-wicking polyester', what a disappointment. But then I had an idea. What if I could invent a material, a new kind of underwear, made only from natural fibers, let's call it Greenmail, and it would be similar only better for your skin. I have in mind a long-sleeved tunic-like piece with a silky texture and holes in the end of the sleeve for you to slip your thumbs through like fingerless gloves. NOTE TO SELF: I need to research and experiment with different fibers/fabrics and see what I can come up with: Evidently Something for a rainy day.


Ideas to stay warm:
Heat up a ricebag and cuddle in a blanket
Brew some hot tea
Do fifty jumping jacks
wear a sweater
Snuggle with a snuggly person
If applicable, go find a warm kitten [or puppy]
heat up the oven and stand in front of it with the door open
So basically, eat warm things, drink warm drinks, and associate with warm people {or things}. 


Now my outfit for school yesterday:
1 After a quick consultation with my closet, I chose to wear brown Vanity brand cotton jeans, an interesting alternative to bluejeans, and less slick in texture.


2 My choice of tops was a pink/purple striped camisole of some obscure Japanese brand-don't know how that got in there!-


And a rich purple hooded v-neck {deliciously soft!} sweater, also Vanity. 


Can you tell I love Vanity? Realizing that I also needed to shod myself, {despite some of the efforts of the barefooted blighters at DMACC,} I decided upon my personal favorite: Purple Converse One-star shoelaceless shoes-My, what a mouthful that was!
These shoes lend a certain quality of nerdiness to my wardrobe which I find supremely satisfying. {I am a fan of nerds.}


To top it off, I wore my orangey fingerless gloves-


A treasured item of mine, because they add an intriguing flash of color that's perfect for nearly any outfit, and are warm as toast! {Speaking of toast....... ....}


So basically my entire outfit was themed in purple. A cozy choice of apparel for a crisp day!