Perfection: Orla Kiely aw 2011 video by Mercedes Helnwein

This video is amazing! Beautiful clothing, awesome, creepy music and a 1960s spooky film vibe. I remember a piece on Mercedes Helnwein in an issue of Lula a while back and being captivated by her beautiful drawings. She's also cute. 


Below are my favorite looks from this collection. There is so much inspiration to be had here, from the mixing of warm, murky colors with cool blues and greys, subtle color blocking, fitted looks, nipped waists and cozy-looking knits. And of course the prints! 

How beautiful is that last dress! 

Creatures of the Wind ss '12

Creatures of the Wind always puts out one of my favorite collections to flip through. So many fun looks with odd/interesting color combinations, playful proportions and geeky styling. And one of my absolute favorite things about the line: real-looking ladies modeling the clothing. Hooray! 

While many of the total looks aren't outfits that I would attempt to pull off on a regular day, I can definitely gather inspiration from many of the aspects represented here. (Mixing pattern and color, sandals and socks!)

And definitely check out their Fall 2011 collection for more weather-appropriate encouragement. 

Today at Forager Vintage

Twin Dresses Up Close, and Doris

Here are a handful of pictures of my mini collection to show some of the smaller details. And, I'm happy to introduce Doris, my new dress form. She's divine.

Forager V I N T A G E shop grand opening!

I've finally gotten my ducks in a (still slightly crooked) row and have opened a new shop for selling my vintage wares.

Spring classes started today, and my week long break from school has come to a close. Only a week, but I feel very well rested and accomplished. We signed the lease on our new house in an adorable Detroit neighborhood- Corktown. The oldest neighborhood in the city. Can't wait to plant some things in the yard and decorate the place. We started watching Twin Peaks and of course, I'm obsessed! We're moving through them pretty quickly- I'm very impatient. And I've spent most of my free time photographing and listing these items. With lots more to come. Here are just a few highlights; hope you find them as pretty as I do.

Visit me at Forager Vintage

Art and Movement photos

 

Well, now that I've had a few days to absorb and rest my brain, I've realized just how happy I am. I really am quite proud. It was mid March when I decided to participate in this show, and my life has pretty much revolved around working towards it until Saturday night. I had conflicting emotions when it was all said and done. It was so much work, stress and chaos, and it all culminated in just a few seconds on the runway that I didn't even really get to see. But I've realized that working on these dresses, meeting new friends, receiving kind words from strangers and becoming aware of the fact that I can accomplish goals when I set my mind to it has been the real payoff.

I definitely hit the model jackpot. Kali (first photo) modeled for my good friend Ashleigh's vintage clothing shop a few years ago. Previous to this experience, we had never met and luckily we got along great. I can't wait to work with her in future shows and shoots. Austyn, pictured above, ended up being a true life-saver. As of Wednesday night, I still needed someone to walk in the second dress. A classmate suggested Austyn to me, who ended up being a perfect fit. She was walking a second time in the show, so I had to compromise my ideas for hair and makeup, (no lace turban headband, no peachy-pink lip) which wasn't a big deal to me.

I call these the twin dresses, and they are lovingly known in my workroom as Dress One and Dress Two. 

I have a new dress form coming in the mail! When it arrives, I'll take some detail photos of the twin dresses.

Fashion show preview

Last night was the fashion show that I participated in. Here is one quick shot taken by my friend Ashleigh backstage at the DIA. I'm standing with my friend and wonderful model, Kali who wore my peachy colored batik dress. She looked great and I am so proud. 

The whole day was so chaotic, and all in all, my looks were only on the runway for maybe less than one whole minute, but it was worth all the work.