assemblage des chapeaux

Another hat display idea, this one from Kris Van Assche at last year's Pitti Uomo fair. My apartment is too small to make this work, but I like the look of hats floating above the ancient Medici stables.

via simply olive

What’s the Real Score Rihanna?

RIHANNA and Chris Brown are still keeping fans guessing about the state of their relationship after coming up with different answers to the dating question at the BET Awards on Tuesday (24Jun08).
Just a day after Brown's mother cooed about the Umbrella singer at a pre-awards gift lounge event, the sexy Barbados-born star was still insisting she's single.
Speaking on the red carpet at the BET Awards, Rihanna said, "We aren't dating; we're very good friends."
But when Brown was asked if he and Rihanna were an item backstage, he playfully said, "Possibly, possibly!"
And his mum hopes the two really are dating - she was overheard telling a friend, "she's the sexiest and sweetest girl Chris has ever dated".
The couple has become inseparable in recent weeks and rumours of a romance were sparked when the pair was spotted kissing and cuddling in a fast food restaurant last month (May08). ;

Rating: 1

Why is Rihanna wearing shin guards? Is she going to play soccer or something? A definite no this stupid trend.

[Source]

The results are in . . . .

Lulu asked her blog readers to vote for their favorite vintage websites. And the winners are...

Dorothea's Closet Vintage
Sweet Cherry Vintage
Dandelion Vintage
Vintage-a-Peel
Denisebrain
Daisy Fairbanks
Damn Good Vintage
Vintage Secret
Fast Eddie's Retro Rags
Sydneys Vintage Clothing

'Old School' vintage rocks!
Thank you to everyone who voted for Dandelion Vintage. There are some great sites on the list.

Moonstone, Opal, Coral, and Snow?

I was working on this moonstone bracelet today when the secretary came in and announced a 100% chance of snow! Now, everyone else is probably sick of the stuff, but we really haven't had a snow this year here in Northeastern Arkansas, so I'm looking forward to having a few inches fall - yes, even though I'm also dreaming of spring. I really am tired of the one day it's 55 and the next day it's 35 weather, so snow or spring, warm or cold, one or the other!
The moonstone bracelet above is made of rainbow moonstone in different shapes and sizes - no lampwork, just the rainbow moonstone and sterling silver (some great sterling from Bali came in this week). I always think of rainbow moonstone as a "Spring" gemstone, maybe because of warm, moonlit nights that lead up to the hottest days of summer. Anyway, you can see my mood.



The next bracelet is made of blue Peruvian opal with sterling silver. Some nice deep blue colour comes through on some of these nuggets - very pretty. More of that Bali sterling is here, mixed with sterling charms from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes (I have got to go to Thailand).

The lampwork this week is in the two coral bracelets below: the first is created of peachy and reddish-orange coral with beautiful, beautiful lampwork glass beads from a new lampworker (new to me; as you can tell from looking at these beads, this artisan has been doing lampwork for quite a while). The two tones of the coral match the two tones of the beads.

The bottom bracelet is made of blue coral and features gorgeous matte beads by Robin Weber. These lampwork beads have a strange depth for beads that do not have a glassy polish and an unusual matte look. They're perfect with the blue sponge coral; the large oval bead is Montana agate with its dendrites against the creamy translucent white creating fern-like patterns.
Now keep your fingers crossed for about 4 inches of snow (at least) that will not be troublesome and look pretty for a couple of days. Then, Spring can come blowing in!


coral
jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping beads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories handmade jewelry handcrafted jewelry beads handmade beaded jewelry moonstone

Busy, Busy, Busy

I'm really, really busy this week so I thought I'd look for a pattern picture that also had a lot going on. But the more I look at this one, the more I can't figure out what the heck is going on here (and the more I like this dress).



First off, it's rare for there to be a random guy in a pattern picture. (For all that people think the clothes of the 1950s were all about dressing for me, you'd think that there'd be more blatantly goggling men in the pattern pictures.) And what is this Random Guy doing? Is he painting or drawing the model? If so, why does the model in the picture have a completely different hairstyle and different sleeves? Is it really a picture, or a door opening from another dimension, from whence Bad Fuchsia Dress lady has come to wreak havoc? Or is she saving her past self from the predations of Random Guy (who also has a chandelier of some sort growing out of his ears, he should have that taken care of), wearing a similar dress to reassure herself? [Making note: if ever need come from the future to save my past self, wear favorite clothes to project air of trustworthiness.]



And, perhaps most puzzlingly: where's the other legs of the chair? And why isn't it falling over, since PastSelf/LongSleeveLady is putting some weight on it?



Only questions, with no answers. Can anyone help?



(If you want the pattern, not answers, click on the image to visit the eBay auction.)

I'm Not Pulling a Style Bytes

I'm swamped with finals week (possibly my last finals week ever, OMG) and other projects, but I'll be back soon, really, I swear.

Shop Smart. Shop Safe.

I can only imagine the courage it takes to trek across the South Pole or set sail through turbulent waters. I’m just not an outdoor person. For me, ordering clothes online is as adventurous as it gets. Before I click that “complete order” button, a million questions race through my mind. What if the sizing chart isn’t accurate? Do I really want to pay an additional $6 to send an item back? Why do the clothes always look better quality in the photos online? Take the risk out of online shopping by using “coupon” and/or “promotional” codes. This technique has been my life savior more than once. It’s pretty simple. Say for example you’re buying an item from Victoria’s Secret. At some point during the online checkout process V.S. will ask you if you have a promotion/coupon code to enter. This is when you do a search for the keywords “victoria’s secret promotion code”. A list of sites will pop up where shop-a-holics like you and I have shared their various codes online. I recently used a 25% off promotion code in conjunction with a free shipping code that took my order down from $159 to $109.25. Now I no longer worry about clothes fitting, shipping & handling costs or quality. Try Retail Me Not and The Budget Fashionista to get you started!

Names and songs

Do you ever hear a name, and have a song pop into your mind? Or am I just a dork?
Last week I shipped out a package to 'Hey, Hey, Paula' Today I have a package going out to 'Sweet Loretta Martin' and on Monday I shipped a package to 'There's Jan, calling from the rooftops'



Wow. Watching that video, it's 1983, I'm 16 and totally in love with Michael Hutchence. I thought he was the most beautiful thing on the planet back then.

Archives 5/30-6/5 2005-2007

Here's this week's entries from the archives...

May 30 through June 5, 2005

Seam class specifications

Bloggers, mothers and tommys run amok

RAQ: rarely asked questions

Subscribe and Index of entries

May 30 through June 5, 2006

Littering squatters

Another Sunday in NM

Fiber artists

Interviewing tips for pattern makers

The influence of scarcity

Who needs a sewing contractor?

Questions about CAD?

Relabeling garments

3D body scanning question

May 30 through June 5, 2007

Marketing misbehavior

It all starts here 5

Designer's website design pt.2

DEs: an internationally endangered species?

Don't borrow money to start a clothing line

News from you 6/1/07

Polli Austrailian Jewelry

Polli creates unique and contemporary jewelry, designed and crafted in Australia. Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd met in 1999 while studying Industrial Design at the University of Technology in Sydney. After graduating into professional roles, the designers soon sought the fulfillment of creating their own products.



Polli earrings are bold, simple designs that play with form, pattern, and color. The stainless steel and gold anodized ranges of earrings are etched from thin sheets to create fine patterns and details. The thin metal sheets allow the earrings to be light to wear while still being elegant and striking.





Gold Anodized Earrings & Pendant

Etched from aluminum and then anodized (dipped in an electrically charged bath), these pieces are beautifully light to wear and have a warm golden finish. They hang from gold-filled hooks and coordinate with the gold anodized pendants.



Maja and Tess have designed and created a line of jewelry using manufacturing techniques usually reserved for industrial products. Polli is a hybrid of both product and fashion design. It appropriates materials and processes from other industries for mini mass production.





Red Anodized Brooch & Gingko Leaf Earrings

Polli brooches are made from thick sheets of aluminum. The detailed pattern is etched just below the surface creating fine detail in the contrast of finish. All designs come in silver, gold, black, chocolate, and red finishes.



The intricate designs and folding methods in these exquisite pieces are inspired by Japanese and Danish paper designs in either geometric or natural patterns, and the finished product is incredibly intricate and unique.





Stainless Steel Pendant & Earrings

These pendants coordinate with the stainless steel earrings range and are available in selected designs. Made from fine stainless steel, they are threaded onto a delicate sterling silver chain making them light and comfortable to wear.



The materials chosen allow them to express their interest in color and light. Aluminum anodized in gold, finely-etched stainless steel, and intriguing designs add interest to every piece. Color and light reflect off the material and through the patterns, increasing their modern and unique appeal.



This Australian brand doesn't just create earrings, pendants and brooches. They also sell bags and home products, like mobiles and jewelry stands.





See full article.





Related Entries:

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Designer - 14 March 2008

Alexis Bittar Jewelry Designer - 14 April 2008

Lori Bonn Jewelry Designer - 17 April 2008

Dana David Jewelry Collection - 14 May 2008

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

It's Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey!

Well, it's finally time for another installment of Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey, the popular feature in which I thoughtfully respond to the google searches that led lost souls to my blog (if you're a new reader, click here for a better explanation).

I'm just gonna jump right in. Longtime readers, say it with me now--google searches in bold italics, my responses below!

Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey!

i love computers!
Me too! I also love exclamation points! Want to be friends?!

can hobbits wear flip flops
Excellent question. I suppose they could, if they wanted to, although they might need to have a pair specially made. And it might be prudent to wear closed toed shoes while fighting orcs.

show youre vajina
Show me your GED

how to tell if your shirt is too small
Not to worry, I've created a simple self-diagnosis quiz to help you out! If you answer "yes" to three or more of the following questions, your shirt is probably too small:
1. Is your shirt uncomfortably tight?
2. Does your stomach hang out of your shirt?
3. Does your shirt mash your breasts into the shape of lumpy flapjacks?
4. When you bend or twist, does your shirt rip open?
5. When you walk down the street, do people yell from their cars, "Get a bigger shirt!"?

how to disguise cankles
You could try one (or two) of these:

And if that doesn't work, here are some tips.

"fred meyer" "sex toys"
You are so barking up the wrong tree.

Does Robert Downey Jr. need glasses?
I'm not really sure, but my brother, who is possibly RDJ's illegitimate child, doesn't need glasses, if that helps.

dennis hopper speed quote
Dennis Hopper as villain Howard Payne in Speed is perhaps the greatest performance in history. I'm constantly trying to convince people of this, but they insist on saying boneheaded things about Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando, at which point I cut them out of my life (I only have two friends left). In short, I'm glad to see someone paying homage to the Hopper. There's a number of fantastic quotes you could be searching for, but let me run down the top possibilities:
--"Popquiz, hotshot"
--"What do you do? What do you do?"
--"Are you ready to die, friend?"

daddylikey needs to do another podcast!
Eek! I'm sorry! I'm working on it! In the meantime, listen the first/last one again.

accidental emasculation
Are we talking the kind of accidental emasculation like the time you let it slip that your boyfriend likes Sex and the City more than you do, or the kind that involves pruning shears? Because there's a big difference.


faking a bulge in tights
Speaking of emasculation...

kristen cavalari--kristin cavallari--cavaleri--cavalleri
Oh! You must mean Kristen Cavalari...Kristin Cavallari....Cavaleri...Cavalleri...damnit!

How to talk dirty in bed using the phrase "daddy"
Wow. Uuuhhh, wow. Do you always google your sex tips so...formally?

most rhymable countries
Excuse me while I lay down some freestyle limericks to answer this query:

In a beautiful boutique in France
I spent way too much money on pants
Now I am poor
But they're Christian Dior!
I might as well wear them and dance

Nowhere is more perfect than Spain
If you go there, please do not complain
Land of beaches and booze
and Penelope Cruz
To disagree would be insane

Spent the summer in Uzbekistan
Fell and got a bruisebekistan
This limerick is dead
I should quit while ahead
But I'm gonna push throughzbekistan

midnight at the museum

Haven't seen the movie, but I have seen The Horse Fair painting that SJP and Chris Noth pose in front of for the Sex and the City Vogue shoot. This dress by Narciso Rodriguez steals the show for me. Not since Roland Mouret's fall 05 collection has wool been so erotic.

Have you seen the movie? - what did you think?

Japanese dress forms

In a comment she left, Valerie gives me the perfect opening for a topic I've been wanting to write about:

I agree with all you've said about sleeves and other fitting issues. I draped a muslin and tried it on an elderly client last year. After much tweaking to her contours, the armholes and sleeves turned out just like your illustrations [in the book]!...Back to the sleeve and armhole issue- is there a dress form that represents that shape?

According to information that Helen Darmara sent me, it appears there just may be. Helen said she researched the Bunka dress form "and found an interesting article on how the 'new body' was measured and developed". Bunka is better known in the US as a Japanese pattern and fashion magazine publisher but the company got its start (and remains) as a fashion college. I guess the magazines and books were a necessary consequence in the development of material for the curriculumn. It was in collaboration with Bunka that the Digital Human Laboratory (under the auspices of AIST-Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan) developed a new form. The details shown on the site are fascinating. Armhole shaping is the least of it. Below is an illustration of a comparison of two forms. On the left is the new Japanese form. On the right, a traditional dress form.

Yes, you too can have that Unshaven Legs look!

It's a sandal! It's a boot! It's .. sasquatch? How these shoes by Etro don't get less praise and more jabs than Uggs is beyond me. I didn't pay them much mind until I read recent reports saying these ... yes, these hair-like fringy tall shoes, are the IT shoe of Spring 2008.

Ummmm at least they conceal those missed patches??

Cuff Daddy Jewelry

Cuff Daddy is an online cufflink store based in metro Washington D.C. Cuff Daddy specializes in unique, high quality cufflinks not found elsewhere in the United States. They source the best discount cufflinks for men, and also carry a large selection of ladies cufflinks at affordable prices, with or without semi-precious stones.



Their cufflinks are adorable, but it's their large selection of unusual pendants that I found interesting:





Interlocking Love Stainless Steel Pendant

Black and Silver stainless steel is interlocked to form a rectangular shape with laser-engraved gender signs on each. Give one half of the pendant to your significant other so they can always keep you in their heart. Black color on half of pendant is coated by PVD, aka physical vapor disposition, which is the innovative process of providing a hard black coating onto metal. Once the process is complete, the black coating is extremely durable.

$25



Carbon Fiber Jewelry

Carbon fiber is the next big thing in the jewelry industry. Super-light - lighter than titanium - with rings weighing only a gram or two, and bracelets at only six grams, carbon fiber is a slick alternative to heavy metals. It offers something that gold, silver, or platinum simply cannot offer - it's strong, it's rugged, and you don't have to worry about where you store it.





Polished Stainless Steel Pendant with Carbon Fiber Cross

Made of stainless steel so it never needs polishing.

$25



Carbon fiber is renowned for its use in Formula One Racing, space exploration, and aeronautical applications where high strength and light weight are critical - and it makes some very unique jewelry.





Round Pink Glass Pendant with Stainless Steel

Gorgeous pendant made from poured glass into a stainless steel cage.

Made with stainless steel so it is both durable and easily cleaned with water.

$40



Company Info

Our design team creates gold cufflinks that will make your sleeves look simply dazzling. Our inventory of sterling silver cufflinks will transform your entire wardrobe into a posh ensemble. If you want to get creative with your French cuff shirt, check out our cat-eye cufflinks, novelty links, and fiber optic designs.



We are the only seller of our Italian-inspired designs. In addition to cufflinks, you can also find men's ties (that can actually match your new set of links), multifunctional pens, and leather money clips on our site.



Cufflinks come in these materials:

• Silk

• Gold

• Silver

• Wood

• Crystal

• Enamel

• Catseye

• Fiber Optic

• Carbon Fiber

• Stainless Steel

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Couture Jewelry Awards - 04 March 2007

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Cuff Links and Jewelry for Dad - 22 May 2007

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

DKNY Classic Curves Thong

If you've ever read (or seen) The Davinci Code, you'll probably remember some basic symbology. The blade (a triangle pointing upward) represents the penis and the chalice (a triangle pointing downward) represents the vagina. In the book, the chalice points the way to the Holy Grail. That seems to be true in the case of the DKNY Classic Curves thong as well.

The official DKNY literature will tell you that this thong has a “sensual, feminine vibe” because of its lace side panels and tiny ribbons. Those of us who read into things a little too much know, however, that its true femininity lies in the well framed chalice symbol centered on the front panel. The thong is made from comfortable stretch fabric and like any thong offers minimal coverage in the rear. It comes in nude and black. It's feminine on so many different levels. How can you resist?

A Linktastic Friday to End All Linktastic Fridays

No, not really -- this is NOT the last Linktastic Friday. But I haven't done one in so long, that I thought ridiculous hyperbole would be justified.

A lot of this post will be on the LIFO (last in, first out). Like this wonderful post by a mom about her daughter's prom dress saga. (Thanks to Jo for the link, and to Patti (the mom in question) for the phrase "I'd eat raw tarantulas in hot sauce [for my kid]".)

Or like this dress:




Sent by Una, to add to the "fake bolero club". I kind of want it, even if it is a bit on the obvious side. (Not Dolly Parton-obvious, but still.) [And do you know what is awesome? This blog is the first hit for the Google search "fake bolero".]

Oh, and Jen at MOMSpatterns has offered us another coupon code, so that we can all take advantage of being members of the sewing blog cabal. 20% off from now until May 23, by using the code 'iheartsewing'. In other cabal news, Cherie at Shrimpton Couture is having a 15% off sale through the end of May.

You HAVE to check out this bathing suit up right now at Dorothea's Closet. I mean, REALLY. GO THERE NOW. Look at what the pigeons are doing! And then marvel that somebody's three-martini lunch actually made it into production.

Barb has a new blog about sewing with neckties. And Libby has put her *stunning* necktie dress up at BurdaStyle. It was for her 50th birthday, and she looks magnificent. Happy birthday Libby, and thanks for being an inspiration -- I have now penciled in "make necktie dress" for August of 2021!

Lynne says there's a good Little Black Dress exhibit going on in Brighton. Which only makes me sadder that I *won't* be in London this next weekend, as I had hoped. Too much going on here, unfortunately. With any luck I'll be back in the UK soon (and the dollar will recoup some of its oomph against the pound. Perhaps after November?)

Cat sent me a bunch of links to Sartorialist-style street fashion photos from around the world. I really liked the Japan one. Sure everyone is young, and cute, and has an asymmetrical haircut and interesting socks, but that's not a BAD thing.

Did you know some site called Kaboodle (which I never heard of before, and have no idea what they do) is having a contest with Marie Claire magazine, in which they ask you to take a picture of yourself in your favorite spring dress? The winner gets $1000 and a trip to NYC. I've only seen one vintage entry so far, and I haven't really seen much handmade stuff. Mostly sundresses. I think maybe we should all enter. Especially those of us who like to wear vintage, or who are not model-sized ... first round of the contest ends June 12. If you enter, let me know and I'll go vote for you!

Or, you know, you could just enter the Pattern Review vintage sewing contest.

To counteract the recent NYT story on the demise of the dress, is a story from the Guardian on how dresses are being reinvented. Thanks to Susan for the link!

In case you were worried I had found a new obsession and not told anyone, here's a shirtdress, sent in by Deb. Check out the collar, it's yummy. And this one, which has CHEVRON POCKETS. Or this one, which has four pockets AND a cute collar.

Deb also sent this. What's that, you ask, hesitant to click on an anonymous link? It's scanned images of the Gazette du Bon Ton! I bet NOW you're clicking, huh? (note: text at site hosting the scans is in Japanese.)

Mary Beth sent a link to Shay's blog, where SHE links to a great set of scans of a 1920s comic, Ella Cinders.

Eirlys sent a link to a thesaurus bracelet that she found on Etsy. Ooh, pretty! Laurie sent this robot clutch purse, which is cute but obviously made for humans. Robot pincers don't clutch, they DESTROY. Plus you keep your robot lipstick and robot keys in your chest plate -- everyone knows that.

There's an interesting 2-part interview with the daughter of a 1960s knitwear designer up at Marge's blog. (Warning: site plays music.)

Mindi put her favorite pattern, ever, up on the wiki. Go and marvel. And Lorraine sent a link to a dress that looks like the walkaway dress as reimagined by Loretta Lynn.

Oh, and more Liberty sneakers. Hi-tops this time! You can wear them in your Liberty chair. (Thanks Dory, Eirlys!)

And one more picture before we go, from the wonderful LOLbots:





All right -- linktime's over -- I should really go and get some Actual Work done now, but many, many thanks to all of you who commented on yesterday's post -- I was overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Thank you!

Nancy Goodenough Jewelry

Glass Artist and Jewelry Designer

Nancy Goodenough's trademark Dichroic Glass FireStones combine luminous color and otherworldly texture. The artist marries the ancient glass-forming technique of pate de verre with an innovative process that she developed. Nancy's glass has been exhibited in juried shows and craft galleries worldwide. She has also been featured in leading craft, bead, and lapidary publications, and in the definitive Collectible Beads by Dr. Robert Liu.



Handcrafted Glass and Sterling Silver Jewelry:



Dichroic Glass Pendants

Nancy integrates her lovely glass creations into a distinctive line of jewelry - incorporating precious metals, and using a variety of metalsmithing techniques such as fusing, fold forming, hollow forming, and surface treatments.

$40



Nancy is best known for creating hypnotic, luminous glass, where reflective colors play against other textures. She produces these magical effects by integrating ancient glass-forming methods, space-age dichroic glass, and her unique kiln-casting process. Using lapidary equipment, Nancy bevels and shapes the glass, giving it added depth, color, and an organic surface. The result is much more complex than standard dichroic material.





Yoyo-Z Dichroic Earrings

Brilliant fuchsia pink with cobalt blue highlights

Vibrant earrings with 1/2" dichroic glass circles

Handcrafted zigzags of sterling silver wire

Resin beads and Swarovski crystals

$45



Says Nancy, "My technology background leads me to experiment with ways to marry metal and glass. I try to find a balance between my artistic side and three decades in technology and business. Being of Bohemian decent may well have had an influence on my intense interest in glass."





Dichroic Glass & Sterling Silver Pendant

Dichroic glass Firestone pendant with cast sterling silver spiral finding.

$45



Systems engineer and world traveler, high school teacher and mathematician - these aren't the typical credentials of a glass artist. But with Nancy Goodenough, both life and art reflect the unexpected. Nancy resigned from IBM in 1999, and now lives with her husband among the redwoods on the Russian River in Northern California, where she also creates her jewelry.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Native American Inlay Jewelry - 14 January 2008

Caroline Ballou Jewelry - 26 May 2008

Stephen LeBlanc Art Jewelry - 27 May 2008

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.