New Headdress

Here is a new headdress I made for a party this weekend.  It's gonna be a fun one, it's a sacred dance party with a white theme!  I am mostly blogging on TUMBLR now so check it out!  

Plumage

 I have been creating lots of feather crafts and really enjoying the process.  The latest is this necklace that I am wearing.  I am really happy with the way it turned out!  I also just found out I am doing a fashion show of my designs on July 31st, the first one in 3 years.  I need to get busy!

Details-

Headscarf-Josephines estate

Dress-Vintage

Tunic-HnM

Bracelets-Vintage

Socks-Moksha in Seattle

Shoes-Thrifted BCBG (new)

Feather Necklace-Pretty Pirate Designs

Closeup of the necklace (make with Pheasant feathers)

Home is where the DIY is

Im all moved into my new studio, I love my new hood and my place is so cute.  It's nice to live alone so far, I'm sure I will get lonely but for now I am enjoying it.  I finally figured out a place in my apartment where I get internet for free, wooo hoooo.  I just hope it lasts.   

I decided to turn a old belt into some boot straps earlier today, I'm so happy with the results.  It was a Zara belt that was super long so it looked like 2 belts.  It never really fit right, so I chopped it up, added the smaller studs that I already had and wallah..... it's perfect!   

The view from the entry way with a partial view of the kitchen.  You can see my vintage pink beauty chair. 

View from behind the bed, I love the 3 huge windows, it's so bright in here!

My bed, new bed set and side table from craigslist.  I think I might paint the bed frame white.  I like the tables the teal color though.  Vintage bedspread from my grammy!

Partial view of the bathroom.  the other view has my silver tray with vintage  silver mirror, brush and comb.

The boot straps!  

Spring Fling

The rain has subsided long enough to finally wear my new spring dresses.  This is the one that I altered from a longer silhouette with crazy poofy sleeves.  These old blue tights I've had for years were a perfect addition to the outfit.  The carpet bag is a new find from last week in unbelievably great condition.  I had been wanting one but they are few and far between in thrift shops, especially ones in perfect vintage condition, yea!!

Outfit details-

Jean Jacket-thrifted/vintage and super soft

Dress-thrifted/vintage/altered

Purse-thrifted/vintage

Tights-old?

Boots-Bluefly/Ash

Necklace-Pretty Pirate Designs, DIY

Sunnies-HnM

I lightened up my hair in a few spots. In the fringe and a few streaks around the front.

Gearing up for spring, fantastic finds of the day

Today is a perfectly stormy spring day.  I decided to go to the local charity shop and see what they had to offer.  This particular place is one of my favorites in the area, a place I have found many treasures and today was no exception.  The best thing about Community Thrift is that they donate to many different charities, when you donate your goods you can choose from a list of hundreds of great causes.   Being that it's raining today made for a great thrifting experience.  There were not many people out and the selection was spectacular.   

 My search for the perfect cream crochet dress is finally over.  I have been looking for months, all over the place, from online to vintage stores.  The ones I have found were always too long and too expensive.  This one is short, fits perfectly and has gold threads mixed in. The best thing is, besides needing a few simple repairs, it's in great condition. The thrifting gods were most definitely aligned today, just another reason to believe that the world is on my side.  Have I mentioned I am reading "Pronoia the Antidote for Paranoia"  By Rob Brezsny, a great positive book, I highly recommend it. 

I've also been on the hunt for some more summer dresses as the one I have been wearing constantly,  needs some company.  Today, I also found this long vintage dress from the 60's, it has a great fit in the waist and the colors and print are very pretty.  I also really adore the little pocket details and the exposed zipper down the front, metal of corse (a sign of the age of the garment).  The problem was the length and the sleeves.  As soon as I got home I grabbed the scissors and got to work.  I took a seam ripper to the sleeves,  cut a about a foot off the length and took in the sides in at my bust. The finished project is perfect,  I can't wait until this weather clears up to wear it.  It might just be my Easter dress, weather permitting!

Finally a crochet dress!

Before the alterations

Walllah......perfect!

DIY bunny ears

I was invited to a rooftop party on Sunday with the theme of  "Zombie Bunny Brunch".  I wanted to make some bunny ears to wear that were unique and fun.  I have made feathered bunny ears in the past with pink and white feathers but this time I wanted it to be a little more organic and pretty.  All the feathers are from the pheasants that my dad sent me.  He is a hunter so I have a great resource for feathers.  I love that I am helping to use all the parts to the bird.  I grew up eating mostly hunted meat and feel that it was a healthy, economic and tasty way for my dad to feed the family.   I started this process by cutting out two cardboard ears, then covered them with a stretchy fabric.  Next I covered the front with feathers then began to add the layers.  I added the leftover fluffy parts that I cut off from the bottom of the feathers to cover the back (I used the tops of the feathers where that are much prettier for the front).  This project took about a hour and a half.   I am so excited to wear these and have the most unique bunny ears there.  Now.......to find a zombie outfit to match!  

After the party we are heading to Dolores park for the crazy easter, mad tea party they have every year, sponsored by the sisters of perpetual indulgence.

This dress again

I am beginning to think that I will wear this dress (and apparently these shoes too) everyday this summer.  It's pretty much perfect.  I've been searching for more of these project dresses that I can chop up and make perfect like I did with this one.  It started out much longer and very frumpy then I turned it into FRUMP CHIC!,  at least I like to think so!  It reminds me sort of of something by Marc Jacobs.  I love the weird prints, patterns and ruffles. 

 Before noon today, we had driven all over the city.  Had breakfast in the marina (which we usually avoid) then a walk on Baker beach followed by a drive down Haight and Castro and to Dolores park where I had a picnic with some lady friends.  What a lovely day!  There were so many cute dogs out today, after being aggressively barked out this morning by a mean one (tied to a poll), it was nice to meet so many sweet/normal dogs. 

I am wearing

Feather Earrings-self made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Necklace-Vintage

Dress-Thrifted and altered

Great cardigan-Nordstrom (gift from mom, thanks mom I wear it all the time!)

Cream sweater-Jcrew super soft wool, thrifted (lucky find for 5$)

Belt-Grandpa's old belt

80's leather sandals-thrifted in my home town (it's spring so I can finally wear them, they're perfect)

Nail polish-OPI My private jet

Day Of D.I.Y

Days off can be so rewarding.  Today after drinking a huge cup of coffee I was so inspired to create.  Coffee can change my demeanor dramatically. I need any motivation I can get to stop reading fashion blogs all day.  I'm fairly certain I need to drink it everyday instead of just sometimes. It really motivates me like nothing else.  I recived a lovely package of feathers in the mail today (thanks mom).  My father is a hunter so he has quite a few whole pheasants laying around, they are such beautiful creatures.  Over the holidays he gave me a few since I had been running out of feathers.  I was so excited to get them that I immediately starting making things.

I have been wanting to make a braided headband for a while.  After attempting it,  the size was a bit too small for the headband which led me to the idea to put feathers underneath it to make a combo of feathers and a braid.  It's great that the faux hair matches my color so perfectly!  I am really liking this, my plan is to make some more to sell in my Etsy store.    I want to say thanks to the beautiful creatures who made it possible to make these things.  I love being able to use all the parts of things and my father hunted these for the food but art was made as well. 

The braided/feathered headband

Feather earrings coming soon too!

I made this ring/bracelet about a month ago and had misplaced it until today.  I was so thrilled to have found it.  I have been wanting to find it and wear it again!  It's so comfortable that I can wear it while I do hair, not many of my rings have that going for them.  Wow, my hand is looking pretty beat up, silly cats. 

Talisman er Woman

Having been a jewelry maker in some form for over 20 years, I have now graduated to chains and charms.  I started with beading when I was really young and next the hemp necklaces that were so popular in the 90's and finally the chain jewelry that I create now.  I  decided this morning that I wanted to make something that was really meaningful to ME, a personal story of sorts.  A piece that describes me and alludes to my personality with just a glance.  A talisman is something that is supposed to possess magical powers and what better way to adorn ones self than with perfect little amulets that protect me from trouble.  The ones I choose all have different powers and representations. 

Amulets (Left to Right)

Gold Tassel-representing movement and a reminder to me to be more active (step away from the computer)

Quartz Crystal-Creates positive energy and balance.

Safety pin-A reminder of some of my passions, sewing/creating and art

Slice of animal horn-Represents my connection to animals and nature, two of my favorite things.

Peace Sign-A reminder to live peacefully and in tune with my self

Key-A connection to my heritage and family, this key is from my grandparents old house. The number 3 which is printed on the key represents (funny enough) being creative, artistic, positive, imaginative, uplifting (all things I would like to consider myself). 

Red glass bling-Red represents self awareness, gives courage and strength and offers stability. The bling also reminds me of my love of dressing up and feeling great. 

Scissors-Represents my chosen career of designing hair and making people feel great as well as my love of sewing. 

Bone-Reminds me of my love of Native American culture, the practice of worshiping the earth and being non wasteful.

Tigers Eye-Useful for focusing, clear thinking and good luck, protection from the evil eye.  

 While wearing this necklace I already feel great with so many personal items on my body.   I have to admit while making it I hadn't put as much thought into it, other than things I liked and wanted to add.  While making this list and doing the research I had fun and felt re-enlightened.  Even though I used the internet to find all the info, I have books with all the various info that I have collected over the years.  Which reminds me that I need to brush up on some of these things.  I believe the manifestation of this necklace and post will being great things to my life.

Ha, I look so perplexed, it's the silly self portraits. This is a pretty boring outfit, I was at home all day so no dressing up. 

Wearing-DIY talisman necklace

Shirt-Banana Republic, thrifted

Jeans-Levis, thrifted

Shoes-Steve Madden, thrifted

love with me

Having your significant other leave town early on Valentines day morning is not the ideal way to spend the holiday.  I managed to have a great time anyway with a nice picnic in the park and a short but very successful thrifting excursion.   The weather was absolutely stunning today, I barely wore this jacket when I was walking around or sitting in the park.  I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place (you can see my house in this photo).  This dress has managed to become one of my most recent go-to pieces.  I am in love with it!  

Outfit Details-

Jacket-Thrifted

Dress-Thrifted and chopped off about a foot

Belt-Grandpa's old

Shoes-Thrifted/Vintage 

Necklace-Birthday gift, Betsy Johnson (thanks ladies)

Painted Ladys!

After almost donating these shoes on a few different occasions I decided to have some fun with them. Inspired by the recent ThreadBanger video and Doe Deere DIY,  I grabbed some paint and gave it a go.  These shoes were originally thrifted about 2 years ago, since white shoes are never very flattering I didn't really wear them.  These Nine West babies are still in excellent condition.  It was time to revamp them and give them the love the deserve.  Black and White together are a huge trend for spring and summer so I decided to go with that as my inspiration.

First I taped the buckle out of the way on the bottom of the shoe.

Next I stuffed some paper in the toe to prevent the paint from dripping through the holes. 

I used liquitex acrylic paint.  I'm not sure how this will hold up yet so if you want to do a similar DIY, use your discretion.  I know there are specific spray paints for shoes that many cobblers carry.  I have used them before and its quick and easy if you follow the directions. 

 

Wallah!

So much cuter than the plain ol' white and one of a kind!

Forecasting the future

Another work outfit, funny thing is I wore a long skirt and then watched all the shows from the first day of fashion week and saw tons of long skirts.  I must be a psychic.

Outfit Details-

Lace and jersey blouse-Self made (Pretty Pirate Designs)

Necklace-F21

Hat-Burlington coat factory

Belt-Vintage and thrifted

Bracelets-Thrifted all over

Skirt-Thrifted dress I altered into a skirt

Shoes-Thrifted Banana Republic and then hand studded

Velvet coat-Vintage/ thrifted and changed button

Fur collar-From a 70's coat I've had since the 90's, it was in bad shape so I cut all the fur off and am planning to make some purses out of it.

double the pleasure

Can you tell I needed a pick me up today, dressing pretty and feminine always helps.   I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.  I have been thinking a lot about life lately and wanting to find a new path, one in which I feel like I am making a difference in the world.  I love my job as a hair designer but I think I need something more in my life.  Maybe this is what we all go through from time to time.  Being in my 30's now,  I feel it more than ever.   Wanting to travel, be married, have kids.  I need some more fulfillment.  I did start making a dress today inspired by The Boudoir Queen, who I love.  I am not happy with it so far so I will have to alter it some more and then I'll show it off here.

Outfit Details-

Lace blouse-Thrifted (my new favorite layering piece)

Dress-Vintage 

Tights-Vintage danskin (new in package from thrift store in Oregon)

Shoes-Vintage, Thrifted in my home town (mens I think)

Necklace-Self made, Pretty Pirate Designs

Flower pin-Self made 

This is what I wore to work yesterday, I was getting some seriously crazy stares on the street.  I find it really amusing when people stare at my outfits.  It makes me feel good, knowing that I look different and am not a clone.

Btw, these new boots are from Bluefly.  It was my first purchase on that site, they were a gift from my BF for my birthday.  I had many problems with them and eventually got a damage refund from them.  These boots are the most expensive shoes I have ever owned and I wanted them to be perfect.  I have been searching from some simple riding boots for a while and these were exactly what I wanted.  They came to me with some smudges on them and creases on the toes, it looked as if they had been tried on a bunch and returned.  They were the last pair available and not in perfect condition but they were sold as new and perfect.  They said they would give me a damage refund for $21.80 and then refunded me $17.80 (after this I could never return them).  I had to email them to tell them they messed up (again).  The whole experience was terrible and I'm not sure I will ever use the site again.  I do love the boots though and am happy with the quality besides the damage (which is not too noticeable).  I got a great deal on them but the hassle was dreadful.

Outfit Details-

Earrings-Burlington coat factory

Beaded Jacket-Vintage, Thrifted in my home town

Cardigan-Nordstrom

Dress-Old basic, cant't remember

Wooden Belt-Thrifted

Tights-Marshals

Boots-Ash, Bluefly

DIY tote

I found this amazing vintage fabric a few weeks ago at community thrift, one of my favorite thrift stores in San Francisco.  I was going to try to make a dress with it but then this design popped into my head a couple days ago.  I decided to execute it today and share it with you.  The holidays are approaching and  this is a great gift idea/project for those of us that are short on funds (isn't everyone these days) but have time and sewing skills.  I suggest using a strong cotton type fabric for this design.  You could use scraps and sew them together as well.  You can click on the photos for more detail.

Here is the design, I folded the fabric in half so the bottom did not need to be sewn.  The bow is a bit hard to see in this photo so see the details below.

The basic shape of the tote

The extra piece for the bow detail, make sure it is wider than the bag piece. Hem the sides of the bow piece.

To make the bow sew a small piece of the fabric together around the middle.  It can me movable but make sure it is tight enough to stay in place well.

Next, sew the bow to the front piece of the bag, then turn inside out and sew the sides together.  If you are confident you can just pin the bow to one side and sew it together all at once.

Sew part of the sides of the bow down (only to the pin shown) to the front of the bag so it doesn't sag.  And then the attach the straps.  The straps were made by using a piece of fabric about 4 inches wide and ironing both sides down and then folding it in half.  You can also see the tote I used as a guide in the back ground here.  Everyone has one so I would suggest using one that you like the size of and tracing it for the pattern.

Easy DIY, perfect holiday gift Idea

I came across this necklace on Etsy a couple weeks ago made by etsy seller Daily Jumpsuit.  I thought It would be a perfect DIY opportunity.  As a professional hair stylist myself, I already had a large box of Bobby Pins at home as well as lots of ribbon.  The great thing about this necklace is that It can be made with a mix of colors, like the original below or you could play around with paint, different things to hang them on or add your own flair.  Of corse if you are not the craft type you can always purchase the original from The Daily Jumpsuit for a reasonable 12$.

The original necklace

Here are the supplies I had on hand, if you don't,  you can purchase the pins almost anywhere.  The large boxes run about 3-5$ and can be found at beauty supply stores.  The ribbon spools this size are usually around 1$.  These supplies would make many necklaces which are great holiday gifts for your stylish friends.

Here is the finished project, it is adjustable so you can wear it long or short (the smooth side)

Here is the other side with more texture.  You could always mix them up so its not at uniform as well.