around the way girl

case of the mondays

2010-10-18T12:22:00.001-04:00

It's funny how everything can get so stirred up around you sometimes. Life can be so dull at moments and then at the drop of a hat stuff is flying at you from every direction. I feel a bit bombarded lately with a lot of things. Some good, some bad, some exciting, some challenging.

So, something's got to give. And unfortunately I think it's this little baby. I'm not taking a real break from here but will probably be posting a bit inconsistently - basically when time allows - for the next few weeks. Hope you'll stick around.

Have a great week all! And, hope all is well with all of you :)

xo

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she hits pause

2010-10-13T23:18:00.000-04:00

Beautiful large format Polaroid transfers by Matt Schwartz of She Hit Pause Studios, Inc.

Matt started She Hit Pause almost a decade ago, featuring photographs of his what he calls his version of the pin-up girl. His work is meant to be paired together to create a story and has been described as "walking into a dream."

Shop the Polaroids on etsy.
See the full collection on his site.

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color theory

2010-10-12T23:15:00.000-04:00

Sweet necklaces by Chicago-based Cursive Design.

The most recent collection is inspired by the intersection of country and city which parallels the creator Sarah's roots and current life. "It's about the mix of neon and neutrals, hard lines and organic shapes."

Site. Shop. Blog.

center city

2010-10-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

Rittenhouse clothing is a high end, yet laid back, label by Australian designer couple Sally McDonald and Micah Hamdorf. The line is based out of Sydney, but is named after Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square - an homage to the city where the pair reunited after spending some time apart on different sides of the world.

For their latest collection, the prints showcase playful polka dots using the batik technique, in a range of colors, textures and sizes.

See the full collection.

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Happy Friday!

2010-10-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Friday! Finally.

I'm so excited for this weekend. This is the first weekend being in my new place where things should feel a bit more normal. The first month in was all houseguests. Last weekend I had the place to myself. And though I enjoyed it all, I'm really ready to get back to the same old routine.

Tonight, two of my girl friends are coming over for dinner, drinks and catching up. I can't wait to see them - it's been too long. And tomorrow, my roommate Beth and I are going out on the town to blow off some steam. It's been awhile since we have been out together, so it's definitely time to get back out there. We always get ourselves into trouble, but it's always fun. Never a dull moment.

Anyone else up to no good this weekend? ;)

xoxo

{photo cred}

steampunk

2010-10-06T23:21:00.000-04:00

Inspired by dreams, gypsies, tribal nomads, floating through hazy clouds, the desert, and her globe trotting lifestyle, jewelry maker Jess Amity wants to live in a handmade, embellished world.

Each piece of jewelry in her shop is one of a kind - many featuring reworked antique hardware, like vintage drawer pulls, as the centerpiece.

"I approach all projects the same way that I approach life... with grand dreams, fingers crossed, the ability to love imperfections and the ability to see beauty in unlikely places." - Jess

See more of her jewels in her shop.
She sells clothing and other accessories, too.

simple truth

2010-10-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

Beautiful photographs by Brooklyn-based artist Jennifer Causey.

Growing up in the South, Jennifer is captivated by minimalism and the homemade. She loves exploring nature and finding the beauty in every day.

See more of work on her site. And be sure to check out her lovely wedding photography and daily breakfast photos. Simple and beautiful.

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CSN giveaway winner!

2010-10-04T18:48:00.000-04:00

Congrats!

Brunch at Saks

Shoot me an email asap to claim your prize!

mixed media

2010-10-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite designers does it again....

A sampling of the Fall 2010 line by Margarita Saplala.

See the full collection here.

P.S. Giveaway winner will be announced later today :)

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happy weekend!

2010-10-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Happy first weekend in October everyone! Wow, September flew right by, didn't it?

Our new apartment played host to many guests this past month, so I have to say it's a bit bittersweet to have the place all to my lonesome this weekend - not to mention most of my friends are out of town.

It's nice to finally have some peace and quiet. I really felt like I was just floating along this past month, fighting hard to keep up the pace. But, right now, it's just a little too quiet. A better transition from feast to famine would have been nice :)

Hope you all have a fabulous almost-fall weekend.

And, don't forget, the giveaway ends tomorrow!
xo

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q&a with ayuk and adaora

2010-10-01T13:00:00.001-04:00

Make way for London-based label Ayuk and Adaora.

Founded by Tanja Ayuk and Christine Allinson in 2009, the pair sought to create a line that exhibited their passion and dedication in creating affordable, handmade, luxury clothing that combines great craftsmanship with unique design.

In their latest fall/winter collection, structured jackets and statement dresses dominate - featuring the perfect balance of sharp tailoring and feminine flair.

I spoke with Christine about A&A. Here is what she had to say:

How did you two get started in the fashion industry?
We found that we loved fashion and being creative from a very early age. We trained in various design disciplines and found fashion to be the best way to express our creativity.

What made you leap into starting your own label together?
We share the same passion and determination to produce affordable designer clothing for women. To make clothes women could treasure for a lifetime.

The very first thing you designed/made?
Our first collection was inspired by nature and we worked with feathers and leathers. We do not follow trends so it is wonderful to have complete creative freedom.

Do you have a specific girl you are designing for? What's she like?
Our girls are strong minded and independent, they don’t follow trends and wear what they want and what they feel comfortable in. That is why in each of our collections we include one off piece so our customers have the opportunity to buy something completely unique to them, like the beautiful Warrior waistcoat.

What inspired you in your latest collection?
Our inspiration came from geometric shapes and structural forms. We produced strong designs that were so unique that they can be worn season after season and look incredible.

Favorite piece you have in store?
It is very hard to choose a favourite piece from our AW10 collection! Palette in Islington is stocking specially selected and one off pieces from September - a favourite there has to be The Goliath Dress in rust, a real showstopper.

How would you describe your personal style?
Our styles change every season but what remains constant is the fact that what we choose to wear has to be exquisitely made. All the pieces from our collections are cut so beautifully, that although the design may be complex, the garment is comfortable to wear. We’ll be wearing the velvet Stalagmite Jacket to death this season!

Any plans to expand on your line?
Ayuk & Adaora is currently being stocked in boutiques in London and New York. We have some exciting new projects coming up. We are looking at plans to expand but we want to do this without jeopardising the quality of our clothes.

Thanks Christine!

Want more Ayuk & Adaora?

Website

Facebook

Twitter

falling awake

2010-09-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

Artist Maria Britton paints on floral bed sheets - ones worn and faded from years of sleeping and washing.

The bed, as she says, is a place where one both experiences and escapes reality - a physical link between dream and awake. Using pieces of bedding as her canvas, Britton seeks to depict sleep's ability to disorientate by disrupting and restructuring the floral patterned backgrounds.

Very cool.

See more of Britton's work on her site.

P.S. Giftcard giveaway still going. Enter! Enter! Enter!

{via}

drawing outside the lines

2010-09-28T08:32:00.001-04:00

New York-based jewelry design duo Mignonne Gavigan and Laetitia Stanfield created a striking line that is guaranteed to turn heads.

Produced under the name Roarke - after Howard Roark, the protagonist in Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead - the girls launched their signature necklace-meets-bib in 2009. Since then, the line has grown to include bracelets, headpieces and wedding gear.

Check the collection.
See how to wear.

P.S. Less than a week left to enter the giveaway! Get to it! xo

{via}

passport to danger

2010-09-27T12:19:00.000-04:00

The charming line Dear Creatures was created by Bianca Benitez and Rob Sinclair. The pair cultivated each other's creativity, combining their common love for decades past to create an overall aesthetic of clean, classic style with a modern sensibility.

I love the concept for the Fall 2010 line - nostalgic and narrative - inspired by Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Perfect for fall. And gloomy days like today.

Photography: Yudi Ela Echevarria
Photo assistant: Erika Hokanson
Hair: Tara Jean
Make-up: Eliven Quiros

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giftcard giveaway!

CSNstores.com giftcard giveaway!

2010-09-24T12:41:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since we've had a giveaway here at atwg, so I'm happy to announce that CSNstores.com is generously providing one for us today.

CSNstores.com has over 200 online shops featuring modern bedding, furniture and home decor, luxe shoes and accessories, and cookware - something for every taste and at every price point. See all they have to offer on their website, CSNStores.com.

Today, CSN is offering atwg readers a $45 giftcard to be used in any one of their online shops.*

How to enter!

*Leave a relative comment on this post for one entry.

*Please leave an email address or some form of contact.

*Link to this post on Twitter, Facebook and/or your blog - for a possibility of 3 extra entries.

*Follow the atwg blog, on Twitter and/or Facebook - for a possibility of 3 more extra entries.

*Follow CSNStores.com on Twitter and/or Facebook- for a possibility of 2 final extra entries.

*Just be sure to mention any of these actions in your comment!

Giveaway ends next Sunday, October 3rd at 11:59pm ET. Winner will be announced Monday, the 4th. Good luck!

Happy Friday everyone! xo

*Exclusive to U.S. and Canadian readers and gift card not applicable to the cost of shipping.

brilliance found

2010-09-22T23:59:00.005-04:00

Whimsical, nature-inspired jewelry - featuring quartz crystal, natural stone and mixed metals - hand made by artist Nyne, of Vancouver.

I love the unique, organic vibrancy of each piece. One of a kind.

See more on the Brilliance Found site, facebook page and etsy shop.

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short and sweet

2010-09-21T20:29:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks back a new friend took me to the DC Shorts Film Festival - a screenplay competition featuring 97 films and 6 screenplays from 11 different countries.

The festival ended last week but was such a great to-do that I had to share. The films were so unique and really stuck with me - proving that even the deepest stories can be told well in less than 20 minutes.

Each of the nine showcases in the series featured a dozen or so films over a two-hour period, followed by events with the filmmakers and actors. Audience members also got to vote on their favorites.

One of my picks, God of Love, won audience favorite and will be featured in more festivals this year.

If you are in the DC area, a screenplay competition featuring candidates for the 2011 festival is happening October 16. More Info.

Also, if you'd like a mini tour of my new place, see my roommate's blog. Hope you like! xo

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fischer

2010-09-20T19:47:00.000-04:00

Beautiful new line from Fischer - a sportswear collection designed to layer into and complement the wearer's existing wardrobe.

Photographer: Edwin Tse
Hair + Makeup: Stephanie Peterson
Model: Ciara Christensen
Jewelry: Carla Mota

P.S. I've been a little absent with my move to the new apartment, houseguests and housewarming, but I promise I'm back here and ready to put in some more time with you all. Some great stuff will be coming this week, too: a q&a with one of the Ayuk and Adaora founders, and a sweet little giveaway.

Also, check out our party weekend on my roommate Beth's blog! xo

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what i'm reading...

2010-09-09T23:54:00.012-04:00

Description: Vladimir Girshkin, a likable Russian immigrant, searches for love, a decent job, and a credible self-identity in Gary Shteyngart's debut novel, The Russian Debutante's Handbook. With a doctor-father of questionable ethics and a manic, banker mother, Vladimir avoids his suburban parents and their desire that he pursue the almighty dollar as proof of success. Vladimir gets by as an immigration clerk, eking out a living in a cruddy New York City apartment while accumulating an array of quirky acquaintances, from a wealthy but disheveled old man (who claims his electric fan speaks to him) desperate for citizenship to Challa, a portly S/M queen. As a love interest, Challa is replaced by Francesca, a graduate student whose friends welcome Vladimir for the status he brings their bohemian clique, and whose parents encourage them to shack up (she lives at home) as visible proof she can maintain a steady relationship.

The Russian Debutante's Handbook is a quirky amalgam of dead-on American absurdities, albeit with somewhat stereotypical characters. While Vladimir flounders with how to improve his state, he becomes an expatriate in a trendy European city, becomes somewhat of a mobster himself, and generally has a good time. While many of the central characters remain elusively thin, Vladimir is a delight, and Shteyngart's wit is merciless: Russian women wear "wedding cakes of blond hair" and graduate students lounge in a bar "as if waiting for funding to appear." Reminiscent of Gogol and other Russian satirists, The Russian Debutante's Handbook is a genuine, sublime social commentary. -Michael Ferch

try and ruffle me

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Punches of color, bold graphics and feminine details are paired with simple silhouettes and classic accessories in Lauren Moffatt's Fall 2010 collection.

I love the fun mix of boy meets girl style - great fall wardrobe inspiration.

Check the lookbook here. Or shop around.

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Penelope's Vintage: Guide to Thrift Shopping

2010-09-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite people on the Internet is the lovely Chanelle of Penelope's Vintage. Not only has she been a great supporter of this little blog here, I have great respect for her talent.

A thrifting hobby and a great eye for style helped Chanelle to successfully launch her own online shop - which has absolutely turned heads - and she is here today to give us some tips on how to dig through vintage goods ourselves in atwg's very first guest post.

Enjoy!

Thrift shopping can be a scary task for people. I understand. There’s an overwhelming sea of clothing shoved in one area that you are expected to find something out of - and something cute, at that.

My name is Chanelle and I’m here to help you overcome your fear of thrift shopping. If you’re an avid thriftier, I love you and I’m sure you understand. I own an online vintage clothing store, Penelope’s Vintage, therefore I’ve had some practice, not to mention 75 percent of my closet = Goodwill.

Me, Chanelle, in black high-waisted shorts: I’m really into sheer blouses right now, so I went to the blouse section at Goodwill and picked out this beautiful white georgette blouse with a collar and pleats down the middle. I paired it with these shorts I also found at Goodwill a while ago - high-waisted with pleats. They are really ugly if they’re not rolled up because they’re too long, but I played with them a bit and now they’re as good as new! The blouse also has a greater appeal with the sleeves rolled up, although I do like them down too.

I have five super simple tips to help you shop or get you started.

Be organized: Take yourself to your local thrift store, dive in and go one rack at a time. Thrift stores usually have everything organized and separated nicely. Start off with the lightest weight items like blouses, then work your way across the store. The items add up QUICK, therefore starting off with the lightest weight item makes it more manageable to take around with you. If you’re like me you will end up with a mountain of clothes.

Look for patterns or colors that appeal to you: When you approach a rack, push all the clothes to one side of the rack then push them one by one to the other side in a quick motion. While doing this, spot out the prints and styles that you like and take it off the rack to see if it’s love. I know, you hate me for saying this, but this is the most effective and rewarding way. If you refuse this method you can also walk down the aisle and spot the prints, colors, textures, etc., that appeal to you and take them off the rack as you spot them.

Start off simple and take chances: First time? Vintage t-shirts are a great way to start - they go with ANYTHING and the men’s section is usually a jackpot. Eventually make your way into blouses, bottoms, etc., and before you know it you’ll be in a full sequins jumpsuit! Try to try on at least one outrageous item - those are usually the best ones.

Here’s an item from the store, 90s high-waisted white denim shorts. Again, these weren’t that appealing in their original form but roll them up and you got yourself a cute summer item. We paired it with loud (AWESOME) leopard shoes to give the flat colors some appeal, and added a pop of color with a Wilma Flintstone necklace.

Picture the items on and/or with an outfit: Do you wear items alone? NO! You wear it as part of AN OUTFIT! Try picturing the item with bottoms or tops, a belt at the waist. If the sleeves are too long, picture them rolled up. Picture a clunky bracelet and a cocktail ring with the outfit. Play with the item if you like it. You can also research before shopping and go in with an outfit idea in your head to find. Sites like Lookbook.nu or Chictopia.com have AMAZING outfit ideas with vintage items.

This item is also from the store. It was originally a skirt (and can still be a skirt) but looks AWESOME as a tube dress, as well. I often find skirts that I wouldn’t normally wear but LOVE the print or color so I usually try to it as a dress before I completely give up on it. Luckily long skirts are in again so you can have two pieces in one!

Try everything on: Most places have mirrors and not dressing rooms. My best advice would be to go shopping dressed in leggings and a tight shirt so you can try items on over your clothes in front of a mirror. Things look COMPLETELY different on than they do on the rack, so this step is crucial. Some look better on, some look worse!

The thing I love most about thrifting is: it’s creativity at its finest. You have to search, have imagination and be bold. It’s gratifying when you find that GEM that is a piece of vintage. It’s yours, and you found it. If thrifting is not your thing but you love vintage, there are tons of eBay and Etsy stores that do all the work for you. They do the shopping and show you different ways to wear it. Just click “buy”! These steps have helped me to find NUMEROUS items that I wouldn’t have found otherwise, and in a timely manner at that. I hope these tips help and make thrifting a more enjoyable experience.

Thanks Chanelle!

Stay tuned for part two from Chanelle, coming soon!

Penelope's Vintage.
Facebook.
Twitter.
Lookbook.

ouch.

2010-09-03T08:42:00.000-04:00

Oh Friday, I wish I could be as excited about you as usual, but this week you are the eve of moving day part two. Oh, the soreness.

Moving into our new place this past Tuesday did not go as seamlessly as the roomies and I hoped (read: three woman should not try to move themselves without some sort of truck. Next time - note to self - shell out the cash to hire movers.)

It seemed like a good idea to do it on our own - we all always have - but we really didn't anticipate the troubles of getting Beth's stuff out... down her spiral staircase. All I will say is bruises in odd places, one messed up ankle, and a few almost spills. Such fun :)

So, I'm hoping I can rest a little tonight before we head over to my former place tomorrow to grab the rest of the big furniture.

I can't wait to be settled in so we can enjoy our new lovely place.

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!!

xo

{photo cred}

Noble Town Vintage

2010-09-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Rescued, revived and original vintage jewels from Noble Town Vintage of Salt Lake City.

Simple silhouettes, geometric shapes and raw earthy elements throughout create cohesion in a store of items spanning decades.

This vintage shop is so well put together - it gives the appearance of its own line. Just beautiful.

Great clothing, too.

music philosophy

2010-09-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

After interviewing Shaun DeGraff, I'm feeling a bit musical.

Loving these prints by artist Mico on his site Music Philosophy - a weekly graphic, typographical interpretation of the designer's favorite song quotations.

Shop the silkscreen prints.
Shop the tees.
Submit your own song quote.

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Q+A with Shaun DeGraff

2010-08-31T23:54:00.004-04:00

Shaun DeGraff is a Vegas native who made singing, songwriting, beatboxing and musicmaking his lifework. After receiving his first piano at age 13, Shaun immediately fell in love with the freedom of thought and expression that song writing afforded him, ultimately gravitating to the keyboard as his main creative outlet.

Since committing full force to pursuing his talent, the artist has turned quite a few heads - earning a few award nods and even seeing his music featured in film.

Shaun's recently released album Grey Area is appropriately titled as the songs explore the ups and downs in life, walking a tight rope between positive and negative energy.

His music absolutely caught me off guard with its eclectic sound and one-of-a-kind force. Shaun may incorporate the flavors of a few big name artists - The Killers, G Love, and Ben Folds, as he references - but he definitely has a sound and dramatic flair that is uniquely his own.

Inventive, refreshing and absolutely electric. His songs will get stuck in your head time and time again.

I got to speak with Shaun over the last few weeks about his musicmaking. Here is what he had to say:

Give us a little background - how did you get started in music?
Ever since I was a kid I've always been a ham. My family never pushed me in the musical / theatre direction, it was just what I was naturally good at. I love the synergy of live performance. It's a rush putting your ass on the line and asking people "Am I good enough?" I think I chose it as a profession because I wouldn't be much good at anything else. As far as instruments, I play the keyboard so I can be any instrument I want to be organic or electric. Chances are I will fool 99% of the people out there that the instruments were played by a real drummer, guitarist, bass, strings etc. Grey Area was completely produced by me in the digital realm even though it sounds so organic.

How would you describe your sound?
LONG: Powerful Piano-pop with organic flavors of modern rock, jazz, and acoustic hip-hop. SHORT: Acoustic soul that rocks!

Very first song you wrote?
It was a song called "Shawna" and yes, of course I wrote it for a girl named Shawna. It sounded a lot like Woody Harrelson's song "Kelly" from a Cheers episode. It didn't work unfortunately. I didn't get laid. Hahahaha..

You have a very unique energy, who/what inspires you in your music?
This rollercoaster ride they call life inspires me the most. I haven't been diagnosed but I'm sure I have at least a mild case of bi-polar. If not, I'm just one moody bastard! That's why my songs range from soft and sweet to hard and aggressive. That has always been my problem as far as marketing is concerned. But that's f*cking life. As far as artists go, I'm all over the board. Bjork, Stevie Wonder, Ben Folds, Bill Withers, Imogen Heap, Owl City.

August 2010 Vocalist Of The Month for singeruniverse.com
-Modern Rock Album Of The Year for "Music For Life" 2008 - JPF Music Awards
-Modern Rock Album Of The Year for "In My Room" 2007 - JPF Awards
-Modern Rock Song Of The Year for "All We Need" 2005 - JPF Awards
-"You Had Me At Goodbye" on closing motion picture credits "The List" 2009
-"Ain't That A B****" licensed to Google 2008 commercial

Favorite song on Grey Area?
"Had Me At Goodbye." Love the melody, catchy lyric in the hook, and the way I produced it did the song justice. I didn't write the song. My amazing talented friend Phillip Stendek wrote it.

Name some artists on your iPod right now.
Lot's of progressive trance DJ sets. I get sooo much shit done when I listen to it. Angels and Airwaves, BT, Cocteau Twins, DJ Shadow, Fever Ray, Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons (great band from Vegas), Justice, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend to name a few.

You seem to be doing well lately with album drop earlier this year, the recent vocalist of the month win and #1 Vegas ranking on ReverbNation. What's next for you?
First, Around The Way blog, then, THE WORLD!!! Muuuwwwaaahahahahahah!!! (Evil laugh). My goal for the next month is to put a college/festival tour together. My goal for the next three to six months is to get enough college radio play to open for a headlining tour.

Upcoming shows?
TBA. Go to http://www.thatpianoguy.com/ and sign up for the mailing list!

Thanks Shaun for the great interview! We expect to see much more of you...

Get your Shaun DeGraff fix:

Listen to his album Grey Area

Website

ReverbNation

Facebook

Twitter

native spirit

2010-08-30T08:26:00.002-04:00

Inspired by her native roots, designer Erika Bates pays homage to her Cherokee background in her autumn/winter 2010 collection Native Spirit for her label Asuyeta, formally known as Erika Hendrix.

Inspired by the history, culture, clothes, and the language, Erika designed a line featuring blanket capes and skirts, fringes and knee-high leggings - each piece in the collection having a Native American name.

I absolutely love the contrast between Native Spirit and the more feminine looks we have seen from her before. So different.

Shop the new line on Erika's site.

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Happy Weekend

2010-08-28T21:14:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post to say happy weekend!

I'm busily packing and finishing up some furniture re-dos in preparation for the big move to my new place on Tuesday.

Hope you all are enjoying what little is left of summer :)

xo

P.S. Interview with singer/songwriter Shaun DeGraff coming next week. Hope to see you back for it!

{photo by anjie}

never fear

2010-08-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

Stemming off of her fascination with psychology and human phobic fears, artist Carrie Bilbo created a collection of jewels - The Attachment of Fear - that are meant to connect and interact with the body.

These edgy, wearable sculptures feature silver branches, gleaming cicadas and bejeweled spiders. All represent the beauty of nature but connect with the body via texture and color - evoking a chilling natural response both physically and psychologically.

Such a unique concept. Strangely real, yet impeccably crafted and wearable.

Check the site to see more of the collection.

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Julianna Rae

2010-08-24T20:40:00.001-04:00

Julianna Rae Big Summer Sale!

The luxury lingerie brand, Julianna Rae, is featuring a blow-out end of summer sale. Through August 25th all silk chemises and gowns are on sale up to 50% off.

Next month, more exclusive offers....

Between September 2nd and 8th get free shipping on any online purchase and between the 15th and 22nd all camis and tap pant sets will also be on sale up to 50% off.

Just visit http://www.juliannarae.com/!

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heidi merrick fall

2010-08-23T20:26:00.000-04:00

Designer - and daughter of legendary board shaper Al Merrick - Heidi Merrick makes the clothes she wants to wear.

A perfect blend of classic pieces with modern updates, Merrick's fall 2010 line is effortless and can easily be mixed and matched. From the metallic details to the stripes to the army green, the stylings are perfect for fall but can be enjoyed many seasons ahead, too.

See more styles here.

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friday, you are my favorite

2010-08-20T13:31:00.002-04:00

LOVE LOVE LOVE Friday. Best feeling in the world.

This week absolutely flew by, which is fine by me because that means I'm that much closer to moving into my new place. The apartment is amazing, the roommates are tolerable (and by tolerable I mean also amazing!). And I am so so excited for a new start. This past year has been sort of a rough one personally that involved many changes and I can't wait to move on from all that business for good!

Plans this weekend, friends?

I just had a great lunch with an old friend. Tonight I'm going to my future roomies current place for her moving out party (a preface to our new apartment party). And the rest of the weekend is clear... plenty of time for couch hunting for our new place and hopefully some play time outside - August is almost over. I can't believe it.

Happy weekend!
xo

{photo by nirrimi}

//ec\\

2010-08-18T21:59:00.022-04:00

Artist and designer Erin Considine incorporates vintage craft and the modern aesthetic in her year-old collection of hand dyed, crocheted jewels.

Using ethically sourced cotton and silk - dyed with organic Turmeric, Hibiscus and Logwood - paired with recycled metals, her pieces are front line and sustainably-minded, while also honoring past traditions of the jewelry metier.

Swoon.

Shop Erin's pieces on her site //ec\\.

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Q+A with Cellardoor Magazine

2010-08-17T20:10:00.000-04:00

Beautiful photographs, feminine features and the ramblings of a Jane Austen addict are just some of the charming features of the very young Cellardoor Magazine - an online publication out of the UK.

Just three issues in, Cellardoor has quickly defined itself. A dreamy but interesting magazine, each issue showcases fashion, music, film, art and the like - a perfect read for the modern girl who is in tune with the world.

I spoke with Amy and Jade about their budding creation. Here is what they had to say:

Tell us about Cellardoor. How and when did it all begin?
We’d just graduated straight into the height of recession and were struggling to get work and do something we both enjoyed. We’d created Cellardoor as part of our uni course and really grew to love it and had often discussed maybe putting it online. It first began as a way to stop us from being bored whilst searching endlessly for jobs, but we got some amazing feedback so decided to take it a little more seriously - and now it’s just snowballed.

I love the name - what's the story behind it?
Thanks! It took so much deliberation to find a name. That was the hardest part, we knew exactly how we wanted it to look, so the name had to reflect that. It's been said that of all the word combinations in the English language, cellar door is the most beautiful. We thought it was pretty perfect - we think (and granted, we may be slightly biased) that Cellardoor is pretty beautiful! It’s a unique and interesting name.

Tell us a little about the current issue. What can readers expect in Summer of Love?
Each issue has a running seasonal theme, so we try to fit most of the features and editorials around the current season. So, this issue is jam-packed with beautiful photo shoots, great features and interviews from Leddra Chapman and the Wildfox Girls. It's the perfect thing to read on a hot, sunny day.

Who is the Cellardoor reader? Tell us about her. What is she like?
We've had the magazine described as “feminine with a bit of an edge,” which we thought really summed us up. I think our typical reader is young, intelligent and stylish, with an interest in the things around her. She knows her own mind and appreciates beautiful things in life.

What are some of your favorite pieces from the magazine?
Amy: My favourite pieces are normally from the homes sections - I love taking a sneak peek inside other people’s houses and seeing the beautiful things they can do in a tiny space. I do get slightly envious though!

Jade: I’ve always loved Stacey Mark’s work so I was pretty excited when we featured her in the Spring Fling issue - I’ve even got one of her photos on my bedroom wall. I guess it’s the equivalent to meeting your first boyband crush!

by Stacey Mark

Where you do draw your inspiration from?
There are so many great blogs out there, and we read so many that it would be hard to list them. While we love reading them and appreciate how fab they are and the talent that's around, it's everyday life that really inspires us, and as the magazine is quarterly to coincide with the seasons, we tend to draw inspiration from them. Our contributors also often come up with great ideas, too. There’s a lot of hidden talent out there.

What's in store for the next issue?
We're really excited about the next issue, as we've decided on the theme of 'Emerging Talent'. It's a chance to introduce our readers to some really talented and creative people. I think we've set ourselves a huge challenge - we want to fit so much in! But that's all we're saying for now.

And since this is the summer issue... favorite thing about the season?
Jade: My favourite thing would have to be lying on a beach with a good book... or the latest copy of Cellardoor!

Amy: I love the feeling of freedom that summer brings, and the way everyone's just so much more cheerful. And I have a dress problem so I love being able to make full use of my wardrobe!

Thanks Amy and Jade for the great interview!

Summer of Love.

Website.

Blog.

Twitter.

Facebook.

Keep an eye out for the next issue, coming soon.

simple tastes

2010-08-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

Designers Filippa Knutsson and Patrik Kihlborg combine timeless simplicity with contemporary edge in their distinctive fashion line Filippa K.

Perfect for working girls and modern urbanites alike.

See the fall 2010 lookbook here.

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Friday!

2010-08-13T11:23:00.000-04:00

Well ... I was doing a really good job of posting consistently...

But this week I've been feeling a bit under the weather and haven't had much motivation to post. But next week, I promise some good stuff is coming! Pinky swear.

Any good plans this weekend, friends?

Tonight I'm hitting up the nats game (that is if another monsoon doesn't hit DC) and tomorrow I'm seeing a band I used to cover for a local paper - they are playing a little place in Arlington. Should be a good one!

See you next week for some regular posting :)

xo

Also.. a few things...

Don't forget the reader discount being offered by Sweet Romance Jewelry. Ends at the end of the month!
Check out some of atwg's new sponsors on the right-hand side of the homepage. If you are interested in sponsoring or would like to take part in a Q+A feature, please email me.
Follow atwg on Facebook. We like followers!
And my friend Abby is doing her very first giveaway on her beautiful blog Historical Horse. Enter if you like :)

{photo by alex beja}

je t'aime

2010-08-10T08:27:00.000-04:00

Loving this charming collection of paper goods by Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop in San Francisco.

Yellow Owl creates rustic and eco-friendly stationary, correspondence sets and stamp kits - and now pendants, too.

See the full collection on the Yellow Owl site or blog.

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whit-ny

2010-08-09T09:08:00.000-04:00

Whitney Pozgay, niece of Kate Spade, combines her aunt's girly-prep style with a tomboyishness all her own in her new contemporary line of clothes called WHIT. The Brooklyn-based designer honed her skills during a stint as the lead designer of womenswear at Steven Alan - spearheading collaborations including Steven Alan for Uniqlo and the Urban Outfitters brand Lark and Wolff.

Her first lookbook for fall is inspired by her enduring love for Harold and Maude, the colorful works of artists Mark Rothko and Henry Darger, with a dose of French influence by Jane Birkin, François Hardy, and Nouvelle Vague.

The graphic shots have touches of whimsy that come to life with unique headgear. And standout pieces like the twill cape coat, bright poppy red sweater, and high-waisted wool faille miniskirt, all prove to be girlish essentials that could make a home in a range of closets.

Mod-preppy and effortlessly chic. Makes me crave fall.

Check the lookbook.

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home sweet home

2010-08-06T08:12:00.000-04:00

So happy today!

Tonight my friend (and soon-to-be housemate!) Beth and I are heading into my hometown of Frederick for dinner at Volt. We've been to this glorious place before and eaten in the lounge, but it has taken us just about a year to actually snag a table in the dining room on a weekend night. So, needless to say, I can't wait. Delicious food in my favorite downtown with a good friend. Doesn't get any better.

Happy Friday all. Any good plans?

xo

{photo by kara o'keefe}

leathers and feathers

2010-08-05T08:08:00.012-04:00

Loving the new summer pieces in stock at Emma Carroll - a shop featuring graphic jewelry and modern, playful accessories.

Drawing on her grounding in traditional leather craft techniques, each piece is handmade by Emma using the finest quality Italian vegetable-tanned leathers, which are produced and dyed to order.

The designs combine vibrant shots of color with bold geometric shapes, yet are beautifully simple.

See more in Emma's portfolio.

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the colors of summer

2010-08-04T22:32:00.003-04:00

I can't believe we're in August already. This summer has absolutely flown by and I feel like I've barely been able to enjoy it.

Thankfully I keep stumbling across great summer lines to distract me from the inevitable fall weather...

Enjoying this great little sustainable collection by Stewart+Brown - shot in the little beach town of Ventura, California - featuring neoclassic stylings in amethyst, jade and crimson.

Delightfully West Coast prep.

The Collection.
The Shop.

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Little Honey

2010-08-03T00:23:00.000-04:00

Little Honey, a Los Angeles-based brand dedicated to creating standout travel accessories, recently launched a line of luxe Sleep Masks.

Available in four patterns, Little Honey’s sleep masks will guarantee some serious shut-eye, whether at home or on the road. The masks are lined in black - ensuring total darkness - and have a unique mold that perfectly contours the face for ultimate fit.

They sent me a sample recently and I adore. I'm typically not one to don a sleep mask (I like no excess of garb when sleeping), but after testing it out I know I will be taking it with me on future trips. The masks are perfectly packable, comfortable, and not only did I sleep better but I've noticed a decrease in under-eye circles, too. Perfection.

For more on the masks - and matching travel pillows, visit the Little Honey site. They are also shopable at Urban Outfitters.

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Sweet Romance Reader Discount!

2010-07-29T21:44:00.000-04:00

Sweet Romance is an online boutique featuring jewelry inspired by many different eras of fashion history. Each piece enfolds a story - connecting the lineage of old keepsakes to the reinterpretations of today. Perfect for vintage lovers.

The generous folks over at Sweet Romance are offering ATWG readers 10 percent off any purchase from the boutique - just by mentioning the blog.

Shop the site here.

Things to note:
-Enter "Aroundthewaygirl" (with a capital A) at checkout
-One time use
-Can't be used with any other coupon
-Expires in one month

Hope you enjoy!

xo

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{images: sweet romance}

what i'm reading...

2010-07-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

While waiting for a friend last night for dinner, I killed some time over at one of my favorite little spots, Kramerbooks. I've seen a lot about this new release by Shteyngart and I just had to pick it up when I spotted it right inside the front door.

Description: The author of two critically acclaimed novels, The Russian Debutante’s Handbook and Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart has risen to the top of the fiction world. Now, in his hilarious and heartfelt new novel, he envisions a deliciously dark tale of America’s dysfunctional coming years—and the timeless and tender feelings that just might bring us back from the brink.

In a very near future—oh, let’s say next Tuesday—a functionally illiterate America is about to collapse. But don’t that tell that to poor Lenny Abramov, the thirty-nine-year-old son of an angry Russian immigrant janitor, proud author of what may well be the world’s last diary, and less-proud owner of a bald spot shaped like the great state of Ohio. Despite his job at an outfit called Post-Human Services, which attempts to provide immortality for its super-rich clientele, death is clearly stalking this cholesterol-rich morsel of a man. And why shouldn’t it? Lenny’s from a different century—he totally loves books (or “printed, bound media artifacts,” as they’re now known), even though most of his peers find them smelly and annoying. But even more than books, Lenny loves Eunice Park, an impossibly cute and impossibly cruel twenty-four-year-old Korean American woman who just graduated from Elderbird College with a major in Images and a minor in Assertiveness.

After meeting Lenny on an extended Roman holiday, blistering Eunice puts that Assertiveness minor to work, teaching our “ancient dork” effective new ways to brush his teeth and making him buy a cottony nonflammable wardrobe. But America proves less flame-resistant than Lenny’s new threads. The country is crushed by a credit crisis, riots break out in New York’s Central Park, the city’s streets are lined with National Guard tanks on every corner, the dollar is so over, and our patient Chinese creditors may just be ready to foreclose on the whole mess. Undeterred, Lenny vows to love both Eunice and his homeland. He’s going to convince his fickle new love that in a time without standards or stability, in a world where single people can determine a dating prospect’s “hotness” and “sustainability” with the click of a button, in a society where the privileged may live forever but the unfortunate will die all too soon, there is still value in being a real human being.

Wildly funny, rich, and humane, Super Sad True Love Story is a knockout novel by a young master, a book in which falling in love just may redeem a planet falling apart.

Click to watch the book trailer.

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Ananas New York

2010-07-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers: Handbag brand Ananas is featuring a blow out sale at its Elizabeth Street boutique.

The brand is taking some maternity leave and is asking readers to take advantage. The spring/summer collection will be on sale at up to 60% off. Shop summer scarves, beach tunics, select jewelry pieces, leather bags and even a few fall samples.

When: Now through August 8th
Where: 248 Elizabeth Street (between Houston and Prince)
Time: 11am-7pm everyday

For those of you outside the city, bags are on sale online, too.

Margarita was $460 now $184, Shauna was $530 now $212, Saskia was $530 now $230, tote was $495 now $215 , furoshiki was $310 now $135, coco clutches were $98 now $43.

Happy Shopping.

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sewn news

2010-07-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

Artist Lauren DiCioccio explores the tangible beauty of mass-produced media objects, like newspapers and magazines, as these commonplace items begin to depart from their paper form.

Her tedious handwork features these simple but intimate pieces of everyday life, hoping to describe the nostalgic beauty of these objects to her audience in the form of craft.

The pieces in her series sewnnews showcase entire issues of The New York Times encased in hand-embroidered cotton muslin. Thread outlines the images - color by color layered in a painterly fashion.

I love when artists find new canvases on which to work. So creative.

See DiCoccio's Portfolio.

{via}

sound and vision

2010-07-26T21:59:00.024-04:00

Between eying the colorful photos of a friend's travels through Asia and those of an inspiring international photo project, I want to surround myself with all things patterned and vibrant.

Cult phenomenon Mociun utterly satisfied this craving of mine with its originality and intense love of prints.

Started by Caitlin Mociun, a RISD textiles grad and world traveler, the designs are inspired by an ahistorical use of various cultural pattern and textile traditions. The Bauhaus combination of art and craft are employed as well.

See more of this sustainable line on the Mociun site.

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tea party

2010-07-25T22:30:00.003-04:00

Hope you all had a good weekend!

Mine was especially hectic but fun nonetheless.

Saturday I spent much of the day food prepping for a friend's bridal tea that a few of us hosted today in DC. But luckily I was able to squeeze in some time for some fun last night, too.

My friend Coleen and I started out the evening on a new friend's rooftop for some prosecco and a little networking. I met this new friend, Carolyn, on my recent bus trip to New York and I'm so happy that I did (typically I keep to myself on my travels).

Carolyn is the founder of this amazing nonprofit Dog Meets World - an ambitious, powerful photo diplomacy project. Upon hearing I immediately thought of my friend Coleen, who has been living in India - and headed back there this week - and has recently taken up photography in her journeys. It was only natural for the two of them to connect and join forces. Stay tuned for more on this project and Coleen's involvement.

After our visit, which was hugely successful, we headed out for a little dinner at Oyamel. Holy amazing is all I will say. Then we took on U Street, for Coleen's final Saturday night in the states.

A great time, but bittersweet.

Today's tea party bridal shower was a success, too. Lots of food, drink and fun. And a tiny tornado. What a memorable day. You can read more about it on my friend Beth's blog.

xo

{photo: lissy elle}

what i'm (done) reading...

2010-07-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

Just finished this one and had to mention - it is definitely a new favorite of mine. Incredible read.

Description: A riveting and unsettling novel about a girl and her father who live off the grid, in the shadows at the edge of civilization. A thirteen-year-old girl and her father live in Forest Park, the enormous nature preserve in Portland, Oregon. They inhabit an elaborate cave shelter, wash in a nearby creek, store perishables at the water's edge, use a makeshift septic system, tend a garden, even keep a library of sorts.

Once a week, they go to the city to buy groceries, attend church, and otherwise merge with the civilized world. But one small mistake allows a backcountry jogger to discover them, which derails their entire existence, ultimately provoking a deeper flight.

In the tradition of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild and Elizabeth Gilbert's Last American Man, Peter Rock's My Abandonment, inspired by a true story (and the Elizabeth Smart case) and told through the startlingly sincere voice of his young protagonist, Caroline, is an eerie and mesmerizing book of survival and hope, and a completely original novel of a remarkable and triumphant transformation.

Julianna Rae Exclusive

2010-07-20T15:52:00.001-04:00

Luxury lingerie brand Julianna Rae is giving a silk lingerie travel bag to you and your friends.

Simply enter in your friends' email addresses and they will receive a beautiful silk lingerie bag in the mail (a $38 value). If you sign up three friends to receive the gift, you'll receive a lingerie bag for yourself, as well. And, as an extra bonus, you and your friends will receive a unique promotion code of 25% off any order.

Click here to refer a friend.

Shop the Julianna Rae site.

mara hoffman

2010-07-19T22:43:00.001-04:00

For the past few weeks I have been on the hunt for a little dress for an event I am going to this week - The Best of Washington party at the National Building Museum. I searched high and low for a unique piece but failed miserably in my search.

If only I would have given into a little bit of temptation, I may have ended up with one of these Mara Hoffman babies I've been lusting over for so long...

Hoffman is such an eclectic with her culturally-inspired threads, expertly draped silhouettes and bold prints - definitely a personal favorite.

And to think she got her start just by looking great, walking the streets of New York.

See more of her 2010 collection on her site.

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I'm back!

2010-07-16T08:42:00.000-04:00

Soooooo I have definitely been MIA ... for a LONG time. But that ends today!

Let's see if I can catch you up on where I've been. The super condensed short version: felt bogged down by stuff at work. And the newly single life has been interesting and busy. Then I hurt my foot. Then I've been trying to find an apartment. Then there were some family health problems. Then one of my best friends came back from India after a year there. Then I had to go to New York City :) Then I had vacation. Then I decided it's good to slowww down.

All in all, things were a bit hectic and trying to find the time to focus here was difficult. But, now, I'm back and rested and ready to blog again. Stay tuned for a full post on Monday.

Hope all of you are doing well - I missed you so much xo

Happy Friday friends.

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one for me, one for you

2010-06-16T14:58:00.001-04:00

Inspired by friendship bracelets, Indian summers, and Southwestern colors, these hand-woven cotton necklaces by Kate Miss conjure up memories of my childhood.

My friends and I spent so much of our summers picking out threads and weaving them into colorful designs before we tied them onto eachother's wrists and ankles and headed outdoors to play. It was just as much a summer pastime as riding bikes, playing hiding and seek and chasing down the ice cream man.

I adore Kate's grown-up styling - if for nothing else but the nostalgia.

See more on her site For Me, For You.

Her blog is beautiful, too.

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what i'm reading...

2010-06-15T16:19:00.000-04:00

Description: After his wife leaves him, Federico de la Fe and his daughter Little Merced depart the town of Las Tortugas, Mexico and head for Los Angeles. There, with the aid of a local street gang and the prophetic powers of a baby Nostradamus, they engage in an epic battle to find a cure for sadness. Mechanical tortoises, disillusioned saints hiding in wrestling rings, a woman made of paper, and Rita Hayworth are a few of the players whose destinies intertwine in this story of war and lost love. The People of Paper is simultaneously a father-daughter immigration story, a wildly inventive reimagining of Southern Californian mythology, and an exploration of the limits of fiction. Part memoir, part lies, this is a book about the wounds inflicted by first love and sharp objects.

Join the Slow Readers
Book Club

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plain and simple

2010-06-14T08:29:00.000-04:00

In love with this Brooklyn home of goldsmith and interior designer Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh Karol, a woodworker and interior designer.

Beautifully understated and rustic. Just my type of dwelling.

Photos by the Selby.

Happy Monday all xo.

what i'm listening to...

2010-06-08T10:02:00.003-04:00

Just a few weeks ago a new friend of mine sent me a you tube video that got me re-hooked on to this little self-titled cd.

Miike Snow, a Swedish group consisting of Andrew Wyatt and the producing team of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg (known as Bloodshy & Avant), created this coolly melodic album that features what can only be described as intelligent pop music.

Great tunes for a little decompressing.

Listen here.

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minimalist perspective

2010-06-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

Kelly Bergin is easily becoming one of my favorite designers.

Bergin created her line in 2009 after completing her schooling at the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. In her pared-down line she wanted to reflect the LA lifestyle with a focus on ease of wear and loose bohemian stylings.

Full of sheer fabrics, skin-baring cutouts and both neutral and fuchsia tones, the spring/summer collection features incredibly versatile pieces that are both classic, comfortable and sexy.

Definitely a designer to keep your eye on. I can't get enough.

P.S. I'm back from my little hiatus - sorry for the lack of warning. The personal life has grown a bit hectic in both good, bad and ridiculous ways. I hope to keep some normalcy in my life by returning here daily with a little post. Missed you all so much xo :)

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jessica rose music

2010-05-24T23:04:00.002-04:00

Jessica Rose, a New Jersey native and singer/songwriter, started playing guitar at age 16.

Self-taught, she began by learning her favorite songs, but soon found herself constructing her own melodies and lyrics. Jessica wanted to share these original pieces with the world but knew that she had to refine her vocals before she could really put herself out there - she has since been writing, singing and recording nonstop.

Her musical capabilities have landed her jam sessions, work and recordings with the likes of Michael Lehman (Greg Allman, Luther Vandross, O-Town) Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Ted Mason (Modern English), Ronnie Page (Fuel), and Jason Corsaro (Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, The Benjamin), to name a few.

She is one incredibly talented lady.

She also happens to be an old college friend of mine. And, this week, she is performing in the BREAK'N THROUGH 2010 Finals in New York.

Oh how I wish I could go.

If you are in the city though and looking for something to do this Thursday night, May 27th, check out Jessica Rose at the Gramercy Theatre and support the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

{click to enlarge}

Buy Tickets.

Check out Jessica Rose's website.

*JR photos by Olivia Malone*

Friday!

2010-05-21T14:36:00.001-04:00

My favorite time of the week is here... the start of the weekend yipppeeeee.

This weekend is especially special though. My friend Amy is coming down from New York City and we will be spending the weekend in the U Street area with our friend Liz.

All three of us have had big changes in our lives recently. We are all newly single, among other things. And whether we were the dumper or the dumpee, none of us are really happy about this development. This isn't where we pictured ourselves, you know? But when it comes down to it - it's the best possible place for all of us to be.

So, I'd say it's inevitable. Us chickees really need to let our hair down and have some fun!

So excited.

What are your plans? Anything good going on?

{photo by oliviamalone}

Lonely Hearts.

2010-05-20T20:52:00.001-04:00

I have a bit of an obsession with lingerie, I have to say.

But this line from New Zealand-based Lonely Hearts has put my infatuation with delicates over the top.

The LONELY line of underthings is a whimsical mix of chiffon and lace contrasted with straight-up sexy pieces of mesh and velvet – a direct response to the label’s fascination with vintage corsetry and underwear.

Sweet and Sexy.

{via elc}

in the bag

2010-05-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

Amy at Every Little Counts tagged me a little while back to spill what's in my bag.

......

The bag:

I carry this bad boy around much of the year.

A Sigrid Olsen bag I purchased a few years back when I lived in New York (I don't even think she makes handbags anymore). It really is time to retire this guy, but it seems like every time I buy a new bag I always end up coming back to this one.

Inside:

Clockwise from left to right:

The Electric Michelangelo - I have to have a book in tow. Always.

Gum - I try to keep gum or mints in my bag - you never know when you might need to freshen up ;)

Hand lotion - Another must-have. Especially in the colder months. This I'm really loving: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. Ridiculously intense. And actually heals cracked, chapped hands almost immediately.

Dior Gloss Show lip gloss - I acquired this when working at a magazine in NYC. I'm trying to see how long I can make it last. It's just too good but and not at all wallet friendly for it's tiny size - a bad combination.

Perfume - Just like I said about the gum, you never know when you might need a little freshening up. I always keep a roll-on perfume with me for those surprise bites to eat, happy hours, drinks with a friend. Helps the transition from work to out. My nighttime choice for winter and early spring is usually something a little stronger. Right now Stella by Stella McCartney is the one.

Chapstick - I usually have too many of these in my purse. Current sticks: Nivea A Kiss of Moisture Hydrating Lip Care and C.O. Bigelow's Lemon Pomegranate Lip Shine (the Cinnamint is the best though!)

Passport - Don't ask why - it's just always with me. I wish I had some great reason like I'm a serial jetsetter, but that is so far from the truth.

Sunglasses - I have SO MANY pairs of sunglasses but I always try to keep a pair in my purse. I just picked this pair up the other day, by Calvin Klein.

Wallet - Obviously. I'm in love with this one. From Anthropologie circa a few years back. I absolutely adore the owl print fabric inside.

Storage - I always carry a little bag with me in it with daily necessities (hair ties, pins, safety pins, makeup, etc.) This particular one is a Vera Bradley brush bag I picked up at a little shop on the Upper East Side. Great for small items.

Change purse - Typically my bag ends up full of change though I rarely carry cash. A phenomenon I will never fully understand. That's where this little gem comes in handy....

Christian Dior Vintage Change Purse

So pretty.

This was in the lost and found at my mom's work. No one claimed it after a year, so my mom brought it home to me as a gift. I will never let it out of my sight.

And finally, necessities: iPhone/headphones and keys. I never go anywhere without either of these things, even if I nix the bag.

That's it! Whew!

Now, I'm tagging:

Jaime.

That'll do.

~Enjoy~

pawns and pieces

2010-05-18T13:12:00.005-04:00

Sweet delicate necklaces by LoveErica.

Great gift idea for the creative ladies in your life.

See more in Erica's etsy shop.
Follow her on Facebook.

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Houston Street

2010-05-17T20:39:00.001-04:00

With my future trip planning - to NYC. A Sex and the City tour giveaway - in NYC. And my friend Amy visiting DC this weekend - from NYC. I'm getting a little city hungry.

Immediately this had me looking at the Left at Houston line by husband and wife team Danny & Carla Hogg - creators of SEA-NY.

Named after Houston Street in New York City - a diving point between neighborhoods - the collection showcases old meets new by rejuvenating designs that have been absent for quite some time - an unconventional left of center approach to fashion.

Loving this lookbook. Takes me right to the city.

SATC Hotspots Tour Winner!!

2010-05-16T17:50:00.003-04:00

drumroll please.

Congrats!

Email me as soon as possible with your full name and address, so we can get you the two tickets to the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour in New York City asap!

A special thanks to On Location Tours for providing the giveaway! Check out their site next time you head to the city! They are now doing tours in DC as well :)

Happy weekend!

*winner chosen by random.org

relief.

2010-05-14T08:44:00.001-04:00

Hooray! It's Friday. Finally.

I can just feel the stress leaving my body.

I cannot, I repeat CANNOT, wait until the summer months officially arrive. Work just seems to get crazier and crazier and longer and longer. I'm really longing for the days of less to do.

This weekend should be a good one though. Dinner at Masa 14 with my girlie Liz tonight. Then heading over to Baltimore - it's been too long since I've been.

...aaand I hear it's supposed to be nice out (but I'll believe that when I see it!)

Have a great weekend! xo

P.S. Last day to enter the SATC giveaway is tomorrow. Enter here!

{photo by rlnaen}

fischer

2010-05-13T20:18:00.000-04:00

The last thing I want to think about right now is fall. It feels like upstate New York here in DC today - cloudy, dismal and cold - something very out of character for the mid-Atlantic this time of year.

BUT, I absolutely adore this shoot for the Fischer Fall 2010 collection. So vintage. And the colors just scream Autumn.

Shoot Credits:
web design: christopher styles
photography: edwin tse
hair and make-up styling: stephanie peterson
model: rachel scott
jewelry: hephaistos

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Jewelry by Katey

2010-05-12T14:16:00.001-04:00

It's amazing how something so simple can make such a statement.

Exhibit one: Jewelry by Katey.

Katey started making jewelry in the summer of 2009 to satisfy her passion for design. Many of her creations are versatile - allowing different strings of beads to be worn together for a more dramatic display. Each bead is hand-dyed, so style, technique and color can be easily customized for the buyer.

Check the handcrafted collection on Katey's site.

Shopable on Etsy, too.

Also, a few pieces of incredibly important information ;)

1. The SATC giveaway has been extended through the weekend. So make that ending time this Saturday, May 15 at 11:59 ET. I'm just running low on time this week, lucky for you!

2. I finally created a Facebook Fan(?) Like(?) page for ATWG. If you would be so kind, please fan/like it here: http://bit.ly/drToKl. Yay!

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promopocket

2010-05-11T16:39:00.001-04:00

Unique minimalist sign designs by promopocket.

Super cool.

Shop them on etsy.

P.S. Don't forget about the giveaway! :)

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Bérangère Claire

2010-05-10T09:03:00.002-04:00

Loving this Spring/Summer 2010 collection by French brand Bérangère Claire. This three-year-old line presents classic, basic garments in adapted cuts in an effort to satisfy those who enjoy an affordable but contemporary wardrobe.

Casual yet chic - and adorably French.

See more of the femme collection on the site. The men's line is great, too.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Sex and the City New York Hotspots giveaway! Only a few of you have entered, so get to it!! What a fun girls' day out it would be - and for FREE!

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Sex and the City Hotspots + Giveaway!

2010-05-06T21:36:00.006-04:00

In light of the SATC 2 movie coming out at the end of the month - it's only natural that we should want to do a little celebrating in anticipation, don't you think?

The lovely folks at On Location Tours are offering up a little giveaway to atwg readers to help us do just that.

Details: You can win one gift certificate for two tickets to the Sex & the City Hotspots Tour, which runs daily (an $84 value) in New York City. The gift certificate never expires so you can make your way up to the city whenever you like.

Tour Highlights:

Shop at the store where Charlotte bought her "Rabbit"
Stop at "Scout," the bar owned by Aidan
Enjoy cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda
Go on location to the art gallery in SoHo where Charlotte worked
Shop at the hottest boutiques & stores in Greenwich Village
Visit Buddakan, site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner
See new locations from Sex and the City: the Movie

For more info, visit the site: http://www.screentours.com/tour.php/satc/

To enter:

Leave one relevant comment on this post by next ~~Thursday, May 13th~~ Saturday, May 15th at 11:59 p.m. ET
Tweet this post, blog this post and/or follow this blog for a possible three extra entries (just make sure to mention these actions in your comment).
For a fifth and final entry, check out the wight post below and leave a comment there about what you think of the shop!

A winner will be chosen at random ~~Friday, the 14th.~~ Sunday, the 16th.

Good luck!!!

***Winner has been chosen. This giveaway is now closed.***

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{images: satc and olt}

what i'm reading...

2010-05-05T22:45:00.005-04:00

Description: Early one morning in New York City, Will Heller, a sixteen-year-old paranoid schizophrenic, gets on an uptown B train alone. Like most people he knows, Will believes the world is being destroyed by climate change; unlike most people, he’s convinced he can do something about it. Unknown to his doctors, unknown to the police—unknown even to Violet Heller, his devoted mother—Will alone holds the key to the planet’s salvation. To cool down the world, he has to cool down his own overheating body: to cool down his body, he has to find one willing girl. And he already has someone in mind.

Lowboy, John Wray’s third novel, tells the story of Will’s fantastic and terrifying odyssey through the city’s tunnels, back alleys, and streets in search of Emily Wallace, his one great hope, and of Violet Heller’s desperate attempts to locate her son before psychosis claims him completely. She is joined by Ali Lateef, a missing-persons specialist, who gradually comes to discover that more is at stake than the recovery of a runaway teen: Violet—beautiful, enigmatic, and as profoundly at odds with the world as her son—harbors a secret that Lateef will discover at his own peril.

Suspenseful and comic, devastating and hopeful by turns, Lowboy is a fearless exploration of youth, sex, and violence in contemporary America, seen through one boy’s haunting and extraordinary vision.

P.S. Giveaway coming soon! Anyone who comments on the Wight Q+A post will automatically be entered to win and/or get an extra entry. Stay tuned for details :)

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Featured shop: Wight.co.nz!

2010-05-04T15:35:00.002-04:00

I'm always on the hunt for new, standout online shops - so when the owner of Wight.co.nz, Brodie, introduced herself I was absolutely ecstatic. What a gem she has!

Wight, a New Zealand-based web store, is designed for fashion lovers across the globe who are all about bold self-expression. The shop features a select number of cutting-edge designers - handpicked by the owner herself - making catwalk-ready style an effortless venture. This cohesive collection of just five lines can be easily mixed and matched, too, resulting in an ultra-unique wardrobe.

I chatted with Brodie more about her store. Here is what she had to say....

What's the story behind Wight? How did you get started? A little background please!

Of course!

I have adored fashion for as long as I can remember and have always desired to be a part of the fashion industry. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce I started my career in fashion, managing the Wellington Kate Sylvester store - here I was introduced to buying. I remember my first trip to the Kate Sylvester work room in Auckland to buy the next collection and coming home and saying “I love my job!” Buying quickly became one of my favourite parts of the industry. More buying opportunities came when I moved onto manage a high fashion multi brand store and it was from here that I decided I wanted to combine my buying and business skills and plunge into the ever expanding online fashion world. And Wight was born!

I wanted to provide clothing and accessories for women who would adore fashion as I do, I wanted to make it easy and fun for them by enabling the ability to shop from home, the office, their phone! And I wanted to provide fashion for women who find it difficult to access the brands they love as I know this can be very frustrating.

It has been a dream for a long time to have my own business, absolutely love what I do every day and be totally absorbed in the fashion industry – now that this dream is happening it’s quite surreal and I feel very lucky.

How would you describe the Wight girl?

She likes to express herself though what she wears, she likes to push the boundaries and LOVES to be different. She wears colour and pretty dresses. She’s elegant, edgy and maybe a tad eccentric. She’s a head turner!

You have a very bold and unique group of brands available on your site. Tell us a little about them. What do you like about these brands? Why these designers?
I wanted to sell brands that were very fashion. I wanted the pieces to be bold but still very wearable and I wanted my customer’s excitement levels to sky rocket when they browsed the pages. I think that the brands Wight has available take care of this!

Maurie and Eve is quite beautiful and ladylike, The Cassette Society had an edge and is fearless, Cybele is a great representation of New Zealand fashion, her style is beautiful yet has a significant point of difference, POP! Eyes has a WOW factor, and House of Harlow – well that speaks for itself – this brand is super hot.

I think they complement each other and you can really mix and match them and have some fun with it.

Who else would you love to add to your shop?
There’s a long list! But three from the top would be…

Stolen Girlfriends Club – love their collections!
Twentysevennames – adorable!
And the lovely Therese Rawsthorne.

Your favorite piece(s) you currently have in store?
Ooooh there’s so many! But Top Five would have to be ONE - Maurie and Eve The Fame Dress. TWO - Cassette Society Lace Key To Me Dress. THREE - House of Harlow Riveted Bangle. FOUR - Maurie and Eve Rumours Thick Stripe Dress. FIVE - Maurie and Eve Off The Wall Quilt Skirt.

Oh and can’t forget Cybele’s Solemn Long Wrap, I can’t wait to snuggle into this when it gets colder!

Who is the ultimate style icon, in your opinion?
I couldn’t pick just one. So…

Agyness Deyn – she’s fantastic the way she manages to mix pretty with grunge, I’m a little obsessed with her style.
SJP as Carrie Bradshaw – I think she’s a true representation of fearless style.
Whitney Port – an adorable wardrobe.
And pretty Alexa Chung, I love keeping up to date with her outfits.

I’m very inspired by these ladies.

What's the future hold for Wight?

To keep growing by increasing the brand makeup and awareness of the boutique. Also really hitting the international market – I really want to provide other countries with New Zealand and Australian Fashion because it’s fantastic and I don’t want them to miss out! I’m very excited to see where Wight and I go!

Thanks Brodie for taking the time to chat!

So, what do you think? I just love her style! Great taste, yes?

More Wight:

Shop Wight.

Check the Style Guide.

Get the Newsletter.

Follow on Twitter.

{all images courtesy of wight}

MOTH HOUSE

2010-05-03T21:00:00.002-04:00

Another stunning lookbook by MOTH HOUSE showcasing the latest collection - spring/summer 2010.

I want to buy one of these pieces bad, but I can't decide which one I like best. What's your favorite?

See the rest of the collection in the MOTH HOUSE shop.

Photography & Styling: Chloe Scheffe
Hair: Tiffany Parente Connors
Model: Chelsey Scheffe

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Yay Friday!

2010-04-30T15:22:00.001-04:00

Whewww.. the weekend is here! This has been the longest, weirdest week ever.

First I thought it was Thursday on Tuesday, then I thought it was Tuesday on Wednesday. Bleh. What a hectic week!

So this weekend I think I just need some down time. I have some things that need to get done, but the rest of the weekend will be spent enjoying this summery, warm weather we are having. My plan is to be parked outside with the pup during any and all free moments!

What are you up to this weekend?? Hope it's something good :)

xo

{photo: Anna Ådén}

so pretty it hurts

2010-04-29T13:14:00.001-04:00

Juliette Hogan’s Winter 2010 collection, so pretty it hurts, channels the demure.

Feminine shapes in brightly colored silks and feminine, floaty chiffons are contrasted with masculine tailored garments to create a line that is prim and proper, but sexy.

This takes modesty to a whole new level.

Too pretty.

See the rest of the collection on Hogan's site.

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{via}

postcards + love

2010-04-28T23:06:00.004-04:00

How sweet are these items from postcards+love.

Each item, handmade by shop owner jessyq, is inspired by both the Victorian and the retro.

Quaint and eclectic indeed.

Check her blogs. They are pretty great, too.
blog: www.postcardsandlove.blogspot.com/
blog: www.craftyfoxblog.com

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daily portrait

2010-04-27T08:08:00.004-04:00

I am incredibly excited about this new series by Dutch artist Jacob de Graaf.

An artist living and working in York, UK, de Graaf challenged himself to create at least one portrait a day for a year, under a strict set of rules. He is free in technique and material as long as the resulting work exists in a physical manner (i.e. no digital art), is uploaded to his blog Daily Portrait by midnight each day, and excuses are only welcome as the result of death, serious illness, or natural disaster.

Amazing. Reminds me a little of the portrait work I did in high school, which I really need to start up again... perhaps in the form of blog? Something to think about!

More:
See the series on Daily Portrait.
Shop the portraits on Etsy.
Check out Jacob de Graaf's other work on his site.

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Margarita Saplala Co-op

2010-04-26T14:23:00.002-04:00

One of my absolute favorite designers Margarita Saplala - I've posted on her many times before - recently launched an exclusive Spring 2010 line at Barney's Co-op.

I love that each piece in her collection is standout and unique, no matter what the season. If the print isn't vivid, the cut is stunning.

I'll take one of everything. No. Really.

Read more about Saplala on her website. Be sure to check out her jewelry collaboration with Candace Ang, too.

Barney's Co-op shoot:

Photographer: Liudi Hara

Stylist: Rebecca Palmer

Makeup: Nicole Heffron
Hair: Allison Lawsen

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happy weekend

2010-04-25T19:41:00.002-04:00

Why WHY do the weekends just fly by? I feel like the older I get the shorter my Saturdays and Sundays.

Maybe because I'm just having too much fun?

Perhaps :)

Saturday was packed full of fun, but I feel like I need a week to recoup! We had an office outing at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, Virginia. It was amazing. They set aside the barn just for us, and we picnicked and wine tasted for a few hours before heading back into DC.

You can see some pictures from our time there on my friend Beth's food blog Dining and Dishing.

Once returning to the city, a few of us headed over to AGAINN, a British gastropub located downtown. I absolutely loved the place - I just wish I hadn't been sipping wine in the hours before so I could have really enjoyed it. Instead I just threw back as much food as possible! I suppose I will just have to go back ;)

Such a great weekend, full of good wine, good food, and good friends.

What'd you do this weekend?

xo

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{photo source}

cut and paste

2010-04-23T07:40:00.001-04:00

Whimsical accessories made out of existing objects like vintage pieces and toys are the focus of Kimbarelly's shop CUT&PASTE.

A student in Edinburgh in the UK, Kimbarelly makes jewelry in her spare time outside of school. And I'm so happy she does. These are incredibly fun. Don't you think?

See more in her Etsy shop.

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Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T14:15:00.008-04:00

Some beautiful landscape photography by Dustin Damron for you on this lovely Earth Day.

Have a good one folks.

P.S. If you are in the market for some new lingerie, don't forget about the Belabumbum Earth Day discount - good through May 5. More information here.

Dear Colleen, you make me smile

2010-04-21T16:13:00.009-04:00

SO loving these prints by Dear Colleen. Featuring word play, letterpress and bright colors, her shop has prints that will satisfy a variety of tastes. Particularly mine :)

In celebration of two months in business, Colleen hosted a little giveaway for her Facebook fans. See all of the details on her blog. She will be hosting another biggie at six months, so stay tuned!

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Belabumbum Lingerie Earth Day Discount!

2010-04-20T23:04:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite little online boutiques Belabumbum - a Brazilian style lingerie, panties and bra line - is offering a special discount in celebration of Earth Day. Get 10 percent off any item in their Bamboo line (this includes gift certificates, too) and Belabumbum will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to Bette Midler's foundation, The New York Restoration project.

Simply

Enter EARTHDAY2010 at checkout

Offer valid April 20th - May 5th, 2010

Shop the Earth Day Bamboo Line

See the rest of the boutique.

Enjoy!

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little fille

2010-04-20T07:40:00.005-04:00

After handing over this picture of me as a little girl for my interview with Kristin over at BonBon Rose Girls, I got a little nostalgic. My mom used to dress me up in what could only be called statement headbands - and looking back sent me on a hunt for some modern day variations.

This is when I came across Little Fille's 30 days of headbands. Created lovingly by hand by designer Mari Santos, these versatile headpieces can be worn more than one way and for a number of occasions.

So unique, I want them all. And, it would make my momma proud.

Shop the site.

Check the Little Fille blog.

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gentle fawn

2010-04-19T08:34:00.001-04:00

Gentle Fawn, a visionary, charming line of clothing, is the creation of husband and wife team Daniel and Carla Hogg.

Inspired by an afternoon of thrift shopping and antique ceramic fawns, this collection features an eclectic mix of nature and city elements - a balance that reflects the lives and philosophies of its designers, while also appealing to those that march to the beat of their own drum.

Makes me want to take a little trip to Cali.

See more of the Spring 2010 line on the Gentle Fawn site.

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happy weekend!

2010-04-17T20:38:00.002-04:00

Happy weekend all!

I'm enjoying sitting at home today, windows open, breeze blowing through. So refreshing!

I also just needed the break.

As many of you know I took a little week off from the blogosphere recently - really just to get my life in order. Things have been crazy. Work has been busy and I just took on some extra projects (and when I'm already overloaded. Not the best idea I've had...) And my personal life has been interesting.

Ever put your life on hold for someone?

Basically emotionally, physically, mentally I was about to go off the deep end. So, some changes had to be made. Tough changes, but they are all for the better.

I feel relief already. The weight is off my shoulders and now I can concentrate on getting back to me and living the life I want to.

Feels mighty good.

:)

P.S. A couple things I would love you all to check out (click to view):
- My interview with Diana of Our City Lights
- An interview with little old me and my friend Rachel about our blog Bang Your Head on BonBon Rose Girls
- Bang Your Head's jewelry giveaway - I want YOU to win :)

{photo cred}

A little Q&A with Diana of Our City Lights!

2010-04-16T06:48:00.002-04:00

A little treat for you this early morning!

I've had this little interview with Diana - who, must I mention, is one of my favorite bloggers - waiting in blog post limbo for the exact right time to showcase for you here. I'm having a wonderful morning and how better to spread the happiness than to share a little photography from Diana herself. I see no other way :)

Diana (many of you know her from her blog Our City Lights) is a hugely talented lady. Day in and day out she inspires me to do more. To stay creative. And if you are just getting acquainted with her now, I promise she will have the same effect on you.

We had a little chat a couple weeks back - here is what she had to say!

Tell us about City Light Photography - a little background if you will :)

The little shop began when many flickr contacts would ask for prints of my photos. I didn't mind handing out a few pics here and then, but it got a little expensive for me, so I decided to open up shop.

When did you start taking photos?

I started using a camera so long ago, maybe ten years ago, but I never used digital until about five years ago. I can handle a 35mm camera so much easier than digital. It still scares me a little.

What kind of equipment do you use?

Right now I have a Canon DSLR, but I love my film and instant cameras. I love my Polaroid 600, and my Minolta SR-T303. For digital I have a 50mm, Fisheye, 100 mm, and a 250 mm lens. My absolute favorite right now is the Fisheye.

What is your favorite photograph of yours - one you just couldn't part ways with?

It would be my Lingerie Print. I was testing out a new Polaroid camera with old film, and it just happened to come out so magical to me.

Your favorite photography by someone else?

This one is tough, but I'm going to have to go with I'm only sleeping's photostream.

Your inspirations?
Elle Moss is inspiration because she amazes me what she can create digitally. Flickr amazes me in general for meeting so many great artists.

If you go back in time, where would you want to go and what pictures would you take?

Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Or watching the Beatles play a concert. I would love to capture those images.

Last picture you took?

I just went on vacation so I took a bunch, but this is the last one uploaded.*

*note: as of the end of March :)

Can you talk about some of the projects you are currently working on?

Oh, wow. What am I not working on? ;)

Oh Sew Dreamy began as love for embroidery for me and love for drawing for Naomi. We haven't sold anything yet, but the feedback has been positive. I'm doing Blog It Forward this month. 6,768 Miles Apart began with Ana B., and we have extended our photos from just morning to day.

You are one creative lady! Any other outlets besides photography and embroidery?

I used to be a hairstylist. Sometimes I miss it, getting creative with retro hair and makeup. Also, I just recently got a Bamboo tablet to experiment with digital drawing- I dropped out of fashion school for this reason- I can't draw!

And finally, please dish on the February blogger meetup. Tell us all about it!

It was like the Internet exploded, so crazy! The girls were fun and I have more respect for them after discussing some blog talk with them.

Thanks Diana! You rock :)

Get more Diana!

Blog

Etsy

Flickr
Twitter
Tumblr
Facebook

Oh Sew Dreamy

lil tuffy

2010-04-14T21:12:00.004-04:00

How cool are these gig posters by self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades Lil Tuffy.

This artist/designer/screenprinter/bartender started on the path to poster fame in 2002 on his birthday, with a little poster drawing for the Black Keys. But Tuff's hobby quickly expanded into a full-time career designing posters, CD covers and record albums, apparel and myriad other goods for bands and labels the world over.

I have yet to find a poster I don't like - I for real want to frame them all.

Shop his posters here and here.

Keep up with Tuffy on his blog Tuff Shit.

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Candace Ang

2010-04-13T14:38:00.003-04:00

My new absolute favorite accessories collection is by jewelry innovator Candace Ang. I find myself revisiting her site over and over and over and... well you get the point :)

Ang challenges the norm in jewelry design, using fabric and hand-sewn details to craft her signature statement necklaces and bracelets. But it's the contrast of edgy versus romantic design that keeps me coming back.

I'm sad I missed her diffusion line Super Candy at Urban Outfitters. I'd love to get my hands of one of these little babies.

Wouldn't you?

Also, over at Bang Your Head (my other blog for those of you who are unfamiliar), we are hosting a giveaway featuring a couple of jewelry pieces from plastique*!! Please enter! The LA-based collection features acrylic jewelry made by graphic designer Jen - and we would love for you to get your hands on some pieces from her collection.

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