SlickFixation Fashion Nation

Rag & Bone Fall 2011

2011-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to think about Fall when Spring has barely sprung, isn't it? But, I'm going to try!

Rag & Bone's Fall 2011 collection reminds me a bit of 60s Balenciaga mixed with Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009, which is not a bad thing!

I can't help but love the nerd factor in this look:

There seems to be a futuristic tartan thing going on, which would look ridiculous on the average person, but as a concept I am simultaneously repulsed and in love with:

The perfect day?

2011-02-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

When it's raining outside, staying in with a pot of tea and a sewing project is a pretty nice option. In fact, some might even say it's the perfect day, when that's what you're in the mood for. Today I was catching up on some runway shows while ripping seams out of a silk top that will hopefully be transformed into something else. Here are some of my favorites:

Cushnie et Ochs - NYFW Spring/Summer 2011

Ok, so the first dress looks like a trash bag, and regular people like me would look ridiculously un-sexy in those button-up shirts, but some of the details were quite nice. I like the strange cowl on this dress:

You have to sort of look closely to see it. I also love the beading on this sweater:

You really have to see the garments moving to understand how nice the collection is, I think.

Angelo Marani - MIFW Spring/Summer 2011

Ok, now this collection is just fun. I loved the female rock star inspiration:

There are others I'd like to post, but I want to keep sewing, so I will have to post them later!

Boxing Kitten

2011-01-31T14:12:00.000-08:00

My own personal style tends to be a bit on the drab side, mostly due to laziness. This year, I am hoping to be more creative and also to create more, including making clothes for myself! With that aim, I will keep looking for inspiration in the hopes that I can find that balance between minimal (my usual choice) and adventurous.

Brooklyn-based label Boxing Kitten is definitely way too loud for my personal style, but on other people I think their clothes look fun and vibrant. Here are some looks from their Spring/Summer 2011 and Resort 2010 collections. What do you think?

2011-01-31T04:25:00.000-08:00

According to family lore, my great great grandmother, Marie Viola Lanteigne, from Canada, was Micmac, which is an Algonquian tribe. It may be for that reason that I have always enjoyed Native American motifs. When I was a kid growing up in Northeastern United States, we used to love going to the Trading Post to buy moccasins and other accessories with beads and fringe on them. In fact, I wish I still fit into my moccasins, because they are in fashion!

Today I watched a profile on the etsy video podcast about a 91-year-old woman named Mabel Pike, who makes beaded moccasins in her tribe's traditions, my heart melted. I think yours will too!

2011-01-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

I love everything about this Diane von Furstenberg dress

2011-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine gave me a few yards of heavy grey wool. I wasn't really sure what to make with it because the only real outerwear I've made was a men's jacket. Also, my current wool coat is grey and I just got it last year, so I still like it. So I decided to do two things: first, to dye the wool green. Second, to make a cape with it! Well, strictly speaking, not a cape, but a cape-like garment with sleeves, because for practicality I need to be able to wear my backpack with it. Basically, if it were a regular cape, I'd barely ever wear it. My goal was to make something free and easy, comfortable and effortless. But then as I got to looking at other cape designs and drawing, I kind of got off the path. Because I also like designs with a structured element. So now I'm not sure what the heck I'm going to do! I started draping, but then I stopped and am stuck in indecision.

My first pass dying the wool came out too light, so as soon as I have a couple extra euro to get more dye, I will try a second take. In the meantime hopefully this weekend I can decide where I'm going with it and get the pattern finished!

2011-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

So I read more fashion blogs than is probably good for me. This post caught my eye because Geren Ford designs clothes I wish I owned, and that I wish I felt I could wear. I am of below-average height and average weight, and so oftentimes I convince myself that oversized or slouchy clothes won't work on me because it'll make me look like I'm hiding something under those swathes of fabric. So I tend to wear more fitted and/or tailored clothes (not too tailored, since I don't find that flattering either). I'd like to see some of these pieces on a non-model's figure:

2011-01-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

Greetings to my TWO followers! Hopefully this number will grow in 2011 because I intend to ramp it up a notch this year. First and foremost, I am working! For a fashion non-profit, no less!

"The aim of the Rediscover Fashion project is to demonstrate the potential for textiles recycling, reuse and recovery in Ireland and highlight the environmental, social and economic benefits. The project seeks to raise the profile of recycled, reconstructed and repurposed clothing, and like all of the Centre’s resource recovery projects, urges everyone to rediscover the value of waste."

Here's a link to shots from their last fashion show: Spring/Summer 2010

And if you are in the Dublin area and you have a garment you want altered or redesigned, here's a link to our alteration service: ReAlter

I am a part time assistant in the studio, and having just completed my first week there, I am completely pumped and ready to breath new life in my fashion pursuits. So expect LOTS more posts, drawings, inspiration, and finished projects to be posted here! (Exclamation points make it true!)

We have a big Fashion Show coming up at the Guinness Factory on April 21st. It's a free event, but you need to book in advance. More details on that to follow. So if you're in Dublin (or plan to be on 21.4) save the date!

2010-10-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

I like some of the pieces in the Azzaro Spring 2011 Collection:

2010-10-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

For anyone possibly reading this, which Spring '11 collections did you like? I spent a bit of time (finally!!!) looking at everything I missed during the fashion weeks, and I am not coming up with much that I'm in love with. Everything seems so heavy and dour, or else massively flowy and ethereal. So far, the only thing I have come across worth mentioning is Helmut Lang.

Point me to what you found exciting, would you?

2010-02-23T15:22:00.001-08:00

Have you been looking at any of the new collections for Fall 2010? It's overwhelming, isn't it? I'm going to attempt to post some of my favorites, but I'm sure I won't make a dent in all the wonderful work out there...
Erdem

Basso & Brooke

Louise Goldin

Anna Sui... I love the inspiration for this collection. So perfect. Head to toe, each look is amazing.Check out the entire collection

Cynthia Steffe

Peter Som...I guess I have been bit by the print bug because I love this collection

all images via www.Style.com

2010-02-19T09:08:00.001-08:00

Now that we've moved, and settled in (mostly), and the holidays are over, and I'm starting to get motivated again, etc etc, I've been back to sewing! It was bugging me that a couple of shirts I made last year were hideously ugly, so I decided to save them from the bin by re-working them. Here's what I came up with:

This is now a dress with a jersey bodice and a printed cotton skirt. I added a belt because it came out a little loose. It looks fine on its own, but I think the belt gives it a more polished look.

I have also been into upcycling lately. I took an old sweater of my husband's that had holes and candle wax on it, and I cut it into strips, basically cutting out the holes and waxy bits in the process. then I sewed those strips together (each one was a completely different width), and in the seams sewed in some yellow and turquoise trim I had laying around. I popped on an elastic waist band, and voila! a brand new comfy skirt. I wore it over a pair of black leggings with leg warmers and black shoes. It was great for dancing! This isn't the best photo, but it gives you an idea of how it came out:

I like projects like this that only take a couple of hours, and reuse something that was about to go to the dump.

I also made a pair of leggings out of some gray pointelle knit fabric I had laying around. I made them on the long side, and gave them a little cuff effect at the bottom. I will have to post a photo of them later!

2009-11-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

I made myself a quick little dress the other day! I wore it last night, but I didn't get any photos of it. So here's a photo of it on my dress form. It's comfortable, flattering, and can be layered!

New York Fashion Week...latepass!

2009-11-05T02:49:00.000-08:00

September and October flew right by, didn't they? Two months later, I'm going to attempt to post some of my favorite looks from New York Fashion Week, Spring 2010...

Alexandre Herchcovitch:
I'll be honest and say that if it weren't for the socks and shoes, I probably wouldn't have given his dresses much notice, since I'm not a satin fan. However, as an entire look, I'm sold.

(images from Style.com)

Anna Sui:
Most of the collection did not resonate with me. I admit that I found much of it a little too 90's, and some of it just plain frumpy. But as always I love her the ways she puts prints together, so I found these looks inspiring:

BCBG Max Azaria:
I know it's been a trendy color combo for ages now, but I can't help it. I am a sucker for pale yellow and grey:

Alberta Ferretti:
Sometimes it's like she can do no wrong.

Cynthia Rowley, she might not be a revolutionary, but she is always a fave:

Carolina Herrera:

Ralph Rucci spoke at FIT when I was there, and he inspired me so much, I nearly cried. Chado Ralph Rucci's collection is sexy sexy sexy. And looking over his spring collection, I get that same fluttery feeling all over again:

I don't know anything about Douglas Hannant, but I definitely aim to find out:

Ok, so this list is pretty conservative/main stream, but I'll have to go with more unusual stuff in another post. As it is, it's taken me all day to just get through the Ds!
Diane von Furstenberg:

Dries Van Noten. Holy crap. I'm in love:

Are these Elie Saab dresses the picture of perfection or what?

This fabric reminds me of those Magic Eye pictures:

If you took an 80s video game and wove it into clothing, and then sent it to New York Fashion week, you'd get Fashion East's collection:

That'll have to be it for now. I will have to finish the rest of the alphabet later!

2009-08-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted for a while because I've been off having adventures, but I have continued doing a few sketches. I'm onto suity mix and match pieces now. I got a bit lazy and haven't indicated the fabric. But have a look anyways:

More Dress Sketches

2009-08-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm working on a 6-figure collection for my portfolio, but I'm actually using fabrics that I have on hand, so I will be making samples of the garments. These are more rough sketches of dresses...if there's one you like, let me know! I still haven't chosen which ones I'm going to render.

Now Get Excited for Milan Spring/Summer 2010!

2009-08-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

So many designers! Holy Moly. The excitement starts September 23rd.

Wednesday
Elena Miro, Clips, Fisico, Luciano Soprani, Pin Up Stars, Miss Bikini Luxe, Parah Noir, Carla Carini

Thursday
Enrico Coveri, Kristina Ti, Blugirl, Just Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, Krizia, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Daniela Gregis, Prada, Roberto Musso

Friday
Byblos, Blumarine, C'N'C Costume National, Ermanno Scervino, D&G, Gianfranco Ferre', Debora Sinibaldi, Alberta Ferretti, Versace, Jil Sander, Gabriele Colangelo

Saturday
Bottega Veneta, Paola Frani, Sportmax, Maurizio Pecoraro, Emporio Armani, Iceberg, Moschino, Gucci, Brioni, Emilio Pucci, Franceso Scognamiglio

Sunday
Marni, Angelo Marani, Mariella Burani, Antonio Maras, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Aquilano Rimondi, Gaatano Navarra

Monday
DSquared2, Max Mara, Les Copains, Valentin Yudashkin, Laura Biagiotti, Dolce & Gabbana, John Richmond, Fendi, Albino, Marco De Vincenzo, Versus.

Tuesday
Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Anteprima, Mila Schon, Massimo Rebecchi, Federico Sangalli, Zuhair Murad.

Resort 2010 from A to C

2009-08-13T09:10:00.001-07:00

Today I got to browsing the shows from Resort 2010. To be honest, Resort isn't usually my bag. But Here are some looks that I did like. Though I was happy to see so much orange! (all photos courtesy of Style.com)

Akris

Balanciaga

Bottega Veneta

Catherine Malandrino

Chanel

Chris Benz

Christian Dior

Collette Dinnigan

Costume National

Shop Love: Quack and Dirk in Fairview

2009-08-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

I had read about the shop Quack and Dirk in the Sunday Tribune a few months ago when they opened. We put the article up on the wall, and I even rode my bike up to Fairview, which is not far at all from our apartment, but I didn't see it and stupidly didn't look at the precise location. Then it became one of those "things" on my to-do list that clearly I wasn't doing.

Well, as luck would have it, I was walking by yesterday, and there it was! Down this little lane! I saw the sign and was happy at the happenstance. And it was the cutest little store I have ever been in. The entire store is probably smaller than my living room, but nearly everything in there was something I wanted to wear. It had me cursing my unemployed existence! Not the being broke part of unemployment, because actually, considering that her items are either hand made or vintage, they were incredibly priced. But it was more the fact that having no "job" means that I really don't have any reason to get gussied up in new clothes. But if I did, I would buy them all at Quack and Dirk. In my dream world, I would have just such a shop. Her sewing machine is tucked away, and designer Deirdre Cantwell clearly works on projects right there in the store. To me, that sounds like a blissful life.

If you'd like a little inspiration, I highly recommend a visit to this gem of a store -- look for it across from Fairview park.

New York Fashion Week: Get excited!

2009-08-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the list of participants for 2009 NYFW:

Michael Angel, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Duckie Brown, Ports 1961, Cesar Galindo, Cynthia Steffe, Yigal Azrouel, Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, This Day/Arise: African Fashion Collective, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Academy of Art University, Christian Siriano, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, DKNY, Thuy, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, TonyCohen, Gottex, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Toni Maticevski, Pamella Roland, MAX AZRIA, Dennis Basso, Willow, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Doo.Ri, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein, Chocheng, Argentinean Designer Collections and Tommy Hilfiger.

September 10 through 17. Just over a month away!

A few picks from here in Dublin

2009-08-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Rothwell was born in New York, but grew up in Dublin. I really like some of her newer stuff. The fabrics she sources are getting more interesting and are put together in unique ways.

I mentioned Sinead Doyle in a previous post -- she was in the fashion show I went to a few months ago. I'm not sure these photos do her clothes justice, but I like the way she combines clean lines with busy patterns. She is the newest designer at The Loft in Powerscourt Centre.

This next one will have you wishing for colder weather. Designers Brenda Aherne and Helen Delany at Electric Sheep make me want to run out and buy a knitting machine immediately. They have taken the scarf and the bandana and combined them to make wearable pieces with graphic distinction. But they also do traditional scarves, sweaters, tee shirts, and hats! And I find the prices are quite reasonable, too.

Diana Orving has pieces at the Dublin store Circus, but she is more than just a fashion designer. You can check out her art installations on her web site.

I could go on and on. Dublin has a lot of fantastic designers! Obviously I haven't mentioned the really big names. Maybe I'll do that in a later post! Now if one of them would just hire me as an intern...

"Bargain" Shopping

2009-08-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today while I was out, I had 24 dollars in my pocket, so I decided to do some bargain shopping. So of course my first stop was Penneys, where the clothes are so cheap, they're practically disposable. While I wouldn't buy anything distinctive there, I am not averse to buying basics there. (Not that I have -- I've been broke since I arrived in Dublin eight months ago.) I went in hoping to find a long red cardigan. No luck. But I did find a red and white striped boatneck 3/4 sleeve tee made of super soft cotton knit for only five euro! I was pleased and I know I'll wear the heck out of it.

With that success, I headed over to Dunnes, whose radio ad tagline is "The difference is...we're Irish," to try my luck there. Sadly, they only had a sort of pinkish-red cardigan and I was after a true red. So then I traveled to the mondo-Penneys to see if they might have something. I walked away with a belt, a toothbrush (finally found the elusive super-soft bristles!!), and a crochet-style beret, all for 10.45euro.

So when I got home I decided to see what kinds of things I could find to post here for people on a budget!

This top (12euro from Dunnes) is pretty basic, but I like it for its simplicity. And it brings me back to the days of watching the movie Labrynth, wishing I was Jennifer Connelly.

I saw a girl at the bus stop today with these shoes, and I just realized she got them at Dunnes for 22euro:

I tell ya what though. Littlewoods has some things I really like!
This South tiered sleeve blouse would make me look like a football player, but I can see it on someone less endowed in the shoulder area:

And check out this pretty little scalloped blouse for 24euro

Here's a top made by Love, going for 37 bucks.

And I like the simplicity of this design, and the plaid isn't bad either. Lee wide neck checked shirt

And speaking of simplicity, I love this entire outfit

New Brand to Look for, from our friends in Canada

2009-08-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

The blog Not Couture pointed out a jacket from the brand Kitchen Orange. I wasn't so hot for the jacket, personally, but they had some other things I really liked, so I think it's one to look out for.

In particular, I liked Mira Dress (left), the Fisto Sweater (middle), and the Anastasia Coat (right)

File under: You ugly, you ugly, ya mama says you ugly

2009-08-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

I hate to be negative, but I came across this, possibly the ugliest tee shirt known to man, originally $556USD, but now ON SALE for $278.85, and I had to share. And I can't believe who makes it!!!

Wear this shirt and you are guaranteed abstinence.

File under: <3 <3 <3 <3

2009-08-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

I came across the designer Eugene Lin the other day. His website features his Spring 2010 collection. Holy smokes. Sportswear as it should be done. Unfortunately I can't post photos because the site prevents it, but my favorites include the black and white striped cowl dress, the bright royal blue "Aliyah dress", the royal blue silk jersey shirt, and those cool grey pants with the diagonal panel.

Just a couple of sketches...

2009-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

I started to do a little drawing in preparation for the collection I'm going to render and eventually sew. The challenge is to use fabrics that I actually own at this moment. These are just quick sketches with implications of fabric to give an idea. I started with dresses, of which I will render two. But I plan on doing a lot more thumbnails before I pick them!

And now for a little Vintage inspiration...

2009-08-03T05:02:00.001-07:00

Vintage Courreges haute couture dress with leather trim, circa 1971

Valentino Silk Jersey Gown

1960s Courreges Day Dress

James Galanos Grecian Chiffon Gown. It reminds me of these two fantastic pendant lamps my parents used to have when I was growing up.

Roberto Capucci Couture, 1980s I really want to know how they did this.

Emanuel Ungaro Orange and White Plaid Coat, 1970s

For more, check out the site 1stdibs.com

2009-08-03T02:31:00.000-07:00

This is going back a ways, to Spring 2009, but I find Derek Lam's collection from that season so brilliant. Catch the video of the show here. My favorite looks:

images courtesy of style.com

2009-08-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

This obviously took place months ago, but for posterity's sake, here's a short video about Dublin Fashion "Week" 2009:

Dublin Fashion Week '09 - Ireland.com
Leaders in the Irish fashion industry have been giving their advice.

Keywords: fashion dublin fashion week autumn winter collection joanne hynes paul costelloe alan hughes tv3

Video from irelandvideo

2009-08-02T04:14:00.001-07:00

As much as I love drooling over fancy runway shows, I also like browsing sites like ETSY.COM (where I have a shop of my own plug plug plug) for lovely things to look at as well. Here are a few items I've noticed recently:

the Back to School Jumper by FeminineFashions:

The artlab shop has some interesting items. Here are the off kilter wool jacket (top left), Revolutionary Girl jacket (top right), and the Noir Pleated Dress (below):

While I can't wear puffy sleeves, myself (they make me look like a football player), I think these jackets by LittleHouses are really sweet. And this dress is sweet too:

These dresses are some of the cutest things ever, from kaori yatsumoto's shop

The only problem with etsy.com is the many hours you can lose looking at all the stuff on there!

2009-08-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

I had to go to bed last night, but I'm picking up where I left off....(all photos still courtesy of STYLE.COM)

I love the color combination and clean lines of this ensemble from Chris Benz, Fall 2009:

Sometimes a design will come along that actually makes your heart beat a little faster. This is one of those, for me. It's from Gianfranco Ferré's Fall 2009 collection:

I'm not sure how I feel about the vine detail on this dress from L'Wrenn Scott (Fall 2009), but I love the silhouette:

And while there's something smug about Zac Posen that makes me want punch him in the face, sometimes he comes out with lovely pieces, like this one:

Going in a different direction, I love the long lines of this suit from Lyn Devon, Fall 2009:

Jason Wu's entire Fall 2009 collection was simple and pretty. Here are my favorites:

And I have a friend at Catherine Malandrino, who always does amazing work, so I have to mention Malandrino, Spring 2009:

But the Malandrino Resort 2010 collection was gor-jus. It's hard to pick just three favorites:

2009-08-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm embarking on starting to design a little Late Summer/Early Fall collection (yes I just made up my own season), with Vivien Leigh and Bauhaus/Modern design as my inspirations.

But I want to also make note of the designs that I'm grooving on at the moment. All photos are courtesy of STYLE.COM:
Bottega Veneta from Fall 2009 (Tomas Maier) (left); Chado Ralph Rucci, Spring 2009 (right)

Chado Ralph Rucci, Spring 2009 (left); Alberta Ferretti, Resort 2010 (right)

Giles, Resort 2010

Chloe, Resort 2010

Philosopy, Resort 2010 (left); Diane von Furstenberg, Pre-Fall 2009 (right)

Diane von Furstenberg, Pre-Fall 2009; Nicole Miller, Pre-Fall 2009

Emanuel Ungaro Pre-Fall 2009 (left); Blumarine, Spring 2009

I could do this all day and night, actually. So I guess I'll stop here for now!

2009-08-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

New item up on slickfixation.etsy.com

This top was a play on the pattern I made for the Electric Blue Dress. It's made of a really soft cotton knit. What I really like about this top is that it can be scrunched at the hips, or it can be pulled down straight and worn as a dress. You can belt it up at the waist or even above the waistline, or at the hips. And it will fit a wide variety of sizes. I'm on the small side (between a size 6 and 8 american), and it fits me, but is maybe a tad large. I think it's a versatile, comfortable piece that will be fun to accessorize.

Purchase it here!

2009-07-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

I recently made a trip to the United States, and while there I took advantage of the availability of inexpensive fabric there! Here are the swatches from some of the fabric I bought, which I will use to design my next collection:

Another New Item!

2009-06-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Electric Blue Flange Zip Dress with Vintage Trim

When I found this synthetic silk fabric, the color was so vibrant and fun I knew I just had to make something fun with it.

Thanks to the cloudy Dublin weather, the photos are a bit blurry, but I created volume with three flanges at the shoulder in front and back.

I kept it short and flirty! This one was really fun to make. It also looks so adorable with a top underneath, like a jumper. And as a special treat I put in pockets! so useful!

More details can be found about this little lovely by clicking HERE

New Item!

2009-06-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Silk Dress with Sash and Hook/Eye Closure and Button and Lace Details

I bought this silk fabric at the famous Mood Fabric Store in New York city a couple of years ago at fifty-five dollars a yard! I just now completed the garment I started with it. Made with a size ten dress form, I think the finished product came out much larger than a size ten, so you'll want to look at the measurements for sizing.

The cap sleeves came out how I envisioned, and the neck line is low low LOW, so I think if the dress was worn with something lacy underneath, it would coordinate with the lingerie feel of the hook and eye front closure. I put a sash on the back so that it could be cinched in a little at the waist.

Check out the Etsy listing HERE.

Fashion Evolution Fashion Bre ak Through Fashion Show

2009-04-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the website Fashion Filosofy, I discovered an "ethical fashion week" happening here in Dublin called Fashion Evolution, put on by Fashion Bre ak through, in association with a group/initiative called t.A.D.C.O.I. (the artisans and designers community of interest). I was really excited that there were accessible fashion events happening here, because the price of the tickets to the Dublin Fashion Week show in March were simply way, way out of my budget at the moment. While I was unable to go to most of the events for this alternative fashion week, a couple of reasonably priced tickets (especially considering the cocktail reception prior to the show) did not break the bank.

The DLight Studios are conveniently located within walking distance of our house, so we decided to take a stroll there instead of taking the bikes (read: we actually didn't trust that our bikes would be safe in the neighborhood), and we found the building down a little commercial-looking side street. After checking in, we walked up a small staircase, through a door, and into a large warehouse space. While the place wasn't packed with people, there was a respectable enough turnout, and enough interesting outfits to keep my eyes occupied.

What struck me about the attendees was the variation in styles; there was no one "type" there. You had your more conservative tailored looks, punky styles, girly girls, edgy, androgynous, and combinations of the above. I quite liked that. I should have taken photos of the reception area and of some interesting styles, but I didn't think to pull out my camera until we were heading into where the show was being held.

The show featured ten apparel designers and three jewelry designers, with a wide range of styles. Sinead Doyle, who started off the show, and was one of my favorites, had tailored garments, a gorgeously draped evening dress, and used mostly high-quality wools. Her garments were extremely well made and finished. My heart skipped a beat a little for Bebhinn Flood's "puffball dress." I actually tried to take a photo of it, but it came out blurry! (You can see it if you click though!)

I really enjoyed the jewelry designs, though my pick, in terms of what I could see myself actually wearing, would be Rachel Swan, particularly the Link Necklace and earrings.

I could go on and on, though -- I really have good things to say about all the designers in the show. Here are the ones I didn't mention!

Katalyzt
Alice Moyon
Yvonne Ross
Lil'c Couture
Carol Doyle
Sophie Rieu
Lisa Shawgi
Shuttle Knit
Heather Finn

New Sketches for Silk Fabric

2009-04-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I bought some bright royal blue raw silk fabric from a yard sale/flea market place. I think I have about 3 yards or so -- enough to make a dress or a couple of tops. I was going to sit down with paper and pencil and sketch out some designs with this fabric in mind, when I thought hey! Use your fancy wacom tablet and get some Adobe Illustrator practice in! But as I was messing with Illustrator I realized that Illustrator really isn't made for fleshing out ideas. It's really designed for when you have the design complete and you want to draw it up as a vector image for presentation. Despite the name, you can't sketch in Illustrator! So I switched over to Photoshop.

It's silly that I never drew in Photoshop before. I've done a lot of things with Photoshop, but I've never used my wacom tablet to sketch with it. Holy moly is it FUN!!! I made six little sketches, and had a grand old time. It's so much easier in a lot of ways than regular pencils and markers. I am totally hooked. If I had known, I might not have even brought all these darned art supplies with me to Ireland! Here are my little sketches for the blue fabric:

Introducing the Infinity Top

2009-04-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have been tinkering with this very simple design for a year or so now, and the addition of interior snaps and a drawstring has finally given it the diversity I looked for! The Infinity Top can be worn a multitude of ways: cowled, off the shoulder, drawn up with the draw string, or any combination of the above. Here are some photos of ways this top can be worn:

You can purchase this piece at my etsy shop!