Hannah and Landon

The Libertine

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

I realize it's been ages since I made an inspiration post on here. (I think, since starting a Tumblr, this blog has been much more "own content" and erm, me related then it once was, for which I apologize.)

The Libertine is a silly movie from 1968 about an extraordinarily fashionable young widow exploring her sexuality (involves beetles, whips, chains, mud and piggy back rides). Every outfit in this movie is perfection (I had to watch it twice just to make sure the first time I wasn't being erroneously blown away due to a nyquil induced sleep happy state and also to screenshot like crazy) and the lead actress is a total bambi. Let's review!

This is the first outfit we see her in, it's her funeral attire. In this scene we learn that she's not exactly despondent at her husband's untimely death and is more interested in the funeral food spread. The collar/hat detail made my eyes bulge, too good! The dress was a little babydoll.

In this scene she discovers her husband's secret sex pad. She coincidentally matches sex pad. Usually I'm opposed to headwear resembling a newsboy cap but this hat/cape combo really does it for me.

After learning that her husband was into sexy things (that she was not involved in) she purchases a book on sexual psychology. This is just one of many lounge outfits she has. I too have lounge outfits but am clearly lacking in the hair accessory department. Need to start styling my hair to match my loungewear.

One of the first things she reads about is shoe fetishes, she imagines her tennis partner drinking out of a shoe. (She's wearing a really cute scalloped tennis outfit in this scene that I forgot to capture because I too was distracted by the shoe drinking.)

She invites the (imagined) shoe drinker back to the sexpartment and then takes off her false eyelashes ("What are you doing?" "Undressing") After they do "it" she changes into a glamorous dressing gown with a fur wrap. She then hops into an enormous closet and changes back into her pleated skirt and blouse. This scene moved too fast to screenshot but I did grab this shot of a shoe. Maybe I am the shoe drinker.

I can't remember what happens in this scene but I do know that it ends with her adding a lipstick question mark to the "men" sign. Look at that hat! Those gloves! That yellow. Oh man.

This hairstyle looks like dog ears and I like it. I think he does not.

(The rest after the cut because, boobs)

Snowfall and Siri

2012-01-21T18:18:00.000-05:00

Today seems a fitting day to make my second snowy winter update as New York basks in the glory (heh) of the year's first snowfall. I love snow, I love snow in the country best of all but snow in the city is still pretty enchanting, especially the crispy snow that crunches and squeaks (not slushing about) when you walk down the street.

While on holiday we were joined by Siri and her boyfriend Alex for a short visit to ring in the new year and do as many "quintessentially Canadian" things as possible (drives by Parliament "to see the lights", homemade maple candies, cross country skiing, boardgames by the fire, snowpants, lots of snowpants, poutine, unsuccessful trip to the ski hill). I think, I hope, we did ok! Aw Canada, I love you so.

More!

Halcyon Days

2012-01-17T17:59:00.000-05:00

We are returned from our Canadian adventure where we were absolutely spoiled with perfect wintery weather, truckloads of chocolate and the very best company. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have my pop's home to run away to. Highlights from our trip included a cross country ski to the grocery (where we spotted a deer! Never in my life have I felt so... Canadian), tobogganing without injury, maple candy cooking, glittering shoes with my aunt; sharing a bed with Landon, Rebecca and a long limbed whippet puppy, lots of cranium, some settlers of catan and fireworks (and fire) on new years eve.

We had a quick visit in Montreal where I was able to satisfy my bagel craving by stuffing my mouth with not one, not two but three (and a half) hot sesame bagels all in a row. I don't know why folks are always on about New York bagels - they're basically regular bread in a circle formation but man alive, Montreal bagels are next level eating. It was especially cold while we were in Montreal (25 below) so we limited our activity to jumping in and out of the car and popping into only a few shops. Of the shops we visited Citizen Vintage was definitely a favourite, super cute and nicely curated. Frustratingly I cannot recall for the life of me the name of the other shop that I really enjoyed. The shopkeeper was delightfully chatty and her prices were just right that if I had any extra dollars to spare they'd have gone straight into her shop (serious knick knack heaven there). I promise should the name come to me to post it right away. On the subject of vintage shops we also had a chance to pay a visit to my favourite (and frankly, the only that I now know of) vintage shop in Ottawa, Ragtime. I have fond memories of renting Twiggy style dresses from them when I was in highschool. Super chatty shopkeeper and just brimming with treasures (lots buried so much digging required - my favourite)! The coat I'm wearing above was a gift from my Pops from Ragtime (Landon & Emma both have ones to match so we can coordinate and look like a disney vacationing family while wearing them).

Oh, and then there was the POUTINE, the excessive kids in the hall watching and falling asleep each night on the sofa with a book in one hand and 1.5 kilograms of chocolate in the other. Perfect, perfect holiday.

You may also click through for a few instagram pictures of our travels :).

2012

2012-01-01T12:22:00.001-05:00

2011 was an incredible rollercoaster of a year. A year of many firsts of both the great (opening our store, launching our collection, learning to drive & making wonderful new friendships) and the not so great variety. I'm not one for making resolutions and when I do the usual "avoid my list of foods that irritate my belly" it only lasts a few weeks before I can no longer avoid the inevitable grilled cheese sandwich (sweet sweet gluten and dairy, my enemies how I love you so). This year I'd like to make some though and that is to be more aware; more mindful of the precious present & of those around me. I hope my social interactions will leave my companions feeling warm, loved and heard. I hope that I can keep my tongue tamed and used for words of encouragement & focused on all the wonderful moments & people life has brought.

Here's to the New Year! <3

hairy christmas!

2011-12-24T12:07:00.000-05:00

My christmas present came two days early when my terrific brother-in-law, Gavin, mixed up his very own cotton candy pink and slathered my canary yellow locks in it. You can visit him for your own mermaid hued hair do at his salon (owned by his pops) in Phoenix!

Visit Gavin here!

Off to eat mountains of cheese and paint ornaments!

<3

Sophie and Eloise

2011-12-18T17:18:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from back when beautiful Sophie was visiting.

We're off to Arizona tomorrow morning and from there onto Ottawa (a very confusing suitcase this is going to make for). I've still loads of packing, cleaning & eating to do before we head out at the happy 4am hour! Hopefully I'll have a chance to update a few times more before Christmas but just in case, a very merry christmas to all of you! I hope you all have a fantastic time with friends and family this holiday season. <3 Here's a little mix of songs that I listened to on repeat this year: in love.

Gift Guide!

2011-12-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

This holiday season I wanted to shine a much deserved spotlight on some of my incredibly gifted friends in hopes that folks will be drawn to seek out handmade (or local) presents for their loved ones.

1. Alexandra Grecco: (no stranger around these parts) Alexandra's whimsical floral crowns and sparkly hair accessories would make for most beauteous present toppers, girlpal gifts or special somethings for the brides-to-be in your life.

2. I am in such awe of Anja Verdugo. This year she has managed to start her own clothing and accessories line while maintaining a popular vintage shop and blog and still finding time to nurse a very promising photography career. Anja can honestly do no wrong right now. Pop over to her shop to find leather kitty head coasters (seriously), phone cases, clutches and more.

3. Fieldguided: Kitty calendars pretty enough to frame! What more can I say? DREAMCATS!

4. This one is near and dear to my heart as I've had the privilege of watching this extraordinarily talented young lady grow into the artist she is today (yay livejournal friends)! You can find both prints and originals of Caitlin Shearer's artwork at her shop (and even request a custom portrait).

5. Another dear friend, Tara-Lynn (also no stranger around here). Tara-Lynn's deliciously soft, incredibly unique, one-of-a-kind knits would make the perfect gift for any northern dweller (she has goodies for warm weather folk too).

6. The candy hued jewels from The Vamoose slay me. I want to eat her website.

More handmade goodies to investigate:

Ambit, for stunningly structured handmade apparel, hats and jewelry.
Frances Baker, for adorable handmade dresses and underthings from down under.
We Never Sleep, for gorgeous handmade jewelry (she'll be selling at the Holiday Sale this Saturday, see flyer after the jump for more details).
Nadinoo, I just want everything for myself!

Vintage Shops to investigate:

Vintage Shoe Love, for an incredible selection of vintage shoes.
Golden Fur Vintage, Emily's sherbet hued collection of vintage dresses and separates.
Kennedy Holmes, for an affordable collection of hand selected goods put together by the beautiful Kennedy.
Heart City Vintage, one of a kind goodies from the 50s up selected by my Philadelphia twin, Hannah!
The Exhausted Etiquette, a sweet selection of vintage attire. (That star blouse, I want it!)
Shop Lawrence, beautifully curated by a beautiful lady.
Fancy Fine Vintage goodies selected by the charismatic Ashley Ording.

Local Shops to investigate:

Catbird, the best gift shop in the neighbourhood! For perfumes, candles, jewelry and much more.
Dalaga, lovely sister owned shop with a beautiful selection of apparel, purses, jewelry, footwear and more (including The Loved One as of last Friday)!
End of Century, for locally made apparel and jewelry along with vintage furniture and monthly artist exhibitions.

More...

Worn Fashion Journal, a fantastic, Canadian run publication that discusses fashion in a way that I've not seen any other fashion magazine do (more on them coming up as I review their latest issue :D).

Vegan Secret Supper, a Brooklyn supper club hosted by the best vegan chef I know!

I'm sure I'm forgetting some pretty spectacular people, feel free to share links to your own small business/handmade creations in the comments!

Please consider supporting your local business owners this holiday season :).

art presents?

2011-12-05T19:20:00.001-05:00

Dear friends, see something you like? Contact LandonMetz@gmail.com for inquiries.

We've found ourselves in a bit of a pickle as we wait on unpaid invoices and would be eternally grateful if you were to consider making a home for Landon's art. These are the smallest pieces available (and therefore the most affordable) but if there is something that catches your eye on his site please don't hesitate to ask about it!

Thank you!

Sophie Davidson

2011-12-02T14:58:00.001-05:00

Talented and beautiful Sophie Davidson popped over to Brooklyn one Sunday afternoon and followed me around the neighbourhood (and into my friend's house where she offered helpful tips to keeping my Sim awake). I'm so inspired by this incredibly talented young woman and am especially taken with her portraits of the seemingly endless amount of pretty young men she has about her.

Follow Sophie's blog here and view her website here.

The very lucky (so jealous) winner of the Greatest Friend giveaway is rather fittingly another incredibly talented overseas photographer, Elkie Vanstiphout! Congrats Elkie!

giving thanks to you!

2011-11-24T14:05:00.001-05:00

I've teamed up with the lovely Angela of the extraordinarily gorgeous vintage shop Greatest Friend to bring you this extraordinarily gorgeous undies set! All you've got to do in order enter is leave a comment here (open to all you international pals too)! I'll be selecting a winner at random a week from today and announcing said winner on December 1st. If you'd like to have your name entered a second time into the drawing pop over to her shop and let me know your favourite piece and if you'd like a third entry share a favourite comedic, heart warming or tear inducing holiday (any holiday) story with me here! EXCLAMATION POINTS!

Angela's Links

Shop
Flickr
Tumblr
Twitter

Set Measurements

Pants

15" waist
20" hip
15" length
11" rise

Top

Cup: 7" x 7" (C)
Around: 33-34"
Straps: 14.5"

Good luck and a very happy beginning to the holiday season to all! xx

around brooklyn with a disposable camera

2011-11-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

A (almost, not quite) month of running errands in our neighbourhood. My favourite is the freak snow shot from October!

All clothing pictured is vintage from the shop with the exception of the green skirt in front of Gigilo Boys which came from my pal Holly at d.RA. The red and brown wedges are both from one of my favourite shoe shops, Remix. (Their website is a bit of a disaster but man alive, their shoes cannot be beat. SO COMFORTABLE.)

Happy Weekending! I'm snuggled in drawing up flyers for some exciting shop events taking place next week (real snow, in Pasadena! Falling in front of our shop!) and listening to my favourite christmas jams. Mmmm :)

Adventures with Agnes: Central Park

2011-11-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

"Adventures with Agnes" is a weekly feature that will be popping up around here! Agnes is a close pal of mine and a supremely talented photographer (you can see her work here). We thought it would be fun to put together our own version of a "city guide", each week documenting a different spot in the city. The first set is from our trip last week to an autumn wonderland in Central Park. It was, without a doubt, Central Park at it's most glorious. Perfect warm sunlight, bright coloured leaves and the delicious smell of sugared almonds wafting about.

Here's a little wrap up of recommendations :D

1. Bring a picnic (but save some room for Shake Shack, very important). We brought delicious sandwiches with red pepper, hummus, avocado and tofu along with those colourful vegetable chips and a thermos of hot tea to share.

2. You can watch seal feeding time without having to go into the zoo! It's pretty darn cute. There was a golden retriever also watching and that was cute too.

3. Visiting Bethesda fountain is kind of the ultimate central park experience. The angel (who was created by the first woman to ever be commissioned a public art work in New York) represents the healing powers of nature and commemorates the first fresh water brought to New York in 1842. Pretty perfect.

4. Belvedere castle was one of the first places I went to when first visiting the park because it sounds (and looks) so dreamy. It has one of the highest and nicest views of the park and the city (the name Belvedere translates to beautiful view in Italian). Make sure you take a peek inside!

5. Boat rides! Only $12 for an hour (maximum 4 people). What's more romantic then floating around recreating that scene from Howard's End where Leonard kisses Helen on the palm of her hand and it's the most outrageously sexy thing that has ever happened on film!

6. There are so many incredible spots to visit in Central Park and I could go on forever but I've entered the dangerous zone of procrastination! So I'll wrap it up with one last recommendation: Shacky Road Concrete (from Shake Shack).

Learn all about Central Park and what to do there here!

All photos by Agnes Thor.

You can see the whole adventure here!

tv party tonight

2011-11-11T17:54:00.001-05:00

A small preview of scarves that are coming soon to the much neglected online shop.

Blouse from Fluke Vintage in Brooklyn (a truly amazing shop that is sadly relocating to Los Angeles. Get in there before it closes up mid december! I'll be by the sale rack hanging out with Vicotrian bolleros for under 30 dollars. Mind blowing.)
Bralette from The Loved One
Skirt from Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn
Kitten from a land of a million rainbows, cotton candy clouds and chocolate covered mountains.
Painting by Landon (and I helped!)
Hair by pillow.

Petra, Julia, Tavi, Pippin & Bobo

2011-11-07T15:02:00.001-05:00

During fashion week I had the unexpected pleasure to host a trio of beautiful (and extraordinarily talented) young ladies as they turned my livingroom into a teen dream of plastic and pink (specifically my teen dream, heh). They were working on a video tutorial for Rookie Magazine, which if you haven't already heard, is pretty much the best thing to happen to teenaged interneters since livejournal and makeoutclub? I sometimes feel really weird that I (a grandma) find more identifiable and inspiring content on there than any other space on the internet. I am so in awe of this group of young folk who are unashamedly exploring their opinions and beliefs in such a public space, something I've never been able to do outside the safety of the friends only lock on livejournal.

Take a gander at their project here!

Petra's photos for Rookie here.

Tavi's stories for Rookie here.

The Silent Killer

2011-11-02T15:41:00.000-04:00

The new TLO website is now live! Click through to see the complete photo series by Aimee along with an additional series by Yudi Ela. We'll be updating the site monthly with new albums by a variety of snap happy pals. The current set features a few peeks at what we're working on for Valentine's Day (including the above silky romper).

I've just come in from wandering aimlessly about for fresh air and to clear my foggy brains after a very reluctant wake-up revealed our kitties (I suspect Bobo) had, once again, jumped up on the stove top and turned the gas knob (a second time this week, perhaps serves me right for not doing anything about it the first go round)! I'm not sure how long it had been leaking but it was long enough that I felt very quite cozy in deep slumber at a much later hour than normal and have been nursing a headache since. Very naughty cats. I've taped the knobs but am not certain that will do the trick, will definitely be ordering some sort of child proof knob control in the very near future. If ever you don't hear from me for prolonged period of time know that I have likely drifted off into eternal sleep thanks to my murderous feline "friends" O_O.

Photos by Aimee Brodeur
Hair & Make-up by Veronica Chanel
Vintage dresses provided by The Loved One
Negligee coming soon by The Loved One

Hallow Wieners

2011-10-31T16:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Three more shots from our TLO shoot with Aimee Brodeur (to be released, along with a new TLO website, tomorrow)!

(Make-up by my exceedingly talented LA pal Veronica Chanel)

montclair

2011-10-27T20:50:00.001-04:00

Landon and I were afforded the rare opportunity of riding in a car last Friday! We took a trip to bucolic New Jersey for the day with Jordan.

I must confess, this entry was made solely for procrastination purposes, should really get back to work now :-/. Have a safe and Happy Halloween all! Just in case you haven't had a listen yet, I've three halloween mixes here: Vampires, Monsters & Supernaturals.

1997-2003

2011-10-24T23:15:00.000-04:00

As promised, many posts ago, my highschool "style" timeline (kinda)! Click through for the longest entry of all time ever.

california

2011-10-02T18:32:00.001-04:00

I'm still in LA after extending my trip another week to really dig into beginning construction on our next collection. Little foggy-brained right now thanks to long hours and minimal amounts of sleep (was interrupted yesterday morning, my first sleep-in, by a cat licking plastic in the crib next to my air mattress and today by crowing roosters, tiny dogs and a noisy turtle, hehe). I've really enjoyed being at the shop, it's wonderful getting to know our customers and fascinating to see what they pick out (it seems Pasadena mums and I have very similar taste). It can be a struggle though and on sleepy days like today I am tempted to run into the street and start frantically waving people into the store. So, dear Los Angeles friends, you've one week left to come into the shop and visit me and eat the ginger snaps I've put out (and have been eating steadily for the last three hours).

The pictures above are a little teaser from a shoot with my most beloved Californian friend, Aimee Brodeur. I cannot wait to share the complete story as she's truly outdone herself with this series, the lighting, cropping and colours are all absolute perfection. The full set will be released November 1st as we unveil a new section of our site which we hope to have function not unlike The Company of People once did.

Click through for a few new shots of the shop :D.

Polaroids by Petra

2011-09-19T19:42:00.000-04:00

Last week Petra and her beautiful companion, Julia, joined me for a little round the house photoshoot. I've no doubt this young (and canadian, yay!) woman is destined for great things.

The rest of the collection here: in flames
Petra's work here: Petra's website

I'm in LA right now re-designing the shop for fall. Stop by and say hi if you're in the area :D. Back to work for meee, can't wait to show the big fall reveal! Ohhh.

Lessons I've Learned (in the last five days)

2011-09-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

Do's and Don'ts for NYFW (taken from my very personal experiences):

Do: Spend FNO with your pals chatting comfortably in Brooklyn.

Don't: Arrive late for the event serving free grilled cheese. You will miss them and you will walk home shortly after dejected and craving grilled cheese.

Do: RSVP for Champagne Breakfast at Lucky Magazine HQ.

Don't: Show up half an hour late. You will enter a quiet boardroom meeting full of neatly dressed, bright-eyed young ladies (and man) and they will look at you and you will feel foolish and you will tell them your name incorrectly and then sink deep into your sideline sofa seat.

Do: Go home after early morning obligations and rest up for the remainder of the day.

Don't: Get sucked into netflixing Felicity and skip events to eat Garden Kitchen egg rolls and fried rice (because that's what they did on Felicity in one episode).

Do: Eat, you will need the energy later when you literally dance your shirt off (ahem, Landon).

Don't: Eat foods that you are allergic to. You will get two ginormous underground red zits that will haunt you and the pictures you're in for the rest of FW.

Do: Go to after-parties, you will bond with new friends by rubbing sweaty bodies together, spilling drinks on them and watch with amazement one man's continuous attempt to walk through a mirror.

Don't: Plan a breakfast an hour away after dance night out. You will be hungry on your long journey.

Do: Make sure your friends aren't already in the restaurant before sitting down outside to wait for them after showing up an hour past scheduled meet-up. (At least line had sausage bits, oranges and french fries while you wait, and pals to eat them with.)

Don't: Eat a bunch of greasy food prior to highly photographed events. You will look greasy and your allergy zits will be on full display and you will feel weird and all pictures will be you looking like cousin it as you try to hair curtain your face.

Do: Practice your "public photo face" prior to attending said event. (If you're a fashion blogger that takes street photos you've already got this one. If you're me and you only take photos of yourself pouting like a contemptuous child you will struggle and then you will look like a monster and never want to be photographed again).

Don't: Take off your shoes, your bandaid feet will be photographed and put on the internet.

Do: Attend events with people you admire and want to get to know better.

Don't: Be a creep and just smile and wave at them while downing the free cocktail (so delicious). You will feel crazy from the sugar and alcohol and then you will throw up (later, in the safety of your own home).

Do: Agree to host young style prodigy (or should I say, rookie, a harharhar) and beautiful photographer at your home as they work together on a new project. Feel elderly and admire the young folk for their motivation, intelligence and talent.

Don't: Greet Jeanne Beker while wearing a shredded dress and standing on a garbage pile across the street from your house. Or

Do: because it's "derelict" and will remind you of Zoolander and you will like that.

And last but not least:

Do: Plan a girls night in event for relaxation, good conversation, new games & food. I'm really happy to have you ladies in my life <3.

What have you learned this NYFW?

PS. I've made a facebook page for the blog as a kind of "scrapbook" behind the scenes stuff that I don't post over here (you know, pictures of my cats, me wearing clothing, friends, food, videos, etc.) :).

Emma, Alex, Emily, this moi, Liz, Ashley, Anna, Alley, Kelsey & Siri

Promenade

2011-09-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

My favourite feature of our vintage playboy collection has always been the little "day in the life" photo series of their centerfold (especially the series on Miss January 1967, Surrey Marshe). This lot that Landon snapped the other day while running errands in our neighbourhood reminded me a little of those features.

The yellow dress has long been a favourite but it's worn out and (much like the rest of my closet) on it's last legs. If any of you vintage enthusiasts should ever come across this dress or a similar dress and you're not going to snap it up for yourself please, please let me know, I would love to have a back-up!

Hope you are all enjoying a long weekend full of "Barbe-quois"!

(ps. I feel like these pictures make me look like Molly Shannon's character on Seinfeld. )

The Leaf and the Wind

2011-09-02T21:20:00.000-04:00

Landon's latest series of paintings, half of which are currently on exhibition at Preteen Gallery in Mexico City (the second half will be displayed in the same space next month)!

I finally finished the blog re-design!

hair brained

2011-08-31T14:06:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have expressed interest in learning more about my snooki brain hair I've made a tiny tutorial on the subject here! (I backdated the post because I was embarrassed to have it pop up on the main page lest some stranger stroll along and witness my sorry tutorial skills.)

Still in the midst of blog re-model and apologize if your screen is being harassed by my ginormous everything! In the meantime check out the new (and growing) links page! Am very pleased at finally sitting down and paying some much needed attention to this old blog.

Back soon pals! Here's a mix I made last August 31st.

bestest

2011-08-28T02:03:00.002-04:00

Am safely tucked away with my best friend forever Rebecca and stand-in husband Ethan (Landon is presently in Mexico City for his first ever solo show) to weather the storm. So far we've collectively consumed two pints of Ben and Jerry's, three bags of microwave popcorn, kale salad, one bag of utz (only one!), half a watermelon, two pitchers of homemade sangria and one season of Drag Race.

Earlier in the day, between repeat trips to the bodega downstairs for utz and icecream, Rebecca and I put on a bunch of make-up and sparkly dresses and took pictures around our stormy apartment. Isn't she most beauteous? I'm so fortunate to have her here!

Hope all my east coast pals are staying as safe and sound and happily fed as we are!

pardon our mess

2011-08-10T12:34:00.004-04:00

Working on a little blog re-design and am anticipating a rather peculiar looking page until we've nailed it. Bear with us (and the mega huge pictures)!

If you've picked up Lucky Magazine recently you may have noticed a vaguely familiar, though somewhat wizard-y, somewhat stoned (looking), mostly Loreena McKennitt me. A few months back I had the pleasure of spending a half day draped in Vena Cava, eating delicious catered snacks and being lectured by the make-up artist about my skin. (When I sat down she looked at me and said "so, what's going on with your skin". Lady, if I knew it wouldn't be happening! Actually, I did know, it had to do with baby prevention and a change in prescription and I'm happy to announce that through good thoughts, perseverance and a ton of asprin masks things are looking much smoother on this old chin of mine.) It was a fun project to be a part of and I'm always honoured (if not a little bewildered) when picked to take part in these types of things. The lovely ladies included in the spread: Thats Chic, Nova Style, From Me To You, Eat Sleep Wear & My Closet in Sketches.

I should be banned from using parentheses. I always imagine when using them that I'm telling you little corner mouth, hand covering, squinty eye secrets.

TLO + JL slippers!

2011-07-30T19:14:00.006-04:00

It is with great pride and jubilation that I present our collaboration with slipper company, Jacques Levine! If you're at Curve expo this weekend pop by the Jacques Levine booth to get a closer look at their latest collection including the two styles we worked on with them!

You can also follow Jacques Levine on tumblr for insightful posts from the man himself musing on vintage shoe advertisements and styles. Check it out, it's truly fascinating to read. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months back and he was absolutely delightful and had a memory for details like I've never encountered before (my own memory is such garbage I can scarcely remember what I had for breakfast).

Mostly I just want to say: YOU GUYS, SLIPPERS! What is more decadent than a glamourous pair of mules to lounge about while in your underthings? The best thing about these "slippers" is that with their leather soles they're as good for outdoor activity as they are for indoor. I plan on never taking mine off once I get my hands on them (tried stuffing my 7.5 foot into the sample size and while they fit it had an awful Cinderella's stepsister effect that did not do these dainty shoes or my duck feet any favors). Have I ever mentioned here that all the redheads in my family (apparently, I've only just recently met them) have webbed toes? I haven't got them but I thought it was a strange coincidence that the redheads only would have them. Redheads, such a are a strange lot we are.

wearing: She Should Have Stayed in Bed & The Bed and How to Make It.

StyleLikeU

2011-07-26T17:51:00.003-04:00

A few months back Elisa and Alley joined us at our home for an evening of conversation and dress-up. It was a pleasure hosting them and Landon and I were honoured to share a bit of our wardrobe and stories. You can see more pictures and read their (really very generous and sweet) write-up of our time together here.

All photos courtesy of StyleLikeU.

She Should Have Stayed in Bed

2011-07-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

Our newest addition to the TLO lingerie collection, She Should Have Stayed in Bed (bra and shorts) and the movie (trailer) that inspired it! Careful when you click, there are boobs ahead O_O!

My latest 8tracks mix here (on a bit of a vintage disney kick right now)! Still cooking up that high-school post for you. Gonna get it nice and raver-y and humbling, mmm.

a tour of our abode (from somebody else)

2011-07-15T13:57:00.001-04:00

A few months ago a crew from founders & followers popped over to our home to shoot their spring lookbook. I especially enjoy the last picture where you can see my homespun birthday present to Landon which was drawings of all of his favourite things/things that remind me of him/things that I wish I could have given him for real scattered around the house. It's neat to see your own space from a fresh perspective. Beautiful Kristina and those dreamy outfits fit in rather nicely around here O_O.

Photography - Dan McMahon (seriously inspiring fellow)
Model - Kristina at Basic Model Management
Stylist — Lilli Millhiser
Hair — Bethany Brill
Makeup — Chifumi Nambashi
Stylist Assistant — Chelsea Rizzo

flash, lights

2011-07-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

Around the house with Pippin and Bobo on hot summer nights. Sorry for not being the attentive blogger that I promised in my previous entry. Our final scheduled guest for this month just left moments ago and my free time is now clear as can be. I'm ready to internet party for the rest of the summer!

Shop goods update after the jump :D.

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home sweet home

2011-07-06T00:08:00.001-04:00

Landon and I celebrated our 5th year of marriage last Saturday by purchasing a much needed sofa (poor friends, how you have suffered our floor and old springy seat for so long)! It's amazing what more of a home a comfortable "chesterfield" (as my 8 year old brother calls it) makes.

We are at this moment engaged in old married activities including lounging on sofa watching America's Got Talent with fan and pupusa carnage spread about us moving on shortly to eating leftover cupcakes and watching Ancient Aliens in bed. Thrilling! Really it is a most ideal evening after months (it would seem) of non-stop social and work activity. All I want for the remainder of the summer is to hide out on my new sofa reading and watching period pieces, pettin' the cats and enjoying an occasional sunny, grassy dining experience. Maybe just for this week, or until the next house guest arrives which is in approximately two days O_O.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions in my last post! I am plotting all sorts of blog posts for this month (including a timeline of style blunders made by yours truly throughout those wonderful high school years, hopefully will not be alone in sharing these? I love nothing more than peeking in on young friend photos)!

Once again I've no mix to share with you of my own making but currently this one has been on repeat over here!

ps. I just learned about instagram thanks to Lisa and Kennedy and have been obnoxiously documenting hot dogs, cats and boys hanging out in my livingroom since! You can follow me at hannahkristina on there :D I've also been updating the old tumblr loads more lately here! Wearing some goodies that I'll be listing in shop soon.

this july

2011-06-28T03:15:00.002-04:00

My two months of big work travel adventure is finally drawing to an end and as a result will allow more time to get back to the important things in life like photographing my cats and pinching my face late at night. Also on the list: updating this sorely neglected bit of internet space. I'm also opening up our little ad side bar again now that I'm back on the blog track. If you're interested in promoting your shop and think that we'd make a nice fit let me know! We're working on a little blog re-design so the spots for July and beyond will be a tad different in size but I can fill you in on all that good stuff should you be interested.

Now that I'm kinda back around here I thought I'd ask, is anything in particular you'd like to see more of on this blog? To be honest I've been a bit relieved that I've not had time to devote to this blog cos I've not known what to do with it but I have also really missed the community and ten years of internet over-sharing is a hard habit to break (my writing skills have turned sour, you'll have to bear with me for a short while as I work this muscle back into shape). So what can I do for you, friends? What would you like? More painterly inspiration? More century old babes with mile high hair? Spotlights on my talented pals? Pippin and Bobo forever? Can I start grandpa'ing and regale you with comedic tales of my youth? (please say yes.) What can I offer here that isn't being offered a million times better elsewhere on the internet? (answer: nothing, but humour me.)

here is a mix from my favourite 8tracks user, collettesaintyves to listen to as you contemplate the future of this blog, hehe.

Jacoba

2011-06-22T14:25:00.000-04:00

Up in Chelsea with my family for the week. My little Cobi has grown up so much since I last saw her. It's all giggles, splashes, investigating beaver dams and s'mores 'round here, a very welcome change from the intensely busy months just passed. There is nothing I like better in the whole world than time spent with my family up here (if only the kitties had joined us this time round).

2 East Holly St.

2011-06-09T21:33:00.001-04:00

Last business'y update for awhile, I promise. This is the first TLO forever shop! I'm so pleased with how it all came together and am sad to now be so far away from this baby I helped make! If you're in Los Angeles pop in and say hi to the fantastic ladies working behind the counter!

I'm happy to be back home with my kitties and Landon and beer and utz even though New York feels like living inside of a dog's mouth right now O_O.

Corndogs & Cocktails

2011-06-03T20:37:00.002-04:00

I'm terribly last minute in announcing this here but just in case you haven't any plans for tomorrow night and there isn't any other corndog and cocktail party that you're attending I hope you'll join us in opening our first forever store!

Cocktail & Corndog Reception
June 4th 5 - 9
2 East Holly Street, Pasadena, CA.

Also, I learned how to drive and got a phone and a second-hand, fully functioning (a whole screen!) computer! Am officially an American adult. This month has been nuts.

Loved Ones: Seychelles

2011-05-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last time I posted was before the NY pop-up which now feels worlds away. It was a terrific event thanks to the amazing team of women behind Seychelles! These ladies are some of the hardest working, kindest and most genuine around. It was such a pleasure to work with all of them and I can't express enough how thankful I am that they offered us this experience (The Loved One on 5th ave? Oh la la)! You can take a gander at more pictures here! A gargantuan thank you to Seychelles and everybody who joined us (a very frazzled and disturbed looking us, I'm afraid)!

Am presently in Los Angeles (or rather, Pasadena) setting up shop. Very exciting business! We spent last week painting and grooming the shop and packing up our beloved office and this week moving all the goods in and now organizing and unpacking! We're aiming for a June 4th opening - fingers crossed. Things are crazy right now guys! CRAZY! It's taken me three days to write this post O_O.

your eyes are like a cup of tea

2011-05-09T01:27:00.006-04:00

Things in the shop and things coming soon to the shop! Big thanks to beautiful Siri for super modeling and for biscuits and for staying up all night to watch the royal wedding like a perfect anglophile and for watching Road to Avonlea on a Sunday night and for being really mega awesome in general.

This coming week is going to be bonkers with the Pop-Up and then jumping to Los Angeles. On friday my partner signed a lease for our very first and very own shop! A shop! Our shop! I'm over the moon excited for this as it means we are one big step closer to our dream NY shop. I'll keep you posted as we move forward and will try my best to share with you the trials and tribulations of opening shop as it no doubt will be riddled with entertaining moments.

Off to watch Game of Thrones (The best show ever! Better than the Tudors even! Better than the Borgias and True Blood and Mad Men and Downton Abbey and LOST)! Feel free to share all your feelings of excitement for this show here as I will happily indulge you and nerd out about it too :D.

Easter with Wray

2011-04-27T11:44:00.002-04:00

This weekend was spent with Wray being gigantic babies at her mum's beautiful home in Connecticut. It was a visit full of newborn farm kittens, pizza, ice cream, more icecream, egg painting, egg painting spills, Easy A, dress-up and fog, lots and lots of fog, all ingredients to a perfect sleepover weekend.

Now, pardon me while I go brush my "My Lady Lovely Locks" hair one hundred strokes while watching anime versions of The Little Mermaid.

silks in the studio

2011-04-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

The other day I took a small stash of shop goods over to Landon's studio to photograph them with his current projects. You can find all of these items (and sadly only a handful more) in the shop. I'm afraid I've been terribly neglectful of etsy as once again we have all of our collection spoken for as our next pop-up draws near. I'm very pleased to announce that we're having a second pop-up shop, this time in New York! It's a one night only affair hosted by the lovely folks at Seychelles. You're welcome to RSVP here for a night of cocktails, shoes, lingerie and vintage clothing galore (please don't be shy about introducing yourselves should you come, I very much enjoy meeting folks that read this blog)!

Click through for more shop preview pics and a new mix.

For your Love(d One)!

2011-04-22T11:13:00.002-04:00

Slumber partying The Loved One style!

Directed by: Anna Li
Starring: Kennedy Holmes in Fuego,
Chelsea Marks in Agony Of Love and Hot Thrills Warm Chills (coming soon)
Caroline Wilson in She Should Have Stayed in Bed (coming soon)
Annie Strole in The Bed and How to Make It
& this moi in Sin in the Suburbs and One Shocking Moment.
Make-Up by: Annie Strole
Corndogs by: Merida Anderson

A hearty thanks to all of the ladies involved in this production! You made my editing job equal parts glorious and difficult because there was just so much good stuff to work with! I've been bitten by the motion picture bug and all I want to do now is make little videos (or maybe I just want to make a million bum wiggle loops).

(I meant to make another slumber party mix to accompany this post but have been too busy watching the video on repeat. I promise one later but just in case you missed the first one you can listen here.)

Kennedy & Caroline

2011-04-22T03:03:00.003-04:00

Yowza this week has flown by! I'm afraid I'm terribly tardy in posting this (especially since these were supposed to be little teasers to the now released video that I will refrain from posting here just for fun until tomorrow, hehe).

Kennedy and Caroline joined us from Boston for a day of popping corn, jumping on the bed and dancing around my apartment! It was such an absolute pleasure meeting both of these extremely stunning young ladies. I would welcome them in my apartment anytime (outerwear optional)!

Chelsea

2011-04-11T22:14:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a gigantic slumber party! Saturday found my house jam packed with five of the babeliest babes (including enchanting Kennedy Holmes) you'll ever lay eyes on and in their (er rather, my) underpants. Elvia and I are working on releasing our very first video lookbook and as I work on editing all of the dream footage together I thought I would make a couple of posts introducing you to the cast. Pictured above is the most radiant Chelsea Marks wearing the newly named "Hot Thrills and Warm Chills" nighty. For more pictures of beautiful Chelsea and behind the scenes pictures check out our Facebook Page!

Listen to our slumber party playlist here.

undies in the oven

2011-04-06T17:14:00.001-04:00

A little sneak peek at what we're working on in the TLO lingerie department! These as of yet unnamed pieces will, fingers crossed, be available later this month! We're also expanding our current collection's size run to include extra small and extra large and have tweaked some of the sizing to fit true to modern day sizing. Trial and error, this!

Landon's computer is in the shop and my computer screen is cracked so that only a third of the already rather small screen is visible which makes internetting beyond email a bit of an eyesore so forgive me if I'm a bit quiet for the next while (though I have been a bit more of a silent blog stalker lately for which I apologize, I realize it is way more fun to participate and am always appreciative of all the comments you leave behind).

Hope all is well! I promise (for real) this is the last lounging in undergarments post for a long while!

& a new 8 tracks mix for you.

Closet Case Vintage

2011-03-29T21:03:00.001-04:00

Closet Case Vintage is offering yet another extremely generous giveaway in celebration of their newly released lookbook! In order to enter pop over to their blog and follow the instructions there. I know how I would spend my $200 bones were I to win (well hello sheer organza dream dress)!

All photos courtesy of Closet Case Vintage.

(My comments are turned off so you wont miss out by accidentally posting here!)

Marcel Dyf

2011-03-28T17:27:00.003-04:00

The last painting has hung on our wall for the past three years and shamefully I only just recently discovered who was responsible for this favored flea market find (thanks Tumblr), Marcel Dyf. His paintings have such a perfect gracefulness that I find incredibly inspiring and I can't help but want to emulate the bouffant hairstyles of his model (wife, Claudine). Dreamy.

A new 8tracks mix for you :).

Patti Smith Supermoon

2011-03-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

Some very warm and sunny photos from the studio! These were taken after I fell on the street and scraped my knee like a five year old and before I shook hands with a (my) most beloved Patti Smith. Yes, friends, I shook the hand of the magnificent Patti Smith and not only that but she said my name. This weekend we went to a beautiful photo exhibition of Judy Linn's portraits of Patti Smith and there she was! There is not one celebrity who I can think of that would make me feel the way I felt when I saw her (OK maybe not so, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett I think would have me feeling pretty gnarly), it was like somebody punched me in the stomach! When my girlfriend suggested that I introduce myself (as most of our party had already done) I teared up and put my head down because I, well, I don't know why but the thought overwhelmed me (I'm not a teary person really, I can't remember the last time I shed a proper tear so this was especially confusing to me). As the night drew to an end my friend approached her and before I knew it she was coming my way and saying "Hi Hannah" with a hand extended! I said hi with eyes like this O_O and then mumbled "I love you" and then it was over.

I was planning a little shop update at last with the clothing pictured above, only I stained and ripped the pink dress and the pants while bopping around the studio, rwhoops. I will be updating the shop on Tuesday, however, with other less destroyed apparel!

Hope you all had an opportunity to take a gander at the supermoon this weekend!

Studio Visit

2011-03-17T00:31:00.002-04:00

Wearing Landon's outer wear.

Landon burning some delicious smelling myrrh.

Lucky Landon is borrowing this amazing studio space from a friend of his for the next few months and I'm tagging along as often as possible to pick up my much neglected pen and paper and take advantage of the glorious light for photos.

Landon's website.
Landon's blog.
Landon's tumblr.

birds bids & bras

2011-03-08T14:20:00.004-05:00

This may come as a surprise to you given my chosen vocation but very rarely do I shop for clothing (for myself). Most of the time I'm buying goods for The Loved One and I'll nab a few damaged castaways from our hunts (which has resulted in a closet full of ripped, stained and smelly attire that I wouldn't trade for the world). These last few weeks however I broke my no shopping streak with the addition of not one but five glorious items of clothing. This blouse is especially, err, special, it's in pretty rough shape but those embroidered birds! How could I resist? I found and won it on Ebay a few weeks back. I'm not a competitive person (I think the only competitions I have ever engaged in involved challenging my brother to speed icecream eating so that he'd finish his first and I'd still have some left behind, rather cruel, some early years of ballet competitions and stuffing saltines in my mouth and reading tongue twisters) but something about this top brought out the competitor buried deep inside of me and I sat grinding teeth, chewing lips raw, hair tucked behind ears and fingers clammy with anticipated win and I bid. I bid and I bid some more and I won and after the adrenaline wore off I felt slightly disturbed at the whole event and then excited in anticipation of the arrival of my new blouse. It is exceptionally perfect in my eyes and worth every bead of sweat and blood and all 24 dollar bills that went into winning this treasure.

Elvia and I are starting production on our next collection today. We're adding three new pieces to The Loved One's line in time for the summer months. We've been toying with the idea of carrying some bras not of our making to accompany our line of bottoms until we've released our own brassiere (actually working on one for this collection but that's a surprise you'll have to wait to see later). We've found a spot that will wholesale some old timey bullet bras to us and before we take the plunge and start buying them all up (I actually bought six for myself in one pop and have completely forsaken all my "modern" bras in favor of these) I wanted to know if any of you folks would be interested in this style? I know I'm not the only one that appreciates an aggressive looking chest O_O. Picture after the click through since I think you've been subjected to more than enough undies only (old time internet shout out! for the record, I was a total lurker on that site back in the day) pictures on this blog.

FW Part 4: Leith Clark

2011-03-01T23:02:00.002-05:00


Leith Clark by Frederic Aranda

Leith Clark (stylist and editor-in-chief of Lula) has been a long time girl crush of mine and I have a sneaking suspicion I'm not the only one who has entertained daydreams of parading through London in shamelessly girly outfits arm in arm with this talented young lady. After years of internet correspondence and me leaving (possibly creepy?) "i like u" style comments on various social networking sites we finally met in person for an Orla Kiely video shoot she was styling. I promise you internet, she is every bit as lovely and charming as the magazine she is responsible for. She is Lula personified!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

I made clothes with my mom when I was little. She did the actual making. I did the imagining. Around the same time my dress up box was vital for play time and many plays/music videos/short films were made with pretty... special costume design.

At 19 shot by Jennifer Sargent

2. What or who inspires you?

Right now especially Jeanne Lanvin and Armand Albert Rateau, Julia Margaret Cameron, Sarah Moon... I adore Gloria Steinem, Coco Chanel. I'm staring at the original poster for 'Bonnie & Clyde' (a Valentine's Day present!!). I'm listening to the new Marianne Faithfull album (especially song 2).

Photo by Yelena Yemchuk

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Oh lots. I couldn't choose just one. But mistakes are great. Mistakes make the girl! Looking back I think i have dressed the worst when I've been unhappy or... not felt like myself.

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?

There have been so many already! Lula is still happy after 6 years and that's dreamy.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Love what you do. Learn balance. Take rests. Trust your instincts.

Leith's Magazine Lula

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey / Victoire / Wray

she wore blueee velvet

2011-02-21T13:58:00.001-05:00

Taking a little break from the "fashion week" interviews to share some photos I took of Miss Emily last Friday. After taking photos for the shop Emily rummaged through my personal collection and pulled out a few things to dress-up in for a more exciting than standing against the wall looking serious shoot. It was such a pleasure to photograph her and to turn the camera on somebody else for a change O_O. Before the shoot I met Jessica from Seychelles who generously supplied the gloriously tall shoes Emily is wearing. I am genuinely excited about these two new shoe additions as they are the first new shoes (not second-hand that is) that I've had in heaven only knows how long (erm nearly two years), had forgotten how comfortable it is to be the first owner of a pair of shoes!

In other (very sad to me) news the countdown to the end of our pop-up is on! Only seven more days to visit the shop! Nooooooooo. Such a tease it is, though now I am more determined than ever to open up our own brick and mortar shop.

FW Part 3: Wray Serna

2011-02-20T13:30:00.003-05:00

This next interview is with a friend near and dear to me, Wray Serna. Wray and I met on this magical place (where I meet all my favourite people) called LiveJournal many years ago. She and her partner Amber Jimenez founded their company Ambit just last year and are already working on putting out their second collection, available soon for pre-sale. Their beautiful streamlined collection is handmade locally with as much love as there is attention to detail (those buttons!). Yay Wray (sorry, the temptation to cheer and rhyme was too strong for me to resist)!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
My first Fashion-related creation would have to be a dress that I made out of a 1950's lady cotton swimmingsuit fabric. I was 16 and an avid flea market goer. I had no idea how to sew and as a result, lots of fitting pieces of fabric to myself and pinning ensued. After a while the pieces of fabric slowly morphed into a dresslike item. I don't know that I would proudly display my creation, but I do still have it (and wear it) !

2. What or who inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by both photographers and designers. I have always been a fan of Stephen Shore and William Eggleston for their clean lines, composition, and beautiful colors. I also greatly admire Dries Van Noten, Comme Des Garcon, Mason Martin Margiela, and Maria Cornejo.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Oooo there are quite a few. My biggest sartorial blunder (and continues to be) would have to be my 1970's print floral dress which is cut so short I sometimes wonder if it is meant to be a top. I will start off by stating that I am a shapely women (derrier in specific). The dress looks fine and proper in the front. However, be there ever so slight a breeze or movement in the back and people get an eyeful. There have been so so so many instances where people will walk right up to me and tell me they can see my backside. I am pretty sure I have walked 10 plus blocks, ridden 3 subways, had lunch, and traveled home, all with an exposed behind. Despite its treachery, the dress is cut so lovely and nice that I cant get rid of it ever.

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
I can honestly say that the job I have now is a "Dream Come True" and working with my partner Amber helps (A Lot). I get to think about fabrics, colors, photography, growth, and the fashion world of New York City every day. I honestly can say that I dont think I could survive without having a job that involves a large amount of creation. Individuals need creation, society needs it, I love it.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
My personal advice I would give to someone following in my footsteps would be to develop a strong identity for yourself, organize your goals and how to obtain them, understand that everything is a learning process, always treat the people you work with, with respect, and most importantly smile, you are your own boss!

Wray's blog.
Ambit's website.
Ambit's blog.

Keep your eyes on their website as they are planning a pre-sale for their latest collection shortly!

All photos courtesy of Ambit by Landon Metz (and yep that's Emily)!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey / Victoire

FW Part 2: Victoire

2011-02-16T19:43:00.005-05:00

Today's interview is with Regine and Katie, the lovely ladies behind Victoire, an adorable boutique in my hometown Ottawa. Victoire is exactly what Ottawa was missing while I lived there (was so tempted to say "during my youth" but that sounds decidedly grandpa-ish). Their beautifully curated shop caries a host of Canadian talent including previous interviewee Tara-Lynn! I'm enthralled to have had the opportunity to meet these two and to watch their business grow. I want to thank them for giving me a place to shop when visiting (their neighbour) my pops in Ottawa!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
In 2002 we participated in a Ladyfest craftsale selling glued on lyrics on cut-up sweatshirts, wallpaper and spray paint on 80's purses. It kind of makes us cringe now and was definitely 'crappy crafty' but we just soooo wanted to be a part of this craft sale/DIY movement that was bubbling up at the time.

Though we now sell beautifully made pieces by other much more talented people, this time in our lives got us into this part of the fashion industry that has nothing to do with capital F "fashion". It's about appreciating beautiful things and getting excited about things made by your neighbour, or your friends, or someone just like you. Being a part of a creative independent community as a consumer is just as fun and rewarding as producing things! So even though we spend a lot more time now selling and promoting the works of other designers and not as much time making our own things anymore, it's still really rewarding and we love being part of an independent economy of sorts.

2. What or who inspires you?
You do Hannah! Not only are you adorable and nice but we love your entrepreneurial spirit and your work ethic. (oh gosh :D)

We also love love love Oprah's wisdom, Dolly Parton's sense of humor, In God We Trust's perfection and inspiring merchandising, and Dace's longevity in the business.

Complexgeometries, Audrey Cantwell and Norwegian Wood inspire us to be more adventurous. Our feminine cutie-pie look comes more naturally but we admire the risks these designers encourage us to take. It ensure we live in a rock'n'roll tea party duality.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Trying to be Electro-clash in the early 2000's in a small Canadian city. We were having fun but boy we must have looked silly. Stage get ups looked awesome on Le Tigre and Karen O but never quite worked in the school cafeteria.

We are thankful we took these fashion risks and played with different looks, but we wish there weren't any pictures!

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
Though we love to sell new Canadian designers, we have an out of control passion for vintage dresses. We host 2 vintage dress parties a year but it is not enough to satiate our hording impulses. We would really like to start an etsy store this year. Any words of wisdom, and lessons learned from selling on etsy would be most welcomed.

We would also love to see Victoire beat the odds and stick around for a very long time. Doing what we do right now is a dream come true, and doing it for many years to come would make our hearts very happy.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Just do it! Ask anyone and everyone for their advice and never forget that it's a good thing to find people who can do things better than you. That way you can learn and improve. Every day you meet people who can teach you something. Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice, even people who may intimidate you. People like helping others!

Victoire's Blog
Victoire's Online Shop

Visit them in Ottawa at:
246 Dalhousie St (closest intersection is St-Patrick)
(613) 321-1590
&
1282 B Wellington Street (near Holland)
(613) 421-0089

All photos courtesy of Victoire by Arden Wray.

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey

FW Part 1: Kelsey Genna

2011-02-15T14:05:00.003-05:00

As nyfw draws to an end I thought I would share with you a few interviews with inspiring women working in the fashion industry.

First up is Kelsey Genna, a young woman based in New Zealand. Kelsey's handmade dresses are deliciously dreamed up with generous floral references, pastels and sheer fabrics (all of which are presently my weakness)! Very much looking forward to seeing her collection, erm, blossom O_O.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
When I was fourteen I started getting into sewing. The first thing I ever made was a pair of pyjamas; I was a little more ambitious on my second project and decided to make a prom dress. At this time I truly knew nothing about pattern making or sewing. I didn’t even know rules about grain lines etc. so I just placed all the pattern pieces on the fabric wherever I wished. You certainly do learn from your mistakes!

2. What or who inspires you?
I find inspiration in many places. Photography / Film / Art / Nature. I am very interested and influenced by fashion history particularly trends from the 50s / 60s… but then again who isn’t, it was such a wonderful and exciting time in fashion. For my final project at university I worked around flowers, one of my great loves. I studied some of my favourite flowers and translated the colours, shapes and textures into each dress.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Gosh, I’ve made many mistakes over the years… which I don’t think is too much of a bad thing, it is good to experiment while your young! The memories that make me cringe the most are from homemade videos my friends and I use to create. There was a time through my earliest years in high school where all we did was make fashion videos. I can remember wearing blonde frizzy wigs and dresses out of crochet blankets, pillow cases and bubble wrap. I would share photos but I think my friends would kill me!

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
I am so lucky to be doing what I have always dreamt of doing. Everything is very exciting for me right now; I have finally finished studying and getting to work on Kelsey Genna properly. I could honestly say, what I am doing is ‘a dream come true’. Of course there are so many exciting projects and plans I have for the near and distant future. I would really love to travel and create pop up stores… even more so after seeing photos from The Loved One’s pop up store!!

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your dreams and never give up on them.

All photos courtesy of Kelsey Genna. Visit Kelsey here!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra

The Loved One Pop Up Shop!

2011-02-08T23:47:00.002-05:00

Nicole Eymard takes a swing!

The Loved One's first ever pop-up shop! Big thanks to all that helped steam and build and tag and flower the spot. I am so extremely happy with the finished product and wish now that I could spend every day in the fantasy land that we created! I'll have to post a more detailed account of the last three weeks as they were absolute madness but after the 4:00 am wake-up call and 12 hours of travel I have to say that I am completely pooped and ready to catch up on kitten cuddle time O_O!

For pictures of our opening night (complete with lingerie clad model swinging in daisy chain brassieres and loads of "bees knees" induced shenanigans) click here and here!

If you're in Los Angeles visit the space yourself for all of February at Space 15 Twenty!

where the heart is

2011-01-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

Feeling much better now that I'm actually out and on my travels! Thank you for all your kind and thoughtful words of encouragement. I confess I was being a bit melodramatic about the whole thing but I couldn't help but feel weepy when there were two (err three) adorable furballs curled up nearby that I was about to leave!

I'm leaving the chilly mid-west today and am onto Los Angeles to start prepping and sending off lingerie and goodies for our upcoming pop-up shop. We've found some truly exciting pieces while buying here that I cannot wait to see all gussied up and hanging in the shop (our very first almost sort of shop!). The next two weeks are going to be a whirlwind of activity and I'm pretty excited about all of our current endeavors! Hopefully will remember to properly document this time both in pictures and words O_O.

a little paws

2011-01-18T09:37:00.000-05:00

I'm leaving again today, this time without my beloved little family of kittens and Landon. My partner and I are off on a buying trip in preparation for next months pop-up shop then it's onto to Los Angeles to set everything up. I wont be home until February something and it saddens me greatly. I think, after this, I will try not to travel again this year (hah! fat chance). It's turning me into a full on hermit when I am at home because I long for it so when I'm away (which, by my calculations, was more often than not last year). So, new year's resolution number 1, no more traveling. Will conduct all travel business with webcam or weird robot that goes to work for you and stay at home in bed with streaming internet television, chips and purring kittens on my head. I apologize for this downer of a post, just, I'm feeling rather rotten right now about leaving and writing about it is sort of curing that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. /livejournal entry.

got to make that 7.21

2011-01-15T01:33:00.005-05:00

Watching Sin in the Suburbs (<- recommend viewing with cocktail in one hand and pot of mac'n'cheese in the other as I did earlier tonight only replace cocktail with beer and you've got my friday night) in celebration of the launch of the TLO shop! It's been a long and arduous trek but we made it and we couldn't be more pleased. (Though perhaps not so pleased with our accidentally papery tags, but hey! It wouldn't be right were it to run perfectly smooth the first go round.)

I've got a second bit of exciting shop related news (not the one I referred to earlier, that's still in the works, have enjoyed reading your guesses. not an offspring... yet.) This February we will be setting up shop for a month at Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles. A whole month of brick and mortar shopping! Opening night is February 4th where there will be cocktails, tarts, underpants, international psych jams, A SWING (complete with a lingerie clad model) and a whole slew of vintage goodies to peruse and take home with you!

Completely unrelated - I'm addicted to this song, it's ruling my brains right now and will not leave me alone but I don't wanna lie, I'm feeling so goo.

Wearing the Fuego set!

a skeleton and a tiny turtle

2011-01-11T11:22:00.002-05:00

My beloved baby ham (and sister) Jacoba. She was born 20 years after me, wants to be a champion figure skater (my brother got her her first pair of skates this christmas), loves me third best of all after herself and god, refers to reindeer as "precipitation deers" and her record for not talking is a full 30 seconds.

ps. Having a bit of an issue with my comments loading super slow and not showing up. Sorry if you come to comment and the form is unavailable!

winter sports

2011-01-08T02:13:00.000-05:00

We've spent the last week participating in various winter activities while celebrating a second christmas with my family up north. We built an ice rink, made a pathetic attempt at a hockey game that mostly involved me missing the puck repeatedly and spinning in circles on my skates, carved out a (rather dodgy) toboggan run, cross country skied up the river (though I forced our crew onto the much less terrifying train tracks after my companion stepped through a bit of thin ice and scared the bejesus out of me), brought out my ten year old snow board and have stopped drinking water in favor of hot chocolate. It is the calm before the storm that is the next two months for me! I'm going to play that rather nasty game of "I've got a secret that I can't reveal just yet" but oh man, it is a pretty neat one. (Can I give you a hint? It rhymes with the word that came before one.)

Thank you so much for the warm response to my previous post! I'm brimming with excitement as any day now they'll be available to ship off! Just in time for that oh so romantic day of the year.

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the finish line!

2010-12-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

I'm just a little ahead of myself posting these now but I couldn't contain my excitement! The lingerie is done (well, err, almost done. The final style is in production) and in the next week we'll have the shop up and ready for pre-sale orders!

That's all for now, back to extreme family hangout times! Hope you all had/are having a terrific holiday! Exclamation points!

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-24T22:12:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of you the merriest of holidays and the happiest new year!

Landon and I are snuggled up with sleepy kittens, home fries, grilled cheese and Jimmy Stewart awaiting the arrival of my pops and brother (both pictured above). A most excellent christmas eve.

Much love to you! <3

ps. were any of you mega obsessed with My Lady Lovely Locks? Did you watch the cartoons (hi, I am curly crown)? I think that was the christmas that I finally got the prince, I was so excited!

Shop Update

2010-12-22T12:42:00.003-05:00

Gold hot pants and sheer blouse.

From now until January 1st help yourselves to 10% off any order with the coupon code XMASLOVE! Big thanks to Emily for lending her gorgeous being for shop photos!

Click through for kittens and more from the shop! :D

And another giveaway!

2010-12-19T21:09:00.001-05:00

Okay friends, I have one final treat of a giveaway before the holidays end this time from Closet Case Vintage. Closet Case recently released their winter lookbook complete with a saucy little video and they're inviting you to nab something of your very own with a $200 gift certificate giveaway! All you have to do to enter is head over to the blog, watch the video and post your favourite outfit from the shop detailing how and where you'd wear it! The winner will be announced on Christmas day (what a sweet present that will be)! I wish you luck you truly spoiled lot (if one of you should win please, pretty please grab this piece)!

I'm closing the comments on this entry so you wont be tempted to leave your stories here and miss out on the giveaway!

Enter here!

All pictures by Closet Case Vintage

black and light

2010-12-16T01:17:00.001-05:00

Spent entire day with kittens purring on my lap. It is heaven with these two (though my professional life is somewhat suffering and my legs are all scratched up from kittens trying to climb them). Landon and I are proving to be the perfect hypochondriac parents, we count their sneezes, bowel movements, number of times they eat each day, are they playing enough (they are), are they sleeping enough (they are), is Bobo's belly swollen or did she just eat too much (she's just growing, like cats and children often do), pretty much anything you can possibly worry about we do (and then we talk about it non-stop to our very patient, very obliging friends who no doubt are suppressing eye rolls at our "new parent" routine). Honestly, I don't know how you parents of human children do it! I think I will have a heart attack from worry once I have walking, talking and texting (ewww) human child. I think of all the times I absent mindedly forgot to call my parents when staying out late and cringe to think of my young ones doing the same. Sometimes I worry when Pippin is under the bed napping for too long! O_o

Anyways, it's just about time for the kittens to wake up and jump around the bed and I promised myself I'd be asleep before that happened tonight to avoid the temptation of playing with them until three in the morning. Ru-roh, I see I am too late! Pippin just poked his head up and yawned at me! Dun-dun-dunnn.

(ps. you can't really see it but I'm wearing two of my favourite pieces of negligee from lovely lady Kristine of The Exhausted Etiquette!)

red, green and white scrunch socks

2010-12-13T13:48:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Bohemian Bisoux giveaway is Katy of Dirty Hems, congratulations Katy! Try not to pee on this one O_o! Honorable mention to caitthegreat for actually recording her storytelling, Sage for "glittery poos", Emily_RubySlippers for her partying grandpop and Natasha Opfell for her heartwarming christmas tree tale! You all made it incredibly hard for me to pick and I appreciate so much your indulging me and playing along! I wish you all the merriest of holidays free from (too much) embarrassment and full of warm hearts.

Now onto kitten business. What can I say? They are the greatest! It's now been a week and I cannot imagine a life without them. Bobo (the top picture) is my little cuddly curious (computer loving) girl and Pippin is the most darling, purring, snuggling boy. On friday we had a little holiday party and were planning on keeping the kittens in the bedroom away from the shenanigans but they ended up hanging out on the bed greeting (and entertaining) guests like total pros almost the entire night! Spoiled little kittens received an abundance of toys (Pippin's favourite came from Emily, he carries it around the house growling) and cuddles throughout the event. For a more kitty pictures and short kitty videos click below.

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Blooming Leopold

2010-12-10T00:21:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a quick break from kitten bliss (oh man, you guys we truly lucked out! They are the BEST!) to make a post about another one of the marvelous shops that advertise here! Lovely Lauren of Blooming Leopold (her sewing projects are super inspiring and equally frustrating for those of us less patient and gifted in the art) and her shop of the same name is offering you lucky lot 50% off any purchase for the next five days using the code "hannahandlandon" at check-out! I'm hoping that one of you will snatch up this little number because I want it but cannot squeeze another piece of negligee in my dresser (and will creepily live vicariously through your purchase).

Take a gander at her charming holiday lookbook here.

(all photos courtesy of Lauren Winter)

Introducing Pippin and Bobo!

2010-12-06T20:42:00.000-05:00

We've spent the whole day in our living room bonding with our newly named new babies Pippin and Bobo! Pippin and Bobo came to us through the wonderful ladies of Bobbi and the Strays, a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue located in Queens. At the moment Landon is sprawled out across the sofa with one kitten snuggled up between his legs, the other in his armpit and all three of them sleeping (I can hear purring! BAHHHH YOU GUYS! DYING)!

Loads more pictures to come!

Holiday Giveaway!

2010-12-04T14:33:00.002-05:00

Those of you who guessed feline friends as the surprise guessed right! Though they did not arrive yesterday as anticipated so again I must wait, and wait, and wait for my fuzzy buddies (Monday morning come soon)!

Before this blog turns into a crazy cat album I've a little holiday treat for you! Bohemian Bisoux is very generously offering one of you lucky folks (I confess I'm a little jealous) $150 credit to her most delicious shop (open to international readers & free shipping)!

So, in the spirit of my giveaways past, you're not getting off easy with a simple comment expressing your lust for said prize instead you'll have to entertain (just a little)! In order to enter you'll need to either:

a) Visit Bohemian Bisoux, pick your favourite item and (after wiping the drool off your chin) describe how and where you'd wear said piece!

OR

b) Share with me either an embarrassing, disaster-filled or heart-warming holiday tale!

OR

c) BOTH! This is the most likely way to success, as I will be picking the winner based on their creativity/the amount of tears shed/the amount of liquid sprayed out of my nose from laughter. I always love reading your stories and am excited to hear what this round will bring!

Best of luck! You have until next Saturday (12/11) to enter! (Some holiday music to help you along!)

Liam's Haircut

2010-12-02T17:09:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will (hopefully) have some very exciting news to share with you (there's a hint in the last picture, perhaps you can guess at the surprise?)!

Presently working on a mega-mix of holiday jams to share with you on 8tracks and putting up new goods in the shop!

(sneak peak at the new shop goods after the jump)
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the impermanent nature

2010-11-17T16:15:00.003-05:00

A few new sculptures by Landon!

Working on setting up disqus as many of you recommended, though it still doesn't solve the problem of my posting on other blogs and having to check back like a creep for responses, pooh. Blogger, I shake my fist at you! If you come and notice your comment has disappeared fret not! They should be up and running in no time, I hope O_O.

Landon's website
Landon's blog
The New Discourse Archives (an exciting new project. Landon's out right now interviewing a personal favourite of mine!)
The Company of People (working on a huge update for this one, also exciting.)

sheer delight

2010-11-14T21:10:00.002-05:00

The fourth piece from The Loved One's collection named "sheer delight" (ehhehe).

Dear Blogger/Google, why have you not updated your commenting system to include replies? I so miss the days of livejournal when you could start proper dialogues in the comments. Please, powers that be, add a reply button to respond to each comment individually! :D

home tomorrow

2010-11-10T01:58:00.003-05:00

My time in Los Angeles ended on a super positive note with everything at our sewers, the showroom organized and a most delicious punch-filled friday night sale (charming Meg snapped some photos of the event that you can see here). Tomorrow we return to New York and I plan on hibernating in our home for as long as I possibly can upon our arrival. This year has seen us in more airports than any year prior and while I do love a bit of adventure and hard work abroad I can't help but feel terribly homesick for my own surroundings and neglected friendships (plus staying in one place for more than a month means I can finally have kittens).

KITTENS!

ps. I should specify that these pictures are from Sedona, AZ. So crazy beautiful there! We celebrated an early thanksgiving with Landon's family while on the west coast.

in sleepy town

2010-11-04T01:38:00.002-04:00

Pictured above: One of Tara-Lynn's deliciously soft cowls, the Belleville Shawl and the familiar round these parts Carlington Scarf. See more incredibly cozy knits here.

A couple months ago I received a glorious delivery of lovingly crafted knits from Canadian knitter and constant source of inspiration, Tara-Lynn. I've been meaning to make a post sharing this bundle but have found myself rather swamped this past month with various (exciting) duties in preparation for TLO's lingerie launch! Today we completed our hunt for the perfect fabrics in downtown Los Angeles and promptly began plotting our launch party(ies). If you are a Los Angeles lady and don't mind modeling in your skivvies please let me know! I'd love to set up an appointment with you this friday in our Altadena showroom (I will feed you mini chocolate bars, assorted fancy nuts, something with cheese and coffee).

Alright friends, the allergy pill that I took after greedily filling myself with said miniature chocolate bars is taking it's toll and I'm starting to make up words. I promise one day I'll write a post of true substance and not just a post containing brief updates and a promise of better posts to come. I'm the shopping mall Santa of the blogging world. Full of empty promises and allergy medication. I see a kitty is coming to visit me and that is most definitely my cue to get off of here and enter kitty dreamland.

(ps. I believe it was 100 today, which may also account for my abnormal sluggishness, can you imagine? 100 in November? Well, when I was a little girl there was often snow in the first week of November! Granted, I was living significantly north of my present location. See this? wondrous allergy medication at work, turning me into your grandpa.)

for the boos

2010-10-29T20:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! Festive jams for you here (supernaturals) and here (monsters)!

Jour de l'Action de Grâce

2010-10-18T12:39:00.001-04:00

(A picture of Liam and I taken in the same spot when we were just little chickens.)

Last weekend Landon, my brother Liam, his girlfriend Ali and I drove up to join my Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandma and their significant others at our favourite home away from home in Chelsea to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. I don't think the weekend could have been any more perfect than it was! We ate glorious amounts of delicious and lovingly prepared food (including our fill of montreal bagels), played settlers of catan, dug up an old row boat and found a raft while on our maiden voyage, made a "mystical fire" and ran around a lot (or rather, Liam and Landon ran around a lot and I hopped a bit and kicked dry leaves). Fortunately, Landon and his new best friend phone were there to document the whole thing in motion (baaaahahahaha).

I hope all my Canadian pals had an equally delicious and sun-filled weekend with friends and family!

To get you in the mood for this months next holiday I made my first halloween mix (mostly vampire themed) stay tuned for monster mix next (no monster mash)!

get cozy

2010-10-04T21:14:00.002-04:00

(wearing wonderful knit scarf by favourite knitting babe, Tara-Lynn!)

Just a quick post to share a new mix and some exciting news!

New mix: here!

Exciting news: Thanks to all of the generous beings that helped spread the word (see the wonderful and complete list here) and backed us our kickstarter project was a success! I'm up to my neck in bows and am putting pen to paper to get all of our rewards finished and sent off in a timely manner, whew. In a few weeks I'll be joining Elvia in LA to start the hunt for fabrics, meet with the sewers and start plotting our next collection! I plan to document this process to the best of my ability so keep an eye on our tumblr for frequent project updates should you be curious! I can't express just how enthralled we are that the project was a success! Thank you so, so, so very much! You guys did it!

La Bohème

2010-10-01T22:12:00.004-04:00

Lillian Gish was an actress most popular in the 1910s and 20s (though her career continued up until the late 1980s when she starred in the Whales of August the trailer for which ran after the "little hershey's kisses" ad on The Princess Bride VHS). I was reminded of Miss Gish when I found an old disc of pictures that my brother had put together for me featuring a bunch of hilarious webcam pictures, drawings and videos from my high-school years (more on that another time) and I came across a drawing I had made of her. I remember falling absolutely head-over-heals for her adorable little face when I was researching silent films for a silent movie project I was working on in drama class (I wish I could find that video for you as it is mind blowingly silly and now far away enough from my present self that I'm no longer embarrassed by it but instead delighted). Her hair is pretty much my dream hair right now and fortunately, given my frizzy head of hair, quite achievable (must try that gorgeous up-do)!

Read more about Lillian here, here, and here.

I've never been in style, so I can never go out of style. - Lillian Gish

I've been slacking on the mixes, sorry! September was a crazy busy month but things have settled down for a bit and I'm spending this rainy night indoors with Landon, paint brushes and movies. Here is a mix I made a few weeks ago but have yet to post!

Man, you guys, I'm no good at writing these days, sorry (unless it's business emails, I'm brilliant at business emails. Maybe I will just start writing super formal business posts).

FW Part 5: Alexandra Grecco

2010-09-16T11:32:00.005-04:00

Last but certainly not least we have a rather familiar face around these parts, Alexandra Grecco! She first popped up here last year when I had the pleasure of modeling her line of cheeky rompers and has since made a few more appearances (she is the other bum in The Loved One pictures)! This beautiful and motivated women is another one of my buddies who will no doubt be rocketing to fashion stardom in the coming years! Alexandra has just launched her latest line of scrumptious creations and I once again had the pleasure of playing dress-up and stuffing my face (I think it was a bit more of a smashing onto my face) with extravagant pastries. Landon also got involved and snapped these pictures of her decadent designs!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

Well, it was a paper shoe, or shall I say "bootie", with stapled seams. I was six, and I gave them to my sister for her baptism ceremony thinking she may need shoes for the event. To make them fancy I added a cross in pencil and called them "lordy boots". The craftsmanship was breathtakingly beautiful (har har har).

Sadly, they went unworn.

2. What or Who inspires you?

Lots of things! I get really inspired when watching some of my favorite films like, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, Lolita, Pandora's Box, Rosemary's Baby and Badlands. Lot's of 70's horror films too.

Sexy ladies inspire me. Briggitte Bardot, Anna Karina, Ann Margaret, Hannah Metz.

Traveling and getting out the city for the weekend is necessary for good inspiration as well. Music, hikes, books, train rides, crisp autumn, all that good stuff!

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Probably when I styled my bedsheets into a gown and wore it to school.

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

Naked with some floral hats. Maybe a velvet blazer, too.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Plan as much as you can before you start, and ask lots of questions! Set goals for yourself and set up the proper funds. Lists really help too on an everyday basis, BORING! But true...

Alexandra's Shop!
Alexandra's Website!
Alexandra's Blog!

That's it for this round of fashion week interviews! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did! I hope more that you discovered a few new names to keep your eye on but most of all I hope that you find the perfect something created by these talented women to make your very own one day (now I am fist pumping and saying "support independent business! handmade yeah!"). If you know of a designing lady that you think I should interview for next fashion week let me know! I've already spied a few ladies that I'd love to get on board for next time. To the amazing young women that I interviewed: Thank you so much for your time, I wish you all the very best! You are all so incredibly talented and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to watch your businesses blossom!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn

FW Part 4: Kathryn Blackmore

2010-09-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

In each of these interviews I've had an incredibly difficult time picking pictorial accompaniment as all of these ladies have an abundance of inspiring images. It was exceptionally hard for me to not post Kathryn's entire flickr collection! Kathryn Blackmore is a designer, illustrator and purveyor of the most delicious looking jewelry I've ever seen! She is most certainly one to keep a close eye on.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

Back in my school days, I made a full-length dress consisting of leather panels and a handwoven bodice. Back then I thought it was great, although thinking about it now it was truly awful.

2. What or Who inspires you?

I find Alber Elbaz inspiring both as a designer and an individual.

The inspiration for my work depends on my mood, although I can always rely on natural history, traditional crafts and a personal collection of vintage finds.

Lately I have been finding inspiration in the form of medieval imagery, dreamy landscapes and Baroque art.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Oh dear, I think a recurring sartorial blunder is over wearing my clothes. I have a habit of growing attached to items until they fall apart!

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

I’d be very happy in a uniform of button-down shirts, preferably in silk, paired with slim-cut trousers, lace-up boots and one of the vintage mesh collars I scored this summer.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

For anyone who has been thinking about setting up a blog or business, what are you waiting for? Making plans is great. Putting them into action is so much better!

Kathryn's Shop
Kathryn's Blog
Kathryn's Website
Kathryn's Flickr

Up Next, Alexandra Grecco of Gluda Finds Lulu!

FW Part 3: Tara-Lynn

2010-09-14T17:33:00.003-04:00

Up next we have 1/4 of what may be the cutest family to ever walk this planet. Tara-Lynn is an entrepreneur, a designer, a knitter, a mother and an inspiration! I've been following Tara-Lynn around the internet since our Livejournal days almost six years ago (is that right? Man, the time, it flies) and have been consistently charmed by her personality, her family, her screen-shots of favourite movies, her knack for hunting down incredible vintage photographs and her deliciously cozy knits! I have, like an absolute creep, thought many times how badly I wished she and her little crew lived nearer to me for the epic hang-outs and slumber parties that would no doubt take place.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

As a little girl I was always playing dress up, as all little girls do. I had a dress-up box that my aunt had contributed some of her clothing to. She had all these really outrageous wigs and crazy 1970's lingerie, negligee's and slips. The ballet Swan Lake, being the inspiration at the time, was the model for the outfits I would create. One outfit in particular consisted of a red frilly negligee, worn with frilly underpants as a swan feather head piece, paired with these red strappy high heels (of course all worn over top of my clothing!). Sadly, the dress up box no longer exists, but I am left with a handful of photos to remember ...

(I want to see these photos so bad! - H)

2.What or Who inspires you?

I truly admire a girl with her own authentic style, one who looks timeless, and can put together a mix of modern and vintage. I really love a mix of patterns and colors that do not adhere to conventions, but somehow look great. Creative girls with the ability to sew, make patterns and who will take risks. I find I am always coming back to ballerinas, especially those from the Ballet Russes, 1940's and 1950's ballerinas photographed by Gjon Mili. The dancers evoked so much artistic style while hardly wearing a thing. Edie Sedgwick is a great example of someone who took the style of the ballerina, those infamous black tights! Anais Nin, always an inspiration. The writer Colette, Jean Rhys and the chorus girls of the early 1900's. I'm drawn to the rebellious bad girl. Girls of today that I am really inspired by, friends like Sam Purdy, Isabelle Hayes, Hannah Metz and bloggers such as Kennedy Holmes, Francesca Zmetra, Erin Perez Hagstrom, Jessica, Anja Verdugo and Siri Thorson. Every one of these girls has a truly original and sincerely dedicated sense of their own style.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

No regrets, I would rather take a risk than not. I am positive I have had a few blunders, or just wrong outfit choices, but I do feel it really all leads to something good in the end. Maybe I tend to give a little too much sometimes, for instance maybe I didn't need to wear a Kimono to the campfire.

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

At the moment, I fantasize about a uniform that would include pretty vintage party dresses, skirts with mismatched blouses, patterned and brightly colored tights paired with inconvenient shoes that pinch your toes. This kind of uniform is meant for wearing out dancing, spilling drinks on, going to art galleries, shows to feel especially happy in.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Don't do it! Following in someones footsteps would only be boring and untruthful. Do your own thing, its way more fun and unpredictable.

Illustration by Jason Lee

Tara-Lynn's Shop
Tara-Lynn's Blog
Tara-Lynn's Flickr

*Edited to add: Mention Hannah & Landon when you place an order at Tara's shop and receive a free Norfolk Knitted Bow! I've got one that I wear all the time!

Jason Lee's Art
Jason Lee's Shop

Up Next, Kathryn of The Vamoose!

FW Part 2: Nicole Eymard

2010-09-13T02:37:00.003-04:00

It is no secret that I have a bit of a fangirl style crush on this next lady, but can you blame me? To me Nicole Eymard is sartorial perfection! She is truly one-of-a-kind and manages to make full ensembles (matching nails, lips, eyes, hats, bags, shoes, the whole shebang) look utterly effortless. She's just sent her new line down the runway and is presently prepping goodies to fill her shop with (starting with those most delectable shoes pictured below). I'm waiting with bated breath to see this girl rocket to fashion stardom.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

Beaded flowers that I would make into necklaces and bracelets.

2. What or Who inspires you?

In daily life: Animals, plants, movies, music the endless possibilities/surprises of vintage and antique items, museums, colors, fabrics, poetry, and history.

Online: Hannah.

Designers: Schiaparelli, Prada, Christopher Kane, Marc Jacobs.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

The "ghetto" look when I was in middle school.

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

Actually...a uniform! I'm going to be wearing jumpers (american dress jumpers, not sweaters) with 1930s floral and leafy printed ties and bow ties, with a suit jacket and fur collar. Lots of fur, lots of crocodile (bags, shoes, clothing). I bought a walrus skin doctor bag. Basically I will look like a British school child swamped with taxidermy. Mix in Elizabethan, and Native American elements for entire fall wardrobe.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Dressing: Nothing is more important than knowing what looks good on you and what represents you properly. No one benefits from walking around amongst clones. Comfort doesn't mean ugly. I personally dress in a favorite outfit everyday because when I was little I thought you were stuck with the outfit you were wearing when you died. Always wear something that represents something alive (ex: floral prints, dog brooch).

Career-wise: Always stay true to (and work your way towards) what will make you happy. A dream job doesn't always pay well.

Nicole's Website
Nicole's Blog
Nicole's Line
Nicole's Ebay Shop (keep your eye on this one as I hear she's about to start loading it up with some of her vintage treasures!)

Up next, Tara-Lynn of Stay Fancy Free!

FW Part 1: Elvia Lahman

2010-09-11T15:47:00.008-04:00

It is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce you to a most beloved companion and partner of mine, Elvia Lahman! Elvia has been in the vintage business for over fifteen years and has worked the vintage department of companies including American Rag, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel (where she was my boss). She has provided me with endless amounts of inspiration, laughs, food and made me the muscular broad that I am today (that is, until a giant crate fell on me and she took over the heavy lifting for awhile and stole all my awesome muscle powers). She is, simply put, amazing. It's so tempting to launch into a long-winded entry detailing generosity, humor, imagination and determination but I'll let you find that out on your own!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

6th grade, I didn’t like shopping at the mall where my family did most their shopping. I would go to the junkie swap-meets with my brother, who was a mechanic looking for car parts. I would buy vintage remnant fabric for 50 cents a yard. It wasn’t vintage back then, well it was, but the word "vintage" wasn’t used like it is now. Just old. I liked old stuff, I still do. My mom had one of those super old timey pedal sewing machines not because it was that long ago (ahem) but because momma was so old timey Mexico. She grew up in a tiny town without toilets or electricity. She just felt more comfortable sewing on it than the electric ones. I learned how sew on it as well but I was much more modern than she and bought a used 60’s turquoise one at the swap-meet (1982). The pedal sewing machine hurt my dainty ankles too much. Anyhoo, I made a full calf length skirt from an old 50’s pattern (Black with green paisley print, 60’s. I had a green beret that matched the green in the fabric perfectly). I thought I was so cool and super 5-0 looking (not at all)! After that I was nonstop. Mini skirts from 70’s plaid pants and a billion more full skirts. Lately, when I go through the wool skirts, I think I spot my homemade ones.

2. What or Who inspires you?

Old things. I can’t explain it but I get really excited about stuff! Pumpkins too. I think it’s the details when it comes to clothing, like a double stitch instead of a single stitch, funny little pockets that are slanted, buttons, METAL ZIPPERS, bias cuts, prints, conservative lady looks, big hair, music with a beat that I can dance to, old department store catalogs and girlie mags ( Wink, Cabaret, Mr., Frederick’s of Hollywood). Movies like The Women, (1939, not 2009!) Blue Velvet and Pillow Talk that changed my life as a teen and pointed me to the very spot I’m at now. I think "inspire" and "like" are the same for me! My brain works really fast when it comes to ideas (usually). I think my brain gets excited therefore I get inspired? Does that make sense? Also, Hannah Metz. Finding things for her to wear and get excited for! My husband, a Barber, who encourages me and is as crazy into old stuff and shopping as I am. Bouncing ideas and continuing to add onto them until they explode then my mind explodes and gets worn out like I actually already lived it.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Too many but I feel it’s a good thing. Super tight outfits that I busted out of without wearing underwear and the time I was proud that I wore my work-out clothes and no make-up to the bank.

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

Every year for fall it’s the same for me. The idea of what I WANT to wear everyday... (although I don’t and sometimes can’t because of my job digging and getting dirty and being on my feet all day)

Picture this:

I’m a suburban housewife. It’s overcast and just a tad bit cool. Black short sleeve cashmere sweater, pencil tan, black and blue plaid side zipped skirt just over the knee, short camel cashmere jacket, no buttons with some funny little brooch(es), black elbow length gloves with a dangling bracelet, super amazing hat sitting tilted towards the left side of my head, one of my Jenette bras, the Sheer Delight pantie (part of the TLO collection), 2” basic pointed black heels (50’s/60’s NOT KITTEN just practical). My Suburban Country Lady Bag. My hair big and bouncy, NARS nude lipstick, my regular eyeliner and mascara'd eyes, heavy on the brows but not à la Crawford, (Joan that is). Vintage hands (hehehe) and million dollar red nail polish. Ok, now top it off w/ a gin gimlet straight up.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

My footsteps are hard to follow. You don’t want to follow me and if you are I will have to kill you.

Listen, watch and learn. You’re not the first nor was I. You have to learn to get in line. Also, vintage makes you crazy. Really! Most “true” vintage people are slightly off. It’s the love of vintage that makes us that way.

Man, Elvia, I miss you so bad!

up next: Nicole of Fashion Forestry!

filling your drawers

2010-09-08T18:17:00.001-04:00

I finally added a video to our Kickstarter project page! Initially I had intended to do a friendly introduction to our line but after multiple failed attempts I admitted defeat and did the next best thing - whipped my head around and flapped my arms in slow motion to the tune of Deceptacon (har har har) by Le Tigre.

We have 3,011 to go and 24 days left! My fingers are crossed so hard that some fashion week miracle will occur and we'll pull through and reach our goal! Speaking of fashion week, while I don't think I'll be attending any of the official events I am planning on hosting a mini "fashion week" of my own here! I've lined up interviews with some inspiring creative buddies working in the industry (starting with my mysterious partner Elvia) to share with you (really looking forward to this)!

I promise a refreshingly "hannah-free" blog when this Kickstarter project is through! O_O More paintings, less pantless me pleading for help!

she saw the water-lily bloom

2010-09-04T20:26:00.005-04:00

A few more while at the cottage! This is my first moment of solitude since coming home and I'm spending it splayed across an air mattress (more comfortable than our dilapidated sofa) watching Wuthering Heights (1970, Timothy Dalton is such a babe in this) and plotting a cheese and pasta filled dinner.

If you should happen to be in the city for upcoming fashion festivities and would like a break from the glitz and glam send me an email and join me for some leisure activities (activities include balancing out the air mattress with our bottoms, watching period dramas, eating cheese and pulling the split ends off of our hair).

ps. just in case! Thank you so much for all the help with our project so far! I very much hope to be a busy lady by months end sewing together brooches and sticking loads of goodies in the post!