Dress line I started back before the recessionista days:
Archive for the ‘The 'Ness’ Category
Bold ‘n Old School Couture
In The 'Ness, all that glitters on January 29, 2010 at 5:26 amSpring 2010 Couture Show in Paris brought a lot of drama and royal color. I’m definitely feeling Gaultier’s high-fi ranchero look!
Christian Dior, Image courtesy of Valerio Mezzanotti for NY Times
Jean Paul Gaultier, image courtesy of Valerio Mezzanotti for NY Times
Ports 1961, Spring 2010 Ready to Wear
In Artz, The 'Ness on January 25, 2010 at 5:34 amPorts 1961 is a women’s ready-to-wear line by designer Tia Cibani. Her structured clothes have a romantic new world meets old world feel. Her Spring 2010 collection is a palette of ice cream tones–frosty vanilla to butterscotch cream, with swirls of strawberry. Click here for behind the scenes Ports 1961 runway show coverage.
Sun Protection!
In Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness, all that glitters on January 23, 2010 at 11:32 pmThis is my jam! Necessary, even when the winter sun seems weak–it’s still filtering through clouds, ready to zap you with UV.
This product, introduced to me by my dear, clear-skinned and organically beautiful friend, Ngozi–
This stuff is a mineral powder (that smells slightly of cinnamon and clay). The brush ‘n powder power duo is amazing for travelling to hot, sunny places
Eminence's Sun Defense Powder, in Calendula Spice. For dark tan to caramel tones.
Eminence is European y’all! And uses natural fruits, vegetables, and minerals! This mineral power is comprised of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which gives you that even coverage and sun protection. Vitamins A and E are sweet healers too! And to add a bit of dewy luster, use a tonique, named straight outta Eden–Sweet Red Rose or Wild Plum–
You can buy it here.
Miss Bruno’s “My So Called Dress”
In Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, all that glitters on January 22, 2010 at 4:36 amCan I say…
J’adore!
Now, Miss Bruno and I are kindred spirits connected, cyber-spirituelle and whatnot. For serious–creativity, spark, story, color, lineage & design–I’m taken by this collection.
Here’s my favorite from the My So Called Dress collection (I think Angela Chase would appreciate).
The Sia Sia dress, v. 1–I 
love this sexy off-the-shoulder sheath dress. Made from hand-spun, handwoven cotton from Burkina Faso.
love this sexy off-the-shoulder sheath dress. Made from hand-spun, handwoven cotton from Burkina Faso.Beautiful synergy–the turquoise spade pattern, the prim suede trim, and the fly detailing on the belt–total elemental balance.
The Philosophy of Miss Bruno
(the beauties behind the threads, in the photos spread above)
“missbruno sprung from the marrow of our lineage, making twists and turns jusqu’ it morphed into the trans-worlds collection you see today. specifically, we are two sisters: brooklynites by way of Ayiti; designers, by way of musik and film; independent, by way of clothing made directly from our collective hands. our designs thrive on our philosophies on life: wholistic, lush, simple. we make things meant for sustainable living and other unassuming revolutions.”
Check the sweet sale at their online store. featuring dresses from this limited collection.
(http://shop.missbruno.com)
- Tap Tap Romper
- Rara Dress
- Wild Silks and Hand-woven Cotton
Miss Bruno New York’s ‘My So Called Scarf’
In Brooklyn Social Club, Feminista, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, bright lines, nerdysexycool on January 12, 2010 at 8:24 amJanuary simply feels better when you’re tucked away under winter accessories. We’ve all broke down and bought a
Corner Store Lily
dinky pair of black $5 gloves off the street when it’s become unbearable, as well as those faux-ushankas and poly-blend scarves.
Be done wit’ all that!
The Artivist Scarf, model, Popular Thug, aka Sugar Aphrodite
Madame et Monsieur Bruno
The Highlife
Self-Portraiture 2010.
In Artz, Feminista, The 'Ness, all that glitters on December 18, 2009 at 4:15 am
Ok, ok, ok. I get accused of lookin’ all too intense and serious in photos, you know, ahem… not emanating the joy within and whatnot. What can I say, I can be a moody ______.
Seriously though, check out this contest, lauding the expressions o’ self:
So, I think I’m going to enter. These here photos are just revvin’ the auto-imagery machine!
The Power of Self
You are invited to participate in a competition celebrating the power of self-portraits.
Details: http://www.artistswanted.org
This competition is about your story, your images and the power they hold. From Salvador Dali to Cindy Sherman the self has been the subject of most all the art world’s greats. The self-portrait transcends medium, style and period, existing in the vast space between the personal and prophetic. We all have a self-portrait. Show us yours!
Our panel of judges including actor Steve Buscemi, director/producer Chris Weitz, Guggenheim Curator Helen Hsu and Flavorpill Founder Sascha Lewis will select one portfolio of self-portraits for The Grand Prize.
The Grand Prize:
- Six months of FREE living in New York City or $7007 cash
- An art-star reception in New York City
- International publicity
- A feature in 3rd Ward Magazine
The public will also cast their vote and the highest rated portfolio will receive
Gawker Artists People’s Choice Award:
- $1,000 in cash
- An art-star reception in New York City
- International publicity
This is your moment to be discovered, send us your best work:
www.artistswanted.org.
Costumes & Candy Clouds = Toothaches
In Foodstuffs, The 'Ness, Williamsburg on October 27, 2009 at 2:05 amSo for Halloween, I’m gonna be:
OK, I’ve been switched to Splenda & when they’ve got it, agave nectar, but I thought this would be a fun costume idea, when eating biscuits & gravy at The Lodge. I was sort of surprised that they still have the pink packets there. But then I got to thinkin’ about a costume, a joint costume with my friend (he will be “Coffee”) some bubble-gum pink slutty number treble clef painted on ma’ body, all the way down, sweet & low…
As a former acolyte of Clinton Hill/Fort Greene, I still haven’t gotten that creative for brunch spots, though I do like La Superior (Mexi-philes) & Simple Café (Francophiliacs)
I found a onesie at my fave thrift store, in the ‘Burg, Doggy’s Clothing/10ft. Single by Stella Dallas, near the corner of N. 6th and Meeker, off the L/G train, Lorimer/Metropolitan & Grand:
Now, I can’t say enough fabulous things about this store–silk scarves, hats, shoes, vintage & consignment galore, but on the onesie, there were, um, questionable stains in the crotch area. Yikes!
Can I get a discount? Rather than ask, I’m gonna head over to the northside tomorrow and check the goods out.
More inspiration from my new ‘hood:
Copper Highlights
In The 'Ness, Williamsburg, all that glitters, bright lines, nerdysexycool on October 22, 2009 at 8:00 amRemember those ”Can you find the…?” games in Highlights magazine? Those were sort of the only things that made flu shots & dentist shiz bearable when I was a kid.
These molds range from fascinating to regular–when my friend The Chronolect questioned, “Who would want a mold of a rooster?”
Or a cat?
Playing on the words “rooster” & “cat” is pretty raunchayyyyy. Okay, I’m corny. We figured it was some irony on the part of the owners of this collection, in S. Williamsburg, or perhaps it’s our own diabolical minds in action.
Either way–copper = healing or if you throw a penny in a flame =
When copper gets heated up, the flame turns turquoise green. Cool!
Copper electrons jump out of their normal orbitals, then drop back into their normal orbitals.
So, they emit light with frequencies in the blue and green range.
Not to get all 11th grade teacher on y’all, but here’s a cool periodic table that shows you the emission spectrum of all the elements. So, when their electrons do a lil’ two-step, the color that is emitted is indicated by this chart.
Inneresting fact: (this is Wikitalk here, but I was informed of this by The Chronolect): “Most molluscs and some arthropods such as the horseshoe crab use the copper-containing pigment hemocyanin rather than iron-containing hemoglobin for oxygen transport, so their blood is blue when oxygenated rather than red.”
Some say copper has healing properties–back in the days in India folks used it for boils and venereal disease; the Egyptians laced drinking water with it. My grandma uses it for arthritis and aches.
Malleability is fly…
Lord knows we learn this the hard way.
Tell me about it, Stud…
In The 'Ness on October 20, 2009 at 5:05 am
So said “Bad Girl” Sandy in Grease. Although, she didn’t wear studs when she finally nabbed Zuko.
I’ve been on a stud earring kick for a minute. Not that dangly, romantic earrings aren’t well, dangly & romantic, but sometimes you just want a spot o’ color, something that just enhances what you’re wearing, rather than working on its own.
Here’s some marvels (in the $20-$30 range) featured on collective fashion online marketplace www.cocolah.com:
(Closet Freak Vintage $25)
(Closet Freak Vintage $25)
Opals, birthstone of October (Countess Vintage $22)
1930's clip on style = (Countess Vintage $22)
These are some more studs, not featured on cocolah.com, but examples of packing lots of color/style in a small amount of space:
Fabrique of the Fall: Built by Wendy’s Fall 2009 Collection
In Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness on October 20, 2009 at 4:17 amOne of my ultimate favorite shops in Brooklyn/Manhattan is Built by Wendy. My first purchase was my beloved fanny pack, which got scuffled in a minor biking snafu (I use the words “minor” and “snafu” to counter embarassment, see?):
So Fanny it blends right into yo' jeans!
Get on the mailing list and get notified about SAMPLE SALES~ where you can buy the rather pricey goods for wholesale prices.
Designer Wendy Mullin draws upon an eclectic collage of inspirations, whether it’s a new take on Nautical or The Cocktail Dress, the colors are vibrant, the shapes tread between classic and hip. Below are some of my favorites from her Fall 2009 collection:
1.) Bourdin Cowl Dress, Red/Black
100% silk
2.) Marine Wool Dock Minidress
100% Water Repellent Wool
3.) Night Time Tiered Ruffled Minidress
100% Silk
If you’ve got the gumption to sew your own shapes, check it:
Do It Yo' Self! Learn to Sew & Design @ Home
Bright Eyed & Lipped
In The 'Ness, all that glitters on October 12, 2009 at 6:56 amHad to include this, as I’m a Sephora Beauty Insider. Signed up for lifelong communications about products & trends. Unfortunately, their mass mailings to me always begin with “Dear Tawwi.” Must have made the “n” look like a “w” when signing up. I’ve been so annoyed by this snafu (should be my gov’t name: Tanwi), that I usually don’t open the emails. Glad I decided to catch up on my inbox. Got the scoop on some goodies:
URBAN DECAY’S BOOK OF SHADOWS VOL. II
shimmers, glitters, neutrals & brights
I love how Sephora touts the product: “Like a sequel to a great novel that you were sorry to see end…”
Blues, greens, purples–evocative of third eye, heart, and crown chakras…
Shouldn’t I be writing beauty product copy?
Book of Shadows Vol. II is a palette of 16 colors, 6 exclusive to this set. Along with the set are the Eyeshadow Primer Potion in a genie bottle & eye pencils in “Zero” & “Bourbon.”
I’m really feeling drawing in the colored pencil line down to the inner corner of your eye (in the bridge of your nose direction). Compliment that with a bit o’ smoky shadow and you’re set. Not necessary to rock that Cirque du Soleil look; I’d rather follow these basic lines & color techniques, on a scale that suits my everyday face.
MAKE UP FOREVER, by Dany Sanz
[NOTE: See? Sometimes it pays to sign up at stores for those random insider deals. SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER ain't a credit card or anything, just the scoop on what's new. They gave me a lil' gift for my 27th.]
While Urban Decay is classic Sephora fare, I’m really feeling MAKE UP FOREVER, by artist & sculptor Dany Sanz, who “ultimately found her inspiration in a more organic application of color: the living, moving, three-dimensional canvas of the human body.” She opened the first boutique in Paris, and that space still serves as a studio and workshop for makeup artists.
Dramatic eye with a pale pink lip. Or, simple black lines with a rude, hot suggestive colors in poppy red and fuchsia pink.
Below some cutting edge lip trends from Paris Fashion Week, courtesy of MAKE UP FOREVER.
The Bearhead Factory: Personal Talismans and Compasses by jewelry designer Erin Merriman
In Artz, Brooklyn Social Club, The 'Ness, The Talented Mssrs. & Mlles. I Know, all that glitters on October 9, 2009 at 8:29 amThe Bearhead Factory, jewelry by Erin Merriman.
The Bearhead Factory evokes images of ancient talismans offering divination, protection, luck, and love. Of course, it depends on the energy of the wearer. Once, back in 2008, when we worked together, shop girls at a women’s clothing boutique in Cobble Hill which shall remain nameless, I admired one of her dove necklaces. A pretty gold dove strung on gold chain–my first hints toward simplicity. I was digging the line between delicate and edgy that her jewelry (and perhaps she herself) straddled. Given my fiery vs. airy disposition, Erin suggested I go for a wolf or deer antlers instead–as these are animals bound to the earth, and I, well I can always use some grounding. She is an intuitive designer, attuned to the ways of the world of fashion trends,yet also the tenets of a New Age spirituality–the yogic, the karmic, the shamanic and the heart-driven.
For a list of shops where you can buy Ms. Merriman’s wares, click here.
She’ll also make custom pieces for you–with her arsenal of charms, crystals, corals, chains & ribbons–so if you want something in particular, go to her website: www.bearheadfactory.com
From her bio, everyday wisdom, which we often forget:
“Erin Merriman’s handmade jewelry is designed in her Brooklyn studio, giving each piece the same prestige as the relics and medals of honor that inspire them. They are a spiritual compass, reminding you to appreciate the inherent beauty of the body, the natural world, and all of life’s accomplishments.”
And, of course, below are some of her classic pieces. However, she has pieces not seen here. I bought a gorgeous bronze anatomical heart accented with pink coral. Pure heart chakra right there. But alas, i left my heart in Oaxaca. Hopefully a sweet girl found it in the hotel room and took it home with her. Sigh…
Nerdysexycool: Miu Miu Spring 2010
In Artz, The 'Ness, nerdysexycool on October 8, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Miu Miu Spring 2010, by Miuccia Prada
Divine–silks, button ups, breasts aplenty, 70’s inspired sparrow ‘n dog prints–Miu Miu hits nerdysexycool on its head. I mean, how to make something pretty but also thoughtful, whimsical, intellectual even. There’s been a lot on my mind regarding the waning sexual potency attributed to women as they get older (perhaps my entry into 27 compels these thoughts) and looking the part of a writer vs. a un-serious 20-something. Flaunting it seems unbecoming. So I wonder: How to make something sexy and refined? Nerdy and suggestive? Don’t get me wrong–I’m a sucker for girlishness, beautiful things, and adornments in general. Miu Miu Spring 2010 collection defines a look that’s intriguing, bold, and hints at a newfound sexuality.
Fort Greene’s Finest Threads
In Brooklyn Social Club, Fort Greene, The 'Ness on October 7, 2009 at 10:14 pmThe selection in Fort Greene just gets better ‘n better. Here’s some of my favorite shops in the neighborhood, fresh selection of vintage and local designers.
- A concept shop, by the creators of Dossier Journal
244 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205
nr. Clermont Ave.
Dossier, has a marvelous, handpicked selection of designers (local and vintage), jewelry, and gift items. Brought to the Fort Greene neighborhood by Dossier Journal’s Skye Parrott, Katherine Krause, and Molly McIver. The Dossier Journal is a biannual art-and-fashion magazine, with a striking layout and underground verve.
The trio opened the Dossier Shop in April 2009 on the bottom floor of a small apartment building, aiming to reflect the journal’s creativity and wide-ranging appeal in its wares.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12 Noon-7PM, CLOSED Mondays
Subway: C to Lafayette Ave; G to Clinton Washington
431 Dekalb @ Classon
Truly reasonable prices with occasional mint condition Members Only jackets, vintage belts and handbags. I found my winter jacket here in great condition–a vintage ‘80 nylon jam in bright ceruluean:
Brownstoner Smurfette
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12 Noon-7 PM; Monday 1 PM-8 PM
Train: G to Classon Ave.
COLLECTHER
306 Franklin Avenue @ Lafayette
- Located in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, COLLECTHER is a vintage clothing store specializing in women’s fashions from and inspired by the 1960s to the 1980s. I found a wonderfully preserved pair of vintage Brazilian red leather pumps–for only $30~!
Collecther(s) checking out the fly goods
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12 Noon-8 PM; Sunday 12 Noon-6 PM (Recessionista Sunday & Denim Dropoff!)
Train: G to Classon Ave
221 DeKalb Avenue info@thistleclover.com Store
You feel calm the second you walk down into this store, away from the light hubbub of Dekalb Ave. The price points at this store a higher than the aforementioned locations–but from the range of silk dresses, featuring designers like Eskell (think sexy secretary) or Dace (Vancouver, BC based designer)–it’s not the usual fare.
Hours: Thistle & Clover is open 7 days a week: Monday-Friday 12PM-8PM Saturday & Sunday 11AM-7PM
Train: C to Lafayette Ave; G to Clinton Washington
S’aint Yacque: S & M? Sunnies?
In The 'Ness on October 4, 2009 at 5:26 am
Leather goes a long way.
My friend Yacira Valdez, designer of S’aint Yacque, a rad accessory line. Inspired by rock ‘n roll and sexual power plays, we can imagine (and implement) exactly how wondrous these neck pieces are. She & her boy Carlos ALSO have a vintage sunglass line,YakBlak Vintage Sunnies, an addictively affordable way to have vintage specs for around $60. Anytime there’s a Brooklyn event–Dance Africa, Afro-Punk, or Brooklyn Flea, you have your pick of the old school shades.
Check out the wonderful collective online store: cocolah.com
Shka’ala Boutique, Oaxaca, Mexico
In The 'Ness on October 4, 2009 at 4:02 amOne of my most beloved destinations; Oaxaca, is a city that reverberates with artistry and edge. A new boutique, Shka’ala, which in Zapotec means ‘a dream,’ revamps textiles inspired by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Sra. Frida Kahlo herself rocked the embroidered ‘n lacy garb on her international travels. The headband I’m wearing is a small flower-shaped piece of velvet, threaded with silk ribbon, while Ngozi rocks a midriff top in a hot pink/yellow combo. The owner of Shka’ala, Micaela Velasco, had always wanted to open a shop to reimagine Zapotec handiwork into a modern, fashionable context.
And over here in Brooklyn, we’re most definitely feeling it.
Ryan Wilde, Milliner
In The 'Ness on October 4, 2009 at 3:21 am
Gold & Citrus
In The 'Ness on October 4, 2009 at 2:04 am-
- Whip It.
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- Goddess ‘Ness
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- Grapefruit
Ascerbic fruit inspired design? Tart metal. Acid rocks. Love it.
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