Easy Rider

With spring just around the corner, I’m really feeling pale denim and Liberty prints right now. I like to toughen up the look a little with a statement shoe (think new neutral booties or gladiators) and oversized aviators. Add a worn, utility anorak jacket for warmth and attitude. This twist on Americana feels really fresh to me after season upon season of dark, skinny denim and 80s-inspired looks. I think my Early Spring and Bohemian collections work really well with this look by adding a vintage feel without being costumey.

See this trend in action at Piperlime and pick up items from my spring collections at Etsy.

Hemmin’ Denim

I wanna know what makes you scream
Be your 20 million dollar fantasy
Treat you real good
Expensive jeans
Hollywood freaks on the Hollywood scene
– Beck, “Hollywood Freaks”

Whether you choose to rock jeans that cost $185 or $19, it’s helpful to know how to get them to look as good as possible. Denim fit is an art and a science. Once you’ve found that perfect pair, make sure they’re breaking at the right place. Try them on with different shoes. I always have at least one pair of jeans for flats and one for heeled shoes (I favor boots in winter and wedges in summer).

If you find that you need to take off a few inches, fear not. For the best finish, consider doing a hem that retains the original hem of the jeans. That way, you won’t drive yourself crazy trying to find matching thread to use for top stitching. Plus, you retain that nice, worn-in hem that’s been distressed to perfection.

How? I followed this simple tutorial from Dacia Ray. She said the tutorial is a rework of one that was previously featured on the Z. Cavaricci site. Whatever the origin, it’s a gem. This is the same alteration that is offered for premium denim at Nordstrom. I have perfectly altered jeans with the original hem that break perfectly and hang a scant half-inch above the floor, just the way I like ‘em.

Early Spring 2010

This mini-collection comes from a fabulous find. I came across these wonderful porcelain pieces in a very unlikely place and snapped them up immediately. I was completely enchanted with their sweet, 1930s feel. I’ll be adding a few more pieces to this collection as I’m able to get photos posted.

I showed the collection for the first time last weekend at the K11 craft show and nearly sold out of the bobby pins. I’ll be posting the remaining few on my Etsy store, so do take advantage if they appeal.

IndieSacramento Trunk Show & Craft Bazaar

Join me in the California state capitol for this event! Museum admission is free, so plan to enjoy a day’s outing of history, herstory and handmade!

Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10am-3pm

The California Museum
1020 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Located in the California State Archives building on the corner of 10th and O Streets in downtown Sacramento, one block south of State Capitol Park.

Parking: Parking is free on weekends and holidays. Look for the Museum Parking signs indicating the lot directly across the street from the Museum, at 10th and O Streets.

What:

• FREE Admission to The California Museum
• Shop for hip, handmade goods, clothing, and accessories
• Support local artists
• Celebrate Woman’s History Month
• A FREE day of fun for the whole family

SALE!

Happy Valentines!

Buy any item on my Etsy store at regular price and get 50% off any item of equal or lesser value. No promo code required!

See store for details.

TAKE ME TO ETSY!

Spring 2010 Preview on Etsy

I’ve posted a limited number of new items from my spring collection on Etsy. Everything is priced under $40, so you can bring a little sunshine into your life right now.

Also, I’m offering some extremely limited edition items from my Found Objects collection. The Dream House Necklace and Pale Pink Curve Earrings are made from vintage components that are truly unique. Only two necklaces and three pairs of earrings are available, so please take advantage of them now if they strike your fancy.

Brighter Days Ahead

I’ve been spending a LOT of time looking at ready-to-wear Spring 2010 collections, watching Launch My Line & Project Runway, and perusing fashion zines from around the world. Combine that with the awesomely inspiring crowd at Fashion Feud last night, and I just had to put together some style pages for how to rock my accessories this spring.

The top look is all about taking spring classics like neutrals (think khaki, cargo, cotton, denim) in the inevitable military, safari and nautical looks and mixing them up hardcore with fresh, modern brights. VERY brights. Right now, accessories are all about the bigger, the bolder, the BETTER. Photo courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg’s collection.

The second look is more edgy, eclectic and young. The idea here is more is MORE. Load on Madonna bows, Cosby sweaters and funky prints ranging from tribal to geometric. It’s not just okay to mix patterns, it’s a very fresh way to repurpose things that you already own. Retro, kitsch, modern, fun; whatever your style, turn up the volume this spring. Photo courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs collection.

I threw in a couple of my accessories that immediately spoke to me, but really anything goes. What are YOU feeling for Spring 2010?

Artillery AG

Check out Artillery AG on Mission. It’s an art gallery/retail store mashup with cool apparel & accessories from local artists. They now carry a wide selection of items from Left Bank.

In their own words:

To build a space in which strong, organic relationships between artists and designers will flourish, while showcasing fresh art and design (apparel, products, shoes and art).  We want to create a bridge for individuals outside the art and design world, who might otherwise be reluctant to interact with people in this field, to experience and benefit from products and services created by artists and designers.

Find Artillery AG on Mission betwen 23rd and 24th.

The K11 Feb 6 Craft Sale

I’m so pleased to announce that I’ll be showing at a new venue, knit-one-one (K11) in Berkeley. knit-one-one is a crafting destination for the East Bay. Despite the name, it’s not your typical yarn store. In fact, they don’t sell yarn at all. Instead, they offer craft classes, outings and events.

The K11 monthly craft show has garnered a dedicated following for good reason: the feature a great selection of Bay Area independent designers. Don’t miss this opportunity to take care of the Valentine on your list; nothing is more welcome than a beautiful, handmade gift.

When: Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley, (lots of FREE parking and near the Ashby BART Station)

Art in the Square

I’ll be at Ghirardelli Square this weekend participating in this wonderful art exhibition and shopping event.

Art in the Square
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
Saturday, 16 January 2010
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.